A data processing array comprises a plurality of modules, each with a memory, positioned in an array of rows and columns interconnected by a pooling chain that carries data to and receives data from selected ones or groups of the modules. Each modules can also have light modulator elements for transmitting data as light signals and a light sensor for receiving data in the form of modulated light. Pooling switches in the pooling chain between modules open and close the pooling chain lines for selecting and grouping modules. Analog data lines separate from the pooling chain can also carry data to and from the modules. Pooling control lines connected to the switches turn the switches on and off for the selecting and grouping of modules. Module control lines, also separate from the pooling chain, connected to the modules enable various data input, output, and processing by the memory or other components in the module.

An electrochromic element, includes: a pair of electrodes (3, 5); and an electrochromic layer (7) disposed between the pair of electrodes (3, 5), the electrochromic element being controlled in transmittance by pulse width modulation, in which: the electrochromic layer (7) contains at least one of two or more kinds of anode electrochromic materials, or two or more kinds of cathode electrochromic materials; and all of one of the anode electrochromic materials and the cathode electrochromic materials have an equal molecular length, or have a molecular length ratio of (large molecular length)/(small molecular length) of 1.4 or less, the electrochromic element being such that even when a driving environment temperature changes, its gradation can be controlled under a state in which its absorption spectrum is retained.

The invention more particularly relates to a method and device for controlling a segmented electrophoretic display. Such displays, preferably covered by the invention, comprise a layer (or a film) of microcapsules containing colored particles suspended in a fluid or a gas, the same layer being sandwiched between two electrodes: at least one first electrode having the shape of the segment to be displayed a second transparent electrode made by a conductive layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) for example. Alternative electrodes based on a thin film of carbon nanostructures, silver or copper wires can also be used.

The invention more particularly relates to a method and device for controlling a segmented electrophoretic display. Such displays, preferably covered by the invention, comprise a layer (or a film) of microcapsules containing colored particles suspended in a fluid or a gas, the same layer being sandwiched between two electrodes: at least one first electrode having the shape of the segment to be displayed a second transparent electrode made by a conductive layer of indium tin oxide (ITO) for example. Alternative electrodes based on a thin film of carbon nanostructures, silver or copper wires can also be used.

A decoding device includes a display, a display buffer to store a current display image of what is currently visually presented on the display, a scanning engine to capture scanning images of objects, and a processor configured to: decode first barcodes carried on surfaces of objects in the scanning images to retrieve first data encoded within the first barcodes; provide the first data to an application routine as input; and in response to a screen capture of the current display image from the display buffer, perform operations including disrupt the decoding of the first barcodes carried on the surfaces of objects of the scanning images, decode a second barcode within the current display image to retrieve second data encoded within the second barcode, and provide the second data to the application routine as input.

A decoding device includes a display, a display buffer to store a current display image of what is currently visually presented on the display, a scanning engine to capture scanning images of objects, and a processor configured to: decode first barcodes carried on surfaces of objects in the scanning images to retrieve first data encoded within the first barcodes; provide the first data to an application routine as input; and in response to a screen capture of the current display image from the display buffer, perform operations including disrupt the decoding of the first barcodes carried on the surfaces of objects of the scanning images, decode a second barcode within the current display image to retrieve second data encoded within the second barcode, and provide the second data to the application routine as input.

Briefly, a method for verifying the visual perceptibility of a display is provided. An intended message is written to a bistable display. Pixels that comprise portions of the message are measured and evaluated to determine if the message actually displayed on the bistable display was perceptible by a human or a machine. In some cases, information regarding the message actually perceivable from the display may be stored for later use. Responsive to determining that a message is perceivable or not perceivable, alarms may be set, one or more third parties notified, or additional display features may be set.

Briefly, a method for verifying the visual perceptibility of a display is provided. An intended message is written to a bistable display. Pixels that comprise portions of the message are measured and evaluated to determine if the message actually displayed on the bistable display was perceptible by a human or a machine. In some cases, information regarding the message actually perceivable from the display may be stored for later use. Responsive to determining that a message is perceivable or not perceivable, alarms may be set, one or more third parties notified, or additional display features may be set.

Briefly, a method for verifying the visual perceptibility of a display is provided. An intended message is written to a bistable display. Pixels that comprise portions of the message are measured and evaluated to determine if the message actually displayed on the bistable display was perceptible by a human or a machine. In some cases, information regarding the message actually perceivable from the display may be stored for later use. Responsive to determining that a message is perceivable or not perceivable, alarms may be set, one or more third parties notified, or additional display features may be set.

Described herein is an electronic name plate device (10) for use with an audio visual system. The electronic name plate (10) comprises an electronic paper display (100) which includes an array of character blocks (101), a processor (120), a receiver (170) for receiving information relating to at least one character to be displayed by the electronic name plate (10), and a power supply. The electronic paper display is mounted on a panel (102) which can be mounted within a docking station. A control system, such as, an audio visual system, is provided for controlling each electronic name plate in-situ in a conference room in front of a participant seat.