The authors describe and demonstrate a method of displaying a 360-degree, screen-free floating 3D image in a crystal ball. Perceived three-dimensional images are created using a Depth Fused 3-D (DFD) visual effect. In previous work, the authors demonstrated that the DFD visual effect produces a perceived image between two screens. A front image and a rear image are displayed on the respective screens, and the perceived depth is controlled by manipulating the luminance of each point in the respective images. A point appearing closer to the front is achieved by a combination of high front image luminance and low rear image luminance. In this work, they projected the front and rear images inside a crystal ball. This creates the illusion of a three-dimensional image inside the crystal ball. The shape of the crystal ball facilitates the insertion of multiple sources that allow for manageable observation areas so that smooth motion parallax can be achieved over 360 degrees. As an example, the authors provide a visualization of a fish floating inside the crystal ball.

The authors take the reader on a journey through their process from conception to final design and implementation. Their narrative and use of sketches makes the paper easy to follow and accessible by any reader with minimal background in the field. What is most commendable in this work is their experimental implementation. It required 48 synchronized high-resolution displays. The author’s solution? Forty-eight smartphones. It is a practical solution and perhaps reminds us that we can research and contribute even if we do not have well-equipped laboratories with million-dollar equipment.

Florida was recently hit by Hurricane Irma. In preparation for the hurricane one of my coworkers purchased a generator so that in the event of a power outage he could keep the pumps in his aquarium running and keep the fish alive. He did use the generator. If he would have had a crystal ball that could display fish, not only would he be a proud owner of the most exotic digital fish on the planet, but he could have used his generator to power his refrigerator and lights instead.

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