Abstract: A method and system for the processing, compressing, streaming, efficient transmission, and interactive rendering of 3d color image data are presented. A 3d color image is defined as a collection of 3d xyz locations that possess red-green-blue (RGB) color components just as a conventional 2d color image is a set of 2d xy locations (pixel centers) that possess RGB color components. One major difference is that 2d color images are generally dense and specifically organized on a 2d pixel grid where 3d color images are generally sparse and not organized on a dense-voxel grid in their raw data formats. The described method uses 3d sampling techniques and view-dependent point-size rendering algorithms to provide real-time interactive displays of complex textured 3d objects and scenes without the use of specialized texture mapping support for polygons within 3d graphic display systems.

Abstract: A rangefinder is incorporated into a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. A pair of holographic images, one including a distance-measuring scale and the other including a pointer, are projected separately into the eyes of a user, such that the images become superimposed over the user's field of view. As the user focuses on a distant object, the user's eyes move, and such movement causes the apparent position of the pointer, relative to the scale, to change. When the user has focused on the object, the pointer indicates a value which represents the distance of the object. The rangefinder can be used by golfers, hunters, surveyors, or the like, to provide a hands-free method of measuring distance.

Abstract: A method and system for the processing, compressing, streaming, efficient transmission, and interactive rendering of 3d color image data are presented. A 3d color image is defined as a collection of 3d xyz locations that possess red-green-blue (RGB) color components just as a conventional 2d color image is a set of 2d xy locations (pixel centers) that possess RGB color components. One major difference is that 2d color images are generally dense and specifically organized on a 2d pixel grid where 3d color images are generally sparse and not organized on a dense-voxel grid in their raw data formats. The described method uses 3d sampling techniques and view-dependent point-size rendering algorithms to provide real-time interactive displays of complex textured 3d objects and scenes without the use of specialized texture mapping support for polygons within 3d graphic display systems.