Lightspeed Design, Inc. Receives Key U.S. Patent for 3D Single-Chip Projector Color Sequencing

BELLEVUE, Wash., Jan. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lightspeed Design, Inc. / DepthQ® is pleased to announce its receipt of U.S Patent No. 8,066,377 for inventing a color sequencing control method that allows 3D single-chip projectors to effectively produce high-performance displays with eye switching devices (LCD active glasses and polarization modulators) by resolving color artifacts and efficiently covering crosstalk (ghosting).

This new invention not only solved image quality problems, it accomplished that while utilizing the standard, off-the-shelf hardware configuration of single-chip 2D projectors. This allowed single-chip 2D projectors to operate either in 2D or in stereoscopic 3D, thereby creating a practical, cost-effective 3D product. The application of this invention paved the way for the now industry-wide standard of "3D Ready."    

The novel control method designates a particular segment (or partial segments) of the existing color wheel as "non-critical" to the projection and uses this virtual opaque element to create dark time by discontinuing light output with control firmware. Creating strategically placed dark time with this new method allows the eye switching device to completely change its state from one eye to the other between projected image frames (in the dark) effectively mitigating the color artifact and crosstalk issues. In a sample DepthQ® sequence, the designated non-critical color is the White segment of the color wheel. A custom designed control sequence is engaged which reorders the colors when necessary and discontinues the light output during some or all of the White segment's allotted display duration.

In 2005, Lightspeed's pioneering development efforts delivered the world's first portable 120Hz stereoscopic 3D, single-chip projector to the public. This first-to-market model was 800x600 resolution - while the second and current models, the DepthQ® WXGA and DepthQ® HDs3D-1, increased the resolution to 1280x720. DepthQ® projectors  synchronize up to 120 fps input for true 60 fps per eye, creating very high-quality 3D at modest prices, removing the economic barrier to broad use of 3D projection.

Chris Ward, Lightspeed's President, said, "Listening to our clients, we recognized the need for a high-quality, affordable, single-lens 3D projection solution. We were fortunate for the support of forward-thinking management at InFocus® Corporation and Texas Instruments. Our invention made possible the broad distribution of the first portable 3D Ready projectors and we are pleased with their substantial market acceptance."

Lightspeed's invention, persistence, and vision for DepthQ® projection have made high-quality stereoscopic visualization affordable and practical. DepthQ® projection is widely used in applications as diverse as home theater, gaming, eCinema, scientific visualization, industrial design and education where 3D whiteboard applications are becoming the "chalkboard" of our age.

To see the patent, go to Google Patents at http://bit.ly/depthqpatent.

For more information go to http://www.depthq.com/projector.html.

About Lightspeed Design, Inc.:

Lightspeed Design, Inc. / DepthQ®, located in Bellevue, WA, USA, has 19 years experience in 3D film & video production and stereoscopic 3D technology development. Our knowledge and expertise allows us to create immersive, impactful experiences and precise technology solutions for clients such as Mercedes Benz, Microsoft, Disney, IMAX, DreamWorks, NASA, and Intuitive Surgical. http://www.LightspeedDesign.com

DepthQ® is a registered trademark of Lightspeed Design, Inc.

Press contact:
Chris Ward
Lightspeed Design, Inc.
+1-425-637-2818

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SOURCE Lightspeed Design, Inc.