The infrared Platinum Dragon from Osram Opto Semiconductors provides a high radiance from a small surface. With its one square millimeter thin-film chip in stack technology it generates an optical output of almost 1W from a driving current of 1A - that's almost twice the output of the standard chips that have been used up to now. The viewing angle and radiant intensity can be varied with standard secondary optics. Preferred applications are those which require high radiance so that small optics can be used. This is important for example in pedestrian protection systems and night vision systems in vehicles.The increased output of the new Platinum Dragon is based on a special thin-film chip. It has not only one p-n junction, but two that have been grown or "stacked" one on top of the other. This stack technology leads to almost twice the optical output power compared to conventional IR thin-film chips. "We were able to bring the infrared Stack Dragon so quickly to the market thanks to our experience in developing the stack technology for our lasers," said Harry Feltges, marketing manager for infrared components at Osram Opto Semiconductors. "Furthermore, its package is the same as the one used for the other IR Dragon components, so existing designs can be used without modification." The forward voltage of 2.9V at 1A enables standard LED drivers to be used which are preferably operated in this voltage range. The IR LED emits at a wavelength of 850 nm and is therefore a perfect compromise between maximum spectral sensitivity for CCD and CMOS cameras and suppressed visibility for the human eye.With its high optical output from a small surface area the infrared Platinum Dragon is ideal for lighting solutions where space is an important factor. Night vision systems in vehicles, pedestrian protection systems and precrash sensors can also be made much more compact because fewer IR LEDs are needed to provide the same optical output. In industrial applications the high-power IR LEDs can be used in illumination units for CCTV cameras or in systems for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). 3-D camera technology is another possible application which will be used more and more in consumer equipment such as gaming consoles and TVs for gesture recognition. For this, high modulation frequencies of the light source (typically 20 to 50MHz) are required, which can be easily achieved with the new infrared Dragon.Osram infrared Platinum Dragon in stack chip technologyPhoto: Company

WALNUT, Calif. – October 6, 2009 – ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual display products, today announced the availability of two new projectors, both with increased lumens to enhance brightness. The PJD6251 DLP projector is designed for conference rooms or classroom settings, while the PJL9371 LCD projector addresses the viewing needs found with larger facilities, such as auditoriums.PJD6251 – DLP 120Hz projectorThe PJD6251 is a 120Hz / 3D ready DLP projector with 3,700 lumens to produce more vibrant colors. With a 2,800:1 contrast ratio the PJD6251 performs well in virtually any lighting situation - from dimly lit office conference rooms to sunshine soaked classrooms. The PJD6251 includes RJ45 network management scheduling software that allows for configuration and control remotely when connected to a centralized network. This network management tool is also compatible with existing ViewSonic DLP projectors, like the PJD6240 with an XGA 1024x768 resolution, 3,200 lumens and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio. The PJD6251 is equipped with composite, S-Video and VGA inputs for increased connectivity with multiple devices. Additionally, this device includes a VGA output port for connecting an external display or secondary projector for multiple screen viewing, and an HDMI input port to offer greater connectivity options for today's digital demands. The projector can be used on a table or mounted on a ceiling in order to decrease tabletop clutter.The PJD6251 is currently available for an ESP of US$949.PJL9371 – large venue projector with 3LCD technologyViewSonic's new PJL9371 LCD projector delivers 4,000 lumens with a 2,000:1 contrast ratio to provide a high brightness solution for larger installation-type facilities. The projector offers an Eco mode, 5000-hour lamp life and a hybrid filter design for increased energy savings, less maintenance and lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Integrated 16W speakers provide ideal audio capabilities for effective presentations in large conference settings or auditoriums.The PJL9371 is currently available at an ESP of US$1,749."Many studies show that 60% of people are visual learners and prefer information presented in pictures, charts and graphs," said Jeff Volpe, vice president and general manager of ViewSonic North America. "These two new projectors are designed with a focus on increasing both the brightness and contrast ratio to ensure the best possible visual experience whether in an office setting, classroom or large auditorium."ViewSonic DLP 120Hz 3D ready projector - PJD6251Photo: CompanyViewSonic 3LCD projector - PJL9371Photo: Company

Pleasanton, CA - October 8, 2009 - NextWindow, the market and technology leader in optical touch screens for desktop PCs and large-format displays, today announced that another PC maker will soon begin selling an all-in-one computer with NextWindow touch screens.Global PC and consumer electronics developer Medion recently announced plans to offer a multi touch-enabled system with a 24-inch screen. Branded the Medion X9613, the all-in-one PC will be available initially in Germany.All-in-one computers represent a growing segment of the larger PC market. These products combine all hardware and software inside a computer's monitor, and they mainly are desktop systems though some, such as the Medion X9613, can be mounted to a wall.US-based electronics giants Dell and Hewlett-Packard (HP) were among the first companies to offer a PC version of the all-in-one computer. Both companies are using optical touch screens from NextWindow in their all-in-ones. Gartner is forecasting the number of all-in-ones shipped (with a screen size greater than 16-inch) will double from 2009 to 2010."NextWindow is having success in the all-in-one PC market because optical touch screen technology, which NextWindow helped pioneer, offers the lowest cost and best performance among available technologies," said Al Monro, NextWindow CEO. "We're pleased to see the Medion X9613 come on to the market and we look forward to welcoming several other touch PCs around the time of the launch of Windows 7, with which NextWindow touch screens are fully compatible."

Taiwan-based DMP Electronics has launched a US$100 netbook, the Edubook, that will be shipped to overseas markets in component form to be assembled by partners in other countries to save customs duties or meet import requirements. The netbook can be separated into about 10 different modules and components, and then be built up again in around 10 minutes using 30 steps. Edubook features an 8.9-inch panel and a DMP-developed low-power CPU. The device can support Windows XP but bundling is optional. The netbook is powered by eight AA batteries and can run for four hours. DMP has begun shipments of the Edubook to Latin America and the netbook has also attracted attention from several governments in Eastern Europe and Africa. The company expects to ship five million Edubooks in 2010, according to the company. DMP Edubook netbook assembly linePhoto: Yen-Shyang Hwang, Digitimes, October 2009 Netbook components and modulesPhoto: Yen-Shyang Hwang, Digitimes, October 2009 DMP Edubook netbookPhoto: Yen-Shyang Hwang, Digitimes, October 2009

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- 3M's optical systems division today announced that 3M has developed a new, field sequential 3D optical film for handheld devices - enabling true auto stereoscopic 3D viewing on mobile phones, gaming and other handheld devices without the need for glasses."Mobile device capabilities have been significantly enhanced in recent years with the emergence of new applications and features like touch screens and streaming video. 3M has enabled these new capabilities, and is now enabling the next generation of advancement with features like 3D viewing," noted Jim Bauman, vice president of 3M's optical systems division.The company's 3D optical film can be easily integrated into the backlight module - providing a simple 3D solution. Furthermore, the film only requires one LCD panel and operates at a 120Hz refresh rate. Backlight module assembly is nearly identical to existing systems - allowing for simple integration at the assembly stage. The standard optical film stack is replaced with a reflective film, custom light guide and 3D film. By using directional backlight technology, left and right images are focused sequentially into the viewer's eyes - enabling a full resolution display of the panel. (See Figure 1.)3M will show its 3D display for mobile concept at the Korea Electronics Show, to be held October 13-16 at the KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center) at Booth #1600.3M's Vikuiti 3D Optical FilmPhoto: Company

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct 04, 2009 - Tessera Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:TSRA) has announced its FotoNation FaceRecognition technology, which performs automatic identification of specific human faces in camera equipped mobile devices. This innovative new embedded imaging solution will enable manufacturers to quickly and cost-effectively integrate face recognition capabilities directly into devices such as cell phones, digital still cameras and other consumer electronic products.This new technology, when used with the FotoNation FaceTracker solution, or other face tracking technology, enables a wide range of applications including meta-tagging for easier image management, sharing and retrieval; person-based image optimization, where the focus, exposure and image processing associated with an identified subject's face is automatically optimized during image capture and processing; and automatic image uploading."We are seeing increased interest in facial recognition for consumer devices because of the ubiquity of cameras and the variety of benefits that come with knowledge of the identity of the person being captured by the camera," said Michael Bereziuk, executive vice president, Imaging & Optics, Tessera. "With the FotoNation FaceRecognition solution, a cell phone camera can automatically tag a photograph containing a specific person's face and email the image directly to a friend or upload it to a social networking site."The FotoNation FaceRecognition technology is available for a number of platforms, including COACH and ARM, and requires only moderate computational and memory resources. The performance is robust in the presence of various factors that make face recognition difficult such as changes in lighting conditions, facial expression and viewing angle/distance.The FotoNation FaceRecognition solution is available now for licensing from Tessera.About FotoNation TechnologyThe FotoNation FaceRecognition solution joins the FotoNation family of technologies from Tessera, which provides a full portfolio of in-camera image enhancement solutions for digital photos. The FotoNation Red solution automatically detects and removes red- and golden-eye defects. The FotoNation FaceTracker solution, which includes the SmileCheck, BlinkCheck and Face Beautification extension modules, detects the presence of human faces in pictures to ensure optimal focus, exposure, and color balance, while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles or other skin imperfections for optimal image quality.

Suss MicroTec, a supplier of process and test solutions for the semiconductor industry and related markets, has announced that it is engaging with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Taiwan on the development of 3D integration technologies.Ad-STAC (Advanced Stacked-System Technology and Application Consortium), a multinational research association led by ITRI, will implement Suss MicroTec's 300mm lithography cluster LithoPack300 and 300mm bond cluster CBC300 in its 300mm demo production line at ITRI's site in Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.Ad-STAC aims at driving technology advances for industrial development in the field of 3D Integration. The group consists of 12 multinational companies working to install what it claims is the world's first 300mm demo-production line to solely target 3D R&D.The Suss MicroTec LithoPack300 integrates two latest generation 300mm photolithography modules, the MA300 Gen2 mask aligner and the ACS300 Gen3 spray coater, in one system. The CBC300 is a modular wafer bonding platform configured to run the latest fusion bonding techniques with plasma activation, thermo compression bonding including copper-to-copper (CuCu) bonds for 3D integration. It offers temporary bonding using the latest generation adhesives specifically designed for the 3D applications, the company detailed.Suss MicroTec LithoPack300 clusterPhoto: Company

Leuven, Belgium - September 30, 2009 - IMEC and its 3D integration partners have taped-out Etna, a new 3D chip integrating a commercial DRAM chip on top of a logic IC. The new 3D stack resembles as close as possible to future commercial chips. It consists of a 25µm thick logic die on top of which a commercial DRAM is stacked using through-silicon vias (TSVs) and micro-bumps.The 3D demonstrator mimics all aspects of the approach by stacking an advanced commercial DRAM product chip on IMEC's proprietary CMOS logic IC. As an example, heaters are integrated to test the impact of hotspot on DRAM refresh times. And, the chip contains test structures for monitoring thermo-mechanical stress in a 3D stack, ESD (electro-static discharge) hazards, electrical characteristics of TSVs and micro-bumps, fault models for TSVs, etc.The design of the 3D chip is realized together with many players in the 3D integration supply chain. Now, IMEC is manufacturing the logic die in its prototype line, and will be stacking the commercial DRAM chip on top of it. One of IMEC's 3D integration partners will deliver the DRAM dies, and will test the fabricated 3D stack; two other partners, will package the 3D stack using flip-chip onto a FBGA (fine-pitch ball-grid array) substrate."We are excited to achieve this milestone in collaboration with our 3D integration partners including memory suppliers and IC manufacturers. This test-chip is a significant step for the introduction of 3D technology in DRAM-on-logic applications;" said Pol Marchal, principal scientist 3D integration at IMEC.

CHICAGO-(BUSINESS WIRE)-NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading stand-alone provider of commercial LCD displays and projectors, announced today the addition of three new desktop monitors to its AccuSync Series. With two widescreen displays and one standard-aspect display, this series offers small-to-medium-sized business users a reliable, environmentally-conscious and technology-rich desktop monitor solution.The energy-efficient 19-inch AS191, 19-inch widescreen AS191WM and 22-inch widescreen AS221WM monitors consume up to 48% less energy than their predecessors. All three models offer an EPEAT Silver rating, and Energy Star 5.0 and TCO 5.0 compliance, giving users confidence that these displays are environmentally preferable purchases. Eco Mode technology allows users to maneuver between two energy-savings modes. Additionally, the tilt functionality provides flexibility and enhanced comfort for AccuSync users."NEC's AccuSync Series has continually provided business users with the features they need to accomplish day-to-day work and the components that keep them up-to-date with the latest display technology," said Lynn Gu, product manager for NEC Display Solutions. "These three new models carry on that long-standing tradition of dependable, high-quality and environmentally-responsible desktop monitors without the large price tag."A partial list of the AccuSync Series features includes:VGA and DVI connectivityUp to 1000:1 contrast ratio5ms fast response timeTilt adjustabilityTouch integratable (AS191WM and AS221WM only)Space-saving, down-firing multimedia speakers with headphone jack (AS191WM and AS221WM only)Two-step Eco Mode for significant power consumption savings (AS191WM and AS221WM only)Carbon footprint meter for tracking of carbon savingsEPEAT Silver ratingEnergy Star 5.0 complianceTCO 5.0 complianceThe AS221WM will begin shipping in October 2009 with an estimated street price of US$249. The AS191 and AS191WM will begin shipping in November 2009 with an estimated street price of US$199 and US$189. The displays ship with a standard three-year parts and labor warranty, including the backlight.NEC Display Solutions 19-inch energy-efficient AccuSync series LCD monitor - AS191Photo: CompanyNEC Display Solutions 22-inch energy-efficient AccuSync series LCD monitor - AS221WMPhoto: Company

Asustek Computer has unveiled the first motherboard under its new TUF series (The Ultimate Force), the Sabertooth 55i. The series is developed to meet the heavy computing demands of power users.The Sabertooth 55i is built upon Intel's P55 chipset and is equipped with the new CeraM!X heatsink.The heatsink features a ceramics-based composition-commonly used in the aerospace industry for heat insulation which dissipates heat rapidly, while its rough surface functions as an expanded area for heat to induct into the surrounding air, the company highlighted.The motherboard also includes a fan frame that is compatible with most standard 40mm or 50mm computer fans and is positioned directly below the memory slots in order to provide additional cooling.The motherboard's capacitors and VRM MOSFETs have also already been certified for military-level purposes through stringent testing, the company claimed.Meanwhile, Micro-Star International (MSI) has launched a 15.4-inch Intel Calpella-based notebook, the GT640, featuring Intel's Core i7 processor, Windows 7, and Nvidia GeForce GTS 250M discrete graphics card.The GT640 comes with MSI's exclusive ECO Engine, a power-saving solution that can be accessed via a shortcut button on the control panel. With the push of a button users can activate the ECO engine and customize the notebook's power settings to suit specific uses, MSI detailed. MSI GT640 notebook specifications Item Detail Operation system Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium CPU support Intel Core i7 processor Chipset Intel PM55 Display 15.4-inch TFT-LCD display VGA Nvidia GeForce GTS 250M with 1GB DDR3 memory Memory Two SO-DIMM slots supporting DDR3 1066/1333MHz memory up to 4GB Storage 250GB, 320GB or 500GB SATA HDD Super-Multi DVD burner or Blu-ray drive Dimension (L×W×H, mm) and weight (kg) 360 × 260 × 33-36 and weight 2.7 (W/ battery) Sources: Company, compiled by Digitimes, September 2009Asustek TUF Sabertooth 55i motherboardPhoto: CompanyMSI GT640 notebookPhoto: Company