Oh yeah, things just got real.
Sharp has announced an industry first today, with its 720p-recordin' 3D
camera module. Intended for mobile devices like smartphones and point-and-shoot
digicams, this miniature wonder will be sampling in July and hitting
mass production before the end of the year. Not much else is known about
it at this point -- we can guess it'll cost a pretty penny when it
debuts -- but Sharp has
penned an effusive press release,
Sharp Develops 3D Camera Module for Mobile Devices Capable of
Capturing High-Definition 3D Video Images, an Industry First*1
Key Device to Make 3D Video Readily Available
Press Release
Sharp Corporation has developed a 3D camera module for mobile devices
capable of capturing high-definition (720p*2) 3D video images, an
industry first. Sharp will start shipping samples in July. Mass
production of these modules will begin within 2010.
3D images are composed of two views taken using two cameras that
simultaneously capture separate images for the right and left eyes.
Consequently, a 3D camera requires peripheral circuitry to apply image
processing to the two images, for example, to adjust color or to correct
positioning between the images from the two cameras. Manufacturers have
thus been pursuing designs that reduce the size and weight of 3D
cameras and seeking ways to shorten their development period.
The current 3D camera module developed by Sharp incorporates functions
to process the image data output by the left and right cameras,
including Color Synchronizing Processing to adjust color and brightness,
Timing Synchronizing Processing to synchronize the timing of the video
signals, and Optical Axis Control Processing to correct positioning. In
addition, Fast Readout Technology rapidly transfers video data from the
image sensor, enabling 3D images to be captured in high-resolution HD
mode. Further, in developing this camera module, Sharp applied
high-density mounting technology nurtured over long years of experience
in camera module development to achieve a compact form. Embedding this
camera module in mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones,
and smartphones will contribute to the development of a wide range of
new, innovative communications tools.
In the future, Sharp will be opening up new 3D markets based on 3D
display technologies, including small/medium-size and large-size 3D
LCDs, as well as on 3D input device technologies such as 3D camera
modules.
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