Patent ID: 6753830
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: G06F,G06K,G09G

Abstract:
A stacked, layered electronic label suitable for displaying information, said label providing a combination comprisingone or more display layers including electronic ink comprising a bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material disposed on a support, one or more activation grid layers for activating said imaging material, one or more antenna layers for sending or receiving signals corresponding to programs, instructions, data or indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, and a processor layer including one or more processors and a storage element, said storage element storing one of indicia, data, programs and instructions, said processor layer in circuit with said display layer, said activation layer, and said antenna layer for determining intelligently indicia to be displayed by said display layer, for controlling and coordinating operation of said label, and for generating output signals for instructing the display layer to display the indicia through said imaging material, wherein said display layer, said antenna layer, said activation grid layer, and said processor layer are stacked together to form said stacked electronic label; said combination being cooperatively operable a) through operation of said one or more antenna layers, to activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any power source on said label, b) to cause said imaging material to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and c) said signal activated, imaging material providing a display related to the intended function of said label, with said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material allowing said display to remain visible and stable.