Multicolored Logo on Smart Card Modules via Oxide Layer Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart card modules with single-colored coatings lack sufficient security features, making them vulnerable to counterfeiting and difficult to verify the origin of the smart card module.
Innovation Solution
A smart card module with a multicolored representation is created using an optically translucent, electrically conductive oxide layer with regions of different layer thicknesses, which covers a mirror layer on the contact region, providing different color components and a verification pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-colored coating is used on the smart card module contact region, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the security against counterfeiting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-color to multi-color representation by adding the dimension of color variation through different oxide layer thicknesses. The coloring layer is structured with varying thicknesses (e.g., 50-150 nm for red, 150-250 nm for green, 250-350 nm for blue) to produce different color perceptions, thereby enhancing security without fundamentally changing the coating process methodology
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different coloring layer thicknesses within the same contact region. Specific areas have optimized thicknesses to display particular colors, allowing the formation of logos or patterns that provide visual verification of authenticity while maintaining electrical functionality
2Shape
If the coloring layer thickness is increased to produce different colors, then color differentiation is achieved, but the electrical conductivity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying the thickness of the coloring layer to achieve different colors while maintaining electrical conductivity. The oxide material properties and layer thickness parameters are optimized to balance optical appearance (color differentiation) with electrical performance, ensuring both visual verification and functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the coloring layer (oxide material) with the underlying mirror layer and protective layer. This composite structure allows the coloring layer to provide color differentiation while the mirror layer ensures electrical conductivity and reflectivity, achieving both color appearance and electrical reliability through material composition
3Reliability
If a multicolored representation is implemented, then visual verification of authenticity is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing color differentiation only in specific regions where verification is needed, rather than requiring precise multicolor control across the entire contact region. This allows standard manufacturing processes to be used for the overall coating while achieving enhanced verification through localized color variations in logo or pattern areas
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
The multicolored representation significantly enhances the security of the smart card by allowing easy visual verification of authenticity, increasing the memorability and security, and requiring detailed knowledge and equipment to produce, thus preventing counterfeiting.
Implementation Method 1
an optically translucent, electrically conductive oxide layer, which covers the mirror layer (128). The optically translucent, electrically conductive oxide layer (129) includes a plurality of regions of different layer thicknesses for providing different color components
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a smart card module is provided. The smart card module may include an electronic circuit in or on a carrier, a smart card module contact layer, which is coupled to the electronic circuit and provides a plurality of smart card module contacts, a mirror layer on the smart card module contact layer, said mirror layer at least partly covering the smart card module contacts, and an optically translucent, electrically conductive oxide layer, which covers the mirror layer. The optically translucent, electrically conductive oxide layer includes a plurality of regions of different layer thicknesses for providing different color components.