Displays, BECK Elektronik

Ink-In-Motion technology brings movement to the e-paper world

E-paper technology is known as a display for static information. Although even playing videos on the EPDs has become possible, this application is still not in the foreground. There are definitely interesting possibilities to make the e-paper display move and animate the content. This technology is known as "Ink-In-Motion (IIM)".

The ability of the display to switch between white color and another main color (black, yellow, red, etc.) can be used to emphasize any area of the surface. This is the principle of this technology. The main part of the displays is the bistable E Ink film, which can change the color. It is not an active-matrix display, which means any graphic content cannot be represented by pixels, but it is rather a filled color area, a kind of segment. This E Ink film is flexible, bendable and can be cut. An impressive example of this can be seen in this E Ink video.

The transparent color print is laminated onto this segmented area of the E Ink film as a second layer. The area holds the graphic content, such as images, photos, patterns or text information. By controlling the e-paper segments, it is possible to "activate" or "deactivate" areas with graphic content and thus draw attention to special elements.

e-paper segments
Structure of an Ink-In-Motion display

Normally the application area is Point-of-Purchase for example to show prices and info – but there are other applications. It is a good idea to use this technology for signs that are to be activated or deactivated, such as "open-closed" or "free-occupied". In fact, the Ink-In-Motion display can replace typical LCD applications while adding the attractive, high-contrast, colorful background to the product.

Ink-In-Motion: new vision of segmented displays
Ink-In-Motion: new vision of segmented displays (Video, BECK Elektronik)

IIM technology has existed for many years, but due to the new colored structures of the e-ink film (known as Gallery Plus)  it has become possible to expand the application areas of Ink-In-Motion. This new foil is the basis for the second generation of these products called "Prism". The best example is a BMW model where the colors of the surface can be changed.

The temperature range of the e-ink film is typical of e-paper technology and varies between 0°C to +50°C. Power consumption is extremely low as the displays retain the color after disconnecting the power supply. The size limitations for the segments are 600mm × 400mm. Control of the displays is straightforward and can be integrated into customer-specific systems.

E Ink Foil tape
E Ink Foil tape

The special thing about the technology is the individuality of the products – no product is a mass product. Each application is unique, each development is specific. Point-of-purchase and design applications are the most common areas where Ink-In-Motion can be found, but in fact there are no limitations to its use. Applications vary between automotive, food as well as fashion, architecture, furniture, wayfinding and many more. There are hardly any limits to the possibilities.

Ink-In-Motion applications
The areas of application are individual and unique

If you have ideas for application areas, we are ready to discuss them with you. Do not hesitate to contact us or visit us and see the impressive samples to experience these unique products live.

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For further information, please get in touch with your contact person in our company at any time or send us an e-mail to info@beck-elektronik.de

Ink-In-Motion

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