Method and apparatus for 3-D image synthesis

US4669812A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• John Hoebing · Evanston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 12, 1983
• Grant date: Jun 2, 1987
• Expiry date: Sep 12, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G03H2210/30
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Method and apparatus for production of 3-D images (volume displays) from a set of 2-D images employing one or more multiple component holographic optical elements (mcHOEs) in combination with an off-axis array of a plurality of 2-D illuminated (or radiative) components of objects to be synthesized into 3-D images of the objects. An array of component regions is disposed in at least one plane generally normal to a defined optical axis. A mcHOE is disposed in a plane parallel to the plane of the array with the optical axis passing therethrough. The components are illuminated from behind, or are themselves radiative (as, for example, in the case of CRT screen(s)). The observer is positioned along the optical axis in front of the mcHOE. The mcHOEs are virtual image transmission or reflection holograms, but real images may be produced by using the appropriate mcHOE. The component region array is a set of 2-D representations of portions of an object (e.g., each member of the array being a section of the 3-D object to be reconstructed at a unique depth within the object). The component regions are successively illuminated, presented or turned on (in the case of a radiative region), by a l…