Advantages
The newly developed Fresnel lens is used in the lens array of the naked-eye stereoscopic display.
The specially shaped Fresnel lens suppresses image unnaturalness caused by lens joints.
3D display for drivers of automobiles and aircrafts, and digital signage such as advertisements can be displayed more naturally.
Background and Technology
Naked-eye stereoscopic display technology is a display technology that makes objects appear to float three-dimensionally without the need for special equipment such as glasses. Naked-eye stereoscopic viewing devices generally consist of a display to show images for the right eye and left eye captured by a stereo camera or other equipment, and an optical system to properly deliver those images to the user’s right eye and left eye. There are many methods that enable naked-eye stereoscopic viewing. For example, the integral imaging method enables stereoscopic viewing by using a display that shows a series of images of an object taken from various viewpoints through an optical device called a “lens array,” which is made by arranging many lenses in a row.
Dr. Hideki Kakeya, Associate Professor at the University of Tsukuba, is the world’s leading expert on naked-eye stereoscopic technology and has developed various methods of the technology. He has now developed a technology that solves the problem of lens arrays used in the integral imaging method. The problem is that when the head is moved to change the viewing direction of the 3D image, the image switches discontinuously, causing a strong sense of discomfort to the user. This is because the lenses arranged in the lens array are independent of each other, so the lenses are interrupted at the joints between lenses, which results in discontinuous changes in the image. Dr. Kakeya and his colleagues devised a Fresnel lens used in this lens array and developed a method in which the image is continuously switched by partially incorporating the shapes of adjacent lenses (see figure below). This method reduces the discomfort of naked-eye stereoscopic viewing with the integral imaging method and enables a more natural experience. The newly developed Fresnel lens can also be applied to other naked-eye stereoscopic technologies, such as the parallax barrier type technology (*) proposed by Dr. Kakeya and others.
Figure
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We proposed a new lens configuration that combines the optical characteristics of both sides of a conventional Fresnel lens after dividing it at the center. By arranging these lenses, the discontinuity of the display was improved. (Adapted from the patent application for this technology)
Patents
Patent pending.
Researchers
Hideki Kakeya, Associate Professor, University of Tsukuba
Expectations
We can provide information and know-how on stereoscopic display technology from the University of Tsukuba to companies working on the development and commercialization of naked-eye 3D displays. We can assist in the development of naked-eye 3D displays for drivers of automobiles and aircrafts, and digital signage for advertisements and other applications. For companies that are proactively developing products using their own resources, the university can support development by providing research results, technical consulting, and patent licensing.
Project No: DA-04377