WO2023031659A1

WO2023031659A1 - A transaction card

Info

Publication number: WO2023031659A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/059398
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sujoy Kumar Goswami
Original assignee: Goswami, Sarmistha; Zalavadiya, Himanshu Kantilal
Priority date: 2021-08-30
Filing date: 2021-10-13
Publication date: 2023-03-09

Abstract

A transaction card is disclosed. The transaction card includes an electronic chip configured to communicate with one or more networks, a display unit configured to display one or more details associated to a user account and to receive an authentication type associated to the transaction, upon selection by the user, a transaction unit. The transaction unit includes a network connection unit configured to enable a connection to at least one network via a communication medium; one or more processors; an authentication module configured to authenticate an input generated by the user using the selected authentication type, a transaction initiation module configured to initiate the transaction based on the authentication result.

Description

A TRANSACTION CARD

EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE:

This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202141039229, filed on August 30, 2021 and titled “A TRANSACTION CARD”.

FIELD OF INVENTION

Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to secured transaction, more particularly, to a transaction card for secured transaction.

BACKGROUND

Transaction is an instance of buying or selling something. One such major kind of transaction is monitory transaction, which is exchanged for the received products and services. In a conventional approach, the monetary transaction is through physical money or physical currency. With a linear growth in the technology, the physical money or the physical currency is being replaced by digital currency or digital money. Such digital transactions are done in one of a communication means such as online transfer, payment via card, payment via a code, or the like. However, security of managing credentials of a bank account used for such transactions is a challenge. Also, checking the balance amount in such approach is time consuming and lethargic. Furthermore, different methods and different means needs to be used to perform different kinds of transactions.

Hence, there is a need for an improved transaction card for secured transaction to address the aforementioned issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a transaction card is disclosed. The transaction card includes an electronic chip configured to communicate with one or more networks to authenticate a transaction from a user. The transaction card also includes a display unit housed on a surface of the transaction card. The display unit is configured to display one or more details associated to a user account. The display unit is also configured to receive an authentication type associated to the transaction, upon selection by the user. The transaction card also includes a transaction unit operatively coupled to the display unit. The transaction unit includes a network connection unit operatively coupled to the electronic chip. The network connection unit is configured to enable a connection to at least one network via a communication medium to process the transaction from the user account. The transaction unit also includes one or more processors. The transaction unit also includes an authentication module operable by the one or more processors. The authentication module is configured to authenticate an input generated by the user using the selected authentication type, to generate an authentication result. The transaction unit also includes a transaction initiation module operable by the one or more processors. The transaction unit is configured to initiate the transaction based on the authentication result.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a transaction card in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of an exemplary embodiment, of the transaction card (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3b are schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the transaction card of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer or a server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for operating the transaction card of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a transaction card. As used herein, the term “transaction” is defined as an instance of buying or selling something. In one specific embodiment, the transaction refers to monetary transaction. In one exemplary embodiment, the transaction card may correspond to one of a monitory transaction card, a coupon card, a redeem card, or a combination thereof. In such embodiment, the monitory transaction card may be one of a debit card, a credit card, or both. Also, the term “transaction” may be defined as any sort of operation which a user wishes to perform with the transaction card. The operation may be one of checking an available balance, extracting the card or account details, or the like.

Turning to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3a, and FIG. 3b, FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a transaction card ( 10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram representation of an exemplary embodiment, of the transaction card (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b are schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the transaction card (10) of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The transaction card (10) includes an electronic chip (20). In one embodiment, the electronic chip (20) is a physical electronic authorization device, used to control access to a resource. The transaction card (10) may be typically a plastic credit card-sized card with an embedded integrated circuit (IC) chip, hereafter referred to as the electronic chip (20). The electronic chip (20) is configured to communicate with one or more networks to authenticate a transaction from a user. In one embodiment, the one or more networks may include one or more service providers, one or more point of sale (POS) machine, a user’s account, or the like. More specifically, via the electronic chip (20), the user may connect to any of the point of interest to initiate the transaction process. In one specific embodiment, the electronic chip (20) may be an EMV chip.

Further, the transaction card (10) includes a display unit (30) housed on a surface of the transaction card (10). In one embodiment, the display unit (30) may be a touch enabled display interface of a pre-defined size which may match with a standard size of the transaction card (10). In one specific embodiment, the display unit may be electronically detachable from the transaction card (10). More specifically, the display unit (30) may be detached from the transaction card (10) or may be attached based on the requirement of the user. The display unit (30) is configured to display one or more details associated to a user account. In one embodiment, the user account may be a user bank account. In such embodiment, the one or more details may include at least one of a name of the user, a user account number, a balance in the user account, an account summery, account statement, amount debited, amount credited, an address of the user account, an IFSC code of the user account, a card number, wherein the card may be one of a debit card or a credit card, or the like. In one specific embodiment, the one or more details may be displayed prior to initiating the monetary transaction or post the monetary transaction or any time the user whishes to view.

The display unit (30) is also configured to receive an authentication type associated to the transaction, upon selection by the user. In one embodiment, the authentication type may include one of a biometric authentication, a pattern authentication, a pin code authentication. In such embodiment, the biometric authentication may include one of a fingerprint authentication, iris detection, face recognition, voice detection or the like. In one embodiment, the authentication type may be set by the user on the display unit (30) of the card using a touchscreen interface. In another embodiment, the authentication pattern may be set by the user using a computing device associated to the user. The monetary transaction may be achieved or initiated only upon authenticating the process using the chosen authentication type. More specifically, the user initially chooses the authentication type which the user wishes to user for the further authentication processes for the monetary transactions. The chosen authentication type is transmitted to the display unit (30) to display the authentication type on the interface when the user wishes to initiate the monetary transaction. In one embodiment, the display unit (30) may be configured to display a balance amount of the corresponding user account. In another embodiment, the display unit (30) may be configured to display any kind of transaction which may be initiated by the user. In one specific embodiment, the one or more parameters may include at least one of a name of the user as per the transaction card (10) registration, the transaction card (10) number, a CVV number of the transaction card, an expiry data of the transaction card (10), or the like. In another specific embodiment, an OTP which may be required to perform certain transaction which is usually received on the mobile number to which the user account is associated to may also be displayed on the display unit (30).

Furthermore, the transaction card (10) includes a transaction unit (40) operatively coupled to the display unit (30). The transaction unit (40) includes a network connection unit (50) operatively coupled to the electronic chip (20). The network connection unit (50) is configured to enable a connection to at least one network via a communication medium to process the transaction from the user account. In one embodiment, the at least one network may include a network of the one or more service providers. In one exemplary embodiment, the communication medium may be at least one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) medium, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medium, a Bluetooth medium, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) medium, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) medium, or a combination thereof.

The transaction unit (40) also includes one or more processors (60). The transaction unit (40) further includes an authentication module (70) operable by the one or more processors (60). The authentication module (70) is configured to authenticate an input generated by the user using the selected authentication type, to generate an authentication result. In one embodiment, the authentication result may be a positive authentication result or a negative authentication result. In one specific embodiment, the authentication can happen upon comparing the input of the user with respect to the selected authentication type with a predefined authentication data stored in a database. The pre-defined authentication data may also be defined by the user prior to initiate the transaction process. For example, the user may choose a patten as the authentication type, and while setting up the transaction cars (10), the user may choose a pattern in a form of a letter ‘Z’, which may be pre-defined and may be stored in the database. Consequently, when the user tends to make a transaction, the user needs to input the same pattern ‘Z’. On receiving the input, the authentication module (70) compares the input with the pre-defined ‘Z’ patter. If both the pattern matches, the authentication module (70) generates the positive authentication result. In a situation, the user inputs a letter ‘S’ instead of ‘Z’, the authentication module (70) compares the pattern ‘S’ with the pre-defined pattern ‘Z’, as they do not match, the authentication module (70) generates the negative authentication result.

In one exemplary embodiment, the database may be a local database or a remote database such as a cloud database. The local database may be a storage unit on the transaction card (10) or a storage unit in the user device.

Furthermore, the transaction unit (40) includes a transaction initiation module (80) operable by the one or more processors (60). The transaction initiation module (80) is configured to initiate the transaction based on the authentication result. Referring back to the above-mentioned embodiment, if the authentication result is the positive result, the transaction initiation module (80) initiates the transaction process and enables the user to transact the amount from the user account to at least one account of interest from the at least one network. In a situation, where the authentication result is the negative result, the transaction initiation module (80) denies the process of transaction the user has initiated. More specifically, the transaction card (10) is configured to operate upon authentication of the input for the corresponding authentication type generated by the user.

For example, referring back to the above example, upon receiving a positive authentication result, the system 10 may now direct the user to select at least one mode for initiating the transaction. The at least one mode may be transaction via debit card, a credit card, net banking, or the like. The user may opt to perform the transaction via the debit card. The system 10 now further directs the user to choose a bank via which the user intends to perform the transaction. The debit card may include three cards ‘M’, ‘N’ and ‘O’ which may be linked to a first bank, a second band and a third bank respectively. On choosing the option of debit card, now the user may choose the card ‘N’ which may be linked to the second bank in order to complete the transaction. Consequently, on choosing the card ‘N’, the user may now perform a card or account authentication process to perform the monetary transaction.

In one specific embodiment, the one or more processors (60) may be operatively coupled to at least one user device. In such embodiment, the user device may be a computing device such as a mobile phone, a laptop, a tablet, or the like. The user may perform all the initiate setting up process of the transaction card (10), selecting the authentication type, or the like via the user device.

In one exemplary embodiment, the transaction card (10) further includes a solar unit (100) (as shown in FIG. 2) operatively coupled to the display unit (30). The solar unit (100) is configured to configured to generate power, wherein the generated power is used to operate the display unit (30). The solar unit (100) may include at least one of one or more solar panels, one or more batteries, or the like. The one or more solar panels may be configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The converted electrical energy is stored in the corresponding one or more batteries. The stored electrical energy may be used to power one of the electronic chip (20), the display unit (30), the one or more processors (60) or the like.

In another exemplary embodiment, the transaction card (10) may further include one or more sensors (110) (as shown in FIG. 2) operatively coupled to the display unit (30). In one embodiment, the one or more sensors (110) may include, a camera, a microphone or the like. The one or more sensors (100) may be configured to sense one or more parameters associated to the transaction card (10). In such embodiment, the one or more parameters may be at least one of ambient temperature, exposure light of the transaction card, or a combination thereof. Further, in yet another exemplary embodiment, the transaction unit (40) may include a card monitoring module (90) operable by the one or more processors (60). The card monitoring module (90) may be configured to lock and unlock the transaction card (10) based on the one or more parameters. Further, a signature panel (118) on a backside (10b) of the transaction card (10) will remain as in any of the standard transaction cards (as shown in FIG. 3b). The other components such as the display unit (30), the electronic chip (20), and the like are placed on a front side (10a) of the transaction card (10).

In one specific embodiment, the user via the display unit (30) and the touchscreen display interface (as shown in FIG. 3a) may be able to change the PIN of the transaction card (10) which may be used for the transaction in an ATM machine.

It should be noted that size of each of the display unit (30), the one or more solar panels, the one or more sensors (110) and the other components which are coupled to the transaction card (10) are one of a micro, nano, or even a lesser dimensioned components.

For example, a user ‘A’ buys a product from a vendor ‘B’ and wants to make a transaction of a sum of amount ‘X’ via the transaction card (10). The user ‘A’ initially prior to performing the monitory transaction, initiates and finalizes a pattern representative of the alphabet ‘W’ to lock and unlock the transaction card (10) to initiate the monetary transaction which is stored in the database. The pattern can be set via a mobile device associated to the user. In such a situation, the transaction card (10) is connected to the mobile device using the NFC medium via the network connection unit (50) of the transaction unit (40). On finalizing or setting up the initial settings of the transaction card, at the time of purchase of the product by the vendor ‘B’, the user ‘A’ initially puts the pattern ‘ W’ using on the transaction card (10) using the touch screen interface of the display unit (30). On receiving the pattern ‘W’, the same is verified with the pattern stored in the database. The authentication module (70) generates the positive authentication result after which the transaction initiation module (80) allows the user ‘A’ to transfer the amount ‘X’ to the vendor ‘B’ in order to complete the monetary transaction using the NFC medium.

Further, the display unit (30) displays the amount ‘X’ on the interface representative of the amount debited from the user account. On selecting one or more options, since the transaction card (10) is connected to the mobile device, the user ‘A’ can choose to view the balance amount of the user account on the display unit (30). Further, on completion of the transaction, the user ‘A’ places the transaction card inside a wallet. Consequently, the one or more sensors senses that the exposure light of the transaction card (10) is nil and sends the signal to the one or more processors (60). Subsequently, the one or more processors generates the signal to the card monitoring module (90) to lock the transaction card (10) until the user ‘A’ wishes to perform a next transaction.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer or a server (120) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server (120) includes processor(s) (130), and a memory (140) coupled to a bus (150). As used herein, the processor(s) (130) and the memory (140) are substantially similar to the system (10) of FIG. 1. Here, the memory (140) is located in a local storage device.

The processor(s) (130), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read only memory, electrically erasable programmable read only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (130).

The memory (140) includes a plurality of modules stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor(s) (130) to perform method steps illustrated in FIG. 5. The memory (140) has following modules: an authentication module (70) and a transaction initiation module (80). The authentication module (70) is configured to authenticate an input generated by the user using the selected authentication type, to generate an authentication result. The transaction initiation module (80) is configured to initiate the transaction based on the authentication result.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (160) for operating the transaction card of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (160) includes displaying one or more details associated to a user account on a display interface of a display unit in step 170.

The method (160) also includes receiving an authentication type associated to the transaction, upon selection by the user in step 180. In one embodiment, receiving the authentication type may include receiving the authentication type by the display unit. In one exemplary embodiment, receiving the authentication type may include receiving one of a biometric authentication, a pattern authentication, a pin code authentication by the user.

Furthermore, the method ( 160) includes enabling a connection to at least one network via a communication medium to process the transaction from the user account in step 190. In one embodiment, enabling the connection may include enabling the connection by a network connection unit of a transaction unit. In one exemplary embodiment, enabling the connection via the communication medium may include enabling the connection via at least one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) medium, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medium, a Bluetooth medium, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) medium, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) medium, or a combination thereof.

The method (160) also includes authenticating an input generated by the user using the selected authentication type, to generate an authentication result in step 200. In one embodiment, authenticating the input may include authenticating the input by an authentication module. In one exemplary embodiment, authenticating the input may include authenticating the input upon comparing the input with a pre-defined authentication data stored in a database. The method ( 160) also includes initiating the transaction based on the authentication result in step 210. In one embodiment, initiating the transaction by a transaction initiation module.

In one exemplary embodiment, the method ( 160) may further include generating electrical power using solar energy. In such embodiment, generating the electrical power may include generating the electrical power by a solar unit.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method (160) may further include sensing one or more parameters associated to the transaction card. In such embodiment, sensing the one or more parameters may include sensing the one or more parameters by one or more sensors. In one exemplary embodiment, sensing the one or more parameters may include sensing one or more parameters comprises at least one of ambient temperature, exposure light of the transaction card, or a combination thereof. In some embodiment, sensing the one or more parameters may include sensing one or more parameters by at least one of a camera, a microphone, or the like. In such embodiment, the method (160) may further include locking and unlocking the transaction card based on the one or more parameters.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable the Paperless transaction at Payment-terminal, ATM, or the like, thereby supporting more of contactless transactions. The disclosed transaction card creates an enhanced security with additional authentication step, thereby making the transaction more secure, and highly reliable and efficient. In addition, maintaining user account becomes handy, convenient and user friendly, thereby enabling the user to check balance or due, mini-statement anytime, anywhere- on the go. Also the user can get information about debit and credit at Payment-terminal, ATM, or the like.

Most importantly, the user can view all the required details on the transaction card itself which makes the card more unique, easy and enhances user experience in terms of transaction and the process involved for such transactions. The user can request a checkbook also using the transaction card. In addition, the same card can be used as both a Debit and as a Credit card. Furthermore, the present card system has unauthorized payment permission up-to a certain limit using the NFC and the Wi-Fi technology, which is making such system less secure, risky and less reliable. With the disclosed transaction card, the authentication type, the transaction could be made secured, and limit could be increased. Once the transaction is complete the card gets auto locked once the battery gets drained OR when the card is put into wallet, which makes the transaction card work smartly. In addition, the transaction card uses natural source of energy such as the solar energy to power the transaction card.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

UWE CLAIM:

1. A transaction card (10) comprising: an electronic chip (20) configured to communicate with one or more networks to authenticate a transaction from a user, characterized in that, a display unit (30) housed on a surface of the transaction card (10), and configured to: display one or more details associated to at least one user account; and receive an authentication type associated to the transaction, upon selection by the user; a transaction unit (40) operatively coupled to the display unit (30), wherein the transaction unit (40) comprises: a network connection unit (50) operatively coupled to the electronic chip (20), and configured to enable a connection to at least one network via a communication medium to process the transaction from the at least one user account; one or more processors (60); an authentication module (70) operable by the one or more processors (60), and configured to authenticate an input generated by the user using the selected authentication type, to generate an authentication result; and a transaction initiation module (80) operable by the one or more processors (60), and configured to initiate the transaction based on the authentication result.

2. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transaction card (10) corresponds to one of a monitory transaction card, a coupon card, a redeem card, or a combination thereof.

3. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication medium comprises at least one of a Near Field Communication (NFC) medium, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medium, a Bluetooth medium, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) medium, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) medium, or a combination thereof.

4. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one user account corresponds to one of a user’s bank account, a card number, or a combination thereof.

5. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the authentication type comprises one of a biometric authentication, a pattern authentication, a pin code authentication.

6. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transaction card (10) is configured to operate upon authentication of the input for the corresponding authentication type generated by the user.

7. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a solar unit (100) operatively coupled to the display unit (30), and configured to configured to generate power, wherein the generated power is used to operate the display unit (30), wherein the solar unit (100) comprises at least one of one or more solar panels, one or more batteries, and a combination thereof.

8. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more sensors (110) operatively coupled to the display unit (30), and configured to sense one or more parameters associated to the transaction card (10), wherein the one or more parameters comprises at least one of ambient temperature, exposure light of the transaction card, or a combination thereof.

9. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transaction unit (40) comprises a card monitoring module (90) operable by the one or more processors (60), and configured to lock and unlock the transaction card (10) based on the one or more parameters. 16

10. The transaction card (10) as claimed in claim 7 and 8, wherein at least one of the display unit (30), the one or more sensors (110), the solar unit (100) comprising one or more solar panels and one or more batteries are fabricated in one of a micro or a nano dimension.