Aside from a few niche devices, hardware especially smartphone design has been dictated by the most crucial aspect ie the display so far. If Sharp’s new display technology manages to reach mass production at a reasonable price point, it has the potential to revolutionize hardware design across technology verticals.
LCDs have traditionally been rectangular in design because of the need to place the drive circuit called the gate driver along the bezel. With their new Free Form display technology, the company can successfully place these gate drivers within the screen itself. Another benefit is that the bezel can be further slimmed down.
Sharp has been able to use a proprietary circuit design and IGZO technology to create the Free Form panel. IGZO is a semiconducting material that is comprised of Indium, Gallium, Zinc and Oxygen. IGZO Thin Film Transistors are major components of new generation displays that are extremely slim due to the much higher electron mobility offered here compared to amorphous silicon based panels.
Possible use cases for Free Form panels include in-car systems. Imagine having a dashboard console that can switch between your speedometer and other monitors depending on the use case and would not require analog monitors. These displays could also revolutionize wearables and digital signage.
[Via – Sharp]