Patent 10339520
Derivative works
Defensive disclosure: derivative variations of each claim designed to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel.
Active provider: Google · gemini-2.5-flash
Derivative works
Defensive disclosure: derivative variations of each claim designed to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel.
Defensive Disclosure Document: Derivatives of US Patent 10339520
This document outlines derivative works and technical disclosures for US Patent 10339520, aiming to create defensive prior art against potential incremental improvements by competitors. The derivatives are structured based on core claims and various axes of innovation, each accompanied by an enabling technical description and a Mermaid.js diagram.
Derivatives for Core Claim 1
Claim 1: An apparatus comprising: a thin card shaped sized body; a memory operative to store a plurality of identification data; a processor coupled to the memory; a user interface for selecting a select identification data of said plurality of identification data; a magnetic card reader detection unit for determining if the body is adjacent to a standard magnetic card reader; and an inductor assembly coupled to the processor and integrated into the body, the inductor assembly under processor control for generating a magnetic field of alternating polarity responsive to the body being detected as adjacent to a standard magnetic card reader, the magnetic field generated in a region substantially encompassing the standard magnetic card reader, wherein the magnetic field encodes said select identification data, and wherein the magnetic field is operable to be read by a magnetic read head of the standard magnetic card reader.
Derivative 1.1: Body and Inductor Assembly Material Substitution
Enabling Description:
The thin card-shaped body is fabricated from a multi-layered biodegradable polymer composite, specifically a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals, achieving a flexural modulus of 3.5 GPa while maintaining ISO 7810 dimensions. The inductor assembly, instead of a traditional planar coil, comprises an array of 64 MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) micro-electromagnets, each with a core of high-permeability amorphous metal (e.g., Metglas 2714A) and wound with Litz wire traces patterned via photolithography on a flexible polyimide substrate. Each micro-electromagnet is independently addressable and driven by a dedicated micro-h-bridge driver, allowing for dynamic magnetic field shaping and higher spatial resolution of the alternating polarity patterns. The magnetic card reader detection unit is implemented using a linear array of anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensors (e.g., Honeywell HMC1021Z) integrated adjacent to the micro-electromagnet array, providing precise detection of the magnetic read head's proximity and relative speed.
graph TD
A[Biodegradable PLA-Cellulose Body] --> B[Embedded Flexible Polyimide PCB]
B --> C{Processor & Memory}
B --> D[AMR Sensor Array (Reader Detection)]
B --> E[MEMS Micro-Electromagnet Array (Inductor Assembly)]
C -- Control Signals --> E
D -- Speed/Proximity Data --> C
C -- Selected ID Data --> E
E -- Alternating Magnetic Field --> F[Standard Magnetic Card Reader]
F --> G[Magnetic Read Head]
Derivative 1.2: Extreme Operational Parameter Expansion for Industrial Data Tagging
Enabling Description:
This derivative applies the magnetic stripe emulation to an industrial asset tagging system designed for extreme environments. The card-shaped body is manufactured from a high-temperature resistant ceramic-polymer composite (e.g., polyimide-silicon carbide) capable of operating continuously at 250°C and intermittently up to 400°C, and resisting pressures up to 100 atm. The inductor assembly consists of a series of robust, high-power ferrite-core coils (e.g., MnZn ferrite cores) encapsulated in a thermally conductive epoxy. These coils are capable of generating a magnetic field with alternating polarity at frequencies ranging from 1 kHz to 1 MHz, specifically optimized for high-speed data transmission over large distances (up to 5 cm) to specialized industrial magnetic readers (e.g., on robotic arm grippers or automated sorting machinery). The encoded identification data includes real-time sensor readings (temperature, pressure, vibration) from integrated, hardened IoT sensors, transmitted at 100x the standard credit card data density (approx. 2100 BPI equivalent) to allow for rapid asset identification and condition monitoring within industrial processes.
graph TD
A[Industrial Asset Tag (Ceramic-Polymer Body)] --> B[Hardened Processor & Memory]
B --> C[High-Temp/Pressure IoT Sensors]
B --> D[Ferrite-Core Inductor Assembly]
B --> E[Industrial Reader Detection Unit]
E -- Environment Data --> B
B -- Control Signals (1kHz-1MHz) --> D
C -- Real-time Sensor Data --> B
D -- High-density Magnetic Field (2100 BPI) --> F[Industrial Magnetic Reader]
Derivative 1.3: Cross-Domain Application in Pharmaceutical Inventory Control
Enabling Description:
This derivative adapts the multi-functional card concept for pharmaceutical inventory control in automated dispensing cabinets. The "card" is a durable, sterilized, tamper-evident tag attached to individual drug containers or blister packs. The memory stores drug identification data (NDC code, lot number, expiration date) and dispensing instructions. A simplified user interface (e.g., a single momentary button for "confirm dispense") and a small alphanumeric E-Ink display are integrated. The magnetic card reader detection unit is a low-power inductive proximity sensor. Upon insertion into a legacy magnetic stripe reader on a dispensing cabinet, the inductor assembly dynamically generates an alternating magnetic field encoding the drug's batch-specific identifier and a unique transaction ID. This emulates a legacy magnetic stripe drug card, allowing existing dispensing systems to identify and log medications, while the internal processor ensures dispensing parameters (e.g., patient-specific dosage limits) are adhered to before activation of the magnetic field generation.
graph TD
A[Drug Container Smart Tag] --> B[Sterilized Polymer Body]
B --> C{Processor & Memory (NDC, Lot, Expiration)}
B --> D[E-Ink Display]
B --> E[Momentary Button (UI)]
B --> F[Inductive Proximity Sensor (Reader Detection)]
B --> G[Micro-Inductor Assembly]
F -- Proximity Signal --> C
E -- User Input --> C
C -- Encoded Drug ID + Txn ID --> G
G -- Alternating Magnetic Field --> H[Automated Dispensing Cabinet Reader]
H --> I[Legacy Magnetic Read Head]
Derivative 1.4: Integration with AI-Driven Magnetic Field Optimization
Enabling Description:
The card incorporates a specialized AI accelerator chip (e.g., a low-power Edge TPU) and a neural network model pre-trained to analyze magnetic field sensor feedback and predict optimal magnetic field generation parameters. The magnetic card reader detection unit includes a high-sampling-rate magnetic field strength sensor array positioned proximal to the inductor assembly. When the card is swiped, the AI module processes real-time magnetic feedback from the reader head (e.g., distortions, attenuation, noise) and instantly adjusts the drive current, frequency, and waveform of the alternating magnetic field generated by the inductor assembly to compensate for variations in swipe speed, reader head wear, or electromagnetic interference. This dynamic optimization ensures maximum data transfer reliability and signal-to-noise ratio, adapting to non-ideal reader conditions, effectively making the card "smart" in how it communicates with diverse legacy infrastructure.
graph TD
A[Smart Card Device Body] --> B{Processor & Memory}
B -- Select ID Data --> F[Inductor Assembly]
C[User Interface] -- Input --> B
D[Magnetic Reader Detection Unit] -- Proximity/Speed --> E[Magnetic Field Feedback Sensor Array]
E -- Real-time Magnetic Data --> G[AI Accelerator Chip (Edge TPU)]
G -- Optimized Parameters --> F
F -- Adaptive Magnetic Field --> H[Standard Magnetic Card Reader]
Derivative 1.5: Secure Low-Power Mode with Biometric Authentication
Enabling Description:
In a "low-power" or "secure idle" mode, the card's processor (e.g., an ARM Cortex-M series microcontroller) maintains only essential functions: a real-time clock, a low-power biometric sensor (e.g., a capacitive fingerprint sensor with always-on detection), and a minimal memory state. The inductor assembly, user interface (display, touch sensors), and magnetic card reader detection unit are entirely depowered. Upon detection of a valid biometric input (e.g., a recognized fingerprint scan over the capacitive sensor), the processor transitions to an "active" state. If the magnetic card reader detection unit subsequently senses proximity to a reader within a predefined grace period (e.g., 5 seconds), the inductor assembly is then activated to generate the encoded magnetic field. If no biometric input or an invalid input is received, or the grace period expires, the card remains in secure idle, preventing any magnetic field generation, thus operating as a passive, non-functional piece of plastic until explicit user authorization.
stateDiagram
[*] --> SecureIdle : Power On
SecureIdle --> SecureIdle : No Biometric Input
SecureIdle --> Authenticating : Valid Fingerprint Detected
Authenticating --> Active : Biometric Authentication Success
Authenticating --> SecureIdle : Biometric Authentication Fail
Active --> MagneticFieldGeneration : Reader Detected (within grace period)
Active --> SecureIdle : Grace Period Expired / No Reader Detected
MagneticFieldGeneration --> SecureIdle : Transaction Complete / Reader Lost
Derivatives for Core Claim 10
Claim 10: A credit card device comprising: a near-field communication (NFC) unit; a touch sensor array; a display; a motion rate detection array; a memory, storing a user data and a currency amount; and a processor operatively coupled to the NFC unit, the touch sensor array, the display, the motion rate detection array, and the memory; and wherein the processor initiates a card-to-card transaction between two credit card devices by a detected proximity of a first credit card device and a second credit card device and an input of information by a first user via said touch sensor array, and wherein the card-to-card transaction comprises an exchange of stored currency and said user data between the first credit card device and the second credit card device via the NFC unit.
Derivative 10.1: NFC Unit and Motion Rate Detection Substitution
Enabling Description:
The credit card device replaces its standard NFC unit with an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) module (e.g., Decawave DW1000 chip) for enhanced secure peer-to-peer communication and precise distance/ranging capabilities (down to a few centimeters). The motion rate detection array is replaced by an integrated 6-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) comprising a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope (e.g., InvenSense ICM-20602), which provides high-fidelity gesture recognition and precise relative motion tracking between devices. The card-to-card transaction is initiated by a specific gesture detected by the IMU (e.g., a double-tap followed by a gentle swipe towards the second device), rather than simple proximity, combined with an input on a piezoelectric touch sensor array. The UWB module then establishes a secure ranging session, and if within a pre-defined secure zone (e.g., 5-10 cm range), proceeds with a secure, authenticated data exchange of currency and user data, leveraging UWB's inherent resistance to relay attacks.
graph TD
A[Credit Card Device (1)] --> B{Processor & Memory}
B --> C[UWB Module]
B --> D[Piezoelectric Touch Sensor Array]
B --> E[6-axis IMU (Motion Rate Detection)]
B --> F[Display]
E -- Gesture Input --> B
D -- User Input --> B
C -- UWB Secure Ranging/Tx --> G[Credit Card Device (2) UWB Module]
G -- UWB Secure Ranging/Rx --> H[Credit Card Device (2)]
B -- Initiate Tx --> C
C <--> G : Exchange Currency & User Data
Derivative 10.2: Operational Parameter Expansion for High-Value Asset Transfer
Enabling Description:
This derivative targets high-value asset transfers (e.g., digital real estate deeds, high-denomination cryptocurrency tokens) between two credit card devices. The memory stores cryptographic keys and pointers to blockchain-based asset registries. The transaction initiation requires multi-factor biometric authentication on the first card (e.g., fingerprint and iris scan via a miniature integrated camera). The NFC unit is enhanced with a dedicated Hardware Security Module (HSM) certified to FIPS 140-2 Level 3, which performs secure key generation and digital signing of transaction requests. The display dynamically generates a transaction summary with a QR code for external verification, and requires a final user confirmation via the touch sensor array. The card-to-card transaction, instead of directly exchanging currency, exchanges cryptographically signed asset transfer instructions and proofs of ownership via NFC, which are then relayed by a connected mobile device to a distributed ledger for final settlement. This ensures immutability and non-repudiation for high-value transfers.
sequenceDiagram
participant C1 as Card Device 1
participant U1 as User 1
participant C2 as Card Device 2
participant BC as Blockchain/Ledger
U1->C1: Biometric Auth (Fingerprint + Iris)
C1->C1: Verify Auth, HSM Activates
C1->C1: Display Transaction Summary & QR
U1->C1: Confirm via Touch Sensor
C1->C2: NFC: Initiate High-Value Asset Tx
C2->C2: Detect Proximity, Display Tx Request
U1->C2: (Optional) Biometric Auth on C2 for acceptance
C2->C1: NFC: Tx Acceptance/Signed Request
C1->C1: HSM Signs Asset Transfer Instruction
C1->Mobile: Relay Signed Instruction
Mobile->BC: Submit Signed Asset Transfer Tx
BC->BC: Verify & Record Tx
BC-->C1: Tx Confirmation (via Mobile/NFC)
BC-->C2: Tx Confirmation (via Mobile/NFC)
Derivative 10.3: Cross-Domain Application for Secure Medical Device Configuration
Enabling Description:
The credit card device functions as a secure configuration key for medical devices (e.g., insulin pumps, pacemakers, infusion systems) in a hospital environment. The "user data and currency amount" stored in memory are replaced by patient-specific therapy parameters, device settings, and authorization profiles. The processor initiates a card-to-device transaction (rather than card-to-card) when the card is brought into proximity with a compatible medical device. The touch sensor array allows a medical professional to select pre-approved therapy profiles or input specific dosage adjustments. The NFC unit (e.g., NXP PN7150) establishes a secure, authenticated link with the medical device's embedded NFC module. The transaction comprises the secure, encrypted exchange of configuration data and a digitally signed log of the changes, ensuring traceability and preventing unauthorized alterations to life-critical equipment. The motion rate detection array could detect a deliberate "tap-and-hold" gesture to confirm configuration application.
graph TD
A[Medical Professional's Card] --> B{Processor & Memory (Patient/Therapy Data)}
B --> C[NFC Unit]
B --> D[Touch Sensor Array]
B --> E[Display (Config Options)]
B --> F[Motion Rate Detection Array]
D -- Select Therapy/Input --> B
F -- Tap-and-Hold Gesture --> B
B -- Initiate Secure Config --> C
C <--> G[Medical Device's NFC Module]
G --> H[Medical Device Controller]
B -- Encrypted Config Data + Signed Log --> G
Derivative 10.4: Integration with Real-Time Environmental Sensor Data
Enabling Description:
The credit card device integrates a suite of miniature environmental sensors, including an ultra-low-power volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor (e.g., Sensirion SGP40), a particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) sensor, and a UV index sensor, all coupled to the processor. During a card-to-card transaction, in addition to user data and currency, the NFC unit also exchanges real-time, localized environmental data collected by the respective devices. The display shows a comparative summary of environmental conditions (e.g., "Air Quality: Moderate ↓" vs "Air Quality: Good ↑"). The processor can use an AI model to correlate user location (if GPS enabled on a paired smartphone) with environmental data trends, offering personalized health alerts. This allows users to share and aggregate hyper-local environmental information in a distributed, peer-to-peer manner via card interactions.
graph TD
A[Card Device 1] --> B{Processor & Memory}
B --> C[NFC Unit]
B --> D[Environmental Sensor Suite (VOC, PM, UV)]
B --> E[Display]
C <--> F[NFC Unit]
F --> G[Card Device 2]
D -- Real-time Env. Data --> B
B -- Exchange Env. Data, User Data, Currency --> F
F -- Real-time Env. Data --> G
B -- Display Comparative Data --> E
Derivative 10.5: Limited-Functionality "Guest" Mode for Data Exchange
Enabling Description:
The credit card device implements a "guest" or "limited-functionality" mode specifically for card-to-card data exchange. This mode is activated by a specific sequence on the touch sensor array (e.g., long press on a designated region) that does not require full user authentication. In this mode, the processor disables all currency transfer capabilities and access to sensitive personal identification data. Only a pre-approved, anonymized subset of "user data" (e.g., a digital business card, a public key for secure messaging, or a predefined link to a public profile) can be exchanged via the NFC unit in a card-to-card transaction. The display indicates "Guest Mode Active: Sharing Public Profile." Any attempt to initiate a currency transfer or access private data in this mode is blocked, and the NFC unit will only respond to read requests for the limited public data set. This allows for convenient, secure sharing of non-sensitive information without compromising financial or private details.
stateDiagram
[*] --> FullFunctionality : Power On / Authenticated
FullFunctionality --> GuestMode : Specific Touch Sequence
GuestMode --> FullFunctionality : Full User Auth / Timeout
GuestMode --> GuestMode : Exchange Public Data (NFC)
GuestMode --> Blocked : Attempt Currency Transfer
FullFunctionality --> FullFunctionality : Perform Any Transaction
Blocked --> GuestMode : Operation Denied
Derivatives for Core Claim 11
Claim 11: A method of performing a transaction comprising: receiving an input signal at a credit card device from a user enabling operation of a near-field communication (NFC) unit of the credit card device; receiving an indication of an amount of currency for a transaction; generating at said credit card device a limited-duration credit card number; and transmitting said limited-duration credit card number from said credit card device to a recipient of the transaction, wherein the limited-duration credit card number has a limited recurrence, and is limited in scope of use to a predetermined number of authorized transactions.
Derivative 11.1: Biometric-Enabled NFC Activation and Secure HSM Generation
Enabling Description:
The method initiates by receiving a multi-modal biometric input signal from a user, specifically a simultaneous fingerprint scan (capacitive sensor) and a voice command (integrated microphone and on-chip voice recognition module, e.g., using a tinyML model) at the credit card device. This input signal directly enables the operation of a previously disabled NFC unit. The indication of the currency amount for the transaction is received via a secure encrypted channel from a paired mobile application, displayed on the card, and confirmed by the user via the touch sensor array. The limited-duration credit card number is generated within a FIPS 140-3 certified Hardware Security Module (HSM) embedded in the card, utilizing a true random number generator (TRNG) seeded by quantum tunneling effects, combined with time-synchronized cryptographic algorithms. This number is then encrypted and transmitted via the NFC unit to the transaction recipient, with its lifespan cryptographically bound to the specific transaction amount and a 60-second validity window, enforced by the HSM.
sequenceDiagram
participant U as User
participant CCD as Credit Card Device
participant MA as Mobile App (Paired)
participant HSM as Hardware Security Module
U->CCD: Fingerprint Scan + Voice Command (Enables NFC)
MA->CCD: Encrypted Tx Amount Indication
CCD->U: Display Tx Amount, Request Confirmation
U->CCD: Confirm via Touch Sensor
CCD->HSM: Request Limited-Duration Number (Tx Amount, Timestamp)
HSM->HSM: Generate TRNG Seed + Crypto
HSM-->CCD: Encrypted Limited-Duration Number
CCD->Recipient: Transmit Encrypted Number via NFC
Recipient->Recipient: Process Transaction
Derivative 11.2: Ultra-Short-Lived Numbers for High-Volume Micro-Transactions
Enabling Description:
This method is optimized for high-volume, low-value micro-transactions (e.g., public transport fares, vending machine purchases). The input signal enabling the NFC unit is a simple single-tap gesture detected by an accelerometer, initiating a "pre-authorized" state. The currency amount is not explicitly indicated by the user on the card but is dynamically determined by the transaction recipient (e.g., a fare gate or vending machine) via an initial NFC polling exchange. The credit card device generates an "ultra-short-lived" limited-duration credit card number in anticipation of these micro-transactions. This number has a validity period of less than 500 milliseconds and is designed for single use only, generated using a lightweight, elliptic curve cryptography-based algorithm on a dedicated secure element. The transmission occurs automatically upon detection of a compatible reader within the validity window, minimizing user interaction and processing latency, ensuring rapid transit or vending access.
stateDiagram
[*] --> Idle
Idle --> PreAuthorized : Accelerometer Tap (User Input)
PreAuthorized --> AwaitingTx : NFC Enabled (500ms Window)
AwaitingTx --> GenerateNumber : Recipient Polling (Amount Indication)
GenerateNumber --> Transmitting : Ultra-Short-Lived Number Generated
Transmitting --> Idle : Tx Successful / Window Expired
AwaitingTx --> Idle : Window Expired (No Recipient)
Derivative 11.3: Cross-Domain Application for Secure Digital Key Distribution
Enabling Description:
The method facilitates the secure, temporary distribution of digital keys for access control systems (e.g., hotel room keys, car-sharing vehicle access, smart locker access). The "credit card device" acts as a secure token. The input signal enabling its NFC unit is a one-time passcode entered via its touch sensor, verified against an internal secure element. The "indication of an amount of currency" is replaced by an indication of desired access duration (e.g., "24 hours," "single entry"). The device generates a limited-duration digital key token, which is a cryptographically signed credential valid for the specified duration and scope. This token is transmitted via NFC to a compatible access point (e.g., hotel room door lock). The key token has limited recurrence, meaning it cannot be replayed after its first successful use, and its validity automatically expires after the specified duration, ensuring temporary and secure access.
sequenceDiagram
participant U as User
participant SK as Secure Key Device (Card)
participant AP as Access Point (NFC-enabled Lock)
participant AC as Access Control System (Backend)
U->SK: Input One-Time Passcode (Enables NFC)
SK->U: Display Access Duration Options
U->SK: Select Access Duration (Touch)
SK->SK: Generate Limited-Duration Digital Key Token (Signed)
SK->AP: Transmit Digital Key Token via NFC
AP->AC: Verify Digital Key Token (Validity, Scope)
AC-->AP: Verification Result
AP->AP: Grant/Deny Access
AP->SK: (Optional) Tx Confirmation
Derivative 11.4: AI-Driven Adaptive Limited-Duration Number Generation
Enabling Description:
This method incorporates an on-card AI agent (running on an embedded neural processing unit) that dynamically adapts the parameters of the limited-duration credit card number. The AI agent analyzes various real-time inputs: user authentication strength (e.g., biometric score), current device location (via GPS from paired phone), historical transaction patterns for the merchant, and prevailing fraud risk scores (received via periodic updates over a connected cellular module). Based on this analysis, the AI agent dynamically adjusts the "limited recurrence" (e.g., from single-use to 3 uses) and the "scope of use" (e.g., validity period from 5 minutes to 30 minutes, or transaction amount limits). For instance, a low-risk transaction at a trusted merchant might yield a longer-duration, multi-use number, while a high-risk scenario triggers a strictly single-use, ultra-short-lived number. The generated number and its parameters are displayed on the card for user confirmation before transmission via NFC.
graph TD
A[User Input (Enables NFC)] --> B{Credit Card Device Processor}
B --> C[Biometric Sensor]
B --> D[Location Data (from paired phone)]
B --> E[Merchant/Fraud Risk Data (via Cellular)]
B --> F[Transaction History]
C & D & E & F --> G[On-Card AI Agent (NPU)]
G -- Adaptive Parameters (Recurrence, Scope) --> H[Limited-Duration Number Generator]
H --> I[NFC Unit]
I --> J[Recipient]
B --> K[Display (Confirm Parameters)]
Derivative 11.5: "Graceful Degredation" Failure Mode with Transaction Logging
Enabling Description:
This method includes a "graceful degradation" failure mode for the limited-duration credit card number generation. If the card detects a critical internal component failure (e.g., TRNG malfunction, secure element error, or low battery below operational threshold), it enters a "Degraded Mode." In this mode, the generation of new limited-duration numbers is suspended. However, instead of complete failure, the NFC unit remains enabled for a predefined "grace period" (e.g., 2 minutes). During this period, the card transmits a pre-stored, static "emergency transaction ID" (not a full credit card number) to the recipient via NFC, along with an encrypted log of the detected failure and the last known good state. This allows the transaction recipient to process a manual, pre-approved emergency transaction (e.g., a small fixed amount) while simultaneously triggering an alert to the user's bank or a service center about the card's degraded status. The display shows "Emergency Mode - Service Required" with a unique service code.
stateDiagram
[*] --> Operational : Normal Function
Operational --> DegradedMode : Critical Component Failure OR Low Battery
DegradedMode --> DegradedMode : Grace Period Active (2 min)
DegradedMode --> TransmitEmergencyID : Recipient Detected (NFC)
TransmitEmergencyID --> LogFailure : Transmit Static ID + Encrypted Failure Log
LogFailure --> ServiceRequired : Display Service Code
ServiceRequired --> [*] : Grace Period Expires OR Manual Lock
TransmitEmergencyID --> DegradedMode : No Recipient
Combination Prior Art Scenarios
These scenarios describe combinations of elements from US10339520 (and its derivatives) with existing open-source standards, demonstrating how the invention could be rendered obvious or non-novel in light of readily available public knowledge.
1. Magnetic Stripe Emulation (Claim 1) with EMVCo Contactless Payment Specification
Enabling Description:
A multi-functional credit card device, featuring the magnetic field generation capability of Claim 1 for legacy magnetic stripe readers, is further combined with an NFC communication unit that strictly adheres to the EMVCo Contactless Payment Specification (specifically, EMV Contactless Book A & B for Kernel Architecture and Interoperability). The device’s processor (from Claim 1) manages both the dynamic magnetic field generation and the EMVCo-compliant NFC transactions. The memory (from Claim 1) stores not only traditional identification data but also EMVCo application data (e.g., AID list, cryptographic keys, transaction counters). When a user selects an account via the user interface and attempts a transaction, the device first attempts an EMVCo contactless transaction via its NFC unit. If successful, the transaction proceeds. If the EMVCo transaction fails or if the card reader detection unit (from Claim 1) identifies a legacy magnetic stripe reader, the processor then switches to generating the alternating magnetic field encoding payment data in a magnetic stripe format. The generated transaction data, including potential limited-duration card numbers (as per Claim 11, adapted for EMVCo tokenization), can be formatted and cryptographically signed according to EMVCo standards for contactless payments, offering a hybrid solution for universal payment acceptance.
2. Card-to-Card Data Exchange (Claim 10) with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Mesh Networking
Enabling Description:
The credit card device described in Claim 10, featuring an NFC unit, touch sensor array, display, motion rate detection array, and processor, is augmented with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module (e.g., a Nordic Semiconductor nRF52 series SoC) and configured to operate within a BLE Mesh network as defined by the Bluetooth Mesh Profile Specification. The processor initiates a card-to-card transaction (or card-to-multi-card transaction) not only via NFC proximity but also through the discovery of other compatible credit card devices within a BLE Mesh network. User input via the touch sensor array triggers the establishment of a secure session over the BLE Mesh, leveraging its inherent encryption and authentication features (e.g., using OOB pairing via NFC or QR code on display). Instead of solely relying on NFC for data exchange, the device can transfer larger user data sets, aggregated currency amounts, or even encrypted digital receipts to multiple proximate devices simultaneously using BLE Mesh's publish-subscribe model. The motion rate detection array can be utilized for "priming" the BLE Mesh communication, detecting a specific "shake" gesture to activate the mesh advertising and scanning capabilities, enabling more flexible and distributed peer-to-peer data and currency transfers.
3. Limited-Duration Number Generation (Claim 11) with OpenID Connect (OIDC) Authentication
Enabling Description:
The method of Claim 11, which involves generating a limited-duration credit card number, is extended to generate and transmit limited-duration identity tokens for online authentication, conforming to the OpenID Connect (OIDC) specification. The credit card device acts as a hardware-secured OIDC client or authenticator. Upon receiving an input signal from a user (e.g., a specific biometric gesture on the touch sensor array) enabling its NFC unit (or USB connector for online use), the processor initiates an OIDC authentication flow. Instead of a payment number, the device generates a cryptographically signed JSON Web Token (JWT) with a short exp (expiration time) claim and specific scope claims (e.g., openid profile email). This limited-duration OIDC token is then transmitted via NFC (e.g., to a mobile phone with an OIDC client app) or via a USB connection (as described in the patent) to a computing system. The computing system then uses this token to authenticate the user with an OIDC Identity Provider (IdP). This provides a phishing-resistant, hardware-backed, multi-factor authentication mechanism where the OIDC token acts as the "limited-duration credential" for accessing online services, strictly limited in time and scope of use.
Generated 6/12/2026, 3:32:12 AM