Patent ID: 6064423
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: G02B,G03B,G09G,H04N

Abstract:
An improved high resolution volumetric 3D display system utilizing a separately developed 3D image data set, wherein said 3D image data set represents a 360 degree view of the object or objects to be displayed, the display system comprising:processor means for receiving said 3D image data set and for generating 2D helical-shaped slices of said 3D image data set about a central vertical axis of said 3D image data set;light modulator means having a flat 2D imaging surface driven by said processor means for successively imaging said 2D helical-shaped slices of said 3D image data set at a rate faster than a refresh rate of a human eye;light source means for illuminating said imaging surface of said modulator means as successive 2D images are displayed;a rotating helical display screen the shape of which corresponds to that of said 2D helical-shaped slices of said 3D image data set, wherein rotation of said screen is synchronized with said successive imaging of said 2D helical-shaped slices on said modulator means; andoptical projection means for projecting light from said light source means, which has been modulated by said light modulator means according to said sequence of 2D images, to said rotating helical display screen such that a 3D image is generated in a space through which said screen rotates.