WDI WISE Device Inc. Grabs Global Attention with Display Technology
OCE fuses targeted research with industry need for LCD screens
WDI Wise Device Inc.’s money-saving potential in the production of liquid crystal displays (LCD) has captured the attention of major electronics manufacturers like Samsung, LG and Sharp. WDI’s solutions speed up the inspection and repair of LCD screens during the production process.
LCD screens used in televisions are manufactured from large plates of glass that can sometimes have hundreds of microscopic defects or imperfections. Each of these imperfections must be found and repaired for a television to be produced successfully. WDI’s optical technology can find imperfections far more quickly than traditional methods.
The result: manufacturers can expect lower operating costs and a 25 per cent improvement in productivity.
For consumers, it means better value for liquid crystal computer monitors and televisions. For WDI and the University of Toronto (U of T), it means sales that have topped $5 million and a customer list that includes a who’s who of Asian manufacturers. In recognition of its success, WDI was awarded the 2009 Ontario Centres of Excellence Mind to Market Award.
The breakthrough laser and optics technologies were brought together by matching WDI’s expertise in defining the industry needs and markets with targeted research conducted at U of T’s Institute for Optical Sciences. Additional research was provided by U of T’s spinoff laser company, Attodyne Inc., also an OCE-supported company.