ITRI Launches Micro-retarder Technology for Naked-eye Viewing

The most important display technology being discussed lately, apart from full HD (High Definition) capability, is 3D (three-dimensional) technology. According to the Taiwan-based Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), 3D interactive imaging will be the next trend after HD. As a result, the industry has readied itself to develop 3D LCD monitors.

Many people know of 3D imaging from DLP cinemas in amusement parks. By simultaneously viewing left- and right-hand (stereoscopic) images, audiences can enjoy more lively visual entertainment. This form of technology comes closer to people's lives and can be used with, for example, televisions.

At this year's IFA tradeshow in Berlin, Texas Instruments DLP introduced a 3D HDTV, demonstrating the possibility of cinema-quality 3D experience. Samsung and Mitsubishi have already started shipping this product to the US. According to John Reder, EMEA Business Development Manager of Texas Instruments, Samsung has converted its entire TV line to 3D and is now the number one DLP TV manufacturer (in terms of sales) in the US. Mitsubishi's higher-end product line is also now entirely 3D.

The Taiwan-based panel manufacturer, AUO Optronics (AUO), has commented that 3D imaging applications will start in the video-gaming industry, followed by automobile and gambling applications. At this year's Display Taiwan tradeshow, Taiwan-based Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) launched its 22W 3D panel to meet the needs of the digital gaming market and is moving into mass-production in the third quarter of 2007. Another Taiwanese panel manufacturer, Chunghwa Picture Tubes (CPT) also displayed a 20.1W panel to attract the attention of international buyers. The company has successfully developed a whole series of 3D panels, from 7 inches to 37 inches. At the IVR EXPO 2007 in Tokyo, ITRI demonstrated a 42-inch 3D LCD TV.

Not only industry but also research institutes are optimistic. According to iSuppli, the global 3D display market is expected to grow from 4.98 million units in 2007 to 8.12 million units in 2010. An international research study has also predicted the global 3D monitor scale will expand from US$ 300 million in 2007 to US$ 2 billion or even higher by 2010.

However, many 3D TV products still require users to wear glasses for viewing, which may slow market acceptance. Therefore, in order to stay at the forefront of this trend, ITRI has arranged a collaborative effort by CMO, AUO, CPT, HannStar and several digital content & system providers, including Digimax Inc. and International Games System (IGS). The companies will devote themselves to developing 3D imaging, especially naked-eye 3D display technology.

The key component of this new technology is called micro-retarder and is made using ITRI's patented fabrication process. Simply by attaching a micro-retarder to the front of an LCTV, viewers will be able to enjoy natural and vivid pictures, complete with depth perception, with the naked eye or using a pair of light-weight polarization glasses. Chun Jung Chen, Manager of ITRI's 3D Display Department says that the technology provides higher resolution and a wider horizontal viewing angle. 'Some mobile phone panel manufacturers have come to us to discuss the possibility of cooperation,' he adds. Evelyn Tsai, ITRI's Promotion Manager, also notes that they are expecting a warm welcome from the video-gaming industry, panel manufacturers and system providers. According to Tsai, ITRI plans to cut into 3D imaging applications, starting from small- and medium-sized monitors, and develop personal 3D stereoscopic digital photo frames, stereoscopic video games and even remote medical treatments. Nonetheless, Chao-hsu Tsa from ITRI's 3D Display Department, emphasizes that, although naked-eye 3D display technology will inevitably be a trend in the future, current shortcomings in image quality, cost, viewing angle, and content availability mean that stereoscopic displays will continue to dominate the market share for at least 3 to 5 years yet.

Noticeably, 3D development requires high integration, combining cutting-edge hardware and software systems with digital content such as games and movies in order to create a complete industry chain. At present, the range of 3D digital content is fairly limited for consumers. 'We are trying to work with content providers so they can catch up with the technology that is out there,' says Reder. 'In the past, 3D displays were quite high-end and were used only in professional or commercial type applications. Now they can move in the mainstream very cost-effectively. I think it took the content providers by surprise, so we are working with them to enable [mainstream marketing].'

Micro-retarder
Micro-retarder is prerequisite for stereoscopic display. It is a glass-based optical thin film consisting of horizontal or vertical stripes with alternating null and half-wave phase retardation. Micro-retarder is usually adhered directly to the surface of the LCD screen, so 3D image is produced.

Instead of using the traditional method, ITRI applies laser-scanning on micro-retarder, which is featured with equipment cost-down, space saving, easy processing, and environmental protection. Moreover, the 3D image can be viewed without glasses, or called naked-eye 3D image technology.

Source: CompuTrade