3-D display targets the military

Engineers at IEE (Van Nuys, CA) have integrated 3M’s 3-D optical film into a handheld Control Display Unit (CDU) that can be used in a variety of military training, visualization, and remote observation applications.

Introduced in 2009, the field sequential 3-D film eliminates the need for a user to wear 3-D glasses to view the images, an impediment to soldiers in the field or military personnel who work in remote locations.

3M's 3-D optical film itself is integrated into the backlight module of a display. Backlight module assembly is nearly identical to existing systems, allowing for simple integration at the assembly stage.

In the assembly process, the standard optical film stack is replaced with a reflective film, custom light guide, and 3-D 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.

Steve Motter, vice president business development for IEE, says, "Today’s battlefields are data driven, with long range weapons systems and GPS technologies ruling how combat is conducted. Access to the most advanced graphics that provide superior depth perception gives an advantage to military personnel in the field."

-- By Dave Wilson, Senior Editor, Vision Systems Design