Paper displays
On paper, graphics and text messages are printed at an extraordinary quality. With colour-changeable inks included in thin/thick film electronic devices on paper we develop display functions on the paper surface. The approach ranges from making graphical images updateable or animated. Also, true displays with matrix updated pixels are developed for applications such as electronic price tags, dynamic message stickers, updateable packaging information etc. Updateable paper surfaces can in some cases offer a unique extension of the lifetime of paper and also increase added value. For instance, graphic advertisement with the option of updateable displays can result in novel advertisement concepts that extend the use of paper as information carriers. Also, an updateable paper surface can replace many of the CRT screens used as semi-static information carriers.
Sensors
We develop sensors directly printed onto a package that can transmit a warning signal upon leakage or quality degradation of the material stored inside. Focus is directed towards sensors that can be read out either optically (visual read-out) or through non-contact electronic read-out, i.e. wireless.
Wireless communication
The bar codes are today the widely spread standard for package/product identification where a non-contact read-out is obtained. Electronic resonance and switching circuitry combined with an antenna device offer wireless read-out where no optical path is required. Particularly RF-ID technology (radio frequency identification) and other short distance communication technologies can now be implemented into package technology.