Toppan Printing : begins sample shipments of segmented electronic paper display modules ideal for displaying icons and alphanumeric characters

Toppan Printing begins sample shipments of segmented electronic paper display modules ideal for displaying icons and alphanumeric characters
Smooth, attractive display with color in selected areas

Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. (hereafter Toppan Printing; head office: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; President & Representative Director: Shingo Kaneko) has developed a segmented(*1) electronic paper display (EPD) module ideal for designs incorporating icons and alphanumeric characters. Sample shipments will begin in mid-September 2015.

This new segmented EPD enables smooth, attractive display with high-quality design features. This is achieved by using alphanumeric characters, icons, or other images to be displayed as the basis for the shape of the electrodes in the circuit design. By applying color filter technology developed for dot-matrix(*2) EPDs, Toppan has enabled color display in selected areas of the new segmented EPD.

Like other forms of electronic paper, this segmented EPD is an ultra-low power consumption device able to continue to show what is on the screen without any electrical power being supplied and only requiring power when changing or updating what is displayed. With other advantages including a high-contrast, reflective display that allows the screen to be easily visible from a broad range of angles, potential applications include remote controls, indicators, and status displays.

■Background

EPDs consume less power than LCDs, and the information displayed on the screen can be seen more easily from a broader range of angles. They are therefore expected to be used in industry to replace conventional technologies for electronic device displays, shelf labels, and printed labels. Use is also anticipated to expand in a range of new sectors.

Toppan Printing has been active in the EPD business for some time, focusing predominantly on high-definition dot-matrix EPD modules. Toppan supplies EPD modules for large-size applications, such as digital signage, and small and medium-size devices centered on electronic labels and point-of-purchase displays.

Based on the development of this new segmented EPD module, Toppan will explore the potential for expansion to new applications and give further impetus to its EPD business.

■Features of the product

・Attractive and easy on the eye

The formation of high-definition electrodes on the backplane substrate following the contours of the shape to be displayed enables the smooth, attractive display of icons and alphanumeric characters. As EPDs provide reflective, high-contrast displays with wide viewing angles, they are very easy on the eye.

・Color enabled in selected areas

The use of high-precision printing technologies enables color display in selected areas corresponding to the contours of the electrodes. This can make more effective displays possible for warnings and other status updates.

・Ultra-low power consumption

The use of electronic paper means that hardly any power is required, except when changing or updating the information displayed. This new segmented EPD also consumes less power when updating the display than dot-matrix EPDs.

・Thin, light, and flexible

The use of a resin film substrate has made it possible to produce a display that is thin, light, and shatterproof.

■Specifications

Display type: Microencapsulated electrophoretic (E Ink)

Size of display area: Minimum H10mm x W4mm; maximum H150mm x W50mm (approximate)

Dimensions: Thickness 0.4mm-0.5mm (height and width are custom designed based on display area size)

■Future developments

In addition to targeting new display technologies through further development of segmented EPD modules, Toppan Printing will enhance its line-up of electronic paper display products and expand use to more general purpose scenarios.

*1　Segmented display

A type of display used in items such as digital watches and electronic measurement devices for displaying pre-determined design elements such as icons and alphanumeric characters.

*2: Dot-matrix display

A general type of display commonly used in screens for TVs or cellular phones. Text, symbols, and images can be displayed as patterns using a 2-dimensional array of pixels or dots.

* The names of companies, products, and services featured in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.

* The information in this press release is current as of the date of publication and is subject to change without notice.