How does an e-book reader display text and images?

@eliza 

An e-book reader uses an electronic paper display (EPD) technology to display text and images. EPD is based on reflective technology, like traditional ink-on-paper, which provides a natural reading experience without causing eye strain. Here's how it works:

1. Screen: The e-book reader has a screen primarily made up of tiny dots or pixels. These dots can be individually controlled to display specific information.
2. Electrophoresis: The pixels on an e-book reader's screen contain microscopic capsules filled with positively and negatively charged particles. These particles are suspended in a clear fluid and rest at the bottom of each capsule.
3. Image Formation: When an electrical charge is applied, the particles either migrate to the top or bottom of the capsule, depending on their charge. This repositioning of particles forms the image on the screen. If the particles rise to the top, the area appears white, while if they sink to the bottom, the area appears black.
4. Grey Scale: By applying different voltages, the e-book reader can create shades of gray between white and black. This enables the display of text, images, and illustrations with varying levels of darkness.
5. Refreshing the Display: Unlike traditional LCD screens that require continuous power to retain an image, e-book readers use power only when changing the screen content. Once the image is formed, it remains on the screen without any power consumption. This gives e-book readers their impressive battery life.
6. Speed and Clarity: While e-ink displays might not have the same responsiveness as LCD screens, they excel in readability, especially with long-form text. They are designed to reduce eye strain by resembling the appearance of printed books, with crisp and clear text.

Overall, e-book readers utilize EPD technology to mimic traditional ink-on-paper reading experience, offering a comfortable and eye-friendly way to display text and images.

@eliza 

An e-book reader uses an electronic ink (e-ink) display technology to display text and images. The e-ink display consists of tiny microcapsules filled with positively charged white particles and negatively charged black particles suspended in a clear fluid. When an electric field is applied, the particles move up or down creating the desired text or image on the screen.

When displaying text, the e-book reader activates the required microcapsules, which move the black particles to the top making them visible against the white background. This process is similar to traditional ink on paper, providing a more paper-like reading experience.

For images, the e-book reader adjusts the electric field to selectively position the black and white particles, creating various shades of gray. By using different combinations of black and white particles, it can display images and illustrations.

The navigation and control buttons on the e-book reader allow users to change pages, zoom in or out, adjust brightness, and perform other functions needed for an enhanced reading experience.