AU2012100400A4

AU2012100400A4 - Portable contactless smart card terminal for loyalty applications

Info

Publication number: AU2012100400A4
Application number: AU2012100400A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Yenfry Orlando Nieves Anez
Original assignee: NIEVES ANEZ YENFRY
Current assignee: Nieves Anez Yenfry Orlando Mr
Priority date: 2012-04-10
Filing date: 2012-04-10
Publication date: 2012-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2020-04-10

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable contactless smart card terminal for loyalty applications (100) utilizing contactless smart card (200) technology according to the international standards (ISO/IEC 14443). The terminal is a device built-in advanced support for a Secure Access Module (SAM) (108) to assure a trusting operation the authentication in each transaction. The program uploaded (300) in the device allows manage of all the interfaces and ports of the terminal. The RFID antenna (112) allows a security communication between the contactless smart card and the device. The touch screen display (113) allows both functionalities as a display and as a keypad. The integrated circuit is built as a standalone device within rechargeable battery (106) to keep hours of autonomy power supply. The terminal can establish a communication with a PC (201) to send the log of registries (400) for future study and evaluation. Figure 2

Description

PORTABLE CONTACTLESS SMART CARD TERMINAL FOR LOYALTY APPLICATIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] A smart card is typically a plastic card about the size of a credit card that is embedded with a microcomputer inside that makes it "smart". The microcomputer stores information while protecting it from unauthorized access. A smart card that is imbedded with a microcomputer can process data on the card and can add, delete, and otherwise manipulate information on the card. Smart cards are used for a variety of applications, such as access control, loyalty programs, electronic ticket system and identification. [0002] The International Standards Organization (ISO) has established a number of specifications for such electronic cards under the ISO/IEC Standards Series 7816 and 14443. A typical smart card includes a plurality of spaced apart electrical contacts on one surface which provide input and output interfaces with the microprocessor in the card. Cards complaint with USO/IEC Standard 7816-series have contacts that interface with a terminal via ohmic contact ("contact" card). Cards complaints with e.g. ISO/IEC 14443-series rely on close-coupling with a terminal ("contactless" card). Some smart cards are now being produced with both types of contact schema. [0003] The utilization of smart cards for customers transactions has resulted in a demand for deferent applications associated with these transactions. For example, a customer using a loyalty program with smart card, as a stored value makes a purchase from a merchant using, for example, a merchant terminal. Loyalty points for the purchase may be put on the card at the merchant terminal by modifying the merchant terminal to accomplish this function. There also must be an intermediate system that collects the points and passes then forward to a host processor or central computer. [0004] Smart cards increase transaction efficiency and promote increased purchasing, while decreasing costs due to human error, magnetic strip failure, or fraud. Unlike systems with magnetic stripes, smart cards are processed off-line and have a data retention time of 5 years and can be used for unlimited transactions. The only requirements are a smart card terminal and a smart card. There is no costly infrastructure on the backend and no additional transaction. [0005] The benefits of smart cards are directly related to the volume of information and applications that are programmed for use on a card. A single smart card can be programmed with multiple credentials, medical entitlement, driver's license/public, transport entitlement, loyalty programs and club memberships to name just a few. Multi-factor and proximity authentication can and has been embedded into smart cards to increase the security of all services on the card.

[0006] A smart card terminal is a device that secures and streamlines various transactions using smart card technology. These devices are capable of facilitating secure mutual authentication between a card and a reader, detailed multi-layered information from the cards based on embedded access rights, and transactions through the an off-line communication. These terminals have a microcontroller provided with a read only memory (ROM) program, for executing an application program fixed in this memory. [0007] A smart card terminal also has a security component, distinct from the microcontroller, capable of executing specific programs (related to security or to confidential elements of the application) under the control of the microcontroller so that any communication of data between the smart card and the security component necessarily passes through the microcontroller. A standard user of the application obviously does not have access to the programs and data of the non-volatile memories of the security component. And the microcontroller programmed by means of a read only memory constitutes the necessary barrier for this user not to be able to know what is occurring in the security component, or to modify it. For example, if the program requires the security component to supply data to the card, it supplies then in principle in encrypted form. And the application program, fixed in the read only memory and therefore not able to be modified by the user, does not provide access to the non-volatile memory areas of the security component. SUMMARY [0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified from that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is not necessarily intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. [0009] The invention disclosed herein addresses the need for new loyalty system alternatives using a portable contactless smart card terminal. It is a complete integration of microprocessor, touch screen display and interfaces to read and write over the contactless smart card through secure transaction. The transmission of data between the terminal and the card is protected via cryptography authentication. [0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, a loyalty standalone program is loaded into the programmable memory on the portable contactless smart card terminal according to the application. It program provides a complete functionality to manage the communication between the contactless smart card and the terminal. For example, a cardholder present the card in front of the terminal and the process starts with an authentication mechanism to read the blocks on the card where the system keeps the security keys and customer points. For a normal process neither a PIN (personal identification number) it is not required nor any pressure of keys. With each visit, customers have their balance checked on an easy-to-use smart card terminal with built-in touch screen display. Once they reach a pre-defined amount of points, the terminal beeps and the customers receive their gift. The retails define how many points their customers can receive for each transaction. New cards can be activated at the same terminal. Also, the retails can cancel the operation by an incorrect use, allowing a clear operation for the retails and for the customers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, is better understood when read in conjunction whit the appended drawing. For the purpose of illustrating the various embodiments, exemplary constructions are shown in the drawing. However, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. [0012] FIG. 1 exemplarity illustrates a view of the architecture blocks according with the invention. [0013] FIG. 2 exemplarity illustrates a view of invention. [0014] FIG. 3 exemplarity illustrates a flowchart comprising the steps about as the invention works. [0015] FIG. 4 exemplarity illustrates a schematic depicting a menu-type on the touch screen for an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 5 exemplarity illustrates a view of the methods to upload programs or data according with the invention. [0017] FIG. 6 exemplarity illustrates the key elements of the loyalty program log transaction information for embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0018] Referring now in detail to an embodiment of the present invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 shows schematically the key components of the portable contactless smart card terminal 100 used for loyalty applications. Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the portable contactless smart card terminal integrates by a microprocessor 101 which is based a high-performance microcontroller with a SDRAM 101a and FLASH memory 101b. The microcontroller can be programmed with In-System Programmer supported in the hardware itself. The PC 201 software programmer is connected by means of USB to the microcontroller through USB-UART connection 104. A second standard serial line (USB-UART) 105 is used to transmit and receive data with baud rates between 9600 and 115200 bps according to the crystal frequency 107. The antenna 102 is a RFID module applicable for 13.56MHz. It is an OEM reader/writer and can support a great variety of contactless smart cards and proximity cards according to the international standards (ISO/IEC 14443). The antenna 102 is connected to the microprocessor 101 through the second line 105. The TFT colour LCD 103 shields with touch screen interface. It has high screen resolution and the display is capable of showing data in many different colours and also allows the user interaction through the touch keys that can be present in different stages of the present invention. It is connected to the microprocessor 101 through the 16 bits data bus. The SAM (Security Authentication Module) 108 is connected to the microcontroller through the 16 bits data bus. The invention is provided by a power supply using rechargeable battery 106, via on-board battery connector. An on-board battery charger circuit enables the invention to charge the battery over power supply connector 109. A sound signal is provided by the electronic beep module 110 according to the crystal frequency 107. [0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the portable contactless smart card terminal 100 for loyalty applications with the antenna area 112 where the smart card is approximated to be processed by the system and the results are showing on the touch screen display 113. For example, the customers can approximate their smart card to the antenna area 112 and the system realises the authentication process and executes the operation of point accumulation or redemption and update the smart card. Meanwhile, the system show the message on the touch screen display 113 where the customers can see their current balance. Also, the system can emit a beep when the customer reaches the pre defined amount of points. [0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable contactless smart card terminal 100 can be utilized to inquire about a particular merchant loyalty program to accumulate or redeem loyalty points. FIG. 3 is a flow chart which illustrates the flow of information in the process of a customer inquiry regarding operation with the contactless smart card 200 to consult balance, to accumulate or redeems of loyalty points for an embodiment of the portable contactless smart card terminal 100. Referring to FIG. 3, at 114, the contactless smart card 200 is approximated to the antenna area at 112 of the portable contactless smart card terminal 100, which authenticates the card at 115 through the SAM (Security Authentication Module) 108. The consumer then chooses an option at 116 to display the balance at 117 for the specific loyalty program on the touch screen display at 113. The consumer can also choose to accumulate point at 118 according to the specific loyalty program and the contactless smart card 200 is updated at 120. The current balance is displayed at 115 on the touch screen display 113. The consumer can also choose redeem the loyalty points at 119 for particular products according to the specific loyalty program and the contactless smart card 200 is updated at 120. The current balance is also displayed at 117 on the touch screen display 113. [0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to setup the portable contactless smart card terminal 100, Fig. 4 illustrates a schematic of the menu that can be appear on the touch screen 113 for an embodiment of the present invention. For displaying menu items of a hierarchical menu on a touch screen 113, the functions desired by a user can be traced and performed with a minimum number of key inputs. The top-level menu and bottom-level menu of the hierarchical menu are showing on the bottom of touch screen 113, thereby enabling a user to reach from an upper-level menu to the bottom-level menu or from the bottom-level menu to the top-level menu with a minimum number of key inputs without passing through intermediate-level menus. Further, a certain menu can be displayed on the touch screen 113 along with the one-level upper menu and one-level lower menu thereof or the one-level lower menu thereof so that the user can readily recognize the position of a current menu. Furthermore, the user can access all menus using only direction keys. Referring to FIG. 4, at 128, the user can revert the previous operation or can choose the menu of options at 129. At 126a, the user confirm the operation of reversion or at 127a the operation can be cancelled and return to the previous level. At 130, the system follows to the next level to setting the current date and the user can display the transaction saved on the of the portable contactless smart card terminal 100 at 131. At 127b the user can use the cancel key and go back to the previous level. The user can setup the day at 132, the month at 133, the year at 134, to cancel and go back to the previous level at 127c. To change the day of the current date, the user can move down and select the number between 1 and 31 at 139, to accept the number selected, the key at 126b must be pressed and at 127d the user can cancel the operation and go back to the previous level. To change the month of the current date, the user can move down and select the number between 1 and 12 at 140, to accept the number selected, the key at 126c must be pressed and at 127e the user can cancel the operation and go back to the previous level. To change the year of the current date, the user can move down and select the number between 2011 and 2020 at 141, to accept the number selected, the key at 126d must be pressed and at 127f the user can cancel the operation and go back to the previous level. Turning next to the Fig. 4, which the user can choose the list of saved transactions, by day at 135 and by week at 136. To cancel and go back to the previous menu, the key at 127g must be pressed. The user can move down at 142 or up at 143 to navigate on the list of saved transactions. Next on the Fig. 4, the user can synchronize the communication with the PC 201 at 137; the operation can be cancelled at 127h or confirmed at 138.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, in addition the portable contactless smart card terminal 100 can be utilized to synchronize the communication with the PC 201 to upload all transactions are stored against the customers record. FIG. 5 illustrates a view of the methods to upload programs or data according with the invention. The portable contactless smart card terminal 100 is connected through the port USB-UART 105 with the PC 201 by means of USB cable 303. The operator must establish the communication using the option 138 on the options menu 302 on the portable contactless smart card terminal 100. The operator can also cancel the transmission using the option 127a on the options menu 302. The software 300 can be used to upload all transactions from the portable contactless smart card terminal 100 to the PC 201. The software 300 establish the communication with the correspond set of instruction to transmit and receive data with the standalone program 301 on the portable contactless smart card terminal 100. [0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to save one or more customer loyalty registers on the portable contactless smart card terminal 100, the FIG. 6 illustrates the key elements of the transaction log for an embodiment of the present invention. The transaction log 400 creates a unique transaction number 401 for every transaction in ascending order. Other transaction information, such as the customer unique serial number 402 of the contactless smart card 200, the date of the transaction 403, the customer points accumulated 404 at the time of the transaction, and the award 405 given to the customer at the time of transaction, are associated with the transaction number 401 in the transaction log 400. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0024] The portable contactless smart card terminal for loyalty applications is the perfect, off-the shelf loyalty card system for clients who want to operate a loyalty system without the complexity and cost of integrating to their existing till systems and it also provides a valuable marketing capabilities. It also, deploys a simple stand-alone card processing terminal which connects to a fully application based back office reporting and transaction system. The customer loyalty and marketing scheme provides a fantastic way to find out that the customers are, therefore enhancing the all important relationship between the merchant and their customers. It enables to understand customers buying habits and anticipate their response to offers. They in turn will know they are important to the business and feel rewarded through personalised offers and rewards. Whether the needs a straightforward system to manage and increase membership or a complete package to create campaigns with flexible rewards and discounts, the system provide the infrastructure, support and expertise to set up, run and develop a excellent reward program. When the customers join the scheme, the system gives them a loyalty card and creates their records by taking a few key details.

Each time the customer returns and uses their card, the points will be added or redeemed via the portable card terminal. The terminal connects to a back office PC where all transactions are stored against the customer's record. Through the back office software can monitor customer spending and develop marketing campaigns staying in contact with customers through mail shots or by post.

Claims

1. The portable contactless smart card terminal for loyalty application, the system including: a contactless smart card reader where the contactless smart card is approximated, a display touch screen to display the information and to configure the different tasks using a options menu, power supply in form of a rechargeable accumulator, an electronic control circuit that includes a main microcontroller comprising a micro-processor and port to control the PC communication, a pre loaded program.

2. A contactless card reader according to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises a contactless card reader having a data encryption on RF-channel for security transmission between the contactless smart card and the contactless card reader.

3. A contactless smart card according to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises a non volatile memory storage components and specific security logic. Contactless smart cards contain a re-writeable microchip that can be transcribed via radio waves.

4. A contactless smart card is approximated according to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises the contactless smart card allows for communication at distances up to 10 cm between the contactless smart card and the contactless card reader according to the ISO/IEC 14443 standard.

5. A display the information according to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises the portable contactless smart card terminal shows the information on the display touch screen when it reads or writes data from the contactless smart card.

6. A configure the different tasks according to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises the tasks for configuring the portable contactless smart card terminal to its appropriate operability.

7. A options menu according to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises the main menu when the activation of the function key on the display touch screen, wherein the function includes displaying a sub menu when the key input is selected to used for specific actions.

8. A rechargeable accumulator to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises the means an electrochemical device used to store energy to keep autonomy hours of power for the portable contactless smart card terminal.

9. An electronic control circuit to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises in form of a printed circuit board (PCB) to connect the main microcontroller to other components on the board of the portable contactless smart card terminal.

10. A micro-processor to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises an integrated circuit that contains the entire central processing unit of a computer on a single chip.

11. A port to control the PC communication to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises the connectivity where the portable contactless smart card terminal connects to a PC application based back office where all transactions are stored against the log of record.

12. A pre-loaded program to claim 1; characterized in that it comprises that can work offline and can manage the loyalty program of the portable contactless smart card terminal.

13. A loyalty program to claim 12; characterized in that it comprises the application store the customer information to the loyalty application on the portable contactless smart card terminal.

14. A store the customer information to claim 13; characterized in that it comprises loading the information into programmable memory on the portable contactless smart card terminal.