Floating three-dimensional image formation based on volumetric scanning

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3-D) display technology is expected as a future visual information interface, which can provide intuitive understanding for the structure of 3-D information. In addition, Image formation in the air without any apparatus enhances reality for a displayed object and enables a novel visual interface technology that can operate a 3-D image with a pointing device or hands. Since volumetric display technique reported in this report displays an image by forming light points three-dimensionally distributed, the image has natural stereoscopic effect. Moreover, aerial imaging based on retro-reflection is free from distortion. In this report, volumetric display system using a dihedral corner reflector array and a rotating slanted mirror scanner and a technique for suppressing image blur in an aerial image formed by the retro-reflective imaging element are described as examples of researches on areal volumetric image formation.