IC Card With E-Ink Display And Internal Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IC cards cannot display or update information stored on them, causing inconvenience to users as they can only be read by machines via card readers.
Innovation Solution
An IC card with an electro-phoretic display and an internal power source, such as a rechargeable battery, coupled with a driving circuit that receives power and updating information via a conductive pad, allowing the display to show information to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional IC cards are used without display components, then the card structure remains simple and manufacturing cost is low, but users cannot visually recognize information stored on the card
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display device with the IC card body, integrating multiple functions (information storage, processing, and visual display) into a single unified device. This allows users to visually recognize card information directly on the card without external readers, resolving the contradiction between user convenience and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The IC card is designed to perform multiple functions: storing information in the chip, processing data through the control circuit, and displaying information visually through the display device. This multi-functionality enables the card to serve both as a data storage medium and an information display terminal, improving ease of operation.
2Loss of information
If an electro-phoretic display is added to the IC card, then users can visually recognize information, but the card requires additional power supply components
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically manages the power supply to the electro-phoretic display by detecting button press states and controlling the power supply switch accordingly. This self-service approach allows the display to be activated only when needed (upon button press) and automatically powered off afterward, enabling information visibility without requiring a continuous complex power supply system.
Solution Approach 2:
The display operates in periodic cycles: powered on when the button is pressed to display information, then powered off after a set time or when the button is released. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption and simplifies the power supply requirements compared to continuous operation.
3Loss of information
If the display is continuously powered on, then information is always visible to users, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display operates periodically rather than continuously: it is activated only when the button is pressed and automatically powered off after displaying information or when the button is released. This periodic operation ensures information remains accessible when needed while dramatically reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous display operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit autonomously manages display power states by detecting button press events and automatically controlling the power supply switch. This self-service mechanism ensures the display is activated only when information needs to be viewed and is automatically deactivated afterward, optimizing the balance between information accessibility and power consumption without user intervention.
4Ease of operation
If a button is added for user interaction, then users can trigger display functionality, but the card structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the input function as a separate, simple button component that is physically distinct from the main card body. This button can be pressed to trigger display functionality and is connected through simple conductive structures, allowing user interaction capability to be added with minimal increase in overall card structural complexity.
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 users to visually recognize and update information on their IC cards, enhancing user convenience and interaction with IC card systems.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-phoretic display located on the card body for displaying an information
Data Source
AI summary
An IC card comprises a card body, a power-signal receiving unit, an electro-phoretic display, a driving circuit, a rechargeable battery and a power management unit. The driving circuit is electrically coupled to the power-signal receiving unit and the electro-phoretic display for receiving the updating information from the power-signal receiving unit and driving the electro-phoretic display according to the updating information. The power management unit is coupled to the rechargeable battery for managing charging process of the rechargeable battery.