July 14, 2006

 

New technology for stationary and mobile passenger information at InnoTrans 2006 in Berlin

In a pilot project Vossloh Information Technologies Karlsfeld GmbH (Vossloh IT) has installed an electronic paper display in one of HAMBURG HOCHBAHN AG’s metro vehicles (DT 4). This is the first installation world-wide of onboard mobile dynamic destination displays using electronic ink technology. The aim is to assess whether Electronic Paper Displays (EPDs) have the potential to be an alternative for traditional technologies such as scroll, LCD and LED. This field trial will test the operational applicability of the technology in daily operation.

Electronic Paper Displays are an important innovation for rail transport, local public transport and air traffic due to their excellent readability and extremely low power consumption. Furthermore, they can be easily integrated into existing and new passenger information systems given their thin profile and light weight.

Applications
Using electronic ink technology from E Ink Corporation, these Electronic Paper Displays have been developed by Vossloh IT and are used for mobile applications such as exterior or interior displays in tramways, rapid transit and underground railways, regional and long-distance trains. Stationary displays are available for indoor and outdoor areas, e.g. information columns or platform displays.

Vossloh IT will be presenting the current status of displays with electronic ink technology at the “InnoTrans 2006” trade fair in Berlin: an information column and a wireless display, e.g. for stations in remote areas with radio control and power supply by means of a solar panel, for stationary passenger information and also a vehicle front and side display for mobile applications. Vossloh IT’s Electronic Paper Displays have been ready for large-scale production since January 2006.

The Development Partners
Electronic Paper Display technology for the transportation industry is the result of a development alliance between Vossloh IT and E Ink Corp.

Vossloh Information Technologies GmbH is a leading supplier of highly automated information and communication technologies for rail transport in Europe. The company belongs to the international Vossloh Group. In addition to stationary and mobile passenger information systems, Vossloh IT develops rail planning and simulation systems, operations control and information systems as well as signalling technology.

E Ink Corporation, with its headquarter in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is the world’s leading supplier of electronic paper display technology. The company has been engaged in a joint development agreement with Vossloh IT since early 2002. The company supplies its E Ink Imaging Film™ to display makers for applications in the areas of transport technology, advertising and portable consumer electronics. E Ink Corporation both develops and holds the patents for the enabling technology. The company supplies electronic ink coated films to Vossloh IT where it is then used to develop and produce modules for its stationary and mobile passenger information systems. For more information visit: www.eink.com

Vossloh Information Technologies at "InnoTrans 2006" in Berlin (19.-22.09.2006), Vossloh Stand, Hall 26, Stand 101.

Kiel, July 14, 2006

For more information please contact:
Dr. Marion Behr, Vossloh Information Technologies GmbH
Phone: +49 (0) 431 / 24 81-516, Email: marion.behr@vit.vossloh.com