Low Cost True 3-D Virtual Reality System for Scientific Data Visualization

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop an innovative Dynamic Time Multiplexed Holographic (DTMH) 3-D system for scientific data visualization based on direct viewing of an interactive environment that simulates reality in the most natural way. This proposed DTHM system is based on our multiplexed holographic screens, 3-D projection scanners, and electronic signal processing. The innovations include: (1) novel large screen multichannel volumetric 3-D projection that does not require any special eyewear; (2) totally flexible position for viewing 3-D video/graphics, unique high speed multiview virtual world generators with interactive capabilities; and (3) high speed scanning for 3-D image generation.The key component of the system is a special holographic screen that displays a 3-D volume of visual information in front of a viewer. The volumetric-like display is achieved by projecting slightly different views of the environment at a high refresh rate by polygon scanning. All views are updated every 30 ms (single frame duration), with both spatial (angular) and temporal multiplexing of the visual channels. Each spatial channel displays only the image associated with the specific predefined view, and the channel assignment is fixed.