Systems and methods for constructing programmable credential and security cards

Abstract

A method for designing and constructing a thin programmable dynamic credential card is disclosed. The thin programmable dynamic credential card may comprise nine different layers carefully constructed to house a battery, a processor, a wireless communication system, a solenoid coil, a graphical display, input buttons, and other electrical components all within the thin form factor of a credit card.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A programmable dynamic credential card, said programmable dynamic credential card comprising a multi-layer sandwich structure comprising the elements of:
 a top surface layer, said top surface layer comprising at least one opening for a graphical display system;   a rigid internal frame structure, said rigid internal frame structure comprising
 at least one cut-out for accommodating internal electrical components including said graphical display system, and 
 a hard external edge for providing a protective side for said programmable dynamic credential card; 
   a printed circuit board, said printed circuit board having at least one electrical component mounted onto said printed circuit board; and   a bottom surface layer, said bottom surface layer protecting said programmable dynamic credential card.   
     
     
         2 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said top surface layer and said bottom surface layer comprises metal. 
     
     
         3 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said top surface layer and said bottom surface layer comprises a glass fiber epoxy. 
     
     
         4 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said top surface layer has a raised area in the embossed region to accommodate internal electrical components. 
     
     
         5 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said printed circuit board comprises at least one cut-out for accommodating internal electrical components. 
     
     
         6 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said top surface layer further comprises at least one opening for a for input buttons. 
     
     
         7 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 1 , said programmable dynamic credential card comprising a multi-layer sandwich structure further comprising the element of:
 a slot, said slot for a slot antenna.   
     
     
         8 . A programmable dynamic credential card, said programmable dynamic credential card comprising a multi-layer sandwich structure comprising the elements of:
 a top surface layer, said top surface layer protecting said programmable dynamic credential card.   a rigid internal frame structure, said rigid internal frame structure comprising at least one cut-out for accommodating internal components, and;   a multi-layer printed circuit board, said multi-layer printed circuit board comprising
 at least one integrated circuit mounted onto a first side of said multi-layer printed circuit board facing said top surface layer, 
 more than one conductor layer, and 
 a bottom surface layer facing away from said top surface layer, said bottom surface layer protecting said programmable dynamic credential card. 
   
     
     
         9 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said multi-layer printed circuit board comprises antenna traces. 
     
     
         10 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said multi-layer printed circuit board comprises external conductor traces on said bottom surface layer. 
     
     
         11 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said external conductor traces comprise an EMV interface. 
     
     
         12 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said external conductor traces comprise artwork for said programmable dynamic credential card. 
     
     
         13 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said external conductor traces comprise an antenna. 
     
     
         14 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said rigid internal frame structure comprises at least one cut-out for accommodating internal electrical components. 
     
     
         15 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said rigid internal frame structure comprises a hard external edge for providing a protective side for said programmable dynamic credential card. 
     
     
         16 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said top surface layer has a raised area in the embossed region to accommodate internal electrical components. 
     
     
         17 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said top surface layer further comprises at least one opening for a for input buttons. 
     
     
         18 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8 , said programmable dynamic credential card comprising a multi-layer sandwich structure further comprising the element of:
 a slot, said slot for a slot antenna.   
     
     
         19 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said top surface layer comprises metal. 
     
     
         20 . The programmable dynamic credential card as set forth in  claim 8  wherein said top surface layer comprises a glass fiber epoxy.