Smart Card Luminous Indicator for Application Selection Clarity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of microcircuit cards often find it complex to select the appropriate application for transactions due to unclear displays, especially when the terminal's interface is in a foreign language, leading to confusion about the operation and consequences of the chosen application.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a luminous indicator on the microcircuit card, controlled by the microcontroller, which uses light-emitting diodes to indicate the selected application, allowing users to visually identify the active application regardless of the terminal's display language, through configurations specific to each application type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a terminal display is used to show application information, then information can be communicated to the user, but the user may be confused due to foreign language interfaces and unclear displays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication information clarityVSAvoidapplication selection clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator element that mediates between the terminal display and the user. This indicator provides application information in a universal visual language (lights/colors) that transcends language barriers and display limitations, ensuring clear communication of application status without relying on terminal display quality or language comprehension

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs color changes in the indicator element to convey different application states and information. By using distinct colors or light patterns to represent different applications or statuses, the system overcomes the limitations of text-based displays and provides intuitive, language-independent visual feedback to users

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple applications are stored in the card, then the card becomes versatile, but the user finds it complex to select the appropriate application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-application capabilityVSAvoidapplication selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the indicator element provides real-time visual information about the currently selected or active application. This feedback loop helps users understand which application is active without needing to navigate complex menus or understand technical interfaces, thereby reducing selection complexity while maintaining multi-application versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the indication function into distinct visual signals for different applications. Each application can be associated with a specific indicator pattern, color, or position, allowing users to quickly identify and select the desired application through simple visual cues rather than navigating complex interface options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 luminous indicator provides users with clear feedback on the active application, enhancing usability by visually distinguishing between different application types, thus simplifying the selection process and preventing unintended application usage.

Implementation Method 1

uses light-emitting diodes to indicate the selected application

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2849122B1Smart card with indicator light and method implemented in such a card
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 OBERTHUR TECH SA
  • EP2849122B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2849122B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP2849122B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A microcircuit board includes an indicator (140), means for receiving application selection information, and means for controlling the indicator in a first configuration when the selection information designates a first application, and in a second configuration, distinct from the first configuration, when the selection information designates a second application. A method implemented in such a board is also described.