Apparatuses and methods for forming smart labels

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for forming displays are claimed. This invention relates to a display which may be conformal and which can receive information in order to alter or configure the display. In one embodiment, a flexible layer may be made to receive an array of blocks which drive a display material to provide an alterable or configurable display. This display is coupled to a receiver which receives data and drives the data onto the blocks causing the display to change. The receiver (and blocks) may be powered by a signal from a transmitter which beams the information to the receiver. The receiver in turn controls the update of the display information on the display. Another embodiment of the invention has a receiver coupled to each block. The receiver also may be independent from the block and may be deposited onto the flexible layer.

1 . A method for manufacturing of an apparatus comprising:
 disposing a plurality of metallization patterns on a web material, the length to width ratio of the web material being greater than 10:1;   robotically placing a plurality of radio frequency (RF) transponder chips onto the web material, each of the RF transponder chips respectively coupled to at least one of the metallization patterns; and   after the disposing and the robotically placing, separating the web material to form assemblies, each of the assemblies including a single RF transponder chip,   wherein each of the RF transponder chips are configured to be powered by a signal from a transmitter and to store a security code.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the metallization patterns comprise silver particles. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising applying an adhesive to the web material. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the RF transponder chips are noncontact devices. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising coupling the web material to a second web material. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the ratio is greater than 50:1. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus comprises a display, the display configured to display information related to a retail product. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the apparatus further comprises a controller configured to control the information on the display. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus comprises a flexible antenna.