Display Technology: Stereo & 3D Display Technologies

Recently there have been rapid advancements in 3D techniques and technologies. Hardware has both improved and become considerably cheaper, making real-time and interactive 3D available to the hobbyist, as well as to the researcher. There have been major studies in such areas as molecular modeling, photogrammetry, flight simulation, CAD, visualization of multidimensional data, medical imaging, tele-operations such as remote vehicle piloting and remote surgery, and stereolithography. In computer graphics, the improvements in speed, resolution, and economy make interactive stereo an important capability. Old techniques have been improved, and new ones have been developed. True 3D is rapidly becoming an important part of computer graphics, visualization, virtual-reality systems, and computer gaming. Numerous 3D systems are granted patents each year, but very few systems move beyond the prototype stage and become commercially viable. Here we treat the salient 3D systems.