WO2022070216A1

WO2022070216A1 - System and method for contactless transaction module

Info

Publication number: WO2022070216A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050954
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pragnyat LALWANI; Arul NR
Original assignee: Seshaasai Business Forms Pvt. Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-01
Filing date: 2021-10-01
Publication date: 2022-04-07

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system (100) and method for a contactless transaction module (102) which is light and compact, and convenient to embed or integrate into any product or device. The contactless transaction module (102) comprises a transaction chip (312) which is mounted in an insulator (308) comprising cut-out windows (310). An antenna (306) is embedded onto the insulator (308) and copper wires are used to create connections between the antenna (306) and the chip (312). Further, the contactless transaction module (102) comprises a protection layer (302), in order to prevent the antenna (306) from being in contact with any external materials. The protection layer (302) is laminated on to the antenna (306) by using an adhesive (304).

Description

System and method for contactless transaction module

The field of invention generally relates to contactless transactions. More specifically, it relates to a system and method for a contactless transaction module which is compact and can be embedded in any other product or device.

Contactless payment or transaction devices are becoming increasingly popular, as they are more convenient than traditional methods of payment such as transaction cards.

Currently, existing systems do not succeed in providing autonomous payment modules as they require a physical prompt for initiating transactions. These prompts may include tapping, touching, and other types of prompts.

Other existing systems have tried to address this problem. However, their scope was limited to being integrated with a particular type of device, which is inconvenient as it requires additional effort for integrating it into different types of devices.

Some other systems have tried to provide autonomous payment modules; however, their large and bulky size was inconvenient and difficult to integrate into various products.

Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is need for a system and method for a contactless transaction module which is easy-to-use and can be easily integrated into any device, which is reliable and does not suffer from the problems discussed above.

Object of Invention

The principle object of this invention is to provide a system and method for an easy-to-use contactless transaction module.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system and method for a contactless transaction module which is small and compact enough to be easily integrated into any device, product or system.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system and method for a contactless transaction module which can easily conduct transactions without requiring physical prompts.

This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various Figures.

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

depicts/illustrates a system comprising a contactless transaction module, in accordance with an embodiment;

Fig. 2

depicts/illustrates a top view of the contactless transaction module, in accordance with an embodiment;

Fig. 3A

depicts/illustrates components of the contactless transaction module, in accordance with an embodiment;

Fig. 3B

Fig. 4

depicts/illustrates an exemplary application of the contactless transaction module, in accordance with an embodiment; and

Fig. 5

[Fig. 5] illustrates a method for manufacturing a contactless transaction module, in accordance with an embodiment.

Statement of Invention

The present invention discloses a system and method for a contactless transaction module which is compact and can be easily integrated into any device.

According to an aspect of the invention, the compact contactless transaction module for enabling contactless transactions comprises an insulator, multiple cut-out windows, at least one contactless transaction chip, at least one antenna and at least one protection layer.

The insulator is formed with thee cut-out windows. The contactless transaction chip is mounted into at least one cut-out window of the insulator. The antenna is embedded onto the insulator. The antenna is connected to the contactless transaction chip by looping antenna terminals into the cut-out windows. Thus, the connection enables communication between the contactless transaction chip and an external device or a payment server. The protection layer is laminated on top of the antenna to prevent the antenna from coming into contact with foreign materials.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module is disclosed. The method comprises steps of forming the insulator with multiple cut-out windows. Subsequently, mounting the contactless transaction chip into the cut-out window of the insulator. Thereafter, embedding the antenna onto the insulator.

Later, looping antenna terminals into the multiple cut-out windows. Next, connecting the antenna terminals to the contactless transaction chip. Finally, laminating the protection layer on top of the antenna.

The

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The present invention discloses a system and method for a contactless transaction module which is light and compact, and convenient to embed/integrate into any product/device. The contactless transaction module can be used by a user to complete transactions in multiple scenarios.

The contactless transaction module comprises a chip which is mounted in an insulator comprising cut-out windows. An antenna is embedded onto the insulator and copper wires are used to create connections between the antenna and the chip. Further, the contactless transaction module comprises a protection layer, in order to prevent the antenna from coming into contact with external materials. The protection layer is laminated onto the antenna by using an adhesive.

In the present invention, the transaction may include/enable one or more of payment transactions, room/ building/campus access and exit control, fees and fares collection, attendance/payroll verification, reservations, sales, shipping, manufacturing and other such records. A transaction chip may be used in the contactless transaction module, which can be used to complete the above-mentioned transactions by providing appropriate functionalities based on the required application of the contactless transaction module.

depicts/illustrates a system 100 comprising a contactless transaction module 102, in accordance with an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the system 100 comprises one or more contactless transaction modules 102/1 and 102/2, which are respectively embedded in a watch 104/1 and a wallet 104/2 which belong to users.

The contactless transaction modules 102/1, 102/2 may be referred to as contactless transaction module 102 hereinafter.

The contactless transaction module 102 enables the user to conduct contactless transactions for goods or services. The contactless transaction module 102 may communicate with one or more external devices 106 and payment servers 108 through a communication network 110, in order to complete the contactless transaction.

In an embodiment, the contactless transaction module 102 may be embedded or integrated within any user device or product. The contactless transaction module 102 enables the user to conduct contactless transactions at/from any location, by using an antenna embedded within the contactless transaction module 102. The antenna enables the contactless transaction module 102 to communicate with one or more of a Point-of-sale (POS) device, external device 106 and payment server 108, among others, in order to complete contactless transactions.

In an embodiment, the watch 104/1 and wallet 104/2 represent devices into which the contactless transaction module 102 can be integrated. The contactless transaction module 102 may also be integrated within other products and wearable devices such as a wrist-strap, laptop, tablet, smartphone, phone cover, bag, pen, smartwatch, bracelet, and other smart devices and wearable devices or products.

In an embodiment, the external device 106 may be any device which can be used to initiate and complete a transaction with the user. The external device 106 may communicate with the contactless transaction module 102 and complete a contactless transaction initiated by the user. The external device 106 may comprise one or more of a point-of-sale (POS) device, mobile phone, among others.

In an embodiment, the payment server 108 may be used to complete the transaction, by enabling the transfer of funds from the user to the merchant. The payment server 108 may belong to and communicate with one or more of a bank server, payment gateway, virtual wallet/account server, etc.

In an embodiment, the communication network 110 may include wired and wireless communication, including but not limited to, RF communication, GPS, GSM, LAN, Wi-fi, NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy.

depicts/illustrates a top view of the contactless transaction module 102, in accordance with an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the contactless transaction module 102 may approximately have a length of 25.50 mm, a width of 12.00 mm and a thickness of 0.45 mm. Advantageously, the compact size and reduced weight of the contactless transaction module 102 allows it to be conveniently embedded or integrated into a wide range of products and wearable devices. Further, due to the compact size of the contactless transaction module 102, it can also be integrated into narrow or small products and devices, without taking up much space on said products and devices.

Further, in an embodiment, the contactless transaction module 102 may have a reading distance of approximately 20 to 25 mm, within which the contactless transaction module 102 can detect and communicate with one or more of the Point-of-sale (POS) device, external device 106 or payment server 108.

depicts/illustrates components of the contactless transaction module 102, in accordance with an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the components of the contactless transaction module 102 comprise a protection layer 302, an adhesive 304, an antenna 306, an insulator 308, cut-out windows 310 and a contactless transaction chip 312.

In an embodiment, the insulator 308 may be shaped as depicted, and may comprise one or more of PVC, ABS, PC or any other insulating material. Further, multiple cut-out windows 310 are cut onto/created into the insulator 308 to enable the mounting of the contactless transaction chip 312 and the looping (connection) of the antenna terminals.

In an embodiment, the contactless transaction chip 312 may be a multi-application smart chip which can carry out a variety of applications comprising one or more of chip applications, PIN applications, payments, transactions, etc.

In an embodiment, the contactless transaction chip 312 may include/enable one or more of payment transactions, room/ building/campus access and exit control, fees and fares collection, attendance/payroll verification, reservations, sales, shipping, manufacturing and other such records. The appropriate contactless transaction chip 312 may be used in the contactless transaction module 102, based on the required application of the contactless transaction module 102.

The contactless transaction chip 312 may function with conventional security standards and specification standards, so that it can function in various scenarios with devices from different manufacturers.

In an embodiment, the connections between the contactless transaction chip 312 and antenna 306 are created using one or more methods such as thermo-compression chip welding, and lead soldering, among others. Further, different types of connections may be created based on the required surface finish of the contactless transaction module 102.

In an embodiment, the antenna 306 enables the communication between the contactless transaction chip 312 and other devices and systems. In an embodiment, the antenna 306 comprises a copper wire of approximately 100 microns (0.1mm), part of which is embedded on the insulator 308, which allows Radio Frequency waves to pass through. The copper wire also acts as a carrier between the 306 antenna and contactless transaction chip 312.

In an embodiment, the antenna 306 functions at a frequency range of the appropriate ISO HF range, which can be based on the requirement of the form factor.

In a preferred embodiment, to achieve the small size of the module, the size of the antenna 306 may be less than a standard class 5 antenna.

In an embodiment, the protection layer 302 is placed at the top of the contactless transaction module 102 to prevent the copper wire from coming into contact with any foreign bodies / dust / extrusions, etc. The protection layer 302 is laminated on top of the antenna 306, by using the adhesive 304. The protection layer 302 may also be attached to the antenna 306 by using other means known conventionally.

In an embodiment, the copper wire may be positioned on both sides of the contactless transaction module 102., i.e. above and below the contactless transaction chip 312.

In an embodiment, the minimum wire pitch may be approximately 0.08mm. The minimum wire diameter may be approximately 0.08mm or 80 microns.

In an embodiment, the minimum size of the contactless transaction module 102 may be approximately 8mm by 20mm. The maximum size may be manufactured as per required form factors.

In an embodiment, a ferrite layer may be included in the contactless transaction module 102, based on requirements of the form factor or the product/device into which the contactless transaction module 102 is to be embedded or integrated. As an example, the contactless transaction module 102 may be embedded or integrated into a device or surface which comprises metallic components. Since metallic components typically hinder clear RF communication, the transaction module 102 may include one or more ferrite layers to prevent distortion in the RF communication. Thus, advantageously, the ferrite layer may be included in one or more sides of the contactless transaction module 102, to direct the flux away from the metallic component which may be in contact with the contactless transaction module 102.

In an embodiment, the reading distance of the contactless transaction module 102 may be increased, based on the required application of the contactless transaction module 102. The reading distance may be increased by tuning the antenna 306, which can be accomplished by adding one or more capacitors to the circuit. The one or more capacitors may be added in parallel with the chip contactless transaction chip 312.

The components of the contactless transaction module 102 in are similar to those of Fig, 3A. In an embodiment, the contactless transaction module 102 may comprise an additional adhesive layer 304/2, in order to facilitate the attachment of the contactless transaction module 102 to one or more products or devices. This additional adhesive layer 304/2 may be positioned at one or more ends of the contactless transaction module 102. The additional adhesive layer 304/2 may be optionally included in applications which require a second adhesive layer.

depicts/illustrates an exemplary application 104 of the contactless transaction module 102, in accordance with an embodiment. As depicted, the contactless transaction module 102 may be embedded or integrated onto/into a strap of a wearable watch 104/1. The contactless transaction module 102 may be attached to the back of the strap, such that it is not visible when worn. Advantageously, the compact size of the contactless transaction module 102 allows it to be integrated into small, narrow parts of devices, such as the strap of the watch. In an embodiment, the watch 104/1 may be an analog watch, digital watch, hybrid watch, a smartwatch, a spectacle, a fitness band or a fitness tracker, among others.

[Fig. 5] illustrates a method 500 for manufacturing a contactless transaction module, in accordance with an embodiment.

The method 500 begins with creating an insulator, as depicted at step 502. Further, the method 500 comprises providing cut-out windows on an insulator, as depicted at step 504. Subsequently, the method 500 discloses embedding an antenna onto the insulator, as depicted at step 506. Thereafter, the method 500 discloses mounting a contactless transaction chip into the cut-out window in the insulator, as depicted at step 508.

Further, the method discloses providing connections between the contactless transaction chip and antenna terminals through the cut-out windows, as depicted at step 510. Further, the method discloses laminating a protection layer onto the antenna, by using an adhesive, as depicted at step 512.

The advantages of the current invention include an easy-to-use, compact and light-weight contactless transaction module. The contactless transaction module can be easily embedded or integrated into any product or device, without requiring updates in the hardware or firmware of the contactless transaction module.

An additional advantage is that the contactless transaction module does not require a physical touch or prompt, and can be used in a wide variety of applications where no physical contact is preferred, such as in hospitals, medical centers, manufacturing industries, etc.

Applications of the current invention include embedding or integrating the contactless transaction module inside a non-metal keychain, wrist watch strap, fitness bands, wallet, laptop, tablet, etc. Further, the contactless transaction module may be used in transit-based applications such as bus, metro, trains, etc. It may also be used in closed-loop campuses of corporations, education, and other communities for one or more of attendance, payment, bill/fee/fare collection, access and exit controls.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.

Claims

AC
A compact contactless transaction module (102) for enabling contactless transactions, comprising:
an insulator (308) comprising at least one cut-out window (310);
a contactless transaction chip (312) mounted into the at least one cut-out window (310);
at least one antenna (306) embedded onto the insulator (308) with antenna terminals looped into the at least one cut-out window (310) to connect to the at least one contactless transaction chip (312); for enabling communication between the at least one contactless transaction chip (312), and at least one external device (106) or at least one payment server (108); and
at least one protection layer (302) laminated on top of the at least one antenna (306).
The compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulator (308) material comprises at least one of PVC, ABS and PC.
The compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection between the at least one contactless transaction chip (312) and the antenna terminals is made by using at least one of thermo-compression chip welding and lead soldering.
The compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one antenna (306) comprises a copper wire of approximately 0.1mm,
wherein the copper wire comprises a minimum wire pitch of approximately 0.08mm, and
wherein the copper wire comprises a minimum wire diameter of approximately 0.08mm.
The compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one protection layer (302) is laminated on top of the at least one antenna (306) by using an adhesive (304).
The compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a size of the compact contactless transaction module (102) comprises a length of approximately 25.50 mm, a width of approximately 12.00 mm and a thickness of approximately 0.45 mm, and wherein a minimum size of the contactless transaction module (102) is approximately 8mm by 20mm.
The compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contactless transaction module (102) is integrated into at least one user device, by using an additional adhesive layer (304/2), and wherein the at least one user device comprises at least one of a wearable watch (104/1), a wallet (104/2), a wrist-strap, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a phone cover, a bag, a pen, a smartwatch, a bracelet, a smart device and a wearable device.
The compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one ferrite layer is incorporated into the contactless transaction module (102) to prevent distortion in RF communication.
The compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contactless transaction module (102) comprises a reading distance of approximately 20 to 25 mm within which the contactless transaction module (102) detects and communicates with the at least one external device (106) or the at least one payment server (108), and wherein at least one capacitor is added in parallel with the at least one contactless transaction chip (312) to increase the reading distance of the contactless transaction module (102).
A method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module (102), wherein the method comprises:
forming an insulator (308) with at least one cut-out window (310);
mounting a contactless transaction chip (312) into the at least one cut-out window (310) of the insulator (308);
embedding an antenna (306) onto the insulator (308) and looping antenna terminals into the at least one cut-out window (310) to connect to the at least one contactless transaction chip (312); and
laminating at least one protection layer (302) on top of the at least one antenna (306).
The method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the insulator material (308) comprises at least one of PVC, ABS and PC.
The method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
connecting the at least one contactless transaction chip (312) and the antenna terminals, by using at least one method of thermo-compression chip welding and lead soldering; and
laminating the at least one protection layer (302) on top of the at least one antenna (306), by using an adhesive (304).
The method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one antenna (306) comprising a copper wire of approximately 0.1mm, wherein the copper wire comprising a minimum wire pitch of approximately 0.08mm, and wherein the copper wire comprising a minimum wire diameter of approximately 0.08mm.
The method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a size of the compact contactless transaction module (102) comprises a length of approximately 25.50 mm, a width of approximately 12.00 mm and a thickness of approximately 0.45 mm, and wherein a minimum size of the contactless transaction module (102) is approximately 8mm by 20mm.
The method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 10, comprising integrating the contactless transaction module (102) into at least one user device, by using an additional adhesive layer (304/2), and wherein the at least one user device comprising at least one of a wearable watch (104/1), a wallet (104/2), a wrist-strap, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a phone cover, a bag, a pen, a smartwatch, a bracelet, a smart device and a wearable device.
The method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 10, comprising incorporating at least one ferrite layer into the contactless transaction module (102) to prevent distortion in RF communication.
The method for manufacturing a compact contactless transaction module (102) as claimed in claim 10, comprising:
detecting and communicating with the at least one external device (106) or the at least one payment server (108) by the contactless transaction module (102) at a reading distance of approximately 20 to 25 mm; and
increasing the reading distance of the contactless transaction module (102) by adding at least one capacitor in parallel with the at least one contactless transaction chip (312).