Depth range of a 3D image sampled by a lens array with the integral method

Abstract

Light rays from reconstructed 3D images were geometrically analyzed, and sampling of the images by using a lens array with the integral method was demonstrated. The light rays pass through the lens array and form an optical image, part of which enters the observer's pupil and forms an image on the retina. It was assumed that the pupil has a certain diameter. The depth range of the 3D image (whose projected image on the retina is sampled by the lens array) was derived. That is, the depth range is restricted to the surrounding area of the lens array and depends on the pitch of the elemental lenses constituting the lens array. When the reconstructed 3D image is located within the depth range, its visual resolution is limited by the Nyquist frequency. On the other hand, when the 3D image is located out of the depth range, the visual resolution can be increased to the upper limit of frequency by diffraction of the elemental lens.