Digital paper that talks to you

Digital paper that talks to you

Pressinformation: 04.06.2007

The large boards and store displays already exist as prototypes. They talk to you
directly, using digital information embedded in the paper. You simply touch various
parts of the display to get information to stream out of printed speakers. And this
coming technology can be used in many areas, from advertising to tourist
information at attractions.
Research teams at the Mid Sweden University forestry industry research program
Fiber Science and Communication Network (FSCN) are working on the fourth
generation of paper products that can communicate with computers. This integrates
paper with the digital world.

"We combine paper with printed graphic codes and electronically conductive ink that
is engineered to be sensitive to pressure. Then digital information is embedded in the
paper, and when it is touched, the information comes out via printed speakers," says
Mikael Gulliksson, project leader for media technology in the comprehensive
research project.

A large display board is already in use to show how the marketing of new travel
destination, for instance, can be carried out by having the recipient enter the
advertising world. When the person touches a picture or text, he or she hears the
audiovisual advertising message. Instead of a flat advertising surface, this advertising
invites people to enter into and interact with the message. Applications could be for
advertising campaigns, marketing, and events. Other possible areas are product
displays in stores.

The same technology has been used in a prototype for a 'music display board.' On this
slightly bowed board, a number of music albums are printed directly on paper. Just
as with a regular sound system, you can sample music by touching the front of the
album. The sound is then streamed right out of the paper. The board can easily be
replaced as soon as there are new recordings to be marketed. This new display
technology is inexpensive, combining images, sound, and space in a new an
environmentally friendly way. After use, the displays can be tossed into the recycle
bin.

View a video of a large display board at Paperfour

The three research teams in the project include scientists from materials physics,
media and communication science, and electronics. Paper Four is a research project
that collaborates with the paper industry in the mid-Sweden region. The aim is to
develop an entirely new paper-based product platform for marketing products and
services.

about the Project and The "smart" diaper moisture detection system

Questions can be directed to:
Mikael Gulliksson, cell phone: +46 (0)70-514 5275; Micke.Gulliksson@miun.se.
Kristina Brink, mobiltelefon +46(0)70-521 9884; Kristina.Brink@miun.se