Payment Card Audio Connectors for Data and Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payment cards lack efficient and versatile communication methods for data exchange with external devices, particularly in terms of magnetic stripe data transmission and power transfer, which limits their functionality and compatibility with modern technologies.
Innovation Solution
Integration of audio connectors, such as audio jacks and ports, within payment cards to enable communication and power transfer with external devices, combined with a central processor and various input/output devices like RFID, IC chips, and dynamic magnetic communications, allowing for multiple data transmission methods and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio connectors are integrated into payment cards to enable data exchange and power transfer, then communication versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio connector is designed to perform multiple functions: data exchange via audio protocols, power transfer through the same connector, and magnetic stripe data transmission. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to replace what would otherwise require separate connectors, thereby improving communication versatility while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines data communication and power transfer capabilities into a single audio connector interface. By merging these functions into one connector rather than using separate connectors for each function, the system achieves versatile communication capabilities while avoiding the increased complexity that would result from multiple separate components.
2Productivity
If multiple conductors are used in audio connectors for simultaneous data communication, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The audio connector with multiple conductors is designed to handle different types of data transmission simultaneously - audio data, magnetic stripe data, and power - through a single multi-conductor interface. This approach improves overall data transmission efficiency by allowing parallel communication channels while using standard audio connector manufacturing processes, thereby avoiding excessive precision requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless data exchange, including magnetic stripe data, power transfer, and feature activation, enhancing compatibility with mobile devices for transactions and feature customization, while maintaining card dimensions and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic encoder may change the information located on a magnetic medium such that a magnetic stripe reader may read changed magnetic information from the magnetic medium
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic emulator may generate electromagnetic fields that directly communicate data to a magnetic stripe reader
Implementation Method 3
The card may receive power from an external device that may be coupled to the card via the audio jack
Data Source
AI summary
Audio connectors are provided within a card. The audio connectors may be provided having a height that is compatible with a card (e.g., less than 1 mm or less than 0.5 mm). Communications to and from the card may be provided using the audio connectors within the card.