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Learn more about NI A Novel 3D Volumetric Display Device Based on NI Single-Board RIO "The NI Single-Board RIO platform provides the ideal driver for our LEDs because of its inherent integration with the LabVIEW programming environment empowered with its dataflow approach, which undoubtedly helps 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 electronic companies, but there is still more room for improvement. In line with that, we propose a unique way of displaying true in-motion 3D images based on the human eye’s persistence of vision. The 3D image is formed by illuminating a rapidly moving display plate surface. This is sometimes referred to as a swept volume display. Persistence of vision is the phenomenon by which an afterimage is thought to persist for approximately 1/25 of a second on the eye retina. This gives us an idea of the envisioned speed of the rotating 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 visible to the whole field of viewers without visual aid of any sort, which makes our device an “autostereoscopic” display. Overview of Our Techniques The core of our display device is the laterally rotating rectangular plate that sweeps a cylindrical volume at each revolution. The desired 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 the NI Single-Board RIO device. When the device is off, the LED appears to be transparent. When it is on, the LED is opaque or luminous. When the plate is rotating, the LEDs are controlled in a timely manner to re-create a continuous pattern of colored light within the display space. We can then simulate an infinite constellation of tiny luminous dots by using only a handful of RGB LEDs. What really sets this project apart from other volumetric displays is that the plate spinning is continuously monitored and actuated to leave no chance for the LEDs to be offset from their predicted coordinates. An accurate concurrence of points is imperative; therefore, we measure real-time velocity and correct the compensate speed of the plate. This feedback control loop intelligently 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, each LED 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 unprecedented techniques to render the 3D graphics generated in a more veridical fashion by supplanting a further light- colored layer on top of the master layer. This helps us purposely vary the spinning speed to adjust the refresh rate, measure the ambient light, and act accordingly 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 a space that synthesizes into nature-like 3D sceneries with perfect integrity and elegant visual effects that are, backed by the extensive library of IPs and frameworks in NI system design software. LabVIEW Feasibility of the Display Device With NI Single-Board RIO The NI Single-Board RIO platform provides the ideal driver for our LEDs because of its inherent integration with the LabVIEW programming environment empowered with its dataflow approach, which undoubtedly helps us quickly implement the different control algorithms, DSP add-ons, and acquisition entries. This project can take advantage of the NI Single-Board RIO capabilities 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 display LabVIEW 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 acquisition device, and that judiciously commands the color of the LEDs so the images can appear as a solid-colored shape when the plate is on the move.