Demonstration of an improved integral imaging system with large viewing angle using the micro-lens array mask

Abstract

An improved integral imaging system with large viewing angle using the micro-lens array mask (MLAM) is demonstrated. Currently, the limitation of viewing angle is one of primary defects of the conventional integral imaging (InIm). Here, a novel MLAM is designed and fabricated to eliminate this limitation, and a mapping relationship of coding is presented to guarantee the perceived 3D image with correct occlusion relation. The viewing angle of the proposed InIm-improved system are significantly improved without decreasing the spatial display resolution of the displayed 3D images. In the experiment, a demonstrated prototype system using the MLAM and a 23.6-in. liquid crystal display (LCD) panel with the resolution of 3840 × 2160 is realized with 45° viewing angle, which can provide a natural 3D visual effect with high quality.