OLED-based secure monitoring of valuables

The method may include placing currency in the receptacle. The receptacle may include an integral OLED display. The OLED display may occupy a portion of the receptacle. The OLED display may, form a portion of the receptacle. The OLED display may be visible from a viewpoint external to the receptacle. The method may include capturing one or more biometric characteristics on a pressure-sensitive portion of the OLED display. The method may include storing the captured biometric characteristics on a software chip of the OLED display. The method may include transmitting the captured biometric characteristics via a communication circuit of the OLED display.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This invention relates to monitoring of valuables.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Entities may require transfer of valuable goods from an originating location to a destination location. Conventionally, monitoring of valuables in transport has been difficult. The valuables may change hands numerous times during transportation. During transportation, a valuable item may be lost, stolen or damaged. The loss may only be determined at the destination location. At that point, it may be difficult to determine who the responsible party was at the time of the loss. The difficulties may arise because numerous parties were involved in the transportation process.

It may be desirable to utilize OLED (“Organic light emitting diode”) technology to enhance the security of monitoring of valuables.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the invention relate to ATM (“automated teller machine”) cartridges, containers, bags, smart bags, boxes, safety deposit boxes and other receptacles for containing valuables. Aspects of the invention relate to enhancing security of the receptacles. Enhancements to the security of the receptacles may include OLED displays integral to the receptacles.

An automated teller machine (“ATM”) cartridge may be provided. The ATM cartridge may include an internal cavity. The internal cavity may be configured to hold currency.

The ATM cartridge may also include an integral OLED display. The integral OLED display may be permanently affixed to the ATM cartridge. The integral OLED display may be viewable from a viewpoint external to the ATM cartridge.

The ATM cartridge may include a pressure-sensitive portion. The pressure-sensitive portion may be configured to capture one or more biometric characteristics.

The ATM cartridge may also include software chip. The software chip may be configured to store the captured biometric characteristic. The captured biometric characteristic may be stored as an image, an array of pixels, or any other suitable data structure.

The ATM cartridge may also include a communication circuit. The communication circuit may be configured to transmit the stored biometric characteristic.

The ATM cartridge may also include a battery. The battery may be configured to power the OLED display, the pressure-sensitive portion, the software chip and the communication circuit. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a light-powered or solar-powered battery.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the invention relate to ATM cartridges, containers, bags, smart bags, boxes, safety deposit boxes and other receptacles for containing valuables. The valuables may include jewelry, cash, currency, coins, precious jewels, precious metals, important documents or any other suitable valuable.

Aspects of the invention relate to enhancing security of the receptacles. Enhancements to the security of the receptacles may include OLED displays integral to the receptacles.

A receptacle for holding valuables may be provided. The receptacle may include an internal cavity. The receptacle may also include an integral OLED display permanently affixed to the receptacle. The integral OLED display may be viewable from a viewpoint external to the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the receptacle itself may be an OLED display. In some of these embodiments, the receptacle may be a plastic bag. The plastic bag may be an OLED display.

The receptacle may include a pressure-sensitive portion. The pressure-sensitive portion may be configured to capture a biometric characteristic. The captured biometric characteristic may be a fingerprint, toeprint, or any other suitable biometric characteristic.

The receptacle may include a software chip. The software chip may include a processor. The software chip may include a memory. The memory may be non-transitory. The memory may be non-volatile. The software chip may be configured to store the captured biometric characteristic. The software chip may be configured to store any other suitable information.

The receptacle may include a communication circuit. The communication circuit may be configured to transmit the stored biometric characteristic. The communication circuit may communicate with a secure entity hub. The communications may be Wi-Fi, cellular, NFC (near field communication) or any other suitable communication method.

The communication circuit may also be configured to receive communications. The received communications may include approval of the transmitted biometric characteristic. The received communications may include denial of the transmitted biometric characteristic. The received communications may include any other suitable communications.

In certain embodiments, the software chip may store a date time value. The date time value may be the date time of the receipt of the biometric characteristic. The communication circuit may transmit the date time value to the secure entity hub together with the biometric data. The secure entity hub may store the biometric data with the date time value. Storing the biometric data together with the date time value may enable the secure entity hub to know who was responsible for the valuables at each moment in time. In the event of theft or loss of the valuables, the secure entity hub may have clear records of the party responsible for the valuables.

In some embodiments, the receptacle may be constructed from opaque material. In these embodiments, the OLED display may occupy a portion of the receptacle. In these embodiments, the OLED display may be configured to be transparent when idle—i.e., not powered on. The transparency of the OLED display may enable a user to view contents of the receptacle.

In some embodiments, when the receptacle itself is an OLED display, as described above, the receptacle may be transparent. Transparency of the receptacle may enable a user to view contents of the receptacle. Other times, the OLED display may be powered on and cause the receptacle to become opaque. A user may desire that the receptacle become opaque for privacy concerns, security concerns or any other suitable reason.

In some embodiments, the receptacle may include a camera. The camera may be positioned in the receptacle's internal cavity. The receptacle may also include a light source. The light source may also be positioned in the receptacle's internal cavity. The light source may be a light bulb, LED light, window or any other suitable light source. The camera may utilize the light source to photograph contents of the receptacle's internal cavity.

The software chip may be configured to store a photograph captured by the camera. The software chip may also be configured to store a date time value associated with the photograph capture time. The communication circuit may transmit the stored photograph and the date time value to the secure entity hub.

In some embodiments, the OLED display may be configured to display the photograph. The display of the photograph may enable a user to view the contents of the receptacle without opening the receptacle. This embodiment may be useful when the receptacle is opaque.

In some embodiments, the communication circuit may receive a photograph of a person who is expected to retrieve the receptacle. The OLED display may display the received photograph. The person who is delivering the receptacle may view the displayed photograph on the receptacle to ensure that the person retrieving the receptacle is indeed the person designated to receive the receptacle.

The drawings show illustrative features of apparatus and methods in accordance with the principles of the invention. The features are illustrated in the context of selected embodiments. It will be understood that features shown in connection with one of the embodiments may be practiced in accordance with the principles of the invention along with features shown in connection with another of the embodiments.

Apparatus and methods described herein are illustrative. Apparatus and methods of the invention may involve some or all of the features of the illustrative apparatus and/or some or all of the steps of the illustrative methods. The steps of the methods may be performed in an order other than the order shown or described herein. Some embodiments may omit steps shown or described in connection with the illustrative methods. Some embodiments may include steps that are not shown or described in connection with the illustrative methods, but rather shown or described in a different portion of the specification.

FIG. 1shows a transparent view of illustrative OLED-based currency deposit bag100. The bag may include tie102. Tie102may close the mouth of bag100. Currency and/or valuables may be present in bag100. Bag100may include OLED display104.

In some embodiments, OLED display104may be embedded in bag100. In other embodiments, OLED display104may be inserted into a sealable pocket of bag100. The pocket may be preferably transparent. In yet other embodiments, OLED display104may occupy a portion of bag100.

OLED display104may include pressure-sensitive portion108. Pressure-sensitive portion108may capture the biometric characteristics of a user. Pressure-sensitive portion108may also capture a signature of a user.

In some embodiments, pressure-sensitive portion108may be a film covering OLED display104. In some embodiments, a user may be unaware that a pressure-sensitive film exists on OLED display104. This may enable capture of the user's biometric characteristics without the user's knowledge.

In some embodiments, a receptacle for valuables may be constructed from an OLED display. The OLED display may have a pressure-sensitive film or biometric characteristic receipt film. The pressure-sensitive film or biometric characteristic receipt film may capture the biometric characteristics of a user without a user's knowledge.

OLED display104may also include software chip110. Software chip110may include a memory and a processor. Software chip110may control communication circuit112, pressure-sensitive portion108, battery106and OLED display104.

Communication circuit112may communicate with an entity. The entity may be remote from bag100. Communication circuit112may be able to communicate via Wi-Fi, cellular signals, radio waves or any other suitable communication method.

Software chip110may instruct communication circuit112to scan for a communication network. In response to detecting a communications network, software chip110may instruct the communication network to transmit a request to a destination. The destination may be the secure entity hub. The request may include requesting a photograph of the person expected to retrieve the valuables.

FIG. 2shows a layered view of an illustrative integral OLED display for use in certain embodiments. The layers shown may be present within an illustrative OLED display. Layer 1 may include OLED layer202.FIG. 2also shows that, in some embodiments, communication circuit204may penetrate layer 1.FIG. 2also shows that, in some embodiments, pressure-sensitive portion206may penetrate layer 1.

Layer 3 may include solar panels208. Solar panels208may be used to power various components of an integral OLED display.FIG. 2also shows that, in some embodiments, communication circuit204may penetrate layer 3.

Layer 4 may include battery210. Battery210may include one or features of battery106(shown inFIG. 1). Layer 4 may also include software chip212. Software chip212may include one or more features of software chip110(shown inFIG. 1).FIG. 2shows that, in some embodiments, communication circuit204may penetrate layer 4.

Encapsulation layer302protects the OLED layer from exposure to oxygen, water and other contaminants. Preferably, encapsulation layer302is flexible and transparent. Glass is a typical material for constructing encapsulation layer302. When glass is used to construct encapsulation layer302, the glass may be very thin and flexible. For example, the glass may be between 50 micrometers (μm) and 100 μm thick.

In some embodiments, encapsulation layer302may be constructed using thin-film encapsulation techniques such as Atomic Layer Deposition (“ALD”). ALD is a process that utilizes chemicals that, when deposited on a material, react to create a solid, thin film.

Organic layer304typically includes an emissive solid-state semiconductor. Organic layer304may be constructed from a thin film of organic (carbon-based) material. For example, organic layer304may include one or more OLEDs. When electricity is applied to an OLED within organic layer304, electrons flow through organic layer304and release photons, thereby emitting light. Different types of emissive materials may be used. Each type of material may be associated with a different color light. An intensity of light emitted by organic layer304may be controlled by the amount of electricity flowing through organic layer304.

Organic layer304may be doped with “host” materials. Host material may affect properties, such as power efficiency, of organic layer304. For example, organic layer304may be doped with emitter materials that improve its operation and/or achieve a desired color.

Organic layer304may include two or more sub-layers (not shown). For example, organic layer304may include 5, 10 or 15 sublayers. Illustrative sub-layers may include: (1) an electron transport layer, (2) a blocking layer, (3) an emissive layer, (4) a hole transport layer and (5) an injection layer. The sub-layers may enhance an efficiency of the emissive layer.

For example, an emissive layer may be placed between a cathode and an anode. When electricity is applied, electrons flow from the cathode to the anode. OLED displays may be driven by either electrical current or voltage. In a preferred embodiment, the OLED display is driven by current. The cathode inserts electrons into the emissive layer, and the anode removes the electrons. The electron “flow” through the emissive layer releases photons, generating light. The color of the generated light may be changed by including different types of materials within the emissive layer.

A direction of light emitted by the organic layer may be controlled by a degree of transparency of the anode and/or cathode. In some embodiments, a cathode may be reflective. Such a cathode may be constructing using an aluminum based-compound or lithium fluoride. An anode may be transparent. A transparent anode may preferably be constructed using indium tin oxide. In such embodiments, when current flows between the cathode and anode, light is emitted through circuitry layer306and substrate308. Circuitry layer306and substrate308may be transparent. Such embodiments may be referred to as “bottom-emitting OLEDs.”

In some embodiments, the cathode may be transparent. Such a cathode may preferably be constructed using indium tin oxide. The anode may be reflective. The reflective anode may direct light toward the transparent cathode. Such embodiments may be referred to as “top-emitting OLEDs.” Typically, top-emitting designs are more efficient and are used to construct higher resolution displays.

Additionally, top-emitting designs may allow organic layer304to be formed on a non-transparent substrate. Small- and medium-sized OLED displays (e.g., 1-7 inches) are typically constructed using top-emitting techniques.

Organic layer304may form one or more pixels. Different architectures are available for forming pixels using OLEDs. One architecture includes positioning different color (e.g., red, green and blue) OLEDs adjacent to each other. Another architecture may include stacking different color OLEDs on top of each other. OLEDs may be stacked because materials used to construct organic layer304may be transparent. A stacked design may provide a smaller pixel size and higher resolution.

Structures300include circuitry layer306. Circuitry layer306includes electronics that drive one or more pixels formed within organic layer304. Preferably, amorphous silicon (“a-Si”) and low temperature polysilicon (“LTPS”) may be used to construct circuitry layer306. In some embodiments, circuitry layer306may be transparent.

Substrate layer308supports circuitry layer306, organic layer304and encapsulation layer302. Substrate layer308may be constructed using various materials. For example, substrate layer308may be constructed using glass, plastic or metal materials. In some embodiments, such as in bottom-emitting OLEDs, substrate layer308may function as encapsulation layer302.

FIGS. 4A-Cshows several states of an illustrative OLED-based currency deposit bag.FIG. 4Ashows the currency deposit bag with OLED display402. OLED display402may include a pressure-sensitive portion (not shown). The pressure-sensitive portion may capture the fingerprint of a person who handles the currency deposit bag. OLED display402may display the captured fingerprint, shown at404. OLED display402may also display the date (shown at406) and the current time (shown at408).

At 3:50 PM (shown at418) on Jun. 6, 2016 (shown at416), the currency deposit bag may have been transmitted to another person. At the time of the transfer, OLED display402may display the fingerprint of the person who previously handled the bag (shown at410), the name of the person who previously handled the bag (shown at412) and the date (shown at415) and time (shown at413) that the person, who previously handled the bag, received the bag. Also, at the time of transfer, OLED display402may display the current date (shown at416) and the current time (shown at418). OLED display402may instruct the receiver of the bag to place his or her fingerprint on the bag. OLED display402may transmit the captured fingerprint to a secure entity hub. The secure entity hub may verify that the captured fingerprint is indeed of the correct person. At times, the OLED display may display the captured fingerprint (shown at414) to inform the person who previously handled the bag that this is indeed the correct person to receive the bag. Other times, OLED display402may display a message informing the person who previously handled the bag whether the captured fingerprint matches the fingerprint of the person who is expected to receive the bag.

FIG. 4Cshows another state of the currency deposit bag. OLED display402may display the current date (shown at430), the current time (shown at432) and a fingerprint of the person who is supposed to receive the bag (shown at428). The OLED display may also display the fingerprints of the previous handlers of the bag (shown at410and424) as well as name (shown at412and420), time (shown at413and423) and date (shown at415and422) information of the previous handlers of the bag.

FIGS. 5A-Bshow several states of a currency deposit bag with an OLED display. The currency deposit bag may be constructed from opaque material. The currency deposit bag may include a camera and a light source located on an internal cavity of the currency deposit bag.

The OLED display may form a portion of the bag. When the OLED display is idle, or not in use, the OLED display may be transparent. The transparency may enable a user to view the contents of the bag, as shown at502inFIG. 5A.

The internal camera may photograph the contents of the bag. Prior to fingerprinting the bag, the receiver of the bag may view the photograph on the OLED display to ensure that the valuables contained inside the bag are indeed the expected valuables.FIG. 5Bshows photograph506displayed on display504. Also shown are instructions to enter a fingerprint, at508.

FIGS. 6A-Bshow several states of a currency deposit bag.FIG. 6Ashows an OLED display displaying a photograph, as shown at602. The display may show a photograph and a name of the person who is expected to pick up the currency deposit bag. The display may show the current time. The display may show any other suitable information. The person handling the bag may view the photograph to ensure that the person receiving the bag matches the photograph on the bag.

The photograph may be received via the communication circuit. In the event that the person expected to receive the bag does not arrive, the handler of the bag may contact the secure entity hub. The secure entity hub may assign another person to receive the bag. The secure entity hub may transmit another photograph of the substitute person to the currency deposit bag, via the communication circuit.FIG. 6Bshows displaying another photograph of a substitute person, as shown at604.

FIGS. 7A-Dshow several states of a safety deposit box. The safety deposit box may have OLED display702permanently affixed to the box. OLED display702may form a portion of the safety deposit box.

FIG. 7Ashows OLED display702in a transparent mode. The transparent mode may enable a viewer to view contents of the safety deposit box.

FIGS. 7B and 7Cshow OLED display702in a photograph mode. The changeable photograph display may be configured to display a slide show of persons who have permission to open the safety deposit box.

FIG. 7Dshows OLED display702in a capture display mode. OLED display702may enable a user to enter a fingerprint onto OLED display702.

In some embodiments, a fingerprint may serve as a key to the safety deposit box. Upon entering a fingerprint onto display702, the fingerprint may be transmitted to a secure entity hub. The secure entity hub may approve the fingerprint. The secure entity hub may transmit the approval to the safety deposit box. The safety deposit box may unlock in response to receipt of the transmitted approval.

In some embodiments, a user may transmit via SMS (short message service), e-mail, or any other means, a message to the safety deposit box. In these embodiments, the safety deposit box may have its own assigned phone number or e-mail address. The safety deposit box may recognize where the transmission originated, and unlock the box in response to receipt of the message.

FIGS. 8A-Bshow several states of a closed ATM cartridge. The ATM cartridge may include OLED display802permanently affixed to the side of the cartridge. In some embodiments, OLED display802may form a portion of the ATM cartridge.

FIG. 8Ashows OLED display802instructing a handler to enter his or her fingerprint.

FIG. 8Bshows OLED display802displaying a photograph of a person to whom the cartridge should be transferred.

FIGS. 9A-Bshow several states of an open ATM cartridge. The ATM cartridge may include OLED display902preferably permanently affixed to the side of the cartridge. In some embodiments, OLED display902may form a portion of the ATM cartridge.

In certain embodiments, the OLED display may be situated on a side of the ATM cartridge. At times, the OLED display located on a side of the ATM cartridge may be transparent. The transparency may enable a viewer external to the cartridge to view contents of the cartridge. The contents of the cartridge may be currency. The transparency may also enable the viewer to determine the number of bills included in the cartridge. In some embodiments, the OLED display may be constructed from fireproof material. This may ensure that the contents of the cartridge survives in the event of a fire.

FIG. 9Ashows OLED display902display a photograph of the contents of the ATM cartridge. In some embodiments, the OLED display may be removable. In some embodiments, a camera, as shown at904(inFIG. 9B) and a light source, as shown at906(inFIG. 9B) may photograph the contents of the ATM cartridge. The photograph may then be displayed in OLED display902.

At times, OLED display902may be a transparent window, as shown at902inFIG. 9B. This may enable a viewer to view the contents of the ATM cartridge.