Integral three-dimensional imaging with digital reconstruction

A computed three-dimensional (3-D) display system based on integral imaging is presented. The 3-D image is reconstructed by numerical processing of an optically observed image array formed by a microlens array. The algorithm for reconstructing 3-D images is robust, and it enables us to obtain the images viewed from arbitrary directions. This computer-based image retrieval makes it possible to improve qualities of the image such as contrast, brightness, and resolution by numerical techniques. Also, this method eliminates the need for special purpose optical equipment such as high-quality liquid-crystal display and micro-optics components to display the 3-D images. We present experimental results of 3-D image reconstruction to test and verify the performance of the algorithms and the imaging system. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.