Thomas D. Wason: Patented 3D Display Process

3-Space™ Display Process


	US Patent 5,751,927 Method and Apparatus for Producing Three Dimensional Displays on a Two Dimensional Surface

This process, referred to as " 3-Space™," creates the true perception of three-dimensional space on a flat screen without the use of special glasses, screen or optics. The process exploits characteristics of visual processing—it uses properties of the brain. 3-Space™ works on conventional monitors and will project for group presentations. It has successfully undergone rigorous testing in an academic environment. It has many applications. Molecular biologists approved of the display of complex molecular models. In addition to conventional research applications, they remarked that the process would be very useful for displaying 3D molecular structures such as DNA to students.

Dissertation: Construction And Evaluation Of A Three-Dimensional Display From A Two-Dimensional Projection Surface Based On Theoretical Considerations Of Metrification And Affine Space

What Differentiates 3-Space™ From Other 3D Displays?

The 3-Space™ process creates the true perception of a three-dimensional space. It is not a flat rendering with shading and perspective.
The point of view is constant (no rotation needed).
The 3-Space™ display process works on unmodified conventional monitors.
No special optics, glasses or electronics are required.
A 3-Space™ increases the perceived resolution.
A 3-Space™ display can be projected for meeting and classroom use.
3-Space™ works over a large range of angles and distances relative to the screen.
A 3-Space™ display will work over a network.
The process output can be captured in media files.
A 3-Space™ display can be generated with software.
A 3-space™ display can be animated.
The process can use standard data formats.
3-Space™ display is patented.
Proprietary knowledge is required to use the patent in an effective manner.

Revenue Streams

The 3-Space™ process can generate or support several revenue streams:

Web services
Local host modules and/or licenses
Application modules and/or licenses (OEM)

Web Services

A conferencing service can provide 3-Space rendering services over a network. Clients would provide information in a standard data format either during a Webinar or in anticipation of it. Several data formats can be used. This would be an adjunct to the current pricing model. The process has operated over such a network, although it was not optimal. A service could be optimized for this delivery mode.
A web service application can provide 3-Space generation for clients for local viewing. Clients would submit data to a remote host and view the results locally. Typically this will be a subscription service.

Local Host Applications

3-Space display capabilities can be supported though software on local hosts by subscription. This leverages the development of the web services capability. The process can be provided locally for:

Specific applications
Multiple applications through standard data formats

Application Licenses to OEMs

License and maintain modules for incorporation into applications
License use of process within specific applications.

Potential applications include:

Medical imaging (e.g., MRI, PET, CAT)
Scientific visualization
Engineering
Architecture
Data structures (e.g., spreadsheets, social network analysis [SNA])

Summary

This is a process patent rather than a software patent. The method can be realized in software, hardware or a blend of the two.
3-Space™ can use conventional data formats.
3-Space™ can be included in a software package or provided as an external processing service.
3-Space™ can be implemented as a Web service. The process could be used in a teleconferencing mode.
3-Space™ is particularly well-suited to medical, scientific, engineering and architectural visualization.
The point of view is constant.
The process has been reduced to practice on a conventional PC.
Licensing opportunities are available.