Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Reading data from, writing data to and storing data in an IC card, utilizing an external Read/Write unit. An IC card (12) is provided. The IC card (12) comprises a rigid substrate (86) and electrical components (88) disposed on the substrate. A card coil (32) is provided about the periphery of the substrate (86) and is placed in a coil form (94). Card capacitive plates (24) and (26) are disposed on the bottom of the substrate (86). Power circuitry is provided for receiving inductive power from the card coil (32) and generating a regulated power supply voltage for powering the electrical components (88). I/O circuitry is provided for capacitively coupling data via the card capacitor plates (24) and (26). A cover (130) is also provided for covering the electric components (88) on the substrate (86). An IC card Read/Write unit (14) is provided. The IC card Read/Write unit comprises a receptacle (16) shaped similar to the substrate (86) of the IC card (12). A Read/Write unit coil (36) is provided disposed on the lateral sides of the receptacle (16), such that the Read/Write unit coil (36) is proximate to the card coil (32) when the card (12) is disposed within the receptacle (16). Driving circuitry is also provided for driving the Read/Write unit coil (36) to provide inductive power to the card (12). Read/Write unit capacitor plates (36) and (38) are provided and disposed such that when the card (12) is disposed within the receptacle (16), the card capacitor plates (24) and (26) are proximate to the Read/Write unit capacitor plates (36) and (38). Read/Write circuitry is also provided for capacitively coupling data via the Read/Write unit capacitor plates (36) and (38). The IC card (12) may be programmed for data protocols and access codes so that different data protocols may be used to input data and the data may be protected using a personal identification number (PIN).

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim