Wide-viewing-angle integral three-dimensional imaging system by curving a screen and a lens array

Abstract

A wide-viewing-angle integral three-dimensional imaging system made by curving a screen and a lens array is described. A flexible screen and a curved lens array are incorporated into an integral imaging system in place of a conventional flat display panel and a flat lens array. One can effectively eliminate flipped images by adopting barriers. As a result, the implemented system permits the limitation of viewing angle to be overcome and the viewing angle to be expanded remarkably. Using the proposed method, we were able to achieve a viewing angle of 33° (one side) for real integral imaging and 40° (one side) for virtual integral imaging, which is four times wider than that of the currently used conventional techniques. The principle of the implemented system is explained, and some experimental results are presented. © 2005 Optical Society of America.