Cryptocurrency management systems and methods with wireless activation
AssigneeBlock, Inc.
InventorMatthew H. Maibach
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cryptocurrency management device (CMD) may be used to perform various cryptocurrency management functions, such as storage of cryptocurrency, user authentication, and initiation or processing of a transaction for transferring cryptocurrency. To conserve the power resources of the CMD, components of the CMD may be transitioned to a sleep state for extended periods of time. Such components may be automatically activated by a user touching the CMD or bringing a wireless communication device within range of the CMD. The circuitry of the CMD that triggers the activation are capable of continuously monitoring for such inputs over extended periods of time without consuming significant amounts of power, thereby conserving the power resources of the CMD.
Claims21
(canceled)
A cryptocurrency management device, comprising:
- a fingerprint sensor with a conductive bezel;
- at least one diode electrically coupled to the conductive bezel and to a ground, wherein the at least one diode switches from an inactive state to an active state in response to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) having at least a threshold voltage, wherein the at least one diode electrically isolates the conductive bezel from the ground and allows the conductive bezel to function as a touch electrode for the fingerprint sensor while the at least one diode is in the inactive state, and wherein the at least one diode diverts the ESD away from the fingerprint sensor and toward the ground while the at least one diode is in the active state;
- circuitry electrically coupled to the conductive bezel, the at least one diode, and at least one processor, wherein the circuitry detects a change in capacitance of the conductive bezel indicative of a touch by a user;
- a memory that stores at least one private key associated with an address;
- and
- the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor manages cryptocurrency associated with the address and authenticates the user corresponding to the address based on fingerprint data captured by the fingerprint sensor.
A cryptocurrency management device, comprising:
- a touch sensor with a conductive bezel;
- at least one diode electrically coupled to the conductive bezel and to a ground, wherein the at least one diode switches from an inactive state to an active state in response to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) having at least a threshold voltage, and wherein the at least one diode diverts the ESD away from the touch sensor and toward the ground while the at least one diode is in the active state;
- circuitry electrically coupled to the conductive bezel, the at least one diode, and at least one processor, wherein the circuitry detects a change in capacitance of the conductive bezel indicative of a touch by a user;
- a memory that stores at least one private key associated with an address;
- and
- the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor manages cryptocurrency associated with the address and authenticates the user corresponding to the address based on sensor data captured by the touch sensor.
A method of authenticating a user using a cryptocurrency management device, comprising:
- receiving a touch from a user at a conductive bezel of a touch sensor;
- detecting a change in a capacitance of the conductive bezel by circuitry electrically coupled to the conductive bezel, at least one processor, and at least one diode, wherein the at least one diode is electrically coupled to a ground, wherein the at least one diode switches from an inactive state to an active state in response to an electrostatic discharge (ESD) having at least a threshold voltage, and wherein the at least one diode diverts the ESD away from the touch sensor and toward the ground while the at least one diode is in the active state;
- authenticating the user based on sensor data captured by the touch sensor;
- and
- in response to authenticating the user, transmitting at least one private key associated with an address to a user device associated with the user.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.