Japanese 3D display goes the distance
12 April 2005

University of Tokyo scientists create a 3D display with an image depth of several metres.

A 3D display that does not require special viewing spectacles could benefit television, computer gaming and even air-traffic control say its Japanese inventors. Based on an array of small lenses, the device generates a 3D image with a perceived depth of several metres for viewing with the naked eye. (OPTICS LETTERS 30 613)

The display uses so-called integral photography to generate its 3D images. A computer divides up the image into pixels that are either printed on photographic film or shown on a flat screen display. When passed through an array of lenses the result is a 3D image with a depth of 5.7 m or more in front of the display and 3.5 m or more behind the display.