PureDepth MLD Technology: coming to cell phones, gaming and in-car navigation

By: Daniel Chubb | April 28, 2008 | 5 Comments

PureDepth, based in Redwood Shores CA, has developed what they call Multi-layer Display (MLD) technology. Essentially, the idea is to build displays that are in fact two or more layers of LCD panel that share a common back-light source – as data is displayed on the various layers, a depth effect is created. Optical correlation, compatibility and interferences between display layers are managed via patented interstitial elements within the optical stack of a MLD. Each display panel receives independent control signals and, through the coordination of the images, a true multi-layer visual display is presented to the user. The content of the images, combined with smart coordination can provide remarkable and eye-catching results for static images and even more so with full in-motion video sequences.

The technology lends itself to a broad array of applications. PureDepth is currently actively developing several of these: the company has signed agreements with Samsung for development of displays and mobile handsets, and is also collaborating with SANYO on mobile handsets, gaming technology, and automobile electronics (including in-car navigation). In fact, Samsung recently featured PureDepth’s display technology at CeBIT, the world’s largest technology trade show. The public-information configuration, placed adjacent to Samsung’s groundbreaking 80-inch flat panel display, received significant traffic and rave reviews.

The company expects to see first products – in gaming – hit the streets during 2008, with more products and applications to follow shortly thereafter.

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