Reflection-type integral imaging for displaying three-dimensional images

Recently with the development of pickup and display devices, real-time integral photography or integral imaging has been an attractive method over other techniques for displaying three-dimensional images. However, previous methods basically belong to the transmission-type display. In this paper, a reflection-type integral imaging is studied and some experimental results are shown to prove its feasibility. This can be implemented by adopting a concave mirror array instead of a convex lens array. A concave mirror array in the reflection-type functions like a lens array in the conventional transmission-type. Thus, the 3D image is integrated by the rays that reflect from a mirror array. We could obtain autostereoscopic images with full parallax. In addition, if we combine the reflection-type system with another conventional transmission-type system, the feeling of depth can be more enhanced. A schematic of a concave mirror array on a curved surface is also proposed and discussed. The curved surface concentrates the rays to a small-sized display panel such as a beam projector. We expect this new form of integral imaging will contribute to realize a practical 3-D display system.