Two plane volumetric display for simultaneous independent images at multiple depths

We propose a new projection system to visualise different independent images simultaneously on planes placed at different depths within a volume using multiple projectors. This is currently not possible with traditional systems, and we achieve it by projecting interference patterns rather than simple images. The main research issue is therefore to determine how to compute a distributed interference pattern that would recombine into multiple target images when projected by the different projectors. In this paper, we show that while the problem is not solvable exactly, good approximations can be obtained through optimization techniques. We also propose a practical calibration framework and validate our method by showing the technique in action with a prototype system. The system opens up significant new possibilities to extend projection mapping techniques to dynamic environments for artistic purposes, as well as visual assessment of distances.