3D technology is becoming more widely used in entertainment industries such as film and gaming. This development has helped increase the spread of information and knowledge especially among up-coming generations. Its present state of application signifies that 3D technology will grow and more development facilities around the globe will be needed. Types of 3D technology include anaglyphic, polarization, alternate frame sequencing, head mounted display, autostereoscopic, holography, volumetric display, and Pulrich effect.

 

Anaglyphic 3D

Anaglyph 3D is used to produce images in layered forms when viewed through red-cyan glasses. The images produce optical 3D effects that are applied in the art and film industries. In science, anaglyph 3D is used in 3D ultrasound to have stereoscopic images of the heart and other important body organs. Science images are often presented in anaglyphic 3D in order to give students a more complete view than 2D images are capable of.

• Why Anaglyphs? – Anaglyphs are simple to use and affordable.
• Anaglyph Images – Anaglyph images are included on this site to provide more understanding.
• Anaglyphs for Computer Stereoscopy – The site explains what anaglyph is, the advantages, disadvantages, and types.
• How 3D Glasses Work – The site gives a detailed description of how 3D glasses work in addition to their application.

Polarization 3D

Polarization is a technique used to make three dimensional images of objects when they are viewed through glasses. It works by applying the polarization of light. Polarization 3D is used in making polarized 3D sunglasses that form motion pictures like stereoscopy. The 3D images are formed because the intensity of light that reaches each eye is reduced.

• Tutorial on Polymerization – Polymerization is used in making glasses for 3D movies.
• What is Polarization? – Polarization is the technique used to make light waves travel in a single direction.

Alternate Frame Sequencing

Alternate frame sequencing is another 3D technology that is applied in making 3D films and games. In film-making, two cameras are used initially to capture the event. Afterwards, the images are placed on one film strip in an alternating order, that is the first left eye image, followed by the right-eye image. Alternate frame sequencing has been used to produce 3D illusion on old consoles such as the Sega Master System.

• Liquid Crystal Shutter Glasses (PDF) – A proposal to build 3D glasses using Alternate Frame Sequencing technology.
• 3-D Gaming Origins – An article about the Sega Scope 3D for the Sega Master system.

Head Mounted Display

The Head Mounted Display (HMD) is a stereoscopic device that is worn on the head. It has two small optic screens or a video visor at the position of the eye. It is used by engineers and scientists during laboratory tests to have several views of an object. It is also very useful in law enforcement and fire fighting.

• Head Mounted Display for Fire Fighters (PDF) – The site explains the special features of HMD that make them applicable in fire fighting.
• Amplified Head Movements in Head Mounted Displays (PDF) – The HMD increases the view direction of the wearer.
• Amplified Head Movements with HMD (PDF) – Head Mounted Displays (HMD) are used in enlarging virtual display.
• Telepresence in Medicine – Head Mounted Display is used by surgeons to get more view in performing operations.

 

Autostereoscopic

Autostereoscopic images are also known as "glasses-free 3D". They are stereoscopic images formed without the use of headgears or glasses. Some of the examples of autostereoscopic images are parallax barrier, lenticular lens, and light field displays. This 3D technology is applied in games and film industries.

 

• Autostereoscopic 3D Displays – These are displays provided without the use of special glasses or head gears.
• History of Lenticular Display – Lenticular displays are autostereoscopic displays. This site provides the history of different methods.

Holography

Holography is a technique of producing 3D images by interference patterns on film. It was invented by Dennis Gabor in 1947. The invention came when studies were made to improve on the electron microscope. Holography is added to preserve, process, and collect information by optical means. The technique is also helpful in producing numerous quantities of lasers that are used in DVD recorders.

• Holography – Also known as "lensless photography". They are true 3D images.
• History of Holography – Holography can be said to have first started in 1947.
• Applications of Holography – Holography can be used in computers and the biomedical field.
• Major Applications of Holography – Holography makes it possible to see hidden parts of an object. This makes it very useful and applicable in various fields.
• Types of Holograms – This site discusses the different types and holograms and their distinguishing features.
• Kinds of Holograms (PDF) – Types of holograms include integral stereogram and computer generated stereogram.

Volumetric Display

Volumetric display is the technology that produces 3D images by emitting, scattering and sending illumination from defined regions in space. The types of volumetric 3D displays include swept volume display and static volume display. The technology is applied in the film industries to produce video and special effects. One of the demerits of volumetric display is that it requires a lot of bandwidth.

• Classification of Volumetric Display (PDF) – 3D volumetric display can be classified into swept volume display and static volume display.
• True Volumetric 3D Display – The site discusses how volumetric display is used to make 3D images.
• Making 3D Volumetric Display (PDF) – This site talks about making a 3D volumetric display with passive optical scatterers.

Pulfrich Effect

For 3D images to be formed with this concept, the visual cortex interprets lateral motion to have a depth component. This is possible since differences occur in signal timings between the two eyes. The effect is used in the film, game and TV industries. Some of the films and TV programs where this has been used include Doctor Who , Dimensions in Time, and 3^rd Rock from the Sun .

Understanding 3D technology gives a better appreciation of its uses. Knowing how well 3D technology can help also creates more ways to get help from it especially when it is applied to the growth of small businesses. In this case, it will be a blessing to both the individual and the entire population where the application is made.

• 3D Pulfrich Effect – A complete overview of the Pulfrich effect is covered here.