by Administrator
9. April 2010 18:15
Sharp have unveiled 3D technology which does not require users to wear glasses. This new development means 3D technology on mobile devices like smartphones and digital cameras could be one step closer to becoming reality.
The Japanese electronics company has forecast the technology will be available on around 10-20% of small displays on the market in the coming year. Sharp have said they will start mass production in September and the technology will be installed on a number of their devices. The firm are also believed to be in talks with mobile manufacturers.
How does it work? The product consists of an LCD screen, which has a "switch panel" attached to it. When the clever panel is turned on, a fine grating appears over the panel which blocks light from the screen travelling in different directions. This results in the left and right eye seeing different parts of the panel which creates a 3D effect.
What are the negatives? The technology hasn't been adapted for TVs yet because the 3D effect is only created when users view the panel from a certain direction and angle. According to the Financial Times, the technology only works effectively when you stand directly infront of it and hold it about 30cms away from you. This means it's much more practical for mobile devices which only have one user, compared to televisions.
The display screen is around 3.4 inches across which is similar size to that of a Nintendo DSi. Although the two firms are based closed to each other in the Kansai region of Japan, it's not yet known if the technology will be installed in the new games console which Nintendo are launching later this year.
Developers at Sharp insist that the new technology will just be the latest step up for mobile devices.
"Just like the switch from monochrome to colour, in the future we are going to see a shift from 2D to 3D," said Yoshisuke Hasegawa from Sharp's LCD business.
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