Stereoscopic Display Using Rapid Varifocal Mirror Oscillations

Abstract

A dynamic volumetric display technique is described in which a vibrating membrane mirror is used in conjunction with an appropriate two-dimensional pattern generator. The mirror can be driven electrostatically or by a loudspeaker and causes the virtual image of the pattern surface to sweep out a volume of image space. The two-dimensional pattern is a repetitively time-varying one and can be generated by stroboscopic optical projection, by a computer, or other means. The volumetric figures which were generated include a simulated air traffic control situation display and a mathematical surface.