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.
@num0 umm, people with glasses do see in 3D. Glasses just move the point where light focuses to your retina, so you don't see a blur. So yeah, unless you have only one *functional* eye, you always see in 3D
@drkztan
glasses with different correction give different view, FOV, etc. so it may break 3D view in some cases with uneven degree of view for eyes.
Make the gimmicks stop.
I wonder how they replicate the distance between the eyes, which is needed for good 3D, making the device this small. I actually thought the cams had to be around 6 cm.
...And perhaps the "3DS" will be a smash hit. Why not? But it is getting absurd that companies think that this 'push', because lets face it they are trying to push 3d on us once again is going to fly. They are burning dollars (even if they do have it).
My concern is that we have many techs that could arguably be better on smaller screens such as the AMOLED v Super "", or at least we could adhere to a standard. If you are concerned about competition when I say standard, well....isn't "everybody" going 3d??
Now the 3DS might have a good reason to have to cameras!
I wonder if they could make it with pivoting lenses so that they could point toward the user or away.
Anyway, video chat between 3DS units could be pretty cool with the other person's face appearing to "pop" out. I'm pretty sure they need to be spaced farther apart for things to look correct from a human perspective but it could still make some pretty cool 3D videos of smaller scale stuff when blown up.
wow imagine recording 3D on the iPhone 5G and then watching it on your phone in 3D? And then download the video, put it in your Xbox usb, and watch it on your 3D TV?
The future is coming up fast.
HTC HD3D
I was wondering if the 3DS would have a 3D camera... Makes it that much more interesting...
Yeah how much you want to bet we won't see any phones that actually use this. People are going to wait awhile (while sharp tries to market their wares) and then eventually someone will do a teardown of it, copy the technology, and then release an inferior version of it that we will see in phones 2-3 years from now. Sucks!
the problem with 3d isn't the glasses,
it's that if you move you still see from the same angle
In order for the 3D effect to work properly, the distance between the 2 lenses should be approximately the same as the distance between your eyes. Nobody's eyes are that close together, so the 3D effect from this camera will be unnoticable. Especially when the difference between the 2 images is less than the noise from the low quality of a typical cell phone camera. If you wanted the 3D to be in-your-face obvious and overdone, what you would do is put the camera lenses much farther apart than human eyes. This has the opposite.
What is it with tech guys and basic fingernail hygiene?
The 3D camera module infringes on patent by Argus Microsystems.
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/849615
See patent # 6,611,289 for more info.
The patent has been validated by other camera makers. Not sure how Sharp can market their technology.