3M announces micro-projector for mobile devices

Miniature projection modules are seen as the answer to the problem of combining "big-screen" convenience with ever shrinking mobile device platforms and, in the same way that mobile phone cameras seemed to become commonplace almost overnight, consumers can expect highly-effective projection to become standard in phones and other handheld equipment in the not-too-distant future. The latest development from 3M gives a clear indication of where the emerging field is headed. Designed for integration into virtually any mobile platform and now available to manufacturers, the company's LED-illuminated projection engine is capable of throwing a 40-inch or larger VGA image from an ultra-compact module that's less than half an inch thick.

The miniature projector boasts a high-quality image with no-speckle and a high-fill using an advanced liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) electronic imager in conjunction with proprietary 3M optics technology.

“3M mobile projection engines achieve the size, efficiency, image quality and affordability needed for consumer adoption of this promising new product category,” said Mike Kelly, executive vice president, 3M Display and Graphics Business.

3M is working with leading consumer electronics companies to launch the module in products early in 2008.