Bright and economical LEDs enable mobile projection applications

The diversified technology company 3M is including OSRAM Opto Semiconductors’ LEDs in its new micro projectors, which can be connected to mobile phones and cameras. The small, bright, energy-saving diodes are the key to developing micro projectors, which could not be implemented with other light sources. OSRAM’s LEDs make micro-projection display sizes of more than a meter possible.

With 3M’s small new MPro120 PocketProjector, which is about the size of a mobile phone, it is now easy to view photos or videos by projecting them on a wall. This is made possible by a light source from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, which has been adapted specifically to 3M’s requirements based on the OSTAR SMT LED. Depending on lighting conditions, the LEDs project images of more than a meter diagonal. The MPro120 can also be connected to other devices via an AV-input such as digital cameras or laptops.

Small, economical and good color rendering

“Thin film chip technology and a specially developed LED enclosure make powerful light possible in the smallest spaces,” says Wolfgang Schnabel, marketing manager at OSRAM Opto Semiconductors. “The LED’s low energy consumption also conserves the projector’s battery and, therefore, ensures longer operating times – the crucial aspect for mobile applications.”

By coordinating 3M’s Light Engine with OSRAM Opto Semiconductors’ LED, the projector is very efficient at more than ten lumens per watt. As it works with a multichip-LED, which comprises two green chips, one red chip and one blue chip, the unit achieves excellent color rendering, allowing it to meet even high standards.

“Last year, 3M was the first company to launch a micro-projection unit with LED technology,” says Kay-Uwe Schenke, market development manager at 3M Deutschland GmbH. “3M’s new MPro120 PocketProjector has been developed with user needs and requirements in mind. Besides full VGA resolution, its distinctive features are market-leading brightness, integrated speakers and a projection area of 20–127cm (depending on lighting conditions). This makes projection on the move possible instantly and easily with a laptop or multimedia mobile phone.”

OSRAM Opto Semiconductors offer a wide range of LEDs for all types of projection applications. OSTAR Compact, for example, has been developed for use in small devices such as mobile phones, PDAs or music players. OSTAR Power Projection is aimed at high performance projection applications such as home theatre systems. These developments in LED technology mean projection system requirements can be covered from one to 300 watts.