Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for producing and displaying a one-step, edge-lit hologram. For production, an object beam and an edge-lit reference beam are directed at holographic recording material and to interfere with one another. The holographic recording material and the object beam and edge-lit reference beam are then translated with respect to one another. The translation successively exposes multiple portions of the holographic recording material to the interference of the object beam and the edge-lit reference beam to record an edge-lit hologram on the holographic recording material. In one embodiment, the holographic recording material is moved while the object beam and the edge-lit reference beam remain generally stationary. In another embodiment, the object beam and the edge-lit reference beam move in unison with each other while the holographic recording material remains generally stationary.

Abstract: An isotropic, direction and point parameterization (DPP) light-field model is used for rendering graphics images in a hologram production system. Using the DPP light-field models can reduce image artifacts, reduce oversampling, decrease rendering time, and decrease data storage requirements.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to replace complex fast cylindrical lens (FCL) systems used for producing one-step horizontal parallax only holographic sterograms. A substantially monochromatic fast cylindrical lens is combined with chromatic corrector optics and image scaling performed in conjunction with spatial light modulators (SLMs) in order to avoid the use of an anchromatic FCL.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting the polarization of one or more recording laser beams can correct (in whole or in part) for the changes in the polarization of the recording laser beam(s) caused by changes in the dominant polarization direction within the film substrates used for recording holograms. Using information about the dominant polarization direction of portions of holographic film substrate, a polarization adjusting device can be used to adjust the polarization of the recording laser beam(s) to compensate for the effects that changes in the dominant polarization direction of the holographic film substrate have on the recording laser beam(s) and thus the recorded hologram.

Abstract: A system for illumination of a hologram includes a deflection mirror to direct light from a moving light source to illuminate the hologram, and a heliostat for tracking the moving light source and positioning the deflection mirror to direct light therefrom to illuminate the hologram. Such as system is optimized for illuminating outdoor holographic displays while still providing a desirable light source and illumination angle, and doing so efficiently and at low cost.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for producing and displaying a one-step, edge-lit hologram. For production, an object beam and an edge-lit reference beam are directed at holographic recording material and to interfere with one another. The holographic recording material and the object beam and edge-lit reference beam are then translated with respect to one another. The translation successively exposes multiple portions of the holographic recording material to the interference of the object beam and the edge-lit reference beam to record an edge-lit hologram on the holographic recording material. In one embodiment, the holographic recording material is moved while the object beam and the edge-lit reference beam remain generally stationary. In another embodiment, the object beam and the edge-lit reference beam move in unison with each other while the holographic recording material remains generally stationary.

Abstract: A system and method to divert a reference beam from intersecting with a diffuser disposed adjacent to a holographic recording material for recording a hologram. The invention includes a thin holographic deflector designed to deflect the reference beam away from the diffuser and to prevent the reference beam's passage and impingement onto the diffuser surface. The holographic deflector is designed to deflect only light impinging on it from the particular angle that the reference beam strikes the holographic recording material, and to transmit nearly all other light striking it. The deflector eliminates artifacts from the resulting hologram introduced by the reflected reference beam, while allowing the diffuser to be placed very close to the holographic material.

Abstract: A method of rendering image data for full parallax autostereoscopic displays. The method is based on a double frustrum camera technique, where two cameras provide image data from opposing sides of an image plane. The near clipping plane is located on the image plane. The distance between the near clipping plane and the eyepoint of the camera frustra is adjusted to minimize or avoid clipping.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and devices for creating and printing variable size and variable resolution holographic stereograms and holographic optical elements using computer rendered images of three-dimensional computer models or using computer processed images. The present invention is an apparatus and method for printing one-step, full-color, full-parallax holographic stereograms utilizing a reference beam-steering system that allows a reference beam to expose a holographic recording material from different angles. More particularly, a coherent beam is split into object and reference beams. The object beam passes through an object beam unit in which a rendered image is displayed, while the reference beam passes through the reference beam-steering system. The object and reference beams interfere with each other at an elemental hologram on a holographic recording material.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a composite display that includes at least one static three dimensional holographic image, and dynamic and/or static two dimensional images. An object hologram includes a three-dimensional object image. A silhouette hologram includes a silhouette image of the object, and can include a diffusion screen. The object hologram overlays the silhouette hologram with the object image substantially aligned with the silhouette image. Static and/or dynamic images can be projected on the diffusion screen or alternative background, forming a composite image that includes dynamic and/or static two-dimensional imagery combined with the static three-dimensional object image. The silhouette image thus provides a background for viewing the object image and occludes the two-dimensional imagery from the view of the object image.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for displaying large, continuous, autostereoscopic images. The present invention overcomes the size limitation of typical aulostereoscopic images by recording a continuous, autostereoscopic image onto separate sheets or segments of recording material, mounting the recorded segments to separate tiles, and then displaying the tiles to display a continuous, autostereoscopic image. Although the autostereoscopic image display of the present invention is comprised of separate segments, the present invention offers viewers of the display a unitary visual impression of a large, autostereoscopic image without apparent discontinuities. In one broad aspect, the present invention provides a system for easily displaying segments of recording material to form a large, continuous, autostereoscopic image. The display can be disassembled into components that are light, compact, easily transportable, and easily storable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for replicating a hologram. The apparatus comprises an assembly operable to position a hologram in proximity to holographic recording material. The apparatus further comprises a beam steering unit operable to direct a beam at component portions of the hologram to replicate the component portions onto a holographic recording material. The beam steering unit is further operable to enable independently variable angles of incidence at which the beam strikes each component portion.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for displaying large, continuous, autostereoscopic images. The present invention overcomes the size limitation of typical autostereoscopic images by recording a continuous, autostereoscopic image onto separate sheets or segments of recording material, mounting the recorded segments to separate tiles, and then displaying the tiles to display a continuous, autostereoscopic image. Although the autostereoscopic image display of the present invention is comprised of separate segments, the present invention offers viewers of the display a unitary visual impression of a large, autostereoscopic image without apparent discontinuities.In one broad aspect, the present invention provides a system for easily displaying segments of recording material to form a large, continuous, autostereoscopic image. The display can be disassembled into components that are light, compact, easily transportable, and easily storable.