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Self-Recycling Paper

Posted by Zonk on from the i-vote-for-HUDs dept.

fermion writes "Xerox is reported to be working on some interesting forms of digital paper. The New York Times reports a 16 hour reusable paper. This system uses a coated paper and special ink to produce a copy that will fade over 16 hours, or sooner if the paper is put back in the copy tray. It can then be reused for a new copy, up to 10 times. According to the article, the rational for this is that paper is no longer used to store information, but merely to temporarily display it. The research suggest that in the typical office many copies end up in the recycle bin by the end of the day. The main obstacle to commercialization seems to be the question of whether people need this product. Will people have digital displays that will take the place of paper? Will something radically different from plain paper, but with competitive costs and characteristics, become popular? Xerox itself is working on something called gyricon, a system of tiny bichromal beads encased between sheets of plastics. Evidently the beads can be set electrically to either reflect of absorb light, thus allowing images to be generated at will. According to the page, the images can be set by a printer or a hand held wand. The 'paper' could even be combined with electronics to create a flexible display. So, /., where is our display technology headed? Coated conventional paper? Plastic reprintable paper? Glasses with heads up displays and wireless data feed?"

7 of 143 comments (clear)

  1. Your mission, if you choose to accept it... by Centurix · · Score: 5, Funny

    "This message will recycle in 5 seconds."

    --
    Task Mangler
  2. Should consult the Russian space agency by iamacat · · Score: 4, Funny

    They will give some tips on using pencil and eraser as a low cost alternative

  3. Re:Why? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    It could never supplant the New York Times or the Washington Post.

  4. Re:Why? by __aaclcg7560 · · Score: 4, Funny

    You make photocopies of money, spend photocopied money at Wal-Mart to buy a Playstation 3, sell Playstion 3 on Ebay (profit!), and Wal-Mart sues the Federal Government for disappearing money.

  5. Re:redundant by camperdave · · Score: 5, Funny

    Of course it was, but it faded.

    --
    When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
  6. Teacher by killa62 · · Score: 4, Funny

    This goddamn piece of paper self-recycled.
    I did my homework.
    I swear!

  7. Re:Neat idea. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny
    My bet is no. I'm not a business wiz, but I know what I would think, and what my managers would think: "We know how to deal with paper jams, ink shortages, and people occaisionally sticking their penis in the copy machine.

    The wang is not the worst abuse you can inflict on your copy machine. Try your hairy ass instead!