Commitment to the further development of AR/VR technologies – creative image: Xpert.Digital
High-resolution reality: TDK's FCLM in collaboration with QD Laser, NTT and Mojo Vision
TDK's FCLM (Full-Color Laser Module) technology is mainly used in smart glasses, especially in models that rely on laser projection directly onto the retina. This technology was developed in collaboration with QD Laser, Inc. and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT). FCLM technology enables high-resolution projection for both eyes and doubles the viewing angle compared to previous products, making it ideal for use in AR/VR glasses.
A demonstration model of these glasses was presented at various trade fairs such as CEATEC 2022 in Japan, electronica 2022 in Munich and CES 2023 in Las Vegas. TDK aims to bring this technology to market as quickly as possible to promote smart glasses adoption and use in the growing Metaverse market.
TDK is currently working with several companies on the development of smart glasses, particularly in the area of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Key partners include:
1. QD Laser, Inc.
This company is a key partner in the development of smart glasses with TDK's Full-Color Laser Module (FCLM). QD Laser brings its expertise in laser projection technology, which allows images to be projected directly onto the retina. Together they developed a demonstration model that enables direct retinal projection for both eyes and doubles the viewing angle compared to previous products.
2. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT)
NTT worked with TDK to develop a Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) that was integrated with FCLM technology. This collaboration has contributed to the miniaturization and increased performance of smart glasses, especially in the area of image projection.
3. Mojo Vision
TDK Ventures is backing Mojo Vision, a company working on smart contact lenses that enable augmented reality. Mojo Vision is developing breakthrough technology for AR platforms that has applications in health and real-time biometrics. This partnership aims to accelerate the development and distribution of this innovative AR solution.
These partnerships demonstrate TDK's commitment to advancing AR/VR technologies and their application in smart glasses and other innovative platforms such as smart contact lenses.
In detail: TDK's commitment to the advancement of AR/VR technologies and the future of smart glasses
TDK is a leader in developing technologies that enable the next generation of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). A particular focus is on the development of smart glasses that are equipped with innovative projection technologies. These glasses are designed to not only revolutionize the way we perceive digital content, but also create new opportunities in the growing Metaverse market. Particularly noteworthy is TDK's collaboration with various partners such as QD Laser, Inc., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and Mojo Vision. These collaborations aim to develop breakthrough technologies such as the Full-Color Laser Module (FCLM) and smart contact lenses.
FCLM Technology: A Breakthrough in Laser Projection
TDK's FCLM technology (Full-Color Laser Module) is a central element in the development of modern smart glasses. This technology allows high-resolution images to be projected directly onto the wearer's retina. This is a significant advance over traditional displays as it enables clearer and more realistic representation of digital content. FCLM technology was developed in close collaboration with QD Laser, Inc. and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT).
A key advantage of FCLM technology is the doubling of the viewing angle compared to previous projection technologies. This means that the user has a wider field of vision and can therefore immerse himself deeper in virtual worlds. This expansion of the field of view is particularly important for applications in the area of augmented reality, where real and digital content should merge seamlessly.
TDK has already presented demonstration models of these smart glasses at several international trade fairs, including CEATEC 2022 in Japan, electronica 2022 in Munich and CES 2023 in Las Vegas. The goal is to bring this technology to market as quickly as possible and thereby promote the acceptance of smart glasses in both everyday life and professional environments.
Collaboration with QD Laser: Retinal projection as a key technology
A key partner in the development of FCLM technology is QD Laser, Inc., a company specializing in laser projection. Together with TDK, QD Laser has developed a solution in which images are projected directly onto the user's retina. This technology offers several advantages: on the one hand, a very high image quality is achieved, and on the other hand, the display is made invisible, so to speak, since no physical display is required in front of the user's eyes.
This direct retinal projection could be particularly beneficial for people with visual impairments as it allows for more precise image perception than traditional displays. In addition, this technology opens up new possibilities for immersive AR experiences in which digital information can be displayed directly in the user's field of vision.
Another advantage of this technology is its compactness. Since no large screens or projectors are required, smart glasses can be made slimmer and lighter - an important factor for comfort and suitability for everyday use.
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT): Advances through Planar Lightwave Circuits
In addition to QD Laser, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) also plays a crucial role in the development of TDK's smart glasses. NTT has been instrumental in the integration of Planar Lightwave Circuits (PLC), a technology that allows fiber optics to be integrated onto a flat surface. These circuits are crucial for miniaturizing and increasing the performance of smart glasses.
Thanks to this innovation, TDK was able to significantly reduce the size and weight of its smart glasses without compromising on image quality or functionality. PLC technology helps ensure that the glasses are not only high-performance, but also aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to wear.
The collaboration between TDK and NTT impressively shows how important interdisciplinary collaborations are for technological breakthroughs. By combining expertise in telecommunications and optoelectronics, both companies were able to jointly develop a solution that has the potential to sustainably change the market for AR/VR glasses.
Mojo Vision: Intelligent contact lenses as the next stage of evolution
While many companies focus on developing AR glasses, Mojo Vision goes a step further: The company is working on smart contact lenses that can display augmented reality directly in front of the user's eyes. TDK Ventures is supporting Mojo Vision financially and technologically in this groundbreaking innovation.
Mojo Vision's smart contact lenses could represent a revolution in AR. In contrast to conventional AR glasses, these lenses are completely invisible and offer the user a completely unobstructed field of vision. At the same time, they make it possible to display digital information such as notifications or navigation instructions directly in the field of vision - without the need for external devices.
This technology not only offers exciting opportunities for the consumer market, but also for professional applications. For example, surgeons could have important information right in front of them during an operation, or technicians could receive instructions while working on complex machines.
In addition, smart contact lenses also have applications in the healthcare sector. For example, they could display real-time biometric data such as blood sugar levels or blood pressure to support people with chronic diseases.
The Impact of AR/VR Technologies on the Metaverse
TDK's commitment to the advancement of AR/VR technologies is directly related to the growing interest in the Metaverse - a virtual world in which people can interact as they would in the real world. The Metaverse promises not only new forms of entertainment and communication, but also profound changes in areas such as education, work and commerce.
Smart glasses play a central role in this development. They allow users to move seamlessly between the real and virtual worlds while having immersive experiences. With technologies like the FCLM module or Mojo Vision's smart contact lenses, the Metaverse could become even more realistic and accessible.
TDK sees great potential in further advancing these technologies and not only expanding the market for AR/VR devices, but also opening up new business models in the metaverse. The combination of high-resolution retinal projection and miniaturized optical components could allow AR glasses to soon become as commonplace as smartphones are today.
TDK as a pioneer in the AR/VR revolution
TDK's commitment to the advancement of AR/VR technologies clearly points the way to a future full of new possibilities. Through partnerships with leading companies such as QD Laser, NTT and Mojo Vision, TDK drives innovations that not only push technological boundaries, but also enable practical applications in everyday life.
FCLM technology represents a significant advance in projection technology and could soon set the standard for smart glasses. At the same time, intelligent contact lenses open up completely new perspectives for augmented reality - both in private and professional environments.
With these developments, TDK is positioning itself as one of the leading players in AR/VR – an industry with immense growth potential. The coming years promise exciting innovations for both consumers and companies worldwide.
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