Selectable multi-purpose card

• US 7,357,331 B2
• Filed: 11/13/2006
• Issued: 04/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JP Morgan Chase & Co)
• Original Assignee: JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (JP Morgan Chase & Co)
• Inventors: Blossom, George
• Primary Examiner(s): ST CYR, DANIEL
• Application Number:
  US11/558,947
• Publication Number:
  US 20070063025A1
• Time in Patent Office: 519 Days
• Field of Search: 235/380, 235/382, 235/487, 235/493
• US Class Current: 235/492
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06187 with magnetically detectable marking
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/06206 the magnetic marking being emulated
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07 with integrated circuit chips
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0719 at least one of the integrated circuit chips comprising an arrangement for application selection, e.g. an acceleration sensor or a set of radio buttons application selection on smart cards using pure software control, see G07F7/10
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/072 the record carrier comprising a plurality of integrated circuit chips
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07703 the interface being visual
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/08 using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/341 Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3572 Multiple accounts on card
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3576 Multiple memory zones on card
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/363 with the personal data of a user
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/1008 Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system

Abstract

A selectable, multi-purpose card comprising a plurality of features stored in memory means operatively mounted on the card and selection means for allowing a user to select a feature in a few simple steps, preferably in a single step. In one embodiment the card includes a plurality of magnetic strips positioned on the card in a manner to allow swiping each magnetic strip separately using conventional reading devices. Each magnetic strip activates a different feature of the card. In another embodiment the card includes a programmable magnetic strip, a plurality of features stored in memory means mounted on the card, a plurality of buttons or contacts, and means for programming the magnetic strip with a different card feature. The card may also include a thin, flexible display.

Claims

1. A method for conducting an electronic transaction comprising:

providing a selectable multi-purpose device having a plurality of features stored in memory operatively mounted on the device allowing the device to function as multiple accounts;

providing a display operatively mounted on the device wherein the display is configured to show an account status;

providing a user interface for allowing a user to select a device feature in a single step;

selecting a device feature;

providing a radio frequency (RF) interface for allowing communication between the device and an external system via transmission and reception of RF signals; and

establishing an electronic communication between the device and device interface.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the display provides information relating to the device features.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the display provides information relating to the selected device feature.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is configured to show an account balance.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is configured to show a remaining value in an account.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is configured to show a remaining value stored on the device.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the display is capable of displaying a graphic logo.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of establishing an electronic communication between the device and a service institution handling at least one account corresponding to the selected feature.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of buttons.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface comprises a plurality of contacts.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface comprises a touch sensitive display.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises debit account functionality.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises credit account functionality.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises transfer funds account functionality.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises smart card functionality.

16. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises stored-value account functionality.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises gift account functionality.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises ATM account functionality.

19. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises security verification functionality.

20. The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the device features comprises identification functionality.

21. A method for conducting an electronic transaction comprising:

providing a selectable multi-purpose device having a plurality of features stored in memory means operatively mounted on the device allowing the device to function as multiple accounts;

providing a radio frequency (RF) interface for allowing communication between the device and an external system via transmission and reception of RF signals;

providing a selection means on the external system for allowing a user to select a device feature in a single step;

providing a display on the external system wherein the display is configured to show an account status;

establishing an electronic communication between the device and the external system; and

selecting a device feature.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein one or more of the device features comprises debit account functionality.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein one or more of the device features comprises credit account functionality.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein one or more of the device features comprises smart card functionality.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the external system the device communicates with is an ATM machine.

26. A method for conducting an electronic transaction comprising:

providing a selectable multi-purpose device having a plurality of features stored in memory operatively mounted on the device allowing the device to function as multiple accounts;

providing a display operatively mounted on the device wherein the display is configured to show a remaining value;

providing a user interface for allowing a user to select a device feature in a single step;

selecting a device feature;

providing a radio frequency (RF) interface for allowing communication between the device and an external system via transmission and reception of RF signals; and

establishing an electronic communication between the device and device interface.