AUO unveils 6-inch flexible e-paper and 20-inch eReader

After marking the worldwide debut of its 6-inch touch function e-book reader in Display Taiwan 2009 in June, AUO launched its first 6-inch flexible e-paper technology in October. Adopting Sipix's Microcup technology, this flexible e-paper incorporates a plastic substrate, so that the display can be repeatedly bended, allowing it to match even more closely the functionality of real paper. The flexible e-paper is portable and unbreakable, significantly increasing the product's durability, the company said. While the curved radius of this e-paper reaches 100mm, it remains flexible and features 16 gray levels, a 9:1 high contrast ratio, and a reflectance of 33%. In terms of power consumption, there is no electricity required during reading and it consumes power only when the image is updated. Using the roll-to-roll manufacturing process, the technology allows for the commencement of volume production with higher yield rates, making it more cost-competitive. The size of the flexible e-paper is able to be tailor-made based on customers' needs. AUO expects to distribute samples to customers in 2010 and to start volume production then.

AUO's 20-inch EPD (electrophoretic display) module is ready for mass production, it said. It will be for future applications in public information display because of its ability to eliminate backlight. It also features low power consumption of less than 2W as well as 16 gray level capabilities.