Dynamic Card System for Secure Transaction Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Smart card devices are vulnerable to tampering and fraudulent use due to the exposure of static data, which can be exploited by third parties without the knowledge of the legitimate user.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic card system that operates without an internal power source, powered by an external source, and features a processor, display, and memory to transmit, receive, and decrypt temporary card identification numbers, ensuring secure transactions by regularly updating the displayed card information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If smart cards use static data for transactions, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to tampering and fraudulent use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static card data to dynamic temporary card identification numbers that change over time. The card generates and displays different TCCNs for each transaction session, making the data dynamic rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation (the card still works automatically) while improving security (fraudsters cannot use stolen static data because the data keeps changing).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of card identification from fixed/static to variable/temporary. The card identification number is no longer a permanent attribute but changes based on time, transaction context, or security requirements. This parameter change allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while enhancing security through ephemeral credentials that expire or change regularly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If smart cards include internal power sources, then duration of action is improved, but device complexity and loss of substance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of actionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power source from the card itself and relocates it to the external computing device. Instead of embedding a battery or power cell in the card (which would add complexity and mass), the card is designed to be powered externally during transactions. This extraction eliminates the need for internal power management components while maintaining the ability to operate for extended periods when connected to external devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The card is designed with multi-functionality by being able to draw power from various external sources (computing devices, terminals, etc.) rather than relying on a dedicated internal power source. The card can interface with different external power providers, making it universally compatible while reducing its own complexity. The external devices that already have power sources serve multiple functions including powering the card.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If card identification numbers are updated frequently, then security is improved, but loss of time worsens due to decryption and replacement operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating multiple temporary card identification numbers and storing them securely in the card's memory before they are needed. During transactions, the card can quickly retrieve and use pre-prepared TCCNs without needing to perform time-consuming decryption operations in real-time. This preliminary preparation reduces transaction time while maintaining security through the use of ephemeral credentials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the card's internal processing capabilities with external computing resources. The card performs lightweight operations locally (selecting and displaying TCCNs) while leveraging external devices for more computationally intensive tasks (generating encrypted card identification numbers, providing decryption keys). This distribution of computational load reduces the time burden on the card while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12314793B2Computer-based systems having computing devices configured to interact with dynamic cards and methods of use thereof
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES CO INC
  • US12314793B2 patent drawing
  • US12314793B2 patent drawing
  • US12314793B2 patent drawing

AI summary

At least some embodiments are directed to a dynamic card. The dynamic card transmits a first temporary card identification number to a computing device. The dynamic card is without an internal power source and is powered up by an external power source housed within the computing device. The dynamic card determines an absence of unused encrypted card identification numbers and receives a set of encrypted card identification numbers from a server. The dynamic card decrypts a second temporary card identification number from the encrypted card identification numbers and shows the second temporary card identification number on a display, replacing the first temporary card identification number. The second temporary card identification number remains shown on the display after the power from the external power source is discontinued. The second temporary card identification number can be used in a subsequent interaction with another computing device.