RU2664781C1 - Device for forming a stereoscopic image in three-dimensional space with real objects - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: optics; electrical engineering.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of optics and electronics. Apparatus for forming a stereoscopic image in a three-dimensional space with real objects comprises the first unit (4) for reproducing stereoscopic image (8) and partially reflecting transparent optical panel (6) installed with the possibility of displaying stereoscopic image (8), which is formed in the first reproducing unit (4), into the area of object space (2), providing at least one real object (3) in it. Second unit (5) for reproducing stereoscopic image is installed at the rear part of object space (2) with respect to visual direction of user (10). First unit (4) for reproducing the stereoscopic image and partially reflective transparent optical panel (6) are installed with the possibility of reproducing at least one main virtual object (9) into the zone of object space (2) in front of real object (3) with respect to visual direction of user (10). Second unit (5) for reproducing stereoscopic image is configured to display at least one additional virtual object (11) in the area of the object space behind real object (3) with respect to visual direction of user (10).EFFECT: technical result consists in improving the quality of optical alignment of the formed stereoscopic images with real objects in a three-dimensional space, providing conditions for observing a combined stereoscopic image simultaneously by several users from different angles and simplifying the design of the device.9 cl, 2 dwg

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to the field of optics and electronics, in particular to devices for creating a three-dimensional image and can be used to display full-color three-dimensional objects and scenes in which a reproduced moving three-dimensional image in real physical space is shown and combined with real objects and objects located in it.

The invention may find application, in particular, for modeling three-dimensional processes and tasks in science and technology; receiving special effects on stages, in circuses, cinema; in museum and exhibition displays; to create virtual and augmented reality devices; in medicine for visualization of tomographic information and complex operations; to create all kinds of simulators; in art and advertising; in computer games; to create optical toys and demonstrate tricks; in the entertainment industry, etc.

State of the art

Surround display devices are widespread and in demand in various fields of science, technology, education, the entertainment industry, etc. A large number of various systems and apparatuses for demonstrating volumetric images based on various technical principles have been developed and produced. The search for new solutions is constantly being carried out, their systematization is being carried out (see Chekalin D.G. Features of perception, methods of demonstration and modern technologies for reproducing volumetric images. // World of cinema technology. 2017-1 (11), pp. 19-28).

To solve a number of practical problems, the combination of reproduced volumetric images and real physical objects in one common space is required for their simultaneous joint observation.

There are several main types of devices that differ in the technology of creating a three-dimensional image.

To the first and the most numerous variety of technical solutions, varieties can be attributed to “volumetric displays” or volumetric (see Samarin A. Modern technologies for displaying volumetric images. // Modern Electronics, No. 2, 2005, p. 16-20). This category includes devices in which an image is formed in a certain limited volume by many luminous dots or voxels, the result can be achieved by different technical methods (see US patent US 6554430 B2, G03B 21/28, 04/29/2003, RF patent RU 2429513, G02F 1/13, 09/20/2011): rigidly fixed voxels uniformly distributed in space; a set of parallel planes uniformly filling the working volume onto which the volumetric image is displayed in layers; using the effect of visual inertia, quickly moving in the working space (rotating around an axis or making reciprocating movements) surfaces with luminous points or with the image projected onto them; creating an image by a scanning focused laser beam in a special physical medium, etc. A significant drawback of devices of this type is the ability to create an image only inside the device, due to which the size of the device must be larger than the objects displayed by it. The entire space in which the image is formed is filled with working elements of the structure and it is not possible to place any additional objects in it to combine them with the displayed image for this reason.

The second variety includes widespread stereoscopic (using separation glasses) and autostereoscopic devices (Valius N. A. Stereophotography. Stereokino. Stereo television. M: Art, 1986). The stereoscopic image itself is displayed on a flat screen, and its volumetric image is formed and can be perceived by the viewer as volumetric in space and in front of the screen and behind it. The image can be obtained on light-emitting video panels or by projection onto a reflective or translucent screen. It is possible to create a multi-angle stereo image, including on large high-resolution translucent screens (see RF Patent RU 2391689, G03B 27/22, 06/10/2010). The placement of real physical objects is structurally possible in space both in front of and behind the screen, however, placing them behind the screen does not make sense, since the viewer will not be able to see them. The use of projection type devices with a reflective screen is not applicable because of the shadow that the object will cast on the screen. In the case of a light-emitting video panel or a projection projection screen, it is possible to place an object in the area of the pre-screen space, however, this scheme cannot work if any part of the reproduced image must be in front of the real object — between the viewer and the object, since the object will overlap the part of the screen that forms desired image. In the case when the real object has significant dimensions, such a scheme becomes completely inoperative.

The third variety includes holographic methods for obtaining images, such technologies are very complex and are still in the experimental development stage, but, nevertheless, several fundamentally different prototypes of such devices have already been created (see Komar V.G., Serov O.B. holography and holographic cinema, M. Art, 1987; N. Peyghambarian et al. Holographic three-dimensional telepresence using large-area photorefractive polymer. Nature, vol. 468, pp 80-83, 2010; S. Tay et al. An updateable holographic 3D display. Nature, vol. 451, pp 694-698, 2008). In relation to the issue of compatibility of the reproduced image with real physical objects, holographic methods can be divided into two subgroups, which are similar to the two varieties already discussed above.

Thus, in the considered current level of technology, devices for reproducing a volumetric image that satisfy the desired criterion are not adequately detected. However, there is a kind of devices that are not volumetric image devices, but allow you to combine the reproduced image with real physical objects. These are devices for reproducing a “pseudo-volume” image using the hidden screen method. Pseudo-volume methods of reproducing a flat image include psychophysical features and the possibilities of our perception to create the illusion of volume, based on static and dynamic monocular factors of spatial vision, and create an additional volume effect; the sense of spatiality of the image is enhanced by specially prepared demonstrated content and placement of flat images using transparent (or hidden) screens in real physical space with real volumetric objects (elements of stage space or interior), due to which our consciousness perceives them as volumetric as well. In this case, the viewer observes exactly a flat image and both eyes simultaneously see the same angle.

One example of the implementation of this type of device is the "Projection device and the method of creating an illusion according to the PEPPER 'S GHOST method", disclosed in Eurasian patent EA 008990 B1, 10.26.2007. The solution uses a method for creating a pseudo-volume image based on technology hidden screen or "peppers ghost" effect, which allows using a partially reflective screen to create an illusory image. According to the method, a video projector projects an image through a mirror onto a reflective panel (projection screen) located in a horizontal plane, at an angle to which a partially transparent screen is stretched on a special frame. Viewers in front of the screen see the reflection of the image of the reflective panel in the space behind it. An actor can be in the space behind the screen, in this case, viewers will be able to simultaneously observe both the actor and the imaginary reflected image projected by the projector.

The device described in the patent analogue is a supporting structure standing on the stage in the form of a parallelepiped or box, inside of which on the lower plane on the floor there is a reflective panel at an angle of 45 degrees, to which from the bottom upwards on the diagonal of the box in the direction of the audience on a special The film is partially stretched film partially transparent screen. The projector is located above the screen in the upper part of the structure and through the intermediate mirror projects the image on the reflective panel. Spectators in front of the stage do not see the image on the reflective panel, but they see in a partially transparent screen its reflection located on the stage in space behind the screen film, where at the same time live actors can be on the same part of the stage. Also in the patent analogue describes a frame device for tensioning a partially transparent screen and some additional technical elements. The device described in the patent analogue was specially created for use in entertainment events at concerts and theaters, and was developed precisely for these purposes, which is why it has a narrow specialized purpose and limited capabilities.

This analogue has a number of significant technological and technical limitations. The most significant and fundamental drawback is the ability to display only a flat image. The formed image is visualized and localized in only one vertical plane, the distance to which is fixed and determined and uniquely determined by the relative position of the "reflective element" of the projection screen and the "partially transparent screen" forming the "imaginary image". Thus, the image being formed is flat and allows, as indicated in the patent analogue, to obtain only “false perception of depth” on the basis of the “method of creating an illusion”, and when placed in the same space next to real three-dimensional three-dimensional objects or combined with them, the difference between the projected images from real objects and its illusory nature become especially noticeable.

Another important drawback of the device is the fundamental impossibility of the distribution or movement of the created images across the depth of space and rigid binding to a single plane. It is impossible to fill the space in depth or to place objects on different depth plans. For the same reason, there is no possibility for the image being formed to “walk around” real physical objects from different sides and move in space along free paths when moving it.

This device also does not allow you to visualize scenes, objects or a set of objects spaced in depth. This significantly limits the realism and scope of the proposed method.

In addition, the proposed device assumes the use of a film and a special design for its tension as a “partially transparent screen”, which allows for large-sized installations, but for small-sized devices this solution is too complicated and inapplicable - in some cases it is more preferable to use hard partially transparent surfaces . The disadvantages include the fact that the proposed solution is based on the use of only projection technology for obtaining images with a fixed optical scheme and is intended to solve a narrow class of specialized tasks, which imposes additional restrictions related to the capabilities and scope of its application.

In the publication of application US US 20030085866, 05/08/2003 a device for forming a volumetric color image is described, aimed at solving the problem of combining reproduced volumetric images and real physical objects in one common space for their simultaneous observation using virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) ) reality.

The device comprises a housing; a stereoscopic image reproducing unit forming a static or moving three-dimensional image with stereoscopic shutter glasses for separating stereo images for both eyes and enabling stereoscopic viewing; an electromagnetic tracking device to support tracking the position of the head of the viewer, necessary for the correct calculation and construction of a stereoscopic image; partially reflecting a transparent optical surface mounted at an angle to the reproduction unit with the possibility of displaying the image generated in the reproduction unit in the area of the subject space, which can accommodate real physical three-dimensional objects, and a light source to illuminate the area of the subject space. A partially reflecting transparent optical surface forms an imaginary image that the viewer in the area of this space can observe optically aligned in three coordinates (height, width and depth) with real physical objects placed in the same volume in the form of a combined combined volumetric image.

In this device, the generated image is not pseudo-volume, but stereoscopic. The volumetric image is created by the stereoscopic method) in which using special sensors (trackers) determines the position of the viewer's eyes, on the basis of which the computer generates two flat images or a stereo pair of angles corresponding to this position, which are displayed on the flat screen and observed by the viewer separately by the left and right eye through the separation stereoscopic glasses. A stereoscopic image consists of two flat images of an object; in fact, a three-dimensional image is synthesized and created by the brain based on the analysis of flat images of a stereo pair. When shifting the position of the eyes, we should see the object from a different angle and the computer should track this and generate new images (stereo pair) for two new angles corresponding to the new position of the eye of the viewer and display this image as a stereo pair on the screen.

A separate problem is the combination of a virtual image with real objects. At each displacement of the viewer's eyes and the direction of his gaze, this is fixed by a tracking device, then the position of the virtual object in space relative to the new position of the observer's eyes and the position of real physical objects is calculated, after which a correct image of the virtual object corresponding to this observation point is generated by a special program.

Thus, this method requires additional equipment for continuous dynamic tracking of the observer's position in space, sufficiently powerful and sophisticated computer equipment and specialized software. Only one observer can work with such a system at a time, and he must be in separation glasses. In addition, the system can build the necessary stereoscopic images only by the calculation method based on a computer 3D model of the reproduced image and is not designed to work with real-world images that can be obtained when shooting with a video camera.

Another significant drawback characteristic of devices with a translucent mirror is associated with the “transparency” of the formed imaginary (virtual) objects reflected partially by the reflective optical surface, if they are located in front of illuminated real objects on the observation line by the viewer. Since real objects are physically placed for the viewer after a translucent mirror, if they are crossed by virtual objects reflected in the same mirror, the latter will be visible and real objects of the background will be visible through them, and the visibility of this phenomenon depends on the degree of their brightness and illumination.

The closest analogue of the considered solution is a device for forming a three-dimensional image, disclosed in the publication of application US US 2017109938, 04/20/2017. This device is similar to that described above and contains a housing (base) forming an object space for placing real objects in it, a volumetric image reproducing unit partially reflecting a transparent optical panel mounted at an angle to the reproducing unit with the possibility of reflecting the image formed in the reproducing unit into the zone subject space, a camera that captures images of a real object in the interaction area, a sensor for tracking eye position Lighting unit objective space zone with real objects. The lighting unit is made in the form of a projector, which provides selective highlighting of some areas of the subject area.

Various types of displays can be used as a reproducing unit; in an additional claim, the possibility of using stereoscopic, autostereoscopic and volumetric types of displays along with other types of displays is also stipulated. However, these varieties are indicated in a general listing of the entire series and all types of displays currently on the market, together with the usual non-voluminous views without specifying and disclosing the features of the formation of a three-dimensional image, while the patent describes a tracking sensor for tracking and determining the position of the head and eyes the user and the possibility of constructing a virtual environment image using the processor, taking into account the position of the user and the object, which indicates the applicability and feasibility of the device only for one observer at a time, as in the previous device considered.

The need to use tracking systems and the ability to observe the correct combined image for only one user is determined by the restriction associated with the reproduction of a three-dimensional image located behind a real object when it is observed by several users. In particular, if for one of the observers (users) the image of the virtual object will be in direct line of sight, and for the second observer it will be blocked by the real object and therefore should not be observed by it, then when the virtual object is displayed by the playback unit through the partially reflecting transparent optical surface, the specified virtual both observers will see the object anyway, because the reflecting surface is located to the real object and reflection in it is visible from all observation points. In this case, the image of the virtual object for the second observer will “shine through” the real object. These negative effects are eliminated in the technological solutions discussed above by calculating and synthesizing the corrected image based on data from sensors for one observation point. However, this significant limitation does not allow the device to be used simultaneously by more than one user and requires significant technical complication of the device.

Thus, devices for forming a three-dimensional color image combined with real physical objects in three-dimensional space, known from the state of the art, have the following fundamental disadvantages:

1) The devices provide the ability to observe the volumetric image when combining in one volume of virtual and real objects at the same time for only one user (viewer). Moreover, to ensure correct display, special tracking and monitoring systems are used for the position of the viewer's eyes, on the basis of which the image is calculated and generated.

2) It is necessary to use special tracking and monitoring systems for the position of the user's eyes to ensure the correct display of volumetric virtual objects and specialized algorithms for computing and generating images.

3) Due to the need to generate an image by computer simulation in accordance with the position of the observer’s eyes, it is not possible to demonstrate pre-recorded videos or broadcast live images from video cameras.

4) A significant problem is the "transparency" of the formed imaginary (virtual) objects reflected partially by the reflecting optical surface, if they are located in front of the highlighted real objects on the line of observation by the viewer. Since real objects are physically placed for the viewer after a translucent mirror, if they are crossed by virtual objects reflected in the same mirror, the latter will shine through and real background objects will be visible through them.

Disclosure of the invention

The objective of the claimed invention is to eliminate the shortcomings of analogues and providing the ability to reproduce and visualize full-color volumetric images in the three-dimensional physical volume of the subject space and the possibility of their spatial combination with real physical objects and objects placed in the same volume to obtain a single realistic picture for simultaneous observation by several users from several observation points.

The technical result of the invention is to improve the quality of optical alignment of the generated volumetric images with real objects in a three-dimensional volume, providing conditions for observing the combined volumetric image simultaneously by several users from different angles, and simplifying the design of the device due to the rejection of devices for tracking the user's gaze.

The specified technical result is achieved due to the fact that the device for forming a three-dimensional image in three-dimensional space with real objects contains: a first block for reproducing a three-dimensional image, partially reflecting a transparent optical panel installed with the ability to display a three-dimensional image formed in the first block of reproduction, in the subject area space, providing the placement in it of at least one real object, as well as the second block playback volume image installed in the back of the subject space with respect to the direction of the user's gaze, while the first volume image reproducing unit and the partially reflecting transparent optical panel are installed with the possibility of displaying at least one main virtual object in the subject area in front of the real object relative to the direction of view the user, and the second block playback of the three-dimensional image is installed with the ability to display at least Nogo additional virtual object in the object space area of the real object with respect to the direction of user's eyes. In addition, according to private variants of the invention:

- a stereoscopic display and / or volumetric display, and / or a holographic display, and / or a projection system for demonstrating a volumetric image with at least one projector and a translucent or reflective projection screen can be used as the first and second volumetric playback units.

- as the first block for reproducing a volumetric image, it is most preferable to use an autostereoscopic or volumetric or holographic display.

- as a second block for reproducing a volumetric image, it is most preferable to use a stereoscopic or holographic display;

- the first block for reproducing the volumetric image is installed outside the field of view of the user, above or below, or from the side relative to the axis of view of the user;

- the device may further comprise a unit for illuminating the subject space, configured to zoned illumination of the subject space;

- the illumination unit of the subject space may contain directional light sources and / or at least one projector for projecting light into the subject space;

- the illumination unit of the subject space may comprise control means adapted to control the position and / or direction of the light flux and / or the color and / or brightness of each of the directed light sources and / or each of the projectors;

- the unit of illumination of the subject space may further comprise a video camera for tracking the position of at least one real object and the formation of the corresponding illumination of the subject space based on the specified position.

In contrast to the closest analogue, the device under consideration uses a solution that uses two playback units based on stereoscopic, volumetric volumetric or holographic technology for displaying volumetric images and an advanced lighting system. This solution provides the ability to observe images by multiple users from different angles without the use of special devices that track the position of the user's eyes. In this case, the second volumetric image reproduction unit, located at the rear of the subject space relative to the users' gaze, forms virtual objects located behind the real objects that overlap them, in order to eliminate the effect of “shining through” of virtual objects through the real objects in front of them, which can be especially noticeable with some viewing angles. An improved lighting system makes it possible to eliminate or reduce the effect of “transparency” formed by the first unit of reproduction of virtual objects partially reflected by the optical surface and “transmission” of real objects placed behind them.

These features make it possible to obtain a more realistic picture when observed by several users, by improving the quality of the optical alignment of the generated volumetric images with real objects in a three-dimensional volume.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is illustrated by drawings, where:

in FIG. 1 schematically shows a General view of the claimed device;

in FIG. 2 shows a pattern for observing images by multiple users;

The implementation of the invention

The claimed device contains a set of structural elements that can be combined by the base (1) in the form of a single housing or supporting structure, or installed independently, but in strictly defined positions fixed relative to each other. Structural elements form a subject space (2) for placing real physical objects (3) in it, including moving and living ones (for example, actors). The device includes: the first block (4) of reproducing a three-dimensional image, the second block (5) of reproducing a three-dimensional image, partially reflecting a transparent optical panel (6), and, optionally, a block (7) of illumination of the subject space (2).

The first block (4) playback provides a three-dimensional image (8). As the first block (4), stereoscopic displays (displays with 3D glasses, autostereoscopic, multi-angle, etc.), volumetric (volume) displays with a different principle of image formation, and holographic displays can be used. By the method of forming the image itself, various types of displays can be used: liquid crystal, plasma, LED, electron beam, laser, projection, etc.

Various applications of projection multicomponent systems consisting of one or several projectors and a projection screen (reflective or translucent types) are also possible, which significantly expands the variety of possible system configurations and allows to significantly increase the possible dimensions of the reproduced image.

However, it is most preferable to use displays as the first playback unit that allow you to observe three-dimensional images without the use of wearable optical devices (3D glasses, etc.), namely autostereoscopic (multi-angle), volumetric and holographic displays.

An essential requirement for the reproduced image is its volume, observed and distinguished by the viewer in three spatial coordinates, including the depth of the image. The possibility of using different types of systems in the playback unit allows you to significantly expand the scope of application, taking into account possible requirements for image quality and size, complexity and cost of equipment, other technological characteristics and operational requirements.

The first block (4) for reproducing the volumetric image is placed hidden from the viewer in a way outside his field of vision so that the observer cannot see the image reproduced directly on it. In particular, the first block (4) can be placed above or below the axis of view of users or to the side of users.

A translucent panel (6) (or a translucent mirror) with an optical surface is designed to display (reflect) a three-dimensional image (8) created by the first block (4) into the domain space (2) as a main virtual object (9) or several objects located in front of the real object (3) (or objects). The panel (6), as a rule, is oriented at an angle to the first block (4) of image reproduction or the direction of the light flux created by the first block (4) so that the user (viewer) (10) sees the reflected three-dimensional image in it. The optical surface of the panel (6) must have the property of partial reflection for the image located at an angle to it and remain partially transparent for the light passing through it so that the image and the space located relative to the viewer behind this surface in the area of the subject space (2) are visible. An essential requirement for the panel (6) is the absence of distortions (geometric shape distortion, light scattering, image bifurcation effect, etc.) of the image reflected and passing through it.

Real physical objects (3) located in the domain of the object space (2), the user (8) can also see through the panel (6). In order to provide visual overlap with a real object (3) virtual, a second volumetric image reproduction unit (5) is used, which is installed on the rear boundary of the volume of the zone of the subject space (2). The specified second block (5) forms a three-dimensional image in the form of an additional virtual object (11) or objects located behind a real object (3). In this case, virtual images located after real objects (3) (relative to the user) reproduced by the second block (5) will be overlapped by real objects in accordance with the laws of geometric optics and, which is fundamentally important, several viewers can simultaneously observe them from different points of the zone observations with overlapping corresponding to their position.

As a rule, stricter technical requirements are imposed on the second block (5) for reproducing a three-dimensional image than on the first (4). Images should preferably be formed by the indicated unit (5) in the area of the object space (2), therefore, it is desirable that they are located outside its physical body, i.e. in front of the screen. Devices with stereoscopic or holographic imaging technology can provide this. Volumetric displays can also be used in the claimed device, however, they only form an image inside their case and can be of limited use without leaving the image directly in the area of the subject space (2), providing a three-dimensional image only beyond its border within the volume of its case.

Thus, all the main virtual objects (9) located in front of real objects (3) and not overlapping by them should be formed by the first block (5) of reproduction and reflected to the side of the observer by the panel (6), and additional virtual objects (11), overlapping real objects (3) and those located behind them are formed by the second block (5) for reproducing the volumetric image.

To improve the quality of the optical combination of virtual and real objects, a block (7) of illumination of the subject space (2) can be provided. The specified unit (7) may contain directional light sources (12) or at least one video projector (13) or a combination thereof.

As directional light sources (12), for example, LED RGB lights can be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, the directional light sources (12) and / or video projectors (13) can be fixedly mounted so that each element or group of elements is directed to a specific area in the subject space. In another embodiment of the invention, these elements may have the ability to change their position and / or direction of their lighting.

To control the operation of light sources (12) and video projectors (13), control means (14) can be used that sets the illumination mode of the subject space (2) by adjusting the brightness and color of each light source (12) or provides a modulated video signal that provides brightness control and the color of each pixel of the video projector (13), and also controls the localization and direction of illumination of each element.

The indicated directional light sources (12) and projectors (13) provide zoned illumination of the subject space region, which allows solving or minimizing the problem of “transparency” of the formed imaginary (virtual) objects reflected partially by the optical surface of the panel (5), when they are placed on line of sight between the observer and the highlighted real object.

To avoid the transmission of real objects (3) through virtual objects (image 7), it is enough to remove light from the "transmission" objects or their elements using a controlled lighting system. If objects (3) are moving, then the lighting is controlled according to a special script, or assumes a device with a video camera (not shown in the drawings) that fixes the position and movement of real objects in the area of the subject space, which in real time provides the necessary information to ensure lighting control system.

The claimed device operates as follows.

In the first image reproducing unit (4), a three-dimensional image (8), virtual objects (9) are generated, which are reflected by the surface of the partially reflecting optical panel (6) towards the users (10a and 10b), so that they are visually located in front of real objects (3). (see Fig. 2)

In the case of observing the picture by two users (10a and 10b), they both observe this main virtual object (9) (or several objects) and perceive it as an imaginary virtual image behind the optical panel (6) in the volume of the subject space (2) remote from the panel the same distance as the image (8) in the first block (4) of playback is located from this panel.

Using the second block (5) playback form an additional virtual object (11) (or objects) located behind the real object (3).

The first user (10a) observes the indicated additional virtual object (11), since it is in direct visibility for this user (Fig. 2). For the second user (10b), the visibility of the indicated virtual object (11) is limited, since the virtual images located after the real objects (3) (relative to the user) reproduced by the second volumetric image reproducing unit (5) will overlap with the real objects (3) in accordance with laws of geometric optics.

Thus, the correct display of the combined volumetric image in the entire volume of the zone of the subject space is realized.

To improve the optical combination of virtual and real objects, by means of block (7), zoning of the illumination of the subject space (2) is carried out with the formation of illuminated and unlit zones. During the demonstration, the lighting mode may change. It is possible to use the synchronization of the lighting mode with the generated blocks (4, 5) of images, which can be useful in the case of the movement of reproduced images in the domain of the subject space and geometric overlapping by them of real physical objects, which at this moment should not be illuminated.

The claimed device allows you to create a moving color three-dimensional digital image in the real physical volume of the working space and to provide the possibility of its spatial optical alignment with real physical objects located in the same volume. The created image is observed by the viewer really voluminous, and not “pseudo-voluminous” flat with the illusion of volume achieved through the psychophysiological mechanisms of human perception.

Image elements have an observed relief and extent, can occupy spatial places at all points of a given volume and move freely in it. The image is observed through the eyes of the viewer from different angles, and the distance to the image elements is determined on the basis of binocular vision mechanisms, as a result of which the viewer can observe and accurately evaluate the degree of relief and the relative difference in the distances between objects (including depth).

A volume image can be observed simultaneously by several viewers from different points located in the area intended for observation.

To confirm the industrial applicability of the invention, an experimental, fully functional, operating model of the device was manufactured.

The sample used blocks playback volumetric images with multi-angle (9 angles) lens-raster autostereoscopic displays with a screen diagonal of 39 inches. The size of the working area of the subject space (WxHxD) is 800 × 400 × 260 mm. The illumination area illumination unit is made using LEDs. This experimental sample allows you to reproduce a volumetric moving color image and ensure its combination with real physical three-dimensional objects in the volume of the entire zone of the subject space.

Viewers can observe a fully three-dimensional combined image and have the opportunity, within the multi-viewing area, to look at it directly without using special optical devices from several different angles.

Depending on the required consumer characteristics, various options for the implementation and layout of the device are possible, but the functional properties of its elements and their interaction do not change. The feasibility of choosing a particular implementation option and layout of the device depends on the operating conditions and the ability to accommodate spectators.

The proposed device is promising and has an extensive scope, which is ensured by the possibility of using options with different layout, availability and applicability of several different technologies for displaying three-dimensional images in accordance with the purpose of the device and possible special requirements of users.

It is possible to create devices of various sizes - from a few centimeters to tens of meters.

The proposed device for forming a volumetric color image in three-dimensional space with real physical objects provides a solution to the problem and the achievement of the claimed technical result; it can be widely used and demanded in the field of education and science, museum and exhibition expositions, to create all kinds of simulators, when modeling three-dimensional tasks in science and technology, for machine design and construction, in advertising, the entertainment industry, etc.

Thus, the claimed device has the following main advantages:

1) The device provides a demonstration of a truly three-dimensional image in the allocated space, and not a pseudo-volume illusion.

2) The device allows the demonstrated volumetric image to be optically combined with real objects, including mock-ups or volumetric scenes in one selected space, while alignment is possible at all points of the volume of this space, and the combined combined image observed by the viewer will be truly perceptible based on binocular mechanisms view.

3) The device provides the ability to observe a combined combined three-dimensional image simultaneously for several observers from different points of the observation zone;

4) The device allows providing the possibility of observing a three-dimensional image without the use of special additional tracking systems and monitoring the position of the viewer's eyes (special sensors, trackers, etc.).

5) The device provides the ability to move objects or elements of the displayed volumetric image along any spatial trajectories within the volume of the allocated space.

6) The device eliminates the effect of “transparency” of the formed imaginary (virtual) reflected objects and the “shining” of real objects through virtual objects when they are placed in front of (towards the observer) real objects on the observer’s line of sight and to achieve the absence of undesirable shadows from real objects.

7) The device allows to use for demonstration not only the image generated by 3D computer simulation methods, but also the captured and recorded real volumetric image.

8) The device allows the manufacture of panels with a partially reflective transparent optical surface from various materials and according to various technologies, including those based on elastically stretched film or rigid (glass, plastic, etc.) substrates;

9) Depending on the purpose and the required technical parameters, the device suggests the possibility of using various volumetric image display systems in the volumetric image reproducing unit by the method of creating the image and by the type of technology of the created volumetric image.

10) The device involves different options for the optical and geometric layout of the nodes and the possibility of using various combinations of the main nodes and their structural placement in order to modify and optimize the device for different purposes and taking into account such factors as: viewing conditions by the audience and their location, image size, quality volumetric image, cost and technological complexity, etc.

Claims (9)

1. A device for forming a three-dimensional image in three-dimensional space with real objects, comprising a first block (4) for reproducing a three-dimensional image (8) and partially reflecting a transparent optical panel (6) installed with the ability to display a three-dimensional image (8) formed in the first block (4) reproducing, in the area of the subject space (2), providing at least one real object (3) in it, characterized in that it contains a second block (5) of reproducing a volumetric image, installed in the back of the subject space (2) with respect to the direction of the user's gaze (10), while the first block (4) of the volumetric image reproduction and the partially reflecting transparent optical panel (6) are installed with the ability to display at least one main virtual object ( 9) in the area of the subject space (2) in front of the real object (3) relative to the direction of the user's gaze (10), and the second block (5) for reproducing the volumetric image is installed with the possibility of displaying at least e one additional virtual object (11) in the object space area for the actual object (3) relative to the user's gaze direction (10). 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that as the first (4) and second (5) blocks for reproducing a volumetric image, a stereoscopic display, and / or volumetric display, and / or holographic display, and / or projection system for demonstrating surround images with at least one projector and a translucent or reflective projection screen. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that an autostereoscopic display or a volumetric or holographic display is used as the first block (4) for reproducing a three-dimensional image. 4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that a stereoscopic display or holographic display is used as the second block (5) for reproducing the volumetric image. 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first block (4) for reproducing the volumetric image is installed outside the field of view of the user (10), above or below, or sideways relative to the axis of view of the user (10). 6. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that it contains a block (7) of illumination of the subject space, made with the possibility of zoned illumination of the subject space (2). 7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the unit (7) for illumination of the object space contains directional light sources (12) and / or at least one projector (13) for projecting light into the object space (2). 8. The device according to p. 6, characterized in that the block (7) of illumination of the subject space contains control means (14), configured to control the position and / or direction of the light flux, and / or color, and / or brightness of each of the directed light sources (12) and / or each of the projectors (13). 9. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the unit (7) for illumination of the subject space further comprises a video camera for tracking the position of at least one real object (3) and the formation of the corresponding illumination of the subject space (2) based on the specified position.

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