Payment Card LED Indicators for Multi-Account Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing payment cards lack an effective and cost-efficient user interface to selectively access multiple payment accounts, with existing solutions either lacking user feedback or requiring terminal interaction for account selection.
Innovation Solution
A payment-enabled IC card with light-emitting diode (LED) indicators and a user-actuatable switch, allowing users to toggle between multiple payment accounts stored on the EMV chip, with LEDs illuminating to indicate the selected account, ensuring intuitive selection without terminal interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single payment card stores multiple payment accounts, then the card's functionality and versatility are improved, but the complexity of selecting between accounts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The payment card interface is segmented into distinct visual indicators (LEDs) for each payment account, allowing users to easily distinguish and select between multiple accounts. Each account has its own dedicated LED indicator, creating a simple one-to-one mapping between visual feedback and account selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that change color or illuminate to indicate different payment account selections. This visual feedback mechanism provides intuitive, immediate confirmation of which account is currently selected, eliminating the need for complex menus or terminal interactions.
2Extent of automation
If terminal interaction is required for account selection, then automation is improved, but user control and speed of selection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The payment card enables users to independently select between multiple payment accounts using a simple switch or button on the card itself, without requiring terminal interaction or external device assistance. The card autonomously provides visual feedback through LEDs and maintains the selected account state, making the entire selection process self-contained and user-controlled.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to show selected account, then user feedback is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic display systems with simple light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for visual feedback. This substitution provides clear, immediate visual indication of account selection while keeping the overall device complexity low and maintenance requirements minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The payment card incorporates immediate visual feedback through LED indicators that illuminate or change color to confirm which payment account is currently selected. This feedback mechanism eliminates ambiguity and allows users to verify their selection instantly, improving the overall user experience without requiring complex display technology.
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
Provides a cost-effective, user-friendly interface for selecting between multiple payment accounts on a single card, ensuring clear user feedback and efficient transaction processing.
Implementation Method 1
a first light-emitting diode, LED, mounted on the body in proximity to said first indicia; a second LED mounted on the body in proximity to said second indicia
Data Source
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AI summary
In an IC (integrated circuit) card, a selection signal is received from a user- actuatable switch to select between two different payment card accounts, each represented by a respective account indicator number stored in the IC component of the card. In response to the selection signal, a light-emitting diode indicator on the IC card is illuminated to indicate selection of a corresponding one of the payment card accounts.