PAYMENT CARDS, DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING GAME ACTIONS WITH PAYMENT DATA

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to magnetic cards and devices and associated payment systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods are provided for allowing a user to determine a game action for a game on a payment card or device and passing this game action through a payment card reader to a remote server, such as a remote server managing that game. Accordingly, a user may interact with, and progress through, a game by making a payment, such as an in-store payment. For online or phone purchases, a display on the card, or other device, may display a code, associated with a selected game action, that may be entered into the online purchase environment (e.g., via a text box for receiving three or four digit security code for a payment card) or spoken verbally over the phone to an operator. The payment actions may be determined, for example, via a user interaction with the card. Particularly, for example, a user may press a button on the card, or other device (e.g. a mobile telephonic device), from a group of buttons, that is associated with the game action. Such game actions may be unique from the game actions provided to the user via gameplay on the user's home gaming console, mobile telephonic device, or computing device such as a tablet computer, laptop computer, or stationary computer. Accordingly, a user may obtain the benefit of the whimsical and festive nature of a unique game action every time the user makes a payment that the user, for example, cannot otherwise obtain by playing the game. The game action may be provided, for example, via an output device operable to be read by a card reader. For example, the game action may be provided on a card, or other device (e.g., mobile telephonic device), by a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device, an RFID antenna, an exposed IC chip, or any other type of device for communicating with a card, or other device, reader. For online purchases, for example, a display may be provided on the card and a user selection may cause a particular number (e.g., a particular code) to be displayed on the card. Such a code may be entered into a text box on a website at checkout and may be representative of the user's desired game action. Accordingly, the game action may be communicated to a game server such that the game action may be performed in the game on behalf of the user. The code may additionally provide the benefits of a security code and may be entered with a payment card number (e.g., a credit or debit card number) at online or in-store checkout.

Game currency, for example, may be awarded based on the amount of a purchase. A set amount of game currency may be awarded at every purchase. A user may select, via, for example, buttons on the card the type of game currency the user desires. Buttons may be touch buttons (e.g., capacitive touch buttons) or mechanical buttons. Multiple games from a game manufacturer, for example, may be provided with separate virtual game currency for each game and the user may select the particular virtual game currency for a particular game the user desires to earn by making a purchase. A game may be provided with multiple types of virtual game currency and the user may select a particular virtual currency for that game.

A card may include a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device. Such a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may take the form of a magnetic encoder or a magnetic emulator. A magnetic encoder may change the information located on a magnetic medium such that a magnetic stripe reader may read changed magnetic information from the magnetic medium. A magnetic emulator may generate electromagnetic fields that directly communicate data to a magnetic stripe reader. Such a magnetic emulator may communicate data serially to a read-head of the magnetic stripe reader.

All, or substantially all, of the front as well as the back of a card may be a display (e.g., bi-stable, non bi-stable, LCD, LED, or electrochromic display). Electrodes of a display may be coupled to one or more capacitive touch sensors such that a display may be provided as a touch-screen display. Any type of touch-screen display may be utilized. Such touch-screen displays may be operable of determining multiple points of touch. Accordingly, a barcode may be displayed across all, or substantially all, of a surface of a card. In doing so, computer vision equipment such as barcode readers may be less susceptible to errors in reading a displayed barcode.

A card, or other device (e.g., a mobile telephonic or computing device), may include a number of output devices to output dynamic information. For example, a card may include one or more RFIDs or IC chips to communicate to one or more RFID readers or IC chip readers, respectively. A card may include devices to receive information. For example, an RFID and IC chip may both receive information and communicate information to an RFID and IC chip reader, respectively. A device for receiving wireless information signals may be provided. A light sensing device or sound sensing device may be utilized to receive information wirelessly. A card may include a central processor that communicates data through one or more output devices simultaneously (e.g., an RFID, IC chip, and a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device). The central processor may receive information from one or more input devices simultaneously (e.g., an RFID, IC chip, dynamic magnetic stripe devices, light sensing device, and a sound sensing device). A processor may be coupled to surface contacts such that the processor may perform the processing capabilities of, for example, an EMV chip. The processor may be laminated over and not exposed such that such a processor is not exposed on the surface of the card.

A card may be provided with a button in which the activation of the button causes a code to be communicated through a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device (e.g., the subsequent time a read-head detector on the card detects a read-head). The code may be indicative of, for example, a feature (e.g., a payment feature). The code may be received by the card via manual input (e.g., onto buttons of the card) or via a wireless transmission (e.g., via light, electromagnetic communications, sound, or other wireless signals). A code may be communicated from a webpage (e.g., via light and/or sound) to a card. A card may include a display such that a received code may be visually displayed to a user. In doing so, the user may be provided with a way to select, and use, the code via both an in-store setting (e.g., via a magnetic stripe reader) or an online setting (e.g., by reading the code from a display and entering the code into a text box on a checkout page of an online purchase transaction). A remote server, such as a payment authorization server, may receive the code and may process a payment differently based on the code received. For example, a code may be a security code to authorize a purchase transaction. A code may provide a payment feature such that a purchase may be made with points, debit, credit, installment payments, or deferred payments via a single payment account number (e.g., a credit card number) to identify a user and a payment feature code to select the type of payment a user desires to utilize.

A dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may include a magnetic emulator that comprises an inductor (e.g., a coil). Current may be provided through this coil to create an electromagnetic field operable to communicate with the read-head of a magnetic stripe reader. The drive circuit may fluctuate the amount of current travelling through the coil such that a track of magnetic stripe data may be communicated to a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader. A switch (e.g., a transistor) may be provided to enable or disable the flow of current according to, for example, a frequency/double-frequency (F2F) encoding algorithm. In doing so, bits of data may be communicated.

Electronics may be embedded between two layers of a polymer (e.g., a PVC or non-PVC polymer). One or more liquid polymers may be provided between these two layers. The liquid polymer(s) may, for example, be hardened via a reaction between the polymers (or other material), temperature, or via light (e.g., an ultraviolet or blue spectrum light) such that the electronics become embedded between the two layers of the polymer and a card is formed.

A payment card may receive information indicative of a game feature desired to be implemented by a user. The payment card may communicate information indicative of the game feature with payment card data associated with the card or a user selection. The payment data and game information may be routed, for example, to an authorization server. The authorization server may authorize payment and, based on the authorized payment, communicate the game information to a game server. The game server may utilize this game information to impact a game. The game information may, for example, be routed before the payment card data reaches an authorization server. At merchant settlement, charge backs for a purchase associated with a game action may cause the game action to be reversed or a different game action to be implemented (e.g., a game action that negatively affects the game for the user). The game action may be implemented at settlement upon confirmation that, for example, no chargeback was associated with the payment transaction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The principles and advantages of the present invention can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same structural elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of cards constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a card constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a graphical user interface constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a graphical user interface constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows card 100 that may include, for example, a dynamic number that may be entirely, or partially, displayed via display 112. A dynamic number may include a permanent portion such as, for example, permanent portion 111. Permanent portion 111 may be printed as well as embossed or laser etched on card 100. Multiple displays may be provided on a card. For example, display 113 may be utilized to display a dynamic code such as a dynamic security code. Display 125 may also be provided to display logos, barcodes, as well as multiple lines of information. A display may be a bi-stable display or non bi-stable display. Permanent information 120 may also be included and may include information such as information specific to a user (e.g., a user's name or username) or information specific to a card (e.g., a card issue date and/or a card expiration date). Card 100 may include one or more buttons such as buttons 130-134. Such buttons may be mechanical buttons, capacitive buttons, or a combination or mechanical and capacitive buttons. Card 100 may include button 199. Button 199 may be used, for example, to communicate information through dynamic magnetic stripe communications device 101 indicative of a user's desire to communicate a single track of magnetic stripe information. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that pressing a button (e.g., button 199) may cause information to be communicated through device 101 when an associated read-head detector detects the presence of a read-head of a magnetic stripe reader. Button 198 may be utilized to communicate (e.g., after button 198 is pressed and after a read-head detects a read-head of a reader) information indicative of a user selection (e.g., to communicate two tracks of magnetic stripe data). Multiple buttons may be provided on a card and each button may be associated with a different user selection. Light sensor 127 may be provided, for example, to receive information from a display (e.g., a display of a mobile telephonic device or a laptop computer). Display 125 may allow a user to select (e.g., via buttons) options on the display that instruct the card to communicate (e.g., via a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device, RFID, or exposed IC chip) to use a debit account, credit account, pre-paid account, or point account for a payment transaction. Button 198 and button 199 may each be associated with, for example, a different game action and/or a different virtual game currency. For example, suppose a game is an online multiplayer farming game that is integrated in a social networking website. One action may be, for example, to harvest crops. Another action may be, for example, to harvest animals. Yet another action may be, for example, to feed pets. Such a game may be, for example, a game played on a gaming device and/or a game played online. In such a game, for example, no universal harvesting or feeding feature may be provided in the underlying game except for those harvesting features selectable with purchases. Thus, for example, the underlying console or online game may only have options for individual plant or individual animal harvesting. Accordingly, a user may conserve time by performing such large-scale game actions as a benefit to making a payment with a particular brand of card. In doing so, for example, a user may obtain a unique game action by making a purchase that the user cannot obtain in the underlying game played online or on a gaming device. Additionally, for example, game actions may be performed for free with a payment transaction that may otherwise be performed at a cost if performed in the game. In doing so, for example, a user may obtain a game action at a different cost if the user selects the game action to be performed with a purchase transaction than if the user performs the game action outside of a purchase transaction (e.g., while playing the game online and/or on a gaming device). For example, a user may be provided with a button to obtain a virtual object (e.g., a mystery virtual object that is randomly selected) with the purchase. The value of the virtual object may correspond, for example, to a fixed amount or an amount dependent on the purchase amount. Such virtual goods may carry a cost in the game such that the benefit for using a card with such a feature may be to obtain a virtual good for a game at a different, or no, cost.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a physical payment card may be provided as a virtual payment card on a display of any device, such as a mobile telephonic device or personal computing device. A button on a physical payment card may be a button on any device, such as a mobile telephonic device or personal computing device. Accordingly, for example, a device (e.g., a cell phone) may receive manual input from a manual user interface (e.g., a virtual button on a capacitive touch screen) and communicate information indicative of the selection (e.g., a selection of a game action) to another device (e.g., a payment terminal such as a card reader) via a communications device (e.g., an RF-based communications device).

Architecture 150 may be utilized with any card. Architecture 150 may include processor 120. Processor 120 may have on-board memory for storing information (e.g., game actions). Any number of components may communicate to processor 120 and/or receive communications from processor 120. For example, one or more displays (e.g., display 140) may be coupled to processor 120. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that components may be placed between particular components and processor 120. For example, a display driver circuit may be coupled between display 140 and processor 120. Memory 142 may be coupled to processor 120. Memory 142 may include data that is unique to a particular card. For example, memory 142 may store discretionary data codes associated with buttons of a card (e.g., card 100 of FIG. 1). Such codes may be recognized by remote servers to effect particular actions. For example, a code may be stored in memory 142 that causes a game action to be performed by a remote server (e.g., a remote server coupled to a game such as an online game). Each game feature may be associated with a button. Or, for example, a user may scroll through a list of promotions on a display on the front of the card (e.g., using buttons to scroll through the list). A user may select the type of payment on card 100 via manual input interfaces corresponding to displayed options on display 125. Selected information may be communicated to a magnetic stripe reader via a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device. Selected information may also be communicated to a device (e.g., a mobile telephonic device) having a capacitive sensor or other type of touch sensitive sensor.

Card 100 may include, for example, any number of light sensors 127. Light sensors 127 may be utilized such that a display screen, or other light emitting device, may communicate information to light sensors 127 via light.

Any number of reader communication devices may be included in architecture 150. For example, IC chip 152 may be included to communicate information to an IC chip reader. IC chip 152 may be, for example, an EMV chip. As per another example, RFID 151 may be included to communicate information to an RFID reader. A magnetic stripe communications device may also be included to communicate information to a magnetic stripe reader. Such a magnetic stripe communications device may provide electromagnetic signals to a magnetic stripe reader. Different electromagnetic signals may be communicated to a magnetic stripe reader to provide different tracks of data. For example, electromagnetic field generators 170, 180, and 185 may be included to communicate separate tracks of information to a magnetic stripe reader. Such electromagnetic field generators may include a coil wrapped around one or more materials (e.g., a soft-magnetic material and a non-magnetic material). Each electromagnetic field generator may communicate information serially to a receiver of a magnetic stripe reader for a particular magnetic stripe track. Read-head detectors 171 and 172 may be utilized to sense the presence of a magnetic stripe reader (e.g., a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader). This sensed information may be communicated to processor 120 to cause processor 120 to communicate information serially from electromagnetic generators 170, 180, and 185 to magnetic stripe track receivers in a read-head housing of a magnetic stripe reader. Accordingly, a magnetic stripe communications device may change the information communicated to a magnetic stripe reader at any time. Processor 120 may, for example, communicate user-specific and card-specific information through RFID 151, IC chip 152, and electromagnetic generators 170, 180, and 185 to card readers coupled to remote information processing servers (e.g., purchase authorization servers). Driving circuitry 141 may be utilized by processor 120, for example, to control electromagnetic generators 170, 180, and 185.

Architecture 150 may also include, for example, light sensor 143. Architecture 150 may receive information from light sensor 143. Processor 120 may determine information received by light sensor 143.

FIG. 2 shows card 200 that may include, for example, display 230 and interface 210. Interface 210 may include, for example, displays 215, 216, and 217 as well as buttons 211, 212, and 213. Display 215 may be associated with button 211. Display 216 may be associated with button 212. Display 217 may be associated with button 213. Display 230 may be utilized to display, for example, all or a portion of one or more payment card numbers such as a credit card number, debit card number, gift card number, pre-paid card number, loyalty card number, and/or any other card number. A card may be issued with a pre-determined set of actions associated with buttons 211-213. Such actions may correspond to game actions that control a portion of a video game. A user may, at the time of applying for a payment card, select a particular card for a particular game and also select the particular game actions for that card. Information associated with the game action for a button may be displayed on a display in the proximity of that button. Information associated with the game action for a button may also be permanently provided on the card in the proximity of a button. Such permanent indicia may take the form of printed indicia, embossed indicia, and/or engraved indicia. A user may change the game actions for particular buttons online (e.g., via a website associated with a card issuer or a game provider). Such a change may be implemented, for example, on backend systems. Accordingly, for example, a remote server may change the way it uses different messages received from the card. In doing so, a user may change game actions without having to change the operation of a card. Such a change may be implemented, for example, on the card. For example, a card may receive information wirelessly (e.g., via light and/or sound) indicative of a desire to change the game actions for a particular button. Accordingly, the card may reconfigure the uses of each button, display different information, and communicate different information when a particular button is selected. Such re-configuration instructions may be communicated manually to a card (e.g., via a code manually entered into buttons on the card). For example, each button of card 200 may be associated with a game action for a different game from a game provider. A user may change game preferences and, as a result, may want to add, remove, or modify a game action. In reconfiguring the card or the backend, the user may, for example, add a game action for a game that was released after card 200 was issued to the user.

Game actions may take many forms. For example, an online farming video game may provide in-game actions. The same, or different actions, may be performed via a server receiving an instruction provided by a card to a card reader during a payment transaction. Particularly, information corresponding to a particular game action may be communicated by a card to a card reader. This information may be provided to a gaming server such that the game action may be implemented. Such a game action may be, for example, to harvest all crops, plow all fields, or plant the crops with a pre-determined, unique, or randomly chosen seed.

FIG. 3 shows card 300. Card 300 may include buttons 311-315, display 350, data receiving device 370, permanent information 320, and dynamic magnetic stripe communications device 310. Display 350 may include a graphical user interface such as interface 399. In graphical user interface 399, three options are provided. A user may select an option before selecting a button that corresponds to that option. Each option may be the ability for a user to earn a different virtual currency as a reward for making a purchase. The amount of virtual currency earned may be, for example, a pre-determined amount or an amount based on a formula that includes, for example, the purchase amount. A user may change the virtual currency selections on a card at any time, for example, by entering a code or receiving information from device 370 (e.g., via light from an internet browser). Accordingly, as the habit of a gamer changes, the gamer may, for example, change his/her currency reward options for a card. The virtual currency reward options may be associated with the same game and/or different games.

FIG. 4 shows card 400 that may include signature line 410 and display 420. A code may be provided on display 420 indicative of a particular game action. The code may be entered in a security code. For example, a user may press a button associated with getting a virtual item with his/her purchase. Such a button may be provided on the obverse side of a card. The reverse side of the card may then display a security code that is indicative of the desire for a user to acquire a virtual item with a purchase as well as be used to help authenticate the transaction. Accordingly, a user may obtain the benefits of game actions while making online purchases via the use of dynamic security codes representative of security information and game actions.

FIG. 5 shows device 500 that may include housing 502, display 510, virtual card 520, physical buttons 540, and virtual buttons 530 and 531. Device 500 may be, for example, a mobile telephonic device or other device. Display 510 may be a touch-sensitive display. Person skilled in the art will appreciate that any physical card provided herein may be provided as a virtual card on a mobile telephonic device. Physical buttons may, for example, correspond to virtual buttons. Device 500 may communicate information to a card reader, for example, via a contactless (e.g., an RFID signal) or contact-based signal (e.g., a USB connection). For example, virtual button 530 may correspond to a game action in one game while virtual button 531 may correspond to a game action in a different game.

FIG. 6 shows card 600 that may include interface 610, buttons 611-613, displays 615-617, and light sensor 620. Displays 615-617 may correspond to buttons 611-613, respectively. Button 611 may be associated with a game action on a first game. Button 612 may be associated with a game action on a second game. Button 613 may be associated with a second game action on that second game. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that game action descriptions may be generic words or letters such that, for example, a user may go online via an internet browser and change the functionality performed when particular information is received from the card without having to change the card itself. Accordingly, for example, whenever a user logs into an online video game the user may be provided with the actions that each payment card button performs and allow the user to change the functionality of these buttons as the game progresses. Accordingly, information may be received from a user's game session and used to update the implementation of the card's functionality as data is received, for example, through payment card readers at merchant locations. Promotions may be provided in this manner as particular merchants may provide unique game actions. A game that includes virtual versions of retail stores may, for example, provide different actions that provide in-game discounts on virtual goods from those virtual stores when physical purchases are made at physical locations. Accordingly, a user may enter a virtual merchant location in a game and assign a particular game functionality associated with that merchant to the user's card.

FIG. 7 shows card 700 that may include, for example, button 701, button 702, permanent information 703, and dynamic magnetic stripe communications device 710. Button array 711 may, for example, be implemented to receive information from a user such as codes to enable the card to operate or re-configure the operation of the card. Buttons 701 and 702 may be associated with permanently printed information. Such printing may be indicative of a letter (e.g., “A” or “B”) or a general word (e.g., “Attack” and “Block”). Accordingly, a standard card format may be provided to multiple users and such users may be able to easily assign game actions to particular buttons on a card and be able to easily remember the actions associated with the buttons. For example, the letter “A” may be associated with button 701 and the letter “B” may be associated with button 702. A user may be provided with a list of game options to select for button 701 that start with the letter “A” (e.g., “Attack,” “Action,” or “Amplify”). A user may be provided with a list of game options to select for button 702 that start with the letter “B” (e.g., “Block,” “Buy,” or “Bomb”).

FIG. 8 shows graphical user interface 800. Graphical user interface 800 may be, for example, an internet browser display of a video game providers' website for an online video game provider, a social network running a video game providers online video game, a card issuer, a card network, or any other website. A user may, using graphical user interface 800, select actions for a card and communicate corresponding configuration information to a card via, for example, light box 807. Light box 807 may communicate pulses of light indicative of configuration information to one or more light sensors on a card. A user's configuration, for example, may also be executed on the backend such that no information is communicated to the card to change the functionality of the card as a payment is processed.

FIG. 9 shows graphical user interface 900. Virtual button 903 may correspond to a device configuration for one game while virtual button 905 may correspond to a device configuration for a different game. Activating virtual button 903 may cause light box 913 to communicate information. Activating virtual button 905 may cause light box 915 to communicate information.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that game actions may include, for example, earning game currency, earning unique tools, weaponry, property, unlock a new level, advancing to a new level, earning experience points, earning a discount for in-game purchases, or any other virtual good or benefit having value within the game. A card may have any number of buttons. For example, a card may have four buttons, each associated with a game action in a different game that may provide a user with a game advantage in that game. Cards may be linked in groups. For example, groups of gamers that compete in a game together (e.g., a grandmother, grandson group) may earn awards for all users of that group. Accordingly, a grandmother making purchases may earn game actions for both herself and her grandson. Similarly, a grandson may utilize a payment card (or other card) to earn game actions for both himself and his grandmother. Additionally, linked cards may provide game actions for a selected user. For example, the grandmother's card may include a button for providing a game action to herself or to provide a game action for a particular user in her group (or the rest of the users in her group). Accordingly, a user may decide who to provide the game advantage to at the point of sale. A game gift provided to another user may, for example, be displayed on the game such that the receiving user is required to acknowledge receipt of the game gift before using the game gift.

Game actions in the game may be utilized to achieve promotions for a card. For example, unlocking a particular level of a game or succeeding in a particular aspect of the game may cause the game to provide a particular unlocking code. Such an unlocking code may allow the card to offer new functionality to the purchaser. Similarly, the functionality may be implemented on the back-end such that a user may not need to interact with a card to achieve the enhanced functionality. Similarly, promotions, statement credits, and/or discounts, for example, may be earned for achievements obtained while playing a game on a game provider's website or game console systems that are provided to a card issuer's website for a user to utilize. Accordingly, for example, the interaction between a gamer and the card issuer may be increased. A button may also be provided that allows a user to spend virtual game currency in a store. Accordingly, a user may purchase a large amount of game currency and may press a button such that the card issuer settles the payment, but is reimbursed by the game provider. In turn, for example, the game provider would redeem virtual currency for real currency based on a conversion formula. Such a conversion formula may include a conversion fee. Additionally, as more purchases are made and/or the total amount of purchase increases (e.g., total annual amount), additional features may be provided to the card and/or game. New codes may be provided to configure the card or, for example, more user selections on how to configure the card on the backend may be provided. Accordingly, a user spending more money with a card may be provided with game actions of higher value than a user that spends less money with a card.

Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the present invention is not limited to only the embodiments described. Instead, the present invention more generally involves dynamic information. Persons skilled in the art will also appreciate that the apparatus of the present invention may be implemented in other ways then those described herein. All such modifications are within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims that follow.

PAYMENT CARDS, DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING GAME ACTIONS WITH PAYMENT DATA

Information

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Date Published

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Provisional Applications (1)