The VIZTA3D volumetric monitor contains two main components: the DLP projector and a multi-planar optical element. The multi-planar optical element can be thought of as a "volume screen." It consists of 20 LCD scattering cells arranged in a stack that is physically 4 inches thick. Each scattering cell is normally transparent, but when electrically activated, it becomes a scattering surface so that the projected image becomes visible at this surface or depth level. By carefully controlling the sequencing of the 3-D images to these scattering surfaces, a 3-D volumetric display is created that has real depth - all without glasses. The display also creates parallax, or the ability to look around an object.

In terms of voxels, or volume pixels, the Z 20|20 can produce 1024 x 748 x 20 (15.3M) physical voxels. But the company has gone much further with its algorithm development. By analyzing the data between each image slice, it can create 32 additional interpolated slices. This allows the gradual transition of the image between adjacent scattering cells instead of images at discrete distances. The effect is a smoothing of the image to create a more naturally looking volume display. As a result, one could argue that there are 1024 x 748 x 20 x 32 (489.6M) apparent voxels.

These additional interpolated voxels work very well and definitely improve the image quality. Not only does the image flow smoothly in depth, but the created image appears to have much more depth than the physical 4-inch stack of LCD cells would suggest.

The company has modified the DLP drive electronics so that the mirror array can be updated at 1000 bit-planes per second. 3-D data, such as CT or MRI images, are processed to output to the 20 scattering surfaces and the 32 interpolated bit planes. Altogether, the entire display is updated at a 50Hz frame rate with a 15-bit color depth. Brightness is 120 nits, contrast is running at 360:1, and the color temperature is 5700K. The viewing angle for the display is 80 x 80 degrees and a 500W Cermax lamp powers the unit. Displayed data can be manipulated in real time using conventional or 3-D mice.

If these image quality specs were applied to a normal flat-panel display, they would not be impressive at all, but considering they are applied to a multi-layer display, they are clearly pressing the state-of-the-art today. But improvements can be made and will likely be needed to bring the product up to commercial standards.
For example, the color depth will need to increase to at least 20 bits and frame rate should move to 60Hz. Contrast and brightness should be increased a bit, as well as improving the color depth and white point. Audible noise is a high too at 57 dB. However, given the progress to date, these seem like obtainable goals with some additional effort.

It is also important to note that many data sources can be used with this display. Volumetric data like CT or MRI slice image works very well using the company's VOXscape software. The VIZTA3D Interceptor software program automatically "intercepts" OpenGL data, the standard 3-D graphics protocol, enabling true 3-D visualization of images from applications like CATIA, Pro/ENGINEER, DS ViewerPro and others. Manipulation of data can be done in real time.

VIZTA3D plans to begin installing its 3-D volumetric monitors in a series of beta test sites as the new batch of units are built over the next four months. National Labs, universities performing medial image research, and agencies involved in 3-D baggage scanning are priority targets. The company will offer the 20|20 monitors for $65K, or through a lease-to-buy program, figuring users will not want to give them up once they start to work with them. We believe it.

VIZTA3D, Jeffrey Kiesel, (203) 229-2102, jkiesel@VIZTA3D.com