Abstract

An information card system operating in a non-contact manner comprises an information card including a data storage, a card reader and a card writer. The card writer writes information data, such as an identification code, on the card. The card reader sends an interrogation or response requiring signal to the card, and the card responds thereto witha signal containing its information data. The card has a pair of electrode plates adapted for static coupling with a pair of electrode plates included in the card writer. The card's electrode plates alternatively can act as a dipole antenna. The card additionally has a loop shaped electrode pattern for communicating with the card reader. The loop shape permits the pattern to modulate a magnetic field generated by the reader. The size of the loop shaped electrode pattern permits it to alternatively act as an antenna.