Based on a current model NTT DoCoMo has announced a new handset that features an ultrasmall projector. Red, green and blue LEDs are used as a light source of the projector. Specs include "DLP (digital light processing) Pico" chipset, which was developed by Texas Instruments, DMD (digital micromirror device) downsized for mobile use, pixel count of the projector is 480 × 320 (HVGA), and its luminance is 7.5lm. Its driver is LSI. The projector consumes about 3W pf power to function. During a recent demo, the handset was projecting images and the built-in Li-ion secondary battery was being charged. The projector could be used for only 15 to 20 minutes per charge.

NTT DoCoMo's new projector handset can project a 20-inch image from a distance of about 80cm. The company still has to tackle the following issues before releasing the handset into the market, which will probably be in three-years time.

To commercialize the new handset, it is necessary to reduce (1) the heat generated from the projector module, (2) the power consumption, (3) the cost and (4) the size of the projector module. The company aims at continuously using the projector for about 100 minutes with a built-in battery, equivalent to the operating time for 1seg function in its early stage.

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