A comprehensive study of approaches to three--dimensional visualization by volumetric display systems This groundbreaking volume provides an unbiased and in--depth discussion on a broad range of volumetric three--dimensional display systems. It examines the history, development, design, and future of these displays, and considers their potential for application to key areas in which visualization plays a major role. Drawing substantially on material that was previously unpublished or available only in patent form, the authors establish the first comprehensive technical and mathematical formalization of the field, and examine a number of different volumetric architectures. System level design strategies are presented, from which proposals for the next generation of high--definition predictable volumetric systems are developed. To ensure that researchers will benefit from work already completed, they provide: Descriptions of several recent volumetric display systems prepared from material supplied by the teams that created them An abstract volumetric display system design paradigm An historical summary of 90 years of development in volumetric display system technology An assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of many of the systems proposed to date A unified presentation of the underlying principles of volumetric display systems A comprehensive bibliography Beautifully supplemented with 17 color plates that illustrate volumetric images and prototype displays, Volumetric Three--Dimensional Display Systems is an indispensable resource for professionals in imaging systems development, scientific visualization, medical imaging, computer graphics, aerospace, military planning, and CAD/CAE.