Tabletop augmented reality 3D display system based on integral imaging

In this paper, we propose a tabletop augmented reality (AR) three-dimensional (3D) display system based on integral imaging by using a holographic optical element (HOE) that performs the optical function of a microlens array. The microlens array HOE records the wavefronts of a set of tilted spherical waves based on the theory of reflective volume holograms. In the reconstruction, an elemental image array projected by a projector and collimated by relay optics satisfies Bragg matching conditions and reconstructs the tilted spherical waves. Based on the theory of integral imaging, a 3D image is generated by the tilting spherical waves in an oblique viewing angle, which presents the tabletop 3D feature. Meanwhile, because of the wavelength and angular selectivity of the reflective volume hologram, the Bragg mismatched lights emitted from the real-world scene directly pass through the microlens array HOE. The 3D image and the real-world scene are seamlessly combined, which presents the AR feature. The experimental results confirm that the proposed system can provide a 3D virtual image in an oblique viewing angle and the real-world scene behind the system can also be clearly presented. (C) 2017 Optical Society of America