CA2286937C - 3-dimensional image display method and system - Google Patents

3-dimensional image display method and system Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2286937C
CA2286937C CA 2286937 CA2286937A CA2286937C CA 2286937 C CA2286937 C CA 2286937C CA 2286937 CA2286937 CA 2286937 CA 2286937 A CA2286937 A CA 2286937A CA 2286937 C CA2286937 C CA 2286937C
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Canada
Prior art keywords
screen
image display
dimensional image
point source
display system
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Expired - Fee Related
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CA 2286937
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French (fr)
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CA2286937A1 (en
Inventor
Go Simon Sunatori
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to CA 2286937 priority Critical patent/CA2286937C/en
Publication of CA2286937A1 publication Critical patent/CA2286937A1/en
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03HHOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
    • G03H1/00Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
    • G03H1/22Processes or apparatus for obtaining an optical image from holograms
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03HHOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
    • G03H1/00Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
    • G03H1/22Processes or apparatus for obtaining an optical image from holograms
    • G03H1/2249Holobject properties
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03HHOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
    • G03H1/00Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
    • G03H1/22Processes or apparatus for obtaining an optical image from holograms
    • G03H1/2294Addressing the hologram to an active spatial light modulator
    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03HHOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
    • G03H2210/00Object characteristics
    • G03H2210/303D object

Abstract

A 3-dimensional image display method stores in memory a plurality of interference patterns in bit format, and recursively projects orthoscopic real or virtual holographic images having both horizontal and vertical parallaxes. A 3-dimensional image display system has a cathode-ray tube comprising a screen made of cathodochromic material, an electron beam unit, and a laser unit.
The electron beam unit comprises an electron gun and an electron lens for writing the interference pattern on the screen by a scanning electron beam. The laser unit comprises a point source of coherent light and an optical lens for illuminating the screen by an expanded light beam, and for erasing the interference pattern on the screen. This invention relates to 3-dimensional image display method and system, and the principal use of the invention is for dynamic holograms, and for 3-dimensional computer and television video monitors.

Description

Description Title 3-Dimensional Image Display Method and System Technical Field This invention relates to 3-dimensional image display method and system, more particularly to 3-dimensional image display method and system using holography.
Background Art There are many instances where it would be desirable to be able to have a 3-dimensional image display method and a 3-dimensional image display system, projecting holographic images from interference patterns stored in a memory or in real-time, without having to wear any kind of glasses.
A large number of patents disclose 3-dimensional image display methods and systems having different configurations. Some of them use acousto-optical modulators (AOM) with Kerr and Pockels effects, while others use spatial .light modulators (SLM) such as a liquid crystal display (LCD).
These prior art arrangements have low resolution, provide limited viewing area, or have mechanical components with moving parts in order to scan a laser light based on the principle of scophony system. Moreover, most of these prior art arrangements provide only horizontal parallax and no vertical parallax.

Description of the Invention It is a primary object of the invention to provide a 3-dimensional image display method with holography.
It is another object of the invention to provide a 3-dimensional image display system with dynamic holograms.
A 3-dimensional image display method stores in memory a plurality of interference patterns in bit format, and recursively projects orthoscopic real or virtual holographic images having both horizontal and vertical parallaxes. A 3-dimensional image display system has a cathode-ray tube comprising a screen made of cathodochromic material, an electron beam unit, and a laser unit.
The electron beam unit comprises an electron gun and an electron lens for writing the interference pattern on the screen by a scanning electron beam. The laser unit comprises a point source of coherent light and an optical lens for illuminating the screen by an expanded light beam, and for erasing the interference pattern on the screen.
Brief Description of the Figures in the Drawings In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention:
Figure 1 is a flow chart of a 3-dimensional image display method according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a block diagram of a 3-dimensional image display system according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of: one embodiment of a 3-dimensional image display system with in-line illumination according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a 3-dimensional image display system with off-axis illumination according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a 3-dimensional image display system with a square or rectangular screen according to the invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a 3-dimensional image display system with a circular screen according to the invention.
Modes for Carrying Out the Invention Figure 1 shows a flow chart of a 3-dimensional image display method according to the present invention. The flow starts with a step to Store Interference Patterns 1-1 in memory in bit format.
The next step is a recursive process to project orthoscopic real or virtual holographic images from the interference patterns in pixel format. This step includes a substep to Read Each Interference Pattern 1-2 sequentially, followed by a substep to Write Interference Pattern by E-beam 1- 3 on a screen by a scanning electron beam, followed by a substep to Illuminate Interference Pattern by Laser 1- 4 from a point source of coherent light, and followed by a substep to Erase Interference Pattern by Laser 1- 5 from a point source of coherent light.

The substep to Illuminate Interference Pattern by Laser 1- 4 and the substep to Erase Interference Pattern by Laser 1- 5 may be combined into one substep because the same expanded light beam used to illuminate the interference pattern on the screen may subsequently erase the holographic image on the screen, depending on the cathodochromic material of the screen and also on the wavelength of the laser.
If a multiple-colour display is desired, the recursive process to project orthoscopic real or virtual holographic images from the interference patterns may be repeated 3 times per image, with 3 lasers having 3 different colours (Red, Green, Blue).
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a 3-dimensional image display system according to the present invention. A database stores a plurality of Interference Patterns 2 - 1 in bit format.
Computing Means 2 -2 recursively reads each interference pattern from the database. An E-beam Unit 2-~3 writes each interference pattern onto a Cathodochromic Screen 2 - 5 by scanning an electron beam. A Laser Unit 2 - 4 with a point source of coherent light illuminates the interference pattern on the Cathodochromic Screen 2 -5 in order to project an orthoscopic real or virtual holographic image from the interference pattern. The Computing Means 2 -2 is operably connected to the E-beam Unit 2 -3 and to the Laser Unit 2 - 4 in order to execute the steps of the 3-dimensional image display method as described in FigurE: 1.
The orthoscopic real or virtual holographic image projected by the interference pattern on the Cathodochromic Screen 2 - 5 has both horizontal and vertical parallaxes.
The Cathodochromic Screen 2 - 5 is sealed in vacuum, and is made of cathodochromic materials. Cathodochromic materials change colour when the colour centres are bombarded with electrons, and are restored to their original colour when exposed to light of appropriate wavelength or heat. One group of such cathodochromic materials, called scotophor, includes potassium chloride (KC1), sodium chloride (NaCl), and sodalites. Scotophor changes between transparent and black with a scanning electron beam, and was used in radar screens and in early projection television displays.
In one embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, a control unit 3 -2 comprising a database and computing means is operably connected to a cathode-ray tube 3 - 1. The cathode-ray tube 3 -1 comprises a screen 3-5 made of cathodochromic material, an electron beam unit, and a laser unit. The electron beam unit has an electron gun 3-3-1 for writing the interference pattern on the screen by a scanning electron beam, and an electron lens 3-3-2 which focuses the electron beam electromagnetically or electrostatically. The laser unit, which is positioned in-line with the electron beam unit, has 2 point sources of coherent light 3- 4- 1 and an optical lens 3- 4-2 for illuminating the screen by an expanded light beam, and for erasing the interference pattern on the screen by an expanded light beam.
In another embodiment of the .invention shown in Figure 4, a control unit 4 -2 comprising a database and computing means is operably connected to a cathode-ray tube 4-1. The cathode-ray tube 4-1 comprises a screen 4- 5 made of cathodochromic material, an electron beam unit, and a laser unit. The electron beam unit has an electron gun 4-3-1 for writing the interference pattern on _ 5 _ the screen by a scanning electron beam, and an electron lens 4-3-2 which focuses the electron beam electromagnetically or electrostatically. The laser unit, which is positioned off-axis with the electron beam unit, has 2 point sources of coherent light 4- 4-1 and an optical lens 4-4-2 for illuminating the screen by an expanded light beam, and for erasing the interference pattern on the screen by an expanded light beam.
The point sources of coherent light for illuminating the screen by an expanded light beam and the point source of coherent light for erasing the interference pattern on the screen by an expanded light beam may be combined into one laser, depending on the cathodochromic material of the screen and also on the wavelength of the laser.
Preferably, the point source of coherent light, 3 -4- 1 and 4- 4-1, is a high-efficiency semicondvuctor laser diode. However, the point source of coherent light, 3- 4-1 and 4- 4-1, may be a gas laser tube or a solid-state laser rod.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a 3-dimensional image display system with a substantially square or rectangular screen, which is positioned vertically. A control unit 5 -2 comprising a database and computing means is operably connected to a cathode-ray tube 5 - 1. The cathodochromic screen of the cathode-ray tube projects an orthoscopic real or virtual holographic image 5- 3 having both hoz~izontal and vertical parallaxes, which is viewed by an observer 5 - 4.
Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a 3-dimensional image display system with a substantially circular screen, which is positioned horizontally. A control unit 6 - 2 comprising a database and computing means is operably connected to a cathode-ray tube 6 - 1. The cathodochromic screen of the cathode-ray tube projects an orthoscopic real or virtual holographic image 6 -3 having both horizontal and vertical parallaxes, which is viewed by an observer 6 - 4. The screen may be concave paraboloidal for projecting an orthoscopic real image, or convex paraboloidal for projecting an orthoscopic virtual image.

Claims (15)

1. A 3-dimensional image display method, comprising the steps of:
storing in memory a plurality of interference patterns in bit format; and recursively projecting orthoscopic real or virtual holographic images from the interference patterns in pixel format, including the substeps of:
reading each interference pattern sequentially;
writing the interference pattern on a screen by a scanning electron beam, the scanning electron beam being focused electromagnetically or electrostatically;
illuminating the screen by a first expanded light beam from a first point source of coherent light; and erasing the interference pattern on the screen by a second expanded light beam from a second point source of coherent light.
2. The 3-dimensional image display method as defined in claim 1, in which the substep of illuminating the screen by the first expanded light beam from the first point source of coherent light and the substep of erasing the interference pattern on the screen by the second expanded light beam from the second point source of coherent light are combined into one substep.
3. A 3-dimensional image display system, comprising:
a database for storing in memory a plurality of interference patterns in bit format;
computing means for reading each interference pattern sequentially, operably connected to the database; and a cathode-ray tube for recursively projecting orthoscopic real or virtual holographic images from the interference patterns in pixel format comprising:
a screen made of cathodochromic material;
an electron beam unit comprising an electron gun and an electron lens for writing the interference pattern on the screen by a scanning electron beam, the scanning electron beam being focused electromagnetically or electrostatically, the electron beam unit operably connected to the computing means;
a laser unit comprising an optical lens, a first point source of coherent light for illuminating the screen by a first expanded light beam, and a second point source of coherent light for erasing the interference pattern on the screen by a second expanded light beam, the laser unit operably connected to the computing means; and a control unit for alternatively switching on and off _ g _ the electron beam unit and the laser unit;
the orthoscopic real or virtual holographic images having both horizontal and vertical parallaxes.
4. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the first point source of coherent light for illuminating the screen by the first expanded light beam and the second point source of coherent light for erasing the interference pattern on the screen by the second expanded light beam are combined into one laser.
5. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the laser unit is positioned in-line with the electron beam unit.
6. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the laser unit is positioned off-axis with the electron beam unit.
7. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the screen is substantially square or rectangular.
8. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the screen is substantially circular.
9. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 8, in which the screen is concave paraboloidal for projecting an orthoscopic real image, or convex paraboloidal for projecting an orthoscopic virtual image.
10. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the first point source of coherent light for illuminating the screen is a semiconductor laser diode.
11. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the first point source of coherent light for illuminating the screen is a gas laser tube.
12. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the first point source of coherent light for illuminating the screen is a solid-state laser rod.
13. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the second point source of coherent light for erasing the interference pattern on the screen is a semiconductor laser diode.
14. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the second point source of coherent light for erasing the interference pattern on the screen is a gas laser tube.
15. The 3-dimensional image display system as defined in claim 3, in which the second point source of coherent light for erasing the interference pattern on the screen is a solid-state laser rod.
CA 2286937 1999-09-28 1999-09-28 3-dimensional image display method and system Expired - Fee Related CA2286937C (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2286937 CA2286937C (en) 1999-09-28 1999-09-28 3-dimensional image display method and system

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CA2286937C true CA2286937C (en) 2004-11-23

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