E-Ink has implemented e-paper bus stop signs all over the United States and the United Kingdom. These displays run on solar power and the wireless internet access often displays the schedules in real time. Would these displays make sense in your city?
Papercast has just signed an agreement with E-Ink to supply a solar powered e-paper passenger information display technology for a pioneering smart bus stop project, soon to pilot in Aizuwakamatsu city, Japan. There are 500,000 bus stops nationwide and 90% of them do not have internet access to update the schedules.
Managed remotely through the Papercast data management platform, the multi-lingual displays will present live bus arrivals, timetables, route data, route transfers, service alterations (planned and unplanned) and a range of other travel advice.
“Using E Ink display components, Papercast has developed a platform specifically to meet the real-time bus stop information requirements of operators and their users. With a focus on innovation, Papercast offers a unique range of features with up to 9-times more energy efficiency than comparable alternatives”, said Bogdan Pavlic, Chief Technology Officer at Papercast.
“E-paper works just like paper with sunlight readability and high contrast, with the added benefit of real time updates, making it an ideal information display for bus stops. Since E Ink’s electronic ink is bistable, meaning the display consumes power only when the image or content changes, it is the perfect display to run on solar cells,” said Dr. FY Gan, Executive Vice President of Sales Center of E Ink Holdings. “E Ink’s goal is to deliver revolutionary products, user experiences and environmental benefits through advanced technology development. We are glad to co-work with Papercast and the value chain to enable this new application.”
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
