ELECTRONIC CARDS CAPABLE OF BEING READ BY A MAGNETIC STRIPE READER AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

摘要

An electronic card that can function as an anonymous credit card or banking card for use on or off the Internet utilizes a magnetic storage medium affixed to the card that can be read by a standard magnetic stripe reader. An encoder generates a data packet that can be stored in a designated portion of the magnetic storage medium, which can be a magnetic stripe. The data packet can contain a personal coupon and an alias. A computer or microprocessor generates the personal coupon after a Personal Identification Number is input into the card. The data packet can also be used to convey other information, such as a low battery condition. Several different methods of customizing use of the electronic card provide a vast array of options for handling multiple users, bills, accounts, and for characterizing individual transactions of the card.