Abstract: A holographic video display comprises a monochromatic light source, a video signal generator, guided-wave acousto-optic modulators for diffracting light according to signals received from the video signal generator, a vertical scanning subsystem, and an optical path between the acousto-optic modulator and the vertical scanning subsystem. The optical path preferably comprises a Bravais lens system, first and second Fourier transform lens systems, and at least one holographic optical element or stationary mirror of continuous helical shape.

Abstract: A method for generating a pseudo holographic image (11) from a first original image (10) comprising a plurality of first pixels (3) and a second original image (10?) comprising a plurality of second pixels (3?), whereby first image analysis pixels (1) are selected from the plurality of first pixels (3) in a predetermined order, the method of the invention comprising the following steps for each selected image analysis pixel: creating of a first variable, adaptive environment area (2) in the first original image (10) around a first analysis pixel (1), searching for a second environment area in the second original image (10?), said second environment area (2?) correlating with the first environment area (2), determining a second image analysis pixel (1?) in the second environment area (2?), said second image analysis pixel (1?) correlating with the first image analysis pixel (1).

Abstract: A video display includes a light signal generator that generates modulated light signals containing video information propagating along an optical guideway. A light-releasing mechanism releases light from the optical guideway in a timed relationship with the modulation of the light signals. A traveling lens propagates in communication with an optical guideway for guiding light released from the optical guideway into selected directions in a timed relationship with a modulation of the light signals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a digital hologram display device in which the 0th diffraction component is removed for optimizing the reproduction and replay of three-dimensional hologram video data. The present disclosure suggests a digital hologram image display device including a pattern generator generating holography interference patterns; a spatial light modulator receiving the holography interference patterns from the pattern generator and representing the holography interference patterns; a light source positioning at one side of the spatial light modulator and illuminating a reference beam to the spatial light modulator; an optical device controlling the reference beam to be collimated onto the entire surface of the spatial light modulator; and a diffusion sheet disposed between the light source and the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that generate and display a holographic image(s) of a 3-D real or synthetic object scene are presented. A holographic generator component (HGC) partitions a 3-D object scene into a horizontal stack of regularly spaced vertical sub-planes that are each contributed to a respective sub-line. The HGC converts the sequence of sub-lines into a collection of diffraction patterns, which are summed up and interfered with a reference beam to generate the complete hologram, which can be or can approximate a Fresnel hologram. A multi-rate filter is employed to facilitate converting sub-lines to diffraction patterns more quickly. The multi-rate filtering can be realized using convolution in the spatial domain, realized in the frequency domain using a fast Fourier transform, and/or realized in the frequency domain using a graphic processing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a table type bi-directional imaging apparatus, in which left and right viewers located at left and right sides simultaneously view the same picture or different pictures. The table type bi-directional imaging apparatus includes a table case having a table shape; a transparent window formed through the center of the upper surface of the table case; and left and right projectors and left and right imaging plates, having a screen structure, bilaterally symmetrically installed at left and right sides of the inside of the table case. In the table type bi-directional imaging apparatus, left and right projection distances to project pictures on large-sized screens and left and right viewing distances to view clear pictures are provided within an occupation area of a single table. Further, the imaging apparatus has a table structure, and thus does not require the occupation area of a separate table, thereby minimizing an area for installing the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: A high resolution 3-D holographic camera. A reference spot on a target is illuminated by three spatially separated beamlets (simultaneously produced from a single laser beam), producing a lateral shear of a wavefront on the target. The camera measures the resulting reflected speckle intensity pattern which are related the gradient of the interfered complex fields. At the same time a flood beam illuminates the entire target and reflected speckle is also recorded by the same camera to provide the necessary object spatial frequencies. The illumination patterns are sequenced in time, stepping through offset phase shifts to provide data necessary to reconstruct an image of the target from the recorded reflected light. The reference spot phase and amplitude are then reconstructed, and the reference spot's complex field is then digitally interfered with the flood illuminated speckle field by use of a special algorithm.

Abstract: A three dimensional imaging system is disclosed which includes a three dimensional display (12), three-dimensional calibration equipment (16), and one or more two-dimensional (15) or three dimensional (14) image scanners. The three-dimensional display (12) uses optical pulses (32a-32k) and a non linear optical mixer (18) to display a three-dimensional image (17). The three-dimensional image (17) is generated in voxels of the display volume (28) as the optical mixer (18) sweeps the display volume (28). The three-dimensional calibration equipment (16) uses a hologram projected proximal to a desired object (164) to calibrate optical imaging devices (162a-162c) and to simplify the combination of the images from one or more optical imaging devices (162a-162c) into three-dimensional information. The three-dimensional image scanner (14) employs optical pulses (136, 138) and a non-linear optical mixer (128) to acquire three-dimensional images of a desired object (134).

Abstract: A holographic reproduction image processing apparatus includes: a detecting section detecting the luminance of a plurality of pixels in an area of a holographic reproduction image extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction in which the image has luminance variation; and an image processing section correcting the luminance variation according to luminance information supplied from the detecting section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of integrating information, including real-time information, into a virtual thematic environment using a computer system, including accessing the stored information from a database or downloading the real-time information from a source external to the thematic environment; inserting the real-time information into the thematic environment; and displaying the information to a user within the thematic environment. In one embodiment, the computer system is connected to a holographic projection system such that the images from the thematic environment can be projected as holographic projections.

Abstract: The invention is a method for converting a monoscopic video movie passively acquired using a single camera to a stereoscopic video movie. The method comprises generating stereoscopic pairs comprising, for each frame in the original sequence, a transformed original frame selected from the monoscopic video movie and a transformed alternate frame. The transformed frames are generated from the original and the alternate frame.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention include a holography attachment device that is attachable to a digital imaging device to form a holographic microscope. The holography attachment device includes a chamber having at least one attachment mechanism to facilitate attachment of the chamber to a digital imaging device. The holography attachment device also includes a light source and a sample holder section, which is located between a proximate end and the distal end of the chamber. The light source is configured to radiate light within the chamber. The light passes through the sample holder section and impinges on an imaging sensor of a digital imaging device when the chamber is attached to the digital imaging device. The digital imaging device is capable of recording hologram information related to a sample held by the sample holder in the sample holder section.

Abstract: A light shift compensation device of an image composition device for the multicolor holography utilizes a light source provider to emit a beam split into an object beam and a reference beam via a beamsplitting unit. The object beam, shined on a projecting unit, is transformed into an object wave for projecting two-D images of the object on a negative. The reference beam is transformed into a reference wave by a compensating unit to adjust the irradiation angle and thence project on the negative. Interference fringes formed by the object wave and the reference wave projecting on the negative record two-D images of the object on the negative. The two-D images projected by the object wave are separated into the red image, the green image, and the blue image, which are directed to the three fundamental colors. The image of one single color is adopted for being recorded on the negative each time.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that generate and display a multiple view 3-D holographic image (“image”) of a 3-D real or synthetic scene are presented. A projection system captures visual information of the 3-D scene from various perspectives and generates model data to create a 3-D model of the scene. The model data is converted to holographic data, which is respectively portioned corresponding to the respective perspectives of the scene and used to generate and display respective portions of the image on respective display sections. The display sections can be separate display sections corresponding to the various perspectives, or the display sections can be on a single display that is divided into sections for the various perspectives and a 3-D adapter is employed to facilitate display of the image in the display area, wherein reflector components can be used to reflect the portions of the image to the display area.

Abstract: A holographic direct-view display system uses holographic integral imaging techniques that is an auto stereoscopic way to reproduce parallax and occlusion. The display is not resolution limited and is scalable to display life size images if desired. The system can be used to transmit 3D depictions of a scene at video and sub-video rates as well as other information, such as images of documents or computer generated images. The images may be captured, transmitted and displayed in real-time (or near real-time) for telepresence or stored for time-shifted display. The system combines integral holography, a pulsed laser to record the hologram at high speed and a dynamic refreshable holographic material such as a photorefractive polymer as a recording media. The system uses techniques to write, read and erase the updateable hologram that allow the holographic material, hence direct-view display to remain stationary throughout each of the processes for continuous presentation of the hologram to the audience.

Abstract: A pseudo holographic visual effect is produced by acquiring at least two actual images of a subject wherein each image represents a different viewing angle of the single subject. Intermediary images corresponding to other viewing angles of the subject may be extrapolated from the two actual images or two adjacent images if a sufficient number of actual images are not available to create the desired level of resolution. To create the effect, an initial start image is displayed. Computer based sensors or camera images from a camera are then used to determine any movement of the device or user from the initial position at which the initial image was displayed. Once movement is detected or once the position of the viewer is determined, the initial image is replaced with an image that corresponds to the change in the detected viewing angle or with an image that corresponds to the viewing angle of the viewer.

Abstract: A parallax image pickup apparatus for forming a parallax image train by photographing an object from a plurality of directions includes an image pickup unit in which an image pickup device and an image forming optical system are integrated in order to photograph the parallax images of the object; a rotating unit on which the image pickup unit is mounted and which rotates the image pickup unit in a parallax direction; an image pickup unit moving unit for rectilinearly moving the image pickup unit and the rotating unit synchronously with the rotation of the rotating unit; a control unit for controlling so that a virtual image pickup center portion is always located at the center of a photographed image; and a focal distance control unit for continuously changing a focal distance of the image pickup unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a system that manages a volumetric display using volume windows. The volume windows have the typical functions, such as minimize, resize, etc., which operate in a volume. When initiated by an application a volume window is assigned to the application in a volume window data structure. Application data produced by the application is assigned to the windows responsive to which applications are assigned to which windows in the volume window data structure. Input events are assigned to the windows responsive to whether they are spatial or non-spatial. Spatial events are assigned to the window surrounding the event or cursor where a policy resolves situations where more than one window surrounds the cursor. Non-spatial events are assigned to the active or working window.

Abstract: A holographic display device comprising at least one magneto-optical spatial light modulator (MOSLM). The holographic display device may comprise a first MOSLM and a second MOSLM, the first and second MOSLMs encoding a hologram and a holographic reconstruction being generated by the device. An advantage of the device is fast encoding of holograms.

Abstract: A stereoscopic image display method capable of stereoscopic display of a photographed image. One two-dimensional image is selected, and one pixel capable of being viewed from a corresponding viewpoint position is selected from a plurality of pixels. A virtual surface with the selected two-dimensional image pasted thereon is assumed, and the virtual surface is arranged so that an image center point of the two-dimensional image corresponding to a center of an object coincides with a center of a display surface. Next, a virtual extension that extends from the viewpoint position to the virtual surface through the selected pixel is assumed. A color on the two-dimensional image assumed to have been pasted on the virtual surface, corresponding to a point of intersection between the virtual extension and the virtual surface is determined as a display color of the pixel positioned in a direction extending from the pixel to the viewpoint position.

Abstract: In a three-dimensional video display apparatus, accommodation and convergence among physiological characteristics of eyes are abandoned, thereby resulting in generation of unnatural three-dimensional video. For example, even when eyes are moved, a screen is not changed, and a cardboard effect and/or a miniature garden effect may be caused, so that the eyes may be greatly fatigued. Light emission sources 1R, 1G, and 1I, holograms 3R, 3G, and 3I, and a transparent display component 4 are provided, and a plurality of reflectors 6 are formed in the display component 4 so as to be positioned at intersections in a space lattice.

Abstract: Method for real-time rendering and generation of computer-generated video holograms from image data with depth information, where in a first mode a 3D rendering graphics pipeline (3DPL) describes the conversion of a scene into pixelated image data in the form of a two-dimensional projection of the scene and which generates pixel values for the controllable pixels of a monitor. The pipeline is switchably extended such that in a second mode in at least one holographic graphics pipeline (HPL) complex hologram values are generated and a light modulator means (SLM) of a holographic display device (HAE) is encoded with these pixel values, whereby simultaneously or alternatively to the usual graphic representation an incident wave field is modulated by way of controlling the light modulator means (SLM) such that the desired scene is reconstructed through interference in space.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light source configured to provide a path of light and a spatial light modulator located in the path of light and configured to modulate the light source. Relay optics are configured to receive the modulated light from the spatial light modulator and to project a computer generated image to a nominal image plane. The light source is configured to illuminate the spatial light modulator with collimated light.

Abstract: A miniaturized Holographic Fourier transform imaging spectrometer HFTIS, made from simple all-reflective components and with no moving parts, is provided. This HFTIS includes an all-reflective two beam interferometer, which provides two interfering beams; a two-dimensional detector array to detect the interference pattern created by the beams; a computing machine for correcting the distortions in the pattern and calculating the spectrum from the corrected interferogram. The same principle can be used to build spot spectrometers, line-scan imaging spectrometers (also called array spectrometers or line-scan hyperspectral cameras) as well as two-dimensional instantaneous imaging spectrometers (also called staring hyperspectral cameras). In all variants of HFTIS that can be built using this invention, the wave-signal collecting element can also be built of all-reflective components.

Abstract: In-line holography to create images of a specimen, such as one or more particles dispersed in a transparent medium. Analyzing these images with results from light scattering theory yields the particles' sizes with nanometer resolution, their refractive indexes to within one part in a thousand, and their three dimensional positions with nanometer resolution. This procedure can rapidly and directly characterize mechanical, optical and chemical properties of the specimen and its medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for measuring amplitude and phase variations in a spatially coherent beam of light. A beam of coherent light is made incident upon a spatial array of phase modulating elements displaying a pixellated first phase distribution. In a measuring region of said spatial array, the phase distribution is changed to a new value while retaining the first phase distribution outside the measuring region, for example by flashing a single pixel. The change in intensity resulting from the change in phase distribution is then determined.

Abstract: A 3D display device with controllable device for tracking visibility regions is disclosed, and includes a controllable device for tracking a visibility region, generated by way of superposition of light source images, in a observer plane of the display device. In preferred embodiments, the cladding of a waveguide comprises at least one material with optical properties of an anisotropic liquid, or at least two materials with optical properties of an isotropic liquid; a matrix arrangement of control electrodes defines multiple positions to be generated for local exit points in the cladding of the waveguide at which the total reflection is locally cancelled; and a system controller modifies positions of the output coupling points for superposing the output-coupled light through the lens array to the visibility region by displacing an output coupling point, or by switching off one output coupling point and switching on another one.

Abstract: We describe a method of displaying an image holographically using a spatial light modulator (SLM), the SLM having a plurality of pixels, the method including: displaying a diffraction pattern on the pixels of the SLM; and illuminating the pixels such that light diffracted by said diffraction pattern on the SLM pixels includes a content of said displayed image. A variation in brightness of said displayed image across the displayed image is modulated by an intensity envelope determined by the diffraction pattern of an individual said pixel, for example a sinc envelope. The method further includes moving a peak or centre of gravity of the intensity envelope away from a zero order spot and towards a centre of the displayed image by imposing a pattern of phase delay across the SLM pixels, the pattern of phase delay repeating at a spatial interval corresponding to a pixel interval of the SLM.

Abstract: A method and system for performing three-dimensional holographic microscopy of an optically trapped one dimensional structure. The method and system use an inverted optical microscope, a laser source which generates a trapping laser beam wherein the laser beam is focused by an objective lens into a plurality of optical traps. The method and system also use a collimated laser at an imaging wavelength to illuminate the structure created by the optical traps. Imaging light scattered by the optically tapped structure forms normalized intensity holograms that are imaged by a video camera and analyzed by optical formalisms to determine light field to reconstruct 3-D images for analysis and evaluation.

Abstract: An image display device using a one-dimensional hologram is disclosed. The image display device includes a light deflection unit which deflects a parallel light ray and adjusts the incident angle of a reconstructing light in sequence, and a one-dimensional hologram optical modulator which reproduces the entire picture by updating each lineal picture in sequence. A one-dimensional hologram is capable of expressing one lineal picture at one time with single axes data. The one-dimensional hologram is updated in synchronization with the incident reproducing light. The input data for a one-dimensional hologram may be computed by an optical calculation method.

Abstract: An electroholographic display system (500) includes a coherent light source (130) adapted to produce a coherent, collimated light beam, a spatial light modulator (SLM) (120) adapted to modulate the light beam, an optical unit (350, 450) in an optical path between the SLM (120) and the image plane (580) where a holographic image is projected. The optical unit (350, 450), which may include a pair of convex lenses (460, 470), operates to effectively decrease the pitch (220) of the pixels (210) of the SLM (120). This allows the electroholographic display system (500) to exhibit a desired range of diffraction even when it includes an SLM (120) whose pixel pitch (220) is larger than would otherwise be required for the desired diffraction range.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of mounting devices for audio and visual components, and more specifically to an apparatus for displaying associative images and maximizing their cognitive effect on a user.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light source configured to provide a path of light and a spatial light modulator located in the path of light and configured to modulate the light source. Relay optics are configured to receive the modulated light from the spatial light modulator and to project a computer generated image to a nominal image plane. The light source is configured to illuminate the spatial light modulator with collimated light.

Abstract: A holographic reconstruction system is disclosed for the three-dimensional reconstruction of object light spots of a scene, comprising spatial light modulation means which modulate interference-capable light waves of illumination means with at least one video hologram, and optical focussing means which focus the modulated light waves with the reconstructed object light spots for at least one eye position of the observer's eyes. An electro-optical deflection means controlled by a system controller focuses the modulated light wave with the reconstructed object light spots on at least one eye position and tracks them when the eye position changes. The electro-optical deflection means is a controllable optical diffraction grating with a variable surface relief structure consisting of separately controllable microcells.

Abstract: A method and a device enable the creation of three-dimensional images with more than two perspectives (e.g. pseudo-holographic images), especially to be reproduced with the aid of an autostereoscopic display or an autostereoscopic screen, from fed images having, in particular, only two perspectives, e.g., a left and a right image channel. Also, a related device creates and reproduces three-dimensional images having more than two perspectives, especially in the form of an autostereoscopic multi-user visualization system.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel 3-D optical imaging system based on active stereo vision and motion tracking for to tracking the motion of patient and for registering the time-sequenced images of suspicious lesions recorded during endoscopic or colposcopic examinations. The system quantifies the acetic acid induced optical signals associated with early cancer development. The system includes at least one illuminating light source for generating light illuminating a portion of an object, at least one structured light source for projecting a structured light pattern on the portion of the object, at least one camera for imaging the portion of the object and the structured light pattern, and means for generating a quantitative measurement of an acetic acid-induced change of the portion of the object.

Abstract: A holographic reconstruction system having spatial light modulators, an eye finder and a position control orients a propagating spatially modulated light wave field toward at least one eye position of an observer's eye, thereby reconstructing a scene in a three-dimensional manner and tracking the same during a position change of the eye position. Through Unobstructed lateral and axial movement of the observer head to arbitrary eye positions in a tracking region is enabled. The use of additional, planar optical components, which bring about optical aberrations during a position change of observer eyes, are prevented.

Abstract: Holographic display with which voice and holographic image over internet protocol (VHIOIP) services or communications are provided.

Abstract: An analytical method for computing a video hologram for a holographic reproduction device having at least one light modulation means is disclosed, wherein a scene split into object points is encoded as a whole hologram and can be seen as a reconstruction from a visibility region, located within a periodicity interval of the reconstruction. The visibility region, together with each object point of the scene to be reconstructed, defines a subhologram and the whole hologram is generated from a superposition of subholograms, wherein the complex hologram values of a subhologram are determined from the wave front of the respective object point to be reconstructed in a modulator region of the light modulation means, by calculating and evaluating the transmission or modulation functions of an imaging element formed in the modulator region. The object point to be reconstructed is located in the focal point of the imaging element.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for an object using a representational image, positioning the object at a predetermined position relative to the representational image, illuminating the representational image, presenting information from the representational image to an operator, at least one of controlling the illuminating of the representational image and presenting of information from the representational image to an operator, using a processing arrangement, and processing the object using the information obtained from the representational image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display system provides a projection screen having a predetermined angularly-responsive reflective surface function. Three-dimensional images are respectively modulated in coordination with the predetermined angularly-responsive reflective surface function to define a programmable mirror with a programmable deflection angle.

Abstract: A 3D content generation system comprising a content generating party that generates 2D content and sends that content to a remote intermediary. The remote intermediary processes the content to facilitate subsequent holographic reconstruction and sends the processed content to a holographic display device which locally generates a 3D holographic reconstruction of the content. An advantage is that 2D content may be processed remotely to provide 3D holographic content.

Abstract: A holographic projection system with a display screen and an optical wave tracking means for controlling the direction of propagation of a modulated wave uses a position controller and an eye finder. An extremely wide tracking range is realised in the projection system for simultaneous viewing of the reconstruction by multiple observers, which are situated beside one another. The reconstruction of the scene is reconstructed for each eye position of an observer such that the entire scene is visible in the visibility region in a large tracking range with minimal errors. The projection system reconstructs the scene with the help of modulated partial waves. Projection means direct these partial waves with separately holographically reconstructed segments of the scene at the desired eye position through a structure of screen segments which are at least horizontally staggered on the display screen.

Abstract: A mobile telephony system comprising a calling party mobile telephone with an imaging system and a display. The imaging system is operable to capture an image of the calling party. The calling party mobile telephone sends an image of the calling party to a called party mobile telephone over a wireless link, and the called party mobile telephone locally generates a holographic reconstruction of the calling party using a holographic display that is encoded with a hologram. An advantage is that a mobile telephone call may be held in which one party views a holographic reconstruction of the other party.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holographic reconstruction system for the reconstruction of scenes having at least one video hologram modulated wave front, and an enlarged visibility region. The system utilizes two-dimensional coded light modulator cells of spatial light modulation means and optical focusing means, which realize a Fourier transformation of the modulated wave front in their focal plane. First optical deflection means deflect the parallel disposed partial light waves such that their Fourier transformations appear as cascading in the focal plane. A spatial frequency filter located on the focal plane, lets each of the same diffraction orders of all modulated partial light waves pass, and second optical deflection means arrange the wave front strips next to each other at the modulated wave front, which reconstructs the scene.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface and circuit arrangement, in particular for transmitting digital image data to at least one holographic encoding unit (HEU), which generates complex hologram values from image data containing depth information and/or encodes the pixel values for controlling at least one light modulator element of a holographic reproduction device. The invention is characterised in that the interface transmits the depth map of the image data and the colour map of said image data separately via transmission means (L1, L2) and communication protocols, said depth map comprising the depth information and the colour map the colour information of scanned images in an image sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to method, computer program code and signal processing/image display systems for displaying one or more images using holographic techniques. We describe a method of generating data for displaying an image defined by displayed image data using a plurality of holographically generated temporal subframes, the temporal subframes being displayed sequentially in time such that they are perceived as a single noise-reduced image. The method includes generating from the displayed image data holographic data for each subframe of said set of subframes such that successive replay of holograms defined by said holographic data for said subframes gives the appearance of said image, and wherein the method further includes, when generating said holographic data for a said subframe, compensating for noise in said displayed image arising from one or more previous subframes of said sequence of holographically generated subframes.

Abstract: A method capable of converting motion image data, which is captured in an ordinary way without intending to produce parallax image printed matter, to data that can be printed as parallax image printed matter is provided. The method includes the steps of specifying at least one frame as a reference frame from a plurality of frames constituting the motion image data, and setting a point-of-regard on an object in the reference frame, calculating an amount of movement of the point-of-regard using a relation between the point-of-regard in the reference frame and a point corresponding thereto in another frame, obtaining a motion compensation amount for each frame based on this amount of movement thereof, and executing a motion compensation processing for the motion image data based on the motion compensation amount, thereby converting the motion image data to parallax image data.

Abstract: Characterization of hologram elements (hogels) produced using specially designed test pattern images provides more accurate information that can be used to render images for use in hogel production. Once a test pattern is selected, one or more hogels are recorded in a holographic recording material using a spatial light modulator displaying the test pattern image. Recorded hogels can then be played back to produce an image of the test pattern. Characterization of this image yields information that is used to select angles used to render oblique parallel projections of a computer graphics scene. The rendered projections are then used to record hogels that will produce images with reduced distortion.

Abstract: An image capture system for a digital holographic printer is disclosed comprising a digital camera (22) having a relatively small horizontal field of view (29). The camera (22) is translated along a rail (21). As the camera (22) is translated along the rail (21) the camera (22) is also rotated so that it faces a target point of an object which is to be reproduced as an hologram. The image data which is obtained by the camera (22) is converted into image data which corresponds with image data which would have been obtained had a non-rotating camera having a substantially higher horizontal field of view been translated along the rail (21) and been used to capture images of the object.