Strategies for 3D video with wide fields-of-view

Real three-dimensional images make their full impact only if seen over a wide field-of-view but those on present three-dimensional video displays rarely span more than 20°. The field-of-view of a multiprojector three-dimensional display can be expanded to 90° or more by a circularly symmetric field lens, and the dark zones typically present between the views of a multiprojector system can be eliminated without ghosting by using a pinhole projector equivalent arrangement and a precise diffuser. A planarised version of the optics has been demonstrated and if combined with a waveguide screen and microdisplays may give an inexpensive three-dimensional display which has a large flat screen and wide field-of-view