Protruding apparent 3D images in depth-fused 3D display

A protruding apparent 3D image can be perceived outside the region of two overlapped object images displayed at different depths in depth-fused 3D (DFD) visual perception when those images have opposite signs of luminance difference between the object image and the surroundings, that is, when the object-image luminance in the front image is darker than that of the surrounding area and the object-image luminance in the rear image is brighter than the surrounding area or vice versa. Subjective test results show that (1) a protruding apparent 3D image is perceived and (2) the perceived protrusion depth continuously varies according to the change in luminance difference between the object image and surroundings. This protruding method enables a deeper 3D imaging area in the 3D display using a DFD visual perception.