The Defence and Research Agency (DERA), a contract (LAIRD) under the European Link/EPSRC photonics initiative, and DTI/EPSRC sponsorship within the PROMETHEUS project.

A software model for an optical system incorporating microlens arrays to capture and replay an object or scene in real 3D is presented. The imaging methodology is usually referred to as "Integral Photography" (IP) or "Integral Imaging" (II). A brief description of II is given and the single-stage optical capture system, which the software model attempts to emulate, is discussed. The software design aims to reproduce the real optics system to produce rendered static and dynamic images in integral format. The effects and limitations caused by the relatively low display resolutions are addressed and their effect on image quality considered. The Phong illumination model along with the Flat, Gouraud and Phong shading techniques are employed and their respective applications to II are explained.

The development of 3D TV systems and displays for public use require that several important criteria be satisfied. The criteria are that the perceived resolution is as good as existing 2D TV, the image must be in full natural colour, compatibility with current 2D systems in terms of frame rate and transmission data must be ensured, human-factors concerns must be satisfied and seamless autostereoscopic viewing provided. There are several candidate 3D technologies, for example stereoscopic multiview, holographic and integral imaging that endeavor to satisfy the technological and other conditions.The perceived advantages of integral imaging are that the 3D data can be captured by a single aperture camera, the display is a scaled 3D optical model, and in viewing accommodation and convergence are as in normal sighting (natural) thereby preventing possible eye strain. Consequently it appears to be ideal for prolonged human use. The technological factors that inhibited the possible use of integral imaging for TV display have been shown to be less intractable than at first thought. For example compression algorithms are available such that terrestrial bandwidth is perfectly suitable for transmission purposes. Real-time computer generation of integral images is feasible and the high-resolution LCD panels currently available are sufficient to enable high contrast and high quality image display.

Television production is increasingly making use of 3D models, in applications including animation and virtual production. These models are rendered to produce 2D images during the production process. However, with the ever increasing power of 3D graphics processors in home PCs, and new developments in 3D display technology, the time is right to consider how the broadcaster can maintain content in its 3D form all the way through the programme chain. This paper presents the results of PROMETHEUS, a UK 'LINK' project, whose aim is to examine the various issues related to developing an end-to-end 3D programme production chain using MPEG-4.

Over the past decade there has emerged a growing number of sculptors, from around the globe, who have found a use for the computer in their research and practice. For some it offers a design tool but for others it has become a new media. A new integral imaging system capable of real-time capture and replay and methods of computer generation of synthetic integral images has recently been developed. Keith Brown, a sculptor was intrigued at the possibilities this offers as a means through which to realize cyber-sculptures as true 3D optical constructs. This paper presents the most recent results of the collaboration between Keith Brown and the Imaging Technologies Group at De Montfort University.

Over the past decade there has emerged a growingnumber of sculptors,from around the globe,who havefound a use for the computer in their research andpractice.For some it offers a design tool but for others ithas become a new media.A new integral imaging ...

The development of 3D TV systems and displays for public use require that several important criteria be satisfied. The criteria include the perceived resolution, full colour presentation, compatibility with current 2D systems in terms of frame rate and transmission data, human-factors acceptability and seamless autostereoscopic viewing. There are several candidate 3D technologies, for example stereoscopic multiview, holographic and integral imaging that endeavour to satisfy the technological conditions. Although cost is an important parameter it is difficult at the early stages of the development cycle to make more than general judgements on the advantages of a particular arrangement. The perceived advantages of integral imaging are that only a single aperture camera is needed to capture the 3D data. In addition the display is a full 3D optical model, the model is correctly scaled throughout the image space, and in viewing accommodation and convergence occur naturally thereby preventing possible eyestrain. Consequently it appears to be ideal for prolonged human use.