U.S. patent application number 15/687626 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-07 for card reader device and method of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is REM Holdings 3, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert E. Morley, JR..
Application Number | 20170351883 15/687626 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44319670 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170351883 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morley, JR.; Robert E. |
December 7, 2017 |
Card Reader Device and Method of Use
Abstract
In one embodiment, a card reader device includes: a read head
configured to generate a signal indicative of data stored on a
magnetic stripe of a card, an output plug, adapted to be inserted
into a headset jack of a mobile host device, configured to
communicate an output signal indicative of data stored on the
magnetic stripe to a microphone input of the headset jack of the
mobile host device; and circuitry configured to set the amplitude,
which includes attenuation by at least a resistor, of a signal
communicating said data included in the signal indicative of data
stored on the magnetic stripe generated by the read head resulting
in the output signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic
stripe. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes decoding
circuitry configured to decode the signal indicative of the data
stored on the magnetic stripe.
Inventors: |
Morley, JR.; Robert E.; (St.
Louis, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
REM Holdings 3, LLC |
St. Louis |
MO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44319670 |
Appl. No.: |
15/687626 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13585979 |
Aug 15, 2012 |
9747474 |
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15687626 |
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12932544 |
Feb 26, 2011 |
9218517 |
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13585979 |
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12657792 |
Jan 27, 2010 |
7896248 |
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12932544 |
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12456134 |
Jun 10, 2009 |
7810729 |
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12657792 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 7/083 20130101;
H04M 1/72527 20130101; H04M 2250/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/08 20060101
G06K007/08; H04M 1/725 20060101 H04M001/725 |
Claims
1. A card reader comprising: a) a housing having a slot therein; b)
a read head positioned within said housing proximate said slot such
that when a card having a magnetic stripe with data including an
account number stored thereon is swiped through said slot said read
head generates an output signal indicative of the data stored on
the magnetic stripe; c) an integrated circuit housed within said
housing configured to receive said read head output signal and to
decode said read head signal including the account number; and d)
said integrated circuit being configured to communicate the decoded
read head signal including said account number to a mobile host
device via a stereo plug extending from the housing and inserted
into a standard headset jack of said mobile host device, said
headset jack having a microphone input cooperable with said plug
such that the decoded signal including the account number is
communicated via said microphone input to the mobile host device
thereby enabling said mobile host device to communicate the decoded
signal including the account number to a third party for
authorizing a transaction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/585,979, filed Aug. 15, 2012, which is a
Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/932,544, filed
Feb. 26, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,218,517 which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/657,792, filed Jan. 27,
2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,248, which is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/456,134, filed on Jun. 10,
2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,729, with
the complete disclosure of each of these applications being hereby
incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to credit card
reader devices that are configured to be inserted into a headset
jack of a mobile host device, and their use.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This disclosure relates to a card reader device for use with
a host device for reading a magnetic stripe card and more
particularly to a portable card reader device which senses the
magnetically recorded information stored on a magnetic stripe card
and conveys this sensed information via an analog waveform to a
host device for further processing.
[0004] Plastic cards having a magnetic stripe embedded on one side
of the card are prevalent in every day commerce. These cards are
used in various transactions such as to pay for purchases by using
a credit card, a debit card, or a gasoline charge card. A charge
card or a debit card may also be used to transact business with a
bank through use of an automated teller machine (ATM). The magnetic
stripe card is capable of storing data by modifying the magnetism
of magnetic particles embedded in the stripe. The data stored on
the magnetic stripe may be sensed or read by swiping the stripe
past a read head. The analog waveform obtained by sensing the
magnetic stripe must undergo a process known as decoding to obtain
the digital information stored in the magnetic stripe of the card.
Conventional magnetic stripe card readers are comprised of both
relatively simple sensing components as well as the more costly and
complex decoding and communication components.
[0005] It is typical in a magnetic stripe card to locate the
magnetic stripe 0.223 inches from an edge of the card with the
stripe being 0.375 inches wide. The magnetic stripe contains up to
three tracks of digital data with each track being 0.110 inches
wide. Tracks one and three are typically recorded at 210 bits per
inch, while track two typically has a recording density of 75 bits
per inch. Each track can either contain 7-bit alphanumeric
characters, or 5-bit numeric characters. Track one standards were
created by the airlines industry, the International Air Transport
Association. Track one can contain information reserved for the
bank that issued the card and magnetically encoded data like the
primary account number, the user's name, a country code, an
expiration date for the card, and 79 characters of discretionary
data, all mixed in with separators and other specialized computer
characters. The second track, the track most commonly used, is in a
format defined by the American Bankers Association. The second
track can contain the primary account number, the country code, the
card's expiration date, 40 characters of discretionary data, and
separator characters. The third track is in a format called THRIFT
and was originally intended for use with ATMs. Unlike tracks one
and two, which are read only tracks, the third track was intended
for read and write applications. However, for the most part, the
third track is hardly ever used. Further, the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO), an international-standard
setting body, has a set of standards for describing the physical
dimensions and recording technique on identification cards which
are known as ISO 7810 and 7811.
[0006] Magnetic stripe cards having these standard specifications
can typically be read by point-of-sale devices at a merchant's
location. When the card is swiped through an electronic card reader
at the checkout counter at a merchant's store, the reader will
usually use its built-in modem to dial the number of a company that
handles credit authentication requests. Once the account is
verified an approval signal will be sent back to the merchant to
complete a transaction.
[0007] Although magnetic stripe cards are universally used by
merchants there is no way for an individual to take advantage of
the card to receive a payment from another individual (who is not a
merchant) by swiping the card through a simple reader attached to
his cell phone or another device which can connect to the Internet.
For example, one individual may owe another person money for a
debt, but one way to pay the debt is to provide cash or a check. It
would be convenient to be able to use a credit card or a debit card
to pay off the debt. In addition, it is advantageous for an
individual to make payment to another individual or merchant by
swiping his magnetic stripe card through a reader connected to a
cell phone or other device. However, there is presently no way for
an individual to send payment to an individual or merchant through
the use of a magnetic stripe card by using a simple magnetic stripe
card reader connected to a cell phone or other device.
[0008] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a simple card
reader device that would allow an individual to receive or send
payments through the use of a magnetic stripe card. It is also
desirable to provide a simple portable card reader device that can
be connected to a host device with the portable card reader device
providing the decoding function for the sensed magnetic stripe
information with the host device acting as a point-of-sale device.
The host device can have an application programmed therein to
receive decoded data from the portable card reader device or to
decode data contained on a magnetic stripe to submit the card data
to a company or a third party that handles credit authentication
requests.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a card reader device
constructed according to the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a card reader device
constructed according to the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a
card reader device constructed according to the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of operation of a card
reader device constructed according to the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a card reader device
constructed according to the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a
card reader device constructed according to the present
disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the card reader device
shown in FIG. 6; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a further detailed schematic diagram of the card
reader device shown in FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
1. Overview
[0017] One embodiment includes a card reader device, comprising: a
read head configured to generate a signal indicative of data stored
on a magnetic stripe of a card when passed by the read head; an
output plug, adapted to be inserted into a headset jack of a mobile
host device, configured to communicate an output signal indicative
of data stored on the magnetic stripe to a microphone input of the
headset jack of the mobile host device; and circuitry configured to
set the amplitude, which includes attenuation by at least a
resistor, of a signal communicating said data included in the
signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe generated
by the read head resulting in the output
signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe.
[0018] In one embodiment, said circuitry consists of a resistor. In
one embodiment, the output signal indicative of data stored on the
magnetic stripe is an attenuated version of the signal indicative
of data stored on the magnetic stripe generated by the read head.
In one embodiment, the read head and the circuitry are contained
within a housing, and the output plug extends from the housing. In
one embodiment, the signal communicating said data included in the
signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe generated
by the read head is the signal indicative of data stored on the
magnetic stripe generated by the read head. In one embodiment, said
circuitry includes decoding circuitry configured to decode the
signal indicative of the data stored on the magnetic stripe
generated by the read head to determine decoded data; wherein the
signal communicating said data included in the signal indicative of
data stored on the magnetic stripe generated by the read head is a
modulated signal conveying said decoded data. In one embodiment,
said decoding circuitry includes an integrated circuit configured
to perform decoding operations.
[0019] One embodiment includes a method, comprising: generating, by
a card reader device, a signal indicative of data stored on a
magnetic stripe of a card; setting the amplitude, which includes
attenuation by at least a resistor, of the signal indicative of
data stored on the magnetic stripe resulting in an output signal;
and providing the output signal, to a microphone input of a headset
jack of a mobile host device, in which an output plug of the card
reader device is currently inserted, for processing of a financial
transaction related to said data stored on the magnetic stripe.
[0020] In one embodiment, said generating the signal indicative of
data stored on the magnetic stripe is performed by a read head of
the card reader device responsive to the magnetic stripe of the
card when passed by the read head. In one embodiment, said
generating the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic
stripe includes decoding a signal originated by a read head of the
card reader device responsive to the magnetic stripe of a card
being passed by the read head to determine decoded data, and
modulating said decoded data within a signal in producing the
signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe. In one
embodiment, said decoded data includes an account number associated
with the financial transaction. One embodiment includes: receiving
the output signal on the microphone input of the headset jack of
the mobile host device; and requesting and receiving authorization,
by the mobile host device in communication with a host system, for
the financial transaction related to said data stored on the
magnetic stripe.
[0021] One embodiment includes a card reader device, comprising: a
read head configured to generate a signal indicative of data stored
on a magnetic stripe of a card when passed by the read head; an
output plug, adapted to be inserted into a headset jack of a mobile
host device, configured to communicate an output signal indicative
of data stored on the magnetic stripe to a microphone input of the
headset jack of the mobile host device; and circuitry configured to
receive the signal indicative of data stored on the magnetic stripe
from the read head, to decode the signal indicative of the data
stored on the magnetic stripe to determine decoded data, and to
generate the output signal indicative of data stored on the
magnetic stripe; wherein the output signal indicative of data
stored on the magnetic stripe is a modulated signal conveying said
decoded data.
[0022] In one embodiment, said circuitry includes an integrated
circuit device configured to perform operations in said decoding
the signal indicative of the data stored on the magnetic stripe to
determine decoded data. One embodiment includes a battery to
provide power to the circuitry. One embodiment includes a housing
containing the read head and said circuitry, and the output plug
extends from the housing. In one embodiment, said circuitry is
coupled to the output jack to receive power from one or more audio
out channels produced by the mobile host device. In one embodiment,
said circuitry includes rectification circuitry for rectifying an
audio out waveform received from one or more audio out channels
produced by the mobile host device to provide power to the
circuitry.
[0023] One embodiment includes a method, comprising: generating, by
a read head of a card reader device responsive to a magnetic stripe
of a card being passed by the read head, a signal indicative of
data stored on the magnetic stripe; decoding the signal indicative
of data stored on the magnetic stripe to produce decoded data;
modulating said decoded data in a signal to generate the output
signal conveying said decoded data; and providing the output signal
to a microphone input of a headset jack of a mobile host device, in
which an output plug of the card reader device is currently
inserted, for subsequent processing of a financial transaction
related to said data stored on the magnetic stripe.
[0024] One embodiment includes receiving power for operating the
card reader device from the mobile host device through the output
jack from one or more audio out channels produced by the mobile
host device. One embodiment includes receiving power for operating
the card reader device from the mobile host device includes
rectifying an audio out waveform received from one or more audio
out channels produced by the mobile host device through the output
jack. In one embodiment, said decoded data includes account
information related to the financial transaction. One embodiment
includes receiving the output signal on the microphone input of the
headset jack of the mobile host device; and requesting and
receiving authorization, by the mobile host device in communication
with a host system, for the financial transaction related to said
data stored on the magnetic stripe.
2. Description
[0025] In one form of the present disclosure, a card reader device
for reading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe
incorporated into the card the card reader device comprises a read
head for passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored
on a magnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of data
stored on a magnetic stripe, a signal setting device for setting an
amplitude of the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic
stripe, and an output plug adapted to be inserted into a headset
jack associated with a host for providing the signal indicative of
data stored on a magnetic stripe to a host device, wherein
application software resident on the host device directs the
processor of the host device to decode the signal provided to the
headset jack to produce the digital data stored on the card.
[0026] In another form of the present disclosure, a card reader
device for reading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe
incorporated into the card the card reader device comprises a read
head for passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored
on a magnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of data
stored on a magnetic stripe, a signal setting device for setting an
amplitude of the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic
stripe, an integrated circuit device connected to the signal
setting device and the read head for receiving the signal
indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, and an output plug
adapted to be inserted into a headset jack associated with a host
for providing the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic
stripe to a host device, wherein application software resident on
the host device directs the processor of the host device to decode
the signal provided to the headset jack to produce the digital data
stored on the card.
[0027] In yet another form of the present disclosure, a card reader
device for reading a card having data stored on a magnetic stripe
incorporated into the card the device comprises a read head for
passing a magnetic stripe of a card by to read data stored on a
magnetic stripe and for producing a signal indicative of data
stored on a magnetic stripe, a signal setting device for setting an
amplitude of the signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic
stripe, an integrated circuit device connected to the signal
setting device and the read head for receiving the signal
indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe, and an output plug
connected to the integrated circuit device adapted to be inserted
into an input associated with a host device for providing the
signal indicative of data stored on a magnetic stripe to a host
device and adapted to receive power from the host device by an
audio output associated with the host device.
[0028] In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized
that the present disclosure provides a card reader device comprised
of a very simple external device to be used in conjunction with a
host device having application software provided to perform the
decoding function.
[0029] The present disclosure provides a card reader device that
can read and decode data stored on a magnetic stripe card by
sensing the recorded data waveform and transmitting the data
waveform to a host device where it is decoded with built in
circuitry and application software provided in the host device.
[0030] The present disclosure also provides a card reader device
that can read one or more tracks of data stored on a magnetic
stripe card.
[0031] The present disclosure is directed to a card reader device
that is of simple construction and design and which can be easily
employed with highly reliable results.
[0032] The present disclosure is related to a card reader device
that can be easily carried, transported, or stored.
[0033] The present disclosure is directed to a card reader device
that can read and decode data stored on a magnetic stripe card by
sensing the recorded data waveform and transmitting the data
waveform to a host device where built in circuitry and application
software provided in the host device receives the data waveform and
authenticates the card.
[0034] The present disclosure further provides a card reader device
that may be constructed in various shapes, designs, or forms.
[0035] The present disclosure is directed to a card reader device
that incorporates an integrated circuit device that senses and
collects a fingerprint associated with the magnetic stripe of the
card.
[0036] The present disclosure also provides a card reader device
that can operate with existing magnetic stripe cards without having
to retrofit or change existing magnetic stripe cards.
[0037] The present disclosure is further related to a card reader
device that can be powered by a host device through the use of an
available headset jack to receive power from one or both of the
audio channels.
[0038] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to
like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a card
reader device constructed according to the present disclosure. With
reference now to FIG. 1, the card reader device 10 is shown to
comprise a housing 12 having a slot 14 and an output jack 16
extending out from the housing 12. The jackl 6 is adapted to be
inserted into a socket 18 such as a microphone input or a line in
audio input of a cell phone 20. It is also possible and
contemplated that the jack 16 may be inserted into a socket
associated with other devices such as an iPod touch, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), or a device that has WiFi (wireless
fidelity) connectivity. The jack 16 may be a TRS (tip, ring,
sleeve) connector also known as an audio jack, phone plug, jack
plug, stereo plug, mini-jack, or mini-stereo audio connector. The
jack 16 may be formed of different sizes such as miniaturized
versions that are 3.5 mm or 2.5 mm. It is also possible and
contemplated that the jack 16 may be retractable within the housing
12.
[0039] The slot 14 is wide enough and deep enough to accept a card
having a magnetic stripe. In particular, the slot 14 is deep enough
that the magnetic stripe will fit within the slot 14. The slot 14
also has a length that is less than the length of the card to be
inserted into the slot 14. However, it is also possible and
contemplated that the slot 14 may have other lengths if desired,
for a given application. The housing 12 may take on different
shapes and sizes, as will be discussed further herein.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of the card reader
device 10. The card reader device 10 comprises a read head 22, such
as an inductive pickup head, having a coil 24 connected to a signal
amplitude setting device 26 such as a resistor which is connected
to the jack 16. A lead 28 connects the jack 16 to the coil 24 to
complete the circuit. A card 30, such as a credit card, has a
magnetic stripe 32 associated with the card 30. As has been
previously discussed, the magnetic stripe 32 may have three tracks
with each of the tracks containing data. The card reader device 10
is capable of reading one track, usually track two, when the device
10 is connected to the microphone input of the cell phone 20. As
the magnetic stripe 32 of the card 30 is passed by the read head 22
the read head 22 reads data or information stored in the magnetic
stripe 32. Although not shown, the card 30 is inserted into the
slot 14 in the housing 12 and the card 30 is swiped or passed by
the read head 22. Data stored in the magnetic stripe 32 may be in
the form of magnetic transitions as described in the ISO 7811
standards. As the card 30 moves past the read head 22, magnetic
transitions representing data induce a voltage in the coil 24. A
voltage signal or waveform produced by the coil 24 is provided to
the resistor 26 with the resistor setting the amplitude of the
waveform. This waveform is sent via the jack 16 into the microphone
input socket 18 of the cell phone 20. A pair of wires 34 and 36
connect the socket 18 to an amplifier 38. The amplifier 38
amplifies the waveform received from the card reader device 10. The
amplified waveform is provided to an analog to digital converter
device (ADC) 40 where the waveform in analog form is converted into
digital samples of the analog waveform. The digital samples are
sent to a microprocessor 42 for further processing, as will be
explained. For the sake of clarity and brevity most of the
components of the cell phone 20 have not been shown. However, the
cell phone 20 may also include such components as memory including
flash ROM, SRAM, a camera, a battery, LCD driver, a display, an
antenna, a speaker, a Bluetooth circuit, and WiFi circuitry. The
flash ROM may contain programs, applications, and/or an operating
system for the cell phone 20.
[0041] The card reader device 10 is capable of being connected to
the cell phone 20 for providing data stored in the magnetic stripe
32 of a card 30. Once connected any magnetic stripe 32 that is
swiped in the slot 14 is read by the read head 22. The magnetic
read head 22 generates an analog waveform that results from changes
in magnetization along the stripe 32 relative to the movement
between the read head 22 and the stripe 32. The resistor 26 sets
the amplitude of this signal and this signal is provided to the
cell phone 20. The resistor 26 is required to control the amplitude
of the signal because without the resistor 26 the signal being sent
to the cell phone 20 may not be within an acceptable amplitude for
the hardware associated with the cell phone 20. If the resistor 26
is missing the signal being sent to the cell phone 20 would be
processed incorrectly by the cell phone 20. This signal is then
amplified by the amplifier 38 contained in the cell phone 20. The
ADC 40 of the cell phone 20 samples the amplified analog waveform
at a given sampling rate and generates a stream of digital values
or samples. These digital samples are processed by the processor 42
that can in turn provide information to a host system such as a
third party or a company that handles credit authentication
requests. The processor 42 can communicate with the host system via
the cell phone network, WiFi, Bluetooth or any other mode available
to it. The host system may also send a signal to the cell phone 20
to indicate that the transaction has been completed. The processor
42 may be controlled by a program or an application stored in
memory or in a program storage area. The program or application can
be programmed to decode digital samples received from the ADC 40
and use the decoded signals to contact a third party for
authorizing a transaction. In this manner, a payment from the card
holder's account can be transferred to the cell phone owner's
account or allow the cell phone owner to transfer payment to a
merchant that accepts credit card transactions.
[0042] With reference now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of a card
reader device 80 is illustrated. The card reader device 80
comprises a housing 82 having an inductive read head 84 with coil
86 connected to an amplifier 88 which is connected to an output
jack 90. The output jack 90 extends out of the housing 82 and is
adapted to be inserted into a line in audio input or a stereo line
in input associated with a cell phone or other device such as an
iPod Touch (not shown). A wire 92 connects the jack 90 to the coil
86. Although not shown in this particular drawing, a slot is formed
in the housing 82 near the coil 86 to allow a card having a
magnetic stripe to be passed by the coil 86. Data or information
stored in the magnetic stripe is read by the coil 86. The coil 86
produces a waveform indicative of data stored in the magnetic
stripe and this waveform is provided to the amplifier 88. The
amplified waveform is then transmitted to the cell phone via the
jack 90. The amplified waveform may be provided to an ADC device
for converting into digital samples to be processed by a
microprocessor in the cell phone. Once processed, the cell phone
may contact a third party for processing a transaction in either
direction (i.e., to or from the cell phone owner's account).
[0043] Since the card reader device 80 uses the line in audio input
of the cell phone, the card reader device 80 is capable of
transmitting two tracks from the card being read. As has been
previously discussed, a magnetic stripe may have up to three tracks
with each of the tracks containing data. For example, the card
reader device 80 may read tracks one and two and send these signals
to the cell phone as the left and right channels of a stereo
signal. However, with the card reader device 80 any two of the
three tracks, usually tracks one and two, may be read and decoded
when the card reader device 80 is connected to the stereo line in
inputs. In some situations or constructions, it is possible that
the amplifier 88 may need to be powered. The amplifier 88 may be
powered from a power source resident in the cell phone to which the
device 80 is connected.
[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of a method of
operation 100 of the card reader device 10. The method 100 begins
operation at a step 102 in which a magnetic stripe card 30 is
swiped through the slot 14. In a next step 104, the read head 22
reads data stored in the magnetic stripe 32 and generates an analog
signal or waveform indicative of data stored in the magnetic stripe
32. The waveform then has its amplitude set by the resistor 26 in a
step 106. Next, in a step 108, the set waveform is provided to the
cell phone 20 via the output jack 16 through the socket 18. In a
next step 110, the amplifier 38 amplifies the set waveform. The
waveform is provided to the analog to digital converter device 40
for conversion to a digital signal in a step 112. An application or
a program in the cell phone 20 decodes the digital signal in a next
step 114. In a next step 116, the program contacts a third party to
authorize a transaction using the decoded signal. The third party
either authorizes or denies the transaction in a last step 118. For
example, if the third party authorizes the transaction then money
deducted from the account of the cardholder is transferred into an
account associated with the cell phone owner or vice versa. In this
way, a debt can be collected or paid by use of the card reader
device 10. Further, the card reader devices 10 or 80 may be
employed to transact a one-way transaction in which money can be
credited to an account. In essence, the card reader devices 10 or
80 allow a user to become either a micro-merchant (payee) or a
customer (payer) without having to purchase expensive card reader
devices or software.
[0045] With particular reference now to FIG. 5, another embodiment
of a card reader device 150 is shown. The card reader device 150
has a housing 152 that is in the shape of an acorn. The device 150
has a slot 154 that runs along a length or a width of the housing
152. The slot 154 has a depth that is deep enough to allow a
magnetic stripe of a card to pass through the slot 154. The slot
154 has a length that can be less than the length of a card to be
read. The device also has a jack 156 extending out of the housing
152. The device 150 may contain the components shown in either FIG.
2 or FIG. 3. In particular, the device 150 may be easily carried
and connected to a cell phone when needed. The device 150 is also
small enough that it may be easily stored when not in use. Other
shapes, sizes, or designs for the card reader devices 10, 80, or
150 are possible and contemplated.
[0046] With particular reference now to FIG. 6, number 150
identifies another preferred embodiment of a card reader device
constructed according to the present disclosure. The card reader
device 150 is shown to comprise a housing 152 having a slot 154 and
an output jack 156 extending out from the housing 152. The jack 156
is adapted to be inserted into a socket 158 such as an external
microphone input of a host device 160 that can connect to the
Internet or can store data and provide data to a device that can
connect to the Internet. Some examples of the host device 160 may
include an iPod touch, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a
device that has WiFi connectivity. By further way of example, some
cell phones have WiFi connectivity but the owner of the phone does
not subscribe to a data plan to connect to the Internet so the only
way to connect to the Internet is through WiFi. The jack 156 may be
a TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) connector also known as an audio jack,
phone plug, jack plug, stereo plug, mini-jack, or mini-stereo audio
connector. The jack 156 may be formed of different sizes such as
miniaturized versions that are 3.5 mm or 2.5 mm. It is also
possible and contemplated that the jack 156 may be retractable
within the housing 152.
[0047] The slot 154 is wide enough and deep enough to accept a card
having a magnetic stripe. In particular, the slot 154 is deep
enough that the magnetic stripe will fit within the slot 154. The
slot 154 also has a length that is less than the length of the card
to be inserted into the slot 154. However, it is also possible and
contemplated that the slot 154 may have other lengths if desired,
for a given application. The housing 152 may take on different
shapes and sizes, as has been previously discussed herein.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the card reader
device 150. The card reader device 150 comprises a read head 162,
such as an inductive pickup head, having a coil 164 connected to a
signal amplitude setting device 166 such as a resistor which is
connected to an integrated circuit (IC) 168. The IC 168 may be, way
of example only, a microcontroller such as a Texas Instruments
MSP430, a microprocessor, an ASSP (application specific standard
products) chip, or an ASIC (application specific integrated
circuit) chip, and the IC 168 is connected to the amplitude setting
device 166 and connected to the read head 162 (e.g., coil 164) via
a lead 170. Although not shown, the IC 168 may be powered by a
battery or as will be explained in further detail herein by another
connection to the host device 160. The resistor 166 or other
circuitry for setting the amplitude is required to control the
amplitude of the signal because without the resistor 166 the signal
being sent to the IC 168 may not be within an acceptable amplitude
for the IC 168. It is also possible that the signal amplitude
setting device 166 may be incorporated within the IC 168. The IC
168 is connected to the jack 156 by a lead 172. A lead 174 connects
the IC 168 to the read head 162 (e.g., coil 164). A card 176, such
as a credit card, has a magnetic stripe 178 associated with the
card 176. As has been previously discussed, the magnetic stripe 178
may have three tracks with each of the tracks containing data. The
card reader device 150 is capable of reading one track of the
possible three tracks when the device 150 is connected to the
microphone input 158 of the host device 160. As the magnetic stripe
178 of the card 176 is passed by the read head 162 the read head
162 reads data or information stored in the magnetic stripe
178.
[0049] Although not shown, the card 176 is inserted into the slot
154 in the housing 152 and the card 176 is swiped or passed by the
read head 162. Data stored in the magnetic stripe 178 may be in the
form of magnetic transitions as described in the ISO 7811
standards. As the card 176 moves past the read head 162, magnetic
transitions representing data induce a voltage in the coil 164. A
voltage signal or waveform produced by the coil 164 is provided to
the resistor 166 with the resistor 166 setting the amplitude of the
waveform. This waveform is provided to the IC 168 for
amplification, signal acquisition, and/or processing. The waveform
is provided from the IC 168 to the host device 160 via the jack 156
into the microphone input socket 158. It is also possible that the
IC 168 can decode the waveform and determine the account number of
the card 176. Further, it is known that there exists an intrinsic
remnant magnetization pattern in the magnetic stripe 178 that
comprises a fingerprint that is unique to the card 176. If desired
the IC 168 can be programmed to sense and collect this fingerprint
and send this information to the host device 160 for further
authentication of the card 176. A lead 180 connects the socket 158
to circuitry 182 within the host device 160. The circuitry 182 may
include various devices such as an amplifier, an ADC, an DAC
(digital to analog converter), and a microprocessor, all of which
are not illustrated in this figure. The circuitry 182 may also
include circuitry and/or algorithms to process waveforms provided
from the reader 150 so as to verify account information and to
complete a transaction, as has been previously discussed. As can be
appreciated, there may be other components associated with the host
device 160, as has been discussed in connection with the cell phone
20. However, such components have not been shown in any detail.
[0050] The card reader device 150 is capable of being connected to
the host device 160 for providing data stored in the magnetic
stripe 178 of the card 176. Once connected any magnetic stripe 178
that is swiped in the slot 154 is read by the read head 162. The
magnetic read head 162 generates an analog waveform that results
from changes in magnetization along the stripe 178 relative to the
movement between the read head 162 and the stripe 178. The resistor
166 sets the amplitude of this signal and this signal is provided
to the IC 168. As indicated previously, it is possible that the IC
168 could include or incorporate the amplitude setting device 166.
The IC 168 can process the signal as either a digital signal or an
analog signal which is then provided to the host device 160. The
host device 160 can provide information to a host system such as a
third party or a company that handles credit authentication
requests. The host device 160 can communicate with the host system
via WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other mode available to it. The host
system may also send a signal, an e-mail, or a message to the host
device 160 to indicate that the transaction has been completed.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates the reader 150 being powered by the host
device 160. In particular, the reader 150 has a plug 200 that is
adapted to be connected to a headphone jack 202 associated with the
host device 160. The headphone jack 202 has at least one audio
output channel and as most commonly found a left audio out channel
204 and a right audio out channel 206. The audio out channels 204
and 206 are connected to a DAC 208. The DAC 208 is connected to a
microprocessor 210 via a connection 212. Although one DAC 208 is
shown it is possible to have more than one DAC. The headphone jack
202 is connected to an ADC 214 via a microphone input channel 216
and the ADC 214 is connected to the microprocessor 210 by a
connection 218. As has been previously discussed, the plug 200 may
be an audio jack, phone plug, jack plug, stereo plug, mini-jack, or
mini-stereo audio connector.
[0052] The plug 200 is connected to the IC 168 via a left channel
220, a right channel 222, and a microphone input 224. The IC 168 is
provided power from the host device 160 in the following manner.
One of the audio out channels (204 or 206) can be programmed to
output a waveform that is readily rectified and low pass filtered
to provide power to the IC 168. If the audio output of the host
device 160 is DC (direct current) coupled, the audio out channel
(204 or 206) can be programmed to a DC level for use as power to
the IC 168. Also, if stereo audio outputs are available the left
audio out channel 204 and the right audio out channel 206 can be
combined to double the power to the reader device 150.
[0053] The IC 168 may have a digital interface to the host device
160 by using the left and right audio out channels 204 and 206 and
the microphone input channel 216 of the host device 160. The host
device 160 can provide a data transfer clock and a serial data
stream to the IC 168 from the DAC 208 in the host device 160 while
receiving synchronous data from the IC 168 via the microphone input
216. The data transfer clock could be rectified and filtered to
provide power to the IC 168 as well. An alternative method of
transferring digital data from the IC 168 to the host device 160 is
to modulate a carrier waveform with the digital data and deliver
the modulated waveform to the microphone input 216 in either a
synchronous (using an audio output for synchronization) or
asynchronous manner. Examples of modulation formats are OOK, ASK,
FSK, PSK, QPSK, MSK, or the like. Demodulation of the serial
digital data can be accomplished by the microprocessor 210 in the
host device 160 under program control.
[0054] From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has
thus been shown and described herein a card reader device which
fulfills the various advantages sought therefore. It will become
apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes,
modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the
subject card reader device are possible and contemplated. All
changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications
which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure are
deemed to be covered by the disclosure, which is limited only by
the claims which follow.
* * * * *