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A Novel 3D Volumetric Display Device Based on NI Single-Board RIO

"The NI Single-Board RIO platform provides the ideal driver for our LEDsbecause of its inherent integration with the LabVIEW programmingenvironment empowered with its dataflow approach, which undoubtedlyhelps us quickly implement the different control algorithms, DSP add-ons,and acquisition entries."- Youness Lahdili, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Author(s):Youness Lahdili - Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

The real world is 3D, so consumers are increasingly fascinated by the recent 3D experiences engineered by electroniccompanies, but there is still more room for improvement. In line with that, we propose a unique way of displaying true in-motion3D images based on the human eye’s persistence of vision. The 3D image is formed by illuminating a rapidly moving displayplate surface.

This is sometimes referred to as a swept volume display. Persistence of vision is the phenomenon by which an afterimage isthought to persist for approximately 1/25 of a second on the eye retina. This gives us an idea of the envisioned speed of therotating motor used which is around 2000 rpm or the usual speed of a typical PC fan motor.

The 3D solids can be assimilated by the human eye as a seamless color cloud hanging amid translucent free space and visibleto the whole field of viewers without visual aid of any sort, which makes our device an “autostereoscopic” display.

Overview of Our TechniquesThe core of our display device is the laterally rotating rectangular plate that sweeps a cylindrical volume at each revolution. Thedesired vertical rotation is at an angular speed that tricks the human eye into perceiving a transparent hollow cylindrical volume.The plate consists of an array of RGB LEDs along the surface of the plate that are addressable and independently driven by theNI Single-Board RIO device. When the device is off, the LED appears to be transparent. When it is on, the LED is opaque orluminous. When the plate is rotating, the LEDs are controlled in a timely manner to re-create a continuous pattern of coloredlight within the display space. We can then simulate an infinite constellation of tiny luminous dots by using only a handful ofRGB LEDs.

What really sets this project apart from other volumetric displays is that the plate spinning is continuously monitored andactuated to leave no chance for the LEDs to be offset from their predicted coordinates. An accurate concurrence of points isimperative; therefore, we measure real-time velocity and correct the compensate speed of the plate. This feedback control loopintelligently eliminate image jitter and flicker effects.

Another feature of our project is the use of the fuzzy logic concept. Rather than operating the LEDs in only two states, on or off,we suggest tuning the LED luminosity in intermediate states that are subtly toned at sub-millimete distances. As a result, eachLED appears to have multiple tiny pitch LEDs within it. This technique reduces the required LED number, and, more importantly,it gives our 3D images an unrivalled realism and dynamism with crisp pictures. Additionally, we use a series of unprecedentedtechniques to render the 3D graphics generated in a more veridical fashion by supplanting a further light- colored layer on top ofthe master layer. This helps us purposely vary the spinning speed to adjust the refresh rate, measure the ambient light, and actaccordingly on LED contrasts to prevent eye strain and to enhance visual clarity.

In all, we are not treating the LEDs as a single volumetric pixel (voxel) but as an infinitesimal source of colored light pinned to aspace that synthesizes into nature-like 3D sceneries with perfect integrity and elegant visual effects that are, backed by theextensive library of IPs and frameworks in NI system design software.LabVIEW

Feasibility of the Display Device With NI Single-Board RIOThe NI Single-Board RIO platform provides the ideal driver for our LEDs because of its inherent integration with the LabVIEWprogramming environment empowered with its dataflow approach, which undoubtedly helps us quickly implement the differentcontrol algorithms, DSP add-ons, and acquisition entries. This project can take advantage of the NI Single-Board RIOcapabilities such as real-time processing and deterministic control, which are both crucial factors for the viability and precision of

our project. The embedded FPGA is configured with the to target the vital elements of the displayLabVIEW FPGA Module

The Challenge:Developing a display system that can play 3D images,and does not require viewers to wear typical 3D glasses or visual aids.

The Solution:Building a rotary plate of red, green, blue (RGB) LEDs that is driven by the NI Single-Board RIO embedded control and acquisitiondevice, and that judiciously commands the color of the LEDs so the images can appear as a solid-colored shape when the plate ison the move.

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our project. The embedded FPGA is configured with the to target the vital elements of the displayLabVIEW FPGA Moduledevice such as the rotating motor and, the optical sensor of the angular speed, and to orchestrate the illumination of the LEDs.

The fast data processing guaranteed by the NI Single-Board RIO device allows the collection of multicolored LEDs to beintegrated into a high-definition 3D scene, and the abundant I/O line channels offer ample possibilities to acquire or dispatchdata pertaining to the device.

Other top features of our display device include the following:1. Offer either stand-alone operation or integration in digital networks with NI Single-Board RIO networking features.2. Platform independence, which helps us achieve cross-compatibility with all computer types and OSs through the RS232 serialport link if we need to interface to the NI Single-Board RIO device through a PC, .3. Stable, reliable, 24/7 operation because of the rugged attributes of NI Single-Board RIO and the RGB LEDs chosen which arealso maintenance-free and extremely long-lasting.4. Minimal power consumption at a constantly high level of illumination.5. Modular assembly of the display device is possible, and the extension of LEDs panel plates expands the volume coveredwhile the aspect ratio and motor drive power.6. An optional integrated audio system with built-in loudspeakers can be devised since we still have vacant ports on the NISingle-Board RIO device, and generous memory and resource space can be saved for this purpose.7. Easy operation for novice and un-savvy users is possible because of the intuitive configuration of the running application,which makes it more user-friendly.8. Adherence to safety measures, the spinning motor is not harmful. because it features low torque and can be hampered by afinger; thus, a regular motherboard fan motor is suitable for rotating the plate.

Market Scope of This ProjectOverall, this project reveals another side of the technical abilities of NI Single-Board RIO and LabVIEW. This 3D display deviceis a value-add for 3D display platforms among electronic and multimedia entertainment consumers but its originality resides inthe new see-through visual experience that it offers at a modest cost while maintaining the quality of the images. The thrilling360-degrees holographic effects in videos, presentations, and commercial signage messages that seem to hover in the aircertainly draw maximum attention.

Author Information:Youness LahdiliUniversiti Teknologi Malaysia Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, UTM Skudai81310MalaysiaTel: 60177163611y.lahdili@gmail.com

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Figure 1. A 3D-Rendered Illustration of Our 3D Volumetric Display Device

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Figure 2a

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Figure 2b

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Figure 2c

Next StepsLearn More About the NI Single-Board RIO Platform

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