Low-power outdoor digital signage solution uses flexible plastic displays

Serelec and Plastic Logic have collaborated to develop an innovative, low-power outdoor digital signage solution based on Plastic Logic's flexible plastic displays, called ZED.

Each ZED unit consists of a pair of Plastic Logic's tiled display modules integrated in a slim metal housing, specifically created for the application. Each of these "two-up" modules consists of two 10.7" monochrome flexible plastic displays, which have been seamlessly tiled together to create a larger flexible display (15.4" diagonal) with 150 dpi at a fraction of the weight of standard glass-based displays (merely 115g).

The finished unit measures less than one cm in thickness and is rated IP54. It also contains a temperature regulator, resulting in an increased unit operational range from -15°C to +50°C. The integration of a front-light is optional. The unit is fully compliant with public and transport standards.

The inherent bi-stability of Plastic Logic's displays has enabled the ZED units to be designed with very low power consumption. As such, they can be completely solar-powered. Because the displays are reflective, they can not only be read in any lighting conditions, including bright sunlight, but also from almost any angle - just like the paper they will be replacing in a large number of cases.

Initial applications will include signage for public transportation (electronic timetables at bus-stops and tram-stops as well as in underground stations) and large-area advertising, both indoors and out (mounted on the exterior of trams and buses, for example). The content can be updated wirelessly (3G, GPRS etc.) using the integrated connection. Future applications will include colour displays, further increasing the potential for usage.

Source and top image: Plastic Logic at www.plasticlogic.com.

This article originally appeared on EE Times Europe.