Smart Card Magnetic Data Broadcasting via Swipe Speed Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic smart cards cannot broadcast a magnetic stripe data packet readable by a magnetic card reader during a swipe, due to issues such as cost, manufacturability, security, privacy, and standards compatibility, preventing the creation of a single card usable in both the US and internationally.

Innovation Solution

The method involves measuring the swipe speed of the electronic card using capacitive sensors and adjusting the broadcast signal to ensure the magnetic stripe data packet is read by the magnetic reader head, while preventing false swipes and cross-talk using trip switches and magnetic tape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electronic smart cards use magnetic stripe broadcasting to be readable by magnetic card readers, then compatibility with US magnetic readers is improved, but false swipe detection and cross-talk interference worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidfalse swipe detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive sensor detects the approaching magnetic reader head before the card is swiped, allowing the system to prepare and distinguish between legitimate and false swipe attempts in advance, thereby improving reliability while maintaining compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic tape positioned between the magnetic stripe and the reader head acts as an intermediary that blocks cross-talk interference while allowing the magnetic signal to pass through, resolving the conflict between signal transmission and interference prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If electronic smart cards broadcast magnetic stripe data packets at high speed, then swipe speed compatibility is improved, but signal accuracy and readability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswipe speedVSAvoidsignal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The broadcast signal is dynamically adjusted based on the detected swipe speed, allowing the system to optimize signal characteristics in real-time to maintain accuracy across varying swipe speeds, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic smart cards include magnetic stripe broadcasting capability, then universal card usability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal card usabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic smart card is designed to perform multiple functions - serving as both a traditional magnetic stripe card and a smart card with chip functionality - allowing a single card to replace multiple cards and justify the added complexity through enhanced versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines magnetic stripe broadcasting capability, capacitive sensing, and smart chip functionality into a single integrated card system, merging previously separate technologies to achieve universal usability while managing complexity through integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the electronic smart card to be read by both magnetic and smart card readers, reducing fraud and costs, and allowing for a single card to replace multiple cards, thereby addressing the long-standing need for a universally compatible card.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a swipe speed of the electronic card past a magnetic reader head during a swipe of the electronic card past the magnetic reader head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

cross talk in the magnetic reader head is prevented by use of a cross talk blocker such as a piece of magnetic tape located on the electronic card

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field blocking: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS8226001B1Method for broadcasting a magnetic stripe data packet from an electronic smart card

Publication Date: 2012.07.24 FITEQ INC

AI summary

Method for broadcasting a magnetic stripe data packet from an electronic card by measuring a swipe speed of the electronic card past a magnetic reader head during a swipe of the electronic card past the magnetic reader head and then adjusting a broadcast signal containing the magnetic stripe data packet according to the measured swipe speed so that the magnetic stripe data packet in the broadcast signal is read by the magnetic reader head during said swipe. The swipe speed is measured by a speed sensor such as a capacitive sensor having an outer detection point and an inner detection point. The electronic card can contain a false swipe detection means so that the capacitive sensor changes from a sleep mode to an active mode after a wake up sensor (such as a trip switch preferably having two or more conducting pads raised up from a printed circuit board by at least one spacer) is activated during the swipe and the swipe speed is measured by the capacitive sensor while it is in the active mode before the broadcast signal is broadcast during the swipe.