Description:
Reference Number:1653
Background
Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) dominate the market for flat panel electronic
displays due to their size, low-drive voltage and low-power consumption. They
have been used in calculators, watches and simple digital displays since the
1970s, but more recently their use has extended to mobile phones, laptop
computers, flat panel televisions, smart cards, e-books and electronic signage
and shelf labelling. Due to this increase in usage, LCD design increasingly
needs to address its carbon footprint.
Technology
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new bistable
LCD technology. Being bistable this monochrome LCD does not require constant
power to maintain an image but only to change an image. This therefore
represents a huge saving in power consumption compared to many existing LCD
technologies and is ideal for remote or solar powered applications. With further
development the technology will also be capable of colour display. In addition,
because this display is reflective, there is no need for the battery/mains
powered backlight that consumes much of the power of a traditional display
making it easier to read in direct sunlight. This unique LCD can be manufactured
on flexible plastic making it extremely durable and robust and also can be
shaped around curved surfaces. The proposed patented design will use a standard
and scalable manufacturing process. This technology is ideally suited to a
display application where low power, durability, sunlight visibility, and
low/medium information content are required. To date this bistable liquid
crystal technology has been proven to switch and latch at commercial speeds and
the technology team now require a development partner in order to commercialise
this technology.
Key Benefits
- Savings in power consumption as the display only requires power to change
the image, not to maintain it, and no battery operated backlight is required
- Low cost manufacture since standard liquid crystal materials and simple
manufacturing methods are used
- Robust design using flexible plastics therefore suitable for outdoor
signage
- Flexible materials enable it to be shaped around curved surfaces
- Passive addressing increases the resolution of the display
Markets and Applications
- Mobile phones, laptop PCs
- Electronic paper
- Smart cards and disposable displays
- Digital Signage
- Outdoor Advertising
Licensing and Development
The technology is protected by a patent application filed by the University
of Strathclyde as GB 0611141.3. Contact is welcomed from organisations
interested in developing, licensing or exploiting this technology.
For further information, please contact Research & Knowledge Exchange
Services:
e: rkes@strath.ac.uk t: 0141 548 3707 f: 0141 552 4409
This project has received assistance from the Proof of Concept Fund managed
by Scottish Enterprise. The Proof of Concept Fund supports the
pre-commercialisation of leading-edge technologies emerging from Scotland's
universities, research institutes and NHS Trusts.