Illuminated One-Time Code Card for Secure Transactions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Plastic card fraud remains a significant issue due to reliance on static security codes, which can be easily compromised, leading to increased fraud levels and substantial financial losses despite existing security measures.

Innovation Solution

A card with a matrix of preprinted symbols and LEDs that, upon actuation, illuminates a dynamic one-time code for use in secure transactions, providing a more secure and cost-effective alternative to traditional static codes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static security codes (CVV, CSC) are used on plastic cards, then card transactions can be processed, but fraud vulnerability increases and security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidfraud vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static security codes into dynamic one-time codes that change with each transaction. The card displays a matrix of symbols where specific combinations are illuminated to form unique codes valid for single use only, eliminating the vulnerability of reusable static codes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The security parameter changes from fixed static values to variable dynamic values. The card contains multiple possible code combinations, and the active code changes based on transaction events, time, or other triggering parameters, making fraud prevention more effective

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If dynamic one-time codes with LEDs are implemented, then transaction security is enhanced, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidcard structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display area is segmented into multiple individual symbol positions, each with its own LED. This allows selective illumination of specific symbols to form codes while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional elements into a single card unit: the symbol matrix, LED array, controller circuitry, and power source are integrated into one device, creating a self-contained security system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If dynamic one-time codes with LEDs are implemented, then transaction security is enhanced, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransaction securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using expensive complex display technologies, the patent uses simple LED indicators that can be mass-produced and integrated into standard card manufacturing processes, reducing overall cost while maintaining security effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Ease of manufacture

If static security codes are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but fraud detection and prevention costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecard manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfraud detection and prevention costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic one-time codes eliminate the need for expensive fraud detection systems and neural network software by making the codes inherently secure through their single-use nature, reducing operational costs for fraud prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 dynamic one-time code enhances transaction security by preventing unauthorized access, reducing fraud, and lowering costs associated with fraud detection and prevention.

Implementation Method 1

The card body has a plurality of LEDs disposed in connection with the plurality of preprinted symbols, individual ones of LEDs being disposed to identify respective individual ones of the plurality of symbols when illuminated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2497093B1Card with illuminated codes for use in secure transactions
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 X CARD HOLDINGS LLC
  • EP2497093B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2497093B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2A
  • EP2497093B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

A card for use in secure transactions includes a card body having a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface having a combination of a plurality of symbols disposed thereon. The card body has a plurality of LEDs disposed in connection with the plurality of preprinted symbols, individual ones of LEDs being disposed to identify respective individual ones of the plurality of symbols when illuminated. An LED controller is coupled to the plurality of LEDs and operable upon actuation to selectively illuminate individual ones of the plurality of LEDs to identify a sub-combination of the plurality of symbols, thereby providing an illuminated one-time code for use in a secure transaction.