July 2006
HP Labs researchers have developed a wireless data chip
that could revolutionize the way you think about information
stored on paper and other physical objects.
The tiny Memory Spot chip – less than half the
size of a grain of rice -- makes it possible to attach
digital information to any surface, object or document.
So a seaside postcard could be accompanied by photos
of your family at the beach. A wedding photo could contain
excerpts of the wedding video or an audio recording of
the ceremony.
Other possible applications for the experimental chip
include hospital wristbands containing patient medical
information or authentication tags for prescription drugs,
costly electronic components and other frequently counterfeited
items.
The chip is a read-write CMOS memory device, 2-4 mm
square, with a built-in antenna and capacity of up to
several megabits. With a 10 megabits-per-second (10Mbps)
data transfer rate, it is 10 ten times faster than Bluetooth
and comparable to Wi-Fi speeds.
To learn more, read the press
release.
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