Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 18
3D Holoscopic Imaging Technology for Real-
Time Volume Processing and Display
Amar Aggoun
*
Abstract.
3D holoscopic imaging is employed as part of a three-dimensional im-
aging system, allowing the display of full colour images with continuous parallax
within a wide viewing zone. A review of the 3D holoscopic imaging technology
from the point of view optical systems and 3D image processing including 3D im-
age coding, depth map computation and computer generated graphics is discussed.
1 Background
Content creators always look for new forms and ways for improving their content
and adding new sensations to the viewing experience. High Definition video has
been the latest innovation in the area of content enrichment. 3D is the next single
greatest innovation in film-making. There has been a trend in cinema in producing
films with 3D enriched content such the latest animated adventure film “Beowulf”.
Many different approaches have been adopted in attempts to realise free view-
ing 3D displays [1, 2]. Several groups [3, 4] have demonstrated stereoscopic 3D
displays, which work on the principle of presenting multiple images to the viewer
by use of temporal or spatial multiplexing of several discrete viewpoints to the
eyes. This is achieved using either colour, polarisation or time separation tech-
niques requiring special glasses or by creating separate optical paths to provide di-
rectional selectivity in respect of the viewed images. Some sophisticated systems
additionally provide eye-tracking capability to allow the viewer to move position.
Considerable effort has been invested in providing electronic stereoscopic displays
suitable for entertainment and NHK Japan and Sony demonstrated a stereoscopic
TV system using both 2 and 6 views in the early 1990's. Since this time autos-
tereoscopic 3D displays are now being launched on the market by several compa-
nies worldwide such as Philips and Sharp, for use in niche applications. Multiview
autostereoscopic content is captured using several cameras which renders 3D auto-
stereoscopic video production very difficult. More recently, a combination of
Amar Aggoun
School of Engineering and Design, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, (UK)
email:
amar.aggoun@brunel.ac.uk
