[Introduction] - Introduction to Stereo Displays

A display device that uses the means of perception of depth for binocular vision meaning for our eyes to convey depth perception is called a 3D display or  a Stereo Display.

Stereoscopy vs. 3D:

There are two basic techniques that can be used to make a Stereo display.

The Stereoscopic technology is based on a principles of Stereopsis that essentially provides two different images one for our left eye and one for our right eye. This is what a 3D movie, for example in a cinema, would make use of to portray depth. This technique is very old and have been used in 1900. This method of using dual 2d images as being “3D” is an overstatement.

Image 1: "The early bird catches the worm" Stereograph published in 1900 by North-Western View Co. of Baraboo, Wisconsin, digitally restored.

A display on which the viewer can view full three dimensions are the Real 3D displays.

A technique called Volumetric display is an example of Real 3D display. It displays points of light within a contained volume with use of some mechanism. Because these points of light are different from traditional pixels they are called Voxels.

VOXON’s VX1 creates Voxels by projecting light dots by their Photonic Engine into a physical volumetric space. It generates half a billion points of light every second.

By projecting these points of light it creates geometry.

“Geometry that is being rendered is sliced up into hundreds of digital horizontal cross sections before being projected synchronously onto a specially designed high speed reciprocating screen. As the photons of light hit the screen, they are diffused and reform a physical cross sectional image at precisely the right place in physical space. Through persistence of vision, the human eye blends hundreds of layers together, and the result is a true three-dimensional (3D) volumetric holographic representation of data that can be viewed in the same way as one would view a real object, from any angle, and without special effects, goggles or glasses.” - VOXON PHOTONICS

Being a Volumetric 3D display, it has unique interface properties compared to a regular display. The product VX1 has a 360-degree viewing interface. This opens up oppurtunities for unconventional user interface techniques such as using a Leap Motion to project user’s hand on the 3D display.

With the use of such technology an artfrom called Hologlyphics have been explored which combines holography, music, sculpture, etc.  Volumetric movies have also been shown at locations like film festivals, art galleries, etc.

In 1912 Volumetric Displays was first postulated. Such 3D technologies have been a staple of science fiction. But even after a century being passed these displays are still under development. They are not very popular because it is hard to compete with the simplicity of a regular 2D screen.