Dynamic Payment Card with Electrochromic Barcode Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional magnetic cards and payment systems rely on permanently configured barcodes that cannot dynamically change information, limiting their functionality and security, especially in interactions with computer vision equipment and magnetic stripe readers.
Innovation Solution
A card with a dynamic display and magnetic communications device that can change barcodes and magnetic information, allowing for multiple loyalty accounts, secure transactions, and varied data representation, including electrochromic and bi-stable displays, to enhance readability and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If barcodes are permanently printed on cards, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but the cards cannot dynamically change information or support multiple accounts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static printed barcodes to dynamic displays that can change information. The display system allows the same card to show different barcodes for multiple loyalty accounts, payment cards, or identification information, making the card adaptable to different uses without changing the physical card itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single card that can serve multiple functions through its dynamic display capability. The same card can display barcodes for different loyalty programs, payment information, or identification, eliminating the need for multiple separate cards and increasing versatility.
2Reliability
If traditional magnetic cards are used, then compatibility with magnetic stripe readers is maintained, but security is limited and information cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the magnetic communications device to change the information it communicates. Instead of fixed magnetic stripe data, the system can dynamically select which loyalty account or payment information to display and transmit, providing both security through changeability and flexibility in information selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through user interfaces that allow users to select which information to display. The system responds to user input by changing the displayed barcode and corresponding magnetic communication data, enabling secure selection of specific accounts or information for each transaction.
3Measurement precision
If electrochromic or bi-stable displays are used to improve barcode readability, then computer vision equipment can read information more easily, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using bi-stable displays that only consume power when changing states. Once a barcode is displayed, the display maintains the image without continuous power input, reading power efficiently while still providing clear, readable barcodes for computer vision equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements color changes through electrochromic or bi-stable display technologies that alter their optical properties to display barcodes. These displays change their state to create high-contrast visible barcodes that are easily readable by computer vision equipment, improving measurement precision while managing power consumption through state-based operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables dynamic information display and secure transactions by improving barcode readability for computer vision systems and magnetic stripe readers, allowing for multiple loyalty accounts and secure data representation, enhancing user convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochromic display may be utilized to display barcodes. Such an electrochromic display may increase, for example, the readability of a displayed barcode to computer vision equipment.
Implementation Method 2
A card may include a bi-stable display to display a barcode. Such a bi-stable display may not utilize power to maintain the display of a barcode, but may utilize power to change the indicia that is displayed.
Implementation Method 3
A magnetic emulator may generate electromagnetic fields that directly communicate data to a magnetic stripe reader.
Data Source
AI summary
A payment card is provided with a display. A barcode may be selectively displayed on the display. A display may be an electrochromic display in order to increase the readability of a displayed barcode with respect to computer vision equipment. A barcode may be selected by a user from a set of barcodes. Each barcode in a set of barcodes may correspond to a different loyalty account for a different merchant. Accordingly, a user can carry a single card—but may be able to communicate multiple loyalty account barcodes to computer vision equipment across multiple merchants.