Fujitsu Laboratories announced their joint development of the world's first film substrate-based bendable color electronic paper with an image memory function.
The new electronic paper (3.8-inch) features 512-color 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. The thin and flexible electronic paper uses very low power to
change screen images, thereby making it suitable for displaying information or
advertisements in public areas as a type of new electronic media that can be
handled as easily as paper.
The jointly developed electronic paper will be showcased at Fujitsu Forum 2005,
to be held July 14 and 15 at Tokyo International Forum.
Development Background
Electronic paper offers all of the same characteristics of paper such as being
thin, flexible, and lightweight. It also boasts low power consumption in that
it does not require electricity except during screen image changes, making
electronic paper especially suited for advertisements or information bulletins
in public places for which paper is currently used. Electronic paper is
especially convenient for use on curved surfaces, such as columns. In addition,
electronic paper can be conveniently used in conjunction with mobile devices as
an easy-to-read and portable display device.
Numerous R&D efforts are in progress in the field of electronic paper. However,
thus far there had been no color electronic paper available that uses flexible
film substrate capable of being bent without affecting the screen image and
which features a memory function.
Key features of Fujitsu's new electronic paper and its technology are as
follows:
- No electricity required for continuous display, minimal power consumption
when changing screen image.
- Features an image memory function that enables continuous display of the same
image even when electricity is turned off therefore no electricity is required
for continuous display.
- Screen image can be changed using minimal electricity consumption equivalent
to the weak radiowaves used in contactless IC cards.
- Fujitsu's new technology significantly conserves energy by consuming only one
one-hundredth to one ten-thousandth the energy of conventional display
technologies.
The new electronic paper is constructed of three displaying layers - red, blue,
and green. Since no color filters or polarizing layers are required, it
features color that is significantly more vivid than conventional
reflective-type LCDs.
Fujitsu technology is claimed to ensure that screen color is unaffected even
when the screen is bent or pressed with fingers. Because the screen image does
not require repetitive updates to be maintained, the screen does not flicker.
Future Developments
Fujitsu will conduct test marketing and practical-use testing, targeting
commercialization within fiscal 2006 (April 2006 to March 2007) to promote
field innovation using its new electronic paper.