FPD Day 2 – Touch Screens and “Digital Signage” make their mark

Probably based on what could be called “if the iPhone uses it, it must be good” theory, touch panel displays are grabbing attention at the flat panel display industry event Flat Panel Display International 2007, now underway in Yokohama, Japan. In particular, Japan’s Sharp, Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology, Korea’s Samsung Electronics, and AU Optronics of Taiwan were spotted trying to cash in by showing off their latest touch sensor technologies.

Another trend showing up is the focus on what is called the “digital signage” market, essentially FPDs designed to display information in public places. Manufacturers are coming up with various technologies to address this market, but a particularly sexy one is displays with 3D holographic images. ChiMei Optronics of Taiwan and Germany’s SeeReal Technologies were two manufacturers exhibiting 3D FPDs.

In a keynote address at FPDI, Sang-Wan Lee, the president and CEO of the LCD Business of Korea’s Samsung Electronics summed up the current optimism of the FPD industry. His claim is five markets, the digital signage market, the advanced TV market, “e boards” for schools and shops, lightweight portable “premium IT displays” and mobile “personal digital boards” will drive the industry to US$150 billion in sales by 2012. [FDP coverage by NikkeiBP's Tech On!]

Extended coverage of FPD on TechOn! (external links)

LCD Panels with Built-in Touch Sensor Highlighted at FPDI
Information Displays Used to Test New Technologies
SeeReal Technologies Exhibits Holographic 3D Video Display, Targeting Market Debut in 2009
Bridgestone Develops 0.29mm Flexible Color E-paper ‘to be Produced by Roll-to-roll Processing’
’2nd Round for $150 Bil Market in 2012,’ Samsung Electronics President
“Over 60% of TVs will be FPD in 2011,” FPD International 2007 Opens