Touch EPD, an active-matrix e-paper display that uses force-sensing touch panel technology is being manufactured in quantity by Prime View International.
Called Touch EPD the product features a distinctive “force sensing” touch panel technology. These force sensors are located under the e-paper display, as opposed to traditional touch panels, which add a layer on top of the device. Consequently, there is no reduction in the reflective qualities of the display. Proprietary software determines the location and amount of pressure when a user touches the display. It works with either a finger or a stylus, and is cost competitive with restive technology.
Take a look at the future of e-paper in this Touch
(Touch EPD display from PVI video)
Having a touch screen e-paper display brings up a whole new range of possibilities for e-paper. Don't just passively read your Kindle; go ahead and fill in the crossword puzzle. Valuable space on a device need not be dedicated to controls and keyboard, either.
SF fans are thinking "mediatronic display" right about now (Neal Stephenson, 1995), not to mention the e-paper from Greg Bear's 2003 novel Darwin's Children. Note the keypad appearing on the sheet itself.
He removed the e-sheet from the attaché case and folded the red corner to activate. A keypad appeared in the lower half. He entered the code of the day and read his briefing from the emergency action special reconnaissance office.
(Read more about Bear's vision of e-paper)
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!)
is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for
the Invention Category that interests
you, the Glossary, the Invention
Timeline, or see what's New.
Tactile Skin Supplier Map
'What strange sensitivity! What an amazing development of science was manifested in every move and act and word of this Robot!'
Orb Nomad Zero-Emission Electric Aircraft
'That explains how it was so easy for me to remain motionless in midair or to perch on a flagpole in imitation of a giant bird, even in the windy city of Chicago.'
DIY Robot Scorpion Crushes It
'...it raised its front end off the ground and waved its antennae at them, then raised one armoured claw as if to snip them out of the sky.'