TECH BRIEF

ASU unveils flexible touch screen

• By Patrick Marshall
• Feb 25, 2009

Arizona State University’s Flexible Display Center has made a name for itself by creating displays that can be bent, folded and even worn on clothing. Now researchers have created a prototype flexible display that also works as a touch screen.

Users can manipulate the display by tapping a stylus pen or their finger on the touch screen, which the center developed in cooperation with E Ink Corp. and DuPont Teijin Films. Information that is written on the screen can be stored before erasing.

The touch-screen capability is derived from a low-power display controller co-developed by E Ink and Epson.

“We believe successful deployment of flexible touch-screen technology can stimulate a number of applications that will allow Army soldiers — and ultimately other users — to input, store or transmit real-time data from remote locations using ultra-low-power displays that are rugged, sunlight readable, lightweight and thin,” said Nick Colaneri, the center’s director.

A video demonstrating the new touch screen is available at flexdisplay.asu.edu.