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Kent technology company continues to grow
Kent-based Improv Electronics launched its first eWriter, the Boogie Board™ 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet, almost two years ago. Since then it has unveiled several other Boogie Board products and an entire new product line, Skin Flik™ LCD Color Changing Cases for iPod touch devices. But it's latest eWriter is said to be the most innovative yet. The Boogie Board Rip™ LCD Writing Tablet, gives users the ability to record and save notes or illustrations.
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: October 13, 2011
It’s been almost two years since Kent-based Improv Electronics launched its first consumer product, an eWriter called the Boogie Board™ 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet. At the time, the paperless, electronic memo pad was the first mass-manufactured product to feature a plastic Reflex LCD.
The fundamental display technology inherent to all Reflex LCDs was developed at the Liquid Crystal Institute at Kent State University under the direction of Dr. Bill Doane, who co-founded the parent company of Improv Electronics, Kent Displays, and is now a senior advisor.
The Boogie Board 8.5 tablet weighed just four ounces and ran on a single watch battery. Operating it was as simple as paper and pen. All the user needed to do was apply pressure with a stylus, or even a finger nail, to cause the liquid crystals to change to a reflective state, and writing or drawing to appear.
“We knew when we launched the original Boogie Board tablet it was something special,” said Doane. “It was the only paperless writing medium that provided a paper-like writing experience and the ability to electronically erase. It also had the potential to be mass-manufactured at the right cost.”
But the Boogie Board 8.5 tablet was only the beginning for Improv Electronics. In May 2011, the company launched four new Boogie Board products, including a model custom designed by Brookstone. It comes complete with a clear acrylic case, red or charcoal top cover plate, and integrated stylus holder.
Other new products included a Boogie Board 8.5 tablet that clips into two, three, and four-ring binders, as well as the Boogie Board 10.5 LCD Writing Tablet, which features a diagonal writing surface that is about 50 percent larger than the 8.5 tablet, and includes replaceable batteries, an integrated stylus holder and an erase lock button.
The Boogie Board Message Center was also introduced. The accessory attaches to flat surfaces like a refrigerator or cubicle wall and allows the original 8.5 tablet to be slid in for stationary use, and then out, to be taken on the go.
In addition to the new Boogie Board tablets and accessories, the company created an entire new product line, Skin Flik™ LCD Color Changing Cases for iPod touch devices. The cases are the first mass-produced consumer product to feature a Reflex LCD Electronic Skin.
Like Boogie Board eWriters, Skin Flik cases utilize a plastic Reflex LCD. However, while Boogie Board eWriters use a Reflex LCD as their writing surface, Skin Flik cases use a Reflex LCD as an electronic skin that dynamically changes color when the user slides a finger across the bottom of the case.
But Communications Director Kevin Oswald said the most recent addition to their line of consumer products with Reflex LCDs is the most innovative yet. It’s called the Boogie Board Rip™ LCD Writing Tablet, and it was introduced in late August at the IFA Show in Berlin, Germany.
“RIP stands for Record Image. Preserve,” said Oswald. “The Boogie Board Rip tablet combines the exceptional writing experience common to all Boogie Board eWriters with the ability to record and save notes or illustrations.”
As Oswald explained, saved images are stored as high resolution PDF files in the tablet’s internal memory, and can be uploaded to a PC through its micro USB port. The files can then be viewed, edited, organized, archived and/or shared.
“The introduction of ePaper as a paper replacement, both in its most recognized use as a dedicated eReader, and now as a dedicated eWriter, is a momentous step forward not only for Improv Electronics, but for environmentally-conscious consumers all over the world,” said Improv Electronics/Kent Displays CEO, Dr. Albert Green.
“Since the introduction of the original Boogie Board 8.5 LCD Writing Tablet in 2010, we have been inundated with requests to make a version with the ability to save what is written or drawn on the tablet’s writing surface. Because of the high demand, other entities announced plans of their own to launch a similar product. These plans failed to materialize, and we are very excited that we are the first to bring a product of this type to market.”
Boogie Board eWriters and Skin Flik cases would not be possible without the revolutionary plastic Reflex display technology created by Kent Displays, which took years to commercialize.
Although Kent Displays began in 1993, it originally made glass displays for digital signs. In fact, it was not until 2004 that work began on products incorporating plastic displays. The company faced numerous obstacles over the years, including significant development costs and legal challenges to patents for Reflex technology. Those issues have been successfully overcome, and today Kent Displays is focused on expanding its line of Improv Electronics products. According to Oswald, in the last two years, these products have helped Kent Displays double its revenue and number of employees. He said he expects the positive trend to continue.
“We have just scratched the surface with Boogie Board eWriters, electronic skins and plastic Reflex LCDs in general,” said Oswald. “We continue to aggressively develop Reflex LCDs and our own consumer products that feature them. There is also a significant OEM (original equipment manufacturer) market for Reflex LCDs. One thing is certain, consumers will see more new and exciting applications for Reflex LCD technology in the future.”