Sony Develops Pico Projector Module with High-Definition Resolution and Focus-free Image Projection.
Tokyo, Feb 21, 2014 (JCN Newswire via COMTEX) -- Sony Corporation today announced the development of a pico projector module equipped with Sony's independently-developed image processing system, that uses laser beam scanning (LBS)(1) to realize crisp, beautiful high-definition resolution and "focus-free" projection, regardless of the distance or angle from the projection surface. By combining this module with Wi-Fi components and a battery, it can realize a compact, pocket-sized projector which can be used to project images from products such as smartphones or tablets, focus-free and in even higher resolution, on any flat or curved surface such as a wall or desk.
Currently, modules mounted on battery-driven pico projectors use a panel system, which generally have VGA (640 x 480) or WVGA (800 x 480) resolution. In addition, most of these pico projectors have usage limitations depending on the distance of the projector from the projection surface, such as requiring focus adjustments, or projection from a front-on angle.
This newly developed module is composed primarily of a semiconductor laser, MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror(3), their respective drivers, and a video processor to control the video signal processing and image output. It adopts a LBS system that incorporates a semiconductor laser as the source of light, whereby the laser beam is reflected and controlled by a MEMS mirror to scan and project the image. By developing a video processor that ensures the semiconductor laser and MEMS mirror can be controlled with the utmost precision, Sony has achieved high-resolution HD image quality that surpasses VGA and WVGA, which are the current mainstream resolution for battery-driven pico projectors. Furthermore, the advanced light-harvesting capability and directness of the laser beam ensure that the projected image remains in focus, regardless of the distance or angle from the projection surface. This module can project clear images to a screen size of approximately 40 inches from a projection distance of one meter, and approximately 120 inches from a distance of three meters. Furthermore, optical technology developed by Sony has been used to achieve a reduction in laser speckle noise (noise from specks in the image), which had previously been a challenge for LBS systems. This module also delivers beautiful, crisp projection with a wide color gamut and higher contrast compared to conventional panel systems. In addition, it is equipped with an independently-developed distortion correction circuit which corrects screen shapes such as rectangles that can be distorted into trapeziums(4) when projected from certain angles to their original shape.
Sony will continue the development of this module to achieve even more compact size and intense brightness, and aims to bring it to market for use in pico projectors and other devices with projector functionality.
Notes:
(1) A semiconductor laser is used as the light source. The laser beam is then reflected and controlled using a
MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror to scan and project the image.
(2) Resolution 1920 x 720; aspect ratio 16:9.
(3) Incorporates the PicoP technology developed by MicroVision, Inc.
(4) This module alone cannot automatically detect angled projection and make corrections.
The resolution of the projected image may not reach 1920 x 720 when the angle is corrected.
About Sony
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $72 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/ .
Contact:
Sony Corporation
Corporate Communications
T: +81-3-6748-2200
E: sony.pressroom@sony.co.jp
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