JP2002501263A - Transmission of advertisements to smart cards - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract A flexible chip card (100) has a flexible display (114a) and a power supply (38), and is used in a system for storing and transmitting various information for later retrieval. The liquid crystal display (114a) may be bistable and does not require power to display images continuously. The display may include a barrier strip to provide a stereoscopic effect. The chip card (100) may be used to store coupons, advertisements, tickets, Internet addresses, images, audio data, and other information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data card or a transaction card including a semiconductor processor and / or a memory chip.

[0002] Such cards are commonly referred to as chip cards (or smart cards). These cards are typically wallet-sized and include a microchip.
Frequently, there are electrical contacts on the card surface, via which communication takes place between the external chip card device and the semiconductor chip. However, there are also wireless chip cards, in which communication is performed using a wireless transceiver located within the card. Chip cards are currently used in many applications, including telecommunications, government benefit programs, healthcare, public transport, universities, and vending machines.

[0003] One of the prevalent uses of chip cards today is as a value storage card that contains a monetary value in a microchip embedded in the card. For example, each time a consumer uses a chip card at a vending machine, the purchase price is deducted from the balance stored on the microchip on the card. Applying such a value storage card, in part, eliminates the need for people to carry small coins and bills, speeding up the time required for small cash transactions. However, current chip cards do not provide a built-in mechanism (built-in mechanism) so that the remaining cash balance can be visually checked on the chip card.
Therefore, the convenience of the chip card is reduced, and the chip card cannot be used easily.

[0004] Initially, consumers can only determine the cash balance on a chip card by taking the card to a vending machine with a chip card reader, a retail location, or other point of purchase. Met. Several portable chip card readers have been developed that allow chip card users to determine the cash balance on their chip cards in a convenient manner.

[0005] These portable devices include the devices shown in US Pat. No. 5,015,830 to Maszawa and US Pat. No. 5,517,011 to Vandenengel. Although chip card readers have made the use of chip cards more convenient than without such devices, these chip card readers still have many disadvantages. For example, some batteries require periodic battery replacement. The portable card reader may be a sealed unit that does not allow the battery to be replaced. In such a case, the consumer must purchase a new card reader each time the battery runs out. Many chip cards require a specially programmed card reader for it. If the consumer has several types of chip cards in the wallet, the consumer also needs to have several different chip card readers in the wallet. These readers are bulky, inconvenient, and very impractical. Current chip card readers are inconvenient to use. That is, every time a consumer wants to check the balance, the consumer inserts the chip card into the reader, or keeps the chip card in the reader all the time and checks the balance. The user must press the button and then remove the card from the reader to complete the transaction. For the reader, the consumer needs to carry a separate device. This separate device is easy to lose or forget. Therefore, the consumer cannot immediately determine the balance on the chip card. The reader is a high device for the total cost of manufacturing a chip card. Since the balance on the chip card is easy to forget, consumers often have to reconfirm the balance using a portable balance reader. Displays for data cards have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 4,954,985 to Yamazaki discloses a card with a ferroelectric liquid crystal memory area and a ferroelectric liquid crystal display area. US Patent No. 4 granted to Sudo
746,787 discloses an IC card including a display, and an integrated circuit including a processor and a memory. Neither patent proposes a flexible display element (display element) or a flexible card body. Yamazaki has a card body with Corning
It mentions using both 7059 glass or plastic, but does not indicate which is preferred. Sudo suggests plastic as the card substrate, but the disclosed liquid crystal display does not allow the card to be subjected to normal use, handling, and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse). And if a curvature of magnitude occurs, it will fracture.

In the case of chip cards used outside of value storage, for example in healthcare applications, with currently valid chip cards, the user reads the chip card to display the information contained on the microchip on the card. I have to go to a place with a machine. Health care chip card holder suffers from a severe medical condition,
If receiving medical treatment for the condition, the emergency caregiver will have access to a chip card reader to determine what kind of medical treatment the patient will receive or what emergency treatment will be given to the patient. One must find out what medical condition the patient is suffering from is important. Today, many chip cards contain information that is very important to be able to access immediately, but you have to search for and read chip card readers to access that information. If it takes time, its value disappears.

[0007] Chip card systems are broadly divided into open systems and closed systems. In closed systems, the use of chip cards is limited to special chip card readers. For example, a long-distance carrier can provide a chip card that only activates the long-distance device. Open systems (for example, VisaCash)
Works on a wide range of chip card readers.

[0008] Often, chip cards contain advertisements permanently printed on their bodies. For example, a long distance telephone card may feature a printed image of a long distance carrier trademark.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a practical chip card with a built-in display. Cards are normally used, handled and stored (eg, in pockets, wallets,
Or storage in a wallet), the card may be bent in the shape and size it receives.
The display elements are not permanently damaged and the displayed information is not permanently lost.

Generally, the present invention provides a flexible body, at least one semiconductor chip supported in the flexible body and including a memory for storing information,
A display element capable of displaying at least a portion of information stored in said semiconductor chip, said display element comprising a display area supported within said flexible body and visible from at least one side of a chip card. A display element, a circuit for controlling the display element,
The display element may be permanently damaged in the event that the card undergoes type and size curvature during normal use, handling and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse), The present invention relates to a chip card in which displayed information is not permanently lost.

One or more of the following features may be incorporated into embodiments of the invention. The display element may itself be resistant to such curvature. Alternatively, the display can be located in an area (eg, a corner) of the chip card that does not experience substantial curvature.

[0012] The display element may be able to continue to display information after power has been removed from the display element. The display element may provide a multi-color display. The display element may provide a stereoscopic effect, for example, by layering barrier strips over the display element. Further, the card may feature multiple displays.

[0013] Exposed contacts can be provided on the surface of the card to establish communication with the semiconductor chip. Alternatively, a wireless communication element can be provided in the card.

[0014] In order to connect the semiconductor chip to the display element, internal connection elements can be provided. The interconnect element is preferably configured to resist bending.

The flexible body may be constructed from various materials such as plastic, paper, reinforced paper, and cardboard. When constructed from plastic, materials include polyvinyl chloride, polyester, ABS, or polycarbonate.

[0016] A substantially transparent layer of protective plastic may be provided to cover the display area of the display element. In addition to the semiconductor chip, additional information storage media (eg, barcode symbols, magnetic stripe elements) may be provided.

The card may include a power supply. The power source may be replaceable and / or rechargeable. The card may provide a mechanism to save power and use (eg, a kickstart circuit). The power supply may provide multimedia features. For example, the power supply may drive a speaker, a microphone, or cause the display element to generate a series of images (eg, video clips) on the display element. The power supply may also power the communication elements in the contactless card.

The present invention has many advantages. The present invention eliminates the need for an external reader by providing a practical built-in display of information stored on a card that can withstand bending. Thus, the card user can carry and handle the card as in the case of a conventional chip card without a display. When applied to a stored value card, the present invention advantageously allows the user of the card, as well as coins and banknotes, on which the value is printed,
You can determine the cash balance simply by looking at the card surface. Display elements can display information without the use of batteries or other power sources, thereby reducing long-term costs to chip card manufacturers and consumers. However, with the introduction of flexible power supplies, the features provided by the card (for example,
Multimedia performance) can be improved. The present invention greatly improves the convenience, efficiency, and practicality of using a chip card.

The present invention has advantages for a wide range of chip card applications. When used with a healthcare chip card, the present invention displays the cardholder's medical condition and medication on the card surface. As pharmacotherapy and medical conditions change, the information shown on the display is updated at the chip card reader / writer in the pharmacy or doctor's office. In an emergency, the caregiver can be immediately informed of the patient's medical condition and pharmacotherapy, eliminating the time consuming location of an external card reader and use.

In general, in another aspect, the invention is directed to distributing advertising information from an advertising information source to a chip card for display on a display element (eg, a flexible, color display element) of the chip card. About the method. The method includes the steps of establishing a communication path between a source and a chip card, transmitting advertisement information from the source to the chip card via the communication path, and transmitting the transmitted advertisement information on the chip card display element. And the step of displaying with.

Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The advertising information may include a graphic image or image sequence. The chip card may store advertisement information for one or more advertisements in the chip card memory. The advertising information displayed on the chip card may be selected from stored advertisements. The advertising information may, for example, represent a coupon image or a store map image. The chip card may also receive voice information or Internet addresses.

The chip card may receive the selected advertising information. Such information may be selected based on information derived from the chip card, for example, a chip card identification code, chip card usage data, demographic data, or acoustic data.

The communication path may include a network computer. At any point in the communication path, the transmission of advertising information may be blocked. In general, in another embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of electronically issuing a ticket using a chip card having a memory and a display element. The method includes transmitting the ticketing information to a chip card memory and displaying the ticketing information on a chip card display element. The method further includes withdrawing data from the chip card and authorizing admission.

The present invention has many advantages. The invention allows consumers to receive advertisements, coupons, or other information that may prove to be of interest. Further, paperless transmission of information facilitates different transactions and reduces paperwork.

The present invention also aims at targeting advertising and other information to be transmitted to customers by analyzing detailed consumer profiles established from demographic and transactional information in business. it can. The information sent to the chip card is
Each time the consumer uses the chip card, it is presented to the consumer. In addition, in business, many environments that send information and process chip cards (eg, telephones, screen phones, computers, ATM machines, parking meters, vending machines, stadium ticket facilities, GSM devices, gas pumps, copiers, loans Consumer profile data can be collected from Dolomat, theaters, casino gaming machines, etc.). In addition, businesses can track the success of their efforts targeting consumers. For example, in a business, when an electronic coupon was sent to a consumer, the consumer redeemed the coupon, or when
May be recorded.

According to the present invention, a consumer can receive ticket sales information. With that information, consumers can enter the venue, be guided to their seats, and even be offered coupons for on-site sales. Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, and from the claims.

(Description of Preferred Embodiment) FIGS. 1A to 1C will be described. A transparent protective top layer 12 (PVC or other transparent plastic) and a transparent (or opaque or translucent) substrate 14 (
A chip card 10 (with PVC or other plastic) is shown. The top layer and the substrate (body) may be cast or machined into the shape required to accommodate the internal components of the card. The indicia is printed on the top layer (eg, on the inner surface) and the hologram (not shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, see 32 in FIG. 3) may be provided directly below the top layer (eg, credit) Iridescent hologram elements as commonly used on cards). A conventional magnetic stripe 34 and signature panel can be provided at the bottom of the card (FIG. 1B).

The integrated circuit 16 is mounted directly below the printed circuit board 18 and fits inside a cutout in the card body. The contacts 20 cover the entire surface of one of the printed circuit boards, and the contacts are exposed to the outside of the card through cutouts to provide electrical communication with the card and to establish electrical connections to the card. Provided. The size of the printed circuit board is a cross-sectional view, for example, in the cross-sectional view of FIG.
Exaggerated. The lateral extent may be the same as the connector contacts 20 covering one surface of the substrate. This contact 20 covers one surface of the substrate.

The display element 22 is provided on the outermost surface of the card. In one implementation, a transparent electrode 24 (indium tin oxide or other substantially transparent conductive material) is deposited on the inner surface of the top layer (best shown in FIG. 1C) and the bottom layer.
The electrodes may be formed to provide either a dot matrix pattern or a segmented display pattern. Z-axis conductor 28 (a well-known polymeric material having conductivity only in the Z-axis) provides a conductive path from the printed circuit board to the electrode on the bottom layer. Contact with the electrodes on the top layer is by way of a connection between the top layer and the bottom layer via a Z-axis conductor (ie, rather than connecting the printed circuit board to both layers, the bottom layer is Acts as a path for connection to the top layer, which simplifies configuration).

The electrodes operate with a liquid crystal display (LCD) film 26. LCD films are bistable or multi-stable display materials that maintain an image when power is removed. In this way, in order for the display to function, the chip card does not require its own power supply and does not need to be connected to a power supply. The preferred LCD material is a ferroelectric LCD. These LCDs are based on typically smectic C-phase smectic liquid crystals with chiral behavior. When formed as a thin layer, the ferroelectric material has a net polarization perpendicular to the viewing surface. The electrodes apply a field that rotates the polarization between an on state and an off state. Ferroelectric LCDs are typically sensitive to shock or bending and may be curved (eg, when stored in a wallet) and are not suitable for use in chip cards. Ferroelectric LCD against curvature
In order to reduce the sensitivity of liquid crystals, a ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) is added to the side chains of the polymer used to form the LCD film (eg, as described in Japanese Patent No. 63-318526). Fixed or FLC is dispersed in a polymer membrane (eg, as described in US Pat. No. 5,638,194).

In other implementations, different display elements can be included, such as a suspended particle display or a field emission display. However, these displays require power to display images.

Referring to FIG. Filter layer 88 can add color to a monochrome LCD display. The filter layer 88 may include color filters for red, green, and blue. The pixel 86 blocks light passing through the color filter,
Alternatively, the color illuminates the pixel 86. Although each pixel 86 only represents red, green, or blue, the viewer spatially integrates the colors and perceives the color combination (eg, purple).

Referring to FIG. The display can provide a stereoscopic effect such as an image appearing three-dimensionally or an image whose appearance changes depending on the viewing angle (for example, a face blinking when an observer moves a card). For example, an LCD barrier strip 80 (described in US Pat. No. 5,315,377 to Isono, cited and referenced therein) intersperses a visual blocking barrier area with a viewing area, Controls the image perceived by the observer. By selecting the appropriate latent LCD image, the barrier strip 80 changes the appearance of the image. As shown in FIG. 11, the left eye 77 sees point A, but does not see point B. On the other hand, the right eye 80 sees point B but not point A.

Returning to FIG. 1C again. Integrated circuit 16 includes a microprocessor for storing and processing information, and circuitry for powering and controlling the display elements. In embodiments that store cash, the display can be configured as a dot matrix display. The display drive circuitry can use the multiplexing techniques used in commercial passive displays to quickly refresh the display.

As shown in FIG. 6, microprocessor 40 controls driver circuit 42, which generates a voltage suitable for activating or inactivating display element pixels. A power supply on the card or an external power supply (e.g., a card reader) can provide the power required by microprocessor 40 or other steps. Polarity switch 44 at the output of the driver circuit
Selects whether the row or column electrodes receive a positive polarity. The row / column selector switch determines which particular row / column pair receives the voltage generated by the polarity switch and driver circuit. The microprocessor 40 includes a driver circuit 42
, The polarity switch 44 and the row / column selector switch 46.

The microprocessor 40 can also support multiple applications. Many smart cards support the Java programming language. Such applications include compression / decompression applications that reduce the amount of information exchanged between the card and the card reader.

The assembled chip card can safely withstand the type and size curvature that the card undergoes during normal use, handling, and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse). This means that even if the card is bent by the following five tests, the card will still function and no cracks will be seen (ISO 7816-1, cited and referenced therein). checking)
.

1. With the contacts up, bend the long side of the card so that its deflection is 2 cm. Bend at a rate of 30 per minute for a total of 250 bends. 2. With the contacts facing down, bend the long side of the card so that its deflection is 2 cm. Bend at a rate of 30 per minute for a total of 250 bends.

[0039] 3. With the contacts up, bend the short side of the card so that its deflection is 1 cm. Bend at a rate of 30 per minute for a total of 250 bends. 4. With the contacts down, bend the short side of the card so that its deflection is 1 cm. Bend at a rate of 30 per minute for a total of 250 bends.

[0040] 5. The card is placed in a machine that applies a twist on its short side, so that the maximum displacement in alternating directions is 15 ° (± 1 °). Twist at a rate of 30 per minute for a total of 1,000 twists.

Alternatively, the assembled chip card can be reduced to about 50% of the mold and size curvature that the card undergoes during normal use, handling, and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse). Can withstand safety. This is due to the fact that the card is bent by the same five bending and torsion tests described above,
In the bending tests (1 to 4), half of the predetermined amount of bending (1 cm instead of 2 cm and 1 cm)
, 0.5 cm) and 33.3% of each predetermined displacement in the torsion test (5).
(5 ° instead of 15 °) means that the card still functions and no cracks are visible.

When performing the above test, the exact function of the card should be ascertained for every 125 bends or twists. The display may not function completely or at all if the card has a curved shape, but once the card is able to assume its original shape, the display will function correctly again. . Contributing to this flexibility are the polymer substrate (top and bottom layers) and the z-axis conductor for connecting the printed circuit board to the display. The z-axis conductor can withstand various compressions that cause bending.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a chip card made to withstand bending by placing the display element in an area of the card that is not substantially bent. The display element is located in the corner of the card, outside the shaded area in the figure. The shaded area consists of a horizontal band and a vertical band. Preferably, FIG.
As shown at A, the horizontal band is 6 mm wide and the vertical band is 15 mm wide.
More preferably, as shown in FIG. 2B, the horizontal band is 11 mm wide and the vertical band is 30 mm wide. 5B and 5C show a card featuring a plurality of display elements.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a credit card 10 provided with a contact chip card having contacts 18 and a flexible display element 22. Like the hologram 32, the printed character 52 and the embossed card number (and expiration date) are included.

4A and 4B show a contactless chip card with a flexible display element covering substantially the entire surface of the card. A wireless communication element (not shown) is connected to the printed circuit board 18. A z-axis conductor 28 connects the printed circuit board to the upper transparent electrode of the display element. The lower transparent electrode is directly connected to the printed circuit board. Some printed letters 5
2 are used, but all characters could be provided by the display.

FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing a chip card incorporating a power supply (for example, a battery or a solar cell element) 38. The card may be a small inflexible battery (eg, a supercap) located in the area of the card that is not substantially curved, or preferably, Oak Ridge National Laborato
It may have a flexible thin film lithium battery such as the thin film battery of ry).

The inclusion of the power supply 38 enhances card capabilities with various possibilities, such as multimedia. For example, in FIGS. 5B and 5C, power supply 38 is a flexible speaker / microphone 54 that provides multi-octave sound in a narrow profile device (eg, US Pat. 5,1
No. 15,472 describes a flexible piezoelectric speaker / microphone made of a polymer film). Other types of speakers or microphones that do not provide the same flexibility may be used, but in such a case they can still be located in the area of the card that is not substantially curved.

By adding the power supply 38, an animation sequence can be formed on the display element 22. By successively extracting and displaying information of different sections stored on the semiconductor chip, the card can form a series of images (eg, video clips or slide shows) on the display 22.

The card can provide several ways to control the output from power supply 38 to conserve card energy. Referring to FIG. The card may incorporate a kickstart circuit 70 (eg, a flip-flop 70 controlling the power supply 38) connected to a user-controlled contact area 58. Pressing the contact area 58 causes the kick start circuit 70 to start outputting power from the power supply 38. The kickstart circuit can provide power for a predetermined period of time or until the contact area 58 is subsequently pushed as shown. In other implementations, the contact region 58 could instead simply draw the otherwise disconnected wire to draw power from the power supply 38. However, as described above, in the preferred embodiment, the display element does not require power to display a still image if the power supply does not supply power. Contact area 58 can control other card functions, such as clearing display elements.

The power supply 38 can be used for both contact cards and contactless cards. Since both card types can employ card designs that provide access to power supply 38 with simple replacement, each type of card can exhibit different recharge capabilities. For example, as shown in FIG.
A regulator charge control circuit 74 that accepts current and voltage from an external power source (eg, a card reader) via contacts 20 for storage. The contactless card can recharge the power supply 38 from the elevated communication signal and transmit both information and power.

FIG. 11A will be described. Flexible chip cards and other chip cards can be used in systems for transmitting information to chip cards. The chip card 100 shown has two display elements 11
4a and 114b. In such a configuration, one display element 1
14a displays a stored value (eg, seat number), and another display 114b allows for a conditioned chip card 100 to display other graphic information (eg, a theater seating map or theater guidance). . Chip card 100
Alternatively, may provide a single display element that covers almost all of one side of the chip card 100. As shown, display element 114b relates to an electronic coupon for the product and a map graphic showing the location of the product in the store. After confirming the purchase of the product (eg, by comparing the Unified Product Code (UPC) stored on the card with the UPC identified by the barcode scanner), the chip card reader of the store at the cash register Electronic coupons can be collected.

FIG. 11B will be described. Instead of providing a display element, speakers, etc. for it, the card may be housed in a portable chip card reader 115 that provides the display element 114c and / or the speaker 117. The chip card 100 may send the graphic image and acoustic information to the portable chip card reader 115 for display.

Referring to FIG. The information stored in the integrated circuit 16 includes a card identification 128, usage history information 130, audiovisual information 132, and an application 133. Card identification 128 information includes card serial numbers and potential demographic or biological data describing the card holder (eg,
Age, gender, etc.). The use history 130 includes data describing previous use of the card, such as location, time, nature of use (eg, March 17, 12:00, .00 / vending machine / Main Street).

The audiovisual information 132 includes graphic information, audio information, or both. Graphic information can use various data formats, including JPEG and GIF. Audiovisual information 132 may also include text. Further, the image sequence may be an image sequence that provides an image animation. Both chip cards with displays and portable chip card readers can access and provide audiovisual information 132. Information 132
May form advertisements (eg, product descriptions, electronic coupons, etc.), maps, or other useful information. Information 132 may further include a network address. Having stored the network address, the chip card owner inserts the chip card 100 into a chip card reader connected to a computer and opens a website for more information related to the information shown on the chip card. You can visit. The information 132 may also include a time stamp indicating when the card received the information 132.

The card provides information 132a-132n for several different displays of audiovisual information.
May be stored. The integrated circuit 116 may be provided at predetermined intervals or at events (eg,
Use), the information 132a-132n associated with the chip card (i.e., displayed or sounded on a speaker) may be alternated. Alternatively, the cardholder may operate the card controls to replay the stored audiovisual display, for example, withdraw an electronic coupon, re-read map guidance, or re-examine the company advertisement. The ability to reproduce the display promotes competition between manufacturers as consumers repeatedly view the display.

FIG. 13 will be described. The chip card reader 134 can download audiovisual information to the chip card 100 via the communication path 123 including the chip card contact or by wireless communication. Other chip card reader 1
While 34 is using (eg, while the chip card is paying for the phone)
May be downloaded. Chip card reader 134 may be a stand-alone chip card reader, a computer peripheral, or a portable chip card reader.
Chip card reader 134 may include software 138 and a database of audiovisual information 136. The chip card reader 134 is used for the chip card 100.
In addition to sending information to the chip card 100, it also stores data regarding chip card transactions, including which information the chip card reader 134 downloads to the chip card 100.
Subsequent analysis of the information gathered allows the business to track the effectiveness of advertising efforts. Software 138 may select information from database 136 for one or more displays for transmission to a chip card.

In a batch system, information regarding chip card transactions may be periodically transferred to a host computer for analysis and storage. Such a transfer may be made when a modem is temporarily connected, or when a repairman visits. At the same time, a new display or software 138 may be uploaded to the chip card reader 134.

Preferably, chip card reader 134 connects to host computer 142 via network 140. In a network configuration, host computer 142 may include software 146 that accesses a database of advertising information 144. Potentially, host computer 144 stores a broader database of advertising information and provides more complex analysis software 146.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14D. The chip card reader may transmit audiovisual information to the chip card with varying degrees of complexity. As shown in FIG. 14A, the chip card reader simply sends the same audiovisual information to each chip card processed by the reader (148). For example, a store may transmit the same graphic image of an electronic coupon to each wireless chip card passing through the store entrance. The image may be a map showing the location of the product. The audiovisual information may further include a signal that causes the chip card to emit a sound alerting the owner to enter a store with a new chip card display.

FIG. 14B illustrates a slightly more complex method of transmitting audiovisual information. In FIG. 14B, the chip card reader selects audiovisual information for transmission based on factors such as the time, volume or type of transaction (150). For example, those who buy morning cereals will find that chip card coupons for milk are very useful.

FIG. 14C illustrates a method of transmitting highly sensitive audiovisual information to a particular consumer. In FIG. 14C, the chip card reader retrieves information from the chip card (152). The chip card reader uses the retrieved information (eg, demographic data, usage history, or card serial number) to select the appropriate audiovisual information to distribute. For example, a card chip reader may retrieve ice cream every week by extracting usage history information from the card or using the serial number of the withdrawn card to find such information in its database. If the user decides to buy a chip card, the chip card reader 134 sets the chip card 10
You may send an ice cream coupon to 0.

FIG. 14D shows a distribution method similar to the distribution method of FIG. 14C. FIG.
At D, a network computer has been added, which may store these elements in addition to or instead of storing audiovisual information and selection software in a chip card reader. The network computer can control the audiovisual information provided by the different card readers and efficiently collect chip card usage data.

The chip card reader may send the retrieved chip card information over a network (156) for processing and receive audiovisual information from a network computer (158). With respect to this configuration, many changes are possible in both the arrangement of the elements and the information exchanged. For example, rather than sending the audiovisual information for each transaction, the computer may periodically download the audiovisual information to the chip card reader in bulk and then only transmit the audiovisual information index to the chip card reader, This reduces the amount of information transmitted on the network.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show different embodiments for distributing audiovisual information to a chip card reader. In FIG. 15A, the chip card reader 134 connects to the host computer 142 via the communication path 123 rather than including the communication link 140. FIG. 15B shows a chip card reader 134 attached to a computer.
Is connected to the host computer 1 via the communication path 123 including the Internet 140.
42.

FIG. 16A will be described. Software 164 (or firmware or hardware) in the chip card may block unwanted information transmission by placing the chip card in a protected mode. In the protected mode, the card does not store transmitted audiovisual information (174). This can prevent the chip card from storing undesired information that could be overwritten on the information of interest. The protection mode may apply to the chip card memory as a whole or to individual displays.

FIG. 16B will be described. Information transmission may be blocked at other points in the transmission path (176). For example, the host computer may recognize from the card serial number that it belongs to a cardholder indifferent to receiving advertisements. FIG.
7 will be described. The cardholder can click the "Do not download information" button 1
It may interact with a chip card reader featuring 76 to prevent transmission of information from the chip card reader to the chip card. Also, many of the above changes are possible.

The techniques described above can be used effectively in various fields of application. For example, in a stadium chip card system, an electronic ticket for one or more events can be immediately downloaded to a chip card along with seat and stadium location information. The ticket information appears on the chip card display. This can occur during purchases on the network, reducing ticket counter lines. When you enter the stadium with a chip card,
Each chip card is given the opportunity to download stadium-specific information, such as the location of the facility and food and beverage coupons at the sales floor (eg, cotton candy at the circus, hot dock at baseball). Of course, stadiums could make money by downloading information about external businesses for a fee.

[0068] Other embodiments of the invention are within the scope of the following claims. For example, other materials can be used for the flexible top layer and the substrate, and a coprocessor can be included in the card.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a contact type chip card provided with a flexible display element, a magnetic strip and a bar code as needed, on the back side of the card.

FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a contact type chip card provided with a flexible display element, a magnetic strip and a bar code as needed, on the back side of the card.

FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a contact type chip card provided with a flexible display element, a magnetic strip and a bar code as needed, on the back side of the card.

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing a contact type chip card including a flexible card body and a display element arranged at any place outside a shaded area on the card.

FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a contact-type chip card including a flexible card body and a display element arranged anywhere outside a shaded area on the card.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a credit card including a contact type chip and a flexible display element.

FIG. 4A shows a contactless chip with a flexible display element covering the front of the card on one of the layers of the card.

FIG. 4B shows a contactless chip with a flexible display element covering the front of the card on one of the layers of the card.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a chip card provided with a power supply.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a chip card provided with a power supply.

FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a chip card provided with a power supply.

FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a chip card including a display element.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a kick start circuit capable of controlling chip card power.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a regulator and a charge control device capable of recharging a power supply.

FIG. 9 illustrates a barrier strip laminated on a display element layer to provide a stereoscopic effect.

FIG. 10 illustrates a multicolor display.

FIG. 11A is a diagram showing characteristics of a chip card.

FIG. 11B is a diagram showing characteristics of the chip card.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing information stored in a chip card memory.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a chip card, a chip reader, and a connection device.

14A to 14D are flowcharts of information distribution.

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an embodiment of an information distribution system.

FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an embodiment of an information distribution system.

16A and 16B are flowcharts of information blocking.

FIG. 17 shows an apparatus for blocking information.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number 09 / 061,879 (32) Priority date April 17, 1998 (April 17, 1998) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) ( 81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, K, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA , UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZW (72) Inventor Freeman, David H .; United States 33624 Tampa, Florida Tampa Golf Crest Circle 13318 F-term (reference) 3E044 AA01 BA06 5B035 BA03 BB09 CA01 CA12

Claims (66)

[Claims] 1. A chip card for providing portable information storage, comprising: a flexible body; at least one semiconductor chip supported in the flexible body and including a memory for storing information; A display element capable of displaying at least a portion of information stored in a chip, said display element comprising a display area supported in said flexible body and visible from at least one side of a chip card. And a circuit for controlling the display element, capable of withstanding the type and size curvature encountered during normal use, handling, and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse). Display elements can be permanently damaged or displayed. Chip card information is not be permanently lost. 2. The display element is capable of withstanding the type and size curvature encountered during normal use, handling, and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse), and provides a permanent display element. 2. The chip card according to claim 1, wherein the chip card is not permanently damaged and the displayed information is not permanently lost. 3. The display element is capable of withstanding a curvature of about 50% of the type and size encountered during normal use, handling, and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse), 2. The chip card according to claim 1, wherein the display element is not permanently damaged and the displayed information is not permanently lost. 4. The chip card according to claim 1, wherein the display element is arranged in an area of the chip card that is not substantially curved. 5. The chip card according to claim 4, wherein the display elements are arranged at the corners of the chip card outside the central horizontal and vertical bands of at least 6 mm and 15 mm width. 6. The chip card according to claim 5, wherein the horizontal and vertical bands are at least 11 mm and 30 mm, respectively. 7. The chip card according to claim 1, wherein the display element can continue to display information even after power is removed from the display element. 8. The chip card according to claim 1, further comprising a contact exposed on a surface of the card for communication with the semiconductor chip. 9. The chip card according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication element in the card for communication with the semiconductor chip. 10. The system further comprises an interconnect for connecting the semiconductor chip to the display element, wherein the interconnect is for normal use, handling, and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse). 2.) The chip card according to claim 1, wherein the chip card is configured such that it can withstand the curvature of the mold and the size received during the connection and that the connection provided by the connection element is not permanently lost. 11. An interconnect device for connecting the semiconductor chip to the display element, wherein the interconnect device is used during normal use, handling, and storage (eg, in a pocket, wallet, or purse). 2. The chip card according to claim 1, wherein the chip card is capable of withstanding a curvature of about 50% of the mold and the size of the connection element, so that the connection provided by the connection element is not permanently lost. 12. The flexible body is made of the following flexible material: plastic,
2. The chip card according to claim 1, comprising at least one of paper, reinforced paper, and cardboard. 13. The chip card of claim 12, wherein the flexible body includes at least one of the following flexible materials: polyvinyl chloride, polyester, ABS, and polycarbonate. 14. In addition, at least one covering the display element
2. A chip card according to claim 1, comprising a substantially transparent layer of two protective plastics. 15. The display element is capable of withstanding the type and size curvature encountered during normal use, handling, and storage (eg, storage in a pocket, wallet, or purse), and provides a permanent display element. The display element can continue to display information even after power has been removed from the display element, without the possibility of permanent damage to the displayed information or permanent loss of displayed information. Flexible material: polyvinyl chloride, polyester, AB
The chip card according to claim 1, comprising S, and at least one of polycarbonate, paper, and reinforced paper. 16. The chip card according to claim 1, further comprising at least one additional information storage medium in addition to the semiconductor chip. 17. The chip card according to claim 16, wherein the additional storage medium includes at least one barcode symbol and a magnetic strip element. 18. The chip card according to claim 1, further comprising a coprocessor device in the card. 19. The chip card according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply. 20. The chip card according to claim 19, wherein the power supply of the body can be easily replaced. 21. The chip card according to claim 19, wherein the power supply includes a rechargeable power supply. 22. The chip card according to claim 21, further comprising a regulator for recharging the power supply and a charge control device. 23. The chip card according to claim 19, further comprising a kick start circuit for controlling a power output. 24. The chip card according to claim 19, further comprising a speaker powered by a power supply. 25. The chip card according to claim 24, wherein the speakers include piezoelectric speakers. 26. The chip card of claim 19, further comprising a microphone powered by a power supply. 27. The chip card according to claim 26, wherein the microphone includes a piezoelectric microphone. 28. The chip card according to claim 19, wherein the power supply causes the semiconductor chip to extract information of different parts stored in the semiconductor chip and display these different parts on a display element continuously. 29. The chip card according to claim 1, further comprising at least one additional display element. 30. The chip card of claim 1, wherein the display element comprises a multi-color display. 31. The chip card of claim 1, wherein the display includes a display that provides a stereoscopic effect. 32. The chip card of claim 31, wherein the display incorporates a barrier strip to provide a stereoscopic effect. 33. A portable device comprising: a body; at least one semiconductor chip supported in the body and including a memory for storing information; and at least one multimedia element connected to the semiconductor chip. Chip card that provides a rich information storage. 34. The chip card according to claim 33, wherein the multimedia element includes a speaker. 35. The chip card according to claim 34, wherein the speakers include piezoelectric speakers. 36. The chip card according to claim 33, wherein the multimedia element includes a microphone. 37. The chip card according to claim 36, wherein the microphone includes a piezoelectric microphone. 38. The chip card of claim 33, wherein the multimedia element comprises a display connected to a semiconductor chip, and semiconductor chip instructions for causing the semiconductor chip to change the display from time to time. 39. A method for distributing advertising information from an advertising information source to a chip card for display on a display element of the chip card, the method comprising: establishing a communication path between the source and the chip card. A method comprising: establishing; transmitting advertisement information from a source to a chip card via the communication path; and displaying the transmitted advertisement information on a chip card display element. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein the advertising information includes at least one of an image and an image sequence. 41. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of storing the advertising information in the chip card memory. 42. The method of claim 39, wherein the chip card memory stores advertisement information representing a plurality of advertisements. 43. The method of claim 42, further comprising selecting at least one advertisement to display from a plurality of advertisements stored in the chip card memory. 44. The method of claim 39, wherein the advertising information includes an image of the coupon. 45. The method of claim 39, wherein the advertising information includes an image of a store map. 46. The method according to claim 39, wherein the advertisement information is a description of a product. 47. The method of claim 39, wherein the display element comprises a flexible color display element. 48. The method of claim 39, further comprising transmitting voice data to the chip card via the communication path. 49. The method of claim 39, further comprising transmitting an Internet address to the chip card via the communication path. 50. The method according to claim 39, further comprising, before transmitting the advertisement information, selecting the advertisement information to be transmitted. 51. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of retrieving data stored in the chip card memory. 52. The method of claim 51, wherein the retrieved data includes at least one of a chip card identification code, chip card usage data, demographic data, and audio data. 53. The method according to claim 51, further comprising the step of selecting advertisement information to be transmitted based on data retrieved from the chip card memory. 54. The method of claim 39, wherein said communication path comprises a path through a network computer. 55. The method of claim 39, further comprising blocking the transmission of advertising information to the chip card at some point in the communication path. 56. Issuing an electronic ticket using a chip card having a memory and a display element, comprising: transmitting ticket issuance information to a chip card; and displaying the ticket issuance information on a chip card display element. how to 57. The method of claim 56, further comprising withdrawing data from the chip card to allow entry. 58. The method of claim 56, wherein the ticketing information includes at least one of a seat designation, a date, and a map. 59. An advertisement method using a chip card, comprising: selecting an electronic advertisement to be transmitted to the chip card; and transmitting the selected electronic advertisement to the chip card. 60. The method of claim 59, wherein the electronic advertisement includes at least one of graphic image data and audio data. 61. The method of claim 59, wherein the electronic advertisement includes at least one of a coupon image, a product description, and a store map. 62. The method of claim 59, further comprising displaying an electronic advertisement on the chip card display element. 63. The method of claim 59, further comprising the step of displaying the electronic advertisement on a chip card reader. 64. Further, in order to analyze the validity of the transmitted advertising information,
60. The method of claim 59, comprising tracking subsequent chip card transactions. 65. Establishing a communication path between the image information source and the chip card; transmitting graphic image information from the source to the chip card via the communication path; Displaying the transmitted graphic image information. A method of transmitting graphic image information from a graphic image information source to a chip card for display, comprising: 66. The method of claim 65, further comprising transmitting audio information over said communication path.