Bendable electronic paper retains colour image without power

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27 July 2005 News

A new electronic paper that features vivid colour images that are unaffected even when the screen is bent, and features an image memory function that enables continuous display of the same image without the need for electricity has been showcased at Fujitsu Forum 2005, in Tokyo.

Fujitsu Laboratories, Fujitsu Frontech, and Fujitsu Limited revealed their joint development of the world's first film substrate-based bendable colour electronic paper with an image memory function. Intended primarily for applications that display information or advertisements in public areas, or as a type of new electronic media that can be handled as easily as paper, the thin and flexible material uses very low power to change screen images, and absolutely no power to retain an image.

World’s first film substrate-based bendable colour electronic paper with image memory function

Numerous R&D efforts are in progress in the field of electronic paper. However, thus far there had been no colour electronic paper available that uses flexible film substrate capable of being bent without affecting the screen image and which features a memory function.

The electronic paper is constructed of three displaying layers - red, blue, and green. Since no colour filters or polarising layers are required, it features colour that is significantly more vivid than conventional reflective-type LCDs. According to Fujitsu, proprietary technology ensures that screen colour is unaffected even when the screen is bent or pressed with fingers. Because the screen image does not require repetitive updates to be maintained, it also does not flicker.

Colour example of the bendable colour electronic paper

Being flexible it is especially useful for information displays on curved surfaces, such as columns, or for electronic shelf display tags, point-of-purchase displays, restaurant menus and transit advertising on trains. Information displayed can be updated based on the time of day, enabling more effective advertising and signage information.

Fujitsu said it will conduct test marketing and practical-use testing, targeting commercialisation within fiscal 2006 to promote field innovation using its new electronic paper.

For more information contact Fujitsu Laboratories, d-paper@ml.labs.fujitsu.com, or Fujitsu Frontech, frontech-webmaster@cs.jp.fujitsu.com

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Bendable electronic paper retains colour image without power

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