Omnidirectional mid-air imaging with a single biconical-ended cylinder array plate.
Optics Express
|June 11, 2026
Summary
We developed a novel optical element, the biconical-ended cylinder array plate (BCAP), for augmented reality (AR) mid-air imaging. This BCAP offers ghost-free, omnidirectional viewing without specialized devices.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Augmented Reality Displays
- Free-Space Imaging
Background:
- Mid-air imaging allows multiple users to view virtual content without devices.
- Conventional methods like micro-mirror array plates (MMAP) have limited viewing angles and ghosting issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and analyze a new optical element, the biconical-ended cylinder array plate (BCAP), for improved mid-air imaging.
- To achieve omnidirectional observability and ghost image suppression.
Main Methods:
- Physically based rendering simulations with parameter sweeps.
- Image quality evaluation using PSNR, SSIM, LPIPS, and MTF50.
- Experimental validation using a 3D-printed prototype and comparison with MMAP.
Main Results:
- The BCAP design enables ghost-free, omnidirectional (360°) azimuthal visibility.
- Favorable ranges for cone apex angle and cylinder height were identified through simulations.
- Experimental results confirmed omnidirectional viewing and ghost suppression, with a slight sharpness reduction compared to MMAP.
Conclusions:
- The BCAP is a promising optical element for ghost-free, omnidirectional mid-air imaging applications.
- It overcomes limitations of conventional designs, offering a wider viewing range.
- Further optimization may enhance image sharpness for specific AR applications.
