Flexi-vision marks a new chapter for e-paper

'Electrochromic' screens could be in commercial production by 2007

Siemens has developed an ultra-thin, flexible screen which it claims could bring adverts, TV and games to food packaging and magazines within the next two years.

The screens use 'electrochromic' substances that change colour when an electrical voltage shifts the molecular charge. Power comes from a battery that Siemens said could last a few months, making it suitable for fast moving consumer goods.

Dr Norbert Aschenbrenner, a spokesman for Siemens, explained the screen could display anything currently viewable on a TV or LCD screen, albeit at lower quality.

The technique, which could be in commercial production by 2007, should be significantly less expensive than current screen technology, with a square meter costing about £30 to produce.

Siemens engineers have been using silicon controllers on the screen, but hope to get to the point where the entire screen can be printed directly.

A number of companies are currently working on some form of electronic paper, using a variety of methods, including Fujitsu, Seiko and Sony.