U.S. patent application number 11/346844 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for adaptor for magnetic stripe card reader.
This patent application is currently assigned to VIVOtech, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kerry D. Brown, Jorge M. Fernandes, Mohammad A. Khan.
Application Number | 20060175405 11/346844 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46298904 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060175405 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fernandes; Jorge M. ; et
al. |
August 10, 2006 |
Adaptor for magnetic stripe card reader
Abstract
An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive
information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards
while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In
accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum
structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially
permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device,
while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also
be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader
head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication
with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF
and IR.
Inventors: |
Fernandes; Jorge M.; (Los
Altos Hills, CA) ; Khan; Mohammad A.; (San Jose,
CA) ; Brown; Kerry D.; (Los Altos Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
VIVOtech, Inc.
Santa Clara
CA
|
Family ID: |
46298904 |
Appl. No.: |
11/346844 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10327638 |
Dec 19, 2002 |
7028897 |
|
|
11346844 |
Feb 2, 2006 |
|
|
|
10306618 |
Nov 27, 2002 |
7051932 |
|
|
10327638 |
Dec 19, 2002 |
|
|
|
60411536 |
Sep 17, 2002 |
|
|
|
60382280 |
May 20, 2002 |
|
|
|
60345985 |
Dec 31, 2001 |
|
|
|
60343874 |
Dec 26, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/449 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 7/08 20130101; G06Q
20/4037 20130101; G06Q 20/322 20130101; G06Q 20/363 20130101; G06Q
20/20 20130101; G06Q 20/3572 20130101; G06Q 20/388 20130101; G06Q
20/3278 20130101; G06Q 20/32 20130101; G07G 1/0018 20130101; G07F
7/0866 20130101; G06Q 20/4014 20130101; G06Q 20/02 20130101; G06Q
20/04 20130101; G06Q 20/327 20130101; G06Q 20/425 20130101; G06Q
20/29 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/449 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/08 20060101
G06K007/08 |
Claims
1. A method for importing information from a magnetic stripe card
into a personal trusted device, the method comprising: providing an
adaptor structure comprising, a transceiver configured to transmit
a signal to a personal trusted device, memory in communication with
the transceiver, and a simulacrum disposed within a slot of a
magnetic stripe card reader and in magnetic communication with a
magnetic reader head of the magnetic stripe card reader; reading
information from a magnetic stripe card by the magnetic reader
head; storing the information in the memory; and causing the
information to be communicated to the personal trusted device.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the simulacrum is disposed within
the slot to allow the magnetic stripe card to access the slot and
the magnetic head, and the information on the magnetic stripe card
is read by the magnetic reader head.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing the adaptor
having a second magnetic reader head in communication with the
memory, and the information on the magnetic stripe card is read by
the second magnetic reader head.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the simulacrum is disposed within
the slot to allow the magnetic stripe card to access the slot and
the magnetic head, and the information on the magnetic stripe card
is read by the simulacrum.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the information is transmitted
from the transceiver to the personal trusted device.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein the information is transmitted
from the adaptor to the personal trusted device utilizing a
wireless format selected from the group consisting of IrDa version
2.1 or greater, Consumer IR, ViVOtech proprietary IR, IEEE
802.11(a), IEEE 802.11(b), IEEE 802.11(g) and WiFi standards.
7. The method of claim 5 wherein the information is transmitted
from the adaptor to the personal trusted device selected from the
group consisting of a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant,
an RF proximity chip card, and a mobile personal computer having
wireless transmission capabilities.
8. The method of claim 5 further comprising: prior to transmitting
the information to the personal trusted device, transmitting the
information to a remote data repository; and transmitting the
information from the adaptor to the personal trusted device in
response to an authorization signal received from the remote data
repository.
9. (canceled)
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising: transmitting the
information from the adaptor to a remote data repository; and
transmitting data from the adaptor to the personal trusted device
in response to an authorization signal received from the remote
data repository.
11-19. (canceled)
20. A method for communicating information to a PTD, the method
comprising: providing a magnetic stripe card reader having a slot
and a magnetic head in magnetic communication with the slot;
providing an adaptor structure comprising, a transceiver configured
to receive a first signal from a source and to transmit a second
signal to a personal trusted device, and a memory in communication
with the transceiver, communicating information received at the
transceiver from the source to memory, the information selected
from the group comprising a gift certificate, an instrument, a
decryption key, a financial management software application, and
magnetic stripe card data; storing the information in the memory;
and transmitting the information from the memory to the personal
trusted device utilizing the transceiver.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the information is transmitted
from the adaptor to the personal trusted device utilizing a
wireless format selected from the group consisting of IrDa version
2.1 or greater, Consumer IR, ViVOtech proprietary IR, IEEE
802.11(a), IEEE 802.11(b), IEEE 802.11(g) and WiFi standards.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the information is communicated
to the adaptor from second personal trusted device.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the information is communicated
to the adaptor from a merchant network.
24. The method of claim 20 further comprising: prior to
transmitting the information to the personal trusted device,
transmitting the information to a remote data repository; and
transmitting the information from the adaptor to the personal
trusted device in response to an authorization signal received from
the remote data repository.
25. (canceled)
26. The method of claim 24 wherein the adaptor structure further
comprises a simulacrum including an inductor, the method further
comprising: disposing the simulacrum substantially permanently
within the slot such that the inductor is aligned with the magnetic
reader head, the simulacrum sufficiently narrow to allow a magnetic
stripe card to access the slot and the magnetic head while the
simulacrum is present within the slot; and transmitting the
information from the memory to the magnetic head through the
inductor for communicating the information to the remote data
repository through a wired connection of the magnetic stripe card
reader.
27. The method of claim 24 wherein the information is communicated
to the remote data repository through a wireless medium.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The instant nonprovisional patent application is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser.
No. 10/306,618, filed Nov. 27, 2002. The instant nonprovisional
patent application also claims priority from the following
provisional patent applications, which are hereby incorporated by
reference for all purposes: U.S. provisional patent application No.
60/343,874, filed Dec. 26, 2001, U.S. provisional patent
application No. 60/345,985, filed Dec. 31, 2001, U.S. provisional
patent application No. 60/382,280 filed May, 20, 2002, and U.S.
provisional patent application No. 60/411,536 filed Sep. 17,
2002.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The concept of magnetic stripe credit cards was generally
embraced by merchants and consumers when standards were adopted by
the industry in the 1970's. The International Airline Transport
Association (IATA) and the American Banking Association (ABA)
defined the standards for magnetic domain encoding for tracks 1 and
2, respectively, of magnetic stripe cards. A third track of
magnetic stripe cards is still used by some organizations such as
ATM machines for read and write functions, and utilizes unique
organization encoding schemes. The International Standards
Organization (ISO/IEC 7811) established standards for the
architectural design and acceptable materials composition of
magnetic stripe cards.
[0003] Electronic/computer "RF proximity chip cards" introduced in
the late 1980s were originally used for applications such as
inventory control. ISO standards 15693 and 14443, sub type A and B,
typically define such characteristics of RF proximity chip cards
that include operational frequencies, electromagnetic coupling
distance, and data integrity. These RF proximity chip cards have
now increased in popularity for use with employee access to secure
areas such as office buildings. The RF proximity chip cards
typically receive power for on-card electronic functions via an
induced electromagnetic field held within about 10 cm of the
communications transceiver. Data is typically transferred to the
on-card chip via electromagnetic sub-carriers and switching of the
electromagnetic field.
[0004] The integrated circuits resident within these RF proximity
chip cards have continued to improve with low power and the
addition of cryptographical functions that now meet government
"strong" encryption standards (DES, RSA, etc.) as standardized by
Europay Mastercard and Visa (EMV) cryptographic and tamper-proof
standards for crytoprocessor chips. As a result, the RF proximity
chip cards are slowly replacing the magnetic stripe card for use in
financial transactions, primarily due to the security of the
magnetic stripe user data and the ability of the POS card
acceptance system to "interrogate" the RF proximity chip card. The
lower fraudulent transactions associated with such a smart card
results in lower risk, and lower fees for the consumer and
merchant.
[0005] Even more recently, the increased speed and reduced size of
electronic devices has resulted in the proliferation of powerful
and portable personal trusted devices, or PTDs. Mobile PTDs
including the personal digital assistant (PDA) and cellular phone
now number in the millions worldwide. The ability of these PTDs to
communicate via cellular and wireless ISP networks has been
augmented by their ability to exchange data over short ranges,
typically 1 mm-10 meters, for purposes of secure data sharing
between PTD devices and such peripheral devices as printers. These
short-range networks are typically referred to as personal area
networks (PAN). One predominant short-range RF communications
network standard, defined by the International Electrical and
Electronic Engineers association (IEEE), is known as the IEEE
802.11(b) standard, and includes such protocols as BLUETOOTH. Other
RF communications protocols include but are not limited to IEEE
802.11(a) and 802.11(g). A major short-range infra-red (IR)
communications network protocol, defined by the Infra-red Device
Association (IrDA), is known as the IrDA standard and their present
specification is IrDA v1.2.
[0006] The variety of functions available to PTDs is increasing
rapidly, for example with remote banking being popularized via the
internet and telephone ordering. Many merchants are now able to use
mobile transaction processing systems with cellular wireless ISP
networks providing bank access and such support functions as
consumer authentication, transaction authorization, event logging,
and settlement. Consumers are now able to access and effect
personal account maintenance functions via bank websites and
similar portals.
[0007] Despite this advancement, there remain 21 million world-wide
merchants having only magnetic stripe card acceptance systems. Many
of these merchants obtained their magnetic stripe card acceptance
system years ago, and are resistant towards replacing their
equipment and undergoing training in the use of newer systems. As a
result, most new financial card equipment sales are merely
replacement models. Upgrades to new equipment, including merchant
systems capable of reading the RF proximity chip cards, is
primarily driven by head offices of franchise or branch retail
stores desiring to improve inventory, financial accounting, and
similar functions, who may not necessarily exert influence over
individual, independent merchants. Yet another barrier to adopting
technology for RF proximity chip card transactions is that
manufacturers of magnetic stripe card acceptance systems may
disqualify any attempt to upgrade their devices through direct
modification of electrical connections, thereby discouraging
upgrades by third party equipment suppliers.
[0008] A problem thus exists whereby the technology for more secure
consumer/user financial data storage and transactions is available,
but is compromised by a reluctance of merchants to replace their
existing POS card acceptance systems. Therefore, it can be seen
that there is a need in the art for devices and methods which
enable older legacy POS card acceptance systems to be
non-invasively adapted to interact with various newer technology
PTD devices to meet the desires of the transaction industry, and
the desires of the merchants
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An adaptor in accordance with the present invention allows a
conventional magnetic stripe card POS reader to receive information
from contact-based or wireless sources while maintaining the
concurrent ability of the reader to interact with a magnetic stripe
card. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,
the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow
width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the
magnetic stripe reading device, while providing enough room for a
magnetic stripe card to also be accommodated within the slot. The
simulacrum structure is in electronic communication with one or
more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.
Signals from the transceivers are translated into corresponding
electrical pulses in a magnetic stripe format. An inductor of the
simulacrum is aligned with the magnetic head, and in response to
the electrical pulses generates a magnetic field that can be sensed
by the magnetic head. In an alternative embodiment, the simulacrum
occupies the entire slot and a second magnetic stripe card slot and
reader head are provided in communication with the simulacrum in
order to maintain concurrent access to the reader by a magnetic
stripe card.
[0010] An embodiment of a method for importing information from a
magnetic stripe card into a personal trusted device in accordance
with the present invention comprises providing an adaptor structure
comprising a transceiver configured to transmit a signal to a
personal trusted device, a memory in communication with the
transceiver, and a simulacrum disposed within a slot of a magnetic
stripe card reader and in magnetic communication with a magnetic
reader head of the magnetic stripe card reader. Information is read
from a magnetic stripe card, and the information is stored in the
memory. The information is communicated to the personal trusted
device.
[0011] An embodiment of a method for disabling a magnetic stripe
card in accordance with the present invention comprises providing a
magnetic stripe card reader having a slot and a magnetic head in
magnetic communication with the slot. An adaptor structure
comprising a transceiver configured to transmit a signal to a
personal trusted device, a memory in communication with the
transceiver, and a simulacrum including an inductor is provided.
The simulacrum is disposed substantially permanently within the
slot such that the inductor is aligned with the magnetic reader
head, the simulacrum sufficiently narrow to allow a magnetic stripe
card to access the slot and the magnetic head while the simulacrum
is present within the slot. A magnetic stripe card is swiped
through the slot such that information on the magnetic stripe card
is read by the magnetic head. The information is communicated to a
remote data repository. A signal is received from the remote data
repository indicating invalidity of the magnetic stripe card. The
signal is communicated to the adaptor. In response to the signal,
the inductor is caused to generate an electromagnetic field of
sufficient strength to alter at least one bit of data stored on a
magnetic stripe of the magnetic stripe card.
[0012] An embodiment of a method for communicating information to a
PTD comprises providing a magnetic stripe card reader having a slot
and a magnetic head in magnetic communication with the slot. An
adaptor structure is provided comprising a transceiver configured
to receive a first signal from a source and to transmit a second
signal to a personal trusted device, and a memory in communication
with the transceiver. Information received at the transceiver is
communicated from the source to the memory. The information is
stored in the memory. The information is transmitted from the
memory to the personal trusted device utilizing the
transceiver.
[0013] A further understanding of the embodiments of the present
invention can be made by way of reference to the ensuing detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a simplified exploded view of an adaptor system
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 1A shows a simplified enlarged view of the module
underside of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a simulacrum in
accordance with an embodiment in accordance with the present
invention, as positioned in a POS magnetic stripe card reader.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a simplified enlarged side view of the
simulacrum structure of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 3 shows a simplified exploded view of the simulacrum
structure of FIGS. 1-2.
[0019] FIG. 4 shows a simplified enlarged view of the inductor core
elements of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-3.
[0020] FIG. 4A shows a simplified end view of a slot of a magnetic
stripe card reader containing the simulacrum and a magnetic stripe
card.
[0021] FIG. 5 shows a simplified block diagram illustrating
functionality of an embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 shows a simplified perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of an adaptor structure in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIGS. 7A-B show simplified perspective views of another
alternative embodiment of an adaptor structure in accordance with
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view an alternative embodiment of
an inductor structure for longitudinal indexing in accordance with
the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a simplified logical diagram of the installation
of an adaptor to a magnetic stripe card acceptance system.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a simplified logical diagram of the interface
process between an adaptor and a ViVOwallet application.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a simplified logical diagram of the interface
process between an adaptor magneto-inductive structure and a
magnetic card swipe/insert acceptance system.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a simplified logical diagram of the user
visual/audio cue process between an adaptor and a user PTD having
the ViVOwallet financial management application.
[0029] FIG. 13 shows a simplified descriptive diagram of the
ViVOwallet.TM. financial management application.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a simplified descriptive diagram of the
ViVOserver.TM. data management system.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a simplified component diagram of physical
devices and systems utilized to implement an embodiment of an
adaptor in accordance with the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a simplified functional diagram of physical
devices and systems utilized to implement the embodiment of FIG.
15.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a simplified block diagram summarizing
functionality of major components of an embodiment of an adaptor in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
I. Adaptor Structure and Function
[0034] An adaptor in accordance with the present invention allows a
conventional magnetic stripe card reader to interact with other
media such as RF proximity chip cards and Infra-Red while retaining
the continuous ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In
accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum
structure of sufficiently narrow dimensions to fit substantially
permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device,
while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also
be accommodated with the slot. The simulacrum structure may be in
electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless
media such as RF and IR.
[0035] For purposes of the instant patent application, the term
"substantially permanent" refers to affixing an adaptor to a
conventional magnetic stripe card POS device for relatively long
periods, such that the adaptor is not routinely removed to allow
the use of a magnetic stripe card. Examples of substantially
permanent installation of the adaptor include but are not limited
to the use of gluing/adhesion, mechanical fasteners, plastic
welding, wedge anchors, or other physical bonding techniques. Such
substantially permanent installation allows the adaptor to function
in conjunction with the existing magnetic stripe card reader
without requiring invasive modification or alteration of the reader
or its normal capabilities. Substantially permanent installation of
an adaptor in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention is reversible, and under other than routine conditions
the adaptor may be removed to allow inspection, repair, or
replacement without damage to the existing magnetic stripe reader
device.
[0036] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an adaptor system
(hereafter also referred to as the "ViVOadapter") in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. Conventional
point-of-sale (POS) magnetic stripe card reader 2 features display
4, keypad 6, and magnetic card swipe slot 8. Magneto-inductive
reader head 10 is flexibly supported by leaf spring 12 to project
slightly into slot 8.
[0037] Adaptor 14 comprises consumer pod (C-Pod) portion 16 in
electrical communication with merchant pod (M-Pod) portion 18
through cable 20. Consumer pod portion 16 is positioned at a
location convenient for the customer, who may interact with the
adaptor 14 by bringing an RF proximity chip card 97, PTD 99, or
other RF or IR transceiver device in proximity to a wireless
transceiver 22 to communicate information.
[0038] C-Pod portion 16 includes active region 19 proximate to an
antenna for interacting at short range with an RF proximity chip
card or other personal trusted device. Active region 19 may be of
concave shape to cue a user as to the optimal position of the RF
proximity chip card in front of the antenna. Particular embodiments
of the C-Pod may bear an advertising logo on the active region 19
as generically indicated in FIG. 1. One possible design of a C-Pod
structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
is depicted in U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/168,943,
filed Oct. 10, 2002 (Atty. Docket No. 021633-000200US) which is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0039] C-Pod portion 16 may further include visual display region
21. In one embodiment, four discrete light emitting devices 23a-d
are positioned behind translucent screen 27 of C-Pod portion 16 and
then selectively lit to indicate progress of a particular
transaction. For example, left-most lamp 23a may be continuously
lit to indicate an active power connection. Lamps 23b and 23c may
lit to indicate detection of the presence of an RF proximity chip
card or other user device. Right-most lamp 23d may be lit to
indicate completion of a successful transaction. Embodiments of
C-pod portion 16 may also include apparatus for providing audio
indicia of transaction progress, for example a speaker which emits
a sound after successful completion of the transaction. Typical
operation of video and audio indicia is further detailed below in
connection with FIG. 12.
[0040] C-Pod portion 16 further comprises one or more transceivers
22 in communication with respective interface processors 24. One
example of a transceiver which may be located in the consumer pod
portion is an infrared (IR) transceiver supporting Irda v.1.2 and
higher standards for inter-device bi-directional communications.
This IR transceiver is of particular value for communicating with
personal trusted devices (PTD) that may be carried by a consumer or
user. Another example of a transceiver that may be located in the
consumer pod portion is a radio frequency proximity transceiver
conforming to the ISO 14443 type A or B standard or to the ISO
15693 standard. Still another example of a transceiver that may be
located in the consumer pod portion is a transceiver conforming to
the Bluetooth IEEE 802.11(b) standard, or the IEEE 802.11(a) and
(g) standards. Yet another example of a transceiver that may be
located in the C-Pod portion is a wireless transceiver configured
for wireless or cellular protocols based upon CDMA, CDPD, GPRS,
GSM, SMS and similar wireless communication protocols.
[0041] While the above description has focused on the presence of
one or more wireless transceivers in the consumer pod portion of
the adaptor, this is not required by the present invention. In
alternative embodiments, the consumer pod portion could feature one
or more contact-based interfaces for interacting with a consumer
transaction card or smart card. One example of such a system is a
modular-based docking port for a smart card. Other embodiments
could include both wireless and contact-based transceivers.
[0042] In addition to the wireless or contact-based transceivers
just described, an adapter in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention could further comprise one or more additional
specialized interfaces. Examples of such additional interfaces
include but are not limited to a keyboard permitting the entry of
psychometric devices such as a personal identification number (PIN)
pin pads, and SMS transfer of PIN, bio-metric devices such as
finger print, iridology, voice print analyzers, driver's license
identifications, or transconductance cards currently being
developed, and devices for reading code sets such as bar codes,
UPS-type 3-D codes, moire-pattern codes, and drivers license
magnetic strips and holograms, and SIM/WIM/UIM subscription
identifier chips typically used in cellular PTD devices. One or
more of these interfaces, alone or in combination, could require
additional verification or authentication of the user, thereby
adding levels of security to the transaction.
[0043] While the above description has focused on the presence of
separate and discreet consumer pod and merchant pods with
interconnecting cable, this configuration is not required by the
present invention. In alternative embodiments, the consumer pod
portion could be integrated into the merchant pod portion, creating
a complete and single-piece unit. One example of such a system
preference would be for merchants with magnetic POS reader systems
conveniently located on the transaction counter and within reach of
the consumer's PTD. Alternate embodiments could include positioning
the separate M-Pod and C-pod components remote from the simulacrum
tape that is substantially permanently installed within the card
acceptance system reader. Another alternate embodiment could
include the positioning of a single piece integrated C-Pod and
M-Pod device remote from the simulacrum tape substantially
permanently installed within the card acceptance system reader.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, consumer pod portion 16 is in electrical
communication with merchant pod portion 18 through cable 20,
although in other possible embodiments the consumer pod and
merchant pod could communicate according to infrared or another
medium. Merchant pod 18 comprises module 26 in physical contact
with the front of magnetic stripe card reader 2 through adapter
plate 25. An example of one possible design of a module structure
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is
depicted in U.S. design patent application Ser. No. 29/170,080,
filed Oct. 30, 2002 (Atty. Docket No. 021633-000300US) which is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0045] Module 26 is in electrical communication with simulacrum
structure 28 positioned within slot 8 of magnetic stripe card
reader 2. FIG. 1A shows an inverted, enlarged view of the underside
of module 26 showing a number of ports for interfacing with other
devices, including port 31c for receiving a power cord, port 31a
for receiving a cable from the consumer pod portion, and
communications port 31b. The presence of a communications port in
the module allows for software upgrades to be implemented in the
adaptor, for interface of the adaptor to existing POS systems and
merchant networks, for interface to ViVOadapter networks, for
interface to wired internet and telecommunications, for interface
to vending machine product electromechanical activation and
delivery devices/systems, for interface to a stand-alone CPU such
as a PC, for peripheral devices that may include printers,
displays, keyboards and for wired/wireless transceivers, and for
expansion of the adaptor to accommodate devices employing
communication utilizing alternative or not-yet-developed media or
protocols. In addition to the ports just listed, module 26 of the
merchant pod could include other types of ports, including but not
limited to peripheral device communications, secondary
authentication devices, other ViVOadapters and ViVOadapter
networks, and input devices such as bar code scanners,
authentication devices, and other code reading devices.
[0046] The M-Pod portion may include one or more wireless
transceivers configured for wireless or cellular protocols based
upon CDMA, CDPD, GPRS, GSM, SMS and similar wireless communication
protocols. Module 26 also contains a number of chips including
memories and processors responsible for controlling operation of
the adaptor. Input/output handling microcontroller 30, shown in
FIG. 5, allows the merchant or user to select the communication
medium through which a user will interact with the adaptor. The
input/output handling microcontroller 30 will also accept unique
merchant or user codes and relevant data associated with the
merchant/user for identification and non-repudiation schemes.
Module 26 further includes security microcontroller 32 including a
cryptoprocessor which executes stored cryptographic routines and
standards including DES, RSA, DSA, HASH, and other communication
standards, and has Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and digital
certificate software features for mutual device authentication,
data integrity verification, and secure encryption communications
with the user's PTD.
[0047] While the above description and figures illustrate an
embodiment wherein the M-Pod and C-Pod components represent
discrete structures connected by a cable, this is not required by
the present invention. Alternative embodiments could incorporate
the M-Pod and C-Pod components into a single housing located at the
magnetic stripe card reader, or positioned remote from the magnetic
stripe card reader and in communication with the simulacrum
(discussed below) through a wire or wireless connection.
[0048] As stated above, simulacrum 28 is in electronic
communication with the module, and in electro-magnetic
communication with the head of the magnetic stripe card reader.
FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of a simulacrum 28 in accordance
with an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, as
positioned within a slot of a POS magnetic stripe card reader 2.
One example of a design of a simulacrum structure in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention, which is compatible
with an Omni 3200 magnetic stripe card reader, is depicted in U.S.
design patent application Ser. No. 29/______, (Atty. Docket No.
021633-000400US filed Nov. 27, 2002), which is incorporated by
reference herein for all purposes.
[0049] FIG. 2 shows a simplified enlarged side view of the
simulacrum structure of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows a simplified
exploded view of the simulacrum structure of FIGS. 1-2. Simulacrum
28 comprises dielectric substrate 34 supporting electrically
conducting traces 36 and coils 38 in electromagnetic communication
with inductor core elements 40, thereby forming inductor structure
98. Substrate 34 may be formed from polycarbonate, as is available
from General Electric Plastics of Bergen op Zoom, Holland, or some
other deformable but sufficiently stiff material. Traces 36 and
coils 38 are typically formed from copper or another conducting
metal. Traces 36, coils 38, and inductor core elements 40 may be
secured to substrate 34 by being sandwiched between the substrate
and an overlying nonconducting film 41 such as Mylar.RTM.,
available from Du Pont, of Wilmington, Del., or a polycarbonate
film as described above.
[0050] Inductor core elements 40 may be formed from a variety of
materials exhibiting desirable magnetic properties, including but
not limited to ferromagnetic materials such as cobalt and alloys
thereof. In accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, the inductor core elements comprises a cobalt alloy
having an elemental composition of approximately 85% cobalt, 2%
iron, 8% silicon, 4% manganese, and about 1% other materials. This
material is obtained from Honeywell MetGlas Solutions of Conway,
S.C. These percentages represent only an approximation of one
particular embodiment, and alternative embodiments could employ
other alloys having different compositions.
[0051] The materials comprising the cobalt alloy contribute various
attributes to the inductor structure. For example, cobalt is a
ferromagnetic material that is able to exhibit sufficiently strong
electro-magnetic fields in response to an induced field
proportional to the applied voltage and current to the coils that
encompasses the inductor core elements. The silicon contributes
structural strength, and the manganese is useful for bonding
purposes. The alloy of this particular embodiment is supplied by
the manufacturer in a film having a thickness of approximately
0.001'' in a tape 2.0'' wide by 100 feet long.
[0052] During operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
M-Pod component of the ViVOadapter is placed directly adjacent to
the POS card swipe reader device, with simulacrum 28 aligned to the
magnetic reader head of the existing POS card reader system in such
a manner as to maintain continued access to the swipe or insert
slot for normal card-reading functions. Specifically, simulacrum 28
is positioned within magnetic swipe slot 8 on the side opposite to
magnetic reading head 10, such that gap 42 is defined between
simulacrum 28 and magnetic head 10. Gap 42 is of sufficient width
to allow slot 8 to simultaneously accommodate both simulacrum 28
and conventional magnetic stripe card 44 having tracks 43 and 45.
By exhibiting resilient mechanical properties, substrate 34 serves
to protect inductor 40 and traces 36 from abrasion by the repeated
sliding of a magnetic card within the slot along the simulacrum and
adjacent to magnetic reader head 10. By exhibiting a low
coefficient of friction, the simulacrum facilitates movement of the
card through the slot with minimal degradation to both the card and
the simulacrum.
[0053] While the above description and illustrated figures relate
to an embodiment of a ViVOadapter structure that is configured to
interact with a card having two magnetic stripes, the present
invention is not limited to this particular example. A ViVOadapter
in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention
could be modified to emulate signals from a magnetic stripe card
having three or an even greater number of magnetic tracks,
utilizing substantially the same technology described herein.
[0054] The ViVOadapter 14 has a mechanical design to conform to the
POS card swipe reader device. During installation, simulacrum 28
may be inserted into slot 8 such that the inductor core element 40
is aligned with the magnetic head. The installation or alignment
guide 49 having the same thickness of a magnetic stripe card and
temporarily attached to the simulacrum accompanies the simulacrum
into the slot 8 within gap 42, pushing simulacrum 28 against the
side of the slot, and aligning the inductor 98 to a position
directly opposite that of the magnetic head. With guide 49 still
present in slot 8, simulacrum 28 may then be secured within slot 8
by folding down upper simulacrum tab portions 28a, including the
top of inductor structure 40, to conform with and adhere to the top
surface of the reader 2. Cap 33 may be placed over the folded top
portion of inductor structure 98 to physically protect the inductor
core element ends and the coils wrapped around the inductor core
element ends from damage or disturbance. In addition, end
simulacrum portion 28b may be folded to conform with and adhere to
the rear of the reader 2. Once the simulacrum 28 is secured in the
slot, installation guide 49 may be removed.
[0055] As just described, an adaptor in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention is designed to adapt to the
existing magnetic stripe card reader without requiring modification
or alteration of the reader or its normal capabilities. Thus
embodiments of the simulacrum in accordance with the present
invention may, but are not required to be, substantially
permanently fixed within the slot of the magnetic stripe card
reader though adhesion of top and end portions of the simulacrum to
the housing of the reader, or through other means. Installation of
the simulacrum within the existing magnetic stripe card reader is
reversible, however, and under non-routine conditions the
simulacrum may be removed from the reader for inspection or for
replacement due to updating or wear or damage.
[0056] A molded plate 25 specially designed to the match the front
of a particular POS device may secure module 26 in place. Examples
of known POS magnetic stripe card readers to which a plate may be
created to facilitate contact include, but are not limited to, the
TRANZ and OMNI systems of VeriFone, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif.,
the T7, T8, and ICE systems of Hypercom Corporation of Phoenix,
Ariz., the NURIT 2085 and 2080 systems of Lipman Electronic
Engineering Ltd. of Tel Aviv, Israel, the SUREONE and SUREPOS
systems of International Business Machines Corp. of Armonk, N.Y.,
the ELITE system of INGENICO of Cedex, France, the MAGIC system of
SchlurnbergerSema of New York, N.Y., the 8000 series of INTELLECT
of Brussels, Belgium, and the PAYWARE system of the Trintech Group
Plc. of Dublin, Ireland.
[0057] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of simulacrum 28 of FIG. 1, as
viewed from the side opposite the magnetic head of the card reader.
Simulacrum 28 includes electrically conducting traces 36a-d in
communication with electrical coils 38a-d which wrap around various
inductor elements 40a-d, respectively, forming a complete inductor
structure 98. Ends of traces 36a-d terminate in respective contacts
46a-d.
[0058] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of simulacrum 28. FIG. 3 shows
the relative position of traces 36, inductor core elements 40, and
coils 38 relative to magnetic head 10 of card reader 2. FIG. 3 also
shows that simulacrum 28 may comprise multiple layers of material.
For example, as previously described, the narrow width of the
simulacrum allows it to be present in the slot of the magnetic
stripe card reader at the same time as a magnetic stripe card.
However, repeated contact between the simulacrum and such a card
can damage or degrade the simulacrum. Accordingly, in the
particular embodiment show in FIG. 3, substrate 34 facing gap 42
could exhibit physical resilience or a low frictional coefficient
properties to facilitate repeated sliding of the magnetic card
stripe card. Alternatively, the substrate could bear a film
exhibiting one or more of these properties.
[0059] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the differential inductor
structure 98 of the simulacrum 28, as viewed from the side opposite
the magnetic head 10 of card reader 2, which is shown in broken
lines. Differential inductor structure 98 comprises first and
second separate and unattached opposing core elements 40a and 40b
defining first magneto-inductive gap 48a positioned at a first
height "A" corresponding to the expected height of a track of a
magnetic stripe of a card inserted within slot 8. Third and fourth
separate and unattached opposing core elements 40c and 40d of
differential inductor 40 define second magneto-inductive gap 48b
positioned at a second height "B" corresponding to the expected
height of a second track of a magnetic stripe card inserted within
slot 8. Similar arrangement of coil and inductor core elements may
be included to emulate additional magnetic card stripe tracks that
may be sensed by varieties of magnetic card readers.
[0060] Upon communication of a voltage to coils 38a-d encircling
portions of inductor core elements 40a-d respectively, magnetic
fields exhibiting horizontal magnetic flux domain orientation are
generated across gaps 48a and 48b. Such horizontal orientations of
the magnetic flux domain of these fields is useful to emulate the
orientation of the magnetic domain resulting from movement of the
encoded tracks of a magnetic stripe card past the reader head used
in the conventional card reader devices.
[0061] During operation of the ViVOadapter 14, the magnetic fields
created across the magneto-inductive gaps 48a and 48b defined by
the simulacrum inductor elements may be controlled by the
ViVOadapter microcontroller via connecting traces 36 and contact
pads 46. The inductor will receive data in a serial process from
the wireless receivers via the wireless interface processor, and in
response provide translational magnetic fields at the differential
inductor core gaps for emulation of one or more tracks associated
with a magnetic card.
[0062] An inductor structure in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention would be expected to generate a magnetic field
having sufficient intensity to couple to the magnetic reader head
across the thickness of the substrate and any gap defined between
the simulacrum and the reader head. However, the magnetic field
produced by the inductor structure should not be so strong as to
saturate the head, cause inter-track noise, or cause unwanted
coupling with other components of the POS equipment. Thus in
particular embodiments, the coil structures would be expected to
receive a current of between about 100 .mu.A and 100 mA and
operating voltages between about 1 V and 50 V, and in response
generate a magnetic field having an intensity equivalent to emulate
magnetic card domains of between about 1000 and 10,000
oersteds.
[0063] While a variety of inductor and simulacrum structures may be
employed by various embodiments in accordance with the present
invention, these embodiments may share several common features. For
example, ISO/IEC specification 7811 governs the architecture and
operation of magnetic stripe cards and reader devices, including
such parameters as the width of the card and positioning of the
magnetic stripe. FIG. 4A shows an end view of such a slot of a
magnetic stripe reader. Slot 8 has a total width "X" of between
about 0.060'' and 0.090''. Magnetic reader head 10 may be biased by
leaf spring 12 to project a distance of between about 0.000'' and
0.090'' into slot 8, but head 10 may be biased back into the reader
housing by the sliding card to lie flush with the slot wall.
Simulacrum 28 may occupy a thickness "Y` of up to about 0.040'' of
slot 8, leaving gap 42 of distance "W" of approximately 0.050'' to
accommodate magnetic stripe reader card 44 having a thickness of
approximately 0.030-0.040''. In this manner, an adaptor in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention would conform
to the dictates of the ISO 7811 magnetic card standard, and the
associated capabilities of typical magnetic card reader
systems.
[0064] The differential inductor structure illustrated in the
embodiment of FIG. 4 offers a number of advantages. One benefit is
that core elements 40a-d are not physically connected: they are
separate and distinct pieces. This offers the advantage of imposing
a greater magnetic flux density in the magneto-inductive gaps 48a
and 48b because of the ratio of coil windings area and the inductor
core elements area, smaller space requirements due to the smaller
coils on each inductor core element, and the ability to remotely
locate the core with coil winding simply through the use of
extended core elements that can be shaped and constructed into
longer pieces. The coil windings on the inductor core elements are
separate and distinct and may be electrically charged individually
via each distinct trace. Alternatively, the coil windings may be
electrically charged concurrently through serial connection of the
coils in such manner as to develop a positive field on one core
element gap, and a negative field on the other core element gap,
thereby causing a differential induced field at the gap of the
inductor core elements.
[0065] The embodiment of the ViVOadapter illustrated and described
in connection with FIG. 4 shows a simulacrum utilizing a
differential inductor structure designed to emulate a card having
two magnetic stripe tracks. However, the present invention is not
limited to this particular embodiment, and other structures for
converting electrical signals into magnetic signals in a form
recognizable to a magnetic reading head would also fall within the
scope of the present invention. Also, more coils, inductor core
elements, and electrical traces can be added in order to permit
interfacing with magnetic card readers capable of reading cards
having more than two tracks. Additionally, the use of
high-plasticity ferroelectromagnetic elements is envisioned. These
elements may be charged to create an electromagnetic field.
[0066] A benefit of the tape-based differential inductor simulacrum
is its maximum thickness of 0.040'' and a typical thickness of
0.025'' allows the tape to remain in the magnetic card POS
swipe/insert reader devices slot concurrent with accessibility of a
standard EC-ISO 7811 format card. This will not render invalid the
POS reader device qualifications and specifications because no
electrical connection or mechanical components will be altered in
function. Additionally, the ease and rapidity of installation with
the alignment guide will be advantageous for the technician, with
lower associated skills required and risks of alignment or other
installation errors. Another benefit of the design of the
simulacrum inductor structure is that it can also be utilized to
capture magnetic card data.
[0067] FIG. 17 is a simplified block diagram summarizing
functionality of major components of an embodiment of an adaptor in
accordance with the present invention. FIG. 17 depicts the
ViVOadapter as an integration of three primary components: the
Consumer Pod 1710, the Merchant Pod 1720, and the simulacrum 1730.
Consumer Pod 1710 houses electronic components for RF and IR
communications with the user and acts to transmit the related data
to the Merchant Pod 1720 for transmission to the Simulacrum 1730.
The Consumer Pod may be discreetly moveable for convenience of user
interaction and provides a surface for advertising text and
graphics visible to the user. The Consumer pod may also provide
audio-visual indicia for prompting of the user during interaction.
The Consumer Pod may also provide electronic interface components
for such user-related peripherals as biometric and psychometric
devices as finger-print and pin-pads. Additional input devices may
include bar-code scanners and iridology devices as described
herein.
[0068] The Merchant Pod 1720 may house the main electronic
components associated with CPU and programming functions, and with
interface components for the Consumer Pod, Simulacrum, and power
regulation. The Merchant Pod may attach to the POS reader and
utilize a cryptographical processor to provide secure data to the
main microprocessor which communicates with the Simulacrum 1730 and
C-Pod 1710. The Merchant Pod has a communications port which may be
used for merchant preference programming and communications with
the merchant's network, and ViVOadapter networks as described
herein. The communications port may be used for biometric and
psychometric devices such as finger-print analyzers and pin-pad for
alpha-numeric user codes. Additional input devices may include
bar-code scanners and iridology devices as described herein.
Maintenance upgrades of firmware and software may be effected via
the communications port either directly with another computer
device or cellular/wireless ISP transceiver, or remotely with the
wired telecommunications system
[0069] The simulacrum 1730 may be substantially permanently
installed within the POS magnetic card acceptance system card swipe
slot and acts to produce a highly localized electromagnetic field,
via magneto-inductive gap technology, for coupling with the POS
magnetic reader head. The simulacrum is capable of transmitting
data to multiple tracks on the POS reader head. In an alternate
embodiment, the simulacrum is capable of reading magnetic card data
and transmitting this data to the Merchant Pod. In still another
alternate embodiment, the simulacrum is capable of writing data to
the magnetic card stripe.
[0070] FIG. 5 is a simplified descriptive block diagram
illustrating elements of the ViVOadapter and related system
components. This systems diagram depicts an intelligent device with
microprocessor 30, including firmware, software, ROM, RAM, and
firmware/software control logic, a "smart chip" micro-controller
with integrated cryptographic co-processor 32 conforming to the EMV
(Europay/Master Card/Visa) security smart-card standards
specifications and capable of generation of symmetrical and
asymmetrical encryption keys and performing typical cryptographic
analysis standard to "smart cards" and internet-based financial
transaction browsers. Input-output devices include the RF ISO 14443
Type A/B and ISO 15693 proximity transceiver 22a, Bluetooth IEEE
802.11(b) or other RF protocol transceiver 22b, IrDA compatible
infrared transceiver 22c, audio and visual cue/system status
indicators 23, and the differential inductor simulacrum 28 that
will emulate a dynamic magnetic stripe typical to
credit/debit/ATM/pre-pay/loyalty/member/ID magnetic stripe
cards.
[0071] The ViVOadapter microcontroller is merchant programmable
through communication port 31b and has public key interface (PKI)
and digital certificate software features for mutual device
authentication, data integrity verification, and secure encryption
communications with the user's PTD. Communication port 31b may also
receive an electrical cable which enables direct communication with
other devices, such as a laptop computer utilized to communicate
with the adaptor to implement programming upgrades and other
maintenance, communication with the merchant's systems and network
to allow concurrent financial transaction and order processing
among other capabilities, peripheral communications, and other
devices described herein.
[0072] Controller 30 will also enable the merchant/user to select
the preferred communications mediums that include RF 14443 type A
and/or type B and RF 15693, IR, Bluetooth IEEE 802.11(b) or other
RF protocol such as IEEE 802.11(a) or 802.11(g), and
cellular/wireless ISP or wired providers, either discreetly or
collectively. The controller will also accept unique merchant/user
codes and relevant data associated with the merchant/user for
identification and non-repudiation schemes. Wireless data
transceiver 22d may be integrated for PTD-wireless network/ISP and
PTD-ViVOadapter RF and Short Messaging Service (SMS) protocol
communications for transactions beyond normal short range RF and
infrared distances, or for mobile transactions. As described below
in connection with FIG. 6, certain alternative embodiments may
include integrated redundant magnetic swipe card reader 22e.
[0073] Only certain embodiments in accordance with the present
invention are shown and described in the instant disclosure. One
should understand that the present invention is capable of use in
various other combinations and environments and is capable of
changes and modifications within the scope of the inventive concept
expressed herein.
[0074] For example, while the embodiment illustrated and described
in connection with FIGS. 1-4 shows a simulacrum which is of
sufficiently narrow dimensions to allow for the presence of a
magnetic stripe card in the slot, this is not required by the
present invention. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of
the present invention, a ViVOadapter could include a separate,
substitute magnetic card slot, magnetic reader head, and processor
for receiving signals from the magnetic reader head by an IEC ISO
7811 conformal magnetic stripe card, and still remain within the
scope of the present invention.
[0075] This approach is illustrated in FIG. 6, which shows a
perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an adaptor for a
magnetic stripe card reader in accordance with the present
invention. Magnetic stripe reader adaptor 610 comprises simulacrum
72 that is similar in shape and function to that described above in
connection with FIGS. 1-4, except that its width is not required to
be sufficiently narrow to permit a magnetic stripe card to be
inserted into the slot at the same time. Instead, alternative
adaptor structure 610 features a separate magnetic stripe reader
component 612 including slot 76 and magnetic head 78 in
electromagnetic communication with slot 620 of conventional
magnetic stripe card reader 600. Swiping of a magnetic stripe card
in slot 76 across magneto-inductive head 78 creates a series of
pulses. These signals are received by a processor and converted
into a format recognizable by the second magnetic head of the
existing POS device by the simulacrum as described in the primary
embodiment. The adaptor 610 shown in FIG. 6 may include a separate
C-Pod portion (not shown) that is in wired or wireless
communication with the adaptor portion housing the simulacrum and
the separate magnetic stripe reader component.
[0076] The alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 6 will be capable
of capturing magnetic card data during the swipe process, storing
it in temporary memory, and transmitting this data to the PTD or to
the ViVOserver, or to a third party data repository via wireless or
wired communication such as a network modem for DSL. The data can
be encrypted and a decryption key transmitted to the PTD via the
wireless carrier/ISP. The PTD user will retrieve the key upon
satisfaction of a proper authentication process, for example one
performed in conjunction with the ViVOwallet or another
eWallet-type application.
[0077] While the embodiment of the present invention described in
FIGS. 1-4 is shown adapting to a POS magnetic card reader having an
exposed slot, the present invention is not limited to this
particular type of configuration. FIGS. 7A and 7B show simplified
perspective views of the use of an adaptor in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention for use with a magnetic card
POS card insert device 640 typically installed in a vending machine
or ATM. ViVOadapter 645 including differential inductor simulacrum
665 is attached with cable 667 routed to the remotely located
ViVOadapter case 645. The differential inductor simulacrum tape 665
is attached to the card reader device in such a manner to allow
direct contact of the differential inductor simulacrum with the
card reader magnetic head sensing component 652 while ensuring
continued magnetic card insert functionality. Simulacrum 665 of
ViVOadapter 645 is positioned proximate to an existing card swipe
slot having a magnetic read head 652, until both units are in
vertical and horizontal alignment. The magnetic card 655 is
inserted into the slot and acts to lift the tape with differential
inductor simulacrum 665 until the card is physically between the
magnetic read head 652 and the differential inductor simulacrum 665
as shown in FIG. 7B. The visual indicators 670 and infrared
transceiver components 675 can be integrated with the ViVOadapter
case design 645, or may be remotely located and communicate with
the simulacrum 665 through cables or wireless means. A
bi-directional data port 680 is provided for interface with
existing or future POS card systems and the ViVOadapter power cable
690 is attached to the POS device or system, or attached to a
dedicated power supply.
[0078] A benefit of this design configuration is the ease and speed
of deployment in the merchant POS card reader devices.
Additionally, the POS card reader device will only have
magneto-inductive coupling with the ViVOadapter and this will not
compromise the qualification or security of the POS card reader
device.
[0079] Another example of possible variation from the particular
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4A is to vary the structure of the
inductor core elements. For example, an alternate embodiment of an
inductor structure for a simulacrum in accordance with the present
invention is shown in FIG. 8. Inductor 750 comprises two core
elements 755 and 760 bearing complimentary saw tooth shapes and
encompassed by coils 705. The saw-tooth edge provides a horizontal
magnetic domain field flux component via trigonometric function of
the angle of the gap orientation. This will enable the simulacrum
to be placed in the approximate, but not necessarily exact,
position of the POS card system magnetic reader head component to
effect a digital signal on the output leads. A benefit of the
design of the differential inductor structure of the simulacrum
shown in FIG. 8 is that it provides horizontally-oriented magnetic
flux-field domains in a linear process over any length of distance,
due to the trigonometric function of horizontal and vertical
magnetic fields. This characteristic enhances alignment tolerance
for the merchant or user installing the ViVOadapter into the slot
of the magnetic stripe reader device, and accommodation of
variations in dimensions and mechanical design for the various POS
card swipe/insert systems to which the ViVOadapter is intended to
fit.
[0080] As described so far, embodiments of adaptors in accordance
with the present invention have functioned primarily to receive
information from wireless devices such as RF proximity chip cards
or personal trusted devices (PTDs) such as PDAs or cell phones, and
to translate this information to a format recognizable by a
conventional magnetic stripe card reader to effect a purchase or
other type of electronic transaction. However, an adaptor structure
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is not
limited to performing this particular function.
[0081] For example, in one alternative application for a
ViVOadapter in accordance with the present invention, a ViVOadapter
located at a merchant could be utilized by a user as a remote
portal allowing relevant information from a conventional plastic
magnetic stripe card to be imported into an electronic wallet
device. In one embodiment, information read from the magnetic
stripe card by the magnetic head could be communicated back to the
ViVOadapter through the communications port, stored, and then
transmitted to the PTD though a transceiver described herein, such
as an IR or RF transceiver.
[0082] In accordance with an alternative embodiment, reading of
information from the magnetic stripe card could result in the
ViVOadaptor communicating with a remote data repository to obtain
authorization for transmission of the magnetic stripe card data to
the PTD. Upon receipt of such authorization from the remote data
repository, the Adaptor could communicate the credit card data to
the PTD directly, or communicate the data indirectly by providing
to the PTD a key allowing decryption of a separate message
containing the credit card information. This separate message could
be transmitted through a wired or wireless network to the PTD
directly, or indirectly via the ViVOadpater.
[0083] In another alternative embodiment, the inductor components
of the simulacrum would be capable of reading data directly from a
magnetic stripe card in a similar manner to the magneto-inductive
reader heads of conventional POS devices. The data read could be
stored in the adaptor and then transmitted in a secure manner to
any authenticated PTD with installed eWallet software capable of
communication with the ViVOadaptor and authorized by ViVOtech,
Inc.
[0084] In accordance with another possible alternative application,
a ViVOadapter may be used to facilitate the communication of data
to a personal trusted device from a source such as another personal
trusted device. In one embodiment, the adaptor would receive data
at its wireless interface from one authenticated source, store the
received data, and then transmit the data to an authenticated PTD.
The data transmitted would not be limited to financial information
and could include a financial management software application,
thereby allowing a PTD not already containing the software to
install the software and utilize the information from the first PTD
without delay. Moreover, additional security could be imparted to
the information transfer by causing the information to be encrypted
by the ViVOadapter prior to transmission to the PTD. In such an
application, the PTD would receive a decryption key in a separate
message before the transferred data could be accessed.
[0085] Moreover, the source of the data communicated to the PTD
need not be a second PTD, and could be a merchant network and
supporting system interfaced with the communications port of a
ViVOadapter. Communication with such a merchant network may enable
transfer of information such as merchant coupons and loyalty
program data to the PTD/RF proximity chip card at the point of
sale, or anywhere a ViVOadapter is placed within a merchant's place
of business. Multiple ViVOadapters with wired or wireless cellular
ISP transceivers may be used as transponders relaying information
to the user and to the merchant. Such information may be used for
profiling of user purchasing habits and processes, and merchant
promotion of coupons, gift certificates, and other instruments to
the user's PTD. In still other embodiments, ViVOadapter can be used
to communicate a financial management application directly at the
POS, thereby enabling a PTD lacking the financial management
application to ultimately communicate with a ViVOadapter.
[0086] In still another embodiment, an adaptor structure in
accordance with the present invention can be utilized to disable
stolen or unauthorized magnetic stripe cards without the knowledge
of the person attempting to use the card. Upon swiping of a stolen
or unauthorized card, the magnetic stripe card reader would receive
a signal denying the transaction and authorizing destruction of the
card. This message could in turn be communicated to the ViVOadapter
through the communication port. Upon receipt of the message
authorizing destruction of the card, the ViVOadapter could be
programmed to request that the prospective purchaser swipe his or
her card again. Without the awareness of the prospective purchaser,
during this second swipe of the card the ViVOadapter could cause
the inductor to generate a electro-magnetic field of sufficient
intensity to alter the polarization of the magnetic stripe domains
on the card. This technique would be sufficiently effective to
disable the card for any future use, regardless of how much data,
beyond a single bit, is written onto the magnetic stripe of the
card, because of strict requirements of IATA and ABA industry
standards regarding the integrity of card track data. Once the card
is disabled in the manner described above, the transaction would be
again refused, but without promoting any confrontation between the
merchant and the prospective card user. In an alternative
embodiment, disabling of the card may be based upon a signal
received from a separate wireless transceiver in communication with
a third party fraudulent or unauthorized card database, for example
that found at http://www.cardcops.com.
[0087] An embodiment of a method for disabling a magnetic stripe
card in accordance with the present invention comprises providing a
magnetic stripe card reader having a slot and a magnetic head in
magnetic communication with the slot. An adaptor is provided having
a transceiver configured to transmit a signal to a personal trusted
device, or via cellular wireless ISP, or internet, to card issuers
or acquirers or other parties authorized by the card issuer to
authorize card destruction, a memory in communication with the
transceiver, and a simulacrum including an inductor. The simulacrum
is disposed substantially permanently within the slot such that the
inductor is aligned with the magnetic reader head, the simulacrum
sufficiently narrow to allow a magnetic stripe card to access the
slot and the magnetic head while the simulacrum is present within
the slot. A magnetic stripe card is swiped through the slot such
that information on the magnetic stripe card is read by the
magnetic head. The information is communicated to a remote data
repository. A signal indicating invalidity of the magnetic stripe
card is received from the remote data repository and communicated
to the adaptor. In response to the signal, the inductor generates
an electro-magnetic field of sufficient strength to alter at least
one bit of data stored on a magnetic stripe of the magnetic stripe
card.
II. Adaptor Hardware and Software
[0088] FIG. 9 is logical diagram of the installation of a typical
ViVOadapter device in the POS systems. The technician will ensure
all ViVOadapter components and tools are available 910, 915 and
will place the differential inductor simulacrum tape into the POS
system 920, so that the simulacrum is directly in contact with the
POS systems magnetic head component 925, with any necessary
adjustment as defined by the alignment guide attached to the
simulacrum 927. The technician will confirm that normal magnetic
stripe cards are able to be swiped or inserted into the magnetic
head component slot 930 with any necessary adjustment of the
alignment guide 932, and will then secure the differential inductor
simulacrum tape 935 anchor with chemical/glue or mechanical
fasteners included with the installation kit. The technician will
install the ViVOadapter M-pod to the POS system 940 and secure with
chemical/glue or mechanical fasteners included with the
installation kit and then attach the power cable 945 to the POS
system, or to a dedicated power supply. The technician will then
apply power 950 to the POS system and ViVOadapter with confirmation
that the POS reader or machine is operative 955. The technician
will then confirm the ViVOadapter status indicators are normal 960
and replace 962 the ViVOadapter if this test is failed. The
technician will then confirm an RF proximity chip card/IR/Bluetooth
IEEE 802.11(b)/SMS/PTD-to-ViVOadapter and wireless network/ISP
transaction as specified in the merchant/user programming, is
effected 965. The ViVOadapter will be replaced if this test is
failed 968. The technician will then confirm the POS system is
fully functional and compliant for concurrent reading of magnetic
cards 970 and will replace the ViVOadapter if functionality and
compliancy are not met 972. Lastly, the merchant will use the
ViVOwallet application merchant feature to effect programming 975
of merchant related data for completion of the installation process
980. The ViVOadapter will expect to receive a ViVOtech, Inc.
specific authorized code such as "Hello ViVOwallet", to ensure
compliance of third party vendors.
[0089] FIG. 10 is a logical diagram of the interface processes
between the ViVOadapter and the PTD electronic wallet application,
ViVOwallet pay-and-go.TM. feature application discussed below, and
the RF embedded ViVOwallet application transparent transaction
process. The ViVOadapter will be operational 1000 and with the
polling feature activated 1015. The ViVOadapter will transmit a
transponder signal according to the merchant/user programming
preferences that include RF ISO 14443 Type A or Type B and RF
15693, IR type IrDa version 1.2 or higher and ViVOtech Inc.
proprietary and Consumer IR, IEEE 802.11(a)(b) or (g), and
cellular/wireless ISP and wired protocols and wait for a response
1020. The ViVOadapter will perform mutual device authentication and
challenge protocols, exchange security cryptography routines and
keys, exchange data typical to
credit/debit/ATM/pre-pay/loyalty/member/ID cards magnetic domain
track data upon presentation by an RF proximity chip card or via
other communication mediums described herein. Additionally, a
unique RF proximity chip card or ViVOwallet identification
information issued by the manufacturer, card issuer, acquirer,
authorizer, and/or ViVOtech Inc. company authorized parties will be
transmitted and authenticated.
[0090] The ViVOadapter will transmit a transponder signal via RF
proximity 14443 type A or Type B and RF 15693/Irda and Consumer
IR/IEEE 802.11/cellular wireless ISP and wired provider protocols
per merchant preferences on a periodic frequency 1017 until it
receives a response from a PTD 25, whereupon it will establish
communications and mutual device authentication 1030. When mutual
authentication is validated 1030, 1032, 1035, the ViVOadapter will
generate initial encryption codes and exchange security routines
with the PTD, and exchange security certificates and wait for the
ViVOwallet card data or the RF proximity chip card transaction
initiation 1040. The ViVOadapter will wait for a period of time
prior to time-out, or if card data is not valid 1047 with reset to
the transponder state ViVOwallet/RF transaction start sequence
state 1020. In the event the ViVOwallet application is active, the
ViVOadapter will then wait for the ViVOwallet transaction start
sequence code 1065. The ViVOwallet application will acknowledge the
ViVOadapter transaction request code and confirm the ViVOwallet
application with a unique ViVOtech Inc. identifier such as "Hello
ViVOwallet" 1065, and the ViVOadapter are mutually authenticated
1070 within a specified period of time and if not, will then
request re-authentication protocol procedures 1075. The mutually
authenticated devices will initiate security encryption procedures
and generate encryption codes and exchange cipher keys 1080. Once
mutual authentication protocols are confirmed and the ViVOadapter
is awaiting transaction start codes 1085, the ViVOwallet
application or RF proximity chip card will transmit user-specific
magnetic card data until transaction time-out period 1090. The
ViVOadapter will confirm the card data is valid 1045 via cyclic
redundancy check (CRC), linear redundancy check (LRC), or similar
method of data integrity verification. If the ViVOadapter is unable
to confirm card data validity within a specified number of
attempts, then an error message 1047 will be transmitted to the
ViVOwallet application and the transaction process will be
terminated.
[0091] If the card data is validated, then the ViVOadapter will
transmit the digital data to the differential inductor simulacrum
1050, which will then communicate the information to the magnetic
head component of the POS card reader device 1051. The POS device
will in turn transmit the card data to a remote data repository
storing card validity information 1052, as is known in the art. The
remote data repository will in turn communicate back to the POS
device a transaction acceptance or denial signal 1053 based upon
card validity information stored in the remote data repository, as
is also known in the art. Where a transaction is authorized, the
ViVOadapter will then transmit merchant-specific code information
1055 to the ViVOwallet application, with transmission confirmation
request, and the transaction will be terminated 1060.
[0092] FIG. 11 is a logical diagram of the interface process
between the ViVOadapter and POS swipe/insert card acceptance
systems via the differential inductor simulacrum 1110. The
ViVOadapter should complete the requisite processes described
herein and the RF proximity chip card and/or ViVOwallet application
card data must be valid 1115. The ViVOadapter will convert the card
data into a digital serial data bit stream 1120 for transmission to
the differential inductor simulacrum magneto-inductive gaps 1125 in
a repetitive and cyclic process until a specified period of time
has elapsed 1130.
[0093] FIG. 12 is a logical diagram of the user interface visual
cue process 1210 to enable the user to determine the length of time
to orient their PTD towards the ViVOadapter. The ViVOadapter will
display a continuous blinking visual cueing indication/transponder
signal with specified periodicity during the waiting state 1215.
The ViVOadapter will then increase the periodicity or sequencing of
one or more visual indicator(s) when authenticated with a
ViVOwallet application or RF proximity chip card 1220. If the
ViVOwallet application or RF proximity chip card fails to exchange
transaction data within a specified period of time after
authentication 1225, then the visual and/or audio cueing
indicator(s) will sequence to the wait state 1215. If the
ViVOwallet or RF proximity chip card exchanges valid card data
during the transaction, then the visual and/or audio cueing
indicator may increase in periodicity and indicators or sound to
indicate the transaction is completed 1230 and the user is no
longer required to maintain RF, IR, or Bluetooth IEEE 802.11(b)
communication. The ViVOadapter will time-out within a specified
period 1235 and sequence to the transponder wait state 1210.
III. Use of the Adaptor in Conjunction with Other Systems
[0094] FIG. 13 shows a simplified descriptive diagram of the
ViVOwallet.TM. financial management application. The ViVOwallet
application aggregates personal financial information and personal
credit/debit/ATM/pre-pay/loyalty/member/ID card information found
on Track #1 and/or Track #2, or additional tracks, of the magnetic
stripe of such cards and described by the International Air
Transport Association (IATA) and the American Banking Association
(ABA) and proprietary groups with encoded magnetic domain bit
patterns defined upon the magnetic stripe described by the ISO/IEC
7811 magnetic card conformal specification. These electronic wallet
(eWallets) financial management applications represent aspects of
one application of embodiments in accordance with the present
invention, i.e. the usage of cell phones, PDA, and other varieties
of personal trusted devices (PTDs) with the ViVOadapter. The
ViVOwallet application also provides software means to communicate
with the network based databases, the pay-and-go feature described
herein, and the ViVOadapter described herein. The ViVOwallet
welcome screen 1310 identifies the application and requests the
user to log on with a password for authentication purposes. In
operation, the screens may be sequenced by the standard buttons
found on the typical PTD and depicts typical selections common to
financial management applications which include "select
credit/debit/ID/other card", "make transaction", "review
transactions", "review card status", and such maintenance functions
as "synchronize devices" 1315. The ViVOwallet application may be
sequenced to select the pay-and-go feature 1320 for mutual
authentication of the cell phone and PDA type PTD and the
ViVOadapter, card data transaction processing, and digital receipts
within a secure encrypted session. The user may orient the cell
phone IR communications component at the ViVOadapter infrared
communications component within a typical distance of 1 millimeter
to 3 meters. The ViVOadapter will acknowledge the request and
establish inter-device communications, exchange mutual
authentication processes, and establish a data encryption key for
secure data transmission session when wireless and infrared network
communication is present. The ViVOwallet application is provided in
an embedded version for use with RF proximity chip cards and
typically has no user interface for the maintenance and other
functions described above. However, these functions are supported
by the consumer/card issuer/other authorized party PC or network
interface for the RF proximity chip card. Examples of systems
utilizing embodiments of the ViVOwallet financial management
application are described in the following patent applications,
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes: U.S.
nonprovisional patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/837,115, and
09/875,555, and Ser. No. 10/______ (Atty. Docket No.
021633-000510US, filed Dec. 18, 2002).
[0095] The ViVOadapter will communicate directly with the RF
proximity chip card and embedded ViVOwallet financial aggregation
application via RF inductive coupled medium and the two devices
will effect mutual authentication in a manner transparent to the
user depicted in 1330. The user will present the RF proximity chip
card to the ViVOadapter within a distance typically specified in
ISO 14443 type A and type B protocols and ISO 15693 protocols and
for a period of time required to effect mutual authentication,
cryptographic routines for key generation and data security, and
transmit typical magnetic domain track data typical to
credit/debit/ATM/pre-pay/loyalty/member/ID magnetic stripe cards.
An additional data string will be appended. This data string will
include part or all of a unique message transaction code, message
digest, digital signatures, device(s) serial number, ViVOtech, Inc.
and authorized third party specific codes, acquirer codes, issuer
codes, manufacturer codes, ViVOserver (discussed in FIG. 14 below)
specific codes, and/or other authenticator codes for a unique
identification or non-repudiation scheme determined by ViVOtech,
Inc. and authorized partners.
[0096] A benefit of direct transfer of card information via the
wireless carrier/ISP or direct to ViVOadapter is the "card present"
association defined by the major card issuers. An internet or
verbal-based exchange of card data has higher risk assignment due
to card security and will incur higher transaction fees and vendor
qualification, in addition to partial responsibility for financial
loss by the merchant. A "card present" transaction has lower risk
assignment because of standard methods of user identification
available to the merchant. The transfer of card data via PTD with
ViVOwallet application in a secure process will use the
non-repudiation schemes established by the PTD and wireless
carrier/ISP services and internet security shell (SSL)
protocols.
[0097] A benefit of the wireless network-based PTD with the
ViVOwallet application is that aggregation of an unlimited number
of consumer cards, including credit/debit/ATM/pre-pay
loyalty/member/ID, can be maintained on the network-based database
server and the PTD for access by the consumer. This secure data
aggregation will reduce card "bulk" in the consumer's wallet and
will also increase security of the data maintained on existing
cards.
[0098] Another benefit of the wireless network-based PTD with the
ViVOwallet application is the ability to effect financial
transactions via IR, Short Messaging Service (SMS) protocol and
networks, text paging, fax transmission, and via RF on a
device-to-device means or via the wireless carrier/ISP network.
[0099] Another benefit of this process is the low cost of wireless
communication sessions and resultant fees associated with the
transaction costs. The wireless carrier/ISP offers cellular data
wireless network transaction typically costs less than 90% of the
standard wired carriers and with the security of transaction
processes by "strong" encryption standards that will ensure lower
"card present" transaction losses, described herein, because of the
non-repudiation protocols inherent with cell phone and PTD usage
with these wireless carrier/ISP services.
[0100] An alternate embodiment of the ViVOadapter is the
integration of a cellular transceiver device. This embodiment will
enable the user to dial the number associated with the ViVOadapter
and effect a purchase via direct PTD to ViVOadapter communications,
via the wireless carrier/ISP network, or via SMS protocols.
[0101] In still another alternate embodiment, the ViVOadapter may
be directly connected to the user's PC for use with the typical
communications device and media described herein. This alternative
embodiment will enable the user to effect secure transactions via
the internet and using cryptographic protocols described herein. An
advantage of this configuration is the lower risk of identity fraud
associated with on-line transactions, and the ability to securely
authenticate the user for non-financial internet transactions and
other network-based transactions.
[0102] FIG. 14 is a simplified descriptive diagram of the
ViVOserver.TM. data management system. FIG. 14 shows one particular
embodiment which includes features for the network-based server
supportive of the invention. The ViVOserver.TM. database management
system 1410 is responsible for communicating and exchanging user
and financial institutions data via the internet 1415 and for the
ViVOwallet applications in a secure and private process. It may
provide card issuer and card transaction clearing house
authorizations via cellular/wireless ISP networks for the
ViVOadapter configured with the cellular wireless ISP transceiver
embodiment described herein. It may also serve as the primary
reference system for pay-and-go transactions and balances for
synchronization processes with PTD and PC based ViVOwallet
applications and PC based ViVOadapter applications.
[0103] The ViVOserver may perform a number of important function,
such as communicating and exchanging data with wireless PTD,
ViVOwallet applications, and User's financial institutions, and
communicating via wireless carrier/ISP and Internet. The ViVOserver
may provide the primary reference system for transactions and
balances for synchronization processes with PTD and the PC-based
ViVOwallet application. The ViVOserver may generates and/or manages
passwords, authentication codes, encryption and cryptography codes,
manage PKI, secure communications, and security-related processes.
The ViVOserver may provide accounting functions including
transaction events, summaries and consolidation, credit card data
management, balance transfers, periodic settlement of accounts, and
new account additions. The ViVOserver may provide transaction
notification to User via SMS messaging, wireless carrier/ISP
networks, text messages, text-to-voice messages, text-to-email, and
text-to-fax messages, in addition to similar protocols to be
developed in the future. The ViVOserver may allow user definable
notification of special card-related discounts, and provides easy
sign-up process for loyalty and member cards. The ViVOserver may
generate and/or manages passwords, authentication codes, encryption
codes and keys, and maintains the PKI cryptology. The ViVOserver
enables the user to manage multiple card and banking accounts and
communicates with internet-based PC systems via the internet 1415,
and communicates with the ViVOwallet application via the PTD
wireless carrier/ISP network 1420. The ViVOserver may communicate
with the wireless carrier/ISP networks via a portal/applications
program interface.
[0104] A benefit of the internet-based ViVOserver is that it will
aggregate all of the financial and card information provided by the
user and will be, upon request by the user, the intermediary for
consolidated payments and settlements. Further, the sender will be
mobile or stationary and not restricted to a specific location.
Further, the ViVOserver will notify the user of transaction events
and will be directed by the user to render invalid all cards
referenced on the database in the event of loss or theft of the
user's cards. Notification can take the form of at least SMS
messaging, text messages, text-to-voice, text-to-e-mail, and
text-to-fax.
[0105] FIG. 15 is a component diagram and FIG. 16 is a functional
diagram of the physical devices and systems that will be utilized
to implement the present invention that integrates PTD 1620, 1630
with the ViVOwallet financial management application, wireless
carrier/ISP data communications network 1670, internet-based
ViVOserver 1650, internet-based user's PC 1640, and the merchant's
ViVOadapter 1610 modified POS system. The ViVOadapter 1610 may
communicate with the RF proximity chip card via inductive coupled
RF 14443 type A or type B or 15693 protocols, or other type of
transceiver, and with the cell phone 1620 and personal digital
assistant (PDA) 1630 via IR, IEEE 802.11(a)(b) or (g), SMS or the
wireless carrier/ISP network 1670. The PTD may also communicate via
direct cable with the user's PC 1640 for the ViVOwallet and other
electronic wallet synchronization purposes and for secure network
transactions described herein. The user's PC 1640 may communicate
via the internet 1680 with the ViVOserver 1650. The ViVOserver may
communicate with the Card Issuer/Acquirer 1660 via the internet
1680 or the cellular/wireless ISP network 1670. The PC based
ViVOwallet program may communicate with the ViVOadapter 1610 via
the internet and the wireless carrier/ISP network 1670. The
ViVOadapter may transmit user's card data described herein to the
magnetic card swipe or insert acceptance systems described herein,
and may also transmit the data directly to the user's PTD device as
described herein.
[0106] A benefit of this functional design is the potential
integration of RF proximity chip card data communications, IR, and
RF transceiver equipment such as IEEE 802.11(a)(b) or (g) and
cellular/wireless ISP networks and wired networks into a single
device that is substantially permanently installed in the legacy
magnetic stripe POS card acceptance systems.
[0107] A benefit of this transaction process is the ability of the
user to effect a "card-present" financial transaction via
near-proximity infrared or by wireless carrier/ISP networks and
without presentation of the actual magnetic card. This reduced risk
transaction is effected via the transaction and data management
security and authentication protocols and procedures enabled by an
intelligent transaction device. The "card-present" transaction will
result in lower risk assignment by the card issuers and resultant
lower transaction fees and merchant qualification.
[0108] Another benefit of this transaction process is the
capability of the ViVOadapter to temporarily store/cache the
magnetic card data introduced to the POS magnetic card reader
device and then transmit this data to the user's PTD via infrared,
802.11(a)(b) or (g), and RF proximity 14443 type A and B and 15693
media. Of course, mutual authentication between card data and the
user's PTD is required to ensure only magnetic card data assigned
by the issuer to the user will be captured and transmitted to the
use's PTD via normal secure communications methods. Alternatively,
the captured magnetic card data will be transmitted via wireless
carrier/ISP, SMS, and internet for installation into the user's PTD
device, or for transactions.
[0109] Another benefit of this transaction process is the
aggregation of the user's magnetic stripe cards via their PTD and
home PC. This aggregation will enable greater convenience and
greater security achieved through card data encryption measures and
by not transporting the physical cards.
[0110] Of course, many other configurations of the ViVOadapter
enabled equipment are contemplated by the present invention. For
example, any PTD device with wireless network capabilities and an
integrated infrared communications device will be used with the
ViVOwallet application to communicate with the ViVOadapter.
Further, a user's mobile PC system with internet access and
integrated infrared device will be used in similar manner to the
PTD, in addition to the ability of the user to effect a transaction
by the ViVOwallet based PC via the internet and wireless
carrier/ISP.
[0111] Additionally, the ViVOadapter may be placed on the
home/office user's PC for on-line purchases with the RF proximity
chip card and PTD IR, RF, Bluetooth 802.11(b) and other
communications media described herein. In this embodiment, the user
will present the RF card or PTD with ViVOwallet application to the
ViVOadapter and the secure data will be transferred to the PC
ViVOwallet application for secure transmission to the
internet-based purchaser, thereby effecting a secure transaction. A
benefit of this novel application is the greater security of the RF
proximity chip card that is more resistant to fraud and tampering
than the standard magnetic strip
credit/debit/ATM/pre-pay/loyalty/member/ID card. This will result
in lower transaction risks and associated reduction in transaction
processing fees.
[0112] Further, PTD-based financial applications exist that are
similar to the ViVOwallet financial management application and are
capable of communications with the ViVOadapter via the infrared
component.
[0113] Alternate applications are also contemplated to implement
the transaction process with the ViVOwallet financial application
remotely located on the wireless carrier/ISP server and/or the
ViVOserver and remotely controlled by the buyer's cell phone or
PTD.
[0114] An embodiment of a method for importing information from a
magnetic stripe card into a personal trusted device comprises
providing a magnetic stripe card reader having a slot and a
magnetic head in magnetic communication with the slot. An adaptor
structure is provided having a transceiver configured to transmit a
signal to a personal trusted device, a memory in communication with
the transceiver, and a simulacrum including an inductor. The
simulacrum is disposed substantially permanently within the slot
such that the inductor is aligned with the magnetic reader head,
the simulacrum sufficiently narrow to allow a magnetic stripe card
to access the slot and the magnetic head while the simulacrum is
present within the slot. A magnetic stripe card is swiped through
the slot such that information on the magnetic stripe card is read
by at least one of the inductor and the magnetic head. The
information is stored in the memory, and the information is
transmitted from the adaptor to the personal trusted device
utilizing the transceiver.
[0115] An embodiment of a method for communicating information from
one PTD to another comprises providing a magnetic stripe card
reader having a slot and a magnetic head in magnetic communication
with the slot. An adaptor structure is provided comprising a
transceiver configured to receive a first signal from a first
personal trusted device and to transmit a second signal to a second
personal trusted device, a memory in communication with the
transceiver, and a simulacrum including an inductor. The simulacrum
is disposed substantially permanently within the slot such that the
inductor is aligned with the magnetic reader head, the simulacrum
sufficiently narrow to allow a magnetic stripe card to access the
slot and the magnetic head while the simulacrum is present within
the slot. Information is transmitted from the first personal
trusted device to the memory through the transceiver. The
information is stored in the memory, and the information is
transmitted from the memory to the second personal trusted device
utilizing the transceiver.
[0116] Given the above detailed description of the present
invention and the variety of embodiments described therein, these
equivalents and alternatives along with the understood obvious
changes and modifications are intended to be included within the
scope of the present invention.
* * * * *
References