We've hit o­n NXT's flat speaker technology a couple times in the past. It seems Kokuyo is now employing it in a product called the "Narupane" a poster panel that can also be used as a speaker. Of course, this has some nice applications for advertising purposes.

Kokuyo Store Creation Corporation, a group company of the Kokuyo Corporation, will o­n February 14th release the "Narupane" poster panel which can produce sound. It is being sold to businesses to be used as a storefront display -- the price of a B2 size is 39,900 yen, and an A2 size is 28,980 yen.

A proprietary amplifier to drive these panels, called the "Narupane Amp," will be available for 8,820 yen. Each will be sold via the company's site for storefront goods, "STOREGOODS."

It appears to be a standard panel for displaying a poster at first, but the back panel is actually a speaker, allowing it to play music and voices. Since it feels as though the poster itself is producing the sound, Kokuyo Store Creationg explained that "in addition to the visual, it is a media that allows you to appeal to the sense of hearing as well."

Producing this sound involves equipping an exciter that is attached to the reverse of the back panel. This uses an amplifier to vibrate the panel, so that the panel itself acts as an oscillation panel, producing sound. It has a wide directivity and little decay, so that it is easy for the sound to transfer even in high traffic areas. The panel is special, consisting of an aramid honeycomb with phenol resin impregnation pasted to a glass pre-impregnated sheet material. The basic technology employed is from England's NXT.

To change the poster, the protective panel in the front can be opened and closed. There are two body sizes: B2 at 750 x 540mm (H x W), and A2 at 619 x 445mm (same). The B2 size has a thickness of 18mm and weight of 1.9kg, so it can be placed o­n an easel, or suspended from a wall using the included equipment. Each size will be available in four frame colors: two grain patterns, and two carbon patterns.

The "Narupane" includes a back panel with exciter, middle sheet, surface cover, cushion tape, and rings for hanging. The exciter includes a 2m speaker cord. It has a rated input of 6W. However, an amp for driving is not included, so users much purchase the "Narupane Amp." It measures 70 x 140 x 18mm (H x W x T), and takes four AAA batteries.

Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20060210/kokuyo.htm

Press Release:
http://www.kokuyo.co.jp/press/news/20060209-537.html