Virtual multiplication of light sources for a 360°-viewable tabletop 3D display

A method to construct a virtual annular projector array that acts as numerous light sources to produce 360 degrees-viewable 3D images on a round table is proposed. The conventional method requires multiple projectors and a conical screen for its 3D imaging principle but is limited physically by the projector arrangement. The proposed approach significantly increases the number of projectors virtually by inserting cylindrical mirrors into the optical paths used in the conventional method. This paper describes the multiplication principle and a prototype 3D display produces 3D images that are approximately 10 times denser than those produced by the conventional method. (C) 2020 Optical Society of America under the terms of the OSA Open Access Publishing Agreement