Integral imaging system using an electroluminescent film backlight for three-dimensional-two-dimensional convertibility and a curved structure

We propose a thin and compact integral imaging system using electroluminescent (EL) films as backlight. EL film has the advantage that it can operate continuously even when it is cut or punctured. Using this characteristic, we generate an array of pinholes on EL film to form a point light-source array for reconstructing three-dimensional (3D) images based on integral imaging. The EL pinhole film is attached on another EL film and they are electrically controlled to generate a point light-source array or a surface light source; hence, the system converts between 3D and two-dimensional (2D) modes. Taking advantage of the flexibility of EL films, we also propose a flexible 3D/2D convertible integral imaging system with a wide viewing angle using a curved EL film. We explain the principle of the proposed methods and present experimental results. (C) 2009 Optical Society of America