Patent ID: 12229746

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for using augmented reality (AR) to implement a numberless transaction card. The numberless transaction card is a transaction card that can include a name of a user and also includes a name and typically a logo for a financial institution. However, the numberless transaction card does not have an account number, card verification value (CVV) number, expiration date, or other account identifying information printed or embossed on the transaction card. Instead, the transaction card includes one or more virtual account numbers, CVV numbers and/or expiration dates stored on the numberless transaction card. The virtual account numbers, CVV numbers and/or expiration dates on the numberless transaction card corresponds to actual transaction card accounts, but are only viewable through an AR electronic device of an authorized user. In some embodiments, the account information is displayed on the numberless transaction card when viewing the numberless transaction card through the AR electronic device.

By using virtual accounts rather than having account numbers, CVV numbers and/or expiration dates printed, embossed or otherwise displayed on the transaction card, security of the transaction card is enhanced. The account number, CVV number and/or expiration date for an active account on the transaction card may only be viewed by an authorized user via the AR device. As discussed later herein, the authorized user is identified as being a person configured to be associated with the AR device. A person without an AR device, using another AR device, and/or using the specific AR device without being properly authenticated is not able to view the account number, CVV number and/or expiration date.

If an account for the transaction card becomes comprised, for example through unauthorized use, the financial institution can alert the user of the transaction card about the compromised account and issue a replacement account number and CVV number for the same transaction card, without needing to physically issue another transaction card to the user. Also, the financial institution can remotely renew an expiring transaction card without needing to issue another transaction card to the user.

The replacement transaction card information can be transmitted from the user's AR device to the transaction card, for example, to update the account information stored on the transaction card. In some embodiments, when the transaction card is compromised, an alert is virtually displayed, for example via a pop-up window, on the transaction card when viewed through the AR device. The alert lets the user know that the account number has been remotely changed or is in the process of being changed. A contact number or link may be included as well to provide access to an additional explanation and/or assistance. A second alert may also be sent via text message or email.

In addition, because one transaction card may be associated with a plurality of account numbers, the one transaction card may be used in place of separate transaction cards for each account. This reduces a cost and inconvenience of carrying and using multiple transaction cards.

As used in this disclosure, a numberless transaction card is a transaction card that does not have account identifying information such as an account number, CVV code or expiration date printed or embossed on the transaction card. However, the numberless transaction card may include other numbers, such as an address of a financial institution. In addition, the account number may include characters as well as numbers.

As used in this disclosure, a transaction card is a credit card, a debit card, a loyalty card, a rewards card, a gift card or other similar type cards. Using the systems and methods, the numberless transaction card may be used as a credit card, a debit card, a loyalty card, a rewards card or a gift card or may be used as a credit card, a debit card, a loyalty card, a rewards card or a gift card for a plurality of accounts, as explained in more detail later herein.

The systems and methods are generally described for an AR device that may be worn or carried by a user. An example of and AR device that may be worn by the user is an AR headset. An example of an AR device that may be carried by the user is a smart telephone or tablet computer that includes AR components such as a processor, display and camera and an AR software application.

The AR headset includes a wearable computer, a camera and an optical display. The wearable computer includes a wireless telecommunication capability, permitting a wireless connection between the wearable computer and one or more server computers. The wearable computer also includes voice recognition capability, permitting the user to direct the wearable computer via voice commands. In addition, in some implementations, the wearable computer also includes biometric capability such as facial recognition, retinal scan capability, finger print scan capability, and/or voice print analysis capability. The optical display reflects projected images and also permits the user to see through the display.

One type of AR headset described in this disclosure is a smart glass type of headset, similar to eyeglasses, which may be worn by the user. The user may view AR images in the glass portion of the headset. An example of a smart glass headset is Google Glass, from Google Inc. of Mountain View, CA.

In order to ensure that account information is only displayed to an authorized user, the user needs to be identified. Once identified the account information may be viewed by the user on the AR device. The user of the AR device can be identified using one or more biometric identification methods including facial recognition, retinal scan, finger print scan or voice print analysis. Other methods for identifying the user may be used.

Using the systems and methods of the present disclosure, information related to transaction card accounts can be entered into a digital dashboard. The digital dashboard is a user interface of a computing device, for example a financial services software application accessible from a smart telephone or tablet computer. As explained in more detail later herein, a user may enter account information for one or more transaction card accounts. The transaction card accounts can be linked to the numberless transaction card in other ways, such as be scanning an actual transaction card with the AR device and converting the information on the scanned payment card to virtual account information. In some implementations, the user may also enter authentication information, such as a voice print, retinal scan, finger print scan and facial information. The user can also authorize a specific AR device for use with the transaction card accounts.

Using the systems and methods, the user may be able to activate an account number on the transaction card via one or several ways. One way in which an account number may be activated is with a verbal command. For example, if the transaction card is configured for one credit card and one debit card, the user may simply issue a verbal command such as “credit card” or “debit card” to switch the active account on the transaction card between a credit card and debit card, respectively. In another example, if the transaction card is configured for a plurality of credit cards and/or debit cards, the user may issue a verbal command specific to a particular credit card or debit card. Another way in which an account number may be activated is by touching a specific area of the AR device or using a hand gesture that may indicate a specific credit card or debit card. As a further example, the user may activate an account number on the transaction card via an interface on a mobile device in communication with the transaction card. Other ways to activate an account for the transaction card are possible.

Once a particular transaction card account is activated, the transaction card may be used to purchase items. When the transaction card is scanned at a point of sale (POS) scanner, an account number for the activated transaction card is received during the POS scan. In embodiments in which the numberless transaction card stores information for multiple transaction card accounts, the account information for the transaction card account currently active on the numberless transaction card in provided to the POS.

FIG.1shows an example system100that supports a numberless transaction card. The system100includes a mobile device102, a server computer104, an AR device106and a transaction card108.

Mobile device102is typically either a smart telephone or a tablet computer having a financial software application. A wireless connection may be established between mobile device102and server computer104. A user interface for the digital dashboard may be displayed on mobile device102. Account information for the numberless transaction card may be entered via the digital dashboard, as explained in more detail later herein.

Typically, the digital dashboard is set up at the user's home. For example, mobile device102can be used at home to enter the account information via the digital dashboard. Other devices, for example a desktop computer, tablet computer, etc., can be used at home to set up the digital dashboard. When the digital dashboard is set up at home, the account information can simply be selected via AR device106when the numberless transaction card is being used.

Server computer104can be a server computer associated with a financial institution, such as a bank. AR device106may be an AR headset or a smart telephone or tablet computer having a processor, display, camera and AR software application. Transaction card108is a numberless transaction card in which account information is only visible to a user through an authorized AR device.

FIG.2shows example modules200of AR device106. The example modules200include a camera202, a display204, electronics206and GPS software208. The camera202is a camera that is built-in to AR device106. Display204is a display that is also built-in to AR device106. Electronics206includes an electronic computing device with wireless capability. The wireless capability may include Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID) or similar types of wireless capability. GPS software208is typically a software application that may be installed on the mobile electronic device. When AR device106is an AR headset, camera202, display,204, electronics206and GPS software208are part of the AR headset.

FIG.3shows example components of the transaction card108. In some embodiments, the transaction card108includes a wireless communication device302, electronics304and a dynamic magnetic stripe306. The example wireless communication device302provides wireless communication with the AR device106. In an example implementation, the wireless communication device302is a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) device. In other embodiments, the wireless communication device302is a Bluetooth enabled device, a WiFi enabled device, a cellular communications enabled device, or other short or long wireless communication device.

In some embodiments, the wireless communication device302is powered by a battery (not shown) that is integrated with the transaction card108. In other embodiments, the wireless communication device302derives power from the AR device106when the wireless communication device302is in close proximity to the AR device106or other devices. The AR device106includes functionality for communication with the wireless communication device. For example, in one implementation, the transaction card108includes an RFID tag and AR device106includes an RFID reader.

In this example implementation, when a particular payment account is selected on AR device106, for example via a verbal command, gesture or other selection mechanism associated with the transaction card, AR device106sends identifying information for the selected payment account to wireless communication device302. The identifying information is in the form of a signal sent from AR device106to wireless communication device302. The signal includes the identifying information. In an example implementation, the signal may use a form of load modulation or inductive coupling to transmit the identifying information. Other ways for the signal to include the identifying information are possible. In some implementations, the transaction card108may include a power source such as a battery.

Alternatively, transaction card108can be configured to store account information for one or more transaction card accounts. For example, transaction card108can include a memory (not shown) to store transaction card account and other information, such as identification information. The user can switch the transaction card account active on transaction card108using a verbal command, gesture, or other selection mechanism on AR device106as discussed above. In this embodiment, the signal sent from AR device106only identifies the identity of the transaction card account to be selected without transmitting account information to transaction card108.

The electronics304can include a semiconductor device, for example a smart chip, that is embedded in or attached to the transaction card. The electronics304extracts the identifying information from the signal sent to wireless communication device302. In some embodiments using a dynamic magnetic stripe, based on the identification information, the electronics304polarizes the dynamic magnetic stripe306to the selected account.

The dynamic magnetic stripe306comprises a band of magnetic material located on the back of transaction card108and forming a rectangular stripe. The band of magnetic material can store data by polarizing tiny magnets in the magnetic material. In this implementation, the dynamic magnetic stripe306is polarized based on the identifying information in the signal from wireless communication device302. When the dynamic magnetic stripe306is polarized based on the identifying information in the signal from wireless communication device302, the dynamic magnetic stripe306stores information regarding the selected transaction card account. The information stored in the dynamic magnetic stripe306typically includes the account number, CVV and expiration date for the selected account. Other or different information pertaining to the selected account may be stored.

In other embodiments, the dynamic magnetic stripe306may not be used. Instead, alternative embodiments can use contactless smart card technology. With the contactless smart card technology, the identifying information may be stored in a memory device on the card or the identifying information may be stored in the smart chip or on another microchip contained within electronics304.

In alternate embodiments, transaction card108includes a means for communicating the account information to a POS via near-field communication. For example, transaction card108can include a near-field communication transceiver that communicates with a near-field communications device at the POS to transmit information about the active transaction card account on the transaction card. In this embodiment, electronics304controls the information transmitted to the POS via the near-field communications device. When the transaction card108is programmed with the selected account information, the transaction card108may be used for transactions for the selected account. For example, the transaction card108may be used in a POS device for purchases and may be used in an automated teller machine (ATM) in a same manner as if the transaction card108were a conventional transaction card with the account number of the selected account embossed on the conventional transaction card.

FIG.4shows an example user interface400for a digital dashboard. The user interface400may be displayed on mobile device102to permit the user to configure the transaction card108in advance of use. Alternatively, user interface400can be displayed on a home device, such as a home personal computer. The user interface400includes fields for a user name402, user ID404, new transaction card name406, new transaction card account number408, new transaction card nickname410and current transaction cards416. Other fields are possible on the digital dashboard.

A user name and user ID are entered into the user name field402and the user ID field404, respectively. The user ID may be a user account number for a financial institution such as a bank or some other unique identifier for the user.

When the user wants to add a new transaction card account to a list of accounts for the transaction card108, a name for the transaction card account is entered via edit box406and an account number for the transaction card account is entered via edit box408. A new transaction card nickname for the new transaction card account is optionally entered via edit box410. The new transaction card nickname is a name that may be associated with an activating verbal command. For example if the new transaction card account name is a formal name for a credit card, the new transaction card nickname may be an alias for the credit card. When the new transaction card nickname field410is used, the activating verbal command may be the nickname rather than the formal name.

When the user enters a new transaction card account and clicks Add button414, the new transaction card information is sent to server computer104and added to a list of available credit card accounts for transaction card108. In addition, information regarding the new transaction card account is added to and displayed in the current transaction cards pull-down list box416. The user may scroll the current transaction cards pull-down list box416to view transaction card information for all current transaction cards that may be activated for transaction card108. As discussed, a transaction card account may be activated for transaction card108when the user issues a verbal command associated with the transaction card account.

A current transaction card may be deleted by selecting a transaction card from the current transaction cards pull-down list box416and then clicking Delete button418.

In one alternative embodiment, the user can add a new transaction card account available for activation on transaction card108using AR device106. For example, the user can capture an image of an actual transaction card with the camera of AR device106. The captured image includes account information such as the user's name, account number, CVV and expiration date. AR device106can automatically extract the account information from the captured image to make the transaction card account available on transaction card108.

FIG.5shows a flowchart of a method500for configuring and using a numberless transaction card.

At operation502, the transaction card is configured with account information. The account information comprises a name and account number associated with the transaction card. Account information for the transaction card account is available on a server computer, for example server computer104, for a financial institution such as a bank.

The transaction card can be configured with the account information when the transaction card is issued to the user. The transaction card may also be configured with account information at other times—for example when previous account information on the transaction card has been compromised and new account information is to be configured and when an expiration date has expired.

At operation504, the account information is stored on the transaction card and the transaction card is activated. In some embodiments, the account information is written to a dynamic magnetic stripe on the transaction card. In other embodiments, for example when the transaction card is a contactless card, the account information is written to a non-volatile memory device on the transaction card.

When the transaction card is activated, the transaction card may be used to make purchases using the transaction card account. The transaction card may be used in a similar manner to a standard transaction card which has a transaction card account number and other information embossed on the standard transaction card. For example, the activated transaction card may be used in a POS device when making purchases using the activated transaction card.

At operation506, an identity of the wearer or user of the AR device is obtained. In some embodiments, the identity is obtained via a biometric authentication method such as facial recognition, retinal scan, voice print analysis or finger print scan. The AR device includes software that may be used to identify the wearer or user of the AR device from profile information, which can be stored on the AR device.

At operation508, the wearer or user of the AR device is authenticated. Authentication comprises verifying that the identity of the wearer or user of the AR device corresponds to a person who is authorized to view transaction card account information on the AR device. The authentication prevents unauthorized individuals from viewing the transaction card account information associated with the numberless transaction card. In some implementations, the authentication may be implemented on the AR device. In other implementations, the authentication is implemented on a server computer, for example on server computer104.

When the authentication is implemented on the server computer, identification information for the wearer or user of the AR device is sent from the AR device to the server computer. The server computer compares the identification with profile information that may be stored on the server computer or that is accessible from the server computer. The identification information that may be sent to the server computer is typically identification information derived from one of facial recognition, retinal scan, voice print analysis or finger print scan.

At operation510, transaction card account information is displayed on the AR device. In some embodiments, the information is projected into space in front of the transaction card using a display mechanism on the AR device. The information typically includes an account name, an account number, an expiration date and a CVV code. Other or different information may be displayed. For example, an account balance and/or an amount of available credit for the transaction card account may be displayed. The information is displayed virtually so that only the wearer or user of the AR device is able to view the information. The information is not visible on the transaction card and the information is not visible to another user of an AR device that may view the transaction card or that may be looking over the shoulder of the wearer or user of the AR device on which the information is displayed.

FIG.6shows a flowchart of a method600for configuring and using a numberless transaction card that stores a plurality of transaction card accounts.

At operation602, the transaction card is configured with account information. The account information comprises names and account numbers for one or more transaction card accounts that may be activated for the transaction card. The transaction card accounts represent accounts that have already been opened and approved for a user. Account information for the transaction card accounts is available on a server computer, for example server computer104, for a financial institution such as a bank.

In some embodiments, the transaction card is configured via a user interface of a digital dashboard, as described with regard toFIG.4. The digital dashboard can be rendered on a mobile electronic device such as a smart telephone or a tablet computer or on a home device such as a personal computer. Configuring the transaction card using the digital dashboard comprises entering names and account numbers for each transaction card that may be used. In some embodiments, the names and account numbers are sent to the server computer. The server computer associates the names and account numbers with the transaction card. Alternatively, the names and account numbers are stored locally on the transaction card on AR device106.

At operation604, a command is received an AR device to activate a transaction card account. In some embodiments, the AR device, for example AR device106, is a smart glass type of headset such as Google Glass. The command can be a verbal command issued by the wearer or user of the AR device, though other types of commands described above are also possible. The command identifies the transaction card account to be activated. The transaction card may be identified via a name of the transaction card, as entered into the digital dashboard, or via an alias for the credit card, as entered into the digital dashboard.

At operation606, an identity of the wearer or user of the AR device is obtained. In some embodiments, the identity is obtained via a biometric authentication method such as facial recognition, retinal scan, voice print analysis or finger print scan. The AR device includes software that may be used to identify the wearer or user of the AR device from profile information, which can be stored on the AR device.

At operation608, the wearer or user of the AR device is authenticated. Authentication comprises verifying that the identity of the wearer or user of the AR device corresponds to a person who is authorized to view transaction card account information on the AR device. The authentication prevents unauthorized individuals from viewing the transaction card account information associated with the numberless transaction card. In some implementations, the authentication may be implemented on the AR device. In other implementations, the authentication is implemented on a server computer, for example on server computer104. When the authentication is implemented on the server computer, identification information for the wearer or user of the AR device is sent from the AR device to the server computer. The server computer compares the identification with profile information that may be stored on the server computer or that is accessible from the server computer. The identification information that may be sent to the server computer is typically identification information derived from one of facial recognition, retinal scan, voice print analysis or finger print scan.

At operation610, after the wearer or user of the AR device is authenticated, a transaction card account associated with the command is activated on the transaction card. The activated account number (as well as CVV and expiration date) are then viewable by the user virtually on the transaction card through the AR device. The activation of the transaction card account comprises sending a signal from the AR device to the transaction card. The signal is sent via wireless communication to a wireless communication device on the transaction card. The signal includes information identifying the transaction card account to be activated. In some embodiments, the information is used to identify the transaction account to be activated on a dynamic magnetic stripe on the transaction card. The dynamic magnetic stripe stores account information for one or more transaction cards. In other embodiments, the information is used to control the signal transmitted from a near-field communications device on the payment card.

When the transaction card is activated, the transaction card may be used to make purchases using the transaction card account. The transaction card may be used in a similar manner to a standard transaction card which has a transaction card account number and other information embossed on the standard transaction card. For example, the activated transaction card may be used in a POS device when making purchases using the activated transaction card.

At operation612, transaction card account information is displayed on the AR device. In some embodiments, the information is projected into space in front of the transaction card using a display mechanism on the AR device. The information typically includes an account name, an account number, an expiration date and a CVV code. Other or different information may be displayed. For example, an account balance and/or an amount of available credit for the transaction card account may be displayed. The information is displayed virtually so that only the wearer or user of the AR device is able to view the information. The information is not visible on the transaction card and the information is not visible to another user of an AR device that may view the transaction card or that may be looking over the shoulder of the wearer or user of the AR device on which the information is displayed.

As illustrated in the example ofFIG.7, the AR device106includes at least one central processing unit (“CPU”)702, a system memory708, and a system bus722that couples the system memory708to the CPU702. The system memory708includes a random access memory (“RAM”)710and a read-only memory (“ROM”)712. A basic input/output system that contains the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the AR device106, such as during startup, is stored in the ROM712. The AR device106further includes a mass storage device714. The mass storage device714is able to store software instructions and data. A central processing unit, system memory and mass storage device similar to that inFIG.7are also included in server computer104.

The mass storage device714is connected to the CPU702through a mass storage controller (not shown) connected to the system bus722. The mass storage device714and its associated computer-readable data storage media provide non-volatile, non-transitory storage for the AR device106. Although the description of computer-readable data storage media contained herein refers to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk or solid state disk, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that computer-readable data storage media can be any available non-transitory, physical device or article of manufacture from which the central display station can read data and/or instructions.

Computer-readable data storage media include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable software instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Example types of computer-readable data storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory technology, CD-ROMs, digital versatile discs (“DVDs”), other optical storage media, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the AR device106.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the AR device106may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to remote network devices through the network720, such as a wireless network, the Internet, or another type of network. The AR device106may connect to the network720through a network interface unit704connected to the system bus722. It should be appreciated that the network interface unit704may also be utilized to connect to other types of networks and remote computing systems. The AR device106also includes an input/output controller706for receiving and processing input from a number of other devices, including a touch user interface display screen, or another type of input device. Similarly, the input/output controller706may provide output to a touch user interface display screen or other type of output device.

As mentioned briefly above, the mass storage device714and the RAM710of the AR device106can store software instructions and data. The software instructions include an operating system718suitable for controlling the operation of the AR device106. The mass storage device714and/or the RAM710also store software instructions, that when executed by the CPU702, cause the AR device106to provide the functionality of the AR device106discussed in this document. For example, the mass storage device714and/or the RAM710can store software instructions that, when executed by the CPU702, cause the AR device106to display received financial data on the display screen of the AR device106.

Although various embodiments are described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many modifications may be made thereto within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the disclosure in any way be limited by the examples provided.