Abstract:
A value unit for conveying or transferring value, currency, information, data, images, video and/or audio and comprising a thin medium for attachment to mail, packages, documents or other items to be transferred or exchanged or for use as a financial or informational card, check or other instrument, a readable/writeable memory device disposed in the medium for receiving, storing or transferring data, information and/or images and one or more displays, disposed in the medium, for visual depiction of information or images from data, information or images stored in the memory. A number of embodiments are described with additional, optional devices including an interface device comprised of a plurality of raised areas for coupling to corresponding contacts in the mating connector, the areas comprised of a material for conducting optical or electrical energy or signals and surrounded by insulating material that defines the areas and prevents the transfer of energy or signals between the areas and a sensing system for detecting if a container has been opened or tampered with.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The present application is a completed application replacing U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/675,079, filed Apr. 27, 2005, entitled “Secondary Memory and Information Presentation device and Apparatus”. The priority date of Application 60/675,079 is claimed. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
     Description of the Related Art  
       [0002]     As the pace of technology continues, new, economically feasible applications arise. Advances in display technology such as miniature, organic light emitting diodes, miniaturized processors and memory units are among a few of these developments.  
         [0003]     Postage has, since inception, been confined to paper with an image printed thereon and affixed to a letter or parcel which is being mailed. Packing labels and shipping documents have been largely limited in the same way.  
         [0004]     Paper checks are still the primary form of monetary conveyance. Credit and debit cards using magnetic strips have been in use for years, but they are severely restricted in what they can do.  
         [0005]     Electronic tracking devices have been used but these are large and bulky and relatively expensive. Bar code scanning for inventory tracking and electronic check-out is available, but that is limited in that it requires a manual scanning in close proximity of the scanning equipment.  
         [0006]     Advertising material and documents have been limited to paper with expensive printing of text and images and it is not re-useable.  
         [0007]     Security devices which test for the presence of certain chemical and biological substances are in use but they are limited by the selective location of expensive equipment to check the letters, packages, etc.  
         [0008]     Thus, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus for a cost-efficient, programmable value unit which can be used and re-used/re-programmed with images, data and information for postage, packing lists, shipping documents, tracking, advertising, monetary transfer, security, and a variety of other uses. There is also a need in the art for a cost-effective, diminutive interface device for coupling the electronics within the value unit to control, programming and/or information receiving and sending equipment.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     A method and apparatus for a value unit for conveying or transferring value, currency, information, data, images, video and/or audio and comprising a thin medium for embedding in, attachment to or stand-alone use as mail, stamps, packing slips, packages, containers, documents, garments, communication devices, merchandise, tags, labels, tickets, trackers, monitors, advertisements, financial or informational cards, checks and/or other items to be transferred, exchanged, monitored, and/or tracked; one or more readable/writeable memory device disposed in the medium for receiving, storing or transferring data, information and/or images; and one or more displays, disposed in the medium, for visual depiction of information or images from data, information or images stored in the memory.  
         [0010]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising one or more interface devices disposed on a surface of the medium for interfacing with external devices and receiving and/or transmitting value, currency, data, information, video and/or audio between the memories and such external devices.  
         [0011]     The method and apparatus as described above wherein the display is comprised of organic light emitters.  
         [0012]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising one or more processors disposed in the medium and coupled to the memories for processing information, data and images.  
         [0013]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising one or more transmitters and/or receivers disposed in or on the medium and coupled to the processors for transmitting or receiving, respectively value, currency, data, information, images, video and/or audio to or from a receiving device or transmitting device, respectively.  
         [0014]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising one or more cameras, microphones and/or speakers disposed in or on the medium and coupled to the processor for capturing and/or transmitting video and/or audio.  
         [0015]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising a networking device disposed in or on the medium and coupled to the processor for connecting the value unit to an information network.  
         [0016]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising one or more sensors disposed in or on the medium and coupled to the processor for detecting certain chemical or biological materials and/or temperature, pressure, humidity or other atmospheric conditions and providing an indication of such detection.  
         [0017]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising security means for preventing the unauthorized receipt or transmission of value, currency, data, information, images, video and/or audio from or to the value unit.  
         [0018]     The method and apparatus as described further comprising a power source disposed in the medium for powering the value unit.  
         [0019]     The method and apparatus as described above wherein the power source is a rechargeable miniature battery or one or more solar or light powered cells.  
         [0020]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising a control system, compatible with the conveyance units, for programming or re-programming the conveyance units and/or for testing the conveyance units.  
         [0021]     The method and apparatus as described above wherein the medium is a document including, but not limited to, a postage stamp, label, packing slip, financial or information card, check and/or advertisement.  
         [0022]     A method and apparatus for an interface device embedded in or disposed on a thin medium, the medium for embedding in, attachment to or stand-alone use as mail, stamps, packing slips, packages, containers, documents, garments, communication devices, merchandise, tags, labels, tickets, trackers, monitors, advertisements, financial or informational cards, checks and/or other items to be transferred, exchanged, monitored, and/or tracked, the interface device for receiving from and/or transmitting to a mating connector, optical or electrical energy or signals of power, data, information, images, currency, video and/or audio, the interface device comprising a plurality of raised areas for coupling to corresponding contacts in the mating connector, the areas comprised of a material for conducting the optical or electrical energy or signal; and means surrounding each such raised area for defining the areas and/or insulating the transfer of energy between the areas.  
         [0023]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising connection means for aligning the areas with the corresponding contacts of the mating connector and/or securing the interface device to the mating connector.  
         [0024]     The method and apparatus as described above further comprising a coin-shaped medium on which or in which the interface device is disposed; and a readable/writeable memory embedded in the coin-shaped medium and coupled to the interface device, the memory for storing and sending or receiving data such as, but not limited to, currency, information, images, video and/or audio to and from the interface device.  
         [0025]     A method and apparatus for a system embedded in or attached to an envelope, package or other container for detecting whether such envelope, package or container has been opened or tampered with comprising a sensing system disposed in or on the envelope, package, or other container which detects an opening or tampering.  
         [0026]     The system as set forth in claim  19  wherein the sensing system is comprised of a thin wire grid or mesh having an electrical current passing there through and wherein the current flow is interrupted when the envelope, package or container is opened or tampered with and having a value unit embedded in or attached to the envelope, package or container, such value unit further comprising sensing circuitry coupled to the sensing system and responsive to the detection of and opening or tampering by the sensing system; and one or more displays coupled to the sensing circuitry for providing a notification that the envelope, package or container has been opened or tampered with.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]      FIG. 1  is a top view in a schematic diagram form of a value unit with a display and readable/writeable memory embedded therein and an interface device disposed on the surface there of.  
         [0028]      FIG. 2  is a top view in a schematic diagram form of a value unit with a display and readable/writeable memory embedded therein; an interface device disposed on the surface there of, a plurality of optional devices embedded therein including a processor, power source, network adaptor, camera, speaker, transmitter, receiver, and sensors and coupled to external control and programming devices.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a top, cross-sectional view of an interface device with raised areas for electrical or optical communication with an external device and holes for aligning with and securing to the external device.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  depicts a container having a sensing system and value unit for detecting if the container has been opened or tampered with.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0031]     Whilst the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.  
         [0032]     It should be understood that the principles and applications disclosed herein can be applied in a wide range of applications for image display, transferring or conveying data or information, postage and mail systems, currency or monetary transfer systems, advertising, shipping, tracking and security as examples. Moreover, the interface device can be used in any application for the transfer of electrical or optical energy in the form of data, information, power, images, currency, video and audio.  
         [0033]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a top view, in schematic diagram form, of a value unit  100  is depicted having a medium  101  with a display  103  and readable/writeable memory  102  embedded therein and an optional, interface device  104  disposed on the surface there of. A power source (shown in  FIG. 2  as  210 ) may also be embedded in the medium  101 .  
         [0034]     The medium  101  may be of any size suitable to the specific application and preferably comprised of a thin piece of plastic, paper, or any suitable material having insulating characteristics. The display device, embedded in the medium  101 , may be comprised of any one of a plurality types of materials such as, but not limited to, plasma, liquid crystal display (LCDs), light emitting diodes (LEDs) and other light emitting materials, and organic light emitters. Organic light emitters are particularly useful for Value Unit  100  as they can be made from extremely thin layers of semi-conductors in very thin substrates of plastic, metal or other materials. The substrates can then be embedded in very thin mediums. The resulting display can be very small area for use within a value unit  100  such as a postage stamp or much larger area for value units  100  requiring a larger display. They are cost-effective and consume very little power. There are two types of these of these organic light emitters including a small molecule type commonly referred to as OLEDs and a large molecule type commonly referred to as polymer LEDs or PLEDs.  
         [0035]     The display is located at or near the surface of the medium  101  or viewable through the surface of the medium  101  if the medium  101  is comprised of a translucent material, for example. The display  103  is coupled to the memory  102  via connection  106  and, in response to signals from the memory  102 , emits a pre-programmed image and/or other data continuously or periodically in response to the program in the memory  102  or other activating methods. Depending on the materials used for the display  103 , the display  103  may also be coupled to the power source. If the value unit  100  is used as a postage stamp, for example, the image displayed on the display  103  may be the particular art work chosen for the postage amount and/or the postage amount itself. If the value unit  100  is to be used as a label, for example, the image displayed on display  103  may include any combination of the following: the manufacturer&#39;s logo, brand name, price, materials, instructions, and any other data or images so desired.  
         [0036]     The memory  102  is embedded within the medium  101  and connected to the display  103  and also connected to the power source  210  and the interface device  104 , if included via connection  105 . The memory contains the images, data and other information to be displayed on the display  103 . The memory will also contain any other programming information for the displaying of images and data on the display  103 .  
         [0037]     The memory may be pre-programmed with this information when the value unit is meant to be used permanently or for its lifetime, for one specific use and then to be disposed of and not re-used. For example, if the value unit is to be used as a postage stamp or a label and not re-used, the memory  102  would be pre-programmed when the value unit  100  is made and disposed of when the use is finished. No further need for re-programming or for extracting information or data would be required. In such cases, the interface device  104  and connection  105  would not be required. If the application for the value unit  100  is as a shipping document, a currency transfer device, an advertisement, a tracking or inventory device, or a security device, then it will most likely be desirable to make the value unit re-programmable and re-usable. In such cases, the interface device  104  and connection  105  would likely be included.  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a top view, in schematic diagram form, of a value unit  200  is depicted including a medium  201  with a display  203  and readable/writeable memory  202  embedded therein, an interface device  204  disposed on the surface there of and a plurality of optional devices embedded therein including a processor  207 , power source  210 , network adaptor  217 , camera  219 , speaker/microphone  216 , transmitter  213 , receiver  214 , and sensor(s)  215 . Interface device  204  can interface with a mating connector  223  for coupling to external control and programming devices such as reader/activator/port connector  221  and programmer/diagnostics unit  220 . It will be appreciated that any combination of the optional devices may be utilized depending the application for the value unit  200  and the features desired.  
         [0039]     Value unit  200  also includes a plurality of connections or buses for transmitting electrical or optical signals between the various components disposed in or on the value unit  200 . The exact nature of the buses and connectors would depend on the application and would be obvious to one skilled in the art of circuit lay-outs. Bus  205  connects the display  203  to the memory  202 . Power bus  211  connects the power source  210  to all components requiring power. Processor bus  208  connects the processor  207  to the memory  202  and processor bus  209  connects the processor  207  to the other optional components. The processor I/O bus  205  connects the processor  207  to the interface device  204  for direct connection of the processor to the external control and programming devices  221  and  220 . The network adaptor  110  bus  218  connects the network adaptor  216  to the interface device  204  for fixed-line connection to a network such as, for example, a local (LAN), a wide area (WAN), the internet, etc. The processor I/O and network adaptor I/O buses may be electrical or optical conductors or a combination there of. Optical to electrical transceiver/converters (not shown) would be used to convert the optical signals to electrical and vice versa if optical connections/buses are used. Power I/O bus  212  connects the power device  210  to the interface device  204  for connection to the external control and programming devices  221  and  220 .  
         [0040]     Power source  210  may be any suitable, small source of electrical power for the value unit  200 . For example, the power source  210  may be comprised of photo-voltaic cells for converting light received by the cells into electrical energy to power the value unit and provide a renewable source of power for the value unit  200 . A miniaturized, preferably rechargeable, battery may also be used as the power source  210 . Power I/O bus  212  is utilized, for example, to permit re-charging of power source  210 , if power source  210  is a re-chargeable battery, for an external source of power for the value unit  200  and/or to perform diagnostics on the power source  210 .  
         [0041]     The memory  202  and display  203  function in much the same manner as described for memory  102  and display  103 , respectively, described for  FIG. 1 . The memory  202  will contain the desired data to be stored for the value unit  200  and to be displayed on the display  203 . Thus, for example, if value unit  200  was to be used for a check or credit/debit card or other form of currency conveyance, then memory would store the data to be displayed at the appropriate time including, but not limited to, the amount to be transferred, the payee and/or payor, a note, an image, if desired, and any other useful information. It could also store and display the state of the transaction such as, for example, whether or not the amount has been transferred or not. For an advertising use of the value unit, a video could be displayed or alternating texts and/or images.  
         [0042]     The processor  207  is used for a variety of purposes depending on the application of the value unit  200  and the features desired. The processor will read/write and update the memory  102 . It will also process data and perform command and control functions over the processor buses  208  and  209  for the other optional devices in the value unit  200 . For re-useable applications of the value unit  200 , it will communicate directly with the external control and programming devices,  221  and  220  transmitting and receiving data and information including, but not limited to, images, currency, video and audio.  
         [0043]     The memory  202  and/or processor  207  may also be programmed with security apparatus such as, for example, password protection, to prevent unauthorized use of or access to the information, data or currency in the value unit  200 . Additionally, they can be programmed to protect the identity of the sender and/or receiver, the payor or payee, the address or any other information for which it is desired that only authorized individuals have access to.  
         [0044]     For many applications such as, for example, remote tracking of inventory and/or shipping location, scanning, and wireless network/internet connection the use of an optional transmitter  213  and receiver  214  is desirable. It will be appreciated that a single transceiver may be used in lieu of or even in addition to the transmitter and receiver.  
         [0045]     The optional camera  219  and microphone/speaker  216  can be used in a variety of applications for the value unit  200  and/or for a variety of desired features. For example, the camera  219  could be used for taking, recording and/or transmitting an image of the individual owing or using the value unit  200  or surrounding conditions of the value unit  200  at any given time. The microphone/speaker  216  can be used, for example, to receive and/or record audio or verbal information or to audibly convey information, greetings, alarms and/or security alerts or as an audible aid for location identification. It will be understood and appreciated that the microphone/speaker  216  may be a combination speaker/microphone, or a stand-alone microphone or a speaker or both.  
         [0046]     The optional sensor(s)  215  can be used in a variety of applications for the value unit  200  and/or a variety of desired features. For example, life or health threatening chemicals or biological substances can be detected in boxes or packages or envelopes for shipping and/or mail system uses. If detected, an alert or alarm can be instantly transmitted to authorities along with tracking/location information. An immediate alarm or indication can also be given on the display  203  and/or on the microphone/speaker  216 . In a shipping system for perishables or artifacts or any materials sensitive to environment, the temperature, humidity, pressure, and/or a variety of environmental conditions can be sensed, recorded and subsequently or immediately transmitted in response to routine tracking or monitoring activities. In inventory or stocking applications, for example, shelving or containers which are configured to monitor inventory or merchandise with value units  200  embedded in or attached thereto, can provide indications immediately of what stock is moving, where re-stocking is required, aging of stock and a host of other data activities. It could even re-price, re-program inventory as desired.  
         [0047]     It will be appreciated that the present invention encompasses a variety of combinations of devices for a variety of applications for finance, postage, shipping, inventory, check-out, tracking, communications, ticketing, monitoring, security, inventory, etc. and that the present invention is not limited to the combinations or applications presented here in.  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a top, cross-sectional view of an interface device  300  is depicted with raised areas for electrical or optical communication with an external device and holes  304  and  305  for aligning with and securing to the external device. The interface device  300  is comprised of a housing  301  embedded in a medium or in a housing with a surface extending from or level with the surface of the medium or housing.  
         [0049]     The housing  301  is divided into a plurality of electrically and/or optically insulated cells  302  electrically or optically connected to circuitry within the housing or medium. Each cell  302  has a raised, flexible surface which couples to a contact of a mating connector (not shown) and which transmits or receives electrical or optical signals. The electrical or optical signals transmitted or received can be in the form of dedicated signal lines or can be pulsed in binary format across some or all of the raised surfaces of the cells. In  FIG. 3 , 9 such cells are depicted. If six of the cells were dedicated to binary pulses of electrical or optical energy, then 6 bit words of data or information can be pulsed to and from the interface device  300  at very high rates of speed. In this example, 3 of the cells, for example, would be dedicated to a power I/O bus such as that power I/O bus  212  in  FIG. 2 : two cells for power transfer and one cell for diagnostics.  
         [0050]     It will be appreciated and understood that any number of cells may be used in the present invention depending the requirements of the particular application. Furthermore, dedicated electrical and/or optical lines may be used in lieu of or in addition to pulsed transmissions.  
         [0051]     In  FIG. 3 , the cells are separated by a series of grooves  303  which may be used to insulate one cell from the others. The grooves may also be utilized to align the interface device  300  with a mating connector. For example, if the mating connector had a grid of outwardly extending walls corresponding to the grid of grooves  303 , then when connected together the interface device  300  and the mating connector would align securely because of the walls-in-grooves connection.  
         [0052]     Additionally, the interface device  300  is shown with alignment/fastening holes  304  which would accept pins, for example, from the mating connector when connected together. The interface device  300  could then properly be aligned and secured with the mating connector for transmission/reception of electrical and/or optical signals. It will be appreciated and understood that the present invention encompasses any number of methods and means to align and/or secure the interface device with the mating connector.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a container  401  is depicted with a sensing system  400 . The sensing system  400  is comprised of wire grid  402  of minute, electrical conductors  403 . The electrical conductors  403  are all connected in one grid or series circuit. The container also has a value unit  404  embedded in or attached to it. The value unit  404  has a power source  405 , sensing circuitry  406  and a display  407 .  
         [0054]     Once the container is closed or sealed and ready for storage, shipment, transfer, etc. and the value unit  404  activated, the power source  405  provides a small amount of current through the grid  402 . If the container is opened or tampered with, the current flow through the grid  402  is interrupted. The interruption is sensed by the sensing circuitry and an appropriate message is sent to the display indicating an opening or tampering. It will be appreciated that the value unit  404  may have additional components for storing the information, date and time, transmitting this information, etc. It will be further appreciated that any number of techniques for sensing an opening or tampering of the container and are all within the scope of the invention. Moreover, the invention may be used with any container including, but not limited to envelopes, cartons, packages, cargo containers, etc.  
         [0055]     Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments for particular applications. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof.  
         [0056]     It is, therefore, intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention.