When I joined Texas Instruments in 2003, TI DLP® technology was a projector imaging technology most people associated with movie theaters.
There’s a good reason for that. Today, DLP Cinema® technology is used in more than eight out of ten digital theatres worldwide, entertaining millions of moviegoers and providing filmmakers with the ultimate way to showcase their creative vision. We even have an Academy Award® for our efforts.
But looking ahead, I think the story of DLP technology is not where it’s been or the accolades it has received, but where it’s going. That’s why this new blog, where we will showcase the latest news, solutions and trends in optical micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS), comes at such an important time in the evolution of DLP technology.
Nearly 30 years after TI innovation sparked the birth of DLP technology, it continues to ignite the imaginations of a wide spectrum of enthusiasts, from engineering students and startup companies to established technology juggernauts.
3-D printing is a great example of a DLP application no one could have imagined when the team of TI engineers received the first patents for the DLP chip in 1987. But with our product support and ongoing advancements in the speed and flexibility of MEMS designs, developers and engineers are now on the cusp of revolutionizing manufacturing processes.
Spectroscopy – which uses light to detect the properties of materials –is another area where DLP optical technology is helping to transform an industry. The properties of DLP technology means a device that once filled a sprawling laboratory can now be held in the palm of a hand. This could have significant implications for industries ranging from food safety to petrochemicals.
In the world of personal electronics, meanwhile, DLP Pico™ technology is enabling portable projection displays for devices we use every day - mobile projectors, screenless TVs, control panels, and interactive displays and wearables. Our Pico technology is also aiding the development of near eye displays – wearable devices that project a virtual image in the field of view of one or both eyes.
In the automotive sector, we’re addressing the serious problem of driver distraction with head-up displays (HUDs) to create a more informed driving experience.
And we are just getting started. Clearly, the incredible flexibility of DLP technology is powering all kinds of amazing innovation.
In the coming weeks, months and years, we’ll provide readers of this blog with information that is both interesting and useful. From in-depth technical articles to the latest news about emerging applications to new DLP chipsets and evaluation modules, we’ll share and discuss the latest and greatest information right here.
We know readers need more than just technical documentation. That’s why we’ll also provide the essential tools to developers and engineers to help incorporate DLP technology into their designs.
We also offer access to the DLP Design Network and DLP optical module manufacturers, companies providing a range of hardware and software support, manufacturing services and other solutions to help accelerate product development with DLP technology.
Clearly, the future of DLP Products is bright. Wherever it shines, you can be sure to learn more about it here on Enlightened: The TI DLP® Blog.
