The future of human-machine interfaces is on the cusp of a revolution with the unveiling of a groundbreaking technology - a stretchable high-resolution multi-colour synesthesia display that generates synchronised sound and light as input/output sources.
Professor Moon Kee Choi and her research team in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UNIST.
Image credit: UNIST
A research team, led by Professor Moon Kee Choi in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UNIST (Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology in South Korea), has succeeded in developing this display using transfer-printing techniques, propelling the field of multifunctional displays into new realms of possibility.
Traditionally, multifunctional displays have been confined to visualising mechanical and electrical signals in light. However, this stretchable synesthesia display shatters preconceived boundaries by offering optical performance and precise sound pressure levels. Its inherent stretchability ensures seamless operation under both static and dynamic deformation, preserving the integrity of the sound relative to the input waveform.
A key advantage of this technology is its potential to revolutionise wearable devices, mobile devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT) as the next generation of displays. By seamlessly generating sound and light simultaneously, the stretchable display delivers a distinctive user experience and unlocks untapped potential for advanced encryption and authentication.
To demonstrate the capabilities of this synesthesia display, the research team presented two innovative applications. Firstly, they showcased visual-acoustic encryption, an advanced encryption method that combines visual and auditory cues. This breakthrough sets the stage for reinforced authentication systems that leverage the power of both sight and sound, elevating security to new heights.
Secondly, the team introduced a multiplex quick response code that bridges multiple domains with a single device. This remarkable technology empowers users to interact with the display, ushering in a new era of seamless integration and user-friendly experiences.
Professor Choi said; “The demand for next-generation displays is skyrocketing, and this stretchable high-resolution display that generates sound and light simultaneously overcomes the limitations of previous light-emitting devices. Our novel light-emission layer transfer technology, achieved through surface energy control, enables us to achieve remarkable patterns and maintain stability even under deformation.”
The manufactured device boasts exceptional brightness and sound characteristics, with a circular shape maintained at a remarkable rate of over 95% in more than 5,000 deformation experiments. This durability and versatility render the stretchable display suitable for a wide range of applications, including wearable speakers, double encryption devices, and multi-quick response code implementations.