17.4 3D imaging and holographic displays
4 min read•august 7, 2024
3D imaging and holographic displays are revolutionizing how we see and interact with visual information. These technologies create immersive experiences by tricking our eyes into perceiving depth and dimensionality in flat images.
From stereoscopic glasses to autostereoscopic screens and true , 3D displays are evolving rapidly. They're changing everything from entertainment and gaming to medical imaging and scientific visualization, pushing the boundaries of visual technology.
3D Display Technologies
Stereoscopic and Autostereoscopic Displays
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3D autostereoscopic display image generation using direct light field rendering - TIB AV-Portal View original
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3D autostereoscopic display image generation using direct light field rendering - TIB AV-Portal View original
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Top images from around the web for Stereoscopic and Autostereoscopic Displays
3D autostereoscopic display image generation using direct light field rendering - TIB AV-Portal View original
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3D autostereoscopic display image generation using direct light field rendering - TIB AV-Portal View original
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- creates an illusion of depth by presenting slightly different images to each eye
- Requires special glasses (anaglyph, polarized, or active shutter) to separate the images for each eye
- Used in 3D movies, virtual reality headsets, and some video games ()
- provide a 3D effect without the need for special glasses
- Use or to direct different images to each eye
- Limited viewing angles and sweet spots where the 3D effect is optimal
- Examples include some smartphones () and portable game consoles (Nintendo 3DS)
Volumetric and Light Field Displays
- create 3D images in a physical space by illuminating points in a volume
- Use rapidly moving screens, laser beams, or stacked transparent displays to create the illusion of a solid object
- Allows viewing from multiple angles without special glasses
- Examples include the and the
- recreate the light rays emanating from a scene, providing depth and parallax
- Capture and display the direction and intensity of light rays, allowing for realistic 3D representation
- Requires a high-resolution display and significant computational power
- Examples include the and the
Holography
- Holography is a technique that records and reconstructs wavefronts of light to create 3D images
- are created by interfering a reference beam with light scattered from an object
- The interference pattern is recorded on a photosensitive material (holographic film or plate)
- Illuminating the hologram with the reference beam reconstructs the original wavefront, creating a 3D image
- Examples include security holograms on credit cards and holographic art displays
Holographic Display Components
Spatial Light Modulators and Parallax Barriers
- (SLMs) are devices that can modulate the amplitude, phase, or polarization of light
- Used in holographic displays to control the wavefront of the reconstructed light
- Examples include (LCoS) and (DMDs)
- Parallax barriers are vertical slits placed in front of a display to direct different images to each eye
- Each eye sees a different set of pixels, creating a stereoscopic effect
- The barrier blocks some of the light, reducing the overall brightness of the display
- Used in some autostereoscopic displays (Nintendo 3DS)
Lenticular Lenses
- Lenticular lenses are arrays of cylindrical lenses placed over a display to direct different images to each eye
- Each lens focuses on a specific set of pixels, creating a stereoscopic effect
- Allows for multiple viewing zones, increasing the range of viewing angles compared to parallax barriers
- Used in some autostereoscopic displays, such as digital signage and 3D postcards
Visual Perception in 3D Displays
Depth Perception and Binocular Disparity
- is the ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and estimate the distance of objects
- Relies on various cues, including , , and occlusion
- Binocular disparity is the difference in the images seen by the left and right eyes due to their separation
- The brain processes these slightly different images to create a sense of depth (stereopsis)
- 3D displays exploit binocular disparity to create the illusion of depth
Vergence-Accommodation Conflict and Motion Parallax
- occurs when the eyes converge on a different plane than the focal plane
- In natural vision, vergence (eye rotation) and accommodation (lens focusing) are linked
- Most 3D displays present images on a single plane, causing a mismatch between vergence and accommodation
- This conflict can lead to visual discomfort, eye strain, and headaches
- Motion parallax is the apparent change in the position of objects relative to each other when viewed from different angles
- Provides depth cues based on the relative motion of objects as the viewer moves
- Some 3D displays, such as volumetric and light field displays, can reproduce motion parallax
- Enhances the realism and immersion of the 3D experience
Key Terms to Review (21)
Autostereoscopic displays: Autostereoscopic displays are 3D visual displays that create the illusion of depth without the need for special glasses. These displays use various technologies such as parallax barriers or lenticular lenses to present different images to each eye, enabling viewers to perceive three-dimensional images naturally. This technology is particularly relevant in the context of 3D imaging and holographic displays, as it enhances the immersive experience by providing a more realistic representation of depth and perspective.
Avegant light field display: The Avegant light field display is an advanced imaging technology designed to create immersive 3D visual experiences by projecting light in a way that mimics how objects appear in the real world. This technology uses a combination of microdisplays and optics to create a light field that simulates depth, enabling viewers to perceive images in three dimensions without the need for traditional 3D glasses. This innovative approach enhances user engagement and realism in virtual environments.
Binocular disparity: Binocular disparity refers to the slight difference in the images perceived by each eye due to their horizontal separation. This difference is crucial for depth perception, allowing the brain to calculate distances and create a three-dimensional view of the world. The ability to perceive depth through binocular disparity is a foundational concept in 3D imaging and holographic displays, as these technologies rely on replicating how our eyes naturally perceive depth.
Depth Perception: Depth perception is the ability to perceive the world in three dimensions and to judge distances between objects. This skill is crucial for tasks that require spatial awareness, such as driving or playing sports, and relies on various visual cues to create a coherent view of the environment.
Digital micromirror devices: Digital micromirror devices (DMDs) are advanced optical semiconductor devices that utilize microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology to manipulate light through an array of tiny mirrors. Each mirror corresponds to a pixel in a display, tilting to reflect light towards or away from the projection surface, enabling high-resolution images and video. Their capability to rapidly switch between states makes them essential for applications in projection systems, 3D imaging, and holographic displays.
Holograms: Holograms are three-dimensional images created through the interference of light beams from a laser or other coherent light source. They capture the light scattered from an object and reconstruct it, allowing the viewer to see the object in 3D when illuminated properly. This technique not only produces stunning visuals but also has applications in data storage, security, and advanced imaging techniques.
Holography: Holography is a technique that allows the recording and reconstructing of light fields to create three-dimensional images, known as holograms. This process captures the light scattered from an object and uses interference patterns to create a visual representation that can be viewed from different angles, providing a realistic 3D effect. Holography is significant in various applications, including data storage, security, and display technologies.
Lenticular lenses: Lenticular lenses are optical devices composed of an array of small, cylindrical lenses, designed to create images with depth and motion effects. These lenses work by directing light in specific ways to achieve three-dimensional imaging or to display multiple images from different angles, making them essential in applications like 3D displays and holography.
LG Optimus 3D: The LG Optimus 3D is a smartphone that was released in 2011, notable for being one of the first devices to feature a glasses-free 3D display. This phone utilized a unique parallax barrier technology to create a stereoscopic effect, allowing users to experience 3D content without needing special eyewear. It also had dual cameras for capturing images and videos in 3D, contributing to its focus on immersive media experiences.
Light Field Displays: Light field displays are advanced imaging systems that capture and present light rays from multiple viewpoints, allowing for true three-dimensional viewing experiences without the need for special glasses. These displays utilize a technology called light field rendering, which replicates the way light travels in the real world, producing images that change based on the viewer's position, thereby creating a sense of depth and realism. This technology is closely related to developments in 3D imaging and holography, pushing the boundaries of how we perceive visual information.
Liquid Crystal on Silicon: Liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) is a display technology that combines liquid crystal displays with silicon backplanes, allowing for high-resolution imaging and efficient light modulation. This technology is particularly significant in 3D imaging and holographic displays, as it enables precise control over light patterns and color, leading to enhanced visual experiences and realistic imagery.
Lytro immerge: Lytro Immerge is a light field technology that allows for the capture and manipulation of three-dimensional images by recording the direction and intensity of light rays. This innovative approach enables users to refocus images after they have been taken, creating a more immersive experience in 3D imaging and holographic displays. By utilizing this technology, visual content can be dynamically adjusted, enhancing the perception of depth and realism in various applications.
Motion parallax: Motion parallax is a visual depth cue that occurs when objects closer to an observer move faster across the visual field than those further away as the observer changes position. This phenomenon is essential for creating a sense of three-dimensionality in images and displays, allowing viewers to perceive depth by interpreting the relative motion of objects in their environment.
Nintendo 3DS: The Nintendo 3DS is a handheld gaming console developed by Nintendo that features a unique dual-screen setup, with the top screen capable of displaying stereoscopic 3D graphics without the need for special glasses. This innovative technology enhances gameplay by allowing players to experience depth perception in their games, bringing a more immersive experience. The device also supports a variety of other features such as augmented reality, street pass functionality, and backward compatibility with Nintendo DS games.
Ostendo quantum photonic imager: The ostendo quantum photonic imager is a cutting-edge imaging technology that utilizes quantum dots and advanced photonic systems to capture and display three-dimensional images with high precision and detail. This technology is significant for creating lifelike representations in various applications, particularly in 3D imaging and holographic displays, where depth perception and realistic visuals are crucial.
Parallax Barriers: Parallax barriers are optical devices used to create a sense of depth in 2D displays by allowing each eye to see a slightly different image. This technique relies on the principle of parallax, where the position or direction of an object appears different when viewed from different angles, resulting in a three-dimensional effect without the need for special glasses. They are essential in certain 3D imaging and holographic displays, enhancing the viewer's perception of depth.
Spatial Light Modulators: Spatial light modulators (SLMs) are devices that control the amplitude, phase, or polarization of light waves in a spatially varying manner. They play a crucial role in advanced imaging techniques and display technologies, allowing for dynamic control of light to create 3D images and holographic displays.
Stereoscopy: Stereoscopy is a technique used to create the illusion of depth in images, providing a three-dimensional view by presenting two slightly offset images to each eye. This method mimics the way human vision perceives depth, making it essential for applications in 3D imaging and holographic displays, where realistic visual experiences are crucial. Stereoscopy can be implemented through various methods, including anaglyphs, polarized light, and digital displays.
Vergence-accommodation conflict: Vergence-accommodation conflict occurs when the visual cues for depth perception do not align with the eye's accommodation response, leading to discomfort or visual strain. This conflict typically arises in 3D imaging and holographic displays, where objects may appear to be at varying distances, but the eyes may be focused on a fixed plane, causing a mismatch between where the eyes converge and where they accommodate.
Volumetric displays: Volumetric displays are three-dimensional visualization systems that allow users to view and interact with digital objects in a spatial manner, providing depth perception and perspective from multiple angles. These displays create a sense of volume and presence, unlike traditional 2D screens, by rendering images within a defined volume of space. This technology is essential for applications such as 3D imaging and holography, enabling more immersive and realistic experiences.
Voxon vx1: The Voxon VX1 is a cutting-edge volumetric display technology that creates 3D images by projecting light onto a transparent medium, allowing viewers to see images from different angles without the need for special glasses. This technology is a breakthrough in holographic displays, offering an immersive experience as it combines real-time rendering with three-dimensional depth perception.