Abstract: An electronic card uses a magnetic stripe communication device in which either a horizontal magnetic field generator or a vertical magnetic field generator is selectively activated on a transaction specific basis as determined by the electronic card to transmit data to a magnetic reader to emulate a magnetic stripe

Abstract: An electronic card has a power source, a user selection mechanism operable to allow a user to select a customization variable for a single transaction, a processor for generating a transaction specific data packet that includes a card number and a customized number and an electronic communication device operable to cause the data packet to be read by a read head of a magnetic strip reader. The electronic communication device is operable to dynamically convey the transaction specific data packet to a read head of a magnetic card reader so that the transaction specific data packet is read by the read head. The transaction specific data packet is dynamically generated for use by the card for the single transaction of the card and the customized number is determined based upon the customization variable selected by the user selection mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic card uses a magnetic stripe communication device in which either a horizontal magnetic field generator or a vertical magnetic field generator is selectively activated on a transaction specific basis as determined by the electronic card to transmit data to a magnetic reader to emulate a magnetic stripe.

Abstract: An electronic card has a power source, a user selection mechanism operable to allow a user to select a customization variable for a single transaction, a processor for generating a transaction specific data packet that includes a card number and a customized number and an electronic communication device operable to cause the data packet to be read by a read head of a magnetic strip reader. The electronic communication device is operable to dynamically convey the transaction specific data packet to a read head of a magnetic card reader so that the transaction specific data packet is read by the read head. The transaction specific data packet is dynamically generated for use by the card for the single transaction of the card and the customized number is determined based upon the customization variable selected by the user selection mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic transaction device with a microprocessor generates digital signals that are converted into at least two tracks of analog signal wave form and two waveform signals are driven on two analog tracks such that the two waveform signals cancel each other out and a simulated magnetic field is generated along a target area located on the transaction device that can contain a transaction specific data packet readable by a magnetic stripe read head.

Abstract: An electronic card is assembled from top and bottom graphic layers, top and bottom thermal sensitive adhesion tapes and an inlay assembly laminated together. The inlay assembly is made of a sub-assembly of a PCB base with one or more electronic components mounted to it, thermal sensitive adhesion tape and a stiffening substrate, all laminated together, while a battery insert and possible additional inserts made of PVC are mounted in openings in the sub-assembly around electronic components such as the battery. The stiffening substrate has a thermal coefficient substantially the same as that of the PCB base. The card need not contain any solder connections and is ISO 7810 compliant. Lamination is performed at a warm, not hot, temperature that does not damage the battery or melt any components together.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a magnetic stripe reader in which an electronic apparatus is activated from an off state to a reduced power mode, a magnetic stripe reader is detected, then the apparatus is activated from the reduced power mode to a full power mode and it broadcasts a signal that contains a transaction specific data packet that is read by the magnetic read head. The signal is a time varying and spatial varying magnetic field that is interpreted by the magnetic read head as originating from a standard magnetic stripe and it is generated by a magnetic stripe broadcaster comprised of a track 1 flex encoder that transmits data that is read by a track 1 read head of the magnetic read head and a track 2 magnetic flex encoder that transmits data that is read by a track 2 read head of the magnetic read head.

Abstract: An electronic card has a card body with a power source electrically coupled to a general processor which is electrically coupled to a secure processor and a broadcaster. At least one sensor sends a signal to the general broadcaster when a physical act of swiping the card body through a legacy magnetic stripe reader having a magnetic read head commences. The card is usable as a legacy mode Smart card, the broadcaster is operable to broadcast a transaction specific data packet so that it is read by the magnetic stripe reader, and the secure processor is an ISO 7816 compliant processor.

Abstract: A method for communicating with a magnetic stripe reader in which an electronic apparatus is activated from an off state to a reduced power mode, a magnetic stripe reader is detected, then the apparatus is activated from the reduced power mode to a full power mode and it broadcasts a signal that contains a transaction specific data packet that is read by the magnetic read head. The signal is a time varying and spatial varying magnetic field that is interpreted by the magnetic read head as originating from a standard magnetic stripe and it is generated by a magnetic stripe broadcaster comprised of a track 1 flex encoder that transmits data that is read by a track 1 read head of the magnetic read head and a track 2 magnetic flex encoder that transmits data that is read by a track 2 read head of the magnetic read head.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for conducting a transaction with an electronic card that dynamically generates transaction specific data determines whether the transaction is being conducted with a smart card reader or with a magnetic stripe reader. A smart card reader mode is activated if the transaction is being conducted with a smart card reader; a magnetic stripe reader mode is activated if the transaction is being conducted with a magnetic stripe reader. The electronic card is activated from a reduced power mode to a full power mode after either the smart card reader mode or the magnetic stripe reader mode is activated and the dynamic field of data is not generated until the full power mode is activated.

Abstract: An electronic card includes a digital processor, an electrochemical battery and a communications port. The processor and battery are essentially coplanar, and are sandwiched between and enclosed by two flexible covers, preferably made from an insulating plastic material, and preferably fitted to the components that they enclose. The communications port can include, for example, a Smart Card contact port, a stripe emulator, an RF port, and IR port, etc. The battery may comprise a rechargeable battery. In an exemplary embodiment, at least the processor is carried by a flexible printed circuit (PC) board. In other exemplary embodiments, switches and/or indicators are also carried by the PC.board. A method for manufacturing an electronic card having at least two components is also disclosed.

Abstract: Multiple secure transactions are provided through use of a method that uses customer one-time unique purchase order numbers (“Coupons”) generated by an algorithm that uses a permutated user key and a user insertion key as input variables. A user key (such as a Personal Identification Number, or “PIN”) is combined with a permutation variable that is correlated with a customer sequence number to create the permutated user key. A random number generator is used to generate the user insertion key correlated with the customer sequence number. The algorithm can insert the permutated user key into a user account number through use of the user insertion key. A Coupon is validated by confirming that it is contained in a set of money source Coupons generated by a money source using the user key and a random number generator that is synchronized with the random number used to generate Coupons.

Abstract: An electronic card includes a digital processor, an electrochemical battery and a communications port. The processor and battery are essentially coplanar, and are sandwiched between and enclosed by two flexible covers, preferably made from an insulating plastic material, and preferably fitted to the components that they enclose. The communications port can include, for example, a Smart Card contact port, a stripe emulator, an RF port, and IR port, etc. The battery may comprise a rechargeable battery. In an exemplary embodiment, at least the processor is carried by a flexible printed circuit (PC) board. In other exemplary embodiments, switches and/or indicators are also carried by the PC.board. A method for manufacturing an electronic card having at least two components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a Transaction Information Block (“TIB”), a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The money source can use the TIB to determine whether the SCN should be used once or multiple times or to identify one of several physical devices, all of which are issued to the first entity, used to generate the SCN. The money source validates the SCN by duplicating the encryption process used to create an encrypted PIN Block and comparing the result to the encrypted PIN Block received with the transaction.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a Transaction Information Block (“TIB”), a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The money source can use the TIB to determine whether the SCN should be used once or multiple times or to identify one of several physical devices, all of which are issued to the first entity, used to generate the SCN. The money source validates the SCN by duplicating the encryption process used to create an encrypted PIN Block and comparing the result to the encrypted PIN Block received with the transaction.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a Transaction Information Block (“TIB”), a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The money source can use the TIB to determine whether the SCN should be used once or multiple times or to identify one of several physical devices, all of which are issued to the first entity used to generate the SCN. The money source validates the SCN by duplicating the encryption process used to create an encrypted PIN Block and comparing the result to the encrypted PIN Block received with the transaction.

Abstract: A method for providing secure transactions generates a Secure Card Number (“SCN”) for a first entity that is transferred with a first entity identifier to a second entity and then to a money source that verifies that the transaction is valid by use of the first entity identifier and the SCN. The SCN includes a 0Transaction Information Block (“TIB”), a Counter Block, and an encrypted Personal Identification Number (“PIN”) Block. The SCN is transferred to the money source in an account number or a non-account data field. The money source can use the TIB to determine whether the SCN should be used once or multiple times or to identify one of several physical devices, all of which are issued to the first entity, used to generate the SCN. The money source validates the SCN by duplicating the encryption process used to create an encrypted PIN Block and comparing the result to the encrypted PIN Block received with the transaction.

Abstract: A user can customize use of a payment card, which can be an electronic card, by selecting either a first or a second user key as a selected user key. The selected user key is entered into a card number generator that uses it and a user sequence number to generate a user payment card number that differs for each transaction through use of an algorithm. Multiple payment card transactions can be handled differently depending upon which user key is chosen as the selected user key. Different user keys can be used for different accounts, different types of transactions, or to classify the transactions. A user can receive one bill, or multiple bills. Different levels of privacy can be accorded to transactions that use different user keys. A user may pay the issuer for increased security, or the user may be paid by the issuer to allow transaction data to be distributed to third parties.