Abstract: Holographic stereograms and holographic optical elements are printed using computer rendered images of 3D computer models or processed images. Printing of one-step, full-color, full-parallax holographic stereograms uses a reference beam-steering system to expose a holographic recording material from different angles by a reference beam. A coherent beam is split into object and reference beams that interfere with each other at an elemental hologram on a holographic recording material. A voxel-control lens can be placed in the path of the object beam and in close proximity to the holographic recording material to control resolution of a holographic stereogram. Interchangable band-limited diffusers and reference-beam masking plates, and viewing zone techniques can be used in the rendering process.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for creating and printing holographic stereograms and holographic optical elements using computer rendered images or using computer processed images. Various embodiments of the system may utilize interchangeable band-limited diffusers and reference-beam masking plates.

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: Methods and devices for creating and printing variable size and variable resolution holographic stereograms and holographic optical elements can generate one-step, full-color, full-parallax holographic stereograms using a reference beam-steering system that allows a reference beam to expose a holographic recording material from different angles. One method includes selecting, for each of a plurality of viewing zones, a respective scene; generating a computer model of each scene; and determining, for each of a plurality of elemental holograms for a holographic stereogram, viewing zone mask volumes. For each elemental hologram and for each viewing zone mask volume, an image is rendered of the selected scene enclosed by the viewing zone mask volume. The rendering is based at least in part on the computer model of the selected scene. After the rendering is complete for each of the viewing zone mask volumes, a composite rendered image is generated for the elemental holograms.

Abstract: Holographic stereograms and holographic optical elements are printed using computer rendered images of three-dimensional computer models or using computer processed images. A coherent beam is split into object and reference beams that interfere with each other at an elemental hologram on a holographic recording material. A voxel-control lens placed in the path of the object beam and in close proximity to the holographic recording material can be used to control the resolution of a holographic stereogram. Interchangable band-limited diffusers and reference-beam masking plates can assist exposure of the elemental hologram and avoid exposing portions of the holographic recording material that are not part of the elemental hologram.

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 distributed system for producing holographic stereograms (holograms). A data acquisition station is typically remote from image processing, printing, and replicating stations. The data acquisition station is designed to maximize customer convenience, and may be the customer's own personal computer. The data acquisition station is further designed to accept a wide variety of source data and to perform whatever processing is required to deliver image data to the image processing station in an acceptable format. The data acquisition station further has processing capability to display preview images, which may be assembled by programming executing at the data acquisition station or downloaded from a server.

Abstract: A distributed system for producing holographic stereograms (holograms). A data acquisition station is typically remote from image processing, printing, and replicating stations. The data acquisition station is designed to maximize customer convenience, and may be the customer's own personal computer. The data acquisition station is further designed to accept a wide variety of source data and to perform whatever processing is required to deliver image data to the image processing station in an acceptable format. The data acquisition station further has processing capability to display preview images, which may be assembled by programming executing at the data acquisition station or downloaded from a server.

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: 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: 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.