Selectable multi-purpose card
AssigneeBank One, Delaware, National Association
InventorGeorge Blossom
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A selectable, multi-purpose card comprising a plurality of features stored in memory means operatively mounted on the card and selection means for allowing a user to select a feature in a few simple steps, preferably in a single step. In one embodiment the card includes a plurality of magnetic strips positioned on the card in a manner to allow swiping each magnetic strip separately using conventional reading devices. Each magnetic strip activates a different feature of the card. In another embodiment the card includes a programmable magnetic strip, a plurality of features stored in memory means mounted on the card, a plurality of buttons or contacts, and means for programming the magnetic strip with a different card feature. The card may also include a thin, flexible display.
Claims15
A selectable, multi-purpose card comprising:
- a plurality of card features stored in memory means operatively mounted on the card;
- and
- selection means mounted on the card allowing a user to select a card feature.
A selectable multi-purpose card having a plurality of features that allow the card to function as multiple cards comprising:
- memory means for storing feature information that activates the various card features;
- input means operatively mounted on the card for allowing a user to select a card feature in a single step;
- processing means for retrieving feature information that activates the selected card feature and outputting a drive signal representing the feature information;
- and
- information retaining means, responsive to the drive signal, for preserving the feature information in a form that is readable by a reader device.
A method for conducting an electronic transaction comprising:
- providing a selectable multi-purpose card having a plurality of features stored in memory means operatively mounted on the card allowing the card to function as multiple cards;
- providing a card reader;
- establishing an electronic communication between the card and the card reader;
- and
- selecting a card feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.