3M invests in Pixel Qi's outdoor display tech
updated 01:15 pm EDT, Mon September 12, 2011
Transflective LCDs much more visible outdoors
3M's New Ventures organization has invested in Pixel Qi Corp., a developer of next generation LCD panels. Pixel Qi's unique screens can generate either e-paper output or high-intensity images for much better outdoor visibility than other contemporary LCDs. Mary Lou Jepsen, co-founder and CEO of Pixel Qi, said the funding would accelerate the company's product into the mass consumer market. She also said the company would continue to pursue mobile device manufacturers and digital signage applications.
The company grew out of the One Laptop Per Child/XO project. Pixel Qi's LCD screens use specialized films produced by 3M's Optical Systems Division that optimize light throughput.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
