Electronic Card Generating Magnetic Field via Sequential Wire Energization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic stripe-based credit and debit cards are prone to fraud due to easily readable codes and consume power inefficiently, as they rely on traditional magnetic media that can be duplicated and require significant power for operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic card system that generates a time-varying magnetic field by driving a time-varying electrical current through wire structures as it is swiped through a card reader, using a processor, switch apparatus, and power source to encode binary data and induce a readback signal, optimizing power usage by energizing only necessary coils or wires sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional magnetic stripe encoding is used, then data can be read by card readers, but the data is easily duplicated and fraudulent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic stripe emulation to create a virtual copy of traditional magnetic stripe data patterns. The electronic card generates synthetic magnetic field signals that replicate the appearance of legitimate magnetic stripe data, allowing it to pass through readers that expect traditional magnetic stripe formats while maintaining electronic security controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the static magnetic stripe medium with an active electronic system. Instead of using a passive magnetic stripe that can be copied, the system uses electronic circuitry to dynamically generate magnetic field signals, substituting a mechanical/magnetic system with an electronic control system that can verify authenticity
2Reliability
If all wire structures are energized simultaneously, then complete magnetic field coverage is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wire structures into multiple independently controllable segments or groups. Instead of energizing all wires simultaneously, the system activates specific segments based on the data being transmitted and the position of the card reader, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining necessary magnetic field coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or sequential activation of wire structures rather than continuous simultaneous energization. The system cycles through different wire configurations in time sequence, generating the required magnetic field patterns only when and where needed, thereby significantly reducing average power consumption
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
The system effectively processes data with reduced power consumption, enhancing security by encoding data in a magnetic field that mimics traditional magnetic stripe cards while minimizing energy expenditure, thus addressing fraud and inefficiency concerns.
Implementation Method 1
generating the time varying magnetic field as the card is swiped through a card reader in a minus X direction by driving the time varying electrical current through the two adjacent wire structures, said time varying magnetic field inducing a readback signal in the card reader
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic card and a method for processing data stored in the electronic card. The electronic card includes a memory containing data to be read by a card reader. The electronic card may include a programmable field source containing wire structures geometrically configured and energized in a manner that drives an electric current through only two wire structures at a time for generating a time varying magnetic field that induces a readback signal in the card reader as the electronic card is being swiped through the card reader. An electrical current in at least one wire in the electronic card generates a time varying magnetic field and may include a finite time derivative of electrical current whose magnitude does not exceed a specified maximum time derivative of electrical current corresponding to a peak voltage threshold (Vth) and an overshoot ratio (f) of the card reader.