U.S. patent application number 14/018649 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-02 for processor card arrangement.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. The applicant listed for this patent is The Royal Bank of Scotland plc. Invention is credited to Paul Randle Cowcher.
Application Number | 20140006771 14/018649 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39387013 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140006771 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cowcher; Paul Randle |
January 2, 2014 |
PROCESSOR CARD ARRANGEMENT
Abstract
Disclosed is a processor card arrangement comprising a first
portion and a second portion capable of being moved relative to one
another between a first configuration and a second configuration
resulting in the processor card switching between a first state and
a second state, wherein when in said first state, the processor
card arrangement is operable to perform at least one function and,
when in said second state, the processor card arrangement it is not
operable to perform said at least one function. According to some
embodiments of the invention the dimensions of said processor card
arrangement are substantially the same when in the first
configuration and when in the second configuration.
Inventors: |
Cowcher; Paul Randle;
(Edinburgh, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc |
Edinburgh |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
The Royal Bank of Scotland
plc
Edinburgh
GB
|
Family ID: |
39387013 |
Appl. No.: |
14/018649 |
Filed: |
September 5, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12893781 |
Sep 29, 2010 |
8550362 |
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14018649 |
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PCT/EP2009/053753 |
Mar 30, 2009 |
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12893781 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
713/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 19/07327 20130101;
G06F 9/4406 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
713/100 |
International
Class: |
G06F 9/44 20060101
G06F009/44 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 31, 2008 |
GB |
0805780.4 |
Claims
1. A transaction card comprising a first portion and a second
portion capable of being moved relative to one another between a
first configuration and a second configuration resulting in the
transaction card switching between a first state and a second
state, wherein: when in said first state, the transaction card is
operable to perform at least one function; when in said second
state, the transaction card is not operable to perform said at
least one function; and the dimensions of said transaction card are
substantially the same when in the first configuration and when in
the second configuration.
2. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein said at least
one function comprises communicating wirelessly with a remote
device.
3. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the surface
area of the transaction card is substantially the same when in said
first configuration as when in said second configuration.
4. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein moving the
transaction card between a first configuration and a second
configuration comprises at least one of one of the following
actions: lifting at least one of said first portion and second
portion; sliding at least one of said first portion and second
portion; rotating at least one of said first portion and second
portion.
5. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein each of said
first portion and said second portion comprises a laminar portion
arranged so that, in said second configuration, a first face of
said first portion opposes a first face of said second portion and
said first portion overlaps said second portion.
6. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein movement
between said first configuration and said second configuration
comprises a lifting action and a rotating action, such that, in
said first configuration, a first face of said first portion is
exposed, and, in said second configuration, a second face of said
first portion is exposed.
7-12. (canceled)
13. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein said
transaction card is configured for use in a transaction involving a
first user account when in said first state, and said transaction
card is configured for use in a transaction involving a second user
account when in said second state.
14. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein said
transaction card is configured to perform a function of a first
type of transaction card when in said first state, and said
transaction card is configured to perform a function of a second
type of transaction card when in said second state.
15. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein said
transaction card comprises at least one array of contact pads
disposed on a face of the card arrangement.
16. The transaction card according to claim 15, wherein the
dimensions and position of said at least one array of contact pads
comply with at least one of ISO 7810 and 7816.
17. (canceled)
18. The transaction card according to claim 15, wherein at least
one array of contact pads is available for interacting with a
respective card reading terminal when the card is in each of the
first and the second configurations.
19. The transaction card according to claim 18, comprising plural
arrays of contact pads, with at least one array of contact pads on
at least two faces of the card arrangement.
20. The transaction card according to claim 19, wherein the
dimensions and positions of each of the arrays of contact pads
complies with at least one of ISO 7810 and 7816.
21. The transaction card according to claim 1, wherein the
transaction card is at least one of a credit card, a debit card,
and a stored value card.
22. A payment card comprising a first portion and a second portion
capable of being moved relative to one another between a first
configuration and a second configuration resulting in the payment
card switching between a first state and a second state, wherein:
when in said first state, the payment card is operable to perform a
first function; when in said second state, the payment card it is
not operable to perform said first function; and the dimensions of
said payment card are substantially the same when in the first
configuration and when in the second configuration.
23. The payment card according to claim 22, wherein said first
function comprises effecting a payment associated with a first
account.
24. The payment card according to claim 23, wherein the first
account is one of a debit account, a credit account, and a stored
value account.
25. The payment card according to claim 22, wherein said first
function comprises communicating wirelessly with a remote
device.
26. The payment card according to claim 22, wherein: when in said
second state, the payment card is configured to perform a second
function; and when in said first state, the payment card it is
prevented from performing said second function.
27. The payment card according to claim 26, wherein said first
function comprises effecting a payment associated with a first
account, and said second function comprises effecting a payment
associated with a second account that is different from the first
account.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a processor card
arrangement. In particular, the invention relates to a processor
card arrangement which is capable of being arranged in more than
one configuration.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Processor cards containing a data processing capability such
as a microprocessor can be used as credit cards, debit cards,
stored-value cards, membership cards, security access cards,
identification cards and so on. Cards having a data processing
capability are sometimes referred to as "smartcards". Such cards
are usually of a standardised size and shape, such as that
prescribed in ISO 7810 for credit cards and debit cards etc., and
tend to have information such as an indication of the card issuer,
a card holder name, a card number and so on displayed in standard
areas on the card surface on one side of the card. The opposing
side of the card may comprise a magnetic or optical stripe and an
area for the signature of a user of the processor card holder
possibly contact details and other relevant party logos.
[0003] It is now possible to incorporate more and more functions
within such cards. For example, it is now possible to incorporate
dynamic displays in cards using, for example LCD or 8-segment
displays; audio transmitters may also be incorporated using, for
example, flat panel loudspeaker technology such as that produced by
NXT.TM.. However, incorporation of sophisticated functions, which
may necessitate a user input interface, is inhibited by the limited
available space on such cards due to the standardised size and the
space taken up by information such as that described above.
[0004] Using processor cards to process transactions may involve
entering the card into a reading terminal, which then reads
information from the magnetic or optical strip and/or processor
chip (via an array of contact pads on the front face o the card).
The user inputs an identification code known only to the user such
as a Personal Identification Number (PIN) into the terminal. The
terminal and card interact to verify that the identification code
matches a value stored in the card, in a known manner; the
transaction only proceeds if there is a match, which prevents the
card being used by third parties in the event that the card is lost
or stolen.
[0005] However, there is a move to arrange processor cards for use
in performing contactless transactions, in which the card
communicates wirelessly with a terminal using, for example,
inductive or capacitive activation and Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) technology; this may be implemented using,
for example, EMV Contactless Communication Protocol Specification
v.2.0, This allows transactions to be processed more quickly than
methods involving entering an identification code, but gives rise
to security issues; since the information on the card can be read
wirelessly, it is possible that third parties could use portable
terminals to read this information without the user's knowledge and
subsequently make use of this information for nefarious
purposes.
[0006] In some arrangements processor cards are used in conjunction
with another device, such as a mobile telephone. A card may be
inserted into the device, which then accesses data on the card and
communicates wirelessly with a terminal using, for example, Near
Field Communication (NEC) technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a processor card arrangement comprising a first portion and a
second portion capable of being moved relative to one another
between a first configuration and a second configuration resulting
in the processor card switching between a first state and a second
state, wherein:
[0008] when in said first state, the processor card arrangement is
operable to perform at least one function; and
[0009] when in said second state, the processor card arrangement it
is not operable to perform said at least one function.
[0010] Thus, processor card arrangements according to the present
invention may adopt more than one configuration, with the range of
functions that the card is operable to perform varying according to
the configuration. This enables the limited physical size of such
processor cards to be used more efficiently than in conventional
cards having only a single configuration. Since a change in state
of the card is caused by a change in configuration, the user can
easily discern the current state of the card.
[0011] The at least one function may comprise communicating with a
remote device. Thus, processor card arrangements according to the
present invention may be used to perform contactless transactions.
In this case, the card may be operable to perform the transaction
when in one configuration, but not when in another, allowing the
card, when not in use, to be kept in a state in which it is not
capable of contactless communication, preventing acquisition by
unauthorised parties of information stored on the card. The
contactless transaction capability may be instead of or in addition
to the more traditional `contact` transaction capability via an
array of contact pads (in other words a processor card may have an
array of contact pads and a contact less transaction
capability).
[0012] Alternatively, or additionally, the at least one function
may comprise a display function of the card. Varying the card
display according to configuration allows more variety of
information to be displayed than in arrangements which have only a
single configuration.
[0013] In some embodiments, the surface area of the arrangement is
substantially the same when in the first configuration as when in
the second configuration. This allows the card to be used to
perform different functions whilst maintaining a size prescribed
for the card.
[0014] In some embodiments, the appearance of the arrangement when
in the first configuration is substantially different to the
appearance when in the second configuration. Alternatively, or
additionally, the texture of at least a part of the arrangement
when in the first configuration may be substantially different to
the texture when in the second configuration. These features allow
a user of the card to easily discern a current configuration, and
thereby state, of the arrangement.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first and second portions are
connected by a hinge which facilitates said movement.
Alternatively, or additionally, the portions may be connected by a
swivel hinge which facilitates said movement. These features
provide convenient means of connecting the portions, allowing the
portions to be moved with respect to one another between
configurations.
[0016] The processor card arrangement may comprise a switch which
is activated by said movement. The switch may comprise a reed
switch or it could be a mechanical switch. These features provide
convenient means of implementing switching between states. In some
embodiments, moving the arrangement between a first configuration
and a second configuration comprises at least one of the following
actions: lifting at least one of said first portion and second
portion; sliding at least one of said first portion and second
portion; rotating at least one of said first portion and second
portion. These features provide convenient means for changing
configurations.
[0017] In some embodiments each of said first portion and said
second portion comprises a laminar portion arranged so that, in
said second configuration, a first face of said first portion
opposes a first face of said second portion and said first portion
overlaps said second portion. In the first configuration, a second
face of said first portion may oppose a second face of said second
portion and a second portion may overlap said first portion. This
provides an arrangement in which one portion may be "flipped over"
another portion, such that it finishes on the opposite side of the
other portion to which it started.
[0018] In some embodiments, when in the first configuration, the
second portion is offset with respect to the first portion. In some
cases it may be convenient to provide an arrangement in which the
portions are slid apart in order to change the state of the
card.
[0019] In some embodiments, movement between the first
configuration and the second configuration comprises a lifting
action and a rotating action, such that in the first configuration,
a first face of said first portion is exposed, and, in the second
configuration, a second face of said first portion is exposed.
[0020] Movement from the first configuration to the second
configuration may expose a first display element. Movement from the
second configuration to the first configuration may expose a second
display element. These features allow different displays to be used
in different configurations, allowing the arrangement to provide a
greater total display area than is possible in conventional cards
of the same size.
[0021] At least one of the first display element and the second
display element may comprise an LCD display clement. Additionally,
or alternatively, at least one of the first display element and
said second display element may comprise an electronic ink display
clement. These features provide convenient means for implementing
the display.
[0022] In some embodiments, movement from the first configuration
to the second configuration exposes a first input means.
Additionally, or alternatively, movement from the second
configuration to the first configuration may expose a second input
means. At least one of said first input means and said second input
means may comprise a key pad. These features allow different inputs
to be used in different configurations, allowing the arrangement to
provide more input means than is possible in conventional cards of
standardised size.
[0023] The processor card arrangement may be arranged to be
lockable in at least one of said first configuration and said
second configuration. The arrangement may comprise at least one of
a magnetic locking means and a mechanical locking means. The
features allow the card to be kept in a configuration without
slipping into another configuration; this prevents, for example,
the arrangement accidentally slipping into a configuration in which
it may be read surreptitiously by third parties.
[0024] In some cases, the processor card arrangement comprises a
third portion which is capable of being moved with respect to at
least one of the first portion and the second portion. The
invention is not limited to processor card arrangements having only
two portions.
[0025] In some embodiments, the arrangement comprises a transaction
card. The invention may have particular utility with cards used for
performing financial or other transactions, such as credit cards,
debit cards, stored value cards, and so on.
[0026] The arrangement may be operable for use in a transaction
involving a first user account when in said first state, and said
arrangement is operable for use in a transaction involving a second
user account when in said second state. Thus the card may be
switched between states in which it is can be used to, for example
make a purchase, funds for which are withdrawn from different
accounts of a user, or of more than one user.
[0027] In some embodiments, the arrangement is operable to perform
a function of a first type of transaction card when in said first
state, and said arrangement is operable to perform a function of a
second type of transaction card when in said second state. Thus the
card may be switched between states in which it is alternately
operable to act as first type of transaction card, e.g. a debit
card, and a second type of transaction card, e.g., a credit
card.
[0028] In at least one configuration, the processor card
arrangement may have dimensions complying with ISO 7810. This
allows the card to be used with conventional equipment, such as an
ATM.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following description of embodiments of the
invention, given by way of example only, which makes reference to
the accompanying drawings, of which:
[0030] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of a first processor card
arrangement in a first configuration according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of the first processor card
arrangement in an intermediate stage between the first
configuration and a second configuration;
[0032] FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of the first processor card
arrangement in the second configuration;
[0033] FIG. 1d is a schematic diagram of a notch for facilitating
separating portions of the first processor card arrangement;
[0034] FIG. 1e is a schematic diagram of the first processor card
arrangement in a third configuration;
[0035] FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram a second processor card
arrangement in a first configuration according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of the second processor card
arrangement showing one portion lifted;
[0037] FIG. 2c is a schematic diagram of the second processor card
arrangement with the lifted portion being rotated;
[0038] FIG. 2d is a schematic diagram of the second processor card
arrangement with the lifted portion having been rotated through 180
degrees from its orientation in the first configuration:
[0039] FIG. 2e is a schematic diagram of the second processor card
arrangement in a second configuration;
[0040] FIG. 2f is a simple schematic diagram of a third processor
card arrangement according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 2g is a simple schematic diagram of a fourth processor
card arrangement according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of a fifth processor card
arrangement a first configuration according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of the fifth processor card
arrangement in a second configuration;
[0044] FIG. 4a is a schematic diagram of a sixth processor card
arrangement according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 4b is a schematic diagram of a portion of sixth
processor card arrangement in a first configuration;
[0046] FIG. 4c is a schematic diagram of the portion of the sixth
processor card arrangement in a second configuration;
[0047] FIG. 5a is a simple schematic diagram of a seventh processor
card arrangement in a first configuration according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 5b is a simple schematic diagram of an eighth processor
card arrangement according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0049] FIG. 6a is a simple schematic diagram of a ninth processor
card arrangement in a first configuration according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 6b is a simple schematic diagram of the ninth processor
card showing a rotating portion being rotated;
[0051] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention
comprising three portions;
[0052] FIG. 8a is a schematic diagram of a tenth processor card
arrangement in a first configuration according to an embodiment of
the present invention in which a processor card is inserted into an
attaching portion;
[0053] FIG. 8b is a schematic diagram of the tenth processor card
arrangement in which processor card is separated from an attaching
portion;
[0054] FIG. 8c is a schematic diagram of the tenth processor card
arrangement in which the direction of face of the processor card is
reversed;
[0055] FIG. 8d is a schematic diagram of the tenth processor card
arrangement in a second configuration in which the direction of
face of the processor card reversed with respect to the first
configuration; and
[0056] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a processor card
arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention
being used in conjunction with a mobile communications device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] In the following discussion we will be describing examples
of processor cards capable of being arranged in two or more
configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. Examples will be described in which the processor card
is a transaction card such as a credit card, debit card or stored
value card, but it is to be understood that the present invention
is not limited to such cards: indeed, the present invention is
applicable to any type of card containing a processing
functionality, including cards which are not used for transactions,
such as identification cards, membership cards, memory cards and so
on. The processor card may be a card whose audiovisual output is
controlled by an external signal, for example a signal of a
terminal, which updates the card, for example by changing a colour
of the card, to indicate information, such as a new account status
associated with the card, a state of a balance of a account
associated with the card and so on.
[0058] FIG. 1a to FIG. 1d show a first example of a processor card
arrangement 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 1a shows a processor card arrangement 100
comprising a first portion 102a and a second portion 102b. Each of
the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b are thin panel
portions of substantially the same surface area, the first portion
102a overlapping the second portion 102b. In the configuration
shown in FIG. 1a, a card issuer name 104 and a card number 108 are
visible on a first surface 110 of the card 100. In this example,
the processor card 100 is not capable of contactless communication
with a terminal when in the configuration shown in FIG. 1a.
Configurations in which a processor card arrangement 100 is not
capable of contactless communication with a terminal are herein
referred to as "inactive" configurations; configurations in which a
card is capable of contactless communication with a terminal are
referred to as "active" configurations. That the configuration of
FIG. 1a is an inactive configuration is indicated by the marking
"inactive" 101a on the surface 110 of the card arrangement 100.
[0059] We now turn to describing the card being moved from an
inactive configuration to an active configuration. The two portions
100a and 100b are connected by hinges 120a and 120b, about which
the portions 100a and 100b can be rotated to open and close the
card arrangement 100. FIG. 1b shows an intermediate position
between the first and second configurations, in which the first
portion 102a has been rotated about the hinges 120a and 120b. In
the active configuration, shown in FIG. 1c, the first portion 102a
has been rotated through 360 degrees, so that it is positioned
underneath the second portion 102b such that the second portion
102b overlaps the first portion 102a.
[0060] Movement front the active configuration to the inactive
configuration exposes a further surface 122 of the card arrangement
100. On the further surface 122, there is provided a display area
114 and a keypad 112. The display area 114 may be used to display
information such as: an available balance, which may be obtained
through contactless communication with a terminal; personal details
of the user such as a company ID, National ID number, NHS number or
an alert code/message (e.g. allergic to penicillin); a balance
remaining in an electronic purse; the number or value of transport
`credits` remaining; an authentication code or response to a
challenge supplied by an input from an on-card or attached
keyboard; a response to a challenge supplied through contact or
wirelessly from a terminal; a ticket or event code (for transport,
sports and social events) in numerical, 2-D or 3-D bar code; lesser
used functions such as NUS/student number, council number, DVLA or
season ticket numbers or codes.
[0061] The display area 114 may comprise liquid crystal display
(LCD) technology. LCD state changes may be driven by an array of
drivers located towards or at the outer edges of the card
arrangement 100, or by using a thin film matrix across the whole
surface of the card to drive a matrix array of electro-optical
`ink` segments. The LCDs could be loaded with suitable crystal
elements or liquids that have the ability to show at least two and
preferably more colour sets or states. A matrix of Organic Light
Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) could also function in a similar manner to
a surface layer display across the surface of the card arrangement
100.
[0062] Alternatively, or additionally, the display area 114 may
comprise electronic inks, whose output may be updated under the
control of the processor chip 106. Updating of output from the card
arrangement 100 may occur via electrical connections internal to
the card arrangement 100 between processor chip 106 and display
area 114. Such electronic (or electric ink) technology is currently
being developed by companies such as Xerox.TM. and E Ink.TM..
[0063] The keypad 112 may be used to interact with this data and/or
used to perform functions such as entering a PIN number prior to
performing a transaction, so that the identity of the user can be
verified each time the card is used. Operation of the keypad 112
and the display area 114 is controlled, in this example, by a
processor chip 106 located in the second portion 102b of the card
100. The second portion also includes an antenna 124, which is
capable of transmitting data to and/or receiving data from a
terminal when in the active configuration, and a battery 126 which
provides power to the processor chip 106 and other components. The
battery may be of a type that allows recharging at an updating
terminal, or it may be able to sustain itself by self-charging via
a mechanism such as a kinetic or photo-voltaic module embedded in
the card, for example.
[0064] The card arrangement 100 includes a switching mechanism
116a, 116b which causes a transition between an inactive state, in
which the card arrangement 100 is not operable to communicate with
a terminal, and an active state in which the card arrangement 100
is operable to communicate with a terminal. In this example, this
is achieved by a magnetic reed switch arrangement 116a, 116b, in
which a magnetic element 116a is positioned on or near a surface of
the first portion 102a which comes into contact with the surface
122 of the second portion 102b when in the inactive configuration,
and a switch element 102b is located in a corresponding position on
or near the surface 122 of the second portion 102b, such that the
magnetic element 116a and the switch element 116b are in
sufficiently close proximity that the switch element 116b is
actuated by the magnetic element 116a when in the inactive
configuration, but are not in sufficiently close proximity that the
switch element 116b is actuated by the magnetic element 116a when
in the active configuration. The magnetic element 116a could be
printed magnetic ink.
[0065] Actuation of the switch element 116b may, for example, cause
an electrical connection between the processor chip 106 and the
antenna 124 to be broken, it may break a connection causing the
battery 126 to cease to supply power to one or more components of
the card arrangement 100 causing the card to become inactive, or it
may cause, via, for example, logic circuitry, a signal to be sent
to the processor chip 106 instructing the processor chip 106 that
no communication with a terminal is to be made. Thus actuation of
the switch element 116b by the magnetic element 116a causes the
card to become inactive. It may also cause other components and/or
functions such as the keypad 112 and the display area 114 to turn
on or off; in the case of the present example card arrangement 100,
actuation of the switch typically causes the keypad 112 and display
area 114 to turn off in order to save battery 126 power, since
these components cannot in any case be accessed in the inactive
configuration.
[0066] In some arrangements, the elements of a reed switch
arrangement may alternatively or additionally be located near
opposite respective surfaces of the first portion 102a and the
second portion 102b, this reed switch being activated by the card
being moved into the active configuration rather than the inactive
configuration.
[0067] In some arrangements, the switching mechanism is located in
one or more of the hinges 120a, 120b. In this case, the switching
mechanism may comprise one or more mechanical rotary micro-switches
(sometimes known as barrel switches) where a connection is made (or
broken) at a predetermined angle or rotation; for example, a
connection may be made, so that the arrangement 100 is active, once
the first portion 102a has been rotated through 180 degrees with
respect to the second portion 102b from the active configuration
shown in FIG. 1a, and broken at smaller angles of rotation, so that
the arrangement 100 is inactive. Thus, when a user is not using the
card for a contactless transaction, he or she may keep the card 100
in the inactive configuration shown in FIG. 1a. The card
arrangement 100 may comprise a magnetic or optical strip (not
shown), so that it may be used for non-contactless processing of
transactions by insertion into a card reading device, for example.
When the user wishes to use the card for a contactless transaction,
or wishes to use the keypad 112 and/or display area 114, he or she
may manipulate it into the active configuration for this purpose.
This may be facilitated by one or more notches 103, an example of
which is shown in detail in FIG. 1d, which facilitate a user
separating the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b.
Additionally, or alternatively, one or more portions 102a, 102b of
the card 100 may include a protrusion or set of protrusions.
[0068] The different appearances of the card arrangement 100 in
each of the configurations of FIG. 1a and FIG. 1c allow the user to
easily discern whether the card is in an active state or an
inactive state. In the present example, the indications "inactive"
101a and "active" 101b facilitate this discernment; in some
examples, different colours may be used in different
configurations. Additionally, or alternatively, the card may be
arranged such that it has a different texture in one configuration
to that in another, for example by using rougher material on one or
more of the surfaces exposed in one configuration to that used on
it corresponding surfaces exposed in the other configuration.
[0069] Although the card 100a has a different appearance in each of
the configurations of FIG. 1a and FIG. 1c, it maintains essentially
the same size and shape in each configuration, such that it may
conform to a standard size and shape in each configuration.
[0070] The example processor card arrangement of FIG. 1a to FIG. 1d
is also equipped with a locking mechanism 118a, 118b that prevents
the card arrangement 100 from accidentally opening from the
inactive configuration. The locking mechanism 118a, 118b may
comprise a magnetic element 118a and a ferromagnetic metal element
118b located at corresponding positions on the first portion 102a
and second portion 102b, so that mutual magnetic attraction between
these elements compels the two portions 102a, 102b together until
forced apart by a user.
[0071] Although not show, a further locking arrangement is
typically used to prevent the card arrangement 100 from slipping
out of the active configuration. Although in this example, a
magnetic locking mechanism is used, in some arrangements the
locking mechanism may be mechanical, for example a catch and
release mechanism.
[0072] In the exemplary arrangement 100 described in relation to
FIG. 1a to FIG. 1c, the processor card arrangement 100 was switched
between two configurations. However, in some arrangements, in
addition to the states already described, the processor card
arrangement could be switched into a further state when the first
portion 102a is at an angle of 90 degrees to the second potion
102b, another further state when the first portion 102a is at an
angle of 180 degrees to the second portion 102b, and so on. It
could be arranged so that the display area 114 displays different
information depending on the angle, for example.
[0073] An example configuration in which the first portion 102a has
been rotated 180 degrees with respect to the second portion from
the configuration of FIG. 1a is shown in FIG. 1e. Since the surface
area of the arrangement 100 in this configuration is larger than in
the configuration of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1c, it is possible to
implement a large antenna 124a which is larger than is viable in
conventional processor cards in which the size of the antenna is
limited by the limited size of the card and further inhibited by
required embossed areas and other components of the card. This
large antenna 124a may span the first portion 102a and the second
portion 102b as is shown in the example of FIG. 1e, or it may be
located entirely in a single portion. A connection between the
large antenna 124a and the processor 106 may he switched on/off by
a switching mechanism as described above.
[0074] In some cases, the card arrangement 100 includes the large
antenna 124a in addition to the antenna 124a; in some cases, it is
used instead of the antenna 124a.
[0075] The large antenna 124a could be used to allow a higher
degree of aerial gain in a single defined band, to enable a
different frequency band to be tuned to the processor chip or to
enable high power or data transfer rates, such as when the display
is being used, or when a battery or capacitor on the card is
required to be charged, for example.
[0076] In some cases, the configuration of FIG. 1e is used to
perform a security function, such as an identifying function. It
could be arranged that the card is only capable of forming a
certain type of wireless connection, for example capacitive
linking, when in this configuration. Since capacitance linking
typically can only be implemented when the card is very close to
the terminal (typically within 0.5 cm), and since a user is very
unlikely to inadvertently leave the card in an "open" configuration
such as that of FIG. 1e, unauthorised access is further
prevented.
[0077] An alternative processor card arrangement 200 in accordance
with an embodiment or the present invention is now described with
reference to FIG. 2a to FIG. 2e. FIG. 2a shows a processor card
arrangement 200 in an inactive configuration. The card arrangement
200 comprises a first portion 202a and a second portion 202b, an
antenna 210, a battery 212 and a processor chip 206 for, inter
alia, controlling contactless communication with a terminal via the
antenna 210. The second portion 202b is an approximately
rectangular section contributing approximately half the total
surface area of one exposed surface of the card, and having a
thickness approximately half the total thickness of the card: the
first portion 202a comprises the remainder of the card. The second
portion 202b is connected to the first portion 202a by a swivel
hinge 214, which allows the second portion 202b to be rotated about
two perpendicular axes, as is described below. Swivel hinges are
sometimes referred to as "universal joints".
[0078] In the inactive configuration of FIG. 2a, in which a first
surface 216a of the second portion 202b is exposed, a card number
208, a card issuer name 204 and an indicator that the card is
inactive 201a are all visible on an exposed surface of the card
arrangement 200.
[0079] We now turn to describing how the second portion 102b of the
card arrangement 200 can be moved so that the card arrangement 200
switches between from an inactive state to an active state.
Firstly, an end of the second portion 202b is lifted, so that the
second portion 202b is disposed approximately perpendicular to the
first portion 202a, as shown in FIG. 2b. This lifting action is
typically performed by a finger of a user, and, although not shown,
may be facilitated by a notch or notches similar to that described
with reference to FIG. 1d.
[0080] Next the second portion 202b is rotated about an axis of the
swivel hinge 214 through an angle of approximately 180 degrees, as
shown in FIG. 2c and FIG. 2d. Finally, the second portion 202b is
pushed back down into an active configuration as shown in FIG. 2e,
so that it occupies the same position as in the inactive
configuration of FIG. 2a, but rotated 180 degrees so that a second
surface 216b of the second portion 202b is exposed. Differences
between the appearance of the second surface 216b and the
appearance of the first surface 216a cause the appearance of the
card arrangement 200 in the active configuration to be
significantly different to the appearance in the inactive
configuration; in the active configuration, the card issuer name
204 is not visible, part of the card number 208 is obscured and the
indicator "inactive" 201a has been replaced by an indicator
"active" 201b. However, the card has essentially the same size and
shape in each configuration, such that it may conform to a standard
size and shape in each configuration.
[0081] As the card arrangement 200 is changed from the inactive
configuration a FIG. 2a to the active configuration of FIG. 2e, it
switches from an inactive state in which it is not operable to
contactlessly communicate with a terminal to an active state in
which it is operable to contactlessly communicate with a terminal.
This switching can be achieved by any of the switching arrangements
described above.
[0082] Although not shown in the Figures, magnetic or locking
arrangements similar to those described above could be used to lock
the card arrangement 200 in the inactive configuration of FIG. 2a
and/or the active configuration or FIG. 2e.
[0083] Thus, the processor card arrangement described in relation
to FIG. 2a to FIG. 2e provides a further example of a card
arrangement 200 which may be conveniently switched between
different states by a user. The card is typically kept in the
inactive state when not in use (e.g. when stored in the user's
wallet), so that information stored on it cannot easily be accessed
by unauthorised third parties. When using the card for contactless
transactions, the user manipulates the card into an active state.
The differences in appearance between the inactive configuration
and the active configuration enable the user to easily discern
whether the card is in an active state or an inactive state, which
helps to prevent the card from being carelessly left in an active
state when not being used in a contactless transaction.
[0084] FIG. 2f and FIG. 2g are simple diagrams of further card
arrangements in which a portion is lifted, turned and replaced to
switch between configurations and states. In FIG. 2f, a processor
card arrangement 250 comprises a "T" shaped portion 252 connected
to an edge of the card arrangement 250 by a swivel hinge
arrangement 254. The processor card arrangement 250 comprises a
processor chip 258. The swivel hinge arrangement 254 allows the
card to be lifted, turned and replaced, thereby altering an exposed
face of the portion and changing configurations. In this example,
the arrangement has a credit card configuration, in which the card
is in a state in which it is capable of functioning as a credit
card, and a debit card configuration in which the card is in a
state in which it is capable of functioning as a debit card. One
face 256a of the "T" shaped portion indicates "debit", and another
face 256b indicating "credit", enabling a user to discern a current
state of the card. Either or both of the states may be an active
state; either or both of the states may be an inactive
configuration.
[0085] In FIG. 2g, a processor card arrangement 270 comprising a
processor chip 279 includes a roughly rectangular portion 272
connected to an edge of the arrangement 270 by a swivel hinge
arrangement 274, thereby allowing it to be lifted, turned and
replaced to switch between configurations and states as with the
"T" shaped arrangement described above in relation to FIG. 2f.
[0086] Although not shown in the simple diagrams of FIG. 2f and
FIG. 2g, it will be appreciated that the card arrangements
described with reference to these figures may comprise some or all
of the components, such as an antenna or display or input means, of
the arrangements described with reference to FIG. 2a to FIG. 2e, or
any other arrangement described herein.
[0087] In each of the arrangements described in relation to FIG. 2a
to FIG. 2g, it may be particularly advantageous for a texture of at
least part of the card arrangement to vary according to
configuration to provide an additional indication to the user of a
state of the card.
[0088] Another processor card arrangement 300 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention is now described in relation to
FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b. FIG. 3a shows the processor card 300 in an
inactive configuration. The card arrangement 300 comprises a first
portion 302a and a second portion 302b. Each of the first portion
302a and the second portion 302b are thin and approximately
rectangular portions of the substantially the same surface area,
the first portion 302a overlapping the second portion 302b. In this
configuration, a card issuer name 304, and a display area 314 are
visible. In this example a card number 308 is displayed on the
display area 314. The card also comprises a processor chip 306 and
a battery 326.
[0089] FIG. 3b shows the processor card arrangement 300 in an
active configuration in which the first portion and the second
portion have been laterally displaced with respect one another,
exposing a surface 316 of the first portion which is not visible in
the inactive configuration. A further screen 314b, a keypad 312 and
a speaker 320 are positioned on the exposed surface 316. An
indicator "active" is displayed on the display area 314a, alerting
the user that the card arrangement 300 is in an active state. Audio
signals from the speaker 320 may be used to indicate that the card
has been switched into an active state, and/or that the card has
been in an active state for a predetermined length of time without
being used to process a transaction, for example.
[0090] The switching between the inactive state and the active
state may be achieved using a reed magnet arrangement 318a, 318b in
which a magnetic element 318a is positioned such that it is moved
into proximity with, and thereby activates, a switch element 318b
when the card arrangement 300 is put into the active configuration,
but is moved away from the switch element 318b when the card 300 is
put into inactive configuration.
[0091] The different display areas 314a, 314b described in this
processor card arrangement may be of different types. For example,
the display area 314a in which a card number 308 is displayed may
be touch-activated, and be capable of displaying information
relating to personal details of the user; the other display may be
controlled by the keypad 312 and may indicate information relevant
to a contactless transaction, such as a monetary amount.
[0092] Another processor card arrangement 400 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference
to FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c. In this example, a processor card 400 can be
arranged in two configurations, each of which is an inactive
configuration. In a first configuration, which is referred to
herein as a "debit card configuration", the card 400 is capable of
acting as a debit card; in the second configuration, which is
referred to herein as a "credit card configuration", the card 400
is capable of acting as a credit card. The card 400 may be inserted
into a terminal for processing credit and/or debit card
transactions, in which the terminal reads information via, for
example, a magnetic or optical strip of the card (not shown).
[0093] The processor card arrangement 400 comprises a card issuer
name 404, a card number 406, a switch portion 402 and a card
portion 403, which comprises the portion of the card arrangement
400 not comprising the switch portion 402. The switch portion 402
is shown in greater details in FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c. The switch
portion 402 is connected to the rest of the card by rotary spindles
412 which allow the element 402 to be rotated so that, in the debit
card configuration shown in FIG. 4b, a first surface 414a of the
switch element 402 is visible on the front surface 401 of the card
400, whereas in the credit card configuration shown in FIG. 4c, a
second surface 414b is visible on a front surface 401 of the card
400. The first surface 414a displays an indicator "Debit" and the
second surface 414b displays an indicator "Credit" to inform the
user of the current state of the card.
[0094] Turning the switch element 402 causes the card 400 to switch
between states in which it is operable to act as either a debit
card or a credit card. This switching can be achieved by a reed
switch arrangement 414a, 414b, 416, wherein a magnetic element 416
is located on one edge of the switch portion 402, a first switch
clement 414a is located on a part of the card portion 403 facing
the switch element and a second switch element 414b is located on
another part of the card portion 403 facing the switch portion 402.
The magnetic element 416 is thus in the proximity of, and thereby
activates, the first switch element 414a in the first configuration
and is in the proximity of, and thereby activates, the second
switch element 414b in the second configuration.
[0095] In some arrangements, mechanical micro-switches are used in
addition to or instead of a reed switch arrangement.
[0096] Although not shown, a mechanical locking arrangement, such
as a sliding segment of a locking slide, operating at 90 degrees to
the axis of rotation, a swing arm or quadrant could be used to lock
the switch portion 402 in a configuration.
[0097] Many other types of movable portion can be used in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5a to
FIG. 6b provide further examples; although the processor card
arrangements shown in simple diagrams of FIG. 5a to FIG. 6b do not
show components such as an antenna, display or input means
described in relation to other drawings herein, it is to be
understood that such components are typically included in such
arrangements.
[0098] FIG. 5a shows a processor card arrangement 500 comprising a
processor chip 508 and a sliding portion 502. In an inactive
configuration, the sliding portion 502 is located in a concave part
504 of the processor card arrangement 500. In this configuration,
the card is in an inactive state. In an active configuration, the
sliding portion 502 is displaced laterally in a plane of the card
surface so that it protrudes out from an edge of the processor card
arrangement 504. In the active configuration, the card is in an
active state, as is indicated by the indication "active" on as
surface 507 of the concave part 504 which is exposed in the active
configuration, but not in the inactive configuration. A sensor 506,
which may comprise, for example, a reed switch or a micro-switch
located in the concave part 504 provides means for switching
between the active state and the inactive state.
[0099] FIG. 5b shows a variation of the arrangement 500 of FIG. 5a,
in which a sliding portion 552 can be completely removed from a
concave part 554 of the arrangement 550, reversed and replaced, so
that different surfaces of the sliding portion are exposed in
different configurations. This may allow the card arrangement 550
to be arranged in one state in which it can function as a credit
card, and another state in which it can function as a debit card
for example.
[0100] FIG. 6a is a simple diagram of a processor card arrangement
600 comprising a processor chip 608 and a swivel portion 602
connected to a corner of the processor card arrangement 200 by a
swivel hinge. In the configuration shown in FIG. 6a the swivel
portion overlaps with the rest of the processor card arrangement
600, and the arrangement 600 is in an inactive state.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 6b, the swivel portion can be rotated about
the swivel hinge 604 to switch the card into an active
configuration. The rotation can be either clockwise or
anticlockwise, with a state of the card varying depending on the
direction of rotation; for example, the card may be switched into
an active state in which it is capable of acting as a credit card
when rotated clockwise, and switched into an active state in which
it is capable of acting as a debit card when rotated anticlockwise,
for example. The switching may be implemented by a rotary switch in
the swivel hinge 604.
[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, processor card
comprises more than two portions. For example, FIG. 7 shows a
processor card arrangement 700 comprising a first portion 702, a
second portion 704 and a third portion 706. In one configuration,
the first portion overlaps a part of the second portion, and can be
lifted and flipped-over to an opposing face of the second portion
to switch to a further configuration, similar to the arrangement
100 described with reference to FIG. 1a to FIG. 1c. The third
portion 706 can be lifted, rotated and replaced, similar to the
arrangement described with reference to FIG. 3e. In some
embodiments of the present invention, other combinations of
portions are used.
[0103] FIG. 8a to FIG. 8d show a further processor card arrangement
800 comprising a processor card 801, and an attaching portion 802.
The processor card 801 comprises a processor chip 814 and has a
card contact 812 and a card number 808 on a first surface 803a. The
attaching portion 802 comprises a battery 806, a display light 804,
an antenna 816 and an attaching portion contact 810. The display
light could comprise a light emitting diode (LED).
[0104] FIG. 8a shows the arrangement 800 in an active configuration
in which the processor card 801 is inserted into the attaching
portion 802. In this configuration, the card contact 812 is in
contact with the attaching portion contact 810; this electrically
connects the attaching portion 802 and the processor card 801, so
that information stored on the card, for example in the processor
chip 814 can be accessed and transmitted to a terminal via the
antenna 816 of the attaching portion. That the arrangement 800 is
in an active state is indicated by the display light 804, which may
be lit or flashing when in this configuration.
[0105] In order to change the configuration of the arrangement 800
to an inactive configuration, the card 801 is removed from the
attaching portion 802, as shown in FIG. 8b, flipped over, as shown
in FIG. 8c, and then reinserted into the attaching portion 802, as
shown in FIG. 8d. FIG. 8c and FIG. 8d show a reverse surface 803b
of the processor card 801, which comprises a magnetic strip 818 and
an area for a signature 820. However, since the reverse surface
803b does not have a contact, no electrical connection between the
card 801 and the attaching portion 801 is formed, and no
communication between the arrangement 800 and a remote terminal is
possible. In this inactive configuration, the display light 804 is
not lit or flashing.
[0106] Processor card arrangements according to embodiments of the
present invention may be used in conjunction with a mobile
communications device capable of communicating of communicating
with a terminal such as a mobile telephone or Personal Digital
Assistant (PDA), which accesses information on the card arrangement
and thereby communicates with a terminal. An example in which a
processor card arrangement 901 is used in conjunction with a mobile
telephone 502 is now described with reference to FIG. 9. The mobile
telephone 902 comprises an antenna 906, using which it communicates
with a terminal.
[0107] In this example, the processor card arrangement 901 is
inserted between rails into a card holder 908. The mobile telephone
902 is capable of reading information on the card arrangement 901
using, for example, an appropriate contact with a processor chip
(not shown) of the card arrangement 901, a contactless inductive
connection between the card arrangement 901 and the mobile phone
902, or a capacitive link between the card arrangement 901 and the
mobile telephone 902.
[0108] The processor card 901 arrangement comprises a "T" shaped
portion 904 which may be lifted, rotated and replaced, similar to
the "T" shaped portion 252 of FIG. 2f, allowing the processor card
arrangement 901 to be switched between states; such states may
comprise an active state, an inactive state, a state in which the
card functions as a credit card and/or a state in which the card
functions a debit card. In some cases, a function may vary
according to into which end of the card holder it is inserted.
[0109] The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative
examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are
envisaged. For example, in some arrangements, repeat manipulation
of a single card element or portion may cause sequential changes of
state; for example, repeat lifting and replacing of a card portion
within a predetermined time limit may cause a state of a card
arrangement to progress through a sequence of different states.
[0110] Further, although in the arrangements described above single
reed switch arrangements comprising a single magnetic element and a
single switch element are used, in many cases such arrangements are
used in pairs; this helps to avoid external magnetic fields causing
unintended operation.
[0111] Additionally, the sensors used could be
micro-accelerometers, where the rate of movement of one component
in relation to another can be used to cause the required state
change e.g. slow opening of the folding element may provide a first
state; more rapid movement may be used to change the state to
another state.
[0112] In some of the above embodiments, a processor card
arrangement was described which was capable of switching between
functioning as a debit card and functioning as a credit card.
However in some arrangements, the switching could instead be
between different accounts, for example a first credit card account
and a second credit card account associated with the user.
Alternatively, or additionally, in some arrangements, there could
be configurations in which the card arrangement is capable of being
used as a stored value card e.g. for making payment for a specific
service or services, for example transport services.
[0113] In some cases, particularly where the card arrangement is
capable of acting as more than one type of transaction card, the
card arrangement may comprise more than one processor chip.
[0114] The input means described in relation to the above
embodiments was a keypad. However, in some cases, a different input
means, such as a mouse or touchpad could additionally or
alternatively used. Further, although in the embodiments described
above, the processor card arrangement comprised a power source, in
some cases this may not be necessary; for example, the card could
be powered by the RFID signal form a remote reader.
[0115] It will be appreciated by those of normal skill in the art
that, in the embodiments of the invention described above,
information may be read from and written to the processor chip via
at least one array of contact pads disposed on a face (or faces) of
the processor card: in addition to or instead of via wireless
means. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the location of the
array of contact pads may conform to any of ISO 7810, extension
standards of ISO 7810 (for example ISO 7816) or replacement
standards thereof. In embodiments in which there is more than one
processor chip, there may be more than one array of respective
contact pads (e.g. one for each chip). Indeed, even given only one
processor chip, there may be more than one array of contact pads
for that chip, to accommodate `contact` transactions when the
processor card is in more than one of its configurations. For
example, a processor chip may, in effect, be sandwiched between two
arrays of contact pads--one on each surface of a portion of the
processor card--such that data may be read from or written to the
processor chip using either array of contact pads. In such an
arrangement, for example, only one array of contact pads might be
accessible when the processor card arrangement is in a first
configuration and the only the other array of contact pads might be
accessible when the processor card arrangement is in a second
configuration. In any event, desirably, each set of contact pads
would typically be located in compliance with any of the
aforementioned standards.
[0116] It is to be understood that any feature described in
relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination
with other features described, and may also be used in combination
with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any
combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore,
equivalents and modifications not described above may also be
employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which
is defined in the accompanying claims.
* * * * *