WO2006131876A1 - Controlled access smart card - Google Patents

Controlled access smart card Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006131876A1
WO2006131876A1 PCT/IB2006/051786 IB2006051786W WO2006131876A1 WO 2006131876 A1 WO2006131876 A1 WO 2006131876A1 IB 2006051786 W IB2006051786 W IB 2006051786W WO 2006131876 A1 WO2006131876 A1 WO 2006131876A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
information
card
user
smart card
access
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2006/051786
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Brian Regienczuk
Anders Smith
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
Publication of WO2006131876A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006131876A1/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07CTIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/20Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a card having electronic data storage capability for storing user information.
  • the present invention relates to a smart card for storing and accessing a wide variety of user information, and to a system and method of employing the card.
  • Financial transaction and identification cards such as credit cards, access cards, membership cards and loyalty cards have become a standard means for storage and communication of consumer or card user information. Their use has proliferated to such an extent that it has become necessary to carry a number of cards in order to perform routine transactions in modern society. Due to the prevalence of these cards as well as the continued development of means for providing diverse information to a consumer, a need has arisen for a card having diverse information storage for diverse transactions and yet of practical design for ready use.
  • Conventional financial transaction and identification cards typically store user information or a user profile related to a single card issuer.
  • the issuer is typically a financial institution, store, government entity or other service provider.
  • the user-related information is specific to the issuer, and cannot be recognized by another issuer.
  • a financial transaction card cannot be used at any unrelated issuer locations, since locations not affiliated with the issuer will not recognize the user information.
  • the user in order to access multiple accounts managed by different issuers using different formats/protocols, the user must typically carry numerous cards. The user must also recall numerous passwords or other access protocols.
  • Combination or smart cards provide the capability of storing user accounts for multiple issuers on one card.
  • Smart cards are typically shaped and sized like conventional credit cards.
  • Smart cards are often referred to as "chip", IC or microprocessor cards. They incorporate an on-board integrated circuit (IC).
  • IC integrated circuit
  • the chip is embedded within the card plastic and typically communicates to the outside world through contacts that are flush with the exterior surface of the card.
  • a smart card reader enables the card and issuer computer/terminal to exchange information.
  • U.S. Publication No. 2005/0056704 published on March 17, 2005, describes an integrated circuit (IC) card with switching by a toggle switch to select between two distinct communication protocols.
  • U.S. Publication No. 2005/0056704 is incorporated in its entirety herein with reference thereto.
  • Smart card chips can securely store multiple kilobytes of information, process data at speeds similar to early PCs, and run the complex operating systems that card manufacturers have embedded within the cards.
  • conventional smart cards have a distinct disadvantage in that once the card is read by one issuer, all card user information stored on the card is available for access by that user. There is currently no means for the user to control or limit access to specific issuer accounts.
  • controlled access smart card that incorporates and stores information for multiple services in one card, thereby consolidating information presently stored on multiple cards.
  • the controlled access smart card of the present invention could be employed to store and selectively access and communicate credit card information, membership information to services such as gyms and professional organizations, employee identification and/or access information and any other sensitive identification information.
  • a smart card that enables a consumer to readily control the extent to which communication with the card is enabled or blocked.
  • Such a card would also enable an issuer sponsoring a loyalty program to either individually or collectively award points for frequent use and to track the consumer awards efficiently.
  • Customer loyalty information may include, for example, frequent flyer information, grocery discount information, and the like.
  • the smart card of the present invention addresses and resolves the aforesaid art desired needs.
  • controlled access smart card of the present invention which card provides a means for storing and enabling access to diverse user accounts and related information.
  • the controlled access smart card has a means for storing and selectively accessing diverse account information, including a means for displaying the selectively accessed information.
  • the controlled access smart card provides selective access to remotely stored diverse user accounts and information.
  • the present invention is a controlled access smart card wherein the card has integral first and second information, means for selectively accessing one of the first and second information and means for displaying the accessed information for reading by the user.
  • the accessed information can be communicated to one other than the user, such as an account issuer.
  • the first information controlled by way of example, may be account issuer information, and the second information, may be user identification information.
  • the user has ready control of, access to and communication of diverse accounts and related transaction and accounts status; all in one card.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary use of the controlled access smart card of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for providing a controlled access smart card of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an integrated circuit storage means which can be used in accordance with the controlled access smart card of the present invention.
  • card means any card, device, code, or other suitable financial instrument, and is not extended to the presently configured and constructed credit or like cards.
  • the device, code, or other suitable financial instrument may also have a credit line or balance associated with it, wherein the credit line or balance is in a form of a financial tender.
  • a "card”, “credit card” or “loyalty card”, as that term is used herein, includes any card, device, code, or financial instrument suitably configured to allow the cardholder to interact or communicate with an issuing system, such as, by way of example and without limitation, a charge card, credit card, debit card, prepaid card, telephone card, smart card, magnetic stripe card, bar code card, authorization/access code, personal identification number (PIN), Internet code, other identification code, and/or the like.
  • a "user” includes any person or entity that uses a card.
  • An “issuer” includes any financial company, store, governmental, or other entity providing an information profile for a user.
  • a user/owner 15 of controlled access smart card 10 may manipulate controlled access smart card 10 to enable or disable communication to and/or from an issuer 25.
  • information relating to user 15 accounts for multiple issuers 25a to 25n may be controlled by controlled access smart card 10.
  • Controlled access smart card 10 has a means for storing and communicating a plurality of user 15 accounts and personal information 30, a means for displaying the accounts 40 on controlled access smart card 10, and a means for controlling access to or selectively accessing 50 user 15 accounts and personal information stored on controlled access smart card 10.
  • Controlled access smart card 10 may further have a means for communicating information 20 from controlled access smart card 10 to issuer 25.
  • Controlled access smart card 10 preferably stores information or profiles specific to user 15.
  • information or profiles specific to user 15 include both financial data such as that found on credit cards, debit cards and A.T.M. cards and non- financial data such as drivers' licenses, building security, insurance cards, personal identification cards, etc.
  • controlled access smart card 10 includes: credit card information such as that provided by financial services provider such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover, controlled access smart card information such as that provided by airline frequent flyer cards, hotel cards, car rental cards, grocery discount cards; mass transit debit or access; membership information such as that provided by gym membership, membership to professional organizations; employee identification or access cards; hotel or building access cards; and personal preference information such as brands, shopping history, family/friends data, proof of identity, proof of professional licensing, entry to an exclusive membership club, entry to an access -restricted location, access to credit services, telephone system use, and accrual of loyalty rewards/incentives such as frequent flier miles or grocery store discounts and rebates.
  • financial services provider such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover
  • controlled access smart card information such as that provided by airline frequent flyer cards, hotel cards, car rental cards, grocery discount cards
  • mass transit debit or access membership information such as that provided by gym membership, membership to professional organizations
  • employee identification or access cards hotel or building access cards
  • personal preference information such as brands, shopping
  • controlled access smart card 10 is employed as a loyalty card tracking purchasing activity of user 15 and communicating purchasing activity to issuer 25 so as to allow issuer 25 to provide rewards and bonuses to user 15.
  • issuer 25 may benefit from accessing user 15 information stored on controlled access card 10 by, for example, profiling user 15 for additional rebates, coupons, savings or programs, employing user 15 purchasing information for research for product development, and employing a profile for user 15 relating to purchasing preferences for other future use.
  • controlled access smart card 10 stores user 15 information or user 15 profiles from multiple sources via storage means 30.
  • Storage means 30 may be any storage means known in the art.
  • storage means 30 is an
  • Integrated circuit chip or central processing unit.
  • Integrated circuits typically have a computer chip including a microprocessor, read-only-memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only- memory (EEPROM), an Input/Output (I/O) mechanism and other circuitry to support the microprocessor in its operations.
  • ROM read-only-memory
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only- memory
  • I/O Input/Output
  • An IC card may contain a single application or may contain multiple independent applications in its memory.
  • MULTOS.TM. is a multiple application operating system which runs on IC cards, among other platforms, and allows multiple applications to be executed on the card itself.
  • programs stored in the card for example, credit/debit, electronic money/purse and/or loyalty applications
  • type of terminal i.e., ATM, telephone and/or POS
  • the IC card chip preferably includes a central processing unit 31, a RAM 33, an EEPROM 33, a ROM 34, a timer 35, control logic 36, an I/O ports 37 and security circuitry 38, which are connected together by a conventional data bus.
  • Control logic 36 provides sufficient sequencing and switching to handle read- write access to the card's memory through the input/output ports.
  • CPU 31 with its control logic can perform calculations, access memory locations, modify memory contents, and manage input/output ports. Some cards have a coprocessor for handling complex computations like cryptographic algorithms.
  • Input/output ports 37 are used under the control of a CPU and control logic alone, for communications between the card and a card acceptance device.
  • Timer 35 (which generates or provides a clock pulse) drives the control logic 36 and CPU 31 through the sequence of steps that accomplish memory access, memory reading or writing, processing, and data communication.
  • a timer may be used to provide application features such as call duration.
  • Security circuitry 38 includes fusible links that connect the input/output lines to internal circuitry as required for testing during manufacture, but which are destroyed ("blown") upon completion of testing to prevent later access.
  • the personalization data to qualify controlled access smart card 10 is stored in a secured location of EEPROM 33. The comparing of the personalization data to applications permissions data is performed by the CPU 31.
  • Controlled access smart card 10 can interact with a computer (P.C., laptop, palm pilot, etc.).
  • User 15 can than employ a computer to access, update and modify data stored on controlled access smart card 10. In a preferred embodiment, user can 15 manage accounts, add accounts and delete accounts at a computer having the appropriate software program.
  • storage means 30 includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • the RFID system may consist of several components, non- limiting examples of which include tags, tag readers, tag programming stations, circulation readers, sorting equipment, and tag inventory wands.
  • an RFID system The purpose of an RFID system is to enable data to be transmitted by a portable device, called a tag, which is read by an RFID reader located on an issuer 25 site and processed according to the needs of issuer 25.
  • the data transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about user 15 accounts.
  • the tag contains a transponder with a digital memory chip that is given a unique electronic product code.
  • the interrogator an antenna packaged with a transceiver and decoder, emits a signal activating the RFID tag so it can read and write data.
  • an RFID tag When an RFID tag is passed through an electromagnetic zone, it detects the reader's activation signal.
  • the reader decodes the data encoded in the tag's integrated circuit (silicon chip) and the data is passed to the host computer for processing.
  • communication mechanism 20 enables user 15 having selective controlled access to transmit or communicate the selected information stored to one other than user 15.
  • Communication mechanism 20 may also receive information from one other than user 15, such as an account issuer 25.
  • Communication mechanism 20 may be a separate component from storage means 30.
  • communication mechanism 20 and storage means 30 may be one integral component.
  • communication mechanism 20 is a wireless chip that can receive signals sent to the chip from an external source.
  • the chip may receive signals from a wireless network, such as a cellular phone network, or other wireless network able to send signals to the chip.
  • the chip may be interconnected with an antenna (not shown) that may aid the chip in retrieving the information or receiving information from account issuer 25.
  • the chip and/or the antenna may receive the signals and display information within display means 40 via a display connection.
  • the display connection may be an electrical wire or a plurality of electrical wires that completes an electrical circuit thereby providing an electrical linkage between the chip and display means 40.
  • display means 40 may be connected directly to the chip without the use of a wire or wires.
  • the chip may include a coupling means whereby a portion of display means 40 is coupled to the chip via the coupling means, whereby the coupling means includes electrical connections that match electrical connections on display means 40.
  • the coupling means includes electrical connections that match electrical connections on display means 40.
  • any other connection means connecting the chip to display means 40 may be utilized by the present invention, and the present invention is not meant to be limited as herein described.
  • the information sent from the chip to display means 40 and displayed by display means 40 is described in more detail as provided below.
  • the chip may be powered by a power means 100, which may be a battery, solar cell or photo cell, or other power means that may provide electrical power to the chip for displaying information on display means 40.
  • a power means 100 may be a battery, solar cell or photo cell, or other power means that may provide electrical power to the chip for displaying information on display means 40.
  • a small battery may be disposed within the layers of the transaction card and may further be interconnected with the chip and display means 40.
  • power means 100 may be a solar or photocell, whereby sunlight, lamplight, or any other light source may be utilized to provide electrical power to the chip and/or display means 40.
  • power means 100 may be connected to the chip via an electrical connection.
  • power 100 means may be connected to display means 40 via the display connection.
  • controlled access smart card 10 may store one or more loyalty identification profiles for user 15. Upon entering a particular store, the store communicates with controlled access smart card 10, informing controlled access smart card 10 that user 15 is in that particular store. Controlled access smart card 10 then automatically provides the appropriate loyalty identification profile information pertaining to user 15 account information for that particular store. While controlled access smart card 10 has been described as an incorporated storage means 30 for storing user 15 account information, it should be understood that storage means 30 may, optionally, provide only basic parameters or data sets which identify user 15 account information, which is stored on a remote data base to which controlled access smart card 10 provides full or limited access, as defined by user 15.
  • controlled access smart card 10 storage means 30 stores a coded key that creates a profile when information is requested, which allows account issuer 25 access to such information as is relevant to account issuer 25.
  • Control means or toggle switch 50 enables user 15 to selectively access the data stored on controlled access smart card 10 by enabling and disabling access to information, as needed.
  • control means 50 enables user 15 to control the access to and communication of his personal information by issuer 25.
  • Control means 50 further enables user 15 to toggle between different accounts as desired.
  • control means 50 is a toggle switch that enables user 15 to switch controlled access smart card 10 on or off or to toggle between various accounts.
  • Control means 50 may be analog switches, solid state switches, software switches, or any other switch known to one of skill in the art.
  • Control means 50 is preferably a push- on/push-off switch that controls whether the IC circuitry or RFID device provides the responsive signal to identify user 15. The push-on/push-off switch, when pushed, allows the IC circuitry or RFID device to become active or inactive until the switch is pushed again.
  • control means 50 is a momentary, touch actuated switch. More particularly, control means 50 is a momentary, pressure sensitive switch. Pushing the momentary, touch actuated switch toggles the receiver between being enabled and disabled by causing circuitry to latch a signal which enables controlled access smart card 10. When the switch is pressed again the circuitry latches controlled access smart card 10 into a disabled or inactive mode. The switch further controls whether the circuitry provides the signal to identify controlled access smart card 10.
  • the circuitry is encased in a housing such that the switch is actuable from outside the housing by touching a portion of the housing.
  • control means 50 may activate a mask for controlled access smart card 10 via an algorithm or similar means, biometrics or voiceprint.
  • control means 50 may be associated with a security protocol to protect against wrongful use, such as when the card is lost or stolen.
  • Control means 50 of controlled access smart card 10 enables user 15 to control the extent to which an issuer 25 may communicate information to controlled access smart card 10. For example, user 15 may choose to remain anonymous to issuer 25 and its associated systems. Thus, user 15 is able to limit the amount of information in the form of advertisements, product data and the like that is received from a particular store by control means 50. User 15 is further able to limit the amount of information that is communicated to issuer 25, thereby providing privacy and anonymity to user 15 by control means 50. In a preferred embodiment, a purchase at issuer 25 may be accepted by control means 50.
  • Display means 40 for displaying the account information on controlled access smart card 10 may be selected from the group consisting of LED, Electronic Ink®, and any other known display means known in the art. Display 40 enables user 15 to view the accounts on controlled access smart card 10 and discern which accounts are active or inactive. Display 40 may also enable user 15 to view information forwarded by issuer 25.
  • display means 40 is Electronic Ink® or E Ink such as that provided by E Ink Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  • Electronic ink® is a proprietary material that is processed into a film for integration into electronic displays.
  • E Ink electronic display Ink is printed onto a sheet of plastic film that is laminated to a layer of circuitry.
  • the circuitry forms a pattern of pixels that can then be controlled by a display driver.
  • These microcapsules are suspended in a liquid "carrier medium” allowing them to be printed using existing screen printing processes onto virtually any surface, including glass, plastic, fabric and even paper.
  • Controlled access smart card 10 may be made from rigid polymeric materials, such as plastic, and may be constructed of several layers, as is typical of transaction cards. Moreover, controlled access smart card 10 may have a printed indicia contained thereon showing any information, such as issuer 25 of controlled access smart card 10, such as American Express, a bank, a store, or the like. It should be apparent that any information may be printed on controlled access smart card 10 as may be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, and the invention should not be limited as herein described.
  • user 15 may employ controlled access smart card 10 for communicating information such as a request for information regarding a specific account to issuer 25 by selectively accessing that account via control means 50. Issuer 25 may then communicate to user 15 regarding the requested user 15 account information via communication means 20. Information communicated from issuer 25 may be viewed by user 15 via display means 40. User 15 may, optionally; forward information communicated by issuer 25 or a portion thereof, to one other than user 15 or account issuer 25. Specifically, user 15 may employ controlled access smart card 10 for communicating information such as, by way of non- limiting example, a request for information regarding a loyalty rewards program account managed by issuer 25. This information may include bonuses, miles, rebates or other rewards earned by user 15.
  • Issuer 25 in response to the request communicated by user 15 may then forward to user 15 the requested information relating to user 15 loyalty rewards program account.
  • User 15 may then communicate the received information or a portion thereof, to a communication device such as a TrioTM or BlackberryTM owned by a third party, i.e. one other than user 15 and issuer 25.
  • the third party has read-only access to the information forwarded by user 15 and does not have access to controlled access smart card 10 or information stored thereon absent permission provided by user 15.

Abstract

A controlled access smart card (10) for storing and selectively accessing diverse information is provided. The controlled access smart card includes a means for storing and communicating (30) diverse information, a means for displaying (40) the information, and a means for controlling (50) selectively accessing certain information for selective display or communication to accounts.

Description

CONTROLLED ACCESS SMART CARD
The present invention relates generally to a card having electronic data storage capability for storing user information. Particularly, the present invention relates to a smart card for storing and accessing a wide variety of user information, and to a system and method of employing the card.
Financial transaction and identification cards such as credit cards, access cards, membership cards and loyalty cards have become a standard means for storage and communication of consumer or card user information. Their use has proliferated to such an extent that it has become necessary to carry a number of cards in order to perform routine transactions in modern society. Due to the prevalence of these cards as well as the continued development of means for providing diverse information to a consumer, a need has arisen for a card having diverse information storage for diverse transactions and yet of practical design for ready use.
Conventional financial transaction and identification cards typically store user information or a user profile related to a single card issuer. The issuer is typically a financial institution, store, government entity or other service provider. The user-related information is specific to the issuer, and cannot be recognized by another issuer. Thus, a financial transaction card cannot be used at any unrelated issuer locations, since locations not affiliated with the issuer will not recognize the user information. As such, in order to access multiple accounts managed by different issuers using different formats/protocols, the user must typically carry numerous cards. The user must also recall numerous passwords or other access protocols.
Combination or smart cards provide the capability of storing user accounts for multiple issuers on one card. Smart cards are typically shaped and sized like conventional credit cards. Smart cards are often referred to as "chip", IC or microprocessor cards. They incorporate an on-board integrated circuit (IC). The chip is embedded within the card plastic and typically communicates to the outside world through contacts that are flush with the exterior surface of the card. A smart card reader enables the card and issuer computer/terminal to exchange information. U.S. Publication No. 2005/0056704, published on March 17, 2005, describes an integrated circuit (IC) card with switching by a toggle switch to select between two distinct communication protocols. U.S. Publication No. 2005/0056704 is incorporated in its entirety herein with reference thereto. Smart card chips can securely store multiple kilobytes of information, process data at speeds similar to early PCs, and run the complex operating systems that card manufacturers have embedded within the cards. However, conventional smart cards have a distinct disadvantage in that once the card is read by one issuer, all card user information stored on the card is available for access by that user. There is currently no means for the user to control or limit access to specific issuer accounts.
One attempt to securely load and manage multiple applications on a smart card is disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2002/0040438, published April 4, 2002, which disclosure is incorporated herein in its entirety with reference thereto.
Accordingly, a need exists for a controlled access smart card that incorporates and stores information for multiple services in one card, thereby consolidating information presently stored on multiple cards. Specifically, the controlled access smart card of the present invention could be employed to store and selectively access and communicate credit card information, membership information to services such as gyms and professional organizations, employee identification and/or access information and any other sensitive identification information.
A need also exists for a means for enabling a card owner to control access to the accounts and information stored on the smart card. Specifically, a smart card that enables a consumer to readily control the extent to which communication with the card is enabled or blocked.
A need further exists for a means to incorporate customer loyalty information into a controlled access smart card, thereby providing a consumer with control of his card user information while encouraging the card user to use the credit card and store loyalty/tracking programs. Such a card would also enable an issuer sponsoring a loyalty program to either individually or collectively award points for frequent use and to track the consumer awards efficiently. Customer loyalty information may include, for example, frequent flyer information, grocery discount information, and the like. As such, the ability to store data on a single financial transaction instrument thereby permitting a user of the single instrument to complete transactions using multiple transaction accounts issued by different distinct issuers, does not exist. A need exists for a single financial transaction instrument which stores multiple independent data sets provided by multiple distinct issuers irrespective of the format/protocol of the various issuers or which permits access to such information stored in a central data base. A need further exists for a single financial transaction instrument which may be used to efficiently manage the data sets and applications stored on the instrument, irrespective of the protocol used by an issuer to process the data. Even more particularly, a need exists for a system for managing multiple transaction accounts of differing formats on a single financial transaction instrument which is issued to a user, and which permits the user to access different accounts provided by multiple distinct financial account issuers.
The smart card of the present invention addresses and resolves the aforesaid art desired needs.
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a card that permits extensive storage of diverse information with selective access to certain of that information.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a card, as previously described, wherein there is controlled access to the information.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a card, as previously described, having means for enabling a user to control the extent to which communication with the card is enabled or blocked by a structurally integrated means.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a card, as previously described, which eliminates the need for multiple diverse cards to be carried and maintained by the user.
These and other objects and advantages are achieved by the controlled access smart card of the present invention, which card provides a means for storing and enabling access to diverse user accounts and related information. The controlled access smart card has a means for storing and selectively accessing diverse account information, including a means for displaying the selectively accessed information. Optionally, the controlled access smart card provides selective access to remotely stored diverse user accounts and information.
In one aspect, the present invention is a controlled access smart card wherein the card has integral first and second information, means for selectively accessing one of the first and second information and means for displaying the accessed information for reading by the user. The accessed information can be communicated to one other than the user, such as an account issuer. The first information controlled by way of example, may be account issuer information, and the second information, may be user identification information. The user has ready control of, access to and communication of diverse accounts and related transaction and accounts status; all in one card.
The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary use of the controlled access smart card of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for providing a controlled access smart card of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an integrated circuit storage means which can be used in accordance with the controlled access smart card of the present invention.
The terms "card", "smart card", "credit card" or "loyalty card", as used herein in connection with the description of the invention and the claims means any card, device, code, or other suitable financial instrument, and is not extended to the presently configured and constructed credit or like cards. The device, code, or other suitable financial instrument may also have a credit line or balance associated with it, wherein the credit line or balance is in a form of a financial tender. Moreover, a "card", "credit card" or "loyalty card", as that term is used herein, includes any card, device, code, or financial instrument suitably configured to allow the cardholder to interact or communicate with an issuing system, such as, by way of example and without limitation, a charge card, credit card, debit card, prepaid card, telephone card, smart card, magnetic stripe card, bar code card, authorization/access code, personal identification number (PIN), Internet code, other identification code, and/or the like. Additionally, a "user" includes any person or entity that uses a card. An "issuer" includes any financial company, store, governmental, or other entity providing an information profile for a user.
Referring to the Figures and, in particular, to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a schematic diagram of an exemplary use of the controlled access smart card of the present invention. A user/owner 15 of controlled access smart card 10 may manipulate controlled access smart card 10 to enable or disable communication to and/or from an issuer 25. In the preferred embodiment, information relating to user 15 accounts for multiple issuers 25a to 25n may be controlled by controlled access smart card 10.
Referring now to Fig. 2, there is illustrated a schematic diagram of an exemplary controlled access smart card of the present invention represented by reference numeral 10. Controlled access smart card 10 has a means for storing and communicating a plurality of user 15 accounts and personal information 30, a means for displaying the accounts 40 on controlled access smart card 10, and a means for controlling access to or selectively accessing 50 user 15 accounts and personal information stored on controlled access smart card 10. Controlled access smart card 10 may further have a means for communicating information 20 from controlled access smart card 10 to issuer 25.
Controlled access smart card 10 preferably stores information or profiles specific to user 15. Non- limiting examples of such information include both financial data such as that found on credit cards, debit cards and A.T.M. cards and non- financial data such as drivers' licenses, building security, insurance cards, personal identification cards, etc. Further examples of information or profiles for user 15 that may be stored on controlled access smart card 10 include: credit card information such as that provided by financial services provider such as Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover, controlled access smart card information such as that provided by airline frequent flyer cards, hotel cards, car rental cards, grocery discount cards; mass transit debit or access; membership information such as that provided by gym membership, membership to professional organizations; employee identification or access cards; hotel or building access cards; and personal preference information such as brands, shopping history, family/friends data, proof of identity, proof of professional licensing, entry to an exclusive membership club, entry to an access -restricted location, access to credit services, telephone system use, and accrual of loyalty rewards/incentives such as frequent flier miles or grocery store discounts and rebates.
In a preferred embodiment, controlled access smart card 10 is employed as a loyalty card tracking purchasing activity of user 15 and communicating purchasing activity to issuer 25 so as to allow issuer 25 to provide rewards and bonuses to user 15. For example, issuer 25 may benefit from accessing user 15 information stored on controlled access card 10 by, for example, profiling user 15 for additional rebates, coupons, savings or programs, employing user 15 purchasing information for research for product development, and employing a profile for user 15 relating to purchasing preferences for other future use. In a preferred embodiment, controlled access smart card 10 stores user 15 information or user 15 profiles from multiple sources via storage means 30. Storage means 30 may be any storage means known in the art. Preferably, storage means 30 is an
Integrated circuit ("IC") chip or central processing unit. Integrated circuits ("IC") typically have a computer chip including a microprocessor, read-only-memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only- memory (EEPROM), an Input/Output (I/O) mechanism and other circuitry to support the microprocessor in its operations. An IC card may contain a single application or may contain multiple independent applications in its memory. MULTOS.TM. is a multiple application operating system which runs on IC cards, among other platforms, and allows multiple applications to be executed on the card itself. This allows a card to run many programs stored in the card (for example, credit/debit, electronic money/purse and/or loyalty applications) irrespective of the type of terminal (i.e., ATM, telephone and/or POS) in which the card is inserted for use.
Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary IC card chip for controlled access smart card 10 is shown. The IC card chip preferably includes a central processing unit 31, a RAM 33, an EEPROM 33, a ROM 34, a timer 35, control logic 36, an I/O ports 37 and security circuitry 38, which are connected together by a conventional data bus. Control logic 36 provides sufficient sequencing and switching to handle read- write access to the card's memory through the input/output ports. CPU 31 with its control logic can perform calculations, access memory locations, modify memory contents, and manage input/output ports. Some cards have a coprocessor for handling complex computations like cryptographic algorithms. Input/output ports 37 are used under the control of a CPU and control logic alone, for communications between the card and a card acceptance device. Timer 35 (which generates or provides a clock pulse) drives the control logic 36 and CPU 31 through the sequence of steps that accomplish memory access, memory reading or writing, processing, and data communication. A timer may be used to provide application features such as call duration. Security circuitry 38 includes fusible links that connect the input/output lines to internal circuitry as required for testing during manufacture, but which are destroyed ("blown") upon completion of testing to prevent later access. The personalization data to qualify controlled access smart card 10 is stored in a secured location of EEPROM 33. The comparing of the personalization data to applications permissions data is performed by the CPU 31. Controlled access smart card 10 can interact with a computer (P.C., laptop, palm pilot, etc.). User 15 can than employ a computer to access, update and modify data stored on controlled access smart card 10. In a preferred embodiment, user can 15 manage accounts, add accounts and delete accounts at a computer having the appropriate software program.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, storage means 30 includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system. The RFID system may consist of several components, non- limiting examples of which include tags, tag readers, tag programming stations, circulation readers, sorting equipment, and tag inventory wands.
The purpose of an RFID system is to enable data to be transmitted by a portable device, called a tag, which is read by an RFID reader located on an issuer 25 site and processed according to the needs of issuer 25. The data transmitted by the tag may provide identification or location information, or specifics about user 15 accounts. In a preferred RFID system, the tag contains a transponder with a digital memory chip that is given a unique electronic product code. The interrogator, an antenna packaged with a transceiver and decoder, emits a signal activating the RFID tag so it can read and write data. When an RFID tag is passed through an electromagnetic zone, it detects the reader's activation signal. The reader decodes the data encoded in the tag's integrated circuit (silicon chip) and the data is passed to the host computer for processing.
Referring again to Figs. 1 and 2, communication mechanism 20 enables user 15 having selective controlled access to transmit or communicate the selected information stored to one other than user 15. Communication mechanism 20 may also receive information from one other than user 15, such as an account issuer 25. Communication mechanism 20 may be a separate component from storage means 30. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, communication mechanism 20 and storage means 30 may be one integral component.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, communication mechanism 20 is a wireless chip that can receive signals sent to the chip from an external source. For example, the chip may receive signals from a wireless network, such as a cellular phone network, or other wireless network able to send signals to the chip. Alternatively, the chip may be interconnected with an antenna (not shown) that may aid the chip in retrieving the information or receiving information from account issuer 25. The chip and/or the antenna may receive the signals and display information within display means 40 via a display connection. The display connection may be an electrical wire or a plurality of electrical wires that completes an electrical circuit thereby providing an electrical linkage between the chip and display means 40. Alternatively, display means 40 may be connected directly to the chip without the use of a wire or wires. For example, the chip may include a coupling means whereby a portion of display means 40 is coupled to the chip via the coupling means, whereby the coupling means includes electrical connections that match electrical connections on display means 40. Of course, any other connection means connecting the chip to display means 40 may be utilized by the present invention, and the present invention is not meant to be limited as herein described. The information sent from the chip to display means 40 and displayed by display means 40 is described in more detail as provided below.
The chip may be powered by a power means 100, which may be a battery, solar cell or photo cell, or other power means that may provide electrical power to the chip for displaying information on display means 40. For example, a small battery may be disposed within the layers of the transaction card and may further be interconnected with the chip and display means 40. In addition, power means 100 may be a solar or photocell, whereby sunlight, lamplight, or any other light source may be utilized to provide electrical power to the chip and/or display means 40. Regardless of the means utilized to power the chip and/or display means 40, power means 100 may be connected to the chip via an electrical connection. Ultimately, power 100 means may be connected to display means 40 via the display connection.
For example, controlled access smart card 10 may store one or more loyalty identification profiles for user 15. Upon entering a particular store, the store communicates with controlled access smart card 10, informing controlled access smart card 10 that user 15 is in that particular store. Controlled access smart card 10 then automatically provides the appropriate loyalty identification profile information pertaining to user 15 account information for that particular store. While controlled access smart card 10 has been described as an incorporated storage means 30 for storing user 15 account information, it should be understood that storage means 30 may, optionally, provide only basic parameters or data sets which identify user 15 account information, which is stored on a remote data base to which controlled access smart card 10 provides full or limited access, as defined by user 15. In this embodiment, controlled access smart card 10 storage means 30 stores a coded key that creates a profile when information is requested, which allows account issuer 25 access to such information as is relevant to account issuer 25. Control means or toggle switch 50 enables user 15 to selectively access the data stored on controlled access smart card 10 by enabling and disabling access to information, as needed. Thus, control means 50 enables user 15 to control the access to and communication of his personal information by issuer 25. Control means 50 further enables user 15 to toggle between different accounts as desired.
In a preferred embodiment, control means 50 is a toggle switch that enables user 15 to switch controlled access smart card 10 on or off or to toggle between various accounts. Control means 50 may be analog switches, solid state switches, software switches, or any other switch known to one of skill in the art. Control means 50 is preferably a push- on/push-off switch that controls whether the IC circuitry or RFID device provides the responsive signal to identify user 15. The push-on/push-off switch, when pushed, allows the IC circuitry or RFID device to become active or inactive until the switch is pushed again.
In a more preferred embodiment, control means 50 is a momentary, touch actuated switch. More particularly, control means 50 is a momentary, pressure sensitive switch. Pushing the momentary, touch actuated switch toggles the receiver between being enabled and disabled by causing circuitry to latch a signal which enables controlled access smart card 10. When the switch is pressed again the circuitry latches controlled access smart card 10 into a disabled or inactive mode. The switch further controls whether the circuitry provides the signal to identify controlled access smart card 10. Preferably, the circuitry is encased in a housing such that the switch is actuable from outside the housing by touching a portion of the housing.
Alternatively, control means 50 may activate a mask for controlled access smart card 10 via an algorithm or similar means, biometrics or voiceprint. In a preferred embodiment, control means 50 may be associated with a security protocol to protect against wrongful use, such as when the card is lost or stolen.
Control means 50 of controlled access smart card 10 enables user 15 to control the extent to which an issuer 25 may communicate information to controlled access smart card 10. For example, user 15 may choose to remain anonymous to issuer 25 and its associated systems. Thus, user 15 is able to limit the amount of information in the form of advertisements, product data and the like that is received from a particular store by control means 50. User 15 is further able to limit the amount of information that is communicated to issuer 25, thereby providing privacy and anonymity to user 15 by control means 50. In a preferred embodiment, a purchase at issuer 25 may be accepted by control means 50.
Display means 40 for displaying the account information on controlled access smart card 10 may be selected from the group consisting of LED, Electronic Ink®, and any other known display means known in the art. Display 40 enables user 15 to view the accounts on controlled access smart card 10 and discern which accounts are active or inactive. Display 40 may also enable user 15 to view information forwarded by issuer 25.
In a preferred embodiment, display means 40 is Electronic Ink® or E Ink such as that provided by E Ink Corporation of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Electronic ink® is a proprietary material that is processed into a film for integration into electronic displays. To form an E Ink electronic display, ink is printed onto a sheet of plastic film that is laminated to a layer of circuitry. The circuitry forms a pattern of pixels that can then be controlled by a display driver. These microcapsules are suspended in a liquid "carrier medium" allowing them to be printed using existing screen printing processes onto virtually any surface, including glass, plastic, fabric and even paper.
One useful example of a card mechanism for displaying information on the card is described in U.S. Publication No. 2004/0171406, published on September 2, 2004, which disclosure is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. As disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2004/0171406, the stored transaction information relates to value credited or debited to or from a specific account.
Controlled access smart card 10 may be made from rigid polymeric materials, such as plastic, and may be constructed of several layers, as is typical of transaction cards. Moreover, controlled access smart card 10 may have a printed indicia contained thereon showing any information, such as issuer 25 of controlled access smart card 10, such as American Express, a bank, a store, or the like. It should be apparent that any information may be printed on controlled access smart card 10 as may be apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art, and the invention should not be limited as herein described.
In an exemplary use of the present invention, user 15 may employ controlled access smart card 10 for communicating information such as a request for information regarding a specific account to issuer 25 by selectively accessing that account via control means 50. Issuer 25 may then communicate to user 15 regarding the requested user 15 account information via communication means 20. Information communicated from issuer 25 may be viewed by user 15 via display means 40. User 15 may, optionally; forward information communicated by issuer 25 or a portion thereof, to one other than user 15 or account issuer 25. Specifically, user 15 may employ controlled access smart card 10 for communicating information such as, by way of non- limiting example, a request for information regarding a loyalty rewards program account managed by issuer 25. This information may include bonuses, miles, rebates or other rewards earned by user 15. Issuer 25, in response to the request communicated by user 15 may then forward to user 15 the requested information relating to user 15 loyalty rewards program account. User 15 may then communicate the received information or a portion thereof, to a communication device such as a Trio™ or Blackberry™ owned by a third party, i.e. one other than user 15 and issuer 25. The third party has read-only access to the information forwarded by user 15 and does not have access to controlled access smart card 10 or information stored thereon absent permission provided by user 15.
The present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments. It should be understood that the foregoing description and examples are only illustrative of the present invention. Various alternatives and modifications thereof can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.
I l

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A controlled access smart card comprising: a card (10); said card (10) comprising means for storing (30) or providing access to stored first information and second information; said card (10) further comprising means for selectively accessing (50) one of said first and second information, and means for displaying (40) the selectively accessed information.
2. The smart card of claim 1 , said card further comprising identification means for controlling the means for selectively accessing the information, whereby a user (15) controls the access to the information.
3. The smart card of claim 1, wherein said means for selectively accessing the information comprises a toggle switch.
4. The smart card of claim 1, said first information further comprising account information and said second information comprising user (15) identification information.
5. The smart card of claim 1, further comprising means for communicating the selected information to one other than the user (15).
6. The smart card of claim 5, wherein the one other than the user (15) comprises an account issuer (25).
7. The smart card of claim 1, further comprising means for communicating (20) said selectively accessed information to an account issuer (25), and means for receiving third information relating to the account from the account issuer (25), said third information being displayed on the means for displaying (40) for viewing by the user (15).
8. The smart card of claim 7, said means for communicating (20) further comprising means for selectively communicating one of said first, second and third information to one other than the user (15) or account issuer (25).
9. The smart card of claim 8, said third information comprising loyalty rewards program information for said account, whereby the user (15) can via the card (10) communicates the loyalty rewards program information to a selected other person, and said other person cannot use the card without prior authorization from said user.
10. A controlled access smart card (10) for storing and enabling access to a plurality of card user (15) accounts and personal information, the controlled access smart card comprising: means for storing and communicating said plurality of card user (15) accounts and personal information (30); means for displaying (40) said accounts on said card (10); and means for enabling a card user (15) to control access (50) to said card user (15) accounts and personal information.
11. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, wherein said storing and communicating means (30) is an integrated circuit chip.
12. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, wherein said storing and communicating means (30) further includes an RFID tag.
13. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, wherein said controlled access smart card (10) comprises separate storage means (30) and communication means (20).
14. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, wherein said means for displaying (40) said accounts on said card (10) is selected from the group consisting of LED and Electronic Ink.
15. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, wherein said means for controlling access (50) to said card user (15) accounts and personal information is a touch actuated switch.
16. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, wherein said means for controlling access (50) to said card user (15) accounts and personal information is an algorithm.
17. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, wherein user (15) accounts and personal information is selected from the group comprising credit card information, debit card information, A.T.M. cards, non-financial data such as drivers' licenses, building security, insurance cards, personal identification cards, airline frequent flyer cards, hotel cards, car rental cards, grocery discount cards, mass transit debit or access, membership information such as that provided by gym membership, membership to professional organizations, employee identification or access cards, hotel or building access cards, and personal preference information such as brands, shopping history, family/friends data, proof of identity, proof of professional licensing, entry to an exclusive membership club, entry to an access -restricted location, access to credit services, telephone system use, and accrual of loyalty rewards/incentives such as grocery store discounts and rebates.
18. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, wherein controlled access smart card (10) may be updated by the user (15) to add or delete accounts.
19. The controlled access smart card of claim 10, further comprising a security protocol to protect against wrongful use.
20. A controlled access smart card (10) for storing and enabling access to a plurality of card user (15) accounts and personal information, the controlled access smart card (10) comprising: means for storing (30) said plurality of card user (15) accounts and personal information; means for communicating (20) said plurality of card user (15) accounts and personal information to an issuer; means for displaying (40) said accounts on said card; and means for switching (50) between said card user (15) accounts and personal information.
PCT/IB2006/051786 2005-06-07 2006-06-05 Controlled access smart card WO2006131876A1 (en)

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