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Kent Displays Awarded Ohio Third Frontier Funding to Develop Next Generation of Electronic Skins Technology

Posted on: Thursday, 7 May 2009, 17:00 CDT

KENT, Ohio, May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Kent Displays announced today a $4.9 Million award from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission's Research Commercialization Program. The award will be used to develop the company's next generation of Reflex(TM) electronic skins for portable electronic devices such as cell phones and laptop computers. Program collaborators include plastic substrate producer DuPont Teijin Films and electronic chip designer Solomon Systech Ltd., as well as two leading research institutions in liquid crystal technology and polymer science: Kent State University and the University of Akron, respectively.

Reflex(TM) LCD electronic skins are ultra thin, plastic displays that can be cut to a custom shape and conformed to another surface. They are reflective and require no power from the host device to retain an image. The company's first generation electronic skins display eight different colors, changeable at the touch of a button to match a user's mood, clothing or preference. The user can also select a menu option to change the skin color based on device status (e.g., new voice mail). These capabilities bring a new level of personalization and differentiation to a wide range of products. Support from Ohio Third Frontier will enable Reflex electronic skin advancements in the following areas to enhance commercial viability: performance, size, conformability, electronics and manufacturing.

Kent Displays' CEO Dr. Albert Green stated, "Kent Displays is extremely excited to receive Ohio Third Frontier funding to develop the next generation of Reflex electronic skins. Ohio Third Frontier is essential to the future of the State of Ohio. It is an important catalyst for the state's emerging high technology sector and creating and retaining jobs within it. This sector is redefining the state's economic base beyond traditional manufacturing and services to meet the needs of a rapidly-advancing, technology-based society. Support through Ohio Third Frontier is a key enabler of commercializing products like our Reflex electronic skins that meet these needs. We are confident that with this support Kent Displays and the state have a secure future."

About Kent Displays

Founded in 1993, Kent Displays, Inc. is a world leader in the research, development and manufacture of Reflex no power LCDs for unique, sustainable applications including electronic skins, writing tablets, smartcards and eReaders. For more information, go to www.kentdisplays.com

Reflex is a trademark of Kent Displays, Inc.

SOURCE Kent Displays, Inc.

Source: PR Newswire

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