Metal, ceramic, or ceramic-coated transaction card with window or window pattern and optional backlighting

METAL, CERAMIC OR CERAMIC OVERLAY TRANSACTION CARD WITH WINDOW OR WINDOW PATTERN AND OPTIONAL BACKLIGHT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS

This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 16/751,285, filed January 24, 2020, entitled “METAL, CERAMIC, OR CERAMIC-COATED TRANSACTION CARD WITH WINDOW OR WINDOW PATTERN AND OPTIONAL BACKLIGHT” , the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transaction cards can have any number of features to differentiate one offer from another. Consumers have demonstrated a demand for metal cards due to their durability and overall luxurious feel relative to plastic. Ceramic cards offer similar durability with a unique and desirable overall luxurious feel.

US Patent Nos. 5,412,199; 5,434,405; 5,608,203, describe a credit card having a plastic base material with a transparent area that forms a magnifying lens, such as a Fresnel lens, that allows the card to be used as a magnifying glass, for example, to read the fine print on the transaction receipts. US Patent No. 6,902,116 describes a transaction card having a transparent window in which the window has collimating properties to focus LED light.

US Patent No. 7,997,503 describes a card having a plastic base with a transparent window having a fixed set of elongated segments printed on it, which when superimposed over a display of dynamic visual code combined with the set of elongated segments, reveals the visual code to a viewer looking out the window. Therefore, such cards have information printed on the window, and the information printed on the window is functional in nature, since the pattern must be aligned with the elongated segments that are combined with the visual code.

Providing a card that is primarily metal, ceramic, or a ceramic-coated body such as metal allows cards to have a certain appearance (for example, weight) that is not available with a plastic card, and providing a transparent window on such cards provides desirable differentiation from other card offerings. Metal and/or ceramic cards are generally more expensive to produce and can therefore be presented as a luxury card aimed at cardholders who have a net worth above a certain threshold, who are members of a select group from high-value customers to the card issuer and/or who are willing to pay a substantial annuity. A holder of such a luxury card may not wish to admit the need for a magnifying glass and therefore may not want a transparent magnifying or collimating window. The holder of such a card may prefer that the majority of the center of the transparent window not have any printing obscuring the view through the card, or that the window be embellished with a decorative, non-functional pattern instead of the functional pattern of elongated segments, such as the patterns described in US Patent No. 7,997,503, which patterns tend to be aesthetically unsightly. Embedding a transparent window in a metal and/or ceramic frame can present different manufacturing and structural challenges and opportunities than the types of cards described in the references mentioned above.

Card users and producers frequently desire to incorporate designs that are visible and/or tactile from at least one surface of a card. For example, US Patent Application Serial No. 20060086802 describes a gemstone bearing card in which the gemstones are embedded in a plastic card. Card issuers and cardholders may have an interest in creating designs that provide an appearance similar to a pattern of gemstones, without the laborious steps and expense of embedding numerous individual gemstones into the card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention comprises a transaction card having opposing finished surfaces and a periphery, the transaction card comprising a metal layer having opposing surfaces and at least two apertures, each aperture extending through one or both of the finished surfaces. opposite, a transponder module arranged in one of the at least two openings in the metal layer and an LED module arranged in another of the at least two openings in the metal layer and having a flat illuminated area visible from a finished surface of the card transaction. The transponder module comprises a component in a transaction circuit configured to communicate wirelessly with a card reader that is configured to emit radio frequency (RF) waves that have energy. The transaction circuit is configured to receive an incoming RF signal from the card reader, to respond with an outgoing RF signal, and to power the transaction circuit by harvesting energy from the RF waves. The LED module comprises one or more LEDs configured to emit light and a light guide for distributing the light emitted by one or more LEDs across the illuminated area. In some embodiments, the LED module comprises a component in a lighting circuit configured to harvest energy from RF waves to power one or more LEDs. The lighting circuit may be configured to light regardless of the status of a payment transaction performed by the transaction circuit. In other embodiments, the lighting circuit and the transaction circuit may comprise components in a unitized circuit in which the lighting circuit is configured to illuminate in a manner indicative of a status of a payment transaction performed by the transaction circuit.

The metal layer may have at least one discontinuity extending from the periphery of the card to at least one of the at least two openings in the metal layer. At least one discontinuity may be connected to and extend between the at least two openings. The metal layer may have a first discontinuity extending from the periphery of the card to the opening containing the transponder module, and a second discontinuity extending from the periphery of the card to the opening containing the LED module. The card may further comprise at least one non-metallic layer disposed on each of the opposite surfaces of the metal layer. A printed pattern can overlap the illuminated area of ​​the LED module. The LED module may be located in the metal layer in a position that improves the RF performance of the transponder module relative to a card without the LED module.

The lighting circuit can be configured to have a variable lighting characteristic that is dependent on a characteristic of the collected power. For example, the lighting circuit may comprise at least one LED having a variable intensity, wherein the LED is configured to illuminate with a relatively lower first intensity in response to energy harvested in a relatively lower first range and to illuminate with a relatively higher second intensity in response to energy collected at a relatively higher second range. A lighting circuit with at least two LEDs may be configured to light one of the at least two LEDs in response to collected power at a relatively lower first range and to light the other of the at least two LEDs in response to collected power. in a relatively higher second rank. The first range and the second range may overlap, so the lighting circuit is configured to illuminate at least two LEDs when the collected power is in the overlapping range. The at least two LEDs may each be configured to emit the same wavelength of light, or at least one of the at least two LEDs may be configured to emit a different wavelength of light than the other of the at least two LEDs. two LEDs. For example, one of the at least two LEDs may be configured to generate a wavelength in the green visible light spectrum and another of the at least two LEDs may be configured to generate a wavelength in the red visible light spectrum. In such a mode, the lighting circuit can be configured to illuminate the red LED in response to energy collected at a relatively lower first range, to light the green LED in response to energy collected at a relatively higher second range, and to illuminate both the red LED and the green LED when energy collected in response to energy collected in a third intermediate range between the relatively lower first range and the relatively higher second range. One or both of the red LED and the green LED can be configured to illuminate with variable intensity.

Yet another embodiment may comprise a transaction card having a metal layer with a visual appearance, a thickness, a metal layer front face, a metal layer back face, and one or more windows or cavities extending through of at least the front face. A transponder module and an insert can respectively be arranged in one or more windows or cavities. A front face of the insert visible through the window has a different visual appearance than the metal layer. One or more non-functional features are visible from a front surface of the card in contrast to the visual appearance of the front surface of the insert disposed below the non-functional features. The insert is one of: (a) non-transparent and non-translucent; or (b) transparent or translucent, and configured to transmit backlight to non-functional features through a back surface of the card. The insert is located in the metal layer in a position that improves the RF performance of the transponder module relative to a card without the insert. In some embodiments, the non-functional features comprise printed features. In some embodiments, the insert is neither transparent nor translucent, but does have an illuminable front surface. The insert may comprise a lightable LED display, such as a lightable LED display powered by energy harvested from RF waves. In embodiments where the metal layer has at least two openings, a transponder module may be arranged in one of the at least two openings and the insert may be arranged in another of the at least two openings.

The transponder module may include transaction circuitry configured to inductively couple the transponder module to a card reader using RFID technology. The lightable LED display can be configured to light as an indicator of card operability, or to light regardless of the status of a payment transaction made by the transaction circuit. In one embodiment, where the insert is translucent or transparent and the window extends from a front surface of the metal layer to a rear surface of the metal layer, uncollimated light can pass through the insert to provide the contrast with the one or more non-functional features visible from a front surface of the card. The non-functional features may comprise at least one of printed features, etched features, embossed features, or cut features. The window or cavity may comprise a plurality of openings in the front face of the metal layer that define one or more non-functional features arranged within a first area. At least one opening in the rear face of the body may be aligned with the first area, and the insert may be disposed in at least one opening in the rear face of the body positioned with the front surface of the insert recessed relative to the front face of the body. the metal layer such that the front facing surface of the insert is visible through the plurality of openings in the front face of the metal layer. A backing layer may be laminated to the rear face of the body. A portion of the insert or the opening containing the insert may be partially obscured by printed or decorative content. A first discontinuity may extend from the periphery of the card to the opening containing the transponder module, with a second discontinuity extending from the periphery of the card to the opening containing the LED module.

The illuminable LED display may comprise one or more LEDs configured to emit light and a light guide for distributing the light emitted by one or more LEDs across an illuminated area of ​​the front surface of the OLED insert or module. The lightable LED display may have a variable lighting characteristic depending on the amount of energy collected, including one or more LEDs with variable intensity and/or configured to emit the same or different wavelengths and/or configured to light in different combinations. , as described in more detail here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1A depicts the front face of an exemplary transaction card in accordance with one aspect of the invention, having a transparent window.

Figure 1B represents an exploded cross-sectional view of the card of Figure 1A.

Figure 1C represents the back face of the card of Figure 1A.

Figure 2 depicts an example sheet from which a plurality of the cards of Figure 1A may be cut.

Figure 3 represents an example card with a window having electronic components arranged therein.

Figure 4 depicts an example card with a multilayer window having integrated electronics.

Figure 5 depicts an example card with a window having integrated electronics.

Figure 6 depicts an example card with a window having integrated electronics and an integrated antenna.

Figure 7 represents a perspective view of a front face of an exemplary card embodiment having a plurality of window openings.

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of the back face and the insert of the example card of Figure 7.

Figure 9 represents a close-up view in perspective of the front face of the body and the front face of the insert and the outer periphery of the example card of Figure 8.

Figure 10A depicts a plan view of an example card having a plurality of window openings cut in a pattern.

Figure 10B depicts a plan view of an example card having a plurality of narrow slot window openings cut into a pattern that collectively forms an alphanumeric character.

Figure 10C depicts a plan view of an example card having a plurality of narrow slot window openings, each cut in a pattern of one alphanumeric character.

Figure 11 depicts a cross-sectional view of an example card having a plurality of window openings on the front face.

Figure 12 represents a cross-sectional view of the example card of Figures 7-9.

Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the window region of an exemplary embodiment of a card in which the plurality of window openings are fully or partially filled with protruding insert material.

Figure 14 depicts a cross-sectional view of the window region of an exemplary card embodiment in which the plurality of window openings are partially wholly filled with a translucent or transparent material other than the insert material.

Figure 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of the window region of an exemplary card embodiment in which the plurality of window openings are wholly or partially filled with a translucent or transparent material protruding from a layer or coating provided on the front face.

Figure 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of the window region of an exemplary card embodiment in which the plurality of window openings are wholly or partially filled with a translucent or transparent material protruding from a layer or coating provided under the front face.

Figure 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of the window region of an exemplary card embodiment in which a plurality of window openings are wholly or partially filled with a translucent or transparent layer or coating material disposed on the faces. front and back.

Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a window region of an exemplary card embodiment in which a light guide transmits light through the plurality of window openings.

Figure 19A depicts a plan view of an exemplary transaction card comprising a pattern printed backlit by an LED module.

Figure 19B represents a cross-sectional view of the card of Figure 19A.

Figure 19C depicts an exemplary LED module comprising a side-firing LED light guide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1A-1C depict an example of a transaction card (100) consisting of a relatively thick body (102), a window insert (112) and a backing layer (120). The body (102) has a thickness (T), a front face (104), a rear face (106) and a hole (108) extending from the front face to the rear face. As depicted in Figures 1A and 1C, the hole (108) has a circular periphery, but it should be understood that the periphery of the hole can have any geometric shape (oval, triangular, square, rectangular, or any regular or irregular 3-dimensional polygonal shape). or more sides), or may have a periphery comprising a combination of curved and/or linear sections that do not fit any of the frontal geometric categories. It should also be understood that the transparent or translucent window(s) may be of any size as characterized by their total area, as long as their total area is less than the area of ​​the body (102 ), and preferably wholly contained within the card area (ie, the periphery of the window is located wholly radially inward of the periphery of the body).

The window insert without magnification (112), which has a front face (114), a rear face (116), the same thickness (T) as the body (102) and a periphery that coincides with the periphery of the hole (108 ), is arranged in the hole. The window can be both without magnification and without collimation. By “matching” periphery, it is meant that the window insert has a periphery identical to the periphery of the hole, but is small enough in diameter (or its equivalent) to fit into the hole without forcing it, leaving no gap, or a gap that is minimal and almost imperceptible to the human eye, at the interface between the inner edge of the hole and the outer edge of the insert. Similarly, by "same" thickness, it is meant that the window insert and metal body have the same thickness with the desired level of precision within an acceptable tolerance, recognizing that such tolerance may include a difference in the thickness that is perceptible to the human touch or a difference in thickness that is taken into account for the thickness of the printed layer on the body.

In some embodiments, the window insert is devoid of (or embedded in) functional printed content on its front or rear face. By "devoid of functional printed content", it is meant that the insert in some embodiments does not have any printed content on it (not shown), or in other embodiments, any printed content on it (for example, the boat graphic (118 ) depicted in Figure 1) is purely decorative in nature and not, for example, for use in connection with an authentication or verification scheme implemented by placing the window on a corresponding graphic. Instead of or in addition to printing, graphics or other content arranged in the window may also be engraved, embossed, or otherwise cut into the window. Content etched, embossed, or otherwise cut into the window may also be non-functional, including content aesthetic in the nature of 3D reliefs, such as to provide a cameo-like appearance. In other embodiments, as described later in this document, the window may comprise electronic components (eg, an LED) mounted thereon or in the same, in which case they may be printed or otherwise arranged on or within the window. window traces preferably “invisible” or minimally visible (not visible to the naked eye in ambient lighting without careful inspection). Said traces may connect the LED to electrical traces on the body, said traces on the body may be connected to a power source concealed in the body, or may be connected to a source and/or receiver of electrical signals. In some embodiments, the LED may comprise a backlight LED. The window may comprise a light guide that transmits light from a light source, such as an LED located on a light guide input surface to a light guide output surface. While it is understood that all electrical signals have some inherent power, the term "power" as used herein refers to the power to power the electrical feature, while the term "electrical signals" as used herein refers to a signal that is not to provide power, but rather to communicate information. Therefore, the electrical impulses that travel to and from the electrical feature to any connected component may comprise power, electrical signals, or a combination thereof.

By "no magnification", it is meant that the window insert does not function like a 30 magnifying lens (i.e., objects at a given distance viewed through the window insert appear the same size as if they were not viewed). Through the window). By non-collimating it is meant that the window does not focus radiation of any wavelength (not limited to visible light) passing through the window to a focal point. The window can scatter the light. The window insert is non-metallic and preferably comprises polished polycarbonate, but may comprise glass or any transparent plastic or resin known in the art. In some embodiments, the window insert may have a primarily transparent or translucent region with one or more other materials embedded within it, such as metal, ceramic, wood, glass, genuine or synthetic gemstones, mother-of-pearl, leather, or similar. Although referred to herein as "transparent", the window may cause enough light scattering and diffusion that objects viewed through the window are not visible with perfect clarity. The window itself is more transparent than the combination of the window and the backing layer (and any layers on top of the window). Window insert materials can be selected to be anywhere between translucent (where objects seen through the window cannot be seen clearly) and transparent (where objects seen through the window cannot be seen clearly). from the window can be seen clearly). At a minimum, the window is translucent to the spectrum of light visible to the typical human eye (ie, wavelengths from about 390-700 nm and frequencies in the range of about 430-770 THz). In preferred embodiments, the window is not tinted. Thus, for example, when stored in the cardholder's wallet, the window may allow the user 10 to see the card immediately below it with some clarity.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the window to be electrically conductive or have electrically conductive characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, the window may comprise glass or other non-conductive material, such as a plastic resin, coated with a conductive coating, such as an indium tin oxide coating or an electrically conductive ink. In other embodiments, the window may comprise in whole or in part an electrically conductive plastic (ie, polycarbonate or other plastic material formed from a conductive plastic resin).

In some embodiments, as represented in Figures 3 to 6, the card 300, 400, 500, 600 may have electronic components 310, 410, 510, 610 , such as an integrated circuit, LED inlay, switch, or any other electronic feature known in the art, incorporated into the window (320), (420), (520), (620) with "invisible" traces (330 ), (430), (530), (630) comprising ITO or other printed conductive inks or adhesives, which can connect the electronic components to electrical connections 340, 440, 540 at the interface between the window and the body 350, 450, 550 at the periphery of the hole. In some embodiments, electrical connections 340, 440, 550 may then be connected to a power source 360, 460, 560, such as a battery or an antenna to collect RF power. . Thus, for example, an LED display, such as to display a dynamic code, or to emit light to provide an indicator of card operability (for example, illuminated when information is actively being read from the card), may be attached or embed in the window and connect to connection points on the window border with ITO or other printed traces. The electronic components can be attached to the window with a conductive adhesive in its entirety or only in parts that require conductivity and/or with non-conductive adhesive in its entirety or only in parts intended to be non-conductive. The use of printed conductive traces using a thin conductive material that is transparent, translucent, or minimally visible, allows for the incorporation of electronics into the window without unsightly and easily visible wires or copper traces.

In embodiments with an electrically powered feature in the window, where power is supplied to the feature from a body-embedded power source, as shown in Figures 3-5, power may be connected to the window. characteristic inductively or through physical traces, where the physical traces on the body connect to the physical traces on the window via a conductive interface that bridges any gap between the window and the body. The conductive interface 335, 435, 535 may comprise, for example, solder, wire bonding, conductive ink, or a conductive adhesive (such as a conductive adhesive patch or ACF tape). The conductive interface 335, 435, 535 and any traces 340, 440, 540 embedded in a metal body 350, 450, 550 are isolated from the body of metal by any insulation and methods for arranging the insulation, known in the art. For example, as is known in the art, traces 340, 440, 540 may comprise copper traces disposed on a non-conductive flexible substrate disposed in a groove in the body. The conductive interface may simply comprise connection endpoints of the connection traces (for example, (330) and (340)), or it may be somewhat larger than the connection traces to facilitate alignment when the window is inserted into the hole. . It may be particularly effective to apply the conductive interface 335, 435, 535 in the form of an applied solder bump to close the space between traces 330, 430, 530 in the window and traces (340), (440), (540) on the card after window insertion. To facilitate alignment of electrical connections, the hole and corresponding insert may be non-round or keyed, for example, with a protrusion in the window matching a slot in the hole (or vice versa), so that the insert will fit into the hole in only a single or limited number of easily discernible orientations.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the electronic function (610) arranged in the window (620) can be fully powered by collecting RF from a card reader inductively, where the antenna (630) is also arranged in the window. card and connected to the electronic function without the need for connection to a body-integrated power supply (650). So, for example, where the electronic function (610) is a lighting function activated when the card is read, the antenna (630) collects enough electricity to power the light and does not need connections to any other function embedded in the card. In other embodiments, the electronic feature (610) and/or antenna (630) may be disposed on a surface of the card instead of embedded. In other embodiments, the electronic feature (610) and/or antenna (630) may be inductively (or physically connected via connections similar to any of those shown in Figures 3-5) to body-integrated features, so that a power source or, for example, in embodiments where the electronic function is a dual interface chip, to the contacts (for example, contacts (160) illustrated in Figure 1) to be read by a contact-based reader.

WINDOW PATTERN MODES

In another aspect of the invention, the transaction card may comprise a plurality of openings in the face of the card, as shown in Figures 7-17. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10A, the plurality of window openings (1010) in the card body (1000) form a sphere-shaped geometric graphic pattern. As shown in Figure 10B, the plurality of 35 window openings 1022, 1024, 1032 on card 1020 collectively form an alphanumeric character in the form of a stylized Q associated with a particular brand of card. . As shown in Figure 10C, each of the plurality of window openings (1052) comprises an alphanumeric character arranged together such that the window openings spell out a word associated with a particular brand of card. The openings are generically represented in Figures 7-9 as a collection of different ellipses, and in the cross sections of Figures 11-15, they have no identifiable geometry. The pattern and the shapes, sizes and number of openings that form the pattern are not limited in any way. The openings can form a recognizable pattern or an abstract pattern. The openings are preferably of a purely aesthetic nature and have no other function than to create a suitable pattern or design, which pattern or design may be selected by the user or may be selected for difficulty of reproduction. Therefore, while the pattern or design may passively enhance card security in the sense that the pattern or design by its very existence provides a mark of authenticity that is difficult to reproduce, preferred patterns or designs are They are referred to in this document as "non-functional" because they have no active or interactive functionality.

As shown in Figures 7-9, card body 700 has a plurality of window openings 702, 704, and 706 penetrating the front face of the card body. Although referred to herein and in the following claims as the "front" face, the term "front" as used herein in connection with this and other embodiments refers to the side of the card on which the provide window openings, which may be the side traditionally known as the "front" or "back" side of a working card that has a magnetic stripe, contacts and other indicia that are commonly understood to differentiate the "front" and "back" side of the card. Each opening has a different periphery visible from the front side of the card, but all the windows are located in an area defined by the cavity (804), represented in Figure 8, said cavity defines a single opening on the rear face of the card. card. The insert (800) is configured to be placed in the cavity (804). As shown in Figures 8, 9 and 12, the card body (700) has a recessed rim (802) on the rear face that surrounds the single opening (804), wherein the insert (800) comprises a stepped periphery comprising an outermost region (902) having a geometry configured to mate with the recessed rim, and an innermost region (904) configured to fit within the single opening.

In another embodiment, depicted in Figure 11, the body may comprise at least two layers, including a first layer (1100) defining the front face (1150) of the body and a second part (1102) defining the rear face (1152). ) of the body. The plurality of openings (1110a), (1110b), (1110c) penetrate the entire thickness of the layer (1100), while a single opening (1120) penetrates the entire thickness of the layer (1102). Insert (1104) is configured to fit within opening (1120), which defines a cavity when layers (1100) and (1102) are combined together. Although not shown with a recessed ridge on layer (1102) and the corresponding outer peripheral region on insert (1104), this feature may also be present in this embodiment. Although represented with the same thickness in Figure 11, the two layers 1100 and 1102 can have different thicknesses, and one can be greater than the other. Layers can be bonded with adhesive. Additional layers may also be present, including a transparent or translucent tie layer between layers 1100 and 1102, which fills the plurality of openings 1110a-1110c during a lamination step. The backing layer (1106) may be laminated or otherwise bonded to the back face of the layer (1102) to hold the insert (1104) in place.

As shown in Figure 11, the insert may consist of member (1104) alone. In some embodiments, the member (1104) and backing layer (1106) (and any intermediate or top layers) may be transparent or translucent so that light is visible through the openings (1110a)-(1110c). ). In preferred embodiments, however, the insert (1104) comprises a non-transparent member that is chosen for aesthetic impact. For example, insert 1104 may comprise plastic, metal (eg, having different visual properties than any metal visible in the body), ceramic (eg, having different visual properties than any ceramic, or 10 ceramic covering comprising the body), wood, glass, mother-of-pearl, stone (including artificial or natural precious stones), bone or natural or synthetic ivory, and natural or synthetic leather. Any of the above can have a print on them (for example, a printed plastic insert that has a graphic that provides visibility in different colors through different openings). Typically, the non-transparent member is opaque, but in other embodiments, it may have some translucency. The member (1106) may have printing on one or both sides, including in some embodiments, printing visible from one card surface that is different from printing visible from the opposite card surface.

Typically, the member (1104) is passive and static, but it can be dynamic, such as a photoluminescent member (eg, it glows in the dark or fluoresces when illuminated with light of a certain wavelength). The member (1104) can also be a light source, such as an LED, more specifically a backlight LED, connected to a power source (not shown) in the same manner as described here for other elements connected to a power supply. power supply. In yet another embodiment, member (1104) may be a light guide that receives light input from a light source, such as an LED or backlight LED (not shown), at an input surface of the screen. light guide 25 and transmitting the light to an output surface. The light can cooperate with the windows to create a pattern that is illuminated to indicate, for example, the reading of the payment module, but is not limited to any particular purpose.

In yet another embodiment, the member (1104) may comprise an OLED (organic light emitting diode). The use of OLED components in transaction cards, in general, has been described, for example, in US Patent No. 9,665,818, entitled "UNIVERSAL ORGANIC LIGHT-EMMITTING DIODE PLASTIC ("OLED")" and PCT publication No. WO2013131153A1, entitled FLEXIBLE OLED CARD, which are incorporated herein by reference. Although the referenced disclosures describe the use of OLED technology in connection with flexible plastic cards, it should be understood that the general technology for providing an OLED display is applicable to the incorporation of OLED displays into relatively non-flexible card constructions or flexible card constructions. However, the flexibility of OLED displays can be particularly useful, in connection with general card constructions that have greater flexibility (such as flexibility that exceeds the ISO/IEC 7810ID-1 standard for transaction cards or that meets or exceeds the standard

ISO/IEC 15457 for thin and flexible cards). Flexible card constructions using OLED displays may further include flexible circuit boards. Therefore, the term "LED", as used in this document with reference to a display, should be construed as referring to an OLED or a non-organic LED.

In other embodiments, member 1104 may be an active or dynamic member as described in US Provisional Application No. 62/545,630, entitled "DYNAMIC SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY TACTILE FEATURE CARD," incorporated herein by reference. . The member (1104) can be different from the body in a number of ways, including color, texture, reflectance, opacity, and combinations thereof. Member 1104 may include a display and processor configured to generate a dynamic security code on the display, as described in the '711 Application. Any or all of the electronic components described in this document may be embedded into the card in any manner known in the art, including methods described in the '711 Application or US Patent No. 10,406,734, filed October 18, 2018, claiming priority to US Application No. 16/320,597, filed January 25, 2019, both entitled "OVERMOLDED ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS FOR TRANSACTION CARDS AND METHOD OF MAKING THEREOF", and both are incorporated herein by reference.

As represented in Figure 12, the insert can consist of a single member (800) in which, when the card is assembled, the entire front surface of the member is arranged undercut with respect to the front face of the body, i.e. that is, the plurality of windows (702)-(706) are tactilely perceptible on the front face of the card. Thus, for example, when the insert (800) comprises mother-of-pearl, lamination of the card will not change this physical relationship between the components. Although preferably not transparent, member (800) may be transparent in some embodiments.

In other embodiments, however, as depicted in Figure 13, the insert (1302) may comprise a material that is flowable at rolling temperatures, and which is partially or fully flowable into the plurality of openings in the body (1300). during a rolling step, such that a plurality of portions 1304, 1306, 1308 of the front surface of the non-transparent member protrudes into the plurality of openings and is disposed flush with the front face of the body.

In yet other embodiments, depicted in Figure 14, an entire front surface of the non-transparent member (1402) may remain recessed with respect to the front face of the body, and a plurality of transparent or translucent members (1404), ( 1406), (1408) may be arranged in the openings. The transparent or translucent members may comprise an optically clear epoxy that is deposited by automatic dispensing into the openings.

In still other embodiments, shown in Figure 15, a transparent or translucent layer (1510) can be arranged on the front face of the body (1500) and on the plurality of openings so that the protrusions (1504), (1506) and (1508) of the ply fully or partially flow into the openings during a rolling pass, with the ply (1502) being wholly recessed with respect to the front face of the body.

As shown in Figure 16, in a multi-layer body construction, an intermediate transparent or translucent tie layer (1610) may be disposed between the first (1500) and second (1502) layers of the body such that the protrusions (1604), (1606) and (1608) fully or partially flow into the openings during a rolling step, the layer (1620) remaining in its entirety lowered with respect to the front face of the body.

As shown in Figure 17, the transparent or translucent layers (1702) or (1704) disposed on the front face and the rear face of the body (1700), respectively, can flow together totally or partially towards the openings (1710), (1712) during a rolling step. This structure and method of manufacture may be particularly suitable for embodiments in which openings 1710 and 1712 are slots, such as window features 1022, 1024, 1032, 1052 depicted in Figures 10B and 10C. Although shown with top and bottom layers, some modalities may only have one or the other. Although shown with a single inconspicuous top layer and a single inconspicuous bottom layer, some modalities may have multiple layers above and/or below the body, and in some of those modalities, more than one of the layers may contribute to fill out the features. openings.

For example, an adhesive layer, which may comprise a backing with adhesive on both sides, can be interposed between the body and each of the top and/or bottom layers, and the adhesive, backing, and the top or bottom layer can flow toward each other. openings during a rolling pass. In other embodiments, the adhesive on the bottom of the carrier (or disposed directly on the bottom of the top and/or bottom layers) may be the only material that flows into the openings.

Although shown with coplanar faces in Figure 17, it should be understood that material flow can lead to convex, concave, coplanar, or irregularly shaped surfaces of flowing material on one or both card faces. The formation of convex, concave, coplanar or irregular shaped surfaces can occur in any mode where the material flows into the windows/grooves/cavities, and the overall shape can be deliberately controlled to have a particular shape. Similarly, in embodiments where the inserts are pre-formed and assembled into the window/slots/cavities, the inserts may also conform to any of the above shapes.

Although all of Figures 13-17 represent a monolithic body, it should be understood that the body in these embodiments may comprise a multi-layered body, as depicted in Figure 30-11.

Referring, for example, to Figure 12, methods and processes for making cards with a window pattern may comprise providing a metal, ceramic or ceramic-coated body (700) and creating a cavity (804) in the body that it has a periphery and extends from the rear face to a location adjacent to the front face; then creating a plurality of openings 702, 704, 706 extending from the front face into the cavity, the plurality of openings forming a pattern. The insert (804) is placed in the cavity, and then a non-metallic backing layer (1206) adjacent to the rear face of the body and a rear face of the insert is laminated to the body and insert.

In some embodiments, such as those depicted in Figure 11, the step of providing the body may comprise providing a first layer (1100) that defines the front face of the body and a second layer (1102) that defines the rear face of the body. In such embodiments, the step of creating the cavity comprises creating a through hole (1120) in the second layer (1102), and the step of creating the plurality of openings comprises creating a plurality of through holes (1110a-c) in the first. layer (1100). The openings, cavity, and through-holes referred to in these processes may be laser cut, milled, engraved, or machined by any method known in the art. For ceramic-coated modalities, a metal or other material body or body layers may be first coated with ceramic and then the various openings cut and the layers assembled, or the openings may be first cut in the metal or other body and/or assemble the layers, and then the ceramic coating can be applied to the exterior surfaces before assembling the rest of the components.

As depicted in Figure 12, the process may comprise creating a recessed rim (802) on the rear face of the body surrounding the cavity (804), and forming the insert (800) with a stepped periphery comprising an outermost region (902) having a geometry configured to mate with the recessed rim (802), and an innermost periphery (904) configured to fit within the cavity (804).

The step of positioning the insert in the cavity may comprise attaching the outermost region of the insert to the recessed rim in the body, such as with an adhesive or by non-adhesive mechanical bonding, such as using ultrasonic, brazing or soldering. Using the flange design in conjunction with a bonding material, such as an adhesive, solder, or brazing alloy, allows the flange to be joined in a manner that minimizes flow of adhesive or other bonding material into the openings in the face. front of the body. In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable for the bonding material, such as a clear, hard-drying epoxy, to flow into the openings and fill them to create clear windows, as shown in Figure 14, in which case it is not desired. the rim. Other methods of filling the plurality of openings with clear epoxy may include automatically dispensing the epoxy into the openings after the insert is already in place. Still other methods of filling the openings with a transparent or translucent material may comprise providing a transparent or translucent coating (such as by laminating a solid layer, or by applying a spray coating or liquid layer) onto the front face of the body. . and at least partially filling the plurality of openings with a portion of the transparent coating that flows into the plurality of openings, such as during the lamination step.

As noted above, in embodiments where the insert comprises a material that is capable of flowing during rolling, the process may comprise performing a rolling step with sufficient heat and pressure to cause the protuberances of the insert to flow wholly or partially into the insert. plurality of openings during the rolling step. In slotted embodiments, such as those depicted in Figures 10B, 10C, and 17, the openings may be engraved, milled, or created with a laser (although not limited to any particular form of formation).

As depicted in Figure 10B, for ease of manufacturing, the step of creating the slot (1032) may include creating a continuous slot defined by parts (1030) and (1032) that extends from the cavity of the storage module. payment (1034) up to one edge of the card. If portions of the slot are not desired to be transparent or translucent for cosmetic reasons, such as part 1030, that portion may be filled with a different type of filler, such as a non-conductive filler that is neither transparent nor translucent. Said filling step would be carried out before the lamination step that fills the transparent or translucent window parts. The continuous slot defined by parts 1030 and 1032, filled with a non-conductive card matching filler in part 1030 and filled with a transparent non-conductive filler in part 1032, may be operable to allowing the metal frame (1020) to serve as an antenna amplifier or coupling frame, as described in US Application No. 15/928,813, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As shown in Figure 10C, in other embodiments, the slot (1056) emanating from the module cavity (1054) on the card (1050) may be a separate element that is not integrated into the fabrication of the pattern defined by the specifications. transparent or translucent windows (1052).

It is to be understood that creating an extended opening and filling one part with a transparent or translucent fill and another part with a non-transparent/non-translucent part as shown in Figure 10B is not limited to embodiments in which the slot as a whole connects the cavity of the payment module with the edge of the card. For example, for ease of manufacture it may be desirable to create a continuous groove and then fill parts of the groove with different fillers for purely aesthetic reasons, and the different fillers may be of any type. For example, the fillers can be transparent, translucent, opaque, conductive, non-conductive, or some combination thereof, with different sections of the same continuous aperture (or different discrete apertures) having different fillers, each having a different aesthetic appearance such as different colors, different textures and the like. If desired, the filler may comprise a precious metal, such as gold. In other cases, the windows or parts thereof can be illuminated, for example, using an LED, as described herein or in any way known in the art. The "filling" (and the insert material) can completely fill or partially fill all or some of the openings in any of the modalities described in this document.

In one embodiment, shown in Figure 18, a light guide layer (1825), comprising a light guide (1810) and a light source (1815), such as a backlight LED, may be interposed between the layers. metal layers (1820) and (1830). LED 1815 is positioned adjacent a light guide inlet and windows 1802, 1804, and 1806 are positioned adjacent a light guide exit surface. The light from the LED (1815) shines in the light guide and is transmitted through the windows (1802), (1804), (1806). Although depicted in one embodiment in Figure 18, it is to be understood that embodiments with a light guide arranged below openings in a metal layer can be provided in any of the other configurations described herein. Windows 1802, 1804, 1806 may have no filler or a transparent or translucent filler, and may be formed by any of the methods or conform to any of the structures described herein .

In some embodiments or designs, rather than creating a continuous slot, such as the circular shape formed by slots 1022 and 1024, it may be more desirable to create discrete slots with one or more bridges 1026, 1028 of metal between them, for structural stability of the card. As represented in Figure 10B, the absence of the bridges (1026) and (1028) would completely separate the central circular part from the rest of the metal body. However, providing metal gaps between adjacent grooves is not limited to modalities that would prevent gapping.

As used herein, the term "groove" refers to a gap formed between metal edges, where the edge-to-edge distance is generally small enough that it is not desirable or practical to place a separate filler material in the groove before a rolling step, and such that the risk of air bubbles forming during rolling is minimal. Rolling conditions can be controlled as desired so that the groove is filled with the top and bottom plies without leaving a perceptible indentation or is partially filled to provide a tactile indentation.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARD

In embodiments where the body of the card is metal or ceramic-coated metal, and the transaction card comprises a payment module configured for a "contactless" interface with a card reader (for example, where , in at least one mode of operation, the transaction circuit embedded in the card is inductively coupled to a card reader using RFID technology), placing the window adjacent to the module can improve the RF performance of the card, thus lengthening the distance at which the card can be read in a contactless mode. Specifically, the absence of metal adjacent to the module, specifically near the antenna of the module, can significantly improve (lengthen) the read distance between the card and the card reader required to mate the card and the card reader relative to a card without the transparent window. Optimum distances can be determined by creating a plurality of identical cards with different window sizes and locations and testing the difference in read distance of the different designs. Generally, the Applicant has found read distance percentage improvements in the range of 12 to 50%, depending on the distance in the range of 1 to 5 cm between the edge of a metal card and a module. Consequently, the absence of a significant metal area within that 1-4 cm distance due to the hole in the metal body to accommodate the window is expected to provide a measurable level of improvement. It should be understood that because dual interface devices operate in both "contactless" and "contact" modes, reference to a device having "contactless" and "contact" functionality encompasses both modules, those having only contactless functionality and modules that have dual interface functionality.

In some embodiments, the payment module may be located within the transparent window, in which case a coupling antenna may be placed surrounding the module using minimally visible traces within the transparent window. In other embodiments, the full metal body of the card can be used as a coupling antenna or a coupling antenna can be embedded in the body, as is known in the art. Minimally visible traces, including antenna traces, and the module can be obscured or integrated into graphical content in the nature of a window printed design. However, the positioning of the card reader module within the window is not limited to metal or ceramic-coated metal embodiments, and may also be present in embodiments having an all-ceramic or ceramic-coated non-metallic body. .

As shown in Figure 3, the electronic components (310) and any connection traces (330) can be arranged on a window surface, preferably on the rear surface of the window where the electronic components can be further covered and protected by the window. layer 10 backup. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in alternative embodiments, electronic components 410, 510 may be integrated into window 420, 520. In one embodiment, depicted in Figure 5, the integrated electronic components may be integrated by injection molding the electronic components (510) into a transparent or translucent polymer that comprises the window (520). In such an embodiment, one or more conductive elements (532) connected to the 15 electronic components, may be arranged in the window oriented in a direction along the thickness of the window (perpendicular to the front and rear faces of the window) to transmit electrical power and/or signals from an interior part of the window to a window surface (522) (or a layer closer to the window surface), wherein that conductive member (532) connects to conductive traces (530) printed on the window. Exemplary processes for embedding electronic components 20 for insertion into a metal card body are described in US Provisional Application No. 62/555,367, entitled "TRANSACTION CARD WITH INTEGRATED ELECTRONICS AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS", incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment, depicted in Figure 4, the electronic components may optionally be disposed on a first layer (422) of transparent or translucent polymer, with a second layer (424) disposed thereon to envelop the electronic components (and optionally, one or more lead lines (430) for connecting to electronic components). A multi-layer window is not limited to just two layers and can include any number of layers that provide the desired aesthetic or functional qualities. In a multi-layer mode, the lead lines (430) can be printed on a first layer (422) before another layer (eg, (424)) is laid out.

The non-metallic backing layer 120 (eg, a clear PVC, but not limited to any particular construction material), which is relatively thinner than the relatively thick base, is preferably laminated to the rear face of the body and the back face of the window. Although not limited to any particular range of thickness, transaction cards generally have a standardized size of about 0.081 cm (0.032 inches) thick, and the body 35 typically has a range of 0.020 to 0.007 cm (0.008 to 0.028 inches). , preferably a range of 0.025 to 0.050 cms (0.010 to 0.020 inches), more preferably, 0.030 to 0.045 cms (0.012 to 0.018 inches), the backing layer optionally having a thickness to make up the difference between the overall thickness and the body, less the thickness of any adhesive layers or other coatings.

One or more features may be printed on the body, which may comprise a printable metal such as printable stainless steel (for example, stainless steel having a coating (not shown) on at least the front face (104) that improves ink acceptance. printing on the steel surface). The coating may comprise, for example, a polyester-based coating receptive to UV-curable inkjet and screen printing inks or solvent or oxidative printing. In other modalities, dye sublimation or dye printing can be used. For embodiments with a ceramic body, or a ceramic coated body, the ceramic can be similarly coated, roughened (eg chemically, mechanically or with a laser) to receive a printed layer. Printed modalities are not limited to any particular printing technology or technique.

As shown in Figure 1A, the front face of the card may have a decorative pattern. The decorative pattern can be a printed pattern (or it can be an embossed or embossed pattern, as explained below), or the front face can be printed with a solid color (for example, black, as shown in Figure 1A). , or may comprise any combination of solid colors, printed graphics or patterns, printed information, and embossed or embossed patterns, graphics, or information. Printed information may include the name of the card issuer (for example, Citi, Bank of America, etc., represented by the text “BANK” in Figure 1A), the type and/or name of the card (for example, example, VISA® SAPPHIRE, AMERICAN EXPRESS®, etc. - represented by the text “CARD NAME” in Figure 1A), the cardholder's name, a unique card serial number, expiration date and the like. Certain printed information (for example, graphics, card name) can be printed in a first print pass to create a "blank" card ready for personalization, and other printed information (cardholder, serial number, expiration date) can be printed in a second personalization print step. The first and second printing passes are typically performed geographically and temporally distant from each other and by different printers. Printing may extend to printing on the window insert, including printing across the interface between the window periphery and the hole periphery. Printing can be done using UV-curable inks, but the invention is not limited to any particular type of ink.

The front face of the body can further have decorative grooves arranged therein, for example by engraving, machining, lasering or the like. Thus, in one embodiment, the pattern shown in Figure 1A may be comprised of a black solid printed base, with grooves arranged in a pattern (represented as a fish scale pattern in Figure 1A, but not limited to any one type). particular pattern, and not limited to a repeating or regular pattern, to a single pattern, or to a pattern that has a specific amount of coverage, i.e., the pattern(s) may extend across the entire face of the card or may be limited to one or more distinct areas of the card). The grooves may be filled, for example, with an ink of a different color than the face of the card, or the grooves may expose the color of the metal or ceramic or body underlying the ceramic beneath the printing layer. The grooves can penetrate only the printed layer or they can penetrate the body. The slots may be cut into the window and extend across the interface between the body edge and the window. Similarly, the printed layer on the card can be extended through this interface.

Thus, as depicted in Figure 1A, the interface (132) between the respective peripheries of the window insert (112) and the hole (108) can be located radially within a printed feature, such as the printed solid black circle (130). that surrounds the ship graphic (118), so that the print that extends over the interface helps to visually de-emphasize the interface. In another embodiment, the interface may be located slightly radially out of the circle (130), so that the pattern imparted by the slots also extends through the interface, further de-emphasizing the interface. In embodiments where it is desired that the window be substantially devoid of print, the printed content may include only the decorative peripheral outline that overlays the interface (i.e., it is arranged on both the window and the body of the card to both sides of the interface), in such a way that the majority of the window located radially inward of the interface or radially inward of the printed peripheral profile is devoid of printing.

In some embodiments, the front face may further comprise an optional hard coat layer (140), while other embodiments may have no coverage over the printed/engraved layer or the uncoated metal or ceramic surface on the front face of the face. card. The transaction card may further comprise a magnetic stripe (150), a signature panel (152), a hologram (154), a machine readable code (156) (represented as a barcode, but may include any type of machine-readable code, including but not limited to a QR code), or a combination thereof, preferably disposed on the backing layer (120) on the rear face (106) of the body (102). Most embodiments also include an integrated circuit (not shown) that is embedded and connected to contacts (160) configured to be read by a card reader, an integrated RFID antenna (not shown), or a combination of the same (for a dual interface (DI) card), to allow use with contact and/or contactless card readers. Although the hole 108 may be purely cosmetic in nature, the hole can be strategically placed on the card in a location that will enhance the RF performance of a dual interface card.

An exemplary process for manufacturing a transaction card as described herein may comprise first providing the body (102) having a thickness (T), by creating a hole (108) in the body having a periphery and extending from the front face (104) to the rear face (106) of the body. The non-metallic backing layer (120) is placed adjacent to the rear face of the body, preferably affixed by an adhesive disposed on the body-facing side of the backing layer, and the non-magnifying clear insert (112) is inserted into the hole (108) in contact with the adhesive of the backing layer (120), and then the assembly is laminated together. The insert can be created in any manner known in the art, such as cutting or punching a plurality of inserts having the desired periphery from a sheet of the insert materials, or by extruding a rod having the periphery of the insert and cutting chips. of the rod having the thickness (T).

The hole (108) can be created by any method known in the art, such as in a metal body by cutting (for example, mechanical or laser), punching or engraving, such as the use of computer controlled machines (for example, numerical control computerized - CNC). In one embodiment where the body comprises printable stainless steel (or any other coated metal where coating integrity is important), a protectant may be applied to the coated surfaces or portions thereof that are desired to remain coated for a long time. any acid etch steps (as if an etch step was used to create the hole). For example, the protector is applied to the entire surface of the metal except where the hole (108) is to be formed and any other cavities or surface patterns. After etching, the remaining resistance is removed and the body is ready for further processing.

In an exemplary embodiment of a ceramic body in which the body comprises a solid ceramic, the hole is preferably formed in the green state of the ceramic, and then the ceramic is fired. The pre-firing hole diameter size is selected to produce the desired post-filing hole diameter given the characteristics of the ceramic material and expected changes in hole diameter, if any, during the firing process. Although an alternative process may involve producing a ceramic blank without a hole and then mechanically milling, lasering, or freezing/fracturing the hole after firing, these methods are generally less efficient and therefore Therefore, they are not preferred. In an exemplary embodiment where the body comprises a metal core with a ceramic coating, the metal body can be created as described above, with the desired ceramic coating then applied to the metal. For example, a ceramic combined with a binder can be spray coated, or a ceramic can be arranged, for example by injection molding, around the metal and then fired. In preferred embodiments, the sprayed ceramic coating may be applied only to the front face of the metal core. Ceramic coated bodies with a non-metallic core can be processed in a similar way.

The laminated assembly can then undergo a printing step, to print the desired material on the front face of the body. In an exemplary process, the printing step comprises printing the printed material with an ink jet printer using UV-curable ink and then exposing the print to suitable UV radiation to cure the ink. The front face of the body can be embossed or embossed with grooves before or after printing. In a process where the grooves are filled, such as with a different color ink or metal, a groove-filling step can be performed after the grooves are created, such as a cleaning step that cleans the filler material. on the face so that the filler (ink, metal, resin, etc.) is only deposited in the fissures created by the grooves.

Although described above in a preferred sequence of steps, it is to be understood that the above steps are not limited to performance in any particular sequence. For example, in some processes, the steps of cutting the hole, bonding the backing layer in place, and inserting the window can be done after steps related to printing, slotting, etc. on the front side of the card. In other processes, the slots may be created prior to printing.

As depicted in Figure 2, each completed transaction card (100) defines a first bounded area (corresponding to the length and width of the card, minus the area of ​​any rounded edges). In a metal card embodiment, the card may be made from a sheet (200) having a second area that is somewhat larger than a multiple of the first area (for example, a little larger than 8X as shown in Figure 2). In such a manufacturing process, the process further comprises cutting the metal foil into a plurality of transaction cards corresponding to the multiple. As shown in Figure 2, the ratio between the second area and the first area is typically not a whole number (for example, some value between 8 and 9 as shown in Figure 2), while the multiple corresponding to the number of cards cut from the deck can represent the nearest whole number 10 corresponding to the second area, rounded down. The cutting steps for cutting the hole and for cutting the individual cards from the foil can be performed by a laser. All slots can be machined, engraved or laser formed. Although they are depicted as nearly finished cards in Figure 2, it should be understood that in some embodiments, cores of metal or other material may similarly be cut from a larger sheet prior to application of the ceramic coating.

The integrated circuit, and connected contacts and/or antenna, can be embedded into the metal body of the card by any method known in the art, such as described in US 9,390,366, incorporated herein by reference. In embodiments in which the optional hardcoat layer is applied to the front face of the card, the hardcoat may be applied as an overlay or as a discrete layer, such as described in published US Application No. 20140224881, also incorporated herein by reference for its teaching of applying a hard coat layer to a metal card. Although described herein with reference only to certain layers, it is to be understood that some embodiments may comprise additional layers between, over, or under the layers described, including laminates, adhesive layers, printed content, or coatings (including, but not limited to, a ceramic material), without limitation.

Referring now to Figures 19A-19C, another embodiment of transaction card (1900) is illustrated. The transaction card includes a metal layer (1910) having front and rear surfaces and at least two openings (1920) and (1930), each opening extending through one or both of the front and rear surfaces of the metal layer. . In the embodiment shown in Figure 19B, the 30 openings 1920 and 1930 extend through the upper surface and the lower surface of the metal layer, the opening 1920 having a relatively larger periphery on the surface higher than on the lower surface. A transponder module (1925) (preferably non-contact or dual interface) is disposed in the opening (1920) and can rest on the passage (1921) between relatively wider and relatively narrower portions of the opening (1920). The transponder module (1925) may be arranged on or in a plug of non-metallic material, as is known in the art.

The LED module (1935) is arranged in the opening (1930). The LED module (1935) has a flat illuminated area (1937) visible from a finished surface (eg, the front surface) of the transaction card. As shown in Figure 19C, in one embodiment, the LED module (1935) comprises LEDs (1932) (represented as side-firing LEDs) configured to emit light, and a light guide (1933) to distribute the light emitted by the one or more LEDs across the illuminated area (1937). A part of the LED module (1934) can therefore be unlit. The unilluminated portion can thus be hidden behind opaque areas of an overlay or printed on the overlay, and the features of the overlay or printing thereon can be optimized for printing across the interface between the periphery of the opening (1930) and the illuminated part (1937) of the LED module. As depicted in Figure 19B, the LED module is secured in a window (1930) that completely penetrates the metal layer from the top surface to the bottom surface, such that the bottom surface of the LED module is flush with the surface. bottom of the metal layer and the top surface of the LED module is flush with the top surface of the metal layer. In other embodiments, the LED module may be secured in a blind cavity that does not fully penetrate the metal layer from the top surface to the bottom surface. The LED module, and in particular the illuminated area (1950), is generally neither transparent nor translucent, so anything behind the LED module (for example, the backing layer (1940) or the back bottom of a blind cavity) is not visible from the front of the card.

Any number of LEDs (1932) can be provided. In some embodiments, the lighting circuit for the LEDs may include at least two LEDs, lighting more or different LEDs as an indicator of field strength (for example, higher field strength translates to higher power harvested, and thus thus, in a higher power available to the lighting circuit, that 20 can be illuminated in various ways depending on the power). In some embodiments, all LEDs (eg, (1932a), (1932b)) may be the same color, with the circuit configured to illuminate only a first LED at minimum field strength, and both the first and second LEDs with a relatively higher field strength. In circuits with more than two such LEDs (not shown), all of the first, second, and third LEDs can be illuminated with a relatively higher field strength. Thus, the power range for which the first LED illuminates overlaps the full power range of the second LED. In configurations with three LEDs, the power range over which the first LED lights overlaps all power ranges for which each of the second and third LEDs light, respectively, and the power range over which the second LED lights up overlaps the full power range over which the third LED lights up.

In other embodiments, multi-color LEDs may be provided, with circuitry configured to illuminate a first LED (1932a) (eg, red) corresponding to a relatively weaker field strength and a second LED (1932b) (eg, green). ) corresponding to a relatively stronger field strength. The ranges in which the two different LEDs light may have overlapping ranges. For example, a set of two LEDs can be configured to illuminate the red LED (1932a) within a first power range (eg, 1-66%) and the green LED (1932b) within a second power range ( eg 33% - (100)%), with both LEDs lit to produce yellow light within the overlap range (eg 33-66%).

Illumination intensity can also vary as a function of field strength, such that a single LED or multiple LEDs having the same wavelength can provide a variation in brightness as an indicator of field strength. For example, in embodiments where both LEDs (1932a) and (1932b) emit the same wavelength, the illumination intensity of LED 5 (1932a) can vary from a relatively weaker intensity with a field strength of 1 % to a relatively stronger intensity with a field strength of 50% to 100%, and the intensity of the illumination of the LED (1932b) can vary from a relatively weaker intensity at 51% to a relatively stronger intensity at (100)% field strength. Also, multiple LEDs having different wavelengths can be illuminated in various combinations of one or more 10 LEDs to create a spectrum of colors based on field strength. For example, from relatively weaker to relatively stronger field strength, LEDs can be illuminated in a spectrum (for example, red = red LED only, optionally in a relatively dim to relatively bright intensity range; orange = more intensity of red LED than of green LED, yellow = relatively equal intensity of red and green LED, yellow-green = more intensity of green LED than intensity of red LED; green = green LED only, optionally in a relatively dim to relatively bright intensity range). The number and/or color of the LEDs is not limited to any particular configuration. Experts in the field of electronics are familiar with the basic circuitry required to light different LEDs in response to power supplied to the circuit, and therefore specific configurations are not detailed in this document. The ranges and variations from those ranges are for illustration only, and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in use, a contactless or dual interface transponder module is a component in a transaction circuit configured to communicate with a card reader (not shown) configured to emit radio frequency (RF) waves that they have energy. As is well known in the art, the transaction circuit includes a transponder module (1925) configured to receive (with the receiver connected to the antenna (1986)) an incoming RF signal (1984) emitted by a transmit antenna 1982) from a transmitter in the card reader (1980), and to respond with an outgoing RF signal (1985) emitted by a transmitter with transmitting antenna 1988), which is received by a receiver with receiving antenna (1983) of the card reader. The receiver/receiving antenna (1982) and the transmitter/transmitting antenna 1983) may comprise a single transceiver/transceiver antenna 30 configured for two-way communications. The transponder is normally powered by collecting energy from the RF waves (1984) emitted by the card reader (1980). The transponder normally has its own power generation circuit, similar to the one described below with respect to the power source for the LED module. In other embodiments, power may be provided by an active RF transceiver with a power source (eg, battery) mounted on the device and/or the LED may also have (or share with the transponder) a power source. power mounted on the device.

The LED module (1933) comprises one or more components in a lighting circuit also powered by energy harvested from RF waves (1984). The lighting circuit comprises the 1990 power supply, which comprises a power harvesting circuit (configured to produce AC or DC power), LEDs (1932), and one or more surface mount technology (SMT) components. English) (1938). The lighting circuit, as in one or more of the SMT components, may include a charge pump (also called a voltage pump or voltage generator), which circuitry is generally known to those skilled in the art, for increasing the voltage operating of the lighting circuit above the voltage of the RF waves. Any type of circuit can be provided to step up or step down the voltage. In some embodiments, the lighting circuit and the transaction circuit are isolated from each other such that the lighting circuit is configured to light regardless of the status of a transaction performed by the transaction circuit. As used herein, the term "transaction circuit" refers to any circuit for processing a transaction. In payment devices (credit cards, debit cards), the transaction circuit may comprise a typical payment circuit configured to exchange payment information between the card and the card reader so that the payer's account is ultimately debited. and the beneficiary's account is finally credited. However, suitable transactions are not limited to payment transactions and may include any exchange of information between the card and the card reader that ultimately results in the recording of information. For example, a loyalty card for a casino may track the amount a user bets, wins, or loses, such a record being a "transaction," without the loyalty card actually managing the payments associated with the bets, wins, or losses. Therefore, to the extent that the term “transaction circuit” is used herein, it should be understood to refer to 20 any exchange of information related to any type of transaction, including, but not limited to, a payment circuit. In other embodiments, the lighting circuit and the transaction circuit comprise components in a unitized circuit in which the lighting circuit is configured to illuminate in a manner indicative of the status of a transaction performed by the transaction circuit. In still other embodiments, both the transaction circuit and the lighting circuit may share power from a single power-harvesting source, without the transaction circuit and the lighting circuit being otherwise connected to each other (ie, lighting does not depend on transaction status).

An exemplary simple power harvesting circuit (1900) is schematically illustrated in the enlarged region of Figure 19A, and as is well known in the art, generally comprises a receiving antenna (1991) for receiving RF waves from a source (in this case, waves (1984) of a 30 card reader (1980)), connected to a rectifier/voltage multiplier (1994), a capacitor (or battery) (1995) in parallel to one or more resistors (1992) arranged between the antenna (1991) and ground (1993), and produces a direct current (DC) voltage between the poles (1996) and ( 1997). This DC voltage supplies power to the connected circuit or circuits. Additional components may also be included in the circuit 1900, such as an Impedance Matching Network (IMN) (not shown) between the antenna and the rectifier and/or any other logic or other components. circuits known in the art for use in power harvesting applications.

As shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the metal layer (1910) has a first discontinuity (1902) extending from the periphery of the card to the opening (1920) and a second discontinuity (1904) extending from the periphery of the card up to the opening (1930). The card (1900) further comprises a non-metallic back layer (1940) disposed on the rear surface of the metal layer (1910), and a non-metallic front layer (1950) disposed on the front surface of the metal layer. A pattern (1960), such as a word, logo, or graphic printed or otherwise arranged on or in the non-metallic front layer (1950), overlays the illuminated area (1937) of the LED module positioned so that the LED module gives provide backlight. Although shown as a positive raised pattern (1960) in Figure 19B, as the printing ink disposed in the (1950) layer, the pattern may comprise opaque portions of the non-metallic (1950) layer itself, of a negative pattern formed through holes in an opaque non-metallic layer (1950). The pattern can be multi-colored. The metal layer (1910) can act as a booster antenna connected to one of the two antennas (1986), (1991) to boost the received signal from the card reader, or it can be isolated from one or both of the payment circuits. and/or lighting.

Locating the aperture (1930) and LED module in close proximity to the transponder module (1925) may provide better RF performance of the card relative to a card without the window. Likewise, the first and second discontinuities, 1902, 1904, can also improve RF performance relative to a card with no discontinuities.

Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications in detail may be made within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention.