Electronic display devices and methods

摘要

Electronic display devices (100) and methods are described. In one embodiment, an electronic display device comprises a housing (102) and a display area (104) within the housing to display content for a user. Memory (310, 312) is provided within the housing to hold data that is to be rendered into user-viewable content. An electrophotographic assembly (200) is provided within the housing and is configured to electrophotographically render user-viewable content from the data that is held in the memory. A loop of material (202) is disposed proximate the electrophotographic assembly (200) and is configured to receive electrophotographically rendered content and present the content for user viewing within the display area. The electrophotographic assembly (200) can use black toner and the loop of material (202) is selected to provide a black/white contrast when used in connection with the black toner. In one embodiment, the electrophotographic assembly (200) can render content at at least 300 dots per inch (dpi) and better. Printing is effectuated by advancing or moving the loop of material (202) through the electrophotographic assembly (200) and electrophotographically forming an image on the loop of material. Such can be accomplished by electrostatically attracting toner onto the loop of material sufficient to provide a viewable image. Advantageously, the toner can be held in place on the loop of material using only electrostatic forces thereby obviating the need to permanently fuse the toner to the material. After the image is displayed for the user, the toner can be reclaimed off of the loop of material for reuse in providing additional images.