Three-dimensional display techniques, device, systems and method of presenting data in a volumetric format

• US 5,990,990 A
• Filed: 11/04/1996
• Issued: 11/23/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Allen F. Crabtree
• Original Assignee: Allen F. Crabtree
• Inventors: Crabtree, Allen F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Spyrou, Cassandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): Schuberg, Darren E.
• Application Number:
  US08/743,483
• Time in Patent Office: 1,114 Days
• Field of Search: 359/261, 359/263, 359/267, 359/272, 359/316, 359/317, 359/318, 359/618, 359/629, 349/74, 349/83, 349/155, 349/193, 349/196, 349/77, 345/6, 348/758
• US Class Current: 349/74
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 30/52 the 3D volume being constructed from a stack or sequence of 2D planes, e.g. depth sampling systems

Abstract

A system and method generate volumetric, three-dimensional displays, including displays of images or data. An apparent position of a volumetric image is translated by employing an image translation chamber with various combinations of concave and convex reflectors, mirrors, lenses, and/or holographic optical elements. A high-speed opto-mechanical shutter may also be used, as well as acousto-optic modulators (AOMs) for very high-speed intensity modulation of a coherent light beam to generate a periodic pattern of light packets or pulses. Active and passive multi-planar optical elements (MOEs) are also used in either a reflective or a transmissive mode and optionally having interposed layers of switchable liquid crystal material. A multi-planar optical sensor with interposed layers of light-sensitive material may be employed, as well as a gas imaging chamber for displaying the three-dimensional images. The system and method also allow interaction with the volumetric display of an image. Encoding and transmission of non-image data in a volumetric form are performed, as well as the receiving and decoding of the non-image data from the volumetric form. The system and method also transmit large amounts of data and perform a convergence of at least two streams of radiant energy.

Claims

1. A multi-planar optical element for use in multi-dimensional displays comprising:

a plurality of substantially evenly-spaced parallel planar transparent layers, each planar transparent layer having a first planar surface and a second planar surface;

a plurality of liquid crystal layers disposed between the planar transparent layers, wherein each liquid crystal layer has a light receiving surface extending along the entire length of the respective liquid crystal layer, wherein each liquid crystal layer is controlled to have the entire light receiving surface configured in one of a transparent state and a non-transparent state, with the non-transparent state affecting all incident light substantially identically; and

means for directing a beam of light at the plurality of transparent layers.

2. A multi-planar optical element according to claim 1, further comprising:

means for controlling each of the liquid crystal layers to switch between the transparent state and a reflective state as the non-transparent state for reflecting the incident light of any wavelength.

3. A multi-planar optical element according to claim 2, wherein:

the beam of light is directed at the plurality of transparent layers at an oblique angle relative to the planar surfaces of the transparent layers.

4. A multi-planar optical element according to claim 1, further comprising:

means for controlling each of the liquid crystal layers to switch between the transparent state and an opaque state as the non-transparent state being opaque to the incident light of any wavelength.

5. A multi-planar optical element according to claim 4, wherein:

the beam of light is directed at the plurality of transparent layers perpendicular to the planar surfaces of the transparent layers.

6. A multi-planar optical element according to claim 1, further comprising:

means for evenly spacing the plurality of parallel planar transparent layers apart from one another and including the plurality of liquid crystal layers.

7. A multi-planar optical element for use in multi-dimensional displays, comprising:

a plurality of substantially evenly-spaced parallel planar transparent layers, each planar transparent layer having a first planar surface and a second planar surface;

a plurality of liquid crystal layers disposed between the planar transparent layers, wherein each liquid crystal layer has a light receiving surface extending along the entire length of the respective liquid crystal layer, wherein each liquid crystal layer is controlled to have the entire light receiving surface configured in one of a transparent state and a non-transparent state, with the non-transparent state affecting all incident light substantially identically; and

a light projector directing a beam of light at the plurality of transparent layers.

8. A multi-planar optical element for use in multi-dimensional displays, comprising:

a plurality of substantially evenly-spaced parallel planar transparent layers, each planar transparent layer having a first planar surface and a second planar surface; and

a plurality of liquid crystal layers disposed between the planar transparent layers, wherein each liquid crystal layer has a light receiving surface extending along the entire length of the respective liquid crystal layer, wherein each liquid crystal layer is controlled to have the entire light receiving surface configured in one of a transparent state and a non-transparent state, with the non-transparent state affecting all incident light substantially identically.