Hybrid Banknote With Embedded iLEDs for Visible Value Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current banknotes lack electronic accessibility of value without requiring specialized equipment, making it difficult to visibly verify or modify their value.
Innovation Solution
Integration of inorganic light-emitting diodes (iLEDs) and a controller within the banknote, connected to a power source, allowing for visible display of value without external readers, using micro-transfer printing for embedding these components within the banknote or a woven thread, enabling power through piezoelectric or photovoltaic means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID or electronic verification devices are embedded in banknotes, then currency validation and anti-counterfeiting capabilities are improved, but the ability to visibly verify value without specialized equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electronic verification components (RFID tags, microcontrollers) with visible light-emitting components (OLEDs, LEDs) into a single integrated banknote structure. This merging allows the banknote to simultaneously provide electronic validation capabilities and visible value display, resolving the contradiction between reliability and visible detectability.
Solution Approach 2:
The banknote is designed with multi-functional components that serve dual purposes: the electronic components provide validation and anti-counterfeiting, while the same or adjacent light-emitting components provide visible value indication. This universality allows a single structure to fulfill both electronic verification and visual verification needs.
2Ease of operation
If light-emitting diodes and controllers are embedded in the banknote, then visible value display capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film flexible OLEDs or LED arrays that can be directly embedded into the banknote substrate or woven into security threads. These flexible light-emitting components require minimal structural modification to the banknote, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining visible display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components (controllers, power management circuits) are nested within or alongside the light-emitting diode structures, and both are embedded within the banknote's existing security thread or substrate layers. This nesting approach minimizes the additional space and structural complexity required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power sources are integrated into the banknote, then autonomous operation capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs piezoelectric or photovoltaic power sources that convert mechanical or optical energy directly to electrical energy. By changing the energy source parameters from chemical batteries to energy-harvesting mechanisms, the power source can be integrated as thin films or small components that are compatible with existing banknote manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The banknote's power source is designed to harvest energy from the environment (mechanical handling via piezoelectric effect, or ambient light via photovoltaic effect) rather than requiring pre-charged batteries. This self-service approach allows the power source to be a passive component that generates electricity on-demand, simplifying integration into the manufacturing process.
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 anonymous, government-issued currency with visible value verification and modification capabilities, enhancing anti-counterfeiting measures and user interaction without needing specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a power source, such as a piezoelectric or photovoltaic device, is electrically connected to the power input connection
Implementation Method 2
a power source, such as a piezoelectric or photovoltaic device, is electrically connected to the power input connection
Implementation Method 3
one or more light-controlling elements, for example inorganic light-emitting diodes (iLEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid currency banknote includes a banknote having visible markings. One or more light-controlling elements and a controller are embedded in or on the banknote. The controller is electrically connected to the one or more light-controlling elements to control the one or more light-controlling elements. A power input connection is electrically connected to the controller, or one or more light-controlling elements, or both. A power source can be connected to the power input connection, for example a piezoelectric or photovoltaic power source. In response to applied power, the controller causes the one or more light-controlling elements to emit light. A value can be stored in a memory in the controller and displayed by the light-controlling elements. The value can be assigned or varied by a hybrid currency teller machine.