Luminous Transaction Cards

Abstract

A transaction card is described that includes a first printed layer, a second printed layer, an antenna inlay layer, and a light emitting element. At least one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer has a transparent portion through which light passes. The antenna inlay layer has a loop antenna disposed thereon. The light emitting element has a two-dimensional form factor and is disposed between the antenna inlay layer and one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer. The transaction card includes a wireless power receiver circuit that receives a wireless signal via the loop antenna and induces a voltage across terminals of the light emitting element, causing the light emitting element to emit light through the transparent portion.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 565,542, filed Dec. 30, 2021, entitled “ILLUMINATING TRANSACTION CARD,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Transaction cards are used for payments in a wide variety of situations. In transaction accounts targeting different consumer markets, such as technology-oriented or luxury markets, companies may offer transaction cards with non-traditional designs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, non-traditional designs are limited because transaction cards have various restrictions, such as size restrictions, magnetic stripe placement restrictions, and standards requirements so that transaction cards can be utilized with widely available and standard reader devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] Various approaches are disclosed for making an illuminating transaction card. In some approaches, the transaction card includes a first printed layer and a second printed layer. At least one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer includes a transparent or translucent portion through which light can pass. The transaction card further includes an antenna inlay layer having one or more antennas disposed thereon. In some embodiments, the antenna includes a loop antenna. A light emitting element is disposed or positioned between the antenna inlay layer and one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer, such that the light emitting element is positioned proximate to the transparent portion.

[0005] The transaction card further includes a wireless power receiver circuit coupled to the light emitting element and the loop antenna. In some approaches, the wireless power circuit is configured to receive a wireless signal via the loop antenna and induce a voltage across the terminals of the light emitting element, thereby causing the light emitting element to emit light through the transparent portion. The wireless signal can be an oscillating magnetic field emitted by the transaction card reader device, or a similar wireless signal.

[0006] According to various approaches, the light emitting element may be a single light emitting diode (LED), multiple light emitting diodes (LEDs), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel, a printed dispersion of LEDs, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the light emitting element may be one or more printed micro light emitting diode (microLED) regions. Additionally, as will be described, the light emitting element may have a two dimensional form factor. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a transaction card in a non-illuminated state according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an illuminated transaction card according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one exemplary configuration of a transaction card. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one example configuration of a portion of a transaction card. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of one exemplary configuration of a transaction card. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary configuration of an antenna and light emitting element of a transaction card. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of one exemplary configuration of an antenna and light emitting element of a transaction card. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a rear view of one exemplary configuration of an antenna and light emitting element of a transaction card. [Figure 9] 1A-1D illustrate various techniques for forming light emitting elements on a transaction card. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary configuration of an antenna and light emitting element of a transaction card. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary configuration of an antenna and light emitting element of a transaction card. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary configuration of an antenna and light emitting element of a transaction card. [Figure 13] A diagram showing one exemplary configuration of an antenna and processing chip of a transaction card. [Figure 14] 1 is a flowchart providing an example of a process for manufacturing a transaction card according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] 14A-14C show examples of sheets used in manufacturing the process described by the flow chart of FIG. 13. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] In the following discussion, a general description of illuminating transaction cards and methods for manufacturing illuminating transaction cards is provided. The following discussion provides illustrative examples of various embodiments of the present disclosure, however, use of the following illustrative examples does not exclude other implementations that are consistent with the disclosed principles.

[0009] 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a transaction card 100 constructed in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The transaction card 100 may include a light emitting region 103 that emits light when the transaction card 100 receives a sufficient wireless signal that is capable of powering one or more light emitting elements of the transaction card 100, referred to herein in the singular as light emitting elements for purposes of explanation.

[0010] In particular, Figure 1 illustrates the transaction card 100 in a non-illuminated state, and Figure 2 illustrates the transaction card 100 in an illuminated state. In some examples, when the transaction card 100 is placed in proximity to a reader device 106, the reader device 106 may emit a wireless power signal sufficient to illuminate a light emitting diode. For example, the reader device 106 may generate an oscillating magnetic field. For example, the reader device 106 may include a contactless payment terminal.

[0011] It should be understood, therefore, that the wireless power signal may be emitted via near field communication (NFC) and / or radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. In an additional approach, when the transaction card 100 is placed against a smartphone or other electrical device having a wireless power transmitter, or within a wireless power field produced by the wireless power transmitter, the transaction card 100 may receive a wireless power signal sufficient to illuminate a light emitting element and perform other transaction related functions.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of one exemplary configuration of the transaction card 100. Generally, the transaction card 100 may include a first printed layer 109, a second printed layer 112, an antenna inlay layer 115, a first laminate overlay layer 118, a second laminate overlay layer 121, and a light emitting element 124. As can be appreciated, the light emitting element 124 may include one or more light emitting elements 124, which are referred to herein in the singular as light emitting element 124 for purposes of explanation. In some approaches, the transaction card 100 further includes a post-lamination varnish layer 127 and a processing chip 130. The post-lamination varnish layer 127, the first laminate overlay layer 118, and / or the second laminate overlay layer 121 may be transparent or translucent.

[0013] The first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112 may be formed by printing or disposing ink or other colored items on the layers to produce a transaction card 100 having a certain appearance. At least one of the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112 may include one or more transparent portions 133 through which light passes, the one or more transparent portions 133 being referred to herein in the singular as transparent portion 133 for purposes of explanation. The transparent portion 133 may include areas that are not printed with ink or areas that are thinly or otherwise inked such that light may be transmitted through the transparent portion 133. In some approaches, the transparent portion 133 is formed of a different material than the remainder of the respective layer. It should be understood that portions of the first printed layer 109 and / or the second printed layer 112 that are not transparent may be opaque. A combination of opaque and transparent properties may be configured to produce a transaction card 100 having a desired aesthetic appearance.

[0014] 3 shows transparent portion 133 as being on first printed layer 109, it should be understood that transparent portion 133 may also be disposed on second printed layer 112. In some approaches, transparent portion 133 may be disposed only on second printed layer 112. Additionally, FIG. 3 shows transparent portion 133 as having an oval shape. However, it should be understood that transparent portion 133 may be circular, square, rectangular, and shaped to form numbers, letters, ribbons, banners, and the like.

[0015] The antenna inlay layer 115 may include various antennas disposed thereon, such as a loop antenna 120 or other suitable types of antennas. To facilitate providing the transaction card 100 with a thin thickness, antennas such as the loop antenna 120 may have a two-dimensional form factor. To this end, the loop antenna 120 or other antennas may be provided when copper or other conductive material is configured into a coil having one or more windings disposed at or near the edge of the antenna inlay layer 115 within the substrate. The loop antenna 120 may be nested within the substrate such that the substrate has a generally flat surface. It should be understood that depending on the desired characteristics of the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112, the loop antenna 120 may or may not be visible when the transaction card 100 is assembled.

[0016] According to various approaches, the light emitting element 124 may have a two-dimensional form factor and may be disposed between the antenna inlay layer 115 and one of the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112. Additionally, the light emitting element 124 may be disposed proximate to the transparent portion 133. Although the light emitting element 124 may be a separate component from the first printed layer 109, the second printed layer 112, and the antenna inlay layer 115, in some embodiments the light emitting element 124 may be integrally formed on a respective surface of one of the layers such that the light emitting element 124 is disposed proximate to the transparent portion 133. In various embodiments, the light emitting element 124 has a two-dimensional form factor, which allows the transaction card 100 to have or meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards related to transaction cards. For example, the transaction card 100 may be 85.6 millimeters (mm) wide, 53.98 mm high, and 0.76 mm thick.

[0017] The second laminate overlay layer 121 may include a magnetic stripe 136. The magnetic stripe 136 may include any band of magnetic material capable of storing data. The data stored on the magnetic stripe 136 may include a variety of information such as an account number for a payment account associated with the transaction card 100, an expiration date for the payment account, a card verification value (CVV) or card verification code (CSC), a service code, etc.

[0018] The transaction card 100 may further include a wireless power receiver circuit (not shown), which may be coupled to the light emitting element 124 and the loop antenna 120. The wireless power receiver circuit may be configured to receive a wireless signal via the loop antenna 120 and induce a voltage across the terminals of the light emitting element 124, thereby causing the light emitting element 124 to emit light through the transparent portion 133.

[0019] The processing chip 130 is shown disposed within a pocket 139 on the outer surface of the antenna inlay layer 115. In some approaches, the processing chip 130 may be secured within the pocket 139 using a suitable adhesive. Additionally, in some approaches, as shown in FIG. 3, the post-lamination varnish layer 127, the first laminate overlay layer 118, and / or the first printed layer 109 may include a window 142 having a similar size and shape as the processing chip 130, such that a top surface of the processing chip 130 may be disposed through the window and be flush or nearly flush with a top surface of the post-lamination varnish layer 127 when the transaction card 100 is fully assembled.

[0020] Additionally, loop antenna 120 may be used to provide wireless communication between processing chip 130 and a contactless payment terminal or other reader device 106. Loop antenna 120 may also be used to provide power to processing chip 130 via a wireless signal received from a payment terminal. In some approaches, loop antenna 120 may be physically coupled to processing chip 130, while in other implementations loop antenna 120 may be inductively coupled to processing chip 130. Although shown separate from processing chip 130, in some implementations loop antenna 120, or portions thereof, may be included or integrated within processing chip 130.

[0021] Processing chip 130 may represent any integrated circuit chip that may be used to secure or process payments using transaction card 100. Examples of processing chip 130 include integrated circuit chips that implement various versions of the Europay, Mastercard, and VISA (EMV) standards for smart payment cards. In some implementations, processing chip 130 is coupled to loop antenna 120 to facilitate contactless payments using near field communications (NFC), ultra-wideband (UWB), or similar low-power, short-range wireless communications standards. However, in other implementations, processing chip 130 may include an integrated antenna.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial exploded view of another exemplary configuration of the transaction card 100. In FIG. 4, the processing chip 130 is shown disposed within a pocket 139 on an outer surface of the antenna inlay layer 115 or other suitable layer. The processing chip 130 may be secured within the pocket 139 using any suitable adhesive. The bottom of the pocket 139 of the antenna inlay layer 115 may have a number of holes 145. The loop antenna 120 is shown separate from the antenna inlay layer 115, but may be embedded within the antenna inlay layer 115 and disposed on each side of the antenna inlay layer 115. In some embodiments, the loop antenna 120 may be physically coupled to the processing chip 130 by threading wires 158 (e.g., a first wire and a second wire 158) through each of the holes 145 located at the bottom of the pocket 139. For example, the first wire and the second wire 158 may be coupled to terminals of the processing chip 130.

[0023] 5 shows a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a transaction card 100. The transaction card 100 may include a wireless power receiver circuit 161, which in some approaches may be coupled to the light emitting element 124 and the loop antenna 120. The wireless power receiver circuit 161 may be configured to receive a wireless signal via the loop antenna 120 and induce a voltage across the terminals 164 of the light emitting element 124, thereby causing the light emitting element 124 to emit light and radiate light through the transparent portion 133. The wireless signal may be received, for example, when the transaction card 100 is placed with an oscillating magnetic field.

[0024] In some approaches, the wireless power receiver circuit 161 includes a bridge rectifier 167 that converts an alternating current (AC) signal received from the loop antenna 120 to a direct current (DC) signal. Thus, the wireless power receiver circuit 161 transmits the DC signal to the terminals 164 of the light emitting element 124, which in turn induces a potential (i.e., a voltage) across the terminals 164 of the light emitting element 124. In various embodiments, the transaction card 100 is 2 , 1.5m2 , 2.0m 2 , 2.5m 2 , 3.0m 2 , 3.5m 2 , 4.0m 2 1m 2 From 4m 2 The light emitting element can be caused to emit light.

[0025] The example of FIG. 5 shows the light emitting element 124 having a size larger than the transparent portion 133 and having a square or rectangular shape. For example, the light emitting element 124 may include an OLED panel disposed behind a layer having the transparent portion 133, such that when the transaction card 100 receives a sufficient wireless signal, light is emitted through the transparent portion 133. It should be understood that although the light emitting element 124 is square, because the transparent portion 133 is oval, the other portions of the transaction card 100 outside the transparent portion 133 are opaque, resulting in an oval emitting area on the transaction card 100. Although FIG. 5 shows the light emitting element 124 aligned with the transparent portion 133, in some approaches the light emitting element 124 (e.g., an OLED panel) may be offset (e.g., 45 degrees).

[0026] However, in some approaches, the light emitting element 124 may be smaller than the transparent portion 133. For example, in approaches where the light emitting element 124 is a single LED, the single LED may be located in the upper right or upper left area of ​​the transparent portion 133, or another suitable location. In any case, the transaction card 100 may have a light emitting central area or other areas, a card number, an expiration date, a "member since" banner, a cardholder's name, a border area surrounding the processing chip 130, etc.

[0027] 6 shows an example of an antenna of the transaction card 100 shown relative to the light emitting element 124. The antenna of the transaction card 100 may include the loop antenna 120 described above, as well as an inductive light emitting antenna 170 and a processing chip antenna 173, among other antennas. The processing chip antenna 173 may be coupled to the processing chip 130. The approach shown in FIG. 6 includes wires 158, which may be physically or directly coupled to the processing chip 130. However, in another approach, the processing chip 130 may be powered via inductive coupling.

[0028] The inductive lighting antenna 170 may power the light emitting elements 124, causing the light emitting elements 124 to light up. To this end, in some approaches, the loop antenna 120 may be used to power the processing chip 130, while the inductive lighting antenna 170 may be used to power the light emitting elements 124. Other combinations of antennas and powered elements may also be utilized. As previously mentioned, the light emitting elements 124 may include multiple light emitting elements 124. In some approaches, the light emitting elements 124 of the transaction card 100 may provide a first light emitting area 176a and a second light emitting area 176b (collectively, "light emitting areas 176") formed from a plurality of micro light emitting diodes (microLEDs).

[0029] In some approaches, the light emitting area 176 may be formed on the substrate by printing a predetermined shape using a diode ink. The diode ink may include a liquid or gel suspension having a dispersion of LEDs therein that may be printed. Printing the microLEDs onto the substrate (e.g., a layer of the transaction card 100) may include, for example, screen printing. The density of the LEDs in the light emitting area 176 may be determined based on the concentration of the LEDs in the ink composition before printing, as well as the average number of LEDs that result in a printed area when dry.

[0030] The LEDs in the suspension may include semiconductor devices that emit light when powered. Thus, in some embodiments, the light emitting region 176 may be powered by the inductive light emitting antenna 170. The LEDs in the light emitting region 176 may be disposed between two conductor layers, at least one of which may be transparent, such that light is visibly emitted through the transparent conductor layer. The LEDs are printed to form the light emitting region 176 and connected in parallel with each other. The LEDs in the light emitting region 176 may be energized by inducing a predetermined voltage between the conductor layers. Thus, the inductive light emitting antenna 170 may include a conductive metal or other material that forms a loop that induces a current and an oscillating magnetic field to cause the microLEDs in the light emitting region 176 to emit light, thereby illuminating a portion of the transaction card 100.

[0031] Although shown using a coil to induce an oscillating magnetic field, in another approach, a wire can be coupled to the conductor layer and an appropriate voltage can be induced. In some approaches, the inductive light emitting antenna 170 is coupled to or integral with the loop antenna 120 and / or the processing chip antenna 173. The light emitting area 176 can be positioned behind, adjacent to, or against the transparent portion 133 of the transaction card 100. Thus, when an appropriate voltage is applied to the conductor layer of the light emitting area 176, the LEDs will emit light.

[0032] 7 and 8, FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the transaction card 100, and FIG. 8 illustrates a rear view of the transaction card 100. In some approaches, the light emitting element 124 of the transaction card 100 may include terminals 179. For example, the terminals 179 may include a negative terminal 179a and a positive terminal 179b. While the approach shown in FIG. 6 uses inductive coupling, the approach shown in FIG. 7 and 8 illustrates that the inductive light emitting antenna 170 is physically or directly coupled to the light emitting element 124. When the transaction card 100 is placed in an oscillating magnetic field, the loop antenna 120 induces a current in the inductive light emitting antenna 170. When a current is induced in the inductive light emitting antenna 170, a voltage is applied across the terminals 179 of the light emitting element 124.

[0033] In some approaches, the light emitting element 124 includes microLEDs disposed between a first conductive layer 181a and a second conductive layer 181b. A first terminal 179a is coupled to the first conductive layer 181a, and a second terminal 179b is coupled to the second conductive layer 181b to induce a voltage in the microLEDs. The wires 184 of the induced light emitting antenna 170 may be directly coupled to the respective terminals 179.

[0034] 9 illustrates various alternative approaches for forming the light emitting element 124. First, a first light emitting element 124a is shown formed with a single light emitting area 176a having the same size and dimensions as the transparent portion 133 of the transaction card 100. For example, the transparent portion 133 may have the same shape as the light emitting area 176a. Second, a second light emitting element 124b is shown formed with a single light emitting area 176b, referred to as an oversized light emitting area 176, where the light emitting area may have a slightly larger size and dimensions than the transparent portion 133 of the transaction card 100 to provide an improved lighting effect.

[0035] The third light emitting element 124c includes two light emitting areas 176c, 176d, the fourth light emitting element 124d includes three light emitting areas 176e...176g, the fifth light emitting element 124e includes four light emitting areas 176h...176k, and so on. As can be appreciated, it should be understood that the transaction card 100 may include other numbers of light emitting elements 124 and light emitting areas 176. Furthermore, the light emitting elements 124 may be arranged in a variety of alternative configurations other than that shown in FIG. 9. The light emitting areas 176 of the light emitting elements 124 may be formed by printing a diode ink onto a layer of the transaction card 100 according to the technique shown in FIG.

[0036] Moving along Figures 10, 11, and 12, Figures 10, 11, and 12 show alternative exemplary configurations of a transaction card 100. Specifically, Figure 10 shows a transaction card 100 having a light emitting element circuit 182 with a single light emitting diode 185, while Figure 11 shows a transaction card 100 having a light emitting element circuit 182 with multiple light emitting diodes 185. The light emitting element circuit 182 of Figures 10 and 11 may have a two-dimensional form factor and may be integrally formed with the antenna inlay layer 115 (or other suitable layer). For example, the light emitting element circuit 182 of Figures 10 and 11 may be etched into the antenna inlay layer 115 without adding significant thickness to the respective layers.

[0037] With particular reference to FIG. 11 , configurations of light emitting diodes 185 for illuminating the oval shaped transparent portion 133 are shown. For example, a first row of light emitting diodes 185 has a single light emitting diode 185, a second row of light emitting diodes 185 has three light emitting diodes 185, a third row of light emitting diodes 185 has three light emitting diodes 185, and a fourth row of light emitting diodes 185 has a single light emitting diode 185. The light emitting diodes 185 in the second and third rows may be aligned or offset, with an offset configuration shown in FIG. 11 . Similarly, the light emitting diodes 185 in the first and fourth rows may be offset or aligned, with an aligned configuration shown in FIG. 11 . It should be understood that other configurations of light emitting diodes 185 may be utilized depending on the shape of the transparent portion 133, or in other words the shape of the area to be illuminated.

[0038] With particular reference to FIG. 12, a configuration of light emitting diodes 185 for illuminating the centurion-shaped transparent portion 133 is shown. In other words, the light emitting diodes 185 are distributed over the boundary or perimeter of a predetermined shape (e.g., centurion-shaped). It should be understood, therefore, that other configurations of light emitting diodes 185 may be utilized depending on the shape of the transparent portion 133, or in other words, the shape of the area to be illuminated. In other embodiments, LED bands or other collections of light emitting diodes 185 may be distributed along the boundary or shape to be illuminated. In some embodiments, the number of light emitting diodes 185 may be eight, which number provides adequate illumination while having sufficient power provided via the inductive light emitting antenna 170 and / or the loop antenna 120.

[0039] FIG. 13 illustrates another exemplary configuration of a transaction card 100. The bottom and top surfaces of the processing chip 130 are shown for illustrative purposes. In the approach illustrated in FIG. 13, the antenna of the transaction card 100 includes the loop antenna 120 and the processing chip antenna 173. The processing chip antenna 173 is inductively coupled to an inductive antenna 188 disposed and / or exposed on the bottom surface of the processing chip 130a, 130b. The antenna may further include a distal antenna loop 191 disposed at a distal end of the transaction card 100 opposite the antenna of the processing chip 130 to further facilitate reception of wireless signals in the oscillating magnetic field generated by the reader device 106.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 14, a flowchart 300 is shown providing an example of a process for manufacturing a transaction card 100, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. While the flowchart of FIG. 14 illustrates an example sequence of operations, it should be understood that the order of operations may differ from that illustrated. For example, operations illustrated in two or more boxes shown in succession may be performed simultaneously or with partial concurrence. As another example, operations illustrated in two or more boxes may be performed in an alternative sequence compared to that illustrated. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more of the boxes illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 14 may be skipped or omitted. It should be understood that all such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] Beginning with box 303, the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112 may be printed. The first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112 may be printed such that one of the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112 includes a transparent portion 133. The transparent portion 133 may include areas where no ink is printed or areas where ink is thinly or otherwise applied such that light may be transmitted through the transparent portion 133. It should be understood that portions of the first printed layer 109 and / or the second printed layer 112 that are not transparent are opaque and block the transmission of light.

[0042] Next, in box 306, the light emitting elements 124 of the transaction card 100 may be formed or provided. The formed or provided light emitting elements 124 may have a two-dimensional form factor such that when assembled, the light emitting elements 124 do not significantly increase the thickness of the transaction card 100 such that it no longer complies with ISO standards. In some approaches, the light emitting elements 124 may be provided by printing onto a substrate, such as the antenna inlay layer 115 or other layer to be disposed between the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112. Printing the light emitting elements 124 may include the use of a diode ink that includes a liquid or gel suspension having LEDs dispersed therein. Printing the microLEDs onto the substrate may include, for example, screen printing. Printing the light emitting elements 124 may be performed to achieve a predetermined desired concentration of LEDs, which may be determined as a function of the density of the LEDs in the ink composition prior to printing.

[0043] In some approaches, providing the light emitting element 124 may include forming a substrate (e.g., antenna inlay layer 115) having therein a light emitting element circuit 182 having one or more light emitting diodes 185 integral with the substrate. The configuration of the light emitting diodes 185 may be determined based on the shape and size of the transparent portion 133 and / or the area of ​​the transaction card 100 to be illuminated.

[0044] In some approaches, forming the light emitting element 124 can include forming or providing an OLED panel and disposing the OLED panel on a substrate. In some approaches, the OLED panel is integrally formed with the substrate, while in other approaches, the OLED panel is distinct and separate from the substrate. The substrate described for any of the above approaches can be an antenna inlay layer 115 or other suitable layer to be disposed between the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112.

[0045] Thereafter, in box 309, antenna inlay layer 115 and antennas therein can be formed, for example, by forming loop antenna 120, processing chip antenna 173, distal antenna loop 191, other desired antennas, and / or combinations thereof. The antennas can be formed by disposing copper or other conductive material in the configurations shown in the preceding figures, thereby forming antennas having a two-dimensional form factor. In some approaches, box 309 is performed before box 306.

[0046] In box 312, the light emitting element 124 and the antenna inlay layer 115 may be disposed between the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112. It should be understood that the transparent portion 133 on at least one of the first printed layer 109 and the second printed layer 112 may be aligned with or disposed relative to the light emitting element 124, such that light emitted by the light emitting element 124 is emitted through the transparent portion 133.

[0047] In some examples, a bonding medium may be utilized that is deposited using any number of techniques. For example, glue or a similar adhesive may be sprayed onto each or selective ones of the layers. As another example, an adhesive sheet may be placed between the first printed layer 109 and the antenna inlay layer 115 and / or between the second printed layer 112 and the antenna inlay layer 115.

[0048] In box 315, the first laminate overlay layer 118 may be applied to the outermost surface (or in other words, the top surface) of the first printed layer 109, and the second laminate overlay layer 121 may be applied to the outermost surface (or in other words, the bottom surface) of the second printed layer 112. In some approaches, prior to doing so, a magnetic stripe 136 may be placed on top of the second laminate overlay layer 121 of the transaction card 100.

[0049] In some implementations, the magnetic stripe 131 may be affixed to the second laminate overlay layer 121 using an adhesive. In another implementation, the magnetic stripe 136 may have an adhesive backing such that the magnetic stripe 136 is self-adhesive when placed in contact with the second laminate overlay layer 121. In some implementations, the placement of the magnetic stripe 136 may be omitted (e.g., in embodiments of the transaction card 100 that are not manufactured to include a magnetic stripe 136).

[0050] Then, in box 318, the processing chip 130 may be affixed to the antenna inlay layer 115. For example, adhesive may be deposited in the pocket 139 of the antenna inlay layer 115. The processing chip 130 may then be placed in the pocket 139. The adhesive in the pocket 139 may then affix the processing chip 130 to the antenna inlay layer 115. The process may then proceed to completion.

[0051] Figure 15 shows an example of various sheets used in the manufacturing process described by the flow chart of Figure 14. As shown, a first sheet can include multiple of a first printed layer 109, a second printed layer 112, an antenna inlay layer 115, a post-lamination varnish layer 127 (e.g., a front laminate), a second laminate overlay layer 121 (e.g., a rear laminate and magnetic stripe 136), etc. In other words, the sheets can be formed to provide multiple of the layers before being cut and assembled.

[0052] After the sheets for each layer are formed, the sheets are collated, the sheet alignment is registered, and the sheets are bonded together. Sheet alignment can be critical, especially since the antennas of antenna inlay layer 115 are rolled to tight tolerances of 0.5 mm or less. Once the various layers are stacked together, the layers can be spot welded together for lamination.

[0053] The aforementioned features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments, and where possible, features discussed in various embodiments may be interchangeable. In the following description, numerous specific details are given in order to fully understand the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical solutions of the present disclosure may be implemented without one or more of the specific details, and other methods, components, materials, etc. may be utilized. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the present disclosure.

[0054] Relative terms such as "on," "below," "upper," and "lower" are used herein to describe the relative relationship of one component to another, but such terms are used herein merely for convenience, e.g., as orientation of examples shown in the drawings. It should be understood that if a device is inverted, the aforementioned "upper" component becomes the "lower" component. When a structure is "on" another structure, it is possible for the structure to be integrally formed on the other structure, or for the structure to be "directly" disposed on the other structure, or for the structure to be "indirectly" disposed on the other structure through the other structure.

[0055] As used herein, terms such as "a," "an," "the," "said," and the like are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements and components. Unless otherwise specified in the appended claims, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "including," and variations thereof are used in an open-ended manner and mean to include additional elements, components, etc., in addition to the recited elements, components, etc. It is to be understood that when an element is described as having "one or more" of the element, the element may also be referred to as "at least one" element.

[0056] The terms "first," "second," and the like are used merely as descriptive labels and not as limitations on the number of objects. It will be understood that when multiple components are presented, to the extent applicable, the components may be referred to as a "first" component, a "second" component, etc.

[0057] Unless specifically stated otherwise, disjunctive language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, or Z" should otherwise be understood as generally used to indicate that, together with the context, an item, term, etc., can be X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X; Y; Z; X or Y; X or Z; Y or Z; X, Y, or Z, etc.). Thus, such disjunctive language is generally not intended to, and should not, suggest that an embodiment requires that at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z, respectively, be present.

[0058] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without significantly departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0059] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following clauses. The following clauses describe some embodiments of the present disclosure, although other embodiments of the present disclosure are also mentioned above.

[0060] Clause 1 - A transaction card comprising: a first printed layer and a second printed layer, at least one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer having a transparent portion through which light passes; an antenna inlay layer having a loop antenna disposed thereon; a light-emitting element having a two-dimensional form factor disposed between one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer, the light-emitting element being disposed proximate to the transparent portion; and a wireless power receiver circuit coupled to the light-emitting element and the loop antenna, the wireless power circuit being configured to receive a wireless signal via the loop antenna, induce a voltage between terminals of the light-emitting element, cause the light-emitting element to emit light and radiate light through the transparent portion.

[0061] Clause 2 - The transaction card of clause 1, wherein the wireless power receiver circuit includes a bridge rectifier that converts an alternating current (AC) signal received from the loop antenna into a direct current (DC) signal and supplies the DC signal to a terminal of the light-emitting element.

[0062] Clause 3 - The transaction card of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the light emitting element is one of a single light emitting diode (LED), a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel.

[0063] Clause 4 - The transaction card of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the light emitting element is a printed micro light emitting diode (microLED), the printed microLED being formed of an ink slurry having a plurality of light emitting elements disposed therein.

[0064] Clause 5 - The transaction card of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the light emitting element comprises a first light emitting area and a second light emitting area, the first light emitting area comprising a first plurality of printed micro light emitting diodes (microLEDs), and the second light emitting area comprising a second plurality of printed microLEDs, the second plurality of printed microLEDs being separate and independent from the first plurality of printed microLEDs.

[0065] Clause 6 - A transaction card of any of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising a first laminate overlay layer that is transparent and a second laminate overlay layer that is transparent and has a magnetic stripe, wherein the first printed layer, the antenna inlay layer, and the second printed layer are sequentially disposed between the first laminate overlay layer and the second laminate overlay layer.

[0066] Clause 7 - A transaction card comprising: a printed layer having transparent and opaque portions through which light can pass; a light-emitting element disposed proximate to the transparent portion of the printed layer; an antenna inlay layer having an antenna; and a wireless power receiver circuit coupled to the light-emitting element and the antenna, the wireless power circuit being configured to receive a wireless signal via the antenna and induce a voltage across terminals of the light-emitting element, thereby causing the light-emitting element to emit light through the transparent portion.

[0067] Clause 8 - The transaction card of clause 7, wherein the light-emitting element comprises a light-emitting area having a plurality of micro light-emitting diodes (microLEDs) disposed therein.

[0068] Clause 9 - The transaction card of clause 8, wherein the light emitting area is one of a plurality of light emitting areas having a plurality of microLEDs disposed therein, each of the light emitting areas being positioned relative to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0069] Clause 1 - The transaction card of clause 9, wherein the antenna is a loop antenna, and the transaction card comprises an induced light emitting antenna that induces a current through the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, causing a plurality of microLEDs within a light emitting area to emit light.

[0070] Clause 2 - The transaction card of clause 7, wherein the light emitting element is a light emitting diode (LED) integrally formed with the antenna embedding layer.

[0071] Clause 12 - The transaction card of clause 11, wherein the light emitting diode (LED) is one of a plurality of light emitting diodes in a predetermined configuration.

[0072] Clause 13 - The transaction card of any of clauses 7 to 9, 11 or 12, wherein the antenna is a loop antenna, and the transaction card further comprises an inductively emitting antenna inductively coupled to the light-emitting element, the inductively emitting antenna configured to induce a voltage across terminals of the light-emitting element, causing the light-emitting element to emit light.

[0073] Clause 14 - A transaction card of any of clauses 7 to 13, further comprising a processing chip and a processing chip antenna inductively coupled to the processing chip and configured to induce a voltage across terminals of the processing chip.

[0074] Clause 15 - A method comprising: forming a first printed layer and a second printed layer, at least one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer having a transparent portion; providing a light-emitting element having a two-dimensional form factor; forming an antenna inlay layer having an antenna disposed therein; and disposing the light-emitting element and the antenna inlay layer between the first printed layer and the second printed layer, whereby the light-emitting element is positioned proximate to the transparent portion.

[0075] Clause 16 - The method of clause 15, further comprising attaching at least one laminate overlay layer to at least one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer, and attaching a processing chip to the antenna embedding layer.

[0076] Clause 17 - The method of clause 15 or clause 16, further comprising inducing a voltage across terminals of the light-emitting device to cause the light-emitting device to emit light.

[0077] Clause 18 - The method of any of clauses 15-17, wherein providing the light-emitting element comprises printing the light-emitting element using a diode ink having a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) dispersed therein.

[0078] Clause 19 - The method of any of clauses 15-17, wherein providing a light emitting element comprises forming at least one light emitting diode (LED) integrally with the antenna embedding layer.

[0079] Clause 20 - Any of the methods of clauses 15 to 19, further comprising providing a first laminate overlay layer that is transparent, providing a second laminate overlay layer that is transparent and has a magnetic stripe, and sequentially disposing a first printed layer, an antenna inlay layer, and a second printed layer between the first laminate overlay layer and the second laminate overlay layer.

Claims

1. a first printed layer and a second printed layer, at least one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer having a transparent portion through which light passes; an antenna embedding layer having a loop antenna disposed thereon; a light emitting element having a two-dimensional form factor disposed between the antenna inlay layer and one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer, the light emitting element being disposed proximate to the transparent portion; a wireless power receiver circuit coupled to the light emitting device and the loop antenna, the wireless power circuit configured to receive a wireless signal via the loop antenna and induce a voltage across terminals of the light emitting device to cause the light emitting device to emit light through the transparent portion; A transaction card comprising:

2. 2. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the wireless power receiver circuit comprises a bridge rectifier that converts an alternating current (AC) signal received from the loop antenna into a direct current (DC) signal and provides the DC signal to the terminals of the light-emitting element.

3. The light-emitting element is A single light emitting diode (LED), a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs); and Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) panels, 3. The transaction card of claim 1 or 2, wherein the transaction card is one of:

4. 3. The transaction card of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light emitting elements are printed micro light emitting diodes (microLEDs), the printed microLEDs being formed of an ink slurry having a plurality of light emitting elements disposed therein.

5. the light-emitting element comprises a first light-emitting region and a second light-emitting region, the first light emitting area comprises a first plurality of printed micro light emitting diodes (microLEDs); 3. The transaction card of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second light emitting area comprises a second plurality of printed microLEDs, the second plurality of printed microLEDs being separate and independent from the first plurality of printed microLEDs.

6. a first laminate overlay layer that is transparent; a second laminate overlay layer that is transparent and has a magnetic stripe; Further comprising:

6. The transaction card of claim 1, wherein the first printed layer, the antenna inlay layer, and the second printed layer are sequentially disposed between the first laminate overlay layer and the second laminate overlay layer.

7. a print layer having transparent and opaque areas through which light passes; a light emitting element disposed adjacent the transparent portion of the printed layer; an antenna embedding layer having an antenna; a wireless power receiver circuit coupled to the light emitting element and the antenna, the wireless power circuit configured to receive a wireless signal via the antenna and induce a voltage across terminals of the light emitting element to cause the light emitting element to emit light through the transparent portion; A transaction card comprising:

8. 8. The transaction card of claim 7, wherein the light emitting element comprises a light emitting area having a plurality of micro light emitting diodes (microLEDs) disposed therein.

9. the light emitting region is one of a plurality of light emitting regions having the plurality of microLEDs disposed therein; 9. The transaction card of claim 8, wherein each of the light emitting areas is disposed relative to a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer.

10. the antenna is a loop antenna; 10. The transaction card of claim 9, wherein the transaction card comprises an inductive lighting antenna that induces a current through the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer that causes the plurality of microLEDs in the lighting area to light up.

11. 8. The transaction card of claim 7, wherein the light emitting element is a light emitting diode (LED) integrally formed with the antenna inlay layer.

12. 12. The transaction card of claim 11, wherein the light emitting diode (LED) is one of a plurality of light emitting diodes in a predetermined configuration.

13. the antenna is a loop antenna; 13. The transaction card of claim 7, further comprising an inductively emitting antenna inductively coupled to the light-emitting element, the inductively emitting antenna configured to induce a voltage across terminals of the light-emitting element, causing the light-emitting element to emit light.

14. A processing chip; a processing chip antenna inductively coupled to the processing chip, the processing chip antenna being configured to induce a voltage across terminals of the processing chip; 14. The transaction card of any one of claims 7 to 13, further comprising:

15. forming a first printed layer and a second printed layer, at least one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer comprising a transparent portion; providing a light emitting device having a two dimensional form factor; forming an antenna inlay layer having an antenna disposed therein; disposing the light emitting element and the antenna inlay layer between the first printed layer and the second printed layer, whereby the light emitting element is disposed proximate to the transparent portion; A method comprising:

16. applying at least one laminate overlay layer to at least one of the first printed layer and the second printed layer; attaching a processing chip to the antenna embedding layer; The method of claim 15 further comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, further comprising inducing a voltage across the terminals of the light-emitting device to cause the light-emitting device to emit light.

18. 18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein providing the light emitting element comprises printing the light emitting element using a diode ink having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) dispersed therein.

19. 18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein providing the light emitting element comprises forming at least one light emitting diode (LED) integrally with the antenna inlay layer.

20. providing a first laminate overlay layer that is transparent; providing a second laminate overlay layer which is transparent and which includes a magnetic stripe; disposing the first printed layer, the antenna inlay layer, and the second printed layer in that order between the first laminate overlay layer and the second laminate overlay layer; 20. The method of any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising:

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