{"id":79670,"date":"2025-07-07T12:00:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T16:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/?p=79670"},"modified":"2025-07-07T09:40:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T13:40:07","slug":"the-story-behind-samsung-color-e-paper-the-digital-signage-solution-that-displays-2-5-million-colors-without-continuous-power","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/story-behind-samsung-color-e-paper-digital-signage-solution-displays-2-5-million-colors-without-continuous-power\/","title":{"rendered":"The Story Behind Samsung Color E-Paper: The Digital Signage Solution That Displays 2.5 Million Colors Without Continuous Power"},"content":{"rendered":"

From menu boards and discount offers to promotional advertisements, digital signage has become an essential medium for delivering information in retail spaces. Now, a new display<\/a> has emerged \u2014 one that can show images without a continuous power supply.<\/p>\n

On June 8, Samsung Electronics launched the 32-inch Color E-Paper<\/a> \u2014 an ultra-low-power digital signage solution capable of delivering rich, high-quality visuals.<\/p>\n

Behind this innovative product lies Samsung\u2019s proprietary Color Imaging Algorithm technology, developed through close collaboration between the Visual Display (VD) Business and Samsung Research at Samsung Electronics.<\/p>\n

Samsung Newsroom spoke with two key figures behind its development \u2014 Daewoong Cho from the VD Business and Iljun Ahn from Samsung Research \u2014 to learn more about the creation of Color E-Paper.<\/p>\n

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\u25b2 (From left) Iljun Ahn from Samsung Research and Daewoong Cho from the VD Business<\/p><\/div>\n

Paradigm Shift: Ultra-Slim, Ultra-Light and Ultra Low-Power<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The Color E-Paper<\/a> sets a new benchmark for digital signage \u2014 redefining hardware, operational methods and content expressiveness.<\/p>\n

The globally released EM32DX model (32-inch)<\/a> sports an ultra-slim profile, measuring just 8.6 millimeters at its thinnest point, and boasts a lightweight structure, weighing only 2.5 kilograms with the battery.<\/p>\n

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\u25b2 Daewoong Cho from the VD Business<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe designed the device to be ultra-slim and ultra-light so that it can be installed easily, even in tight spaces,\u201d said Cho, who led Color E-Paper<\/a>\u2019s hardware development. \u201cThis versatility means it can serve as a menu board at a caf\u00e9 entrance or be mounted on a wall to function as a seasonal, emotionally resonant interior display.\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the biggest advantages of the Color E-Paper<\/a> is its ultra-low power consumption, as it draws 0.00W1<\/sup><\/a> while displaying a static image. This allows content to remain visible for extended periods on battery power alone, significantly reducing energy usage in retail environments. Changing the display image requires only a minimal amount of power as well. In addition, as part of Samsung\u2019s commitment to sustainability, the product incorporates recycled plastics in its exterior and comes in eco-friendly packaging.<\/p>\n

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\u25b2 Content for the Color E-Paper can be easily created, replaced and managed through the Samsung VXT platform.<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u25b2 Samsung VXT enhances the Color E-Paper experience with content visibility optimization, a preview function that ensures color accuracy before deployment, and other convenient features.<\/p><\/div>\n

A Display That Runs Without a Continuous Power Supply<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The secret behind the Color E-Paper<\/a>\u2019s ultra-low power consumption is its distinctive method of displaying images.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 Iljun Ahn from Samsung Research<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWhile conventional LCD signage uses a backlight to illuminate images, the Color E-Paper<\/a> arranges six colors of digital ink in precise locations \u2014 just like printing on paper,\u201d said Ahn, who participated in developing the product’s image enhancement technology. \u201cThis is also what gives the display its eye-friendly visual texture.\u201d<\/p>\n

The display consists of millions of microcups, each containing four colored ink particles (red, yellow, white and blue). When an electrical signal is applied to each cup, the designated ink particles rise to the surface to produce six colors.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis process closely resembles the printing principle by which ink adheres to paper,\u201d Ahn explained. \u201cOnce an image is formed, it can be semi-permanently retained without any further power consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Rich Images With Just Six Colors Through Samsung\u2019s Proprietary Technology<\/strong><\/h5>\n

The Color E-Paper<\/a>‘s strengths go far beyond power efficiency. The product can reproduce vibrant, natural hues using only six colors thanks to Samsung Electronics\u2019 independently developed Color Imaging Algorithm.<\/p>\n

\u201cConventional products had limitations in accurately reproducing input colors, and issues such as distortion and noise occurred in flat or edge areas of images. A solution was needed to overcome these challenges, so the VD Business and Samsung Research joined forces to come up with one,\u201d said Ahn.<\/p>\n

The starting point for developing the Color Imaging Algorithm, which enhances both color expressiveness and visibility, was the Human Visual System (HVS). The algorithm was built around a key aspect of human vision: the eye perceives the average color across a certain region, rather than focusing on the colors of individual pixels.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy leveraging this trait, it\u2019s possible to create the perception of different colors by naturally combining the six colors. The key lies in optimizing the ratio and arrangement of those combinations to avoid any color distortion,\u201d Ahn added.<\/p>\n

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\u25b2 The Color E\u2011Paper\u2019s color-rendering process, powered by the Color Imaging Algorithm.<\/p><\/div>\n

Calculating Color Ratios: Probability Map Extraction<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Conventional e\u2011paper relies on\u00a0error-diffusion<\/strong>2<\/sup><\/a>\u00a0techniques to approximate digital images using a limited color palette. While effective, these methods carry significant drawbacks, as they are prone to visual distortion and suffer from slow computation speeds.<\/p>\n

To overcome these limitations, Samsung devised an innovative approach that calculates the probability of placing certain colors within arbitrary regions, allowing for more precise color expression.<\/p>\n

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\u25b2 The Color Imaging Algorithm computes color-specific weights as probability distributions.<\/p><\/div>\n

By computing color weights as probabilities, the Color E-Paper<\/a> can render nearly 2.5 million distinct hues using just six colors \u2014 a dramatic 40-fold increase in color richness compared to the roughly 60,000 hues achievable with conventional methods.<\/p>\n

Optimizing Color Arrangement: Color Sampling<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Along with color ratios, the way colors are arranged also plays a critical role in color rendition quality. Building on the probability map, Samsung developers applied\u00a0blue<\/strong>–<\/strong>noise<\/strong>-based <\/strong>3<\/sup><\/a> sampling<\/strong>\u00a0(arrangement) to assign colors on a pixel-by-pixel basis, ensuring uniform and smooth color rendering.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 The blue-noise-based color sampling process<\/p><\/div>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 (Left) Grocery store promotions brought to life in vivid color on a Samsung Color E-Paper display; (Right) A magnified view of the onion demonstrates how various color combinations naturally render shades and hues.<\/p><\/div>\n

This advanced Color Imaging Algorithm technology significantly reduces eye strain and delivers images with soft, natural boundaries \u2014 just like printed material.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u25b2 Samsung\u2019s Color Imaging Algorithm technology overcomes the shortcomings of conventional e-paper.<\/p><\/div>\n

A Globally Acclaimed Technology With a Bright Future <\/strong><\/h5>\n

With reactions like \u201cI thought it was real paper!\u201d and \u201cWhere\u2019s the power cable?\u201d, people are often surprised or impressed when they see the Color E\u2011Paper<\/a> for the first time. The innovation drew significant attention at this year\u2019s edition of Europe\u2019s largest display exhibition, Integrated Systems Europe, where it won three Best of Show at ISE 2025 awards.<\/p>\n

\u201cI felt so proud when I heard that a global brand, one that had previously insisted on analog signage only, began seriously considering a digital transformation after seeing the Color E\u2011Paper<\/a> at ISE 2025,\u201d Daewoong Cho recalled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe natural, paper-like color of the Color E-Paper<\/a> will offer consumers a fresh experience across various commercial settings. We plan to introduce it in a range of sizes, from small to large displays.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are continuing our research with the goal of being able to render a broader range of colors more effectively. Samsung Research and the VD Business will keep working in close partnership to deliver the next breakthrough in display technology,\u201d added Iljun Ahn.<\/p>\n

With its paradigm-shifting power efficiency and color accuracy, the Samsung Color E\u2011Paper<\/a> is leading the evolution of digital signage. Driven by a spirit of continuous innovation, Samsung\u2019s product developers are committed to enhancing visual experiences in commercial spaces \u2014 setting a new standard for the displays of tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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1<\/a> Based on IEC 62301 standards from the International Electrotechnical Commission. Power consumption below 0.005W is indicated as 0.00W.<\/h6>\n
2<\/a> This method diffuses the quantization error \u2014 introduced during image quantization \u2014 by distributing it in specified proportions to adjacent pixels, ensuring the errors become visually less noticeable across the entire image.<\/h6>\n
3<\/a> Unlike white noise, blue noise is concentrated in the high-frequency spectrum, distributing fine-grained, evenly spaced patterns without large blotches \u2014 enabling smoother and more natural image rendering on displays.<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From menu boards and discount offers to promotional advertisements, digital signage has become an essential medium for delivering information in retail spaces. Now, a new display has emerged \u2014 one that can show images without a continuous power supply. On June 8, Samsung Electronics launched the 32-inch Color E-Paper \u2014 an ultra-low-power digital signage solution […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[29730,29718],"tags":[30423,223,30468],"blue-badge":[],"class_list":["post-79670","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-product-enterprise-display","category-product","tag-color-e-paper","tag-display","tag-samsung-color-e-paper"],"acf":{"turn_off_retargeting":false},"fimg_mobile_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/02111625\/Samsung-Corporate-Technology-TVs-and-Displays-Digital-Signage-Color-E-Paper-Interview-Ahn-Cho_main1-200x200.jpg","fimg_url":"https:\/\/img.us.news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/02111625\/Samsung-Corporate-Technology-TVs-and-Displays-Digital-Signage-Color-E-Paper-Interview-Ahn-Cho_main1-432x286.jpg","primary_category":{"term_id":29730,"name":"Display","slug":"product-enterprise-display","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":29730,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":29729,"count":249,"filter":"raw","term_link":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/category\/product\/product-enterprise\/product-enterprise-display\/","term_path":"product\/product-enterprise\/product-enterprise-display"},"badge":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79670","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/84"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79670"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79670\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79715,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79670\/revisions\/79715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79670"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79670"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79670"},{"taxonomy":"blue-badge","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.samsung.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blue-badge?post=79670"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}