Illuminated token
View Patent ↗An identification token or label includes a light emitting device powered by and responsive to radio frequency signals to emit light in a predetermined frequency range and in a predetermined pattern. It has application as a gaming token for a casino environment or a medallion for use in monitoring patrons at sporting venues and in various parts of a supply chain.
1. A token adapted to provide identification indicia in response to an interrogation signal, the token comprising:
a light source adapted to provide the indicia responsive to the interrogation signal;
a body portion adapted to communicate the indicia external of the body portion; and
light pipes adapted to communicate the indicia from the light source.
2. The token as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the indicia is communicated to an external surface of the token.
3. The token as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a chip operatively associated with the light source.
4. The token as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the chip is responsive to radio-frequency (RF) signals.
5. The token as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the interrogation signal is a radio-frequency (RF) signal.
6. The token as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the token comprises a gaming token.
7. The token as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the indicia provides at least one of identification, characteristic and/or attribute information regarding the token.
8. An identification token comprising:
a) a body portion having two surfaces and a rim;
b) an antenna located within said body portion;
c) an electronic identification and data device connected to said antenna;
d) a light source in communication with said electronic identification and data device;
e) illumination zones connected to said light source in either of said surfaces or said rim; and
f) light pipes adapted to communicate indicia from the light source.
9. A token comprising:
a light emitting device adapted to emit light in a predetermined frequency range and/or in a predetermined pattern;
wherein the light emitting device emits the light responsive to radio-frequency (RF) signals; and
wherein the light is communicated via light pipes.
10. A method of identifying a token, the method comprising the steps of:
providing in the token, a light source responsive to an interrogation signal;
communicating, in response to the interrogation signal, light emanating from the light source to an external surface of the token; and
wherein the light is communicated via light pipes.
11. An identification system comprising:
an interrogator; and
a token, the token comprising:
a light source adapted to provide an identification indicia responsive to an interrogation signal from the interrogator; and
a body portion adapted to communicate the identification indicia external of the body portion; and
light pipes adapted to communicate the identification indicia from the light source.
12. The system as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the interrogator provides radio-frequency (RF) signals.