Illuminated Transaction Card Layout for Reader Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transaction cards with non-traditional designs face constraints such as size and magnetic strip positioning limitations, limiting their compatibility with standard reader devices.
Innovation Solution
A transaction card design featuring a transparent or translucent portion, a loop antenna, and a light-emitting element positioned between print layers, powered by a wireless signal from a reader device, allowing illumination and enabling wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-traditional designs are used for transaction cards, then aesthetic appeal and user experience are improved, but compatibility with standard reader devices deteriorates due to size restrictions and magnetic strip positioning limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the transaction card by integrating a light-emitting element that illuminates from the card's surface, allowing non-traditional designs to be visually enhanced without compromising the card's functional dimensions. The magnetic strip and other standard elements maintain their traditional positioning while the illumination layer adds a vertical dimension for aesthetic expression.
Solution Approach 2:
The transaction card is segmented into distinct functional layers: a print layer for aesthetic design, a light-emitting element for illumination, and a magnetic strip for payment functionality. This segmentation allows each layer to independently fulfill its specific function while collectively achieving both aesthetic appeal and compatibility with standard reader devices.
2Illumination intensity
If a light-emitting element is added to the transaction card, then illumination functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting element serves multiple functions: it provides illumination for aesthetic display, can indicate transaction status, and may enhance security features. By making the illumination system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving enhanced illumination functionality.
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 transaction cards to comply with ISO standards while providing illumination and contactless payment functionality, enhancing aesthetic appeal and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A light-emitting element is disposed between the antenna inlay layer and one of the first print layer and the second print layer, such that the light-emitting element is positioned proximate to the transparent portion
Implementation Method 2
wireless power receiver circuitry coupled to the light-emitting element and the loop antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A transaction card is described that includes a first layer, a second layer, a loop antenna, an inductive illumination antenna, and a light-emitting element. At least a one of the first layer and the second layer has a transparent planar portion through which light transmits. The loop antenna is inset between the first layer and the second layer. The light-emitting element has a first terminal and a second terminal. The inductive illumination antenna is inset between the first layer and the second layer and positioned proximate to the loop antenna such that, when the transaction card is positioned in a magnetic field, the inductive illumination antenna is induced with a current from the loop antenna. The inductive illumination antenna is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal.