Abstract: A card may detect variations (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration and direction) of a read head in relation to the card. Based on certain parameters (e.g., card length, initially detected read head position, and read head velocity) the card may change communicated bit parameters (e.g., bit period) so that a total number of data bits may be communicated by the card to the read head while the read head remains within a communication distance of the card.

Abstract: A card with power management circuitry is provided. A card may have circuitry contained therein (e.g., a processor) that may have a maximum operating voltage. The card may include a power source (e.g., a battery) that provides power ranging in voltage from a maximum power source voltage to a minimum power source voltage. The maximum power source voltage is greater than the maximum operating voltage. Power management circuitry is provided to manage the power received from the power source such that the voltage provided to the circuitry (e.g., processor) does not exceed the maximum operating voltage.

Abstract: A card exhibiting enhanced detection is provided. A plurality of detector shapes that may be associated with a detection system increases detection effectiveness, while reducing adverse effects of detection systems that may be operating within a electromagnetic field environment.

Abstract: Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.

Abstract: Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.

Abstract: Cards may be populated with components and alignment cues. A fully populated card may then be laminated using either of a clear (e.g., transparent) laminate or an obscure (e.g., opaque) laminate. Visual and/or non-visual alignment cues within a card may be utilized to align a trimming and/or singulation device to the card. The card may be singulated and/or trimmed with the aligned singulation and/or trimming device to position one or more components of the card.

Abstract: Laminated cards with user interfaces are provided. The user interfaces can have enhanced tactile feel. In one embodiment, a card may be constructed to have a dual-layer user interface. In another embodiment, a card may be constructed to include a support structure. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a relatively soft material that covers at least a portion of the user interface. In yet another embodiment, a card may include a user interface that is fluidically coupled to a bladder. In a further embodiment, a card can include any combination of a user interface, which may be a dual-layer user interface, a support structure, a soft material that at least partially covers a user interface, and a bladder.

Abstract: Dynamic magnetic stripe communications devices are provided as magnetic stripe emulators. A magnetic stripe emulator may include a coil. Drive circuits may be coupled to this coil in order to produce electromagnetic fields from the coil operable to communicate with a magnetic stripe reader.

Abstract: Dynamic magnetic stripe communications devices are provided as magnetic stripe emulators. A magnetic stripe emulator may include a coil. Drive circuits may be coupled to this coil in order to produce electromagnetic fields from the coil operable to communicate with a magnetic stripe reader.

Abstract: A card may detect variations (e.g., position, velocity, acceleration and direction) of a read head in relation to the card. Based on certain parameters (e.g., card length, initially detected read head position, and read head velocity) the card may change communicated bit parameters (e.g., bit period) so that a total number of data bits may be communicated by the card to the read head while the read head remains within a communication distance of the card.

Abstract: Dynamic magnetic stripe communications devices are provided as magnetic stripe emulators. A magnetic stripe emulator may include a coil. Drive circuits may be coupled to this coil in order to produce electromagnetic fields from the coil operable to communicate with a magnetic stripe reader.

Abstract: Dynamic magnetic stripe communications devices are provided as magnetic stripe emulators. A magnetic stripe emulator may include a coil. Drive circuits may be coupled to this coil in order to produce electromagnetic fields from the coil operable to communicate with a magnetic stripe reader.

Abstract: A card with power management circuitry is provided. A card may have circuitry contained therein (e.g., a processor) that may have a maximum operating voltage. The card may include a power source (e.g., a battery) that provides power ranging in voltage from a maximum power source voltage to a minimum power source voltage. The maximum power source voltage is greater than the maximum operating voltage. Power management circuitry is provided to manage the power received from the power source such that the voltage provided to the circuitry (e.g., processor) does not exceed the maximum operating voltage.

Abstract: A programming device is provided that programs cards, such as payment cards, with data, such as personal data, using light transmitters and receivers. For example, an infrared transmitter may be provided to program personal data (e.g., a customer's credit card number) into a card wirelessly. In doing so, the card may be, for example, completely laminated such that there are no exposed electronic components on the exterior surface of the card and be programmed via light. The programming device may shield the programming components to block ambient light from interacting with those programming components during programming. A conveyor may be utilized to align multiple cards with a programming device to allow assembly-line style programming of the cards.

Abstract: A card exhibiting enhanced operating modes is provided. A normal-operating mode reverts to a low-power mode of operation after a period of inactivity has transpired. The card automatically reactivates in response to a passive detection event during a low-power mode of operation when the card is ready for use.

Abstract: A payment card is provided with a display. A barcode may be selectively displayed on the display. A display may be an electrochromic display in order to increase the readability of a displayed barcode with respect to computer vision equipment. A barcode may be selected by a user from a set of barcodes. Each barcode in a set of barcodes may correspond to a different loyalty account for a different merchant. Accordingly, a user can carry a single card—but may be able to communicate multiple loyalty account barcodes to computer vision equipment across multiple merchants.

Abstract: A laminated card is provided with manual input interfaces. Such manual input interfaces may provide tactile feedback to a user. Laminated cards may be provided as payment cards, identification cards, medical cards, or any other type of card.