Graphically encoded icons having intrinsic attributes embedded therein and systems and methods for using same

A smart label disposed on an object, comprising:

• a first layer comprising:
• a first portion comprising a first plurality of stimuli-responsive particles;
• a second portion comprising a second plurality of stimuli-responsive particles;
• and
• a third portion comprising a display;
• and
• a second layer comprising a flexible circuit board comprising one or more sensors for detecting information about the object;
• wherein at least a portion of the information from the one or more sensors is shown on the display.

A system for providing and responding to a visual indication of an attribute about an object, the system comprising:

• a graphically encoded icon secured to an object, the graphically encoded icon comprising:
• a static portion comprising static machine-readable indicia;
• and
• an intrinsic portion comprising at least one area comprising a stimuli-responsive material configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to a trigger, the change in state being based on an attribute about the object;
• and
• a computing device comprising a processor in data communication with an input device, an output device, and computer memory, the computer memory comprising a program having machine readable instructions that, when effected by the processor, performs the following steps:
• (a) determine the change in state of the stimuli-responsive material;
• (b) determine if the change in state has reached a predetermined threshold;
• and
• (c) if the change in state has reached the predetermined threshold, activate the output device to provide a controlled response to the change in state.