Singapore-made screen protector allows 3D viewing on mobile devices

A made-in-Singapore 3D accessory for smartphones emerged top in the Technology Innovation category at the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards 2013 on Friday, Sept 13, 2013. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
A made-in-Singapore 3D accessory for smartphones emerged top in the Technology Innovation category at the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards 2013 on Friday, Sept 13, 2013. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

A made-in-Singapore 3D accessory for smartphones emerged top in the Technology Innovation category at the Institution of Engineers Singapore (IES) Prestigious Engineering Achievement Awards 2013 on Friday.

The award recognises Singapore-based engineering projects that demonstrate outstanding engineering skill and help better the quality of life.

A product of scientists from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research and Temasek Polytechnic, the EyeFly3D is said to be the first glasses-free 3D accessory for smartphones. At 0.1mm-thick, it is an add-on screen protector that can turn a smartphone into a 3D viewing platform without affecting the touchscreen sensitivity, brightness and resolution of the device, unlike some similar, thicker filters.

The scientists took regular plastic film and engineered about half a million high-reslution mini lenses onto its surface through nanoimprinting, enabling the plastic to produce distortion-free 3D content on mobile devices. The EyeFly3D has been commercially available online at US$34.90 ($44) a piece.

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