Paper Four, the innovative display technology from Mid Sweden University, uses pressure-sensitive conductive inks and printed speakers. I've covered it before (see Interactive Paper Four Sounds Off), but take a look at the video below: it really shows off what Paper Four can do.
(Paper Four interactive printed display video)
The researchers have also added some FAQ material; here's a sample:
We are trying to explore how and if paper can be connected to the digital world and its complexity of service solutions. We like the thought of paper connecting to the digital environment we are surrounded by. The paper is NOT the digital solution, we believe. But the paper might become the interface to existing digital devices...
Our loudspeakers are based on a pattern on a thin conductive film. We have tested both printing this pattern with conductive inks and creating the pattern by surface milling of thin aluminium foils. The efficiency of the loudspeakers depends on the Ohmic losses in the conductors. The loudspeakers provide better sound and volume in the roll-to-roll surface milled solution.
A strip of thin and small magnets is then attached to the foil. In the display, the now loudspeaker membrane, is then placed over a thin cavity in the wellboard. We have found 5 -15 mm cavity depth provides a broader frequency spectrum of the sound.
We do not know that much about costs. Higher cost than the ordinary non-interactive shop display, but significantly lower than a fully electronic alternative, say a flat touch screen and a computer. It all depends on scale and the business model. We have presented a concept. Now it's up to commercial actors to take it on from there.
I think someone should take them up on it. See Paper Four FAQ for more information.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 7/10/2007)
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