News
Apple patent points to hybrid E Ink/video display
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Wednesday, April 13, 2011
News Category: Apple
A recently published Apple patent application suggests the company is investigating display technology that would allow devices to switch between an e-Ink and video displays as needed. Entitled “Systems and Methods for Switching Between an Electronic Paper Display and a Video Display,” the patent describes a device with a display that contains a touch-sensitive surface, an electronic paper display, and a video display. While E Ink electronic paper is specifically mentioned in the application, the display could include any suitable electronic ink display. By using addressable microcapsules inside the electronic ink display, the display could be made to appear transparent, allowing for viewing of the video display—of LCD, OLED, or some other suitable technology.
In addition, the patent describes a system of regions within the displays that could be used to show both the electronic paper display and the video display in different areas of the screen at the same time. According to the patent, the device could automatically choose which display technology to use based on color composition or rate of change. As with all Apple patents, this application does not necessarily represent any future product release from Apple, but offers evidence of the company’s research in this area. [via Patently Apple]
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This kind of display would also be great in a future iPod nano. with a slightly smaller design and a low-power E-ink mode, it really could be a practical watch replacement. With some well-designed wireless earbuds, that could be an awesome device.
Posted by Jerome on April 13, 2011 at 9:01 AM (PDT)