Abstract: Provided is a method of magnetically controlling a magnetic structure, the method including: providing a solution containing magnetic structures, each including a magnetic axis in which magnetic nanoparticles are arranged; and controlling movements of the magnetic structures by applying an external magnetic field to the solution.

Abstract: A wireless sensing system includes a sensor made from an electrical conductor shaped to form an open-circuit, electrically-conductive spiral trace having inductance and capacitance. In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the sensor resonates to generate a harmonic response having a frequency, amplitude and bandwidth. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to the sensor and wirelessly detects the sensor's response frequency, amplitude and bandwidth.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Such a magnetic emulator may comprise non-magnetostrictive material such that the magnetic emulator may be fabricated in a wide variety of fabrication processes. Additionally, magnets may be added to amplify the signal of a magnetic emulator. In doing so, a magnetic emulator may provide a large amount of signal while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy when compared to a magnetic emulator that does not include the presence of one or more magnets.

Abstract: A transactional card system comprising a carrier having at least one removable die cut card having a unique identifier and wherein the at least one card is removably attached to the carrier and further including at least one removable die cut data component removably attached to the carrier.

Abstract: A system and method for securing a financial transaction using a proxy code, which is assigned a transaction account number. An account issuer permanently assigns the proxy code to a transaction account correlated to the transaction device. The proxy code is uploaded onto the transaction device for later use in completing a transaction request. During transaction completion, the proxy code is provided to a merchant system in lieu of any sensitive account information. Since the proxy code is permanently assigned, the number need not be changed or updated on the merchant system once uploaded into a payment device or merchant database. The account issuer may manipulate the sensitive account information without need to alter the information stored on the merchant database. Since the proxy code contains no sensitive information, the sensitive information related to the transaction account is secured from theft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element, particularly for banknotes, security cards, passports, identity cards and the like, comprising at least one magnetic area formed of at least a first and a second magnetic material having at least one different magnetic property. The second magnetic material partially covers the first magnetic material. The first magnetic material is exposed at least at two sides of the second magnetic material such that both in a first extension direction of the security element and in a second extension direction perpendicular to the first extension direction there is a change from the first magnetic material to the second magnetic material. Further, a method for reading a security element according to the invention, a system for reading a security element according to the invention, and a method for manufacturing a security element according the invention are described.

Abstract: A payment device having identifying numbers configured in aligned segments in order to facilitate use of the payment device.

Abstract: A system and method for execution of financial and data transactions includes a point-of-sale device configured to execute a transaction in which at least one good or service is sold to an individual having a card with a storage medium encoding a card number. The transaction is completed after said point-of-sale device receives a data transmission authorizing said transaction. The point-of-sale device is configured to communicate via the Internet with a first computing system. The first computing system stores a set of instructions that cause the first computing system to evaluate the transaction to determine whether the transaction is to be authorized, and to send a transmission authorizing the transaction via the open network to said point-of-sale device.

Abstract: A communication device includes an analog unit that processes an analog signal received from an antenna unit which performs a contactless communication with an external device. The communication device also includes a wired interface that connects to an information processing terminal through a wire. In addition, the communication device includes a digital control unit that manages a communication mode set between the external device and the information processing terminal and controls a communication path between the external device and the information processing terminal according to a present communication mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical security mark that can be applied to an object, said mark comprising a structure made of a metamaterial that generates a magnetic response to incident radiation having a wavelength (?) corresponding to a specific code of formula ?r(?) where ?r is the relative magnetic permeability of the metamaterial and ? is a wavelength of the incident radiation having a value of between 15 nm and 1100 nm, or a specific code of formula ?(?r) or combinations of said codes. Said mark has a first tranverse dimension bx in a first transverse extension of the metamaterial and a second transverse dimension by in a second transverse extension of the metamaterial, different from the first transversal dimension, the first transverse dimension and the second transverse dimension each being at least equal to the wavelength (?) of the incident radiation.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to enable an individual to complete a financial transaction by swiping a magnetic stripe card through a card reader connected to a mobile device. The size of the card reader is miniaturized to be portable for connection with the mobile device. The card reader is configured to reliably read data encoded in a magnetic strip of the card with minimum error in a single swipe and provide a signal that corresponds to the data read to the mobile device, which then decodes the incoming signal from the card reader and acts as a point-of-sale device to complete the financial transaction. Such an approach enables a person to become either a micro-merchant (payee) or a buyer/customer (payer) without having to purchase expensive card reader devices or software.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a sheet for cards which is excellent in terms of all of heat resistance, weatherability, rigidity, punchability, and embossability and which employs a plant-derived resin, and to provide a card. The invention relates to a sheet for cards which has a layer constituted of a resin composition (X) containing, as a main component, a polycarbonate resin (A) that contains structural units (a) derived from a dihydroxy compound represented by the following formula (1) and that has a glass transition temperature lower than 130° C.

Abstract: For identifying an object and releasing a security of the object an identification element is associated with the object and recognized by recognizing unit, a securing element is attached to an object and releasable from the object, and the identification element and the securing element are formed so that a release of the securing element is possible only after the identification of the object by recognizing the identification element.

Abstract: A data storage device for use as a portable card, magnetically encodeable card, magnetic credit card or the like is shown. The data storage device includes a substrate having at least one surface. A high density, magnetically coercive material layer is disposed on or is deposited on the substrate for storing magnetic signals. The magnetically coercive material may have an axis of magnetization that is oriented in a predetermined direction relative to the at least one surface of the substrate. A layer of non-magnetically material is disposed on the substrate for defining an exchange break layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in security substrates for security documents. The security substrate has at least two sets of regions having a machine detectable characteristic, in which only a first set of regions is applied to a first surface of the substrate. At least two sets of regions together form a machine readable code.

Abstract: A contactless financial transaction card includes a plastic inlay having first and second substantially planar surfaces bounded by a continuous peripheral edge. An integrated circuit carried by the inlay stores card-specific data. An antenna carried by the inlay is operatively connected to the integrated circuit. The foil layer provides the financial transaction card with a decorative metallic reflective appearance and is constructed to permit the antenna to inductively couple with the card reader within the maximum coupling distance. Printed graphics or text may be disposed on or above the metallic foil layer. The card is constructed to inductively couple with a card reader that is spaced from the card in order to support limited-range wireless communication between the card and the card reader up to a maximum coupling distance, beyond which it will not couple.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing fuel theft includes one or more tamper detection sensors mounted on a fuel dispenser, the tamper detection sensors being operable to detect dislocation of one or more portions of the fuel dispenser's shell. A dispenser security controller is communicatively coupled to the one or more tamper detection sensors and is operable to generate a trigger signal in response to receiving a tamper detection signal from the one or more tamper detection sensors. A dispenser transaction-termination switch is electrically coupled to the fuel dispensing circuit and in signal communication with the dispenser security controller and is operable to simulate a fuel pump handle hang up and/or a transaction not-authorized condition in response to a trigger signal from the dispenser security controller.

Abstract: A transaction card package assembly comprising a transaction card connected to a first panel via a releasable interface, wherein the first panel is affixed to a second panel such that upon releasing the interface, the first panel remains affixed to the second panel and the transaction card is released from the package assembly.

Abstract: A greeting card stored-value card combinations and methods of forming said combinations are provided. In one embodiment, these combinations include a greeting card comprising means for affixing a stored-value card thereto. These combinations also include a stored-value card affixed to the greeting card. A single identifier, such as a Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU) or a Universal Product Code (UPC), is assigned to the bundle that uniquely identifies the bundled greeting card and stored-value card. The single identifier provides identification means allowing the stored-value card to be activated. A single capture of the single identifier enables the customer to both purchase the greeting card stored-value card combination product as well as to activate the store-value card.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) or other device (e.g., mobile telephone) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable to communicate data to a magnetic stripe read-head. Such a magnetic emulator may comprise non-magnetostrictive material such that the magnetic emulator may be fabricated in a wide variety of fabrication processes. Additionally, magnets may be added to amplify the signal of a magnetic emulator. In doing so, a magnetic emulator may provide a large amount of signal while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy when compared to a magnetic emulator that does not include the presence of one or more magnets.

Abstract: A pest management apparatus includes a machine readable storage medium such as a magnetic strip. The machine readable storage medium embeds trivector data indicative of a composite trivector signature. The composite trivector signature is derived from first and second trivector signatures. The first and second trivector signatures are indicative of first and second electromagnetic fields characteristic of first and second species respectively. The composite trivector signature may be derived by summing the first trivector signature and an inverse of the second trivector signature. The machine readable storage medium may have a plurality of tracks and one or more of the tracks may include a portion of the trivector data. The magnetic strip may include three tracks, each storing a component of the trivector data. The presence of each data component within its respective track generates a magnetic field and the cumulative effect of the three fields approximates the composite trivector field.

Abstract: A payment item having a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)-line on its front is handled by generating, using visible light, a front image of the front of the payment item, generating, using infrared light, an infrared image of the front of the payment item or of a portion of the front of the payment item containing its MICR-line, and performing optical character recognition on the infrared image to identify data encoded in the MICR-line.

Abstract: A method of read magnetic stripe card(s) into a database, to select a specific card from the database, and to output the data related to that specific card to existing merchant card reader equipment with no modification. A simulated magnetic stripe card can be tethered to a cell phone via the headset jacks. A more complex design uses an un-tethered, simulated magnetic stripe card by including BLUETOOTH (or other wireless) communications on the card. This dual purpose invention is intended to eliminate the need to carry multiple magnetic stripe cards in a wallet or purse by consolidating all of the individual card information into a form to be reproduced onto the simulation card when needed by the user. It can also be used at a merchant POS card reader to allow an existing MSD reader to be converted to use in wireless cell phone transactions e.g. BLUETOOTH or NFC.

Abstract: An avionics data storage device and data transfer system are provided. The data storage device, has a slanted, “shark-like” door, which provides an environmental seal when not installed in the data transfer system. The storage device and data transfer system maintain environmental seals at all times other than installation. The storage device and transfer system can implement a variety of identification and authentication methods, including electrical, physical, and optical authentication or identification.

Abstract: A magnetomechanical resonance element or marker strip with facilitated performance based on an amorphous magnetostrictive alloy ribbon having a line-like surface pattern is utilized in an electronic article surveillance marker or sensor element. A direction of magnetic anisotropy at angle between 80 and 90 degree away from ribbon's length direction and in ribbon's plane is introduced during ribbon fabrication, which increases the resonance performance with minimal loss in the magneto-mechanical circuit, and more particularly, in a marker or sensor element utilizing a plurality of resonating elements or marker strips. A marker or sensor element is fabricated utilizing the resonance element or elements and is utilized in an electronic article surveillance and identification systems.

Abstract: A method for facilitating biometric security in a smartcard-reader transaction system is provided. The method includes determining if a transaction violates an established rule, such as a preset spending limit. The method also includes notifying a user to proffer a biometric sample in order to verify the identity of said user, and detecting a proffered biometric at a sensor to obtain a proffered biometric sample. The method additionally comprises verifying the proffered biometric sample and authorizing a transaction to continue upon verification of the proffered biometric sample.

Abstract: An electronic card that, once activated, can drive a set of user data from a first secure microprocessor through a signal line to a second processor, process the set of user data in the second processor to generate a series of digital transaction signals, drive the series of digital transaction signals into a RC specialty circuit, convert the series of digital transaction signals into two distinct analog waveform signals, and drive the two distinct analog waveform signals along at least two tracks such that the first analog signal and the second analog signal cancel each other magnetically so that the resulting magnetic flux at a target broadcast area replicates the magnetic field created in a magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A payment card (e.g., credit and/or debit card) is provided with a magnetic emulator operable of communicating information to a magnetic stripe reader. Information used in validating a financial transaction is encrypted based on time such that a validating server requires receipt of the appropriate encrypted information for a period of time to validate a transaction for that period of time. Such dynamic information may be communicated using such an emulator such that a card may be swiped through a magnetic stripe reader—yet communicate different information based on time. An emulator may receive information as well as communicate information to a variety of receivers (e.g., an RFID receiver).

Abstract: A user-computer-readable medium provides all or part of a product labeling system for engaging purchasers. Executables, data, or both are recorded in the medium embodied in a tag or other product labeling structure, in order to deliver to a consumer or purchaser engaging presentations of products, information, or registration templates. Purchasers may receive launchers, browsers, viewers, e-mail systems, facsimile centers, players, or the like. Entertainment, games, skill tests, and the like, recorded in the medium as a tag or label may execute to engage a purchaser and provide purchaser profiling information, product purchasing information, and the like to a vendor, while providing additional product information, warranty registrations, applications, entertainment, or the like, to a purchaser.

Abstract: The invention comprises arrangement and methods for contact- and contactless-services, e.g. payments, money transfer, electronic tickets or identity cards. A card comprises a point of service interface for communication with a point of service, a card database, a mobile terminal interface for connect the card to a mobile terminal connectable to a telecommunication network. The card database can be controlled by the mobile terminal. The card database is configured for storing data and the card data can be accessed via the point of service interface. The date stored in the card database relates to e.g. bank cards, credit cards, identification, tickets, electronic money, identification 15 cards. The invention also comprises a mobile terminal (MT) suitable for communication with the card described.

Abstract: A magnetomechanical resonance element or marker strip with facilitated performance based on an amorphous magnetostrictive alloy ribbon having a line-like surface pattern is utilized in an electronic article surveillance marker or sensor element. A direction of magnetic anisotropy at angle between 80 and 90 degree away from ribbon's length direction and in ribbon's plane is introduced during ribbon fabrication, which increases the resonance performance with minimal loss in the magneto-mechanical circuit, and more particularly, in a marker or sensor element utilizing a plurality of resonating elements or marker strips. A marker or sensor element is fabricated utilizing the resonance element or elements and is utilized in an electronic article surveillance and identification systems.

Abstract: A fuel-price protection mechanism whereby customers may pre-purchase quantity-based amounts of fuel and retrieve said fuel at any participating fuel retailer. The quantity-based amounts of fuel are represented in the customers account as a quantity-based fuel credit. The fuel credits may be redeemed at a participating fuel retailer to obtain fuel. The fuel credits are associated with a customer's home geographical region or a customer's selected price class. A conversion mechanism will allow the customer to redeem fuel credits in a different geographical region or price class. Redemption within the home region or the customer selected price class can occur without conversion.

Abstract: A transaction product includes an enclosure, an account identifier and an electrical circuit. The enclosure defines an aperture. The account identifier is at least one of connected to or enclosed within the enclosure and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. The electrical circuit includes a flexible circuit member, wherein the flexible circuit member extends through the aperture defined by the enclosure such that a first portion of the flexible circuit member is coupled to an outside surface of the enclosure and a second portion of the flexible circuit member is positioned inside the enclosure. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enhancing document security for documents of the type each comprising a print medium on which is printed personalizing information, this printed medium being laminated between two laminates that are at least partially transparent, this method rendering any forging of these documents by ungluing the laminates ineffective, and it is characterized in that at least one additional phantom personalizing image is printed on at least one of the laminates.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a substantially rigid housing, a pump assembly, and an account identifier. The substantially rigid housing defines a substantially liquid-tight reservoir, an outflow aperture, and an external surface. The substantially liquid-tight reservoir is configured to maintain a liquid therein. The pump assembly is enclosed within the substantially rigid housing and is in communication with the substantially liquid-tight reservoir and the outflow aperture. The pump assembly is configured to move liquid from the substantially liquid-tight reservoir, through the pump assembly, and out the outflow aperture and into an external environment surrounding the substantially rigid housing. The account identifier is statically connected to the external surface of the substantially rigid housing and links the substantially rigid housing to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A transaction product includes a paddle, a string, a ball, and an account identifier. The paddle defines an enlarged portion and an elongated handle extending from the enlarged portion. The paddle is formed as a single piece of material. The string defines a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the string is coupled to the paddle. The ball is coupled to the second end of the string and is configured to bounce on the paddle. The account identifier is statically connected to the paddle and links the paddle to at least one of an account and a record and is machine readable by a point-of-sale terminal.

Abstract: A communication apparatus and a method used by the communication apparatus to perform magnetic-field communication with an external apparatus is provided. The communication apparatus determines the communication distance between the communication apparatus and the external apparatus based on the voltage level of a radio signal, a distance measuring device, or other means. The communication distance is compared to a predetermined distance and the communication apparatus dynamically adjusts its resonance frequency for improved magnetic-field communication with the external apparatus.

Abstract: A user-computer-readable medium provides all or part of a product labeling system for engaging purchasers. Executables, data, or both are recorded in the medium embodied in a tag or other product labeling structure, in order to deliver to a consumer or purchaser engaging presentations of products, information, or registration templates. Purchasers may receive launchers, browsers, viewers, e-mail systems, facsimile centers, players, or the like. Entertainment, games, skill tests, and the like, recorded in the medium as a tag or label may execute to engage a purchaser and provide purchaser profiling information, product purchasing information, and the like to a vendor, while providing additional product information, warranty registrations, applications, entertainment, or the like, to a purchaser.

Abstract: A financial transaction device is disclosed. The device includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface comprises a writable field enabling a writing instrument and/or a printing device to write on the first writable field. The writable field allows transaction device purchasers to include a custom note, picture, design, logo, pattern and/or any other indicia on the device. The writable field creates an added element of thoughtfulness to make the gift exchange more special.

Abstract: An account application product includes a package, an account identifier and a terms sheet. The package includes a first panel extending from a free edge to a first fold line, a second panel extending away from the first fold line to a second fold line, and a third panel extending away from the second fold line. The first panel is folded back along the first fold line toward a first surface of the second panel to define a storage area between the first panel and the second panel. The third panel is folded forward along the second fold line toward a second surface of the second panel. The account identifier indicates an account associated with the account application product and is configured to be machine readable. The terms sheet is selectively stored in the storage area and includes printed terms for the account. Associated packages and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to systems and methods of smart packaging. In one example, a package can include an embedded data storage element that is readable at a point-of-sale terminal and includes custom data stored on the data storage element. The custom data may be associated with a specific product related to the package, such as a SIM card or phone. The custom data can include information to allow a process related to the product to be performed. The process may include allowing activation of the product only when an indicator at a server indicates the package was processed at an authorized terminal.

Abstract: A system for managing enhancement features assigned to financial presentation devices such as credit cards. The system includes an accounts database and a feature management module. The accounts database stores account holder data containing assigned enhancement features for associated credit cards. The feature management module is capable of updating and managing the assigned features of an individual credit card independently of other cards so as to provide enhancement features that can be customized for each individual cardholder.

Abstract: A system to read magnetic stripe card(s) into a database, to select a specific card from the database, and to output the data related to that specific card to existing merchant card reader equipment with no modification. A simulated magnetic stripe card can be tethered to a cell phone via the headset jacks. A more complex design uses an un-tethered, simulated magnetic stripe card by including BLUETOOTH (or other wireless) communications on the card. This dual purpose invention is intended to eliminate the need to carry multiple magnetic stripe cards in a wallet or purse by consolidating all of the individual card information into a form to be reproduced onto the simulation card when needed by the user. It can also be used at a merchant POS card reader to allow an existing MSD reader to be converted to use in wireless cell phone transactions e.g. BLUETOOTH or NFC.

Abstract: An RFID chip is modified with set data before being disposed in an electronic label so as to allow the electronic label to be selectively used with different types of RFID systems. The RFID chip includes a first data storage zone for storing first data set accessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system; and a second data storage zone for storing second data set inaccessible by the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system. The second data set includes a modifiable code for indicating a type of the electronic label and with which of the first type of RFID system and the second type of RFID system the electronic label is to be used.

Abstract: A system, method and credit card configured to display a current card balance on the credit card. The credit card receives a balance request from a button on the card. After retrieving the current card balance encoded on the credit card, the card displays the current card balance. Remote terminals may be configured to support the real-time display of a balance on a credit card by writing the current balance to the card after a payment transaction has occurred.

Abstract: Magnetic stripe-based transaction enabled mobile communication device embodiments are presented which generally involve a mobile communication device which has been configured to perform transactions that heretofore were completed using a magnetic stripe found on magnetic-stripe cards. In one general embodiment, a mobile communication device generates magnetic stripe data which is used to perform a magnetic stripe-based transaction. To this end, the mobile communication device includes a magnetic stripe device and a computing device. The computing device stores the magnetic stripe data, and the magnetic stripe device is employed to transfer the stored magnetic stripe information so that it can be used to conduct transactions as if a traditional magnetic stripe card were being used.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for validating a user of a transaction card. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention utilize dynamic manipulation of a transaction card to authorize use of the card. In a typical embodiment, the cardholder approaches a magnetic reader with the card. The card is powered up by an embedded radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna in a magnetic field. The cardholder enters a user authorization code using an input method. The entry is compared against the predefined user authorization code. If the entry is invalid, an unauthorized code is put on virtual ferromagnetic cells (VFC) embedded in the card. If the entry is valid, legitimate card information is put into the VFC. When the card is swiped, magnetic information on the VFC is coupled, amplified, and recorded to the reader. After cardholder use, the VFC are reset to a random or unauthorized mode.

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: A credit card is provided that may include a credit card number, where at least a portion of the credit card number changes periodically. A magnetic emulator and/or magnetic stripe encoder may be provided to communicate at least a portion of the information needed to complete a credit card transaction to a credit card reader. For example, a magnetic emulator may be provided about a magnetic stripe so that the magnetic emulator communicates the information that changes and the magnetic stripe communicates the information that does not change. In doing so, the amount of power used by a credit card may be reduced with respect to a credit card that communicates, for example, all of the information with a magnetic emulator.

Abstract: A universal credit card with a cellular telephone that has inside of an outer housing and adjacent to a side thereof a magnetic reader/writer capable of reading data from a magnetic strip of a credit card. Along a side of the outer housing adjacent the magnetic reader/writer is a wide and deep enough slit to swipe the credit card. When a template credit card is swiped through the slit, a magnetic strip of the template credit card reads or writes data from at least one credit card that the user selected on the telephone's keypad from a plurality of credit cards whose data had been entered into memory. A controller and software operate the magnetic reader/writer the user's keypad selection. Alternatively, there is a slot in the outer housing rather than a slit, and insertion and/or removal of a credit card in the slot constitutes swiping the credit card.