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Put a solar collector on a debit card that could read a flat flash memory chip and power the display of the balance in an LCD or electronic paper type display. Whenever you pull it out, it collects light, reads the memory, and displays the balance in a large font.
NACHA
http://nacha.org/
NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association [reensure, Dec 09 2004]
Focus Magazine
http://www.focusmag...uk/currentIssue.asp
This link will be out of date when the next issue comes out. If the issue you are directed to isn't 145, then click "Back Issues" and select issue 145. [[ sctld ], Dec 10 2004]
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This is nice but there would be problems with preauthorizations, checks, service charges/POS transaction fees, and other things that can occur in between card-swipes. |
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The assumption is that the solar grid and display would not make it any thicker than debit cards are now. Certainly miniaturization has reached that stage. E paper display would obviate liquid. |
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Cute concept, but it might be more readily implemented using a technology somewhat similar to CD-RW's: material is heated via laser or other powerful light and then allowed to cool quickly or slowly so it settles into one of two states. The card would just need to have the right sort of material embedded; no electronics necessary. |
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Of course, the 'writers' would probably be horrendously expensive, but for some "dedicated" styles of debit cards this could work. |
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Yes. I like that. Starbuck's cards? |
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Focus magazine had an article in this month's issue concerning identity cards, and one of the features mentioned was that it would carry spare change, and display in a little TFT or LCD (i can't remember which) screen in the top right. Other features included vital medical information, a picture, and retinal scan data. Are you a subscriber? |
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I am not a subscriber. What is Focus magazine? Got links? |
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Focus magazine is a Popular Science and Technology monthly mpublication. It's quite broad with it's topics, from anthropology to chemistry, to pyrotechnology. It's british and contains a listing of good science events and show throughout the country. It also has two very good puzzle pages. I've added a link. |
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says - recent strides forward in creating 'electronic paper' which is flexible yet displays a digital image, might even allow a small balance display to appear on the card. |
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its a 'smart' ID card wrapping password, national insurance and driving licence all in one apparently. |
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