CA2139823C - Holographic display transmitting device - Google Patents
Holographic display transmitting device Download PDFInfo
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- CA2139823C CA2139823C CA002139823A CA2139823A CA2139823C CA 2139823 C CA2139823 C CA 2139823C CA 002139823 A CA002139823 A CA 002139823A CA 2139823 A CA2139823 A CA 2139823A CA 2139823 C CA2139823 C CA 2139823C
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
- G03H1/0005—Adaptation of holography to specific applications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
- G03H1/04—Processes or apparatus for producing holograms
- G03H1/0402—Recording geometries or arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
- G03H1/04—Processes or apparatus for producing holograms
- G03H1/0443—Digital holography, i.e. recording holograms with digital recording means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H1/00—Holographic processes or apparatus using light, infrared or ultraviolet waves for obtaining holograms or for obtaining an image from them; Details peculiar thereto
- G03H1/0005—Adaptation of holography to specific applications
- G03H2001/0088—Adaptation of holography to specific applications for video-holography, i.e. integrating hologram acquisition, transmission and display
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H2222/00—Light sources or light beam properties
- G03H2222/40—Particular irradiation beam not otherwise provided for
- G03H2222/45—Interference beam at recording stage, i.e. following combination of object and reference beams
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03H—HOLOGRAPHIC PROCESSES OR APPARATUS
- G03H2223/00—Optical components
- G03H2223/16—Optical waveguide, e.g. optical fibre, rod
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computing Systems (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Holo Graphy (AREA)
- Length Measuring Devices By Optical Means (AREA)
Abstract
A holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image including a device for receiving a holographic interference pattern such as a video camera, a device for creating a holographic interference pattern on the receiving device, a device for focusing the interference pattern on the input of the receiving device, a device for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern including a device such as a computer, a device for converting the transmitted holographic interference pattern to a holographic interference pattern which is representative of the three-dimensional image such as an LCD
and a source of coherent light illuminating the holographic interference pattern on the converting means to reconstruct the three-dimensional image.
and a source of coherent light illuminating the holographic interference pattern on the converting means to reconstruct the three-dimensional image.
Description
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BP~CICGR013Nh ~' ',~,~j~ _rtJCrFNTToA7 3-_ Qf ~ Inyenticn This invention relates to the process by which three-dimensional images or objects, moving or stationary, may be transformed and transmitted, and then reconstructed for viewing purposes by the use of optical wavelength reconstruction techniques; and particularly to the use of holography fcr such purposes.
2. Prior ~
The process of optical wavelength reconstruction is generally referred to as holography. Techniques for producing holograms vary, but in essence they entail what is shown in Figure 1 as follows: a source beam of coherent light, usually a laser 1, is passed through a beam sputter 2 producing taro dis-tinct beams: an object beam 9 and a reference beam 8. with the aid of lenses 3 and 4, each beam of coherent laser light is spread to form a wavefront of light. The object beam 7 wavefrant is directed at a mirror 5 which reflects the wavefront onto the object 6. The currently accepted recording device, film 10, then receives the object beam 7 reflected from the object 6 and reference beam 8 and records the image as an interference pattern on photographic film.
The reflected illumination from the object is in the form of expanding spherical wavefronts, derived Pram the interaction of the coherent light wavefront and every point on the object, producing an irregular wavefront that captains cer-tain information about the object, when the second beam, the reference Seam 8, from the same coherent Light source, is directed to the recording device without being reflected from the object, flee two beams form an interferencz pattern an the film. This interference pattern is formed, by the constructive and destructive interference of the object and reference beam wavefronts on the film. This interference pattern, as shown in Figure 2, is comprised of intensity variations in.the phases and amplitudes of the two wavefrants. In summary, the recording of an interference pattern is a hologram and subsequent reillumination of this interference pattern of the object and reference beams of coherent light is a taolograph.
Tiolograms differ from conventional photography in two important ways. canventianal photography records an image of reflected incoherent visible light by focusing the image, through the use of a lens, on film. When developed this image is then visible to the naked eye using any standard non-coherent light.seurce. A standard holographic recording uses no focusing device to Form an image, but rather records the interference patterns of coherent light. When developed, a hologram produces a non-recognizable image when viewed by the naked eye .under non-coherent light. The haiagram can, however, be illuminated z by a coherent. light source (using a reference wavefront) reproducing the original objects wavefront from the interference pattern by means of diffraction, and when viewed this wavefront illusion which appears as if the original object is suspended in space.
An article by D. Gabor 161,777 (1948) and which appeared in Proceedings of the Royal Society, (London) A197,454 (1949) describes this type of optical reconstruction and state that images produced by this technique possess all the three-dimensional characteristics of the original object. Still further, holograms recorded on film can also be reilluminated using white light.
SUMMARY OF THE .INVENTION
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference patterns as digital signals; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the digital signals; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for continuously recreating comprises a liquid crystal display and the liquid crystal display is flexible and shapable into a curved surface; whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a plurality of means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for continuously recreating comprises a liquid crystal display; whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the digital signals; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern comprises a computer, the computer including means for manipulating the received holographic interference pattern; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative on a three-dimensional image of the receiving means; a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the transmitted holographic interference pattern; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
further comprising: a lens provided between the means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern and a means for receiving an entire continuously changeable holographic interference pattern for resizing the entire changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for receiving; and a transmissive film means having recorded thereon a pattern of a reference beam and provided between the lens and the means for receiving the holographic interference patter; and wherein the means for creating a changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a laser for supplying an object beam; whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
4a In accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the digital signals; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern comprises a computer, the computer including means for memorizing a signal corresponding to reference beam; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continuously sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the transmitted holographic interference pattern; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference 4b pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and a lens provided between the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern and the source of radiant energy for resizing the entire continuously changeable holographic interference patterns;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means, a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the transmitted holographic interference pattern; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein a tapered fiber optic bundle provided between the means for recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern and the source of radiant energy for resizing the entire interference pattern; whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic 4c interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the digital signals; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern further comprises a computer for receiving and storing said digital signals; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
4d in addition, substantially all of the present invention can be created from relatively simple to use optical and electronic components such digital computers, hED's, LCD°s, lenses, etc.
DBS~2iPTION O~ DRAWING&
The above-described principals and objects of the present invention_will become more apparent with reference to the following figures in which like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:
Figure 1 shows one method of producing a hologram of the prior art;
Figure 2 indicates the interference patterns of a hologram under visible incoherent light and extreme magnification;
Figures 3A and 3B indicate a transducing process of converting the real-tine hologram into a transmittable signal;
Figure 4 shows this process in its simplest form. The interference pattern enters one side of the fiber optic, bundle, is transmitted through the bundle, and then is reillvminated with coherent light;
Figure 5 illustrates the fiber optic bundle split into two pieces;
Figure s indicates the filer optic bundle connected came by cable to the transducing device, the output of which is then directed into a computer. The output of the camputer is then directed into a transducing device, and then back into the fiber optic cable whose output as then reilluminated by coherent light to produce the holographic.image;
Figure 7 indicates another possible variation in transducing devices that may be used;
Figure 8 is another embodiment illustrating the system;
Figure 9 is another embodiment illustratir_g the system of Applicant's invention;
Figure 1~ is a partial view of Figure 9 illustrating a flexible, curved D/A device;
Figure ii is still another embodiment illustrating the use of multiple and/or mufti-color systems; and Figure 12 is yet another embodiment of the present invention;
DE AIL~D DESCRIPTSQP1 OF ~ TVVENTIOCt i As described in Figure 1 using a Iaser 1, beam splatter 2, lenses 3 and 4, mirror 5, and object 6, an intezference pattern 9 of light waves is created. If this interference pattern 9 were recorded on film 1D and illuminated under non-coherent light, it would look similar to Figure 2 (depending upon the object used, the pattern would bs individual and unique to it).
inst8ad of using film to to record (over a period of time) the interference gattexn 9 as shown in Figure 1, the present invention raglaces the film 10 with the open ends 15 of fiber optic cables 13. For instance, if the hologram in the previous e~tample were recorded on a square piece of film, this film would be replaced with a bundle I3 of thousands. of open end fiber optic cables 15 and a lens 14 to fcicus the pattern on the end of the bundle 13 as shown in Figures 3A and 3H.
The use of a lane in the process before the fiber optic cable 13 assists the process by concentrating the holographic interf~rsnce pattern onto the open ends 15 and in the reduction of a large image down to a smaller size image in proportion to the original object. Accordingly, the lens 14 can further assist in the size and scale relationships and would proportionally reduce the image to the size of the open ends 15 of the fiber optic cable 13. still further, another lens 14' shown in phantom lines in Fiq. 4 could be added at the output of the present invention for substantially the same purposes as it is utilized at the input.
As seen in Figure 2, an exposed piece of holographic film resembles "contour°' patterns of an elevation map. Further magnification reveals that these "contour" patterns consist of tiny dots ar fringes of either white or black. The size and amount of fiber optic cable fibers to be used within the bundle 7.
is to be sat to capture each and every dot or Prinqe of black and white in the contour pattErns.
This process is similar to that of printing photographic pictures. in the printing process, the picture, under magnification, consists of thousands of tiny black and white dots, which when viewed in the proper perspective create a picture. similarly, television pictures are created by tiny black and white dots or pixels of light illuminated on a phosphorous screen. In both these processes, printing and television, the ability to recognize images is based upon tiny black and white dots, the amount of which and viewing distance from them determines the resolution of the picture.
The same principle is to be applied in this process.
The scale (amount and size) of fiber optic cables used must be sufficient to capture each and every black and white dot or fringe created by the interference pattern of Sight. Alao, the arrangement and alignment of the optics such as the laser and the objects can be mmde in any manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art for reflective or transmissive objects. Still further, the offset angle in process for producing the hologram can be set to any angle required by the size, scale and/or resolution of the component elements of the present invention and any type of laser (He-Ne, infrared, diode, etc.) may be utilized.
Within the process, a length of fiber optic cables (bundle) 13 replaces a piece of film 1o used in "typical" holo-graphic provesses. Figure 1 depicts such a "typical" process.
Figure 4 depicts this proceas in its simplest farm.
Figure 4 shows that the interference pattern enters the fiber optic 7aundle 13 on side 15 after passing through lens 3.4 in the form of tiny dots of either light or darkness (white or black), and which reappears at side 16 of the fiber optic bundle 13 in the same pattern. This pattern when illuminated with a reference beam 19 of coherent laser light 17 will make an image of object 20 reappear, possessing ail the three-dimensiona3 characteristics of the original object.
In the holographic process using film 10, the inter-ference pattern takes time to accumulate onto the film 10, then the film is developed, and then it is reiiluminated to recreate the hologram. In the present invention, there is no accumulation time, as the interference pattern goes directly into side i5 of the fiber.optic bundle 13 and exits on side 15, and then is reilluminated at that time as shown in Figure 4.
There is no "lag" time, and therefore a real-time holographic image is produced.
The first possible modification of this prv~ess is shown in Figure 5. Here the fiber optic bundle 13 is split into bundles 13' and 13~, adding sides 21 and 22 and additional processes are used as described below.
In Figure 6, the °°inside" portion of the fiber optic bundle 13', side 21 is then connected, cable by cable 23 to transducers 24 capable of converting light wave impulses into digital electrical pulses. This transducer is commonly used for example by the telephone companies to convert electrically gene-rated telephone speech impulses into sight waves for use in fiber optic cable transmission of telephone conversations, and then is reconverted into electrical impulses for use in standard telephones and generally comprises photo detectors such as photo-diodes or phototransistors.
These converted pulses at paint 25 are then inputted into a computer 24 capable of recognizing and recording ail the information coming from each and every cable in the fiber optic bundle at very high speeds. &uch computers exist in the prior art for processing video images and only require certain obvious modifications. The output of the computer 27 is then directed at the transducers 28 which converts it back to light impulses at side 22. The transducers 28 can be any device capable of changing electrical signals to light such as light emitting diodes. These impulses reappear at side 16; exactly as they originally appeared at side 15, and when reillvminated with the coherent laser light 17, the three-dimensional holographic image appears.
In addition, it should,be apparent that the analog to digital conversion and the digital to analog conversion can be accomplished utilizing a general purpose prior art digital computer or microprocessor using generally known software which exists in the prior art and includes an algorithm which performs the conversion function.
Possible variations in the tyg~e of transducers used include but era not limited to the following. In Figure 7, the output of side 21 of the fiber optic bundle is directed at arrays of photodiodes 30 (similar to those used in television cameras) which are appropriate in scale and size to receive the output of the fiber optic bundle 23 and convert it to output digital electrical impulses 25 which a computer 26 is capable of recognizing and utilizing. Also, the output 27 of the computer 26 is directed at light emitting diodes (L$D) 31 which era of appropriate scale and size to convert the output 27 of the computer 26 inte usable light signals for the fiber optic bundle 13T'. The LEA's 31 could also bs small solid state lasers.
A fuxther modification of this process is depicted in Figure 8. Here tine digital computer signal output 27 is directed to a transmitter 34 for broadcast to various types of receiving devices 35 via transmission media 36. These may include but are not limited to satellites, multipoint distribution systems, or microwave systems.
An additional modification is when the output of side 21 of the fiber optic bundle i5 inputted directly into telephone fiber optic cables for transmission and reconstruction at the other end. ~ 5.
A still further modificatibn to the present invention can be made at side 16 of the fiber optic bundle 13" shown in Figure 8. =n the process'described previously, the light signals which appear at side 16 are reilluminated by a coherent laser light 17 to display the object. in this modification, the li i light signals which reappear at side 1s may Sae directed onto a surface or screen 40 which is shown in phantom lines of Figure 9. The surface or screen 4o may be made from any translucent or transparent material such as a plastic, paper, etc. sa long as the material can function as a diffractor. The laser light 17 will then be directed onto the surface or screen 40, which, acting as a diffraction grating for the fiber optic bundle 13"
will redirect, reflect or bend the light waves in such a manner as to form the holographic image. The function of the surface or screen 40 will be to form a diffraction grating for redirecting the light signals emitted from the fiber optic cable 16 rather than for the puxpase of accumulating or recording the light signals. Still further, the screen 40 is a diffraction screen which can ba made out of most any type of material are constructed in any manner of ways to include porous silicon, supercanductive films, spatial light modulator (SLdKy, a protein, an eidaphor projector, active or passive liquid crystal displays {LCD), andJor thermal plastic film. 8lso, the diffraction screen may be made from a flexible material so that it may be curved to provide a better viewing angle andJor hatter resolution.
Referring to Figure 9, shown therein is ahother embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it may be desirable to incorporate the analog to digital and the digital to analog conversion functions together with the functions of the fiber optic bundles. To achieve this end,, the fiber optic bundles are entirely removed and the interference iz pattern created by the laser falls directly onto one surface of the analog to digital convertor 3o'. The analog to digital convertor 30~ can be an array of photodiodes as previously described or some other video device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) which is utilizable for video image to signal conversion. The output of the computer 26 is then directed to the digital to analog convertor 31~ and this digital to analog convertor may be an array of Light emitting diodes which can be used in conjunction with a translucent ar transparent defraetor screen as previously described or some other device such as a passive or active, reflective or transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD) and preferably a diffraction type LCD. Also, the digital to analog converter 31~ may also be made of the same materials as screen ~10 and flexible so that it can be, shaped into a curve to provide better viewing angles and/or better resolution as is shown in Fig. Io.
With the digital to analog convert 31~, the recreated interference pattern can be produced on one surface thereof and the laser light is directed onto or through the interference pattern to reconstruct the three-dimensional image.
As shown in Fig. 11, the process of the present ' invention may be adapted to the use of mufti-color aril moving objects using multiple lasers, multiple A(D converts 30, multi-dolor lasers (red, green. blue), white light lasers, multiple or multilayer DJA converters 31~ such as an LCD and multiple systems. For example, the tiny dots of light which are inputted into the fiber optic cables from the different mufti-color ~~~9823 lasers can be of different colors (red, green, blue) and intensities, as long as the remainder of the process in any system is adjusted to recognize the differences between colors.
In addition, the multiple lasers could be placed about the object at different angles so as to receive a different interference pattern at a different location so as to produce,a reconstructed three dimensional image which is better capable of being viewed~from multiple angles. i9hile the above system has bean described as requiring the use of coherent Light from a laser, it could also be implemented using incoherent light using techniques such as those used in white light holography.
Referring to Fig. 12, shown therein is another embodiment of the present invention. Tn this embodiment of Fig.
12, like elements are given Like reference numerals and by the addition of Element 42 to be described later, the device is further simplified.
In particular, in the device of Fig. 12, a charge coupled device video camera 41 is utilized as the analog digital converter described in conjunction with Fig. 9. In other words, it converts floe optical input signal to the camera into digital electrical signals which are transmittal to the computer 26. At . -the output of the computer 26, the signal is~directed to a liquid crystal display 44 which functions as the digital to analog converter described in conjunction with Fig. 9. In particular, this liquid crystal display 44 is preferably a high resolution, active matrix liquid crystal display. Still further and in front of the ingut of the charge coupled device camera 4I
2~3~82~
is provided a piece of exposed and developed film with a very special image provided thereon. In particular, the image provided on the film 42 is an image of the reference beam. As a result, the reference beam can be eliminated from the input of the device of Fig. 12 and only an object beam 7 is required.
In eperatien, the object beam from the laser 1 illuminates the object & and the light passes through the lens 14 wherein it is focused ante the film 42 which is provided in front of the input of the CCD camera -41. The object beam passes through the film 4z~and since the reference beam is optically recorded on the film 42, the spatial frequencies of the reference beam are added to the object beam and it is this optical signal which essentially comprises an interference pattern which is presented to the input of the CCD camera 41.
The output of the camera 41 is provided to the computer 26 wherein it is either processed, stored or transmitted on in a similar manner as described in prier embodiments. The signal is then provided to the LCD 44 which is eliminated with a reference beam 19 to recreate the image 2o.
In addition to the embodied described above in Fig.
12, it wculd be also possible that instead of using a film 42 which has been irradiated with the reference. beam and then '. 'developed so that the spatial frequencies of the reference beam are contained therein, it would also be possible to make the device of Fig. 12 operate by eliminating the film 42 and electrically processing the signal from the camera 41 in the f computer 26 to add in the spatial frequencies or signal which is a representative of the reference beam ar beams. To achieve this end, one need retard in memory of the computer 25 a reference beam signal at the desfred angle and locationat the input of the camera 41. Then the object 6 would be placed bac.'t within ttae object beam ~ and the device operated so that the object beam then received by the camera 4i would be processed together with the memorized reference beam within the computer 26 in order to create a digital signal which is the equivalent of the digital signal for the interference pattern which would normally have appeared at the input of the camera 41 if one utilized both an object beam and a reference beam. The software to accomplish this end is within the ski11.1evel of one of ordinary skill.
In addition, since this pror~ss occurs in real-time, the objects used to produce the holographic images may be of any type, including human subjects, and all their movements. This is possible since any movement will just change the interference pattern which in real time is just processed through the system to produce the virtual image. This facilitates the use in holo-graphic television, telephones, stage, sports, meetings, etc.
It should also be mentioned that since this process includes the conversion of light waves into digital electrical signals which can be entered and outputted via computers that it will also be possible, by means of massive computer storage, to record these signals for future use_ This means that at any point in time these recorded signals can be outputted from the computer to a transducer device and reconstructed into a virtual image, stationary or moving.
~.
This alcility to record and store this information will also facilitate the fornation of artificial holograms, based upon information in the camputer~s storaqe_ Combinations and manipulations of this information 9vili be possible using computer programs similar to the CAD, mathematical manipulation, drawing and painting software which era in existence and could be modified by those of ordinary skill in the art to perform this functien, producing-an unlimited variety of possible holographic images based upon the information stored. In addition, the information could also be manipulate3 passively by inter~eavinq, inverting, reversing, cascading, etc. the fibers of the fiber optic bundle.
It should be clear that,whiie the form and processes of my invention herein shown and described constitutes the preferred design and uses of the invention, it is not intended to, illustrate all of the equivalent forms or ramifications thereof. ,It will be obvious that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention, and it is my intention to cover all such changes net detailed here that tall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
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BP~CICGR013Nh ~' ',~,~j~ _rtJCrFNTToA7 3-_ Qf ~ Inyenticn This invention relates to the process by which three-dimensional images or objects, moving or stationary, may be transformed and transmitted, and then reconstructed for viewing purposes by the use of optical wavelength reconstruction techniques; and particularly to the use of holography fcr such purposes.
2. Prior ~
The process of optical wavelength reconstruction is generally referred to as holography. Techniques for producing holograms vary, but in essence they entail what is shown in Figure 1 as follows: a source beam of coherent light, usually a laser 1, is passed through a beam sputter 2 producing taro dis-tinct beams: an object beam 9 and a reference beam 8. with the aid of lenses 3 and 4, each beam of coherent laser light is spread to form a wavefront of light. The object beam 7 wavefrant is directed at a mirror 5 which reflects the wavefront onto the object 6. The currently accepted recording device, film 10, then receives the object beam 7 reflected from the object 6 and reference beam 8 and records the image as an interference pattern on photographic film.
The reflected illumination from the object is in the form of expanding spherical wavefronts, derived Pram the interaction of the coherent light wavefront and every point on the object, producing an irregular wavefront that captains cer-tain information about the object, when the second beam, the reference Seam 8, from the same coherent Light source, is directed to the recording device without being reflected from the object, flee two beams form an interferencz pattern an the film. This interference pattern is formed, by the constructive and destructive interference of the object and reference beam wavefronts on the film. This interference pattern, as shown in Figure 2, is comprised of intensity variations in.the phases and amplitudes of the two wavefrants. In summary, the recording of an interference pattern is a hologram and subsequent reillumination of this interference pattern of the object and reference beams of coherent light is a taolograph.
Tiolograms differ from conventional photography in two important ways. canventianal photography records an image of reflected incoherent visible light by focusing the image, through the use of a lens, on film. When developed this image is then visible to the naked eye using any standard non-coherent light.seurce. A standard holographic recording uses no focusing device to Form an image, but rather records the interference patterns of coherent light. When developed, a hologram produces a non-recognizable image when viewed by the naked eye .under non-coherent light. The haiagram can, however, be illuminated z by a coherent. light source (using a reference wavefront) reproducing the original objects wavefront from the interference pattern by means of diffraction, and when viewed this wavefront illusion which appears as if the original object is suspended in space.
An article by D. Gabor 161,777 (1948) and which appeared in Proceedings of the Royal Society, (London) A197,454 (1949) describes this type of optical reconstruction and state that images produced by this technique possess all the three-dimensional characteristics of the original object. Still further, holograms recorded on film can also be reilluminated using white light.
SUMMARY OF THE .INVENTION
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference patterns as digital signals; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the digital signals; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for continuously recreating comprises a liquid crystal display and the liquid crystal display is flexible and shapable into a curved surface; whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a plurality of means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for continuously recreating comprises a liquid crystal display; whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the digital signals; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern comprises a computer, the computer including means for manipulating the received holographic interference pattern; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative on a three-dimensional image of the receiving means; a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the transmitted holographic interference pattern; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
further comprising: a lens provided between the means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern and a means for receiving an entire continuously changeable holographic interference pattern for resizing the entire changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for receiving; and a transmissive film means having recorded thereon a pattern of a reference beam and provided between the lens and the means for receiving the holographic interference patter; and wherein the means for creating a changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a laser for supplying an object beam; whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
4a In accordance with a still further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the digital signals; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern comprises a computer, the computer including means for memorizing a signal corresponding to reference beam; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continuously sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the transmitted holographic interference pattern; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference 4b pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and a lens provided between the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern and the source of radiant energy for resizing the entire continuously changeable holographic interference patterns;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means, a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the transmitted holographic interference pattern; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein a tapered fiber optic bundle provided between the means for recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern and the source of radiant energy for resizing the entire interference pattern; whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention there is provided a holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three dimensional image comprising: a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic 4c interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on the receiving means; a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals; a means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from the digital signals; a source of radiant energy illuminating the recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on the means for continuously recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein the means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern further comprises a computer for receiving and storing said digital signals; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
4d in addition, substantially all of the present invention can be created from relatively simple to use optical and electronic components such digital computers, hED's, LCD°s, lenses, etc.
DBS~2iPTION O~ DRAWING&
The above-described principals and objects of the present invention_will become more apparent with reference to the following figures in which like reference numerals denote like elements and in which:
Figure 1 shows one method of producing a hologram of the prior art;
Figure 2 indicates the interference patterns of a hologram under visible incoherent light and extreme magnification;
Figures 3A and 3B indicate a transducing process of converting the real-tine hologram into a transmittable signal;
Figure 4 shows this process in its simplest form. The interference pattern enters one side of the fiber optic, bundle, is transmitted through the bundle, and then is reillvminated with coherent light;
Figure 5 illustrates the fiber optic bundle split into two pieces;
Figure s indicates the filer optic bundle connected came by cable to the transducing device, the output of which is then directed into a computer. The output of the camputer is then directed into a transducing device, and then back into the fiber optic cable whose output as then reilluminated by coherent light to produce the holographic.image;
Figure 7 indicates another possible variation in transducing devices that may be used;
Figure 8 is another embodiment illustrating the system;
Figure 9 is another embodiment illustratir_g the system of Applicant's invention;
Figure 1~ is a partial view of Figure 9 illustrating a flexible, curved D/A device;
Figure ii is still another embodiment illustrating the use of multiple and/or mufti-color systems; and Figure 12 is yet another embodiment of the present invention;
DE AIL~D DESCRIPTSQP1 OF ~ TVVENTIOCt i As described in Figure 1 using a Iaser 1, beam splatter 2, lenses 3 and 4, mirror 5, and object 6, an intezference pattern 9 of light waves is created. If this interference pattern 9 were recorded on film 1D and illuminated under non-coherent light, it would look similar to Figure 2 (depending upon the object used, the pattern would bs individual and unique to it).
inst8ad of using film to to record (over a period of time) the interference gattexn 9 as shown in Figure 1, the present invention raglaces the film 10 with the open ends 15 of fiber optic cables 13. For instance, if the hologram in the previous e~tample were recorded on a square piece of film, this film would be replaced with a bundle I3 of thousands. of open end fiber optic cables 15 and a lens 14 to fcicus the pattern on the end of the bundle 13 as shown in Figures 3A and 3H.
The use of a lane in the process before the fiber optic cable 13 assists the process by concentrating the holographic interf~rsnce pattern onto the open ends 15 and in the reduction of a large image down to a smaller size image in proportion to the original object. Accordingly, the lens 14 can further assist in the size and scale relationships and would proportionally reduce the image to the size of the open ends 15 of the fiber optic cable 13. still further, another lens 14' shown in phantom lines in Fiq. 4 could be added at the output of the present invention for substantially the same purposes as it is utilized at the input.
As seen in Figure 2, an exposed piece of holographic film resembles "contour°' patterns of an elevation map. Further magnification reveals that these "contour" patterns consist of tiny dots ar fringes of either white or black. The size and amount of fiber optic cable fibers to be used within the bundle 7.
is to be sat to capture each and every dot or Prinqe of black and white in the contour pattErns.
This process is similar to that of printing photographic pictures. in the printing process, the picture, under magnification, consists of thousands of tiny black and white dots, which when viewed in the proper perspective create a picture. similarly, television pictures are created by tiny black and white dots or pixels of light illuminated on a phosphorous screen. In both these processes, printing and television, the ability to recognize images is based upon tiny black and white dots, the amount of which and viewing distance from them determines the resolution of the picture.
The same principle is to be applied in this process.
The scale (amount and size) of fiber optic cables used must be sufficient to capture each and every black and white dot or fringe created by the interference pattern of Sight. Alao, the arrangement and alignment of the optics such as the laser and the objects can be mmde in any manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art for reflective or transmissive objects. Still further, the offset angle in process for producing the hologram can be set to any angle required by the size, scale and/or resolution of the component elements of the present invention and any type of laser (He-Ne, infrared, diode, etc.) may be utilized.
Within the process, a length of fiber optic cables (bundle) 13 replaces a piece of film 1o used in "typical" holo-graphic provesses. Figure 1 depicts such a "typical" process.
Figure 4 depicts this proceas in its simplest farm.
Figure 4 shows that the interference pattern enters the fiber optic 7aundle 13 on side 15 after passing through lens 3.4 in the form of tiny dots of either light or darkness (white or black), and which reappears at side 16 of the fiber optic bundle 13 in the same pattern. This pattern when illuminated with a reference beam 19 of coherent laser light 17 will make an image of object 20 reappear, possessing ail the three-dimensiona3 characteristics of the original object.
In the holographic process using film 10, the inter-ference pattern takes time to accumulate onto the film 10, then the film is developed, and then it is reiiluminated to recreate the hologram. In the present invention, there is no accumulation time, as the interference pattern goes directly into side i5 of the fiber.optic bundle 13 and exits on side 15, and then is reilluminated at that time as shown in Figure 4.
There is no "lag" time, and therefore a real-time holographic image is produced.
The first possible modification of this prv~ess is shown in Figure 5. Here the fiber optic bundle 13 is split into bundles 13' and 13~, adding sides 21 and 22 and additional processes are used as described below.
In Figure 6, the °°inside" portion of the fiber optic bundle 13', side 21 is then connected, cable by cable 23 to transducers 24 capable of converting light wave impulses into digital electrical pulses. This transducer is commonly used for example by the telephone companies to convert electrically gene-rated telephone speech impulses into sight waves for use in fiber optic cable transmission of telephone conversations, and then is reconverted into electrical impulses for use in standard telephones and generally comprises photo detectors such as photo-diodes or phototransistors.
These converted pulses at paint 25 are then inputted into a computer 24 capable of recognizing and recording ail the information coming from each and every cable in the fiber optic bundle at very high speeds. &uch computers exist in the prior art for processing video images and only require certain obvious modifications. The output of the computer 27 is then directed at the transducers 28 which converts it back to light impulses at side 22. The transducers 28 can be any device capable of changing electrical signals to light such as light emitting diodes. These impulses reappear at side 16; exactly as they originally appeared at side 15, and when reillvminated with the coherent laser light 17, the three-dimensional holographic image appears.
In addition, it should,be apparent that the analog to digital conversion and the digital to analog conversion can be accomplished utilizing a general purpose prior art digital computer or microprocessor using generally known software which exists in the prior art and includes an algorithm which performs the conversion function.
Possible variations in the tyg~e of transducers used include but era not limited to the following. In Figure 7, the output of side 21 of the fiber optic bundle is directed at arrays of photodiodes 30 (similar to those used in television cameras) which are appropriate in scale and size to receive the output of the fiber optic bundle 23 and convert it to output digital electrical impulses 25 which a computer 26 is capable of recognizing and utilizing. Also, the output 27 of the computer 26 is directed at light emitting diodes (L$D) 31 which era of appropriate scale and size to convert the output 27 of the computer 26 inte usable light signals for the fiber optic bundle 13T'. The LEA's 31 could also bs small solid state lasers.
A fuxther modification of this process is depicted in Figure 8. Here tine digital computer signal output 27 is directed to a transmitter 34 for broadcast to various types of receiving devices 35 via transmission media 36. These may include but are not limited to satellites, multipoint distribution systems, or microwave systems.
An additional modification is when the output of side 21 of the fiber optic bundle i5 inputted directly into telephone fiber optic cables for transmission and reconstruction at the other end. ~ 5.
A still further modificatibn to the present invention can be made at side 16 of the fiber optic bundle 13" shown in Figure 8. =n the process'described previously, the light signals which appear at side 16 are reilluminated by a coherent laser light 17 to display the object. in this modification, the li i light signals which reappear at side 1s may Sae directed onto a surface or screen 40 which is shown in phantom lines of Figure 9. The surface or screen 4o may be made from any translucent or transparent material such as a plastic, paper, etc. sa long as the material can function as a diffractor. The laser light 17 will then be directed onto the surface or screen 40, which, acting as a diffraction grating for the fiber optic bundle 13"
will redirect, reflect or bend the light waves in such a manner as to form the holographic image. The function of the surface or screen 40 will be to form a diffraction grating for redirecting the light signals emitted from the fiber optic cable 16 rather than for the puxpase of accumulating or recording the light signals. Still further, the screen 40 is a diffraction screen which can ba made out of most any type of material are constructed in any manner of ways to include porous silicon, supercanductive films, spatial light modulator (SLdKy, a protein, an eidaphor projector, active or passive liquid crystal displays {LCD), andJor thermal plastic film. 8lso, the diffraction screen may be made from a flexible material so that it may be curved to provide a better viewing angle andJor hatter resolution.
Referring to Figure 9, shown therein is ahother embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, it may be desirable to incorporate the analog to digital and the digital to analog conversion functions together with the functions of the fiber optic bundles. To achieve this end,, the fiber optic bundles are entirely removed and the interference iz pattern created by the laser falls directly onto one surface of the analog to digital convertor 3o'. The analog to digital convertor 30~ can be an array of photodiodes as previously described or some other video device such as a charge coupled device (CCD) which is utilizable for video image to signal conversion. The output of the computer 26 is then directed to the digital to analog convertor 31~ and this digital to analog convertor may be an array of Light emitting diodes which can be used in conjunction with a translucent ar transparent defraetor screen as previously described or some other device such as a passive or active, reflective or transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD) and preferably a diffraction type LCD. Also, the digital to analog converter 31~ may also be made of the same materials as screen ~10 and flexible so that it can be, shaped into a curve to provide better viewing angles and/or better resolution as is shown in Fig. Io.
With the digital to analog convert 31~, the recreated interference pattern can be produced on one surface thereof and the laser light is directed onto or through the interference pattern to reconstruct the three-dimensional image.
As shown in Fig. 11, the process of the present ' invention may be adapted to the use of mufti-color aril moving objects using multiple lasers, multiple A(D converts 30, multi-dolor lasers (red, green. blue), white light lasers, multiple or multilayer DJA converters 31~ such as an LCD and multiple systems. For example, the tiny dots of light which are inputted into the fiber optic cables from the different mufti-color ~~~9823 lasers can be of different colors (red, green, blue) and intensities, as long as the remainder of the process in any system is adjusted to recognize the differences between colors.
In addition, the multiple lasers could be placed about the object at different angles so as to receive a different interference pattern at a different location so as to produce,a reconstructed three dimensional image which is better capable of being viewed~from multiple angles. i9hile the above system has bean described as requiring the use of coherent Light from a laser, it could also be implemented using incoherent light using techniques such as those used in white light holography.
Referring to Fig. 12, shown therein is another embodiment of the present invention. Tn this embodiment of Fig.
12, like elements are given Like reference numerals and by the addition of Element 42 to be described later, the device is further simplified.
In particular, in the device of Fig. 12, a charge coupled device video camera 41 is utilized as the analog digital converter described in conjunction with Fig. 9. In other words, it converts floe optical input signal to the camera into digital electrical signals which are transmittal to the computer 26. At . -the output of the computer 26, the signal is~directed to a liquid crystal display 44 which functions as the digital to analog converter described in conjunction with Fig. 9. In particular, this liquid crystal display 44 is preferably a high resolution, active matrix liquid crystal display. Still further and in front of the ingut of the charge coupled device camera 4I
2~3~82~
is provided a piece of exposed and developed film with a very special image provided thereon. In particular, the image provided on the film 42 is an image of the reference beam. As a result, the reference beam can be eliminated from the input of the device of Fig. 12 and only an object beam 7 is required.
In eperatien, the object beam from the laser 1 illuminates the object & and the light passes through the lens 14 wherein it is focused ante the film 42 which is provided in front of the input of the CCD camera -41. The object beam passes through the film 4z~and since the reference beam is optically recorded on the film 42, the spatial frequencies of the reference beam are added to the object beam and it is this optical signal which essentially comprises an interference pattern which is presented to the input of the CCD camera 41.
The output of the camera 41 is provided to the computer 26 wherein it is either processed, stored or transmitted on in a similar manner as described in prier embodiments. The signal is then provided to the LCD 44 which is eliminated with a reference beam 19 to recreate the image 2o.
In addition to the embodied described above in Fig.
12, it wculd be also possible that instead of using a film 42 which has been irradiated with the reference. beam and then '. 'developed so that the spatial frequencies of the reference beam are contained therein, it would also be possible to make the device of Fig. 12 operate by eliminating the film 42 and electrically processing the signal from the camera 41 in the f computer 26 to add in the spatial frequencies or signal which is a representative of the reference beam ar beams. To achieve this end, one need retard in memory of the computer 25 a reference beam signal at the desfred angle and locationat the input of the camera 41. Then the object 6 would be placed bac.'t within ttae object beam ~ and the device operated so that the object beam then received by the camera 4i would be processed together with the memorized reference beam within the computer 26 in order to create a digital signal which is the equivalent of the digital signal for the interference pattern which would normally have appeared at the input of the camera 41 if one utilized both an object beam and a reference beam. The software to accomplish this end is within the ski11.1evel of one of ordinary skill.
In addition, since this pror~ss occurs in real-time, the objects used to produce the holographic images may be of any type, including human subjects, and all their movements. This is possible since any movement will just change the interference pattern which in real time is just processed through the system to produce the virtual image. This facilitates the use in holo-graphic television, telephones, stage, sports, meetings, etc.
It should also be mentioned that since this process includes the conversion of light waves into digital electrical signals which can be entered and outputted via computers that it will also be possible, by means of massive computer storage, to record these signals for future use_ This means that at any point in time these recorded signals can be outputted from the computer to a transducer device and reconstructed into a virtual image, stationary or moving.
~.
This alcility to record and store this information will also facilitate the fornation of artificial holograms, based upon information in the camputer~s storaqe_ Combinations and manipulations of this information 9vili be possible using computer programs similar to the CAD, mathematical manipulation, drawing and painting software which era in existence and could be modified by those of ordinary skill in the art to perform this functien, producing-an unlimited variety of possible holographic images based upon the information stored. In addition, the information could also be manipulate3 passively by inter~eavinq, inverting, reversing, cascading, etc. the fibers of the fiber optic bundle.
It should be clear that,whiie the form and processes of my invention herein shown and described constitutes the preferred design and uses of the invention, it is not intended to, illustrate all of the equivalent forms or ramifications thereof. ,It will be obvious that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention, and it is my intention to cover all such changes net detailed here that tall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (17)
1. A holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising:
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference patterns as digital signals;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said digital signals;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for continuously recreating comprises a liquid crystal display and said liquid crystal display is flexible and shapable into a curved surface;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference patterns as digital signals;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said digital signals;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for continuously recreating comprises a liquid crystal display and said liquid crystal display is flexible and shapable into a curved surface;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
2. A holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising:
a plurality of means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for continuously recreating comprises a liquid crystal display;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
a plurality of means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; a plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for continuously recreating comprises a liquid crystal display;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
3. A holographic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a plurality of lasers.
4. A holographic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of lasers emits a different colored light.
5. A holographic apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a means for splitting the interference pattern into a plurality of interference patterns and applying one of said plurality of interference patterns to each of the plurality of means for receiving.
6. A holographic apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern.
7. A holographic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said plurality of means for recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a plurality of low resolution display means focused on the same point.
8. A holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising:
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said digital signals;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern comprises a computer, said computer including means for manipulating the received holographic interference pattern; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said digital signals;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern comprises a computer, said computer including means for manipulating the received holographic interference pattern; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
9. A holographic apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a charge coupled device.
10. A holographic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a liquid crystal display coupled to the output of said computer.
11. A holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising:
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative on a three-dimensional image of said receiving means;
a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; further comprising:
a lens provided between the means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern and a means for receiving an entire continuously changeable holographic interference pattern for resizing the entire changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for receiving; and a transmissive film means having recorded thereon a pattern of a reference beam and provided between said lens and said means for receiving said holographic interference patter; and wherein said means for creating a changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a laser for supplying an object beam;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a plurality of means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative on a three-dimensional image of said receiving means;
a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; further comprising:
a lens provided between the means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern and a means for receiving an entire continuously changeable holographic interference pattern for resizing the entire changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for receiving; and a transmissive film means having recorded thereon a pattern of a reference beam and provided between said lens and said means for receiving said holographic interference patter; and wherein said means for creating a changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a laser for supplying an object beam;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
12. A holographic apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a charge coupled device.
13. A holographic apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern comprises a liquid crystal display.
14. A holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising:
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said digital signals;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern comprises a computer, said computer including means for memorizing a signal corresponding to reference beam; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said digital signals;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern comprises a computer, said computer including means for memorizing a signal corresponding to reference beam; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
15. A holographic apparatus for continuously sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising:
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and a lens provided between said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern and said source of radiant energy for resizing said entire continuously changeable holographic interference patterns;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and a lens provided between said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern and said source of radiant energy for resizing said entire continuously changeable holographic interference patterns;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
16. A holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising:
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means, a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein a tapered fiber optic bundle provided between the means for recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern and said source of radiant energy for resizing said entire interference pattern;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means, a means for transmitting the received holographic interference pattern;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said transmitted holographic interference pattern;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein a tapered fiber optic bundle provided between the means for recreating the continuously changeable holographic interference pattern and said source of radiant energy for resizing said entire interference pattern;
whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
17. A holographic apparatus for continually sensing, transmitting and reconstructing a three-dimensional image comprising:
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said digital signals;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern further comprises a computer for receiving and storing said digital signals; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
a means for receiving a continuously changeable holographic interference pattern a means for continuously creating a changeable holographic interference pattern which is representative of a three-dimensional image on said receiving means;
a means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern as digital signals;
a means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern from said digital signals;
a source of radiant energy illuminating said recreated changeable holographic interference pattern on said means for continuously recreating said continuously changeable holographic interference pattern; and wherein said means for converting and transmitting the received holographic interference pattern further comprises a computer for receiving and storing said digital signals; and whereby the sensed three-dimensional image is reconstructed.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002139823A CA2139823C (en) | 1995-01-09 | 1995-01-09 | Holographic display transmitting device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002139823A CA2139823C (en) | 1995-01-09 | 1995-01-09 | Holographic display transmitting device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2139823A1 CA2139823A1 (en) | 1996-07-10 |
| CA2139823C true CA2139823C (en) | 2000-08-15 |
Family
ID=4155006
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002139823A Expired - Fee Related CA2139823C (en) | 1995-01-09 | 1995-01-09 | Holographic display transmitting device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2139823C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114911149A (en) * | 2022-05-05 | 2022-08-16 | 浙江理工大学 | Multi-parameter tuning holographic printing photoetching system |
-
1995
- 1995-01-09 CA CA002139823A patent/CA2139823C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2139823A1 (en) | 1996-07-10 |
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