 - E Ink is an electronic device that is similar to a computer display, but with qualities that enable it to be used for applications such as eBooks, electronic newspapers, portable signs, and foldable, rollable displays. E Ink Corp. (a Cambridge, Massachusetts company) and Lucent are developing the device, which combines E Ink's electronic ink with Lucent's flexible transistors. Prototypes have featured 25-inch display areas involving several hundred pixels. Although the new technology's more complex applications - such as electronic newspapers and improved e-books that are very similar to traditional books - are likely still at least 10 years in the future, E Ink is currently being tried for simpler applications, such as retail signage.
The E Ink prototypes combine thin, plastic transistors with polymer LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to create what are called smart pixels. The process involved - which is not dissimilar to traditional printing processes - uses silicon rubber stamps to actually print tiny computer circuits onto the surface. The electronic ink used is a liquid substance consisting of millions of tiny capsules floating in a substance like vegetable oil. The capsules, which are filled with a dark dye, contain negatively charged white chips that move either up or down within the capsules in response to a positive charge applied to the medium's surface. Information to be displayed is downloaded through a connection to a computer or a cell phone, or created with mechanical tools such as an electronic "pencil," and remains fixed until another charge is applied to change it. The devices use very low power: according to a spokesperson, prototypes of the device have been running on watch batteries.
Xerox, in partnership with 3M is working on a competing technology, called Gyricon.
 |
Learn more about Hybrid Devices |
| Nokia versus Apple: Rumors are hot and heavy that Nokia will soon launch a competitor to iTunes. This raises some very interesting questions that are addressed in this analyst report. |
| Cisco and Apple: A win-win?: Both Cisco and Apple hold reputations for being difficult, stubborn and egotistical -- so is it really possible the two companies can work together and share the iPhone label? |
| Inescapable Data: Harnessing the Power of Convergence |
| Mobile security advice: Don't let security be a stumbling block in your mobile endeavors. Experts Kevin Beaver and Lisa Phifer share security tricks and tips with our readers. |
| Fast Guide: Handhelds and communicators: With the acceptance of wireless, more organizations are looking at handhelds as a viable option for mobile computing. Get up to speed on the latest here. |
| LAST UPDATED: |
08 May 2007
|
 |
Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know.
Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com
|
|
More resources from around the web:
|
 |
 |
| |
RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS
| Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary |
 |
inductive charging
(SearchMobileComputing.com)
Inductive charging is a wireless charging method used for charging mid-sized items such as cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs... (Continued)
|
|
iPhone
(SearchMobileComputing.com)
iPhone is a combination of an iPod, a tablet PC and a cellular phone made by Apple that pairs the ease of use of an iPod with robust multimedia,...
|
|
|
Show me everything on 
