Direct volumetric visualization

The need for true 3D volumetric displays derives from the fact that the human visual system has evolved to perceive and comprehend the world in three dimensions. The Texas Instruments OmniView™ display technology provides the capability to display computer graphics images in true 3D. Viewers can see the display from all angles and change views simply by walking around the display volume. The OmniView™; device uses lasers of three different colors to project images on a moving surface sweeping through the 3D cylindrical display volume. The concept of operations is discussed, along with some details of the moving surface and parameters of the resulting display. The transport theory for this type of display involves only the source term in the linear Boltzmann equation. Constraints of the technology imposed by this limitation are discussed, along with discussions of image quality, current applications, and plans for improved devices.