U.S. patent application number 10/934866 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-23 for electronically updateable label and display.
Invention is credited to Forbes, Charles, Gelbman, Alexander.
Application Number | 20050134461 10/934866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34272801 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050134461 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gelbman, Alexander ; et
al. |
June 23, 2005 |
Electronically updateable label and display
Abstract
The present invention provides for an electronic label
associated with a transponder. The electronic label displays at
least one graphical element to provide a visual indication
representative of information associated with the transponder.
Representable information can include a result of a communication
with the transponder, a location of the transponder or an item
associated with the transponder, a state of the transponder, or an
item associated with the transponder, a status of the transponder
or an item associated with the transponder, or any combination of
information. The display of the graphical element can further
indicate if a read operation has failed or has not yet taken place.
The graphical element is alterable and updateable. The graphical
element can indicate if the RFID tag is activate or has been
deactivated allowing a consumer to readily determine the state of
an RFID tag associated with a consumer item.
Inventors: |
Gelbman, Alexander; (West
Orange, NJ) ; Forbes, Charles; (Vineland,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAHIVE & COCKFIELD, LLP.
28 STATE STREET
BOSTON
MA
02109
US
|
Family ID: |
34272801 |
Appl. No.: |
10/934866 |
Filed: |
September 3, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60499334 |
Sep 3, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/572.8 ;
340/539.13; 340/571; 340/691.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 17/00 20130101;
G06K 19/0717 20130101; G06K 7/10079 20130101; G06K 19/07703
20130101; G06K 19/07749 20130101; G06K 17/0022 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/572.8 ;
340/571; 340/539.13; 340/691.6 |
International
Class: |
G08B 013/14 |
Claims
Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired
to be secured by Letters Patent is:
1. A method for marking an item, comprising the steps of: detecting
the item at a location; and displaying a visual indicator on an
electronic label associated with the item in response to detection
of the item; wherein said electronic label comprises an electronic
display.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of monitoring
a plurality of locations to detect arrival, departure, or movement
of the item within each of the plurality of locations.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of
monitoring a plurality of locations to detect a change in location
of the item, and in response to a detection of the change in
location of the item, displaying information on the electronic
label.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of monitoring
a plurality of locations to detect a change in location of the
item.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said electronic label comprises a
flexible electronic label capable of movement in a plurality of
dimensions.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said electronic label comprises a
conformable electronic label capable of conforming to a surface
topology of an object.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic label displays at
least one of a plurality of visual indicators to indicate detection
of the item.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying
the visual indicator on the electronic label in a machine readable
format.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the machine readable format
comprises a barcode.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the machine readable format
comprises a matrix array symbology.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of displaying displays
the visual indicator using at least one segment of the electronic
display, wherein the electronic label comprises a segmented
electronic display having at least one segment.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual indicator represents
a bitmap.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the electronic label comprises
an all points addressable display.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
displaying the visual indicator on the electronic label in a human
readable format.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
displaying a graphical representation on the electronic label,
wherein said graphical representation represents the location of
the item.
16. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of powering
the electronic label with a power source internal to the electronic
label.
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of powering
the electronic label with a power source external to the electronic
label.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic label is powered
by a signal having a data component and a power component.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic label comprises a
display medium and a backplane assembly.
20. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
displaying the visual indicator on the display medium of the
electronic label for a time period upon the removal of power from
the display medium.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the time period for displaying
the visual indicator on the display medium following the removal of
power to the display medium is a function of material properties of
the display medium.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the time period for displaying
the visual indicator on the display medium following the removal of
power to the display medium is controlled by the electronic
label.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the time period for displaying
the visual indicator on the display medium following the removal of
power to the display medium is a function of the environment in
which the electronic label operates.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein the display medium is sized to
occupy a portion of the electronic label.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic label comprises a
first display media and a second display media.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first display media
comprises a printed label.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein the second media comprises an
electronic display medium.
28. A method for indicating a state of an item, comprising the
steps of: detecting the state of the item; and displaying a visual
indicator on an electronic label associated with the item in
response to detection of the state of the item, wherein said
electronic label comprises an electronic display.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of
monitoring the item to detect the state of an item.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of
monitoring the state of an item using a sensor associated with the
electronic label to detect a change in the state of the item or in
the environment in which the item is located.
31. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of
receiving state information about the item and displaying said
information on the electronic label associated with the item.
32. The method of claim 28, wherein the electronic label displays a
plurality of visual indicators to indicate a plurality of state
changes to the item.
33. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of
displaying the visual indicator on the electronic label in a
machine readable format.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the machine readable format
comprises a barcode.
35. The method of claim 33, wherein the machine readable format
comprises a matrix array symbology.
36. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of
displaying the visual indicator on the electronic label in a human
readable format.
37. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of
displaying a graphical representation on the electronic label,
wherein said graphical representation represents the state of the
item.
38. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of powering
the electronic label with a power source internal to the electronic
label.
39. The method of claim 28, comprising the step of powering the
electronic label with a power source external to the electronic
label.
40. The method of claim 28, wherein the electronic label is powered
by a signal having a data component and a power component.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of powering the
electronic label comprises the step of powering the electronic
label with a first power source internal to the electronic label
and a second power source external to the electronic label.
42. The method of claim 28, wherein the electronic label comprises
a display medium and a backplane assembly.
43. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of
displaying the visual indicator on the display medium of the
electronic label for a period of time upon the removal of power
from the display medium.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the period of time for
displaying the visual indicator on the display medium following the
removal of power to the display medium is a function of material
properties of the display medium.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein the period of time for
displaying the visual indicator on the display medium following the
removal of power to the display medium is controlled by the
electronic label.
46. The method of claim 43, wherein the period of time for
displaying the visual indicator on the display medium following the
removal of power to the display medium is a function of an
environment in which the electronic label operates.
47. The method of claim 29, wherein the electronic display is sized
to occupy a portion of the electronic label.
48. The method of claim 29, wherein said electronic label is
flexible and comprises a flexible electronic display capable of
conforming to a plurality of surface topologies.
49. The method of claim 28, wherein the state of the item is
communicated to the electronic label in a communications
protocol.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the communications protocol
comprises a wireless communications protocol.
51. A system for electronically providing visual indications about
an item, said system comprising: a transceiver module capable of
communicating with an electronic label associated with the item in
a communications protocol, wherein the electronic label comprises
an interface mechanism for communicating with the transceiver
module; and a display medium for displaying a visual indicator,
wherein said visual indicator represents at least one of a
successful communication with the transceiver module, an
unsuccessful communication with the transceiver module, and no
communication with the transceiver module.
52. The system of claim 51, wherein the electronic label comprises
a flexible electronic label.
53. The system of claim 51, wherein the display medium comprises a
plurality of display elements for displaying a plurality of visual
indicators.
54. The system of claim 51, wherein the electronic label further
comprises a Radio Frequency Identification tag (RFID).
55. The system of claim 54, wherein said RFID tag incorporates an
Electronic Product Code (EPC) identifier.
56. The system of claim 51, wherein said electronic label
graphically displays the visual indicator in a black and white
format.
57. The system of claim 51, wherein the electronic label
graphically displays the visual indicator in a color format.
58. The system of claim 51, wherein said electronic label further
comprises a backplane assembly and display medium.
59. The system of claim 51, wherein said visual indicator remains
visible for a period of time after power is removed from the
display medium.
60. The system of claim 51, wherein said visual indicator displayed
by the electronic label is in a machine readable format.
61. The system of claim 60, wherein said machine readable format
comprises a barcode.
62. The system of claim 60, wherein said machine readable format
comprises a matrix array symbology.
63. The system of claim 51, wherein said display medium comprises a
bi-stable non volatile display.
64. The system of claim 51, wherein said interface mechanism
communicates with the transceiver module in a wireless
communication protocol.
65. The system of claim 51, wherein said electronic label is
powered by a signal having a data component and a power
component.
66. The system of claim 51, wherein said electronic label is
powered by a power source internal to the electronic label.
67. The system of claim 51, wherein said electronic label is
powered by a power source external to the electronic label.
68. The system of claim 51, wherein said electronic label is
associated with an internal sensor for providing information
related to the tracked item.
69. The system of claim 51, wherein the electronic label comprises
a plurality of layers.
70. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic label comprises a
plurality of layers.
71. The method of claim 28, wherein the electronic label comprises
a plurality of layers.
72. The system of claim 51, wherein the electronic label comprises
a single layer.
73. The system of claim 51, wherein said visual indicator displayed
by the electronic label is in a human readable format.
74. The system of claim 51, wherein said visual indicator displayed
by the electronic label is a graphical representation of a state of
the communications between the electronic label and the transceiver
module.
75. The system of claim 74, wherein the state of the communications
comprises a successful communication.
76. The system of claim 74, wherein the state of the communications
comprises an unsuccessful communication.
77. The system of claim 74, wherein said visual indicator displayed
by the electronic label is a graphical representation of a state
the electronic label.
78. The system of claim 77, wherein the state of the electronic
label comprises an activated state.
79. The system of claim 77, wherein the state of the electronic
label comprises a deactivated state.
80. The system of claim 51, wherein the display medium comprises at
least one of an encapsulated electrophoretic material,
un-encapsulated electrophoretic material, a Cholesteric material, a
polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid crystal (PDChLC), an
encapsulated cholesteric material, a separated redox and dye
reaction a ph sensitive dye, an electrothermochromics liquid
crystals, a thermo-chromic liquid crystals, a zenithal bi-stable
liquid crystals, a nematic liquid crystals, a surface stabilized
ferroelectric liquid crystals, an electroluminescent material, an
Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), a Polymer Light Emitting Diode
(PLED), and a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC).
81. The method of claim 1, wherein the display medium comprises at
least one of an encapsulated electrophoretic material,
un-encapsulated electrophoretic material, a Cholesteric material, a
polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid crystal (PDChLC), an
encapsulated cholesteric material, a separated redox and dye
reaction a ph sensitive dye, an electrothermochromics liquid
crystals, a thermo-chromic liquid crystals, a zenithal bi-stable
liquid crystals, a nematic liquid crystals, a surface stabilized
ferroelectric liquid crystals, an electroluminescent material, an
Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), a Polymer Light Emitting Diode
(PLED), and a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC).
82. The method of claim 28, wherein the display medium comprises at
least one of an encapsulated electrophoretic material,
un-encapsulated electrophoretic material, a Cholesteric material, a
polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid crystal (PDChLC), an
encapsulated cholesteric material, a separated redox and dye
reaction a ph sensitive dye, an electrothermochromics liquid
crystals, a thermo-chromic liquid crystals, a zenithal bi-stable
liquid crystals, a nematic liquid crystals, a surface stabilized
ferroelectric liquid crystals, an electroluminescent material, an
Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), a Polymer Light Emitting Diode
(PLED), and a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC).
83. The system of claim 51, wherein the tracked item comprises at
least one of a shipping container, a pallet, a case, a consumer
goods package, a freshness indicator, a use by indicator, a
seasonal indicator, a package priority indicator, a package routing
indicator, a luggage security check indicator, a crowd control
indicator, an employee badge, a bio presence sensors, a chemical
presence sensor, an environmental sensor, an access control, and a
light to pick.
84. A method for marking an item, comprising the steps of:
detecting a state of the item; and displaying a visual indicator on
an electronic label associated with the item in response to
detection of said state of the item, wherein said electronic label
comprises an electronic display.
85. The method of claim 84, further comprising the step of
monitoring the item at a plurality of locations to detect a change
in the state of the item as the item arrives, departs or moves
within each of the plurality of locations.
86. The method of claim 84, further comprising the step of
monitoring a plurality of locations to detect the state of the
item.
87. The method of claim 84, wherein said electronic label comprises
a flexible electronic label capable of movement in a plurality of
dimensions.
88. The method of claim 84, wherein the electronic label displays
at least one of a plurality of visual indicators to indicate a
detected change in the state of the item.
89. A method for tracking an item, comprising the steps of:
detecting a status of the item; and displaying a visual indicator
on an electronic label associated with the item in response to
detection of said status of the item, wherein said electronic label
comprises an electronic display.
90. The method of claim 89, further comprising the step of
monitoring the item at a plurality of locations to detect the
status of the item as the item arrives, departs or moves within
each of the plurality of locations.
91. The method of claim 89, further comprising the step of
monitoring a plurality of locations to detect the status of the
item.
92. The method of claim 89, wherein said electronic label comprises
a flexible electronic label capable of movement in a plurality of
dimensions.
93. The method of claim 89, wherein the electronic label displays
at least one of a plurality of visual indicators to indicate
detection of the status of the item.
94. A method for tracking an item, comprising the steps of:
detecting information related to the item; and displaying a visual
indicator on an electronic label associated with the item in
response to detection of said information related to the item,
wherein said electronic label comprises an electronic display.
95. The method of claim 94, further comprising the step of
monitoring the item at a plurality of locations to detect the
information related to the item.
96. The method of claim 94, further comprising the step of
monitoring a plurality of locations to detect information related
to the item as the item arrives, departs or moves within each of
the plurality of locations.
97. The method of claim 94, wherein said electronic label comprises
a flexible electronic label capable of movement in a plurality of
dimensions.
98. The method of claim 94, wherein the electronic label displays
at least one of a plurality of visual indicators to indicate
detection of the information related to the item.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/499,334, filed Sep. 3, 2003, the contents
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to electronic labels and
display devices. More particularly, the present invention is
directed to the tracking of changes in state, changes in location
or changes in information related to an item associated with an
electronic label.
[0003] The use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are
quickly gaining popularity for use in the monitoring and tracking
of an item. RFID technology allows a user to remotely store and
retrieve data in connection with an item utilizing a small,
unobtrusive tag. As a RFID tag operates in the radio frequency (RF)
portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, an electromagnetic or
electrostatic coupling can occur between a RFID tag affixed to an
item and a RFID tag reader. This coupling is advantageous, as it
precludes the need for a direct contact or line of sight connection
between the tag and the reader. A RFID tag may additionally
incorporate an Electronic Product Code (EPC) number that serves to
identify a specific item with a unique code. Additionally, a RFID
tag may also include various storage means which allow for the
storage of information related to the item to which the tag is
affixed. Furthermore, data relating to an item can be stored in one
or more databases linked to the RFID tag. These databases do not
reside on the tag, but rather are linked to the tag through a
unique identifier(s) or reference key(s).
[0004] Utilizing a RFID tag, an item may be tagged at a period when
the initial properties of the item are known. For example, this
first tagging of the item may correspond with the beginning of the
manufacturing process, or may occur as an item is first packaged
for delivery. Electronically tagging the item allows for subsequent
electronic exchanges of information between the tagged item and a
user, wherein a user may read information stored within the tag and
may additionally write information to the tag. While such an
arrangement is beneficial, several notable drawbacks exist.
[0005] First, following a communication with a tag, a user has no
readily available indication if the communication was successful.
In an assembly line setting, for example, it is difficult to
determine if each item passing a tag reader is read successfully.
Furthermore, should one become aware that at least one item was not
read, it is time consuming and difficult to pinpoint which item
failed to be read successfully. To ensure inventory accuracy in
such a situation it may become necessary to reprocess a large
number of items a second time in order to account for the missing
item. Additionally, when scanning a number of tagged items that are
all in close proximity to each other, it is oftentimes burdensome
to determine which item tag a user is actually reading.
[0006] RFID tags may be employed in both manual and automatic
scanning environments. An example of an automatic scanning
environment is a conveyor belt with numerous tagged items passing a
tag reader. A manual scanning environment, in contrast, is
exhibited by a user utilizing a handheld tag reader to query
individual packages within a warehouse. When employed in a manual
scanning environment, existing RFID techniques require the user to
look at a display external to the tag to view information. The
display can be an integral part of a handheld manual reader or may
be indirectly connected to the reader using various means such as a
corded connection or wireless link. The reader may also take the
form of a standalone computer system that displays RFID tag
information on a computer monitor. Utilizing such an arrangement, a
user is burdened by having to look at a computer screen or paper
printout in order to try and understand what is transpiring
electronically. In light of this, a user's attention is diverted
away from the item. Such a diversion is clearly inefficient and may
be potentially dangerous.
[0007] Additionally, as RFID technology has been implemented on a
large global scale, active and passive RFID tags are being embedded
within a high percentage of consumer and commercial items. These
tags may be active or passive in nature and may communicate on
various wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum. Active
RFID tags are powered by an internal battery and typically support
read from the tag, writing to the tag or a combination of both.
Passive RFID tags operate without a separate external power source
and generate operating power upon communication with the reader. In
comparison to active tags, passive tags are much lighter, less
expensive, and offer a virtually unlimited operational lifetime.
Passive RFID tags typically only support reading information from
the tag.
[0008] Both active and passive RFID tag may operate within various
regions of the radio frequency spectrum. Low-frequency (30 KHz to
500 KHz) tags have low system costs and are limited to short
reading ranges. Low frequency tags are commonly used in security
access and animal identification applications. High-frequency (850
MHz to 950 MHz and 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz) tags offer increased read
ranges and high reading speeds. One common application of high
frequency tags is automated toll collection on highways and
interstates.
[0009] The long life and continuous operation of RFID tags, coupled
with the distances at which a tag may be read, has caused
considerable controversy regarding privacy concerns. A purchaser of
a tagged item may pay for a product, leave the store, yet the
embedded tag remains activate. An active tag can then be
continually read from a distance without the knowledge or consent
of the purchaser. Additionally, if the tagged item was purchased
using a credit card or debit card, it is possible to associate the
unique ID of the tag to the identity of the purchaser. An
association such as this essentially allows tracking of individuals
based upon tagged items that they have purchased.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides for an electronic label
associated with a transponder. The electronic label displays at
least one graphical element to provide a visual indication
representative of information associated with the transponder.
Information associated with the transponder represent able by the
graphical element can include a result of a communication with the
transponder, a location of the transponder, a location of an item
associated with the transponder, a state of the transponder, a
state of an item associated with the transponder, a status of the
transponder, a status of an item associated with the transponder,
or any combination of information. For example, the display of the
visual graphical element can indicate a read operation occurred
between the transponder and electronic label. Likewise, the display
of the visual graphical element can indicate read operation has
failed or has not yet taken place between the transponder and
electronic label. The graphical element is alterable and
updateable, such that a varying status of the transducer,
transponder, or an item associated with the transducer,
transponder, or electronic label can be communicated to a user in a
visual graphical manner. As such, the graphical element displayed
by the associated electronic label can indicate if the RFID tag is
activate or has been deactivated. Hence, in light of the inherent
privacy concerns with the use of RFID tags with consumer items, the
present invention provides a method and a system that allows a
consumer to readily determine the state of an RFID tag associated
with a consumer item through the use of a visual indicator.
[0011] The present invention further provides for an electronic
label that displays a graphical indication to a user that serves to
indicate a location, a state, a status, or any combination thereof
of an item associated with the electronic label. This graphical
indication is alterable and updateable, such that a varying status
of the label can be communicated to a user in a graphical manner.
Furthermore, this graphical indicator can be used to represent the
status of the item associated with the electronic label.
[0012] In one illustrative embodiment of the present invention a
method for visually tracking an item is disclosed. Performance of
the method provides for the location of an item to be represented
by visual indicators on the electronic display of the electronic
label associated with the item. The display of this visual
indicator is in response to the location, or change of location of
the item. Performance of the method can further monitor the item at
a plurality of locations to assist in detecting the item as it
arrives, departs, or moves around within a location. Further, a
plurality of locations may be monitored such that the location of
an item may be determined.
[0013] The method can further include a step of providing an
electronic display, associated with the item that is flexible in
nature and capable of moving in a plurality of directions. In one
aspect of the present invention, the electronic display may be
capable of conforming to the surface topology of an item on which
the electronic label is placed.
[0014] The method can further include the steps for providing an
electronic display with a plurality of regions wherein a plurality
of visual indicators may be displayed to indicate a plurality of
changes in state or the current state of the item. These indicators
can provide an indication in human readable form, a graphical form,
a machine readable form or any combination thereof. Human readable
forms can include alphanumeric characters, and graphical forms may
include shapes, icons or changes in color. Machine readable forms
can include barcodes or matrix code symbologies. Matrix code
symbologies are not comprised of stacked rows, common to a
traditional barcode, but of a matrix array made up of hexagonal,
square, polygonal and/or other geometric shapes, lines, or dots.
Such symbols are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,2276,315 and 4,794,239 which are incorporated herein by
reference. Such matrix code symbologies may include Vericode,
Datacode, and Maxicode. Such matrix array symbologies are currently
utilized by numerous parcel delivery services, including the United
Parcel Service (UPS).
[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic
display may be constructed of at least a display medium and a
backplane. The method can further include steps to display a visual
indicator that remains illuminated for a period of time following
the removal of power to the display medium. This time period may be
a function of the material properties selected for the display
medium, a function of the environment in which the display is
operating, or may be a controlled by hardware, firmware, software
or any combination thereof. In one aspect of the present invention,
the electronic display can be sized to cover the entire surface
occupied by the electronic label. In another aspect of the present
invention, the electronic display can be sized to occupy only a
portion of the electronic label.
[0016] In another illustrative embodiment of the present invention,
a method for indicating the state of an item is disclosed. The
current state or a change in state of the item is first detected or
determined, wherein this change in state can be detected by
monitoring the state of the item. For example, the state or change
in state can be detected or determined by monitoring the state of
the item using a sensor associated with the electronic label to
detect a change in state of the item or the environment in which it
is located. After the current state, or a change in state is
detected, a visual indicator is displayed on the electronic label
associated with the item, wherein the visual indicator indicates
the current state or a change in state. In another aspect of the
present invention, the state can be defined as read or unread or
activated or deactivated. The state of the item can further be
defined as having successfully or unsuccessfully received or
transmitted information relating to an external database over a
wireless link. Furthermore, the method of the present invention can
include the step of providing a plurality of visual indicators on
an electronic display such that a plurality of state changes can be
graphically displayed individually or in a near simultaneous
manner. The display of visual indicators can be in a machine
readable format or can be in a human readable format. The method
can further include the step of powering the electronic display
with either an internal or external power source. The method can
further include the step of powering the electronic display with a
signal having a data component and a power component. Examples of
mechanisms for powering an electronic label or RFID tag using a
signal having both a power and data component are set forth in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,583,819 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,920, the contents of
which are herein incorporated by reference.
[0017] Moreover, upon removal of power to the entire electronic
label, or a selected component of the electronic label, the display
may continue to provide a visual indicator for a period of time.
This time period may be a function of the material properties of
those materials used in the electronic display or may be controlled
by the electronic label. In one illustrate embodiment of the
present invention, the electronic display may further be sized to
occupy the entire region occupied by the electronic label. The
electronic display can also be sized to occupy only a region of the
electronic label. The electronic label, and the electronic display
associated with the electronic label can further flex, thereby
allowing for movement in a plurality of dimensions.
[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for
electronically displaying state information of a tracked item is
disclosed. This system includes an electronic label capable of
displaying a visual indication of the state of a tracked item. The
electronic label includes both a display medium and a mechanism for
transferring state information of the tracked item to the label.
The system further includes a transceiver module in communication
with the electronic label. The transceiver module is capable of
transmitting state information to the electronic label, using a
communication protocol, either wired or wireless, to remotely
update and permanently or temporarily alter the information
displayed in human readable for, machine readable form, or both.
This transmission can occur at a frequency within the
electromagnetic spectrum, including but not limited to radio waves,
light waves or microwaves.
[0019] The electronic label of the present invention can be
flexible and capable of being formed in various shapes and sizes.
The number of layers forming the device can vary depending upon the
particular components employed in the device, and upon the
requirements of the intended application. The electronic display
associated with the electronic label can include a plurality of
regions. Each region can be graphically display one or more visual
indicators. The electronic display is capable of reproducing text
and graphical images using segments, pixels or any combination
thereof. The displayed visual indicator can be in a machine
readable format, a human readable format, or a combination of both.
The visual indicator can be reproduced in black and white,
grayscale, color, or any combination thereof. Also the label can be
used to present any vision based symbologies such as two dimension
bar codes, three dimension coding schemes or any combination of
graphical, alpha numeric, character, pixel or vision symbologies.
Visual indicators presented on the electronic display may be turned
on or off, or may be continuously updated and changed. For example,
an initial bar code displayed on a pixel addressable display may be
replaced with a second barcode to signify the change in status,
state or location of an item.
[0020] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
an electronic label wherein the electronic display continues to
display information for a period of time after power is removed.
The length of time that the label will continue to display
information can be accurately controlled either by varying the
attributes of the electronic display or through control hardware,
software, or a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore,
the time the image remains after power is removed can be a function
of time or can be a function of varying parameters, such as the
external environment in which the label is operating. Power for the
label can be provided form either an internal means or an external
means, including an on board battery source, a photovoltaic panel,
an inductive or capacitance coupling or any combination thereof.
For example, power supplied to the electronic label from an
internal battery may be supplemented by power supplied to the
electronic label by an external inductive coupling.
[0021] According to one practice, the electronic label can be
updated utilizing wireless technology. For example radio waves,
infrared waves, visible light, microwaves, or any combination
thereof can be used. Furthermore, the electronic label can be
incorporated into a mixed media label, wherein the electronic label
is combined with traditional labels made of pulp or plastic
material, onto which information is printed, using such mediums as
color print advertisements or black and white barcodes to form a
single label arrangement. This multimedia label can then be affixed
to an item utilizing traditional means such as, but not limited to,
adhesive backings, hook and loop fasteners, or mechanical hardware.
In such an embodiment, the electronic label can be sized to cover
the entire mixed media label, or can alternatively be sized to only
cover a portion of the mixed media label. Furthermore, in one
aspect, the electronic display associated with the electronic label
can be a bi-stable non-volatile display. In an alternate aspect the
electronic label can be volatile, thereby requiring an on board
power source to maintain the visual indicator. In another aspect,
the electronic label can be associated with an external sensor
capable of providing state information of the item to be
tracked.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following description and
apparent from the accompanying drawings, in which like reference
characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views.
The drawings illustrate principles of the invention and, although
not to scale, show relative dimensions.
[0023] FIG. 1 is an illustrative exploded view of the system for
tracking the location of an item according to the teachings of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2 is another illustrative view of the electronic
display associated with the electronic label according to the
teachings of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 3A is an illustrative view of an electronic label and
an RFID tag according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 3B is an illustrative view of an electronic label and
an RFID tag according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 4 is another illustrative view of an electronic label
and an RFID tag according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 is another illustrative view of an electronic label
and electronic display associated with the electronic label
according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is another illustrative view of an electronic label
and electronic display associated with the electronic label
according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 7 is another illustrative view of an electronic label
and electronic display associated with the electronic label
according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 is another illustrative view of an electronic label
according to the teachings of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram which illustrates a method for
tracking an item in accordance with the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram which illustrates a method for
indicating a state of an item in accordance with the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 12 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0036] FIG. 13 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 14 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0038] FIG. 15 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 16 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0040] FIG. 17 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 18 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 19 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 20 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 21 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 22 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 23 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 24 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0048] FIG. 25 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0049] FIG. 26 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0050] FIG. 27 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 28 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 29 is another illustrative exploded view of an
electronic label according to the teachings of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] The illustrative embodiment of the present invention
provides a method and system for displaying a visual indicator on
an electronic display associated with an item to indicate a state,
a status or a location of the item. The method and system of the
illustrative embodiment of the present invention allows a user to
visually confirm the state, status and location of an item with
which the electronic label is associated. Likewise, the visual
indicator provided by the electronic label associated with the item
allows a user to visually ascertain that a change has occurred with
the item associated with the electronic display. The electronic
display of the present invention may indicate the occurrence of a
single location change, state change or a status change, or may
indicate the occurrence of a number of state changes, location
changes, or status changes of an item associated with the
electronic display.
[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 for electronically displaying
information of a tracked item using a transceiver module 12 and an
electronic label 14A. The electronic label 14A can include an
interface mechanism 16 for translating information received from
the transceiver module 12 into a visual indicator that can be
displayed on an electronic display 18. The interface module 16 can
be further configured to transmit commands, instructions, software
programs, and parameters or variables associated with the
electronic label, or instructions for use by the electronic label
14A at a later time, as well as instructions for other functions
associated with the operation of the electronic label 14A.
[0055] The transceiver module 12 can receive and transmit
information concerning the item using a communication protocol. The
term "communication protocol" as used herein refers to a format for
transmitting data between two devices. The format defines any means
by which a signal can be transmitted and can include wired means,
wireless means or a combination of both. Wired means can include
the use of electrical conductors or fiber optic conductors.
Wireless signal transmission can occur using any region of the
electromagnetic spectrum. For example the visible light, infrared,
microwave, radio frequency, X-ray or gamma ray region of the
electromagnetic spectrum can be utilized. An antenna 13A can be
coupled to the transceiver module 12 for transmitting and receiving
wireless signals. A power supply 15A for providing power to the
transceiver module 12 can also be coupled with the transceiver
module 12. The power supply 15A can be either internal to the
transceiver module 12, or can be eternal to the transceiver module
12. For the purpose of illustration, the power supply 15A has been
shown as external to the transceiver module 12.
[0056] The electronic label 14A can further contain an antenna 13B
coupled with the interface module 16. This antenna 133B can be used
to send, receive, or send and receive a wireless signal containing
information of the item associated with the electronic label 14A.
Those of ordinary skill will recognize that any number of suitable
antennas can be employed in connection with the electronic label of
the present invention. For example, the electronic label 14A can
employ a common antenna perform all necessary functions, a discrete
antenna for each function associated with the electronic label, or
any subset of antennas for performing one or more functions. The
wireless signal received by the antenna associated with the
interface module 16 can contain a data signal, a power signal or a
combination of both. A power signal can be used to provide power to
the electronic label 14A. Absent a power signal, a power supply 15B
can be coupled with electronic label 14A. This power supply 15B can
be located internal to the electronic label or external to the
electronic label. Additionally, the electronic label 14A can
utilize more than one power supply means, wherein a second power
supply 15B can be utilized in augmenting a primary power supply.
For example, an electronic label 14A that receives power through a
wireless power signal can further utilize an external power supply
15B to augment power provided to the label 14A.
[0057] The electronic label 14A further includes a Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) tag 19A. The RFID tag 19A can allow for the
remote storage and retrieval of data in connection with the item
associated with the label. The electronic label 14A can also be
associated with an Electronic Product Code (EPC) module 19B. The
EPC module 19B can provide a unique identifier associated with each
tracked item in conjunction with the RFID tag 19A.
[0058] Furthermore, data relating to an item can be stored in one
or more databases 17 linked to the RFID tag. These databases can
reside on the electronic label 14, or can be linked to the
electronic label 14 through a communication protocol such as an
encrypted wireless link. For the purpose of clarity, the database
17 is shown remotely located from the electronic label 14A.
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates the electronic display 18 associated with
an electronic label 14A. The electronic display 18 can be
configured to include a number of regions 20, 22, 24, 26 for
displaying one or more visual indicators 21, 23, 25 and 27. The
electronic display 18 can display one or more graphical or textual
representations, simultaneously or sequentially, in each of the
regions 20, 22, 24 and 26 for use in tracking an item in a supply
chain environment. A region is defined as a portion of the
electronic label 14B and can be made of a single pixel, a plurality
of pixels, a segment or a combination thereof. A region can be of
any size, shape of location can be defined on the electronic
display 18 of the electronic label 14A. In one aspect, the
electronic display 18 associated with an electronic label 14B has
been divided into four distinct regions 20, 22, 24, 26, each of
which is separated by a null region 28. The null region 28 can be
made of a material distinct from the material that the electronic
display 18 is manufactured, can be a defined region on the
electronic display 18 on which no graphical indication is
displayed, or can be a combination of both. Each region can display
one or more visual indicators 21, 23, 25 and 27 in various forms.
For example, a visual indicator can be a simple color change, the
placement of a symbol such as a circle or triangle, or can include
a number of textual or graphical representations. In a supply chain
tracking setting, prior to entering the designated supply chain the
electronic label 14B has no visual indicators illuminated. After
passing through a first step in the supply chain, a first visual
indicator 21, on a first display region 20 is displayed. As the
tracked item passes through additional stages in he supply chain,
additional visual indicators 23, 25, 27 on various regions 22, 24,
26 are displayed corresponding to each state that the tracked item
has completed within the supply chain. The non-electronic region 28
located between the various regions 20, 22, 24, 26 allows for the
display of non-electronic information such as plain text, graphics,
or simply a uniform color. In one embodiment, the non electronic
region 28 may have the various locations of the supply chain
through which the item will pass printed in plain text. The
non-electronic region 28 may be further utilized for any purpose
relating to the implementation of the electronic label or may
optionally be deleted.
[0060] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate the electronic label 14B when
used in conjunction with an RFID tag 19A. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the
electronic label 14B and the RFID tag 19A are physically and
electronically combined into a single entity. As illustrated, the
electronic label 14B can occupy a portion of the RFID tag 19A or
alternatively the RFID tag 19A can occupy a portion of the
electronic label 14B to form an integrated device. Further, as
illustrated in FIG. 4, the electronic label and the RFID tag are
physically separate, but in communication with each other. The RFID
tag 19A and electronic label 14B can be sized and shaped according
to the desired function of the electronic label. For example, the
electronic label 14B can be sized for use with shipping containers,
pallets, consumer goods, luggage, employee badges, and access
control passes.
[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates the electronic label 14C when used in
conjunction with a RFID tag 19A. The electronic label 14C and the
RFID tag 19A are physically and electronically separate from each
other. The electronic label 14C and the RFID tag 19A can
communicate via a communication protocol. One example of this
communication protocol is a wireless link.
[0062] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show to illustrative examples of machine
readable data 52, 62 which can be displayed on an electronic
display 18 associated with an electronic label 14D, 14E. As
exhibited in FIG. 5, a visual indicator can be presented on an
electronic display 18 associated with an electronic label 14D in a
machine readable format wherein the visual indicator is a matrix
array symbology 52. The matrix array can be made up of hexagonal,
square, polygonal and/or other geometric shapes, lines, or dots. As
further evidenced in FIG. 6, a visual indicator can be presented on
an electronic display 18 associated with an electronic label 14E in
a machine readable format such as a barcode 62.
[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic label 14F in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention. The electronic label
14F includes four regions 72, 74, 76, 78 each region is capable of
displaying a visual indicator simultaneously or sequentially. A
region is a defined portion of the electronic display and can be
made of a single pixel, a plurality of pixels, a segment, a
plurality of segments or any combination thereof. A region can be
of any size, shape of location on the electronic display of the
electronic label. The electronic display 18 can have any number of
regions of various sizes and shapes. The visual indicator displayed
on each of these regions can provide detailed information relating
to the tracking of state, status, location or other information
relating to an item. For example, the name of the manufacturer, the
plant at which the product was produced, as well as the shipping
date and company can be displayed in a region 72. After passing
from the manufacturer to a distribution center, a new data set
including the date received and the date shipped can again be
displayed on a different region 74.
[0064] For the purpose of illustration, visual indicators displayed
in the various regions are provided in plain text, but in practice
the electronic label 14F can provide data on an electronic display
in any number of formats including but not limited to machine
readable barcodes and symbols, geometric shapes, or varying colors.
For example, the visual indicator displayed on the electronic
display 18 associated with the electronic label 14F may be a
machine readable barcode or a matrix array symbology. Utilizing a
barcode or matrix array symbology, detailed information can be
presented in a machine readable format. The information can relate
to past, present or future locations within the supply chain. In
the alternative, the visual indicator may include both a human
readable display as well as a machine readable display.
[0065] The visual indicator on the electronic display 18 can be
used to display at least one of a past location, a present location
or a future location of the item to be tracked. A future location
of an item can be a new location or can be a return to a previous
location. For example, an item can move from a shelf in a warehouse
to an inventory control point within the same warehouse. This can
be viewed as a move from a past to a present location. The item can
then move from the present location, the inventory control point,
to either a truck for delivery or can be return to the shelf in the
warehouse. The move from the inventory control point to either the
awaiting truck, or the shelf in the warehouse is a move from a
present location to a future location. The present invention also
provides a visual indication of current location of the electronic
label attached to an item without the need for any knowledge of
past or future locations relating to the item
[0066] In one embodiment information indicated on the various
regions of the electronic display 18 associated with the electronic
label 14F may remain for a fixed period of time upon the removal of
power from the electronic display 18. This time period may be a
function of the material properties of the electronic display 18, a
function of the operating environment of the electronic display, or
may be controlled by the interface module of the electronic label.
Operating environment factors include, but are not limited to,
temperature, humidity, pH, sun light, ultraviolet light, as well as
the presence of various chemical compounds, radioactivity,
pathogens, bacteria, viruses or pryons.
[0067] FIG. 8 illustrates the electronic label 14G in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention when used as an
indicator of a state of the electronic label 14G. In one
embodiment, the electronic label 14G can be part of a larger label
80 wherein two or more display mediums are combined. A first medium
can be a traditional print advertisement 82, and the second medium
can be an electronic label 14G as taught in the present invention.
In the embodiment shown, the electronic label 14G is used to serve
as an indicator of state of an attached RFID tag (not shown). Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that the RFID tag is integrated
into the electronic label 14G, or in the alternative is not
integrated in the electronic label 14G but is in communication with
the electronic label 14G. The presence of a visual indicator on the
electronic display 14G can indicate that the RFID tag (not shown)
associated with the electronic label 14G is activated. An
extinguished visual indicator on the electronic label 14G can
indicate that the RFID tag (not shown) is inactive. In light of the
inherent privacy concerns associated with RFID tags that
unintentionally remain active after a user purchases an item and
leaves a store, providing a visual indication that the RFID tag
associated with an item is no longer capable of transmitting serves
to alleviate any privacy concerns a consumer may have. The use of
the present invention to verify the status of a RFID tag 19A is
presented solely as an example of the potential uses.
[0068] The visual indicator may additionally take numerous forms,
and is not limited to the circular arrangement presented as an
example. In one embodiment, a varying color change may be utilized
to indicate a state change. In an alternate embodiment, numerous
visual indicators may be associated with the electronic label 14G,
wherein human readable or machine readable information is presented
on each indicator. Furthermore, the electronic label 14G of the
present invention may be sized such that it alone is the indicator
of RFID tag state, or can be a portion of label 80 which combines a
first media 82 and second media 14G. The first media 82 can be a
non-alterable print advertisement, and the second media can be an
electronic label in accordance with the present invention 14G.
[0069] FIG. 9 illustrates an electronic label 14H of the present
invention when used as a read indicator. A read indicator in
accordance with the present embodiment will change from an initial
state to a new state upon a successful read. These state changes
may be indicated on an electronic display 18 by the appearance of
an icon or color change, or may be indicated by the appearance of a
pre-determined message. Additionally, the electronic label 14H may
incorporators a plurality of regions wherein a plurality of read
indicators is employed on an electronic display, such that the read
status of an item at numerous locations can be visually depicted.
For the purpose of clarity, a single region is shown in the present
embodiment.
[0070] In FIG. 9, a read indicator is shown in two alternate
states, namely an unread state 92 and a read state 94. In both
states, an electronic label 14H display can provide a visual
indication following a change in state of item to which the read
indicator is attached. As illustrated in the unread 92 state, no
graphical indication is displayed on the electronic label 14H prior
to a successful read of the tag associated with the electronic
label 14H. Following a successful read of the tag associated with
the electronic label, the electronic label 14H can provide a visual
indicator to a user. This visual indicator proves useful in
inventory management and supply chain tracking, as absent a read
indicator associated with an electronic display it is difficult to
determine if an item with an electronic tag has been successfully
scanned and entered into inventory.
[0071] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram which illustrates a method of
marking an item in accordance with the present invention. In step
100, the item is detected at a location. In step 102, a visual
indicator is displayed on the electronic label associated with an
item in response to detection of the item at the location. The
detection can be calculated based upon information derived from one
or more locations. Upon detecting a location of an item a visual
indicator is displayed on the electronic display associated with
the electronic label. This visual indicator can be a graphical
object, a machine readable barcode, a human readable text string,
or any combination thereof. Data displayed by the electronic label
can be in black and white, contrasting colors, a full color display
or a combination thereof. Additionally, the visual indicator can
occupy the entire electronic display, or can be displayed in one or
more regions of the electronic display. Furthermore, the electronic
display can continue to display data for a period of time after
power to the display medium is removed. The time period for which
the visual indicator continues to display data may be controlled
from within the electronic label, may be a function of the material
properties used to construct the electronic display, or may be a
function of the environment in which the label is operating.
[0072] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram which illustrates a method for
tracking an item in accordance with the present invention. In
accordance with step 110, information related to the item is
detected. In step 112, a visual indicator is displayed on the
electronic label in response to the detected information. The
information can be based upon monitored state data, or can be
derived from data supplied to the electronic label. For example,
state data may include, but is not limited to a read or unread
status of the tag associated with an item or activated or
deactivated status of a electronic label associated with the item
to be tracked. This visual indicator can occupy the entire
electronic display, or can be located on one or more regions of the
electronic display. The visual indicator can be in black and white,
grayscale, color, or some combination thereof. Furthermore, the
visual indicator can be in a machine readable format, a human
readable format, or some combination of the two. The electronic
display can continue to display state data for a fixed period of
time after power tone or more portions of the electronic label is
removed. The time period for which the electronic display continues
to display data may be controlled from within the electronic label,
may be a functional of the material properties used to construct
the electronic display, may be a function of the operating
environment of the label, or may be some combination thereof.
[0073] FIG. 12 is an exploded schematic view illustrating the
composition of one embodiment an electronic label 14I according to
the teachings of the present invention. A transparent reference
electrode 122 is disposed over a display medium 124 wherein the
reference electrode 122 is utilized in completing the electrical
circuit necessary for activation of the display medium 124. A clear
protective layer may be disposed over the transparent reference
electrode 122 should it be necessary to prevent physical trauma or
damage to the electronic label. The display medium 124 can be
formed or constructed of multiple layers of material, but for
purposes of illustration and clarity it is illustrated as a single
layer. In one embodiment, the display medium 124 can be flexible
and capable of movement in a plurality of dimensions, whereas in an
alternative embodiment the display medium 124 is rigid. The display
medium 124 is associated with a backplane 126 such that the
backplane 126 is capable of activating a visual indicator on the
display medium layer 124. The visual indicator can include a
graphical or textual representation, such as an icon, a geometric
shape, a barcode or any other like representation. The visual
indicator can be in black and white, various shades of grey, or can
be in color. Combinations of the aforementioned visual indicators
may be provided on a single electronic display. Additionally, the
display medium 124 may be partitioned into numerous regions. These
regions may be a single pixel, a combination of pixels, a segment,
or any combination thereof. A region can be of any shape or size,
and any number of regions can exists on the electronic display
medium 124. Furthermore, each of these regions can display one or
more visual indicators.
[0074] The electronic label 14I can be attached to an item
utilizing numerous means. For example, conventional mechanical
fastening system, loop and hook-type arrangements, stitches,
adhesives, as well as other known fixation techniques may be
employed to permanently or temporarily attach the electronic label
to an item. The electronic label 14I can also be integrally formed
with the item, or can be used as a stand alone electronic label. As
used herein, the term label is intended to include a label, strip,
tag or general display device that is sufficiently sized and
configured for attachment to an item. While the electronic display
18 associated with the electronic label 14I is shown as a plurality
of layers in FIG. 12, those of ordinary skill will appreciate that
the label may be made of a single layer. Examples of electronic
labels comprising one or more layers suitable for use with the
present invention are set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,753,830 B2, the
contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. Further
examples of electronic labels comprising one or more layers
suitable for use with the present invention are set forth in U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/393553, U.S. application Ser. No.
09/760363, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/300514, and U.S.
Application No. 60/498983.
[0075] Dispersed across the backplane 126 is a plurality of
conductive traces 128, wherein these conductive traces 128 are
oriented to activating a visual indicator on the display medium
124. The display medium 124 can be actuated utilizing numerous
methods depending upon the intended visual indicator. The backplane
126 may employ direct drive icon activation, direct drive alpha
numeric segment based character activation, row column addressable
indicator activation, active matrix indicator activation, or a
combination of the above to adequately display a visual indicator
on the display medium 124. The aforementioned illumination means
can be employed separately or in combination depending upon the
intended visual indicator. For example, some indicators may require
a direct line to illuminate the display medium, whereas other
indicators such as free text may require an active matrix row
column or a pixel addressable arrangement to adequately display the
visual indicator.
[0076] The display medium 124 can be a bi-stable, non-volatile
display medium or can be a volatile display medium. Examples of
bi-stable non-volatile mediums include but are not limited to
encapsulated and un-encapsulated electrophoretic material,
Cholesteric materials, polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid
crystals (PDChLC), encapsulated cholesteric materials, separated
redox and dye reaction materials such as Dow Commotion.RTM. display
medium, ph sensitive dyes, electrothermochromics displays and
thermo-chromic, zenithal bi-stable, nematic, and surface stabilized
ferroelectric liquid crystals.
[0077] The display medium 124 can further comprise electronic ink,
wherein the electronic ink is capable of displaying a graphical
indicator on the electronic label. The term "electronic ink" as
used herein is intended to include any suitable bi-stable,
non-volatile material. The term "bi-stable" as used herein is
intended to indicate that the particles of the imaging material can
alternately occupy two stable states. For example, the particles
corresponding to different pixel locations of the display assembly
can alternately occupy an ON or an OFF state to form selected
indicia.
[0078] In an illustrative embodiment, the display media is
reflective to provide a greater viewing angle to the image
displayed by the electronic label. In this case, the particles in
the imaging material can be oriented in a first state to reflect
light (ON) or a second state to absorb light (OFF). The term
"non-volatile" as used herein is intended to denote that the
imaging material has indefinite memory without power and will
retain an image in the absence of power to the electronic label.
The particles in the imaging material maintain a first state unless
actively directed to change to a second state. Thus, the imaging
surface of the label shows a high-quality image even when power to
the label is turned off. The electronic ink can also be a
printable, conductive ink having an arrangement of particles or
microscopic containers or microcapsules. Each microcapsule has
disposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid, such as
a dielectric or emulsion fluid, and a suspension of colored or
charged particles or colloidal material. The diameter of the
microcapsules typically ranges from about 30 to about 300
microns.
[0079] According to one practice, the particles visually contrast
with the dielectric fluid. According to another example, the
electronic ink can include rotatable balls that can rotate to
expose a different colored surface area, and which can migrate
between a forward viewing position and/or a rear non-viewing
position, or both. On example of such a material is a gyricon.
Gyricon is a material comprised of twisting rotating elements
contained in liquid-filled spherical cavities and embedded in an
elastomer medium. The rotating elements can be made to exhibit
changes in optical properties by the imposition of an external
electric field. Upon application of an electric field of a given
polarity, one segment of a rotating element rotates toward, and is
visible by an observer of the display. Application of an electric
field of opposite polarity, causes the element to rotate and expose
a second, different segment to the observer. A gyricon display
maintains a given configuration until an electric field is actively
applied to the display assembly. Gyricon particles typically have a
diameter of about 100 microns. Gyricon materials are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,147,791, U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,854 and U.S. Pat. No.
6,055,091, the contents of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
[0080] A reference electrode layer 122 can be used in conjunction
with the electronic ink disposed upon a display medium 124 and a
backplane 126 to form an electronically activatable and addressable
electronic display 18. The electrode and backplane can be disposed
on, or cover opposite sides of the microcapsule arrangement, or
both to provide structure for creating a potential difference
across the electronic ink that causes particles within the
microcapsules to migrate toward one of the electrodes. This
migration can change the color of the sphere, and hence the pixel
location, as viewed by an individual. According to one practice,
the microcapsules can be filled with electrically charged white
particles in a black or colored dye. Examples of electronic ink and
methods of fabricating assemblies capable of controlling or
effecting the orientation of the ink suitable for use with the
present invention are set forth in International Patent Application
Publication Number WO 98/41899, International Patent Application
Publication Number WO 98/19208, International Patent Application
Publication Number WO 98/03896, and International Patent
Application Publication Number WO 98/41898, the contents of which
are herein incorporated by reference.
[0081] The term electronic ink can also include a bi-stable
non-volatile cholesteric imaging material. The cholesteric liquid
crystal material has positive dielectric anisotropy and can include
a chiral material in an amount effective to form focal conic and
twisted planar textures. Typically cholesteric imaging material
comprises liquid crystal cells ranging in thickness from about 25
microns to about 50 microns. Suitable cholesteric materials are
disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,190, U.S. Pat. No.
6,061,107 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,847,798, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0082] In addition, the electronic ink can include zenithal
bi-stable display technology to form the bi-stable nonvolatile
display assembly comprised of a bi-stable nematic liquid crystal
device cell. The bi-stable nematic cell is provided with a surface
alignment grating on at least one cell wall and a surface treatment
on an opposite cell wall. The material is activated by dc pulses to
form an image. Suitable zenithal bi-stable devices are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,096, world patent application number
WO09804953A1, world patent application number WO09934251A1, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,054,973, world patent application number WO00052671A1,
and U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,096, the contents of which are herein
incorporated by reference.
[0083] Further, the electronic ink can include a thermo-chromic
material. A thermo-chromic material is capable of changing its
state alternately between transparent and opaque upon the
application of heat. In this manner, a thermo-chromic imaging
material develops images through the application of heat at
specific pixel locations in order to form an image. The
thermo-chromic imaging material retains a particular image until
heat is again applied to the material. The display assembly is
reusable, rewritable, non-volatile, bi-stable. Visually, black
characters are written in a transparent background by applying heat
to selected locations or pixels in the display layer. To form color
displays other colors, such as red, yellow, and blue are used.
Since the rewritable material is transparent, UV fluorescent
printings, designs and patterns underneath can be seen through.
[0084] The electronic ink can also include surface stabilized
ferrroelectric liquid crystals (SSFLC). Surface stabilized
ferroelectric liquid crystals confining ferroelectric liquid
crystal material between closely-spaced glass plates to suppress
the natural helix configuration of the crystals. The cells switch
rapidly between two optically distinct, stable states simply by
alternating the sign of an applied electric field.
[0085] Magnetic particles suspended in an emulsion comprises an
additional imaging material suitable for use with the present
invention. Application of a magnetic force alters pixels formed
with the magnetic particles in order to create, update or change
human readable indicia, machine readable indicia or both. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of bi-stable
non-volatile imaging materials are available and may be implemented
in the present invention.
[0086] The electronic label can further include an electronics
layer 129 which can include an electronics module 127. The
electronics module can control the activation of the display medium
124. The electronics module 127 can contain one or more silicon
chips, programmable microcontrollers or discrete components used in
displaying a visual indicator on the display medium 124. The
electronics module can further include one or more sensors. These
sensors can monitor the external environment in which the
electronic label 14A is operating. For example, in one embodiment
an external temperature sensor can be employed so that in the event
that the electronic display 18 experiences a period below freezing
a visual indicator on the display medium can be displayed to a
user. Sensors may further monitor humidity, Ph, sunlight,
ultraviolet light, chemicals, radioactivity, pathogens, bacteria,
viruses or pryons in the environment surrounding the electronic
display 18.
[0087] Furthermore, the electronics module 127 can transmit and
receive information to and from a location using any suitable
communication link, such as a standard electrical cable, optical
fiber, wireless network or any suitable direct or indirect
connection or link. The applications and embodiments described
below generally employ radio signals transmitted and received
through an applicable antenna associated with the electronics
module 127.
[0088] The electronic label 14I can also contain conductive traces
128. The conductive traces can be oriented such that upon assembly
of the electronic label 14I electrical continuity between the
conductive traces 128 on the backplane layer 126 and the electronic
layer 129 can be established by way of embedded electrical contact
points 125.
[0089] The electronic label 14I can retain a visual indication on
the display medium 124 for a period of time after power to the
display medium is removed. The time period for which this visual
indicator on the display medium remains present may be controlled
by the material properties of the display medium 124, can be
controlled by the electronic hardware 127 located on the electronic
layer 129, or can be a function of the external environment in
which the electronic label 14I is operating. The illustrated
electronic label 14I may be of varying size and shape as understood
by those skilled in the art. For example, the electronic label 14I
may be sized to fit on a shipping container or a pallet.
Furthermore, the electronic label 14I can be sized to fit on a
envelope, or can be sized to cover a portion of a shelf in a
supermarket.
[0090] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate two additional embodiments of the
electronic label 14I. As seen in FIGS. 13 and 14, the backplane can
be combined with the electronics layer using various means. For
example, as seen in FIG. 14, a continuous backplane and electronics
layer 136 can be constructed on a single substrate which is then
folded to form a compact electronic label 14I. Such an arrangement
eliminates the need for the electrical contact points 125 between
the stacked backplane and electronics layer of FIG. 12. In an
alternate embodiment, as seen in FIG. 14, the backplane and
electronics layer can be manufactured on a single substrate 146,
thereby resulting in reduced size requirements.
[0091] FIG. 15 illustrates and electronic label 14I of the present
invention when used in conjunction with a shipping container 152.
The shipping container 152 can be located at a loading dock or
warehouse and can be mobile in nature. An electronic label 14I can
be attached to the shipping container 152 using various permanent
or temporary means as understood by those skilled in the art. The
electronic label 14I can further display a visual indicator
signifying the state, status, location or some combination thereof
of the shipping container 152.
[0092] FIG. 16 illustrates and electronic label 14J of the present
invention when used in conjunction with a pallet 162. The pallet
162 can be located at a loading dock or warehouse and can be mobile
in nature. An electronic label 14J can be attached to the shipping
container 162 using various permanent or temporary means as
understood by those skilled in the art. The electronic label 14J
can further display a visual indicator relating to the state,
status, location or some combination thereof of the pallet 162.
[0093] FIG. 17 illustrates and electronic label 14K of the present
invention when used in conjunction with a shipping case 172. The
shipping case 172 can be located at a loading dock or warehouse and
can be mobile in nature. An electronic label 14K can be attached to
the shipping case 172 using various permanent or temporary means as
understood by those skilled in the art. The electronic label 14K
can further display a visual indicator signifying the state,
status, location or some combination thereof of the shipping case
172.
[0094] FIG. 18 illustrates and electronic label 14L of the present
invention when used in conjunction with a consumer good 182. The
electronic label 14L associated with the consumer good can display
information such as price, manufacturing date, or washing
instructions. The electronic display 14L associated with the
consumer good 182 can further display an owners name.
[0095] FIG. 19 illustrates and electronic label 14M of the present
invention when used in conjunction with a perishable product 192.
The electronic label 14M associated with the perishable product can
display an expiration date, or can utilize a sensor associated with
the electronic label 14M to display a graphical indicator is the
perishable good has experienced a period without proper
refrigeration.
[0096] FIG. 20 illustrates and electronic label 14N of the present
invention when used as a seasonal indicator 202. The seasonal
indicator can incorporate an electronic label 14N wherein the
electronic label can display a graphical indicator indicating the
current season.
[0097] FIG. 21 illustrates an electronic label 14P of the present
invention when used in conjunction with a package 222 to indicate
package priority.
[0098] FIG. 22 illustrates an electronic label 14Q of the present
invention when used in conjunction with a package 222 to indicate
package routing information. Routing information displayed on the
electronic label may be in a human readable form, or may be a
machine readable form such as a barcode or matrix array.
[0099] FIG. 23 illustrates an electronic label 14R of the present
invention when used in conjunction with luggage 232 as a security
check indicator. The electronic label 14R can display a variety of
visual indicators to graphically depict if a piece of luggage 232
has been properly checked through security.
[0100] FIG. 24 illustrates an electronic label 14S of the present
invention when used in conjunction with an employee badge 242. The
electronic label 14S can display one or more graphical indicators
relating to the security scan status of an employee badge 242.
[0101] FIG. 25 illustrates an electronic label 14T of the present
invention when used as a bio-presence sensor 252. The electronic
label 14T can display one or more graphical indicators relating to
the presence of a biological entity.
[0102] FIG. 26 illustrates an electronic label 14U of the present
invention when used as a chemical presence sensor 262. The
electronic label 14U can display one or more graphical indicators
relating to the presence of a chemical composition.
[0103] FIG. 27 illustrates an electronic label 14V of the present
invention when used as an environmental indicator 272. The
electronic label 14V can display one or more graphical indicators
relating to the environmental factors such as the Ultraviolet
index, pollen count, or air quality.
[0104] FIG. 28 illustrates an electronic label 14W of the present
invention when used as an access control indicator in an access
control setting 282. The electronic label 14W can display the state
or status of the access control card.
[0105] FIG. 29 illustrates electronic labels 14X, 14Y, 14Z of an
present invention when used as part of a pick to light warehouse
automation system. The electronic labels 14X, 14Y, 14Z of the
present invention can be used in a warehouse 292, wherein the
electronic labels 14X, 14Y, 14Z are associated with a plurality of
items within the warehouse 292.
[0106] It will thus be seen that the invention efficiently attains
the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the
preceding description. Since certain changes may be made in the
above constructions without departing from the scope of the
invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[0107] It is also to be understood that the following claims are to
cover all generic and specific features of the invention described
herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as
a matter of language, might be said to fall there between.
* * * * *