Sharp goes 3D on full scale

Using time-sequential technology the large size 3D TFT LCD system is able to render 3D images in full HD resolution and image quality. In this system, images for the two stereoscopic perspectives are shown alternating with the full screen resolution. To separate the spatial images sequentially displayed active LC (liquid crystal) shutter glasses are synchronized with the display, “opening” (becoming transparent) and “closing” (becoming opaque) in such a way that the left and right eye see separate images. The human brain combines these two slightly different images to create the perception of depth in a three-dimensional image.

The screen of the 3D TFT LCD system incorporates the latest Sharp proprietary LCD technologies, including the UV2A technology, Sharp’s core technology for LCD TV panels, fourprimary-color technology adding yellow to the standard RGB pixel to render more vivid colors thanks to a wider color gamut, side-mount scanning LED backlight technology and FRED (Frame Rate Enhanced Driving) technology. With the FRED technology it is possible to omit one of the two signal lines between the RGBY subpixels to improve the aperture ratio by 10 percent leading to an enhanced display brightness. All technologies together enable a brightness level 1.8 times higher than that of the conventional displays when displaying 3D images. When using time-sequential technology higher brightness is essential for the full enjoyment of natural rich and vivid bright colors in 3D since the shutter glasses absorb a certain amount of brightness emitted by the screen.

Naked eye display technology for 3D gaming applications

To provide 3D imaging for portable devices such as gaming consoles Sharp further developed the parallax barrier technology which enables spatial visualization without additional glasses. Incorporated in a 3.4 inch FWVGA TFT LCD, the parallax barrier guides the light emitted from the backlight unit specifically in the left and the right eye whereas the two stereoscopic images are displayed in altering pixel columns, thus creating a sense of depth. As the parallax barrier is generated by controlling liquid crystal molecules the orientation of the grid can be changed allowing 3D images to be displayed in both portrait and landscape use of the screen. Thanks to this dynamic technology, it is also possible to switch off the parallax barrier altogether so the screen can be used to show conventional 2D images at full resolution of the TFT LCD. Therefore the new naked eye 3D TFT LCD module is ideal for sophisticated mobile devices such as gaming consoles and smartphones, whereas 3D imaging is needed as additional feature for certain applications while the device is mostly operated in 2D mode.

The new 3D LCD significantly improves image quality by achieving high resolution, high brightness and low crosstalk. Advances in Continuous Grain Silicon (CGS) technology have shrunk pixel size and the wiring width within the LCD panel substantially. Hence, with a total resolution of 480 x 854 pixels, even in 3D mode the LCD provides a pixel density of 120 – 165 ppi, where the resolution is only half of the 2D operation. This is sufficient to render 3D images of very clear quality. Furthermore, the narrow wiring allows more light to pass providing a brightness of 500 cd/m². In addition, optimizing the parallax barrier design has increased also the efficiency of light passing through, thereby dramatically reducing crosstalk. Also, the thickness of the LCD module is about the same as conventional 2D displays even though it is a touch screen display allowing an intuitive gaming experience and easy to handle operation menus. A non touch version of the 3.4 inch 3D screen will be introduced as well.

Sharp 3D camera module provides 3D images in HD

For a copious 3D experience Sharp has also just introduced a compact 3D camera module design for portable applications such as digital still cameras and smart phones. The module incorporates two cameras that simultaneously capture separate images for the right and left eyes. Both camera units are synchronized by a special processor to adjust brightness, colours, optical axis and timing of the two separate images to render a clean 3D picture. Furthermore, fast Readout Technology rapidly transfers video data from the image sensor, enabling 3Dimages to be captured in high-resolution HD mode with 1280 x 720 pixels.

Availability

For the time being, 3D TFT LCD modules and the 3D camera compact camera are available only in Japan. When these products will be introduced to the European markets has not been determined yet.

*1) as of April 2010