Programmable Dynamic Magnetic Stripe Card Emulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic stripe cards have limitations in terms of security and convenience, as they rely on static digital identifiers, which can be easily copied and require users to carry multiple cards for different applications, posing challenges in physical design and manufacturing due to the need for embedded electronic circuitry.

Innovation Solution

A programmable dynamic magnetic stripe card that uses a solenoid coil to emulate a magnetic field, allowing a single card to mimic multiple conventional magnetic stripe cards, with a microprocessor-controlled coil driver circuitry to output specific magnetic reversals, and supports various point-of-sale interfaces including EMV, NFC, and Bluetooth LE, ensuring secure and versatile payment transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static digital identifiers are used on magnetic stripe cards, then the cards are simple to manufacture and read, but they are insecure and require multiple cards for different applications

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcard functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The credential card is designed to perform multiple functions by dynamically emulating different magnetic stripe credentials. A single card can replace multiple conventional cards for different applications such as access control, payment, and identification, eliminating the need for users to carry multiple cards while maintaining security through dynamic credential generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The credential card uses dynamic credential emulation instead of static identifiers. The card can change its magnetic field output to simulate different credentials based on the application context, making each use unique and secure while maintaining compatibility with conventional magnetic stripe readers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If electronic circuitry is embedded in credential cards to improve functionality, then the cards become more versatile, but the physical design and manufacturing become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecredential functionalityVSAvoidphysical design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electronic circuitry with a magnetic field generation system using a solenoid coil. This mechanical/electromagnetic approach generates magnetic fields dynamically without requiring complex embedded electronics, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility through software-controlled credential emulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If multiple conventional magnetic stripe cards are carried for different applications, then each card is simple and reliable, but the user requires physical storage space and carries multiple items

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidnumber of cards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple credential functions into a single physical card. By integrating the ability to emulate different magnetic stripe credentials in one card, users only need to carry one card instead of multiple cards for different applications, improving convenience and reducing physical storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a solenoid coil is used to generate magnetic fields dynamically, then security is improved through dynamic emulation, but the card thickness may exceed ISO standards

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcard thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid coil is integrated within the card structure in a space-efficient manner, nesting the magnetic field generation components within the card's existing layers. This allows the card to maintain ISO standard thickness while incorporating the dynamic credential emulation capability, balancing security improvements with physical constraint compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 programmable dynamic magnetic stripe card enhances security and convenience by allowing a single card to replace multiple conventional cards, reducing the need for physical storage and improving security through dynamic emulation of magnetic fields, while supporting multiple payment interfaces and ensuring compliance with ISO standards for payment card thickness.

Implementation Method 1

uses a solenoid coil to emulate a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11847518B2Systems and methods for constructing programmable credential and security cards

Publication Date: 2023.12.19 BLOCK INC

AI summary

A method for designing and constructing a thin programmable dynamic credential card is disclosed. The thin programmable dynamic credential card may comprise multiple layers, including a top surface layer containing an opening through which a graphical display system below the top surface layer can be viewed. The graphical display system is configured to present at least one coded image. The at least one coded image is determined based at least in part on context data associated with a context of the programmable credential card.