A camera designed to capture 3D images is set to appear in mobile phones and tablet type devices next year, according to electronics manufacturer Sharp.
Showing a ?concept? mobile phone at the IFA trade show, in Berlin, the company demonstrated a dual lens camera with a lenticular-type LCD panel, on which 3D images can be viewed without the need for glasses to be worn.
A spokesperson for Sharp Europe would not confirm whether Sharp would use the module in its own products as well as selling to third party manufacturers, and stressed that the mobile phone body in which it was being shown was only a concept.
As well as the two lenses, the module is said to include a processor for colour, exposure and timing synchronisation, as well as for Optical Axis Control to align left- and right-eye views according to subject distance. The camera is capable of recording 720p HD movies, but with a resolution of just 1280×720 pixels the current unit is unlikely to be offered for still image use. Mass production is due to begin some time this year.
