From: pat@jupiter.risc.rockwell.com (Pete Tinker)
Subject: Re: images out of thin air
Date: Fri, 15 Nov 91 03:32:46 GMT
Organization: Rockwell International Science Center



Yanek Martinson writes:

>I have seen a fairly simple device of two concave (hyperbolic?) mirrors,
>one with a hole in it, that project an image of a small object inside to
>above the mirrors. The image appears entirely real, it can be viewed
>from any side, and is as clear and three-dimensional that you would not
>believe the object is not there without trying to touch it.

By an odd coincidence, I read the above right after sending email to a friend
who asked about what sounds like the thing Yanek saw.

I think what Yanek has in mind is something called the 3-Dimensional Volume
Viewer, the 3DVV, known popularly as the Spherical Miracle.  We have an expert
in our midst:  the 3DVV was developed largely by Lew Hitchner, then of U. of
Utah, now of RIACS working at NASA Ames on Mars visualization.  I'll let Lew
repond if sees fit.


	Pete Tinker (pat@risc.rockwell.com)

	Science Center,	Rockwell International Corporation
	(805) 373-4268