DE19954900A1 - Three-dimensional display of images of objects, comprises reproducing tomographic images of object side-by-side and arranging lens sections with different focal lengths along common optical axis so that new images are produced - Google Patents

Abstract

Three-dimensional display of images of objects, comprises reproducing tomographic images of object side-by-side and arranging lens sections with different focal lengths along common optical axis so that new images are produced. Method for three-dimensional display of images of objects comprises reproducing tomographic images or partial images (b1 - b4) of the object side-by-side simultaneously or cyclically. A series of lens sections with different focal lengths (f1 -f4) are arranged along a common optical axis (5) so that new images (a1 - a4) of the tomographic images are produced at different distances along the optical axis which give a three-dimensional effect when viewed along it. The lens sections preferably consist of a multifocal Fresnel lens (2). An Independent claim is included for production of a multifocal lens from a moldable blank comprises making several press molding tools for forming annular lens surfaces of different focal lengths. These are then separated into strips, each corresponding to a sector of the lens surface. The sections are then assembled so that each strip corresponds to a lens surface of a particular focal length and adjacent strips produce surfaces of different focal length. The lens is then press molded using the new tool.

Description

The invention relates to a method for the spatial representation of scenes and / or objects in which several layer images and / or parts of layer pictures, the information from different spatial depths of the scenes or which contain objects are presented visually perceptible. The invention further relates to arrangements for performing the invention Procedure.

Methods and arrangements in which spatial images are reproduced in a way that correspond better and better to the natural viewing habits of a viewer in many areas of human activity, such as in the Technology, medicine, art, presentation, advertising, etc. Except Depending on the natural viewing habits of humans, the state of the art Techniques known in the art and arrangements for spatial representation assign two groups of objects.

In the first group, the viewer needs accommodation and convergence the decouple, which leads to fatigue, headache and nausea can lead. The well-known autostereoscopic and ste 3D reoscopic procedure. The latter have additional disadvantages in that the Viewers must wear special glasses (red-green, polarized or shutter glasses) or even accept complete mini displays (HMD, Head Mounted Displays) ha ben. A free choice of viewer position and / or the possibility of viewing by several observers is usually only with one or more complex gene tracking systems (eye tracking system). Although autostereoscopic  As is well known, 3D processes do not require any help from the viewer among "dead" zones, "flipping", pseudoscopy and unnatural image movement Head movement.

In the second group, the volume displays, there is no conflict between Ak accommodation and convergence, since the spatial representation ent in one volume stands. Mechanically moving components are required in a first sub-group. Be have become known, for example, a rotating phosphor-coated disc in a cathode ray ball, rotating or oscillating surfaces with LED matrices and also a rotating and irradiated helix. Disadvantage with this procedure the components moved with high mechanical loads are complicated Control and the limited volume.

In a second subgroup, images are optically mapped into a volume. The is achieved for example by an acoustically modulated concave mirror, computerge generated holograms using an acousto-optic modulator or the Mercury vapor fluorescence with infrared excitation. These procedures and arrangement too These are relatively expensive and therefore costly bound.

In this regard, methods and arrangements are also known in which layer images be mapped optically into the room using a multifocal lenticular grid. JP 62-77 794 A describes an image generator which reproduces layer images in such a way that a spatial image is perceptible to a viewer. For this purpose the Imager a flat grid of. Consisting of a multitude of columns and rows Lenses, with the focal length of each lens being independent of its neighboring ones Lenses can be changed by separate control. The optical axes These lenses are aligned in parallel. Each of the lenses corresponds to one their assigned section of an object plane of the imager, in which the slice images are reproduced. The original spatial depth of each one in this Ab section reproduced part of the image is used to determine the focal length of the to change the lens so that the image generated with the lens of this part of the image can be perceived by the viewer again in a corresponding spatial depth. The reproduction of the layer images and the focal length adjustment of the lenses will be controlled and controlled by a computer.  

This arrangement, in which the staggered images of the flat layer images with the help of lenses with parallel aligned optical axes, has the major disadvantage that each part of the image shown in a slice image must be positioned exactly on the optical axis of the assigned lens. Except this must correspond to the image parts, the imaging scale of the assigned lens accordingly, be smaller than your image, thus a gapless and overlap-free image of the entire layer image can arise.

This requires that all parts of a layer image, even every pixel or each individual image information, with regard to their position and geometry, can be processed in this way must that they even after the axially symmetrical enlargement by the order the lenses exactly into the entire image of the layer image. This picture work requires a considerable amount of equipment.

Because the image parts or image information of the slice images do not clear the object plane fill in kenless, there is the further disadvantage that the viewing angle is limited and this means that the images of the slice images only for one or very few side by side standing viewers are spatially perceptible. Strictly speaking, this is one spatial perception that corresponds to the viewing habits only for one person Viewers in a single position, namely at right angles to the exact straight view Lenticular grid, possible.

The same applies to the arrangement according to JP 07-64 020 A. Here are several Display elements, each with a convex lens of short focal length, a light source and a stretching mecha located between the lens and the light source nism are arranged on a display surface for the slice images net. The slice images are displayed by using the stretching mechanism from Ab stood between the convex lens and the light source is changed, which changes shifts the position of the image of the light source generated with the convex lens. This has the same disadvantages as in the publication mentioned above chung.

However, arrangements are also known from the prior art in which Ab Formation of the layer images no such lenticular arrangements with parallel optical axes of the lenses are needed, but instead of the lens grid only a single imaging element is provided. Such an arrangement is for example  in US 3,493,290 as a three-dimensional display. Here is one down frequency controlled, deformable and thereby changing its focal length large concave mirror so with a monitor on the successively flat layer images are shown and which has an extremely short persistence, synchroni siert that a three-dimensional image is created in the room, with both eyes from egg can be viewed over a wide viewing angle range.

However, a major disadvantage with arrangements of this type is that mechanically moved and therefore wear-prone assemblies are required, ver relatively high expenditure for the purpose of beam deflection and beam splitting operate and so-called "phantom pictures" or "ghost pictures" occur. Except this results in a perspective distortion of the spatial image, which originates in which has magnification of the virtual images increasing with depth.

Arrangements are also known in which a switch array is used which is arranged near an imaging lens and a second lens at a distance of positioned this switch array that corresponds to their focal length. It is about a monofocal imaging lens, the image of which is in the plane of the second lens arises. Such an arrangement is described in "A.R.L. Travis, S.R. Lang, The de sign and evaluation of a CRT-based autostereoscopic 3D display, Proceedings of the SID, Vol. 32/4, 1991 ". This is an autostereoscopic 3D representation by means of Time azimuth multiplexing reached.

For the purpose of 3D representation, monofocal Fres lens lenses that optically act as a field lens. An example of this is in EP 0 653 891 with a "three-dimensional projection display apparatus". Who too the the flanks of a monofocal Fresnel lens used as a field lens to a white adapted teres optical element. This can be, for example, a cylindrical lens screen be as described in JP 092 74 159 "Stereoscopic image display divice".

The use of a bifocal and thus multifocal Fresnel lens for a back Projection screen, which is equipped with a cylindrical lens array, is in EP 0874 268 "Fresnel lens sheet and rear projection screen" specified. But here it works Fresnel lens also as a field lens, which means that it does not have a graduated depth Provides images.  

In a "device for displaying moving images in a row the levels "according to WO 98/18114 is also the use of a monofocal Fres described. The disadvantage here is the high expenditure on equipment, since two Imager, a beam splitter and, in addition to the monofocal Fresnel lens, a concave mirror alone for two levels are required, which is not only high manufacturing costs, but also results in a relatively large construction volume.

WO 98/10584, a "display system", describes a method and an apparatus for simultaneous or alternating successive display of two image planes wrote. Here, a first image source, which represents the foreground, and a second image source, which shows the background, with the help of a "beam com biner "designated optical beam splitter superimposed on an overall scene where through which the viewer perceives the background at a greater distance than the previous one the reason and in this way conditionally receives a spatial impression. The ver Monofocal Fresnel cylinder lenses or cylinder mirrors are only used for optical change of the aspect ratio between foreground image and back basic picture.

With this arrangement, there should be more than two levels at different distances from are presented to a viewer, the already high effort increases considerably.

Starting from this prior art, the object of the invention is to: To further develop methods of the type described in the introduction in such a way that the eyes human habits adequate fatigue-free space perception with good Quality is possible with little equipment expenditure.

According to the invention it is provided that the layer images or parts of the layer images are simultaneously displayed side by side and / or cyclically in rapid succession in an object plane and with a plurality of lens regions, which have different focal lengths but have a common optical axis, the layer images or parts thereof are mapped real and / or virtual, with a layer image b ₁ or parts b ₁₁ , b ₁₂ . , .b _{1m of} the layer image b ₁ through lens areas with the focal length f ₁ an image a ₁ , of a layer image b ₂ or of parts b ₂₁ , b ₂₂ . , .b _{2m of} the slice image b ₂ through lens areas with a focal length f ₂ an image a _{2 is} generated etc. and the images a ₁ , a ₂ etc. are visible one behind the other on the optical axis and are therefore perceptible in spatial depth.

In this way, the disadvantages that are known from the prior art Adhere to procedures, avoided. The slice images can be complete in their entirety or used in a grid pattern, it corresponds to the viewing habits appropriate spatial representations of scenes / objects without unnatural ent coupling of accommodation and convergence, which is visually very in aids good quality are noticeable. The technical expenditure on equipment is low because Carrying out this method does not involve a large number of imaging lenses with parallel ones optical axes still moving components are required. Both can be two dimensional slice images as well as three-dimensional autostereoscopic images reproduced by the imager and used as the basis for spatial representations become. The perception is without restriction of the spatial impression of meh viewers from any position within a relatively large area Solid angle possible without tools.

For example, the slice images or parts of the slice images can be used simultaneously are displayed side by side in the object plane and, for the purpose of creation An image of each slice image can be assigned to the lens area Chen a certain focal length depending on selected physical Properties of the imaging light, such as wavelength and / or polarization, pre be taken. In other words: they become properties of the imaging light used to only Lin or each layer image or parts of the layer image assign areas with one and the same optical focal length. This too it is achieved that the slice images or their parts - the assigned focal length accordingly - are mapped in different spatial depths, the spatial depth at which the image of a layer image appears, the spatial depth in the scene or object to be reproduced corresponds or is at least proportional.

Furthermore, it is also possible to use the method according to the invention to generate images by briefly sequentially layering the layers in the object level are played back and this playback in quick succession like is being repeated. Each is shown within a repeat sequence  Slice image or parts thereof exclusively lens areas of a certain focal assigned wide and thus briefly always an image of the respective Layer image generated.

Thus, for example, the slice image b _{1 is} reproduced during a time period t ₁ and only lens regions of the focal length f ₁ are used optically in the same time period t ₁ to generate the image a ₁ . Thereafter, the slice image b _{2 is} reproduced during a subsequent time period t ₂ and only lens regions of the focal length f ₂ are used optically to generate the image a ₂ , etc. The time periods t ₁ , t ₂ to t _n , which each form a sequence, are repeated cyclically and the same slice image is also reproduced within each time period, with only one focal length being assigned to each slice image or, conversely, only one slice image being assigned to each focal length.

It is necessary to release the lens areas to be assigned always in sync with the reproduction of the corresponding slice image and the Change of the layer images as well as the changing release of the assigned lens lens rich is made so quickly that the resulting staggered depth Images perceived flicker-free considering the sluggishness of the eye can be.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that during a period of time t ₁ of the total number n of all existing or underlying layer images underlying the generation of the spatial image, first a partial number n _{1 is} simultaneously displayed side by side, the assignment of each within the time span t ₁ reproduced slice image (or parts thereof) to lens areas of a certain focal length, as already stated, is carried out as a function of the wavelength and / or polarization of the imaging light. Following this, a partial number n _{2 of} the layer images (or parts thereof) are again simultaneously displayed next to one another during a time period t ₂ , their assignment to lens regions again being carried out as a function of wavelengths and / or polarization of the light. There can now follow further time periods t ₃ , t ₄ , etc., in which further layer images, which have not yet been shown in the preceding time periods, are reproduced until each of the total layer images present has been reproduced once, each layer image clearly having lens regions exclusively one have been assigned to a certain focal length and an image a _x (x = 1.. .n) has been generated from each slice image or its parts.

Here, too, the time periods t ₁ , t ₂ , etc. are repeated cyclically quickly, the same slice images always being reproduced and imaged in the manner described within each of these time periods.

The assignment of the slice images reproduced over a period of time to Lin ranges of given focal lengths can be done by only those within them The time required for imaging the lens areas required is optically released. while all lens areas that are not required are optically blocked.

An advantageous application of the method according to the invention is obtained if the slice images simultaneously displayed side by side are not reproduced in their entirety, but rather in part in the object plane. It is particularly advantageous to select strip-shaped sections from each layer pattern and to display them side by side. Thus, in the representation of the parts of two layer images b ₁ and b ₂ on the image generator, for example, alternately a strip b _{11 of} the layer image b ₁ , next to it a strip b _{21 of} the layer image b ₂ , then again a strip b _{12 of} the layer image b ₁ , the next stripe b _{22 of} the layer image b ₂ etc. appear next to it. This requires an imager that is twice the width or twice the horizontal resolution (half-width pixel). The stripe b ₁₁ of b ₁ , the stripe b ₂₂ of b ₂ , the stripe b ₁₃ of b ₁ , the stripe b ₂₄ of b ₂ , etc., would therefore preferably appear.

The invention further relates to arrangements for the spatial representation of scenes / objects according to the aforementioned method. According to the invention, such an arrangement has an image generator which is suitable for displaying layer images or parts of layer images simultaneously next to one another and / or cyclically in succession in one and the same object plane, as well as an imaging device which has a plurality of lens regions with different focal lengths but a common optical axis and which is arranged upstream of the imager in the viewing direction of at least one viewer or camera. In addition, the imager has means for temporally and / or spatially assigning a slice image b ₁ (or parts thereof) reproduced in the object plane to lens regions of a focal length f ₁ , a slice image b ₂ (or reproduced parts) reproduced in the object plane thereof) to lens areas with a focal length f ₂ etc.

Is the imager for the simultaneous reproduction of several slice images or parts of it, can be used as a means of spatial allocation to lens production Chen certain focal length polarization filters and / or color filters are available.

For example, the imager can be designed such that it simultaneously displays two slice images b ₁ and b ₂ or parts of these slice images side by side in the object plane; the imaging device can be equipped with lens areas of two different focal lengths f ₁ and f ₂ ; the layer image b ₁ or the parts thereof NEN polarization filters with the polarization direction 0 ° and the lens regions with the focal length f ₁ also polarization filters with the polarization direction 0 ° beige can be assigned, while the layer image b ₂ or the parts of the layer image b ₂ and the lens areas of the focal length f _{2 are} each assigned polarization filters with the polarization directions 90 °.

In this way it is achieved that the part of the imaging beam path that starts from the sections of the object plane on which the image b ₁ or parts thereof are shown is always assigned to the lens regions of the focal length f ₁ due to the polarization direction of the associated polarization filter. This applies in an analogous manner to the part of the imaging beam path that comes from the sections of the object plane on which the image b ₂ or parts thereof are shown or to the associated lens area of the focal length f ₂ . The spatial depth of the slice images b ₁ and b ₂ and the associated focal lengths f ₁ and f _{2 are} coordinated with one another in such a way that the images actually take place in the intended spatial depth and are thus perceptible to the viewer at this depth.

A similar configuration of the arrangement can be achieved if color filters are used instead of the polarization filters. Thus, the arrangement according to the invention can be designed in such a way that the imager is designed for the simultaneous reproduction of three layer images b ₁ , b ₂ , b ₃ , lens regions with three different focal lengths f ₁ , f ₂ , f _{3 are} provided and each one in the Layer images shown object level as well as the assigned focal lengths color filters of the same optical properties are associated. For example, the sections of the object plane that represent the layer image b ₁ or parts of the layer image b _{1 can be} preceded by a red filter and the lens regions f _{1 can} also be preceded by a red filter. In this way, the slice image b _{1 is} imaged in an imaging plane which (apart from the fixed object width) is predetermined by the focal length f ₁ .

The same applies analogously to the layer images b ₂ and b ₃ , which can be assigned to the focal lengths f ₂ and f ₃ in the same way by means of green or blue filters. As a result, they are imaged at a depth which (apart from the fixed object width) is predetermined by the focal lengths f ₂ and f _{3 of} the associated lens regions.

In a further embodiment of the arrangement, for example, a layer image b ₁ in the object plane can be assigned both a polarization filter, for example with the polarization direction 0 °, and a color filter, for example a red filter, while the lens regions of the focal length in the same way polarization filters (the polarization direction 0 °) and color filter (red filter) are assigned. If the polarization directions of the polarization filters and spectral properties of the color filters are assigned to the slice images or lens areas in such a way, as is shown in a table in an exemplary manner in claim 9, six different slice images b ₁ to b ₆ over lens areas six different focal lengths f ₁ to f ₆ in six Represent images a ₁ to a ₆ , which are staggered in spatial depth according to the focal lengths f ₁ to f ₆ .

The filters associated with the slice images are advantageously open or closed at least near the object plane and the filters associated with the lens areas indirectly positioned on or at least near the surface of the lens areas. In In a particularly advantageous embodiment, they are associated with the lens areas th color and / or polarization filter layers directly in the aperture plane of the Imaging device arranged.

Of course, it is possible to use an image generator with color representation on the object level. For example, a color monitor can be provided for this purpose, which is then to be controlled in such a way that the layer images appear on the monitor surface with light of different spectral properties. If, for example, all parts of the layer image b ₁ are emitted in red on the monitor surface, they are assigned to the lens regions to which red filters are assigned.

A further embodiment of the invention provides that the imager is designed for the cyclic reproduction of the layer images or parts of the layer images and a controllable shutter ter is available as a means for the temporal assignment of a layer image reproduced in the object plane to lens regions of a certain focal length, as well as a Synchronous control is provided, which is connected to both the imager and the shutter. The synchronous control ensures that the layer image b ₁ (or parts thereof) is reproduced in the object plane of the imager during a period of time t ₁ and the shutter is controlled in such a way that only lens regions of focal length f _{1 can be used} to generate an image. During the following time period t ₂ , the imager is activated such that the slice image b ₂ (or parts thereof) appears and the shutter is activated such that finally lens regions of focal length f _{2 are available} for generating an image, etc.

The shutter has the practical task during the time periods t ₁ , t ₂ . , .t _n cross-sectional areas q ₁ , q ₂ . , .q _{n of} the imaging beam path to be released and blocked alternately, the released cross-sectional areas q ₁ , q ₂ or q _n always corresponding to the lens areas of the focal length f ₁ , f ₂ or f _n which are used to produce an image a ₁ , a ₂ or a _n of the layer image b ₁ , b ₂ or b _n reproduced in the respective time period t ₁ , t ₂ or t _n are to be used. For this purpose, the shutter is expediently to be arranged at least approximately in the aperture plane of the imaging device.

Such a shutter can be placed in a liquid crystal Be a modulator, with the control of a liquid crystal area, the area ge extension of such a cross-sectional area of the imaging beam path corresponds to a change in the direction of polarization for this cross-sectional area is achieved and in cooperation with one in the imaging beam path ordered polarizer with a fixed polarization direction and a subordinate one Analyzer, also with a fixed polarization direction, for the relevant cross section changes the transparency. It can be controlled the maximum transparency and in the uncontrolled state the Minimum (black mode) or, alternatively and preferably, in the controlled Zu transparency was the minimum and in the uncontrolled state the maxi Show mum (white mode). Due to the assignment of the cross-sectional areas to Lens areas of certain focal lengths can therefore affect the availability of the lens lens can be controlled to generate images.  

Such LC shutters consist, for example, of a first polarizing film (as Polarizer) with the same polarizing effect over the entire surface, e.g. B. with the polarization direction 0 °, from an active polarization-optical part with separately controllable Liquid crystal areas and from a second polarizing film (as an analyzer), just if with the same polarizing effect over the entire surface. The fixed polarisati The directions of the polarizer and analyzer can be rotated 90 ° against each other (white mode) or parallel (black mode).

LC shutters from Jenoptik La ser / Optik / Systeme GmbH, Germany, and FLC shutter from Central Research Laboratories Limited (CRL), United Kingdom.

In the manner described it is achieved that the image change on the imager as well the release or blocking of the assigned cross-sectional areas is always synchronous expire and thus the layer images in time also the lens lens rich corresponding focal lengths are assigned.

From an optical point of view effective and at the same time manufacturing technology before geous is the use of a multifocal Fresnel lens for realizing the lens areas. So z. B. a multifocal Fresnel lens with lens areas four different focal lengths f ₁ to f _{4 can be} provided, which can be square, circular or strei fenform. Here, again, a particularly favorable embodiment is to design the Fresnel lens as a multifocal Fresnel cylinder lens with stripe-shaped lens areas.

The layered image of the layer images, which is staggered in depth, is improved if the Purpose of the scale correction, for example in the viewing direction of the viewer or the Camera in front of the multifocal Fresnel lens additionally a monofocal Fresnel lens Focal length f is arranged at a distance from this focal length. So there is no need to Slice images in a different, more complex way of changing the scale to undergo.

It should be pointed out in the following to the possibility of a further embodiment of the invention, in which the multifocal Fresnel lens has lens areas with two different focal lengths ver ₁ and f ₂ , which in turn can be square, circular, stripe-shaped or otherwise shaped. Here too, a Fresnel cylinder lens with stripe-shaped lens areas can advantageously be used.

In principle, a liquid crystal modulator can also be used here as a shutter, which is constructed in the manner already described and in which individual liquid crystal areas, each corresponding to a cross-sectional area, can be controlled. In this case, however, since lens areas are provided which differ only by two different focal lengths, a liquid crystal modulator can advantageously be provided, in which a first polarizing film (as a polarizer) also has the same polarizing effect over the entire surface, e.g. B. with the polarization direction 0 °, is present, but the active polarization-optical part, in deviation from the design already described, does not have to have separately controllable liquid crystal regions corresponding to the cross-sectional regions, but rather can be designed such that when the liquid crystals are actuated, the change in the polarization direction occurs the total cross-section of the imaging beam path is achieved and the two th polarizing film acting as an analyzer is not polarized equally over the entire surface, but has polarization regions p ₁ and p ₂ , each with a polarizing effect rotated by 90 ° to one another.

In other words: the polarization areas p ₁ correspond to cross-sectional areas of the imaging beam path with a polarization direction 0 ° and the polarization areas p ₂ correspond to cross-sectional areas of the imaging beam path with a polarization direction 90 ° (or vice versa).

So that when driving the liquid crystals for the relevant cross-section range of the imaging beam path achieved a change in transparency, whereby again the transparency in the activated state the maximum and not in the controlled state the minimum (black mode) or, alternatively and preferably, In the activated state, the transparency is the minimum and in the non-activated state State that the maximum (white mode) can have.

An arrangement which is particularly suitable for generating a plurality of images staggered in depth is obtained when the imager for reproducing a partial number n ₁ of layer images during a time period t ₁ , a partial number n ₂ further layer images during a time period t ₂ etc. is trained.

For example, the arrangement can be designed in such a way that the imager of a total number of n = 4 slice images during a time period t _{1 represents} a part number n ₁ = 2 consisting of the slice images b ₁ , b ₂ , then during a time period t _{2 represents} a number of parts n ₂ = 2, consisting of the layer images b ₃ , b ₄ , and four lens regions of different focal lengths f ₁ to f _{4 are} provided in the imaging device. In this context, for example, the layer image b ₁ polarization filter with polarization direction 0 ° and the lens areas with the focal length f _{1 can} also be assigned polarization filters with polarization direction 0, whereby the optical assignment of the layer image b ₁ to the lens regions of the focal length f _{1 is} ensured . The assignment of the slice image b _{2 also} reproduced within the time period t ₁ to lens areas of the focal length f ₂ can be carried out in an analogous manner by means of polarization filters of the polarization direction 90 °.

Analogously, polarization filters with a polarization direction of 0 ° for assigning the layer image b ₃ to lens regions of the focal length f ₃ and polarization filters with a polarization direction 90 ° for assigning the layer image b ₄ to lens regions of the focal length f ₄ are provided. The sequence of further time periods t ₃ , t ₄ to t _n with reproduction and assignment of a further two slice images is conceivable.

In connection with the embodiment variants of the invention, in which the simultaneous playback of multiple slice images is provided and for assignment of the slice images to lens areas of a predetermined focal length Polarisati Onsfilter are used, the polarization filter, for example, as a linear Polarization filter or as a circular polarization filter with right and left rotation direction of polarization.

It is recommended to operate the synchronous control with a clock frequency f _clock which is above the multiple of the flicker fusion frequency ν _{eye of} the eye and which preferably f _clock ≧ ν _eye . n / l, with n the total number of slice images and l the number of slice images simultaneously reproduced per time period t _x . This ensures that a flicker-free image can be perceived for the viewer (s).

Suitable as imagers are both for the dynamic variant of the invention (spatial Representation based on a large number of slice images with rapid image change) as well as for the static variant (spatial representation based on permanent layer images reproduced simultaneously) known in the prior art orders, such as CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors, preferably with high resolution, high luminance and high refresh rate with low persistence (after light duration). Furthermore flat screens like LC (Liquid Crystal) displays or - Projectors, preferably TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCD displays or projectors TN (Twisted Nematic) -LC and active control; LC displays or projectors in the IPS (In plane switching) fashion; FLC (Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal) displays, each before moves with high resolution, high luminance, high contrast and high image repetition fetching frequency with low persistence; PP (Plasma Panel) displays, preferred large-scale PPD; EL (Electroluminescence) displays, preferably colored ELD.

The above-mentioned image generators in particular meet the requirements set out in Zu in connection with the cyclical full-surface representation of the layer images are. Frequency problems can be overcome by using multiple graphics cards become. Parts of slice images are to be reproduced side by side at the same time For this purpose, methods from the prior art, such as in au 3D stereoscopic displays with lenticular or barrier arrangements be turned.

Furthermore, an advantageous embodiment of the invention can consist in the Function of the described shutter to include the imaging device, namely, if the imager already has a polarizing image surface that is polarized across the entire surface has, as is the example with an LC display, in particular a TFT-LC Display is the case. This image area can then function as the polarizer of the shut ters take over, which is advantageous a simpler structure of the shutter or ge entire arrangement.

The invention will be explained below using several exemplary embodiments the. Show in the accompanying drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a planar embodiment for generating a spatial image of four, full area cyclically in succession as said given slice images,

Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of lens portions in FIG. 1 greatly enlarged,

Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of cross-sectional areas of the imaging beam path with variable transparency of FIG. 1 in high magnification,

Fig. 4 shows the schematic representation of a second embodiment for generating a spatial image from two flat, full-surface cyclically reproduced layer images

FIG. 5 shows the arrangement of lens areas from FIG. 2 in high magnification

FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of cross-sectional areas of the imaging beam path with changeable transparency from FIG. 2 in high magnification

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment for generating a spatial image from four flat, cyclically one after the other reproduced slice images using a monofocal kale Fresnel lens in addition to the multifocal lens in the Abbildungsein direction

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment for generating a spatial image from four flat, cyclically one after the other reproduced slice images using a multifocal Fresnel cylinder lens in the imaging device

FIG. 9 shows the arrangement of strip-shaped lens regions from FIG. 8 in a large magnification

Fig. 10 shows the arrangement of cross-sectional areas of the imaging beam path with variable transparency of Fig. 8 in high magnification.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention with an image generator 1 , which is designed to display four flat slice images b ₁ , b ₂ , b ₃ and b ₄ - over the entire surface and cyclically in succession. Each of these slices b ₁ to b ₄ on the image generator is reduced or enlarged by the factor α / β by assigning each slice b ₁ to b ₄ an imaging scale β ₁ to β ₄ with which the transformation by the multifocal Fresnel lens 2 takes place. Here α is a constant.

The multifocal Fresnel lens 2 provided here has square lens areas with four different focal lengths f ₁ to f ₄ . These lens areas are shown in their position relative to one another in FIG. 2 in a greatly enlarged section from the Fresnel lens 2 and are marked with f ₁ to f ₄ according to their different focal lengths. Also active edges 2 are by way of example in Fig. 2 a of the Fresnel lens 2 shown as concentrated tric circles having their center at the intersection point 5 a of the optical axis through the multifocal Fresnel lens, which is also an example of a drawn in Fig. 2. The piercing point 5 a is located, for example, in each case on the borders of adjacent lens regions.

In Fig. 1, a shutter 3 is also shown symbolically, which changes the transparency of individual cross-sectional areas q ₁ to q _{4 of} the imaging beam path from a maximum to a minimum and vice versa, at the same time cycle in which the layer images on the imager 1 cyclically appear consecutively. Like the lens areas f ₁ to f ₄ , the cross-sectional areas q ₁ to q ₄ realized with the shutter 3 have a square shape and extension. The arrangement of the cross-sectional areas q ₁ to q ₄ and their positioning with respect to one another is shown in FIG. 3 by way of example, namely enlarged to the same extent as the lens areas in FIG. 2.

The change in transparency for the cross-sectional areas q ₁ to q ₄ is achieved by, for example, placing a liquid crystal modulator in the imaging beam path as shutter 3 , which (in the direction of the beam path) has a polarizer with an unchangeable polarization direction which is rectified over the entire imaging beam path, an active polarization-optical liquid crystal zone in which an individual liquid crystal areas can be controlled and an analyzer (also with unchangeable polarization direction that is rectified over the entire imaging beam path). Depending on the mode of operation specified for the liquid crystal modulator in "white mode" or "black mode", the polarization directions of the polarizer and analyzer can be rotated by 90 ° relative to one another or aligned in parallel (cf. previous description of the invention). Polarizer and analyzer are often formed in commercially available liquid crystal modulators of this type as polarization foils, which makes a compact design of the modulator possible.

The controllable liquid crystal areas correspond in shape and extent if the cross-sectional areas q ₁ to q _{4 of} the imaging beam path, and each controllable liquid crystal area is assigned to one of the cross-sectional areas q ₁ to q ₄ . This ensures that when a liquid crystal region is activated due to the interaction of the polarizer, liquid crystals of this region (whose polarizing effect can be changed with the activation) and analyzer, the transparency for the assigned cross-sectional region q ₁ to q _{4 changes} from a minimum to a maximum or vice versa. The polarization directions of the polarizer and analyzer are preferably rotated relative to one another, so that the transparency of the cross-sectional areas q ₁ to q _{4 has} the minimum in the activated state of the liquid crystals and the maximum in the non-activated state (white mo de).

In this exemplary embodiment, Fresnel lens 2 and shutter 3 are combined to form a structural unit, and a square cross-sectional area of the shutter 3 is assigned to a square lens area of the Fresnel lens 2 .

Imager 1 and shutter 3 are connected to a synchronous control, which is not shown graphically. The synchronous control ensures that at the same time as the reproduction of a layer image, only the liquid crystal regions of the shutter 3 are not activated, which are intended to open the path of the imaging beam path through the lens regions assigned to this layer image (white mode).

Thus, in a first period of time t _1, the reduced (or enlarged) flat layer image b _{1 is transformed} into a real image a ₁ by opening the path for the imaging beam path through the square lens regions of focal length f ₁ . The remaining square lens areas of focal lengths f ₂ , f ₃ and f ₄ are blocked during the period t ₁ .

During a thereon following second time interval t ₂ appear on the imager 1, the reduced (or enlarged) plane layer image b _2, and is synchronous-sectional regions in the cross-q _2, the path for the imaging beam path by the square lens regions of the focal length f ₂ pass freely while the cross-sectional areas q ₁ , q ₃ and q ₄ are blocked for the imaging beam path. The layer image b _{2 is transformed} into the real image a ₂ .

In the third period of time t _3, the layer image b ₃ again gege by the image sensor 1 ben and the shutter 3 synchronously driven so that the cross-sectional areas q _3, all the lens portions with the focal length f _{3 is} released, while the cross-sectional areas q _1, q ₂ and q ₄ block all lens areas of focal length f ₁ , f ₂ and f ₄ or prevent their use by the imaging beam path. The layer image b _{3 is transformed} into the real image a ₃ . In a figurative sense, the same takes place during a time period t ₄ with the layer image b ₄ , of which an image a ₄ is produced.

The images a ₁ to a ₄ arise due to the different focal lengths at different distances from the viewer and have the same size due to the scale correction. The distances from the viewer correspond to the respective natural distance of the image information contained in the layer images b ₁ to b ₄ in spatial depth. In addition, because the size relationships between the images a ₁ to a _{4 are} unchanged as a result of the scale correction as in the layer images b ₁ to b ₄ , the viewer receives a spatial impression with a natural perspective as soon as his position (apart from the factor α) was the same Viewing the real scene or the real object corresponds.

The sequence of the time periods t ₁ to t ₄ is repeated cyclically, the slice images b ₁ to b ₄ being repeatedly shown in the object plane of the imager 1 and images a ₁ to a _{4 being} generated in the manner described. If the time spans are selected accordingly with regard to their duration and chronological sequence, and the time is clockwise above n times the flicker fusion frequency ν _{eye of} the eye, where n corresponds to the total number of slice images intended for spatial imaging (in this case n = 4) the viewer perceives four flicker-free, real and / or virtual images, depending on the design of the optical arrangement, in different depths of the room like real objects.

Thanks to this actually existing spatial depth grading, the Be do not satisfy the traditional with an illusion of depth, as is the case with stereoscopes and autostereoscopic 3D procedures. In the case of the invention The arrangement accommodates and converges the viewer's eyes onto the image who is in complete agreement with his natural viewing habits without Ent coupling constraint. Large-format Fresnel lenses are advantageously used, so that the images in space are perceived from a wide range of viewing angles can. This means that multiple observers can view the images at the same time possible and for every viewer the experience of the movement paralax included, as long as it reciprocates within the viewing angle range moves. Other important advantages are that there are no viewer-related Tools, such as glasses, are needed, and the process without be away mechanical assemblies.  

For the sake of clarity and to facilitate the comparison of the individual exemplary embodiments with one another, the reference numerals as in the previous description part 1 for the imager, 2 for the lens, 3 for the shutter, 4 for the observer, 5 for the optical axis and the designations b _x for the slice images, f _x for the lens areas or focal lengths of the lens areas, q _x for the cross-sectional areas and a _x for the images also retained in the following exemplary embodiments.

Accordingly, the multifocal Fresnel lens 2 in the case of a second embodiment example according to FIG. 4 has square areas with two different focal lengths f ₁ and f ₂ . Basically, in this case, the same type of liquid crystal modulator as described in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 can be used as the shutter 3 . However, since lens areas are provided here which differ only by two different focal lengths, a liquid crystal modulator can advantageously be provided, which has a polarizer (again with an unchangeable polarization direction that is rectified over the entire imaging beam path), an active polarization-optical liquid crystal zone (from the first Embodiment deviating) uniformly comprises controllable liquid crystals over the entire cross section of the imaging beam path and an analyzer which (also deviating from the first embodiment) has individual polarization ranges p ₁ and p ₂ , which differ by polarization directions rotated by 90 °. The areal extent of a polarization area p ₁ or p ₂ corresponds to a cross-sectional area of the imaging beam path, which is released or blocked by the shutter depending on the reproduction of the layer images.

If the liquid crystals are driven, due to the interaction of the polarizer, the liquid crystal zone (whose polarizing effect can be changed with the control) and the analyzer, the transparency for the cross-sectional areas assigned to a polarization area p ₁ , p _{2 is} analogous to the previous exemplary embodiment of the imaging beam path changed from a minimum to a maximum and vice versa. Preferably, the polarization directions of polarizer and analyzer are rotated relative to one another, so that the transparency in the controlled state of the liquid crystals has the minimum and in the non-controlled state the maximum, ie the liquid crystal modulator is operated in "whi te mode".

In embodiments of the invention in which the imager already has a polarizing image area, as is the case, for example, in the case of an LC display, in particular a TFT-LC display, this image area can take over the function of the polarizer of the shutter 3 very advantageously , which has the consequence that the shutter 3 can be built up more easily. In addition, this results in the possibility of positioning the active polarization-optic liquid crystal zone separately from the polarizer and analyzer at the point of the narrowest constriction of the imaging beam path, so that active polarization-optical liquid crystal zones of small size can be used.

Here, too, shutter 3 and imager 1 are connected to the synchronous control (not shown) for the purpose of synchronous control. When operating the arrangement, the shutter 3 is controlled so that the cross-sectional areas which are assigned to the lens areas of the focal length f _{1 and} correspond to the polarization areas p ₁ , within the time period t ₁ in which the slice image b ₁ appears on the imager 1 , are transparent to the imaging beam path and are used to generate an image a ₁ . The cross-sectional areas which are assigned to the lens areas of the focal length f ₂ and correspond to the polarization areas p ₂ are not available within this time period t ₁ for generating an image, since the polarization areas p _{2 are} non-transparent.

The image a _{1 of} the slice image b ₁ is created in this case (if necessary, taking into account an imaging ratio given by the factor β ₁ ) as a real image at a distance from the viewer 4 , which - apart from the fixed object width - essentially by the focal length f _{1 is} specified.

After the period t ₁ has elapsed, the imager 1 is activated in a subsequent period t ₂ by means of the synchronous controller so that the layer image b _{2 is} reproduced instead of the layer image b ₁ and the shutter 3 is activated synchronously so that the path for the imaging beam path through the Polarization areas p ₂ and thus through the lens areas of the focal length f _{2 is} released and the image a _{2 of} the layer image b _{2 is} generated, while within the period t ₂ the areas of the lenses associated with the focal length f _{1 of the} cross-sectional areas of the imaging beam path that correspond to the polarization areas correspond to p ₁ , are blocked for the imaging beam path.

If these switchovers are repeated sufficiently quickly, the observer creates on optical axis 5 at different distances and therefore spatially perceptible two real images of the same size a ₁ , a ₂ of slice images b ₁ , b ₂ .

Fig. 5 shows an example of a greatly enlarged section of the Fresnel lens 2 with the lens areas of the focal lengths f ₁ and f ₂ and exemplarily drawn active flanges 2 a with the piercing point 5 a of the optical axis 5 through the Fresnel lens 2 .

Fig. 6 shows, enlarged also strong, the square polarization regions p ₁ and p _2. For clarification, the polarization regions p _{2, which} are controlled and thus non-transparent in the "white mode" mode of operation, are shown as hatches.

In a third embodiment variant according to FIG. 7, a further development of the embodiment variant according to FIG. 1 is shown. Here, a monofocal Fresnel lens 6 is additionally provided between the shutter 3 and the viewer 4 . The optical axes 5 of the Fresnel lenses 2 and 6 coincide. The monofocal Fresnel lens 6 is arranged at a distance z _{2 in} front of the multifocal Fresnel lens 2 , where z ₂ corresponds to the focal length f of the monofocal Fresnel lens 6 .

This version has the advantage that the optical system formed by the two Fresnel lenses 2 and 6 , regardless of the focal lengths f ₁ to f _{4 of} the Lin sen range of the multifocal Fresnel lens 2 from layer images b ₁ to b _{4 of the} same size always images a ₁ to a _{4 of the} same size generated at different depths. In addition, the same enlargement or reduction in relation to the slice images b ₁ to b ₄ can be achieved for all images a ₁ to a ₄ by the focal length f of the mono-focal Fresnel lens 6 being larger or smaller than the distance z ₁ between the object plane Imager 1 and the multifocal Fresnel lens 2 is selected.

A fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, the image generator 1 here images also for the consecutive reproduction of four layer b ₁ to b ₄ in each case a period of time t ₁ to t _{4 are} formed. However, a multifocal Fresnel cylinder lens 2 is provided for generating the images, the strip-shaped lens regions having four different focal lengths f ₁ to f ₄ . In agreement with this, the zones which can be changed when the shutter 3 is actuated from transparency minimum to transparency maximum (or vice versa) correspond to strip-shaped cross-sectional areas q ₁ to q ₄ .

Fig. 9 shows the stripe-shaped lens areas of the focal lengths f ₁ to f ₄ and their assignment to each other, while Fig. 10, also in high magnification, shows a section showing the released cross-sectional areas q ₁ and the blocked cross-sectional area q ₂ to q ₄ and their Assignment to each other shows. Here too, as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, a cross-sectional area is in each case richly assigned to a lens area. In addition, the piercing point 5 a of the optical axis of the Fresnel lens 2 through a lens region of the focal length f _{1 is} shown by way of example in FIG. 9 and the associated active edges 2 a are indicated.

In the arrangement according to this exemplary embodiment, the four flat slice images b ₁ to b ₄ are again reproduced on the image generator 1 over the entire surface and in succession in a cyclical sequence. For the purpose of scale correction or to generate images of the same size, here, too, each of the layer images are assigned image scales β ₁ to β ₄ , which again ensure that when the layer images are imaged by the multifocal Fresnel cylinder lens 2 in the direction of the coordinate X, ie perpendicular to the right active edges 2a of Fresnelzylinderlinse 2, a reduction or enlargement Ver (compression or expansion) corresponding to the associated scale β ₁ to β ₄ is formed. In contrast, the slice images retain their size in the direction of the coordinate Y and are reproduced in their original size with the imaging scale β = 1.

During operation of the arrangement of FIG. 8 will turn in a first time period t _1, the scale-adapted in the first direction layer image b ₁ by opening the cross-sectional areas q ₁ of the strip-shaped lens portions of the focal length f ₁ in a (for example) a real image a ₁ transformed . The remaining strip-shaped lens areas with the focal lengths f ₂ to f ₄ are not available during the period t ₁ because of the blocking of the corresponding cross-sectional areas q ₂ to q ₄ by the shutter 3 for generating an image. In the subsequent time periods t ₂ to t ₄ , the assigned slice images b ₂ to b ₄ are displayed (as already described) by synchronous control, and the assigned cross-sectional areas q ₂ to q ₄ are also switched transparently within the same time period, so that the imaging beam path lens areas of focal lengths f ₂ to f _{4 can} pass through and the layer images b ₂ to b _{4 are transformed} into images a ₂ to a ₄ .

As a result, all images have the same size with different images stood in the room in front of the viewer.

The use of a Fresnel cylinder lens and in connection with it a shutter with strip-shaped polarization areas has major manufacturing technology advantages parts because Fresnel lenses with parallel strip-shaped lens areas as well as shutter with parallel strip-shaped areas are much easier to manufacture than such assemblies with square areas.

Finally, embodiments of the invention are also conceivable in which Fresnelzylin derlinsen be used in combination with Fresnel lenses, for example by in fourth embodiment additionally a monofocal Fresnel lens, as in the third Embodiment shown and explained, is used.

Good results in connection with the aforementioned exemplary embodiments can be achieved using TFT (Thin Film Transistor) -FLC displays as Imager in connection with appropriately designed image memories and graphics cards as well as with LC shutters from Jenoptik Laser / Optik / Systeme GmbH, Germany.

Arrangements in which the staggered images or at least one of them changed over time if necessary, also display moving image content, namely if the content of the layer image which are changed over time.  

Reference list

1

Imager

2nd

multifocal Fresnel lens

2nd

a active edges

3rd

Shutter

4th

Viewer

5

optical axis

5

a puncture point

6

monofocal Fresnel lens
b _x

Slice images
f _x

Focal lengths
a _x

Images
q _x

Cross-sectional areas
p _x

Polarization ranges
z _x

distances

Claims (31)

1. A method for the spatial representation of scenes and / or objects, in which several layer images and / or parts of layer images containing information from different spatial depths of the scenes or objects are visually perceptible to at least one viewer and / or at least one camera are presented, characterized in that

• - The slice images b _x (x = 1.. .n) or parts thereof are displayed simultaneously next to one another and / or cyclically in succession in an object plane and
• - By means of a plurality of lens regions, which have a common optical axis ( 5 ) but have different focal lengths f _x (x = 1.. .n), the slice images b _x (x = 1.. .n) reproduced in the object plane or Parts thereof are real and / or virtual mapped by the layer image b ₁ or parts b ₁₁ , b ₁₂ . , , b _{1m of} the layer image b ₁ through lens areas of focal length f ₁ an image a ₁ , of the layer image b ₂ or of parts b ₂₁ , b ₂₂ . , .b _{2m of} the slice image b ₂ an image a _{2 is} generated by lens areas of the focal length f ₂ and so on,
• - The images a _x (x = 1.. .n) on the optical axis ( 5 ) one behind the other bar visible and thereby perceptible in spatial depth.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer images b _x (x = 1.. .N) or parts thereof in the object plane are simultaneously given side by side, each layer image using physical properties of the imaging light, such as wavelength and / or polarization, lens areas can be assigned with a certain focal length. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the slice images b _x (x = 1.. .N) and / or parts thereof in the object plane are cyclically successively reproduced and each slice image lens areas are assigned a specific th focal length by

• only the layer image b ₁ or parts b ₁₁ , b ₁₂ during a time period t ₁ . , .b _{1m of} which are reproduced and only the lens areas of the focal length f _{1 are} used to generate an image a ₁ ,
• only the layer image b ₂ or parts b ₂₁ , b ₂₂ during a time period t ₂ . , .b _{2m of} which are reproduced and only the lens areas of focal length f _{2 are} used to generate an image a ₂ and so on until after a period of time t _n all slice images b _x (x = 1.. .n) or parts thereof have been reproduced and an image a _x (x = 1.. .n) of each layer image or its parts has been generated and
• - then the time periods t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ . , .t _{n are} repeated cyclically, the same slice image or the same parts of a slice image always being reproduced within each time period and the same lens regions or the same focal length being used in each case to generate an image.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that

• - First, during a period of time t _1, a partial number n _{1 of} the layer images b _x (x = 1... n) or parts thereof are simultaneously displayed side by side, each of these layer images using physical properties of the imaging light, such as wavelength and / or Polarization, lens areas are assigned with a certain focal length,
• - Subsequently, during a period of time t _2, a further number of parts n _{1 of} the layer images b _x (x = 1... n) or parts thereof are reproduced simultaneously side by side, each of these layer images having lens areas with a certain focal length in the same way be assigned,
• - if necessary, following this during further time periods t ₃ to t _i, further partial numbers n ₃ to n _{i of} the slice images b _x (x = 1... n) or parts thereof are simultaneously displayed side by side and lens areas are assigned further focal lengths, where n ₁ + n ₂ + n ₃ +. , , + n _i = n,
• - until each of the layer images b _x (x = 1... n) has been reproduced once, each layer image exclusively being assigned lens areas of a certain focal length and an image a _x of each layer image or its parts (x = 1. .n) has been generated and
• - then the time periods t ₁ , t ₂ , t ₃ . , .t _{n are} repeated cyclically, the same number of slice images always being reproduced within each time period and the unambiguous assignment of slice image and lens areas or focal length being always maintained.

5. Arrangement for the spatial representation of scenes and / or objects according to the aforementioned method claims, characterized by

• an image generator ( 1 ) which reproduces slice images b _x (x = 1.. .n) or parts thereof simultaneously next to one another and / or cyclically in succession in an object plane,
• - An imaging device which has a plurality of lens areas of different focal lengths f _x (x = 1.. .n), but all lens areas have a common optical axis ( 5 ) and the imaging device in the direction of the at least one viewer ( 4 ) or . the camera is arranged upstream of the imager ( 1 ), and by
• Means for the temporal and / or spatial assignment of lens areas of a focal length f ₁ to a slice image b ₁ reproduced in the object plane or to parts b ₁₁ , b ₁₂ reproduced. , .b _{1m of} the slice image b ₁ , for the temporal and / or spatial assignment of lens regions of a focal length f ₂ to a slice image b ₂ reproduced in the object plane or to parts b ₂₁ , b ₂₂ reproduced. , .b _{2m of} the layer image b ₁ and so on.

6. Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the imager ( 1 ) for the simultaneous reproduction of layer images b _X (x = 1.. .N) or parts thereof ne is configured next to one another and as a means for the spatial assignment of Lin sen areas certain focal length f _X (x = 1.. .n) to one of these slice images or parts thereof polarization filters and / or color filters are easily seen. 7. Arrangement according to claim 6, in which the imager ( 1 ) is designed for the simultaneous reproduction of two slice images b ₁ , b ₂ , lens regions are provided with two different life jackets f ₁ , f ₂ and polarization filters are assigned as follows:
where are given

• - in column A, the slice images or parts of the slice images which are simultaneously displayed side by side in the object level,
• in column B the polarization directions of polarization filters which are assigned to the reproduced slice images or parts of the slice images,
• - in column C the focal lengths of the assigned lens areas and
• - In column D, the direction of polarization of polarization filters, which are associated with the lens areas.

8. Arrangement according to claim 6, in which the imager ( 1 ) for the simultaneous reproduction of three layer images b ₁ , b ₂ , b ₃ is designed, lens areas provided with three different focal lengths ver ₁ , f ₂ , f ₃ and color filters such as are assigned as follows:
where are given

• - in column A, the slice images or parts of the slice images which are simultaneously displayed side by side in the object level,
• - in column B the spectral property of color filters which are assigned to the reproduced slice images or parts of the slice images,
• - In column C the focal lengths assigned lens areas and
• - In column D, the spectral property of color filters, which are arranged in the lens areas.

9. The arrangement as claimed in claim 6, in which the imager ( 1 ) is designed for the simultaneous reproduction of six layer images b ₁ to b ₆ , lens regions with six different focal lengths f ₁ to f _{6 are} provided and polarization and color filters are assigned as follows:
where are given

• - in column A, the slice images or parts of the slice images which are simultaneously displayed side by side in the object level,
• - in column B the polarization directions of polarization filters which are assigned to the reproduced slice images or parts of the slice images,
• - in column C the spectral property of color filters, which are also assigned to the reproduced layer images or parts of the layer images,
• - in column D the focal lengths assigned lens areas,
• - In column E, the direction of polarization of polarization filters, which are assigned to the lens areas and
• - In column F, the spectral property of color filters, which are also associated with the lens areas.

10. Arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the filters associated with the slice images b _x (x = 1.. .N) or their parts directly on or at least near the object plane and the filters associated with the lens regions on or at least near the Surface of the lens areas are arranged. 11. Arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the lens areas associated color and / or polarization filter layers directly in the Aperture plane of the imaging device are arranged. 12. Arrangement according to one of claims 6 to 9, in which instead of the color filters, which are assigned to the layer images b _x (x = 1.. .N) or parts thereof, an image generator ( 1 ) with color representation, preferably a color monitor, is provided is. 13. The arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that

• - The image generator ( 1 ) is designed for the cyclical reproduction of the slice images b _x (x = 1.. .n) and / or parts thereof and as a means for the temporal assignment of lens areas of a certain focal length f _x (x = 1.. .n ) a controllable shutter ( 3 ) is provided for each slice image or parts thereof reproduced in the object plane and
• - A synchronous control is available, which is connected to both the imager ( 1 ) and the shutter ( 3 ), wherein
• - The imager ( 1 ) is controlled for a period of time t ₁ so that the layer image b ₁ or parts b ₁₁ , b _12th , .b _1m are reproduced and the shutter ( 3 ) is controlled so that only lens areas of focal length f _{1 are} available for generating an image a ₁ , the imager ( 1 ) is controlled during a period of time t ₂ so that the slice image b ₂ or parts b ₂₁ , b ₂₂ . , .b _{2m of} which are reproduced and the shutter ( 3 ) is controlled so that only lens areas of focal length f ₂ are available for generating an image a ₂ and so on.

14. Arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the shutter ( 3 ) are arranged at least approximately in the aperture plane of the imaging device. 15. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lens regions are formed on a multifocal Fresnel lens ( 2 ). 16. The arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that a multifocal Fresnel lens ( 2 ) is provided with lens areas which have four different focal lengths f ₁ to f ₄ and which are preferably square, particularly preferably circular, very particularly preferably strip-shaped. 17. The arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that a multifocal Fresnel cylinder lens is provided with strip-shaped lens areas which have four different focal lengths f ₁ to f ₄ . 18. Arrangement according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that a shutter ( 3 ) is present, in which the transparency for the image beam lengang in individual cross-sectional areas p _x (x = 1.. .N) is influenced, each a cross-sectional area is assigned to a lens area, the transparency for each cross-sectional area can be switched over from a minimum to a maximum and the switching is carried out as a function of the synchronous control. 19. The arrangement according to claim 18, characterized in that a liquid crystal modulator provided in the imaging beam path is provided as the shutter ( 3 ), in which with control of a liquid crystal region which corresponds to one of the cross-sectional regions in the imaging beam path, a change in the polarization direction for this Cross-sectional area is achieved and in cooperation with a polarizer upstream in the imaging beam path with a fixed polarization direction and a downstream analyzer, also with a fixed polarization direction, for the cross-sectional area concerned, a change in the transparency is effected, wherein

• - Preferably, the transparency has the maximum in the activated state and the minimum in the non-activated state (black mode) or
• - Particularly preferably, the transparency has the minimum in the activated state and the maximum in the non-activated state (white mode).

20. The arrangement according to claim 15, characterized in that a monofocal Fresnel lens ( 6 ) of the focal length f is arranged for the purpose of scale correction in the viewing direction of the viewer ( 4 ) / the camera at a distance f in front of the multifocal Fresnel lens ( 2 ). 21. Arrangement according to claims 6 to 20, in which

• - The imager ( 1 ) for the simultaneous reproduction of a part number n _{1 of} the layer images b _x (x = 1.. .n) or parts thereof during a time period t ₁ , for the simultaneous reproduction of a part number n _{2 of} the layer images b _x ( x = 1... n) or parts there of during a subsequent time period t ₂ and so on and for the cyclical repetition of these time periods and both
• - Means for the spatial assignment of lens areas of a certain focal length to one of the slice images or its parts for a period of time t _x , as described in claims 6 to 12, as well
• Means for temporally assigning lens areas of further focal lengths to cyclically successively reproduced slice images or parts thereof, as described in claims 13 to 20, are present,
• - A focal length is assigned to each slice image, or a slice image is assigned to each focal length.

22. The arrangement according to claim 21, wherein the image generator ( 1 ) for reproducing a number of parts n ₁ , consisting of two layer images b ₁ , b ₂ or parts b ₁₁ , b ₁₂ . , .b _1m ; b ₂₁ , b ₂₂ . , .b _2m thereof during a period of time t ₁ and for reproducing a number of parts n ₂ consisting of two slice images b ₃ , b ₄ or parts b ₃₁ , b ₃₂ . , .b _3m ; b ₄₁ , b ₄₂ . , .b _{4m of} which is formed over a period of time t ₂ , four lens areas of different focal lengths f ₁ to f _{4 are} provided and polarization filters are assigned as follows:
where are given

• - in column A, the slice images or parts of the slice images which are simultaneously displayed side by side in the object level,
• - in column B the polarization directions of polarization filters which are assigned to the reproduced slice images or parts of the slice images,
• - in column C the focal lengths of the assigned lens areas and
• - In column D, the direction of polarization of polarization filters, which are associated with the lens areas.

23. Arrangement according to one of claims 13 and 21, characterized in that the control is provided with a clock frequency f _clock , which is above the multiple of the flicker fusion frequency ν _{eye of} the eye and the preferred f _clock ≧ ν _eye . n / l, with n the total number of slice images and l the number of slice images simultaneously reproduced per time period t _x . 24. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the object plane on which the slice images are displayed spans the plane X, Y and the optical axis ( 5 ) is aligned in the coordinate Z. 25. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that as layer images two-dimensional and / or three-dimensional or autoste Reoscopic images are provided. 26. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer images b _x (x = 1.. .N) are stretched or compressed in at least one of the coordinates X, Y. 27. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the focal lengths f _x = ∞. 28. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer images b _x (x = 1.. .N) are shown in the object plane self-illuminating. 29. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer images b _x (x = 1.. .N) are shown optically reflecting or remitting in the object plane. 30. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface area of the individual lens regions and their spacing from one another and the surface area of the individual layer images or reproduced parts thereof and their spacing from one another - measured in at least one of the coordinates X, Y - with respect to the distance to a viewer ( 4 ) and / or a camera are designed so that the rasterization is not disruptively visible. 31. Arrangement according to claims 6, 7, 9, 11, 21 or 22, in which the Polarisati onsfilter preferred as circular polarization filter with right and left rotating Polarization direction, but particularly preferably as a linear polarization filter are trained.