This emerging Information Technology (IT) has the potential to revolutionalize, and improve, several aspects of our day-to-day lives. Electronic paper displays and electronic ink have the potential to replace all products which have paper as their basis. However, they also have the potential to ameliorate handheld electronic devices such as cell phones. Looking at the broader impact of this IT it becomes evident that “Electronic ink will permit most any surface (clothing, buildings and all household objects) to become a display, bringing information out of the confines of traditional devices and into the world around us.” (http://www.eink.com/technology/flexible.html)Image: E-Paper applied to a watch; One of the endless possibilities!
(http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://www.techpin.com /wp-content/chocolate-agency-e-paper-concept-cool-gadgets-2.jpg)
1. Books: This technology would be used to provide readers the look and feel of reading an actual book but would enhance their experience by allowing them to store many works on a small, portable device (the E-Paper display.) Unlike the E-books which are currently available they would not strain the eyes with an excessive emission of light. School textbooks could also become electronic E-Papers.
2. Newspapers: These could be downloaded daily, and easily, onto the E-Paper display through a WiFi connection thus, eliminating the need for hard copies of newspapers. France and The Netherlands have already distributed electronic versions of their daily newspapers by using the iRex iLiad reader which makes use of E-Ink to display, books, newspapers and other digital documents. The newspaper is downloaded onto the iLiad using WiFi technology every day and takes only 20 seconds to download. The edition is identical to that found on newsstands.Image: Enjoying an E-Paper newspaper on the train
3. Printers: The use of E-paper will potentially lead to the extinction of printers because the E-paper mimics real papers so closely. The high quality of readability does not cause the same strain on eyes as bright computer screens so people will feel as if they are reading a real printed version (even if it is on their E-Paper displays!)
4. Handheld Devices: The screens on items such as cell phones and BlackBerries could use the E-Paper technology in order to allow users to view them in all lighting conditions and save power. The Motorola F3 phone is currently using this technology.
5. Displays embedded in smart cards: A flexible display card would allow cardholders to “generate a one-time password to reduce online banking and transaction fraud.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_paper)
6. Billboards, Price Tags, Transit Advertising, Operating Manuals and Restaurant Menus: All these items could benefit from E-Paper versions because of how often they require edits and change. This way they could be easily, and cheaply, updated through a wireless network.
7. Picture Frames/Art: Digital photo frames could be upgraded to E-Paper versions which
would use less power than the digital frames available on the market today and would be able to run for months on the batteries provided. (Batteries can be changed when needed.) The display would be easily changed by connecting the frame to a USB memory stick and transferring the image onto the E-Paper thus, providing changeable art.
4. Handheld Devices: The screens on items such as cell phones and BlackBerries could use the E-Paper technology in order to allow users to view them in all lighting conditions and save power. The Motorola F3 phone is currently using this technology.
5. Displays embedded in smart cards: A flexible display card would allow cardholders to “generate a one-time password to reduce online banking and transaction fraud.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_paper)
6. Billboards, Price Tags, Transit Advertising, Operating Manuals and Restaurant Menus: All these items could benefit from E-Paper versions because of how often they require edits and change. This way they could be easily, and cheaply, updated through a wireless network.
7. Picture Frames/Art: Digital photo frames could be upgraded to E-Paper versions which
would use less power than the digital frames available on the market today and would be able to run for months on the batteries provided. (Batteries can be changed when needed.) The display would be easily changed by connecting the frame to a USB memory stick and transferring the image onto the E-Paper thus, providing changeable art. Image: A lovely E-Paper work of art!
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_paper
http://www.ebookreaders.nl/nrc_heeft_e-paper_primeur?language_code=en
http://www.trustedreviews.com/images/article/inline/1638-epaper.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_paper
http://www.ebookreaders.nl/nrc_heeft_e-paper_primeur?language_code=en
http://www.trustedreviews.com/images/article/inline/1638-epaper.jpg
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