Abstract: A real-time three-dimensional display device particularly suited for medical imaging is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of individual processing elements each having an image memory for storing a mini-image of a portion of the object as viewed from any given direction and a merge control means for generating a combined image of the object including the depth thereof by selection on a pixel-by-pixel basis from each of the mini-images. In two different embodiments, priority codes are assigned to each of the processing elements reflecting the relative significance of a given pixel of the mini-image produced by a given processing element as compared to the pixels of mini-images produced by other processing elements. In one embodiment, the combined image is generated in accordance with the priority codes. In another embodiment, a Z buffer is used to provide for hidden surface removal on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 3, 1985
Date of Patent:
April 12, 1988
Assignee:
Dynamic Digital Displays, Inc.
Inventors:
Samuel M. Goldwasser, David A. Talton, R. Anthony Reynolds, Theodore A. Bapty