Computer generation of integral 3D images with maximum effective viewing zone

Abstract

For computer generated integral images, a transition line can be observed when the viewer shifts parallel to the lens sheet and reaches the edge of current viewing zone during viewing. This is due to the transition from current viewing zone to the next. The images generated using conventional algorithms will suffer from big transition zone, which damages the replaying visual effect and greatly decreases the effective viewing width. This phenomenon is especially apparent for large size images. The conventional computer generation algorithms of integral images use the same boundary configuration as the micro-lenses, which is straightforward and easy to be implemented, but the cause of large transition zone and narrow viewing angle. This paper presents a novel micro-image configuration and algorithm to solve the problem. In the new algorithm, the boundaries of micro-images are not confined by the physical boundaries but normally larger than them. To achieve the maximum effective viewing width, each micro-image is arranged according to the rules decided by several constraints. The considerations in the selection of optimal parameters are discussed, and new definitions related to this issue are given.