December 4, 2014

Floating 3D images by 2D image scanning



Optical imaging and scanning act together to display a volumetric image suspended in midair with natural depth perception and very large viewing angle.

Three-dimensional displays are a promising next-generation visual interface. Although natural depth perception is the most important issue for such a display, additional features are expected, such as floating images with a very wide viewing angle. Images that float in the air offer the possibility of interactive operation, either directly using fingers or via 3D positioning devices. A very large viewing angle (ideally 360°, a surrounding viewing angle) would enable a group of people working together to stand around the display and consider the same image: see Figure 1.