Dual-interface smart card

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dual-interface smart card and / or payment card comprising a first antenna, a second antenna, a wire loop, various inlays, one or more metal layers, one or more printed PVC layers, and optionally one or more contact, non-contact, and / or integrated circuit chips. The first and second antennas are components of an antenna segment inlay designed to fit tightly within the outline of one or more metal layers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 583,954, filed Feb. 22, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 447,953, filed Feb. 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to smart cards and / or payment cards having a dual interface, optionally comprising one or more of a first antenna, a second antenna, a wire loop, various inlays, one or more metal layers, one or more printed PVC layers, and one or more contact-type, non-contact-type, and / or integrated circuit chips.

Background Art

[0003] The most well-known non-contact or hybrid contact / non-contact chip cards include a pre-laminated insert comprising a card body made of plastic, an electronic module provided with a microchip installed in a recess of the insert body, and an antenna disposed within the insert body and electrically connected to the output pads of the microchip. Some of these chip cards have an antenna disposed within the card body, and the antenna is arranged to be inductively coupled to an electronic module provided with an antenna itself.

[0004] Chip cards and their inserts have a standardized format according to ISO 7810, which includes physical dimensions, resistance to excessive bending and chemicals, temperature and humidity, and non-toxicity. Therefore, chip cards are generally made of plastic for cost and flexibility reasons. The card's bending rigidity, non-toxicity, and resistance to chemicals provide resistance to degradation and durability. Most bank cards are approximately 8.5598 cm (3.37 inches) x 5.3975 cm (2.125 inches) in size, although other ID or smart cards may include other sizes.

[0005] ISO / IEC 7816 is a set of standards specifying integrated circuit cards and the use of such cards for communication. These cards are identification information cards intended for information exchange arranged between the outside world and the integrated circuit within the card. As a result of information exchange, the card transmits information (calculation results, stored data) and / or modifies its contents (data storage, event storage). Different parts of ISO / IEC 7816 define the physical characteristics of cards with contacts (ISO / IEC 7816-1), the dimensions and location of contacts (ISO / IEC 7816-2), the electrical interface and transmission protocol or asynchronous cards (ISO / IEC 7816-3), and other defining characteristics of cards with contacts.

[0006] However, the market segment showing growth is contactless chip cards or hybrid contact / contactless chip cards, which have physical characteristics that make them feel more premium or high-end due to their greater weight, ensuring a more satisfying feel when the card is held in the hand.

[0007] A structure comprising two chips equipped with booster antennas is known from reference FR2936075A1, and this structure is incorporated into a chip card to increase the range over which the chips can be read. The card body includes an electromagnetic perturbation system made of aluminum, but the aluminum film creates a shielding effect that prevents the booster antennas from coupling with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,198,686 (US, B1) [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0206047 (US, A1) [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0235122 (US, A1) [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0180212 (US, A1) [Patent Document 5] International Publication No. 2014 / 113765 (WO,A1) [Patent Document 6] International Publication No. 2014 / 003409 (WO,A1) [Patent Document 7] French Patent Application Publication No. 2936075 (FR, A1) [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to a smart card and / or payment card having a dual interface comprising a first antenna, a second antenna, a wire loop, various inlays, one or more metal layers, one or more printed PVC layers, and optionally one or more contact, contactless, and / or integrated circuit chips.

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for creating a dual-interface card of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the individual components of a dual-interface smart card and how they are positioned to create the final dual-interface smart card product. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process for creating the dual-interface smart card of the present invention, from start to finish. [Figure 3] This is a top-down view of a sheet with multiple antennas before they are cut so that each antenna can be inserted into a dual-interface smart card. [Figure 4] This is a side view of an antenna segment inlay, which includes the PVC portion and antenna portion of a dual-interface smart card. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged top-down view of the antenna inserted into the dual-interface smart card (and an enlarged view of the antenna in Figure 3). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The present invention relates to a dual-interface smart card and / or payment card comprising a first antenna, a second antenna, a wire loop, various inlays, one or more metal layers, one or more printed PVC layers, and optionally one or more contact, contactless, and / or integrated circuit chips.

[0013] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process involving one or more of a preliminary press for creating the layout of a smart card, printing of the card, pre-die cutting of the steel sheet for the metal insert, design and manufacture of one or more antennas, assembly of the card, lamination of the card, punching of the card, mechanization of the process, polishing of the card, finishing of the card, testing of the card (e.g., quality control), and packaging of the card for shipping.

[0014] In one embodiment, the preliminary press involves having the manufacturer review the assembly instructions and color tests, and if the assembly instructions or color tests need to be corrected, returning the data to the production assistant and / or planning assistant, whereby the assembly instructions or color tests can be corrected (and / or approved by the business circle).

[0015] In one embodiment, the metal includes one or more of brushed stainless steel, brass, silver, copper, titanium, palladium, gold, or mixtures thereof.

[0016] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a contactless chip card or a chip card insert, the contactless chip card can comprise a plastic card that can be provided with a magnetic stripe, and the card body can have a metal layer.

[0017] Inserting a metal plate into such a card may have an adverse effect from an electromagnetic perspective because the metal plate forms a partial or even substantial shielding, which in some cases has the effect of blocking electromagnetic waves that would otherwise propagate between the contactless chip card and the chip card reader. In prior art contactless cards, a decrease or lack of contactless communication performance, or at best asymmetry in the operation of the card in the contactless mode, i.e., the operation of the card in the contactless mode deteriorates on one side compared to its operation on the other side, has been observed.

[0018] In one embodiment, the present invention can prevent problems of the prior art because the card in one embodiment includes metal plates on both sides of the card (i.e., a dual-interface smart card). Therefore, the asymmetric problems found in the prior art are not found in the cards of the present invention.

[0019] In one embodiment, the dual-interface smart card of the present invention may include an alloy that is aluminum or stainless steel, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the dual-interface smart card of the present invention may include titanium, gold, platinum, aluminum, stainless steel, or a combination thereof.

[0020] In one embodiment, the card thickness is about 0.6 to 1.0 mm. In one variant, the thickness can be about 0.7 to 0.9 mm. In one variant, the thickness is about 0.8 mm. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the card are about 80 to 90 mm in length and about 50 to 60 mm in width. In one variant, the size of the card is about 85 mm × 54 mm. In one embodiment, the weight of the card is about 24 to 35 grams, alternatively about 25 to 30 grams, alternatively about 25 to 28 grams, or alternatively about 26 to 27 grams.

[0021] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the various components of the dual-interface smart card 1, where the relative positions of each component show how they are placed together. At the center of the dual-interface smart card is a metal sheet 2, which can be cut to allow the antenna segment inlay 6 to be inserted into the metal sheet 2. In one embodiment, the metal sheet 2 may be stainless steel. Alternatively and / or additionally, it may be made of the metals or combinations thereof described herein. One advantage of the shown card is that cutting the metal sheet 2 to allow the insertion of the antenna segment inlay 6 allows the card to be read by a smart card reader on either side of the card, because if the metal sheet is present between the card reader and the antenna, the metal sheet interferes with the smart card's ability to be read on that side of the card.

[0023] On each side of the metal sheet 2 are adhesive layers 5 (5a and 5b) that function to hold the antenna segment inlay 6 in place. Adhesive layer 5b may have a hole within it designed to accommodate the chip 7. Plastic layers 4a and 4b are present on each side of adhesive layers 5a and 5b. In one embodiment, the plastic layers 4a and 4b are made of polyvinyl chloride acetate. The plastic may contain other additives. Similar to adhesive layer 5b, plastic layer 4b may have a hole opened within it that is capable of accommodating the chip 7.

[0024] In one embodiment, printing may be performed on the plastic layers 5a and 5b to give the smart card a design and / or text.

[0025] Outside the plastic layers 4a and 4b are transparent plastic overlay layers 3 (3a and 3b). Printing may also be performed on these plastic overlay layers 3, and plastic overlay layer 3a may include a magnetic stripe 8, a signature field 9, and optionally a hologram 10. These layers may also have additional text or designs on them. In one embodiment, these plastic overlay layers can be thin enough so that they can be placed on top of plastic layers 4a and 4b, which may have embossed text or designs on them, and when plastic overlay layers 3a and 3b are placed on top of plastic layers 4a and 4b, they will match the embossed text or design, so that the embossed text or design remains raised (so that a person can feel the raised text or design on the smart card). In one embodiment, plastic overlay layers 3a and 3b may be made of polyvinyl chloride acetate. Other possible materials include polycarbonate or polylactic acid, and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer. In one embodiment, polylactic acid is the plastic used in these smart cards because it is more readily biodegradable than polyvinyl acetate and therefore more eco-friendly.

[0026] In one embodiment, the plastic layers 4a and 4b may be replaced with paper. In one modification, the paper may be embossed with text or a design in the same manner as the plastic layers 4a and 4b. The paper should be thick enough to have the typical thickness of a smart card and should be equally rigid to have the desired rigidity characteristics of a smart card (e.g., a credit card, gift card, or debit card). In one embodiment, the plastic layers 4a and 4b may be transparent. If the plastic layer overlay layers 3a and 3b are transparent and the adhesive layers 5a and 5b are transparent, the metal layer 2 should be visible from either side of the smart card. In this embodiment, the metal layer can accommodate printing of words or a design that should be visible to the user of the smart card.

[0027] In one embodiment, the plastic layer 4b may be replaced with a metal layer to have a full metal front surface for the card.

[0028] Figure 1 shows in general how the various components of the smart card of the present invention are structured, while Figure 2 shows a flowchart of how the card manufacturing process is carried out.

[0029] In one embodiment, the plastic for the smart card may be created by melting and mixing polyvinyl chloride acetate with additives. In one variation, the plastic sheet may be extruded using an extrusion machine. In one embodiment, the polyvinyl acetate mixture is added to the extrusion machine, which causes the heated molten plastic to pass through a die (i.e., a small, flat orifice). After passing through the die, the sheet meets a stack of rollers, which allows the sheet to be drawn through the rollers. The rollers are designed to keep the sheet flat and maintain the appropriate thickness for the card. The sheet is long enough so that as the sheet of plastic progresses, it moves from hotter areas to colder areas, thereby cooling the plastic sheet. Finally, the cooled sheet is cut to the correct size by a hot wire, a saw, or a shearing machine. The card may pass through a buffer (after cutting) to ensure that there are no unrelated, rough edges on the card's edges.

[0030] Figure 2 outlines the steps by which a dual-interface smart card can be created, given the availability of various components. In the first step, the card is pre-pressed (i.e., a print layout is created), and optionally, a digital pre-press machine electronically receives the information and converts the printed data onto a printing plate, which is then used to transfer the print data onto a metal card or plastic layer that will ultimately become the dual-interface smart card. In one embodiment, printing may be performed on a plastic or metal sheet, which contains multiple cards that are then cut. For example, in one embodiment, the printing plate may be configured to print identical or nearly identical information onto a sheet of PVC that is ultimately cut into a series of smart cards. The print data may include the card title, which may include a logo or the name of the bank (or the entity issuing the card). This may include different colors and / or designs to be printed on the card. Alternatively, the pre-press may be designed to print information on only a single card.

[0031] The pre-pressing step also involves a series of checks in the manufacturing process. These include checking assembly instructions for color, content, and color proofing. For example, content should be checked for spelling, and this process can be accomplished both by humans and / or by computers or other devices capable of checking spelling / grammar. Machines can also properly check the color to ensure that the correct color has been selected.

[0032] In the second step, printing is performed on a card or on a sheet containing multiple cards. The printing step may include laser printing. Printing may involve an engraving step, where the card is engraved. Cards may be printed on metal or plastic (e.g., PVC) so that the user can see the printing on the card. In the manufacturing process, the printing step should also undergo a series of checks, including verifying that the printing is proceeding according to plan. Printing plates, inks, and other printing products should all be checked to ensure they print correctly. They should be checked to ensure they are properly positioned in the printer to avoid anomalies / smudges / other defects. In some embodiments, color testing may be performed using a densitometer, spectrophotometer, or another device that can accurately verify (and / or perform comparative testing) the color with the human eye. In some embodiments, laboratory testing should be performed. Laboratory testing is one test that allows for testing for darkness / brightness, green / redness, and blue / yellowness to determine if there is a good match with known colors.

[0033] In the third step, a preliminary die cut is performed. The purpose of the preliminary die cut is to assemble the antenna dies for the metal card and adjust for die-cut variations as needed. The die-cutting operator receives the metal sheet containing the antennas (see Figures 3 and 5), verifies that the antenna sheet is fit, and prepares the sheet for die-cutting. Since a protective film is placed on the sheet containing multiple antennas, the operator should remove the protective film from the sheet before starting the cutting process. A die-cut test should be performed to verify that the die is in the correct position when cutting the sheet. In one embodiment, the sheet containing the antennas contains two antennas associated with each smart card (discussed in more detail below), so care should be taken not to cut or damage any of the antennas that will be inserted into the dual-interface smart card. In this step, the operator should also punch out the material by making one or more holes in the sheet to accommodate guides that ensure the chips and cards inserted into the card are properly aligned. In one embodiment, a fabrication aid creates an assembly of plastic inserts that will be inserted into the metal sheet. The die-cut materials are stacked carefully to prevent them from being scratched or damaged. The metal sheets are also cut in this step to accommodate the antennas that will be inserted into the metal sheets (see metal layer 2 (metal sheet) and antenna segment inlay 6 (antenna insert) in Figure 1).

[0034] In the fourth step, the dual-interface smart card is assembled. The card assembly is proposed by Figure 1, which shows not only the various parts of the card but also the relative positions of the various parts of the card. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to bonding an inlay in a metal layer to a plastic layer (which may be printed on) using a heat-activated adhesive. A typical adhesive for bonding to polyvinyl chloride should be used, and heat activation occurs at a temperature of approximately 130-150°C. All of the various layers should be of a certain thickness, and a dual-interface smart card of the correct thickness is achieved. For example, the plastic overlay layer may be about 60 microns thick, the plastic layer (with printing) may be about 100 microns thick, the metal layer may be about 400 microns thick, the antenna segment inlay may be about 400 microns thick, and the adhesive layer may be about 20-30 microns thick. A typical credit card is approximately 0.76-0.78 mm thick, and therefore this thickness gives the dual-interface smart card roughly the correct thickness (e.g., 400 + 60 + 60 + 100 + 100 + 20-30 + 20-30 = 760-780 microns). Other dimensions of the dual-interface smart card should meet ISO standards. In one embodiment, the card is 8.56 cm long (i.e., wide) and 5.398 cm high. In one embodiment, a hologram, if present, adds a security feature to the card. The hologram reflects light and appears three-dimensional, and the image appears to move or shift when the card is tilted back and forth. The hologram is created using a three-dimensional laser to capture an image of an object, which is then transferred onto one of the card's plastic overlay layers. The signature field is made of writable plastic on top of this, and the signature is durable after being signed. The chip is a dual-interface chip with two associated antennas.

[0035] In the manufacturing process of the assembled products, checks must be performed to ensure that each card is properly assembled. In one embodiment, the assembly operator receives the production instructions and verifies the production specifications by checking the colors (or verifying the results of previously performed tests). The operator should verify that all materials, including the printed plastic layer (e.g., PVC), metal sheet, adhesive layer, and plastic overlay layer, are correct. The magnetic stripe should be adhered to the card, and during assembly, the operator should ensure that the magnetic stripe has the appropriate information data associated with it. In one embodiment, assembly may be automated and performed by an assembly machine. The assembly machine may be adjusted to the size of the sheet according to the production instructions. The machine temperature and time should be adjusted to allow the adhesive sheet to adhere. In one embodiment, the assembly register should be adjusted so that the metal sheet, adhesive film, plastic layer (e.g., printed PVC), and optionally the overlay plastic are assembled. In one embodiment, one or a few sheets are assembled for testing. If the test shows that the card is properly assembled, the assembly may then be set up on a larger scale. During the assembly of dual-interface smart cards, a check should be performed after approximately every 50 sheets to ensure that the cards are properly configured. This check verifies that the sheet insertion and removal are consistent.

[0036] In the process described above, assembly may not involve the addition of a transparent plastic overlay layer, but the step for adding this layer may be performed after the assembly step. This step is the lamination step, which is step 5 in the process. In one embodiment, the process involves a machine operator who reviews the specifications of the manufacturing instructions. The machine operator sets and verifies that parameters such as temperature, pressure, and time are correctly set to allow lamination to be performed without adversely affecting the type of printing on the plastic (PVC) layer.

[0037] The operator should verify the thickness of the material (assembled sheet) and ensure that it conforms to the manufacturing instructions and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and / or CQM (Card Quality Management from Mastercard) requirements, and that the assembled card meets essential standards. The operator should select sheets based on the format and material specifications (matt or gloss) and create test sheets. The lamination process should be carried out, and the resulting laminated products should be tested for variations in printing, sealing, thickness, and / or other processes. A visual review should also be performed. In the visual review, defects such as misregistration, color inconsistencies, and / or printing damage such as smudges should be looked for, among other defects.

[0038] In the sixth step, punching is performed (i.e., holes are created in the card). In one embodiment, the correct steps should be performed for the punching process of the dual-interface metal card. In one embodiment, a die cutter is used. The die cutter is used in combination with another tool to "punch" the cut card, allowing the cut portion to be separated from the rest of the card. The machine should be configured according to the requirements of the manufacturing instructions. The operator should initiate the die-cutting process by adjusting the card to the final size of the template for the chip location for the metal card. The chip and card should be placed together with some distance between them to prevent scratching of the chip. In one embodiment, the process is automated (mechanized). As in other steps of this process, quality control testing should be performed to ensure that the card meets the appropriate specifications. Quality control involves ensuring that the magnetic stripe and chip are in the correct location. Testing may be performed by visual inspection, in which case the card should be ensured that there is no distortion of the magnetic stripe and chip (and that they are inserted / added in the correct location on the card).

[0039] In the seventh step, mechanization is performed. The steps listed above may be performed manually until the mechanized steps are performed. The operator should verify that the chip insertion performed in the previous steps was performed correctly. In one embodiment, the operator should review the manufacturing instructions and analyze all relevant characteristics, including but not limited to quantity, quality, and card dimensions. A computerized mechanization machine may be used, and the operator should select an appropriate program and ensure that all the appropriate tools required for the chip insertion work are in place before starting the automated process. The operator should periodically check the automated process as it progresses (e.g., by performing random quality checks) to ensure that the metal dual-interface cards being manufactured are in accordance with specifications. The check should involve partially opening the gate of the mechanization machine and removing the final product by gently blowing the product with a hose to remove any chip residue from the card. The operator should then fully open the door and remove the card manually. In one embodiment, quality control is performed, and the operator inspects the mechanized card using a registration template to verify the chip placement. The operator should inspect the card to ensure that all essential parameters, such as the card's width and height, are correct. This test can be performed using a template and / or gauge.

[0040] In step 8, the cards should be polished. The operator should visually inspect the cards to ensure that the previous steps were carried out according to specifications. In the polishing step, the cards are sanded along their edges to remove any imperfections, metal fragments, etc. The cards are then blown using a (high-power) blower to remove any remaining chip residue. The cards should be cleaned with a solvent such as isopropyl alcohol (or alternatively, ethanol, methanol, acetone, or another suitable solvent) that has relatively good volatility so that no residual solvent remains on the card for an extended period. The condition of the cards should be checked for any defects to ensure that the magnetic stripe is in good condition and that the cards are free of oil, burrs, scratches, and / or other particles. If the cards meet this quality check, the compliant cards are packaged and sent to the next process step.

[0041] In steps 9 and 10, the cards are finished and packaged. One or more of the following steps should be performed for the finishing process of the dual-interface metal cards.

[0042] In one embodiment, the card finishing process includes personalizing the card so that it can be sent to a user who will be using a metal dual-interface card. In one embodiment, the card is given a personalized number associated with a specific user of the card. Furthermore, hologram embedding may be added. The hologram may be a personalized image of the user who will be using the card sent to the user. In addition, the chip at this stage of the process also has an associated personal identification mark that links the chip to the user. The finishing process also involves additional quality checks, such as verifying that the chip is embedded in the correct position on the card.

[0043] In one embodiment, the card may have heat shrink packaging applied to the card during the packaging step.

[0044] The finishing operator must perform quality checks to verify that the cards meet the required specifications. The panel and hologram are integrated onto the metal card according to the requirements of the manufacturing instructions, and the operator should verify that they meet the specifications for this integration. Quality control involves checking the position of the magnetic stripe and chip against the template. The thickness of the panel and hologram should be tested according to ISO 7810. Adhesion testing should be performed according to ISO 2409 CQM 9.1.36 to ensure that the magnetic stripe is sufficiently adhered to the card.

[0045] Other quality control checks are performed, such as verifying that the encrypted information placed on the card meets essential requirements. Not only must it be ensured that the data storage features (hologram, magnetic stripe, and chip) are properly physically attached to the card, but thickness and adhesive robustness tests should be performed. Furthermore, in some embodiments, tests should be ensured to verify that the encryption is working and that the correct authentication mark is associated with the card sent to the user (customer). Tests to be performed include a template position check / CQM11.2.3 (testing the location of contacts), a chopped adhesion test / CQM11.2.1 (testing the adhesion of the ICM to the card), a chip thickness test CQM11.2.2 (testing the relative height of contacts), and three wheel tests (robustness wheel tests), which are CQM11.1.2.

[0046] Figures 3, 4, and 5 all show various views of the antenna used with the card of the present invention. Figure 3 shows the result of 24 groups of manufactured antennas (each group containing two antennas) incorporated into the card of the present invention. The 24 groups of antennas 36 are located on a sheet 31, and each group 34 is divided, thereby separating the groups and adding them to the card. The card is manufactured so that there is a width distance of approximately 59 microns 33 and a length distance of approximately 92.5 microns 32 between the centers of each antenna. The individual groups 34 are cut along the dotted lines, thereby allowing them to be incorporated into the dual-interface smart card. The dimensions of each group 34 are approximately 54 microns × approximately 85.6 microns. The dimensions of the groups can be modified to some extent, but it should be understood that in one embodiment they are approximately 50-60 microns wide and 80-90 microns long.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a side view of the antenna sheet 46 and transparent bottom overlay sheet 43b, which are incorporated into and adjacent to the PVC sheet 44b. The antenna sheet 46 is approximately 150 microns wide, the adjacent PVC sheet 44b is approximately 220 microns wide, and the transparent bottom overlay sheet 43b is approximately 50 microns wide. In one embodiment, this is an overlay sheet designed to protect the antenna. Thus, the overall width 41 of the antenna segment inlay is approximately 400 ± 30 microns. Wires from the first antenna 46a may be seen in the figure. The antenna capacitor 47 is associated with the antenna 46a and is designed to receive and / or transmit signals to and from a dual-interface smart card using inductive coupling technology, thereby enabling communication with the card reader.

[0048] Figure 5 shows an enlarged top-down view of the antenna sheet 51, which includes a first antenna 56a and a second antenna 56b. The first antenna 56a and the second antenna 56b are operationally mounted to each other. The overall length of the antenna 53 from the bottom of the second antenna 56b to the top of the first antenna 6a is approximately 47.74 microns, and the length of the first antenna 52 is approximately 15 microns. Note that the overall shape of the antenna (including the first antenna 56a and the second antenna 56b) is the shape of the letter "d". Therefore, the antenna sheet 51 can be cut into the shape of the letter "d" and a small portion of the sheet around the antenna can be incorporated, thereby forming the shape of the letter "d" (see antenna segment inlay 6 in Figure 1). This cut antenna segment inlay 6 can be incorporated into the card described herein. Note that in one embodiment, when a dual-interface metal card is manufactured, chip 7 is designed to be positioned adjacent to the first antenna 56a (see Figures 1 and 5). However, understand that the overall antenna design can differ, and the chip may be positioned adjacent to the second antenna (as long as it meets ISO standards).

[0049] It should be understood that in one embodiment, the chip is positioned to allow a smart card reader to easily read and obtain the associated personal customer signature when the card is used by a user. As discussed herein, the dual-interface smart card also includes encryption technology associated with the chip, so that an unauthenticated card reader cannot easily obtain the associated personal customer signature.

[0050] The present invention intends and comprises a chip, magnetic stripe, and antenna having appropriate electronic circuits associated therewith, so that they can communicate and / or transfer data to a card reader as needed. Furthermore, it should be understood that appropriate computer-related components may also be present to carry out this function. Finally, in one embodiment, the card of the present invention has appropriate encryption technology so that only an authenticated card reader can collect / verify / retain the card and the mark associated with the card user. In one embodiment, the security features of the card may include technology in which both the magnetic stripe and the computer chip have separate encryption technologies that thereby operate in tandem, so that the card reader may be unable to collect / verify and / or retain the mark associated with the card or the card user unless the card reader can decrypt the technology present on the magnetic stripe and the technology on the chip. In one alternative embodiment, the encryption technology of the card may involve requiring the user to enter a PIN number when using the card. Only when the PIN number is entered is any data associated with the card or the card user released to the card reader.

[0051] The present invention a) Antenna segment inlay, b) Metal sheet, c) One or more adhesive layers, and d) One or more plastic layers Regarding a dual-interface smart card equipped with, The antenna segment inlay is cut to fit into a metal sheet that has been cut to accommodate the antenna segment inlay.

[0052] In one embodiment, the dual-interface smart card further comprises one or more of a chip, a magnetic stripe, a signature field, or a hologram. In one modified example, the dual-interface smart card comprises all of the chip, magnetic stripe, signature field, and hologram.

[0053] In one embodiment, the metal sheet is one or more components selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, gold, platinum, copper, aluminum, and mixtures thereof. In one modified example, the metal sheet includes stainless steel.

[0054] In one embodiment, one or more plastic layers comprise one or more components selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride acetate, polycarbonate, polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and mixtures thereof. In one modified example, one or more plastic layers comprise polyvinyl chloride acetate.

[0055] In one embodiment, the antenna segment inlay comprises two antennas. In one variant, the dual interface card further comprises a chip.

[0056] In one embodiment, the antenna segment inlay comprises a first antenna and a second antenna, the first antenna being positioned adjacent to the chip when the card is assembled.

[0057] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the dual-interface smart card described above, the dual-interface smart card further comprising a chip, a magnetic stripe, a hologram and signature field, a metal sheet including stainless steel, one or more plastic layers including polyvinyl chloride acetate, and an antenna segment inlay configured adjacent to the chip, wherein the magnetic stripe and chip have encryption technology associated with the magnetic stripe and chip.

[0058] In one embodiment, the magnetic stripe encryption technology and the chip encryption technology operate in tandem to prevent an unauthorized card reader from accessing the mark associated with the dual-interface smart card. In one modification, the magnetic stripe encryption technology and the chip encryption technology require that the PIN also be used to access the mark associated with the dual-interface smart card. In one modification, the encryption technology further requires the user's signature.

[0059] In one embodiment, the dual-interface smart card further comprises one or more transparent plastic overlay layers. In one variation, one or more transparent plastic overlay layers are located on the outside of the dual-interface smart card. In one embodiment, the dual-interface smart card comprises two adhesive layers, two plastic layers, and two transparent plastic overlay layers.

[0060] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for creating a dual-interface smart card, wherein the smart card is a) Antenna segment inlay, b) Metal sheet, c) One or more adhesive layers, and d) One or more plastic layers Equipped with, One or more adhesive layers are used to fix and position the antenna segment inlay within the metal sheet to create the metal antenna sheet, and one or more plastic layers are used to align with the metal antenna sheet, and both the metal sheet and the antenna segment inlay are cut. In one modification, the cuts are made in both the metal sheet and the antenna segment inlay, so that the antenna segment inlay fits tightly into the metal sheet. Tightly means that there is a distance of less than 1 micron between the outside of the antenna segment inlay and the metal sheet. In one embodiment, the antenna segment inlay is shaped like "d".

[0061] In one variation, the method further includes one or more steps of pre-pressing, printing, die-cutting, assembling, laminating, punching, mechanizing, polishing, finishing, and / or packaging the dual-interface smart card. In one variation, the method includes all of the steps of pre-pressing, printing, die-cutting, assembling, laminating, punching, mechanizing, polishing, finishing, and packaging the dual-interface smart card. In one variation, the method further includes a step of conducting quality control tests. In one variation, one or more adhesive layers include a heat-activated adhesive. In one variation, bonding with the heat-activated adhesive occurs at 130-150°C.

[0062] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a dual-interface metal card that can be read from both sides, while behaving like a plastic card, but simultaneously conforming to all standardization requirements (e.g., from the government) and other requirements that may be given by the purchaser and / or franchisee.

[0063] The following references are incorporated in their entirety by reference for all purposes. U.S. Patent No. 10,198,686 (US, B1) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0206047 (US, A1) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0235122 (US, A1) U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0180212 (US, A1) International Publication No. 2014 / 113765 (WO,A1) International Publication No. 2014 / 003409 (WO,A1) French Patent Application Publication No. 2936075 (FR, A1)

[0064] Any of the features listed above are intended to be combined with any other features listed above, provided that they do not contradict each other, and should be understood to be within the scope of the invention. Whenever a range is mentioned, any real number that falls within that range is intended to be an endpoint for generating a subrange. In no event is the invention defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. e) Antenna segment inlay, f) Metal sheet, g) One or more adhesive layers, and h) One or more plastic layers A dual-interface smart card equipped with, A dual-interface smart card in which the antenna segment inlay is cut to fit into a metal sheet cut to accommodate the antenna segment inlay.

2. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 1, further comprising one or more of a chip, a magnetic stripe, a signature field, or a hologram.

3. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 2, wherein the dual-interface card has all of the chip, the magnetic stripe, the signature field, and the hologram.

4. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 1, wherein the metal sheet is one or more members selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, gold, platinum, copper, aluminum, and mixtures thereof.

5. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 4, wherein the metal sheet is made of stainless steel.

6. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 1, wherein the one or more plastic layers comprise one or more members selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl chloride acetate, polycarbonate, polylactic acid, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and mixtures thereof.

7. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 1, wherein the antenna segment inlay comprises two antennas.

8. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 7, wherein the dual-interface card further comprises a chip.

9. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 8, wherein the antenna segment inlay comprises a first antenna and a second antenna, and the first antenna is positioned adjacent to the chip.

10. A dual-interface smart card according to claim 1, further comprising a chip, a magnetic stripe, a hologram, and a signature field, wherein the metal sheet comprises stainless steel, the one or more plastic layers comprise polyvinyl chloride acetate, the antenna segment inlay is configured to be adjacent to the chip, and the magnetic stripe and the chip have encryption technology associated with the magnetic stripe and the chip.

11. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 10, wherein the encryption technology of the magnetic stripe and the encryption technology of the chip operate in tandem to prevent an unauthorized card reader from accessing the seal associated with the dual-interface smart card.

12. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 11, wherein the encryption technology of the magnetic stripe and the encryption technology of the chip are also used to allow the PIN to access the seal associated with the dual-interface smart card.

13. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 1, further comprising one or more transparent plastic overlay layers.

14. The dual-interface smart card according to claim 13, wherein the dual-interface smart card comprises two adhesive layers, two plastic layers, and two transparent plastic overlay layers.

15. A method for creating a dual-interface smart card, wherein the smart card is e) Antenna segment inlay, f) Metal sheet, g) One or more adhesive layers, and h) One or more plastic layers Equipped with, A method wherein the one or more adhesive layers fix and position the antenna segment inlay within the metal sheet to produce a metal antenna sheet, and the one or more plastic layers are used to be adjacent to the metal antenna sheet, and both the metal sheet and the antenna segment inlay are cut.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising one or more steps of pre-pressing, printing, die-cutting, assembling, laminating, punching, mechanizing, polishing, finishing, and / or packaging the dual-interface smart card.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising all of the steps of pre-pressing, printing, die-cutting, assembling, laminating, punching, mechanizing, polishing, finishing, and packaging the dual-interface smart card.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of conducting a quality control test.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein one or more adhesive layers include a heat-activated adhesive.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein bonding with the heat-activated adhesive occurs at 130 to 150°C.

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