Abstract: A volumetric, 3-D image is produced by moving a small number of 1-dimensional light arrays such that virtually all points of a desired volume have at least one light pass through them within the refresh time of the human eye. The motion of the lights consists of two simultaneous motion cycles that are substantially orthogonal to each other, with one being faster than the other. Proper control of the lights thus allows images to be produced within the volume. Each light element may be composed of a collection of smaller, directional lights, each pointed in a different direction. In such case, the lights may be controlled in a manner that permits each viewer of the volumetric image to only see a variant of that image properly hidden-line removed for his or her particular viewpoint. The display can thus produce volumetric images appearing appropriately hidden-line removed from multiple viewpoints simultaneously.

Abstract: The device is a volumetric, stage-type three-dimensional display. It produces three dimensional images inside of a cylindrical or spherical volume that can be viewed from a very wide range of viewpoints. The images produced are also be able to be made to appear as if the hidden lines have been removed with respect to virtually all viewpoints—essentially making the three-dimensional image appear opaque to viewers at any viewpoint.