Smart electronic label employing electronic ink

• US 6,924,781 B1
• Filed: 09/10/1999
• Issued: 08/02/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Metrologic Instruments Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Visible Tech-Knowledgy, Inc.
• Inventors: Gelbman, Alexander
• Primary Examiner(s): CHOW, DOON Y
• Application Number:
  US09/393,553
• Time in Patent Office: 2,153 Days
• Field of Search: 345/85, 345/87, 345/1.1, 345/2.1, 345/2.3, 340/5.91, 340/5.92, 340/825.49, 705/67, 705/75
• US Class Current: 345/85
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1454 involving copying of the display data of a local workstation or window to a remote workstation or window so that an actual copy of the data is displayed simultaneously on two or more displays, e.g. teledisplay
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/147 using display panels
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 3/02 Forms or constructions layered products B32B
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/372 the positions of the elements being controlled by the application of an electric field
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2300/023 Display panel composed of stacked panels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2370/16 Use of wireless transmission of display information
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2380/04 Electronic labels
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/344 based on particles moving in a fluid or in a gas, e.g. electrophoretic devices electrophoretic devices per se G02F1/167

Abstract

The present invention provides for smart and dumb implementations of a stand-alone, remotely updateable, remotely alterable, flexible electronic label. The electronic label provides for displaying information in connection with a mammal, non-mammal, an item or location. The label includes a display assembly having electronic ink disposed on a support, one or more antennas for sending or receiving signals corresponding to one of instructions, programs, data or selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, a storage element in circuit with the antenna for storing the instructions, programs, data and indicia, and one or more processors for intelligently determining the indicia to be displayed by the display assembly, for controlling and coordinating operation of the label, and for generating output signals for instructing the display assembly to display the indicia.

Claims

1. A smart electronic label suitable for displaying information in connection with a mammal, non-mammal, an item or location, said label providing a combination comprising

a display assembly including electronic ink comprising arrangement of microcapsules disposed on a support, each microcapsule having disposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid and a suspension of particles,

one or more antennas for sending or receiving signals corresponding to one of instructions, programs, data or selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly through said electronic ink which comprising a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material,

a storage element in circuit with said one or more antennas for storing said instructions, programs, data and indicia, and

one or more processors in circuit with said display assembly, said storage element and said antenna for intelligently determining said indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, for controlling and coordinating operation of the label, and for generating output signals for instructing the display assembly to display the indicia through said bi-stable, non volatile imaging material

said combination being operatively operable

a) through operation of said one or more antennas, to activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any power source on said label,

b) to cause said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and

c) said signal activated bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material providing a display related to the intended function of said label, and allowing said display to remain visible and stable.

2. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said processor comprises indicia altering means for altering the indicia displayed by said display assembly.

3. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said processor employs one of data stored in said storage element, data calculated by said processor, and data received in real time from said antenna communicating with an external source.

4. The electronic label of claim 3, wherein the external source comprises one of an activator module, a GPS system, cellular phone network, pager network, radiowave generator, and a satellite communication system.

5. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said storage element is in circuit with said processor for storing one of programs employed by said processor to determine information by said display assembly information employed by the processor when performing operational decisions, information received from an external source for subsequent display by said display assembly, indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, pixel addresses, information and programs permanently formed in said storage element when manufactured, and a program for displaying selected indicia with said display assembly.

6. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said one or more antennas comprises a receiver for receiving the signals corresponding to programs, instructions, data or the selected indicia.

7. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said processor determines which of a subset of information stored in said storage element is displayed by said display assembly.

8. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said processor comprises means for determining how said indicia is displayed by said display assembly.

9. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said one or more antennas comprises a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic label.

10. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said one or more antennas comprises

a receiver for receiving signals corresponding to programs, instructions, data or said selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, and

a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic label.

11. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said one or more antenna is adapted to receive signals from one of a GPS system, cellular phone system, pager system, radiowave transmitter, and satellite communication system.

12. The electronic label of claim 1, further comprising an activation grid for activating said electronic ink in said display assembly.

13. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said one or more antennas comprises a power antenna for receiving a power signal from a source, and for generating an output power signal for powering the electronic label.

14. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said one or more antennas comprises a power antenna for receiving a power signal from a source, and for generating an output power signal, and said electronic label further includes a power converter in circuit with said power antenna for receiving said output power signals generated by said power antenna and for producing a converted output power signal suitable for powering the electronic label.

15. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said one or more antennas comprises

a receiver for receiving signals corresponding to said selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly,

a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic display corresponding to said selected indicia displayed by said display assembly, and

a power antenna for receiving a power signal from a source, and for generating an output power signal for powering the electronic label.

16. The electronic label of claim 15, further comprising a shielding layer for shielding at least one of said antennas from another one of said antennas or from other components of said label.

17. The electronic label of claim 1, further comprising a protection layer coupled to said display assembly for protecting said assembly and specifically to protect the electronic ink from physical or environmental damage.

18. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said display assembly is adapted to display said indicia in human and/or machine readable form.

19. The electronic label of claim 1, further comprising identification information corresponding to the label and formed in the label when created.

20. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said electronic label operates without an on-board power source.

21. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein the electronic label is battery-free.

22. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein said processor is adapted to execute programs stored in said storage element that employs all available data to determine the indicia displayed by said display assembly.

23. The electronic label of claim 1, said storage element stores one of information employed by said processor when performing calculations, information received from an external source, indicia, pixel addresses, or information permanently formed into said storage element when created.

24. The electronic label of claim 1, wherein the electronic ink forms a pixel addressable display.

131. The electronic label of claims 1, 115 or 128, wherein the electronic label is flexible and resilient.

132. The electronic label of claim 131, wherein the electronic label has a thickness in the range between about 100 microns and about 2000 microns.

133. The electronic label of claim 1, 115 or 128 wherein the electronic label has a thickness in the range between about 100 microns and about 2000 microns.

134. The electronic label of claims 1, 115 or 128, wherein said display assembly is adapted to continue to display said indicia independent of power continuing to be supplied to said label.

135. The electronic label of claims 1, 115 or 128, wherein said storage element is in circuit with said processor for storing one of programs employed by said processor to determine information to be displayed by said display assembly, information employed by the processor when performing operational decisions, information received from an external source for subsequent display by said display assembly, indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, pixel addresses, information and programs permanently formed in said storage element when manufactured, and a program for displaying selected indicia with said display assembly.

136. The electronic label of claims 1, 115 or 128, wherein the indicia displayed by the display assembly comprises a Universal Product Code for a product associated with the label.

137. The electronic label of claims 1, 112 or 128, wherein the electronic label is flexible and resilient, and said electronic label operates without an on-board power source.

138. The electronic label of claims 1, 115 or 128, wherein the electronic label is incorporated in a supply and demand pricing system for instantaneously adjusting a price of an item depending on a purchased quantity of the item, wherein said price is displayed on said display assembly.

142. The electronic label of claims 1, 115 or 128, wherein said display assembly, said one or more antennas, said storage element and said one or more processors comprises a single layer.

25. An electronic display label system suitable for displaying information, said system comprising

an electronic label providing a combination including

a display assembly including one or more layers of electronic ink comprising an arrangement of microcapsules disposed on a support each microcapsule having disposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid and a suspension of particles,

one or more antennas for sending or receiving signals corresponding to selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly,

one or more storage elements, and

one or more processors in circuit with said display assembly, said storage element, and said antenna for generating output signals for instructing the display assembly to display the indicia through said electronic ink which comprising a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material, and

one or more activator modules for generating output activator signals for one of activating said electronic label and communicating with said electronic label

said combination being cooperatively operable

a) through operation of said one or more antennas, to activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any power source on said label,

b) to cause said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and

c) said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material providing a display related to the intended function of said label, and allowing said display to remain visible and stable.

26. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said activator module comprises a transmitter for transmitting said output activator signals.

27. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said activator module comprises

a receiver for receiving signals from said electronic label, and

a transmitter for transmitting said output activator signals to said electronic label.

28. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said activator module comprises a processor for processing instructions for transmission to said electronic label.

29. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said activator module comprises an interface for coupling to other computer processing and networking apparatus.

30. The electronic label system of claim 29, wherein said processing apparatus comprises at least one of a processor, computer, LAN, WAN, computer network, Java box, cellular telephone network, satellite broadcast network, control and communication system, internet, intranet, GPS system, and radiowave generating system, and intelligent appliance.

31. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said output activator signals generated by said activator module correspond to software programs, commands/instructions, parameters, data or the indicia to be displayed by said display assembly.

32. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said activator module comprises means for generating an output power signal for providing power off-board of said module.

33. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said processor of said electronic label is employed for one of executing programs stored in said storage element that uses, all available data stored therein to determine an appropriate set of information for display by said display assembly, controlling and coordinating operation of said label, and further comprising indicia altering means for altering the indicia displayed by said display assembly.

34. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said storage element is disposed in circuit with said processor for storing one of programs, instructions, data, indicia, pixel addresses, pre-selected indicia, and a program for displaying selected indicia for display by said display assembly, wherein said antenna receives said output activator signal generated by said activator module, and wherein said processor executes stored instructions or acts upon instructions received from said activator module to determine information displayed on said display assembly then as determined by said processor.

35. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said one or more antennas comprise a receiver for receiving said output activator signals.

36. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said one or more antennas comprise a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic label to said activator module.

37. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said one or more antennas comprise

a receiver for receiving said output activator signals generated by said activator module, and

a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic label to said activator module.

38. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said electronic label further comprises one or more electronic ink layers disposed on a support.

39. The stacked electronic label of claim 38, wherein each layer includes electronic ink having different performance characteristics.

40. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said electronic label further comprises one or more activation grids for activating said electronic ink in said display assembly.

41. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said one or more antennas of said electronic label comprises a power antenna for receiving a power signal from a source, and for generating power necessary to power the electronic label.

42. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said one or more antennas comprises a power antenna for receiving a power signal from said activator module and for generating an output power signal in response thereto, and wherein said electronic label further includes a power converter in circuit with said power antenna for receiving said output power signal generated by said power antenna and for producing a convened output power signal suitable for powering the electronic label.

43. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said one or more antennas send or receive signals at one of different frequencies, harmonics, and time.

44. The electronic label system of claim 25, wherein said one or more antennas of said electronic label comprises

a receiver for receiving said output activator signals generated by said activator module,

a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic label to said activator module, and

a power antenna for receiving a power signal from a source, and for generating an output power signal for powering the electronic label.

147. The electronic label system of claims 25 or 45 wherein the label is flexible and resilient, and said electronic label operates without an on-board power source.

150. The electronic label system of claims 25, 45 or wherein said display assembly, said one or more antennas, the antenna, the storage element and the processor comprises a single layer.

45. A smart electronic label system suitable for displaying information in connection with a mammal, non-mammal, item or location, said label system comprising a label assembly providing a combination including

a display assembly including electronic ink comprising an arrangement of microcapsules disposed on a support, each microcapsule having disposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid and a suspension of particles,

an activation grid for activating said electronic ink in said display assembly,

a receiver for receiving signals corresponding to selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly through said electronic ink which comprising a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material,

a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic label, a power antenna for receiving a power signal from a source, and for generating an output power signal for powering the electronic label,

a storage element in circuit with at least one of said display assembly, said receiver, said transmitter, and said power antenna for storing information associated with said indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, and

a processor in circuit with at least one of said display assembly, said storage element, said receiver, said transmitter, and said power antenna, for generating output signals employed by said display assembly for displaying the indicia through said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material,

said combination being cooperatively operable

a) through operation of said power antenna to activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any power source on said label,

b) to cause said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and

c) said signal activated, bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material providing a display related to the intended function of said label, and allowing said display to remain visible and stable.

46. The label system of claim 45, wherein said information stored in said storage element comprises one of instructions for determining the indicia displayed by said display assembly and pixel addresses corresponding to locations in said display assembly.

47. The label system of claim 45, further comprising an on-board power source for providing power for one or more components of the label assembly.

48. The electronic label of claim 45, wherein said display assembly is adapted to display said indicia in human or machine readable form.

49. The electronic label of claim 45, further comprising identification information corresponding to the label and formed in the label when created.

50. The label system of claim 45, wherein said storage element is configured to store selected information for display by said display assembly.

51. The label system of claim 45, further comprising securing means for securing said label assembly to a media item employed for storing or displaying selected information.

52. The label system of claim 51, wherein said media item comprises one of a computer diskette, computer zip drive, computer DVD disk, magnetic tape, VHS tape, digital recording tape, writable DVD disk, paper, binder, folder, and book.

53. The label system of claim 45, further comprising an adhesive or mechanical device for securing said label assembly to the item.

54. The label system of claim 45, wherein said label assembly is integrally formed in a housing or packaging in which a media item is used or placed.

55. The label system of claim 45, wherein said label assembly is integrally formed with a media item.

56. The label system of claim 45, wherein said label assembly further comprises means for automatically changing information displayed by said display assembly to reflect information stored in the item, information about the item, information about when the item is to be returned, or information on the item.

57. The label system of claim 45, wherein said storage element is configured for storing a software program for automatically updating readable machine indicia and the item is a media item, such that the media item remains compatible with selected machine indicia reading equipment.

58. The label system of claim 57, wherein said readable machine indicia comprises optical symbologies.

59. The label system of claim 45, further comprising an activator module for activating said label assembly.

60. The label system of claim 59, wherein said activator module is integrally formed as pan of a media recording device.

61. The label system of claim 60, wherein said media recording device comprises one of a computer peripheral recording device, a home entertainment recording device, and an imprinting device, such as a disk drive, a VHS tape drive, and a time/date imprinter.

62. The label system of claim 59, wherein said activator module is configured as a stand alone device.

63. The label system of claim 59, wherein said activator module is sized and configured as a portable, hand-held device.

64. The label system of claim 59, wherein said activator module is integrally formed as part of a device sized and dimensioned for communicating with the item.

65. The activator of claim 64, wherein said activator module comprises means for altering information in said label assembly independent of contact between said label assembly and said activator module.

66. The label system of claim 64, wherein the item comprises one of a turnstile, gate, public parking garage access and egress gates, doorway, cash register, card reader, vending machine, electronic purse reader, electronic wallet reader, ATM machine, electronic door key, electronic fare card readers, door access readers, airport boarding card reading/issuing systems, security systems, access systems, convention badge readers, and gas pump readers.

67. The label system of claim 45, further comprising an activator module for activating said label assembly, wherein said activator module is adapted to activate said label assembly independent of movement of said label assembly.

68. The label system of claim 45, further comprising securing means for securing the label assembly to an item employed permanently record or represent a monetary or financial transaction, said item comprises one of a bank check deposit slip, withdrawal slip, stock certificate, bond, treasury note, deed, will, gambling chip, lottery ticket, ration card, food stamps, paper currency and paper notes.

69. The label system of claim 45, further comprising securing means for securing said label assembly to an item, wherein said securing means comprises at least one of means for fabricating, weaving, pressing, lacing, sewing, molding, stitching, knitting, joining, gluing, bonding, mechanically fastening, and laminating the label assembly to the item.

70. The label system of claim 45, wherein the item is a monetary instrument, and wherein said label assembly forms the raw stock from which the monetary instrument is created.

71. The label system of claim 45, wherein said electronic ink is configured to provide a predetermined response to an external input signal or to a command from said processor.

72. The label of claim 71, wherein said electronic ink comprises fluorescent ink, said fluorescent ink being configured for illuminating in response to an appropriate excitation energy wavelength from an external source, or in response to said processor output sign.

73. The label of claim 71, wherein said electronic ink comprises ultra violet ink, said ultra violet ink being configured for illuminating in response to an appropriate excitation energy wavelength from an external source, or in response to said processor output signal.

74. The label of claim 71, wherein said electronic ink comprises infrared sensitive ink, said infrared sensitive ink being configured for illuminating in response to an appropriate excitation energy wavelength from an external source, or in response to said processor output signal.

75. The label system of claim 45, further comprising securing means for securing said label assembly to an item, and wherein said label assembly is sized and dimensioned for being secured with said securing means to a card sized item.

76. The label system of claim 75, wherein said card sized item is sized and dimensioned for placement into a suitable holder element.

77. The label system of claim 76, wherein said holder element comprises one of a shirt pocket, wallet, purse, bill fold, business card case, credit card holder, bill fold, picture holder, and checkbook.

78. The label system of claim 75, wherein said card sized item comprises an item issued in connection with at least one of a permanent financial account, a point based account, a temporary monetary/financial account, a membership, a promotion service, a travel related service account, a charge account, a credit account, a debit account, a bonus account, and an identification card, a social security card, an electronic purse, electronic cash card, mass transit fare card, vending machine card, phone card, a drive license, a military identification card, an employee badge, an instance card, electronic door lock key, pang garage pass and convention pass.

79. The label system of claim 75, wherein said card sized item is configured for storing software for automatically updating machine readable indicia to create optical symbologies on said display assembly, such that the card sized item is generally compatible with selected electronic indicia reading equipment.

80. The label system of claim 45, further comprising securing means for securing said label assembly to an item used to hold or store at least one of a monetary balance, an account balance, a name, an account number, an organization or company name, identification indicia, and instructions.

81. The label system of claim 45, wherein said label assembly further comprises alteration means for automatically altering information displayed by said display assembly.

82. The label system of claim 45, wherein said item is sized and dimensioned as a card sized item, and wherein said label assembly is integrally formed with the card sized item.

83. The label system of claim 45, wherein said item is sized and dimensioned as a card sized item, and wherein said card sized item is formed from said label assembly.

84. The label system of claim 45, further comprising securing means for securing said label assembly to a monetary is instrument.

85. The label system of claim 84, further comprising an activator module for activating said label assembly, wherein said activator module is integrally formed as part of a receiving device sized and dimensioned for communicating with said monetary instrument.

86. The label system of claim 85, wherein said receiving device comprises one of a money counting machine, counterfeit inspection station, cash register, cash draw, cashier window, securities validation machine, bond validation machine, and an ATM machine.

87. The label system of claim 85, wherein said activator module comprises means for altering information in said label assembly independently of contacting said label assembly or said monetary instrument.

88. The label system of claim 84, wherein said monetary instrument comprises a gambling chip.

89. The label system of claim 88, further comprising means for displaying on said gambling chip a monetary value.

90. The label system of claim 89, further comprising means for changing the displayed monetary value.

91. The label system of claim 84, wherein said monetary instrument comprises currency, said currency having a strip woven therein.

92. The label system of claim 45, comprising means for altering said display of said label assembly based upon a number of items purchased and the number of items in stock.

93. The label/tag system of claim 45, further comprising securing means for securing said label assembly to the item, wherein said label assembly is sized and dimensioned for securing with said securing means to an information organizing item for organizing information.

94. The label system of claim 93, wherein said information organizing item comprises one of a calendar, day timer, phone book, address book, recipe book, planner, appointment scheduler, rolodex, date book agenda planner, guest book, and log book.

95. The label system of claim 45, wherein said label assembly is adapted to display a plurality of different indicia.

96. The label system of claim 45, wherein said display assembly is configured for displaying at least one of a track number, channel number, radio station indicator, volume indicator, temperature, time, and address.

97. The label system of claim 45, further comprising securing means for securing said label assembly to a tactile mechanism.

98. The label system of claim 97, wherein said tactile mechanism comprises one of a switch, button, dial, knob, lever, key, detector, and locator.

99. The label system of claim 45, further comprising a stylus adapted for contacting said display assembly, wherein said display assembly displays indicia created by said stylus in said display assembly.

100. The label system of claim 45, further comprising means for securing said label assembly to a gameboard for playing a game.

101. The label system of claim 100, wherein said processor dynamically alters said indicia displayed by said display assembly during said game.

102. The label system of claim 100, wherein said label assembly further comprises display altering means for altering said display assembly to display multiple gameboard representations.

103. The label system of claim 102, wherein said display altering means generates multiple different gameboard representations during operation of said label assembly.

104. The label system of claim 45, further comprising means for securing said label assembly to one or more gamepieces employed in connection with a gameboard for playing a game or a game.

105. The label system of claim 104, after comprising means for altering the display of said display assembly during said game.

106. The label system of claim 45, further comprising means for altering said display or said display assembly during one or more steps in a multiple step process.

107. The label system of claim 45, wherein said storage element is adapted to store digital audio information and digital video information.

108. The label system of claim 107, further comprising means for synchronizing the display of indicia on said display assembly with said stored digital audio information.

109. The label system of claim 45, wherein said display assembly comprises a plurality of layers having electronic ink, each said layer having a different property.

110. The label system of claim 109, wherein said layers having different properties are arranged to provide one of a three dimensional display, a color display, and a dynamic display.

111. The label system of claim 45, further comprising an external source for activating said label assembly.

112. The label system of claim 111, wherein said external source comprises one of a GPS system, a cellular phone network, a pager network, and a radiowave transmitter.

113. The label system of claim 45, wherein said display assembly comprises a transparent electrode sheet.

114. The label system of claim 45, wherein said label assembly is configured as one of a bracelet, tag, card, and ticket.

115. An electronic label suitable for displaying information in connection with an item or location, said label providing a combination comprising

a pixel addressable display assembly including electronic ink disposed on a support,

one or more activation grids for activating said electronic ink in said display assembly,

a receiver for receiving signals corresponding to one of instructions, data and indicia for display by said display assembly,

a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic label,

a power antenna for receiving a power signal from a source, and for generating an output power signal for powering the electronic label,

a processor in circuit with said display assembly, said receiver, said transmitter, and said power antenna, for generating output signals corresponding to one of said instructions data and indicia for displaying the indicia trough said electronic ink which comprising a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material, and

a storage element in circuit with said processor for storing said instructions, data, and indicia for display by said display assembly,

said combination being, cooperatively operable

a) through operation of said one or more antennas, to activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any power source on said label,

b) to cause said bi-stable, non-volatile material to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and

c) said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material providing a display related to the intended function of said label and allowing said display to remain visible and stable.

116. The electronic label of claim 115, after comprising a power converter in circuit with said power antenna for receiving said output power signals generated by said power antenna and for producing a converted output power signal suitable for powering the electronic label.

117. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said processor comprises means for actuating the activation grid, said activation grid in response thereto activating said electronic ink for forming said indicia in said display assembly.

118. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said processor is adapted to execute programs stored in said storage element that employ data to determine the appropriate functions of said label, and to determine the set of information, displayed by said display assembly.

119. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said output signals generated by said processor are based on instructions executed by said processor employing information stored in said storage element or received in real time from said activator or received from commonly available radio signal sources.

120. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said output signals generated by said processor are based on information generated by said label or information received by said receiver.

121. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said display assembly is adapted to continue to display said indicia independent of power continuing to be supplied to said label.

122. The electronic label of claim 115, further comprising an on board power source for supplying power to said label.

123. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said receiver is adapted to receive signals corresponding instructions, data or commands either employed immediately or stored in said storage element for subsequent use, wherein said instructions are employed to determine operation of said processor and information to be displayed by said display assembly.

124. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said receiver in addition to receiving software programs, commands, instructions, information, parameters and data is adapted to receive pixel addresses corresponding to said indicia to be displayed by said display assembly.

125. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said transmitter is adapted for transmitting signals from said label corresponding to information stored, information generated or received by said processor or said indicia displayed by said display assembly.

126. The electronic label of claim 115, further comprising one or more activation grid layers coupled to said display assembly for providing power thereto to display said indicia.

127. The electronic label of claim 115, wherein said receiver is adapted for receiving one of signals corresponding to instructions used to calculate a subset of stored or received information that is converted to indicia for display by said display assembly, and pixel addresses of indicia for display by said display assembly.

128. A smart electronic label suitable for displaying information in connection with a;

mammal, person, item or location said label providing a combination comprising

a display assembly including electronic ink comprising an arrangement of microcapsules disposed on one or more supports, each microcapsule having disposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid and a suspension of particles,

one or more antennas for receiving power and for sending or receiving information for determining the indicia displayed by said display assembly through said electronic ink which comprising a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material, and

a processor and associated storage element in circuit with said display assembly and said one or more antennas for controlling said display assembly and for generating output signals for instructing the display assembly to display the indicia through said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material based on instructions stored within said storage element or received by said antenna

said combination being, cooperatively operable

a) though operation of said one or more antennas, to activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any powers said label,

b) to cause said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and

c) said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material providing a display related to the intended function of said label, and allowing said display to remain visible and stable.

129. A smart electronic label system suitable for displaying information in connection with a non-mammal, item or location, said label system comprising a label assembly providing a combination including

a display assembly including electronic ink comprising an arrangement of microcapsules disposed on support, each microcapsule having disposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid and a suspension of particles,

an activation grid for activating said electronic ink in said display assembly,

a receiver for receiving signals corresponding to selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly,

a transmitter for transmitting signals from said electronic label,

a storage element in circuit with at least one of said display assembly, said receiver, said transmitter, and a power antenna for storing information associated with said indicia to be displayed by said display assembly through said the antenna, the storage element and the processor electronic ink in which comprising a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material,

a processor in circuit with at least one of said display assembly, said storage element, said receiver, said transmitter, and said power antenna, for generating output signals employed by said display assembly for displaying the indicia through said bi-stable, non-volatile material, and

an on-board power source for generating power for powering the electronic label, said combination being cooperatively operable

a) through operation of said power antenna activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any power source on said label,

b) to cause bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and

c) said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material providing a display related to the intended function of said label, allowing said display to remain visible and stable.

143. The electronic label system of claims 25, 45 or 129, wherein the electronic label is flexible and resilient.

144. The electronic label system of claims 25, 45 or 129, wherein said display assembly is adapted to continue to display said indicia independent of power continuing to be supplied to said label.

145. The electronic label system of claims 25, 45 or 129, wherein said storage element is in circuit with said processor for storing one of programs employed by said processor to determine information to be displayed by said display assembly, information employed by the processor when performing operational decisions, information received from an external source for subsequent display by said display assembly, indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, pixel addresses, information and programs permanently formed in said storage element when manufactured, and a program for displaying selected indicia with said display assembly.

146. The electronic label system of claims 25, 45 or 129, wherein the indicia displayed by the display assembly comprises a Universal Product Code for a product associated with the label.

148. The electronic label system of claims 25, 45 or 129 wherein the label is incorporated in a supply and demand pricing system for instantaneously adjusting a price of an item depending on a purchased quantity of the item, wherein said price is displayed on said display assembly.

149. The electronic label system of claims 25, 45 or 129 wherein the electronic ink forms a segment addressable display.

130. A smart electronic label suitable for displaying information in connection with a mammal, non-mammal, an item or location, said label providing a combination comprising

a display assembly including electronic ink disposed on a support, the electronic ink comprising an arrangement of microcapsules, each microcapsule having disposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid and a suspension of particles,

one or more antennas for sending or receiving signals corresponding to one of instructions, programs, data or selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly through said electronic ink which comprising a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material,

storage element in circuit with said one or more antenna for storing said instructions, programs, data and indicia, and

one or more processors in circuit with said display assembly, said storage element and said antenna for intelligently determining said indicia to be displayed by said display assembly, for controlling and coordinating operation of the label, and for generating output signals for instructing the display assembly to display the indicia through said bi-stable, non-volatile material,

said combination being cooperatively operable

a) through operation of said one or more antennas, to activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any power source on said label,

b) to cause said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging maternal to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and

c) said signal activated, imaging material providing a display related the intended function of said label and allowing said display to remain visible and stable.

139. The electronic label of class 1, 115 or 128, further comprising a securing mechanism for securing said label assembly to an item.

140. The electronic label of claim 139, wherein the securing mechanism comprises an adhesive backing on the label.

141. The electronic label of class 1, 115 or 128, wherein the electronic ink forms a segment addressable display.

151. A smart electronic label system suitable for displaying information, said label system comprising a label assembly providing a combination including

a display assembly including electronic ink comprising an arrangement of microcapsules disposed on a support, each microcapsule having disposed therein an electrophoretic composition of a fluid and a suspension of particles,

an activation grid for activating said electronic ink in said display assembly,

a power antenna for receiving a power signal from a source, and for generating an output power signal for powering the label assembly,

at least one device for one of receiving signals corresponding to selected indicia to be displayed by said display assembly or transmitting signals from said label assembly,

a storage element in circuit with at least one of said display assembly, said receiver, said transmitter, and said power antenna for storing information associated with said indicia to be displayed by said display assembly,

a processor in circuit with at least one of said display assembly, said storage element, said receiver, said transmitter, and said power antenna, for generating output signals employed by said display assembly for displaying the indicia through said

said combination being cooperatively operable

a) through operation of said power antenna, to activate said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material independent of any power source on said label,

b) to cause said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material to provide enduring activation thereof independent of maintenance of said signals, and

c) said bi-stable, non-volatile imaging material providing a display related to the intended function of said label, and allowing said display to remain visible and stable.