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An improved integral imaging process is proposed that can display a depth-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) image by using two parallel-layered display devices. With the use of layered display devices, it is possible to construct 3D images on several depth planes and increase the depth remarkably. In addition, the translucent problem between 3D images was resolved for the first time to the author’s knowledge by a time-multiplexing method. The proposed method was proven and compared with the conventional one by preliminary experiments.

An augmented-reality (AR) device which presents virtual volumetric images to switchable integrated spaces is proposed and demonstrated. A bi-focal geometric phase (GP) lens can project the integrated volumetric images to switchable integrated spaces by switching the polarization of them. For that purpose, a combination of GP lens and an active polarization switching device (APSD) has been adopted. A demonstration of an AR display with switchable integrations is also provided to verify the proposed concept.

To provide two-eyed views with one device, stereoscopic 3D (S3D) displays interlace the two views either temporally or spatially: temporal interlacing (TI) alternates the two views in time with full resolution, while spatial interlacing (SI) presents the two views simultaneously but with half resolution for each eye. We investigate the effect of interlacing methods on image quality through a psychophysical experiment. We compared four experimental conditions: three S3D interlacing methods (TI, SI with raw sampling, and SI with vertical interpolation), and one nonconventional interlacing method (vertical interpolation). The stimuli were 10 natural stereo images presented at nine levels of pixel sizes (0.64, 0.78, 0.89, 1.00, 1.28, 1.55, 1.78, 2.00, and 2.56 arcmin). To test the effect of interlacing methods per se, we provided all the experimental conditions to the subjects using a single experimental setup: a mirror stereoscope. The results show that TI does not degrade the image quality for any pixel size. SI degrades the image quality when the pixel size is relatively large, but the effect of the two SI methods does not differ significantly. Comparison of SI methods against the vertical interpolation method implies that the primary cause of the degradation in image quality for SI methods is the visibility of the interlacing pattern rather than the loss of high-frequency information.

In this paper, a method to construct a directional-backlight unit system to separate the left-eye image and the right-eye image by adopting a double-slit barrier array is proposed to enhance the perceived quality of the realized 3D image. Additionally, the two-dimensional/three-dimensional convertible function is also realized by adopting an active diffuser to the spatial interlacing directional-backlight system.

A geometric phase (GP) integral floating display can provide multifocal three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality (AR) images with enhanced depth expression by switching the focal modes of the GP lens via polarization control. However, using temporal multiplexing to switch between the focal modes of GP optics causes flickering as each 3D AR image is fully presented in different frames and their temporal luminance profile becomes easily recognizable, particularly as the number of available focal modes increases. Here, we propose a novel integral floating technique to generate pixelated interwoven 3D AR images; a half of each image is spatially mixed with another and presented in both focal modes simultaneously to resolve the flickering issue. The principle was verified via experimental demonstration and optically measured data.