High-resolution spatial image display with multiple UHD projectors

Light field displays can provide a naturally viewable three-dimensional (3D) image without the need for using special glasses. However, improving in the resolution of 3D images is difficult because considerable image information is required. Therefore, we propose two new light field display methods that use multiple ultra-high definition projectors to realize a reproduction of a high-resolution spatial image. One of the two proposed methods is based on integral imaging. Multi-elemental images are superimposed onto a lens array using multiple projectors placed at optimal positions. An integral 3D image with enhanced resolution and viewing angle can be reproduced by projecting each elemental image as collimated light rays at different predetermined angles. We prototyped a display system having six projector units and realized a resolution of approximately 100,000 pixels and viewing angle of approximately 30 degrees. The other proposed method aiming at further resolution enhancement is based on multi-view projection. By constructing a new display optical system to reproduce a full parallax light field and by developing a special 3D screen with isotropic narrow diffusion characteristics of non-Gaussian shape, optical 3D images could be reconstructed, which was difficult with conventional methods. We prototyped a display system comprising two projector units and realized higher resolution of approximately 330,000 pixels as compared to our previous full parallax light field display systems.