Sharp develops 3D camera system for mobile phones

Sharp Corp. said Wednesday it had developed a three-dimensional camera system for mobile phones and other portable devices, with plans to begin production by the end of the year.

It will be the world's first 3D camera module for mobile devices capable of capturing high-definition video images, the consumer electronics giant said in a statement.

Different perspectives offered by each eye's line of sight enables the brain to process depth perception and therefore see images in three dimensions.

The system aims to exploit this by using two small lenses that can simultaneously capture separate images for the left and right eyes to create synchronised 3D pictures, said Miyuki Nakayama, a Sharp spokeswoman.

Sharp will start shipping samples in July and mass production will follow within a few months, Nakayama said, adding that further details, including prices, were not available.

Competition in 3D technology is intensifying among major electronics makers. Last month Sharp said it would begin selling liquid crystal televisions showing 3D images before this summer.