Helium3D: A Laser-Based 3D Display with ´3D+´ Capability

In this paper we describe our latest research into 3D displays that do not require the wearing of special glasses (autostereoscopic), can provide 3D to several viewers who have a large degree of freedom of movement and direct a different image to every eye in the viewing field so that motion parallax (the ability to `look-around´ objects) and other interesting modes of operation are achieved (`3D+´). The display operates by providing regions in the viewing field, referred to as exit pupils that follow the positions of the viewers´ eyes under the control of a multi-user head tracker. The display incorporates an RGB laser illumination source that illuminates a light engine. Light directions are controlled by a spatial light modulator and a front screen assembly incorporates a novel Gabor superlens. The principle of operation is explained and the construction of three iterations of the display is described.