Laser projected 3-D volumetric displays

A three dimensional volumetric display system utilizing a rotating helical surface is described. The rotating helix system permits images to be displayed in a three-dimensional format that can be observed without the use of special glasses. Its rotating helical screen sweeps out a cylindrical envelope, providing a volumetric display medium through which scanned laser pulses are projected The light scatters from the surface of the helix so that each voxel appears to emanate from specific points in space. Each point has x-y-coordinates determined by the laser scanner and a z-coordinate determined by the intersection of the laser beam and the helix surface. Display images are created by synchronizing the interaction of the laser pulses and the moving screen to address a full three-dimensional volume that gives the viewer true depth cues (binocular parallax, accommodation, convergence) without the need for any special viewing aids. We describe recent work on the development of mechanical, optical, electronic, and software engineering for a display system based on a 36-inch diameter helix using high speed multichannel, random access laser scanners. Color images are created using red, green and blue laser sources. The system is capable of displaying 800,000 voxels per second, per color. A portable, 12-inch diameter, translucent helix system is also presented.