What is volumetric display?
Fundamental to the volumetric approach is a transparent physical
volume in which both static and dynamic image components may be placed. Since
images depicted in this way are able to span three
physical dimensions, their
three-dimensionality (when considered in
the spatial rather than
in the temporal domain) closely mimics our visual perception of the
natural world. This minimizes the likelihood
of the type of
conflict that can occur when the
visual system is presented with cues to
form, spatial occupancy, and motion
that do not harmoniously
match everyday experience.
Volumetric images may be viewed
directly (glasses- free) and in many cases technologies
impose very little restriction on viewing position, with multiple
users able to look onto an image scene from
practically any position around the display volume. For the
purposes of this work: A volumetric display device will be assumed to permit
the generation, absorption or scattering of
visible radiation from a set of localized
and specified regions within a three-dimensional
space. In certain cases a volumetric system
may allow the controlled an isotropic propagation
of radiation from each of these regions.
The display paradigm is assumed to support the visual appearance of an image
continuum across all three spatial dimensions.
The Nature of Volumetric Displays:
Stereoscopic and auto
stereoscopic displays use two images, one for the left and one for the
right eye, to create a 3 D effect. Volumetric displays, as a rule, provide
one image for both eyes while the 3 D effect is created by a stack of images in
the form of planar displays on top of each other, each at a different depth or
distance from the eyes. These distances will be
essential for generating the sensation of depth. Referring to the volume of
these multi-depth displays, they are called a volumetric display. When the
stack of displays is stationary, it is referred to as a static volume display.
The perception of volume, that is, the third dimension, can also be stimulated
by mechanical displays, where a rotational or translator movement sweeps
through the volume while emitting images at various depths. This volumetric
mechanical arrangement is called a swept volume display.
From radar, sonar, and x-rays to lasers
and multi spectral, new imaging systems are offering more options for war
fighters to gain a strategic advantage in situation awareness.
And the next big advance could provide the most comprehensive view yet. 3
D volumetric displays could give war fighters a glasses-free, full
color, high-resolution three-dimensional perspective of the battle
space on, above, and even below it, depending on the environment.
These 3 D volumetric systems aren’t yet in
the hands of war-fighters because the several prototypes are not
yet easily salable. But a new kind of laser glass could change that soon, improving situation awareness
across the full gamut of battlefield environments. And like many defense
technologies, 3 D volumetric displays will eventually have applications far
beyond the battlefield that could make the world safer, more aware, and better
informed.
How 3D volumetric
displays work:
3D volumetric displays will be key to the
ongoing development and evolution of display technology. The latest research
and development out of SCHOTT Defense’s joint development partner, 3DIcon,
offers a glimpse of that future. Its volumetric displays create a 3D image by
projecting precisely coordinated laser beams into a medium containing rare
earth materials, exciting those materials to display a monochromatic image,
though full-color images are planned for the future.
3D Icon’s CSpace technology
is developing a unique clear host material doped with rare-earth ions to create
a transparent 3D projection medium capable of fluorescence. This achievement
means the C Space 3D volumetric displays don’t require special eyeglasses or
viewing aids, nor do they cause fatigue during prolonged use. Glass is the
enabling and critical material acting as the host medium for the laser-excited
rare earth materials. A new kind of laser glass could improve the quality of
the image and the efficiency of the laser, while also facilitating the rapid
scaling of 3D volumetric display systems so they can be deployed to war
fighters end masses.
Advantages and challenges:
The broad impact of 3D volumetric displays
While this technology is moving beyond prototype development, it
would most immediately benefit intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
(ISR) situational awareness. 3D volumetric displays could also improve
applications that involve parameters of space and distance and offer multiple
points of view without requiring artificial depth cues like lighting, shading,
and perspective. Here are five ways 3D volumetric displays could eventually
transform the wider world outside defense:
1. Faster
airport security checks and border crossings. By fully capturing
the 3 D capability of x-ray imagery, border and customs inspectors can more
effectively scan and observe the interiors of vehicles, trucks, shipping
containers, and packages. True 3D displays offer officials multiple
perspectives to resolve ambiguity. TSA screens would gain a clearer view of the
objects in your suitcase, potentially reducing additional screenings of suspect
luggage.
2. Safer
air traffic control. Several recent near-crashes between airplanes have
raised scrutiny over air traffic control systems. Current systems display the
position of airplanes as icons on a flat 2D display. With 3D volumetric
displays, however, operators would have a more comprehensive overview of the
airspace and planes’ location in relation to one another and better navigate
them to and from runways.
3. Better
preparations for natural disasters and more. The federal
government undertakes geospatial exploration in which it collects, maintains,
and uses information linked to geographic locations to help in decision-making
and to support national security, law enforcement, health care, environmental
protection, and natural resources conservation, among other functions.
4. More accurate oil and gas exploration. Seismic data is critical in
assessing a particular area for potential oil and gas extraction. However,
seismic data suffers because 3D data is still underutilized by 2D displays. 3D
volumetric displays, by offering a detailed 3D depiction of where deposits
might lie, how large they are, and how accessible they might be, can make the
expensive process of oil and gas exploration more efficient, accurate, and
productive.
5. Greater visibility during medical
operations: MRIs
and CAT scans are incredibly powerful diagnostic tools rich in 3D data. 3D
volumetric displays can provide volume rendering of the surface and the
interior of any human organ, increasing the effectiveness of real-time imaging
systems for doctors and surgeons who need better awareness of what’s happening
inside the human body.
Reference:
Wiley Series in Display Technology: 3D Displays, John Wiley & Sons, November 2011, 9781119962755.
Virtual Volumetric Graphics on Commodity Displays Using 3D Viewer Tracking,
Charles Mallesons; John Collomosse, 0920-5691