Device and method for promoting the selection and use of a credit card

• US 6,325,284 B1
• Filed: 12/30/1998
• Issued: 12/04/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Inventor Holdings LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
• Original Assignee: Walker Digital LLC (Walker Innovation Inc. (f/k/a Patent Properties, Inc.))
• Inventors: Schneier, Bruce, Walker, Jay S., Mik, Magdalena
• Primary Examiner(s): Frech, Karl D.
• Application Number:
  US09/223,164
• Time in Patent Office: 1,070 Days
• Field of Search: 235/380, 235/379, 235/487
• US Class Current: 235/380
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/086 by passive credit-cards adapted therefor, e.g. constructive particularities to avoid counterfeiting, e.g. by inclusion of a physical or chemical security-layer for security documents G07D7/00; for the reading of record-carriers in general G06K7/00; for the design of coded credit-cards G06K19/10

Abstract

A device and method is disclosed for promoting the selection and use of a credit card. Add a feature to a credit card which is intended to attract a consumer'"'"'s attention and motivate him to consider selecting the credit card. The device includes a sensor which is adapted and configured to sense a predefined physical change. The sensor is in communication with a driver circuit, which is in turn in communication with a transducer. When the sensor detects a predefined physical change, the driver circuit produces at least one driver signal for a predetermined amount of time. The transducer is adapted and configured to emit at least one perceptible output signal in response to receiving the at least one driver signal.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

means for sensing a predefined physical change;

means for producing at least one driver signal for a predetermined amount of time, wherein production of the at least one driver signal is initiated when the sensing means senses the predefined physical change; and

means for emitting, in response to receiving the at least one driver signal, at least one output signal promoting the use of a credit card.

2. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient light.

3. A device as recited in claim 2, wherein the means for sensing a predefined physical change comprises a solar cell.

4. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient pressure.

5. A device as recited in claim 4, wherein the means for sensing a predefined physical change comprises a pressure sensor.

6. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient noise.

7. A device as recited in claim 6, wherein the means for sensing a predefined physical change comprises a microphone.

8. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for producing at least one driver signal comprises a processor.

9. A device as recited in claim 8, wherein the processor generates a random number which is used to select the at least one driver signal from a plurality of driver signals stored in a memory.

10. A device as recited in claim 9, wherein the means for emitting at least one perceptible output signal comprises a liquid-crystal display and the plurality of driver signals represent messages.

11. A device as recited in claim 9, wherein the means for emitting at least one perceptible output signal comprises a liquid-crystal display and the plurality of driver signals represent lottery numbers.

12. A device as recited in claim 9, wherein the means for emitting at least one perceptible output signal comprises a speaker and the plurality of driver signals represent phrases.

13. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for producing at least one driver signal comprises a logic circuit.

14. A device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a power source for energizing the means for producing at least one driver signal.

15. A device as recited in claim 14, wherein the power source provides power throughout the useful life of the credit card.

16. A device as recited in claim 14, wherein the power source is selected from the group consisting of a solar cell, an inductive power system, a radioactive cell, and a thin film lithium battery.

17. A device as recited in claim 14, further comprising means for controlling output of the power source.

18. A device as recited in claim 17, wherein the means for controlling the power source comprises a processor.

19. A device as recited in claim 17, wherein the means for controlling the power source comprises a logic circuit.

20. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for emitting at least one perceptible output signal comprises a light-emitting diode.

21. A device as recited in claim 20, wherein the means for producing at least one driver signal transmits driver signals to the light-emitting diode intermittently.

22. A device as recited in claim 20, wherein the means for producing at least one driver signal transmits driver signals to the light-emitting diode according to a predetermined pattern.

23. A device as recited in claim 20, wherein light emitted from the light-emitting diode is transmitted through the credit card by a fiber optic channel.

24. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for emitting at least one perceptible output signal comprises a liquid-crystal display.

25. A device as recited in claim 24, wherein the means for emitting at least one perceptible output signal further comprises a speaker;

and further comprising a switch adapted and configured to redirect the at least one driver signal from one of the liquid-crystal display and the speaker to the other.

26. A device as recited in claim 24, wherein the means for producing at least one driver signal further comprises a clock and is adapted and configured to determine time therewith;

and wherein the means for producing at least one driver signal transmits particular driver signals to the means for emitting at least one perceptible output signal based on the time.

27. A device as recited in claim 24, wherein the means for producing at least one driver signal transmits particular driver signals to the liquid-crystal display to simulate motion.

28. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for emitting at least one perceptible output signal comprises means for emitting an audible signal.

29. A device as recited in claim 28, wherein the means for emitting an audible signal comprises a piezoelectric element.

30. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for producing at least one driver signal further comprises a clock and is adapted and configured to determine time therewith.

31. A device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a means for resetting the means for producing at least one driver signal so it can reproduce the at least one driver signal for a predetermined amount of time.

32. A device as recited in claim 31, wherein the means for resetting is initiated after the predefined physical change is removed.

33. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein all components of the device are positioned outside of areas to be embossed on the credit card.

34. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein the credit card conforms to ISO 7810.

35. A device comprising:

a sensor adapted and configured to sense a predefined physical change;

a driver circuit adapted and configured to produce at least one driver signal for a predetermined amount of time, wherein production of the at least one driver signal is initiated when the sensor senses the predefined physical change; and

a transducer adapted and configured to emit, in response to receiving the at least one driver signal, at least one perceptible output signal promoting the use of a credit card.

36. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient light.

37. A device as recited in claim 36, wherein the sensor comprises a solar cell.

38. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient pressure.

39. A device as recited in claim 38, wherein the sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

40. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient noise.

41. A device as recited in claim 40, wherein the sensor comprises a microphone.

42. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the driver circuit comprises a processor.

43. A device as recited in claim 42, wherein the processor generates a random number which is used to select the at least one driver signal from a plurality of driver signals stored in a memory.

44. A device as recited in claim 43, wherein the transducer comprises a liquid-crystal display and the plurality of driver signals represent messages.

45. A device as recited in claim 43, wherein the transducer comprises a liquid-crystal display and the plurality of driver signals represent lottery numbers.

46. A device as recited in claim 43, wherein the transducer comprises a speaker and the plurality of driver signals represent phrases.

47. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the driver circuit comprises a logic circuit.

48. A device as recited in claim 35, further comprising a power source for energizing the driver circuit.

49. A device as recited in claim 48, wherein the power source provides power throughout the useful life of the credit card.

50. A device as recited in claim 48, wherein the power source is selected from the group consisting of a solar cell, an inductive power system, a radioactive cell, and a thin film lithium battery.

51. A device as recited in claim 48, further comprising a controller to control output of the power source.

52. A device as recited in claim 51, wherein the controller comprises a processor.

53. A device as recited in claim 51, wherein the controller comprises a logic circuit.

54. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the transducer comprises a light-emitting diode.

55. A device as recited in claim 54, wherein the driver circuit transmits driver signals to the light-emitting diode intermittently.

56. A device as recited in claim 54, wherein the driver circuit transmits driver signals to the light-emitting diode according to a predetermined pattern.

57. A device as recited in claim 54, wherein light emitted from the light-emitting diode is transmitted through the credit card by a fiber optic channel.

58. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the transducer comprises a liquid-crystal display.

59. A device as recited in claim 58, further comprising a speaker and a switch adapted and configured to redirect the at least one driver signal from one of the liquid-crystal display and the speaker to the other of the liquid-crystal display and the speaker.

60. A device as recited in claim 58, wherein the driver circuit further comprises a clock and is adapted and configured to determine time therewith;

and wherein the driver circuit transmits particular driver signals to the transducer based on the time.

61. A device as recited in claim 58, wherein the driver circuit transmits particular driver signals to the liquid-crystal display to simulate motion of displayed images.

62. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the transducer comprises a component for emitting an audible signal.

63. A device as recited in claim 62, wherein the component for emitting an audible signal comprises a piezoelectric vibrator.

64. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the driver circuit further comprises a clock and is adapted and configured to determine time therewith.

65. A device as recited in claim 35, further comprising a resetting circuit adapted and configured to reset the driver circuit so it can reproduce the at least one driver signal for a predetermined amount of time.

66. A device as recited in claim 65, wherein the resetting circuit resets the driver circuit after the predefined physical change is removed.

67. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein all components of the device are positioned outside of areas to be embossed on the credit card.

68. A device as recited in claim 35, wherein the credit card conforms to ISO 7810.

69. A method comprising:

detecting a predefined physical change;

activating a transducer to produce, in response to the detected physical change, at least one output signal promoting the use of a credit card; and

deactivating the transducer after a predetermined amount of time.

70. A method as recited in claim 69, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient light.

71. A method as recited in claim 70, wherein the change in ambient light is detected with a solar cell.

72. A method as recited in claim 69, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient pressure.

73. A method as recited in claim 72, wherein the change in ambient pressure is detected with a pressure sensor.

74. A method as recited in claim 69, wherein the predefined physical change is a change in ambient noise which is detected with a microphone.

75. A method as recited in claim 69, wherein the transducer is activated by an activating circuit.

76. A method as recited in claim 75, wherein the activating circuit comprises a processor.

77. A method as recited in claim 76, wherein the processor randomly selects the at least one output signal to be produced by the transducer.

78. A method as recited in claim 76, wherein the transducer comprises a liquid-crystal display and the at least one output signal comprises at least one message.

79. A method as recited in claim 76, wherein the transducer comprises a liquid-crystal display and the at least one output signal comprises at least one lottery number.

80. A method as recited in claim 76, wherein the transducer comprises a speaker and the at least one output signal comprises at least one phrase.

81. A method as recited in claim 75, wherein the activating circuit comprises a logic circuit.

82. A method as recited in claim 75, further comprising energizing the activating circuit with a power source.

83. A method as recited in claim 82, wherein the power source provides power throughout the useful life of the credit card.

84. A method as recited in claim 82, wherein the power source is selected from the group consisting of a solar cell, an inductive power system, a radioactive cell, and a thin film lithium battery.

85. A method as recited in claim 82, further comprising controlling output of the power source with a controller.

86. A method as recited in claim 85, wherein the controller comprises a processor.

87. A method as recited in claim 85, wherein the controller comprises a logic circuit.

88. A method as recited in claim 75, further comprising resetting the activating circuit so it can be reactivated.

89. A method as recited in claim 88, wherein the activating circuit is reset after the predefined physical change is no longer detected.

90. A method as recited in claim 69, wherein the transducer comprises a light-emitting diode.

91. A method as recited in claim 90, wherein the light-emitting diode is activated intermittently.

92. A method as recited in claim 90, wherein the light-emitting diode is activated according to a predetermined pattern.

93. A method as recited in claim 90, wherein light emitted from the light-emitting diode is transmitted through the credit card by a fiber optic channel.

94. A method as recited in claim 69, wherein the transducer comprises a liquid-crystal display.

95. A method as recited in claim 94, further comprising activating a second transducer and switching between the two transducers.

96. A method as recited in claim 94, wherein the liquid-crystal display is activated to produce particular messages based on a time.

97. A method as recited in claim 94, wherein the liquid-crystal display is activated to produce output signals that simulate motion of displayed images.

98. A method as recited in claim 69, wherein the transducer comprises a component for emitting an audible signal.

99. A method as recited in 98, wherein the component for emitting an audible signal comprises a piezoelectric vibrator.

100. A method of using a credit card, wherein the credit card includes a device to promote the selection of the credit card, the method comprising:

subjecting the credit card to a detectable physical change;

observing the credit card'"'"'s response to the detectable physical change; and

retrieving the credit card for use after observing its response.

101. A method as recited in claim 100, wherein the detectable physical change is a change in ambient light.

102. A method as recited in claim 101, wherein the change in ambient light is detected with a solar cell.

103. A method as recited in claim 100, wherein the detectable physical change is a change in ambient pressure.

104. A method as recited in claim 103, wherein the change in ambient pressure is detected with a pressure sensor.

105. A method as recited in claim 100, wherein the detectable physical change is a change in ambient noise.

106. A method as recited in claim 105, wherein the change in ambient noise is detected with a microphone.

107. A method as recited in claim 100, wherein the credit card'"'"'s response is observable through a transducer.

108. A method as recited in claim 107, wherein the transducer is driven by a processor.

109. A method as recited in claim 107, wherein the transducer is driven by a logic circuit.

110. A method as recited in claim 108, wherein the processor is energized with a power source.

111. A method as recited in claim 110, wherein the power source provides power throughout the useful life of the credit card.

112. A method as recited in claim 111, wherein output of the power source is controlled by a controller.

113. A method as recited in claim 107, wherein the transducer comprises a liquid-crystal display.

114. A method as recited in claim 107, wherein the transducer comprises a speaker.

115. A method as recited in claim 107, wherein the transducer comprises a light-emitting diode.

116. A method as recited in claim 115, wherein the light-emitting diode is activated intermittently.

117. A method as recited in claim 115, wherein the light-emitting diode is activated according to a predetermined pattern.

118. A method as recited in claim 115, wherein light emitted from the light-emitting diode is transmitted through the credit card by a fiber optic channel.

119. A credit card including a device comprising:

a light emitting diode mounted to a top portion of the credit card;

a solar cell mounted to the top portion of the credit card, the solar cell adapted and configured to energize the light emitting diode to blink for several seconds to promote the use of the credit card when subjected to a predetermined amount of ambient light, and further adapted and configured to reset itself after the several seconds have passed.

120. A credit card including a device comprising:

a solar cell mounted to a top portion of the credit card for detecting light;

a memory having a plurality of messages stored thereon;

a processor adapted and configured to generate a random number when the solar cell detects light to promote the use of the credit card, the random number used to select at least one of the plurality of messages from the memory; and

a liquid crystal display mounted to the top portion of the credit card and adapted and configured to receive and display the at least one selected message for several seconds thereon.