Abstract:
A card exhibiting enhanced operating modes is provided. A normal-operating mode reverts to a low-power mode of operation after a period of inactivity has transpired. The card automatically reactivates in response to a passive detection event during a low-power mode of operation when the card is ready for use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/373,114, titled “PASSIVE DETECTION MECHANISMS FOR MAGNETIC CARDS AND DEVICES,” filed Aug. 12, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to magnetic cards and devices and related systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A card may include a dynamic magnetic communications device, which may take the form of a magnetic encoder or a magnetic emulator. A magnetic encoder, for example, may be utilized to modify information that is located on a magnetic medium, such that a magnetic stripe reader may then be utilized to read the modified magnetic information from the magnetic medium. A magnetic emulator, for example, may be provided to generate electromagnetic fields that directly communicate data to a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader. A magnetic emulator, for example, may communicate data serially to a read-head of the magnetic stripe reader. A magnetic emulator, for example, may communicate data in parallel to a read-head of the magnetic stripe reader. 
     All, or substantially all, of the front surface, as well as the rear surface, of a card may be implemented as a display (e.g., bi-stable, non bi-stable, LCD, or electrochromic display). Electrodes of a display may be coupled to one or more touch sensors, such that a display may be sensitive to touch (e.g., using a finger or a pointing device) and may be further sensitive to a location of the touch. The display may be sensitive, for example, to objects that come within a proximity of the display without actually touching the display. 
     A dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may be implemented on a multiple layer board (e.g., a two-layer flexible printed circuit board). A coil for each track of information that is to be communicated by the dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may then be provided by including wire segments on each layer and interconnecting the wire segments through layer interconnections to create a coil. For example, a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may include two coils such that two tracks of information may be communicated to two different read-heads included in a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader. A dynamic magnetic communications device may include, for example, three coils such that three tracks of information may be communicated to three different read-heads included in a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader. 
     Input and/or output devices may be included on a card to, for example, facilitate data exchange with the card. For example, an integrated circuit (IC) may be included on a card and exposed from the surface of the card. Such a chip (e.g., an EMV chip) may communicate information to a chip reader (e.g., an EMV chip reader). An RFID antenna or module may be included on a card, for example, to send and/or receive information between an RFID reader and the RFID included on the card. 
     A card may include a processor that executes one or more operational modes. Each operational mode of the processor may allow the card to operate within a corresponding power consumption mode. 
     A card may include one or more detectors. Each detector may be configured to, for example, detect events that occur during one or more operational modes of a processor of a card. One or more detectors may be implemented on a card, for example, as single-mode detectors that may detect a single type of event during a particular mode of operation of a processor of a card (e.g., an event occurring during a low-power mode of operation of a processor of a card). One or more detectors may be implemented on a card, for example, as multiple-mode detectors that may detect more than one type of event during a particular mode of operation of a processor of a card (e.g., an event occurring during a low-power mode of operation of a processor of a card and an event occurring during a normal-mode of operation of a processor of a card). 
     A card may include a timer, for example, to measure an amount of time that a processor lingers within a particular mode of operation. The timer may, for example, be a programmable timer that may be set and/or reset to a programmable count value. A programmable count value of a programmable timer may be selected in response to, for example, a particular mode of operation of a processor of a card and/or a particular type of event occurring during a particular mode of operation of a processor of a card. 
     A card may include one or more buttons. Activation of one of the buttons may cause a processor of the card, for example, to transition from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation (e.g., a sleep mode of operation to a normal-mode of operation). A card may include a timer that in response to a button press may, for example, measure an amount of time that a processor of a card lingers in a particular mode of operation (e.g., a normal-mode of operation). If a particular event fails to occur within an amount of time (e.g., twenty seconds) while in a particular mode of operation (e.g., a normal-mode of operation), a processor of a card may transition to a low-power mode, while remaining sensitive to passive ambient events (e.g., an object touching a card or an object located in proximity to a card). 
     Upon detection of a passive ambient event during a low-power, sensitized mode of operation, a processor of a card may transition to a normal-mode of operation to, for example, actively search for the presence of a device (e.g., a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader) for a period of time (e.g., twenty seconds). Once detected, a processor of a card may commence a transaction with the detected read-head housing (e.g., communicate one or more tracks of information to one or more read-heads included in a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader). 
     In the absence of a detection of a device during a normal-mode of operation, a processor of a card may transition back to a low-power, sensitized mode of operation to await a subsequent detection of a passive ambient event. After a prolonged amount of time within a low-power, sensitized mode of operation, or after a threshold number of transitions to a low-power, sensitized mode of operation have occurred, a processor of a card may transition into an alternate low-power mode (e.g., a deep-sleep mode) whereby the card is no longer sensitive to passive ambient events. 
     A processor of a card may be activated for a normal-mode of operation, but due to a delay in use, may transition to a low-power mode of operation until the card is ready to be used. A card may provide a signal (e.g., a blinking LED) to signify a pending transition from a normal-mode of operation to a low-power, sensitized mode of operation. A card user need not be concerned with extended periods of energy-consuming, non-use after card activation, since a processor of the card may automatically transition to a low-power mode of operation while waiting for use. In doing so, energy used by the card may be reduced, thereby decreasing sensitivity to delays after card activation, but prior to card use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The principles and advantages of the present invention can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same structural elements throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of a system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of a process flow chart constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows card  100  that may include, for example, a dynamic number that may be entirely, or partially, displayed using a display (e.g., display  106 ). A dynamic number may include a permanent portion such as, for example, permanent portion  104  and a dynamic portion such as, for example, displayed by display  106 . Permanent portion  104  may, for example, be incorporated on card  100  so as to be visible to an observer of card  100 . For example, labeling techniques, such as printing, embossing, laser etching, etc., may be utilized to visibly implement permanent portion  104 . 
     Card  100  may include a second dynamic number that may be entirely, or partially, displayed via a second display, e.g., display  108 . Display  108  may be utilized, for example, to display a dynamic code such as a dynamic security code. Card  100  may include third display  122  that may be used to display graphical information, such as logos and barcodes. Third display  122  may be utilized to display multiple rows and/or columns of textual and/or graphical information. 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that any one or more of displays  106 ,  108 , and/or  122  may be implemented as a bi-stable display. For example, information provided on displays  106 ,  108 , and/or  122  may be stable in at least two different states (e.g., a low-power mode and a normal-mode). Any one or more of displays  106 ,  108 , and/or  122  may be implemented as a non-bi-stable display. For example, the display is stable in response to operational power that is applied to the non-bi-stable display. Other display types, such as LCD or electrochromic, may be provided as well. 
     Other permanent information, such as permanent information  120 , may be included within card  100 , which may include user specific information, such as the cardholder&#39;s name or username. Permanent information  120  may, for example, include information that is specific to card  100  (e.g., a card issue date and/or a card expiration date). Information  120  may represent, for example, information that includes information that is both specific to the cardholder, as well as information that is specific to card  100 . 
     Card  100  may accept user input data via any one or more data input devices, such as buttons  110 - 118 . Buttons  110 - 118  may be included to accept data entry through mechanical distortion, contact, or proximity. Buttons  110 - 118  may be responsive to, for example, induced changes and/or deviations in light intensity, pressure magnitude, or electric and/or magnetic field strength. Such information exchange may then be determined and processed by a processor of card  100  as data input. 
     A processor of card  100  may exhibit one or more modes of operation. Each mode of operation may be associated with a particular power consumption rate. For example, a normal-mode of operation may be activated by manual input (e.g., by pressing one or more of buttons  110 - 118 ). A normal-mode of operation may be associated with maximum power consumption, since substantially all functions associated with card  100  may be activated for use during a normal-mode of operation. 
     A low-power mode of operation (e.g., a deep-sleep mode of operation), for example, may be associated with minimum power consumption, since substantially no functions associated with card  100  may be activated for use during a deep-sleep mode of operation. An activation event (e.g., a button press) may be used to transition a processor of card  100  from a deep-sleep mode of operation to a normal-mode of operation. 
     An alternate low-power mode of operation (e.g., a sensitized, sleep-mode of operation), for example, may be associated with minimum power consumption. Multi-mode detector  124  may be utilized by card  100  to detect passive ambient activity (e.g., handling of card  100 ) during a sensitized, sleep-mode of operation. Once passive ambient activity is detected, card  100  may be automatically awakened from a sensitized, sleep-mode of operation to a normal-mode of operation. 
     A normal-mode of operation of a processor of card  100 , for example, may include the detection of a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader, where multi-mode detector  124  may, for example, be reconfigured as an active detector (e.g., actively detecting the presence of a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader). Once a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader is detected, dynamic magnetic stripe communications device  102  may communicate one or more tracks of magnetic stripe data to the magnetic stripe reader. 
       FIG. 1  shows architecture  150 , which may include one or more processors  154 . Processor  154  may be configured to utilize memory  152  for dynamically storing information, such as executable machine language, related dynamic machine data, and user input data values. 
     One or more of the components shown in architecture  150  may be configured to transmit information to processor  154  and/or may be configured to receive information as transmitted by processor  154 . For example, one or more displays  156  may be coupled to receive data from processor  154 . The data received from processor  154  may include, for example, at least a portion of dynamic numbers and/or dynamic codes. 
     One or more displays  156  may be, for example, touch sensitive and/or proximity sensitive. For example, objects such as fingers, pointing devices, etc., may be brought into contact with display  156 , or in proximity to display  156 . Detection of object proximity or object contact with display  156  may be effective to perform any type of function (e.g., transmit data to processor  154 ). Display  156  may have multiple locations that are able to be determined as being touched, or determined as being in proximity to an object. 
     Input and/or output devices may be implemented on architecture  150 . For example, integrated circuit (IC) chip  160  (e.g., an EMV chip) may be included on architecture  150  that can communicate information with a chip reader (e.g., an EMV chip reader). Radio frequency identification (RFID) module  162  may be included within architecture  150  to enable the exchange of information between a reader (e.g., an RFID reader) and architecture  150 . 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a card (e.g., card  100  of  FIG. 1 ) may, for example, be a self-contained device that derives its own operational power from one or more batteries  158 . Furthermore, one or more batteries  158  may be included, for example, to provide operational power for a period of time (e.g., approximately 2-4 years). Batteries  158  may be rechargeable. 
       FIG. 1  includes portion  176 . Electromagnetic field generators  170 - 174  may be included within architecture  150  to communicate information to, for example, a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader via, for example, electromagnetic signals. For example, electromagnetic field generators  170 - 174  may be included to communicate one or more tracks of electromagnetic data to read-heads of a magnetic stripe reader. Electromagnetic field generators  170 - 174  may include, for example, a series of electromagnetic elements, where each electromagnetic element may be implemented as a coil wrapped around one or more materials (e.g., a magnetic material and/or a non-magnetic material). Additional materials may be placed outside the coil (e.g., a magnetic material and/or a non-magnetic material). 
     Electrical excitation of one or more coils of one or more electromagnetic elements via, for example, driving circuitry  164  may be effective to generate electromagnetic fields from one or more electromagnetic elements. One or more electromagnetic field generators  170 - 174  may be utilized to communicate electromagnetic information to, for example, one or more read-heads of a magnetic stripe reader. 
     Processor  154  may include one or more input ports that may be sensitive to a change in signal magnitude (e.g., a change in voltage magnitude). As such, a mode of operation of processor  154  may change in response to a detection (e.g., a software interrupt) of a voltage magnitude change that may be present at one or more input ports of processor  154 . 
     Architecture  150  may include one or more multi-mode detectors  166 . One or more multi-mode detectors  166  may be coupled to a corresponding one or more input ports of processor  154 . In doing so, for example, a change in voltage magnitude (e.g., a low-to-high voltage transition or a high-to-low voltage transition) present at one more multi-mode detectors  166  may be sensed and communicated to processor  154 . In response, processor  154  may transition from one mode of operation to another. 
     Processor  154  may activate one or more electromagnetic field generators  170 - 174  to initiate a communications sequence with, for example, one or more read-heads of a magnetic stripe reader. The timing relationships associated with communications between one or more electromagnetic field generators  170 - 174  and one or more read-heads of a magnetic stripe reader may be provided through use of, for example, passive detection of ambient activity followed by active detection of the magnetic stripe reader. 
       FIG. 2  shows card  200  that may include one or more pads  202 - 216 . For example, pads  202 - 216  may be provided on a surface of card  200  or may be embedded below one or more layers of lamination. Pads  202 - 216  may be provided, for example, as conductive pads using an additive technique, whereby patterns of a conductive element (e.g., copper) may be applied to a PCB substrate according to a patterning mask definition layer. Pads  202 - 216  may be provided, for example, as conductive pads using a subtractive technique whereby patterns of a conductive element (e.g., copper) may be removed from a pre-plated PCB substrate according to an etching mask definition layer. Other non-PCB fabrication techniques may be used to implement conductive pads  202 - 216  as may be required by a particular application. 
     Card  200  may include processor  218 . Processor  218  may include one or more input ports that may be connected to pads  202 - 216 . In a first mode of operation (e.g., a sensitized, sleep-mode of operation), active detector circuitry  220  of processor  218  may be disconnected from pads  202 - 216  in response to operational mode algorithm  222  that may be executed by processor  218 . The input ports of processor  218  may, for example, be configured to a state (e.g., a high-impedance state) that may be sensitive to signal variations (e.g., voltage variations) that may be present on pads  202 - 216 . 
     A passive ambient event (e.g., handling of card  200 ) may cause various objects (e.g., a card user) to vary a property (e.g., the capacitance) of one or more of pads  202 - 216 . In doing so, a voltage magnitude that may be present on pads  202 - 216  may be caused to vary. Upon detection of such a voltage magnitude variation, for example, processor  218  may transition card  200  from a low-power mode of operation to a normal-mode of operation. 
     A normal-mode of operation may, for example, include connecting active detector circuitry  220  of processor  218  to one or more pads  202 - 216  in response to operational mode algorithm  222  that may be executed by processor  218 . Active detector circuitry  220  may be utilized by processor  218  to determine when an object is touching or is in the proximity of pads  202 - 216  via a capacitive sensing technique. 
     A capacitive sensing technique, for example, may include charging and discharging pads  202 - 216  through a resistive element that may be provided by active detector circuitry  220 . In accordance with the R-C time constant, a time-based capacitance characteristic of pads  202 - 216  may be determined. By comparing the time-based capacitance characteristic of each pad  202 - 216  to a threshold capacitance value, a determination may then be made, for example, as to when detectors  202 - 216  are in a proximity, or touch, relationship to a device whose presence is to be detected (e.g., a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader). 
       FIG. 3  shows card  300  that may include processor  302 , one or more detectors  304 - 308 , and an operational mode indicator  324 . Processor  302  may execute instructions (e.g., executable machine language) to implement, for example, an operational mode state machine that may define one or more operational modes of processor  302 . State  310  may define a state (e.g., a deep-sleep state) whereby card  300  consumes virtually no power. 
     Upon receipt of an activation event (e.g., a button press) from activation detector  306 , timer  312  may be programmed to a count value that may correspond to a particular amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds). Processor  302  may transition to normal state  314  that may represent, for example, a normal-mode of operation. During a normal-mode of operation, processor  302  may activate operational mode indicator  324  (e.g., an LED) to indicate the normal-mode of operation (e.g., continuous illumination of the LED). 
     During a normal-mode of operation and for an amount of time defined by timer  312 , activities of processor  302  may include actively searching for objects (e.g., a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader) that may be in proximity to card  300 , or may be touching card  300 . Active detector  304  may report such a detection to processor  302 . In response, processor  302  may prepare for a transaction (e.g., communication of one or more tracks of information to one or more read-heads included in a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader). An amount of time as defined by timer  320 , for example, may allocate additional time (e.g., 10 seconds) for processor  302  to linger in a normal-mode of operation should the transaction need to be repeated for any reason. In the event that a transaction is successfully completed, processor  302  may transition back to deep-sleep state  310  to await a subsequent activation event. 
     Should timer  312  expire before an active detection event occurs and during an amount of time defined by timer  322  (e.g., 10 seconds), processor  302  may activate operational mode indicator  324  (e.g., an LED) to indicate via, for example, an intermittent illumination of the LED, that processor  302  is preparing to enter sleep state  316 . Upon expiration of timer  322 , sleep state  316  (e.g., a sensitized, low-power mode of operation) may be entered. 
     In doing so, for example, processor  302  may enter an operational mode whereby card  300  consumes little or no power, but nevertheless remains sensitive to passive ambient events (e.g., handling of card  300 ) as may be detected by passive detector  308 . Accordingly, processor  302  need not linger in normal state  314  while waiting for a transaction to occur, but rather may linger in a low-power mode of operation. As a result, card  300  need not waste energy resources as may be provided, for example, by a non-rechargeable battery on card  300 . 
     Processor  302  may remain in sleep state  316  until, for example, passive detector  308  reports the detection of a passive ambient event, in which case timer  318  may be programmed for an amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds). Processor  302  may then resume actively searching for objects (e.g., a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader) that may be in proximity to card  300 , or may be touching card  300 , as reported by active detector  304  during normal state  314 . 
     Should timer  318  expire before an active detection event occurs and during an amount of time defined by timer  322  (e.g., 10 seconds), processor  302  may activate operational mode indicator  324  (e.g., an LED) to indicate via, for example, an intermittent illumination of the LED, that processor  302  is preparing to re-enter sleep state  316 . Upon expiration of timer  322 , sleep state  316  (e.g., a sensitized, low-power mode of operation) may be re-entered. A maximum number (e.g., 10) of re-entry cycles into sleep state  316  may be executed before processor  302  may instead require transition into sleep state  310 . 
     A flow diagram of a detection/activity operation of a processor of a card is shown in  FIG. 4 . Step  411  of sequence  410  may initiate a normal-mode of operation of a processor of a card, whereby for example, a button press transitions a processor of a card from a deep-sleep state to a normal-mode of operation. A processor of a card may be fully operational (e.g., as in step  412 ), whereby an active search activity may be conducted to detect an object that may be in proximity to a card, or that may be touching a card. 
     After expiration of a normal-mode timeout period (e.g., 20 seconds as in step  413 ), a card may transition into a low-power mode of operation. In so doing, power consumption of the card may be reduced (e.g., as in step  414 ) while maintaining sensitivity to passive ambient events. 
     Activating a low-power, sensitized mode of operation (e.g., as in step  421  of sequence  420 ), transitions a processor of a card into a mode of operation, whereby a card may achieve substantially the same power consumption rate as is achieved during a deep-sleep mode of operation, while remaining sensitive to passive ambient events (e.g., handling of the card by a card user). In doing so, a processor included within the card may be configured to be sensitive to signal variations (e.g., voltage variations) that may be present at one or more input ports of the processor while expending virtually no power. 
     Detection of a passive ambient event (e.g., as in step  422 ) may include interrupting a processor from a deep-sleep state in response to a sensed signal variation at one or more of the processor&#39;s input ports. In response, an active search activity (e.g., as in step  423 ) may be initiated, whereby an active search for objects proximate to or touching the card may be conducted. Since a card may consume more energy during an active search activity, a time-out period (e.g., as in step  424 ) may be utilized to limit a time duration of an active search activity before activating a low-power, sensitized mode of operation (as in step  425 ). 
     Once a processor of a card enters a low-power, sensitized mode of operation (e.g., as in step  431  of sequence  430 ), passive ambient events may nevertheless be detected (e.g., as in step  432 ) even though the card may be consuming virtually no power. In so doing, a card&#39;s sensitivity to power consumption may be substantially removed during a passive search mode that may be executed by a processor of the card during long periods of non-use of the card (e.g., up to 20 minutes or more of non-use). 
     Once a passive ambient event is detected, a processor of the card may transition into an active search mode (e.g., as in step  433 ), whereby objects (e.g., a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader) may be detected (e.g., as in step  434 ). A processor of a card may commence a transaction (e.g., communicate one or more tracks of electromagnetic data to corresponding read-heads of a magnetic stripe reader as in step  435 ). A processor of a card may remain in a normal-mode of operation to repeat a transaction if necessary. Once a transaction is complete, a card may transition into a deep-sleep mode of operation (e.g., as in step  436 ), where a processor of the card may no longer be sensitive to passive ambient events. 
     Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the present invention is not limited to only the embodiments described. Instead, the present invention more generally involves dynamic information and the exchange thereof. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the apparatus of the present invention may be implemented in other ways than those described herein. All such modifications are within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims that follow.