#China #Shanghai #microLED #Roadrunner #JBD

JBD Unveils the Revolutionary 'Roadrunner I' Projector

In a landmark announcement, JBD, a leader in MicroLED microdisplay technology, has officially released its latest innovation, the 'Roadrunner I' polychrome projector. This is not just another product launch; it signifies a crucial advancement in the realm of augmented reality (AR) display technology, introducing significant improvements in pixel size and optical efficiency. The 'Roadrunner I' aims to elevate user experiences and propel consumer-grade full-color AR smart glasses into wider acceptance and use.

Pushing Boundaries with Pixel Density

At the heart of this groundbreaking device lies a newly designed MicroLED microdisplay panel. JBD has managed to reduce the pixel pitch from the previous generation's 4μm found in the 'Hummingbird' series to an astonishing 2.5μm. This shift marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of microdisplay technologies, achieving an impressive pixel density of 10,160 pixels per inch (PPI).

The projector boasts a 25-degree field of view (FOV), allowing it to provide an angular resolution of up to 32 pixels per degree (PPD). This enhancement improves the precision with which fine details are rendered, creating a clearer and more detailed visual experience, significantly reducing graininess. Coupled with a refresh rate of 480 Hz, the 'Roadrunner I' eliminates flicker and judder, producing a fluid and dynamic viewing experience.

The Optical System: Engineered for Excellence

Alongside the increase in pixel density, the 'Roadrunner I' features a re-engineered optical system. With a limiting spatial frequency of 200 lp/mm, the modulation transfer function (MTF) achieves a robust level of 0.4 at the center of the field, while delivering an impressive contrast ratio of 1001. This improvement enables the optical system to excel in resolving high-frequency image details, enhancing both clarity and color gradation significantly, and providing users with a stellar viewing experience.

Compact Size, Unmatched Portability

The innovative reduction in pixel pitch sets the 'Roadrunner I' apart by enabling extreme miniaturization. Utilizing the X-cube architecture, this projector weighs in at just 0.5 grams and occupies only 0.2 cubic centimeters of space. In comparison to its predecessor, the 'Hummingbird I,' both the weight and volume have been slashed by approximately 50%. This considerable reduction not only makes it one of the lightest projectors available but also offers enhanced design flexibility for developers of AR and AI-smart glasses.

JBD has additionally optimized the light engine’s architecture, cutting the optical path length down to 7.8 mm, a 35% decrease from 11.99 mm in the previous model. This compact design serves as a foundational technology that allows manufacturers to create aesthetically appealing and comfortable full-color smart glasses.

Performance Meets Energy Efficiency

Despite its small size, the 'Roadrunner I' projector delivers a luminous flux of up to 3.2 lumens, all while maintaining an operating power consumption of just 90 mW. The use of a 22-nm backplane process reduces backplane power consumption to 18 mW, and continuous advancements at JBD have led to improved emission efficiency of these ultra-small pixels.

The projector demonstrates marked superiority over traditional AR light engines, such as Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS), across critical performance metrics including pixel size, volume, weight, contrast ratio, refresh rate, and typical power consumption—solidifying its position as the preferred choice for lightweight full-color AR smart glasses.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for AR

As JBD CEO Li Qiming notes, the launch of the 'Roadrunner I' marks a significant milestone in MicroLED microdisplay technology. Its compact dimensions facilitate lightweight designs, while its high angular resolution sets a new standard for visual immersion and low power consumption extends battery life. These advancements are crucial steps towards making full-color AR smart glasses accessible to everyday consumers.

The introduction of the 'Roadrunner I' establishes JBD’s comprehensive MicroLED microdisplay product lineup. Whereas the 'Hummingbird' series targets lightweight, high-volume use, the new 'Roadrunner' series focuses on offering top-tier visual performance, increasing the scope and potential of consumer AR devices.

As the 'Roadrunner' product line progresses, users can expect even more innovations, including products with varied resolutions and broader fields of view, responding to the evolving demands of Augmented Reality use cases. JBD is poised to lead the charge in the next wave of display technology innovation for next-generation AR devices.

For more details about JBD’s advancements and products, visit their official website or follow them on LinkedIn and X.