WO2018017624A2 - An apparatus, system and method of processing credit card transactions on a mobile device using a unique subscriber identification - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a card body memory disposed in a first portion of the card body, wherein the first portion comprises a first set of contacts for accessing the memory by a computer; a subscriber identification module disposed in a second portion of the card body, wherein the second portion comprises a second set of contacts for accessing the subscriber identification module by a computer, wherein the first set of contacts comprise sliding contacts; and wherein the second set of contacts comprise pressure pin receiving-type contacts. The computer may comprise a mobile communication device, such as a smartphone. The apparatus may further comprise a payment identification module, which may be used to conduct, authorize, and/or provide credentials for payments via a near field communication radio of a mobile device. This disclosure also relates to systems and methods for using said apparatus to authorize payments made using a mobile communications device.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

An Apparatus, System And Method Of Payment Processing of Credit Card Transactions On a Mobile Device Using A Unique Subscriber Identification.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This patent application is a non-provisional patent application and claims priority to

United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/363,548 titled "An Apparatus, System And Method Of Processing Credit Card Transactions On a Mobile Device," filed July 18, 2016, United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/451,519, titled "An Apparatus, System, And Method Of Payment Processing Of Credit Card Transactions on A Mobile Device," filed January 27, 2017, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to electronics systems, and more specifically to a an apparatus, i.e. a combined secure storage, a subscriber identification module and a credit card information module into a micro-device, that is used for processing credit-card payment transactions on a mobile device that allows the user flexibility and control as to how the payment is processed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shopping for products can be a tedious task, especially when faced with so many choices, and the inconveniences of having to deal with reading labels, keeping track of what you've read and liked, et cetera. As our lives get busier and busier, we have less and less time to perform simple chores such as grocery shopping. Thus more and more, convenience shopping is more than just a desirable choice for the masses but a necessity. Accordingly, the various embodiments and disclosures described herein satisfies these long felt needs and solves the limitations of the prior art in a new and novel manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by a system and method comprising of at least one network enabled communication device, e.g. a mobile device that includes a chip set capable of being configured as a combined storage device, subscriber identification module and a credit card information module, whereby the credit card verifying information that generally exists on a credit card is now located on the singular combined chipset. In this manner, when the user travels the user may be readily identified by use of biometric identifier (e.g. fingerprint and/or facial recognition) on his/her mobile phone. As such the bank issuing the credit card can readily identify the card holder, since their biometric sample is verified against the stored biometric identifier.

With the use of Near-field communication (NFC) protocols, when a card holder is ready to engage in a credit card transaction, card holder's identity is first verified with a mobile device via a biometric identifier. If the biometric identifier matches, by placing the mobile device near the point of sale terminal, the mobile device communicates with the point of sale terminal and the credit card information is read from the credit card information module of the combination chipset and prints an initial receipt with a barcode.

Credit card holder may use his/her mobile phone to capture an image of the encoded barcode, for which there is a corresponding encoded frame that is retrieved and displayed on the mobile phone's displaying element. Additionally, the frame includes embedded hyperlinks and/or icons relating to a corresponding control command wherein upon capturing the image of the barcode, the embedded icons are activates the embedded icons such that they become visible and as displayed are enabled for engagement used to further control payment processing, e.g. applying a coupon, make payment, apply promotion, review promotion for item(s).

In some embodiments, card holder may register for enrollment in this system and method. As such, card-holder may select merchant from list of participating merchants who subscribe to this system and method. Thus when card-holder is ready to shop, card-holder may scan the barcode of a desired product, where the barcode is sent to a transaction server and routed to selected merchant's inventory system. If the scanned product is currently available, a card-holder can add product to the merchant's virtual shopping cart. At checkout, card-holder can select to have the product(s) delivered or set aside for in-store pickup. Based on the receiving method selected during checkout, an invoice will be generated and attached to the product's packaging container if delivery is selected. The user completes the transaction by scanning the invoice's barcode once product is received at home or an invoice will be generated and held by merchant at store location along with the product(s). The user completes the transaction by scanning the invoice's barcode in store and takes product.

In some embodiments, the following is provided:

• an apparatus comprising:

o a card body;

o memory disposed in a first portion of the card body, wherein the first portion comprises a first set of contacts for accessing the memory by a computer; and o a subscriber identification module disposed in a second portion of the card body, wherein the second portion comprises a second set of contacts for accessing the subscriber identification module by a computer. In some embodiments, the computer may comprise a mobile communication device or a point of service payment terminal.

In some embodiments, the mobile communication device or the point of service payment terminal may comprise a smartphone.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a payment identification module.

In some embodiments, the payment identification module may be disposed in one of the first portion or the second portion.

In some embodiments, the payment identification module may be disposed in one of the subscriber identification module or in the memory.

In some embodiments, the payment identification module may be comprised in the memory or the subscriber identification module.

In some embodiments, the subscriber identification module may comprise a mobile communications subscriber identification module.

In some embodiments, a mobile communications device may comprise the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the mobile communications device may comprise a near field communications radio.

In some embodiments, the mobile communications device may comprise a biometric reader.

In some embodiments, the mobile communications device may comprise computer executable instructions (which may be stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium readable by a processor of the mobile device) executable by a processor of the mobile device and configured to: o authorize or provide credentials for a payment via a near field communications radio of the mobile communications device; and

o use a payment identification module of the apparatus to authorize or provide credentials for the payment via the near field communications radio.

In some embodiments, the computer executable instructions may be configured to use a biometric reader of the mobile communications device to collect a biometric identifier of a user, and then use the biometric identifier, or information related to the biometric identifier, to authorize or provide credentials for the payment via the near field communications device.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for using the apparatus to authorize, provide, or receive credentials for a payment via a near field communications radio of a mobile communications device, and use a payment identification module of the apparatus to authorize, provide or receive credentials for the payment via the near field communications radio.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise using a payment terminal to communicate with the apparatus via the mobile communications device, and to receive an authorization or credentials for a payment made via the near field communications radio. In some embodiments, the method may comprise receiving a biometric identifier, or information related to a biometric identifier, via the near field communications radio, wherein the biometric identifier was collected from a user via a biometric reader of the mobile communications device.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise authorizing, or processing a request for authorization, of a payment if the biometric identifier, or the information related to the biometric identifier, matches a previously authenticated or registered biometric identifier or information related to the biometric identifier.

• In some embodiments, the method may comprise authorizing, or processing a request for authorization, of a payment if the biometric identifier, or the information related to the biometric identifier, matches a previously authenticated or registered biometric identifier or information related to the biometric identifier, and payer identification information received from a payment identification module of the apparatus matches a previously authenticated or registered payer identification information.

• In some embodiments, the card body may be removably disposed in the computer, and the computer may comprise a mobile communications device.

• In some embodiments, the subscriber identification module may be usable by a smartphone to gain access to a wireless communications network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-4 show a system and method of the combined Subscriber Identification Module and Credit Card module in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows the system and method in use according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows the system of the invention in use according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows the system of the invention in use according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a block diagram depicting an article in accordance with the various embodiments. FIG. 12 shows a method in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-4 show an apparatus 100, systems and method 200 - 400 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, including a system and method of the combined Subscriber Identification Module and Credit Card module in accordance with one embodiment. The credit card module may be the same as, or comprise, the payment module referred to throughout the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows an apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. The apparatus may comprise a combination subscriber identification card ("SFM") and a micro credit-card. The combination card may be inserted or housed within a mobile communications device. The subscriber identification module portion of the card may be used by the mobile device to access a wireless communications network, such as a cellular network. The payment (or "credit card") module or portion of the card may be used to authorize payments made via an NFC radio or module of the mobile device, and may allow the mobile device to serve as a secure payment device (i.e. a virtual credit card within the mobile device). The payment may be a credit card- type payment, a debit card type payment, a gift card-type payment, and the like. The payment module may be also used to authorize payments made for internet purchases, wherein said purchases are made by the mobile device or via another device, such as a PC, smart speaker, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows and describes existing payment cards (on the left side) (e.g. an "EMV" or Europay, MasterCard, and Visa global standard car technology), existing smart cards (center), and the subject combination SFM and payment card (right). It is hereby expressly reserved that the disclosures set forth in the drawings may be incorporated into this specification via an amendment, either as textually verbatim from text appearing in the drawings, or as a textual description of what is otherwise represented, implicit, or inherent in the drawings. Further, it is hereby expressly reserved that each of the drawings may be divided into sub-drawings or separate drawings by way of an amendment, such as for example, by dividing FIG. 2 into three separate drawings (e.g. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) showing the subject matter denoted above as being positioned left, center and right in FIG. 2 as filed. And, the specification may be amended to reflect these changes.

FIG. 3 shows a system 300 comprising a point of sale ("POS") terminal or device, which may be wired or wireless, and which is used to process payments. Traditionally, EMV cards communicate with a POS terminal to complete secure transactions. The communications may be provided via physical contacts on the card/POS terminal, or a magnetic stripe on the card and a corresponding reader on the POS terminal. These types of card are subject to fraud and theft since thieves can use skimmers to clandestinely read the cards via these mechanisms (e.g. a dummy card reader or credit card skimmers). Use of credit card skimmers by credit card thieves is well known, and a common problem. One aspect of the invention solves this problem, since the payments are made using NFC technology and authorized via the secure combination payment/SEVI card in an NFC-enabled mobile device. The combination payment/SEVI card adds an extra layer of security over existing EMV payment cards, and even any other NFC-based payment methods that may exist.

FIG. 4 shows a system 400 comprising a mobile device fitted or featuring the combination payment/SEVI card (not shown) communicating with a POS terminal via NFC. Specifically the combination payment/SEVI card communicates with the POS terminal via the mobile device and the NFC link between the mobile device and the POS terminal. Accordingly, the POS terminal is able to read the combination payment/SEVI card via the NFC connection enabled by the mobile device, and is able to use the combination payment/SEVI card to authorize payments.

FIGS. 5 & 6 show the system 500 and method 600 in use according to one embodiment. Once the user has completed his/her shopping the point of sale terminal 102, the point of sale terminal generates and displays an invoice 104 which includes a barcode 106, which may be digital or a printed copy. User may be prompted to scan the invoice generated by merchant (step 602) using his/her mobile device 108 to capture an image of the invoice's barcode 106, which activates the embedded icons 110 that now become visibly and may be engaged to control further processing of the invoice 104. The visible icons 110 may be engaged for the user to pay now (step 604). If the card holder declines to pay now, method 600 ends (step 614) and no further processing takes place. If however, the user would like to pay now, the method 600 proceeds to authenticate the card holder's account (step 606). A predetermined number of attempts to authenticate the card holder may be programmed such that if the card holder's identity is not authenticated, user may be prompted to try again (step 608), in which case method proceeds to step 604-606 until either the card holder is authenticated or he/she has reached the limit on attempts.

Nonetheless, if the card-holder's identify is verified, method 600 proceeds to verify if the transaction is authorized (step 610), e.g. is there sufficient credit available for the purchase transaction. As such, the program verifies the available credit based on the credit card module 110 resident on the mobile phone 106 and if so payment is authorized (step 612), and if not method 600 is abbreviated (step 614). FIG. 7 shows method 700 of the processing of the transaction by the according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows the system of the invention in use according to one embodiment. As soon as the mobile device's image capturing means, e.g. a camera of the like and kind that are well known and used in the arts for mobile phones 108, scans the barcode, it causes the embedded icons and/or hyperlinks to be activated for interactive display. The activated at least one or more icons may pulsate, blink or the icons 110 may be displayed in a color contrast or animated format to alert the user of the option to interact with the coded icons by exploring one or more of the interactive control commands associated with the corresponding icon as to how to control and/or continue processing the payment. In some embodiments, the control commands are fully displayed, e.g. "PAY NOW" or "GET COUPON," "DISPLAY PROMO CODE," etc. It is understood that the clickable icon 110 may be in any particular geometric shape or other configuration as it is representative of a control command.

In some embodiments, after the barcode is scanned, one or a plurality of interactive icons 110 and therefore the corresponding control commands are active for retrieving multimedia content that may be controlled by overlaying the scanned invoice and/or barcode with at least one activated icon 110, i.e. dragging the icon 110 to a designated area which causes the control command to be executed.

FIGs. 9 and 10 show the system 900 and method 1000 of the invention in use according to one embodiment. Card holder may register for enrollment in this system and method. Once registered, card-holder may select merchant from list of participating merchants who subscribe to this system and method for shopping. Thus when card-holder is ready to shop, card-holder may scan the barcode of a desired product, where the barcode is sent to a transaction server and routed to selected merchant's inventory system. If the scanned product is currently available, a card-holder can add product to the merchant's virtual shopping cart. At checkout, card-holder can select to have the product(s) delivered or set aside for in-store pickup. Based on the receiving method selected during checkout, an invoice will be generated and attached to the product's packaging container if delivery is selected. The user completes the transaction by scanning the invoice's barcode once product is received at home or an invoice will be generated and held by merchant at store location along with the product(s). The user completes the transaction by scanning the invoice's barcode in store and takes product.

FIG. 12 shows a method 1200 comprising a point of sale process, such as a process for authorizing a payment, purchase, or other type of transaction, using any of the various systems, apparatuses, or methods, or combinations thereof, disclosed herein, including, without limitation, a combination SIM/payment card.

It should be understood that the principles described in this disclosure may be applied to not only "payments," but all other types of financial and/or non-financial card-based or NFC- based transactions, such as purchases, sales, leases, card-based identification, card-based access, and the like.

Hardware and Operating Environment

This section provides an overview of example hardware and the operating environments in conjunction with which embodiments of the inventive subject matter can be implemented. A software program may be launched from a computer readable medium in a computer-based system to execute the functions defined in the software program. Various programming languages may be employed to create software programs designed to implement the systems disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in an object-orientated format using an object- oriented language such as Java or C++. Alternatively the programs may be structured in a procedure-oriented format using a procedural language, such as assembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number of mechanisms, such as application program interfaces, or inter-process communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or environment. Thus, other embodiments may be realized, as discussed regarding FIG. 11 below.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram representing an apparatus 1100 according to various embodiments. Such embodiments may comprise a computer, a memory system, a magnetic or optical disk, some other storage device, or any type of electronic device or system. The apparatus 1100 may include one or more processor(s) 1104 coupled to a machine-accessible medium such as a memory 1102 (e.g., a memory including electrical, optical, or electromagnetic elements). The medium may contain associated information 1106 (e.g., computer program instructions, data, or both), which, when accessed, results in a machine (e.g., the processor(s) 1104) performing the activities previously described herein.

The principles of the present disclosure may be applied to all types of computers, systems, and the like, include desktop computers, servers, notebook computers, personal digital assistants, microcomputers, and the like. However, the present disclosure may not be limited to the personal computer.

While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

To the extent any amendments, characterizations, or other assertions previously made (in this or in any related patent applications or patents, including any parent, sibling, or child) with respect to any art, prior or otherwise, could be construed as a disclaimer of any subject matter supported by the present disclosure of this application, Applicant hereby rescinds and retracts such disclaimer. Applicant also respectfully submits that any prior art previously considered in any related patent applications or patents, including any parent, sibling, or child, may need to be re-visited.

As it applies to the entire disclosure, it is hereby expressly reserved that the disclosures set forth in the drawings may be incorporated into this specification via one or more amendment, either as textually verbatim from text appearing in the drawings, or as a textual description of what is otherwise represented, implicit, or inherent in the drawings. Further, it is hereby expressly reserved that each of the drawings may be divided into sub-drawings or separate drawings by way of an amendment, such as for example, by dividing FIG. 2 into three separate drawings (e.g. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C) showing the subject matter denoted above as being positioned left, center and right in FIG. 2 as filed. And, the specification may be amended to reflect these changes.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a card body;

memory disposed in a first portion of the card body, wherein the first portion comprises a first set of contacts for accessing the memory by a computer; and a subscriber identification module disposed in a second portion of the card body, wherein the second portion comprises a second set of contacts for accessing the subscriber identification module by a computer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer comprises a mobile communication device or a point of service payment terminal.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the mobile communication device or the point of service payment terminal comprises a smartphone.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a payment identification module.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the payment identification module is disposed in one of the first portion or the second portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the payment identification module is disposed in one of the subscriber identification module or in the memory.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the payment identification module is comprised in the memory or the subscriber identification module.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the subscriber identification module comprises a mobile communications subscriber identification module.

9. A mobile communications device comprising the apparatus of claim 1.

10. The mobile communications device of claim 9, further comprising a near field communications radio.

11. The mobile communications device of claim 9, further comprising a biometric reader.

12. The mobile communications device of claim 9, further comprising computer executable instructions executable by a processor of the mobile device and configured to:

authorize or provide credentials for a payment via a near field communications radio of the mobile communications device; and

use a payment identification module of the apparatus to authorize or provide credentials for the payment via the near field communications radio.

13. The mobile communications device of claim 12, wherein the computer executable instructions are further configured to use a biometric reader of the mobile communications device to collect a biometric identifier of a user, and then use the biometric identifier, or information related to the biometric identifier, to authorize or provide credentials for the payment via the near field communications device.

14. A method comprising using the apparatus of claim 1 to authorize, provide, or receive credentials for a payment via a near field communications radio of a mobile communications device; and use a payment identification module of the apparatus to authorize, provide or receive credentials for the payment via the near field communications radio.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising using a payment terminal to communicate with the apparatus via the mobile communications device, and to receive an authorization or credentials for a payment made via the near field communications radio.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving a biometric identifier, or information related to a biometric identifier, via the near field communications radio, wherein the biometric identifier was collected from a user via a biometric reader of the mobile communications device.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising authorizing, or processing a request for authorization, of a payment if the biometric identifier, or the information related to the biometric identifier, matches a previously authenticated or registered biometric identifier or information related to the biometric identifier.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising authorizing, or processing a request for authorization, of a payment if the biometric identifier, or the information related to the biometric identifier, matches a previously authenticated or registered biometric identifier or information related to the biometric identifier, and payer identification information received from a payment identification module of the apparatus matches a previously authenticated or registered payer identification information.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the card body is removably disposed in the computer, and the computer comprises a mobile communications device.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the subscriber identification module is usable by a smartphone to gain access to a wireless communications network.