U.S. patent application number 13/918573 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for systems and methods for programmable payment cards and devices with loyalty-based payment applications.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jeffrey D. Mullen, Philip Yen. Invention is credited to Jeffrey D. Mullen, Philip Yen.
Application Number | 20130282575 13/918573 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40787420 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130282575 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mullen; Jeffrey D. ; et
al. |
October 24, 2013 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROGRAMMABLE PAYMENT CARDS AND DEVICES WITH
LOYALTY-BASED PAYMENT APPLICATIONS
Abstract
A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device
(e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator
operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Data
may include the type of reward that a user would like to earn as a
result of making a purchase or the type of reward that a user would
like to utilize to at least partially pay for a purchase.
Inventors: |
Mullen; Jeffrey D.;
(Pittsburgh, PA) ; Yen; Philip; (Cupertino,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mullen; Jeffrey D.
Yen; Philip |
Pittsburgh
Cupertino |
PA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40787420 |
Appl. No.: |
13/918573 |
Filed: |
June 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
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Patent Number |
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12339058 |
Dec 19, 2008 |
8074877 |
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13918573 |
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13186765 |
Jul 20, 2011 |
8485437 |
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12339058 |
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61016491 |
Dec 24, 2007 |
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61027807 |
Feb 11, 2008 |
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61081003 |
Jul 15, 2008 |
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61086239 |
Aug 5, 2008 |
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61090423 |
Aug 20, 2008 |
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61097401 |
Sep 16, 2008 |
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61112766 |
Nov 9, 2008 |
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61117186 |
Nov 23, 2008 |
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61119366 |
Dec 2, 2008 |
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61120813 |
Dec 8, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/0723 20130101;
G06K 19/07749 20130101; G06T 2207/30004 20130101; G06K 9/3233
20130101; G06K 7/0004 20130101; G06K 19/07766 20130101; G06K
19/07769 20130101; G06K 19/083 20130101; G06T 7/62 20170101; G06K
7/10297 20130101; A61B 5/02 20130101; G06Q 20/385 20130101; G06Q
30/0277 20130101; G06Q 20/401 20130101; G06K 19/0702 20130101; G06Q
20/34 20130101; G06Q 20/3415 20130101; G06K 19/07709 20130101; G06K
19/07773 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101; G06K 19/06206 20130101;
G06F 3/0488 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101; A61B 5/02042 20130101;
G06K 19/07707 20130101; G06K 2209/05 20130101; G07F 7/0806
20130101; G07F 7/1008 20130101; G06K 19/07 20130101; G06K 19/0775
20130101; G06K 7/087 20130101; G06K 19/07705 20130101; G06K 9/32
20130101; G06K 19/0704 20130101; G06K 7/084 20130101; G06Q 20/18
20130101; G06K 19/06187 20130101; G06Q 20/341 20130101; G06Q 20/352
20130101; G06K 19/07345 20130101; G06K 19/07703 20130101; G06Q
30/0222 20130101; G06K 19/0725 20130101; G06T 2207/10024 20130101;
G06Q 30/0241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/41 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/34 20120101
G06Q020/34 |
Claims
1-4. (canceled)
5. A device, comprising: a communications device; and a first
button operable to communicate payment data via the communications
device, the payment data associated with a plurality of payment
methods.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein the payment data includes a
plurality of payment information bundles.
7. The device of claim 5, wherein the payment data includes a
plurality of payment information bundles, and the communications
device is operable to serially communicate the plurality of payment
information bundles.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein the payment data includes a
plurality of payment information bundles, each of the payment
information bundles is associated with a different payment method,
and the communications device is operable to serially communicate
the plurality of payment information bundles.
9. The device of claim 5, wherein the first button is operable to
communicate data indicative of a split order.
10. The device of claim 5, wherein the first button is operable to
communicate data indicative of a split order in at least one
discretionary field of payment information.
11. The device of claim 5, wherein the payment data includes a
plurality of payment information bundles, each of the payment
information bundles is associated with a different payment method,
split order information is included in the discretionary fields of
each of the plurality payment information bundles, and the
communications device is operable to serially communicate the
plurality of payment information bundles.
12. The device of claim 5, wherein the payment data is indicative
of a desire to complete a purchase using the plurality of payment
methods.
13. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a second button
operable to communicate apportioning data, wherein the payment data
is indicative of a desire to complete a purchase using the
plurality of payment methods, and the apportioning data is
indicative of a desired apportionment of the purchase between the
plurality of payment methods.
14. The device of claim 5, wherein the payment data is indicative
of a user's desire to split a bill between two different payment
accounts.
15. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a second button
operable to communicate apportioning data, wherein the payment data
is indicative of a user's desire to split a bill between two
different payment accounts, and the apportioning data is indicative
of proportions of the split.
16. The device of claim 5, wherein the communications device is at
least one of a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device, an
RFID and an IC Chip.
17. The device of claim 5, wherein the communications device
includes a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device, an RFID
and an IC Chip.
18. The device of claim 5, wherein the device including the
communications device and the first button is a mobile telephonic
device.
19. The device of claim 5, wherein the device including the
communications device and the first button is a powered card.
20. The device of claim 5, further comprising a light emitting
diode.
21. The device of claim 5, further comprising a display.
22. The device of claim 5, further comprising switching
circuitry.
23. The device of claim 5, further comprising a biometric sensor.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Nos. 61/016,491 filed on Dec. 24, 2007 (Docket
No. JDM/019 PROV), 61/026,846 filed on Feb. 7, 2008 (Docket No.
JDM/019PROV2), 61/027,807 filed on Feb. 11, 2008 (Docket. No.
JDM/020 PROV), 61/081,003 filed on Jul. 15, 2008 (Docket No. D/005
PROV), 61/086,239 filed on Aug. 5, 2008 (Docket No. D/006 PROV),
61/090,423 filed on Aug. 20, 2008 (Docket No. D/007 PROV),
61/097,401 filed Sep. 16, 2008 (Docket No. D/008 PROV), 61/112,766
filed on Nov. 9, 2008 (Docket No. D/009 PROV), 61/117,186 filed on
Nov. 23, 2008 (D/010 PROV), 61/119,366 filed on Dec. 2, 2008
(Docket No. D/011 PROV), and 61/120,813 filed on Dec. 8, 2008
(Docket No. D/012 PROV), all of which are hereby incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to magnetic cards and payment
systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A card is provided, such as a credit card or security card,
that may transmit information to a magnetic stripe reader via a
magnetic emulator. The magnetic emulator may be, for example, a
circuit that emits electromagnetic fields operable to electrically
couple with a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader such that data
may be transmitted from the circuit to the magnetic stripe reader.
The emulator may be operated serially such that information is
transmitted serially to a magnetic stripe reader. Alternatively,
for example, portions of a magnetic emulator may emit different
electromagnetic fields at a particular instance such that the
emulator is operated to provide physically parallel, instantaneous
data. Alternatively still, a magnetic medium may be provided and a
circuit may be provided to change the magnetic properties of the
magnetic medium such that a magnetic stripe reader is operable to
read information written on the magnetic medium.
[0004] A processor may be provided on a card, or other device, that
controls a magnetic emulator. The processor may be configured to
operate the emulator such that the emulator transmits serial or
parallel information. Particularly, the processor may decouple
portions of an emulator from one another such that different
portions of the emulator may transmit different information (e.g.,
transmit data in a parallel operation). The processor may couple
portions of an emulator together (or drive the portions together)
such that all portions of the emulator transmits the same
information (e.g., transmit data in a serial operation).
Alternatively, the processor may drive a portion of the emulator to
transmit data using one method (e.g., serially) while the processor
drives another portion of the emulator using a different method
(e.g., in parallel).
[0005] The processor may drive an emulator through a switching
circuit. The switching circuit may control the direction and
magnitude of current that flows through at least a portion of an
emulator such that the switching circuit controls the direction and
magnitude of the electromagnetic field created by at least that
portion of the emulator. An electromagnetic field may be generated
by the emulator such that the emulator is operable to electrically
couple with a read-head from a magnetic stripe reader without
making physical contact with the read-head. Particularly, for
example, an emulator that is driven with increased current can be
operable to couple with the read-head of a magnetic stripe reader
even when placed outside and within the proximity of (e.g., 0.25
inches or more) the read-head.
[0006] A processor may detect, for example, the presence of a
read-head of a magnetic stripe reader by receiving signals from a
magnetic stripe reader detector and, in response, the processor may
drive a magnetic emulator in a manner that allows the emulator to
couple with the magnetic stripe reader. More than one emulator may
be provided on a card or other device and a processor may drive
such emulators in a variety of different manners.
[0007] A circuit may be provided on a credit card that is operable
to receive data from a device, such as a magnetic stripe. In this
manner, a card, or other device, may communicate bi-directionally
with a device.
[0008] An emulator may communicate with a magnetic stripe reader
outside of, for example, the housing of a magnetic stripe reader.
Accordingly, for example, the emulator may be provided in devices
other than cards sized to fit inside of the reading area of a
magnetic stripe reader. In other words, for example, the emulator
may be located in a device that is thicker than a card--yet the
emulator can still communicate with one or more read-heads located
in a magnetic stripe reader. Such a device may be, for example, a
security token, a wireless communications device, a laptop, a
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a physical lock key to a house
and/or car, or any other device.
[0009] Dynamic information may be provided by a processor located
on the card, or other device, and communicated through a magnetic
emulator. Such dynamic information may, for example, change based
on time. For example, the dynamic information may be periodically
encrypted differently. One or more displays may be located on a
card, or other device, such that the dynamic information may be
displayed to a user through the display. Buttons may be provided to
accept input from a user to, for example, control the operation of
the card or other device.
[0010] Dynamic information may include, for example, a dynamic
number that is used as, or part of, a number for a credit card
number, debit card number, payment card number, and/or payment
verification code. Dynamic information may also include, for
example, a student identification number or medical identification
number. Dynamic information may also, for example, include
alphanumeric information such that a dynamic account name is
provided.
[0011] Read-head detectors may be provided to determine, for
example, when a card is being swiped and/or when a read-head is
located over a particular portion of a card (e.g., a magnetic
emulation circuit). A magnetic emulation circuit may be provided
as, for example, a coil. Portions of such a coil may be utilized to
detect a read-head while in other portions of the coil may be
utilized to communicate information electromagnetically to a
read-head. Accordingly, a coil may be utilized to detect a
read-head and, after a read-head is detected, the coil may be
utilized to, for example, serially transmit information to a
magnetic stripe reader.
[0012] A read-head detector, or an array of read-head detectors,
may be able to, for example, determine the type of reader that the
card entered into. For example, a read-head detector array may
determine, for example, when a motorized reader was utilized, an
insertion reader was utilized, or a user-swipe reader was utilized.
Such information may be stored and communicated to a remote storage
device (e.g., a remote database). This stored information may be
utilized to combat, for example, card cloning. For example, if a
particular number of cards (e.g., 10 more) that made consecutive
purchases from a machine (e.g., an ATM) detected more than one
reader, then, for example, the system may make an autonomous
determination that an illegal cloning device was located on front
of that ATM machine. If, for example, multiple cards use a
restaurant point-of-sale terminal and determine that multiple
readers were used then, for example, a computer can make an
autonomous determination that cloning may have occurred at the
restaurant.
[0013] A material may be sandwiched between the two layers to
assist in reducing the effect of the electromagnetic fields from
one set of coil segments on the side of the material opposite that
set of coil segments. Such an interior material may be insulated
such that the material does not short the coil segments.
Additionally, such an interior material may be chosen, for example,
such that the material does not saturate when the coil is
conducting current. The coil and material may run, for example,
along the location of a track of magnetic data for a payment card.
Accordingly, a coil may be fabricated so that the coil wraps around
an interior material.
[0014] A material may be placed and/or printed on a PCB layer and
sandwiched between two other PCB layers. These two other layers may
each include coil segments and vias. The middle layer may also
include vias such that the material is fabricated to be located in
the center of the coil. The material may take a cylindrical,
rectangular, square, or any type of shape. Four layers may also be
utilized, where the coil segments are printed on a surface of the
exterior layers and one or more materials are printed and/or placed
on/between the interior layers. A material may be a magnetic
material, ferromagnetic material, ferrimagnetic material, or any
type of material. For example, copper may be printed on a PCB layer
and plated with a material (e.g., nickel, iron, chrome, tin, gold,
platinum, cobalt, zinc, alloys). A material, for example, may have
a permeability multiple times greater than the permeability of a
vacuum. A material, for example, may have a relative permeability
of 2 to 25,000. A material may include, for example, a permalloy,
iron, steel, ferrite, nickel or any other material. A material may
be an alloy such as a nickel-iron alloy. Such a nickel-iron alloy
may include, for example, nickel (e.g., 75-85%), iron, copper,
molybdenum and may be placed through one or more annealing
processes. Annealing may occur before and/or after the material is
placed/printed on a layer of material (e.g., a PCB layer or other
layer). A similar and/or different material may be placed either
above and/or below a portion, or the entire, set of paths on a
layer for a coil. Accordingly, a material may be placed in the
interior of a coil as well as along a side of the coil.
[0015] Displays may be provided near user interfaces or other
structures. For example, a display may be provided next to an LED.
Cards may be programmed during manufacturing so that these displays
may display particular information. Accordingly, for example, the
same card architecture may be utilized to provide a number of
different types of cards. A user may utilize user interfaces (e.g.,
mechanical or capacitive interfaces) to change the function of the
display. For example, codes may be entered to reconfigure the
displays. Alternatively, for example, a user may utilize buttons to
select information to be displayed on displays associated with user
interfaces. A code may associate a name of a store with a button
and/or a dollar amount. For example, a display may be configured to
read "Target $50." Information may be entered manually, but also
may be received by a card. For example, a user may swipe a card a
second time through a magnetic stripe reader and receive
information via a magnetic emulator. This received information may
be utilized to update information on the card (e.g., the balance of
a gift card, credit account, and/or debit account). Information may
also be received by an RFID antenna and/or IC chip located on a
card and in communication with a central processor (or distributed
processors). For example, transaction information (e.g., list of
past transactions, stores where transactions occurred, amounts of
transactions) and account information (e.g., balance information,
bill information, amount due information) may be communicated to
the card and displayed on one or more displays.
[0016] A dynamic card may be manufactured in a variety of ways. For
example, a dynamic card may be printed onto a flexible material
(e.g., a flexible polymer). Multiple layers of this material may be
bonded together to form a multiple layer flexible structure. This
multiple layer structure may be laminated (e.g., via hot, warm
and/or cold lamination) to form a card. The card may be programmed
before or after lamination. A card may be programmed via a direct
connection between a programmer and one or more contacts on a card.
A card may be programmed via a capacitive, optical, or inductive
communication via a communications link between a programmer and
one or more components (e.g., a contact) on a card. Accordingly,
for example, a card may be laminated and capacitively programmed.
After programming, a processor on the card may be signaled to
burn-out its programming communication channel(s) such that no
further programming may occur. A portion of the card may not be
laminated. Accordingly, a programmer may connect to this
non-laminated portion of the card. The non-laminated portion of the
card may be laminated after programming. Alternatively, for
example, the non-laminated portion of the card may be cut after
programming (e.g., and after the processor burns-out its
programming ports so the processor cannot be further
programmed).
[0017] Additional external communication devices may be provided on
a card. For example, a USB port or Wi-Fi antenna may be provided on
a card. Such additional external communication devices may, for
example, allow a user to communicate with stationary computer,
laptop, or other device. Such communication devices may, for
example, be utilized to load gift cards, or other information
(e.g., transactional or account information) from a laptop to a
card or other device. A card is provided that includes a light
sensor such that information can be communicated to a card via
light (e.g., via a light transmitted from a TV or website).
[0018] A loyalty-based payment application may be provided on a
card. For example, a user may earn reward points when that user
purchases an item using the payment card. In this manner, a user
may earn reward points based on the type of item, the dollar amount
of the item, and/or the time during which the item was purchased. A
remote server may receive information indicative of reward points
that a particular user has earned. This remote server may also
transmit information back to a card (e.g., via a payment card
reader). Such information may include the total amount of reward
points that have been earned by a particular reader. The total
amount of reward points may be stored on a payment card and
displayed to a user via a display located on the card automatically
after each transaction and/or as a result of manual input.
[0019] A user may provide manual input to a card in order to
instruct the card to pay for a purchase using reward points. A
purchase may be subsequently authorized in a variety of ways. For
example, a flag may be placed in payment information that is
communicated through a payment card reader that is indicative of a
user's desire to utilize reward points for payment. Such a flag may
take the form of a particular character or set of characters in a
particular location of payment information. A remote server may
then, for example, look for a particular character, or set of
characters, in received payment information to determine whether
payment is desired to be made by reward points. Alternatively, for
example, a different payment account number may be communicated
when reward points are desired and a remote server may utilize this
different payment account number to authorize a payment
transaction. Payment information that is communicated may be
encrypted in a variety of ways. For example, all or part of the
payment information may be encrypted for each transaction, which
may be determined via manual input or read-head detectors, or based
on time.
[0020] Multiple different types of rewards may be earned on a card.
For example, a user may be provided with the option of earning
reward points, airline miles, receive cash-back, or donating a
purchase-based value to charity. In this manner, a card may be
provided with a set of buttons where each button corresponds to a
different type of reward. Additional buttons may be provided for
additional functionalities (e.g., the entry of a user's Personal
Identification Number). Before a purchase, a user may select the
type of rewards that the user would like to earn for the purchase.
Data corresponding to the selection may be provided in payment
information communicated to a payment card reader. Such rewards
information may take many forms. For example, data indicative of
the selection may be provided as discretionary data. Alternatively,
for example, a different account number may be communicated for
each type of reward.
[0021] Payment information may be communicated in a variety of
ways. For example, information indicative of the type of reward
that is desired or the form of payment may be communicated via an
IC chip, RFID antenna, and magnetic emulator or encoder. Payment
information may be structured differently for each type of
communication and, similarly, may include overlapping as well as
different data. For example, data indicative of the type of reward
desired may be provided as discretionary data in both track 1 and
track 2 of a magnetic emulator. However, for example, data
indicative of the type of reward desired may be provided as a
different account number for a transaction based off an RFID signal
from an RFID antenna. Data may be stored on a memory and
constructed by a processor such that the payment information may
delivered via a reader communication device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The principles and advantages of the present invention can
be more clearly understood from the following detailed description
considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which the
same reference numerals denote the same structural elements
throughout, and in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 4 is an illustration of a card and a reader constructed
in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a card and a reader constructed
in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is an illustrations of a card and a payment process
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a webpage constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 16 is an illustration of a webpage constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 17 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 18 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 19 is an illustration of payment flow charts
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 20 is an illustration of a network topology constructed
in accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 21 is an illustration of cards constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention; and
[0044] FIG. 22 is an illustration of a personal electronic device
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIG. 1 shows card 100 that includes printed information 111
and 120, displays 112 and 113, and buttons 130-134. Card 100 may
be, for example, a payment card such as a credit card, debit card,
and/or gift card. Payment information, such as a credit/debit card
number may be provided as static information 111, dynamic
information 112 and/or 113, or any combination thereof.
[0046] For example, a particular number of digits of a credit card
number (e.g., the last 3 digits) may be provided as dynamic
information. Such dynamic information may be changed periodically
(e.g., once every hour). Information may be changed via, for
example, encryption. Software may be provided at, for example, the
payment verification server that verifies the dynamic information
for each period of time such that a payment can be validated and
processed for a particular user. A user may be identified using,
for example, static information that is used to form a credit card
number or other static information (e.g., information 120).
Additionally, identification information may be derived (e.g.,
embedded) in dynamic information. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that a credit card number may have, for example, a
length of 15 or 16 digits. A credit card number may also have a
length of up to 19 digits. A verification code may be used with
some payment systems and such a verification code may be provided
statically on the card or may be provided as dynamic information.
Such a verification code may be provided on a second display
located on, for example, the front or rear surface of card 100.
Alternatively, a verification code may be displayed on the same
display as other dynamic information (e.g., dynamic information
112). A display may be, for example, a flexible electronic ink
display. Such a flexible electronic ink display may, for example,
utilize power to change displayed information, but may not utilize
power to display information after the information is changed.
[0047] Card 150 may be provided. Card 150 may include static
magnetic stripe tracks 153 and 152. Magnetic emulator 151 may be
included and may be operable to electrically couple with a
read-head of a magnetic stripe reader. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe
reader may be provided with one, two, or three active read-heads
that are operable to each couple with a separate magnetic track of
information. A reader may also have more than one read-head housing
and each read-head housing may be provided with one, two, or three
active read-heads that are operable to each couple with a separate
magnetic track of information. Such read-head housings may be
provided different surfaces of a magnetic stripe reader. For
example, the read-head housings may be provided on opposite walls
of a trough sized to accept payment cards. Accordingly, the devices
on the opposite sides of the trough may be able to read a credit
card regardless of the direction that the credit card was
swiped.
[0048] A magnetic emulator may be provided and may be positioned on
card 150 such that when card 150 is swiped through a credit card
reader, the magnetic emulator passes underneath, or in the
proximity of, a read-head for a particular magnetic track. An
emulator may be large enough to simultaneously pass beneath, or in
the proximity of, multiple read-heads. Information may be
transmitted, for example, serially to one or more read-heads.
Information from different tracks of data may also be transmitted
serially and the magnetic stripe reader may determine the different
data received by utilize the starting and/or ending sentinels that
define the information for each track. A magnetic emulator may also
transmit a string of leading and/or ending zeros such that a
magnetic reader may utilize such a string of zeros to provide
self-clocking. In doing so, for example, information may be
transmitted serially at high speeds to a magnetic stripe reader.
For example, credit card information may be transmitted to a
magnetic stripe reader at speeds up to, and greater than, 30
kHz.
[0049] Different emulators may be provided, and positioned, on card
150 to each couple with a different read-head and each emulator may
provide different track information to those different read-heads.
Read-head detectors may be utilized to detect when a read-head is
over an emulator such that an emulator is controlled by a processor
to operate when a read-head detector detects the appropriate
presence of a read-head. In doing so, power may be saved.
Additionally, the read-head detector may detect how many read-heads
are reading the card and, accordingly, only communicate with the
associated emulators. In doing so, additional power may be
conserved. Accordingly, an emulator may be utilized to communicate
dynamic information to a magnetic stripe reader. Such dynamic
information may include, for example, dynamic payment card
information that changes based on time.
[0050] A static magnetic stripe may be provided to transmit data
for one or more tracks to a magnetic strip reader where dynamic
information is not desired. Card 150, for example, may include
static magnetic track 153 and static magnetic track 152.
Information on static magnetic tracks 152 and 153 may be encoded
via a magnetic stripe encoder. Emulator 151 may be included such
that dynamic information may be communicated to a magnetic stripe
reader, for example, without a magnetic stripe via an
electromagnetic signal transmitted directly from emulator 151 to a
read-head of a magnetic stripe reader. Any combination of emulators
and static magnetic tracks may be utilized for a card or device
(e.g., two magnetic emulators without any magnetic stripes).
[0051] One or more batteries, such as flexible lithium polymer
batteries, may be utilized to form card 100. Such batteries may be
electrically coupled in a serial combination to provide a source of
power to the various components of card 100. Alternatively,
separate batteries may provide power to different components of
card 100. For example, a battery may provide power to a processor
and/or display of card 100, while another battery provides a source
of energy to one or more magnetic emulators of card 100. In doing
so, for example, a processor may operate even after the battery
that supplies power to an emulator completely discharges.
Accordingly, the processor may provide information to another
component of card 100. For example, the processor may display
information on a display to indicate to a user that the magnetic
emulator is not longer operational due to power exhaustion.
Batteries may be, for example, rechargeable and contacts, or other
devices, may be provided on card 100 such that the battery may be
recharged.
[0052] Buttons (e.g., buttons 130-134) may be provided on a card.
Such buttons may allow a user to manually provide information to a
card. For example, a user may be provided with a personal
identification code (e.g., a PIN) and such a personal
identification code may be required to be manually inputted into a
card using the buttons in order for the card to operate in a
particular manner. For example, the use of a magnetic emulator or
the use of a display may require a personal identification
code.
[0053] By dynamically changing a portion of a user's credit card
number, for example, credit card fraud is minimized. By allowing
the dynamic information to displayed visually to a user, and
changed magnetically on a card, user behavior change is minimized
(with respect to a credit card with completely static information).
By requiring the use of a personal identification code, the fraud
associated with lost or stolen credit cards is minimized. Fraud
associated with theft/loss is minimized as third party users do not
know the personal identification code needed to operate particular
aspects of a credit card with dynamic information.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows card 200. Card 200 may include, for example,
static magnetic stripe track 203, static magnetic stripe track 201,
and magnetic emulator 202 sandwiched between read-head detectors
204 and 205. A read-head detector may, for example, be provided as
a circuit that detects, for example, changes in capacitance or
mechanical coupling to a conductive material. Processor 220 may be
provided to, for example, receive information from read-head
detectors 204 and 205 and control emulator 202. Persons skilled in
the art will appreciate that processor 220 may cause a current to
flow through a coil of emulator 202 in a different direction to
produce different electromagnetic fields. The transitions between
the different electromagnetic fields may be sensed by a magnetic
stripe reader as information. Accordingly, a magnetic emulator may
transmit data serially while a read-head is electrically coupled
with a magnetic reader.
[0055] RFID antenna 210 may be provided on card 200. Such an RFID
antenna may be operable to transmit information provided by
processor 220. In doing so, for example, processor 220 may
communicate with an RFID device using RFID antenna 210 and may
communicate with a magnetic stripe reader using magnetic emulator
202. Both RFID antenna 210 and magnetic emulator 202 may be
utilized to communicate payment card information (e.g., credit card
information) to a reader. Processor 240 may also be coupled to
display 240 such that dynamic information can be displayed on
display 240. Button array 230 may also be coupled to processor 220
such that the operation of card 200 may be controlled, at least in
part, by manual input received by button array 230. A smart-card
chip may, for example, be included on card 200 in lieu of, or in
addition to, RFID 210.
[0056] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a static
magnetic track may be a read-write track such that information may
be written to a magnetic track from a magnetic stripe reader that
includes a head operable to magnetically encode data onto a
magnetic track. Information may be written to a magnetic track as
part of a payment process (e.g., a credit card or debit card
transaction). Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a
static magnetic track may include a magnetic material that includes
ferromagnetic materials that provide for flux-reversals such that a
magnetic stripe reader can read the flux-reversals from the static
magnetic track. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate
that a magnetic emulator may communicate information that remains
the same from payment card transaction to payment card transaction
(e.g., static information) as well as information that changes
between transactions (e.g., dynamic information).
[0057] A card may include magnetic emulators without, for example,
including a static magnetic track. Read-head detectors may also be
provided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a
magnetic reader may include the ability to read two tracks of
information (e.g., may include at least two read-heads). All of the
information needed to perform a financial transaction (e.g., a
credit/debit card transaction) may be included on two magnetic
tracks. Alternatively, all of the information needed to perform a
financial transaction (e.g., a gift card transaction) may be
included on one magnetic track. Accordingly, particular cards, or
other devices, may include the ability, for example, to only
transmit data associated with the tracks that are needed to
complete a particular financial transaction. Persons skilled in the
art will appreciate that for systems with three tracks of
information, the bottom two tracks may be utilized for credit card
information. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that a
secure credit card transaction may be provided by only changing,
for example, one of two magnetic tracks utilized in a credit card
transaction (for those transactions that utilize two tracks).
Accordingly, one track may be a static magnetic track constructed
from a magnetic material and the other track may be provided as a
magnetic emulator. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate
that numerous additional fields of data may be provided on a
magnetic track in addition to a credit card number (or a security
code). Dynamic information may be provided in such additional
fields in order to complete a particular financial transaction. For
example, such additional dynamic information may be numbers (or
characters), encrypted with time and synced to software, at a
validating server, operable to validate the encrypted number for a
particular period of time.
[0058] Card 250 includes emulator 251 that includes a coil operable
to communicate data serially to a magnetic stripe reader.
Similarly, for example, emulator 251 may receive information for a
magnetic stripe encoder. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate
that a coil may run across the length of a card such that a
read-head moves along the length of the coil and can receive
information transmitted serially from the coil. The coil may extend
into multiple tracks such that multiple read-heads receive
information from the coil. Track information can be sent serially
(e.g., track 1 information followed by track 2 information).
Multiple coils may be driven separately and placed in different
zones such that a single read-head moves from coil-to-coil (e.g.,
zone-to-zone) and power is conserves as only coils in a particular
zone (or zones) may be utilized to communicate information any
particular time. Separate coils may be utilized for separate
tracks. Materials may be placed in the interior of each coil to
assist with manipulating the electromagnetic field produced by the
coils. Material may be placed above or below a coil to further
manipulate the electromagnetic field produced by the coil.
Switching circuitry 252 may include, for example, one or more
transistors that may be utilized to control the direction of
current via emulator 251 (e.g., the polarity of voltage(s) across a
drive resistor). For example, a coil may be utilized to transmit a
string of information to a particular read-head. Different coils
may transmit information at different speeds (or at the same
speed). Different coils may transmit different amounts of
information. For example, three coils may be provided. The coil
closest to the bottom of the long-end of a card may transmit at
least 79 characters. The coil next closest to the bottom of the
long-end of a card may transmit at least 40 characters of
information. The coil next closest to the bottom of the long-end of
the card may transmit at least 107 characters. One or more coils
may have different character sets (e.g., a 6-bit character set or a
7-bit character set). The last bit in a character may include, for
example, a parity bit. Additional synching information may be
transmitted before and after the data information to assist with
synching a magnetic stripe reader. For example, a string of zeros
may be communicated before and after communicating primary data.
Characters may be included in the data information for other
purposes such as an LRC character.
[0059] FIG. 3 shows card 300 that may include a number of
components. Card 300 may include one or more processors 320. A
processor may include, for example, cache memory, RAM, and/or ROM.
Additional memory may be provided on card 300. For example,
additional non-volatile, volatile, cache memory, RAM, and/or ROM
may be provided on card 300. Battery 325 may be provided on card
300. Battery 325 may be, for example, a lithium polymer battery and
may have a thickness less than a millimeter (e.g., approximately
0.5 mm). RFID antenna 315 may be provided on card 300 and may
communicate data to an RFID reader. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that an RFID may be included that is a passive or active
RFID. IC chip 310 may be included on card 300 and may communicate
data to an IC chip reader. Device 301 may be included to
communication information to a magnetic stripe reader. Device 301
may include any number of magnetic emulators, magnetic encoders
that encode magnetic stripes, and/or magnetic stripes. For example,
device 301 may include a magnetic emulator for one track of
magnetic data and a magnetic stripe for a second track of data.
Alternatively, for example, device 301 may include two emulators
for separate tracks of data. An emulator may, for example,
communicate information to a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader
serially. One or more read-head detectors 302 may be provided to
detect a read-head (or other attribute) of a magnetic stripe
reader. Additional detectors may be included to detect, for
example, when a card is provided into an IC chip reader and/or an
electromagnetic field from an RFID reader. Button array 330 may be
provided, for example, to receive input from a user. Button array
330 may include any number of buttons (e.g., 4, 5, 10, or more than
10). Button array 330 may include, for example, mechanical buttons,
capacitive buttons, or any type of user interface. One or more
displays 340 may also be included. A display may be, for example,
an electronic ink display (e.g., electrochromic display), LCD
display, or any other type of display. Display 340 may be
flexible.
[0060] Display 340 may be printed onto a layer during a printed
fabrication process (e.g., PCB). Additionally, for example, battery
325 may be printed onto a layer during a printed fabrication
process (e.g., PCB). Similarly, a magnetic emulator may be printed
onto a layer during a printed fabrication process (e.g., PCB).
Other components may be printed onto a layer during a printed
fabrication process (e.g., PCB) such as capacitive read-head
detectors, and capacitive touch sensors. Accordingly, a display,
battery, read-head detector, and button array may be printed on one
or more layers that are bonded together and laminated.
[0061] FIG. 3 shows card 350 that may include, for example,
processor 353, switching circuitry 352, and emulator 351 having
active region 354. Switching circuitry 352 may, for example,
control the direction of current through emulator 351 in order to
change the direction of electromagnetic fields generated by
emulator 351 such that data may be communicated serially to a
magnetic stripe read-head. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that emulator 351 may be fabricated on a single layer
and that region 354 may include coil segments dense enough to
generate an electromagnetic field that can be recognized by a
read-head of a magnetic stripe reader.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows environment 400 that may include magnetic
stripe reader 410, read-head housing 440, card 420, and magnetic
emulator 430. Read-head housing 440 may include any number of
read-head's such as, for example, one, two, or three read-heads.
Each read-head may independently receive magnetic fields from
magnetic emulator 430 (or a magnetic stripe, such as a magnetic
stripe encoded on-card by card 420). Emulator 430 may be positioned
to be adjacent to any one or more read-heads of read-head housing
440 or may be positioned to communicate information to any one or
more read-heads of read-head housing 440. Persons skilled in the
art will appreciate that emulators with longer lengths may be
located within the proximity of one or more read-heads for a longer
duration of time when a card is swiped. In doing so, for example,
more information may be transmitted from an emulator to a read-head
when a card is being swiped.
[0063] FIG. 5 includes environment 500 that may include cards 520
and 530 as well as magnetic stripe reader 510. Read-head housing
511 may be included on a wall of a trough of magnetic stripe reader
510. The trough may be sized to accept cards (e.g., credit
cards).
[0064] Card 520 may include emulator 521. Emulator 521 may provide
electromagnetic field 591 that may transmit through a portion of
the housing of magnetic stripe reader 510 (e.g., through a wall of
a trough to get to read-head housing 511). Accordingly, card 520
may be located outside of a reader--yet still be operable to
communicate information to a magnetic stripe reader. A reader may
be provided with an outer wall, for example, with a thickness of a
quarter of an inch or more. Emulator 521 can provide
electromagnetic field 591 over a distance of, for example, a
quarter of an inch or more.
[0065] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that card 520 may
be coupled to a device via a permanent or removable cable. Such a
device may provide power to card 520 as well as control
information--such as control information for emulator 530. An
external source of power may be utilized, for example, to provide a
larger amount of electrical energy to emulator 521 than from a
source of power located within card 520. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that a car having an internal battery may still be
able to receive a cable from a device having its own source of
electrical energy.
[0066] Card 530 may be provided with emulator 531 and may
electrically couple with a read-head of magnetic stripe reader 510.
Any number of emulators may be provided in card 530 in any number
of orientations such that the appropriate electromagnetic field may
couple with a read head of read-head housing 511 regardless of the
orientation of card 720 with respect to read-head 511. More
particularly, for example, additional read-head housings may be
provided in magnetic stripe reader 510 at different locations about
the reader to electrically couple with a emulators in a number of
different configurations. A sticker and/or guide-structures may be
provided on a magnetic stripe reader to, for example, direct a user
on how to position his/her card (or other device) for contactless
transmission of data (e.g., credit card data) to a read-head
housing without using the trough that includes that read-head
housing.
[0067] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a magnetic
stripe reader may include a trough that includes two (or more)
read-head housings 511 located in approximately the same vertical
position on a card-swiping trough, but at different horizontal
locations on opposite walls of the trough. In doing so, for
example, a magnetic stripe may be read regardless of the direction
that a card having the magnetic stripe is facing when the card is
swiped. Magnetic emulator 521 may, for example, communicate
magnetic fields outside both the front and read surfaces of a card.
Accordingly, a single emulator 521 may, for example, couple with a
single read-head regardless of the direction the card was facing
when swiped. In doing so, for example, the costs of readers may be
reduced as only a single read-head may be need to receive
information regardless of the direction a card is facing when
swiped. Accordingly, magnetic readers do not need stickers and/or
indicia to show a user the correct orientation to swipe a card
through a magnetic stripe reader. An adapter may be provided that
coupled directly to a read-head that allows a device not operable
to fit in a trough to electrically couple with a read-head.
[0068] An emulator may be positioned about a surface of a card (or
other device), beneath a surface of a device, or centered within a
card. The orientation of a magnetic emulator in a card may provide
different magnetic fields (e.g., different strength's of magnetic
fields) outside different surfaces of a card. Persons skilled in
the art will appreciate that a magnetic emulator may be printed via
PCB printing. A card may include multiple flexible PCB layers and
may be laminated to form a card using, for example, a hot and/or
cold lamination. Portions of an electronic ink display may also be
fabricated on a layer during a PCB printing process.
[0069] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a number
does not need to, for example, change with time. Information can
change, for example, based on manual input (e.g., a button press or
combination of button presses). Additionally, a credit card number
may be a static display number and may be wholly or partially
displayed by a display. Such a static credit card number may result
in the reduction of fraud if, for example, a personal
identification code is required to be entered on a manual input
entry system to activate the display. Additionally, fraud
associated with card cloning may be minimized with the use of a
magnetic emulator activated by the correct entry on a manual input
entry system.
[0070] Person skilled in the art will also appreciate that a card
may be cloned by a thief, for example, when the thief puts a
illegitimate credit card reader before a legitimate credit card
reader and disguising the illegitimate credit card reader. Thus, a
read-head detector may detect a read-head housing and then, if a
second read-head housing is detected on the same side of the credit
card, the reader may transmit information to the second read-head
that signifies that two read-head housings were detected. In doing
so, for example, a bank, or the police, may be notified of the
possibility of the presence of a disguised cloning device. The
information representative of multiple read-heads may be included
with information that would allow a credit card number to be
validated. As such, a server may keep track of the number of
read-head housings at each reader and, if more read-head housings
are detected than expected, the server may contact an administrator
(or the police). The server may also cause the credit card
transaction to process or may reject the credit card transaction.
If the number of read-head housings (or read-heads) is the number
expected by the server, the server can validate the payment
transaction.
[0071] A payment system using dynamic numbers may, for example, be
operable with numbers that are stored outside of the period in
which those numbers would otherwise be valid. A server may be
included, for example, that accepts a dynamic credit card number,
information representative of a past credit card number, and the
merchant that is requesting payment. The server may register that
merchant for that saved number. The number may be decrypted (or
otherwise validated) for that past period of time. Accordingly, the
credit card transaction may be validated. Additionally, the
merchant identification information may be linked to the stored
dynamic credit card number for that past period of time. If the
server receives a transaction from a different merchant with that
same dynamic credit card number for that same period of time, the
server may reject the transaction. In doing so, a merchant may be
protected from having credit card numbers stolen from its various
storage devices. If a thief steals a number from a merchant's
server that is associated with a past period of time, that number
cannot be used, for example, anywhere else. Furthermore, such a
topology may, for example, allow merchants to provide a one-click
shopping, periodic billing, or any other type of feature that may
utilize dynamic numbers that are stored and used outside of the
period in which the dynamic numbers were generated.
[0072] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that different
emulators may be controlled by different switching circuitry (e.g.,
different transistors).
[0073] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple
buttons may be coupled together to form a single-bit bus. If any
button is pressed, the bus may change states and signal to the
processor to utilize different ports to determine what button was
pressed. In this manner, buttons may be coupled to non-triggerable
ports of a processor. Each button (or a subset of buttons) may be
coupled to one or more triggerable ports of a processor. A port on
a microprocessor may be utilized to drive an emulator in addition
to, for example, receiving information from a button. For example,
once an appropriate personal identification code is received by a
processor, the processor may utilize one or more ports that receive
information from one or more buttons to drive an emulator (e.g.,
for a period of time). Alternatively, for example, a magnetic
emulator may be coupled to its own triggerable or non-triggerable
processor port. A card may also include a voltage regulator to, for
example, regulate power received from an internal or external
source of power.
[0074] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any type of
device may be utilized to provide dynamic magnetic information on a
card to a magnetic stripe reader. As discussed above, a magnetic
encoder may be provided that can change information on a magnetic
medium where the changed information can be detected by a magnetic
stripe reader.
[0075] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the
direction of current through magnetic circuit 650 may be changed
and controlled in a pattern that is representative of magnetic
stripe data. Particularly, a processor may, for example, transmit
information through a coil by changing the direction of the
electromagnetic field generated from emulator circuit at particular
times. A change in the frequency of field reversals may be
representative of, for example, a particular bit of information
(e.g., "1" or "0").
[0076] FIG. 6 shows card 650 that includes buttons 651-664, light
sources 691-694, displays 852-853, permanent information 651 and
670, buttons 681-684, and hologram 699. A user may be provided with
a payment number. Such a payment number may be comprised of
permanent data, dynamic data, or a combination of permanent and
dynamic data. Dynamic data may be provided, for example, on display
652. Display 653 may be utilized to provide a code, which may be
dynamic. Such a code may be utilized in authorize a transaction.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that displays may
display a code, payment number, or any type of data that changes
based on time or based on use (e.g., utilizes one-time use data).
Similarly, data may be static and may not change. Accordingly, for
example, a display may be utilized to display the same data when
desired such that the data may be hidden when the data is not
desired to be displayed. Buttons 651-664, 681-682, and/or 683-684
may be utilized to signal a processor to display information on
display 652, display 643, or display 652 and display 653.
[0077] A Personal Identification Code (PAC) may be entered to
utilize to display data, as well as instruct a processor to provide
particular data. For example, a particular PAC may provide one
payment number (e.g., a credit card number) while a different PAC
may provide a different payment number (e.g., a debit card number).
A PAC may include a sequence of button presses (e.g., 5 particular
button presses). Furthermore, a PAC may be utilized to unlock a
card so that the card may be utilized. For example, buttons 681,
682, 683, and 684 may not be utilized by a user until an
appropriate PAC has been entered via buttons 651-665. A number may
be changed based on time (e.g., via display 652, display 653, or
display 652 and display 653). Accordingly, a PAC may be entered
such that the particular number associated with a particular button
(e.g., a number associated with button 651) for a particular time
period (e.g., a particular day) may be displayed. One PAC may
activate display 652 while another PAC may activate display
653.
[0078] Light source 691 may be an LED or other source of light.
Light source 691 may display light each time a button associated to
light source 691 is pressed (e.g., buttons 661-662). Similarly,
light source 692 may display light each time a button associated
with light source 692 is pressed (e.g., button 681 or 682). Light
source 693 may display light each time a button associated with
light source 693 is pressed (e.g., light source 683 or 684). Light
source 694 may be associated to a component and may display light
each time that component is activated (e.g., display 653 or 652 is
activated). Light sources may emit light having different colors.
For example, a processor may determine that a PAC provided to the
processor via buttons 661-665 matches a valid PAC for performing an
operation. Each button press may cause light source 691 to emit
light of a first color (e.g., YELLOW). The last button press to
complete the PAC, however, may cause light source 691 to emit a
different color if the PAC is VALID (e.g., emit GREEN) yet emit
another color if the PAC is INVALID (e.g., emit RED). Particular
areas of a laminated card may be transparent such that light from a
light-source illuminates the transparent area.
[0079] Buttons may be provided on a card that each may, for
example, be associated with a card of a particular country. Persons
skilled in the art will appreciate that a card may be provided with
a default number. Such a default number may include, for example,
permanent data 651 and data displayed on display 652. Accordingly,
a particular PAC may display the default data on display 652.
[0080] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other
default data may be provided to other components of a card upon
entry of a PAC. For example, particular default data (e.g., payment
card number and discretionary data) may be communicated to a
magnetic emulator (or magnetic encoder) such that the information
may be communicated to a magnetic stripe read-head. Similarly,
default data (e.g., payment card number and discretionary data) may
be communicated to an RFID antenna, an IC chip, or an RFID antenna
and an IC chip. Such default data may be different for each
component (e.g., magnetic encoder/emulator, RFID antenna, IC Chip)
and may be in different formats (e.g., one track of payment data
for one magnetic emulator and another track of payment data for
another magnetic emulator).
[0081] Button 681 may cause, for example, display 652, display 653,
or display 652 and 653 to display data associated to button 681.
Similarly, data associated to button 681 for other components of
card 650 (e.g., a magnetic emulator, magnetic encoder, RFID
antenna, and IC chip) may be communicated through those components.
Button 681 may be associated with, for example a particular
territory (e.g., America). Accordingly, for example, information
communicated via card 650 may be associated with a default country
upon entry of a particular PAC until, for example, a button is
pressed associated with a different country. At this time, for
example, the information communicated by card 650 may change to the
information associated with the particular button pressed.
[0082] A button may be utilized to provide instructions to a
processor that a gift card is desired to be utilized via card 650.
A gift code may be entered (e.g., via buttons 661-665) after a
particular button is pressed such that a user may, for example,
associate a gift card to that particular button of card 650.
Accordingly, card 650 may be utilized to make a gift purchase such
that the original gift card may be thrown out (or left at home).
The code entered into card 650 may be utilized, for example, to
provide a processor with a number to transmit via the card (e.g.,
next time the particular is utilized). Such a number (as well as
associated data such as associated discretionary data) may be
communicated by card 650 via one or more displays, magnetic
emulators, magnetic encoders, RFID antennas, and IC chips. A code
may alternatively, for example, transmit a flag (e.g.,
discretionary data) that a gift card is being utilized (e.g., upon
another use of the particular button) such that a server may look
at a seller ID number and check if there are any gift cards
associated to a particular payment card number for that seller ID
number. Accordingly, for example, a user may obtain a gift card
(e.g., Target gift card) and may link that gift card to his/her
payment card account (e.g., credit card account) and may utilize a
button to send a flag that a gift card is desired to be utilized. A
code may be entered to provide a particular flag (e.g., a flag
associated with a particular seller). Alternatively, no code may be
entered and a particular may just be utilized to generate a generic
flag (e.g., causing a server to check if there are any linked gift
cards for the account associated with the seller associated with
the utilized point-of-sale reader). A user may be provided with a
particular code to be entered when utilize the gift card at an
online store (e.g., Target's online store). The online store may,
for example, allow a user to enter his/her payment information
(e.g., credit card number, expiration date, name on card, zip code
associated with card) and allow the user to select whether a gift
card should be utilized associated with that card (e.g., via a
radio button or other webpage input structure).
[0083] A button may be provided on card 650 and may be utilized,
for example, to make an in-store purchase. The button may activate,
for example, a particular display to display information for an
in-store purchase (e.g., a portion of an account number). For
online transactions, a different button may be pressed and a code
may be displayed. In not showing an online code for an in-store
purchase, for example, a user that is provided with a card during
an in-store purchase may not gain access to the additional code
information. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate, for
example, that such a code (may be transmitted via a component
(e.g., emulator) even though the information is not displayed.
Moreover, for example, both the code and partial (or full) account
number may be the same display only displayed when different
buttons are pressed. A different code may be communicated through a
communications component (e.g., magnetic emulator, magnetic
encoder, RFID antenna, or IC chip) such that the code cannot be
intercepted and utilized to make an online transaction. Any codes
may be provided as one-time use codes (e.g., activated by manual
input form a user) or time-based codes.
[0084] Buttons may be provided on a card that may be associated
with, for example, different types of loyalty-based benefits. In
this manner, a user may select the different type of reward the
user desires to obtain for each purchase. In doing so, the user can
select the type of reward that the user may found most useful for a
particular period of time. For example, suppose a user is about to
take an airplane trip and is only a few miles away from being
awarded a free ticket. In such an instance, a user may find more
utility in obtaining airline miles. Furthermore, allowing for
multiple rewards on a card may, for example, provide a user with
the ability to reduce the number of cards in his/her wallet while
reducing card issuance costs at the card issuer.
[0085] Button 681 may be provided and may be associated with
permanently printed information 671. Accordingly, for example,
button 681 may be utilized by a user to instruct a processor that a
particular reward associated with permanently printed information
671 is desired. Accordingly, the processor may communicate
information through a reader communications component indicative of
the user's desire to utilize a particular type of reward (e.g.,
RFID antenna, magnetic encoder, magnetic emulator, or IC chip). The
processor may also display, for example, a code that may be entered
online that is indicative of the type of reward a user desires. For
example, a security code may be displayed on a display and a digit
of this code may be associated to a particular reward.
Alternatively, for example, a particular code may be representative
of a particular reward. Alternatively still, for example, a
particular code may take on a particular format such that an
algorithm (e.g., a decryption algorithm) can both validate a code
for security but also determine the type of reward that is
desired.
[0086] For example, a security code may be generated based on one
of a particular number (e.g., 4) of time-based encryption
algorithms. Accordingly, a user may select a particular type of
reward (or other feature) and an algorithm associated to that
feature may be utilized to encrypt a private number. The code may
be communicated through an online payment portion to a remote
server. In turn, this remote server may decrypt the security code
with all of the time-based encryption algorithms that could have
been utilized. The algorithm that results in a particular private
number may be determined to have been the algorithm selected by a
user. In turn, the remote server may be able to determine the type
of reward the user desires. In doing so, for example, information
may be communicated through an online security code. Persons
skilled in the art will appreciate that encryption algorithms may
be chosen that, for example, do not result in the same encrypted
number for any particular period of time.
[0087] Button 682 may be associated with permanently printed
information 672. Button 682 may be associated with, for example, a
type of reward. For example, button 682 may be associated with a
cash-back reward. Accordingly, for example, a user may receive
cash-back from a purchase if a cash-back reward is chosen. The
cash-back may take many forms. For example, the user may receive a
discount at the actual point-of-sale. Alternatively, the user's
payment card account may be debited with the cash-back amount
periodically (e.g., monthly or annually) or after a particular
amount of cash-back has been accumulated (e.g., $100).
[0088] Button 683 may be associated with display 654. Display 654
may show a type of reward (e.g., charity). Similarly, button 683
may be associated with display 655. Display 655 may show a type of
reward (e.g., reward points).
[0089] FIG. 6 also shows flow chart 690. Step 691 may be provided
in flow chart 690, in which a transaction may be initiated. A
transaction may be initiated in a variety of ways. For example, a
card may be swiped through a payment card terminal. A user may
select one of a variety of payment types. For example, a user may
select to pay by a particular type of payment account (e.g., a
credit account). Accordingly, step 692 may be initiated, in which a
remote server determines from the received payment information that
a user desired to pay with this particular payment account.
Similarly, a user may select to pay via a different type of payment
account (e.g., a debit account). Accordingly, step 693 may be
initiated, in which a remote server determines from the received
payment information that a user desired to pay with this different
payment account. A user may also select to pay via a particular
type of rewards. Accordingly, step 694 may be initiated, in which a
remote server determines from the received payment information that
a user desired to pay with this particular reward account. A user
may pay for an item using one of multiple reward accounts. Step 695
may initiate to complete a transaction.
[0090] FIG. 7 shows card 700 that may include buttons 710, 720, and
730. A user may utilize buttons 710, 720, and 730 to select a type
of reward. For example, a user may select to purchase an item and
have the purchase price utilized as part of a charity reward. In
such a reward, for example, a particular percentage of the purchase
price may be donated to charity. The user may be provided with an
online or paper tax statement at the end of the year indicating how
much money the user earned in rewards and provided to the
charity.
[0091] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a user may
be provided with a personalized webpage indicating to the user the
types of rewards that were chosen for each transaction as well as
summary information for the total amount of rewards earned during a
period (e.g., a billing period) for each type of reward. A user may
also be provided with the ability to transfer earned rewards to
different types of rewards. Particular exchange rates may be
provided for transferring rewards as well as transfer costs.
[0092] Display 740 may be provided on card 700. Display 740 may
display, for example, a portion of an account number as well as
information indicative of any user selection.
[0093] Buttons 751-755 may be provided, for example, such that a
user may enter in various types of codes (e.g., unlocking codes,
gift codes, discount codes, programming codes for changing the
types of rewards on a card). Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that buttons 751-755 may also be utilized, for example,
to select a reward. Accordingly, a user may enter in his personal
unlocking code and then, when prompted, pick a particular button
for a particular type of reward.
[0094] FIG. 8 shows card 800 that may include buttons 804-808 for
entering in various types of codes as well as making various types
of user selections. Button 801 may be provided to allow a user, for
example, to select that the user desires to earn points for a
purchase. Button 802 may be provided for example, to allow a user
to select that the user desires to spend points for a purchase.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a server may
determine how many points are needed for a purchase, deduct that
amount from a user's total, and, if applicable, deduct an amount of
money from a particular payment account if the rewards points are
exhausted with a remaining amount due.
[0095] Button 803 may be utilized by a user to see the user's point
balance on display 810. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate
that a card may receive balance information in a variety of ways.
For example, a card may receive information via a magnetic
emulator, IC chip, or an active RFID antenna.
[0096] FIG. 9 shows card 900 that may include buttons 901-908 for
selecting various types of rewards. Display 910 may be utilized to
indicate to a user the type of reward that was selected. For
example, display 910 may be a one-character display. Button 909 may
be utilized to indicate that a user desires to lock or unlock a
card. A user may then utilize buttons 901-908 to enter in an
unlocking code. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that a
user may lock a card simply by pressing, for example, button 909.
Light source 920 may be utilized, for example, to indicate to a
user whether the card is locked or unlocked. For example, light
source 920 may turn a particular color (e.g., GREEN) upon card 900
receiving an appropriate unlocking code. Light source may then, for
example, periodically blink that color while a card is unlocked and
the card's reader communicating components are activated for
communication by a processor. Light source 920 may turn a different
color (e.g., RED or ORANGE) if, for example, an incorrect code is
entered. Light source 920 may similarly flash the same color as an
incorrect unlocking code when the card locks (e.g., automatically
or as a result of user input). Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that a card provided in the United States may be
programmed to include GREEN as an unlocking color and RED as a
locking color and a card provided in a different country (e.g., a
European country) may provide RED as an unlocking color and GREEN
as a locking color.
[0097] FIG. 10 shows card 1000 that may include buttons 1011-1013.
Button 1011 may be utilized to indicate to a processor that a user
desires to split a bill between two different payment accounts.
Button 1012 may be utilized to indicate to a processor that the
user desires to split a bill between a credit and cash payment.
Button 1013 may be utilized to indicate to a processor that the
user desires to split a bill between credit and rewards points.
Buttons 1014-1016 may be utilized, for example, to indicate the
proportions of the split. Display 1020 may be utilized to display a
portion of a payment account number as well as indicate the types
of splits and the proportions of the splits that were selected by a
user.
[0098] FIG. 11 shows card 1100 that may include buttons 1111 and
1112. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a card may
include any components (e.g., buttons, display, and light source)
on either side of a card. Similarly, a magnetic emulator or encoder
may be provided on either side of a card or, alternatively, in
substantially the middle of a card. Any card may include a display
or may not include a display.
[0099] Button 111 may be utilized to indicate a particular type of
payment parameters--such as an installment payment. Additional
buttons may be utilized to allow a user to select one of a variety
of different installment payments. For example, numerical buttons
may be included such that a user may enter in the amount of
installments that are desired for a particular period of time. A
button may be provided, for example, that allows a user to pay at
his/her bonus time (e.g., a bonus paid by the user's employer).
Button 1112 may be provided, for example, to indicate that a
dynamic account number is desired to be used but that the number is
desired to remain visually hidden. Accordingly, a dynamic account
number may be provided via a magnetic emulator or stripe (e.g., or
via an IC chip or RFID antenna).
[0100] FIG. 12 shows card 1200 and may include button 1211. Button
1211 may be utilized, for example, to provide two bundles of
payment information serially to a reader via a magnetic emulator or
magnetic encoder. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that a
magnetic encoder communicating data serially may communicate data
faster than a static magnetic stripe (e.g., over 2, 10, 20, or 30
times as fast) to a magnetic stripe reader. Accordingly, additional
data may be communicated. Readers that are coupled, for example, to
computers (e.g., cash-registers) with programming operable to
receive serial bundles of payment information may receive multiple
bundles of payment information with a single swipe. For example, if
a user desires a split order between credit and debit, two bundles
of payment information (one for credit and one for debit) may be
communicated. Information may be included in the discretionary
fields of both bundles of payment information indicative of the
user's desire for a split order.
[0101] FIG. 13 shows card 1300. Card 1300 may include any number of
card reader communication devices such as a magnetic stripe
encoder, magnetic emulator, RFID antenna, or IC chip. Card 1300 may
also include a magnetic stripe. Card 1300 may include, for example,
a serial magnetic emulator for track 1 data, a different serial
magnetic emulator for track 2 data, and a static magnetic stripe
for track 3 data.
[0102] Processor 1340 may control the data transmitted and received
from any RFID antenna, IC chip, or magnetic emulator or encoder.
Additionally, for example, an IC chip located on the card may be
utilized to transmit and receive information to other
communications components (e.g., an RFID). In this manner, a
processor may, for example, drive information through a magnetic
emulator while an IC chip may drive information through an RFID
antenna. One or more memories may be provided to store payment
information that is utilized by, for example, a card reader
communications device.
[0103] Any number of batteries 1360 may be included on card 1300.
Such batteries may be lithium polymer batteries and may, for
example, be coupled together in a series configuration. Such
batteries may be stacked or may lie adjacent to one another in card
1350. Batteries may be recharged from power received via a reader
(e.g., via a power signal supplied to an IC chip or an
electromagnetic field supplied to an RFID antenna).
[0104] One or more displays may be provided on card 1350. For
example, display 1380 may be provided. Such a display may take many
forms. For example, display 1380 may be an electrochromic display
or an LCD display. Various forms of user interfaces, such as
mechanical or capacitive buttons, may be provided on card 1350.
[0105] IC chip 1330 may be provided on card 1350 such that IC chip
1330 may transmit information to, and receive information by, an IC
chip reader. Similarly, card 1350 may include RFID antenna 1310
which may, in turn, transmit information to, and receive
information by, an RFID reader.
[0106] Card 1350 may include dynamic magnetic device 1350 that may
communicate different information to a magnetic stripe reader. For
example, dynamic magnetic device 1350 may be provided as a magnetic
emulator or a magnetic stripe encoder. Additionally, for example, a
magnetic stripe reader having a magnetic encoder may communicate
information to, for example, a magnetic stripe emulator.
[0107] Biometric sensor 1320 may be provided. A biometric sensor
may take many forms such as, for example, a fingerprint reader. A
fingerprint reader may capture and compare partial fingerprints or
full-fingerprints. Images may be initially stored during a setup
procedure in which a user is prompted (e.g., via a display) to scan
in his/her fingerprint. Such images may be retrieved (e.g., from a
memory) and compared to fingerprints as new fingerprints are
scanned to confirm a user's identity.
[0108] Light communication device 1370 may be included on card 1350
and may, for example, transmit and receive light-based information
signals. Sound based communication device 1371 may be included on
card 1350 and may, for example, transmit and receive sound-based
information signals. Power generator 1372 may be utilized, for
example, to harvest power such that a rechargeable battery located
on card 1350 may be recharged. For example, such a power generator
may harvest kinetic, thermal, solar, or electromagnetic energy and
convert this energy to an electrical energy.
[0109] FIG. 14 shows card 1400 that may include single track
emulators 1421-1423 that communicate information serially to a
magnetic read-head at the direction of processor 1430. Battery 1410
may be included to power processor 1430 and the rest of the
circuitry of card 1400. Processor 1430 may also perform the
functions of a payment IC chip. Particularly, for example, contacts
(such as contacts 1441 and 1442) may be provided that may be able
to couple with an IC chip reader. The contacts may route
information between the IC chip reader and processor 1430. In doing
so, for example, the cost of card 1400 may be reduced. Processor
1430 may be coupled to additional reader communications devices
such as, for example, one or more different types of RFID antennas
(e.g., RFID antenna 1450).
[0110] FIG. 15 shows website 1500. A card issuer may provide
website 1500 to a user to allow that user to, for example,
configure his/her payment card. For example, a user may select a
number of features for a card using website 1500, be provided with
a preview of a card that incorporates the selected features, and be
provided with instructions on how to reconfigure the user's card.
Website 1500 may also, for example, provide a user with a preview
of the user's card as currently configured. For example, website
1500 may provide card layout 1510.
[0111] One type of feature that may be selected and configured by a
user is that of a loyalty selection card. A user may select
different types of rewards and generate a code, using virtual
button 1530, for reconfiguring the user's card. Persons skilled in
the art will appreciate that different rewards may change the
general terms of a user's payment contract (e.g., credit contract).
For example, a particular type of reward may raise or lower a
user's APR, annual fee, late fees, or other costs. A user may also
be charged a fee for reconfiguring a card (e.g., $1) or may be
provided with a pre-determined number of reconfigurations before a
cost is applied to a reconfiguration. A user may, for example,
select reward 1521 and reward 1522. A user may upload a particular
picture via upload 1523.
[0112] FIG. 16 includes webpage 1600. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that the graphical user interface utilized by
webpage 1600 may be utilized as a graphical user interface for a
different medium (e.g., an application running on a mobile
telephonic device). Similarly, card features may be provided on a
mobile telephonic device either physically or embodied virtually.
For example, a physical buttons may be provided as a virtual button
on a graphical user interface displayed on a display screen of a
mobile telephonic device.
[0113] Website 1600 may be initiated, for example, after a user has
selected a configuration for his/her card. Such a configuration may
associate, for example, different functionalities to different
buttons as well as provide additional functionality. A user may be
charged a monthly fee for particular features. For example, a user
may be charged a periodic fee to introduce a dynamic account number
capability to a card. As such, a user may configure a card to
include both his/her personal and business accounts (e.g., via two
buttons) and may configure a card to also include two types of
rewards (e.g., miles and points). Accordingly, a user may select
the type of card the user desires in a store as well as the type of
rewards. If a dynamic account number capability was purchased
(e.g., $5 or more per month or per year), then one or both of the
accounts may be provided with time-based or use-based dynamic
account numbers as well a time-based or use-based codes. Such codes
may be displayed as well as communicated via a reader
communications device (e.g., RFID, magnetic emulator or encoder,
and IC chip). Displayed codes may be the same as codes communicated
through a reader communications device or may be different
codes.
[0114] Webpage 1600 may show an example of the reconfigured card
via preview image 1610. Similarly, webpage 1600 may include either
reconfiguration code 1630, virtual light transmission objet 1620,
or both. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a card may
have a table of possible configurations. Each entry of the table
may correspond to a reconfiguration code. Accordingly, for example,
a processor may reconfigure itself based on previously stored
reconfiguration data. Alternatively, for example, the code for
reconfiguration may be structured into a code that a user can enter
manually or that can be wirelessly communicated to a card via
signals (e.g., light-based signals from object 1620). Persons
skilled in the art will appreciate that object 1620 may communicate
information as light pulses and that a large amount of information
may be communicated via object 1620. For example, a user may be
directed to hold a card up to object 1620 for a particular period
of time (e.g., approximately at least 10 seconds, 30 seconds, or at
least 60 seconds or more). A user may be provided with a virtual
button on the graphical user interface to initiate data transfer. A
user may be provided with a virtual object (e.g., a red light may
be replaced with a green light) on webpage 1600 after data is
communicated. A card may provide a signal indicative that data was
properly received (e.g., an LED may blink a particular color, such
as GREEN, or a display may display indicia representative of
successful receipt of data. Objects for communicating light pulses
may be provided by any number of physical structures (e.g., an LED
on a different payment card for card-to-card communications) or any
number of virtual objects (e.g., on a television commercial).
[0115] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a
reconfiguration may change the type of information that is
communicated through reader communications devices as well as the
functionality of any component (e.g., when an LED provides a
particular color of light). For example, suppose a reconfiguration
provides particular a particular buttons with a miles-based reward
and provides a different button with a points-based reward. A
magnetic encoder, magnetic emulator, IC chip (e.g., an EMV chip),
or an RFID antenna may communicate a chosen reward by sending
different data through the communications device.
[0116] The card may provide information indicative of the type of
reward or functionality selected (e.g., a miles-based reward is
desired). The card may provide information indicative of the button
that was pressed. In this manner, a remote serve may have knowledge
of the reconfiguration, receive the data indicative of the button
that was pressed, utilize a look-up table to determine the
functionality associated with the selected button for the
particular reconfiguration, and utilize this retrieved information
or forward this retrieved information to a different server.
[0117] FIG. 17 shows card 1700 that may include buttons 1714-1718
for entering data (e.g., a Personal Identification Number) and
display 1720. Additional buttons may be included. For example,
button 1711 may be included. A user may utilize button 1711 in
order to rate a transaction. Accordingly, a user may press button
1711 and then provide a rating (e.g., a 1-5 rating) using buttons
1714. The rating may be indicative of the waitress, cashier, or
purchase experience in general. Different buttons may be provided
to rate different attributes of a store or purchase. A user may
receive a promotional code on his/her receipt as a result of rating
a transaction. Alternatively, for example, a user may be provided
with a display (e.g., on a cash-register) for communicating the
data wirelessly (e.g., via light-based signals). Alternatively, for
example, a user may receive additional rewards for rating a
purchase or store attribute (e.g., a waitress, cook, meal, wait
lines, customer service). Such additional rewards may include
additional points or miles such as a set amount of additional
points or miles, points or miles associated with a cost of a
purchase, or a multiplier of points or miles (e.g., double, tripe,
or quadruple points or miles). A rating may also provide an
immediate discount on a purchase (e.g., 20% or less than 20%). A
user may view his/her ratings on a website associated with a user's
account. A rating may be utilized by a card issuer to further prove
that the appropriate user was in possession of a card at the time
of a particular purchase. Display 1720 may indicate a selection of
a functionality as well as any additional entered data (e.g.,
button "A" was pressed before button "5" was pressed).
[0118] Button 1712 may be included such that a user may select a
marketing opt-in 1712. The selection of marketing op-in 1712 may
result in personal information being provided to a merchant that,
for example, completes an associated transaction. In exchange for
the personal information, a merchant may provide the user with a
number of benefits--such as rewards, discounts, or promotional
codes. Personal information (e.g., telephone number, email address,
mailing address, annual income, shopping history, age) may be
pre-loaded onto card 1700 and communicated via a reader
communications device separately from, or with, a payment account
number and associated data for completing a payment purchase. For
example, a cashier may be directed by the card to swipe the card
twice--once to communicate personal information and a second time
to communicate payment information. Alternatively, for example,
information may be sent indicative of a user's desire to execute an
opt-in marketing functionality. Accordingly, a remote server may
recognize this received information, retrieve associated personal
data, and forward this personal data to the appropriate location(s)
(e.g., a remote server of the merchant). An opt-in marketing
functionality may result in, for example, the emailing of a coupon
to a user or the inclusion of a coupon on a webpage associated with
the user's payment account.
[0119] Button 1713 may be included such that a user may select, for
example, the entry or use of a promotional code. For example, a
user may be provided with a promotional code on a receipt at time
of checkout (e.g., as a result of using an opt-in marketing
functionality). The promotional code may be entered into the card
using buttons (or via wireless light-based signals) and may be
communicated via a reader communications device (e.g., a dynamic
magnetic stripe communications device comprising two magnetic
emulators that simultaneously serially communicate different tracks
of data to a magnetic stripe reader). The promotional code may be
displayed on a display and the result of the promotional code may
be displayed on a display. For example, the result of the
promotional code (e.g., "Walmart--10%") may be displayed on a
display next to a button. A user may press the associated button to
provide the promotional code in the data communicated via a reader
communications device. Software on the merchant-side may recognize
the code and apply the code to a purchase. Such codes may
automatically expire after a period of time, expire after a number
of uses (e.g, via button presses, light-based signals acknowledging
completion of a purchase, or detection of a data communication to a
reader such as a detection of a read-head), or expire after a
particular number of new codes are received, and a processor may
delete the code from its memory. A display may be a bistable
display or a non-bistable display.
[0120] FIG. 18 shows card 1800 that may include IC chip 1820 (e.g.,
an EMV chip), buttons 1811 and 1812, and display 1830. Button 1811
may be utilized to pay for a purchase with points. Button 1812 may
be utilized to show the remaining number of points a user has on
display 1830. A card may receive information from a variety of
devices such as light sensors, IC chip 1820, an RFID antenna, or a
dynamic magnetic device such as a magnetic emulator or a magnetic
encoder. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that IC chip
1820 may have conductive physical contacts on the surface of card
1800. IC chip 1820 may be, for example, approximately 3 mm.times.5
mm and may be located in the proximity of the center of the left
side of the front of card 1800.
[0121] FIG. 19 shows flow charts 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940. Flow
chart 1910 may be initiated with step 1910, in which one or more
rewards (or other functionalities) are selected by a user. Such a
selection may occur at the time the card is originally requested or
when the card is in the passion of the user. Step 1920 may
commence, in which the card is programmed with the various rewards
(or other functionalities). Such programming may occur via a
programming machine at a manufacturing or programming facility or
by the user through the use of configuration codes or light-based
signals.
[0122] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a card may
be manufactured at a printed circuit board manufacturer. The board
may then be send to an assembler. In, the assembler may put various
components onto the board (e.g., solder on a display, chip, LEDs
and buttons). Particular components may be fabricated at the
printed circuit board manufacturer. For example, displays and
buttons (e.g., capacitive buttons) may be fabricated as the board
is fabricated. Additionally, reader communication devices (e.g., a
magnetic emulator or RFID antenna) may be fabricated at the printed
circuit board manufacturer. Microprocessors may be, for example,
pre-programmed with the appropriate software before being sent to
the assembler. Alternatively, software may be programmed into a
card at the assembler. A card may be laminated before or after
programming. A card may be partially programmed with certain data
and later programmed with additional data. The different
programming steps may occur at different locations. For example, an
assembler may program code into a card so that the card can later
receive personalization data from programming at a personalization
facility. A personalization facility may also print indicia onto
the surfaces of a card, provide holograms and static magnetic
stripes onto a card. Lamination may also occur at a personalization
facility. A card may be, for example, laminated and personalized
except for programming of the card. Such a card may then be
programmed at a different facility. Such programming may occur
capacitively through the laminant to programming contacts of a
microprocessor. The cards may then be mailed in envelopes with
personalized letters to users. The card issuer may be notified that
the cards were mailed. A user may utilize his/her card in a, POS,
ATM, or call an activation telephone number to activate his/her
card.
[0123] A transaction may be initiated in step 1913. Such an
initiation may occur, for example, via interaction with a card
reader or interaction with an online payment portal. Step 1914 may
initiate when, for example, a remote server recognizes data
indicative of a user's desire to earn a particular reward. For
in-store purchases, such data may take the form of data
communicated through a card reader. For online purchase or other
manual entry purchases, the data may be provided in an account
number, security code, or another code such as a discretionary data
code. An online portal may request multiple codes for purchases.
For example, an online portal may request entry of a security code
or a discretionary data code. A card may thus display a security
code and a discretionary data code. Such codes may, for example,
change based on use or based on time. Rewards may be applied to the
purchase in step 1925 (e.g., certain rewards may be earned for a
particular purchase).
[0124] Flow chart 1920 may be provided in which step 1921 is
initiated when, for example, a user selects a particular reward.
Step 1922 may commence, in which a database may associated the
selected rewards (or other functionalities) to particular buttons.
A user may select which buttons are associated to which rewards. A
user may also select a default application that does not require a
button to initiate. For example, a user may select a default type
of payment (e.g., a credit card number) as well as a default type
of reward (e.g., miles for a particular airline). A database may
store the configuration of a card. A transaction may be initiated
in step 1923. Step 1924 may receive information of which button(s)
were pressed and retrieve the current configuration of the card to
determine the functionalities desired by the user. The remote
server may apply those functionalities in step 1925.
[0125] Flow-chart 1930 may be included, in which a user logs into a
website associated with the user's account in step 1931. Persons
skilled in the art will appreciate that a payment account may
include multiple statements for various types of payment a user
includes on one or more payment cards. A payment account may
include a combined statement for all types of payment (e.g.,
personal credit, business credit, and personal debit).
[0126] Step 1932 may commence in which the current configuration of
a card is retrieved from a server in step 1932. Step 1933 may also
retrieve the current payment terms for a user. Step 1934 may be
initiated via the reception of a request to change the
configuration of a card (or other device). Step 1935 may change the
payment contract terms according to the configuration changes. A
user may be provided with a confirmation screen to manually confirm
the changes.
[0127] Flow chart 1940 may be included. Step 1941 may be initiated
and a graphical user interface may be provided with text boxes for
the entry of data. Such data may include, for example, payment card
number, expiration date, address with zip code, name on card, a
security code, and a discretionary data code. Step 1942 may
commence when a remote server receives the data including the
security code and discretionary data code. Such a graphical user
interface may be provided on a website as part of an online payment
process. Alternatively, for example, such a graphical user
interface may be provided on a cash register application, portable
telephonic device, or other device. Step 1943 may commence in which
the card is validated as authentic using the security code. Step
1944 may commence, in which the discretionary data code is utilized
to retrieve a variety of associated additional functionalities.
These functionalities are executed in step 1945. Person skilled in
the art will appreciate that discretionary data (e.g., such as
discretionary data communicated through a reader communications
device) may be embedded into a payment card number, address
information, name information, as well as a security code.
Accordingly, a remote server may remove the discretionary data from
this information. Alternatively, for example, the use of the above
data may be replaced to be that of a discretionary data use. For
example, a user's name may be replaced by a code that does not
include information associated with a user's name. A server may
accordingly utilize this data to determine the discretionary or
other data. For example, a security code may be utilized as
discretionary data. Furthermore, such codes may include a parity
bit or character. Moreover, for example, a limited number of
operable codes may be utilized in order to reduce, for example, the
mistaken entry and execution of a non-desired code. A confirmation
screen may be provided to confirm correct entry of data. Such a
confirmation screen may exist via a webpage or on a display of a
card.
[0128] FIG. 20 shows network topology 2000. Network topology 2000
may include communications network 2090. Communications network
2090 may include any number of communications servers,
transmitters, and receivers. Communications network 2090 may also
include, for example, any type of communication medium or multiple
types of communication mediums. Communication mediums may include,
for example, wireless or wire-based communications.
[0129] Reward server 2010 may be included in topology 2000. Reward
server 2010 may perform a variety of functions. For example, reward
server 2010 may receive information that was extract from a
received information packet from a card reader. Reward server 2010
may determine the type of reward that was requested based on the
extracted data. Reward server 2010 may execute a reward-based
function such as point/reward management, point redemption/usage.
For example, server 2010 may keep a running total of the amount of
a particular reward (e.g., miles or points). Server 2010 may
provide information regarding the total number of rewards, reward
acquisition history, and reward usage history to other facilities.
For example, this information may be communicated to a server at a
facility managed by a card issuer such that the card issuer can
incorporate this data into a webpage customized for a particular
user.
[0130] Authorization server 2010 may be included in topology 2000.
Authorization server 2010 may authorize an event--such as a payment
or other transaction. Authorization server 2010 may receive card
information (e.g., payment number and zip code) and may authorize
this data. Routing server 2030 may be included. Routing server 2030
may route information based on the contents of the information. For
example, routing server 2030 may receive payment information from
point-of-sale device 2050 and look at the beginning digits of a
payment number to determine which facility of a list of facilities
to send the payment data. Such a routing server may transmit all of
the information that was received or may extract information such
that a smaller amount of information is forwarded to other
facilities (e.g., extract the portions of the payment number used
to route the payment information). The information may be forwarded
to a variety of facilities such as, for example, a facility housing
another routing server, an authorization sever, or a card issuer's
server.
[0131] Card issuer server 2040 may be managed by the issuer of a
particular payment card. Card issuer server 2040 may, for example,
issue a webpage for a user or may perform particular functions such
as online access verification (e.g., using an access code
communicated via a display). Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that a card issuer may manage, for example, their own
routing and authorization servers.
[0132] POS terminal 2050 may communicate information received from
a card. POS terminal 2050 may take many forms such as, for example,
a cash-register having a display and a magnetic stripe reader. POS
terminal 2050 may receive information from topology 2000. For
example, POS terminal may receive a signal indicative of the result
of a transaction authorization (e.g., failed, verified, destroy
card, or hold card and customer until a representative or authority
arrives). Additional information may be communicated to the POS
terminal such as, for example, a point or reward balance and
information associated with a functionality of a card. Such
information may be printed on a receipt directly or in a code form
or communicated to the card (e.g., via light-based signals).
[0133] Point redemption server 2060 may be utilized to redeem
rewards such as miles or points. Online discretionary data server
2070 may be included and may, for example, receive discretionary
data and perform functions based on the received discretionary
data. Such discretionary data may be received from multiple tracks
of magnetic data where each track includes discretionary data. Such
discretionary data may be received from an online purchase
application that includes a window for receiving manually input
discretionary data.
[0134] Dynamic number authentication and linking server 2080 may be
utilized to authorize a dynamic payment card number (as well as
dynamic codes). Such dynamic card numbers and codes may be based on
use or on time. Server 2080 may also keep track of merchants that
have utilized a number such that those merchants can utilize the
number again at a future time (e.g., for period billing and
one-click shopping).
[0135] FIG. 21 shows cards 2110, 2130, 2150, and 2170. Card 2110
may be included. Dynamic magnetic communications device 2114 may be
provided on the front, back, or middle of a card. Dynamic magnetic
communications device 2114 may be configured to provide
electromagnetic signals, operable to be read by a magnetic stripe
reader, to any one or both sides of card 2110. Display 2112 may be
provided on the front or back of card 2110. Display 2122 may
display discretionary data for use with online transactions. Data
displayed on display 2110 may be entered into a security code input
text box of an online purchase application or a discretionary data
text box of an online purchase application. Card 2110 may include
additional displays for a separate code (e.g., a security code) or
for displaying other information such as a dynamic payment
number.
[0136] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that display 2112
may be a six-digit seven segment display. Accordingly, display 2112
may display 2112 may display four digits and may have fourteen
segments to display. Such segments can be utilized to display
information other than numbers. For example, segment 2113 may be
utilized to indicate that a particular functionality is activated.
Such a functionality may be associated with permanently written
data 2114. For example, a user may activate button 2118 and segment
2113 may be displayed. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate
that multiple segments on a digit display may be utilized at any
given time. For example, a user may be provided with the ability to
split the rewards earned by a purchase between two different types
of rewards. For example, a user may press button 2118 to turn
segment 21130N and press button 2118 again to turn segment 2114 OFF
(and the associated functionality). Accordingly, a user may press
button 2119 and an associated segment may be displayed or a user
may press button 2120 and an associated segment may be displayed. A
user may thus press buttons 2118 and 2120 and rewards earned may be
split (e.g., 50/50 between miles and charity. A user may select all
of the buttons and may evenly split rewards earned between those
types. A user may be provided with the ability to select the
distribution of rewards for every purchase (e.g., via additional
buttons). Segments may also be utilized to display status
information. For example, segment 2117 may be displayed to indicate
that a battery is low or that a battery is not low. Permanent
information 2111 may be printed in the proximity of segment 2117 to
aide a user in understanding the functionality associated with
segment 2117.
[0137] Card 2130 may be provided with, for example, display 2136,
light source (e.g., LED) 2131, light source 2135, dynamic magnetic
communications device 2133, button 2132 and button 2134. Display
2136 may display a partial payment number or a full payment number.
Additional data may be displayed. For example, display 2136 may
display a dynamic payment number and a static security code. Such a
static security code may, for example, be constructed such that
each number is printed as a single segment such that the number
cannot be changed. Alternatively, the security code may be changed
(e.g., based on time or based on use). A user may utilize button
2132 to display a particular payment number while utilizing button
2134 to display a different payment number. Such selected
information may be communicated via magnetic communications device
2133 (along with other discretionary data). Discretionary data may
also be displayed via a display for online use. Light source 2131
may be utilized to indicate that button 2132 has been activated.
Light source 2134 may be utilized to indicate that button 2135 has
been activated. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that
cards may show payment numbers (e.g., credit and debit card
numbers) or other types of data. Such other types of data may
include, for example, serial numbers for authorizing brokerage
trades, video gaming numbers for accessing access to particular
video games or video game characters, gambling numbers for
different gambling accounts, or identification numbers for
different loyalty programs (e.g., a grocery store chain's discount
card and an electronic store's reward and discount card). Card 2130
may be pre-programmed with various numbers that are associated with
particular buttons. Card 2130 may include buttons such that a user
can reconfigure a card with different numbers either through manual
input via buttons or wireless signals (e.g., light-based
signals).
[0138] Card 2150 may be included that includes button 2152, light
source 2151 and display 2154. A number may be hidden on display
2153 until an appropriate code is entered via buttons, which may be
indicated via light source 2151.
[0139] Card 2170 may be included that includes button 2173, light
source 2172 and display 2174. A number may be hidden on display
2153 until an appropriate code is entered via buttons, which may be
indicated via light source 2151. Such a number may change based on
time such that the number associated with the time period in which
a correct PIN was entered is displayed on display 2174.
[0140] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any
communications device may be added to a card. For example, an IC
chip (e.g, EMV chip) may be added to card 2130 and may be utilized
to provide information to an RFID antenna.
[0141] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that data may be
transferred, such as gift card and/or pre-paid card data, to a card
in a variety of ways. For example, a card may be swiped a second
time through a magnetic stripe reader that includes a magnetic
stripe encoder. A coil on the card may be utilized to receive the
information and provide the received information to a processor. In
doing so, information may be loaded into the card. Similarly, an IC
chip may be utilized to receive data as well as a passive or active
RFID. Additionally, one or more microphones may be included to
receive audio information that may be representative of data.
Accordingly, for example, a user may hold his/her card, or other
device, next to a device that is operable to transmit audio via a
speaker (e.g., laptop, stationary computer, or mobile telephonic
device). The audio information may be discerned by the card and
utilized to load information into the card (e.g., a gift card or
pre-paid card. An application may also be loaded that enhances the
functionality of the card. Such an application may include, for
example, a user's medical information such that medical information
can be displayed via the card (or other device) during a medical
emergency. Accordingly, applications and/or payment cards may be
purchased online and a speaker may communicate information to a
card. Similarly, the card may include a speaker for transmitting
information such that bi-directional communications are
established. A light detector may be provided on a card that may
receive light pulses indicative of data. Accordingly, for example,
a user may hold a card up to a display--such as the screen of a
laptop, stationary computer, or mobile phone--and information may
be communicated from the display to the card via the light
detector. Similarly, a light source may be utilized to communicate
information from one device to another. For example, a light source
(e.g., LED) may be utilized to communicate information from one
card to another. Similarly, a magnetic stripe reader may include a
light source. A card may be positioned over the light source such
that a light detector of the card is aligned with the light source
to receive light. Accordingly, the light of a magnetic stripe
reader (or other type of reader) may be utilized to communicate
information back to a card. A user may utilize interfaces on the
card (e.g., buttons) to initiate a transfer of data from one card
to another card or from a device to a card. A variety of types of
data may be communicated. For example, money may be communicated
from one debit card to another debit card such that payments may
occur between the cards. Accordingly, for example, the next time a
card is utilized via a reader (e.g., a magnetic stripe reader)
information of the transfer may be communicated to a server for
processing. Light may be utilized to transfer data from a card to a
computer using, for example, a camera (e.g., webcam) on the
computer. Sound may be utilized to transfer data from a card to a
computer using, for example, a microphone on the computer.
[0142] A display may also be utilized as an interface. For example,
a display may include a contact and an electronic ink. The
electronic ink may change colors in response to, for example, a
particular electrical signal being supplied to the contact. A
capacitive sensor may be coupled to such a contact, however, such
that a user interaction with the contact may be sensed by the
capacitive sensor. Accordingly, a card may include a display that
can also receive user input. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that a display may include multiple contacts. For
example, a display may include multiple 7-segment (e.g., to display
digits) or 11-segment, 14-segment, or 16-segment (e.g., to display
alphanumerics) regions where each segment may be coupled to a
capacitive sensor.
[0143] A biometric sensor may be placed on a card or other device.
Such a biometric sensor may be, for example, a fingerprint reader.
Accordingly, one or more fingerprints may be stored in the memory
of a card and compared to scanned fingerprints. Different
fingerprints may activate the card differently (e.g., utilize a
different user's payment card info).
[0144] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a user's
payment card number (e.g., credit card or debit card number) does
not have to change. A display may hide this payment card number
until an appropriate unlocking code is entered into buttons of the
card. Similarly, a magnetic emulator may not be provided current
until the proper unlocking code is entered--thus keeping magnetic
information private and not allowing undesirable readers to read a
card. A security code may be displayed on the same or a different
display. A button may be provided representative of an online
purchase (or a user may utilize buttons to instruct the processor
that an online purchase is desirable). For such an online purchase,
the credit card number and the security code may be displayed--but
the magnetic emulator may not be activated. In doing so, the level
of security of the card is increased. Furthermore, for example, a
button may be provided representative of in-store purchases (or a
user may utilize buttons to instruct the processor that an in-store
purchase is desirable). Accordingly, a processor may be signaled
that an in-store purchase is desired. A different operation may be
associated with different types of purchases (e.g., online or
in-store). Accordingly, for example, magnetic emulators may be
activated for an in-store environment--but not the displays.
Accordingly, for example, a restaurant cashier may not be able to
read the credit card number from the card, but may still be able to
swipe the card. If a reader is down or a cashier requires reading
particular information (e.g., a security code or credit card number
information) then controls may be utilized to communicate this
information. A record of the types of transactions may be stored
and may be communicated in discretionary fields of data within a
transmitted data track. Such record information may be utilized,
for example, to further increase security and/or introduce a
variety of additional functionality.
[0145] Different types of cards may be provided on a card. For
example, a security ID number and a credit card number may both be
provided on the same card. A button may be utilized to allow a user
to provide instruction to a processor such that the processor can
display (e.g., visually and/or magnetically) the desired
information. For example, a user may determine to use one of a
variety of payment accounts (e.g., credit and/or debit) for a
purchase. An entire payment number (e.g., credit or debit) may be
changed and/or hidden visually and/or magnetically. A portion of a
payment card number (e.g., credit or debit) may be changed and/or
hidden visually and/or magnetically.
[0146] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a display on
the card may display a credit card number that does not change with
time (or transaction or button press). Additionally, for example, a
magnetic emulator (or multiple magnetic emulators) may magnetically
communicate financial data that does not change with time. Such a
card may reduce, for example, the effects of physical card theft
and card cloning.
[0147] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any numbers
of a credit card number may remain static and/or change either with
time or based off a transaction (e.g., by sensing a read-head
"swipe"). Additionally, any static and/or dynamic numbers may be
displayed via a display or printed on a card. For example, a middle
6 digits of a credit/debit card number may be static and may be
displayed on a display. Such a middle 6 digits may be displayed,
for example, upon the entry of a correct PIC. Similarly, a magnetic
emulator may not communicate information until a correct PIC has
been entered by a user. Doing so may, for example, reduce fraud
associated with card cloning. Additionally, a receipt may be
provided that includes masked credit card numbers except for the
last few digits of credit card numbers. Accordingly, displaying a
static middle 6 digits of credit card numbers may allow for such a
receipt to be provided while still reducing credit card fraud from
hiding numbers that are not displayed on such a receipt. Any amount
of numbers and/or characters may be displayed through a display.
For example, nineteen digits may be displayed as part of a
credit/debit numbers and these numbers may also be communicated
through one or more magnetic emulation circuits. The entry of
particular PICs may provide different results. For example, a first
PIC may only display a string of alphanumeric characters. A second
PIC may only activate a magnetic emulation circuit to transmit
information including that string of alphanumeric characters (or a
different string). A third PIC may activate a magnetic emulation
circuit and a display. A display and/or magnetic emulation circuit
may be turned OFF, for example, upon entry of an incorrect PIC
and/or after a period of time has passed since the entry of the PIC
and/or after the detection of a particular number of swipes by a
read-head detector (e.g., one or two).
[0148] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a
credit/debit card number (or any other information) may remain
static until an event occurs and then may become dynamic (e.g.,
change based on swipes and/or time). For example, a particular PIC
may change from a static to a dynamic topology and/or a topology
may be changed from static to dynamic after a pre-determined period
of time. Additionally a card and/or device may include a wireless
receiver and a topology may be changed from a static to a dynamic
topology upon, for example, receiving an appropriate signal from
the wireless receiver. Accordingly, a validation process may change
at a validation server depending upon whether a card is utilizing a
static and/or dynamic topology at any given time. Additionally, a
static credit/debit card number may be printed on the face of a
card and information (e.g., a security code) may be displayed via a
display and remain static over time (or with use) or be provided
dynamically.
[0149] A card or other device (e.g., a mobile telephone) may accept
a pre-determined number of consecutive incorrect PICs before
locking the card for a period of time or until an appropriate
secondary PIC is entered. Accordingly, a user may enter in an
incorrect PIC a number of times and then, after a card becomes
locked, call a support center for a secondary one-time use PIC. A
card may cycle through unlocking PICs based, for example, on time
or the number of previous unlock attempts.
[0150] FIG. 22 shows personal electronic device 2200 which may be,
for example, a portable telephonic device, portable media player,
or any type of electronic device. Persons skilled in the art will
appreciate that the functionality of a card may be provided on a
personal device and displayed through a graphical user interface.
Personal electronic device 2200 may include, for example, user
inputs 2240 and display 2210. Virtual card 2220 may be displayed on
display 2220. Display 2020 may be a touch-sensitive display such
that, for example, virtual button 2230 may be provided on virtual
card 2220. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that cards
may be provided as virtual cards and a user may interact with such
virtual cards in order to provide a variety of functions. Personal
electronic device 2200 may communicate to a card reader such as,
for example, an RFID reader.
[0151] A display may be bi-stable or non bi-stable. A bi-stable
display may consume electrical energy to change the information
displayed on the bi-stable display but may not consume electrical
energy to maintain the display of that information. A non bi-stable
display may consume electrical energy to both change and maintain
information on the non bi-stable display. A display driving circuit
may be provided, for example, for a bi-stable display (or a non
bi-stable display). Such a display driving circuit may step-up a
supply voltage (e.g., 1-5 volts) to a larger voltage (e.g., 6-15
volts) such that a bi-stable display may change displayed
information. A controller (e.g., a processor) may be utilized to
control such a display driving circuit. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that a display may be configured to display
numerical data or alphanumerical data. A display may also be
configured to display other indicia (e.g., the image of a battery
and its remaining life).
[0152] A magnetic stripe reader may, for example, determine
information on a magnetic stripe by detecting the frequency of
changes in magnetic fields (e.g., flux transversals). A particular
frequency of flux transversals may correlate to, for example, a
particular information state (e.g., a logic "1" or a logic "0").
Accordingly, for example, a magnetic emulator may change the
direction of an electromagnetic field at particular frequencies in
order to communicate a different state of information (e.g., a
logic "1" or a logic "0").
[0153] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate, for example,
that a card may include an IC chip (e.g., EMV chip), RFID, and a
dynamic magnetic communications device (e.g., a magnetic emulator
or encoder). The same information may be communicated through, for
example, any number of such devices (e.g., a dynamic magnetic
communications device, RFID, and an EMV chip). A central processor
may cause each device to communicate the information (in the same
format or a different format). Each component may have its own
processor or driving circuitry. Such individual processors or
driving circuitry may be coupled to a central processor. An EMV
chip may be utilized, for example, to provide control signals to
other devices (e.g., circuitry driving a display as well as a
dynamic magnetic communications device). Such an EMV chip may
receive signals provided by one or more buttons to determine, for
example, that a particular button, or sequence of buttons, was
pressed by a user.
[0154] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a magnetic
emulator may electromagnetically communicate information serially
by changing the magnitude of an electromagnetic field with respect
to time. As such, for example, a current in a single direction may
be provided through a magnetic emulator in order for that magnetic
emulator to generate an electromagnetic field of a single direction
and a particular magnitude. The current may then be removed from
the magnetic emulator such that, for example, the electromagnetic
field is removed. The creation of a presence of an electromagnetic
field, and the removal of that electromagnetic field, may be
utilized to communicate information to, for example, a magnetic
stripe reader. A magnetic stripe reader may be configured to read,
for example, the change in flux versus time and may associate an
increase in an electromagnetic field (e.g., creation of a field) as
one flux transversal and a decrease (e.g., removal of a field) as
another transversal. In doing so, for example, driving circuitry
(not shown) may be provided which, in turn, controls when current
is provided to a magnetic emulator. The timing of magnetic flux
transversals, as determined by a magnetic stripe reader, may be
utilized by that reader to determine whether a logic one ("1") or
logic zero ("0") was communicated. Accordingly, a driving circuit
may change the frequency of when current is supplied and removed
from a magnetic emulator in order to communicate a logic one ("1")
or a logic zero ("0").
[0155] A driving circuit may, for example, change the direction of
current supplied to a magnetic emulator to increase the amount of
change in an electromagnetic field magnitude for a period of time.
In doing so, for example, a magnetic stripe reader may more easily
be able to discern overall changes in an electromagnetic field and,
as such, may more easily be able to discern information. As such,
for example, a driving circuit may increase the magnitude of an
electromagnetic field by providing negative current, decrease the
amount of negative current until no current is provided and provide
an increasing positive current in order to provide a large swing in
the magnitude of an electromagnetic field. Similarly, a driving
circuit may switch from providing one amount of negative current
(or positive current) to one amount of positive current (or
negative current).
[0156] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a string of
a particular bit of data (e.g., a string of logic zeros "Os") may
be communicated before as well as after information is communicated
through a magnetic emulator. A magnetic stripe reader may utilize
such data, for example, to determine base timing information such
that the magnetic stripe reader has a timing reference that the
reader can utilize to assist in determining timing changes of
perceived flux transversals. Accordingly, for example, a magnetic
emulator may send data at different overall frequencies and a
magnetic stripe reader may be able to reconfigure itself to receive
data at such overall frequencies. Information may be encoded using,
for example, Frequency/Double Frequency (F2F) encoding such that
magnetic stripe readers may perform, F2F decoding.
[0157] A processor may control one or more emulators by, for
example, controlling the direction of the current supplied through
one or more segments of an emulator. By changing the direction of
current through a region, for example, the direction of an
electromagnetic field may be changed. Similarly, a processor may
control one or more emulators by, for example, controlling the
change in magnitude of current supplied through one or more
segments of an emulator. As such, for example, a processor may
increase the magnitude of current as well as decrease the magnitude
of current supplied through an emulator. A processor may control
the timing of such increases and decreases in current such that a
magnetic emulator may, for example, communicate F2F encoded
information.
[0158] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a dynamic
magnetic communications device (e.g., a magnetic emulator or
magnetic encoder) may be fabricated, either completely or
partially, in silicon and provided as a silicon-based chip. Other
circuitry (e.g., driving circuitry) may also be fabricated on such
a silicon-based chip. A processor, such as a processor for
controlling a magnetic communications device, may be, for example,
a programmable processor having on-board programmable non-volatile
memory (e.g., FLASH memory), volatile memory (e.g., RAM), as well
as a cache. Firmware as well as payment information (e.g., dynamic
numbers) may be, for example, communicated from a programming
device to a processor's on-board programmable non-volatile memory
(e.g., a FLASH memory) such that a card may provide a variety of
functionalities. Such a processor may also have one or more
power-saving operating modes, in which each operating mode turns
OFF a different set of circuitry to provide different levels of
power consumption. One or more power-savings modes may turn OFF,
for example, one or more clocking circuitry provided on a
processor. An Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) may
also be included in a card or other device to provide, for example,
processing, dynamic magnetic communications, as well as driving
capabilities.
[0159] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
present invention is not limited to only the embodiments described.
Instead, the present invention more generally involves dynamic
information. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that
the apparatus of the present invention may be implemented in other
ways then those described herein. All such modifications are within
the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the
claims that follow.
* * * * *