Production of ultra-thin panels, which are just over one millimeter thick, will begin next year, Bridgestone spokesman Shigeru Yasohachi said.

The company is aiming for annual revenue of one billion yen (9.3 million dollars) by 2006 or 2007 from the new line of business, he said.

The panels may be used in supermarket signs, allowing operators to easily update and change information, such as the price of goods, he said.

"We would also like to consider using this technology for the development of e-books," Yasohachi said.

Bridgestone announced the technology for Quick Response Liquid Powder Displays in 2002.

The displays are currently only in black and white but color versions will be possible in the future, said Yasohachi.

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