Press Release
ELECTRONIC INK DISPLAYS FROM VOSSLOH IT READY FOR LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION IN 2005
Pilot display with prototype modules on show at InnoTrans 2004 in Berlin
KIEL - July 27, 2004 – Next generation passenger information displays from Vossloh IT using the latest in electronic ink display technology from E Ink Corporation are planned for commercialization by mid-2005. Lead by the co-operating partners Vossloh IT, Kiel/Karlsfeld, and E Ink Corporation, USA, with research support from the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM in Berlin, notable development progress towards commercialization has been made.
Electronic ink displays are an important innovation for rail transport, local public transport and air traffic due to their excellent readability and extremely low power consumption. Furthermore, they can be easily integrated into existing and new passenger information systems given their thin profile and light weight.
Vossloh IT will present the current status of this technology at the "InnoTrans 2004" trade fair in Berlin: a pilot display prototype equipped with electronic ink display modules optimized for stationary and mobile passenger information will be on display.
The project team, led by Vossloh IT, worked closely on the development of these electronic ink displays. E Ink's focus has been the scale-up and optimization of their electronic ink technology which is used in the production of their E Ink® Imaging Film. The IZM concentrated on the process development for display module manufacturing. This entailed the integration of mechanical and environmental protective filters for UV, infrared, and humidity, as well as optimization of the backplane material. Lastly, Vossloh IT was focused on integrating the electronic ink display modules into complete display systems with electronics.
The first prototype modules are currently being tested under real operational conditions. Further tests in selected locations in Germany are planned. Coupled with comprehensive laboratory qualifications based on current railway standards, these field trials enable performance and market evaluations which are important to the final optimization of the product design. Large-scale production by Vossloh IT is scheduled to begin in Berlin from April 2005.
This innovation project entitled "Electronic Paper" is being sponsored by the German Federal State of Berlin and the European Regional Development Fund.
Vossloh Information Technologies at "InnoTrans 2004" in Berlin (21.-24.09.2004), Vossloh Joint Stand, Hall 26c (BahnBau - Railway Construction), Stand 101.
About VIT
Vossloh Information Technologies GmbH is a leading supplier of highly automated information and communication technologies for rail transport in Europe. The company belongs to the international Vossloh Group. In addition to stationary and mobile passenger information systems, Vossloh IT develops rail planning and simulation systems, operations control and information systems as well as signalling technology.
About The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration
The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration IZM was established in 1993 in Berlin. The institute was commissioned by Vossloh IT to research, develop and qualify in this project the processes, materials and technologies for systems that are used to set up and connect microelectronic and microsystem components. In the past 10 years since the establishment of this institute, the Fraunhofer IZM has become one of the worldwide leading addresses in the electronic packaging sector.
About E Ink Holdings
Founded in 1992 by Taiwan's leading papermaking and printing group YFY (1907.TW), E Ink Holdings Inc. "E Ink" (8069.TW) is the pioneer of TFT and ePaper business in Taiwan. Its corporate philosophy aims to deliver revolutionary products, user experiences, and environmental benefits through advanced technology development. This vision has led to its continuous investments in the field of ePaper display as well as its 2008 acquisition of Hydis Technologies, manufacturer of the world's best wide viewing angle LCDs and its 2009 acquisition of E Ink Corp., the worldwide leader in ePaper. Listed in Taiwan's GreTai Securities Market and the Luxembourg market, E Ink is now the world's largest supplier of displays to the eBook market. For corporate information, please visit www.einkgroup.com; for EPD information, please visit www.eink.com / tw.eink.com; and for FFS information, please visit www.hydis.com.