Floating three-dimensional image display using micro-mirror array imaging element

摘要

Autostereoscopic three-dimensional display technologies using novel optical imaging systems based on retro-reflection with mirror arrays, a dihedral corner reflector array (DCRA) and a roof mirror array (RMA) are described. The proposed methods can generate a low-distortion aerial 3-D image with high numerical aperture on the basis of retro-reflection imaging. As the examples of 3-D displays based on retro-reflective imaging, a multi-view stereoscopic display using a DCRA and a volumetric display using a RMA were described. The multi-view stereoscopic display can achieve not only aerial image formation of display images but also that of the pupils of projectors around viewing position using a DCRA. This feature is effective in keeping consistency between accommodation and convergence cues for stereoscopic display. The volumetric display using a RMA can generate a 3-D image with natural depth information by light points are arranged in a 3-D volume using relatively simple optical configuration. This method can provide natural perception of depth and accessibility to an image. Experimental demonstrations of the generation of floating autostereoscopic images are presented to verify the validity of our proposed methods.