Volumetric 3D Display using Parabolic Mirror Pairs —Improvement of Observation Impression by Introducing Concealed Projection System—

Abstract

The volumetric 3D display, in which pixels are three-dimensionally arranged in the space, has an advantage that the stereoscopic image can be observed from universal viewpoints unlike the conventional binocular methods. The authors had developed a volumetric 3D display in which cross-sectional images were projected on a rotating helical screen. An image floating type volume type stereoscopic display was realized by combining parabolic mirror pairs in our volumetric 3D display system, but image projection apparatuses coexist with a 3D image was annoying for observers. In this study, a region which does not contribute to floating image formation inside a parabolic mirror pair is calculated. A mirror is installed in the calculated region, and a sectional image is projected by a projector from a minute hole provided on the side of the parabolic mirror. We confirmed experimentally that a floating image can be formed without degradation when using our new construction. This configuration allows all structures of the display to be hidden from observers.