Three-dimensional image projection with aspects-focused-in-spots display

A new method of 3-D image projection is considered. The recording of the image includes two steps and is performed with the help of conventional photographic methods. At the first stage of the recording the set of aspects of a 3-D scene is registered. At the second stage the set of aspects is transformed into a set of so-called subaspects. At the stage of projection the subaspects are transilluminated by a laser beam that is focused in spot. The beam scans the screen and as a result the matrix of luminous spots is formed. It is shown that when viewing such a matrix, the spectator sees on the screen a two-dimensional image of the scene. When the point of observation is changed, the configuration of the image represented on the screen is changed, too, simulating the changes of the aspects of the scene which take place when viewing a real 3-D object. As a result, the spectator has got the illusion of the 3-D character of the projected image. It is mentioned that the process of scanning the screen by the set of aspects focused in spots is equivalent to simultaneous scanning of the screen by a set of independent thin beams of light, a special "own" aspect being projected on the screen by each beam of light. The version of the display that reproduces the horizontal parallax only is considered. It is shown that the viewing zone should be stretched in this case in the vertical direction with a help of a one-dimensional diffusing screen. The case when the scanning beam is controlled by a conventional TV signal is analyzed. It is shown that the display is compatible with existing TV systems. An experiment on modelling the display that reproduces the horizontal parallaxes of a 3-D scene only was carried out. A photograph of a speckle pattern which was formed by a diffusing luminous line was used as a one-dimensional diffusing screen. Some data on the chemical treatment of this photograph are presented. The experiment has shown that while stretching the viewing zone in the vertical direction, such a screen practically does not impair the quality of the image of the aspect projected through the screen. The experiment has also confirmed the possibility of the complete elimination of the speckle structure of the projected image by giving small circular movements to the screen.