Blonder Broadcasting Corp.
Isaac S. Blonder, President

February 26, 1996

Suggestions for research areas in military 3D TV to be conducted by ATI.

Digital video compression and the new Telecommunications Act will enable 3D TV to enhance control of the battlefield scene by headquarters.

Several new technologies are on the way to achieve 3D Vision of the battle scene. Digital vision compression will provide the capacity to deliver 6 NTSC quality signals in the 6 mhz now needed for one program. Lenticular video screens will eliminate the need for head mounted viewing gear to see the 3D TV picture. Digital TV recorders capable of recording two simultaneous signals has been announced. Prices will be at the popular consumer level.

We recommend research in two modes which will enable 3D TV air and ground observation of the battlefield by the rear elements as well as the participants. Permanent  3D records of the actions will also be available. Mode 1 is a 360 degree video view, Mode 2 is a 360 degree radar view.

Mode 1. We suggest that all military TV cameras in the future deliver a right and left signal capable of 3D viewing. The additional cost would be under 25%. One of these cameras would be placed at an appropriate high location rotating continuously. The signals would be delivered to appropriate members of the active armed forces as well as headquarters and taped.

Mode 2.  A vertically scanning radar is rotated horizontally at a high point in the battlefield. A synthesized 3D view is created by allowing one field to be recorded on a computer and the second view to be calculated by increasing the horizontal separation as the blip is closer to the source. Thus, from a single radar, a 3D TV picture emerges. The usefulness of this system could be enhanced by asking the computer to record next to each blip the IFF number with other marks as may be added by an expert radar observer.  Of course, the two channel recorder saves it all for the record.