1st, top layer is transparent and scratch-proof, it also provides
multi-touch capabilities and stylus-recognition.
2nd layer is innovative: it’s kind of like e-paper with a very high
resolution (perhaps around a dot size of 100 µm or less), but
they’re black or transparent instead of either
black or white
(possibly, but not necessarily, with intermediate shades), one way
of implementation are millions of ultra-thin ultra-black discs each
fitted between two transparent half-spheres that can be oriented
and remain stable (i.e. the black disc is invisible when it’s
vertical).
3rd layer has bigger, faster-switching tri-color elements (RGB)
that only work when lit and are otherwise transparent.
4th layer is bright white (even when off) and made of an
illuminating (organic) material.
… and of course it’s bendable and can be applied to (“printed on”)
any kind of surface.
When reading text only the 2nd layer is used, the 3rd and 4th are
off and power for the 2nd is only needed when switching pages,
but the 1st, input layer also needs power except when the system
is in non-interactive mode. Nevertheless the 4th layer can be
activated in selected areas only so that you can have colorful
pictures or videos inside crystal sharp text. Alas, for real video
applications it’s only well-suited if the 2nd level can achieve a
state switch frequency of at least 24–30, better 50–100 Hz.
The order of the 2nd and 3rd layer may be changed. In that case
the transparent spheres may be slightly opaque white.