The Universal Media Research Center at NICT's Keihanna Research Labs has developed the fVisioOn, a table-top naked-eye display that can show 3D images to multiple users.
The fVisioOn is specifically designed to be viewed from above through 360 degrees. It serves as an interface that can be used in natural fashion by multiple people.
"So far, several methods have been suggested for producing 3D images viewable through 360 degrees. But they require equipment like a glass case on the table-top, so they can't be used freely on the table. With this method, 3D images can be produced while there's nothing on the table. So for example, you can create a 3D display next to a real object, or pass documents across the table. That's what's new about our system."
To reproduce 3D images, the system uses a special optical device developed by NICT, and numerous micro-projectors arranged in a circle. This combination reproduces the light that would come from an object placed on the table. It creates a zone where people can observe a ring-shaped 3D image from above the periphery of the table.
"The optical device on this screen creates a special configuration, with the ability to make light diffuse in the vertical direction and prevent it diffusing in the horizontal direction. And with lots of these micro-projectors arranged in a circle, the light from each enables a different image to be seen at each viewing position. With this system, separate images are seen by the left and right eyes. Because a different image is seen from any angle through 360 degrees, you can see a 3D image here. This system uses 96 projectors. We've produced it as a prototype of a system for showing 3D images through 120 degrees, out of the ideal 360 degrees."
"As this system is specially designed for viewing at an angle from above, if it can be made very large in the future, we think it could provide a view of an entire sports stadium. That would make it possible to create a 3D soccer stadium, as seen by spectators looking down on the pitch."
From now on, the researchers plan to upgrade the system, enabling the 3D image to be viewed through 360 degrees, and increasing the quality and size of the image.
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