Piezoelectric Banknote Power for Visible Electronic Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing banknotes lack electronic validation capabilities that are accessible without separate readers, making it difficult to verify their authenticity and value visually and electronically.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inorganic light-emitting diodes (iLEDs) and a controller into banknotes, connected to a power source, allowing light emission for visible validation, with features like piezoelectric or photovoltaic devices to generate power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID or other electronic validation devices are embedded in banknotes, then electronic validation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple validation functions (RFID electronic validation, optical validation through light-emitting diodes, and visible markings) into a single banknote structure. This merging approach allows the banknote to provide both electronic validation for machines and visible validation for humans without requiring separate independent systems, thereby improving reliability while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The banknote is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple validation purposes simultaneously. It includes RFID tags for electronic machine reading, light-emitting diodes for optical validation, and traditional visible markings. This universal design allows the same banknote to be validated through multiple channels (electronic, optical, visual) without requiring different types of banknotes, thus improving validation reliability while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If light-emitting diodes and power sources are added to banknotes, then visible electronic validation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the validation system into distinct functional modules: RFID tags for electronic validation, light-emitting diodes for optical validation, power sources (piezoelectric or photovoltaic) for energy supply, and control circuits for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently using existing technologies, then integrated into the banknote. This approach improves ease of operation for visible validation while managing manufacturing complexity through modular assembly rather than requiring a completely new integrated manufacturing process.
3Use of energy by moving object
If piezoelectric or photovoltaic power sources are integrated, then self-powered operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The banknote incorporates self-service power generation capabilities through piezoelectric or photovoltaic power sources that convert mechanical or light energy directly into electrical power. This eliminates the need for external battery replacement or wired power connections. The self-service approach improves energy independence and operational convenience while managing device complexity by using well-established piezoelectric and photovoltaic technologies that can be integrated as thin films or small components within the banknote structure.
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 electronic validation of banknotes with visible indicia, providing secure and user-friendly verification of authenticity and value without additional 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), and a controller embedded in or on the banknote and electrically connected to control the light-controlling elements to emit light
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid document includes a flexible document having visible markings. One or more light-controlling elements and a controller are embedded in or on the flexible document. 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. In some embodiments, the controller includes a memory and a value can be stored in the memory and displayed by the light-controlling element(s). In some embodiments, the value can be assigned or varied by a hybrid currency teller machine.