WO2017173375A1

WO2017173375A1 - Systems and methods for facilitating transactions

Info

Publication number: WO2017173375A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/025562
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jonathan DITTO; William KLEIDON
Original assignee: Ditto Jonathan; Kleidon William
Priority date: 2016-03-31
Filing date: 2017-03-31
Publication date: 2017-10-05

Abstract

Provided herein are methods and systems for facilitating a transaction by a user. A card can comprise a body formed of material comprising hemp, identifying information on or adjacent to the body, wherein the identifying information is usable to identify the user, and a transaction unit that contains information that is usable to conduct the transaction.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/315,794, filed March 31, 2016, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cards can facilitate various transactions. For example, a prepaid card, debit card, or credit card can facilitate financial transactions, an identification card, membership card, or authorization card can facilitate transactions involving verification (e.g., identity verification, membership verification, association verification, authorization verification, etc.), informational cards (e.g., insurance cards, business cards, etc.) can facilitate personal or business transactions, and other types of cards can facilitate other types of transactions. A card can be sized to be portable such that an individual can readily carry around the card on person, such as in a wallet or a purse. However, cards can have a short life span, for example, because of expiration, disposal after a fixed number of uses (e.g., transportation cards), and/or susceptibility to loss and damage. Thus, the cumulative carbon footprint of cards can be significant.

SUMMARY

[0003] Provided herein are cards (e.g., credit cards), systems and methods for facilitating transactions. A card can be a credit card. The card can comprise of material comprising hemp. In some instances, the card can be biodegradable. The card can comprise at least one of various transaction units to facilitate transactions using the card, such as magnetic strips, circuits which may or may not integrated in the card, and/or chips. The card can be a smart card. In some instances, the card may facilitate transactions with or without contacting the card to another device, such as a reader.

[0004] In an aspect, provided is a card for facilitating a transaction by a user. The card can comprise a body formed of material comprising hemp, identifying information on or adjacent to the body, wherein the identifying information is usable to identify the user, and a transaction unit that contains information that is usable to conduct the transaction.

[0005] In some instances, the transaction unit can be a magnetic layer on or adjacent to the body, which magnetic layer encodes the information. In some instances, the transaction unit can be a circuit. The circuit can be a radiofrequency identification (RFID) unit. The transaction unit can be a chip. The chip can track usage of the card by the user. The usage can include information about a time of transaction. In some instances, the chip can store transaction information for each transaction in a blockchain. The transaction unit can comprise a memory. [0006] In some instances, the transaction unit can encode the information that is usable to conduct the transaction. The transaction unit can encode personal information of the user.

[0007] In some instances, the identifying information can be anonymous.

[0008] In some instances, the material can be a composite material. The material can be biodegradable. The body can be biodegradable.

[0009] In some instances, the card can be a smart card. The card can be a credit card or a gift card.

[0010] In some instances, the card can further comprise a light for illumination by the user. The card can further comprise a battery electrically coupled to the light. The battery can have a thickness that is at most a thickness of the card. The light can be one or more light emitting diodes.

[0011] In some instances, the transaction unit can be configured to transmit said information or retrieve other information using Bluetooth or WiFi.

[0012] In some instances, at least a part of the body can be conductive. The conductive part of the body can be electrically coupled to at least one of a battery, the transaction unit, and a light.

[0013] In some instances, the transaction can involve an exchange of cryptocurrency.

[0014] In some instance, the material has a tetrahydrocannabinol content less than about 0.3% as measured by mass spectroscopy.

[0015] In another aspect, provided is a method for facilitating a transaction by a user. The method can comprise: providing a card comprising (i) a body formed of material comprising hemp, (ii) identifying information on or adjacent to the body, wherein the identifying

information is usable to identify the user, and (iii) a transaction unit that contains information that is usable to conduct the transaction; bringing the card in communication with a reader that communicatively couples to the transaction unit; and retrieving the information from the transaction unit, thereby facilitating the transaction.

[0016] In some instances, the method can further comprise directing transaction information to the transaction unit. The transaction information can be indicative of the transaction.

[0017] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0018] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. To the extent publications and patents or patent applications incorporated by reference contradict the disclosure contained in the specification, the specification is intended to supersede and/or take precedence over any such contradictory material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative

embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also "Figure" and "FIG." herein) of which:

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary credit card.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of an exemplary credit card.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary credit card.

[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for facilitating a card transaction.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows a card interacting with a reader.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a computer control system that is programmed or otherwise configured to implement methods provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

[0027] A card can refer to a tangible object that can facilitate various transactions. For example, the card can be a credit card to facilitate financial transactions (e.g., purchase, sale, exchange, etc.). Alternatively, other cards such as gift cards, prepaid cards, debit cards, check cards, and/or automated teller machine (ATM) cards can facilitate financial transactions. Cards may facilitate other types of transactions, such as transactions involving verification. For example, identification cards (e.g., driver's license, employment authorization card, employee identification card, student identification card, etc.), pass cards (e.g., security cards, etc.), insurance cards (e.g., auto, medical, home, etc.), and/or warranty cards (e.g., proof of purchase, etc.) can facilitate transactions involving verification. Cards may facilitate transactions involving the request and/or provision of information. For example, business cards,

advertisement pamphlets, tickets, passes, coupons, and/or fliers can be cards that facilitate personal and/or business transactions involving the request and/or provision of information. Alternatively or in addition, other cards can facilitate other types of transactions.

[0028] Methods and systems (including cards) of the present disclosure may be used for banking. Methods and systems of the present disclosure may be used for farming and harvesting, such as seed to sale tracking, water update, humidity control (e.g., through humidity control sensors), digital plant size reading, and real time monitoring reading(s) for agricultural growth rates. The card may include one or more components for such uses, such as, for example, a sensor (e.g., humidity sensor and/or optical sensor). Such components may be compliant with government standards, such as standards for tracking.

[0029] A card may store information. A card may provide information. A card may display information. A card may receive and/or transfer information. A card may process data. A card may communicate with another device, with or without making contact with the other device. A card may couple to another device, such as electrically and/or communicatively. A card may comprise a memory that can be read and/or be written by another device.

[0030] A card can be associated with one or more users. A user can be a distinct individual or an entity (e.g., organization, business, association, institution, etc.). In some instances, a user can be associated with a card if the user created and/or purchased the card, the user requested the purchase and/or creation of the card, the card was created and/or purchased for the user by another individual or entity, the card was issued directly or indirectly to the user, the card was gifted to the user, the user has registered the card, the user owns the card, the user has access to the card, the user possesses the card, the user has authorization to use the card, and/or the user is capable of proving authorization to use the card (e.g., matching an identifying information on the card, having knowledge of a security password, passkey, passcode, and/or PEST, etc.). For example, a card can be associated with only one user. Alternatively, a card can be associated with multiple users. In some cases, multiple users can share the same card. In some cases, there may be one or more duplicate copies of a same card that is distributed to the multiple users. Alternatively, a card may not be associated with any user.

[0031] Provided herein are cards and methods for facilitating transactions. A card may comprise (i) a body, (ii) identifying information on or adjacent to the body, and (iii) a transaction unit.

[0032] The card may be a credit card, an identification card, gift card, debit card, security card, or any other type of card for facilitating a transaction (e.g., bitcoin card). The card may be an insurance card, such as a medical insurance card. The card may enable tracking for treatment, such health or medical treatment.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows a front view of an exemplary credit card 100. The credit card 100 can be a card system. The credit card may comprise a body 102, a first transaction unit 104, a second transaction unit 110, a first identifying information 106, and a second identifying information 108

[0034] The body 102 of the credit card 100 can be substantially flat (e.g., single plane).

Alternatively, the body can be curved or bent at one or more locations. The body can have dimensions that allow for the credit card to be portable, such as in a pocket of a wallet or a purse. In some instances, the body can have standard card dimensions, such as those specified by the ISO/IEC 7810 international standard (e.g., 15milimeter (mm) x 25mm, 53.98mm x 85.60mm, 74mm x 105mm, 88mm x 125mm, etc.). For example, the body 102 can have a width of 53.98mm and a length of 85.60mm, or vice versa. Alternatively, the body can have a maximum dimension of less than about 200mm, 190mm, 180mm, 170mm, 160mm, 150mm, 140mm, 130mm, 120mm, 110mm, 100mm, 95mm, 90mm, 85mm, 80mm, 75mm, 70mm, 65mm, 60mm, 55mm, 50mm, 45mm, 40mm, 35mm, 30mm, 25mm, 20mm, 15mm, 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, or less. Alternatively, the body can have a maximum dimension greater than about 200mm. A maximum dimension of the body may be a dimension of the body (e.g., length, width, height, diameter) that is greater than the other dimensions of the body. In some instances, the body can have a standard thickness (e.g., height), such as those specified by the ISO/IEC 7810 (e.g., 0.76mm). Alternatively, the body can have a thickness of less than about 10mm, 9mm, 8mm, 7mm, 6mm, 5mm, 4.5mm, 4mm, 3.5mm, 3mm, 2.5mm, 2mm, 1.5mm, 1mm, 0.9mm, 0.8mm, 0.7mm, 0.6mm, 0.5mm, 0.4mm, 0.3mm, 0.2mm, 0.1mm, or less. Alternatively, the body can have a thickness greater than about 10mm.

[0035] The body 102 of the credit card 100 can have a substantially rectangular shape. In some instances, one or more corners can be rounded and/or curved. In other instances, a corner may have one or more angles that is greater than or less than 90°. Alternatively, the body can have different shapes, such as other polygonal shapes, circular shapes, or an arbitrary shape. For example, the shape can be symmetric or asymmetric about a line segment dividing the body.

[0036] The body 102 can be substantially rigid. In some instances, the body can be

substantially flexible. In some instances, the body can be semi-rigid and/or semi-flexible. In some instances, a rigidity and/or flexibility of the body may be based on the material that the body is comprised of. The body material will be discussed further below.

[0037] The credit card 100 may comprise one or more identifying information, such as the first identifying information 106 and the second identifying information 108. The identifying information can identify one or more users associated with the card. For example, the first identifying information 106 shows a name of a user, "Chester McFluff" The identifying information can identify a user associated with the card with any information about the user, such as personal information. The personal information can include an initial of the name, at least a part of the name (e.g., initial, first, middle, last, prefix, suffix, etc.), at least a part of a birth date (e.g., year, month, day, etc.), sex and/or gender, identification number (e.g., social security number, tax identification number, serial number, student identification number, employee identification number, member number, etc.), contact information (e.g., phone number, address, electronic mail (email) address, etc.), height, weight, eye color, hair color, and/or other personal information. For example, the identifying information can be a picture or an image representative of the user. Where there are more than one users associated with a card, the card may comprise identifying information of only select user(s), such as a primary user. Alternatively, the card may comprise identifying information for each user. In some instances, the identifying information can be ambiguous.

[0038] In some instances, the identifying information can identify the card 100 itself or some other product associated with the card. For example, the second identifying information 108 shows a card number, "0000 000000 00000." The identifying information can identify the card and/or another product with any information about the card and/or other product, such as a serial number or identification number of the card and/or the other product. For example, the identifying information can be a credit card number, account number, policy number, and/or product number.

[0039] The identifying information (e.g., first identifying information 106, second identifying information 108) can be on or adjacent to the body 102. For example, the identifying information can be printed on the card, imprinted on the card, embedded and/or embossed in the card, adhered on the card (e.g., as label, sticker, etc.), and/or written on. In some instances, the identifying information can be raised from at least a surface of the body (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 3). The identifying information may be parallel to the surface of the body or unraised with respect to the surface. The identifying information can be pressed into at least a surface of the body. The identifying information can be permanent or temporary (e.g., detachable, removable, erasable, etc.).

[0040] In some instances, the identifying information can be visible immediately, such that a human reading the card 100 can, without aid of a machine, read and/or understand the identifying information. Alternatively, the identifying information can be read and/or understood with aid of a machine. For example, the identifying information can be in the form of an encrypted code and/or barcode (e.g., 1-dimensional (ID) codes, 2D codes, 3D codes, Quick Response (QR) codes, etc.). In another example, the identifying information can be visible under only certain conditions (e.g., a range of frequency and/or wavelength of electromagnetic waves, addition of chemicals, read at a certain angle, etc.).

[0041] In some instances, the identifying information can be stored in one or more transaction units of the card 100. In some instances, the identifying information or other information on the card 100 can be encrypted in one or more transaction units of the card 100.

[0042] The card 100 may comprise one or more transaction units, such as the first transaction unit 104 and the second transaction unit 110. The transaction unit can be configured to detect and/or respond to a transaction, initiation of a transaction, and/or termination of a transaction.

[0043] The transaction unit may be capable of storing information. The information stored on the transaction unit can be used during the transaction. The transaction unit may be capable of transferring and/or receiving information. For example, the transaction unit may comprise a communication interface that can communicate with a network. The network can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network in some cases can be a telecommunication and/or data network. The transaction unit may communicate with a network via another device (e.g., reader).

Alternatively, the transaction unit may communicate with another device (e.g., reader) through the network. The communication can be made via wired and/or wireless connections (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, radio frequency, etc.).

[0044] The transaction unit may comprise a memory to store the information. The transaction unit may be capable of reading and/or writing to the memory. In some instances, another device (e.g., reader, interacting device, etc.) may be capable of reading and/or writing to the memory of the transaction unit on the card during the communication.

[0045] The transaction unit may track usage of the card for one or more transactions. The transaction unit may track usage of the card by a user for one or more transactions. The transaction unit may provide security authentication for single sign-on (SSO). This transaction unit can be capable of storing user data. The user data can include transaction specific information, such as transaction histories. In some cases, the transaction unit can be configured to store transaction information for each transaction. The transaction information can include a time of transaction (e.g., time of purchase using card, time of entry using card, etc.), a type of transaction, product purchased, and other information relating to a specific transaction. In some instances, the transaction information can include nonce data (e.g., swiping of a card to a reader, tapping of a card to a reader, etc.). The user data can include user purchase habits. In some instances, the transaction unit may store data pertaining to loyalty or rewards for one or more service providers (e.g., retailers, etc.). Usage data, such as user data and transaction information can be stored as blockchains. Alternatively, the information can be stored in other forms of databases. In some instances, the usage data may be indexed.

[0046] In some instances, the transaction unit may facilitate financial transactions. In some instances, the transaction unit may facilitate transactions involving the exchange of the same or different currencies. The currencies used for the transactions can include currencies from different sovereign states (e.g., U.S. Dollar, Chinese Yuan, European Euros, etc.). The currencies used for transactions can include cryptocurrencies (e.g., bitcoin). In some instances the transaction unit may facilitate transactions involving the exchange of other digital assets.

[0047] In some instances, the user data may be used for targeted marketing by service providers. For example, special deals may be given to eco-friendly or "green" customers who purchase environmentally sound products.

[0048] The transaction unit may be on or adjacent to the body 102 of the card 100.

Alternatively or in addition, the transaction unit may be embedded in the body. For example, the transaction unit may or may not be exposed beyond one or more outer or lateral surfaces of the body. In some instances, the transaction unit can be completely concealed within the outer and/or lateral surfaces of the body. In other instances, at least a portion of the transaction unit can be exposed.

[0049] In some instances, the transaction unit can be a chip (e.g., first transaction unit 104). The card 100 can comprise one or more chips. The chip can comprise one or more integrated circuits (IC). For example, the card 100 can be a smart card, a chip card, and/or an integrated circuit card (ICC). In some instances, the chip can be a microchip. The chip can have standard dimensions, such as the international standards of ISO/IEC 7810 and ISO/IEC7816.

Alternatively, the chip can have any custom dimensions. For example, the chip can have a maximum dimension of at most about 1 centimeter (cm), 0.9cm, 0.8cm, 0.7cm, 0.6cm, 0.5cm, 0.4cm, 0.3cm, 0.2cm, 0.1cm, 0.01cm, or less. Alternatively, the chip can have a maximum dimension of greater than about 1cm. In some instances, the chip may fit within the boundaries of the body 102. In other instances, the chip may extend beyond at least a boundary of the body. In some instances, the chip can have a maximum contact area (e.g., exposed area) of at most about 2 square centimeters (cm 2 ), 1.9 cm 2 , 1.8 cm2 , 1.7 cm2 , 1.6 cm2 , 1.5 cm2 , 1.4 cm2 , 1.3 cm2 , 1.2 cm², 1.1 cm², 1.0 cm², 0.9 cm², 0.8 cm², 0.7 cm², 0.6 cm², 0.5 cm², 0.1 cm², 0.01 cm², 0.001 cm², or less. In some instances, the chip can have a maximum contact area greater than 2 cm². In some instances, the chip can have a maximum area of at most about 2 cm², 1.9 cm², 1.8 cm², 1.7 cm², 1.6 cm², 1.5 cm², 1.4 cm², 1.3 cm², 1.2 cm², 1.1 cm², 1.0 cm², 0.9 cm², 0.8 cm², 0.7 cm²,

0.6 cm 2 , 0.5 cm 2 , 0.1 cm 2 , 0.01 cm 2 , 0.001 cm 2 , or less. In some instances, the chip can have a maximum area greater than 2 cm². [0050] The chip may comprise conductive contact pads. The contact pads can provide electrical connectivity between the card 100 and another device (e.g., reader) that contacts the chip. In some instances, another device may supply power to the chip (e.g., circuits in the chip).

[0051] In some instances, the circuits may comprise a radiofrequency identification (RFID) unit. The RFID unit can store and/or process data. The RFID unit can communicate with a terminal via radio frequency waves. In some instances, the RFID unit may be read-only. In some instances, the RFID unit may be rewriteable. In some instances, the RFID unit can be rewritten via radio frequency waves. Through the use of RFID circuits, the card 100 may initiate and/or complete contactless transactions.

[0052] In some instances, the chip may comprise one or more crystals and utilize industry- standard crystal data storage methods. Information may be optically stored within a volume of the one or more crystals (e.g., as binary information via short pulses of light). Beneficially, because information is embedded, they can withstand some amount of surface erosion. In some instances, the chip may use holographic data storage methods, or other comparable forms of data storage which are physically small but voluminous in terms of storage capacity.

[0053] In some instances, the chip may have tracking capabilities. For example, the chip may comprise geo-location sensors. For example, the chip may use triangulation methods or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to aid in determining a location and/or movement of the card 100. Alternatively, the chip may use other locating or tracking systems such as the Ultra Wide Band (UWB), Real-Time Locating Systems (RTLS), Local Positioning Systems (LPS), and/or a combination thereof to aid in determining a location and/or movement of the card 100.

Beneficially, in the event of loss or theft, the user may track the card 100. For example, an administrator of the card or other service provider may host a server (e.g., online) to track the location of the card via a tracking chip, upon request by a user. In some instances, the server may verify the user's identity by requesting user information (e.g., user data, personal information) before providing tracking information to the user. The user may have preregistered such information with the server (e.g., at the time of obtaining, purchasing, creating and/or registering the card) that the server can compare and/or confirm with. Alternatively, each user may track the location of the card independently. In some instances, the user may be capable of deactivating a card and/or transferring the tracking information (e.g., location information) to regulatory officials (e.g., local police).

[0054] The card 100 may comprise a plurality of chips, each having different functions and/or capabilities. For example, the card may comprise a tracking chip and a micro RFID chip. In another example, the card may have a single chip that can both complete contactless transactions and track a location of the card. [0055] In some instances, the card and/or the chip can be biodegradable. The card and/or the chip may decompose in a time period of at least about 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years. Other components (e.g., battery) of the card may be biodegradable.

[0056] In some instances, the transaction unit can be a magnetic layer on or adjacent to the body 102 of the card 100. The magnetic layer can encode one or more information described herein (e.g., transaction history, user data, user information, etc.).

[0057] In some instances, the transaction unit may store a user's personal contact information. For example, the personal contact information can be stored as an electronic business card or an equivalent contact information unit. For example, this information can be stored in a chip and/or a magnetic strip. The tracking unit may transmit the user's personal contact information data upon request by the user or another user with aid of a device (e.g., reader). A user may conveniently disseminate personal contact information without including personal payment information (e.g., card number, expiration date, etc.).

[0058] FIG. 2 shows a rear view of an exemplary credit card 200. In some instances, the credit card 200 and the credit card 100 in FIG. 1 can be the same credit card, with corresponding elements being the same. Referring to FIG. 2, a rear surface of a body 202 of the card 200 is illustrated. In some instances, identifying information 206, 208 may be visible from the rear surface. A magnetic layer 204 can be on or adjacent to the body 202. For example, the magnetic layer can be another layer over the body. In some instances, the magnetic layer can be embedded in the body.

[0059] Although referred to as a credit card, the card 200 (as well as other cards of the present disclosure) can be any other type of card, such as an identification card, gift card, debit card, security card, or any other type of card for facilitating a transaction (e.g., bitcoin card).

[0060] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary credit card 300. In some instances, each of the exemplary credit cards illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 may be the same credit card. In other instances, each of the exemplary credit cards may be different credit cards. In other instances, any two of the three exemplary credit cards can be the same credit card. Referring to FIG. 3, embedded in an outer surface of a body 302 can be one or more tracking units 304, 310 and one or more identifying information 306, 308. In some instances, at least a portion of the identifying information 306, 308 can be raised and/or pressed from the outer surface of the body 302. In the process, the card 300 may be permanently deformed and thus permanently retain the identifying information, preventing forgery and/or fraud.

[0061] In some instance, the body of a card can be coated by a film or a laminate. The film coating can comprise a translucent or transparent material. The film coating can be at least partially transparent. In some instances, the film coating can be biodegradable. For example, the film coating can comprise biodegradable polythene film or material with similar properties. Beneficially, the film coating may provide protection to the card from damages (e.g., wear, tear, scratches, etc.).

[0062] A card can comprise or be formed of a material comprising hemp (e.g., Cannabis sativa L.) or derivatives thereof. The material can have low or substantially low concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), such as less than or equal to about 1%, 0.5%, 0.4%, 0.3%, 0.2%, 0.1%), 0.05%), or less as measured by spectroscopy, such as mass spectroscopy. Such material may include bast fibre.

[0063] Hemp bast fibre can comprise one or more layers of cellulose, semicellulose, and lignin. In particular, hemp bast fibre can comprise layered microfibrils consisting of crystalline cellulose fibrils. Hemp can be used to reinforce other materials. Alternatively, other materials can be used to reinforce hemp. Hemp and/or its derivatives may be biodegradable. The card may comprise one or more types of hemp plastic (e.g., hemp cellulose, cellophane, rayon, celluloid, other cellulose bioplastic, pseudo-plastic, hemp composite plastics, hemp biocomposites, bio- polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.). In some cases, the body (e.g., body 102, body 202, body 302) can comprise material comprising hemp with industry-standard binder materials. In some instances, the material can be biodegradable. For example, the card and/or the body of the card may break down to its base elements in at most about 50 years, 40 years, 30 years, 20 years, 10 years, 5 years, 4 years, or less. Alternatively, the card may take longer to break down depending on various conditions (e.g., environmental conditions such as weather, temperature, atmospheric pressure, card handling conditions, etc.).

[0064] Alternatively or in addition to, the card can comprise of material comprising other bast fibre. The term "bast fibre," as used herein, generally refers to natural (e.g., plant) fibre collected from the phloem (the "inner bark", sometimes called "skin") or bast surrounding the stem of certain dicotyledonous plants. Bast fibre may be obtained from herbs cultivated in agriculture such as, for instance, flax, hemp, or ramie. Bast fibre may be obtained from wild plants, such as stinging nettle, and trees, such as lime, linden, wisteria, or mulberry. Bast fibre may be obtained from such natural material through, for example, retting or otherwise extracting from the interior xylem or epidermis (e.g., bark surface) of a plant. For example, a retting (e.g., water retting, dew retting, chemical retting, etc.) process can remove adhesive (pectinous) substances from the bast fibres to allow for their isolation. In certain instances, bast fibre may be obtained via decortication or the manual or mechanical peeling from the plant.

[0065] Cards comprising material comprising hemp may have different material properties. For example, the card can comprise hemp sheet which can be relatively more flexible. In some instances, the card can be rigid. For example, hemp plastic composites can have high rigidity (e.g., due to tensile strength of hemp fibres). In some instances, the cards may have low thermal and/or electrical conductivity.

[0066] Cards comprising material comprising hemp can be manufactured using fibre processing and a compression-based production process. The compression-based production process can be industry standard, such as for producing hemp-based cardboard, hemp-based plastic, and/or similar materials suitable for use in a card. The card can be sufficiently durable to withstand ordinary wear-and-tear during conventional usage (e.g., transactions).

[0067] In some instances, a card may comprise one or more stacked layers (e.g., each layer adjacent to and contacting a neighboring layer). The one or more stacked layers can be affixed to each other via compression, an adhesive, and/or other fastening methods. In some instances, all of the layers can be material comprising hemp. In some instances, at least one layer can be material comprising hemp. For example, a layer comprising hemp can be a top layer (e.g., front layer), an intermediate layer, and/or a bottom layer (e.g., rear layer). In some instances, at least one layer can be conductive. The conductive layer can be an intermediate layer. In some instances, the conductive layer can be surrounded (e.g., sandwiched) by non-conductive layers. The conductive layer can be a layer comprising material comprising hemp. Alternatively, the conductive layer can be a layer that does not comprise hemp. In some instances, the conductive layer may be electrically coupled to one or more transaction units (e.g., integrated circuit, chip, etc.) in the card.

[0068] In some instances, the card may comprise an integrated light source (e.g., flashlight). The light source can be light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light source can be integrated or embedded in the body of the card. Beneficially, the card may function as a flashlight, such as to provide light in a dark area and/or provide light when conducting a transaction. The light source can be operatively coupled to a switch that can toggle the light source on or off. In some instances, the switch may toggle the lights to an intermediate position (e.g., dimmer light source, brighter light source, etc.). The switch can be any mechanical user interactive device, such as a compression switch. A nub-type compression switch may activate or deactivate the light source by only a tap of the user's finger. The switch may be similar to that on the popular "jelly bean" type mini-flashlights. The switch may be integrated or embedded in the body of the card.

[0069] In some instances, the card may comprise a battery. The battery may be relatively thin. For example, the battery may have a thickness at most about the thickness of the card. For example, the battery can have millimeter scale thickness, micrometer scale thickness, and/or nanometer scale thickness. Alternatively, the battery may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the card. [0070] The battery may be a solid state battery. For example, the battery can be a lithium ion battery (e.g., thin film lithium ion battery or polymer battery). The battery can be lightweight (e.g., less than or equal to about 25 grams (g), 20 g, 15 g, 10 g, 5 g, 4 g, 3 g, 2 g, or 1 g). The battery can be flexible. The battery can be configured to have all dimensions (e.g., width, length, thickness, diameter, etc.) less than corresponding dimensions of the card. The battery may be electrically coupled to one or more tracking units (e.g., chips, integrated circuits, etc.) of the card. The battery may be electrically coupled to one or more light sources. In some instances, the battery and the one or more tracking units and/or the one or more light sources may be electrically coupled via a path through the one or more conductive layers.

[0071] The card may include a power generation unit, such as a solar cell (e.g., array of solar cells with collectors on a surface of the card to collect light) or a motion unit that generates power upon (e.g., motion of a magnet through a wire coil). The card may include an inductive charging unit to enable a battery on board the card to be charged inductively (e.g., upon contact with a magnetic field).

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for facilitating a card transaction. At a first operation 201, a user may provide a card. The card can comprise (i) a body formed of material comprising hemp, (ii) identifying information on or adjacent to the body, wherein the identifying information can identify the user, and (iii) a transaction unit that contains information that is usable to conduct the transaction. At a second operation 202, the card can be brought into communication with a device, such as a reader. The reader can communicatively couple to the transaction unit in the card. The reader can communicatively couple to the transaction unit via contact or via contactless communication. For example, a contact pad or contact surface of a chip may contact a reader. In some instances, a battery from the reader-side may provide power to the chip. In another example, an RFID chip may communicate with the reader via radio frequency waves. At a third operation 203, information can be retrieved from the transaction unit, thereby facilitating the transaction. For example, the reader may retrieve information necessary for the transaction from the transaction unit of the card. In some instances, the reader may retrieve information that facilitates (but is not necessary for) transaction.

[0073] FIG. 5 illustrates a card interacting with a reader. The card 502 may be

communicatively coupled to the reader 504. The card and the reader may share a

communicative link 506 via contact or contactless medium (e.g., radio frequency waves). The reader may communicate with a transaction unit in the card.

[0074] The reader 504 can facilitate transactions by retrieving information from the card 502. The reader can be an electronic device. The reader can communicate, such as via a network, to one or more servers hosted by service providers. For example, for a transaction involving a financial purchase, the reader may retrieve information about a credit card (e.g., credit card number, cardholder name, zipcode, security code, and/or expiration date, etc.) and verify that the credit card is valid to process the transaction. The reader can be one or more types of sensors. The reader can be a memory card reader, a magnetic card reader, a scanning reader (e.g., business card reader), a barcode reader (e.g., QR codes, barcodes, etc.), a proximity reader, a biometric reader, or any other type of reader.

[0075] A user may initiate a transaction by contacting the card 502 with the reader 504. The user may contact the transaction unit of the card with a reading (e.g., scanning) area of the reader. Alternatively, the user may initiate a transaction by bringing the card in proximity to, contact with or near contact with (e.g., within distances of less than about 30 cm, 25 cm, 20 cm, 15 cm, 10 cm, 9 cm, 8 cm, 7 cm, 6 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2cm, 1cm, or less) the reader. Upon initiation of the transaction, the reader may transmit to the transaction unit transaction information. The transaction information can include information about the context of the transaction (e.g., what information is required of the user to complete the transaction, purchase price, time of transaction, etc.). The transaction information can include instructions to be followed by the transaction unit. The transaction unit may receive such transaction information. In some cases, the transaction unit may store this information in memory (e.g., such as in blockchain) to track usage of the user of the card. In some cases, the transaction unit may read the transaction information to follow the instructions and discard the transaction information once the instructions have been understood, the instructions have been completed, and/or the transaction has terminated. The transaction unit may provide to the reader information that is required (and/or information that can facilitate the transaction) to complete the transaction. For example, for a financial transaction of purchasing an object, the transaction unit may provide information about the credit card (e.g., credit card number, expiration date, billing zip code, security code, cardholder name, etc.) to the reader. The reader may receive this information and proceed to complete the transaction, such as by passing on the information to a server authorizing the purchase and/or validating the card and passing on the validation to the server authorizing the purchase. The transaction can terminate, and the communication link between the card and the reader can also terminate. Alternatively, if the card is denied validation (e.g., stolen credit card that has been deactivated) at some point in time, the transaction can terminate at that point in time.

[0076] In some instances, transaction information can be stored in memory of the reader, such as in blockchain format. In some instances, transaction information can be stored in memory of a server communicatively coupled to the reader, such as in blockchain format. Beneficially, the transaction information can be timestamped by the time of transaction and be permanently stored. The transaction information may include nonce data (e.g., unique data generated for each transaction such as angle or duration of swiping a card, etc.) to be further stored in blockchain format.

[0077] During the transaction, the identification information on the card 502 can be used to verify the identification of the user with or without aid of a machine (e.g., reader 504). In some instances, the identification information can be read and manually entered into a purchasing system to substitute in the event of machine failure.

Computer control systems

[0078] The present disclosure provides computer control systems that are programmed to implement methods of the disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a computer system 601 that is programmed or otherwise configured to facilitate transactions. The computer system 601 can regulate various aspects of methods and systems the present disclosure.

[0079] The computer system 601 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also "processor" and "computer processor" herein) 605, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 601 also includes memory or memory location 610 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 615 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 620 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 625, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 610, storage unit 615, interface 620 and peripheral devices 625 are in communication with the CPU 605 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 615 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 601 can be operatively coupled to a computer network ("network") 630 with the aid of the communication interface 620. The network 630 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 630 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 630 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 630, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 601, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 601 to behave as a client or a server.

[0080] The CPU 605 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 610. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 605, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 605 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 605 can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback. [0081] The CPU 605 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 601 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0082] The storage unit 615 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit 615 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 601 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 601, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 601 through an intranet or the Internet.

[0083] The computer system 601 can communicate with one or more remote computer systems through the network 630. For instance, the computer system 601 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC's (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system 601 via the network 630.

[0084] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 601, such as, for example, on the memory 610 or electronic storage unit 615. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 605. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 615 and stored on the memory 610 for ready access by the processor 605. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 615 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 610.

[0085] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processer adapted to execute the code, or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled or as-compiled fashion.

[0086] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system 601, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as "products" or "articles of manufacture" typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk.

"Storage" type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible

"storage" media, terms such as computer or machine "readable medium" refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0087] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0088] The computer system 601 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 635 that comprises a user interface (UI) 640 for providing, for example, transaction details (e.g., transaction amount, number of transaction of various types, merchant information, balance amount, credit amount, etc.). Examples of UFs include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GUI) and web-based user interface. [0089] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A card for facilitating a transaction by a user, comprising:

a body formed of material comprising hemp;

identifying information on or adjacent to said body, wherein said identifying information is usable to identify said user; and

a transaction unit that contains information that is usable to conduct said transaction.

2. The card of claim 1, wherein said transaction unit is a magnetic layer on or adjacent to said body, which magnetic layer encodes said information.

3. The card of claim 1, wherein said transaction unit is a circuit.

4. The card of claim 3, wherein said circuit is a radiofrequency identification (RFID) unit.

5. The card of claim 1, wherein said transaction unit is a chip.

6. The card of claim 5, wherein said chip tracks usage by said user.

7. The card of claim 6, wherein said usage includes a time of transaction.

8. The card of claim 5, wherein said chip stores transaction information for each transaction in a blockchain.

9. The card of claim 1, wherein said transaction unit encodes said information.

10. The card of claim 1, wherein said transaction unit encodes personal information of said user.

11. The card of claim 1, wherein said identifying information is anonymous.

12. The card of claim 1, wherein said material is a composite material.

13. The card of claim 1, wherein said material is biodegradable.

14. The card of claim 1, wherein said body is biodegradable.

15. The card of claim 1, wherein said card is a smartcard.

16. The card of claim 1, further comprising a light for illumination by said user.

17. The card of claim 16, further comprising a battery electrically coupled to said light.

18. The card of claim 17, wherein a thickness of said battery is at most a thickness of said card.

19. The card of claim 16, wherein said light is one or more light emitting diodes.

20. The card of claim 1, wherein said transaction unit is configured to transmit said information or retrieve other information using Bluetooth or WiFi.

21. The card of claim 1, wherein at least a part of said body is conductive.

22. The card of claim 21, wherein a conductive part of said body is electrically coupled to at least one of a battery, the transaction unit, and a light.

23. The card of claim 1, wherein said card is a credit card or a gift card.

24. The card of claim 1, wherein said transaction involves an exchange of cryptocurrency.

25. The card of claim 1, wherein said transaction unit comprises a memory.

26. The card of claim 1, wherein said material has a tetrahydrocannabinol content less than 0.3% as measured by mass spectroscopy.

27. A method for facilitating a transaction by a user, comprising:

(a) providing a card comprising (i) a body formed of material comprising hemp, (ii) identifying information on or adjacent to said body, wherein said identifying information is usable to identify said user, and (iii) a transaction unit that contains information that is usable to conduct said transaction;

(b) bringing said card in communication with a reader that communicatively couples to said transaction unit; and

(c) retrieving said information from said transaction unit, thereby facilitating said

transaction.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising directing transaction information to said transaction unit, which transaction information is indicative of said transaction.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein said transaction unit is a magnetic layer on or adjacent to said body, which magnetic layer encodes said information.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein said transaction unit is a circuit.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said circuit is a radiofrequency identification (RFID) unit.

32. The method of claim 27, wherein said transaction unit is a chip.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said chip tracks usage by said user.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said usage includes a time of transaction.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said chip stores transaction information for each transaction in a blockchain.

36. The method of claim 27, wherein said transaction unit encodes said information.

37. The method of claim 27, wherein said transaction unit encodes personal information of said user.

38. The method of claim 27, wherein said identifying information is anonymous.

39. The method of claim 27, wherein said material is a composite material.

40. The method of claim 27, wherein said material is biodegradable.

41. The method of claim 27, wherein said body is biodegradable.

42. The method of claim 27, wherein said card is a smartcard.

43. The method of claim 27, wherein said card comprises a light for illumination by said user.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein said card comprises a battery electrically coupled to said light.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein a thickness of said battery is at most a thickness of said card.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein said light is one or more light emitting diodes.

47. The method of claim 27, wherein said transaction unit is configured to transmit said information or retrieve other information using Bluetooth or WiFi.

48. The method of claim 27, wherein at least a part of said body is conductive.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein a conductive part of said body is electrically coupled to at least one of a battery, said transaction unit and a light.

50. The method of claim 27, wherein said card is a credit card or a gift card.

51. The method of claim 27, wherein said transaction involves an exchange of

cryptocurrency.

52. The method of claim 27, wherein said transaction unit comprises a memory.

53. The method of claim 27, wherein said material has a tetrahydrocannabinol content less than 0.3% as measured by mass spectroscopy.