New display innovation in watch technology
13 July 2005
News
Seiko Watch has developed a watch that incorporates an entirely new kind of display technology called 'electronic ink'. According to Seiko, this new watch opens up a whole new horizon of future design possibilities as the display technology is remarkably versatile; it offers ultra-high contrast, superb legibility, low power consumption, unrestricted size and even physical flexibility.
The watch incorporates a microcapsule-type electrophoresis display module - the result of a joint development effort by E Ink of the US and Seiko Epson's advanced display manufacturing and electronic circuitry techniques.
The display is made up of pure black and pure white particles, which allow the same contrast as on a printed page - twice the contrast of an LCD panel, according to the companies. The display is also ultra-thin, and it is flexible, making possible 'wrist bracelet' or bangle designs. As the display is readable under very low light conditions, no backlighting is required, and it requires no power to sustain the image.
'Electronic ink' technology
Electronic ink is a proprietary material that is processed into a film for integration into electronic displays. Although revolutionary in concept, electronic ink is a straightforward fusion of chemistry, physics and electronics to create this new material.
The principal components of electronic ink are millions of tiny microcapsules, about the diameter of a human hair. Each microcapsule contains positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. When a negative electric field is applied, the white particles move to the top of the microcapsule where they become visible to the user. This makes the surface appear white at that spot. At the same time, an opposite electric field pulls the black particles to the bottom of the microcapsules where they are hidden. By reversing this process, the black particles appear at the top of the capsule, which now makes the surface appear dark at that spot.
The Future Now watch is expected to be commercialised in Japan by mid-2006.
Further reading:
From the editor's desk: Exciting times ahead?
Technews Publishing
News
There are many subjects that excite me in this world, but two of the larger technical subjects are, firstly, renewable energy, and secondly, the idea of artificial intelligence as it continues to evolve
...
Read more...
Microchip expands partnership with TSMC
News
Microchip Technology has announced it has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialised 40 nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Read more...
Huge SA grid battery project
News
A standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) has won preferred bidder status under South Africa’s Energy Storage Capacity Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (ESIPPPP).
Read more...
Mouser sponsors NCP Cup 2024
News
The NXP Cup is an EMEA-based autonomous car competition, presented by NXP Semiconductors, which is designed to provide students with real-world experiences in autonomous vehicle programming and building.
Read more...
TrinaTracker brings its smart solar tracking to SA
News
The Vanguard 1P is designed to provide customers with trackers that combine suitability for flat terrain, together with outstanding system stability and reliability, quick installation, and flexible external compatibility.
Read more...
Nordex adding 830 MW of wind generation
News
Nordex Energy South Africa will be adding 830 MW of wind energy generation capacity to the company’s already-installed 1 GW base.
Read more...
Invertek produces its three millionth drive
iTek Drives
News
Invertek Drives Ltd, a global manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD, just three years after its two-million milestone.
Read more...
Analog Devices’ digital storefront is live
News
Analog Devices has designed an improved digital experience with users in mind – a new analog.com website and eShop.
Read more...
Vicor Powering Innovation podcast
News
The episode explores electrification with Lightning Motorcycles, a company that produces the fastest electric motorcycle on the planet.
Read more...
ModusToolbox Workshop 3
News
This workshop will focus on enabling a PSoC development kit, connected over Wi-Fi and leveraging MQTT, to create the framework of an IoT application.
Read more...
printer friendly version