Method and apparatus for electronically displaying information

摘要

Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for electrically displaying information. Specific embodiments pertain to displaying information on shelf edges in a retail setting. Embodiments can provide a low-cost, low-power consumption, and durable solution that allows retailers to display, and, optionally, automatically update, information on shelf edges utilizing e-paper technology and wireless communications. Specific embodiments pertain to an e-paper display without a glass backplane. Further specific embodiments pertain to a flexible e-paper display incorporating a separate driving mechanism that can drive one or multiple e-papers.

主权项

1. An e-paper system, comprising:
an e-paper, wherein the e-paper has a plurality of electrode regions configured to independently receive charge, retain charge, and have charge removed therefrom, wherein transferring charge to and/or removing charge from one or more electrode regions of the plurality of electrode regions controls an output state of the e-paper, a driver, wherein the driver comprises:
a control unit;a plurality of driver contacts, wherein the control unit is configured to selectively and independently charge each driver contact of the plurality of driver contacts; anda contact element, wherein the contact element has a plurality of conductive elements, a mechanical driver, wherein the mechanical driver is configured to slidably move the driver with respect to the e-paper in a first direction, wherein as the driver slidably moves with respect to the e-paper, the plurality of conductive elements are changeably positioned with respect to the plurality of electrode regions of the e-paper to transfer charge to one or more of the electrode regions of the plurality of electrode regions of the e-paper based on a linear position along the e-paper with respect to the first direction.