Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
  • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
  • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
  • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
  • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
  • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
  • G07F7/0866—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means by active credit-cards adapted therefor
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
  • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
  • G02F1/1345—Conductors connecting electrodes to cell terminals
  • G02F1/13452—Conductors connecting driver circuitry and terminals of panels
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
  • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
  • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
  • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
  • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
  • G06K19/0723—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips the record carrier comprising an arrangement for non-contact communication, e.g. wireless communication circuits on transponder cards, non-contact smart cards or RFIDs
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
  • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
  • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
  • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
  • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
  • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
  • G06K19/07701—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier comprising an interface suitable for human interaction
  • G06K19/07703—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier comprising an interface suitable for human interaction the interface being visual
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
  • G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
  • G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
  • G06K19/067—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components
  • G06K19/07—Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards also with resonating or responding marks without active components with integrated circuit chips
  • G06K19/077—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
  • G06K19/07749—Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier the record carrier being capable of non-contact communication, e.g. constructional details of the antenna of a non-contact smart card
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/04—Payment circuits
  • G06Q20/045—Payment circuits using payment protocols involving tickets
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
  • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
  • G06Q20/341—Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
  • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
  • G06Q20/347—Passive cards
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
  • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
  • G06Q20/352—Contactless payments by cards
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
  • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
  • G06Q20/357—Cards having a plurality of specified features
  • G06Q20/3574—Multiple applications on card
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
  • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
  • G06Q20/36—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using electronic wallets or electronic money safes
  • G06Q20/363—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using electronic wallets or electronic money safes with the personal data of a user
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
  • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
  • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
  • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
  • G07F7/0873—Details of the card reader
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
  • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
  • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
  • G02F1/133305—Flexible substrates, e.g. plastics, organic film

Definitions

• the present invention relates to data or transaction cards containing semiconductor processors and/or memory chips .
• Such cards are commonly referred to as chip cards (or smart cards) . They are typically wallet-size and contain a microchip. Often, there are electrical contacts on the surface of the card through which communications are made between an external chip card device and the semiconductor chip, but there are also wireless chip cards in which communication is made using a wireless transceiver located within the card. Chip cards are now being used in numerous applications, including telecommunications, government benefits programs, health care, public transportation, universities, and vending machines.
• chip cards One of the widespread uses of chip cards today is as a stored-value card which contains monetary value in the microchip embedded in the card. For example, each time a consumer uses a chip card in a vending machine, the amount of the purchase is deducted from the cash balance stored in the microchip on the card.
• stored-value cards One application for such stored-value cards is eliminating the need for people to carry around small coins or bills and speeding up the time it takes to consummate small cash transactions.
• current chip cards offer no built-in mechanism for viewing the cash balance remaining on the chip card. This reduces the convenience and ease of use of chip cards .
• a consumer could only determine the cash balance on a chip card by taking the card to a vending machine, retail location, or other point of purchase equipped with a chip card reader.
• chip card readers were developed to provide chip card users with a convenient way to determine the cash balance on their chip cards.
• U.S. Patent No. 4,954,985 to Yamazaki discloses a card with a ferroelectric liquid crystal memory region and a ferroelectric liquid crystal display region.
• U.S. Patent No. 4,746,787 to Suto discloses an IC Card with a display and an integrated circuit containing a processor and memory. Neither patent suggests a flexible display element or flexible card body. Yamazaki refers to using both Corning 7059 glass or plastic for the card body, without any indication that one is preferable to the other.
• chip cards used in applications other than stored-value, such as health care require the user to go to a location with a chip card reader in order to display information contained in the microchip on the card. If a health care chip card holder has a serious medical condition and is taking medication for that condition, an emergency caregiver must have access to a chip card reader to find out what medication the patient is taking or what medical condition the person has that could be critical in deciding what emergency treatment to give the patient.
• chip cards contain information that would be very valuable if it could be instantly accessed, but which loses its value once the card user has to search and take the time to find a chip card reader in order to access the information.
• Chip card systems divide broadly into open or closed systems. Closed systems limit chip card usage to particular chip card readers. For example, a long- distance carrier may offer chip cards that only operate - 4 - their long-distance equipment. Open systems (e.g., VisaCash) operate on a wider variety of chip card readers .
• Closed systems limit chip card usage to particular chip card readers. For example, a long- distance carrier may offer chip cards that only operate - 4 - their long-distance equipment.
• Open systems e.g., VisaCash
• chip cards include advertisements permanently printed on their body.
• a long distance calling card may feature a printed image of the long distance carrier's trademark.
• the invention provides a chip card with a practical, built-in display.
• the card can undergo flexing of the type and magnitude experienced by a card during normal use, handling, and storage (e.g., storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse) without permanent damage to the display element or permanent loss of the displayed information.
• the invention features a chip card including a flexible body; at least one semiconductor chip supported within the flexible body and comprising a memory for storing the information; a display element capable of displaying at least a portion of the information stored in the semiconductor chip, the display element being supported within the flexible body and comprising display areas viewable from at least one side of the chip card; circuitry for controlling the display element; the chip card being capable of undergoing flexing of the type and magnitude experienced by a card during normal use, handling, and storage (e.g., storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse) without permanent damage to the display element and without permanent loss of the displayed information.
• a chip card including a flexible body; at least one semiconductor chip supported within the flexible body and comprising a memory for storing the information; a display element capable of displaying at least a portion of the information stored in the semiconductor chip, the display element being supported within the flexible body and comprising display areas viewable from at least one side of the chip card; circuitry for controlling the display element; the chip card being capable of undergoing flexing
• the display element itself, can be made tolerant of such flexing, or the display can be located in an area of the chip card that does not undergo substantial flexing (e.g., a corner) . - 5 -
• the display element may have the capability to continue displaying information after electrical power is removed from it.
• the display element may offer a multicolor display.
• the display element may offer stereoscopic effects, for example, by layering a barrier strip over the display element. Additionally, the card may feature multiple displays.
• Contacts exposed on a surface of the card can be provided for establishing communication with the semiconductor chip.
• a wireless communication element can be provided within the card.
• Internal connection elements may be provided for connecting the semiconductor chip to the display element.
• the internal connection elements are preferably configured to withstand flexing.
• the flexible body may be constructed from various materials, including plastic, paper, reinforced paper, and cardboard. If from plastic, the material may include polyvinyl chloride, polyester, ABS, or polycarbonate. A substantially transparent layer of protective plastic may be provided to cover the display areas of the display element.
• An additional information storage medium e.g., bar code symbol, magnetic stripe element
• An additional information storage medium e.g., bar code symbol, magnetic stripe element
• the card may include a power source.
• the power source may be replaceable and/or rechargeable.
• the card may provide a mechanism to conserve power (e.g., a kickstart circuit) .
• the power source may provide multi- media features. For example, the power source may drive a speaker, a microphone, or cause the display element to produce a series of images (e.g., a video clip) on the display element.
• the power supply may also power communication elements in a contactless card.
• the invention When applied to stored value cards, the invention permits the user of a card to conveniently determine the cash balance with as little as a quick glance at the face of the card, similar to coins or paper money which have their value printed on their face.
• the display element can provide a display of information without the use of batteries or any other power source, thus reducing the long term costs to both the chip card manufacturer and consumer.
• Introduction of a flexible power source can enhance the features provided by the card (e.g., multi-media capabilities).
• the invention greatly enhances the convenience, efficiency, and practicality of chip cards for their uses.
• the invention provides advantages for a wide range of chip card applications.
• the invention When used with a health care chip card, the invention will allow the cardholder's medical condition and medications to be displayed on the face of the card. If the medication or medical condition changes, the chip card reading/writing device at the pharmacy or doctors office would update the information shown on the display. In an emergency situation, the care giver would have instant knowledge of the patient's medical condition and medications, without having to take the time to locate and use an external card reading device .
• the invention features a method of delivering advertisement information from a source of advertisement information to a chip card for display on a display element (e.g., a flexible, color display element) of the chip card.
• the method includes establishing a communication path between the source and the chip card, transmitting the advertisement information from the source to the chip card via the communication - 7 - path, and displaying the transmitted advertisement information on the chip card display element.
• Embodiments may include one or more of the following features.
• the advertisement information may include a graphic image or an image sequence.
• the chip card may store advertisement information for one or more advertisements in chip card memory.
• the advertisement information displayed on the chip card may be selected from the stored advertisements.
• the advertisement information may represent, for example, an image of a coupon or an image of a store map.
• the chip card may also receive audio information or internet addresses.
• the chip card may receive selected advertisement information. Such information may be selected based on information retrieved from the chip card, such as a chip card identification code, chip card usage data, demographic data, or sound data.
• the communication path may include networked computers . Any point in the communication path may block transmission of the advertisement information.
• the invention features a method of electronic ticketing using a chip card having memory and a display element.
• the method includes transmitting ticketing information to chip card memory, and displaying the ticketing information on the chip card display element.
• the method may further include retrieving data from the chip card to authorize admission.
• the invention has numerous advantages. It offers consumers the ability to receive advertisements, coupons, and other information likely to prove of interest to the consumer. Additionally, paperless transmission of information can speed different transactions and reduce paperwork.
• the invention also enables businesses to target advertising and other information for transmission to - 8 - customers by analyzing detailed consumer profiles built from demographic and transaction information. The information sent to the chip card is presented to the consumer whenever the consumer uses the chip card.
• businesses can both send information and collect consumer profile data from the multitude of environments that process chip cards (e.g., telephones, screen phones, computers, ATM machines, parking meters, vending machines, stadium ticket facilities, GSM devices, gas pumps, copy machines, laundromats, theaters, casino gaming machines, etc.). Additionally, businesses can track the success of their consumer targeting efforts. For example, a business may record when an electronic coupon was sent to a consumer and if and when the consumer redeemed the coupon. The invention also enables consumers to receive ticketing information that can admit them to a venue, guide them to their seats, and even provide coupons for venue concessions.
• chip cards e.g., telephones, screen phones, computers, ATM machines, parking meters, vending machines, stadium ticket facilities, GSM devices, gas pumps, copy machines, laundromats, theaters, casino gaming machines, etc.
• businesses can track the success of their consumer targeting efforts. For example, a business may record when an electronic coupon was sent to a consumer and if and when the consumer redeemed the coupon.
• FIGS. 1A-1C show a contact-type chip card with a flexible display element, with the optional magnetic stripe and bar code on the reverse side of the card.
• FIGS. 2A and 2B show a contact-type chip card with a flexible card body and a display element that is located anywhere outside of the cross-hatched area on the card.
• FIG. 3 shows a credit card with a contact-type chip and a flexible display element.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B show a contactless chip card with a flexible display element that covers the entire surface of the card on one of the layers of the card.
• FIGS. 5A-5C show a chip card with a power source. - 9 -
• FIG. 6 shows the circuit block diagram for a chip card with a display element.
• FIG. 7 shows a kickstart circuit that can control chip card power.
• FIG. 8 shows a regulator and charge controller that can recharge a power source .
• FIG. 9 shows a barrier strip layered over a display element layer to provide stereoscopic effects.
• FIG. 10 shows a multi-color display.
• FIG. 11A-11B are diagrams illustrating chip card features .
• FIG. 12 is a diagram of information stored in chip card memory.
• FIG. 13 is a diagram of a chip card, a chip card reader, and connected equipment.
• FIG. 14A-14D are flowcharts of information delivery.
• FIG. 15A and 15B are diagrams of embodiments of an information delivery system.
• FIG. 16A and 16B are flowcharts of information blocking.
• FIG. 17 is a diagram of an apparatus for blocking information.
• FIGS. 1A-1C there is shown a chip card 10 having a transparent protective top layer 12 (PVC or other clear plastic) and transparent (or opaque or translucent) substrate 14 (PVC or other plastic) .
• the top layer and substrate (body) may be molded or machined into the necessary shape to accommodate the internal components of the card.
• Indicia are printed on the top layer (e.g., on the interior surface)
• a hologram (not shown in FIGS. 1A-1C; see 32 in FIG. 3) may be installed beneath the top layer (e.g., a rainbow hologram element as commonly used on credit cards) .
• a conventional magnetic - 10 - stripe 34 and signature panel can be provided on the bottom of the card (FIG. IB) .
• An integrated circuit 16 is mounted beneath a printed circuit board 18, which fits within a cutout in the card body.
• Contacts 20 cover one entire surface of the printed circuit board and the contacts are exposed to the outside of the card through the cutout, to provide electrical connection to the card.
• the size of the printed circuit board is exaggerated in the cross sectional views, e.g., FIG. IC; it has the same lateral extent as the connector contacts 20, which cover one surface of the board.
• a display element 22 is provided on the top surface of the card.
• transparent electrodes 24 indium tin oxide or other substantially clear conductive material
• the electrodes may be configured to provide either a dot matrix pattern or a segmented display pattern.
• Z-axis conductor 28 (known polymeric material with conductivity only in the Z axis) provides conductive paths from the printed circuit board to the electrodes on the bottom layer.
• the electrodes work in conjunction with liquid crystal display (LCD) film 26, which is a bi-stable or multi-stable display material that will maintain an image when power has been removed. In this way, it is unnecessary for the chip card to have its own power source, or be connected to a power source, for the display to function.
• LCD liquid crystal display
• the preferred LCD material is a ferroelectric LCD. These LCDs are based on smectic liquid - 11 - crystals typically of the smectic C phase with chiral behavior. When formed in a thin layer the ferroelectric material has a net polarization that is perpendicular to the viewing surface.
• the electrodes apply a field that rotates polarization between an "on" and an "off” state.
• Ferroelectric LCDs are typically sensitive to shock or bending, making them unsuitable for use in a chip card that can be bent (e.g., when stored in a wallet) .
• the ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) is fixed to a side- chain of the polymer used to create the LCD film (e.g., as taught in Japanese Patent Document No. 63-318526) or where the FLC is dispersed in the polymer film (e.g., as taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,638,194).
• Other implementations can include different display elements such as suspended particle displays or field emission displays. These display elements, however, require a power source to display images.
• a filter layer 88 can add color to an otherwise monochromatic LCD display.
• the filter layer 88 may include color filters for red, green, and blue.
• a pixel 86 either blocks color filtered light or permits the color to illuminate a pixel 86. Though each pixel 86 only shows red, green, or blue, the viewer spatially integrates the colors to perceive combinations of the above colors (e.g., purple) .
• the display can offer stereoscopic effects such as images that appear three- dimensional and images that alter their appearance based on viewing angle (e.g., a face that winks as a viewer moves the card) .
• an LCD barrier strip 80 (described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,377 to Isono, incorporated by reference) intersperses vision blocking barrier regions with viewing regions to control the image perceived by a viewer. By choosing appropriate underlying LCD image, the barrier strip 80 alters image appearance. - 12 -
• the integrated circuit 16 includes a microprocessor for storing and processing information, and circuitry for powering and controlling the display element.
• the display can be configured as a dot matrix display.
• the display driving circuitry can use a multiplexed technique used in commercial passive displays to quickly refresh the display.
• the microprocessor 40 controls a driver circuit 42, which develops the voltages appropriate to activate and deactivate the display element pixels.
• a power source on the card or an external power source e.g., a card reader
• Polarity switch 44 at the output of the driver circuit selects whether the row or column electrode is to receive the positive polarity.
• Row/column selector switch determines which specific row/column pair receives the voltages produced by the polarity switch and driver circuit.
• Microprocessor 40 controls the driver circuit 42, polarity switch 44, and row/column selector switch 46.
• the microprocessor 40 can also support multiple applications. Many smart cards support the Java programming language. Such applications may include compression/ decompression applications that reduce the amount of information exchanged between the card and a card reader.
• the assembled chip card may safely undergo flexing of the type and magnitude experienced by a card during normal use, handling, and storage (e.g., storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse) " by which is meant flexing the card through the following five tests with the card still functioning and with it not showing any cracked part (see ISO 7816-1, hereby incorporated by reference): - 13 -
• the assembled chip card may safely undergo "approximately 50% of the flexing of the type and magnitude experienced by a card during normal use, handling, and storage (e.g., storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse) " by which is meant bending and torsioning the card through the same five bending and torsion tests described above, but with 50% of the given amounts of deflection (1 and 0.5 cm instead of 2 and 1 cm) for the bending tests (1-4) and 33.3% of the given amount of angular displacement (5 degrees instead of 15 degrees) for the torsion tests (5) , with the card still functioning and with it not showing any cracked part. In performing the above tests, correct functioning of the card should be ascertained every 125 bends or torsions .
• the display may not function perfectly, or at all, while the card is flexed into a curved shape, but once the card is allowed to assume its original shape the display will again function correctly.
• Contributing to this - In flexibility are the polymer substrates (top and bottom layers) and the z-axis conductor for making connections between the printed circuit board and the display.
• the z- axis conductor can withstand the variable compression that flexing produces.
• FIGS. 2A and 2B show a chip card in which the display element is made tolerant of flexing by being located in an area of the card that does not undergo substantial flexing.
• the display element is located at the corners of the card, outside of the cross-hatched areas in the figures.
• the cross-hatched area consists of a horizontal band and a vertical band.
• the horizontal band is 6 millimeters wide, and the vertical band 15 millimeters wide. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 2B, the horizontal band is 11 millimeters wide, and the vertical band 30 millimeters wide.
• FIGS. 5B and 5C show a card featuring multiple display elements.
• FIG. 3 shows a credit card 10 comprising a contact- type chip card with contacts 18 and flexible display element 22.
• Printed lettering 52 and embossed card numbers (and expiration date) 50 are included, as is a hologram 32.
• FIGS. 4A and 4B show a contactless chip card with a flexible display element covering substantially the entire surface of the card.
• a wireless communication element (not shown) is connected to printed circuit board 18.
• Z-axis conductor 28 connects the printed circuit board to the upper transparent electrodes of the display element. Lower transparent electrodes are connected directly to the printed circuit board.
• Some printed lettering 52 is used, but all of the lettering could be provided by the display.
• FIGS. 5A-5C show a chip card incorporating a power source (e.g., a battery or solar cell element) 38.
• the card may feature a small inflexible battery (e.g., a - 15 - supercap) positioned in an area of the card that does not undergo substantial flexing, or, preferably, a flexible thin-film lithium battery, such as Oak Ridge National Laboratories' thin-film battery.
• a power source 38 can enhance card functions with a variety of capabilities including multimedia.
• the power source 38 drives a flexible speaker/microphone 54 that offers multiple-octave sound in a slim profile device (e.g., U.S. Patent No.
• 5,115,472 to Park describes a flexible piezoelectric speaker/microphone made of polymer films, and is incorporated herein) .
• Other types of speakers or microphones may be used that do not offer similar flexibility, but may nevertheless be positioned in an area of the card that does not undergo substantial flexing.
• Addition of a power supply 38 can also produce animation sequences on the display element 22. By retrieving and displaying different sections of information stored in the semiconductor chip at successive time periods, the card can produce a series of images (e.g, a video clip or slide-show) on the display 22.
• a card can provide several methods of controlling output from a power source 38 to conserve card energy.
• the card can incorporate a kickstart circuit 70 (e.g., a flip-flop 70 that controls power source 38) connected to a user controlled contact area 58. Pressing the contact area 58 causes the kickstart circuit 70 to initiate power output from the power source 38.
• the kickstart circuit can provide power for a pre-determined time period or until a subsequent pressing of the contact area 58 as shown.
• the contact area 58 could instead merely connect otherwise disconnected wires to draw power from the power source 38.
• the display element does not need power to display a static image when the power source does not deliver power.
• the - 16 - contact area 58 can control other card functions, for example, clearing the display element.
• Both contact and contactless cards can use a power source 38. While both card types could use a card design that offers access to a power source 38 for simple replacement, each type of card may offer various recharge capabilities. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, a card could include a regulator charge control circuit 74 that accepts current and voltage from an external power source (e.g., a card reader) via contacts 20 for storage in a battery 38. A contactless card can recharge a power supply 38 from communication signals boosted to both transmit information and power.
• an external power source e.g., a card reader
• the flexible chip card and other chip cards can be used in a system for transmitting information to a chip card.
• the chip card 100 shown includes two display elements 114a-114b. Such a configuration permits an orchestrated chip card 100 display where one display element 114a displays a stored value (e.g., a seat number), while the other 114b displays other graphic information (e.g., a theater seat map or directions to the theater) .
• a chip card 100 may instead offer a single display element that nearly covers an entire side of the chip card 100.
• display element 114b features graphics of an electronic coupon for a product and a map indicating the location of the product within a store.
• a store chip card reader at a checkout line can redeem the electronic coupon after verifying purchase of the product (e.g., by comparing a Universal Product Code (UPC) stored in the card with a UPC code identified by a bar code scanner) .
• UPC Universal Product Code
• a card 100 may fit within a portable chip card reader 115 that offers a display element 114c and/or speaker 117.
• the chip card 100 may - 17 - send graphic image and sound information to the portable chip card reader 115 for presentation.
• information stored in an integrated circuit 16 can include card identification 128, usage history information 130, audiovisual information 132, and applications 133.
• Card identification 128 information may include a card serial number and potentially demographic or biographic data describing the card owner (e.g., age, gender, etc.).
• Usage history 130 may include data describing prior uses of the card such as the location, time, and nature of such uses (e.g., March 17 12:00 $1.00/vending machine/Main Street).
• Audiovisual information 132 may include graphic information, sound information, or both. Graphic information can use a variety of data formats including JPEG and GIF. Audiovisual information 132 may also include text. Further, image information may be a sequence of images that provide image animation. Both a chip card with a display and a portable chip card reader can access and present the audiovisual information 132.
• the information 132 may form advertisements (e.g., product descriptions, electronic coupons, etc.), maps, or other helpful information.
• the information 132 may further include network addresses. Storing network addresses enables a chip card owner to insert a chip card 100 into a chip card reader connected to a computer and visit a website for more information related to the information presented on the chip card.
• Information 132 may also include a time stamp indicating when the card received the information 132.
• the card may store information 132a- 132n for several different presentations of audiovisual information.
• the integrated circuit 116 may rotate the information 132a-132n the chip card features (i.e., displays or plays on the speaker) at fixed intervals or based on events (e.g., usage) .
• a card owner - 18 - may manipulate card controls to replay stored audiovisual presentations, for example, to retrieve an electronic coupon, reread map directions, or reexamine a company's advertisement.
• the ability to replay presentations can foster competition among producers to make presentations consumers repeatedly view.
• a chip card reader 134 can download audiovisual information to the chip card 100 via a communication path 123 that includes chip card contacts or wireless communication. Downloading may occur during other chip card reader 134 uses (e.g., during a chip card paid phone call) .
• the chip card reader 134 may be a stand-alone chip card reader, a computer peripheral, or a portable chip card reader.
• the chip card reader 134 may include software 138 and a database of audiovisual information 136.
• the chip card reader 134 not only sends information to the chip card 100, but may also store data describing the chip card transaction including which information the chip card reader 134 downloaded to the chip card 100. Subsequent analysis of collected information can enable businesses to track the effectiveness of their advertising efforts.
• the software 138 may select information for one or more presentations from the database 136 for transmission to the chip card.
• information describing chip card transactions may be periodically transferred to a host computer for analysis and storage. Such transfer may occur over a temporary modem connection or a visit by a service person.
• new presentations or software 138 may be uploaded to the chip card reader 134.
• the chip card reader 134 connects to a host computer 142 via a network 140.
• the host computer 142 may include software 146 that accesses a database of advertisement information 144. Potentially, the host computer 144 stores a more - 19 - extensive database of advertisement information and offers more sophisticated analysis software 146.
• a chip card reader may transmit audiovisual information to a chip card with varying degrees of sophistication.
• a chip card reader may simply send (148) the same audiovisual information to each chip card the reader encounters.
• a store may transmit the same graphic image of an electronic coupon to each wireless chip card that passes through a store entrance.
• the image may include a map indicating the location of the product.
• the audiovisual information may further include signals that cause the chip card to generate a sound alerting an owner entering a store of a new chip card presentation.
• FIG. 14B shows a slightly more sophisticated method of transmitting audiovisual information.
• the chip card reader selects audiovisual information for transmission based on factors (150) such as the time, amount, or type of transaction. For example, someone purchasing cereal in the morning may find a chip card coupon for milk very useful.
• FIG. 14C shows a method of transmitting audiovisual information with even greater sensitivity to a particular customer.
• the chip card reader retrieves information (152) from the chip card.
• the chip card reader can use this retrieved information (e.g., demographic data, usage history, or card serial number) to select appropriate audiovisual information for delivery
• the chip card reader 134 may send an ice cream coupon to the chip card 100.
• FIG. 14D shows a delivery method similar to that of FIG.
• a networked computer that - 20 - may store audiovisual information and selection software in addition to or in lieu of storing these elements in the chip card reader.
• a networked computer can both control the audiovisual information dispensed by different card readers and efficiently collect chip card usage data.
• the chip card reader may send retrieved chip card information over the network (156) for processing and receive audiovisual information from the networked computer (158) .
• the chip card reader may periodically download audiovisual information to chip card readers en masse, then merely transmit audiovisual information indices to the chip card reader, reducing the amount of information transmitted over the network.
• FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate different embodiments that deliver audiovisual information to chip card readers.
• a chip card reader 134 connects to a host computer 142 via a communication path 123 than includes a communication link 140.
• a chip card reader 134 attached to a computer connects to a host computer 142 via a communication path 123 that includes the internet 140.
• software 164 within the chip card may block unwanted information transmission by putting the chip card in protect mode.
• protect mode the card does not store audiovisual information transmitted (174) . This prevents a chip card from storing unwanted information that may potentially overwrite information of interest.
• the protect mode may apply to chip card memory as a whole or to individual presentations.
• other points in the transmission path may block information transmission - 21 -
• the host computer may recognize the card serial number as belonging to a card owner uninterested in receiving advertisements.
• the card owner may interact with a chip card reader that features a "do not download information" button 176 that prevents transmission of information from the chip card reader to the chip card. Again, many permutations of the above are possible.
• a stadium chip card system can quickly download electronic tickets for single or multiple events to a chip card along with seat and stadium location information.
• the ticket information can appear on the chip card display. This can occur at purchase time over a network, reducing box-office lines. Admission into the stadium by chip card would present an opportunity to download stadium specific information to each chip card such as the location of facilities or coupons for concession refreshments (e.g., cotton candy for a circus or hot-dogs for a ball game) .
• concession refreshments e.g., cotton candy for a circus or hot-dogs for a ball game
• the stadium could generate revenue by downloading an outside business' information for a fee.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
• Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Strategic Management (AREA)
• General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
• Nonlinear Science (AREA)
• Mathematical Physics (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• Finance (AREA)
• Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
• Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=27360014

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (11)

Families Citing this family (71)

Citations (9)

Family Cites Families (24)

• 1999
  • 1999-01-27 EP EP99904370A patent/EP1046130A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1999-01-27 BR BR9907747-7A patent/BR9907747A/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1999-01-27 AU AU24779/99A patent/AU755297B2/en not_active Expired
  • 1999-01-27 ID IDW20001650A patent/ID26352A/id unknown
  • 1999-01-27 CN CNB99802449XA patent/CN100341024C/zh not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1999-01-27 KR KR1020007008220A patent/KR100601178B1/ko not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1999-01-27 WO PCT/US1999/001808 patent/WO1999038117A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 1999-01-27 JP JP2000528949A patent/JP2002501263A/ja active Pending
  • 1999-01-27 IL IL13749899A patent/IL137498A0/xx unknown
  • 1999-01-27 CA CA002319127A patent/CA2319127A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1999-01-27 RU RU2000122446/09A patent/RU2000122446A/ru not_active Application Discontinuation

Patent Citations (9)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events