Opticis Co.,Ltd. (Hyeon-gook Shin, CEO)
Until Opticis started this research task,
a Japanese company monopolized the CWDM module used in optical link products for image transmission. Therefore, the research of CWDM modules for image transmission was progressed aiming to be a leading company (I company in Japan), and secured relevant implementation technology and the product. Moreover, Opticis presented the best specifications faster than the leading Japanese company in terms of transmission speed, and the creativity and superiority of this development were recognized internationally, and won the Lightwave Innovation Award (Optical component section) in 2015.
Securing optical transmission technology for 4K image
transmission
Current display data transmission standards are being developed requiring high-speed bandwidth in accordance with digital broadcasting conversion and evolution toward nextgeneration high-definition TV like UHD class TV and 3D TV. For existing copper wire transmission, available image transmission distance is within 5m for 4K UHD class image transmission.
Because of such limitations in distance and transmission speed, interface development using optical features is required.
In this context, Opticis secured optical transmission technology that allows 4K image transmission through this research task, and based on which, the company developed digital optical link products and concentrated on making the product a core product in next-generation UHD TV•monitor. Also, because reducing the number of fibers by using CWDM method that can transmit multiple optical signal with one fiber along with high-speed transmission, and securing a detachable method using receptacles are essential elements to have marketability, development was progressed for CWDM OSA that can be mounted in digital optical link and digital optical link product where CWDM OSA is mounted.
In this way, this technical development was progressed in consideration of the market situation, future competitive technology, and product competitiveness; and finally the relevant products could be launched in the market after the completion of successful development. Hyeon-gook Shin, CEO of Opticis, who led this research task, said that “this technical development is for the product for which there is no applicable existing component because of different basic concept and approaching method to implement performance from existing optical modules. Therefore we did not just design and develop parts that compose optical devices and optical systems but also we have developed equipment required in processes for the element of respective newly developed technologies with our own manpower.” He added, “So, we encountered many difficulties without external help in every stage but we could overcome such difficulties with endless will for development and support from our executives and staff.” In addition, he mentioned that “Because we developed not only CWDM mode optical transmission technology but also designed and manufactured high speed optical device with various wavelengths which is the most important element in optical transmission, we have core technologies from devices to modules. Thus, flexible and initiative responding would be possible in future product development.”
Simultaneous real-time transmission of multiple signals
through one optical fiber
The goals of this technical development were: developing OSA that can input and transmit light source (VCSEL) and photo detector (PD), having different wavelengths, into one optical fiber using CWDM mode; and developing digital optical link product for high-definition image and high-capacity data transmission responding to 4K UHD TV using the developed OAS. CWDM mode implemented in this technology inserts respective light source into one optical fiber with multiple lenses, passes it again through wavelength selective filter in receiving unit, branch off respective signals to corresponding channel, and extract information with photo detector. Through such process, CWDM mode can transmit multiple signals simultaneously in real time to one optical fiber.
Current image information is converted from analog to digital and the image information is transmitted through basically four types of signals (Red, Green, Blue, Clock). That is, four signal transmission lines were required before, but this technology combines these lines into one and can transmit all required signals with one transmission line. This also provides the advantage of easy detachment between optical fi ber and module along with reduction in the number of existing transmission lines.
As a result, the goal was to successfully complement and develop a digital optical link product where optical module that can transmit many individual signals to one optical fi ber is mounted and that transmits the high-capacity image information of 4K class UHD TV. Moreover, other than CWDM implementation and image transmission technologies, developing optical devices that can work in high speed showing different wavelength light
were progressed together in OSA and optical link product development, so related core technologies can also be secured autonomously.
CEO Shin, who mentioned that products developed currently through this technology can respond to 4K UHD image transmission, explained that “ We will keep improving transmission speed per channel and continue developing digital optical link for 8K UHD image transmission, so as to respond to transmission capacity that will be increased through feature improvement of optical devices and the optimization of optical systems in future.” and “Additional researches are on going to enhance the original manufacturing technology of high-speed optical devices secured from such development course and to apply it to various modules.”
“We developed technology that can accomplish image observation area expansion simultaneously. These two types of technologies are reaching to the level of commercialization for future glassless mode 3D display. As mentioned earlier, the superiority of relevant tracking method was demonstrated compared to the commercial products of foreign global companies.
Thus, when the integrity improvement of commercialization technology is accomplished in future, our products are expected to contribute to form a market for personal glassless 3D display market. Furthermore, in case of non-tracking glassless 3D display, commercialization would be possible in limited areas such as advertisement, simulation, and medical, and industrialization in global companies is also expected as technical transfer is completed for some of original technologies.”
Indeed, there are expectations that a new market will be established for glassless 3D display technology, if technologies developed by Dr. Kim’s research team are applied to IT devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablet PCs, and monitors. According to the view of professionals, the technology is superior to other countries in terms of technical completeness, so it will hold a dominant position, when its commercialization or its industrialization is initiated in full-scale.
Promising business feasibility with globally competitive
product
So far, a Japanese company monopolized CWDM modules that can be used in optical link products for image transmission in the market, but now Opticis has secured the relevant implementation technology and products through this development. In addition, the transmission speed of fi nal outputs (OSA, optical link) from this development exceeds the performance of existing product made by a Japanese company, and can respond to current real 4K UHD TV. Especially, as Opticis secures optical device manufacturing technology, one of core technologies for optical link product, and image signal conversion technology, the company is rated as being in a favorable position in subsequent competition.
Indeed, among products launched through this development, demand for digital optical link for images is increasing persistently. However, because high-defi nition images like current 4K UHD image are mainly used in specialized areas only such as broadcasting devices and medical devices, it is hard to estimate domestic and overseas market share. Nevertheless, the 4K UHD market for general consumers over the world is being developed
constantly, and this developed product can provide consumers long-distance, high-speed transmission according to future market demand, therefore, its business feasibility is promising according to the market development.
Meanwhile, Mr. Shin, who listed the company on the Korea Exchange KOSDAQ in July 2011, said that “As the fi rst company that commercialized optical link in the world, we are leading the optical link industry that connects high-defi nition image equipment. We will do our best to provide compact optical link having excellent price competitiveness and high transmission quality through constant technical innovation so that optical link can be used easily at home and in all industrial sites throughout the world.”
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“Furthermore, even the non-tracking method without using information on the face of a viewer could not only reduce optical noise in 3D images but also expand the field of view,” added Dr. Kim. “These two approaches can be applied to future commercialization of glasses-free 3D displays. As to the tracking approach, the practicability of the technology has been already proved, compared to major brands in the market, and thus is expected to contribute to growth of personal glasses-free 3D display market upon completion of the technology. The nontracking method can be commercialized in limited areas such as advertising, simulation, and the medical industry. Part of these original technologies has been transferred to global enterprises, which will speed up future industrialization.”
For the upcoming KOBA 2016, we expect an even better response with the exhibition area of 27,997sqm covering three halls(COEX A, C, and D). The KOBA Show has grown continuously with Korea’s broadcasting, audio and lighting equipment industry and it has become a hub exhibition of Asia. Over 950 companies from 35 nations including South Korea (189 manufacturers), the U.S., Germany, the UK, Japan, China, Taiwan, and France are expected to exhibit and demonstrate cutting-edge technologies and equipment at KOBA 2016. More than 50,000 visitors including professional buyers are expected to visit.
Since 2008, GMV has played a crucial role in the Korean mobile industry as a global marketplace. Also, it contributes to the increase of mobile and IT enterprises’ sales in both domestic and international markets.
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