Full Multiplex Holographic Display (FMHD)

Our novel, holistic approach to real time synthetic holography will result in an end-to-end solution for synthesis and presentation of large format high definition polychromatic holograms at video frame rates.  Since a holographic display without an associated system for interference pattern synthesis from non-holographic source media is of limited value, we propose parallel development of the large format display, real time synthesis engine, and software to provide input.  Included in the hardware accelerated synthesis engine are computational modules to extrude a three dimensional image from live (or recorded) stereoscopic video feeds and to create synthetic coherent light illumination of the scene.  Further, to keep the total development costs reasonable we will use a modified 60-inch COTS laser-based high definition projection television as the basis for the projector.  We will also use COTS high performance reconfigurable computing modules and techniques to provide the requisite computational power for the three parallel video processing pipelines.  The Phase I effort will result in a functional monochrome proof-of-concept vehicle that clearly demonstrates feasibility.  The follow-on Phase II effort will produce a full performance polychromatic prototype system. BENEFIT: Commercialization of a practical RTSH system will prove beneficial to the DOD by: 1) dramatically improving both physical and cyber space visualization, 2) improving the ability of commanders to synthesize battlespace information into actionable knowledge, 3) improve warfighter effectiveness and safety through more realistic training, 4) improve the timeliness and accuracy of mission planning and after action analysis, 5) improve the ability of controllers to de-conflict the airspace in the theater of operations, 6) shorten the kill chain through improved asset coordination, 7) fusion of disparate sensor data into a intuitive format.  Outside the DOD our RTSH system will introduce revolutionary improvement in the areas of: 1) medical imaging, 2) telemedicine, 3) surgical training, 4) scientific visualization, 5) fluid dynamics, 6) finite element analysis, 7) architecture and structural engineering, 8) disaster planning and management, 9) air traffic control, 10) cockpit safety, 11) process control, 12) drug discovery, 13) robotics, and 14) gaming and entertainment.