Orientationless transaction card

A transaction card is provided. The transaction card can include a top layer, a first intermediate layer, a middle layer, a second intermediate layer, and a bottom layer. Contact pads can be disposed in the top layer and bottom layer and can be electrically connected to each other via the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the middle layer to provide an electrical connection to the same chip. At least one of the contact pads can be coupled to an integrated chip disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a transaction card for use with a card reader. In particular, a transaction card that can be read by a card reader in multiple orientations.

BACKGROUND

Transaction cards, such as credit cards and debit cards, are convenient tools for providing payment for goods and services. Europay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV) transaction cards can store a user's account data in embedded integrated circuit (IC) chips and/or magnetic stripes. Payment terminals can be capable of physically receiving these transaction cards to read the stored account data and process payments.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Aspects provide a transaction card. The transaction card can include a top layer; a bottom layer; a first intermediate layer disposed under the top layer; a second intermediate layer disposed above the bottom layer; a middle layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer; a first contact pad disposed in the top layer; and a second contact pad disposed in the bottom layer. The second contact pad can be electrically connected to the first contact pad via the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the middle layer. The transaction card can also include a chip having processing circuitry and a memory. The chip can be disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer and coupled to at least one of the first contact pad and the second contact pad such that the first contact pad and the second contact pad process account information stored in the memory to communicate with a card reader.

In some aspects, the first intermediate layer can include electrical tracing to electrically connect the first contact pad and the second contact pad. In some aspects, the second intermediate layer can include electrical tracing to electrically connect the first contact pad and the second contact pad. In some aspects, the middle layer can include an electrical junction to electrically connect the first contact pad and the second contact pad. In some aspects, the first intermediate layer can include an antenna to electrically couple the chip to the first contact pad and the second contact pad. In some aspects, the second intermediate layer can include an antenna to electrically couple the chip to the first contact pad and the second contact pad. In some aspects, the middle layer can include an antenna to electrically couple the chip to the first contact pad and the second contact pad. In some aspects, the processing circuitry can detect which of the first contact pad and the second contact pad is coupled to the card reader. In some aspects, the processing circuitry can communicate with the card reader through the first contact pad or the second contact pad. In some aspects, the first intermediate layer can include an opening such that the first contact pad extends through the opening. In some aspects, the second intermediate layer can include an opening such that the first contact pad extends through the opening. In some aspects, the chip can be an EMV chip.

Aspects provide a transaction card having contact pads. The contact pads can include a first contact pad having electrical contacts and being disposed in a top layer of the transaction card and a second contact pad having electrical contacts and being disposed in a bottom layer of the transaction card. The transaction card can also include a chip having processing circuitry and a memory. The chip can be disposed between the top layer and the bottom layer and can be coupled to one of the contact pads such that each of the contact pads can be electrically connected to the other contact pads and can communicate account information stored in the memory to a card reader. The transaction card can also include a junction having junction points and disposed in a middle layer of the transaction card between the top layer and the bottom layer. The electrical contacts of each of the contact pads can be electrically connected to each other through the junction points such that each of the contact pads provide an electrical connection to the same chip.

In some aspects, the transaction card can also include electrical tracing in a first intermediate layer of the transaction card between the top layer and the middle layer; and electrical tracing in a second intermediate layer of the transaction card between the bottom layer and the middle layer. The electrical tracing in the first intermediate layer and the electrical tracing in the second intermediate layer can connect the contacts of the contact pads to the junction points. In some aspects, the transaction card can also include electrical tracing in an intermediate layer of the transaction card between the top layer and the middle layer. The electrical tracing can connect the contacts of the first contact pad and the second contact pad. In some aspects, the transaction card can also include electrical tracing in an intermediate layer of the transaction card between the bottom layer and the middle layer. The electrical tracing can connect the contacts of the first contact pad and the second contact pad. In some aspects, the processing circuitry can detect which of the contact pads are coupled to the card reader and communicates with the card reader through the contact pad coupled to the card reader. In some aspects, the transaction card can also include an antenna to couple the chip to the contact pads. In some aspects, the chip can be an EMV chip.

Aspects provide a method of manufacturing a transaction card. The method can include providing a top layer; providing a bottom layer; providing a first intermediate layer disposed under the top layer; providing a second intermediate layer disposed above the bottom layer; providing a middle layer disposed between the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer; disposing a first contact pad in the top layer; and disposing a second contact pad in the bottom layer. The second contact pad can be electrically connected to the first contact pad via the first intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer, and the middle layer. The method can also include disposing a chip between the top layer and the bottom layer. The chip can be coupled to at least one of the first contact pad and the second contact pad. The chip can include processing circuitry and a memory such that the first contact pad and the second contact pad process account information stored in the memory to communicate with a card reader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention(s) will now be described in detail with reference to aspects thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to “one aspect,” “an aspect,” “an exemplary aspect,” etc., indicate that the aspect described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every aspect can not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same aspect. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an aspect, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other aspects whether or not explicitly described.

As used herein, the terms “front” and “rear,” “up” and “down,” and “left” and “right,” and the like are intended to assist in understanding of aspects of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the orientation of the transaction card as shown, and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention or to limit the invention scope to the aspects depicted in the Figures. The directional terms are used for convenience of description and it is understood that a transaction card can be positioned in any of various orientations.

As used herein, the direction of a card can refer to which end or side of the card is read by a card reader, and the orientation of a card can refer to which surface of the card faces a card reader (e.g., top surface or bottom surface). Thus, as used herein, a transaction card that can be read by a card reader in any direction can refer to a card that can be read by a card reader leading with a first end or an opposing second end of the card. As used herein, a card that can be read by a card reader in any orientation can refer to a card that can be read by a card reader with a first or front surface of a card facing toward or away from a card reader (e.g. the card can be oriented with the first or front surface facing up or down).

A card reader, as used herein, can refer to a device that is capable of reading a magnetic stripe or an electronic chip of a transaction card, or that can communicate with an antenna of a transaction card, such as a near field communication (NFC) antenna. Card readers can also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for reading RFID tags or smart labels, and can be capable of wireless communication, such as via Bluetooth or other short range communication protocol.

Aspects described herein relate to an orientationless transaction card having multiple contact pads so that the transaction card can be inserted into or swiped by a card reader in any direction or orientation. The card can include a single EMV chip connected to each contact pad to provide an electrical connection to the same chip and associate each contact pad with the same payment account. As a result, the consumer can avoid the step of determining how to properly align the card for use with a card reader and can simply swipe or insert the card irrespective of its direction or orientation.

Credit cards and other types of transaction cards, such as debit cards, automated teller machine (ATM) cards, gift cards, and the like are often used as a convenient alternative to cash or paper money for purchasing goods and services. Each card has different identifying information, such as a card number, expiration date, and security code and is associated with a specific payment account of the user.

An integrated chip, e.g., an EMV chip, can be associated with a payment account of a user. On the transaction card, the chip is electrically connected to a contact pad or can be integrally formed with a contact pad (e.g., the integrated chip can itself serve as a contact pad). When the transaction card is inserted into a card reader, the contact pad of the integrated chip (or the integrated chip itself) electrically connects to a contact pad of the card reader to allow the integrated chip to communicate with the card reader and transfer information stored on the integrated chip. Generally, a transaction card having an integrated chip must be inserted into a card reader in a particular manner, such as by inserting the transaction card into the card reader leading with the end of the card having the contact pad and with the contact pad facing up. Similar to cards having magnetic stripes, the consumer must properly orient the transaction card prior to inserting the card into the reader. Inserting the card in a different manner will result in a failed payment attempt as the card reader will not read the card. The user can then be required to insert the card again in a proper orientation.

Contact pads in the transaction card described herein can be positioned on the top surface and bottom surface of the card to facilitate additional permutations that the card can be inserted into a card reader. At least one contact pad can be provided. Additional contact pads can be provided to increase the number of permutations in which the card can be inserted into a card reader. In some aspects, four orientations are provided by facilitating access to two contact pads from the top surface and two contact pads from the bottom surface. By allowing any of the orientations to be inserted successfully in a card reader, the amount of time, effort, and attention required to achieve a successful payment is reduced. Users experience more seamless transactions as a result. Additionally, multiple orientations of the transaction card improves accessibility for those who are visually impaired and cannot easily distinguish the orientation of the card.

Multiple EMV chips can be disposed at various locations of a transaction card to provide multiple transactions orientations. However, EMV chips are expensive to produce and include in a single transaction card. Additionally, EMV chips disposed in a surface of a transaction card can be easily extracted such that a user's personal payment account data stored therein is vulnerable to theft. As described herein, a single EMV chip can be electrically connected to each contact pad to duplicate the user's account information at each contact pad (e.g., render each contact pad redundant). Using a single EMV chip reduces manufacturing costs. Electrical tracing and/or an antenna can be used to couple the EMV chip to a contact pad and the contact pads to one another, providing an electrical connection to the same chip. The card can be manufactured in multiple layers to allow the single EMV chip to be read in any orientation. According to aspects, each contact pad can be disposed in a top layer or a bottom layer. The EMV chip can be disposed behind one of the contact pads, with each contact pad being electrically connected to each other via the multiple layers. By disposing the EMV chip between the top layer and the bottom layer, the EMV chip can be secured within the card to reduce the risk of theft. The intermediate and middle layers can provide a central junction point to electrically connect the contact pads of the top layer and the bottom layer.

In addition, a user can have multiple transaction cards, each associated with a different payment account of the user. For example, the user can have a first transaction card associated with a credit account and a second transaction card associated with a bank account. Keeping and retrieving multiple transaction cards can be inconvenient and can result in one or more transaction cards, and therefore the payment accounts, being preferred for regular use, while other transaction cards are disregarded. Aspects also provide a transaction card with a second EMV chip associated with a different payment account. Accordingly, a user can have access to multiple of their payment accounts via a single transaction card.

The transaction card described herein will now be discussed with reference to the drawings. A transaction card100is shown inFIG.1. In some aspects, transaction card100can communicate personal information or account information to an external device (e.g., a card reader, smartphone, computer, etc.) electrically using EMV protocol and/or wirelessly using NFC protocol. In some aspects, transaction card100can be physically compliant with ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 such that transaction card100has a length of approximately 85.60 mm (millimeters), a width of approximately 53.98 mm, and a thickness of approximately 0.76 mm. In some aspects, transaction card100can have a greater thickness. In some aspects, transaction card100can have rounded corners. In some aspects, transaction card100can be shaped as a polygon, such as a rectangle or square, or as a triangle, among various other shapes. In another aspect, transaction card100can have a curved shape.

Transaction card100can include one or more layers stacked on top of one another. In some aspects, transaction card100can include a top layer110, a first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, a second intermediate layer140, and a bottom layer150. As shown inFIG.2, first intermediate layer120can be disposed under top layer110, second intermediate layer140can be disposed above bottom layer150, and middle layer130can be disposed between first intermediate layer120and second intermediate layer140. In some aspects, transaction card100can include additional intermediate layers between top layer110and bottom layer150. Middle layer130can be the central junction point between top and bottom sides of transaction card100(e.g., between top layer110and bottom layer150). In some aspects, one or more of top layer110, first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, second intermediate layer140, and bottom layer150can be laminated. Lamination can facilitate securing each of top layer110, first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, second intermediate layer140, and bottom layer150together. In some aspects, one or more of top layer110, first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, second intermediate layer140, and bottom layer150can include plastics (e.g., polycarbonate, high-density polyethylene, kydex thermoplastic, or acrylonitrile butadiene), metals (e.g., brass, copper, stainless steel, gold, palladium, or alloys thereof), and/or other materials (e.g., polyester).

One or more of top layer110, first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, second intermediate layer140, and bottom layer150can have components of transaction card100. As shown inFIG.3, top layer110can include a first side112and a second side114opposite first side112. One or more contact pads200can be embedded within top layer110, such as along first side112and/or second side114. In some aspects, top layer110can include a first top contact pad210having contacts212and a second top contact pad220having contacts222. First top contact pad210can be disposed along first side112and second top contact pad220can be disposed along second side114. In some aspects, top layer110can include additional contact pads200.

In some aspects, top layer110can include indicia116. Indicia116can be applied to top layer110at a different location than the locations where first top contact pad210and second top contact pad220are disposed. Indicia116can be applied, for example, by printing, stamping, painting, coloring, or embossing, among other methods. Indicia116can include, for example, a name of the transaction card's owner, a logo or brand of the company that issued transaction card100, a card number or account number, or a hologram, among other text, numbers, markings, or images. In some aspects, transaction card100lacks any indicia116so that transaction card100appears as a solid color or shows only a pattern or design applied to transaction card100. Eliminating indicia116, such as personal information or account information from transaction card100, can help to prevent identity theft and copying of personal information from transaction cards100by unauthorized users. Further, eliminating indicia116from transaction card100provides transaction card100with a simple and unique visual appearance. In such aspects lacking indicia116, virtual card numbers and information can be generated for each transaction using software in conjunction with transaction card100, as will be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

In addition to or alternatively, transaction card100can include one or more integrated chips (e.g., EMV chips), such as chip300(FIG.4). With reference toFIGS.3-4, chip300can include processing circuitry320having a microprocessor322, a NFC device324, and a memory326, which can store account information328.

In some aspects, chip300can be disposed beneath a contact pad200. Accordingly, chip300can be disposed under top layer110in which a contact pad200is embedded. Chip300can be disposed between top layer110and bottom layer150such that chip300is secured within transaction card100and incapable of being extracted from either top layer110or bottom layer150.

In some aspects, chip300can include an antenna310to couple chip300and its components to contact pad200behind which it is located. In some aspects, chip300can be coupled to contact pad200via a conductive wire or via another intervening structure. In some aspects, antenna310can be integral with processing circuitry320. In some aspects, antenna310can be external to processing circuitry320. In some aspects, antenna310can be used with a coil.

In some aspects, antenna310can additionally facilitate communication between chip300and an external card reader. In this way, the card reader can read account information328when coupled to contact pad200behind which chip300is located. When adjacent to the card reader, e.g., within about three inches or less of the card reader, antenna310can be energized by induction. Antenna310can send a signal to chip300such that processing circuitry320can detect a coupling between contact pad200behind which chip300is located and the external card reader. In some aspects, the signal can be in accordance with EMV protocol. In some aspects, the signal can indicate that the card reader is initiating a payment process with transaction card100. Alternatively, transaction card100can be inserted into an external card reader. Contact pad200behind which chip300is located can then make an electrical connection with the card reader to transfer account information328from chip300and process a payment.

Memory326can store account information328and software for communicating with a bank or a credit service provider of a user. Account information328can include a customer identifier assigned to the user, which can be used to determine the identity of the user. Account information328can also identify an account of the user to facilitate payment from the identified account. In some aspects, account information328can identify transaction card100. Accordingly, transaction card100and payment accounts associated with transaction card100can be identified together to facilitate payment from one or more payment accounts. Processing circuitry320can process information stored on memory326and communicate information to the card reader to facilitate a transaction when contact pad200behind which chip300is located is coupled to the card reader via antenna310or electrical connection. In this way, transaction card100can communicate with an external card reader. The communication can be via EMV protocol. Accordingly, multiple transactions of information can be completed to facilitate a payment. For example, EMV protocol may require authentication or other security measures. Account information328can facilitate authentication and payment processing.

In some aspects, NFC device324can communicate according to NFC protocol and can facilitate sharing of account information328to an NFC-enabled external device for payment processing. In some aspects, the NFC-enabled external device can be a card reader (e.g., a payment device, smartphone, computer, etc.). In some aspects, NFC device324can be coupled to antenna310. In some aspects, antenna310can communicate according to NFC protocol. In some aspects, NFC device324is powered by the external device. In some aspects, NFC device324can be energized by a signal from the external device. In some aspects, transaction card100additionally or alternatively can include a power source to power NFC device324. Accordingly, NFC device324can unilaterally energize its electromagnetic field.

As discussed above, top layer110can include one or more contact pads200, such as first top contact pad210having contacts212and second top contact pad220having contacts222. First top contact pad210can be disposed along first side112and second top contact pad220can be disposed along second side114. Contacts212and contacts222can facilitate electrical coupling with another contact pad200. Contacts212and contacts222can facilitate coupling between contact pads200and chip300regardless of whether chip300is disposed behind contact pad200. Contacts212and contacts222can also facilitate electrical connection with card readers. In some aspects, contacts212and contacts222can be located according to the ISO/IEC 7816 standard to facilitate coupling with a card reader.

In some aspects, first top contact pad210and/or second top contact pad220can be located within one or more layers of transaction card100. For example, first top contact pad210and/or second top contact pad220can be disposed within top layer110and first intermediate layer120. As shown inFIG.5, contacts212and contacts222can additionally or alternatively be disposed in first intermediate layer120. First intermediate layer120can establish connection between first top contact pad210and second top contact pad220via contacts212and contacts222. In some aspects, first intermediate layer120can include electrical tracing122. Electrical tracing122can include bond wire, for example, to electrically connect different contact pads200and chip300(FIG.4).

As shown, in some aspects, electrical tracing122can connect contacts212and contacts222. With reference toFIGS.5-6, each contact pad200can include between approximately three and approximately eight contacts such as approximately six contacts. Accordingly, first top contact pad210can include six contacts212and second top contact pad220can include six contacts222. Contacts212can be directly coupled to chip300(FIG.4) disposed beneath first top contact pad210. Contacts222can be indirectly coupled to chip300(FIG.4) by coupling with contacts212. In this way, a single chip300(FIG.4) can be electrically connected to both first top contact pad210and second top contact pad220and thus can provide the same account information328via connection with first top contact pad210or second top contact pad220.

When inserted into an external card reader, electrical tracing122can send a signal to chip300such that processing circuitry320(FIG.4) can detect an electrical coupling between contact pad200and the external card reader. In some aspects, processing circuitry320(FIG.4) can detect which contact pad200(e.g., first top contact pad210, second top contact pad220, first bottom contact pad230, or second bottom contact pad240) is coupled to the external card reader. Electrical tracing122coupled to contact pad200electrically connected to the external card reader can send a signal to processing circuitry320. Accordingly, processing circuitry320can detect which contact pad200is coupled to the external card reader and can communicate information to the card reader via the coupled contact pad200.

With reference toFIG.7, in some aspects, transaction card100can include an antenna124. In some aspects, antenna124can be embedded in transaction card100. In some aspects, antenna124can be embedded in first intermediate layer120. Antenna124may be coupled to antenna310(FIG.4) and/or chip300(FIG.4) to connect different contact pads200and chip300(FIG.4). In some aspects, antenna124can be external to contact pads200. As shown, antenna124can connect contacts212and contacts222. One end of antenna124can be physically coupled to a contact212and another end of antenna124can be physically coupled to chip300(FIG.4). Similarly, one end of antenna124can be physically coupled to a contact222and another end of antenna124can be physically coupled to chip300(FIG.4). In some aspects, electrical tracing122(FIG.5) and/or an antenna124can be used to electrically connect different contact pads200and chip300(FIG.4).

As with antenna310(FIG.4), antenna124can facilitate wireless communication with an external card reader. In some aspects, NFC device324(FIG.4) can be coupled to antenna124. In some aspects, antenna310can communicate according to NFC protocol. When adjacent to the card reader, e.g., within about three inches or less of the card reader, antenna124can be energized by induction. Antenna124can send a signal to chip300such that processing circuitry320(FIG.4) can detect a wireless coupling between antenna124and the external card reader. In some aspects, the signal can indicate that the card reader is initiating a payment process with transaction card100. In some aspects, processing circuitry320(FIG.4) can detect which antenna124(e.g., antenna124coupled to first top contact pad210, second top contact pad220, first bottom contact pad230, or second bottom contact pad240) is coupled to the external card reader. Antenna124coupled to contact pad200proximate to the external card reader can send a signal to processing circuitry320. Accordingly, processing circuitry320can detect which antenna124is coupled to the external card reader and can communicate information to the card reader via the coupled antenna124.

Rather than physically isolating contact pads200and providing separate connections to a chip300(FIG.4), first intermediate layer120, middle layer130(FIG.1), and second intermediate layer140(FIG.1) facilitate interconnection and a central connection junction such that chip300is simultaneously electrically connected to each contact pad200. In some aspects, chip300(FIG.4), electrical tracing122(FIG.5), and/or antenna124can be disposed in the same or different layers (e.g., top layer110, first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, second intermediate layer140, or bottom layer150). In some aspects, these components disposed in different layers can facilitate electric coupling between chip300(FIG.4) and contact pads200, and wireless and/or electric coupling with an external card reader. As shown inFIG.8, middle layer130can be the central junction. Middle layer130can include a junction132having one or more junction points134. Contacts212and contacts222can be electrically connected to each other through junction points134such that first top contact pad210and second top contact pad220are provided an electrical connection to the same chip. In other words, through junction points134, contacts222of second top contact pad220are coupled to contacts212of first top contact pad210such that second top contact pad220is coupled to chip300(FIG.4), where chip300(FIG.4) is directly coupled to first top contact pad210.

Accordingly, a user can insert transaction card100into a card reader with top layer110(FIG.1) facing up via either first side112(FIG.1) or second side114(FIG.1) to couple chip300(FIG.4) with the card reader via the contact pads. Chip300(FIG.4) can provide the same account information328(FIG.4) to the card reader via connection with either first top contact pad210or second top contact pad220such that it does not matter which side (e.g., first side112(FIG.1) or second side114(FIG.1)) is inserted into the card reader.

Similarly, a user can insert transaction card100into a card reader with bottom layer150(FIG.1) facing up to couple chip300(FIG.4) with the card reader. With reference toFIGS.9-10, bottom layer150can include a first side152and a second side154opposite first side152. As shown inFIG.10, one or more contact pads200can be embedded within bottom layer150, such as along first side152and/or second side154. In some aspects, bottom layer150can include one or more contact pads200, such as a first bottom contact pad230having contacts232and a second bottom contact pad240having contacts242. First bottom contact pad230can be disposed along first side152and second bottom contact pad240can be disposed along second side154. In some aspects, bottom layer150can include additional contact pads200. In some aspects, bottom layer150can include indicia156. Indicia156can be applied to bottom layer150at a different location than the locations where first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240are disposed. Indicia156can be formed in the same way as indicia116(FIG.3) discussed above. In some aspects, bottom layer150can include a magnetic stripe. The magnetic stripe can be applied to bottom layer150at a different location than the locations where first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240are disposed.

In some aspects, first bottom contact pad230and/or second bottom contact pad240can be located within one or more layers of transaction card100. For example, first bottom contact pad230and/or second bottom contact pad240can be disposed within bottom layer150and second intermediate layer140. As shown inFIG.9, contacts232and contacts242can additionally or alternatively be disposed in second intermediate layer140. Second intermediate layer140can establish connection between first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240via contacts232and contacts242. In some aspects, second intermediate layer140can include electrical tracing142. Electrical tracing142can include bond wire, for example, to electrically connect different contact pads200and chip300(FIG.4).

In some aspects, electrical tracing142can connect contacts232and contacts242. As discussed above with reference toFIGS.5-6, each contact pad200can include six contacts. Accordingly, first bottom contact pad230can include six contacts232and second bottom contact pad240can include six contacts242. Contacts232and contacts242can be indirectly coupled to chip300(FIG.4) like contacts222(FIG.5) by coupling with contacts212(FIG.5), which can be directly coupled to chip300(FIG.4). In this way, a single chip300(FIG.4) can provide the same account information328(FIG.4) via both first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240.

Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects, antenna144can be embedded in second intermediate layer140. In some aspects, antenna144can be similar to antenna124(FIG.7). Antenna144may be coupled to antenna310(FIG.4) and/or chip300(FIG.4) to connect different contact pads200and chip300(FIG.4). In some aspects, antenna144can be external to contact pads200. As shown, antenna144can connect contacts232and contacts242. One end of antenna144can be physically coupled to a contact232and another end of antenna124can be physically coupled to chip300(FIG.4). Similarly, one end of antenna144can be physically coupled to a contact242and another end of antenna124can be physically coupled to chip300(FIG.4). In some aspects, electrical tracing122(FIG.5) and/or an antenna144can be used to electrically connect different contact pads200and chip300(FIG.4).

As with antenna124(FIG.7) and antenna310(FIG.4), antenna144can facilitate wireless communication with an external card reader. As with antenna124(FIG.7), processing circuitry320can detect which antenna144is coupled to the external card reader and can communicate information to the card reader via the coupled antenna144.

In some aspects, chip300(FIG.4), electrical tracing122(FIG.5), electrical tracing142, antenna124, and/or antenna144can be disposed in the same or different layers (e.g., top layer110, first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, second intermediate layer140, or bottom layer150). In some aspects, these components disposed in different layers can facilitate electric coupling between chip300(FIG.4) and contact pads200, and wireless and/or electric coupling with an external card reader.

First intermediate layer120, middle layer130, and second intermediate layer140facilitate interconnection and a central connection junction such that chip300is simultaneously electrically connected to each contact pad200, including first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240. As with contacts212and contacts222, contacts232and contacts242can be electrically connected to each other through junction points134of junction132on middle layer130such that first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240are provided an electrical connection to the same chip. In addition, at least one of contacts212and contacts222can be electrically connected to one or more of contacts232and contacts242to provide an electrical connection to the same chip with contacts212, contacts222, contacts232, and contacts242. For example, both contacts232and contacts242can be electrically connected to contacts232. Additionally or alternatively, both contacts232and contacts242can be electrically connected to contacts222, which can be electrically connected to contacts212. Through junction points134, contacts232of first bottom contact pad230and contacts242of second bottom contact pad240are electrically coupled to contacts212of first top contact pad210and contacts222of second top contact pad220. First bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240can thus be electrically coupled to chip300(FIG.4), where chip300(FIG.4) can be directly electrically coupled to first top contact pad210.

Transaction card100can be orientationless because junction132of middle layer130can electrically connect contact pads200of transaction card100, e.g., first top contact pad210, second top contact pad220, first bottom contact pad230, and second bottom contact pad240. In other words, first top contact pad210and second top contact pad220are electrically connected to first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240via first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, and second intermediate layer140and vice versa. The stacked layers and connection methods provide each contact pad200an electrical connection to the same chip.

In some aspects, one or more of first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, and second intermediate layer140can include openings to prevent covering a contact pad200to facilitate connection and provide an electrical connection to the same chip. Openings can be located adjacent to a contact pad200. In some aspects, middle layer130includes openings400(FIG.8) to facilitate connection between contact pads200disposed in top layer110and bottom layer150. In some aspects, an opening can be disposed in first intermediate layer120adjacent to a contact pad200disposed in top layer110. In some aspects, first intermediate layer120can include a first opening such that first top contact pad210extends through the first opening. In some aspects, first intermediate layer120can include a second opening such that second top contact pad210extends through the second opening. An opening can be disposed in middle layer130adjacent to the openings on first intermediate layer120and contact pads200disposed in top layer110. Additionally, second intermediate layer140can include openings adjacent to the openings on first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, and contact pads200disposed in top layer110. As with contact pads200in top layer110, contact pads200can be disposed in bottom layer150adjacent to the openings. In this way, contact pads200disposed in top layer110and bottom layer150can be connected to junction132of middle layer130and/or to each other. In some aspects, second intermediate layer140can include a first opening such that the first bottom contact pad230extends through the first opening. Second intermediate layer140can include a second opening such that the second bottom contact pad240extends through the second opening.

Accordingly, a user can insert transaction card100into a card reader with top layer110(FIG.1) facing up via either first side152(FIG.1) or second side154(FIG.1) to couple chip300(FIG.4) with the card reader via a respective contact pad. Additionally, with reference toFIG.10, a user can insert transaction card100into a card reader with bottom layer150facing up via either first side152or second side154to couple chip300(FIG.4) with the card reader. Chip300(FIG.4) can provide the same account information328(FIG.4) to the card reader via both first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240such that it does not matter which side (e.g., first side152or second side154) is inserted.

With reference toFIG.9, it should be understood that while reference is made to chip300(FIG.4) being directly coupled to first top contact pad210(FIG.9), chip300(FIG.4) can be directly coupled to one or more contact pads200, e.g., first top contact pad210, second top contact pad220, first bottom contact pad230, and/or second bottom contact pad240via the connection methods discussed above.

Additionally, in some aspects, each contact pad200of transaction card100can be connected to a separate chip300(FIG.4). Thus, first top contact pad210can be connected to a first chip300(FIG.4), second top contact pad220can be connected to a second chip300(FIG.4), first bottom contact pad230can be connected to a third electronic chip300(FIG.4), and second bottom contact pad240can be connected to a fourth chip300(FIG.4). In some aspects, at least one contact pad200can be connected to a separate chip300(FIG.4). Therefore, two contact pads200or three contact pads200can be connected to a separate chip300(FIG.4). Each separate chip300(FIG.4) can be associated with the same payment account of the user, or different payment accounts of the user.

Some aspects described herein relate to a method of using transaction card100, as shown inFIG.11. In step1102, a user can insert transaction card100in a card reader. Transaction card100can be orientationless as each contact pad200disposed in transaction card100can be electrically connected to each other and coupled to chip300. For example, a contact pad200coupled to chip300can be disposed in top layer110and can be electrically connected to other contact pads200disposed in top layer110and contact pads200disposed in bottom layer150via first intermediate layer120, middle layer130, and second intermediate layer140to provide an electrical connection to the same chip. Accordingly, a user can insert transaction card100into a card reader with top layer110facing up via either first side152or second side154to couple chip300with the card reader. Additionally, a user can insert transaction card100into a card reader with bottom layer150facing up via either first side152or second side154to couple chip300with the card reader. Chip300can provide the same account information328to the card reader via both first bottom contact pad230and second bottom contact pad240such that it does not matter which side (e.g., first side152or second side154) is inserted.

In step1104, transaction card100can detect which contact pad200is coupled to the card reader. Chip300can include an NFC device324that is powered by the card reader (e.g., via an electromagnetic field initiated by the card reader). In addition, contact pad200communicates with the card reader when adjacent to the card reader, e.g., within about three inches or less of the card reader. Once a contact pad200is adjacent to the card reader, contact pad200can be wirelessly coupled to the card reader to facilitate communication.

In step1106, transaction card100can communicate with the card reader through contact pad200coupled to the card reader. When coupled to the card reader, contact pad200can transfer account information328from chip300and process a payment. Account information328and software for communicating with a bank or a credit service provider of a user can be stored in memory326of chip300. For example, memory326can store a customer identifier assigned to the user, which can be used to determine the identity of the user. Account information328can also identify an account of the user to facilitate payment from the identified account. In some aspects, account information328can identify transaction card100. Accordingly, transaction card100and payment accounts associated with transaction card100can be identified together to facilitate payment from one or more payment accounts.

It should be understood that although reference is made to first top contact pad210, second top contact pad220, first bottom contact pad230, and second bottom contact pad240, transaction card100described herein can include one or more contact pads200. For example transaction card100can include between approximately one and approximately eight contact pads200, such as between approximately two and approximately six contact pads200, such as approximately three contact pads200or approximately four contact pads200. Accordingly, transaction card100can include an odd number of contact pads200or an even number of contact pads200. Additional contact pads200can be included to increase the number of permutations in which transaction card100can be inserted into a card reader. In addition, it should be understood that although reference is made to top layer110and bottom layer150each including two contact pads200, top layer110and bottom layer150can each include one or more contact pads200. Top layer110and bottom layer150can include a different number of contact pads200as well. For example, top layer110can include one contact pad200while bottom layer150can include two contact pads200. In this way, the number of permutations in which transaction card100can be inserted into a card reader can be customized.

The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary aspects, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.