Sony today announced the development of a single-lens 3D camera technology capable of recording natural and smooth 3D images of even fast-moving subject matter such as sports, at 240 frames per second. The introduction of a single-lens system resolves any issues that may occur as a result of having different optical characteristics for each eye, the company says. Also, by developing a 240fps frame rate CMOS image sensor with properties close to the human eye, which is capable of capture natural images of even fast moving subject matter, Sony has allegedly succeeded in further enhancing the quality of 3D images. The combination of Sony’s new single lens 3D system and its 240fps high frame rate technology has realised a single-lens 3D camera system, based on universal properties of the human eye, which enables natural and smooth 3D movies. Sony aims to bring 3D to the home in 2010.

Sony Press Release

Sony Develops High Frame Rate Single Lens 3D Camera Technology

Captures natural and smooth, high quality 3D images at 240fps

Sony Corporation today announced the development of a single lens 3D camera technology capable of recording natural and smooth 3D images of even fast-moving subject matter such as sports, at 240fps (frames per second).

This technology combines a newly developed optical system for single lens 3D camera which captures the left and right images simultaneously, together with existing high frame rate (HFR) recording technology to realize 240fps 3D filming.  Sony will demonstrate a prototype model incorporating this technology at “CEATEC JAPAN 2009”, to be held at Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba city, Japan, from October 6th.

Newly Developed Single Lens Optical System

In existing half mirror 3D camera systems with separate lenses for the left and right eyes, the parallax range is adjustable, enabling the depth of the 3D images to be modified .

However, when operating the zoom and focus functions of such systems, the sensitivity of the human eye, in particular to differences in the size and rotational movement of dual images, as well as any vertical misalignment or difference in image quality has meant that complex technology has been required to ensure that each camera lens is closely coordinated, and there are no discrepancies in the optical axis, image size, and focus.  The introduction of a single lens system resolves any issues that may occur as a result of having different optical characteristics for each eye.

Furthermore, by using mirrors in place of shutters, incoming light can now be simultaneously separated into left and right images and recorded as it reaches the parallel light area (the area where diverging light from the point of focus on the subject matter becomes parallel) of the relay lens. The separated left and right images are then processed and recorded with the respective left and right image sensors.  As there is no difference in time between when the left and right eye images are captured, it is possible for natural and smooth 3D images to be captured, even of scenes involving rapid movement.

240fps 3D Filming
Optical tests have shown that a frame rate 240fps represents the limit of human visual perception, and beyond that it becomes difficult to detect differences in terms of blur and “jerkiness” of moving images (where images that were continuous are now seen as a series of distinct snapshots).  By developing a 240fps frame rate CMOS image sensor with properties close to the human eye, which is capable of capture natural images of even fast moving subject matter, Sony has succeeded in further enhancing the quality of 3D video images.

The combination of Sony’s new single lens 3D system and its 240fps high frame rate technology has realized a single lens 3D camera system, based on universal properties of the human eye, which enables natural and smooth 3D images with no accommodation-vergence*1 conflict to be recorded.

Technological Features
1. New single lens optical system
  - Captures left and right images simultaneously to deliver natural and smooth 3D images with no accommodation-vergence conflict.
  - Eliminates the need for lens synchronization, ensuring easily accurate control of 3D zoom and focus functions.
  - When polarized glasses are not used, viewers with still be able to see natural 2D images, as the disparity of the images for left and right eyes are within the range that human eyes can recognize as a blur.

2. 240fps image capture to realize high quality motion images
  - Realizes high quality capture of 3D content including fast-moving subject matter such as sports.
Prototype to be demonstrated at “CEATEC JAPAN 2009”

Within the growing 3D cinema industry, Sony has supported and driven the expansion of 3D by providing a wide variety of professional equipment for the shooting, production and screening of movies in 3D.  The number of digital 3D screens is increasing rapidly, and is expected to reach 7,000 worldwide by the end of 2009*2 In addition to 3D movies, Sony’s range of professional 3D products and technology is also driving the growth of 3D production and distribution across a range of entertainment industries, from theatre and music performances to sport and beyond.  Furthermore, Sony is also aiming to continue to lead the way in delivering new 3D viewing experiences by bringing 3D to the home in 2010.

About Sony
Sony is a leading global innovator of audio, video, communications and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. Sony is renowned for its audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA™ LCD high-definition television, Cyber-shot™ digital camera, Handycam® camcorder and Walkman® MP3 player as well as its VAIO™ personal computers and high-definition (HD) professional broadcast equipment, highlighted by the XDCAM® HD. Offering a complete end-to-end HD value chain and with its electronics, music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is one of the world’s leading digital entertainment brands, employing approximately 170,000 people worldwide.

Through its long-term football partnerships as an official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League until 2012, Official FIFA Partner until 2014 and global sponsor of the FIFA World Cup™ in 2010 and 2014, Sony is inspiring a sense of excitement for the millions of football fans around the world.

For more information on Sony Europe, please visit www.sony-europe.com.

“Sony”, “WALKMAN”, “VAIO”, “Cyber-shot”, “Handycam”, “BRAVIA” and “XDCAM” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

*1accommodation: focusing the lens on the eye, vergence: aligning the direction of both eyes on the subject
*2 Source: Screen Digest (Approx. as of July, 2009)

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