Abstract:
A memory card includes a non-volatile memory, a connector configured to enable the memory card to be operatively coupled to a host computer, and a housing enclosing the non-volatile memory. The housing has a customized physical contour that is determined according to a user-selected value.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This continuation patent application claims priority from U.S. patent application No. 11/618,939 filed Jan. 2, 2007, which claims the benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/755,536 filed Jan. 3, 2006. The contents of each of these applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of card customization. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Memory cards having a digital circuit and a read-write memory are well known in the art of digital storage devices, and are used for many applications such as driver licenses, credit cards, employee badges, membership cards etc. 
         [0004]    Some of these cards, such as smart cards, are used as a bearer of identification or financial transactions providing their bearer security services, such as access to information or to money. These cards have to be secured against fraud, theft and loss. Therefore, organizations that issue these cards take several measures of security to prevent cards from reaching wrong hands. 
         [0005]    Automatic vending machines for automatically vending different types of products that were once retailed only over the counter are very well known in the art of commerce. Typical examples are vending machines that deliver cash money, plane tickets, cellular phones, telephone cards, personal photographs etc. 
         [0006]    Vending machines that require access to secure content of a user for completing the operation, such as automatic teller machines (ATM) machines, must be secure, fortified and monitored, making such vending machines very heavy and expensive. 
         [0007]    Because of the alienation, competition and suspicion between the different issuers of secure memory cards of all sorts, issuers of different digital storage cards are reluctant to cooperate when it comes to sharing a common vending machine for digital storage cards. A Secure memory card, such as a SIM (Subscriber Identification Mobile) card is a smart-card-type device storing secured data (e.g. private key for identification of a user). ATM machines are an exception as different banks share the same vending machine, but this is a case where the delivered product is a uniform and non-customized product, such as bills of money, and where there is no competition between the vendors, as each user consumes cash from his/her own bank account. 
         [0008]    There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have a solution by which several card issuers could serve their customers with enhanced and more economic services, which are not provided by solutions known in the art. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to introduce a card vending machine that issues digital memory cards of several types in compliance with the specific requirements of each of a plurality of different and unrelated issuers. 
         [0010]    By “issuers” it refers herein in the broad sense to any human agent authorized to represent a specific commercial organization. 
         [0011]    A card vending machine is defined here as a machine operative to customize and retail digital memory cards. Accordingly, “vending” refers to the retail sale and/or customization of digital memory cards, as performed, for example, by the card vending machine of the present invention. 
         [0012]    The term “customize” is referred herein to mean at least one of programming at least 200 bytes of user-dependent data and/or changing (e.g. printing, shaping) the visual appearance of the digital memory card, operations of which are applied by the card vending machine of the present invention, to modify the visual appearance and data storage of a digital memory card in accordance with the user&#39;s preferences and the issuer&#39;s policy. 
         [0013]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is provided a card vending machine that includes: (a) a storage area, wherein each of a plurality of memory cards to be issued by a respective one of at least two different issuers are stored. 
         [0014]    Preferably, the card vending machine also includes a security mechanism that conditions access of each of the different issuers to only a respective portion of the storage area upon authorization of the issuers. More preferably, the security mechanism includes compartments, within the storage area, each compartment having a corresponding locking mechanism that provides access to only an authorized issuer. 
         [0015]    Preferably, the plurality of memory cards includes secure memory cards. 
         [0016]    Preferably, the card vending machine also includes an interface mechanism that is operated by a user to define a purchasing transaction and a controller that is operative, in accordance with the interface mechanism, to customize a memory card at least in part according to the purchasing transaction. 
         [0017]    Optionally, the memory card is one of a plurality of memory cards. Alternatively, the memory card is a personal memory card that is fed to the card vending machine by the user. More alternatively, the card vending machine also includes a card slot for inputting the personal memory card. 
         [0018]    More preferably, the controller is operative to customize the memory card in accordance with a value of at least one feature, such as digital content, physical contour, graphical decoration, means of payment, etc. Also more preferably, the card vending machine includes an authentication mechanism for authentication of the user in accordance with requirements of a respective issuer of the memory card. Most preferably, the controller is operative to customize the memory card conditional on the authentication of the user. 
         [0019]    The authentication mechanism may include a biometric identifier reader, a voice recognition unit (such as a microphone), a facial recognition unit (such as a camera), a wireless communication mechanism, and/or any other authorization means known in the art. 
         [0020]    The interface mechanism may include a keypad, a touch screen, a USB connector, a scanner, etc. 
         [0021]    Also more preferably, the card vending machine may include a contour shape editor unit that is responsive to the controller to customize the memory card, and/or a graphical editor unit that is responsive to the controller to customize the memory card, and/or a programming unit that is responsive to the controller to program the memory card with digital content. Most preferably, the programming unit is operative to store at least 200 bytes of data (including user-dependent data) in the memory card. Also more preferably, the card vending machine includes a display for displaying a pre-view of the customized memory card. 
         [0022]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a vending method that includes the steps of: (a) storing, in a common storage area, a plurality of memory cards; and (b) issuing each of the plurality of memory cards by a respective one of at least two different issuers. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the plurality of memory cards includes at least one secure memory card. 
         [0024]    Preferably, the vending method also include the steps of receiving a respective value of each of at least one parameter that defines a purchasing transaction of a user; and customizing one of the memory cards, at least in part, according to at least one of these values. More preferably, the customizing step is effected in accordance with a value of at least one feature, such as digital content, physical contour, graphical decoration, means of payment, etc. Also more preferably, the customizing includes storing at least 200 bytes of data (including data-dependent data) in the memory card. 
         [0025]    More preferably, the vending method also includes the step of previously to the customizing, authenticating a user in accordance with requirements of the respective one issuer. Most preferably, the customization of this memory card is conditional on the authentication of the user. The authentication may be effected by any authentication means known in the art, such as by reading biometric identification, by voice recognition, by facial recognition, by wireless communication, etc. 
         [0026]    More preferably, the vending method also includes downloading digital content from a remote device in accordance with at least one of these values. Also more preferably, the vending method includes displaying a pre-view of the customized memory card. Also more preferably, the vending method includes allowing access of each the different issuers to only a respective portion of the common storage area conditional on authorization of this issuer. Most preferably, the step of allowing access includes separately storing memory cards of each issuer in compartments, each compartment having a corresponding locking mechanism that provides access to only an authorized issuer. 
         [0027]    More preferably, the memory card is a personal memory card that is fed by the user. Most preferably, the vending method also includes updating the personal memory card. 
         [0028]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a card vending machine that includes: (a) an interface mechanism that is operated by a user to define a purchasing transaction; and (b) a controller that is operative, in accordance with the interface mechanism, to customize a memory card at least in part according to the purchasing transaction. 
         [0029]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a method of vending of memory cards by a card vending machine that includes the steps of: (a) receiving, by the card vending machine, a respective value of each of at least one parameter that defines a purchasing transaction of a user; and (b) customizing, by the card vending machine, one of the memory cards, at least in part, according to at least one of these values. 
         [0030]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a card vending machine that includes: (a) an interface mechanism that is operated by a user to define a purchasing transaction; and (b) a controller that is operative, in accordance with the interface mechanism, to customize a memory card at least in part according to the purchasing transaction by modifying at least 200 bytes of user-dependant data. 
         [0031]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a method of vending of memory cards by a card vending machine that includes the steps of: (a) receiving, by the card vending machine, a respective value of each of at least one parameter that defines a purchasing transaction of a user; and (b) customizing, by the card vending machine, one of the memory cards, at least in part, according to at least one of these values by modifying at least 200 bytes of user-dependant data. 
         [0032]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a card vending machine that includes: (a) an interface mechanism that is operated by a user to define a purchasing transaction; and (b) a controller that is operative, in accordance with the interface mechanism, to customize a visual appearance of a memory card at least in part according to the purchasing transaction. 
         [0033]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a method of vending of memory cards by a card vending machine that includes the steps of: (a) receiving, by the card vending machine, a respective value of each of at least one parameter that defines a purchasing transaction of a user; and (b) customizing, by the card vending machine, a visual appearance of one of the memory cards, at least in part, according to at least one of these values. 
         [0034]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a card vending machine that includes: (a) a connecting mechanism for receiving digital content from an external storage unit; and (b) a controller that is operative to store, in a memory card, at least a portion of the digital content. 
         [0035]    Preferably, the controller is further operative to modify the digital content. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the connecting mechanism includes a USB connector. 
         [0037]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment, there is further provided a method of vending of memory cards by a card vending machine that includes the steps of: (a) receiving, by the card vending machine, digital content from an external storage unit; and (b) storing, in a memory card, at least a portion of the digital content. Preferably, the method also includes modifying, by the card vending machine, the digital content. 
         [0038]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0039]    For a better understanding of the invention with regard to the embodiments thereof reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which like numerals designate corresponding sections or elements throughout, and in which: 
           [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an exemplifying, not limiting, high level schematic block diagram of a card vending device of the present invention; and 
           [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a simplified flow chart example of a method of the present invention for operating the card vending machine. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    The present invention is a card vending machine that issues digital memory cards of several types in compliance with the specific requirements of each of a plurality of different and unrelated issuers. 
         [0043]    The digital memory cards are printed, shaped and programmed by the card vending machine, in accordance with the user&#39;s preferences and the issuer&#39;s policy. By way of example, the user&#39;s preferences may determine the way of which the digital memory card is to be produced in accordance with a plurality of aspects, such as the digital content to be downloaded (e.g. digital book, video films, audio songs, and software applications), the physical contour, the graphical decoration, the means of payment, etc. 
         [0044]    Typically, the digital memory cards provided by the card vending machine of the present invention include non-secure digital memory cards (such as a digital book) and secure digital memory cards (such as pre-paid cards, membership cards, etc.). Secure cards will be provided to a user upon authentication of the user, in accordance with the requirements defined by the issuer of such cards. 
         [0045]    The digital memory cards stored in the card vending machine of the present invention can also be empty digital memory cards (that bear no content) or digital memory cards having DRM protected content. 
         [0046]    In accordance with one embodiment, a user can use the card vending machine to purchase a new digital memory card. As an example, the user can request to purchase a new digital memory card that includes specific songs stored in a digital format and that is illustrated with a personal graphical dedication. 
         [0047]    In accordance with one embodiment, a user can use the card vending machine to update his/her old digital memory card, for example for storing new digital content, for loading more money, etc. 
         [0048]    Typically, the digital memory cards stored in the card vending machine are of a standard size, such as the ISO 7810 standard or the ISO 7816 standard The cards can include a flat USB connector, such as the Double sided USB connector of Wallet Flash.™., available from Walletex Ltd., Rishon-Lezion, Israel, for connecting the digital memory card to a host computer. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a block diagram of a card vending machine  10  of the present invention The digital memory cards are stored in special decks, one deck per issuer, in a card storage area  12 . The digital memory cards can be fed into the machine either by the owner of the card vending machine, or alternatively by an authorized agent of each issuer. 
         [0050]    As the card vending machine of the present invention is designed to serve several issuers, digital memory cards of one issuer are preferably stacked separately from digital memory cards of another issuer (e.g., in separate compartments  13 ) and access of issuers (or authorized agents thereof) to different parts of card storage area  12  is conditional upon authorization of the corresponding issuer. Preventing unauthorized people physical access to the storage area where memory cards of other issuers are stored can be achieved, for example, by stacking the memory cards in separate compartments  13 . Each compartment has a respective lock to assure that only the authorized issuer can access the storage area of where his digital memory cards are stored to replace or extract the digital memory cards. 
         [0051]    Optionally, a personal memory card can be fed (via a card slot  36 ) by its user to be customized by the card vending machine  10 . This allows a user to insert his/her old digital memory card and load the digital memory card with more money, download new digital content, etc. 
         [0052]    The digital memory card delivered by the machine to a user can be either a non-secure digital memory card or a secure digital memory card. 
         [0053]    A secure card is provided to a user upon authentication of the user (using remote communication unit  28 ) by a remote source such as a human operator, in accordance with the specific requirements made by the different organizations for issuing their digital memory cards. Authentication of a user can be achieved, for example, by providing voice recognition means, such as a microphone  34 , and/or providing facial recognition means, such as a camera  30 , and/or implementing a scanner  31  to enable documentation presentation. The scanner further enables a user to scan his/her own graphical illustration (e.g., photo) and request that this graphical illustration be printed on the digital memory card that is to-be purchased from the card vending machine. Authentication can be further achieved using a biometric identifier reader  32  implemented in accordance with the biometric identification techniques (such as fingerprint recognition) well known in the art of information security. See, for example, the biometric system techniques and products, such as the 3dMDface™ System, available from 3dMD Ltd., Atlanta, Ga., that provides face recognition, descriptions of which are available on request from the American Biometric Consortium, all of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein. 
         [0054]    Card vending machine  10  also includes a Clipart library  20  storing graphical illustrations that are available to the user for incorporation upon the printed face of the digital memory cards, and a digital content storage unit  22  storing digital content, such as digital books, video films, audio songs, software applications, and other content, that is available for the user to download into the digital memory card. Note that the digital content is preferably stored in the digital content storage unit  22 , in accordance with DRM (Digital Rights Management) methods providing copyright protection of the digital content and other information security methods known in the art 
         [0055]    A Controller  18  is operative to mange the overall customization and vending process of the card vending machine  10  in accordance with the requirements of the issuers and the preferences of the user that are received as input via a keypad  14  or a touch screen  16  for example. By way of example, the user&#39;s preferences may determine the way of which the digital memory card is to be produced in accordance with a plurality of aspects, such as the digital content to be downloaded (e.g., digital book, video films, audio songs, and software applications), the physical contour of the digital memory card, the graphical decoration (such as a personal printed decoration) of the digital memory card, the means of payment, etc. 
         [0056]    The operational units include a Contour Shaper unit  24  for shaping the digital memory card, a Card Graphical Editor  26  for printing graphical decorations upon the digital memory card, and a Card Programming unit  25  for programming the digital memory card with requested digital content, all of which are applied in accordance with the preferences defined or selected by the user. Card Programming unit  25  is operative to store at least 200 bytes of user-dependent data in the digital memory card. 
         [0057]    A display  39  is optionally provided for displaying the user a pre-view of the digital memory card before it is issued to the user. 
         [0058]    A memory  20  storing graphical illustrations and digital content is also provided A user may choose to program and design his/her digital memory card according to digital content and graphical illustrations stored in memory  20 , Alternatively, the digital content and graphical illustrations, which are required to be loaded into the digital memory card, may be downloaded (using USB connector  27 ) from the user&#39;s portable storage device, such as a Disk-On-Key.™., available from msystems Ltd., Kefar Sava, Israel. A remote communication unit  28  is optionally provided for downloading the digital content and graphical illustrations from a remote storage device using wireless communication. 
         [0059]    A payment unit  22 , as found in many vending machines and parking machines known in the art, is operative to perform a purchasing transaction, typically by billing the user for the digital memory card/s and for the digital content that he/she purchased. A printer  38  is optionally implemented to provide the user with a receipt and other printed information that is related to the purchasing transaction. The payment unit  22  and printer  38  both operate in response to instructions received from Controller  18 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a flowchart of a method of the present invention for operating the card vending machine. 
         [0061]    At the initial step  40 , the user is requested to select if he/she wishes to purchase a new digital memory card or to update an existing digital memory card. 
         [0062]    If the user wishes to update his/her existing digital memory card, the user inserts his/her old digital memory card in card slot  36  (step  42 ). At the next step  44 , it is determined whether the user is identified and authenticated by the card vending machine in accordance with the different authentication means known in the art, as presented above. If a unique issuer can not be identified as a valid issuer to serve this user, then operation is aborted (step  46 ). However, in case the user is identified and authorized by the card vending machine, step  48 , then the user may select the type of transaction he/she wishes to perform (for example, downloading of new digital content, loading more money) for this digital memory card. The method then proceeds to step  60 . 
         [0063]    If the user wishes to purchase a new digital memory card, an issuer is selected by the user (step  50 ). A menu of operations specified by the selected issuer is then presented. At the next step  52 , the user selects from the menu of operations the operations he wants to perform and the type of digital memory card he/she wishes to purchase. 
         [0064]    At the next step  54 , it is determined whether the selected operation involves a secure memory card. In the negative case, the method proceeds directly to step  60 . However in the affirmative case, step  56 , an authentication process is applied in accordance with the requirements defined by this issuer to authenticate the user. If the user is verified as authentic, the method then proceeds to step  60 . If the user is not verified as authentic, the operation is aborted (step  58 ). The authentication process is applied in accordance with the different authentication means known in the art, as presented above. 
         [0065]    At step  60 , a set of parameters (such as physical shape, digital content, graphical illustrations) are defined by the user to determine the way in which the digital memory card is to be produced and the type and amount of digital content to be programmed into the digital memory card by the card vending machine. The digital content and graphical illustrations selected by the user can be downloaded either from a local memory of the card vending machine or from a remote storage device (such as a remote library of digital content owned by a publisher) physically separated and in remote communication with the card vending machine. Optionally, the user can select to design and program his/her digital memory card with digital content and graphical illustrations downloaded from his/her personal portable storage device. 
         [0066]    At step  62 , the purchasing transaction is applied by the user. At this step the issuer&#39;s database is updated with this purchasing transaction. 
         [0067]    At step  64 , the digital memory card is printed, shaped and programmed (using Contour Shape unit  24  and Card Graphical Editor  26 ) according to the set of parameters previously selected by the user at step  48  or at step  60 . 
         [0068]    At the final step  66 , the digital memory card is provided to the user. This step may optionally include a process of quality control, by which the content of the digital memory card is being read or sampled and evaluated by the card vending machine. 
         [0069]    Having described the system of the present invention with regard to certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, since further modifications will now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.