Autostereoscopic displays and computer graphics

Abstract

Autostereoscopic displays present a three-dimensional image to a viewer without the need for glasses or other encumbering viewing aids. Three classes of autostereoscopic displays are described: reimaging displays, volumetric displays, and parallax displays. Reimaging displays reproject an existing three-dimensional object to a new location or depth. Volumetric displays illuminate points in a spatial volume. Parallax displays emit directionally-varying image information into the viewing zone. Parallax displays are the most common autostereoscopic displays and are most compatible with computer graphics. Different display technologies of the three types are described. Computer graphics techniques useful for three-dimensional image generation are outlined.