Volumetric display by Michel David via Hackaday

This document propose is to describe the working principle and apparatus for a new type of volumetric displays. Using new sets of geometrical assumptions and open source building methods, these volumetric displays are simpler and cheaper to construct, therefore highly potential to contribute to the widespread of volumetric displays in the upcoming future.

This volumetric display is of the “volume sweeping” type, using a rotating Helicoidal projection surface. There are similar systems described both in patents and operational devices, like the Felix 3D Display or US patent 5,854,613 (Laser based 3D volumetric display system) using a variety of helicoids for projections. In this volumetric display a double helicoid projection surface was chosen for its structural stability and balance properties.

Unlike other systems this helicoid is built from a light weight textile, stretched on metal wire-frame to create the helicoid shape. The usage of light textile material facilitate the devices mechanics and reduces vibrations and noises. It enable to use the device without a protective screen (typically made from acrylic glass) and still maintain proper safety for the user. It is important to notice that protective screens are problematic dew to their tendency to reflect light and so contaminate the optical output of the device.