Fujitsu has this week unveiled its new next-generation cholesteric LCD colour E-Paper and demonstrated its capabilities in Tokyo at the International Digital Publishing Expo. Fujitsu’s latest FLEPia colour device is still under development and still has a few areas that need to be worked out before a solid commercial solution can be released using the next-generation technology.
One such area is its refresh rate, which as you will see from the demo is still a little slow at 0.7 of a second. You can watch a demonstration of the new Colour E-Paper after the jump.
“Actually there is a trade-off between writing speed and display colors, and while it is 4,096 colors and 0.7 seconds right now, if we reduce the writing speed we can make a full color display.”
Technical Specifications and Features
Even with a few areas still left to sort, the Fujitsu FLEPia colour E-Paper is definitely on the right track. The device can be used to view JPEG, PDF, and EPUB files on an 8″ screen with a resolution of 157 dpi. It boasts a contrast ratio of 8:1, a reflection ratio greater than 34%, and a 20 percent coverage of the NTSC colour space. These specifications make it a promising candidate for various applications, including digital reading, advertising, and educational tools.
The cholesteric LCD technology used in this E-Paper is particularly noteworthy. Unlike traditional LCDs, cholesteric LCDs do not require a backlight, which significantly reduces power consumption. This feature makes the device more energy-efficient and suitable for prolonged use. Additionally, the E-Paper’s ability to display 4,096 colors, although not yet full-color, is a significant improvement over earlier monochrome or limited-color E-Paper technologies.
Potential Applications and Future Developments
The potential applications for Fujitsu’s colour E-Paper are vast. In the realm of digital publishing, this technology could revolutionize the way we read e-books, magazines, and newspapers. The high resolution and color capabilities make it ideal for displaying rich, detailed images and graphics, enhancing the reading experience.
In the advertising industry, the E-Paper could be used for dynamic, eye-catching displays that are both energy-efficient and versatile. Imagine bus stop advertisements or retail signage that can change dynamically without the need for constant power supply. This could lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.
Educational tools could also benefit from this technology. Interactive textbooks and learning materials that incorporate color and multimedia elements could make learning more engaging and effective. The low power consumption and high readability in various lighting conditions make it a practical choice for educational institutions.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. The refresh rate, currently at 0.7 seconds, needs to be improved for smoother transitions and a more seamless user experience. Additionally, achieving full-color display without compromising on speed or power efficiency remains a key area of development.
In conclusion, Fujitsu’s next-generation cholesteric LCD colour E-Paper represents a significant advancement in display technology. While there are still hurdles to overcome, the potential applications and benefits of this technology are immense. As development continues, we can look forward to more refined and commercially viable versions of this promising E-Paper.
Source: Crunch Gear : Digiinfonews
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