Sharp busts out world's first 3D HD camera for mobile devices
By Vlad Savov 
posted May 12th 2010 2:41AM
posted May 12th 2010 2:41AM
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.
Number 5 is ALIVE!
@buoy good call on "number 5"
Los Locos kick your ass, Los Locos kick your face, Los Locos kick your balls into OUTER SPAAAAACE!!!!
@buoy
actually Number 5 is BEHEADED!
@buoy
WALL-E?
3-D is still gonna flop as long as the glasses are involved.
@jmcburna
+1...
but you have to admit... that's pretty sick...
@jmcburna
I'm not sure the market is ready for such a device...yet. it's a good idea though.
@idib What about a smartphone with that camera and a parallax screen that doesn't require glasses. I could see that being marketable as long as the 3DS does well.
@jmcburna
Dude.... Sharp was the one who supplied the glasses-free 3D screens to Nintendo. Don't you think they have glasses-free 3D screens in mind for smartphones as well, to complement the 3D cameras?
@jmcburna
It's just a gimmick which is why I don't like it.
@jmcburna I can't believe people still can't tell 3D recording and 3D projection technologies apart.
Listen, it doesn't matter what the tech used for viewing 3D is (Anaglyph, parallax, active shutter etc.) But it's always shot the SAME WAY!
Do you actually think that TV channels would send one set of signals to those with Sony TVs, another to those with Samsungs and so on?
@jmcburna
I think they have the technology for glassless 3D but first they have to milk the cows then give them better hay for more milk!
Well, good luck getting separate left & right images to everyone in the room without glasses.
People need to face the fact that glasses are required, period.
@jmcburna : Now you can film cops beating the crap outta people in 3D.
@jmcburna If you are the only one viewing the 3D image on your phone, they can make you see 3D without glasses. They just need to track your head movement which can be done with a front facing camera. This is similar to the 3D Wii tracking demonstrated in this video. Instead of a camera this uses the Wii sensor bar, but the concept is the same.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd3-eiid-Uw
@jmcburna
So...is this going to go into 3DS?
Check out those fingernails.
The new iPhone absolutly has to have this. It will be an utter travisty if it didn't.
@Elpadrinoblanco
iPhone 3D..... It wouldn't surprise me.
@Elpadrinoblanco
I'd put my money on an Android device getting it first.
@Elpadrinoblanco
Apple:
'Holy shit guys, look what we just discovered, 3D!, a completely new and revolutionary technology, buy now for only £9000 for just the right camera, to get full HD you have to buy the left for another £9000!!!'
yeah, you all know that will probably happen :P
@Elpadrinoblanco
Ya, in like iPhone 6G3D
Is there any difference between this and slapping two sensors on the same device? Calibration aside...
@kjlowe
other than the calibration, driver, and synced recording.. i dont think so
@8th Gamer
point taken!
that's it the world is coming to an end
@xdeiri In 3D!
In time for Windows Phone 7? Could be useful in marketing terms...
RIM will probably start using these in 2015.
i wish all this hype about the 3d nonsense would die already so we could focus on getting better image quality for cheaper
@mrqs
thats what they said about about colored TV
@mrqs
I wish your kind of rants would die already.
I can't wait for smartphones equipped with glasses-free 3D screens and 3D cameras to show up for the masses. This is the kind of gadget we used to see in cartoons and sci-fi TV series, maybe less than 10 years ago.
Considering the only way 3D filming works is if the width between the lenses is approximately the same as eye separation... I don't see how this could possibly work without major blurring and headaches. It'll probably just be a gimmicky sales item like most of 3D is currently.
@mike103
The problem isn't the width, it's the lack of convergence (cameras moving closer and away from each other) which means it will be hard to change the focal point. This isn't much of an issue since video calls have the same focal point.
James Cameron's camera was simply 2 cameras which are able to converge and diverge the way a human eye adapts.
Isn't Nintendo rumored to be using a Sharp 3D display in the next DS? And doesn't the current DSi have a camera? That means the new DS will need a camera to go along with its 3D display. Hmmmmm...
so do the mobile and camera gonna need glasses to go with that 3d camera,
or is it glasses-free
@8th Gamer
There are plenty of small screens (such as those on phones) that can do 3D without glasses.
WHEN will this stop?
3D sexting. Oh boy...
@Herr Synnberg
3d up skirt. think of the possibilities (and the potential boost in sales of corrective eye surgery)
OMG.... I knew the day would come (3D HD video calls from smartphone to smartphone with 3DS-like glasses free 3D screens).... but I didn't know it would come so fast.
Sharp proves its the new king of mobile 3D. They supplied the screens, now they're suppling the cameras.
WOW! those are so big! i imagine how they will fit in a mobile phone...
I can see it now sidekick 3d sharps last attempt on a sidekick before it's dead
YAY!! Now I can be a pervert and view my filth in 3d! It's bad enough that I had to do it in 2d.
I don't mean to be super dick, but why the fuck would I need this on my phone? What purpose would it legitimately serve? Seriously, when did 3D blow up and have to be implemented in everything visually tech? The concept and idea are cool, but leave 3D in the movie theaters and thrill rides. As one person in this post already said, as long as glasses/eyewear is involved, it's going to flop.
TL;DR
@KidRobotXXIV You look at that part but don't bother to look at the comments below it. Sharp is the creator of the Glasses-Free 3D screen used in the next DS.
It blew up about a year and a half ago. Avatar marked the biggest advancement for 3D, and now everyone [Company Wise] wants to implant 3D into their devices. Which is fine by me because it is one step closer to holograms and two steps closer to augmented reality.
As for the reason why; I believe "because we can" is the most proper fit. If you don't want to use the 3D camera than you don't have too. Don't tell others to stop trying to make advancements in technology just because you don't see a need for it. There are tons of possibilities and we should try to expand on all of them. With 3D mobile viewing brings you Holograms, 3D Video Chats [Floating Head FTW], A funner way to interact with your mobile games, and new innovative applications. I imagine myself going to sleep after setting my phones alarm and when the alarm goes off a giant bird comes out of the screen and scream at me. Business users can use it as a quick way to show off data or 3D models of a product. Designers can create niffty 3D backgrounds, movies, and pictures. While game makers can expand the gaming process to have it interact with you in a way similar to how a 3D movie interacts with you.
Aren't the sensors a bit too close together? I mean, sure, you'll get 3D - but it'll perhaps make everything look monstrously huge, since our "virtual" eyeballs are only 1 inch apart. Our real eyeballs are a good few inches more apart so, well, I get the feeling everything will look "larger than life" in this thing. Who knows... may actually be a nice effect lol!
Take a 3D pic of your chihuahua, and it somehow looks as big as a horse. lol.
@buoy
actually, it won't make image larger, just less '3d'. Sensors should at least be similar to human eye-distance-apart to get correct parallax. 3D works best at medium distances. Sensors far apart will be like looking at the tip of your nose and too close will be like looking at distant hills.
Interesting fact is that not all the people in this globe is looking world in 3D... Haven't you met any people with glasses unreasonably bad at caching balls?