Sharp announces switching 2D/3D LCD
Sharp Corporation announced the development of anew LCD monitor capable of stereo 3D imaging not requiring any special glasses. It can also be switched to the usual 2D mode.
The novelty bases on parallax barrier effect. In 3D mode it enables to separate light paths for the right and left eyes, providing stereo image. In 2D mode the barrier becomes transparent, resulting in the same images for both eyes.
The monitor can be used together with PCs, as an LCD TV, a CAD/CAM system, in medicine, for ads, etc. The company stresses that such principle can be also used in PDAs, e-books, game consoles, etc. Currently there are 4-, 7-, 8.4-, and 15-inch panel prototypes.
The main developments were made by Sharp Laboratories of Europe, England. Company specialists claim that the technology is ready to be commercialized, and the first 3D monitors might appear in spring 2003. Meanwhile, engineers will improve 3D effect and widen the viewing angle.
Sharp plans to showcase the 3D LCDs at CEATEC Japan 2002, that will start on October 1 in Makuhari near Tokyo. They expect to gather a new consortium for the new technology and future Sharp developments. Microsoft, Eastman Kodak, Sony, Toshiba, Sanyo, Fuji Photo Film, Olympus, NTT Data, and Imagica are already interested in membership.
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