Apple patents hybrid e-paper and LCD display

A US patent discovered Thursday suggested Apple has been developing a possible breakthrough in display technology for future iPads and iPhones. Its "Systems and Methods for Switching Between an Electronic Paper Display and a Video Display" would not only put e-paper and regular display technology in the same screen but would use elements of both on the spot. Different regions could flip over to e-paper for reading, AppleInsider read in its example, but it could also flip some or all of it back for color or video content.

The system would auto-tune the backlighting depending on what choice of display material was active and could even adjust based on automatic criteria rather than by the app or after a command. It could recognize fast-moving content to switch to the regular display but could also go to e-ink if it detected black-and-white or grayscale content.

Its system would work by having a translucent e-paper layer sitting below the touch layer but above the LCD or any other conventional technology. Such layering would let full-color content work below, even if most of the screen was still using e-paper.

Apple first filed for the patent in October 2009 and is only having its application published today. Like most patents, it doesn't guarantee a real shipping product. The use of an iPhone as an example template at least suggested it was considering a tangible application.

The display if it became real would likely be a way to counter criticism from Amazon and from users about the problems of using current Apple mobile devices outside. Although its screens are bright, the need for a backlight and the glossy glass surface can make them hard to use outdoors versus a Kindle or an outdoor-ready computer display like Pixel Qi's 3qi. A switchable, hybrid screen would offer the advantages of both.

By Electronista Staff

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