Theory and Implementation of Integral Illumination

Abstract

Integral imaging, i.e., the use of lenticular optics to display stereoscopic/multiscopic images, is now being used in an array of products including glasses-free 3D displays. This paper describes <i>integral illumination</i>, an adaptation of integral imaging where fine-grained control of plenoptic light fields is used to realize new forms of programmable lighting. Relying on a combination of an imaging apparatus and custom lenticular optics, integral illumination devices can produce high-fidelity illusions of real and imagined light sources (e.g., spotlight, chandelier), replicating their illumination effects. Such devices have potential uses as ambient lighting fixtures, photography/videography equipment, components of artistic installations, etc. The paper will provide a general overview of integral illumination, describing its basic principles, hardware configuration, control mechanism, range of capabilities, and theoretical/practical limitations. We will also present a sample implementation of a working integral illumination device, describe its engineering details, report performance measurements, and discuss possibilities for future improvements and extensions.