'Electronic paper' is about to appear on the market

The talking book in Neal Stephenson's "science fiction diamond " novel after being released for a decade is becoming a reality.

" Electronic paper " is a display technology that allows creating flexible or rolled up screens that are different from current computer screens, and are readable in both sunlight.

But like LCD monitors on the market, consumers will first see the application of electronic paper technology in watchmaking. However, it will take many more years before electronic papers can be published to automatically update content via wireless technology.

A number of screen-producing companies such as LG Philips LCD and Massachusetts-based E Ink last month built a 10-inch screen model, and Fujitsu also showed the color screen last July.

Philips' polymer display division plans to build a large number of 5-inch screens by the end of 2006. The first consumer product used on Seiko Epson watches with electronic paper displays will be available. Japanese market next year.

Electronic paper was invented in the 1970s, and the author is Nick Sheridon of Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. He is currently Xerox's research director at subsidiary Gyricon, creating electronic paper signs.

According to Gyricon spokesman Jim Welch, the blue screen was previously taken care of and sought to make screens that make the eyes more pleasing.