Stereoscopic display techniques are based on the principle of displaying two views, with a slightly different perspective, in such a way that the left eye views only by the left eye, and the right eye views only by the right eye. However, one of the major challenges in optical devices is crosstalk between the two channels. Crosstalk is due to the optical devices not completely blocking the wrong-side image, so the left eye sees a little bit of the right image and the right eye sees a little bit of the left image. This results in eyestrain and headaches.
A pair of interference filters worn as an optical device can solve the problem. The device consists of a pair of multiband bandpass filters that are conjugated. The term “conjugated” describes the passband regions of one filter not overlapping with those of the other, but the regions are interdigitated. Along with the glasses, a 3D display produces colors composed of primary colors (basis for producing colors) having the spectral bands the same as the passbands of the filters. More specifically, the primary colors producing one viewpoint will be made up of the passbands of one filter, and those of the other viewpoint will be made up of the passbands of the conjugated filter. Thus, the primary colors of one filter would be seen by the eye that has the matching multiband filter. The inherent characteristic of the interference filter will allow little or no transmission of the wrong side of the stereoscopic images.
This work was done by Youngsam Bae and Victor E. White of Caltech, and Kirill Shcheglov of SBC Global for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-47578
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
3D Display Using Conjugated Multiband Bandpass Filters
(reference NPO-47578) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document titled "3D Display Using Conjugated Multiband Bandpass Filters" from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory outlines a novel approach to 3D display technology utilizing conjugated multiband bandpass filters (CMBF). This innovation aims to enhance the viewing experience of stereoscopic images by directing distinct images to each eye, thereby minimizing crosstalk—a common issue with conventional optical glasses that can lead to eye strain and headaches.
The document describes the technical framework of the CMBF system, which employs a pair of multiband bandpass filters that interdigitate their passband regions. This design allows for effective separation of the images viewed by each eye, resulting in a clearer and more comfortable 3D experience. The use of these filters is particularly advantageous in applications such as the Mars Exploration Rover missions, where geologists require accurate 3D visualizations of Martian terrain.
The document also discusses the current state of development for this technology, indicating that while the theoretical framework and initial testing have shown promising results—such as achieving a contrast ratio greater than 1000:1—actual fabrication of the 3D display has not yet been completed. Further development is necessary to bring this technology to market.
Potential applications for the CMBF technology are extensive, including 3D projectors, televisions, and gaming systems, which could significantly enhance the entertainment industry. The document emphasizes that this innovation is readily applicable to existing markets, suggesting a strong commercial viability.
Additionally, the document notes that the technology could improve upon existing government applications that utilize similar 3D display technologies, thereby providing a competitive edge in both commercial and governmental sectors.
In summary, the NASA Technical Support Package presents a cutting-edge advancement in 3D display technology through the use of conjugated multiband bandpass filters, highlighting its potential to revolutionize how 3D images are viewed across various industries while addressing common issues associated with traditional 3D viewing methods.
