HP unveils displays that yields to the touch

As many of the comments on a post I wrote on Friday point out, I can at times be shortsighted to potential applications of new technology. When it comes to flexible display technology, however, I practically have telescopic vision. Well at least as far as Hollywood has shown me.

On Monday, Hewlett-Packard and the Flexible Display Center (FDC) at Arizona State University announced the purported first prototype of what they call affordable, unbreakable flexible electronic displays.

This image represents what a flexible display could look like in the future

(Credit: HP)

For the uninitiated, a flexible display is a paperlike computer display that's made almost entirely out of plastic. According to HP, these displays consume less power than traditional computer displays and of course are more easily portable. They are also said to use up to 90 percent fewer materials than traditional displays by volume.

The press release states that "mass production of such displays can enable production of notebook computers, smart phones and other electronic devices at much lower costs since the display is one of the more costly components," but we'll have to wait and see if costs on these devices are actually lowered because of this technology.

The displays were created via a process called self-aligned imprint lithography (SAIL). SAIL purportedly enables thin film transistors to be fabricated on a flexible, plastic material in a roll-to-roll manufacturing process. According to HP, this allows for a more low-cost continuous production, rather than batch sheet-to-sheet production.

To create the display, FDC produces semiconductor materials and metals on flexible polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) substrates. Using the SAIL process HP then patterns the substrates and then integrates E Ink's Vizplex imaging film to produce the display on plastic.

OK, I'm going to be honest. I have no idea what that was I just typed but it sounds like it could be possible and I figured those interested in the technology would want some details.

Vinita Jakhanwal, principal analyst from iSuppli, an electronics market intelligence firm, expects the flexible display market to grow from $80 million in 2007 to $2.8 billion by 2013.

So yeah, what can this be used for other than cell phones, PDAs, monitors and TVs? Well I can see newspapers and magazines getting in on this at some point and how best to make a product at the grocery store stick out on the shelf than by putting an actual video on the box?

Yes, those last two examples are once again from Minority Report, but they had more cool (and plausible) future tech stuff than even Back to the Future 2. Where else can you guys see this tech being applied?

[Seaspray0]

Unfortunately, most of the uses I envision involve some sort of advertising aimed at me.

[brianturney]

You can't think of any more uses? Seriously? : ) Blasphemy! you tarnish the reputation of CNET! : ) Cnet is the pioneer of online technology journalism since the early to mid 90's. Erik, I'm disappointed you arent able to be more passionate about the technology you write about. Say it ain't so! haha, jk. I found some examples of the things I was thinking this technology can do, then lo and behold I found a whole list of things I was thinking about.

http://www.universaldisplay.com/default.asp?contentID=591
http://macbigot.com/?p=582

Give me a pen sized roll up video display video conference call phone any time!

Brian
Seattle, WA

[anime-master]

Since its indestructible I imagine it would make good body armor, heat shields for space craft, and tension lines on bridges. LOL But seriously I would like an ultra wide screen that warped around me if it wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. Combine that with shutter bug glasses and man a whole new gaming experience.

[Scott Gardener]

I'm looking forward to seeing the scroll make a comeback. Maybe it's my D&D gaming days, or maybe I'm fondly nostalgic for the original Library of Alexandria--granted, that was 1700 or so years before my time. But, I like the idea of reading a scroll, especially if it's one that "magically" brings me information from around the world. It's taking mythos and making it real.

But, I have wondered, about these video shirts and video newspapers, about how prone this material is to wrinkles and folds. I can see Japanese futurists inventing interactive multimedia origami as a new art, but on a daily basis, I'm not sure I'd want to worry about getting my computer crinkled.

[k-zon]

Conceptual thinking, Designing and Presentations would change dramatically on how you can showcase them.
And with some Wi-Fi and Touch Screens Options , Hello Upfront Production WorkFlow Changes across all sectors.

Trading Card games wont be the same anymore.
If you increase the thickness by a 1/3, could it even change trading cards into one card?

[jlt0x]

Immediately, I think of an ultra-portable video screen. It can be rolled up and put into a shipping cylinder like a set of drawings. Ports can accept cables from TVs, computers, handheld devices, etc. So unroll the screen anywhere it can be hung & plug in for entertainment, business meetings, event displays in corridors or malls, etc.

I guess the applications are nearly endless until it becomes annoying and distracting.