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.