| A novel approach for three-dimensional (3-D) display systems implemented with a micromirror array was proposed, designed, realized and tested. The major advantages of this approach include: (1) micromirrors are reflective and hence achromatic (panchromatic), (2) a wide variety of displays can be used as image sources, and (3) time-multiplexing can be introduced on top of space-multiplexing to optimize the viewing-zone arrangements.; Real-time auto-stereoscopy and motion parallax were the goals for these single-user 3-D display systems. First, auto-stereoscopy allows an observer see left and right images without any special eyewear or head-tracking devices. Second, different pairs of stereoscopic images can be seen according to the viewer's head position under horizontal displacement, denoted by series of viewing zones, so horizontal motion parallax is provided.; These 3-D display systems use two spatial light modulators (SLM). The first one acts as the image source, which is relayed onto the second SLM, a micromirror array. Micromirrors redirect the light into appropriate viewing zones. We used backlit transparencies and a color CRT as the first SLM, which exemplifies the wide acceptance of image sources.; Three simplifications in the optical design were made to lower the actuation requirements of the micromirrors. First, a collecting lens was introduced so that the micromirrors needed uniform actuation in one dimension (horizontal). Second, an interleaved actuation profile of the micromirrors was introduced to dedicate odd columns of micromirrors for the right eye views and even columns for the left ones. Finally, a double-opening pupil was used to further lower the actuation requirements of the micromirrors.; A two-view (left and right) 3-D auto-stereoscopic display system was first constructed. Left and right eye views in the forms of both still and motion 3-D scenes were displayed and viewers were able to fuse the stereo information. A multi-view (2 left and 2 right) 3-D auto-stereoscopic display system was then proposed.; Although there are issues to work out—moving micromirrors and providing more viewing zones—the experimental results proved our design idea. This is a promising step toward a personal multi-view auto-stereoscopic 3-D display system. |
