EP0001393A2

EP0001393A2 - A system for the distribution, transmission, detection, collection or modulation of propagating energy and/or energy fields

Info

Publication number: EP0001393A2
Application number: EP78100741A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Charles R. Henry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1977-08-25
Filing date: 1978-08-24
Publication date: 1979-04-18
Also published as: EP0001393A3; JPS5456458A

Abstract

Disclosed is a system comprising elements distributed in three dimensions which is designed for the utilization of propagating energy and/or energy fields which is/are affected by the shape, the surface characteristics, the size, the composition, and particularly, the distribution of the elements and/or the distribution of the voids between the elements; all of which may function together as a system of modulators, detectors, demodulators, collectors, absorbers, transmitters, oscillators, transformational devices, transducers, or any combination of the above functions. Such a system of elements is described as having an ordered, three-dimensional distribution with respect to an orderly system of points which occur in specific relative positions. The interaction of propagating energy and/or energy fields with these systems of elements, e.g. spherical elements stacked in pyramids, may be utilized for the distribution, transmission, detection, and collection of mechanical, electromagnetic, magnetic, gravitational, electro- static, electromechanical, and/or pressure-vacuum energy.

Description

The present invention makes possible the orderly manipulation of processing of energy in the form of three dimensional energy distributions which distributions may be comprised of either organized information defined by a distribution of energy gradients such as for example an image present in the form of electromagnetic radiation disposed in an organized distribution or substantiallly incoherent non-ordered energy distributions such as for example radiation from the sun which may be organized and/ or classified according to any characteristics thereof by a system in accordance with the present invention. Among the systems possible with the present invention include those directed towards energy collection including energy in the form of solar radiation, natural wind and water flows as well as any other form of natural or synthetic energy which may be collected and concentrated and subsequently utilized again to for example power cities and industrial as well as residential areas; energy classification where for example propagating energy may be classified according to amplitude, frequency and/or vector or direction of origin; energy transformation where one form of energy as for example solar energy or energy from a laser may be transformed into random as well as predictable image formations or in general energy may be transformed from one form to another with respect to any of its characteristics of amplitude, phase, frequency or vector; and energy interaction with diverse media including excitation of fuel materials, polymerization of certain resins, etc. as well as excitation of mediums which are capable of stimulated emission as a result of amplification i.e. laser generation, etc. The above are solely exemplary of the possible uses of the present invention which is broadly directly towards systems comprising ordered distributions of elements capable of affecting applied forms of energy and capable of performing operations on certain energy distributions by tailoring the geometrical relationship to the component energy gradients of a particular energy distribution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to a system for the distribution, transmission, and detection of propagating energy which may originate from an artificial or natural radiation source. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system which is capable of affecting propagating energy to impress thereon desired information where such propagating energy may be recorded or utilized as desired or may be subsequently demodulated for the production of organized complex information imaging which may be used for scientific displays as well as aesthetic visual displays which may be intensely kaleidoscopic.

Description of the Prior Art:

The prior art contains many systems for the modulation of acoustical or electromagnetic radiation. Many optical instruments comprise a plurality of modulating elements or systems, wherein the radiation is passed successively through such modulating elements, or in some cases simultaneously through several modulating elements with such radiation being subject to various controlled manipulations. One of the more advanced methods for recording modulated radiation is the hologram, which may be of an optical or acoustical nature, and which, in turn, functions as a complex modulation device. In the production of a hologram, propagating energy is modulated by an object either reflectively or transmissively; such modulated radiation is subsequently recorded in the form of interference with a uniform reference wavefront. The information is recorded in an encoded form. When illuminated, the recording functions as a complex demodulator which allows reconstruction of the original information. In many instances this type of system functions well only with a spatially coherent monochromatic light source; however, some systems which may utilize incoherent or white light have been developed. One of these is described in U.S. Patent No. 3, 515, 452 (R. V. Pole), which is concerned with the production of holograms utilizing white light and a planar array of elements known in the art as a fly's eye array. The planar array of elements comprises lenses which are designed for minimum distortion in order to use the majority of light incident thereon from a specific direction. When the light source coincides broadly with the optical axes of the fly's eye array, the distortion of the image seen by each element is primarily a function of the planar distribution. Furthermore, since all lenses are disclosed to lie in a single plane, the resulting image, disregarding chromatic aberration, also lies in a single plane and may be recorded by suitable means such as film. For example, when information resulting from reflection of white light from an object impinges upon the planar array mentioned in the above patent, the difference in viewpoint from widely separated elements enables a substantial amount of information concerning the object to be recorded in an encoded form. Subsequent reillumination in combination with the original planar array of elements can reproduce an image of the object in a manner closely related to holographic techniques.
The system described in the above U.S. Patent 3, 515, 452 is limited in that it is designed to accept radiation or information from one general direction and comprises planar array elements which may produce increased distortion as the angle of radiation incidence diverges substantially from the optical axes of the elements. The present invention includes, in preferred embodiments, systems capable of simultaneously accepting radiation from a plurality of mutually orthogonal directions.
In another area of the art, multiple modulation techniques are utilized; thus, radiation is amplified by stimulated emission such as occurs in a maser or laser. Generally, the principles of multiple reflection of radiation are utilized to repeatedly stimulate certain types of matter in phase so as to procuce a substantially coherent wavefront of stimulated emission. In U.S. Patent No. 3, 248, 671, internal reflection techniques are utilized to produce this stimulated emission, wherein a certain geometrical element of a semi-conductor material comprises multiple reflective surfaces, such that radiation therein may be confined within a certain area defining a cavity; it may be repeatedly reflected from the multiple surfaces, thus stimulating emission from the atoms of the semi-conductor material during the multiple passes between the multiple reflecting surfaces. The present invention is particularly adapted to the above-described techniques. In one embodiment, multiple reflective elements are closely positioned concurrent with an orderly point distribution. Radiation incident upon such a system is to a substantial degree captured and retained within the multiple cavities formed by the reflecting elements. If a lasing medium is present between the elements, or if the elements are comprised of a lasing medium, amplification of the incident radiation will occur by stimulated emission of the lasing material.
The use of multiple modulating element systems as artistic devices is represented, for example, by U.S. Patent No. 3, 614, 213; this is concerned with an artistic reflector viewer having multiple reflective surfaces which may oppose each other at certain angles and thus provide a variety of symmetrical optical displays. The present invention also finds very important applications in the production of artistic or visual displays and has been found to be substantially more versatile in this utility than the prior art devices such as the one described above.
U.S. Patent No. 3, 927, 329 describes a method of using the motion of a plurality of spheres along a fixed, one= dimensional path to produce electrical energy from the kinetic energy of the spheres. The kinetic energy may be derived from a fluid, but since only a single dimension of movement is obtained, the energy so derived is thus limited.
U.S. Patent No. 3, 091, 870 utilizes magnetic spheres in the construction of molecular and atomic models of specific geometrical shape or configuration. No relationship or interaction is disclosed with propagating energy, or external field energy with respect to such configurations.
The use of ordered beds of spheres as a convenient method of stacking nuclear fuel cells is described in U.S. Patent No. 3, 262, 859. The geometry and flow-through characteristics of such beds and support systems are also described. The geometric relationships resulting from stacking angles (i.e., interfacial angles) between 54° 44' 8" and 39⁰ 10' 25.8" of close-packed spheres are disclosed. However, the relationship between this three-dimensionally ordered geometry in a system of radiation modulators, transmitters, detectors, etc., is not described and is the primary concern of this invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention utilizes a system to be used in conjunction with either random or ordered propagating energy wavefronts which may be acoustical, mechanical, electromagnetic, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the system may be immersed in energy fields which may be acoustical, electromagnetic, thermal, purely magnetic, mechanical, electro-static, gravitational, or may be due to water or air flow. Any such energy fields may induce mechanical or electromagnetic oscillations in one or more of the elements of the system.
The system is based on the ordered distribution of points, the organization of which forms the basis for the specific arrangement and positioning of energy affecting elements. The energy fields are generally arranged three= dimensionally with their orientation derived as a function of such an ordered point distribution geometry. Such an ordered three-dimensional point distribution geometry may be defined as that distribution of points which occurs when at least two points of a set of points are distributed on each of three non-parallel axes and no more than two axes occur in the same plane.
A system for controlling propagating energy may comprise at least six surfaces capable of affecting such propagating energy, said surfaces being arranged in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution, said distribution of said surfaces being a function of at least two parallel planes, of a set of parallel planes, distributed on each of at least three non-parallel axes wherein no two planes lie in the same plane and no more than two of said axes lie in one plane. In such a system the geometry of the said ordered distribution may be a function of one or more geometrical characteristics of at least one of said surfaces.
The present invention is directed to systems which may be used in conjunction with either random or ordered energy distributions which distributions may be defined by a plurality of energy gradients present either in a dynamic form such as a propagating energy wavefront or in a static form such as an energy field including magnetic and gravitational fields, for example. The systems of the present invention may be immersed in energy fields which may be acoustical, electromagnetic, thermal, purely magnetic, mechanical, electro-static, gravitational, or may be due to water or air flow. Any such energy fields may induce mechanical or electromagnetic oscillations in one or more of the elements of the system. The systems of the present invention would be composed of elements to correspond to the type of energy distribution with which a particular system would be utilized. Thus for performing operations on an acoustical energy distribution such as, for example, a sound field, a system of the present invention would be composed of a plurality of elements each capable of affecting such a sound field with the elements disposed in a three-dimensional geometrical distribution bearing relationship to the distribution of acoustical gradients of which such a sound field would be composed. In this manner it would be possible to predict the effect of such a system on such a distribution by producing individual operations by each element of such a system upon some portion of such energy distribution such that the total effect of the system can be obtained by the integration of such a plurality of effects to produce an orderly manipulation of such an energy distribution by the integration of such a plurality of component manipulations. The present system is based on an ordered distribution of points the organization bf which forms the basis for specific arrangement and positioning of the energy affecting elements of the present distributions. Energy fields which result from processing by the systems of the present invention are generally arranged with their orientation derived as a function of such an ordered point distribution geometry and the particular effects on an initial existing energy distribution produced by the present systems may be predicted by the choice of certain variables within a number of groups which variables will be set out below. In general the three dimensional point distribution geometries upon which the present systems are based may be defined as including distributions of points which occur when at least two points of a set are distributed on each of three non-parallel axes with no more than two axes occurring in the same plane.
A system for controlling propagating energy may comprise at least six surfaces capable of affecting such propagating energy, said surfaces being arranged in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution, said distribution of said surfaces being a function of at least tw.j parallel planes, of a set of parallel planes, distributed on each of at least three non-parallel axes wherein no two planes lie in the same plane and no more than two of said axes lie in one plane. In such a system the geometry of the said ordered distribution may be a function of one or more geometrical characteristics of at least one of said surfaces. The term "energy distribution" as used herein is intended to include forms of propagating energy fields as well as static energy fields wherein such energy fields consist of components or energy gradients which actually define the pattern of existing energy. Such energy gradients may be either substantially static with respect to temporal-spatial displacement or may be dynamic with respect to such time space displacement. The former type of energy distribution may be exemplified by a static energy field such as a magnetic or gravitational field etc. while the latter type of energy distribution would be exemplified by a propagating energy field that is propagating through space and time such as for example electromagnetic, nuclear, or acoustical radiation.
Such energy distributions by virtue of the energy gradients existing therein may be symmetrical with respect to spatial characteristics or with respect to temporal characteristics or may be asymmetrical with respect to either. The systems of the present invention comprise distributions of plural means each capable of performing manipulations or operations or otherwise processing some component of such an energy distribution and the plurality of operations thus performed on the energy gradients composing such energy distributions are integrated into the operation being performed on the entire energy distribution. Thus by integrating the geometry of an initial existent energy distribution as defined by the component energy gradients thereof with the geometry of the particular system distribution as defined by a plurality of elements of which such a distribution is composed, a specific system may be tailored to perform desired operations or manipulations upon such an energy distribution. The selection of specific system characteristics such as the geometry of the entire system distribution, the geometry and characteristics of each of the individual elements of which such a distribution is composed as well as other variables to be described further below is based on the nature of the energy distribution upon which it is desired to perform specific operations.
In most cases a system may be best tailored to perform specific desired manipulations on a specific energy distribution by establishing a relationship between the characteristics of such an energy distribution and the characteristics of the system distribution which would be used. This relationship may be defined by certain groups of variables. Thus in accordance with such characteristics of an initial energy distribution as the amplitude, phase, frequency, vector, etc., of the component energy gradients of such a distribution, the characteristics of the system distribution to be utilized therewith such as the geometry of the total system; the geometry of the individual elements thereof; the modulation or otherwise energy altering capabilities of each individual element which may be determined by the surfaces thereof, the shapes thereof and placement thereof etc. in the system; all define variables which may be chosen and organized so as to produce a resultant energy distribution the characteristics of which may be to a great extent determined in advance and which may predictably result from the utilization of a system in accordance with the present invention.
For ease of explanation the possible variables which relate to the use of the present systems are classified into groups set out below. It should be recognized that the following classes are arbitrary and illustrate one expositional organization of the variables involved in the selection of a particular system distribution best suited for the performance of desired or designated'manipulations on a specific energy distribution. The follow- 'ing five classes deal with possible variables in connection with system distributions ( classes 3, 4 and 5) as well as possible variables in connection with energy distributions both input and output from the present systems (classes 1 and 2).
In selecting variables for determining a particular configuration for a system of the present invention for use in a particular application, it should first be determined what energy distribution or distributions will be dealt with, that is, what energy will be input to the system in the form of radiant energy, magnetic energy, acoustical energy, etc. and additionally to the characteristics of such an input energy distribution, it should be determined what manipulations are to be performed with respect to such characteristics as amplitude, phase, frequency and vector or direction in the instance of propagating or dynamic energy. These questions may be defined in the terms of the first two classes of variables as set out below.
Class 1 variables - this is a class of variables including characteristics of the original or raw energy distribution which is input or "applied" to a system of the present invention. As noted these variables include the particular characteristics of such input energy including the frequency, amplitude, phase and vector or vectors of the composite energy distribution as well as similar characteristics of the component energy gradients thereof into which such energy distributions may be differentiated; e.g. field intensity variables.
Class 2 variables - this class of variables is that which describes the energy distribution which would result from interaction with a particular system distribution of the present invention. These variables which would be similarly describable in terms primarily of frequency, amplitude, phase and vector of energies or of field intensities at particular locations within such energy distributions may either be determined if given (a) an initial energy distribution as described by class 1 and (b) a specific system distribution as describable by classes 3, 4 or 5; or a desired energy distribution could be intentionally resultant given (a) a set of variables as described by class 1 and by (b) tailoring the variables of classes 3, 4 and 5 in order to develop a particular system distribution appropriate for manipulation of an initial energy distribution in order to predictably produce such desired resultant energy distribution. This second class of variables would for example describe the distribution of energies or the individual component energy gradients existent within a system distribution of the present invention such as an array of cavities or voids between individual elements as well as those energies existent within the individual elements themselves.
Class 3 variables - this class of variables is one directed to the particular characteristics of the systems of distributions per se and includes spatial or positional variables such as the coordinates of:

a. the geometrical centers of the individual elements or energy manipulating means present,
b. the points of contact of the elements (if any),
c. the geometrical centers of the voids or cavities formed between two or more elements,
d. the distributions of points on the surfaces of elements or the coordinate geometry of the surface functions of such elements,
e. the interelement geometries such as for example interelement angles etc.

Any of the above variables may be chosen to be constant within a particular system or may be chosen to be variable over a certain range within the system, that is to say that any of the spatial variables may be dynamic and may change with time as a result of certain inputs to the system as for example the spacing between certain pairs of elements or the spacing between certain sub= distributions of elements may be intentionally varied in order to produce specific alterations in the manipulations being performed on energy input to the system.
The above variables constitute means for referencing the relatively gross geometrical characteristics of the instant system distributions.
Class 4 - this class of variables deals with the characteristics of the individual elements of a system distribution or more broadly the component means for performing operations or manipulations upon input energy distributions. These component manipulations, each performed by one or more elements of the present systems are integrated into composite manipulations performed by entire groups of elements which may either form sub- distributions within a larger distribution or which may comprise the entire system distribution of the invention. This class of variables includes more highly refined geometric characteristics of component elements such as the size, shape and surface characteristics as well as variables describing the characteristics of composition such as for example the indices of refraction, degree and spectra of reflection and/or absorption characteristics, etc. Included in this class are variables which characterize the type of manipulation to be performed on incident energy systems such as: modulation, amplification, detection, generation, emission, reflection, etc. These component effects may be integrated into the total effect of a particular system distribution on a particular energy distribution with one or more of the above effects being performed in any particular system.
Class 5 variables - this class deals primarily with the variables describing physical as well as virtual movement of the component elements of an instant system distribution as well as movement or displacement of groups of such elements or of subdistributions thereof as referenced to the coordinates of the entire system. This class of variables would thus describe systems where, for example, certain parts of each element or certain elements per se or all elements may be given freedom of movement within the entire system with such movement either generated by system interaction with energy, given such freedom of movement or which movement may be caused by the system in order to predictably affect or manipulate such energy as desired, such as to cause varying interference patterns within a resultant energy distribution in the case of propagating energy.
An example would be the scanning of a propagating radiation beam over a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional area by one or more elements of a system distribution in order to further distribute such radiation predictably into other portions of the system. This set or class of variables would be most usefully referenced to the total coordinate systems describable by class 1 variables that is the variables describing input energy distributions as well as furthermore being usefully referenced to the total geometry of a system distribution.
The following is directed towards describing one embodiment or set of embodiments of the present invention which deals primarily with propagating energy distributions, however, similar embodiments dealing with other types of energy distributions are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
The term "propagating energy" as used herein is intended to include all forms of wavefront energy, radiating wavefronts as well as any similar type of energy comprising an energy field of alternating polarity, magnitude or other characteristics which alterations may occur at any frequency. The energy field in which such magnitude, polarity or other alterations are occuring may be electro- magnetic, acoustical, magnetic, electrical, etc., and includes all forms of radiation from the sun as well as audible and ultrasonic sound. Such energy fields as described propagate or travel through space generally as a result of such magnitude or polarity alterations, at speeds depending on the type of energy of which they are composed as well as the frequency of such alterations.
In the event that one or more of the propagating energy characteristics are alternating at an extremely low rate, it may be said to be substantially an energy field of stable polarity over a short period of time relative to the period of such slow polarity alterations. In this case, as well as in instances of the present systems using energy fields which are not changing in polarity, such energy is simply designated herein as an "energy field", and includes such natural and synthetic fields as gravity, electrostatic fields, magnetic fields and other constant polarity energies.
While the disclosed embodiments generally comprise the utilization of propagating energy from the electromagnetic portion of the energy spectrum, it should be noted that such systems of three-dimensional ordered distribution of elements may perform operations upon the following energies either in coherent or incoherent form:

energy from the sun
electromagnetic radiation
natural mechanical wavefronts
artificial mechanical-wavefronts
electro-mechanical wavefronts acoustical wavefronts
at least one controlled wavefront
a wavefront originating externally to said distribution
a three-dimensional geometrical distribution of one or more controlled wavefront (s)
a three-dimensional geometrical distribution of one or more controlled wavefront(s) wherein said controlled wavefront distribution is a function of the said ordered three-dimensional distributions of said elements capable of affecting said propagating energy
magnetic
electromagnetic
gravitational
electro-static thermal

In the embodiments of the present invention where incident energy distributions are of a propagating nature having the characteristic of frequency or wavelength, desired operations or manipulations-may be performed under three sets of circumstances, depending on the relationship between the wavelengths of radiation and the size of the modulators used therewith. In one instance, the size of the modulators of the present invention would be of an order of magnitude substantially larger than the wavelength of the radiation being modulated. In the second instance, the modulators of the present invention and the wavelength of the radiation incident thereon would be of a similar order of magnitude. In the third instance, the size of the modulators would be on an order of magnitude a great deal smaller than the wavelength of the radiation incident thereon. For example, if the modulators are circular or spherical, with diameter d

in Instance I, d >>λ
in Instance II, d ≈ λ. and
in Instance III, d << λ

In the above, λ is the wavelength of the energy and is exemplary of a characteristic of the component energy gradients of which an energy distribution may be composed. In general, however, the three classes of size relationship described may exist beween any elements or energy affecting means of the present invention and the components or energy gradients of any energy distribution.

I. In the first instance, the primary interaction is between incident radiation and modulating surfaces. In this instance, the general arrangement of such modulating surfaces is a function of size, shape and modulating characteristics, as well as each surface's orientation relative to the immediately adjacent surfaces. This makes possible the performance of specific operations and manipulations on radiation incident on such an organized system. The surfaces are preferably, but not necessarily, incorporated into the present systems in the form of distinct elements. When the surfaces are used in combination with modulating elements, or when they are themselves the elements, they perform the actual modulating functions of the present invention. These element surfaces may perform these modulating functions based on reflective or diffractive surface characteristics or based on the refractive characteristics resulting from such surfaces existing as boundaries between two zones of differing indices of refraction.
II. In the second instance where the size of the present modulators is on the same order of magnitude as the wavelength of incident radiation, the interaction is in the form of interference phenomena which in many instances take the form of a brag-type diffraction - such as that which occurs in certain crystal lattices, wherein the modulation of incident radiation is performed by the crystal structure itself and in which the atoms or molecules of the crystal are arranged in an ordered distribution. Modulation is achieved by the interaction of certain portions of incident radiation with one set of atoms of the crystal, while adjacent portions of radiation interact with another set of atoms or molecules of the crystal to cause phase, frequency, and amplitude modulation to be impressed upon radiation passing through such crystal structures. It is possible to utilize such diffraction phenomena to classify random radiation by phase, amplitude, or frequency, thus extracting image or graphic information by spatially organizing the distribution of such random radiation. A significant example of such incoherent radiation is that emitting from the sun: the present invention finds important application in the classification, distribution, collection, transmission, or absorption of such energy for optical data processing as well as for the utilization of raw solar energy as a power source. For example, the invention will permit phase, frequency, amplitude, and spatial organization of radiation for the selective excitation of a lasing medium. Certain crystal structures, in which the spacing between atoms, as well as the specific arrangement and structure of the atoms, is carefully chosen, may function in the manner of the present invention, if such structures are properly oriented with respect to incident radiation. Such crystals may include many semi-conductor materials in which the specific structure of the crystal co-operates with certain active materials comprising the crystal body to perform, controlled operations upon radiation entering or incident upon the crystal.
III. In the third case discussed above, wherein the wavelength of the incident radiation is of an order of magnitude substantially larger than the size and spacing of the modulators, similar types of diffractive phenomena occur. In these cases, however, the specific characteristics of individual modulators are not as significant as the positioning and organization of such modulators. Indeed, their ordered distribution performs a substantial portion of the modulating function in this instance as opposed to the above examples where the surface characteristics of the modulator are of greater significance.

In the embodiments of the present invention wherein plural means for affecting energy are combined to form an ordered distribution, these means, also referred to herein as modulating elements, may also approach the domain of crystal structure described above and may be on the order of one micron, or even 100 R or less in diameter. These modulating elements may, for example, be small glass microspheres, silvered or otherwise, and may be combined with a transmissive monomeric material impregnating the spaces between the elements which may be polymerized in situ in order to affix them in the particular relationship of ordered distribution required for the operation of the present invention. In such a case, the glass spheres should have surface tolerance commensurate with the wavelength of radiation utilized.
While various shapes of modulating elements may be utilized in these modulator element distributions, such as squares, hexagons, toroids, etc., spherical elements or those based on spherical functions have been found to function particularly well, substantially due to their symmetry, which allows them to operate in an orderly manner upon radiation incident from any direction. As discussed above, the modulating function of these elements is primarily performed by the surfaces thereof. Each element may be either hollow or solid, with the surface characteristics including diffractive, transparent, refractive, reflective, or any combination thereof. The size of each element may be, but is not necessarily, uniform throughout the distribution. The size will be related to the type of radiation utilized, and, as explained above, to the wavelength thereof. Thus, for example, with substantially optical electromagnetic radiation, it is possible to use modulating elements whose size is many orders of magnitude greater than a wavelength of such radiation, in which case surface characteristics would have a predominating effect. However, in a distribution of elements, each of which is of a size of the same order of magnitude as the wavelength being utilized, the surface characteristics would not have as great an effect as the nature and characteristics of their distribution and spacing.
In one of the more involved embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to produce holograms of modulating surfaces by a projection taking the form of a distribution of spheres, for example, and to control by computer such factors as the surface characteristics of each of the modulating spheres in the stacking and the organization and interfacial angles of the stacking in the making of the hologram(s). In some instances, the interfacial angles are modulated by apparent spatial displacement of one or more of such holographic spheres. Further, the computer may control the apparent point of view of the projection of the modulating system, as well as the placement of the virtual illumination sources in the projected modulator distribution. In this embodiment, the computer would control the amplitude, frequency, and phase - as well as the angles of incidence and the apparent spherical-coordinates of the illumination source relative to the system of the apparent holographic modulating elements. It is thus possible to utilize a computer to control a projection of a system according to the present invention wherein most of the variables encountered during the operation would be computer controlled. By using an XYZ three-dimensional projection coordinate system the required modulator surfaces, as well as the apparent modulating characteristics thereof, can be synthetically generated holographically according to simple three-dimensional analytical geometric equations which would be all the more simple if the surfaces were spherical. Programming could then be instituted which would dictate that a beam of radiation striking the surface at a specific angle would either be reflected or refracted therefrom, depending upon the modulating characteristics that are in memory for that particular modulating surface as well as the angle of incidence of the beam. These computations would be repeated for each interaction of an apparent wavefront of radiation with an apparent modulating surface. Such a system will be described in more detail herein below.
The actual modulating element distributions of the present invention, or the associated holographically projected real or virtual image of elements, may take the form of three-dimensional ordered arrays which may comprise anywhere from several to a substantial number of elements. The number of elements is, in most cases, a factor determing the resolution of the system and is a function of the geometric variables of arrangement, the nature of the radiation, the shape of the elements themselves, as well as their modulating characteristics. In one embodiment, a number of elements would at least partially define a reflective cavity with surfaces having some degree of reflectivity; while some elements of a refractive nature would preferably be positioned to refractively extract information from the apertures formed, for example, by three reflective elements.
It is furthermore possible to have the above described reflective cavity at least partially contain elements which would refractively modify the information being multiply reflected therein.
A major variable determining the arrangement of modulating elements in a particular array or stacking is the interfacial angle between planes of such elements. In a simple stacking of layers of elements, the interfacial angles are measured from the oblique planes of alignment of the centers of elements in successive layers to the horizontal base layer. The plane of any horizontal layer is parallel to the base layer; this set of parallel horizontal reference planes is said to be at a reference angle of 0°. The oblique planes constitute an additional set of parallel planes. The interfacial angles of these oblique planes are determined by the direction from the center of a given element in a given layer to the center of a nearest neighbor element in an adjacent layer. Coexistent with the primary set of parallel planes at a primary interfacial angle, determined by nearest-neighbor angle relationships, are secondary, tertiary, etc., sets of parallel planes of elements within the same system which are similarly determined.
The interfacial angle may vary from approximately 39° to approximately 54° in orderly distributions. This is due to the fact that stackings of elements in which the planes have interfacial angles of less than 39° tend to become random in arrangement, with the modulating elements not co-operating as well in the orderly distribution of radiation; whereas the maximum stacking angle possible is approximately 54°, which occurs in a stacking of spheres in which each sphere is touching all spheres adjacent to it. If this angle were to increase for a particular stacking upwards through 54°, the stacking would have interfacial angles decreasing from 54° from another orientation. Interfacial angles of approximately 51° 49' have been found to provide a particularly desirable arrangement; a stacking of spherical elements, some of which are substantially reflective while others are of a refractive nature, is particularly suited to a 51° 49' stacking geometry. In an arrangement of spheres with interfacial angles of 51° 49', there exists the maximum number of unobstructed straight lines interconnecting each part to its neighbors, while maintaining a minimum number of element contact points. This combination of spherical elements of a reflective and refractive nature, stacked in planes of elements which comprise and intersect another set of parallel planes of elements at an angle of approximately 52⁰, form one preferred embodiment of the present invention, which will be described in more detail herein.
It is possible for the modulating element system of the present invention to comprise two or more distinct stackings, each having its respective group of elements wherein these elements may vary with respect to:

(1) the number of elements
(2) the arrangement or interfacial stacking angles of elements
(3) the modulating characteristics of the elements
(4) the spacing between the elements
(5) the size of the elements
(6) the composition of the elements

The stackings may be located immediately adjacent to one another, in some instances forming one combined stacking having sections of different characteristics; alternately, there may be two distinct, orderly stacked distributions which are separated by a distance greater than the size of either stacking. Any intermediate degree of separation between such stackings is also possible. In some embodiments, the ordered geometrical distribution may include two distinct but integral sub-distributions of a plurality of elements, the first of which, for example, may produce a primary effect on incident propagating energy or upon propagating energy originating from its interior; while the other sub-distribution would receive some portion of the affected propagating energy exiting from the first sub-distribution and would produce a secondary effect upon such propagating energy; and wherein the average spacing between any two of said sub-distributions may be substantially greater than the average spacing between the elements within each of said sub- distributions.
In other embodiments, two or more of such distinct distributions of elements are interfaced or interconnected by fiber optic waveguides or by a third distinct distribution of elements such as either absorbing or reflecting hollow tubes, for example.
The present invention may function with more than two distinct distributions, each of which may also cooperate as portions of a larger distribution. In this case, each distinct distribution is integrally related to the arrangement of the other associated distributions. For example, a first array of modulating elements in a certain distribution may perform a primary effect on an ordered or random propagating energy, where the modulated radiation would exit the first array in all directions and subsequently be intercepted by several other secondary arrays, each having a distribution related to that of the first array. The second arrays may be designated as screens due to the fact that the radiation which has been modulated by the primary array is projected onto the secondary array which performs a secondary effect on such propagating energy in a manner such that the desired information is actually utilized as it emanates from this secondary array or screen.
The above described secondary arrays or screens may be formed at least partially of diffractive elements which may be relatively planar and comprised of linear or circular diffraction gratings or mosaics thereof such as are described in U.S. Patent Nr. 3, 567, 561. Such small circular diffraction gratings may be specifically positioned in either single or multiple layers such that an ordered distribution of such diffractive elements in three dimensions is maintained. One or more of these arrangements or screens could be integrated into the geometry of the primary or projecting array as described above, such that two planar distributions of elements would form two distinct planar arrays. Each plane may be comprised of various sets of elements. It may also comprise a separate, similarly proportioned but larger distribution of elements which may function as a resolving means for propagating energy.
A multi-layer arrangement or a planar distribution of elements in an ordered distribution may function either as an encoding or decoding device which could, for example, resolve images or otherwise affect propagating energy containing complex information, which may or may not have been previously coded or modulated. This information could be projected as follows:

A) projected directly on the above arrangement of elements by any of the known photographic or holographic projection means from one or any number of directions such as a laser projection
B) projected on an additional distribution adjacent to it which could be composed of any number of elements of various types. These additional distributions may also function as screens and would be, in many cases, three-dimensional distributions of modulators arranged in parallel planes at angles in the 39° - 54° range.
C) Projected on conventional white screens adjacent to the resolving surface
D) projected on conventional white screen elements distributed or integrated with the resolving array.

In conjunction with previously unmodulated radiation, diffractive, planar element screens may act as encoders or image transformers, and the transformed images can in turn be utilized as they are, or can be recorded and utilized at a later time. Such recordings would in some cases take the form of intensity fringes resulting from the interference of a plurality of distinct propagating energies.
In instances where diffractive elements serve as a demodulating screen for radiation emanating from the primary array of modulating elements, this primary array may be composed of diffractive elements, reflective elements or refractive spherical modulating elements in various combinations.
It can thus be seen that the elements of the present-invention may comprise various combinations of reflective, refractive, and diffractive surfaces or any.surfaces capable of affecting propagating energy. Such surfaces arranged either in a single distribution or in a plurality of distinct distributions function integrally with one another in three dimensions wherein the geometry of the ordered distribution is a function of one or more geometrical characteristics of at least one of said surfaces.
In some instances, it is preferable in the above embodiments to enclose the ordered distribution of modulating elements by container surfaces which will further reflect and contain such radiation, leaving small areas of the container open as apertures to allow entrances and exits for the radiation.
In addition to three-dimensional arrangements, the ordered distributions contemplated in the present invention may also comprise single planar arrays of elements, generally in combination with other planar arrays, where the positioning of any one of these individual planes of elements is determined by and dependent on the positioning of the remaining planar arrays.
If the element arrays are three-dimensional, the support for the entire array may vary independently of the inter- planar stacking angles, and the modulating elements may be arranged on pyramidal-shaped support systems - as well as spherical, hemispherical, conical, or cylindrical columnar support systems. For example, in the case of a columnar shaped support system, the diameter of the column may be a function of the diameter of the modulating elements thereof.
It is furthermore possible for the modulating element arrays to be indefinite in extent, whereby the boundaries of the distributions are not as significant as the inter-element spacing and orientation. In this case, there would be at least one boundary of the distribution of a specific nature, such as planar, for the introduction of radiation into the system. In this event, such a planar boundary of a modulating element distribution would exist at specific orientation to the element planes existing within the distribution. Thus, the above considerations would be similar to those involving the determination of the orientation of the face of a crystalline solid in specific relation to the planes of atoms or molecules in the particular crystal lattice being considered.
The present system may perform diverse functions, such as the formation of holographic or photographic images from existing objects, the controlled synthesis of holographic images where computerized image information may be either originated during image construction or stored in memory, as in an optical computer, for the processing of binary or other optical information, as well as other functions dependent on the orderly manipulation of information.
The present invention may function as a radiation amplifier such as a laser or maser, depending on the frequency of the radiation involved, wherein the specific arrangement of modulating elements would cooperate with a medium capable of stimulated emission to form an amplifying cavity.
The formation of unique aesthetic visual displays is also a primary application of the present invention and the orderly distribution of modulating elements described herein in combination with one or more light sources is capable of forming either an organized or kaleidoscopic arrangement of imagery with a degree of flexibility and capability heretofore unknown in the art.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to produce a system for the distribution, transmission, and detection of propagating energy, wherein such propagating energy may be affected in a controlled manner to either originate or further modulate information as desired. Such a system comprises a source of propagating energy and a means for affecting said propagating energy by interaction with a plurality of elements arranged in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution.
It is furthermore an object of the present invention to produce a system for the complex spatial modulation of propagating energy of either an acoustical, electromagnetic, or mechanical (wind, water, lava, river, and tide waves) nature so as to impress, extract, organize and/or utilize energy with respect to such propagating energy as may be desired.
Another object of the present invention is to produce a system for modulating radiation in a complex and controlled manner, and thus produce desired complex interference wavefronts which may be recorded on radiation sensitive materials, for example, on photographic or holographic emulsions.
A further object of the present invention is to produce a system which facilitates the amplification of radiation by stimulated emission within a unique three-dimensional cavity of multiple modulators.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is capable of controlled and complex visual synthesis of either realistic, anamorphic, abstract, or other diverse forms of imagery with a versatility heretofore unknown in the art of image-synthesis or video= synthesis.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is capable of phase, frequency, and/or amplitude modulation of radiation wavefronts in a mathematically predictable spatial, geometrical, or temporal reference system. The three-dimensional geometry of such distributions of elements as well as the modulating characteristics of its components are capable of performing complex geometric transformations on radiation of any type appropriate to the modulators. These techniques may be utilized in many disciplines.
A further object of the present invention is to produce a system of radiation modulators which, when properly oriented relative to the sun or other source of high energy random-radiation, is capable of modulating, classifying, concentrating, gathering and/or otherwise utilizing the energy therefrom.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a modulating system comprising ten spherical reflecting modulating elements arranged in such a configuration that energy may be inserted into desired apertures or spaces between the spherical elements and into desired portions of the multiple cavities contained in such a system, in order to accomplish any of the above objects or purposes. Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for the display of one or more electronic signals which, more specifically, may comprise frequencies in the audio portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Such means will provide three-dimensional visual imagery synchronous with the audio signals. This means for converting audio signals to visual imagery can also be used to convert visual imagery to audio information.
The above and further objects will become obvious upon examination of the following description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 illustrates the interaction between a radiation beam and a single refractive spherical element;
Figure 2 illustrates a similar interaction between a radiation beam and a single refractive spherical element under slightly different conditions;
Figure 3 illustrates a simple interaction between a radiation beam and a single refractive spherical element resulting in symmetrical distribution of radiation;
Figure 4 illustrates an organized geometry in accordance with which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is organized;
Figure 5 illustrates an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution comprising 26 axes of symmetry;
Figure 6 illustrates some of the possible resonant distributions of radiation utilizing spherical refractive elements;
Figure 7 illustrates several simple ordered distributions of spherical elements in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 8 illustrates several additional simple ordered distributions of elements;
Figure 9 illustrates one distribution of radiation possible as a result of a specific distribution of spherical elements;
Figure 1o is a prospective illustration of a plurality of spherical elements in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional illustration of a portion of the distribution of Figure 1o and additionally illustrates the interaction of radiation simultaneously with a plurality of spherical refractive elements;
Figure 11A through 11D illustrates some simple interactions of radiation with a fiber optic waveguide and several spherical elements;
Figure 12 illustrates some interactions of radiation with a plurality of spherical refractive elements in another cross-sectional view of an ordered three-dimensional distribution;
Figure 13 is a photograph of the type of interaction illustrates in Figure 11;
Figure 14 is an illustration of an ordered three-dimensional distribution of spherical elements utilized in several embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 15 illustrates one preferred embodiment of an ordered distribution of spherical reflective and refractive elements in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 16 illustrates another ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution of spherical refractive and reflective elements in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 17A is a photograph of one system of reflective spherical elements constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 17B is a photograph of a portion of another system of reflective spherical elements constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 18 illustrates the interaction of controllably deflected radiation with a single spherical refracted element;
Figure 19 illustrates the interaction of two controllably deflective beams after being respectively modulated by two single refracted spherical elements;
Figure 2o illustrates a preferred system for the controlled distributiontransmission, detection, and collection of radiation in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 21 shows several preferred components for use in the system illustrated in Figure 2₀;
Figure 22 illustrates several further components for preferred use in the system of Figure 2₀; and
Figure 23 illustrates a diverse embodiment of the present invention utilizing three elements; one toroidal element and two spherical elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:

The present invention is based on a system for controlling propagating energy comprising a plurality of elements capable of affecting such propagating energy, said elements being arranged in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution. Such an ordered distribution may be defined as an arrangement of elements separated by mathematically determined distances with reference to an X,Y,Z axis system. The distance s_a represents the straight-line distance between the centers of adjacent elements on a given coordinate axis. A simple unit system, for example, would position elements by s = 1, s = 3, s = 4. More complex distributions could be determined by reducing x, y, and z components to arithmetic and geometric progressions on these coordinates. In the following descriptions, some of the basic interactions involved in single modulating elements which may be used in the present invention will be described as well as the modulation characteristics resulting from interactions which occur in systems of multiple elements arranged in rows, planar arrays and three-dimensional arrays.
In much of the following description, the use of spherical modulating elements is described. The principles of the present invention are best applied to symmetrical elements, the sphere being the most simple, orderly, symmetrical distribution in three-dimensions. It should be understood, however, that the use of circular, eliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or any regular or irregular n-sided polygon, or any other two-dimensional shaped elements or combination of at least two such elements of different shape is contemplated in the present invention. The use of three-dimensional elements such as spheres, cubes, rectangular solids, toroids, tetrahedrons, pyramids, and n-sided regular or irregular polyhedra, cones, hyperboloids, paraboloids, hyperbolic paraboloids, is within the scope of this invention, provided the distribution of such elements is ordered in three-dimensions. In fact, any planar two-dimensional figure whatsoever may be used as an element in a given system. Further, any three-dimensional solid or portion of such solid or combination of at least two such elements of different shape may be an element. Hollow solids, or hemispherical solids, may be used as elements, or any bounded curved surface of positive or negative curvature, such as spherical polygons, cylindrical, conical, or hyperboloidal surfaces, etc. When such elements are arranged in an ordered three-dimensional distribution, as will be described in the case of spheres below, the positioning of various elements may cooperate with the geometry of each element to form diverse radiation, distribution, transmission, absorption, and detection systems which should be understood to be within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. The geometry of said ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution is a function of one or more geometrical characteristics of at least one of said elements.
The present invention also includes systems for utilizing an energy field in the generation of propagating energy comprising a plurality of elements subject to the influence of said energy field, said elements being disposed in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution.
Any of the disclosed systems of elements may comprise a plurality of units of a first material distributed and held in relative position within a continuous matrix of a second diverse material.
Another system herein disclosed may comprise at least one element which itself comprises a plurality of elements which may be substantially spherical all of which may be disposed within at least one spherical element with a larger diameter.
Attention is first called to Figures 1 and 2 where is shown in each case a two-dimensional representation of a spherical modulating element with a beam of radiation 1 incident thereon. It will be noted that in Figure 1, the beam of radiation 1 originating from source S is incident upon modulating element 3 at point A at angle e to a line 5 which is tangent to point A on the surface of modulating element 3. In this instance, modulating element 3 is of a partially transmissive nature and may be, for example, a solid sphere of glass, acrylic, or other suitable material, it being understood that the index of refraction of the material is a vital variable. In this example, the beam of radiation 1 originating from source S would be split at point A into beam 1₀, which is reflected from the surface of the sphere, and beam 7, which passes through a section of the sphere, and once again encounters the sphere surface at point B. Depending upon the degree of reflectivity of the sphere's surface, and on the index of refraction, a portion of the beam may be internally reflected as beam 11 and a portion may also refractively exit the sphere as beam 9. At the impingement of beam 11 at point C, beam 13, which-exits the sphere, and beam 15, which remains internal, are generated. Beam 15 encounters the surface at point D, which is not in this case coincident with point A.
It will be clear upon examination that the precise angle e which beam 1 makes with tangent 5 at the original point of incidence is responsible for determining the length and direction of beams 7, 11, and 15 inside the sphere as well as the paths of exiting beams 9, 13, and 17, the latter of which exits from point D. Beam 19, generated at point D, remains inside the sphere. It is evident that beam 19 will continue to make contact with successive points on the surface of the sphere, generating in each instance an internal and external beam. These beams would be of successively lower amplitude than the original intensity of incident beam 1. The amplitude of beam 1, in combination with the absorption and other physical characteristics of sphere 3, will determine the number of reflections possible based on decreasing amplitude of the beams generated.
While it is clear that the index of refraction and the surface properties of sphere 3 are important considerations, it is possible simply by adjustment of the angle of incidence 6 of beam 1 to control the successive paths of beams 7, 11, 15, etc., so as to either repeatedly generate new points of incidence with the surface of sphere 3 or to cause such points to become coincident as is shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, radiation beam 1, which originates from source S, is incident at angle 9, with a tangent 21 at point E on the surface of sphere 3. At this point, internal beam 23 as well as external beam 25 are generated; it can be seen that beam 23 intersects the surface of sphere 3 at point F generating beams 27 and 29, with beam 27 in turn generating beams 31 and 33 at point G. Angle 9₁ has in this instance been selected so that one of the internal reflections, beam 31, returns to point E, which was the original point of incidence of beam 1 with the surface of sphere 3. This occurrence will cause a reflection from point E of a beam which follows substantially the same path shown at 23, as well as the generation of a refracted beam which may follow path 25.
Thus, in this instance, a resonant pattern of radiation similar to that found in a ring laser is set up which reinforces itself; the sphere becomes a generator of beams 25, 29, and 33 and functions as a beamsplitter or radiation distributor wherein the number of exiting beams can be precisely determined by the angle of incidence of one beam entering the modulating element 3. It can be seen in Figure 1 that beam 19 may continue to reflect within sphere 3, generating successive beams. Depending upon the exact value of 8, such a beam may eventually once more intersect the surface of sphere 3 at a point identical with a previous intersection; or the beam may continue to reflect around the surface of sphere 3, never intersecting the surface at the same point twice, thus forming a high order series of points.
In any case, all beams generated, as well as all intersections of such beams with the surface of sphere 3 lie within a single plane due to the symmetry of the sphere. Resonance may be established when an even or odd number of internal reflections co-exist on the same line or point or plane within the element; an example is given in Figure 3 of a situation where seven exit beams and seven internal beams are developed from one entrance beam.
In this case, incident beam 1 - once again from source S as in Figures 1 and 2 - intersects point H of sphere 3 at angle 92 to a line 35 which is tangent to the sphere at point H. Subsequently, there are generated sequentially exit beams 37, 39, 41, 43, 45, 47, and 49, the last of which may follow the exact path that an original reflection of beam 1 from point H produced. Thus, by the incidence of_beam 1 at specific angle 8₂ with the surface of sphere 3, seven exit beams symmetrically distributed are produced, all of which lie in a single plane that intersects the center of sphere 3.
The principles described above with respect to Figures 1, 2, and 3 can be understood to attain a much greater complexity when the interactions are considered to take place in spheres arranged in distributions of intersecting planes which share common spherical elements.
In such a three-dimensional arrangement, the distribution of radiation in each sphere lies within a plane that may or may not coincide with distributions in adjacent or tangent spheres. It will also be evident that more than one planar system of distributed radiation may intersect in a single sphere in more complex instances. The plane within which such a distribution would lie is determined as a function of the following:

1. the angle and point of entry relative to the center of the sphere
2. the indices of refraction of the sphere and that of the surrounding medium
3. the frequency of the beam or wavefront

Distributions of radiation in the form of resonant patterns relate the radius of a sphere to the various chord lengths which generate internal resonant paths and to the external distributions of radiation at the points of surface contact. The planar distributions illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 represent respectively three and seven equal divisions of a circle.
Figure 3 also illustrates another possible aspect of a transparent spherical modulator element system wherein at least two of said elements are disposed concentrically and comprise an inner element and an outer element. For example, a sphere of different material designated as 4 which is smaller than and concentric with element 3, could, if positioned within sphere 3, allow or block the passage of certain chord lengths of radiation being internally reflected within element 3, thereby acting as a filter of sorts. In this instance, the properties of sphere 4 could be sufficiently different to obstruct the beam travelling around the chord lengths pictured. It can be seen that this situation could be carried further by using, for example, a plurality of spherical modulators arranged concentrically around a central modulator which lies in a planar array. In a similar instance, concentric spherical elements comprise a system wherein the outer surface of said inner element is substantially reflective, the inner surface of said outer element is substantially reflective whereby a radiation cavity is formed between the outer surface of said inner element and the inner surface of said outer element, and wherein at least one of said elements further comprises at least one aperture allowing the passage of propagating energy. Such a system may further comprise separate means for modulating the phase, amplitude, or frequency of said propagating energy. Another similar system may comprise at least two of such elements which are disposed co-axially which also comprise an inner element and an outer element.
Figure 6, containing illustrations 6a through 6f, illustrates further examples of the possible internal distribution patterns which may be generated by directing a beam of radiation at a point on the surface of the sphere with the internal path length generated, BC being equal to 2R Sin 1/2 8.
BC is a representative chord length in each illustration; R is equal to the radius of the spherical element; and 6, the angle of incidence, varies in value as shown in the illustrations.
Thus, for example, Figure 6b shows a pattern which-is resonant at a frequency of three, which is used to designate the fact that the pattern repeats itself and intersects the surface of the sphere at three points shown as B, C, and D in Figure 6b. At each of these points it is possible for either one of two incident beams of radiation to produce, reinforce, or attenuate the resonant pattern shown within the sphere: one beam acting on clockwise reflective paths, the other beam acting in counterclockwise reflections. These sets of beams are designated as (1) Clockwise, i.e., 57, 61, and 65 (2) Counterclockwise, i.e., 59, 67, and 63. Any one beam or all beams would substantially follow the paths shown within the sphere designated as 69, 71, and 73. The above would also be true with any other frequency of resonant pattern. For example, in Figure 6e where the pattern intersects the surface of the sphere at 6 points, any one of 12 beams could create such a pattern, add to it, or attenuate it. In Figure 6b, if both incident beams 57 and 59 consist of coherent light and a near-perfect high tolerance sphere were available, then it is possible that the clockwise reflections caused by beam 57 could interfere with the counterclockwise reflections caused by beam 59, resulting in a net attenuation or reinforcement of the intensity of the resonant path BCD. If both coherent beams are of the same frequency and are 180° out-of-phase, they may each cancel each other so that the intensity of resonant path BCD decreases to zero.
With reference once more to Figure 6b, if only beams 57 and 59 are said to be entering the sphere, both being incident at angle 8 at point B, a system of interference is set up in that each beam.is travelling in the opposite direction from the other and comparisons in the form of the interference produced can be made at points B, C, and D where interference would relate phase differences relative to (1) the direction and relative distances of the input at B (2) any point along the internal or external path. This is similar to a ring laser where even a rotation of the whole system could cause a frequency shift in radiation moving in opposite directions, and thus affect the interference occuring at, for example, points B, C, and D.
A high resolution radiation sensitive medium placed tangent to points B, C, and/or D in Figure 6b would be capable of recording such interference patterns present at those points.
Figure 18 further illustrates the interaction of propagating radiation with a single refractive spherical modulating element wherein radiation is subject to deflection along perpendicular X and Y axes in order to vary the position of incidence on the sphere's surface as well as the angle of incidence therewith. The emphasis here will be on radiation passing through the element and being refracted thereby; however, internal reflection may also operate. Thus the system shown in Figure 18 consists of a laser 273, XY deflection means or device 275, spherical refractive modulating element 277, and if desired, photographic film 279 which may be replaced by a diffraction grating.
Spherical modulating element 277 may be composed of, for example, glass, acrylic, or other similar material but should preferably be of high optical quality with respect to its uniform composition and surface smoothness comparable with state-of-the-art optical elements. It will be understood that various compositions, each having a distinct index of refraction, may be utilized, and thus the index of refraction may be adjusted to a desired value. An important consideration in the systems of the present invention is also the degree of absorption at the wavelengths of radiation being utilized. The optical elements of the present invention preferably have, for the particular wavelength in use, as low a degree of absorption as possible, especially in embodiments of the present invention where a large number of elements interact with radiation sequentially.
The XY deflection means may be, for example, electro-optical, electro-mechanical, or any other system exhibiting desired performance characteristics. It can be seen in Figure 18 that XY deflection means 275 is shown to deflect the laser beam emitting from laser 273 to various positions, many of which are illustrated in this single figure. Thus, for example, the minimum deflection illustrated has a certain angle of deflection from the central axis 281 which is designated in the drawing as θ₁ while the largest angle of deflection makes an angle 6₂ with the central axis. It will be noted that when deflection at angle e₁ occurs, the optical characteristics of spherical modulating element 277 cause the deflected beam to be refracted and to intersect the central axis 281 at point 283. As the angle of deflection increases, the point of intersection of the refracted beam with the central axis moves closer to the center of the sphere. Thus the beam deflected at angle 6₂ is refracted to intersect the central axis at point 285.
The above are only exemplary positions of the deflected laser beam and it can be seen that with a beam which is constantly moving and being deflected, the angle 6 would be varying continuously. As a result, various three-dimensional field distributions are created on the opposite side of sphere 277 which vary in depth along the axis as the angle of deflection from the axis varies. In situations where the XY deflection is of a substantially complex nature, for example, each of the deflections in the X and Y axes being separate or distantly related functions, various concentrations and distributions of energy are projected by the scanning means 275 onto the surface of sphere 277. These varying distributions or concentrations on the surface of the sphere correspond to and are actually transformed into various spatial and intensity distributions on the far side of the sphere. In most cases, as the angle of deflection increases, i.e., as the beam is deflected further from the central axis of the system which would also correspond to a progressively smaller angle of incidence of the beam with the surface of the sphere at 271, the distance D of the intersection of the resulting refracted beam with the axis on the far side of the sphere becomes less, i.e., dimension A₁ shown at 287 is inversely related to dimension D shown at 289.
It should also be noted that in a situation without any deflection means and with simply a point source on axis 281 to the left of the sphere, the distance from the point source to the center of sphere 277 along the central axis would be proportional to the distance at which that point source again comes to a focus on the far side of sphere 277 on axis 281. In this case, the distance of the point source from the center of sphere 277 would be a function of the distance from its image to the center of sphere 277. If the divergence of a point source is of a limited degree, a cone of light would diverge therefrom and depending upon the distance of the point source from the center of sphere 277, as well as the angle of divergence of the radiation from the point source, a cone of radiation, would be generated which would intersect sphere A in a circular area of a size proportional to the above factors. Similarly, on the far side of sphere 277, a cone of radiation will converge on a focal point F; the distance FC will also be determined by the above factors.
Attention is again drawn to Figure 18 wherein is shown the relationship between point source or beam source S and its corresponding point of focus or intersection F along axis 281. A similar relationship is established in the axial alignments of refractive elements as illustrated in Figure 11 wherein a relationship of three-dimensional geometric correspondence exists between the location of point P₁ or of beam sources 131, 135, 141, exterior to the system and the field created by the image, i.e., P₂ transformed and transmitted to the area of the center sphere 135. For example, point source P₃ is reconstructed at P₄ as it is transmitted through the two axial systems, one on the X-axis, the other on the T₂-axis. This example will serve to illustrate the behavior of the transmission characteristics of these multi-axial optical systems when the transmitted propagating energy wavefronts, i.e., point, beam, or divergent cone, are not aligned with or originate from points on the axis.
With respect to the above Figure 18, a particularly novel combination of elements is obtained by placing a circularly ruled, transmission diffraction grating 279 perpendicular to the axis at a point on the right side of a sphere such that the converging cone of radiation originating from a point source S on the left will intersect the diffraction grating and due to the circular symmetry of such a cone of-radiation as well as the circular symmetry of the circularly ruled diffraction grating 279, different sized cones of radiation will be generated to the right of 279; they may be either expanding or converging cones of radiation depending on the distance of the originating point source from the sphere as well as its angle of divergence.
In Figure 18, it is shown that the angle of beam deflection would in turn determine the location and angle of the beam of radiation that intersects, for example, point 283, point 285, or a similar point along the central axis. The location of such an intersection point in relation to the circularly ruled diffraction grating at 279 would determine the location of a higher order distribution of points along axis 281. In order to obtain a symmetrical system as described above, the circularly ruled diffraction grating should preferably be substantially perpendicular to the axis 281 and should also have its center located on the axis 281 determined by source S, sphere center C, and the focal point or intersection point F. The above factors, e.g., the angle of a cone of diverging and converging radiation with respect to a spherical modulating element such as 277 will be particularly significant in systems where more than one of such spheres are arranged in an organized system where the center-to-center distance of the spheres as well as the particular patterns of radiation entering such a system are calculated so as to perform specific and predetermined operations on such radiation.
A slightly more complex scanner system would be one comprising two spherical modulating elements and two scanners and would take the form as shown in Figure 19. Shown are spheres 291 and 293 along with their respective XY deflection scanners 295 and 297 and lasers 299 and 3₀1. Such a system is capable of generating complex imagery in the area between spheres 291 and 293 due to the interaction of the wavefronts emanating from each sphere and resulting from various deflection distributions on the surface of each sphere by the scanners and lasers associated therewith. It would be possible, by using holographic techniques and laser radiation of a suitable coherent nature, to generate complex fields of radiation which could be transformed to imagery by, for example, holographic recording and viewing techniques. Such a system as shown in Figure 19 would be relatively simple in that the radiation field would be distributed with reference to a single reference axis common to and central to both scanning systems. A radiation sensitive recording medium placed in this field could record extremely complex wavefront information patterns.
It can be seen that more complex systems could be developed using the above principles such as systems comprising a greater plurality of elements arranged in an organized system.
In such arrangements comprising a large number of modulating elements, especially those in three-dimensions, it will be clear that multiple axes are present and the various fields of radiation which are distributed throughout such a system can be controlled by specific attention to the various axes, their angles of intersection, as well as the placement and characteristics of the various modulating elements along such multiple axes. A complex distribution of such modulating elements would result in a similar distribution of x,y scanners and such a system could be embodied in an ordered array or stacking of refractive modulating elements, preferably spherical, where the number of such x,y scanner distribution systems will determine the complexity of the field distribution. One way of achieving such a complex distribution of elements is by stacking them, one layer resting in the cusps formed by the lower layer. When such a plurality of spheres are stacked, depending upon the spacing between the elements, each sphere will make contact with other spheres at points of specific number and location.
A system which utilizes such radially disposed axial distributions of elements each having an associated propagating energy directing means such as an x,y scanner wherein a plurality of such axial distribution systems converge or intersect a certain area provides a means for directing propagating energy from many directions to said central area for further utilization.
Such a multi-channel optical correlator will find applications in various disciplines requiring control of propagating wavefront energy for the purposes of controlling absorption, transmission, detection, distribution, and display parameters. Clearly these systems will provide a high degree of control over the distribution of three= dimensional field intensities in the visual spectrum for the purposes of three-dimensional image construction or image synthesis.
In most of the figures that follow, x-y-z mutually perpendicular coordinate axes are used. In sideview drawings and perspective drawings, the x-and y-axes refer to the horizontal base or reference plane while the z-axis refers to the vertical dimension or height. Of course, in a top view only the x-and y-axes show. Also, when solid angles occur, they are treated as angles projected onto a reference plane, such as the x-y base plane or the x-z base plane. Unless otherwise indicated, the value of angles are given in their projected value equivalents, rather than in the true solid angle.
Figure 7a illustrates a top view of a system in which the spheres are stacked in planes parallel to the page with each sphere touching all twelve adjacent spheres. The centers of spheres 77, 79, 81, 83, 75 and contact points A, B, C, and D all lie in the horizontal plane. Each of these sets of parallel planes is composed of distributions of elements that are touching and lie in lines at 60°, at 90⁰, at 120⁰, and 180° with respect to each other. Sphere 85 is shown to be slightly out of alignment with sphere 93 in order to make it visible, however, in the actual arrangement, spheres 85 and 93 would coincide in the view of Figure 7a. Similarly, spheres 87 and 95 are shown slightly separate to indicate the presence of two spheres, one over the other, and would actually be superimposed in Figure 7a as would corresponding spheres 89 and 97 as well as spheres 91 and 99.
Figure 7b shows a side view of the arrangement in Figure 7a. In Figure 7b, another set of planes of elements parallel to the page reveals distributions of elements that are touching and lie in lines at 9₀ ⁰, at ₅₄ ⁰, at 1₀₈ ⁰, and 180° as viewed in this projection. 1
In Figure 7c are depicted in perspective the 5 spheres of the base reference plane. Spheres 99, 93, 95, and 97, the four spheres that stack on top of the base plane, one in each of the four top quadrants, are depicted pulled apart with arrows to shwo where they should be stacked. Not depicted are the corresponding four spheres 91, 85, 87, and 89, that are stacked underneath the base planes, one in each of the four bottom quadrants. These four bottom spheres are symmetrical with respect to the four spheres stacked above the base plane.
In Figure 7b, spheres 85, 87, 89, and 91 make contact with sphere 75 in its lower hemisphere and make contact respectively at points E, F, G, and H on sphere 75. Spheres 93, 95, 97, and 99 make contact in the upper portion of sphere 75 as shown in Figure 7b and make contact respectively at points I, J, K, and L. For the purposes of illustration in Figure 7a, the hidden spheres and hidden contact points were slightly separated to indicate the fact that two points are actually present and would be superimposed in a more proper view, but no such change is made in the positions of Figure 7b. It can also be seen that the circle representing sphere 75 also coincides with and represents spheres 77 and 81 which are in front of and behind sphere 75 The respective points of contact of spheres 77 and 81, with central sphere 75, that is, points A and C, are represented by a single point in
Figure 7b. Spheres 93 and 99 are also superimposed and make contact with central sphere 75 at points I and L; respectively superimposed spheres 95 and 97 have central contact points at J and K; spheres 87 and 89, at F and G; spheres 85 and 91, at E and H. Sphere 79 makes contact with 75 at point B and sphere 83 at point D, similar to Figure 7a. In Figure 7a, the z-axis line that passes through the center sphere 75 is represented by a point. In Figure 7b, the y-axis line that passes through the center of sphere 75 reduces in perspective to a point. It is obvious that the distribution projected perpendicular to the y-axis, as represented in Figure 7b, is congruent to that projected perpendicular to the x-axis.
We shall refer to the above stacking, illustrated by top= view Figure 7a and side-view Figure 7b, as being a 45° interelement and 54° interplanar stackings, respectively. The centers of the spherical elements of the top view of a plane of elements projected onto the x-y reference plane of the paper determine 45° slope lines for
Similarly, in sideview Figure 7b, the centers of elements project onto the x-z plane of the paper to determine 54° slope lines where tan.
It can be seen that in a 54° interplanar or 45 interelement stacking, each sphere makes contact at twelve different points with the spheres surrounding it, and these points of contact at which any two spheres touch can be considered as a pinhole through which radiation can be transmitted from one sphere to another undisturbed by the refraction of the medium which might be between the spheres, provided the spheres are conducive to that radiation.
Figures 8a and 8b illustrate another example of the above situation; but in this instance, projections of the parallel planes of spheres perpendicular to the x-and-y axis of the spheres generate parallel planes at angles of about 51° 49' with respect to the horizontal reference plane determined by the centers of spheres 77, 79, 81, 83 in Figure 8a and Figure 8b. This arrangement results in a situation where each sphere makes contact with only eight of the twelve surrounding spheres with a specific size gap between the remaining spheres. The numbering of the spheres in Figure 8a and 8b is the same as those in Figures 7a and 7b since the same spheres are shown, but in a different symmetrical distribution. Consequently, in this case, there exist three distinct distributions: one for each of the three mutually perpendicular axes. These symmetric distributions are similar on z-axes and a different distribution on the third axis in the case of spheres stacked on an incline of 51⁰ 49'. Since the stacking angle as shown in Figure 8b most conveniently describes the geometry of the arrangement, this angle will be referred to as the interfacial angle, which in this case is 51⁰ 49'. It will be noted in Figure 8a and Figure 8b that contact of sphere 75 at points A, B, C, and D with spheres 77, 79, 81, and 83 is no longer made and a specific size gap is now shown between sphere 75 and each of these four spheres. At an interfacial angle of 51⁰ 49' this gap is .0514 r, being the radius of a sphere. It will be noted that once again the position of spheres 85, 87, 89, and 91 has been offset slightly in order to show their presence behind spheres 93, 95, 97, and 99. Similarly, in Figure 8a, points E, F, G, and H, which are the points of-contact with sphere 75 of spheres 85, 87, 89, and 91, respectively, have also been offset slightly to show their presence, which would otherwise be superimposed on points I, J, K, and L, which are the points of contact of sphere 75 with spheres 93 through 99, respectively. In Figure 8b, it will be noted once again that spheres 77, 75, and 81 are shown superimposed on each other as are spheres 93 and 99, 95 and 97, 87 and 89, and 85 and 91.
With stackings of spheres at interfacial angles other than 54⁰, such as the 51⁰ 49' of one preferred embodiment, in addition to there being fewer points of contact between the spheres, the gaps thus produced between some spheres add a significant parameter to the optical properties of the system. One consequence of this spacing will be illustrated further below, in Figure 9.
In a large system of spheres made of a refractive material where the geometry of the distribution of the spheres is chosen to be congruent with the geometry of the resonant path in one sphere (for a given frequency or chord length) the interference pattern which is set up in a given sphere relates the position of a standing pattern or resonant path within one sphere to the congruent but expanded array of points or locations represented by the distribution of all spheres. In this geometry, the pattern or resonant path within a single sphere combines with the standing patterns within other spheres such that the array of all spheres produces coincident axes of resonance within the entire distribution. An example of this is given in Figure 9 where a small number of spheres is arranged, for the simplicity of illustration, in a single plane and where each sphere contains a resonant pattern which finds correspondence in and reinforces the resonant patterns found in the adjacent spheres.
It will be noted that spheres 1₀1, 1₀3, and 1₀5 contain resonant patterns of the frequency of 6, which are produced by a beam of radiation 107 which originates from source S. It can be seen that beam 107 is partially reflected to form beam lo9 and partially refracted at point A of sphere 1₀5 to form beam 111 which is reflected around sphere 1₀5 forming the six-sided resonant pattern. Since sphere lo3 makes contact at point B which is also a point of contact with the surface of sphere 1₀5 by the pattern, part of the radiation in beam 113 passes through point B with substantially no refraction and enters sphere lo3 as beam 115. Subsequently, the radiation is reflected around sphere lo3 and at point C makes contact with sphere 1₀1 where beam 117 enters sphere 1₀1 and creates a similar six-sided pattern to those in spheres 103 and 1o5, this being due to the particular arrangement of these three spheres with relation to beam 1₀7. It will be noted, however, that the situation is different with respect to spheres 119 and 121: they do not make contact with sphere 103 and are positioned in each case a specific distance d/n therefrom - which is designated in this case as a fraction of the diameter d. In this example, the positioning of spheres 119 and 121 has been chosen such that they intercept two exit beams from sphere 1₀3, i.e., beams 115 and 123 which partially exit sphere 103 at points D and E, respectively. The radiation from beam 115 enters sphere 119 at point F and, due to the spacing of sphere 119 from sphere 1₀3, enters at an angle substantially different within the sphere than would otherwise be the case if sphere 119 was touching sphere 1₀3. In this-.example, the spacing designated as
in Figure 9 is such that a reso- nant pattern is set up in both spheres 119 and 121 having an exact resonant frequency of 3. Additionally, a portion of radiation beam 125 which again contacts point F, partially leaves sphere 119, and, in this instance, impacts sphere 103 at point H, reinforcing both the radiation in beam 127 as well as that partially reflected from sphere 119 by beam 115.
It can be seen from the above that by the proper positioning of spherical modulating elements as well as the proper incident angle of radiation upon any one or more of these elements, certain radiation distributions can be set up which bear relationship to each other and especially to the uniform distribution of such modulating elements. It should be noted that the sphere spacing in Figure 9 and the angles of refraction pictured are not exactly shown to actual scale, but are only to illustrate possible distributions. The ratio 9 may have to be larger or smaller than shown to actually achieve the distributions illustrated.
Previous considerations of Figure 9 and Figure 18 and Figure 19 described single and multiple interactions in terms of beams of radiation. However, the expansion of the range of inputs into these simple systems does not randomly distort the distribution; instead, it organizes and transforms it.
Figure 1o shows a matrix separated to illustrate one possible embodiment of the present invention wherein an organized distribution of spherical elements 129 comprises three planar distributions. One consists of 49 spherical elements arranged in orthogonal rows in a 7X7 planar matrix designated as a_i. Arranged above is a second matrix of spheres a₂, also in a planar array composed of mutually orthogonal rows of spherical elements, this time numbering 25, arranged in a 5X5 matrix. These two planar distributions would be spaced, for example, in planes approximately 1.33 element diameters apart.
Spaced similarly above the 25-sphere distribution is a 9-sphere distribution composed of a 3X3 square array of spherical elements a3 centered above the 25-sphere distribution, which is in turn centered above the 49-sphere distribution. A single final element a4 at the apex of the system is in turn positioned above the central element of the 9-sphere distribution plane and is in this instance separated therefrom by approximately 1.33 element diameters in agreement with the spacing between the other planar distributions.
Further, the depiction in Figure 1₀, for the sake of ease in viewing, has intentionally omitted the additional planar arrays that may lie intermediate between the square arrays shown. These additional arrays would allow for a consistent stacking with consistent contact of all spheres. The planes within which the additional arrays would lie, i.e., b₁, b₂, and b₃ are indicated by the dotted lines. Each such additional array would have a square matrix of spheres whose centers align on a plane. These three planes are parallel to the planes of the depicted arrays a₁, a₂, and a₃. The plane of array b₁ is halfway between the planes-of arrays a₁ and a₂; planar array b₂ is halfway between a₂ and a3; planar array b₃ is halfway between a3 and a4. The distance between the planes of array a₁ and array b₁ is approximately .66874 element diameters. The same distance occurs in each instance from planar arrays b₁ to a₂, from a₂ to b₁, b₂ to a3, a3 to b3, and finally from b₃ to a4.
Figure 11 shows a side view of the planar arrays of spheres of Figure 1₀. This view in Figure 11 is perpendicular to the plane containing the x-axis and the z-axis of Figure 1₀. Within the single plane of elements pictured in Figure 11 there may be identified several groups of axes along which the centers of a plurality of the elements in the system may lie. It is additionally evident that there are parallel axes which might enter the distribution at different points but which would all remain parallel to each other throughout the system. Such an arrangement of spheres, as in Figure 11 and Figure 1₀, could be compared to a crystal lattice with interfacial angles of-51° 49'. Each linear alignment of element centers of Figure 11 represents or corresponds to a plane of elements perpendicular to the page. In any such system, a central element may be positioned such that it intersects with the highest number of such axes, thus becoming capable of receiving radiation along any one of them if the elements are refractive and can successively focus the radiation through the system with a minimum of loss. Thus it can be seen, for example, that sphere 135 is at the intersection of axes x₃ and y₃ which can be considered a major axes since the distribution of elements is denser than, for example, on axis t₂ which is also formed with sphere 135. Similarly, a great number of minor axes such as s₁ and r₁ are formed with sphere 135; however, in these cases they would utilize and conduct such varying intensities and radiation transformations to the central sphere, since the density or number of elements along such axes varies. In the event that the sun is utilized as a source of propagating energy, it should be noted that different groups of these axes could successively align with the sun's radiation thus allowing a substantially stationary system to gather radiation along successive groups of axes during the sun's apparent movement through the sky. There could be integrated into these density varying axes elements composed of materials whose indices of refraction, size, or shape compensate for such varying densities. The utilization of such an axial distribution of controlled inputs for the directing of radiation to a central area would provide means for uniformly concentrating radiation energy in various three-dimensional configurations on various gas, liquid or solid fuels or active media or any combination thereof.
In one embodiment such an arrangement of refractive elements is utilized to uniformly focus coherent radiation on deuterium and tritium balloons or other fuel pellets to achieve efficient fusion reactions. A consideration of Figure 11, Figure 9, and Figure 12 will reveal some ways in which spheres aligned in straight line arrangements can communicate radiation along the axis of symmetry. For example, in Figure 11, beams L₁ and L₂ and L₃ are conducted through the system and intersect sphere 135 in a transformed but orderly distribution. It should also be noted that in the three-dimensional distribution pictured in Figure 11, many more axes exist which intersect at sphere 135.
An embodiment is illustrated in Figure 16a and 16b where the shaded spheres 1 - 1o are arranged in 2 - 5 sphere 51⁰ 49' pyramids set base-to-base with 45 rotation on the z-axis and the refractive spheres set in the 8 cusps can convey light to the center of the cluster (numbers 11 - 18). When a beam source - used itself or when used with an associated deflection system, as described in Figure 18 - is associated with each of these axial entrances such as that represented on the t-axis in Figure 16a and 16b, field control of the interior is achieved through the integration of two opposing sets of inputs, i.e., four each, radially symmetric to the z-axis, wherein the focus or intersection of one set does not coincide with that of the other set as shown in Figure 16a, thereby providing a means for concentrating maximum controlled input with minimum distribution of axes of symmetry while the entire system is still symmetrical to the z-axis which allows for meaningful comparison and/or measurement of field effects with respect to the z-axis. Additional axial distribution systems such as these could be utilized in a more complex system to achieve higher resolution control over the central area of the ten sphere arrangement.
In one embodiment, the design of a resonating cavity for use with various lasing media which provides for the excitation of that media through 26 axes of refractive elements that exist in a stacking of spheres such as shown in side-view, cross-section in Figure 14 and is shown as an axial distribution in perspective in Figure 5. The nature of the paths of light through the axial alignment of refractive spheres is shown in Figure 11 in cross= section. Since this axial alignment of 26 axes is capable of generating standing wavefronts, when used with coherent light focused on central sphere 135, forming standing wave patterns in the order of magnitude of the wavelength of the radiation used, this method of stacking or otherwise distributing modulators in three-dimensional arrays provides a unique, selective-excitation geometry which links macro-modulator systems to micro-radiation events in a highly tunable format. For instance, the number of intersecting axes can be determined by the number of spheres omitted in the central intersection zone. The shape of the interference pattern in that central zone can also be controlled by:

(1) the appropriate choice of the wavelength used to exite the lasing medium
(2) the adjustment of the angles at which the multiple axes intersect to be harmonious with or congruent with the geometry of the atomic structure of the lasing medium
(3) the appropriate choice of modulator material
(4) the appropriate dimensional adjustment of the axial phase relationships.

The control of these parameters permits unique control over the shape of standing wavefronts which can be created to be harmonious with or congruent with the geometry of the atomic structure of the active elements in a lasing medium; this provides selective excitation in the size domain appropriate to the phase, amplitude, frequency, and location of atomic oscillations.
In another embodiment, information, radiation, or any propagating energy can be transmitted along these axes with appropriate modulators and be received by central sphere 135, but, more generally the radiation will form a three-dimensional interference pattern in the general area of sphere 135 as in an embodiment where sphere 135 was omitted. Consideration of Figures 1₀, 11, and 14 reveal various representations of the cross-sectional plane through the x-axis and the z-axis. In Figure 14 all planes of spheres are represented, with the shaded area representing those spheres omitted in Figures 1o and 11. Also, in Figure 14 the spheres along the t-axis have been removed (1) to reveal the configuration behind and (2) to illustrate the ability to create corridors through various axes of an orderly array by removing the elements along these axes. Various shaped cavities can be created by selectively or randomly removing a single element, various configurations, or various distributions of elements, regular or irregular. Various types of modulators could also be selectively or randomly distributed in the system, thereby utilizing the three-dimensional array as a format for the integration of propagating energy or radiation along these axes. In one embodiment illustrated in Figure 14, photographic or more preferably radiation sensitive film 2o7, 2o8 - having whatever resolving power is required for the particular frequency of the radiation utilized - may record, in planar cross-section and at any angle, the information which might be present due to the inputs along any one or more of the axes discussed above.
One manner in which information may be put into such a system is with a waveguide using radiation of appropriate wavelength. In such a system, the ends of said fiber optic elements are positioned in proximity to the exterior boundary of said ordered three-dimensional distribution. In another system, the ends of said fiber optic elements are designed to interface with the geometry of the entire array as well as with the geometry of each individual element. Utilizing frequencies in the visible range, a fiber optic may be formed integral with an input or output element as shown in Figure 14 at e and e₁.
One manner in which information may be put into such a system is with a waveguide using electro-magnetic radiation of appropriate wavelength. With frequencies on the order of the visible range a fiber optic may be formed integral with an input or output element as shown in Figure 14 at e and e₁. In Figure 11, the angle at which a parallel beam entered, the waveguide 142 would determine the angle that the beam makes with the axis, thus transforming and transferring that energy to a central area, such as sphere 135.
With reference to Figure 11, it can be seen that beam 141 travels along the waveguide 142 at angle 9₂ with respect to the x₃-axis and upon entering the system from waveguide element combination 142, it is refracted until it enters the central area of the distribution where it is still shown as 141. In a like manner, beam 131 entering at angle 6 with the x-axis is transmitted through the system to the central area. Beam 13o, which enters parallel to the x₃- axis, is transmitted to a different location in the central area.
From consideration of Figure 11, where a cavity is formed by the removal of one central sphere 135, it is shown how the multiple axes access is achieved. Figure 5 shows the intersection of 26 axes at point 26 which corresponds to sphere 135 in Figure 11. The same axial alignments can be seen in Figure 14. Figure 5 is a perspective representation of the axial distribution that is created by the distribution of axes in a regular stacking of spherical elements with interfacial angles of 51° 49'. Perpendicular to each plane, in such a stacking of spheres, is a set of parallel axial distributions of elements. Consequently, in an arrangement of refractive elements, the center sphere cavity of Figure 14 could contain organized information transformations in the form of radiation distributions capable of being recorded on radiation sensitive media.
Twenty-six directions or axes are determined by lines in Figure 5 radially distributed from center 26. Clearly this ability to concentrate controlled propagating energy from 26 directions is one of the unique characteristics of this invention. Since these 26 axes of symmetry could be represented by parallel planes of elements similar to those used in conjunction with the fly's-eye array described in U.S. Patent No. 3, 515, 452 (R. V. Pole), it would be in the geometric configuration described in Figure 14 that 26 such image transformations from 26 different directions could occur simultaneously in one area suitable for recording on photographic or radiation sensitive media placed in the central cavity.
In another embodiment to which Figure 14 refers, there occurs an arrangement of reflective spheres with a cavity created by the removal of one central sphere. This cavity would function as a multi-mirrored cavity with radiating axes distributed as shown in perspective in Figure 5. The ability of this cavity to selectively reflect any input to the cavity provides a means whereby the multiplexing of radiation is uniquely convenient to existing radiation control devices - for example, the use of lasers and scanners to control the radiation inputs to such a cavity. The spaces between the spheres, themselves being distributed in rows creating apertures into the system, can be utilized as corridors through which radiation can be directed to the center cavity. In addition, those corridors which could be created by the removal of single elements or columns of spheres can also be utilized for the distribution of propagating energy from interior to exterior and vice versa. Referring again to Figure 14, the central cavity could be thought of as being defined by concentric, pyramidal layers of elements. The numbers of such layers could determine both the number and the geometric distribution of these radiating axes as well as the numbers and location of the excitation apertures in the system.
With analog control of the angle at which radiation enters waveguide/element combination 142 of Figure 11, the exact positbning of propagating energy transmitted through the system to a central area may be accurately determined. Just as information may enter along the x₃-axis, information may enter along the _Y3- or t₂-axes and also enter the central location of the distribution in a precisely determined position and angle. This particular embodiment could form the heart of an analog optical computer with, for instance, three-dimensional optical storage means in the central area of intersecting axes.
Figures 11a through 11d serve to illustrate an embodiment wherein fiber optic effects are utilized to interface the external light sources (guided through fiber-optic conductors, such as described previously in relation to 142 in Figure 11 and illustrated in Figures 11a through 11d as 142 a-d) with the internal geometry of the system. The utilization of fiber optic elements would provide means for the interconnecting of two or more distinct three= dimensional element distribution systems which could be separated by a considerable distance. Fiber optic waveguides may also be utilized in combination with said distribution systems to feed back propagating energy from one portion of said system of elements arranged in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution to another portion of said system of elements. Figure 11a illustrates the divergence of the beam as it encounters the spherical surfaces as well as illustrating the path that is the result of its encounter with differing indices of refraction between acrylic spheres and air. F'igure 11b illustrates another configuration where the fiber optic 142b has a spherical end and Figure 11d shows a similar configuration where the end of the fiber optic conductor is faceted. Clearly, the faceted end will permit directional positioning of the beam without divergence which is significant in the interfacing of internal geometry and external light sources and vice versa such as when the light sources are internal to the entire system used as a projector to an external system of detectors or resolvers wherein the interface is accomplished by the distribution of fiber optic conductors. Figure 11c illustrates another embodiment wherein an opaque perforated mask is positioned along the path to selectively edit the input beam. The_ selection is thus determined by the geometry of the perforation pattern which could be of a macro-size, as illustrated, or the mask could be a hologram with a masking pattern in the molecular domain which would introduce a refinement to the selection by refraction capability of this interface configuration. Figure 11c also illustrates the use of electro-optic media which function as a real time light gate which may have refractive and/or polarization modulation characteristics.
In one embodiment, electro-optic media is composed of a lasing media such that the location or presence of a point source may be controlled. In one embodiment, the lasing medium is composed of a medium having internal distributed feedback characteristics that permit electro-optic control of the presence, position, direction, amplitude, frequency, and phase of the beam entering each axial distribution system. Such a medium is described in U.S. Patent No. 3, 771, o65 (L. S. Goldberg, J. M. Schnur) and is one of the many methods of beam control that could be integrated with the geometry of the previously described systems of radiation control by three-dimensional distributions of modulators and/or detectors. Figures 11a - 11d show some of the presently available materials that could be used in combination with the above-mentioned disttribution-by- geometry systems. It is only when these materials are used in combination with the three-dimensional geometric distributions of elements herein disclosed that form the conditions upon which the claims are based. Such systems herein disclosed may be capable of the amplification of incident propagating energy by stimulated emission. These systems further comprise:

a lasing medium capable of amplifying propagating energy by stimulated emission, disposed in close proximity to said elements,
means for allowing propagating energy to be incident on at least a portion of said ordered geometrical distribution, and
means for allowing at least a portion of the energy resulting from stimulated emission of said lasing medium to leave the system.

Such systems may further comprise a lasing medium capable of distributed feedback utilized in combination with both reflective and refractive elements wherein said lasing medium capable of distributed feedback is selected from the group consisting of liquid crystal materials and organic dyes. Other such lasing systems may be designed wherein:

said lasing medium is selected from the group consisting of liquids, gases and solids;
said lasing medium is disposed in the voids between said elements;
said lasing medium is confined to geometrical planes disposed within said distribution;
said lasing medium is confined to substantially thin cylindrical axes disposed within said distribution;
the elements comprise the lasing medium.

Such lasing systems may conveniently interface with fiber optic materials to provide means to interface with electro= optic inputs to computers or to be otherwise utilized as described herein.
A medium such as a distributed feedback lasing medium (as described above) wherein the interatomic distances are electronically modulated provides means to control the spacand interelement angles between at least two atomic sized elements. Such means may be utilized with larger sized three-dimensional, axially distributed systems. of elements which converge on a central area of the system. Such a medium would provide a high degree of control over the directing, conducting or transmitting of propagating energy from the interior of said ordered three= dimensional geometrical distribution to the exterior: thereof and vice versa.
It should be pointed out that instead of a single fiber optic, 142 may designate a fiber optic bundle in an orderly distribution such that the presence or absence of radiation in any one fiber would emit a bit of digital information which may be transmitted through the system and recorded or otherwise utilized in the central area. The distribution of the fibers in each bundle could be a micro-distribution with proportions similar to the planar distribution of the entire system as projected on a plane perpendicular to the axis with which the bundle is associatied. This would provide a system for possible use as a digital optical computer where a great number of input channels could be accessed in one relatively small area.
Such processing could be performed by the simultaneous presentation of information from one such axial distribution system and from more than one of such systems so that the area of sphere 135 in Figure 11 would contain the information from one or more inputs in the form of three-dimensional radiation distributions which could be recorded or otherwise utilized.
Such a multi-channel optical correlator could be utilized in the real-time processing of information by utilizing one or more input channels to excite one or more output channels. For example, waveguides e and e₁, in Figure 14 can be utilized in combination with acrylic spheres on their respective z- and x-axes to excite the center cavity formed by reflective spheres, with one output corridor being formed by the removal of spheres along the t₁-axis. A camera or other radiation sensitive recording means positioned on the t₁-axis could photograph the integration of these two inputs, which would be formed by variations of the pattern created by such a multiple reflecting cavity. Keep in mind that Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of what would be a cavity with two sets of three concentric pyramids of elements defining the cavity. One set of three concentric pyramids is shown as p₁. p_{2' P3} in Figure 14; the other set of three opposes the first on the z-axis and is displaced thereon.
In the embodiment described above where high resolution radiation sensitive recording means would be placed in the center of the distribution 129 in Figure 14, interference information resulting from comparison of coherent radiation being transmitted along any of the axes would produce a recordable information pattern capable of being developed and reilluminated from an appropriate angle to reproduce the information which has entered the system along these axes. In this event such a recording medium could be planar, in which case it would be a limiting factor in the recording of information in system 129, due to the fact that it could only record information with reasonable accuracy from either one of two broad'directions. In a more idealized system, element 2o9 would be present and coated with a radiation sensitive emulsion which would record the interference information present from all directions and which could subsequently be developed and embody a composite record of information provided to or incident on system 129 from all directions simultaneously. Such a spherical recording surface as described above, in addition to being capable of recording such information from any angle could also, upon reillumination outwardly through the recorded images, reproduce the information which was recorded and could be used to project it back in the direction along each of the many axes from which it came. Such a spherical record, as, for example, one in the form of a hemisphere, could be illuminated preferably by a spherical coherent wavefront" from within for such a projection.
A similar function could be performed in the event that acoustical radiation and acoustically sensitive elements were utilized. In this instance, for example, sound fields may be recreated by the appropriate positioning of acoustical recording devices in the central area of distribution 129.
While the above system is described with respect to electromagnetic radiation which may, for example, utilize acrylic waveguides as well as other acrylic modulators, other possible types of propagating energy such as acoustical, may be used. In this case the elements, for example, may be composed of water predominately, or , in the case of magnetic energy, where a plurality of electromagnets might replace waveguide 142 in Figure 11 and steel or ferro-magnetic elements would replace the acrylic optical elements described above.
In such an embodiment, this invention is found to provide means for controlling the rotation or oscillation of single elements or arrays of elements utilizing natural or artificial mechanical flow energy such as water flow or air flow energy. The use of an array of spheres such as shown in Figure 14 would provide an array of voids whose flow and turbulance characteristics would be controlled by directing such wavefronts at various pressures through the openings between the spheres which remain stationary, as in system 129. In the individual cavities thus formed, the turbulance pattern is designed to controllably rotate or oscillate various mechanical or electro-mechanical elements which may have one or two axes of freedom or total freedom to oscillate in sync with its neighboring elements. The size, shape, composition, distribution, and specific gravity of the moving elements could be chosen to match the turbulance characteristics to maximize the efficiency of mechanical motion.
In this embodiment, nearly spherical permanent magnets, such as F, with diameters less than the smallest dimension of the cavity are placed in the cavities formed by a fixed or stationary array of spheres which contain or are composed of conducting metals which are cut by the magnetic lines of force of the rotating spheres. The control of the oscillation or the rotation of the magnetic elements within the cavities of the stationary array may be achieved by utilizing specific ordered three-dimensional distribution geometries for the directing of fluids under pressure into the system at various specific angles to create various specific turbulance patterns. The movement of such magnetic elements may create electrical potentials which may be conducted away through conductors associated, for example, with individual stationary elements. Such a system may-utilize natural or artificial flow energy which may comprise:

A plurality of elements capable of controlled oscillation in response to said mechanical flow energy, said elements being disposed in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution, and means for extracting oscillatory energy from said elements, and wherein at least one of said elements comprises a permanent magnet, and wherein said oscillation comprises mechanical rotation of at least one of said elements.

Such a system may provide means for extracting oscillatory energy which comprises electrically conductive elements capable of removing electrical energy produced by the oscillation of at least one of said elements in a magnetic field and may utilize mechanical flow energy which comprises a natural flowing water source or a natural flowing air source and may further comprise a plurality of elements which remains substantially stationary in said mechanical flow, and which produces specific turbulence patterns of flow within said ordered three-dimensional distribution. A system which may utilize said mechanical flow energy and which further comprises said plurality of elements with said capabilities and distributed in three-dimensional distributions and means for extracting oscillatory energy from said elements may comprise:

At least two types of surfaces having similarities in their three-dimensional geometries but differing in the characteristics that one set of surfaces remains substantially stationary with respect to said mechanical wavefronts while a second set of surfaces is permitted at least one axis of rotation and oscillation with respect to said mechanical wavefronts whereby useable electrical, magnetic or mechanical energy is produced.

The significance of intersecting axes of elements in ordered, three-dimensional distributions as discussed above is embodied in the optical system described below. This system, which is pictured in Figure 2₀, is designed to utilize the intersecting radial distribution of symmetrical axes of elements in order to generate and control imagery. Audio signals or other electronic signals which can be processed to modulate or generate audio signals are used to control the primary x-axis and y-axis deflections and are thus in synchronization with the three-dimensional video imagery, providing a format which is capable of producing, among other displays, extremely unique audio= visual illusions. These systems may be termed Audio-Video, Electro-Optic, Macro-Holographic systems. A-V-E-0-M-H-S
These systems are based on methods of distributing electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum such that three-dimensional imagery will be perceived. The control over the parameters that create such imagery is achieved by the selective excitation of modulator elements which are distributed on surfaces that in turn are distributed in various three-dimensional arrangements. The nature of some of the methods used to achieve this selective excitation and modulator-element distribution forms the basis of some of the embodiments herein disclosed.
In the following description, the intersecting axes of symmetry or resonance, of which there are 26 primary axes, are described as being those formed by the intersection of axes formed by the centers of spherical elements aligned in columns in a regular stacking of spheres of uniform diameter in a pentrahedral square-base, 51⁰ 49' face-to-base pyramid. The geometry of the distribution of the centers of such spheres in such stackings provides a coordinate system for the distribution of modulating elements which may be used with an associated selective excitation system, or it may be used with random, incidental, or casual excitation, as the sun, for example, may provide.
One of the characteristics of this coordinate system is that it contains 26 sets of parallel planes of points; each point in this system represents the intersection of a line perpendicular to each set of 26 sets of parallel planes. These sets of parallel planes of points and the set of associated intersecting perpendicular lines constitutes a coordinate system where Δx = 1.05 d and Ay = 1.05 d when Az = .669 d and where Ax is the distance between the planes perpendicular to the x-axis, and similarly Ay and Δz to their respective axes. The distribution of spherical elements of unit diameter d, based on this three-dimensional proportion where such spheres are centered on such point distributions, produces a matrix or lattice wherein lie the 26 unique, major sets of parallel planes and their associated perpendicular axes which share a common intersection point. Each point in such a matrix has associated with it its unique 26 sets of parallel planes and their associated perpendiculars of intersection.
Another property of this arrangement of spheres stacked at inclines of 51⁰ 49' to the horizontal is that it contains two other major sets of points integral with and identical to the above stated matrix, based on the centers of such spheres. They are (1) the matrix of points based on the points of contact of the spheres and (2) the matrix of points based on the geometric centers.of the voids between the spheres. It is by virtue of the simultaneous occurence of these matrices that selective excitation is possible. The orderly distribution of interconnecting voids in the array permits the selective excitation of each of the modulators in the array by permitting restricted access to each modulator by even casual, incidental, or random propagating energy.
Figure 5-is a perspective representation of such a distribution of points. This Figure 5 could represent each of the three matrices mentioned above wherein is shown the 26 axes intersection at point 26. For the purposes of simplicity, this matrix will be said to have interfacial angles of 51° 49'.
It is known that spheres stack in orderly distributions in the range of interfacial angles between approximately 54° to approximately 39⁰. Though many of the principles herein revealed include those that result from interfacial angles other than 54° 49', the latter is preferred in the following embodiment since it has been found to produce a particular organization and associated imagery which is considered distinct in many cases from that produced by other interfacial angles between 39 and 54⁰. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a 26-sided polygon, the faces of which have perpendiculars intersecting point 26. Each face has a parallel opposing face; both faces, consequently, have a common perpendicular. There are thirteen such pairs of common axes intersecting point 26.
Consider the resonance characteristics of such a reflective structure. A point light source inside that structure will produce in the reflected visual field 13 intersecting axes of points converging on that point source. Such a distribution of reflective planes would provide a 360 field of internal reflections. Upon such mirrored planes are placed circular modulators, preferably circularly ruled diffraction gratings, with a distribution in each plane which is appropriate to the orientation of that plane with respect to the distribution coordinate system mentioned above, where x = O, y = O, z = 0 corresponds to point 26 in Figure 4. Such a distribution geometry as shown in Figure 21a would be appropriate to planar distributions on mirrors set parallel to the x or y axis in Figure 4. Figure 8a would relate to the distribution on planes perpendicular to the z-axis in Figure 4. A medium that could reflect or refract light coming from a number of directions would resolve images that the selective distribution system would determine. Such a resolving medium that itself is selective in its reflection or refraction would provide for some degree of image control. Randomly distributed condensed vapor such as steam or smoke or other media so distributed placed inside or immediately outside such an optical distribution could function as resolving media; however, other media that would more conveniently lend themselves to ordered distribution would be preferred due to the greater control possible therewith.
A randomly distributed resolving medium comprises a first material having a first velocity of propagation of said propagating energy dispersed within a second material having a differing velocity of propagation of said propagating energy. Such a system of randomly distributed elements may be combined with a system which comprises a plurality of axial distributions of elements and may utilize propagating energy from the sun such that said axial distributions so disposed gather energy from the sun as the sun moves in-the sky, while the total system remains substantially stationary. Such radially disposed axial distributions may comprise at least two spherical transmissive or spherical reflective or spherical refractive elements.
Resolving media composed of ordered three-dimensional arrays of modulators may be constructed as large as buildings and integrated therewith. For example, glass and steel structures may be used to support ordered arrays of modulators which could be excited by the sunlight and viewable inside as well as outside of the structure. Such large systems may be constructed from many materials and building techniques which include geodesics as well as inflatable structures. It is also possible to construct miniature resolving systems that would be suitable to wearing as a pair of eye glasses or a visor that would be made of a three-dimensional distribution of modulators suitable for casual or controlled excitation. Such distributions may be synthetically generated and recorded holographically; the resultant hologram is then capable of providing means for the display of various input parameters, i.e., electronic, photographic, electro-optic, etc. The use of such a geometry for the storage and categorization of information by geometric location in holographic media permits later reconstruction and/or decoding in miniature scale suitable in size to be integrated into eye-glass type magnification and movable (in three-dimensions) adjustable retrieval mechanics. The use of holographic recording media and the element-array geometry in combination with an eye-glass presentation format provides a cheap and convenient format for information storage and retrieval.
Another embodiment utilizes various real-time electro-optic media for use in an eye-glass or visor format for real-time electronic audio displays integrated with the various axial distribution optical system for audio to video conversion.
Additionally, costumes for dancers may utilize distributions of modulators that integrate with the geometry of the resolving media for special theatrical effects.
Three-dimensional arrays of elements, supported by various films, planes, or shaped surfaces may be utilized in the construction of outdoor billboard designs so oriented as to utilize the light from the sun as the primary source of illumination. Such an ordered three-dimensional distribution of elements may further comprise a resolving surface disposed in proximity to said distribution whereby propagating energy affected by said-distribution may be intercepted by and resolved by said resolving surface and may function as a screen which is also composed of a further plurality of elements. Said screen may be disposed in a separate ordered geometrical distribution which is a continuation of the geometry of said ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution. Said screen elements may comprise circularly ruled diffraction gratings. _A system of ordered three-dimensional distributions of elements may be used with propagating energy which comprises laser radiation, and wherein said system is utilized in the formation of holographic recordings which are capable of being converted to white light holographic recordings and whereby such holographic white light recordings could be utilized as solar window displays or as solar illuminated billboards. Such holographic recordings may also be utilized as resolving means for propagating energy which may also be utilized in combination with controlled excitation systems. Other light sources may also be utilized to illuminate such surfaces of modulators. Such billboards may be viewable on either side due to the selective transmission or reflection by multiple diffraction as previously described in relation to Figure 21b.
In a preferred embodiment, circularly ruled, reflective or transmissive diffraction gratings of diameter similar to those of the excitation system are fixed to a transparent planar surface. The ordering of these modulators on the axis of excitation that is determined by the distribution geometry of the excitation system mentioned above permits selective excitation as well as selective resolution. In such an embodi ment the excitation system would extend from the resolution system itself to infinite space. The total size of such a resolving medium composed of distributions of diffraction gratings distributed on transparent planes, such as glass or plastic sheet, could vary from the size of one element to many planes of elements which extend to the surface of the mirror-plane, excitation distributions, thus achieving a visual integration of resolving medium and exciting -medium. One interior resolving surface would be sufficient to resolve three-dimensional excitation from these 26 surfaces, and such a planar distribution would best be viewed perpendicular to that plane. Twelve such resolving surfaces placed perpendicular to the 13 axes of intersection would be sufficient to resolve imagery viewable from any direction. Such a distribution of planes can be reduced in number by the appropriate use of mirrors which can produce symmetrical reflections, which will simplify the construction of such a system when full 360⁰ viewing is not necessary. Such a reduced system is illustrated in Figure 2₀.
The geometry of some components of the following system is in accordance with the distribution based on the module of the dimensions 1.05 inches x 1.05 inches x .669 inches as described above in Figure 5. The geometry of the figure shown therein, that is, the points, lines, and planes, whether curved or flat, is utilized to place modulators in order to provide a distribution of light along the axes created by the spaces between the modulators.
Shown in Figure 2o, is one preferred system in accordance with the present invention which comprises a radiation source 300, such as a laser or appropriate apparatus for generating radiation otherwise obtained, and an x-axis and y-axis deflection means shown at 301 which may either be a single apparatus or may comprise two separate devices each for deflection along a single axis, an external distribution of modulating elements 302, an organization of one or two expander surfaces shown as 303-312, an internal distribution of modulating elements 313, resolving means 314 and 315, a mirror multiplier 316 and preferably audio speakers 317 and 319. Any one or more of these latter components may be omitted or more completely developed depending on the characteristics desired.
Radiation source 300 is preferably a balanced white light source of a spatially coherent nature, such as an argon/ krypton gas laser, or may alternatively be a sun derived source and even the sun itself, if a suitable collection and direction apparatus is utilized. Additonally, a sun-pumped laser as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 3, 732, 5₀5 (Freedman), 3, 8o8,428 (Barry et al.), 3, 297, 958 (M. Weiner), and 3, 451, 010 (T. H. Maiman), may also be utilized. In such instances where solar radiation itself is the radiation source, resolving means 314 and 315 either together or in combination with the mirror multiplier 315 is specifically utilized in order to assist integration of three-dimensional imagery in the viewing area 321.
The x and y deflection means 3₀1 may be any device as known in the art which is used to direct a radiation beam in a controllable x versus y distribution. This may consist of one or more devices and these means are basically considered in most cases to be radiation encoders of an electro-mechanical or an electro-optical nature, since these are two of the primary types of radiation deflection devices known on the art. External distribution 302, expander surfaces 3₀3, 3o4, 3o5, 3o6, and/or 3o7, 308, 309, 31o, 311, 312 and internal distribution 313 are considered to be encoders of an optical nature and may comprise distributions of modulating elements of any of the types described in the present application. Each of these components would in most cases be a distinct distribution of elements which is also integrally related with the previously described unifying geometry, for example, the type of element, element spacing, element size, inter-element angles, inter-planar angles, as well as the positioning and spacing of each of the distinct distributions. This optical encoder portion of the present system which includes 303-313 would be designed in the present instance to accept radiation which has been deflected in the x-y plane by deflection means 3₀1. This arrangement would present information in encoded patterns to the resolving means 314 and 315 which will be utilized to decode such encoded information patterns.
While both electro-mechanical and electro-optical deflection means may be utilized, 3₀1 would in most cases be an electro-mechanical type such as reflective surface/speaker diaphragm combination where electronic acoustical signals are utilized to produce movement of the reflective surface in order to deflect the radiation in accordance with audio signals. Additionally, various raster types of electro= mechanical deflection means such as spinning or oscillating reflectors, refractors, or defractors, also well known in the art, may be utilized.
Among the possible electro-optical deflection means are liquid crystals and various inorganic materials, such as sodium niobate.
The x-y raster or deflection pattern may be considered to be composed of two sets of binary information, a positive and negative x-axis component, a positive and negative y-axis component, as well as the z-axis, which is in most cases a function of the x component and/or the y component. When such an x-y distribution of points of radiation incidents are projected on a plane perpendicular to one axis of symmetry as in the plane containing expander surface 312, a resolving medium such as shown at 314 and 315 will transform that projection so as to provide amplitude, phase, and frequency information - processed to provide space and time coordinate visualization visible in the viewing area 321.
In most cases, the size and shape of the x-y deflection pattern which is projected into optical encoder means, i.e., all surfaces that precede 314 and 315, is of a nature which is programmed or predetermined to integrate or to be compatible with the geometry of the whole system and particularly, with the geometry of the various distributions which form the optical encoder section, i.e., 3o2-313. In this way, control over additional distribution parameters may be gained through the deflection means as well as the particular placement of the element distributions.
With attention to the optical encoder portion of the present system 3o2-313, external distribution 3o2 would take the form of a system of modulating elements which would distribute radiation, in most cases visible radiation, in an encoded information pattern. It is possible for external distribution 3o2 to be utilized alone as the optical encoder, in which case the information thereby impressed on incoming radiation would then be decoded by resolving means 314 and 315 without the use of expander surfaces 3o3-312 or internal distribution 313. As noted, such distributions of modulating elements would preferably be geometrically integrated with the geometry of the total system in order to facilitate better control. In this case, control of the radiation beam path would be of primary concern since it would determine the organization of the information processed by external distribution 3o2 and subsequently processed by resolving means 314 and 315. This would be true even in the case of expander surfaces 303-312, as well as internal distribution 313 being present in the system.
The modulators to be utilized in any of means 302-315 may be of a polarizing, refractive, reflective, diffractive or transmissive nature and any of these modulating elements either singly or taken in any combination may be utilized.
The organization of optical encoder elements of the system may furthermore be of a relatively simple or of a relatively complex nature. In a simple form, for example, distribution 3o2 would consist of a single, clear, spherical element which would simply perform the function of enlarging the beam diameter and the size of the x-y raster which was projected thereupon by deflection means 3₀1. Thus, the enlarged x-y raster or x-y deflection pattern produced would subsequently be incident on whatever other components of optical encoder systems which were present, such as internal distribution 313, which may also consist of one or any number of elements. Additionally, expander surfaces 3o3-312 may be either absent or present in any combination of several or a large plurality of modulating elements working in combination with single element 3o2. Alternatively, such a single element as 3o2 may also process radiation which would subsequently be processed directly by the resolving means 314 and 315 in the absence of any elements 3o3-313. In such an instance of 3o2 being a single element, it may, instead of being a clear spherical element, take the form of a transmissive diffraction grating, for example, a circularly ruled diffraction grating which would diffract the x-y raster or deflection pattern, thereby expanding and/or otherwise transforming such projected information, which may subsequently by resolved at 314 and 315, or may be intermediately processed by any one or combination of elements 3o3-313.
Thus, the function of external distribution 3o2 may vary from the processing of a radiation pattern by a single element which may be of any of the types previously discussed; or to the processing of such an information pattern by a plurality of such elements disposed in any desired combination and/or configuration.
The expander surfaces designated as 3o3-312, which may be said to function also as optical encoders, may be various organizations of modulator elements, also of various types previously discussed. In one preferred embodiment, surfaces 3o3-312 may be made of a translucent material which would function as an arrangement of rear-projection screens, upon which the x-y deflection pattern or raster is projected. The control of, for example, a point distribution of radiation sources on such a screen by x-y deflection means 3₀1 would facilitate the placement of such point sources, or moving cones of radiation, with respect to time, in relation to resolving means 314 and 315. While the movement or placement of such moving cones of radiation may be somewhat restricted by the geometry of the surfaces 3₀3-312, in some embodiments, the displacement of such a point source of radiation by the x-y deflection means 3₀1 would still be capable of producing an organized system of such point sources with respect to time so that illusions of three-dimensional information would be produced which are capable of being perceived as such due to resolving means 314 and 315.
The geometry of the projection screens or expander surfaces 3o3-312 would preferably be able to reference point source distributions to the geometry of resolving means 313. Expander surfaces or screens 3o3-312 may take the form of flat surfaces, curved surfaces, a series of planar surfaces that may entirely surround the resolving means 314 and 315, or any combination of the above as desired, which would produce various effects in the resulting three-dimensional image synthesis process. Some embodiments may utilize the surfaces of a room or any other structure, such as a geodesic formation which would be designed to find integral relationship with the geometry of resolving means 314 and 315.
The expander surfaces 3₀3-312 may also utilize ordered arrays of distributions of modulators which would effectively transform the x-y informaion pattern produced by deflection means 3₀1 and/or 3o2 such that radiation incident upon resolving means 313 would apparently converge from any desired point in the area around resolving means 314 and 315. In such an embodiment, 3o3-312 may comprise an ordered three-dimensional distribution of diffractive, reflective or refractive elements in any homogeneous or any heterogeneous orderly distribution and may include elements which are absorbers of radiation specifically and strategically placed in such a distribution. In particular, circularly ruled, planar diffraction gratings may be advantageously distributed in plural layers such as to form a three-dimensional organized distribution thereof.
Such a distribution of circularly ruled diffraction elements is shown in Figures 21a and 21b. The centers of the planar circular elements lie on the points of intersection of the axes of a geometrical arrangement of point locations where the interfacial angles between planes of such points or locations are between 39° and 54°. This is similar to the previously discussed distributions of spherical elements where they would be arranged such that the centers of the spheres were coincident with the points or locations of such a distribution. It is in this manner that most distributions considered in the preferred embodiment's invention are based on a three-dimensional geometrical arrangement of loci or ordered distribution of points wherein planes of such points are defined as planes intersecting at angles between approximately 39° and 54°. Such an organized distribution of elements would be appropriate to the expander surfaces 3o7, 3₀9, 311, and 312, which are perpendicular or parallel to the x-axis in Figure 2₀. A distribution of points that would be appropriate to the surfaces 311 and 312 of Figure 2o is shown in Figure 21a and b. Utilizing the x-y raster or information pattern which may also be produced utilizing bias signals for shifting the effective center of such patterns, the expander surfaces would direct light to discrete areas of resolving means 314 and 315 from any particular grating of expander surfaces 3o3-312. Thus, for example, with reference to Figure 2₀, a laser 3oo and x-y and deflection means 3₀1 would project information in the form of a point source having a position varying with time onto a rear projection screen system which may comprise a distribution of expander surfaces 3o3, 3o4, 3o5, and 3o6 as discussed above. Another preferred arrangement would be made with mirror surfaces 3o3-31o and transparent surfaces 311, 312, 314, and 315 where all of these surfaces support the appropriate distributions of circularly ruled diffraction gratings; indeed, they would function harmoniously as distributors, expanders, and resolvers. In such an arrangement, surfaces 314 and 315 may be placed inside expander box with mirror sides 307-310; placed parallel with transparent surfaces 312 and 311; and placed equidistant from 312 and 311 as well as equidistant from each other. With regards to Figure 4 and 5, Figure 2o represents a distribution of elements relative to one axis, namely the y-axis. More complex systems, with distributions of elements relative to all 26 axes would provide more highly resolved and integrated image information display. The synchronization of such a multiple axial distribution system could be accomplished by any of the methods or combinations of methods known in the art such as beam splitting, electronic beam switching, electro= optic, and electro-acoustic modulation, etc. Each axis system could be controlled separately with independent control over the 26 point sources.
In Figure 20, the x-y deflector 3₀1 directs the beam from laser 3oo such that, through time, point sources or cones of radiation impinging on resolving medium 314 and 315 having a variable point of origin, direction of projection as well as angle of divergence, all of which originate from the previously described organized system of diffractive gratings general. ly at 3o3-312. It should additionally be pointed out that the type of diffractive grating distribution shown as 328 in Figure 21b may also be used to perform the function of resolving means 314 and 315 in Figure 2o and it should be clear that expander surfaces 3o3-31o as well as resolving means 314 and 315 and/or 312 and 311 may advantageously employ such an organized distribution of diffractive gratings and particular- lay circularly ruled planar diffraction gratings as shown in Figure 21b. In using the distribution 328 in Figure 21b, it can be seen that a single cone of radiation as shown at 325 may be diffractively divided, for example, by incidence on diffractive element 327 into more than one beam of radiation such as those subsequently incident on diffractive elements 329 and 331. A portion of such radiation would subsequently pass through diffractive distribution 328 in this instance as beams 333 and 335 as an expanded or more complex organization of radiation which may then be incident on resolving means 314 and 315 from at least two symmetrical directions. Resolving means 314 and 315 would be capable of resolving information by permitting the possible superimposition of two or more of a plurality of such divergent radiation components as would be produced by the scanning or distribution of cone 325 over the remaining diffractive elements of distribution 328.
It should be pointed out that beams 333 and 335 would be two portions of one annular beam of radiation first diffracted from element 327 and then by certain portions of elements 329 and 331. Similar varying radiation components would result as radiation cone 325 impacted on the remaining elements of the distribution 328, thus producing a plurality of relatively symmetrical radiation beams which would then be intercepted by resolving means 314, 315, and/or 311, 312. The superimposition of two or more such radiation components or wavefronts would be interpreted by an observer as a three= dimensional image due to the manner in which we perceive depth by comparing orientation from two divergent viewpoints separated in human beings by several inches. As shown in Figure 21a, which is a front view of circular diffraction grating distribution 328, the use of multiple layers of such diffraction gratings forms a three-dimensional distribution which may be substantially opaque as far as radiation passing unmodified therethrough, but which is capable of processing radiation or transforming it by multiple diffraction described above in conjunction with the side view of distribution 328. It is preferable for such a distribution of planar elements either to be oriented perpendicular to the major axis of symmetry, i.e., y-axis, of the optical system shown in Figure 2o or at some specific angle of rotation, such as 38° 18' as shown, which bears symmetric relation to the geometry of the resolving means. In this manner, the symmetrical x-y raster or deflection pattern of radiation could be projected from external distribution 3o2 to surfaces 314, 315 and/or 311, 312; such a projection would maintain its symmetry with respect to the main axes of distribution of the system, or with respect to some basic angle thereof.
In one useful form, the expander surface would be a pyramidal array of planar surfaces 3o3, 304, 3o5, and 3o6 each composed of distributions of elements appropriate to their respective positions with the vertices of these planar surfaces making contact and forming a pyramid, the apex of which would be aligned with the major axis of the system. This would allow the x-y deflection raster which would be projected by external distribution 3o2 to encounter four separate but integral and symmetrical triangular surfaces 303-306. It is furthermore possible for deflection 3₀1 to multiplex the production of four separate but integral patterns or rasters, each of which would be centered on one of the four triangular surfaces of the expander. In this instance, each of the triangular components may be composed of a plurality of layers of diffraction gratings. It would be obvious that the exact angle between such components, that is, the interfacial angles of the distributions, should be of specific orientation to the major axis of the system and would produce multiple distributions of radiation with respect to that angle which would also be related to the angle of diffraction of the individual triangular elements.
It is also possible in the present system for expander surfaces 3o3, 3₀4, 3₀5, 3o6 to receive radiation either as discussed above from the direction of external distribution 3o2, or from the opposite direction from means such as internal distribution 313. The composition or element characteristics of expander surfaces as well as the geometry thereof will determine the type of transformation or processing which will occur to radiation information which is subsequently incident on resolving medium 314, 315 and/or 311,312.
It is possible in one embodiment for internal distribution 313 to comprise an axially symmetrical distribution of circularly ruled diffraction gratings, and Figure 22a and b illustrates one preferred embodiment of such an axially symmetrical distribution. Shown in Figures 22a and b is an axial view, Figure 22a, and a side view, Figure 22b, of an axial distribution of diffraction gratings which form internal distribution 313. Diffractive elements, shown in 337, have a certain diameter circular hole punched in each element, creating annular, circularly ruled diffraction gratings which are shown to be aligned parallel to one another and sequentially distributed along the axis 339 of the distribution, perpendicular thereto. In this embodiment, a reflective surface such as a mirror is provided at 341 at one end of the distribution, which, along with the remaining elements, may be supported by an open-ended tube 343. It is possible and in most cases preferable for each of the elements 337 to consist.of two annular diffractive surfaces back to back so that a cone of radiation 345 may either be diffracted when first contacting one of the elements as at 347 or from the opposite direction after being reflected from surface 341 as shown at 349. In either case, openings could be present in the tube 343 specifically located to allow such diffracted radiation exit from the distribution.
When aligned axially along the major axis of the system in Figure 2₀, the plurality of diffractive elements of distribution 313 performs the function of transforming and distributing the x-y raster or deflection pattern originating from 3₀1 into a radial distribution of radiation which may be next resolved by resolving medium 314, 315 or further processed by expander surfaces 3o3, 3o4, 3o5, and 3o6, to then be resolved by means 314, 315.
Another possible configuration for internal distribution 313 would be a column or multiple columns of spherical elements, such as diffraction gratings, or transparent or refractive spherical elements arranged in order to conduct and distribute radiation in accordance with the specific arrangement thereof. Some such axial arrays of transparent spheres are shown in Figure 11 along the x₃, t₂, and y₃ axes and would perform the function of internal distribution. The distribution along the x-axis of Figure 11 would be the one most appropriate for use in an internal distribution such as 313 in Figure 2₀.
It is also possible for a plurality of such symmetrical axial distributions of elements as described above to be positioned along several axes in the geometry of the total system, thereby providing a different and distinct system of distribution for each axis of symmetry in the optical system.
It can be seen from the above that there are many possible configurations of optical encoding distributions which may be placed in integrated relationship to form the total system shown in Figure 2₀.
Many embodiments utilizing multiple surfaces describe a system for controlling propagating energy comprising at least six surfaces capable of affecting such propagating energy, said surfaces being arranged in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution, said distribution of said surfaces being a function of at least two parallel planes, of a set of parallel planes, distributed on each of at least three non-parallel axes wherein no two planes lie in the same plane and no more than two of said axes lie in one plane. Such embodiments describing systems utilizing such a distribution geometry of surfaces may:

(1) be a function of one or more geometrical characteristics of at least one of said surfaces.
(2) comprise at least one surface which substantially polarizes, reflects, transmits, or refracts said propagating energy.
(3) comprise any combination of such surfaces; for example, a system which combines at least one surface which substantially transmits said propagating energy and at least one surface which substantially reflects said propagating energy.
(4) comprise at least one surface which substantially transmits said propagating energy and at least one surface which substantially diffracts said propagating energy.
(5) comprise at least one surface which substantially re- elects said propagating energy and one surface which substantially diffracts said propagating energy.
(6) comprise a liquid crystal material for one of said surfaces.
(7) comprise at least one of said surfaces in the form of a border between at least two materials each of which affects the velocity of propagation of said propagating energy differently.
(8) comprise surfaces defining a cavity having means for propagating energy to enter and exit. Such a cavity may comprise surfaces which are substantially reflective and said cavity is of a size sufficient to contain at least one human being, and may further comprise reflective my- lar, and may further comprise means to create a pressure differential on either side of at least one of said modulating surfaces so as to allow the shape of said surface to be altered.
(9) comprise surfaces which may be selected from the group consisting of spherical, planar, elipsoidal, cylindrical, hyperboloidal, toroidal, paraboloidal, and conical.
(1₀) comprise a lasing medium.
(11) comprise surfaces, the positions of which coincide with the distribution of points, said distribution being determined by distributions of elements being arranged in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution.

A related system may comprise a plurality of elements capable of affecting propagating energy and disposed in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution in sufficient proximity to one another to insure the multiple modulation of any propagating energy incident upon said distribution.
Another related system may comprise an ordered three-dimen= sional geometrical distribution comprising a plurality of propagating energy affecting surfaces disposed in sufficient proximity to one another to cause propagating energy affected by a first one of said surfaces to be also affected by a second one of said surfaces.
The system as illustrated in Figure 2o represents a system designed for the orderly distribution of light such that the many variable characteristics of light may be ordered or controlled in space and time. Such variables include phase, frequency, amplitude, and direction. The distribution of the size of, the shape of, as well as the composition of the elements in such a system determines the light distribution properties of such a system. The circles shown in Figure 21a may represent various types of elements which may reflect, lase, transmit, polarize, absorb, defract, refract, or perform combinations of such functions on propagating energy even though circular diffraction gratings are preferred for use in the laser projection system of Figure 2₀.
In the present embodiment, resolving means 314, 315 and/or 311, 312 may be predominately opaque to radiation parallel to the major axis of the system. However, by relating the geometry of the x-y deflection pattern produced at 3₀1 to the geometry of the various element distributions on 314, 315 and/or 311, 312, the radiation incident on resolving means 314, 315 and/or 311, 312 may be processed in such a manner as to utilize the specific geometry of the same to control wavefronts distributed by the various optical encoders 3o2-31o, and resolve or otherwise transform such wavefronts as desired.
While a modulator element distribution which is substantially opaque to perpendicularly oriented radiation may be simply achieved with a two layer distribution of, for example, the planar circular diffraction gratings described above in Figures 21a and 21b, configurations with more than two layers may also be utilized in resolving means 314, 31,5 and/or 311, 312 in order to achieve a variety of sensitivities to the input wavefronts which may be encountered in the present system. A variety of mixed modulator distributions may also be utilized to achieve greater sensitivity in the resolving means, which functions as a decoder component of the present system; additionally, various types of media may be utilized to support such distributions of modulators. In one preferred embodiment, both transparent and a mirrorized plastic film support the modulators which may be cemented or otherwise affixed to the surface thereof in the desired configuration; and the film shown at 2o7 Figure 21b may be stretched and supported by metal frames.
The resolving means 314, 315 and/or 311, 312 may be used either alone or in combination with reflective surfaces in order to utilize, for example, the sun as an input to the system. Mirrors may be positioned such that the sun's radiation may be received by such-resolving means directly, as well as by reflection from such reflective surfaces. Comparison of such direct and reflected radiation would be possibly by such resolving means.
Reflective surfaces or mirrors could be positioned so as to direct multiple images of the sun or other radiation sources toward the resolving means. With a variety of reflective surfaces, the distribution of which is integrated with the geometry of the present system, a high degree of complexity of imagery may be achieved and controlled by the integration of the geometries of the various components of the system.
The element distribution shown in Figures 21a and 21b may process radiation from the sun. In the event such a two= layer distribution of planar, circular diffraction gratings were used, the backs of such diffraction gratings may exhibit a black, non-reflective radiation absorbing surface which would function in combination with the circularly diffractive opposing surfaces of the elements. Thus, for example, the diffractive surface shown at 351 would perform diffractive functions on radiations incident from that side, while the back of the element 353 would be black. Similarly, the same would occur with the diffractive surface shown at 355, the back of which 357 would be black. In this manner, stray interaction with radiation would be minimized and more predictable behavior of such a controlled distribution would be achieved.
In such an arrangement as shown in Figure 21b, very little or no radiation would pass unmodulated through the screen and most radiation would be transmitted primarily by double diffraction. This is shown by considering the collimated light source of Figure 21b shown at 359, which emits a collimated beam of radiation 361. This beam of radiation makes contact with diffractive surface 353 and the radiation would then be separated into annular beams of one or more separate frequencies by diffraction and would be incident at least partially on diffractive surface 355 -. to be subsequently diffracted to some degree through aperture 363 to form radiation beam 365 which has thus been transmitted through the screen by double diffraction.
Such multiple diffraction would occur repeatedly and in combination with various other modulating elements shown in Figure 21b to produce multiple beams of diffracted radiation which may subsequently be directly seen in resolving means 314, 315 and/or 311, 312 - or seen in the reflected image in mirror multiplier 316 of Figure 2₀, which is positioned between the viewing area 321 and such resolving means. Mirror multiplier 316 may broadly comprise a plurality of reflective surfaces: spherical, planar, or otherwise arranged on any orderly distribution, the geometry of which finds correspondence with the distribution of components previously discussed above This mirror multiplier component of the present system would be positioned between viewing area 321 and resolving means 314 315 and/or 311, 312 and would comprise a system of modulators functioning to further enhance or multiply the imagery or complex radiation emitting from such resolving means. In a preferred embodiment, 316 would utilize four flat mirrors arrange in two sets parallel or nearly parallel so as to multiply, by multiple reflection, images which have been resolved or otherwise transformed by the resolving means. Once again, it is preferred for the geometry, e.g., the disposition of the surfaces, etc., of mirror multiplier 316 to be integrated or otherwise find correspondence to the geometry of the resolving means as well as the other components of the system. Keeping this in mind, mirror multiplier 316 may very well be integrated into the structure of a building such as a geodesic or rectangular structure. Compound curved surfaces in such structures could also be generated by vacuum or pressure adjacent to fluid deformable reflective surfaces in order to possibly create large planar, spherical or spheroidal reflecting, ellipsoidal, hyperboloidal, toroidal, paraboloidal, parabolic, hyperbolic, cylindrical, conical, etc., surfaces or combinations of such, the geometry of which i.e., surface function, radius of curvature, focal length, eccentricity, etc., would preferably be integrated with the geometry of the resolving medium as well as some of the other components.
Shown in Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view taken through the x and the y-axis of the modulating element array that is illustrated in perspective in Figure 1₀. The arrangement in Figure 14 can be seen to comprise both refractive or magnifying elements and reflective elements 2o2 as well as voids or positions where modulating elements have been removed, and in particular a central void shown as 2₀1. Various system_'of transmission, absorption, resonance, and detection of radiation can be constructed around such a central void (or in other embodiments around a central modulating element) by arranging symmetrical organizations of modulating elements around such a central location. Thus in the embodiment in Figure 14, symmetrical pyramidal shells of spherical modulating elements determine, by their composition, size and by their interrelational geometry, the nature of various operations which may be performed on radiation incident on some portion of such a system.
Figure 14 illustrates a central void 2₀1 surrounded by three pyramidal shells with a single sphere removed from each of these shells in positions which provide viewing of the centra void or cavity along one axis of symmetry of the arrangement. This axis of symmetry is one of twenty-six possible ones in a pyramidal arrangement illustrated as line P-26-U in Figure 5 and discussed previously.
It is possible to construct various image formats by omitting certain modulators in such an ordered arrangement and providing radiation sources in combination with recording means positioned in such a manner as to obtain the desired image'format. Thus, shown in Figure 14, is a camera 2o3 which is pointed in this instance along an axis of symmetry designated as the t₁ axis, from which the above-mentioned modulating elements have been removed in order to provide a view of the central area of the array. Figure 17 is a photograph of the image pattern formed in such a cavity in a close-packed arrangement of reflective spheres.
Radiation sources may be positioned, for example, as shown at 2o5 in Figure 14, and the positioning of such a radiation source may be varied as may be the nature of the source. In the instance where a motion picture camera is positioned as 2o3, radiation of any desired frequency and preferably multiple frequencies is positioned at various points around the array and may be, in this instance, of an incoherent nature. Alternatively, photographic or holographic film may be positioned either on an exterior portion of the array as shown at 2o7 or in the central area of the array as shown by 2o8. In the event that holographic film is utilized, the radiation source or sources, one of which is shown at 2o5, is preferably coherent and the positions thereof are preferably coordinated with that of the photographic recording medium.
An embodiment of the present invention which utilized a motion picture camera and substantially the arrangement of spherical, reflective modulating elements shown at 129 in Figure 14 was utilized to produce a color 16 mm motion film [SEVEN]² (©Electrovisual Productions, Ltd., 1976).
This film premiered October 26, 1976 at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C. Prior to the evening showing, a lecture was presented by Charles R. Henry, disclosing the general nature of the optical techniques involved in making the film, as well as related research. The film was directed by C. Henry with filming assistance of Steven Roberts; film was produced by C. Henry and William Robinson. In this film, both the camera and external light sources were at some times subject to movements and sometimes were kept still relative to each other. By the same apparatus, various photographs and holograms were also made; a print of one of these photographs is shown in Figure 17.
It can be seen in Figure 17a that by the removal of a row or column of elements from the t₁-axis of the arrangement shown in Figure 14, a cavity or chamber is formed which allows multiple reflections of radiation from the various elements forming the walls or limits of such a reflective cavity.
In the case of the central cavity, which is formed as a result of the removal of one central sphere from a stacking of reflective spheres, twenty-six axes of symmetry are intercepted at this point which is illustrated: in Figure 5 at point 26, in Figure 14 at 2₀1, and in Figure 1o in the void caused by the sphere centered on 56o, and as noted, light sources, recording mediums as well as other elements may be placed most advantageously along, or perpendicular to one or more of these axes. A view from such a central cavity of reflective spheres as shown in Figure 14 at 2₀1 would reveal a geometric distribution of modulating elements along these axes of resonance. This geometrically symmetrical., selectively magnifying and reflecting chamber is capable of producing imagery or resonant patterns which can be photographed from inside or outside of the system. Figure 17b is a photograph taken perpendicular to the z-axis of an arrangement of reflective spheres as shown in Figure 14 but with the spheres above the x-y axis plane removed. The patterns seen in these reflective surfaces vary as the external or internal radiation source varies in phase, amplitude, frequency, direction, etc. The most ideal recording medium in such a system is shown in Figure 14 as 2o9 and is a spherical layer of photographic or preferably holographic emulsion placed concentrically to the center point of the pyramidal array: this emulsion would be capable of recording wavefronts relative to any or all of the axes radiating from 2o9 of the system. Instead of a spherical shape, an ellipsoidal or similar continuous closed surface shape may be effective, this function depending on the geometry of the system. Also, other surfaces might be employed in certain circumstances, such as portions of the surface of a cone, a paraboloid, a hyperboloid, or a parabolic hyperboloid, etc., such a surface having description as a mathematical function involving x, y, z variables. Such an emulsion could easily be in the form of a cast, 2-piece shell which would fit together forming the closed surface figure or may even be an emulsion coated on the exterior of such a shell. The shape upon which the emulsion is placed may take many forms depending on the nature of the operation for which it is designed. Depending on the type of modulators placed along such axes of symmetry and the types of modulating elements encountered elsewhere on the array, the input to the resonant cavity - and thus the information present at such a recording or resolving medium - may be controlled.
With regard to radiation sources, it is possible to utilize sources either interior and/or exterior to the distribution which may be in the form of:

(1) point sources
(2) planar wavefronts
(3) planar distributions of point sources
(4) collimated beams
(5) images projected on the system
(6) images projected on screens adjacent to or near the system
(7) Laser scanner and/or distributor, such as described in Figures 22a and 22b where diffractive or refractive circular gratings are used.
(8) Laser scanner and/or distribution system as described in Figures 18 and 19 where distribution and transformation is achieved by the use of one spherical refractive element.
(9) Laser scanner distributor systems that utilize the transmission characteristics of columns of spheres such as described previously in relation to Figures 9 and 11 and photographically illustrated in Figure 13 where beam L₁ is transmitted through three spheres.
(1₀) Various alignments and/or distributions of light sources positioned such as to utilize the geometric distribution of modulators and/or detectors for the prupose of transforming, translating, decoding, detecting, communicating or otherwise utilizing the radiation wavefront that results from the interaction between the array and radiation.

Such distributions can be oriented with respect to the various axes of symmetry of the system in order to control the radiation field within or the reflected field outside of the recording emulsion.
A simplified system of arrangement of modulating elements is shown in Figures 15a and 15b where six reflective spheres have been arranged in order to form a cavity having three axes of resonance all at right angles to one another. These spheres are shown at 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, and 221 in Figures 15a and 15b. It is the lines joining the centers of spheres 213 to 217, 219 to 215 and 221 to 211 that determine the axes of resonance in the void or cavity. Clearly, Figure 15a is a side view and 15b a top view of the arrangement. Also shown are six refractive spheres which nest in the cusps formed by each combination of three of the reflective spheres and six of these refractive spheres are shown in Figures 15a and 15b designated as numbers 223, 225, 227, 229, 231, and 233. It can be seen that sphere 233 is absent from Figure 15a and would be positioned in the cusp formed by reflective spheres 211, 213, and 215. Similarly, refractive sphere 231 is not shown in Figure 15a, since it is positioned behind reflective sphere 213. Two more refractive spheres not shown in either Figure 15a or 15b would be positioned in one instance behind reflective sphere 217 in Figure 15a in the cusp formed by spheres 219 and 221 and in the other instance in front of sphere 217 in the cusps formed therewith by spheres 211 and 215.
The eight refractive spheres discussed above could be utilized in combination with, for example, an X-Y deflection means as shown in Figure 18 in order to direct radiation into the cavity formed by the elements in Figures 15a and 15b. Thus, this simplified system may accept up to eight such X-Y deflection inputs, each comprising a radiation source having independent phase, amplitude, and frequency control if desired - and even an independent focal point and full positional control relative to its particular axis of symmetry. It is also possible to use stroboscopic means in combination with the various radiation sources of such an embodiment or recorded information, such as in the case of movie film animation techniques utilizing these distributions - thus introducing another controllable parameter of visual information perception which can be processed by such a system.
One embodiment utilizes means to record microscopically with movie film, holographic film, or other types of propagating energy or energy field sensitive media images which can be utilized in combination with three-dimensional distributions of elements which may further process such imagery for certain purposes - viewing, for example - the purposes of which may vary from the scientific to the aesthetic.
Clearly, any electronic signal can be used to create three= dimensional audio and visual displays utilizing electro-optic materials and audio systems in combination with conventional microscopic recording media and/or presented in real-time, utilizing video cameras, for example. In the case of liquid crystal being the display medium, the methods of modulation are well known in the art.
The present geometric distribution system may also be used in the formation of, removal of, placement of, or the movement of magnet bubbles in substrates such as garnet or other such magnetically sensitive materials. In such a system, which would also utilize electromagnetically shaped optical microstructures, such as those that can be formed in holographic emulsions, a high degree of selectivity in detection is achieved - thus permitting a high degree of image storage and retrieval capability. This system would produce electromagnetically formed microstructures in garnet substrate material which may replace holographic film placed at 2o8 in Figure 14 when an array of spherical magnets 2oo and/or 2o2 is used as a recording distributor. The decoding could be accomplished by interferometric comparisons with polarized holograms formed at 2o8 or 2o7 by a similar arrangement of optical modulators 2oo and/or 2o2. This system would allow for a high degree of three-dimensional information storage, categorization, and retrieval capability which could be modulatable in real-time if a similar magnetic field control of the three-dimensional field of magnetic bubbles is employed. Such magnetic field control would provide means for shaping and detecting zones of polarization in the microstructure of such magnetically or electromagnetically sensitive materials.
In one embodiment, movie film could be employed to record the images created by the electronic signals made by music or other audio frequency information which can be simultaneously recorded for a synchronized sound track. The use of such three-dimensional microscopic displays forms the basis of other embodiments which utilize multiple-track audio signals to generate synchronous three-dimensional displays suitable for recording photographically or by video tape with appropriate magnifying lenses. Stereo microscopic movies could be made in this manner and viewed by traditional cross-polarization, eye-glass techniques in combination with multiple speaker arrangements or earphones so designed to reconstruct a three-dimensional audio environment. In many cases such information storage capability would be greater than that offered by current cylindrical shape field control. The movement of multi-shaped bubbles would allow for greater versatility in the categorization of such information so recorded.
However, since this embodiment describes new methods of modulating magnetic bubble distributions utilizing three-dimensional arrays of electromagnets, these new methods, as well as the conventional methods, could be utilized to modulate the microstructure of liquid crystal media or any electro= optic media synchronous with audio information or other electronic information converted to audio information for

(1) recording on:
- a. Photographic emulsion
- b. Video tape - Audio tape
- c. Holographic emulsion
- d. any other image-audio recording media
(2) real-time projection which utilizes the modulation of laser light for:
- a. Direct projection on conventional movie screens in conjunction with various resolving media composed of three-dimensional ordered arrays of modulators described previously
- c. Direct projection on various resolving media composed of three-dimensional ordered arrays of modulators described previously.

One embodiment specifies the use of various detecting, transducing, and frequency converting methods for use in conjunction with the various audio-video, three-dimensional display systems herein described; they include but are not limited to

(1) Biological Parameters:
An EEG, for example, is used to modulate an electro-optic liquid crystal cell which is being photo micro-graphed in stereo movie film while the sound track, which utilizes the EEG electronic signals to control an audio synthesizer, is being recorded by the audio recording system
(2) Bio-Physical Movement or Form Parameters:
A distribution of proximity detectors, for example, is used to electronically track the movements of a dancer; the signals from this would be used to control the three-dimensional image and sound fields
(3) Geo-Physical Movement:
For example, seismic, thermal, gravitational, magnetic, electromagnetic, and pressure variables can be utilized
(4) Radiation Parameters:
For example, solar, stellar, artificial, controlled, or casual, coherent, or incoherent, acoustic, electromagnetic, and magnetic, etc., variables can also be utilized.

In the above-described embodiment shown in Figures 15a and 15b, the central cavity of the system is formed by six reflective modulating elements clustered in a manner to produce a plurality of spherical reflective faces opposing or facing one another. Figures 16a and 16b illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention also of a relatively simple nature but in this case produced by the clustering of ten reflective spherical modulating elements, thus providing a geometry which differs from the above-described six reflective sphere embodiment.
Shown in Figure 16a are two pyramidal clusters of five balls each with the base of each pyramid opposing the other. Thus the top five-ball pyramid is formed of reflective spherical modulating elements 235, 237, 239, 249, and 251, while the bottom pyramid consists of reflective spheres 241, 243, 245, 247, and 253. It can be seen that the two five-ball pyramids are rotated 45⁰ so that each of the four balls in the base of each pyramid nests in a cusp formed by two balls of the base of the opposing pyramid. Thus, for example, reflective spherical modulating element 243 nests in the cusp between spheres 237 and 239, sphere 237, for example, nests in the cusp formed by spheres 241 and 243, etc. It will be noted that sphere 235 and sphere 247 each nest in a cusp formed by the four respective spheres making contact therewith and the interfacial angle of each of the pyramids thus formed is, in this embodiment, approximately 51⁰ 49'. By interfacial angle is meant that an angle of 51⁰ 49' is formed between the plane containing the centers of, for example, spheres 235, 239, and 251 and the plane containing the centers of the four spheres forming the base of that pyramid 249, 251, 239, and 237. This angle is illustrated at 255 in Figure 16a. Once more, it should be pointed out that any plurality of spheres may be stacked in pyramids where the interfacial angles may vary between approximately 39⁰ and 54⁰, since angles less than approximately 39° and angles greater than approximately 54° form random stackings in which the spheres will tend to settle into random arrangements. Thus, the present invention is directed to ordered stackings where, in the event such spherical elements are utilized, the stacking angles are between approximately 39⁰ and 54⁰, and in one embodiment the interfacial angle is chosen to be 51⁰ 49'.
Also shown in Figures 16a and 16b are four of the eight refractive spherical modulating elements which are set in the cusps of every three balls forming the side of a pyramid. Thus, refractive spherical modulating element 257 is positioned in the cusp formed by three reflective spheres 235, 239, and 251. Likewise, refractive spherical modulating element 259 is positioned in the cusp formed between reflective spheres 247, 243, and 245. Refractive spheres 261 and 263 along with the four remaining spheres omitted from Figures 16a and 16b would, for clarity, similarly nest in the remaining three-ball cusp of the illustrated system. In Figure 16a, the four omitted spheres would be behind 257, 261, 263, and 259, obscured from view in locations symmetrical to the above four numbered spheres. Refractive sphere 265 is positioned in contact with sphere 261 and may pass information therethrough into the system. These clear spheres set in the eight cusps of the illustrated arrangement of reflective spheres can convey light to the central cavity formed by the cluster of ten reflective spheres. Furthermore, when a deflection system as, for example, described in Figure 18, is associated with each of these refractive spheres, each will transmit radiation through the aperture formed by its respective three-ball cusp: control is thus achieved of the radiation field which-may be formed in the interior of the reflective ball cluster. This would provide for the integration of the four inputs associated with one pyramid as opposed to the four inputs associated with the other pyramid, where these two sets of inputs are aligned on axes of symmetry which do not coincide with each other due to the 45 rotation of the two pyramids. This serves to concentrate a maximum controllable input with a minimum distribution of axes of symmetry, while the entire system is still symmetrical with respect to the z-axis - thus allowing for meaningful comparison or measurement of different wavefronts of radiation with respect to the z-axis of symmetry.
This text discloses these embodiments:
A system for controlling propagating energy comprising a plurality of elements capable of affecting such propagating energy, said elements being arranged in an ordered three= dimensional geometrical distribution wherein:

I. at least one of said elements comprises a surface coating comprising a material selected from the group consisting of natural oils, synthetic oils, a polymer, a silicon oil, polarizing materials, liquid crystal media, lasing media, crystal media, magnetic bubble media, radiation sensitive emulsions, photoengravable materials, and etchable materials.
II. photographic recordings are utilized in the formation of photographic transparencies which are subsequently sandwiched between glass panes in order to form a window design of unusual patterns.
III. said elements comprise spherical elements, and wherein said spherical elements are disposed in parallel planes of elements which are positioned substantially perpendicular to the axis common to said propagating energy and to said distribution whereby said parallel planes of elements provide means for controlling space and time transformations of said propagating energy.
IV. a material comprised therein is disposed in the areas between said plurality of elements which material may be selected from the group consisting of gases, aqueous liquids, organic liquids, solutions of organic materials, solutions of inorganic materials, metals in liquid form, emulsions, and polymerizable monomeric materials wherein:
- A. said elements may be substantially transmissive to said propagating energy and said material in the areas between said elements may be mercury.
- B. the material disposed in the areas between said elements may comprise at least two of said materials.
V. said distribution may comprise elements disposed along a plurality of at least three non-parallel axes where no more than two of said axes lie in the same plane, and which axes all intersect a certain central area whereon a plurality of axial distributions of elements converges wherein:
- A. 26 of said axial distributions of elements may converge and may be radially disposed from said central area of the system which comprises ordered three-dimensional distributions of said elements, as well as of empty voids comparable in size to said elements, and whereon at least two of a set of elements are distributed on each of said non-parallel axes wherein:
  - (1) planar surfaces may be disposed in close proximity to the exterior of said ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution and perpendicular to each of said 26 axial distributions.
  - (2) planar surfaces may be disposed in the interior of said ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution perpendicular to each of said 26 axial distributions.
  - (3) planar surfaces may be disposed both inside and outside of said ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution and two of said planar reflective surfaces may be disposed perpendicular to each of said 26 axial distributions wherein individual ordered distributions of elements may be associated with each of said planar surfaces wherein said individual ordered distributions may be a function of the axial geometry of the entire system.
- B. said axial distributions of elements may be utilized to direct, conduct or otherwise transmit propagating energy from the interior of said ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution to the exterior thereof and vice versa.
- C. controllable propagating energy directing means may be associated with each of said axial distributions.
- D. planar transparent surfaces having disposed thereon distributions of diffraction gratings may be disposed perpendicular to each of the axes.
- E. reflective, refractive, translucent, transparent and opaque surfaces may be used in combination with radially disposed axial distributions.
- F. the geometry of said axial distributions may also be used to determine the location of planes positioned perpendicular to the axes of such axial distributions wherein a member selected from the group consisting of reflective, refractive, polarizing, transmissive, absorbing, scattering and opaque materials may be disposed in at least one of said planes.
- G. said system may comprise 13 axial distributions of elements.
- H. said system may comprise 26 axial distributions of elements.
- I. the geometry of each of said axial distributions is a function of at least one of the geometrical characteristics of at least one of the elements in each of such axial distributions.
- J. various multi-axial arrangements of microphones and speakers may be used as record-playback means so that acoustical information may be provided by and extracted from said system.
- K. various methods for recording, playing back, and displaying electronic information may be utilized in conjunction with a visual display system further comprising:
  - (1) means for deriving a soundtrack for a visually recorded imaging system whereby the soundtrack may be derived from the same electronic signals used to modulate said imaging system.
  - (2) a recording medium which may be selected from the group consisting of movie film, video tape and radiation sensitive media.
- L. said system may comprise integral axial distributions, and wherein said axial distributions may be utilized to generate synthetic holograms of atomic structures and density distributions.

This text also discloses these embodiments:
A system for utilizing an energy field in the generation of propagating energy comprising a plurality of elements subject to the influence of said energy field, said elements being disposed in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution wherein said energy field may comprise a magnetic energy field and wherein said elements may be capable of affecting said magnetic energy field wherein:

_I. one or more of said elements may comprise a ferromagnetic material.
II. said energy field may comprise a gravitational field.
III. said energy field may comprise an electrostatic field.

Clearly, this invention discloses methods whereby the interaction between ordered arrays of elements capable of affecting propagating energy and/or energy fields is utilized for various purposes. The nature of the intended purpose would dictate the type of elements and the type of propagating energy or energy field used. The degree of similarity between the distribution, size, shape, and composition of the elements and the distribution of the frequency of, the amplitude of, and the phase of the propagating energy and/or energy field predicts the resolving capability of the system. The control of phase, frequency, and amplitude variables in many portions of the electromechanical, acoustic, optic, electromagnetic, and magnetic spectra is highly developed and accessible. Various modulators and detectors appropriate to such propagating energy sources are also highly developed and accessible.
In as much as any speck of matter interacts by transmission, refraction, polarization, reflection, or by absorption with certain propagating energies, it is by degrees of similarity between the_three-dimensional distribution of modulators and the three-dimensional distribution of such energies that interactions can be controlled or otherwise utilized. The nature of the distributions of modulators or detectors in three-dimensional space would restrict any interactions to those that are a function of the geometry of the distribution of such modulators or detectors in the system. This aspect of spatially selective distribution, absorption, modulation and/or detection provides a means for new utilizations of propagating energy and energy field technology and hardware.
One embodiment utilizes various conductor, semi-conductor and/ or insulator elements whose distributions determine the electronic properties of or the photo-electric properties of the system; the points of contact between the elements determine the electrical connections between the elements. For example, a stacking of semi-conductors (graphite spheres) and/or conductors (copper spheres) may utilize the various voltages available at specific contact points within the array when one or more voltages are applied to any number of specific contact points within the array.
Another embodiment utilizes the various multi-axial arrangement (previously mentioned) of microphones and speaker systems for use alone as a record-playback medium or in combination with an optical system similar in its axial distribution of light to provide a synchronous environment of light and sound.
Another embodiment employs the use of various electronic systems (computer, synthesizer, live musicians, multi-channel tape recording) that interface with the geometry of the optical display system for theatrical presentations as well as for various scientific presentations.
Another embodiment integrates magnetic field control and electric charge distribution (anode-cathode distribution) as well as optical field control wherein an array of elements (mirrorized fero-magnetic spheres) which is immersed in an intense electromagnetic or magnetic field which may thereby impress on the active medium (ionized gas, for example) highly resolved, optically and electrically integrated induced magnetic field control.
By taking advantage of the geometric channeling of an expanding spherical wavefront originating in the central area 2₀1 of Figure 14, one embodiment utilizes the categorization by intensity, by frequency, by phase, and by distribution on the exterior of a system of reflective spherical elements as a means to classify and/or categorize various characteristics (amplitude, frequency, phase, and origin) of such wavefronts. Such a system would be useful in various mathematical and/or geometric computer operations which may utilize interferometric techniques utilizing radiation sensitive recording media thus providing a format for geometrical-mathematical operations with extremely high resolution capability.
In the simpler embodiments of the present invention, as few as three elements capable of affecting propagating energy may be utilized. In one instance, for example, a toroidal element of a doughnut shape being symmetrical about an axis running through the center hole thereof may be utilized in combination with, for example, two spherical elements also disposed along the toroid's axis of symmetry and on opposite sides of a plane lying symmetrically within such a toroidal element. Such a simple system in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 23a wherein a toroidal element shown as 5₀1 may in the case of, for example, visible electromagnetic radiation be composed of a solid or hollow synthetic material such as acrylic with preferably a smooth continuous symmetrical toroidal surface associated therewith. Such a surface may be reflective in this embodiment although an element which is substantially transmissive, defractive, etc. may also be utilized. Spherical elements 5o3 and 5o5 are disposed as mentioned along the axis of symmetry of said toroid which axis is shown as 5o7 and it will be noted that the entire system maintains a symmetry of rotation around axis 5₀7. Shown in Figure 23b is a section view taken perpendicularly to the axis of symmetry 5o7 on a line b. It will be noted that the diameter, d, of elements 5o3 and 5o5 is preferably greater than the diameter of the aperture, a, of toroidal element 5₀1. Additionally, the spacing, s, along the axis of symmetry 5o7 between the surfaces of elements 5o3 and 5o5 may be varied in accordance with the radiation interaction effects desired from such a system but in most cases, s, would preferably be less than the thickness, t, of the toroidal element.
It should be understood that the above dimensions are only illustrative and such a system comprising a toroidal element in combination with two spherical elements may vary in size and relative spacing according to the type of propagating energy which might be utilized as well as the material and, nature of the surfaces of the elements themselves. Additionally, in some instances it may be preferable to have a toroidal element in combination with two other elements of a diverse shape other than spherical, such as elliptical, hyperboloidal, paraboloidal, etc. Furthermore, the toroid itself may be non-symmetrical with respect to some component of its geometry so as to cooperate with the secondary elements shown as 5o3 and 5o5 in the event they are of a corresponding diverse geometry.
Although the present invention is presently illustrated and described in connection with certain specific embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many and varied changes in form, arrangement and composition of the components of the systems herein described may be made in order to suit the specific requirements for the design of individual systems without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for the organized manipulation of energy comprising:

a plurality of means each capable of altering at least one characteristic of an existing energy distribution, said '- plurality of means disposed in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution related to the geometrical characteristics of a plurality of energy gradients of which said energy distribution is composed.

2. A system for processing energy in the form of propagating electromagnetic radiation having at least one major propagation axis comprising:

first means capable of altering at least one characteristic of said propagating radiation,

a second means capable of altering at least one characteristic of said propagating radiation, and

a third means capable of altering at least one characteristic of said propagating radiation, said first, second and third means disposed on at least two non-parallel axes, the geometrical characteristics of which are related to the geometrical characteristics of said major propagation axis..

3. A system as described in claim 1 wherein said energy distribution comprises a static energy field.

4. A system as described in claim 3 wherein said static energy field is a magnetic energy field.

5. A system as described in claim 3 wherein said static energy field is a gravitational energy field.

6. A system as described in claim 1 wherein said energy distribution exists as dynamic wind movement.

7. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein the geometry of said ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution is a function of at least one geometrical characteristic of at least one of said plurality of means.

8. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said energy distribution exists as dynamic water movement.

9. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of means include spherical elements and wherein said ordered geometrical distribution is pentahedral.

1₀. A system as recited in claim 1 comprising at least three means for effecting or altering an energy distribution two of which means comprise substantially spherical surfaces and a third means of which comprises a substantially toroidal surface.

11. A system as described in claim 1 wherein said plurality of means are disposed in a distribution which is a function of at least two parallel planes disposed on each of at least three non-parallel axes where no two planes lie on the same plane and no more than two of said axes lie in a single plane.

12. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said ordered geometrical distribution includes at least two distinct but integral subdistributions of elements, each element comprising means for altering at least one characteristic of an energy distribution and wherein a first subdistribution of elements may produce a primary effect on said energy distribution while a second subdistribution of elements may produce a secondary effect on said energy distribution.

13. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said energy is collected and concentrated by said plurality of means.

14. A system as recited in claim 13 wherein said energy is in the form of solar radiation.

15. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said energy is classified in accordance with a variable characteristic thereof.

16. A system as recited in claim 15 wherein said energy is classified according to frequency.

17. A system as recited in claim 15 wherein said energy distribution originates from the sun.

18. A system for processing dynamic energy flows comprising a plurality of means responsive to at least one characteristic of an energy flow wherein said elements are disposed in a three-dimensional geometrical configuration bearing relationship to the dynamic distribution of said energy flow.

19. A system for the orderly processing of energy distribution comprising: a plurality of means each of which is capable of performing a desired manipulation on a portion of an existing energy distribution, said means being disposed in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution related to the geometrical distribution of said energy.

2₀. A system as described in claim 1 wherein said energy distribution is transformed with respect to at least one variable characteristic thereof.

21. A system as recited in claim 2o wherein said energy distribution is manipulated so as to provide at least one transformation resulting in the formation of visual imagery

22. A system as recited in claim 21 wherein at least some of said means capable of altering a characteristic of said energy distribution are spherical in geometrical shape.

23. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein said energy distribution is allowed to interact with a material responsive to said energy distribution.

24. A system as recited in claim 23 wherein said material is a fuel and said interaction causes alteration of at least one characteristic of said fuel material.

25. A system as recited in claim 23 wherein said material is a lasing medium and the interaction of said material with said energy distribution causes the amplification of at least a portion of said energy distribution by stimulated emission of said lasing media.

26. A computing system for the organized processing of information in the form of an existent energy distribution comprising a plurality of means each capable of effecting at least one characteristic of the information existent in said energy distribution said means disposed in an orderly three-dimensional geometrical distribution bearing relationship to the distribution of information present in said energy distribution.

27. A system as recited in claim 26 wherein said energy distribution comprises visible electromagnetic radiation.

28. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein there are at least ten of said means capable of altering a characteristic of said energy distribution wherein said means are spherical and are disposed in an ordered three-dimensional geometrical distribution least a portion of which is pentahedral.

29. A system as recited in claim 1 wherein at least some of said means for altering a characteristic of said energy distribution comprise circular, planar diffractive elements.