In the era of digital transformation and the rise of the metaverse, researchers from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in South Korea have showcased their achievements in the development of display and stereoscopic imaging technologies. ETRI participated in two consecutive events, starting with ‘K-Display 2023’ at COEX in Seoul on August 16th, followed by ‘IMID 2023′ at BEXCO in Busan from the 23rd.
During these exhibitions, ETRI unveiled a total of 11 technologies in four categories: hyper-realistic displays, converged displays, stereoscopic image creation and services, and 3D stereoscopic shape inspection equipment. In the realm of hyper-reality displays, ETRI introduced OLED-on-silicon micro-display technology, which enables realistic virtual reality experiences in extended reality (XR) devices for the metaverse. They also showcased quantum dot color conversion display technology, which allows for high-resolution and high-color purity displays in the metaverse. Additionally, ETRI showcased M3D technology, which enables the development of XR devices that are lightweight, thin, and low in power consumption.
In the field of converged displays, ETRI presented strechable circuit technology that can be applied to space and objects according to users’ needs, allowing for freeform displays. They also showcased electrochromic display technology, which can be used in self-driving vehicles for various infotainment applications and controls transmittance. Another technology on display was intelligent stealth display technology, which minimizes exposure to enemies by displaying visible or infrared images that blend with the surroundings, making military equipment less detectable.
In the realm of stereoscopic image generation and services, ETRI showcased plenoptic content acquisition, generation, authorization, and visualization platform technology. This technology supports binocular, motor parallax, and focus adjustment, as well as OTT player intelligence technology through the automatic generation of AI-based multi-view objects. They also introduced hologram camera and processor technology that can produce real image acquisition holograms and computer-generated holograms in real-time.
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For 3D stereoscopic shape inspection equipment, ETRI displayed 3D stereoscopic shape inspection technology that accurately obtains 3D shape information of fine devices in semiconductor chips or display panels through hologram technology. This technology allows for precise inspection of defects. They also showcased 3D plenoptic microscope technology, which enables easy inspection of the three-dimensional shape of a device in real-time by attaching a lens similar in structure to an insect’s double eye to a general camera.
In addition to these technologies, ETRI introduced its display production batch process platform and the results of supporting materials, components, and equipment companies achieved through it. Over the years, ETRI has established a collective process service platform that encompasses display panel design, production, and evaluation through voluntary cooperation among researchers.
Furthermore, ETRI is actively contributing to enhancing corporate technology competitiveness and building an industrial ecosystem. Since 2020, they have been operating the Display Panel Technologies National Laboratory (N-LAB), providing 22 companies with materials, components, and equipment verification, prototype manufacturing services, and practical manpower training.
Dr. Lee Jeong-ik, the Senior Vice President of the Hyper-Reality Metaverse Research Laboratory at ETRI, expressed his commitment to further advancing core display and metaverse technologies. He emphasized the importance of fulfilling their mission to propel the hyper-reality metaverse world forward. These technologies are part of the 12 national strategic technologies and 6 priority strategic technologies selected by ETRI.
ETRI is a non-profit government-funded research institute that has been at the forefront of ICT research and development in South Korea since its foundation in 1976. It aims to make significant contributions to the growth of the ICT industry in Korea and has been instrumental in positioning Korea as one of the top ICT nations in the world. The development of these display and stereoscopic imaging technologies has been made possible with the support of the Ministry of Science and ICT.
