A biometric imaging device is provided with: placement unit that supports a biological object, imaging unit that takes images of the biological object, and determining unit that determines whether or not the biological object is placed on the placement unit, based on whether or not a feature of the biological object has changed at a place where the placement unit and the biological object are in contact, in the image(s).

The present invention relates to a method for progressively enrolling a user of a smart card, specifically applying a multi-step activation process for enabling fingerprint authentication for the smart card. The invention also relates to a corresponding smart card and to a computer program product. The present invention provides a solution for seamless fingerprint enrollment for a smart card user.

An acoustic biometric touch scanner device and method is disclosed. In one aspect, an acoustic fingerprint sensing device includes an array of ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit an ultrasound signal having a frequency in a range from 50 megahertz (MHz) to 500 MHz. The acoustic fingerprint ultrasonic transducers include a piezoelectric film. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a receiving surface configured to receive a finger. The acoustic fingerprint sensing device further includes a processor configured to generate an image of at least a portion of a fingerprint of the finger based on a reflection of the ultrasound signal from the finger.

Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card which enables users to securely complete online transfers without entering sensitive transaction information into a third-party system. The smart card may include a touch-sensitive screen configured to display selectable transfer options. The smart card may include a microprocessor and wireless interface. The wireless interface may provide wireless communication capabilities and the ability to initiate online transfers based on information captured by the touch-sensitive screen. The smart card may be a parent smart card associated with a parent account. The parent account may be linked to a dependent account. The parent smart card may receive a communication related to the dependent account. Selectable transfer options displayed on the touch-sensitive screen may enable a transfer from the parent account to the dependent account.

The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems, including a method for placing a card into an alert state. An alert detection indication is received during an attempted data exchange using a permanent account number (PAN) associated with a card. The alert detection indication is received by an electronic controller embedded in the card and is received through an interface. The alert detection indication indicates that the PAN has an alert state identified for the PAN by an entity that issued the card. An operational mode of the card is modified into the alert state by the electronic controller and is based on receipt of the alert detection indication. An electronic display indicating that the card is in the alert state is displayed by the electronic controller.

Transaction cards, systems and methods configured with card validation and fingerprint or other activation features. In one embodiment, an exemplary transaction card may comprise transaction circuitry configured to conduct purchase transactions, at least one fingerprint sensor, data storage configured to store fingerprint reference data, communication circuitry, card control circuitry configured to activate or otherwise control the card based on fingerprint verification, and computer readable media storing instructions for transmitting fingerprint verification information when a purchase transaction is attempted to POS device and/or an online entity.

A Usage, Condition and Location System (UCLS) tag is provided, which is an active RFID tag that, in addition to location, is configured to determine the usage state and operating condition of a device. The UCLS tag includes sensors that measure physical activity of the associated equipment (vibration, magnetic activity, temperature, etc.). Algorithms may use the information obtained from the UCLS tags to map the measured sensor data to a contextual usage state and operating condition of the device.

A microcircuit card includes a first (general purpose) microcontroller, a second (secure processing) microcontroller, at least one module of communication with the outside of the card, and a biometric sensor. Any communication with the outside of the card transits through the first microcontroller. Any communication between the sensor and the second microcontroller transits through the first microcontroller. Furthermore, the second microcontroller is not involved in any communication to the outside of the card.

A biometric imaging device is provided with: placement unit that supports a biological object, imaging unit that takes images of the biological object, and determining unit that determines whether or not the biological object is placed on the placement unit, based on whether or not a feature of the biological object has changed at a place where the placement unit and the biological object are in contact, in the image(s).

A smartcard circuit for control of a near field RF communications chip (500) of a smartcard (2000) is described. The circuit comprises a primary inductive coupler (1003) for connection to a near field antenna (2002) of a smart card for obtaining an RF electrical signal from the antenna, and a secondary inductive coupler (1005) arranged for inductive coupling with the primary inductive coupler and connected to the chip for provision of the RF electrical signal from the primary inductive coupler to enable the chip to perform near field RF communications for the smartcard. The disclosure also provides switching circuitry (528) coupled to the secondary inductive coupler and comprising an RF conduction path selectively operable to disable said provision of the RF electrical signal thereby to inhibit the chip from performing near field RF communications. Advantageously the RF conduction path generally is controlled by a transistor (110) having a drain connected to one plate of at least one capacitor in the RF conduction path wherein a one-way conduction path is arranged so that transmission of RF signal along the RF conduction path causes accumulation of an electrical charge on the one plate of the at least one capacitor via the one-way conduction path.