WO2004013804A1

WO2004013804A1 - Transaction card with annunciator

Info

Publication number: WO2004013804A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/024581
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Finkelstein
Original assignee: Lenscard U.S., Llc
Priority date: 2002-08-06
Filing date: 2003-08-06
Publication date: 2004-02-12
Also published as: AU2003258098A1

Abstract

A financial transaction card (10) includes an annunciator (26) to generate a human perceptible indication upon activation. The annunciator may be audio, such as a pre-recorded sound, or may be visual, such as a light. The annunciator may be user-activated and/or may be activated upon use of the financial transaction card in a reading device. The annunciator, being relatively more difficult to implement than a conventional transaction card, serves to authenticate the card. Furthermore, the consumer appeal of a financial transaction card with such annunciator capability may be promoted by an issuer to attract new customers. In another embodiment, a distinctive recorded sound is generated when a credit card or other financial transaction card is used at a point of sale (POS) terminal (8). As is common, the POS terminal includes a card reader through which the card is swiped to read data that is encoded on a magnetic stripe (14) affixed to the card. A recorded sound may be stored in the card or in the card reader. In either case, the sound is played back through the card reader when the card is swiped.

Description

TRANSACTION CARD WITH ANNUNCIATOR

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of financial transaction cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, and the like. More particularly, one aspect of the invention relates to a transaction card with an audio and/or visual annunciator that is triggered when the card is used to conduct a financial transaction. Another aspect of the invention relates to a financial transaction card and/or card reader that plays a sound recording when the card is swiped through the reader.

2. BACKGROUND

[0002] Financial transaction cards are widely used. Such cards include credit cards, debit cards, and the like. Financial transaction cards also include assigned value cards, such as gift cards.

[0003] Fraud has become a significant problem for transaction cards of all types.

Counterfeit cards are relatively easy to make and are often accepted by merchants without proper verification. Numerous approaches have been adopted to combat transaction card fraud. For example, most transaction cards from financial institutions now have holographic designs which are more difficult to counterfeit. Also, many transaction cards now include a photographic image of the card owner; however, this is more effective in preventing unauthorized use of a lost or stolen card than it is for stopping the use of counterfeit cards.

[0004] At the same time that transaction card issuers are attempting to combat fraud, they are also attempting to differentiate their cards from those of other issuers so as to maintain or improve their market share. Transaction cards with new features and functions are being introduced to retain existing customers, to attract new customers and to establish brand identity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides a financial transaction card that complies with all applicable ISO standards in combination with an annunciator to generate a human perceptible indication upon activation. The annunciator may be audio, such as a pre-recorded sound, or may be visual, such as a light. The annunciator may be user-activated and/or may be activated upon use of the financial transaction card in a reading device. The annunciator, being relatively more difficult to implement than a conventional transaction card, serves to authenticate the card. Furthermore, the consumer appeal of a financial transaction card with such annunciator capability may be promoted by an issuer to attract new customers. In one embodiment of the invention, a recorded sound is stored in the card and played back within the card when the card is swiped through a card reader, such as in a point of sale (POS) terminal. In another embodiment, a recorded sound is stored in the card and is played back through the card reader when the card is swiped. In yet another embodiment, a recorded sound is stored in the card reader and is played back through the card reader when the card is swiped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a financial transaction card and card reader in which the present invention may be embodied.

[0007] FIG.2 is a plan view of the front of the financial transaction card constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] FIG.3 is a plan view of the rear of the financial transaction card shown in

FIG. 1;

[0009] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the operational components of a financial transaction card having an audio annunciator;

[0010] FIG.5 is a functional block diagram of the operational components of a financial transaction card having a visual annunciator.

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates the layout of tracks on the magnetic stripe of a financial transaction card in accordance with industry standards.

[0012] FIG.7 is a functional block diagram of a card reader in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a card reader in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate a method of constructing a financial transaction card with embedded electronic circuitry.

[0015] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another method of constructing a financial transaction card with embedded electronic circuitry.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another method of constructing a financial transaction card with embedded electronic circuitry.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another method of constructing a financial transaction wallet card with embedded electronic circuitry. [0018] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another method of constructing a financial transaction card with embedded electronic circuitry.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating another method of constructing a financial transaction card with embedded electronic circuitry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods and devices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

[0021] As used herein, the term "financial transaction card" includes not only a conventional credit card, but also any other type of card carried by a consumer that includes a magnetic strip and is physically and/or functionally similar to a conventional credit card. Such cards include, for example, debit cards, electronic cash cards, gift cards and similar assigned value cards, pre-paid calling cards, internet access cards, health insurance cards, association membership cards, identification cards, etc.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a financial transaction card 10 and a card reader 8 in which the present invention may be embodied. Card 10 and reader 8 are substantially similar to conventional cards and card readers that conform to standards 7810-7813 of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In accordance with ISO 7811, card 10 includes a magnetic stripe 24. In other embodiments, the invention may also be employed with cards that have other forms of machine readable information, such as smart cards, bar-coded cards, etc.

[0023] FIG. 2 shows the front side 12 of a financial transaction card 10 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In general, card 10 has the same outward appearance as a conventional financial transaction card. As is typical of financial transaction cards, the front of card 10 may be embossed with alphanumeric data 14, which may include an account number, name of the card holder, expiration date, etc. A holographic design 16 is also typically displayed on the front of the card. The front surface 12 may also be imprinted with the name of the issuer, logotypes, and/or other artwork.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows the rear side 22 of card 10. A magnetic strip 24 is attached to the rear of the card. The magnetic strip is encoded with machine readable data identifying the account number, the cardholder, etc. The location of magnetic strip 24 and the format of the data recorded thereon are prescribed by industry standards. Most transaction cards also have a signature panel 25 on the rear surface. Card 10 may include an audio transducer 26 for generating audible sounds. Alternatively, or in addition, card 10 may include a light 28. [0025] FIG.4 is a functional block diagram of a financial transaction card, such as card 10, having an audio annunciator. A sensor 32 detects when card 10 is used to initiate a financial transaction. Typically, this occurs when the data stored on magnetic strip 24 is read by a magnetic card reader. Such an action is often referred to as "swiping" the card. Various types of sensors may be used. For example, sensor 32 may comprise a contact switch located on an edge of card 10 proximate to magnetic strip 24 to detect when the card is passed through the slot of a magnetic card reader. Alternatively, sensor 32 may comprise an optical sensor to detect the decrease in light level as card 10 is passed through a card reader. In another alternative, sensor 32 may comprise a proximity sensor to detect when card 10 is placed in the slot of a card reader. In yet another alternative, sensor 32 may comprise a magnetic sensor to detect when magnetic strip 24 is passed across the magnetic reading head of a card reader. In this regard, the magnetic strip may be specially encoded so that the sensor 32 is triggered when the specially encoded portion passes the reading head.

[0026] Whatever type of sensor is employed, sensor 32 is connected to audio generator 34. When the reading operation is sensed, audio generator 34 is triggered to' produce an audio output signal. The signal may comprise a sequence of musical notes, a prerecorded spoken message or any other distinctive audible sound. The output of audio generator 34 is coupled to transducer 26 to convert the signal into a human perceptible sound. Optionally, card 10 may include a manually operated switch 36 connected to audio generator 34. Switch 36 may be used by the card holder to produce a stored audio signal whenever desired. This signal may be the same as that triggered by sensor 32 or may be different.

[0027] As another option, card 10 may include a microphone 38 with which the card holder may record a spoken message or other sound into audio generator 34. This is particularly useful for a gift card in which the giver may record a personalized greeting to the recipient.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of a visual annunciator. Sensor 32 detects a card reading operation as described above. Here, sensor 32 is connected to a lamp driver 44. The lamp driver is connected to lamp 38 and routes an electrical current to the lamp from a battery or other power source (not shown). As in the case of the audio annunciator described above, a manually operated switch 46 may be provided so that lamp 28 may be illuminated by the card holder, if desired.

[0029] The lamp driver 44 may illuminate lamp 28 steadily for a predetermined period of time or may flash the lamp in a predetermined sequence. Lamp 28 may direct a beam of tight away from card 10, which may be utilized as a flashlight, or may be mounted within the substrate of card 10 so as to illuminate the issuer's logotype or other graphic upon activation. Card 10 may include a plurality of lamps arranged in a pattern which may be illuminated by lamp driver 44 to provide a variety of visual effects. For example, a plurality of lamps may be arranged to form one or more alphanumeric characters and the lamps may be driven to spell out a text message. Instead of lamps, the annunciator may also comprise a liquid crystal or similar display for displaying alphanumeric characters and other designs.

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates the layout of magnetic stripe 24 for a financial transaction card as prescribed by ISO 7811. The magnetic stripe comprises three tracks referred to as track 1, track 2, and track 3. Each of the tracks is dedicated to a data format developed by industry associations. Track 1 contains alphanumeric information in a format developed by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA). Track 2 contains numeric information in a format developed by the American Bankers Association (ABA). Track 3 contains numeric information in a format developed by the thrift industry. Depending upon the intended function of card 10, data may be encoded in only one of the tracks. For example, a conventional credit card will have data encoded only in track 2. Track 2 accommodates a maximum of forty numeric characters, which include the primary account number, start and end sentinels, field separators and optional data, such as expiration date.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, a sound, such as a spoken message, sequence of musical notes or other sound effect is recorded on magnetic stripe 24. The recording may be in digital or analog format and may utilize one or more of the unused tracks. In the case of an otherwise conventional credit card with data encoded on track 2, track 1 and/or track 3 may be utilized for the recorded sound. In a somewhat different embodiment, magnetic stripe 24 may be physically wider to include an additional track above track 1 or below track 3 for the recorded sound. Also, a high density magnetic medium may be used to increase the storage capacity of the magnetic stripe.

[0032] FIG.7 is a functional block diagram of a card reader 8 adapted to implement the present invention. Reader 8 includes heads 120A, 120B and 120C for reading track 1, track 2, and track 3, respectively. For use with conventional credit cards, head 120B is coupled to data decoder 122. Heads 120A and/or 120B are coupled to sound decoder 124. As mentioned above, the input signal(s) to sound decoder 124 may be in analog or digital format. In either case, sound decoder 124 provides an audio signal to audio driver 126, which then drives a speaker 128. Thus, as card 10 is swiped through reader 8, the sound recorded on magnetic stripe 24 is played through speaker 128.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, magnetic stripe 24 may be simply encoded with a "sound trigger" utilizing an otherwise unused character location within the active data track. The recorded sound is stored within the card reader. [0034] FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a card reader 8' for use with this alternative embodiment of the invention. Data decoder 122 receives the output of head 120B as in the previously described embodiment and, optionally, also the outputs of heads 120A and 120C. If present on magnetic stripe 14, the sound trigger is delivered to a sound storage device 130. An audio signal is then delivered to audio driver 126, which then drives speaker 128 as in the previously described embodiment. Sound storage device 130 may have a plurality of stored sounds, with the particular sound selection determined by the value of the sound trigger encoded on magnetic stripe 24. In this fashion, reader 8' may be configured to play a variety of sounds corresponding to various card issuers. Sounds may be downloaded to card reader 8' via the data connection that is ordinarily provided for communication with the card issuer(s) or third-party card authorization center.

[0035] Since card issuers are generally identified by particular digits (usually the leading group) of the primary account number, the account number itself may serve as the sound trigger. Thus, for example, if the card swiped through reader 8' is recognized as a Visa® card, a sound associated with Visa® cards would be played through speaker 128.

[0036] It is intended that card 10 conform to all applicable ISO standards. These standards require card 10 to have a thickness of about 0.027 to 0.033 inch, which presents a challenge to incorporate the necessary electronic components in such a thin substrate. This challenge can be met using the manufacturing techniques described below.

[0037] One method of manufacturing a financial transaction or similar card in accordance with this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E. A card 400 has a light 410 and associated electronic components embedded therein. Light 410 may be a light-emitting diode (LED), a conventional incandescent bulb, electroluminescent panel, light-emitting polymer or other source of illumination. Light 410 is powered by one or more batteries 414 disposed within card 400. Conventional wafer cell batteries may be used; however, a flat laminated battery is preferred. Ultra-thin battery construction is described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,888,672. To control operation of light 410, a switch, such as switch 412, is placed at a convenient location on card 400. Switch 412 is preferably a pressure sensitive switch that may be activated by finger pressure when card 400 is held between the thumb and index finger.

[0038] The manufacturing method illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9E utilizes a split core construction to which front and rear overlays are laminated. A first core member 420 has a thickness of approximately 24.4 mils. The surface of core member 420 is printed with graphics appropriate for the particular card application. The printed surface of core member 420 is then laminated with overlay 422, which has a thickness of approximately 1.6 mils. A hot lamination process may be employed with a pressure of about 200-400 psi and a temperature of about 200°-300° F.

[0039] Referring next to FIG.9B, a cavity 424 is milled or routed into core member

420 to accept the electronic components denoted generally by reference numeral 430. These components include battery 414, at least one light-emitting diode (LED) 410, switch 412 and interconnection circuitry 429. The interconnection circuitry may be formed within cavity 424 by a printing process with conductive ink or by deposition of metallic circuit traces. Alternatively, the entire floor of cavity 424 may be metallized and circuit traces nay then be formed using a conventional photoetching process. Once the interconnection circuitry has been formed, the battery 414, LED 410 and switch 412 are inserted in respective areas of the cavity and electrically bonded to the interconnection circuitry using conventional bonding techniques. In another alternative, the components may be first connected electrically and mounted as a unit on a suitable carrier prior to being inserted into cavity 424.

[0040] With reference now to FIG.9C, the cavity 424 is filled with an ultraviolet

(UV) curable resin or a similar potting compound. Once cured, the exposed compound 432 is milled or shaved flush with the surface of core member 420. This may be accomplished using a diamond impregnated fly cutter.

[0041] Turning next to FIG. 9D, a second core member 434 is printed with appropriate graphics and laminated with overlay 436. Core member 434 has a thickness of approximately 5 mils, which is about the minimum for use with existing printing and laminating processes.

[0042] The core members 420 and 434 are joined together as shown in FIG. 9E. A hot lamination process may be used; however, the electronic components, particularly battery 426, may suffer adversely in such a process. In this case, core members 420 and 434 may be joined with a cold lamination process or may be glued together with a suitable adhesive. Acceptable adhesives are available that can join the core members at a temperature of only about 100° F, which is low enough to avoid damage to the electronic components. The finished card has a thickness within the ISO specifications of 0.027 to 0.033 inch.

[0043] Although FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate the manufacture of a single card, it will be understood that a plurality of cards may be processed simultaneously in sheets and that the sheets may then be cut into individual cards after the process is complete. Also, while cavity 424 is shown as being formed in core member 420, cooperating cavities may be formed in the two core members, in which case they may be equal, or nearly so, in thickness. [0044] As mentioned above, the completed card may include an integral magnifying lens, if desired. If so, core members 420 and 434 are preferably formed of a clear plastic material as described in this inventor's earlier patents. The graphic design imprinted on the surfaces of the core members will, of course, leave a transparent window where the lens is to be located. The lens may be formed by hot stamping fresnel contours as described in the referenced patents. Further processing of the card, such as embossing, the addition of holograms, magnetic stripes, etc. is accomplished in the same manner as for the previously patented embodiments. As mentioned above, appropriate care is taken to locate electronic components 430 in areas of the card that will not be subject to embossing.

[0045] The use of a clear plastic material for core member 420 and/or core member

434 allows formation of a coUimating lens for LED 410. An LED typically disperses light over a wide angle. A coUimating lens concentrates the light within a narrower angle so that card 400 is a more effective source of illumination. A coUimating lens may be formed in the same manner as a magnifying lens. It will be understood, however, that incorporation of a coUimating lens for LED 410 does not require that a magnifying lens also be included in card 400.

[0046] Another method of manufacturing card 400, somewhat similar to the method illustrated in FIGS 9A-9E, is illustrated in FIG. 10. The core of the card comprises core members 510 and 520, each of which is made from clear plastic stock having a nominal thickness of 13.5 mils. Card graphics are printed on side 512 of core member 510 and on side 522 of core member 520. Each of core members 510 and 520 are milled to create cavity 530. The embedded electronic components are inserted between core members 510 and 520 within cavity 530. Clear plastic overlays 540 and 550, each with a nominal thickness of 1.6 mils, are placed over surfaces 512 and 522, respectively. Core members 510 and 520 and overlays 540 and 550 are then laminated together using a hot lamination process at a temperature of about 300° F and a pressure of about 200 psi.

[0047] Another method of manufacturing card 400 is illustrated in FIG. 11. Core member 610 comprises three layers of clear plastic material having a nominal thickness of 13.5 mils that are laminated together. Core member 620 comprises a single layer of the same material. Card graphics are printed on surface 612 of core member 610 and on surface 622 of core member 620. Overlays 640 and 650, each having a nominal thickness of 1.6 mils, are hot laminated to core members 610 and 620, respectively. Cavity 630 is then milled into core member 610. Electronic components are inserted into cavity 630 and the remaining volume of the cavity is filled with a suitable potting compound. After the potting compound is cured, the combination of core member 610 and overlay 640 is reduced in thickness to approximately 23 mils using a fly cutting process. The combination of core member 620 and overlay 650 is also reduced in thickness to approximately 8 mils. Core members 610 and 620 are then joined together using a cold lamination process at a temperature of about 100° F.

[0048] The method illustrated in FIG. 11 can also be practiced using a hot lamination process. In this case, the steps of milling core member 610, potting the electronic components and fly-cutting core members 610 and 620 are performed prior to laminating overlays 640 and 650 to their respective core members. As in the method illustrated in FIG. 5, core members 610 and 620 and overlays 640 and 650 are all joined together during the hot lamination process.

[0049] Another method of manufacturing card 400 is illustrated in FIG. 12. In this method, core member 710, with an overall thickness of approximately 20 mils, is constructed by first milling a cavity 730 into opposing surfaces of core members 712 and 714. Each of core members 712 and 714 comprise a clear plastic material having a thickness of approximately 13.5 mils. These two core members are hot laminated together after inserting the electronic components into cavity 730. At the same time, additional layers of 13.5 mil material are hot laminated to core members 712 and 714, respectively. The resulting four- layer material is then reduced in thickness to approximately 20 mils using a fly cutting process. Core members 720 and 724, each having a nominal thickness of 5 mils, are prepared by printing card graphics on surfaces 722 and 726, respectively. Finally core members 710, 720 and 724 and overlays 740 and 750, each having a nominal thickness of 1.6 mils, are laminated together using a hot lamination process.

[0050] Another method of manufacturing card 400 is illustrated in FIG. 13. In this method, core member 810 having cavity 830 is constructed in the same manner as core member 710 of the previously described embodiment, except that it is fly-cut to a thickness of approximately 28 mils. Ink of an appropriate background color is then silk-screened onto surfaces 812 and 814 of core member 810. Card graphics are then printed onto the inked surfaces, preferably using a thermal transfer ribbon or dye sublimation process using, for example, a Fargo printer. Overlays 740 and 750, each having a nominal thickness of 1.6 mils, are then hot laminated to core member 710. One disadvantage of this method is that, since core member 710 is printed with card graphics after the electronic components have been embedded, any printing errors will result in a loss of the electronic components.

[0051] Another method of manufacturing card 400 is illustrated in FIG. 14. Core member 910 is constructed in the same fashion as core members 710 and 810 of the previously described embodiments, except that it is fly-cut to a thickness of approximately 23 mils. Overlays 940 and 950, each having a nominal thickness of 5.4 mils, are reversed printed with card graphics on surfaces 942 and 952, respectively. Overlays 940 and 950 may each comprise laminations of, for example, three layers of uncoated overlay material having a nominal thickness of 1.8 mils. After the overlays have been printed, they are hot laminated to core member 910.

[0052] An alternative method of manufacturing card 400 is basically similar to the previously described methods; however, the split core members are fabricated using an extrusion process. A first core member is extruded with a cavity in place. This core member is printed and laminated as in the previously described process. Furthermore, the electronic components are installed and potted in the same manner as previously described. A second core member is also extruded and is then laminated to the completed first core member.

[0053] Another alternative method of manufacturing card 400 utilizes an injection molding process. In this method, the electronic components are assembled as a unit as previously described. The unit is then suspended within a mold with dimensions of the finished card (not including overlays) and a suitable plastic material is injected. After release from the mold, the surfaces of the card are printed with appropriate card graphics and covered with clear plastic overlays. The overlays are hot laminated to the card core as in the previously described embodiments.

[0054] It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A financial transaction card comprising: a substrate; data storage means attached to the substrate for storing machine readable data; a sensor adapted to sense a reading operation in which the machine readable data is read by a reader separate from the financial transaction card; an annunciator coupled to the sensor and adapted to provide a human- perceptible indication in response to the sensed reading operation.

2. The financial transaction card of claim 1 wherein the data storage means comprises a magnetic strip.

3. The financial transaction card of claim 1 wherein the data storage means comprises an electronic memory.

4. The financial transaction card of claim 1 wherein the annunciator comprises an audio generator.

5. The financial transaction card of claim 4 wherein the human-perceptible indication comprises a sequence of musical notes.

6. The financial transaction card of claim 4 further comprising means for storing an audio signal for playback by the audio generator.

7. The financial transaction card of claim 1 wherein the annunciator comprises a tight.

8. The financial transaction card of claim 1 further comprising a manual control for activating the annunciator.

9. A method of verifying the authenticity of a financial transaction card comprising: providing a financial transaction card having machine readable data and an annunciator; providing a reader separate from the financial transaction card capable of reading the machine readable data; sensing a reading operation; generating a human-perceptible indication with the annunciator in response to sensing the reading operation.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the human-perceptible indication comprises a sound.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the sound comprises a sequence of musical notes.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the human-perceptible indication comprises a tight.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the machine readable data is stored on a magnetic strip.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the machine readable data is stored in an electronic memory.

15. The financial transaction card of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of the magnetic strip is encoded such that the sensor senses the reading operation of the encoded portion of the magnetic strip.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein at least a portion of the magnetic strip is encoded and wherein sensing the reading operation comprises sensing reading of the encoded portion of the magnetic strip.

17. A system for emitting a sound at a card reader terminal comprising: a card; a magnetic stripe disposed on the card, the magnetic stripe encoded with transaction data and audio data; a card reader including means for reading the transaction data, means for reading the audio data, an audio driver and a sound transducer.

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the audio data is encoded on the magnetic stripe as an analog signal.

19. The system of claim 17 wherein the audio data is encoded on the magnetic stripe as a digital signal.

20. The system of claim 19 wherein the means for reading the audio data comprises a digital to analog converter.

21. The system of claim 19 wherein the card reader further includes a sound storage device.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the audio data specifies one of a pluraUty of sounds stored in the sound storage device.

23. The system of claim 19 wherein the audio data comprises a portion of the transaction data.

24. The system of claim 23 wherein the audio data comprises a portion of an account number.

25. A method of emitting a sound at a card reader terminal comprising: providing a card with a magnetic stripe encoded with transaction data and audio data; providing a card reader with means for reading the transaction data, means for reading the audio data, an audio driver and a sound transducer; swiping the card through the card reader; reading the audio data encoded on the magnetic stripe; generating a first signal in accordance with the audio data; asserting the first signal as an input to the audio driver; generating a second signal in the audio driver in accordance with the first signal; asserting the second signal as an input to the sound transducer, whereby the sound transducer emits a sound in accordance with the audio data.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein the audio data is encoded on the magnetic stripe as an analog signal.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the audio data is encoded on the magnetic stripe as a digital signal.

28. The method of claim 27 wherein the means for reading the audio data comprises a digital to analog converter.

29. The method of claim 27 wherein the card reader further includes a sound storage device coupled to the audio driver and further including storing at least one sound in the sound storage device.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the audio data causes the sound storage device to generate the first signal.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein a plurality of sounds are stored in the sound storage device and wherein the audio data causes the sound storage device to generate the first signal in accordance with a value of the audio data.

32. The method of claim 27 wherein the audio data comprises a portion of the transaction data.

33. The method of claim 32 wherein the audio data comprises a portion of an account number.

34. A card reader for reading a card having a storage medium encoded with transaction data and audio data comprising: means for reading the transaction data; means for reading the audio data; an audio driver; and a sound transducer.

35. The card reader of claim 34 wherein the means for reading the audio data comprises a digital to analog converter.

36. The card reader of claim 34 wherein the card reader further includes a sound storage device.

37. The card reader of claim 36 wherein the audio data specifies one of a plurality of sounds stored in the sound storage device.

38. The card reader of claim 34 wherein the audio data comprises a portion of the transaction data.

39. The card reader of claim 38 wherein the audio data comprises a portion of an account number.