U.S. patent application number 16/680051 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-12 for systems and methods for cards and devices operable to communicate to touch sensitive displays.
The applicant listed for this patent is Dynamics Inc.. Invention is credited to David J. Hartwick, Jeffrey D. Mullen.
Application Number | 20200082383 16/680051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44971676 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-12 |
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200082383/US20200082383A1-20200312-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200082383 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mullen; Jeffrey D. ; et
al. |
March 12, 2020 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CARDS AND DEVICES OPERABLE TO COMMUNICATE
TO TOUCH SENSITIVE DISPLAYS
Abstract
A card is provided with a touch transmitter operable to
electrically communicate touch signals to a touch-sensitive screen
such as a capacitive touch sensitive screen. In doing so, for
example, a card may directly communicate with a mobile telephonic
device or portable computer (e.g., a tablet computer).
Inventors: |
Mullen; Jeffrey D.;
(Glenshaw, PA) ; Hartwick; David J.; (Aliquippa,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Dynamics Inc. |
Cheswick |
PA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44971676 |
Appl. No.: |
16/680051 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13110498 |
May 18, 2011 |
10504105 |
|
|
16680051 |
|
|
|
|
61345649 |
May 18, 2010 |
|
|
|
61345659 |
May 18, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/044 20130101;
G06Q 20/352 20130101; G07F 7/0833 20130101; G06F 3/0416 20130101;
G07F 7/088 20130101; G07F 7/0853 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/34 20060101
G06Q020/34; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041; G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044; G07F 7/08 20060101 G07F007/08 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A mobile phone comprising: a touch sensitive display including
one or more capacitive touch sensors operable to communicate touch
pulses.
22. The mobile phone of claim 21, further comprising: at least one
physical button.
23. The mobile phone of claim 21, wherein said touch sensitive
display is operable to display a virtual card including at least
one virtual capacitive touch button.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/345,649, titled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR
CARDS AND DEVICES OPERABLE TO COMMUNICATE TO TOUCH SENSITIVE
DISPLAYS," filed May 18, 2010 (Attorney Docket No. D/035 PROV) and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/345,659, titled "SYSTEMS
AND METHODS FOR CARDS AND DEVICES OPERABLE TO COMMUNICATE VIA LIGHT
PULSING," filed May 18, 2010 (Attorney Docket No. D/036 PROV), all
of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to magnetic cards and devices and
associated payment systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A card may include a dynamic magnetic communications device.
Such a dynamic magnetic communications device may take the form of
a magnetic encoder or a magnetic emulator. A magnetic encoder may
change the information located on a magnetic medium such that a
magnetic stripe reader may read changed magnetic information from
the magnetic medium. A magnetic emulator may generate
electromagnetic fields that directly communicate data to a magnetic
stripe reader. Such a magnetic emulator may communicate data
serially to a read-head of the magnetic stripe reader.
[0004] All, or substantially all, of the front as well as the back
of a card may be a display (e.g., bi-stable, non bi-stable, LCD,
LED, or electrochromic display). Electrodes of a display may be
coupled to one or more capacitive touch sensors such that a display
may be provided as a touch-screen display. Any type of touch-screen
display may be utilized. Such touch-screen displays may be operable
of determining multiple points of touch. Accordingly, a barcode may
be displayed across all, or substantially all, of a surface of a
card. In doing so, computer vision equipment such as barcode
readers may be less susceptible to errors in reading a displayed
barcode.
[0005] A card may include a number of output devices to output
dynamic information. For example, a card may include one or more
RFIDs or IC chips to communicate to one or more RFID readers or IC
chip readers, respectively. A card may include devices to receive
information. For example, an RFID and IC chip may both receive
information and communicate information to an RFID and IC chip
reader, respectively. A device for receiving wireless information
signals may be provided. A light sensing device or sound sensing
device may be utilized to receive information wirelessly. A card
may include a central processor that communicates data through one
or more output devices simultaneously (e.g., an RFID, IC chip, and
a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device). The central
processor may receive information from one or more input devices
simultaneously (e.g., an RFID, IC chip, dynamic magnetic stripe
devices, light sensing device, and a sound sensing device). A
processor may be coupled to surface contacts such that the
processor may perform the processing capabilities of, for example,
an EMV chip. The processor may be laminated over and not exposed
such that such a processor is not exposed on the surface of the
card.
[0006] A card may be provided with a button in which the activation
of the button causes a code to be communicated through a dynamic
magnetic stripe communications device (e.g., the subsequent time a
read-head detector on the card detects a read-head). The code may
be indicative of, for example, a feature (e.g., a payment feature).
The code may be received by the card via manual input (e.g., onto
buttons of the card) or via a wireless transmission (e.g., via
light, electromagnetic communications, sound, or other wireless
signals). A code may be communicated from a webpage (e.g., via
light and/or sound) to a card. A card may include a display such
that a received code may be visually displayed to a user. In doing
so, the user may be provided with a way to select, and use, the
code via both an in-store setting (e.g., via a magnetic stripe
reader) or an online setting (e.g., by reading the code from a
display and entering the code into a text box on a checkout page of
an online purchase transaction). A remote server, such as a payment
authorization server, may receive the code and may process a
payment differently based on the code received. For example, a code
may be a security code to authorize a purchase transaction. A code
may provide a payment feature such that a purchase may be made with
points, debit, credit, installment payments, or deferred payments
via a single payment account number (e.g., a credit card number) to
identify a user and a payment feature code to select the type of
payment a user desires to utilize.
[0007] A dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may include
a magnetic emulator that comprises an inductor (e.g., a coil).
Current may be provided through this coil to create an
electromagnetic field operable to communicate with the read-head of
a magnetic stripe reader. The drive circuit may fluctuate the
amount of current travelling through the coil such that a track of
magnetic stripe data may be communicated to a read-head of a
magnetic stripe reader. A switch (e.g., a transistor) may be
provided to enable or disable the flow of current according to, for
example, a frequency/double-frequency (F2F) encoding algorithm. In
doing so, bits of data may be communicated.
[0008] A card may include a touch transmitter that may activate a
capacitive touch sensor on another device such that the other
device believes a user physically touched the capacitive touch
sensor with his/her finger. Accordingly, a touch transmitter may
activate a capacitive touch screen, such as a capacitive touch
screen located on a mobile telephonic device, tablet computing
device, or a capacitive touch screen of a laptop or stationary
computer. The touch transmitter may, accordingly, communicate
information to a device (e.g., to a mobile telephonic device) by
activating and deactivating a touch sensor (or sensors) on a
capacitive touch screen in a particular manner. For example, a
touch transmitter may communicate information serially by
activating and deactivating a capacitive touch screen sensor with
respect to time. A touch transmitter may, accordingly, communicate
information via a capacitive touch sensor using F2F encoding, where
a state transition occurs either at an activation or, for example,
at an activation as well as a deactivation. In this manner, a card
may communicate information directly to a mobile telephonic device
with a capacitive touch screen, or any device with a capacitive
touch screen, without requiring any physical connections or the use
of proprietary communication protocols. A software program may run
on the device having the touch screen that is operable to determine
information provided by one or more touch transmitters from a
device such as a battery-powered payment card. The software program
may, for example, determine different bits of information by
measuring the time between state transitions. For example, a
particular time period between state transitions may be determined
as one bit of information (e.g., a "0" or "1," respectively). A
another particular time period between state transitions may be
determined as a different bit of information (e.g., a "1" or a "0,"
respectively). A message provided from a touch transmitter may
initially include a string of a particular length of a particular
bit (e.g., four or five bits) such that the software program may
lock onto, track, and determine the time duration of that
particular bit such that future received bits may be properly
determined. One particular time period associated with one bit of
information may be approximately twice as long in duration as
another particular time period associated with a different bit of
information.
[0009] A card, or other device, may utilize one or more touch
transmitters to communicate any type of information. For example, a
card may utilize a touch transmitter to communicate a payment card
number, and associated data (e.g., associated discretionary data
such as payment codes and expiration date), such that a payment
purchase may be completed. For example, a card may utilize a touch
transmitter to communicate track 1, track 2, and/or track 3
magnetic stripe information to a device. A software program may be
provided on the device receiving the magnetic stripe information
that completes a purchase transaction based on the magnetic stripe
data received from the touch screen. As per another example, a card
may communicate information indicative of one or more user
selections on the card such that user selections may be
communicated to a capacitive touch screen (e.g., in addition to
payment data and/or other data). As per yet another example,
messages may be communicated to a device having a capacitive touch
screen to provide the device with status on a communication. For
example, a card may communicate a message to a device, via its
capacitive touch screen, that a message is about to be sent or a
message has completed transfer. The card may also communicate
identification and password information such that the card may
securely identify itself to a device.
[0010] The card may receive information from a device having a
capacitive touch screen such that bi-directional communications may
occur with the device utilizing the capacitive touch screen. For
example, a card may receive information via light pulses emitted
from the capacitive touch display. More particularly, for example,
a software program may be installed in a device (e.g., a mobile
telephone) operable to emit messages, via light, to a card and
receive messages, via touch, from the card. The bi-directional
communication may happen in parallel (e.g., light pulses may be
sent to the card simultaneously with touch pulses being received
from the card). The bi-directional communications may happen
sequentially (e.g., the card may communicate via touch and then,
after the card communicates, the card may receive communication
from the device via light and, after the device communicates, the
card may communicate via touch). The device may communicate
identification and password information via light pulses to a
battery-powered card (or other device) such that the
battery-powered device may securely identify the communicating
device. In this manner, the devices may initiate a handshake in
order to identify each other and initiate a secure communications
channel between the two devices. At least one of the devices may
communicate with a remote server (e.g., via a telephonic
communications channel) to receive information about the device
communicating with it such that received identification and
password information may be identified by the remote server. The
identification and password information for multiple devices may
be, for example, stored locally on any one of the devices.
[0011] Bi-directional communication may, for example, allow for
handshaking to occur between the two devices such that each device
may be identified and setup a secure communication channel via
light pulses and touch pulses. Additionally, for example,
information indicative of receipt of message may be communicated
via light and/or touch. Information may be communicated in other
ways such as, for example, via sound or electromagnetic pulses.
Synchronization signals may be communicated before and after a
message. For example, a string of particular bits (e.g., "0"s) may
appear before every message in order for a card, or other device,
to lock onto the timing of the information being transmitted in the
signal. For example, a zero may be transmitted via a "short" touch
pulse and a one may be transmitted via a "long" touch pulse. In
synchronizing the signal, the receiving device may train itself
onto the duration of a "short" touch pulse versus a "long" touch
pulse. A "short" touch pulse may be the time between activations of
a capacitive sensor or the time between the activation and
deactivation of a touch sensor.
[0012] A card may include one or more light sensors, touch
transmitters, capacitive touch sensors, and/or light emitters.
Accordingly, two instances of such a card may communicate
bi-directionally via light as well as via capacitive touch.
[0013] A webpage, or other graphical user interface, may be
displayed on a device (e.g., a mobile telephonic phone) and may
interact with a card, both via communicating light information and
receiving touch information, and this information may be
communicated to a remote server. Such a remote server may be, for
example, an authentication server utilized to complete a purchase
or other transaction. In this manner, a user does not need, for
example, to load his/her payment information into a website.
Instead, for example, a user may gather a variety of items for
purchase and may select to pay with a touch-communicating card. At
this moment, the user may hold the card to the display of a device
(e.g., a mobile telephonic phone or portable computer) and the
payment information may be securely communicated, via the
webserver, to a remote server for payment authorization.
[0014] A touch transmitter on a card may be, for example,
mechanical or electronic in nature. For example, a mechanical
switch may physically connect a conductive material having a
particular capacitance to another conductive material having a
different particular capacitance. In doing so, for example, the
mechanical switch may determine whether a conductive area has a
capacitance approximately that of a finger in order to communicate
information to a capacitive touch screen. As per another example, a
circuit may be provided that electrically provides a particular
capacitance on a plate (e.g., a particular electrostatic field
having a particular capacitance). In doing so, a microprocessor may
electronically trigger one or more capacitive touch sensors on a
capacitive touch screen of a device (e.g., a mobile telephonic
device).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The principles and advantages of the present invention can
be more clearly understood from the following detailed description
considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which the
same reference numerals denote the same structural elements
throughout, and in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a graphical user interface
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic of a system constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic of a card constructed in accordance
with the principles of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a graphical user interface
constructed in accordance with the principles of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a system constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a system constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a device constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a device constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a device constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 12 is an illustration of flow charts constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 13 is an illustration of flow charts constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a card constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 16 is an illustration of a network topology constructed
in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and
[0032] FIG. 17 is an illustration of a device constructed in
accordance with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] FIG. 1 shows card 100 that may include, for example, a
dynamic number that may be entirely, or partially, displayed via
display 112. A dynamic number may include a permanent portion such
as, for example, permanent portion 111. Permanent portion 111 may
be printed as well as embossed or laser etched on card 100.
Multiple displays may be provided on a card. For example, display
113 may be utilized to display a dynamic code such as a dynamic
security code. Display 125 may also be provided to display logos,
barcodes, as well as multiple lines of information. A display may
be a bi-stable display or non bi-stable display. Permanent
information 119 may also be included and may include information
such as information specific to a user (e.g., a user's name or
username) or information specific to a card (e.g., a card issue
date and/or a card expiration date). Card 100 may include one or
more buttons such as buttons 130-134. Such buttons may be
mechanical buttons, capacitive buttons, or a combination or
mechanical and capacitive buttons. A button (e.g., button 130) may
be used, for example, to communicate information through a dynamic
magnetic stripe communications device indicative of a user's desire
to communicate a single track of magnetic stripe information.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that pressing a button
(e.g., button 130) may cause information to be communicated through
a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device when an associated
read-head detector detects the presence of a read-head of a
magnetic stripe reader. Button 130 may be utilized to communicate
(e.g., after button 130 is pressed and after a read-head detects a
read-head of a reader) information indicative of a user selection
(e.g., to communicate two tracks of magnetic stripe data). Multiple
buttons may be provided on a card and each button may be associated
with a different user selection. Card 100 may include, for example,
touch transmitter 126 and light sensor 127.
[0034] Architecture 150 may be utilized with any card. Architecture
150 may include processor 120. Processor 120 may have on-board
memory for storing information (e.g., drive code). Any number of
components may communicate to processor 120 and/or receive
communications from processor 120. For example, one or more
displays (e.g., display 140) may be coupled to processor 120.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that components may be
placed between particular components and processor 120. For
example, a display driver circuit may be coupled between display
140 and processor 120. Memory 144 may be coupled to processor 120.
Memory 144 may include data that is unique to a particular card.
For example, memory 144 may store discretionary data codes
associated with buttons of a card (e.g., card 100 of FIG. 1). Such
codes may be recognized by remote servers to effect particular
actions. For example, a code may be stored in memory 144 that
causes a promotion to be implemented by a remote server (e.g., a
remote server coupled to a card issuer's website). Memory 144 may
store types of promotions that a user may have downloaded to the
device and selected on the device for use. Each promotion may be
associated with a button. Or, for example, a user may scroll
through a list of promotions on a display on the front of the card
(e.g., using buttons to scroll through the list). A user may select
the type of payment on card 100 via manual input interfaces
corresponding to displayed options on display 125. Selected
information may be communicated to a magnetic stripe reader via a
dynamic magnetic stripe communications device. Selected information
may also be communicated to a device (e.g., a mobile telephonic
device) having a capacitive sensor or other type of touch sensitive
sensor.
[0035] Card 100 may include, for example, any number of touch
transmitters 126 or light sensors 127. Touch transmitters 126 may
be utilized, for example, to activate and deactivate a touch sensor
on a capacitive, or other, touch screen. In doing so, a device
having a touch screen may believe that a user is physically
providing physical instructions to the device when a card is
actually providing physical instructions to the device. Light
sensors 127 may be utilized such that a display screen, or other
light emitting device, may communicate information to light sensors
127 via light.
[0036] Any number of reader communication devices may be included
in architecture 150. For example, IC chip 152 may be included to
communicate information to an IC chip reader. IC chip 152 may be,
for example, an EMV chip. As per another example, RFID 151 may be
included to communicate information to an RFID reader. A magnetic
stripe communications device may also be included to communicate
information to a magnetic stripe reader. Such a magnetic stripe
communications device may provide electromagnetic signals to a
magnetic stripe reader. Different electromagnetic signals may be
communicated to a magnetic stripe reader to provide different
tracks of data. For example, electromagnetic field generators 170,
180, and 185 may be included to communicate separate tracks of
information to a magnetic stripe reader. Such electromagnetic field
generators may include a coil wrapped around one or more materials
(e.g., a soft-magnetic material and a non-magnetic material). Each
electromagnetic field generator may communicate information
serially to a receiver of a magnetic stripe reader for a particular
magnetic stripe track. Read-head detectors 171 and 172 may be
utilized to sense the presence of a magnetic stripe reader (e.g., a
read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader). This sensed
information may be communicated to processor 120 to cause processor
120 to communicate information serially from electromagnetic
generators 170, 180, and 185 to magnetic stripe track receivers in
a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader. Accordingly, a
magnetic stripe communications device may change the information
communicated to a magnetic stripe reader at any time. Processor 120
may, for example, communicate user-specific and card-specific
information through RFID 151, IC chip 152, and electromagnetic
generators 170, 180, and 185 to card readers coupled to remote
information processing servers (e.g., purchase authorization
servers). Driving circuitry 141 may be utilized by processor 120,
for example, to control electromagnetic generators 170, 180, and
185.
[0037] Architecture 150 may also include, for example, touch
transmitter 142 as well as light sensor 143. Architecture 150 may
communicate information from touch transmitter 142 as well as
receive information from light sensor 143. Processor 120 may
communicate information through touch transmitter 142 and determine
information received by light sensor 143. Processor 120 may store
information on memory 144 to later be, for example, communicated
via touch transmitter 142.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows graphical user interface (GUI) 200 that may be
displayed, for example, from a stationary or portable computer, a
mobile telephonic phone, a tablet computer, a navigational system,
a watch, a card, or any device having a display screen. Graphical
user interface 200 may be hosted, for example, from a server and
may communicate with a number of additional servers. For example,
graphical user interface 200 may be provided on a web browser, or
other application run from a device, to complete a purchase
transaction. GUI 200 may include, for example, input text boxes for
a user to enter a card number, card type, expiration date, security
code, name, address, and zip code. A submit button (not shown) may
be included, for example, to communicate this information to a
remote server for authorization. Additional text boxes may be
included, for example, such as a text box for additional
discretionary payment data or a shipping address.
[0039] GUI 200 may also have communication area 280 surrounded by
status area 270. Communication area 280 may be utilized, for
example, to communicate data to/from a card or other device via
light output and tactile input. Status area 270 may be utilized to
communicate to a user of the status of the communication.
[0040] Accordingly, for example, GUI 200 may receive payment
information from a card via a touch sensor located on a display
providing GUI 200. GUI 200 may communicate information to a card
via light (e.g., light pulses). Accordingly, for example, a secure
communication may occur between a card and GUI 200. The information
may be displayed in the text boxes (e.g., the text boxes may be
auto filled either completely or partially). Alternatively, for
example, no information may be shown. Status area 270 may, for
example, provide a particular color of light (e.g., yellow) to
indicate to the user that the process is underway. A different
color of light may be displayed before the process begins (e.g.,
red). Yet a different color of light may be displayed after the
process is completed (e.g., green).
[0041] The information may be communicated in encrypted form to GUI
200. GUI 200 may then, for example, decrypt the information or
forward the encrypted message to a remote server for processing. In
doing so, for example, GUI 200 may not be exposed to any
unprotected sensitive information. Information communicated from
the card to the GUI may include, for example, card number, card
type, expiration date, security code, zip code, address, email
address, shipping address, additional discretionary data,
discretionary data indicative of user-selected payment codes, or
any other type of information. A card may also, communicate, for
example encryption keys as well as other data for device
handshaking and secure communication protocols. A card may, for
example, communicate an email address and a password via a touch
transmitter generated by the card. In doing so, for example, a
payment may be authorized based on an email address and a password.
An amount may also be entered into a card, or other device, by a
user and communicated to GUI 200 via touch-based communications
from the card.
[0042] One or more light sensors or touch transmitters may be
located on a card. For example, a touch transmitter may be located
at opposite ends of a card. A user may touch a button (e.g., a
download button) to start communicating data via the touch
transmitter. The GUI may be able to determine whether, for example,
one or more touch transmitters are located within communication
area 280. If the card is not aligned, the user may be notified
(e.g., by status area 270 performing a particular action, such as
blinking or displaying particular text or color) until the card is
properly aligned within communication area 280. Communication area
280 may communicate information, via light, back to the card, or
other device, that the card is being realigned such that the card
does not require a user to repress a particular button (e.g., a
"download" button). In doing so, GUI 200 may communicate the status
of the communication back to a card, or other device, held against
communication area 280 via light.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows card 300, which may be provided in a vertical
configuration. Card 300 may include, for example, issuer logo 310,
network logo 370, display 350, manual input interfaces 341-343,
touch transmitter 320, light sensor 330, permanent indicia 351,
362, and 363. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any
permanent indicia may be provided via display 350. For example, one
or more payment card numbers, user name, expiration date, and
security codes may be provided via display 350. Persons skilled in
the art will appreciate that touch transmitter 320 and/or light
sensor 330 may be placed in the proximity of a corner of a card. By
placing touch transmitter 320 in the proximity of a corner of a
card, the corner of the card may be placed over a portion of a
capacitive touch screen and communicate data without the need for
the entire card to be placed over the capacitive touch screen.
Display 350 may, for example, be utilized to display a payment card
number such as a fifteen or sixteen digit credit or debit card
number. Manual input interface 341 may, for example, allow a user
to scroll in a particular direction (e.g., the left direction or
the up direction) of a list of options. Manual input interface 343
may, for example, allow a user to scroll in a different direction
(e.g., the right direction or the down direction) or a list of
options. Manual input interface 342 may, for example, allow a user
to select an option from a list of options.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows system 400 that may include mobile telephonic
device 490 and device 410 (e.g., a payment card). Device 410 may
include, for example, display 420 that may display status
indicative of a communication. A touch transmitter and/or light
sensor may be provided on a surface of device 410 opposite display
420. In this manner, for example, device 410 may communicate with
mobile telephonic device 490 as device 410 is held against device
490, but device 410 may communicate information indicative of the
status of a communication via display 420.
[0045] Device 490 may include housing 491, button 495, and
capacitive touch display screen 499. Device 410 may utilize a touch
transmitter to, for example, communicate information to mobile
telephonic device 490. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate
that a mobile banking application may be utilized on mobile
telephonic device 490. Device 410 may be utilized to properly
identify a person securely in order to reduce fraud. Accordingly,
device 410 may communicate identification information and security
codes, such as time based or used based codes, to device 490 via
display 499. Accordingly, such an identification may be required,
for example, by a banking application in order to gain access to
banking information, execute a financial trade (e.g., a stock or
option trade), transfer money, or pay a bill via an electronic
check.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows device 500 that may include, for example, touch
transmitter 541, light sensor 542, light emitting diodes 561 and
562, buttons 571 and 572, permanent information 520 and 530, as
well as light sensor 543 and touch transmitter 544.
[0047] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that multiple
touch transmitters may communicate data simultaneously in parallel
to a touch screen. Similarly, for example, multiple light sensors
may receive data simultaneously in parallel from a display screen.
The information may be, for example, different or the same. By
communicating the same information through different touch
transmitters, a device may receive two messages and confirm receipt
of a communication if the two messages are the same. Touch
transmitters may be utilized, for example, by software on a device
to determine the positioning of device 500 on an associated touch
screen. Similarly, light sensors may be utilized, for example, to
receive information indicative of the positioning of device 500 on
an associated touch screen. The electronics of a card (e.g., a
touch transmitter) may be provided on a single or multiple layer
flexible printed circuit board and laminated via a hot-lamination
or cold-lamination process. An injection process may be utilized
where one or more liquids may be provided about an electronics
package and hardened (e.g., via a light, temperature, pressure,
and/or chemical process) to form a card. A card may be, for
example, between approximately 30 and 33 thousandths of an inch
thick.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows GUI 600 that may include navigation bar 610 and
main screen 620. GUI 600 may be, for example, a web browser for a
mobile banking application. A user may be required to, for example,
enter a username, password, and authenticate by holding a banking
card to a display over area 660 such that the banking card may
communicate an authentication message. In doing so, status area 650
may change to display indicia indicative of an authenticated
identity. The card may also receive information, via light or other
method (e.g., sound) as part of the authentication process. Upon
authentication, the user may be provided access to the mobile
banking application or a particular transaction may occur (e.g., a
funds transfer may be initiated or a purchase transaction may be
authorized). Such an authentication process may occur for any
process, such as a process performed at least in part on an
application or webpage of a device.
[0049] FIG. 7 shows device 700 that may include housing 710 and
touch display screen 720. A user may hold a card anywhere on touch
display screen 720 and a software program running on device 700 may
detect the orientation and position of card 740 on touch display
screen 720 via touch pulses communicated via touch transmitters 741
and 744. Light sensors 742 and 743 may be utilized such that device
700 may communicate information back to card 740 via light. Device
700 may communicate light in the proximity of light sensors 742
and/or 743 by determining the location and orientation of card 740
on device 700. In doing so, for example, light pulses may be
generated by device 700, but may be hidden from the view of a user
via card 740. One or more buttons 715 may be provided on device
700. Button 715 may, for example, be utilized to turn a display of
device 700 OFF and/or toggle display of device 700 between ON and
OFF.
[0050] FIG. 8 shows system 800 having device 810 with button 815
and touch sensitive display 820 and card 840 having touch
transmitters 841 and 844 and light sensors 842 and 843. Software on
device 810 may detect touch pulses from card 840 and may confirm
the presence of card 840 by creating status area 830 around card
840 in the proximity of card 840 and in the approximate
configuration of card 840. Status area 830 may form a frame around
a card and, as such, may be longer and wider than a card. Status
area 830 may be, for example, a box in which a card may be placed
and, as such, may be longer and wider than a card. Indicia may be
provided in status area 830 such as, for example, text information
describing a status of a process (e.g., "orientation confirmed,"
"authorizing transaction," "transaction authorized, please remove
card."). Status area 830 may, for example, change colors as the
status of a process changes. For example, status area 830 may be a
first color while a transaction is being authorized and a second
color after a transaction is authorized.
[0051] FIG. 9 shows touch transmitter 900 that may include
piezoelectric actuator 911, conductive layer 912, and dome 913.
Piezoelectric actuator 911 may be coupled to board 910, which may
be a single or multiple layer flexible printed circuit board. A
processor may control the actuation state of piezoelectric actuator
911 in order to move conductive layer 912 closer to, or further
away, from the surface of a device. In doing so, the processor may
physically touch and untouch a touch screen in order to provide
input to that touch screen. For example, piezoelectric actuator 911
may be retracted to position 921 as shown in state 920. Persons
skilled in the art will appreciate that conductor 912 may have a
capacitance approximate to the capacitance of a finger and that
dome 913 may not be included such that conductor 912 may physically
touch a touch sensitive display.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows touch transmitter 1000 that may include, for
example, board 1010 and conductive layer 1020. Persons skilled in
the art will appreciate that board 1010 may be a single or multiple
layer printed circuit board with printing on a single or both
surfaces of each layer. Board 1010 may be a flexible circuit board
reinforced with additional material (e.g., Kevlar). Board 1010 may
be, for example, a single or multiple layer flexible printed
circuit board. Components may be fixed to board 1010 using, for
example, a wire-bonding, flip-on-flex, or another assembly process.
Conductor 1020 may be, for example, an area of copper provided on
the surface of board 1010. Accordingly, conductor 1020 may be
printed on the surface of board 1010 such that, for example,
additional assembly efforts are not required and the cost of touch
transmitter 1000 is decreased. A processor (not shown) may provide
control signals to a mechanical switch (not shown) in order to
physically connect additional conductive material, or other
components, to conductor 1020. In doing so, the processor may
physically change the amount of capacitance seen at conductor 1020
by a capacitive touch screen. Accordingly, a processor may send
information signals to the capacitive touch screen by mechanically
and/or electrically coupling and decoupling capacitance to
conductor 1020 based on a particular encoding policy (e.g., F2F
encoding).
[0053] Touch transmitter 1000 may include circuitry 1050 that may,
for example, electrically change the capacitance of conductor 1020
on board 1010. Circuitry 1050 may include, for example, supply
voltage 1051, diode 1052, transistor 1053, conductor 1057 (e.g.,
which may be conductor 1020), resistor 1054, resistor 1058, diode
1059, diode 1055, ground 1056, and input terminal 1060. A processor
(not shown) may be coupled to terminal 1060. Accordingly, a
processor may electrically control a touch transmitter such that
the touch transmitter may electrically touch a capacitive touch
screen without mechanically touching the capacitive touch
screen.
[0054] A capacitive touch screen is provided and may be fabricated
to include, for example, a set of conductors that interact with
electric fields. A human finger may include a number of conductive
electrolytes covered by a layer of skin (e.g., a lossy dielectric).
A finger's capacitance may vary, for example, between approximately
50 pF and 250 pF. A finger's capacitance may be referred to as Cf
while the capacitance of a set of one or more touch sensors without
a finger present may be referred to as Cp or parasitic
capacitance.
[0055] A rectangular, square, circular, oval, or any shaped plate
may be provided. For example, plate 1057 may be provided. The plate
may be fabricated from a conductive material such as, for example,
copper. The area of the plate may be, for example, constructed to
be smaller than the area of a touch sensor on a touch screen or a
particular set of touch sensors on a touch screen. Plate 1057 may
initially be provided with an initial capacitance of approximately
zero or close to zero (e.g., 5 pF or less). Transistor 1053 may be
coupled to plate 1057. Transistor 1053 may be, for example, an NPN
transistor. The capacitance of transistor 1053 from collector to
emitter, C.sub.CE, may be approximately 5 pF or less. Initially,
transistor 1053 may be OFF. Plate 1057 may be connected, for
example, to the emitter of transistor 1053 and positioned to within
the proximity of the touch sensor, or array of touch sensors, to be
touched. The capacitance of plate 1057 may be, while transistor
1053 is OFF, low enough so plate 1057 does not activate any touch
sensor. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plate of
a touch transmitter need not physically touch a touch sensor.
Instead, for example, the plate of a touch transmitter may be
located within the proximity of the touch sensor (e.g., separated
from the touch sensor by a particular amount). For example, the
plate may be approximately 5 to 30 thousandths of an inch from a
touch sensor (e.g., approximately 12-16 thousandths of an inch).
Transistor resistor 1058 and diode 1059 may be provided to, for
example, isolate the capacitance of the rest of a card, or other
device, circuitry from transistor 1053 while transistor 1053 is
OFF. Additionally, transistor 1053 may be isolated from any other
parasitic capacitance (e.g., supply voltages and ground terminals).
Similarly, traces may be provided that are minimized in length in
order to decrease parasitic capacitances around transistor 1053 and
plate 1057.
[0056] A processor may apply a voltage across diode 1059 and
resistor 1058 to turn transistor 1053 ON. Resistor 1058 may, for
example, include a resistance of approximately 0.5k-1.5k (e.g.,
approximately 1k).
[0057] The base of transistor 1053 may also be grounded to ground
1056 via diode 1055 and resistor 1054. Resistor 1054 may, for
example, include a resistance of approximately 7.5k-12.5K (e.g.,
approximately 10k).
[0058] The collector and base of transistor 1053 may be isolated,
for example, by forward biased signal diodes. For example, diode
1052 may be provided between supply voltage 1051 and transistor
1053. Diodes may be utilized to block capacitance and may be either
forward or reversed biased. In isolating capacitance from
transistor 1053, the capacitance of plate 1057 may be more
accurately controlled.
[0059] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that diode 1059
may be provided to the left of resistor 1058. Persons skilled in
the art will also appreciate that circuitry 1050 may be provided
without resistor 1054 and diode 1055 if the source control has low
impedance when inactive. Components may be added to, removed from,
or modified within circuitry 1050. For example, the emitter of
transistor 1053 may be grounded through a diode (or other circuit
component) so that a current path may exist through transistor 1053
when transistor 1053 is ON.
[0060] FIG. 11 shows device 1100 that may be a touch sensitive
display screen with a GUI having status area 1120, logo 1130, and
light communication area 1140. Light communication area 1140 may
provide light signals to a card in order to communicate information
to the card. In turn, the area inside status area 1120 may be
utilized to receive touch signals from the card. Persons skilled in
the art will appreciate that the same area (e.g., area 1140) may be
utilized to communicate both light and touch signals or different
areas may be utilized to communicate light and touch signals. For
example, area 1140 may be utilized to communicate light signals
while the rest of logo 1130 may be utilized to communicate touch
signals. Button 1110 may be included on device 1100 and may be a
mechanical button.
[0061] FIG. 12 shows process flow charts 1210, 1220, and 1230.
Process 1210 may include step 1211, in which a card, or other
device, may send synchronizing touch signals to another card, or
other device. The synchronization signals may include, for example,
a string of a particular bit of information such as a string of
"1"s or a string of "0"s. The card may receive, in step 1212, light
signals (or other signals such as touch signals) indicative of the
device receiving the synchronization signals and processing the
synchronization signals so that the device is synchronized to
receive information signals. In step 1213, the card may send
information touch signals. In step 1214, the card may send touch
signals indicative of the completion of a message. In step 1215,
the card may receive signals (e.g., light signals) indicative of a
message being received in its entirety. If a device does not
receive the message properly (e.g., the data was corrupted), the
device may request, via a light or touch signal, that the message
be resent. The device receiving the touch signals may then, for
example, communicate information back to the card in a similar
manner. In step 1212, the return light signals may be, for example,
light synchronization signals such that the card may synchronize to
the expected light pulses that are to be received.
[0062] Process 1220 may include, for example, step 1221, in which
an information message is repeatedly sent (e.g., via touch signals,
light signals, or sound signals) from one device (e.g., a card) to
another device (e.g., a mobile telephonic device). Step 1222 may
occur in which a message is received indicative of a successful
receipt of the message provided in step 1221. Accordingly, the
message of 1221 may stop being sent in step 1223 and a new message
may be sent repeatedly in step 1224 until the message is
acknowledged as being received in step 1225.
[0063] Process 1230 may be provided and may include step 1231, in
which identification information is communicated. Step 1232 may
include receiving acknowledgment of receipt of identification
information. Step 1233 may include receiving identification
information from the other device. Step 1234 and 1235 may be
utilized, for example, to exchange information regarding how future
data in the communication may be encrypted.
[0064] FIG. 13 shows process flow charts 1310, 1320, and 1330. Flow
chart 1310 includes step 1311, in which a GUI (e.g., running on a
mobile phone or a portable computer) receives touch signals from a
device such as a card. The GUI may establish secure communications
in step 1312 and may receive payment information in step 1313. The
GUI may process the payment information in step 1314 (e.g., via
sending the data to a remote authorization server) and display
indicia of a completed purchase in step 1315.
[0065] Process 1320 may be provided and may include step 1321, in
which a GUI receives touch signals. Step 1322 may be included in
which the GUI receives one or more payment card numbers. This
communication may be, for example, an insecure communication. The
GUI may receive a time-based or use-based code and may process the
card number with this code in step 1324. Persons skilled in the art
will appreciate that additional information may be utilized to
process a purchase such as, for example, an expiration date and/or
a zip code. Step 1325 may be included in which the GUI displays
indicia representative of the completed purchase.
[0066] Process 1330 may be provided and may include step 1331, in
which a GUI may receive touch signals. The GUI may receive a
payment card number in step 1332, a time-based or use-based code in
step 1333, and a payment option in step 1334. For example, a
payment option may be to pay for a purchase using points instead of
the user's credit line. As per another example, a payment option
may be to pay for a purchase in a particular number of
installments. Data may be processed and the GUI may display indicia
indicative of a completed purchase in step 1335. Persons skilled in
the art will appreciate that a completed purchase may include the
display of an electronic receipt and information may be
communicated to the card (e.g., via light) so the card may include
an updated credit balance, point balance, or any other information
update.
[0067] FIG. 14 shows card 1400 that may include a display located
substantially over one or both sides of the card. Indicia 1450 may
be displayed and may include light communication area 1460. Card
1400 may include capacitive touch buttons such as capacitive touch
button 1430. Capacitive touch button 1430 may also be controlled,
for example, to activate a capacitive touch sensor on another card
or device. Similarly, for example, a touch screen of a mobile phone
may be provided and operated, for example, to electronically touch
a capacitive touch screen of a different mobile phone (or
card).
[0068] FIG. 15 shows card 1500 that may include a side with
signature line 1530, displays 1520 and 1540, dynamic magnetic
stripe communications device 1510, and touch transmitter and light
sensor 1560. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a
touch transmitter and light sensor may be directed to receive and
communicate information from a reverse side of a card such that a
user may hold a card to a display and press a button on the card to
initiate transfer. The card may include a source of light (e.g.,
LED) on the obverse side of the card to indicate when communication
to a display via touch has begun, is underway, and has
completed.
[0069] FIG. 16 shows topology 1600 that may include touch pulse
information exchange server 1610, card issuer server 1640, light
pulse information exchange server 1670, communication network 1650,
authorization server 1620, routing server 1630, POS terminal 1660,
mobile device 1680 (e.g., a battery-powered card, a mobile
telephonic device, or computing device), and any other device 1690
(e.g., a promotional issuance or rewards management server).
[0070] FIG. 17 shows device 1700 which may be, for example, a
mobile phone having a touch sensitive display 1710, physical
buttons 1740, and virtual capacitive touch buttons 1750 on virtual
card 1720. Light communications may occur, for example, in area
1780 of indicia 1770. One or more capacitive touch sensors may
also, for example, be controlled to communicate touch pulses (e.g.,
touch transmitter area 1780).
[0071] Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
present invention is not limited to only the embodiments described.
Instead, the present invention more generally involves dynamic
information. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that
the apparatus of the present invention may be implemented in other
ways then those described herein. All such modifications are within
the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the
claims that follow.
* * * * *