Recently, Japan's Ricoh announced the development of a cylindrical screen that can project 3D models in all directions. Users do not need to wear any special equipment, and can watch the 3D model image projected by the device from any direction with the naked eye. Starting this month, Ricoh will conduct demonstration experiments and operational tests on the projection equipment, with the goal of putting it into practical use before the end of 2022.
According to reports, the projection device projects an image from directly below, displaying a stereoscopic image and an afterimage of light. The afterimage will be shot on a special rotating screen independently developed by Ricoh, so users can view the stereoscopic image from all directions. Ricoh said that in the development process, they strive to make users experience three-dimensional display without causing three-dimensional-related discomfort.
At present, the projection device can display a 3D stereoscopic image of the size of a color human head (200 mm in diameter and 250 mm in height), and the video has realized the stereoscopic display of color moving images of about 370 million voxels (abbreviated as volume element). (Reference: In a complete high-definition flat image, the number of pixels constituting a two-dimensional image is about 2.07 million pixels)
Ricoh stated that communications using digital content will be widely used in the future. The device can be used in remote meetings using 3D images, and support the simulation and modeling of 3D structures. In addition, it can also be used as a virtual assistant for home use.
Not only Ricoh, Sony has also cooperated with other companies to develop devices that can display 3D models as stereoscopic images. In July 2019, Sony developed a "cylindrical transparent screen display" and released the spatial reality display "ELF-" about a year later. SR1". Looking Glass Factory is also developing the "Looking Glass" series of 3D autostereoscopic displays.
