2‐D/3‐D displays based on switchable lenticulars

Abstract— An attractive concept for 3‐D displays is the one based on LCDs equipped with lenticular lenses. This enables autostereoscopic multiview 3‐D displays without a loss in brightness. A general issue in multiview 3‐D displays is their relatively low spatial resolution because the pixels are divided among the different views. To overcome this problem, we have developed switchable displays, using liquid‐crystal (LC) filled switchable lenticulars. In this way, it is possible to have a high‐brightness 3‐D display capable of fully exploiting the native 2‐D resolution of the underlying LCD. The feasibility of LC‐filled switchable lenticulars was shown in several applications. For applications in which it is advantageous to be able to display 3‐D and 2‐D content simultaneously, a 42‐in. locally switchable prototype having a matrix electrode structure was developed. These displays were realized using cylindrically shaped lenticular lenses in contact with LC. An alternative for these are lenticulars based on gradient‐index (GRIN) LC lenses. Preliminary results for such switchable GRIN lenses are presented as well.     

Dual‐lenticular‐lens‐based 2‐D/3‐D convertible autostereoscopic display

Abstract— A 2‐D/3‐D convertible display using two lenticular lenses has been developed. It shows 2‐D pictures in full resolution and 3‐D autostereoscopic pictures in half resolution by moving one lens relative to the other. The lens assembly consists of thin metal frames, two lenticular lenses, and two shape‐memory‐alloy (SMA) wires used as actuators. While this assembly is applicable to flat‐panel displays of any kind, its simple structure and low power consumption make it best suited to mobile terminals, such as PDAs and mobile phones. Here, we describe its structure and present evaluation results.     

Key design issues for autostereoscopic 2‐D/3‐D displays

Abstract— Flat‐panel 2‐D/3‐D autostereoscopic displays are now being commercialized in a variety of applications, each with its own particular requirements. The autostereoscopic display designer has two key considerations to address in order to meet customer needs — the optical output of the display (defined by the output window structure) and the choice of optical components. Window structure determines 3‐D image resolution, achievable lateral and longitudinal viewing freedom, crosstalk, and 3‐D fringe contrast. Optical‐component selection determines the quality of the imaging of such windows, viewing distances, device ruggedness, thickness, and brightness. Trade‐offs in window design are described, and a comparison of the leading optical component technologies is given. Selection of Polarisation Activated Microlenses? architectures for LCD and OLED applications are described. The technology delivers significant advantages particularly for minimising nominal viewing distances in high pixel density panels and optimizing device ruggedness while maintaining display brightness.     

360°‐viewable cylindrical integral imaging system using a 3‐D/2‐D switchable and flexible backlight

Abstract— A 360°‐viewable cylindrical three‐dimensional (3‐D) display system based on integral imaging has been implemented. The proposed system is composed of a cylindrically arranged electroluminescent (EL) pinhole film, an EL film backlight, a barrier structure, and a transmission‐type flexible display panel. The cylindrically arranged point‐light‐source array, which is generated by the EL pinhole film reconstructs 360°‐viewable virtual 3‐D images at the center of the cylinder. In addition, the proposed system provides 3‐D/2‐D convertibility using the switching of EL pinhole film from a point light source to a surface light source. In this paper, the principle of operation, analysis of the viewing parameters, and the experimental results are presented.     

Optical characterization of autostereoscopic 3‐D displays

Abstract— Display‐measurement methods different from conventional 2‐D display measurements are needed for verifying the optical characteristics of autostereoscopic (3‐D) displays and for comparing different 3‐D display technologies. Industry is lacking standardized measurement methods, and the reported results can not always be compared. The selected set of characteristics discussed in this paper and partly defining the quality of the 3‐D experience are crosstalk, viewing freedom, and optimum viewing distance. Also, more conventional display characteristics such as luminance are discussed, since the definitions for these characteristics in 3‐D mode usually differ from those used for the 2D displays. We have investigated how these chosen 3‐D display characteristics can be objectively measured from transmissive two‐view and multiview 3‐D displays. The scope of this article is to generally define those basic characteristics as well as the different measurement methods. Most of the 3‐D characteristics can be derived from the luminance and colors versus the viewing angle. Either a conoscopic or a goniometric measurement system can be used, as long as the angular and stray‐light properties are suitable and known. The characteristics and methods are currently discussed in the display‐quality standardization forums.     

Development of a 42‐in. 2‐D/3‐D switchable display using multi‐view technology for public‐information‐display applications

Abstract— A 42‐in. 2‐D/3‐D switchable display operating in a parallax‐barrier‐type system consisting of liquid‐crystal displays (LCDs) has been developed. The system displays 2‐D images in full resolution, without any degradation to the original 2‐D images, and 3‐D autostereoscopic images with resolutions higher than SVGA with wide viewing zones electrically controlled by the parallax‐barrier system. The system is intended for use in public‐information displays (PIDs), a booming field, and as displays for gaming, medical, and simulation applications.     

3‐D crosstalk and luminance uniformity from angular luminance profiles of multiview autostereoscopic 3‐D displays

Abstract— Autostereoscopic 3‐D display technologies enable a more immersive media experience by adding real depth to the visual content. However, the method used for the creation of a sensation of depth or stereo illusion contains several display design and content‐related issues that need to be carefully considered to maintain sufficient image quality. Conventionally, methods used for 3‐D image‐quality evaluations have been based on subjective testing. Optical measurements, in addition to subjective testing, can be used as an efficient tool for 3‐D display characterization. Objective characterization methods for autostereoscopic displays have been developed. How parameters affecting stereo image quality can be defined and measured, and how their effect on the stereo image quality can be evaluated have been investigated. Developed characterization methods are based on empirically gathered data. In this paper, previously presented methodology for two‐view displays is extended to cover autostereoscopic multiview displays. A distinction between displays where the change in content occurs in clear steps when the user moves in front of the display, and displays where the apparent movement of the objects is more continuous as a function of the head movement is made. Definitions for 3‐D luminance and luminance uniformity, which are equally important, as well as 3‐D crosstalk, which is the dominant factor in the evaluations of the perceived 3‐D image quality, is focused upon.     

3‐D displays — Technologies and testing methods

Abstract— This paper is a review of stereoscopic 3‐D display technologies and testing methods. The first part addresses the different 3‐D displays with focus on technologies. It gives both a background and the logic to group the technologies into categories. A family‐tree chartsummarizes the technology map. This categorization allows for logical grouping of test methods. The second part is a summary of testing procedures developed as part of the ICDM (International Committee for Display Metrology) standards group, affiliated with SID (Society of Information Display). Definitions to key test parameters pertinent to the evaluation of stereoscopic 3‐D displays including formulae development will be presented. This review paper can serve as an introduction to the 3‐D & Stereoscopic Displays chapter of the IDMS (Information Display Measurement Standard) version 1.0 that will be issued by the ICDM group later this year. The IDMS v1.0 will be the successor of the FPDM‐2 from VESA.     

Clinical applications for stereoscopic 3‐D displays

Abstract— Stereoscopic 3‐D digital imaging holds the promise of improving the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease as well as enhancing the training and preparation of medical professionals through use of stereoscopic 3‐D displays in concert with the many volumetric visualization techniques/modalities developed in recent years. While so‐called 3‐D graphics have improved the state of computer visualization in general, 3‐D displays make full use of the human‐visual perception, and thus can provide critical insight in complex computer‐generated and video 3‐D data. The stereo 3‐D applications reviewed in this paper include screening of breast cancer and diabetic retinopathy, visualization for minimally invasive surgery, and the teaching of anatomy. Also included is a discussion of ground‐breaking results from a stereo digital mammography clinical trial under way at Emory University.     

Switching directional BLUs for full‐resolution auto‐stereoscopic 3D/2D and 2D/3D LCDs

Directional backlight unit (BLU) design concept was applied to realize full‐resolution field alternate auto‐stereoscopic liquid crystal displays (LCDs) with built‐in 3D/2D and 2D/3D. The application‐oriented BLU design requires priority in realizing 2D mode or 3D mode. The switching characteristic of BLU with two confronting illuminating sets was applied to build 2D mode into 3D display and 3D mode into 2D display. An LCD with 2D mode as primary function requires higher double‐sided luminance uniformity than 3D mode. On the other hand, an LCD with 3D mode requires higher single‐sided luminance uniformity than 2D mode. For increasing the double‐sided luminance uniformity for 2D mode as a primary function of the display, the former BLU design was realized by using uniform prismatic structure, that is, using uniform bilateral prismatic structure with a cross section of isosceles triangle on the back surface of the light‐guide plate. For increasing single‐sided luminance uniformity for 3D mode as a primary function of the display, the latter was realized by using graded angle design, that is, unilateral prisms with a cross section of a scalene triangle on the back surface of the light‐guide plate. The LCDs of small‐sized‐handheld game devices and still cameras were fabricated using the 3D/2D and 2D/3D displays.     

2‐D/3‐D switchable autostereoscopic display with multi‐electrically driven liquid‐crystal (MeD‐LC) lenses

Abstract— A cylindrical multi‐electrically driven liquid‐crystal lens (MeD‐LC lens) is proposed to extend the range of focusing. The MeD‐LC lens could be applied to switching 2‐D and 3‐D images by supplying a specific operating voltage on each electrode. Therefore, the MeD‐LC lens has less cross‐talk than that of a conventional LC lens. Furthermore, the simplified structure of a MeD‐LC lens with a homogeneous LC layer is much easier for fabrication without a LC‐alignment issue.     

True 3‐D scanned voxel displays using single or multiple light sources

Abstract— Conventional stereoscopic displays require viewers to unnaturally keep eye accommodation fixed at one focal distance while they dynamically change vergence to view objects at different distances. This forced decoupling of reflexively linked processes fatigues eyes, causes discomfort, compromises image quality, and may lead to pathologies in developing visual systems. Volumetric displays can overcome this conflict, but only for small objects placed within a limited range of viewing distances and accommodation levels, and cannot render occlusion cues correctly. Our multi‐planar True 3‐D displays generate accommodation cues that match vergence and stereoscopic retinal disparity demands and can display images and objects at viewing distances throughout the full range of human accommodation (from 6.25 cm to infinity), better mimicking natural vision and minimizing eye fatigue.     

Projection‐based head‐tracking 3‐D displays

Abstract— This paper describes the construction and operation of four 3‐D displays in which each display produces two images for each eye and thus fits into the category of projection‐based binocular stereoscopic displays. The four 3‐D displays described are pico‐projector‐based, liquid‐ crystal—on—silicon (LCOS) conventional projector‐based, 120‐Hz digital‐light‐processor (DLP) projector‐ based, and the HELIUM3D system. In the first three displays, images are produced on a direct‐view LCD whose conventional backlight is replaced with a projection illumination source that is controlled by a multi‐user head tracker; novel steering optics direct the projector output to regions referred to as exit pupils located at the viewers' eyes. In the HELIUM3D display, the image information is supplied by a horizontally scanned, fast, light valve whose output is controlled by a spatial light modulator (SLM) to direct images to the appropriate viewers' eyes. The current statu s and the multimodal potential of the HELIUM3D display are described.     

Optical simulation for cross‐talk evaluation and improvement of autostereoscopic 3‐D displays with a projector array

Abstract— Multi‐view spatial‐multiplexed autostereoscopic 3‐D displays normally use a 2‐D image source and divide the pixels to generate perspective images. Due to the reduction in the resolution of each perspective image for a large view number, a super‐high‐resolution 2‐D image source is required to achieve 3‐D image quality close to the standard of natural vision. This paper proposes an approach by tiling multiple projection images with a low magnification ratio from a microdisplay to resolve the resolution issue. Placing a lenticular array in front of the tiled projection image can lead to an autostereoscopic display. Image distortion and cross‐talk issues resulting from the projection lens and pixel structure of the microdisplay have been addressed with proper selection of the active pixel and adequate pixel grouping and masking. Optical simulation has shown that a 37‐in. 12‐view autostereoscopic display with a full‐HD (1920 × 1080) resolution can be achieved with the proposed 3‐D architecture.     

Efficiency analysis for multi‐view spatially multiplexed autostereoscopic 2‐D/3‐D displays

Abstract— The wide‐viewing freedom often requested by users of autostereoscopic displays can be delivered by spatial multiplexing of multiple views in which a sequence of images is directed into respective directions by a suitable autostereoscopic optical system. This gives rise to two important design considerations — the optical efficiency and the resolution efficiency of the device. Optical efficiency is particularly important in portable devices such as cell phones. A comparison is given between lens and barrier systems for various spatial multiplexing arrangements. Parallax‐barrier displays suffer from reduced optical efficiency as the number of views presented increases whereas throughput efficiency is independent of the number of views for lens displays. An autostereoscopic optical system is presented for the emerging class of highly efficient polarizer‐free displays. Resolution efficiency can be evaluated by investigating quantitative and subjective comparisons of resolution losses and pixel appearance in each 3‐D image. Specifically, 2.2‐in.‐diagonal 2‐D/3‐D panel performance has been assessed using Nyquist boundaries, human‐visual contrast‐sensitivity models, and autostereoscopic‐display optical output simulations. Four‐view vertical Polarization‐Activated Microlens technology with either QVGA mosaic or VGA striped pixel arrangements is a strong candidate for an optimum compromise between display brightness, viewing angle, and 3‐D pixel appearance.     

Guidelines for an improved quality of experience in 3‐D TV and 3‐D mobile displays

Stereoscopic (3‐D) movies have become widely popular all over the world. In addition, 3‐D TVs and mobile devices have already been introduced to the consumer market. However, while some manufacturers are introducing 3‐D cameras and movie studios are using proprietary solutions, there are no guidelines for consistently capturing high‐quality stereoscopic content. In this paper, a comprehensive stereoscopic image and video database with content captured at various distances from the camera lenses and under different lighting conditions will be presented. Subjective tests to assess the perceived 3‐D quality of these videos and images, which were shown on displays of different sizes, have been conducted. In addition, the horizontal parallax of the content was adjusted to verify via subjective tests whether this change could increase the viewer's quality of experience. Finally, guidelines of acquisition distances between the cameras and the real scene will be published.     

MUTED: Multi‐user 3‐D display

Abstract— Research described in this paper encompasses the design and building of glasses‐free (autostereoscopic) displays that utilize a direct‐view liquid‐crystal display whose backlight is provided by a projector and novel steering optics. This is controlled by the output of a multi‐user head‐position tracker. As the displays employ spatial multiplexing on a liquid‐crystal‐display screen, they are inherently 2‐D/3‐D switchable with 2‐D being achieved by simply displaying the same image in the left and right channels. Two prototypes are described in this paper; one incorporating a holographic projector and the other a conventional LCOS projector. The LCOS projector version addresses the limitations of brightness, cross‐talk, banding in the images, and laser stability that occur in the holographic projector version. The future development is considered and a comparison between the prototypes and with other 3‐D displays is given.     

Hybrid MEMS optical scanner for volumetric 3‐D displays

Abstract— A fabrication technique and characteristics of high‐power‐handling microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) optical scanners for laser 3‐D volumetric‐image display application is reported. The MEMS scanner is designed to control the reflection of high‐power YAG‐laser beam by using the optomechanical combination of a dielectric‐film‐coated mirror cube and an electrostatic‐MEMS‐scanner platform. These hybrid‐type MEMS optical scanners have a stroke of about 20° at resonant frequencies of 600 Hz when a 45‐V pulse voltage is applied.     

A high resolution multi‐view 3D display using switchable liquid crystal lens

A 4.4‐inch 2D/3D switchable full high definition (FHD) six‐view 3D display with 3D resolution greater than 170 ppi has been accomplished. In addition to adopting low temperature polysilicon technology (LTPS), which is most suitable for high resolution displays, a new RGBW pixel arrangement using four‐square sub‐pixels has been devised. In 2D, a resolution greater than 500 ppi, accompanied with high luminance, has been achieved. A new liquid crystal lens (LCL) has been exploited for 2D/3D switching. By employing a special multielectrode structure and dedicated manufacturing process, an optical focal ratio less than 20%, which is essential for low 3D cross talk for a six‐view 3D display, has been attained by adopting the LCL. In the vertical direction of the display, there is no cross talk increase when the viewing position is changed because of the new pixel structure. The strong focal strength of the LCL combined with a revised high‐density multi‐view design give rise to a wide 3D viewing angle greater than 20 degrees in the horizontal direction and minimum cross talk less than 10%.     

Human factors of 3‐D displays

Abstract— This paper provides a selected review of a number of important perceptual and human‐factors issues that arise when 3‐D displays are designed and used. This review and analysis draws heavily from the basic vision literature in order to help provide insight for future design solutions for 3‐D displays. Issues discussed include (1) the basics of human stereopsis, (2) interocular crosstalk, (3) oculomotor responding and distance scaling of binocular disparity information, (4) accommodative‐vergence mismatch, and (5) stereoanomly. The paper concludes with a presentation of several recommendations for the design of 3‐D displays.