Device for detecting and storing user data on a data carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for detecting and storing user data, with a contactless read / write device (300), on a data carrier (200). The device comprises: a transmission antenna (120) having a first transceiving element (121) and a second transceiving element (122); a first receiving region (130) for the data carrier (200); and a second receiving region (140) for the contactless read / write device (300). The first transceiving element (121) is connected to the second transceiving element (122) via an electrically conductive connection (123). The first transceiving element (121) is located in a region of the first receiving region (130) and is designed to exchange electromagnetic signals with the data carrier (200). The second transceiving element (122) is located in an region of the second receiving region (140) and is designed to exchange electromagnetic signals with the read / write device. The transmission antenna (120) is designed to enable contactless communication between the data carrier (200) and the read / write device (300) when the data carrier (200) is in the vicinity of the first receiving region (130) and the read / write device (300) is in the vicinity of the second receiving region (140).

Description

[0001] Device for recording and storing user data on a data carrier

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to the capture and storage of user data, in particular biometric user data, using a contactless reading / writing device, on a data carrier, e.g. on a card-shaped data carrier with a biometric sensor.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Card-shaped data storage devices are used in a wide variety of applications today. For example, such data storage devices can be used for cashless payment of goods or services, for personal identification, or for accessing internet-based applications.

[0006] Accordingly, there are, for example, card-shaped data carriers in the form of chip cards such as payment cards (e.g., credit cards or debit cards), as well as personal ID or identity cards. Payment cards in the form of credit cards or debit cards, in particular, are often dual-interface chip cards (DI chip cards), which can communicate with other devices, such as point-of-sale terminals, both contact-based via a chip element and contactless via near-field communication (NFC). For the release of

[0007] Payment transactions with such data carriers usually require the entry of a PIN.

[0008] However, card-shaped data carriers with an integrated biometric sensor (e.g., a fingerprint sensor) also exist to authorize operations with the data carrier. These data carriers are initially issued without stored biometric

[0009] Features are delivered to the customer. The cardholder's biometric features (e.g., fingerprints) are then stored by the cardholder on the data storage device (so-called "enrollment"). For this purpose, special devices (sleeves) can be sent along with the data storage device, into which the customer inserts the data storage device. The sleeve then enables the capture of a biometric feature to be stored, such as a fingerprint. However, such sleeves have the disadvantage of increasing the cost of providing the data storage device. Furthermore, they produce additional electronic waste.

[0010] Another option for initially capturing the customer's biometric characteristics is using appropriate smartphone apps. These apps allow the user to capture the biometric characteristics and save them to the card-shaped data carrier using NFC communication. The card-shaped data carrier is held against an NFC interface on the smartphone. A stable NFC connection must be maintained throughout the entire enrollment process to capture the biometric characteristic. To ensure that the user can see and follow the instructions on the smartphone display during enrollment and simultaneously interact with the fingerprint sensor, the card-shaped data carrier is placed on the back of the smartphone in such a way that the fingerprint sensor is still accessible to the user. However, this is generally not the placement with the best possible connection stability or energy transfer.In addition, the reading performance of a smartphone is usually less than approximately 2 A / m. This can lead to sudden connection interruptions during the interaction, particularly during command sequences with increased energy requirements (i.e., when the fingerprint sensor is activated). As a result, it is difficult for the user to find the correct / ideal position with the best energy input for the card with the fingerprint sensor.

[0011] Description

[0012] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to enable reliable capture and storage of user data (in particular biometric data) on a data carrier (in particular on a card-shaped data carrier) with stable connection quality, which reduces the costs of provision and the environmental impact and does not require any adaptations of the hardware and software at the point of sale (POS).

[0013] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Exemplary embodiments emerge from the dependent claims and the following description.

[0014] According to a first aspect, a device for capturing and storing user data on a data carrier is provided, comprising a contactless read / write device. The device comprises a transmission antenna with a first transmitting / receiving element and a second transmitting / receiving element, wherein the first transmitting / receiving element is connected to the second transmitting / receiving element via an electrically conductive connection. The device further comprises a first receiving area for the data carrier and a second receiving area for the contactless read / write device. The first transmitting / receiving element is arranged in a region of the first receiving area and is configured to exchange electromagnetic signals with the data carrier. The second transmitting / receiving element is arranged in a region of the second receiving area and is configured to exchange electromagnetic signals with the read / write device.The transmission antenna is configured to enable contactless communication between the data carrier and the read / write device when the data carrier is located near the first receiving area and the read / write device is located near the second receiving area.

[0015] The data carrier can, for example, be a card-shaped data carrier, such as a payment card, which requires the storage of user data by an end user. An example of such a data carrier is a payment card with an integrated fingerprint sensor for authorizing payment transactions. The card-shaped data carrier can, for example, be designed as a dual-interface chip card (DI chip card) with a contact-based interface and a contactless (NFC) interface. However, the device can also be used with any other data carrier that communicates contactlessly and requires the storage of user data, or can be designed specifically for such a data carrier. An example of a data carrier other than a card-shaped data carrier is a USB dongle with an integrated fingerprint sensor.

[0016] The disclosed device is based on the provision of a transmission antenna, which allows the data carrier to be positioned relative to a read / write device in such a way that, on the one hand, a stable connection quality is maintained and, on the other hand, any input elements present on the data carrier, such as fingerprint sensors, remain easily accessible. For this purpose, the transmission antenna has two interconnected transmit / receive elements. For example, the device can be a type of box or case, which has the first receiving area and the second receiving area on one surface (which, however, can also be covered with a type of lid). However, the device can also be provided in any other suitable form.

[0017] One of the transmitting / receiving elements is arranged near each of the first receiving areas and the second receiving areas. The transmitting / receiving elements can be, for example, corresponding coils, as described below, but also any other suitable transmitting / receiving element that enables the transmission and reception of electromagnetic radiation. The first receiving area and the second receiving area are arranged such that both the data carrier and the read / write device are freely accessible when arranged on the corresponding receiving area and can, in particular, be sufficiently spaced apart for this purpose.

[0018] The transmission antenna with the first and second transceiver elements serves to enable wireless communication between the read / write device and the data carrier, for example via near field communication (NFC), even when the data carrier is not directly adjacent to the NFC transceiver of the read / write device or is not in close proximity to it. For this purpose, the first transceiver element receives the electromagnetic signals from the read / write device (i.e., the signals or the corresponding electromagnetic fields induce a corresponding current in the first transceiver element (if the transceiver elements are designed as coils), which current is then conducted through the electrically conductive connection to the second transceiver element.The second transceiver element receives this current and, in response, generates an electromagnetic field that corresponds to the field received at the first transceiver element. This electromagnetic field is then received by the data carrier as if it were directly adjacent to the transmitter of the read / write device or in its immediate vicinity. Communication via the transmission antenna functions bidirectionally.

[0019] The transmission antenna with the first and second transmitting / receiving elements can be provided, for example, as wiring in the housing, as printed conductors, or in a similar manner in the device.

[0020] Enrollment, i.e. loading user data (e.g. fingerprint data) onto a card-shaped data carrier with a fingerprint sensor, can then be carried out as follows, for example: The card-shaped data carrier is first placed over the first receiving area and the read / write device (e.g. a smartphone with NFC capabilities) is placed over the second receiving area. If the device is value-added packaging, as described below, the data carrier may already have been delivered in the reusable packaging and already optimally placed over the first receiving area. Before the read / write device is placed on the second receiving area, an appropriate enrollment app is installed on the read / write device. This app also enables, for example, authentication with an issuer of the card-shaped data carrier (e.g. a bank via an online banking app) and controls the enrollment.The first and / or second receiving area can be marked accordingly on the device. The transmission antenna then enables the read / write device to connect to the data carrier. The enrollment app can then display the connection strength and guide the user in finding the optimal connection strength. The read / write device is positioned in this optimal position.

[0021] The device is then placed on the second receiving area. The enrollment app can then guide the end user through the enrollment process, for example, by providing appropriate instructions on a display of the read / write device (e.g., placing a finger on a fingerprint sensor on the data storage device, entering access data, confirming actions, etc.).

[0022] The disclosed device thus enables easy capture and storage of user data, in particular biometric user data such as fingerprints, but also other user data, on the data storage device. For example, user data to be stored on the data storage device can also be entered via the enrollment app. The device is particularly useful for card-shaped data storage devices with an integrated fingerprint sensor, since such a fingerprint sensor requires a comparatively large amount of energy during enrollment, which must be drawn from the NFC field. This must also take place over a relatively long period of time, which is why a stable connection (without connection interruptions) is important to enable successful fingerprint registration.At the same time, the device enables the read / write device and the data carrier to be arranged in a way that is easily accessible to the user, while providing a stable connection quality.

[0023] Preferably, the transmitting antenna is a passive element (i.e., without its own power supply) to reduce environmental influences. However, it is also conceivable to use an amplifier circuit, as explained below with reference to one embodiment.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the device is a value-added package for the data carrier, in which the data carrier can be delivered. The first receiving area is a data carrier receptacle of the value-added package. The data carrier receptacle is configured to hold the data carrier.

[0025] The device can, for example, be a shipping box for a card-shaped data carrier such as a credit card with an integrated biometric sensor (e.g. fingerprint sensor), wherein the card-shaped data carrier is already firmly received and held in the first receiving area, i.e. in the vicinity (in particular above) the first transmitting / receiving element. As a result, the data carrier is already optimally positioned when the customer receives the data carrier. The transmission antenna with the first and second transmitting / receiving elements can, for example, be embedded in an intermediate floor of a box, for example as a wire, printed as conductor tracks, or provided in another suitable manner. The second receiving area can be marked on the intermediate floor and is located in the vicinity of, preferably above, the second transmitting / receiving element.An enrollment app can optionally guide a user in finding the optimal placement (with the best signal strength) of the read / write device (e.g. a smartphone) on the second receiving area, as described above. This allows an end user to capture their user data and store it on the card-shaped data carrier immediately after receiving it. It should be recognized that a fingerprint is only one example of such user data and, in principle, any type of user data can be transferred to the data carrier. It should also be recognized that the data carrier does not necessarily have to be a card-shaped data carrier, but can also be any other suitable data carrier with contactless communication functions. It should also be recognized that the intermediate base described is merely an example and the transmission antenna can also be integrated into the value-added packaging in other ways.The value-added packaging can also include a blanket.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the data carrier is a card-shaped data carrier and the read / write device is a mobile device.

[0027] The data carrier can be, for example, a payment card with a biometric sensor and the mobile device can be, for example, an end user's smartphone.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the first transmitting / receiving element is arranged in a housing of the device below the first receiving area. The second transmitting / receiving element is arranged in the housing below the second receiving area.

[0029] According to a further embodiment, the first transmitting / receiving element is a first coil, and the second transmitting / receiving element is a second coil. The first coil and the second coil are connected to one another via the conductive connection. The two coils can, for example, be wound as a wire and arranged accordingly in the device. However, the coils can also be provided as printed conductors or in another suitable manner. The coils (as well as the electrically conductive connection) are made of an electrically conductive material, which can, for example, comprise copper, silver, gold, aluminum, carbon, manganese, titanium, nickel-chromium, Kanthal (FeCrAl), nickel, or any other suitable conductive material. The first coil, the second coil, and the electrically conductive connection are preferably formed as one component.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the device further comprises an identifier detectable by the read / write device for downloading a software application for capturing and storing the user data.

[0031] Such an identifier can be any suitable identifier that enables a user to find and install a software application, such as an enrollment app, online banking app, or other app described herein (e.g., in an app store). Such a software application can also serve to authenticate the customer and, for example, include known two-factor authentication methods to authenticate the customer and thus ensure that only the authorized customer records their user data and saves / deposits it on the data storage device.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the identifier is one of a QR code, a barcode, and an identification number.

[0033] For example, in a value-added package (but also in any other embodiment of the disclosed device), a QR code can be arranged in or on the value-added package. An end customer can scan the QR code (or another suitable identifier) ​​with their smartphone camera and is then automatically redirected to an app store to download a corresponding software application, such as the enrollment app mentioned herein. After installing the app, the customer can use the smartphone to collect and store user data as described herein.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the device is configured to enable, via an input element of the data carrier and under control of the reading

[0035] / S very device which is in communication with the data carrier via the transmission antenna, to capture biometric data of a user and to store it in the data carrier.

[0036] In particular, the read / write device can communicate contactlessly via the transmission antenna if the read / write device and the data storage device are each arranged on the corresponding receiving area. The read / write device, or a software application installed on it, can then guide the user through the capture and storage of user data / biometric data on the data storage device, in particular by giving the user, after authentication, instructions, for example, to place a finger on the input element or generally to interact with the input element.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the input element is one of a fingerprint sensor, a camera and a microphone.

[0038] However, the input element can in principle also be any other input element for collecting user data, in particular biometric data.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the device further comprises an amplifier circuit having a power source, wherein the amplifier circuit is connected to the transmission antenna and is configured to amplify a signal strength of signals transmitted via the transmission antenna.

[0040] Such an amplifier circuit can be used to amplify signals from the read / write device and thus improve connection quality / stability. Corresponding circuits are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described further here. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a device for capturing and storing user data in the form of a value-added packaging for a card-shaped data carrier in a schematic perspective view.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows the device from Fig. 1 in a schematic view from above.

[0043] Detailed description

[0044] The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale. Where the same reference symbols are used in different figures in the following description, they refer to identical or similar elements. Identical or similar elements may also be designated by different reference symbols.

[0045] Figs. 1 and 2 show a device 100 for capturing and storing user data. Fig. 1 shows the device 100 in a perspective view together with a card-shaped data carrier 200 and a read / write device 300. Fig. 2 shows the device 100 in a top view. In Fig. 2, the data carrier 200 and the read / write device 300 are not shown. Figs. 1 and 2 are described together below.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the device 100 serves to capture fingerprint data as user data of a user on a data carrier 200, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed in the form of a card-shaped data carrier 200 with an input element 210 in the form of a fingerprint sensor 210, and to store the data on the data carrier 200. The device 100 is designed in the form of a value-added package in which the card-shaped data carrier 200 can be delivered to a customer. The outer casing of the value-added package forms a housing 110 of the device 100. The device 100 comprises a transmission antenna 120, which comprises a first transmitting / receiving element 121 and a second transmitting / receiving element 122, which are designed in the form of a first coil 121 and a second coil 122. However, the transmitting / receiving elements 121, 122 may also be implemented in any other suitable manner.The first coil 121 and the second coil 122 are connected to each other via an electrically conductive connection 123. The first coil 121 is arranged in a region of a first receiving area 130, in particular below the first receiving area 130, while the second coil 122 is arranged in a region of a second receiving area 140, in particular below the second receiving area 140. The transmission antenna 120 can optionally be accommodated, for example, in an intermediate base of the value-added packaging. However, any other integration of the transmission antenna 120 in the value-added packaging (or device 100 in general) is also conceivable.

[0047] The first receiving area 130 serves to hold the card-shaped data carrier 200 in an optimal position relative to the first coil 121. The card-shaped data carrier 200 can, for example, be placed by the manufacturer of the data carrier 200 in the first receiving area 130, which is thus configured as a data carrier holder 160, and thus delivered to the customer with the device 100 in the form of value-added packaging. The second receiving area 140 serves to accommodate a contactless read / write device 300, such as (as shown) a smartphone 300 or another mobile device 300 of the customer.

[0048] The device further includes an identifier 150 in the form of a QR code. The identifier 150 can, for example, contain machine-readable information about a software application that can be installed by the customer to perform the user data capture and storage process with the smartphone 300 using the fingerprint sensor 210 and the smartphone 300.

[0049] The first receiving area 130 for the data carrier 200 and the second receiving area 140 for the read / write device 300 are arranged relative to one another such that both the data carrier 200 and the read / write device 300 are easily accessible when the data carrier 200 and the read / write device 300 are arranged in the first receiving area 130 and the second receiving area 140, respectively. In particular, the input element / fingerprint sensor 210 is easily accessible. When the read / write device 300 is arranged in the first and second receiving area 140, the second coil 122 captures electromagnetic signals from an NFC sensor (or another transmitter of the read / write device 300) and transmits them to the first coil 121 via the electrically conductive connection 123.In the same way, the first coil 121 captures electromagnetic signals from the data carrier 200 and transmits them via the electrically conductive connection 123 to the second coil 122. The read / write device 300 and the data carrier 200 can thus communicate with each other via the transmission antenna 120 (comprising the first coil 121, the second coil 122, and the electrically conductive connection 123) without the data carrier 200 having to be arranged directly in the detection range of the NFC transmitter of the read / write device 300 (i.e., the smartphone 300). This enables an easily accessible arrangement of the data carrier 200 and the smartphone 300 while still maintaining a stable connection quality, such as is required for fingerprint enrollment, so that the user does not have to laboriously handle the data carrier 200 and attempt to keep the connection stable.

[0050] Optionally, the device 100 may include an amplifier circuit for the transmitting antenna 120.

[0051] Capturing and storing a fingerprint (enrollment), as well as other user data, can then be done, for example, as follows: The customer receives the data carrier 200 in the value-added packaging, which is already placed on the first receiving area 130, 160. Alternatively, the customer places the data carrier 200 there themselves. The customer scans the identifier 150 with the camera of the smartphone 130 and installs a software application such as a special enrollment app or an online banking app on the smartphone 300. The customer performs authentication with an issuer of the card-shaped data carrier 200 (e.g., a bank via the online banking app or enrollment app). The customer places the smartphone 300 on the marked second receiving area 140. Optionally, the downloaded software application can assist the customer in locating the position with the best signal strength.The transmission antenna 120 then enables a connection of the smartphone 300 to the data carrier 200. The enrollment app on the smartphone 300 can then guide the end user through the enrollment process, for example by providing appropriate instructions on a display of the smartphone (e.g., placing a finger on a fingerprint sensor of the data carrier, entering access data, confirming actions, etc.).

[0052] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" or "having" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

[0053] List of reference symbols

[0054] 100 Device (for collecting and storing user data)

[0055] 110 Housing 120 Transmission antenna

[0056] 121 first transmit-receive element, first coil

[0057] 122 second transmitting / receiving element, second coil

[0058] 123 electrically conductive connection

[0059] 130 first recording area 140 second recording area

[0060] 150 Identifier (for software application)

[0061] 160 data storage

[0062] 200 (card-shaped) data carrier, dual-interface chip card

[0063] 210 Input element, fingerprint sensor 300 Contactless reader / writer, mobile device, smartphone

Claims

Patent claims 1. A device (100) for capturing and storing user data on a data carrier (200) using a contactless read / write device (300), the device (100) comprising: a transmission antenna (120) with a first transmit / receive element (121) and a second transmit / receive element (122), wherein the first transmit / receive element (121) is connected to the second transmit / receive element (122) via an electrically conductive connection (123); a first receiving area (130) for the data carrier (200); and a second receiving area (140) for the contactless read / write device (300); wherein the first transmit / receive element (121) is arranged in a region of the first receiving area (130) and is configured to exchange electromagnetic signals with the data carrier (200);wherein the second transceiver element (122) is arranged in a region of the second receiving area (140) and is configured to exchange electromagnetic signals with the read / write device (300); and wherein the transmission antenna (120) is configured to enable contactless communication between the data carrier (200) and the read / write device (300) when the data carrier (200) is located near the first receiving area (130) and the read / write device (300) is located near the second receiving area (140).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the device (100) is a value-added package for the data carrier (200), in which the data carrier (200) can be delivered; wherein the first receiving area (130) is a data carrier receptacle (160) of the value-added package; wherein the data carrier receptacle (160) is configured to hold the data carrier (200).

3. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data carrier (200) is a card-shaped data carrier (200); and wherein the read / write device (300) is a mobile device (300).

4. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transmitting / receiving element (121) is arranged in a housing (110) of the device (100) below the first receiving area (130); and wherein the second transmitting / receiving element (122) is arranged in the housing (110) below the second receiving area (140).

5. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transmitting / receiving element (121) is a first coil (121); and wherein the second transmitting / receiving element (122) is a second coil (122).

6. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an identifier (150) detectable by the read / write device (300) for downloading a software application for capturing and storing the user data.

7. The device (100) of claim 6, wherein the identifier (150) is one of a QR code, a barcode, and an identification number.

8. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (100) is configured to enable biometric data of a user to be captured and stored in the data carrier (200) via an input element (210) of the data carrier (200) and under the control of the read / write device (300), which is in communication with the data carrier (200) via the transmission antenna (120).

9. The device (100) of claim 8, wherein the input element (210) is one of a fingerprint sensor (210), a camera, and a microphone.

10. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an amplifier circuit with a power source, wherein the amplifier circuit is connected to the Transmission antenna (120) and configured to amplify a signal strength of signals transmitted via the transmission antenna (120).

Images