What is electronic paper? Introduction to electronic paper

Electronic paper is a general term for "paper-thin, rewritable displays." Electronic paper has many advantages, such as high contrast for clear text, extremely low power consumption (about 1/10 to 1/100 of liquid crystal displays), and low manufacturing costs. It also has characteristics very similar to paper in that it can be gently bent.

In addition, electronic paper has another major feature: "even if the power is turned off, the text will not disappear." In other words, once the content is written, it can still be displayed even after the power is turned off. For example, as long as the content of a thick introductory book is written on electronic paper, it can be conveniently carried out.

As of November 2002, practical electronic paper has not yet been put into production. However, major printing companies, copier manufacturers, electrical appliance manufacturers, chemical material manufacturers, etc. are actively promoting research and development, and some companies have begun mass production of parts. Therefore, it is certain that many manufacturers will release electronic paper as a civilian product around the summer of 2003.

According to the information currently published, the first electronic paper has a monochrome 2-tone level and an expressiveness of about 160 to 200 pixels per inch. It is expected that in the initial stage it will be mainly used to store and display text content in pocket books and single-volume books.

According to Toppan Printing Co., Ltd., one of the most authoritative manufacturers of electronic paper, "By the end of 2003 or the beginning of 2004, 4 to 16 color levels will be available, and color display will be available by the middle of 2004. Comics, weekly magazines, photo albums, etc. will also become the display content of electronic paper." In the future, people will no longer need to buy newspapers and magazines, but only need to download data.

In short, under the current circumstances, the purpose of electronic paper is not just to "save paper resources in the office". However, based on the characteristics of electronic paper mentioned above, it is also possible to achieve the goal of reducing paper consumption. For example, if employees have electronic paper and download meeting materials and other data in advance, they no longer need to use paper. Of course, even if it cannot completely replace paper, electronic paper can also take on the role of most of the paper required for corporate activities.

In fact, the development of "integration of electronic paper and computer" is being actively promoted. PDAs with electronic paper embedded in the display and electronic paper that can be connected to mobile phones have been successfully trial-produced. In the future, electronic paper will further enrich the display functions mentioned above, and at the same time, it will also expand the scope of application and improve ease of use. For example, it can realize the display of multiple materials at the same time or handwriting input like paper. The future development of this field will attract widespread attention.