Two-dimensional and three-dimensional transparent screens based on lens-array holographic optical elements.

Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) transparent screens can be created using lens-array holographic optical elements (HOEs). Lens-array HOEs can be used to perform 2D and 3D imaging for Bragg matched images while maintaining the transparent properties of the images in the background scenes. 2D or 3D imaging on the proposed screen is determined by the relative size of an elemental-lens on the lens-array to a pixel on the projected image. The 2D and 3D displays on the lens-array HOEs are implemented by the diffusion of light on each elemental-lens and by taking advantage of reflection-type integral imaging, respectively. We constructed an HOE recording setup and recorded two lens-array HOEs having different optical specifications, permitting them to function as 2D and 3D transparent screens. Experiments regarding 2D and 3D imaging on the proposed transparent screens are carried out and the viewing characteristics in both cases are discussed. The experimental results show that the proposed screens are capable of providing 2D and 3D images properly while satisfying the see-through properties.