Unitary, self-contained card verification and validation system and method

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A unitary, self-contained card capable of storing and generating information independently of systems external to said card to verify proper use of said card comprising:

data entry means for entering a personal identification number into said card;

electronic memory means for storing a predetermined personal identification number associated with said card and an encryption algorithm (N); data processing means comprising:

means for comparing said personal identification number entered through said data entry means with said predetermined personal identification number stored in said electronic memory means to generate a PIN validation signal upon favorable comparison of said personal identification number entered through said data entry means and said predetermined personal identification number stored in said electronic memory means;

means for generating a transaction key number (KLM) which is generated in response to said PIN validation signal and which is different each time said PIN validation signal is generated;

means for generating an algorithmic code number (XYZ) from said transaction key number (KLM) in accordance with said encryption algorithm (N);

means for generating a transaction identification code number (TIC) from said transaction key number (KLM) and said algorithmic code number (XYZ);

means for displaying on said card said transaction identification code (TIC) so that the validity of said use of said card can be verified by knowing said encryption algorithm (N) and by identifying said transaction key number (KLM) and said algorithmic code number (XYZ) in said transaction identification code (TIC) and verifying said algorithmic code number (XYZ) by deriving said algorithmic code number (XYZ) from said transaction key number (KLM) and said encryption algorithm (N).

2. The card of claim 1 further comprising:

means for entering a transaction data representative of the date of said consumer transaction through said data entry means for storage in said electronic memory means;

means for storing a predetermined expiration date in said electronic memory means representative of the date of expiration of said card;

means for comparing said transaction date and said expiration date in said logic circuit means to produce a date validation signal; and,

means for displaying said date validation signal on said display means.

3. The card of claim 1 further comprising:

means for generating an account number display signal to display an account number stored in said semiconductor memory means correponding to the account number of said card so as to allow visual comparison of said account number display signal with an account number appearing on said card to verify said account number appearing on said card.

4. The card of claim 1 wherein said encryption algorithm (N) comprises:

an algorithm having mathematical operations which are a function of said account number of said card.

5. The card of claim 1 wherein said encryption algorithm (N) comprises:

an algorithm having mathematical operations which are a function of said personal identification number.

6. A unitary, self-contained card capable of producing self-validating verification information to verify authorized use of said card comprising:

keyboard means disposed on said card for entering a personal identification number into said card;

electronic memory means disposed in said card for storing a predetermined personal identification number associated with said card and for storing a predetermined algorithm;

electronic logic means for comparing said personal identification number entered through said keyboard means with said predetermined personal identification number stored in said electronic memory means to generate a PIN validation signal upon favorable comparison of said personal identification number entered through said keyboard means and said predetermined personal identification number stored in said electronic memory means;

means for generating a transaction key number in response to said PIN validation signal, said transaction key number having a value which is different each time said transaction key number is generated;

means for generating a transaction identification code from said predetermined algorithm and said transaction key number;

means for indicating on said card said transaction identification code so that the validity of said use of said card can be verified by knowing said predetermined algorithm and by identifying said transaction key number in said transaction identification code so that said transaction key number can be used in said predetermined algorithm to determine the validity of said transaction identification code.

7. The card of claim 6 wherein said data processing means comprises:

logic means for comparing preselected card verification data including issue and expiration dates of said card with card user data including a transaction date of use of said card;

means for generating a date verification signal for display on said card display means whenever said transaction date falls between said issue and expiration dates.

8. The card of claim 6 further comprising:

means for storing a PIN attempt number in said electronic memory means representative of the maximum number of incorrect attempts allowed to enter said personal identification number (PIN);

means for accumulating incorrect attempts to enter said personal identification number (PIN) in said card to produce an accumulated attempt number;

means for comparing said PIN attempt number with said accumulated attempt number in said data processing means to disable further use of said card when said accumulated number exceeds said PIN number.

9. The card of claim 6 further comprising:

means for storing a credit limit balance in said electronic memory means;

logic means for comparing said credit limit balance with a transaction amount of a credit transaction entered through said data entry means;

means for generating a credit verification signal whenever said transaction amount is less than said credit limit balance;

means for generating a credit invalid signal whenever said transaction amount is greater than said credit limit balance;

means for decrementing said credit limit balance by said transaction amount to provide an updated credit limit balance.

10. The card of claim 6 wherein said data processing means further comprises:

means for generating an account number display signal for displaying an account number stored in said electronic memory means corresponding to said account number of said card to allow visual comparison of said account number stored in said electronic memory means with an account number embossed on said card to verify said account number embossed on said card.

11. The card of claim 6 further comprising:

clock means for providing clock information through said means for displaying.

12. The card of claim 6 further comprising:

calculator means for allowing said card to operate as a calculator.

13. The card of claim 6 wherein said encryption algorithm is a function of said preselected card verification data.

14. The card of claim 6 wherein said encryption algorithm is a function of said personal identification number stored in said electronic memory means.

15. The card of claim 6 wherein said encryption algorithm is a function of said account number stored in said electronic memory means.

16. The card of claim 6 wherein said card is adapted for use with a device for automatically dispensing currency.

17. The card of claim 6 wherein said card is adapted for use with an access control device.

18. The card of claim 6 wherein said electronic memory means comprises a non-volatile type memory which does not require application of power to sustain its memory content and said card further comprising:

power source means disposed on said card for supplying an intermittent supply of power.

19. The card of claim 6 wherein said electronic memory means comprises a volatile type memory requiring constant application of power from a power source to sustain memory content and said card further comprising:

power source means disposed in said card such that disassembly of said card destroys said power source means and erases said memory content of said electronic memory means.

20. The card of claim 1 wherein said data processing means further comprises:

means for scrambling said transaction key number (TN) and said algorithmic code number (N) in a preselected scrambling order so that said transaction identification code (TIC) can be verified by knowing both said encryption algorithm (N) and said preselected scrambling order.

21. The card of claim 20 wherein said preselected scrambling order is a function of an account number of said card.

22. The card of claim 20 wherein said preselected scrambling order is a function of said predetermined personal identification number.

23. The card of claim 1 further comprising:

means for storing a credit limit balance in said electronic memory means;

logic means for comparing said credit limit balance with a transaction amount of a credit transaction entered through said data entry means;

means for generating a credit verification signal whenever said transaction amount is less than said credit limit balance;

means for generating a credit invalid signal whenever said transaction amount is greater than said credit limit balance;

means for decrementing said credit limit balance by said transaction amount to provide an updated credit limit balance.

24. The card of claim 6 further comprising:

means for scrambling said transaction identification code in a preselected scrambling order so that said transaction key number can be identified from said transaction identification code by knowing said predetermined scrambling order, and said transaction identification code can be self-validated by knowing said algorithm.

25. A unitary, self-contained card capable of producing a transaction identification code to verify authorized use of said card comprising:

keyboard means disposed on said card for entering a personal identification number into said card;

electronic memory means disposed in said card for storing a predetermined personal identification number associated with said card and for storing a predetermined algorithm;

electronic logic means for comparing said personal identification number entered through said keyboard means with said predetermined personal identification number stored in said electronic memory means to generate a PIN validation signal upon favorable comparison of said personal identification number entered through said keyboard means and said predetermined personal identification number stored in said electronic memory means;

means for generating a transaction key number in response to said PIN validation signal, said transaction key number having a value which is different each time said transaction key number is generated;

means for generating a transaction identification code from said predetermined algorithm and said transaction key number;

means for indicating on said card said transaction identification code so that the validity of said use of said card can be verified by knowing said predetermined algorithm.

26. The card of claim 24 wherein said means for generating a transaction key number comprises means for generating a transaction key number having a predetermined sequential order.

27. The card of claim 24 wherein said means for generating a transaction key number comprises means for generating a transaction key number which is randomly generated.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention pertains generally to data processing devices and methods and more particularly to a transaction and identification system employing a unitary self-contained transaction card which uses data processing techniques to verify the user of the card and validate its use.

2. Discussion of the Background of the Invention

The use of transaction cards has increased greatly in the past few years. Transaction cards have been employed as credit cards, debit cards, access control cards to control security by limiting access to designated areas, identification cards, automatic teller machine cards for obtaining money from currency dispensing machines, etc.

Examples of inventions relating to the application of transaction cards are disclosed in the following patents:

______________________________________ U.S. Pat. No. Inventor Date ______________________________________ 3,641,498 Hedin Feb. 8, 1972 3,705,294 Kuehnle et al. Dec. 5, 1972 3,866,173 Moorman et al. Feb. 11, 1975 3,894,756 Ward July 15, 1975 3,906,460 Halpern Sept. 16, 1975 3,919,447 Kilmer el al. Nov. 11, 1975 3,971,916 Moreno July 27, 1976 3,996,450 Kerkhoff Dec. 7, 1976 4,001,550 Schatz Jan. 4, 1977 4,092,524 Moreno May 30, 1978 4,102,493 Moreno July 25, 1978 4,105,156 Dethloff Aug. 8, 1978 4,209,782 Donath et al. June 24, 1980 4,211,919 Ugon July 8, 1980 4,213,118 Genest et al. July 15, 1980 4,256,955 Giraud et al. March 17, 1981 4,277,837 Stuckert July 7, 1981 4,283,710 Genest et al. Aug. 11, 1981 4,295,041 Ugon Oct. 13, 1981 4,298,793 Melis et al. Nov. 3, 1981 4,341,951 Benton July 27, 1982 4,382,279 Ugon May 3, 1983 4,408,119 Decavele Oct. 4, 1983 4,434,473 Michel et al. Feb. 28, 1984 4,446,475 Gercekci et al. May 1, 1984 4,453,074 Weinstein June 5, 1984 UK Patent Application 2 088 605 A European Patent Application 0028965 ______________________________________

U.S. Pat. No. 3,641,498 issued to Hedin discloses an identification card for use in a security access system. The identification card functions as a key that interacts with a peripheral device such as disclosed in FIG. 7 for gaining access to a secured area.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,705,294 issued to Kuehnle et al. discloses a data card which can be encoded by a user by removal of material at specified bit locations to change the light reflection characteristics at the bit locations. The card can then be identified by an optical reading device.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,173 issued to Moorman et al. discloses an access control system for controlling the entry and exit of personnel through a door or gate of a restricted area. A person seeking to enter a restricted area inserts a personal identification card having magnetically encoded data thereon into a card reader located adjacent the restricted area. The user then inserts a secret number into a keyboard associated with a card reader. The system performs checks on the card and keyboard data to determine if the person seeking to enter the restricted area is authorized to enter the area. A written record of attempts to enter the area is kept by the system. The system also includes a card erase mechanism which erases the magnetically recorded card data after a predetermined number of unsuccessful attempts to enter the restricted area.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,894,756 issued to Ward discloses an identification card employing a coded holograph. The identification card can be used on credit cards and personal access ID cards. The identifying indicia includes the user's name, signature and photograph.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,460 issued to Halpern discloses a system which utilizes a portable data token which stores information in a data transfer device for affecting data transfer between the portable data token and an associated computer. In accordance with this system, data is retrieved from the portable data token processed in the computer and the resulting data may be stored in a portable data token. The data token can store data relating to available credit balance, account number and can be disabled after application of a predetermined number of erroneous validation characters.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,919,447 issued to Kilmer et al. discloses a card suitable for use in identifying both people and objects. The card uses a selectively apertured film which is laminated over another film having a transmission band pass in the infra-red region. The two films provide an optically readable identification card.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,916 issued to Moreno discloses a flat card containing incapsulated logic microstructures for carrying data relating to a bank account. The card cooperates with a data transfer device comprising a card reader. Coupling of data between the card and the card reader is affected optically by light emitting diodes and photovoltaic cells, or by direct electrical contact. Credit balances are maintained by the Moreno data storage system.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,996,450 discloses a device for changing the secret number used in association with a coded credit card.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,001,550 issued to Schatz discloses a funds transfer and identification card which is used in conjunction with an electronic terminal. The card includes a random access memory for storing account information. The terminal functions to determine the credit status of the account from the information provided by the random access memory of the card and updates the information on the card so that the card can maintain a record of the account status.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,524 issued to Moreno discloses a portable device which contains electronic circuitry to process data. The portable device is inserted in a terminal and a confidential code supplied by the rightful owner is entered into the terminal and electronically coupled to the portable device. The portable device includes circuitry for storing errors in the confidential code attempted to be entered through the terminal device.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,102,493 issued to Moreno discloses a system for storing and transferring data in a confidential manner which uses a portable article having electronic logic microstructures included therein for interaction with a transfer device such as a terminal. The portable article includes a storage medium for storing data and functions to compare confidential data introduced into the transfer device with the data stored in the storage medium.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,156 issued to Dethloff discloses an identification card with electronic circuitry including a memory device for storing a secret number used with the card. When the secret number is entered into the card the first time, an input gate is destroyed so that the secret number cannot be altered. The card operates in conjunction with a verifying means which receives the card and checks the identity and entitlement of the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,782 issued to Donath et al. discloses a security access system employing electronic locks and keys which grant access to secured areas. Release of the locks is dependent upon the coincidence of code pairs of the lock and key.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,919 issued to Ugon discloses a portable data or information carrier in the form of a card which employs an internal electronic memory having a secret zone wherein a key or code number is stored. An external terminal is used to enter the key or code number into the card which compares to the stored key number to determine whether the particular operation is authorized.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,118 issued to Genest et al. discloses a combination changing system for controlling access to a locked area and updating a lock combination. The lock code combination is automatically changed each time a new key card is used. The system employs both lock and key devices for operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,955 issued to Giraud et al. discloses a credit card system including a credit card containing a memory for storing coded information indicative of identification of the use for which the article is intended and identification of units used to keep track of operations which are performed in connection with the credit card and the number of units available to the holder of the credit card. The system includes the use of a peripheral device in combination with an identification code. The system has the ability to both check and update the credit limits.

European Pat. No. 0028965 discloses a personal identification system for access control. The device requires interaction with a terminal adjacent the secured area which calculates a function for allowing access.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,277,837 issued to Stuckert discloses a personal portable terminal for financial transactions which is used in conjunction with a terminal called a transactor. The system functions to continually monitor and record an individual's financial records including debiting and crediting accounts. Key input and display capabilities allow transactions to be verified by both parties before the transaction is entered on the personal data storage and transfer card.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,283,710 issued to Genest et al. discloses an access control system which includes provisions for updating lock code combinations.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,295,041 issued to Ugon discloses an intelligent portable data carrier which accesses an external device. The data carrier carries a code in its memory which is accessed by the external device to verify authorization of the data carrier. The data carrier can comprise a card as suggested by Ugon.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,793 issued to Melis et al. discloses a portable element shaped as a card for receiving, storing, displaying and outputting data in numerical or alpha-numerical characters. The Melis et al. system communicates with a reservation system and exchanges data therewith. The Melis et al. system uses contactless communication between the portable element and the reservation device.

U.K. Patent Application GB No. 2 088 605 A discloses an identification card or data carrier which contains a confidential code known only to the lawful owner of the card. The code is stored in an integrated circuit d