Fueled by the private sector, shipments of three-dimensional (3D) displays will grow at an 18 percent compound annual rate from 2.9 million units in 2004 to 8.1 million units by 2010, according to a report from iSuppli/Stanford Resources, Santa Clara, Calif.

The firm said that although much of the current consumption and financial backing for 3D displays continues to come from government, the medical, industrial, and consumer markets would drive growth of the technology. Applications such as molecular modeling, collaborative design, and gaming will make 3D desirable, according to iSuppli.

A number of display makers, such as Sharp Corp., and Hitachi Corp. have developed 3D products. In addition, a consortium of Japanese companies are trying to promote 3D applications and create standards for 3D content distribution.

Presently, 3D displays encompass a range of technologies, including flat displays that use active shutter or passive glasses, auto stereoscopic flat displays, head-mounted displays, and volumetric and holographic displays that are considered true three-dimensional.

From EETimes