TWI905051B - Glowing Card - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention provides a light-emitting card comprising a refractive plate with patterned cutouts, a light-emitting unit corresponding to the patterned cutouts, an electronically controlled control unit electrically connected to the light-emitting unit, and a front panel and a back panel stacked on both sides of the refractive plate. The patterned cutouts have a first refractive surface, a second refractive surface, a third refractive surface, and a light channel. This allows the light-emitting unit to guide the light source to the patterned cutouts of the refractive plate, and through the cooperation of the first, second, and third refractive surfaces, the light source, after multiple refractions, is guided through the light channel to the front panel, exhibiting a transparent, three-dimensional light-emitting effect.

Description

Glowing Card

This invention relates to a luminescent card, and more particularly to a luminescent card that can produce a transparent, three-dimensional luminescent effect when emitting light.

Since traditional transaction cards lack any post-transaction light-up display function, some companies have developed transaction cards that emit light after a transaction.

However, typical illuminated cards only use a light source in conjunction with a light-transmitting part to emit light, which makes the light source prone to dispersion. This not only results in a weak light source but also, due to the planar light emission, leads to an unclear light emission effect.

Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to actively reveal how to invent a luminous card that can exhibit a transparent and three-dimensional luminous effect when emitting light, thereby effectively improving upon the shortcomings of conventional methods.

Recognizing the shortcomings of the aforementioned conventional techniques, the inventor, feeling they were not yet perfect, devoted himself to researching and overcoming these limitations, ultimately developing a luminous card to achieve a transparent, three-dimensional luminous effect.

To achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a light-emitting card, comprising: a refractive plate, a light-emitting unit, an electronically controlled transaction unit, a front panel, and a back panel. The refractive plate includes at least one patterned cutout portion, which has a first refractive surface, a second refractive surface, a third refractive surface, a first angle, a second angle, and a light channel. The second refractive surface is inclined to one side of the first refractive surface, and the third refractive surface is inclined to the other side of the first refractive surface. The first angle is located between one end of the first refractive surface and one end of the second refractive surface, and the second angle is located between the other end of the first refractive surface and one end of the third refractive surface. The channel is located inside the first, second, and third refractive surfaces, respectively; the light-emitting unit is disposed on the refractive plate and corresponds to one side of the pattern cutout; the electronic control unit is disposed on the refractive plate and electrically connected to the light-emitting unit; the panel is stacked on the top surface of the refractive plate, and the panel includes a panel light-shielding portion and a light-transmitting portion, the panel light-shielding portion being located around the light-transmitting portion, and the light-transmitting portion corresponding to the pattern cutout; the back plate is stacked on the bottom surface of the refractive plate, and the back plate has a back plate light-shielding portion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the refractive plate is made of a light-transmitting material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cross-section of the optical channel is made into an inverted trapezoid by means of the first refractive surface, the second refractive surface, the third refractive surface, the first included angle, and the second included angle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the first included angle and the second included angle is greater than 90 degrees.

In one embodiment of the invention, a support frame is further included, disposed between the front panel and the back panel and located at the outer edge of the refractive plate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the support frame is made of a non-transparent material.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the light-emitting unit includes at least one lateral light-emitting diode, the lateral light-emitting diode corresponding to the second or third refractive surface of the pattern cutout portion.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronically controlled transaction unit includes at least a sensing and transmission module and a transaction processing and control module, wherein the transaction processing and control module is electrically connected to the sensing and transmission module of the light-emitting unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the sensing and transmission module is an inductive coil, a contact chip, or a combination thereof, and the transaction processing control module is a microcontroller, central processing unit, integrated circuit chip, or logic circuit storing personal identification data, account data, and transaction data.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the light-shielding portion of the panel and the light-shielding portion of the back panel are made of colored material or printed with patterns.

Therefore, the light-emitting card of this invention allows the light-emitting unit to guide the light source to the pattern cutout of the refractive plate, and through the cooperation of the first, second, and third refractive surfaces, the light source, after multiple refractions, presents a transparent and three-dimensional light-emitting effect when it is guided out of the light channel to the panel.

1: Glowing Card

11: Refractor

110: Pattern Cut Section

111: First refracting surface

112: Second refracting surface

113: Third refracting surface

114: The First Corner

115: Second corner

116: Optical Channel

12: Illuminating Unit

121: Laterally Emitting Diode

13: Electrical Control Trading Unit

131: Sensing Transmission Module

132: Transaction Processing Control Module

14: Panel

141: Panel light-shielding section

142: Transmitting section

15: Back panel

151: Back panel light-shielding section

16: Support Frame

[Figure 1] is a schematic diagram of the appearance of this invention.

[Figure 2] is an exploded view of the present invention.

[Figure 3] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention.

[Figure 4] is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of this invention.

[Figure 5] is a schematic diagram showing the different states of the optical channel of this invention.

To fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of this invention, the following specific embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will provide a detailed explanation of the invention, as follows:

Please refer to Figures 1 to 5. As shown in the figures, this invention provides a light-emitting card 1, which includes at least a refractive plate 11, a light-emitting unit 12, an electronically controlled transaction unit 13, a front panel 14, and a back panel 15.

The refractive plate 11 includes at least one patterned channel portion 110. The patterned channel portion 110 has a first refractive surface 111, a second refractive surface 112, a third refractive surface 113, a first included angle 114, a second included angle 115, and a light channel 116. The second refractive surface 112 is inclined to one side of the first refractive surface 111, and the third refractive surface 113 is inclined to the other side of the first refractive surface 111. The first included angle 114 is located between one end of the first refractive surface 111 and one end of the second refractive surface 112. The second included angle 115 is located between the other end of the first refractive surface 111 and one end of the third refractive surface 113. The light channel 116 is located on the inner sides of the first refractive surface 111, the second refractive surface 112, and the third refractive surface 113 respectively.

The light-emitting unit 12 is disposed on the refractive plate 11 and corresponds to one side of the pattern cutout 110. For example, it can correspond to the outer side of the second refractive surface 112 or the outer side of the third refractive surface 113, depending on the requirements. In this invention, the embodiment corresponding to the outer side of the second refractive surface 112 is used.

The electronically controlled transaction unit 13 is disposed on the refractive plate 11 and electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 12. The electronically controlled transaction unit 13 includes at least a sensing transmission module 131 and a transaction processing control module 132. The transaction processing control module 132 is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 12 and the sensing transmission module 131. The sensing transmission module can be an inductive coil, a contact chip, or a combination thereof. The sensing transmission module 131 senses at least one payment device (e.g., an inductive reader) to obtain power. The transaction processing control module 132 can be a microcontroller, central processing unit, integrated circuit chip, or logic circuit storing personal identification data, account data, and transaction data.

The panel 14 is stacked on top of the refractive plate 11. The panel 14 includes a light-blocking portion 141 and a light-transmitting portion 142. The light-blocking portion 141 is located around the light-transmitting portion 142, and the light-transmitting portion 142 corresponds to the pattern cutout portion 110. The light-blocking portion 141 can be made of colored material or have a pattern printed on it.

The back panel 15 is layered on the bottom surface of the refractive plate 11. The back panel 15 has a light-shielding portion 151, which can be made of colored material or printed with a pattern.

When in use, the luminous card 1 can be brought close to the payment device, allowing the sensing and transmission module 131 to sense the payment device and obtain power. This power is then supplied to the transaction processing control module 132 and the luminous unit 12. The transaction processing control module 132 performs integrated calculations and generates a transaction signal based on the transaction content. Simultaneously, the transaction processing control module 132 transmits the transaction signal to the luminous unit 12. Upon receiving the transaction signal from the transaction processing control module 132, the luminous unit 12, driven by the transaction signal, emits light... The light source is guided by the refractive plate 11 to the pattern cutout 110. When the light source enters through the second refractive surface 112 of the pattern cutout 110, the planar first refractive surface 111, the inclined second refractive surface 112, and the inclined third refractive surface 113 work together to allow the light source to undergo multiple refractions within the light channel 116 via the first refractive surface 111, the second refractive surface 112, and the third refractive surface 113. The refracted light then passes through the light channel 116 and exits through the light-transmitting part 142, creating a transparent, three-dimensional light-emitting effect.

In addition to the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the difference from the above embodiments is that the angle between the first included angle 114 and the second included angle 115 is greater than 90 degrees, and the cross section of the light channel 116 is inverted trapezoidal by means of the first refractive surface 111, the second refractive surface 112, the third refractive surface 113, the first included angle 114 and the second included angle 115. Thus, the angles of the first angle 114 and the second angle 115 allow the second refractive surface 112 and the third refractive surface 113 to form the desired tilt angle. Through the cooperation of the first refractive surface 111, the second refractive surface 112, and the third refractive surface 113, the light source undergoes multiple refractions within the light channel 116. The refracted light then passes through the light channel 116 and exits through the light-transmitting part 142, creating a transparent and three-dimensional light-emitting effect.

In addition to the embodiments described above, another embodiment of the present invention differs from the above embodiments in that the thickness of the pattern in the pattern cut portion 110 can be controlled by varying the angles of the first included angle 114 and the second included angle 115. For example, a larger angle between the first included angle 114 and the second included angle 115 results in thicker lines in the pattern cut portion 110, while a smaller angle results in thinner lines in the pattern cut portion 110.

In addition to the embodiments described above, another embodiment of the present invention differs from the above embodiments in that the three-dimensional changes of the pattern in the pattern cutout 110 can be controlled by varying the depth of the light channel 116. For example, part a of Figure 5 shows a shallower light channel 116 and its corresponding pattern cutout 110 refracting the light source, while part b of Figure 5 shows a deeper light channel 116 and its corresponding pattern cutout 110 refracting the light source. The deeper the light channel 116, the more pronounced the three-dimensional effect of the pattern cutout 110.

Furthermore, the refractive plate 11 can be made of light-transmitting materials such as PVC, PET, PC, and transparent plastic sheets, depending on the requirements. The pattern cutout 110 can be processed using chemical etching, CNC machining, cutting, waterjet cutting, or other cutting techniques to form the desired luminescent pattern or text. This allows the invention to better meet the needs of practical applications.

In addition to the above embodiments, in one embodiment of the present invention, the difference from the above embodiments is that it further includes a support frame 16, which is disposed between the panel 14 and the back plate 15 and located at the outer edge of the refractive plate 11, that is, located in the central layer of the light-emitting card 1. Thus, the support frame 16 can be used as a support for the combined refractive plate 11, the light-emitting unit 12, the electronic control unit 13, the panel 14, and the back plate 15, preventing damage, warping, or deformation due to heavy pressure. This gives the light-emitting card 1 better structural stability, allowing the refractive plate 11, the light-emitting unit 12, and the electronic control unit 13 to achieve good electrical characteristics and light-guiding effects during operation, thus maintaining stable operation during use.

In addition to the embodiments described above, another embodiment of the present invention differs from the above embodiments in that the support frame 16 can be made of a non-transparent material. In this way, the support frame 16 can achieve a good light-blocking effect, effectively preventing scattering of light from the light-emitting unit 12 when the light source is transmitted to the pattern cutout 110 of the refractive plate 11, thereby effectively maintaining the stability of light source transmission.

In addition to the embodiments described above, another embodiment of the present invention differs from the above embodiments in that the light-emitting unit 12 includes at least one lateral light-emitting diode 121, which corresponds to the second refractive surface 112 or the third refractive surface 113 of the pattern cutout portion 110. Thus, the lateral light-emitting diode 121 allows the light source to be directly transmitted from the refractive plate 11 to the second refractive surface 112 or the third refractive surface 113 of the pattern cutout portion 110, avoiding light source loss due to an excessively long transmission path and effectively maintaining the stability of light source transmission.

The present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that all variations and substitutions equivalent to these embodiments should be considered within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be as defined in the patent application.

11: Refractor

110: Pattern Cut Section

111: First refracting surface

112: Second refracting surface

113: Third refracting surface

114: The First Corner

115: Second corner

116: Optical Channel

12: Illuminating Unit

121: Laterally Emitting Diode

14: Panel

141: Panel light-shielding section

142: Transmitting section

15: Back panel

151: Back panel light-shielding section

Claims (10)

A luminous card comprising: A refractive plate includes at least one patterned channel portion. The patterned channel portion has a first refractive surface, a second refractive surface, a third refractive surface, a first included angle, a second included angle, and a light channel. The second refractive surface is inclined to one side of the first refractive surface, and the third refractive surface is inclined to the other side of the first refractive surface. The first included angle is located between one end of the first refractive surface and one end of the second refractive surface, and the second included angle is located between the other end of the first refractive surface and one end of the third refractive surface. The light channel is located inside the corresponding surfaces of the first, second, and third refractive surfaces. A light-emitting unit is disposed on one side of the refractive plate and corresponding to one side of the cutout of the pattern; An electronically controlled control unit is disposed on the refractive plate and electrically connected to the light-emitting unit; A panel, layered on the top surface of the refractive plate, includes a light-blocking portion and a light-transmitting portion, the light-blocking portion surrounding the light-transmitting portion, the light-transmitting portion corresponding to the pattern cutout portion; and A backplate, layered on the bottom surface of the refractive plate, has a light-shielding section. The luminescent card as described in claim 1, wherein the refractive plate is made of a light-transmitting material. The light-emitting card as described in claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the light channel is an inverted trapezoid formed by the first refractive surface, the second refractive surface, the third refractive surface, the first included angle, and the second included angle. The luminescent card as described in claim 1, wherein the angle between the first angle and the second angle is greater than 90 degrees. The luminescent card as described in claim 1 further includes a support frame disposed between the front panel and the back panel and located at the outer edge of the refractive plate. The luminous card as described in claim 5, wherein the support frame is made of a non-transparent material. The light-emitting card as described in claim 1, wherein the light-emitting unit includes at least one lateral light-emitting diode, the lateral light-emitting diode corresponding to the second or third refractive surface of the pattern cutout portion. The light-emitting card as described in claim 1, wherein the electronically controlled transaction unit includes at least a sensing and transmission module and a transaction processing control module, the transaction processing control module being electrically connected to the sensing and transmission module of the light-emitting unit. The luminous card as described in claim 8, wherein the sensing and transmission module is an inductive coil, a contact chip, or a combination thereof, and the transaction processing control module is a microcontroller, central processing unit, integrated circuit chip, or logic circuit storing personal identification data, account data, and transaction data. The luminous card as described in claim 1, wherein the light-shielding portion of the front panel and the light-shielding portion of the back panel are made of colored material or printed with patterns.