Parallel Optics in Waveguide Displays: A Flat Panel Autostereoscopic Display

In order to demonstrate the Wedge as a parallel optic we have built a flat panel multi-projector autostereoscopic 3D display. The bulk, otherwise inherent in such displays, has been eliminated by use of a wedge-shaped light-guide. Two 280-mm (11") diagonal VGA resolution views were formed on a 406-mm (16") diagonal screen by pointing a pair of LED-illuminated pico-projectors measuring 115 X 50 X 22 mm into the 20-mm thick input face of a 710-mm long acrylic wedge. Distortions introduced by the Wedge were reduced to less than 2% by predistortion algorithms and distortion between views was less than 0.4%. Between the projectors was placed an infrared camera which imaged objects placed directly in front of the 3D screen.

I. Introduction

Autostereoscopic displays are designed to give the viewer the illusion of a 3D object or scene without the use of any headgear [1], [2]. This is useful in a number of situations; where a headset or glasses are not feasible or are impractical, such as cockpit displays or mobile displays; or where there are large numbers of passing viewers, such as advertising displays.