Computer holography: 3D digital art based on high-definition CGH

Recently, we presented some high-definition full-parallax CGHs calculated by our polygon-based method and fabricated by laser lithography system. These holograms, composed of more than billions pixels, produce very fine spatial 3D images of occluded virtual scenes and objects. The optically reconstructed images are comparable to that in classical holography. Strong sensation of depth caused by these high-definition CGHs has never been achieved by conventional 3D systems and pictures other than holography. In addition, we have also presented a new technique called “digitized holography.” In this technique, fringe caused by interference between a real existing object wave and reference wave is digitally recorded with wide area and high sampling density by using image sensors. The recorded object wave is incorporated in a virtual 3D scene constructed of CG-like 2D and 3D objects, and then, the virtual scene that keeps proper occluded relation is optically reconstructed by the technique of CGHs. This technique make it possible to digitally edit holograms after recording and will open the world of a novel digital art, referred to as Computer Holography. Various source materials can be input data in computer holography, for example, digital photos, illustrations, polygon-mesh 3D objects, multi-viewpoints images and captured fields of real existing objects. The 3D scene including these materials is designed employing a field-based digital-editing technique and optically reconstructed by the CGH technique as designers intend. We will present details of the technique as well as the concept of the computer holography. Furthermore, some of our works in computer holography will be demonstrated in the meeting.