Light-field displays and light-field optics

Light-field optics is a novel system in which image is exchangeable in between 2D (light-field data) and real 3D, although this technology is well known just for refocusing camera Light-filed optics has two useful features both of which are different from previous imaging optics. One is a feature that 3D scene can be expressed in 2D-data (light-field data) as 4D data and reconstructed from these encoded 2D data through reverse optical path. The other is that reconstructed image is not necessary to be conjugated with display device, in other words, image appears in different plane from display's screen. With the former feature, an integral 3D-display whose data are of light-field optics is realized. There is no difference in this display in structure from previous integral 3Ddisplays. It consists of flat display and lens array attached directly above to the display. Lens array decodes light-filed data and this display reconstructs 3D scene. So, 3D scene acquired by a light-field camera or computer generated light-field data appear nearby lens array. With the latter feature, a simple head mounted display(HMD) can be developed for example. In previous HMD's development, problem is to find out a solution of optical design to form display image on the retina of a speculator in trade-off relation between maneuverability and size of optical system. Using light-field optics, display device can be set in directly front of eyes, because image is generated in a different plane you can see.