Universal Smart Card with Integrated Fingerprint Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current smart cards have limited functionality and are not versatile enough to perform a wide range of services, often requiring separate devices for different applications.
Innovation Solution
A universal smart card equipped with integrated circuit components such as a microprocessor, memory, transmission modules (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi), a battery, and a fingerprint reader, allowing for multiple data processing and communication functions without the need for physical connections, and enabling secure authorization through fingerprint authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for different services (identification, payment, data transfer), then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate devices (smart card, USB key, fingerprint reader, Bluetooth module, Wi-Fi module) into a single integrated card. The card includes a microprocessor, memory, fingerprint sensor, Bluetooth transceiver, and Wi-Fi transceiver all housed within one physical unit, eliminating the need to carry multiple separate devices while maintaining all their individual functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The card is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: identification through fingerprint authentication, payment transactions, wireless data transfer via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and storage of personal data. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace several specialized devices, improving versatility without requiring the user to manage multiple separate systems.
2Ease of operation
If contact-less smart card technology is used, then convenience and speed of access are improved, but security risks increase due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The fingerprint sensor acts as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the user and the card's functions. Before allowing access to card operations, the system requires fingerprint verification through the sensor, creating an additional security layer that mediates between the convenient contact-less interface and the security requirements, ensuring only authorized users can access the card's capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated circuit components and wireless modules are added to the card, then functionality and communication capabilities are enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication modules (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi) are designed to operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The modules activate only when data transmission is required, then enter low-power sleep modes between transmissions. This periodic operation pattern allows the card to maintain full wireless communication capability while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 card can perform a variety of functions, including identification, payment, and data transfer, while ensuring secure access only to the authorized owner, and can communicate with various electronic devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology, enhancing usability and security.
Implementation Method 1
a reader for reading a pattern unique to the user such as a fingerprint
Implementation Method 2
a battery
Implementation Method 3
transmission modules (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 1A
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Universal electronic card, of the smart card or intelligent card type, similar to a form of plastic card, with integrated circuital elements which are integrated in the thickness of the stratified card and with in it at least one microchip, structured integrally with: i- a microprocessor (60) associated to a memory (50); ii- an interchangeable flat battery within the card-thickness (40) able to power- supply the said microprocessor (60) and the said memory (50); iii- at least one data transmission device (30, 10,20,70) connected to the said microprocessor (60) and/or to the said memory (50); iv- one fingerprint reader device (80) integrated in it and to the processor system to read the imprint of the user, checking its authenticity before allowing the access at its various functions.