Portable Data Carrier Light Source Control via User-Defined Operating Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users cannot determine under which operating conditions a light source on a portable data carrier, such as a chip card, is switched on or off, or in which color it lights up, limiting user control and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to define and store operating conditions for a light source on a portable data carrier using a file, accessible via a contactless or contact-based interface, enabling users to customize when and how the light source is activated or changed in color, with access protection using a password or PIN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LED is connected to the antenna coil, then the card can be indicated in the electromagnetic field of a terminal, but further communication with a user is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is integrated into the portable data carrier to serve multiple functions: indicating electromagnetic field presence and enabling bidirectional communication with users. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the same component serve both indication and communication purposes.
2Extent of automation
If the LED is connected to the microcontroller, then the LED can be controlled based on specific events, but the user cannot determine under which operating conditions the light source is switched on or off
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to the user by controlling the light source to indicate different operating conditions and events. The microcontroller monitors system state and adjusts light source behavior accordingly, making automated control transparent to the user through visual feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source can change color to represent different operating conditions and events, providing visual information to the user about the current state of the portable data carrier without requiring additional displays or interfaces.
3Loss of information
If multiple light sources are used to indicate different conditions, then more information can be conveyed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single multi-color light source (such as an LED capable of emitting multiple colors) is used instead of multiple separate light sources. By changing the color or combination of colors emitted, the system can indicate different operating conditions, events, and states, thereby conveying rich information while maintaining simple hardware architecture.
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 independently control and customize the light source's operation, providing clear and personalized signaling of various conditions, such as credit status or transaction types, enhancing user interaction with the data carrier.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source, in particular a light-emitting diode (LED)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for operating at least one light source 6, arranged in a portable data storage device 2, is described. The data storage device 2 has a chip 4, which includes a processing unit for processing data and a memory for storing data. Furthermore, the data storage device 2 has at least one contactless and/or one contact-based interface 8 for transferring data between the chip 4 and a terminal, with the chip 4 being connected to the interface 8. The data storage device 2 is powered by transferring energy to it via the interface 8 and/or by a battery. The chip 4 is also connected to the light source 6 to switch the light source 6 on and off.A file is stored in the memory of chip 4, whereby the file defines the operating conditions of the data carrier 2, specifying under which operating conditions which light source 6 shines, for how long and in which color, whereby a user can determine under which operating conditions which light source 6 shines for how long.