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| February 24, 2004 |
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| GROUND-BREAKING ALL-AROUND THREE-DIMENSIONAL DISPLAY SYSTEM DEVELOPED BY HITACHI |
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| -- Prototype Technology Enables Real-Time Display And Transmission Of Images -- |
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Tokyo, February 24th, 2004 - Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT / TSE:6501) announced the development of an all-around three-dimensional display system that enables projected images to be viewed from any angle. The effect is made possible by the projection of twenty-four images of an object, taken from twenty-four different angles, on to a spinning screen. Without the need for special glasses designed for three-dimensional image viewing, audiences can perceive projected images as real objects floating in space before them.
The use of a special camera system in conjunction with the display system makes it possible to project images of real objects in real time. Furthermore, images captured by the camera system can be transmitted via a network. These features will provide designers and engineers in various fields with multiple application possibilities.
Currently, the most common and widely used method of three-dimensional imaging is holography1. Holography makes it possible to show three-dimensional images without the need for special viewing glasses, but the technology does not allow objects to be displayed in real time. With Hitachi's technology, three-dimensional images like those seen in science-fiction and action movies will be available for audiences to enjoy.
The Hitachi Human Interaction Laboratory (HHIL)2 has developed a prototype display system called Transpost for forming images that can be viewed from any direction.
The primary features of this display system are as follows:
| No need for special manufacturing equipment |
The system requirements include only a screen with limited viewing angle, mirrors, and a projector. Images of an object from twenty-four angles are processed and broadcast from a projector on the device's base onto a mirror in its ceiling. They are reflected onto twenty-four mirrors that in turn, bounce them onto a rotating screen. The eyes of the viewer receive a slightly different point of view of the object without any special viewing glasses. Binocular stereo viewing is possible.
| Real-time audio-visual transmission system |
The images captured by the prototype camera system can be loaded into its projector directly and transmitted via a network in real-time to distant locations. This display system can show an unlimited variety of content such as computer graphics, and photographs. It can also be used for public displays attracting both business and entertainment opportunities. In addition, by using a sensor that can detect the approach of a person, interactive display systems are made possible. For example, if a person approaches the display system, an image of a character will turn to the person.
Hitachi will be developing a proposal for the technology to be applied to a wide range of fields as a novel image representation and information delivery technique.
Notes:
1. Holography: An image is captured as an interference pattern at the film. Light produces interference pattern on film which contains both intensity and phase information about the object. By providing laser light, it is possible to reconstruct the image.
2. Hitachi Human Interaction Laboratory (HHIL): A new organization for research on original Japanese human interface technology, comprised of designers, technologists and marketing staff. HHIL, located at the Aoyama Office of the Design Group and the Central Research Laboratory of the R&D Group, is conducting research on interfaces of the future, from the viewpoint of equipment interface, human assistance interface and environmental control interface.
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| Fig 1. Displayed examples |
Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company, with approximately 340,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2002 (ended March 31, 2003) consolidated sales totaled 8,191.7 billion yen ($68.3 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors, including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's Web sites at http://www.hitachi.com.
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| Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice. |
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