3d research
3D Displays for a 3D World
Images are an effective means of communicating information. New developments in electronic imaging and computer technologies now enable the generation, processing, communication and the display of complex and rich images. When we look at the world, we see images in three dimensions, yet when we look at our computer or television screens we are presented with two.
For some images, the loss of visual depth in a 2D display, is of no practical importance. Who needs a 3D word processor? However, there are a significant number of applications where the ability to display and visualise a 3D image comfortably confers real benefits. Examples from the professional domain include computer-aided design, medical imaging, scientific visualisation, education and remote inspection. While in consumer markets 3D video games and 3D multimedia offer a rich experience to the consumer.
3D Research
Research at SLE is developing 3D imaging hardware and software for professional and consumer products.
For 3D imaging products to be widely used, it is important that they provide image quality as good as a state of the art 2D display, while offering accurate and easy to visualise depth reproduction.
3D technology investigated and developed at SLE has already been implemented in many Sharp 3D products.
To develop 3D imaging systems with the variety of the desired attributes and requirements, the research programme includes multi-disciplinary activities in areas such as:
• 3D image display
• Observer tracking
• Image processing
• Computer vision
• Novel optical components
• Human factors for user comfort and safety
• Application research
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The 2D/3D electrically switchable display invented at SLE was shortlisted as a finalist for the 2004 MacRobert Award. The Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award is the UK's premier award for innovation in engineering, recognising the succesful development and exploitation of outstanding advances in engineering. |
3D Products
Following the successful commercialisation of Sharp 3D technology developed here at SLE, the first Sharp 3D product was the SH251iS mobile phone, featuring a 2D/3D switchable TFT display at 176x220 resolution This product sold over 1.5 million units in the first 6 months of sales, more than all previous 3D products (ever) combined.
The second Sharp 3D product was the SH505i mobile phone, featuring a 2D/3D switchable Continuous Grain Silicon display at 240x320 resolution. Both mobile phones were only available in Japan.
Since this initial success, more 3D products have been launched:
The Sharp
Actius RD3D was the worlds first 3D laptop computer, featuring a 15
inch 1024x768 resolution 2D/3D switchable display.
The
Sharp Actius AL3DU is the latest 3D laptop. This also features a 15-inch
1024x768 resolution 2D/3D switchable display.
The Sharp LL-151-3D
is a 15-inch 1024x768 resolution 2D/3D switchable desktop monitor designed
for use with a home computer.
The RD3D and AL3DU laptops and the LL-151-3D monitor are all packaged with the SmartStereo Photo Editor and Slideshow developed at SLE. Photo Editor allows pairs of 2D photos taken with a conventional camera to be used to create high quality 3D images. The package includes graphics drivers that allow current software and games to be used in 3D without any modification.
More information on the RD3D, AL3DU and LL-151-3D including how to buy them can be found on the Sharp3d.com or inition.com web sites.
Applications for 3D Display Technology
Our technology is scalable to all sizes and resolutions. Sharp are planning to expand the use of 3D displays to many different application areas. These include:
Large formats: Computer displays, computer graphics, CAD/CAM, retail sales displays, medical imaging, etc.
Small/medium formats: PDAs, electronic organisers/picture books, amusement such as game machines, etc.
