Projection-type integral imaging system using multiple elemental image layers

A projection-type integral imaging system is proposed using multiple elemental image layers obtained from a single projector. In a conventional projection-type integral imaging system, only one display mode among real, virtual, and focused modes can be displayed selectively with a single projector. Plural projectors must be used for the generation of multiple elemental image layers. However, in the proposed method, the real and the virtual modes can be displayed simultaneously by generating multiple elemental image layers within the depth of field of a single projector. To embody the proposed method, the system specifications, such as the focal lengths of lenses and the distance between components, must be designed carefully. In this paper, we define and calculate the system factors and present the design role of the system. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated with experimental results.