Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing the thickness of an electronic circuit comprising a printed circuit and electronic components. The method includes the following operations: mounting electronic components in die form on the printed circuit, putting an insulating layer into place on the electronic components, and putting a conductive layer on the insulating layer. Various embodiments include an electronic circuit obtained by such a method; a thin plastic card, such as in a credit card format, including such an electronic circuit; and a bank card including such an electronic circuit.

Abstract: This invention provides a dynamically generated security code for smart, debit and credit cards as a way to thwart fraudulent use of these cards in financial transactions. The card internally contains a processor connected to a viewable display powered by a battery where the processor is capable of generating security codes on a periodic basis. The card can generate the security code by encrypting certain data is a way that the card issuer as the same security codes so that when the security code is used in a financial transaction, the card issuer can ascertain whether the transaction is valid and authorized or potentially fraudulent.

Abstract: This invention provides a smart badge having a processor connected to a viewable display where both the processor and the display are embedded in the smart badge. The embedded components may be powered by an embedded battery or by RF energy generated by a smart badge reader. The badge can be uploaded with a digital image of the badge holder and predetermined criteria uploaded into an embedded memory location in the smart badge. Such predetermined criteria may include the name and contact information of the badge holder as well as the buildings or secure areas the badge holder is authorized to access. The smart badge may also be capable of generating secure codes for the badge holder to use as pass codes for accessing computer networks. The smart badge may also contain embedded location sensors that when merged with maps stored in the smart badge's memory can assist the badge holder in determining location.

Abstract: A portable electronic device, for example an electronic card, includes at least one electronic unit associated to an optical switch which can be actuated by a user and which includes two photo-detectors arranged sufficiently far from each other in the electronic device to enable the user to cover only one of the two photo-detectors with one finger. The switch includes a logical circuit to which are provided a first and a second light reception signal respectively coming from the two photo-detectors. The logical circuit is arranged to supply a signal which only indicates actuation of the optical switch when the first and second light reception signals correspond to two different logical states for the logic circuit.

Abstract: A method for fabricating electronic cards includes: A) forming a plurality of card bodies in the form of a thick sheet in which is respectively imbedded a plurality of electronic units or modules; B) printing a plurality of first patterns on a first face of the thick sheet in a printing station in which ink is applied on the first face for making the first patterns; and C) applying a first at least partially transparent coating on each printed first pattern, that adheres to the card body. The method also includes printing a plurality of second patterns on the inner surface of a film forming the first coating. Preferably, the printing of the first patterns is carried out in an offset type station for printing high definition patterns, essentially of the security type. The second patterns define personal data. The printed thick sheet defines an intermediate product.

Abstract: An electronic card includes an element for transmitting a signal to a user of the electronic card, an electronic unit, an electric energy source, a switch actuatable by a user of the electronic card and an application introduced into the electronic unit. The electronic unit includes an element for detecting actuation of the switch, arranged for determining whether the actuation ends within a first time interval from the start of actuation (t0), the end of the first time interval occurring after transmission (t1) of a signal perceptible to the card user, or for determining whether the switch actuation ends within a second time interval (T2max) from the start of transmission (t1) of the user perceptible signal, the application being actuated or the actuation thereof being validated when the detection element has detected the end (t2) of the switch actuation within the first time interval or the second time interval.

Abstract: The electronic card (2) includes an electronic unit (6), an electric energy source (10), a switch (12) that can be actuated by a user of the electronic card and an application introduced into said electronic unit. It further includes means for detecting actuation of said switch, which determine whether said actuation corresponds to a pulse whose duration is comprised within a certain predetermined time range or to a series of pulses defining a digital signal with a time profile wherein at least one given parameter has a value comprised within a certain predetermined time range, said application being actuated or the actuation thereof validated when said detection means have detected said pulse or said series of pulses. In particular, the switch is associated with a push-button or an elastically deformable zone (14) of the electronic card.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating electronic cards, that comprises the following steps: A) forming a plurality of card bodies in the form of a thick sheet (36) in which is respectively imbedded a plurality of electronic units or modules (28); B) printing a plurality of first patterns (14) on a first face (21) of said thick sheet in a printing station in which ink is applied on the first face for making said first patterns; C) applying a first at least partially transparent coating (38) on each printed first pattern, that adheres to said card body. In an advanced embodiment, the method also comprises printing a plurality of second patterns (40) on the inner surface of a film (38) forming said first coating. Preferably, the printing of the first patterns is carried out in an offset type station for printing high definition patterns, essentially of the security type. The second patterns define personal data.