What is a Spatially Multiplexed Image (SMI) ?
The process of stereoscopic imaging and viewing requires
two views of the object (the left and right perspectives)
for the viewer's left and right eyes respectively. What is
remarkable about µPol stereoscopy is its simplicity. The
left and right perspectives are combined in a single frame
on a line-by-line basis with a process called spatial multiplexing
producing the SMI, spatially multiplexed image. The SMI is a
single-frame stereoscopic image format that combines a left-eye
perspective view with a right-eye perspective view to form a
composite image that contains both left and right-eye
information on an alternating line-by-line basis. The µPol
element is then laminated to the SMI in the case of stereoscopic
hard-copy printers, or the SMI is projected through a Pol element
in the VR-3100.
When a µPol with the same spatial period as the SMI is placed over
that image, the alternating lines will be encoded with two alternating
polarizations, P1 and P2. When viewed through an appropriately
oriented polarizer rotated by 90 degrees, the left eye observes
the complete left view, and the right eye observes the complete
right view. The human brain subsequently fuses the two images
producing the stereoscopic depth perception. This demultiplexing
(decoding) operation enables the left and right eyes to view a
composite, stereoscopic 3D image simultaneously, through inexpensive,
passive polarizing glasses.
How is a Spatially Multiplexed Image (SMI) Produced?
The SMI is the most general purpose format for stereoscopic imaging
because it can simultaneously produce 3D stereoscopic images for:
all display devices (LCD, EL, plasma, and projection); all printing
devices (thermal printers, laser printers, offset printers, etc.);
compatible stereo single lens/single CCD array electronic cameras;
and single-lens stereo still cameras. Moreover, the SMI can be
created by software, hardware, or optical techniques. No other
stereoscopic format has the same degree of flexibility.
