Abstract

A system in which a three-dimensional image of an object is stored in a data input device in the form of a family of points each defined by digital data representing the x-y-z Cartesian coordinates of the point. Digital signals derived from the data input device are applied through a digital interface to an electronic display on whose face is presented a two-dimensional image of the object constituted by pixels, the positions of which correspond to the x-y coordinates in the family of points. The interface functions to selectively activate each pixel to render it luminous. The selectively-activated luminous pixels are projected into a model space by a lens which is driven to rotate at a constant rate on an axle that is normal to the optical axis of the lens and is parallel to the display face whereby the angle of the lens relative to the face undergoes continuous change. Associated with the driven lens is a sensor that yields a reference pulse each time the lens is at a predetermined angle in the course of a revolution. The interface acts in response to the reference pulse to compute the changing angles assumed by the lens in the course of each revolution to produce lens-angle signals, and the interface processes the x-y-z digital data signals received from the input device in relation to the computed lens-angle signals to cause activation of the related pixel in the display at the instant at which the lens angle is such as to project a luminous dot or dixel in the model space at a location in accordance with the z-coordinate whereby rotation on the lens results in a family of luminous dixels in the model space to create a three-dimensional spatial image of the stored object.

Other References

• Fisher, R. C., "Vibrating Display Unit", IBM Tech. Discl. Bulletin, vol. 22, No. 1, Jun. 1979, pp. 6-8