Aerial depth-fused 3D image formed with aerial imaging by retro-reflection (AIRR)

Abstract

We have realized a new type of three-dimensional (3D) aerial image. The aerial image is an image that exists in the mid-air and can be observed without using 3D glasses. We utilized aerial imaging by retro-reflection (AIRR) to form the aerial image. Conventionally, the formed aerial image is a two-dimensional (2D) image. To give depth information, we have designed a new optical system to form two-layered aerial images. We have introduced depth-fused 3D (DFD) display technique. The DFD display is composed of a front image and a rear image. When the front and the rear images are overlapped from the viewing position, the two images are perceived as one depth-fused image. We realized this by overlapping two aerial images, taking advantage of the feature that the aerial image is translucent and we can observe the object behind it while observing the aerial image. Furthermore, we have demonstrated a protruding DFD display which gives depth beyond the gap of the two layers. Thus, we have realized aerial DFD display, which shows a floating 3D aerial image in the mid-air.