Video holography patent licensed to Light Blue Optics

by Peter Clarke

LONDON — Light Blue Optics Ltd., a startup company developing a color projector suitable for inclusion in mobile phones and other portable equipment, has agreed to license a key patent from Cambridge Enterprise Ltd., the University of Cambridge's technology commercialization service.

The patent is a method for real-time, full-color holographic laser projection, and was invented in 2003 by Edward Buckley, director of business development at Light Blue Optics (LBO) and Adrian Cable, while they were PhD students at the University of Cambridge.

The university had previously announced that it had granted an exclusive license to a core patent for holographic video projector technology, developed in the Department of Engineering, to Alps Electric Co. Ltd.

As well as signing a license to access the patent LBO has raised an additional $1 million as an extension to its seed funding round of $2.5 million announced in July 2006. Venture capital firm 3i led the round which also included investment from the U.K. National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, the Cambridge Capital Group and business angels.

Founded in 2004, LBO has developed a projection system that uses laser light sources and diffractive techniques to deliver full-color video images in focus at all distances — even on curved or angled surfaces.

"The efficiency, robustness and cost advantages of our technology make it ideally suited for deployment in multiple markets; including automotive, digital signage and consumer electronics," said Buckley, in a statement.

"At 3i, we invest in cutting-edge technology companies that have the potential to be market leaders. LBO is realizing that potential and we're pleased to support its accelerated product development program by providing this additional funding," said Laurence Garrett, a partner at 3i, in the same statement.

"We now have a strong, clear IP position, and are ideally placed to become the world's leading supplier of miniature laser projection systems," said Chris Harris, chief executive officer of LBO.

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