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Researchers at MIT have recently created “‘6D”’ images which are extraordinarily realistic, with a full three-dimensional look, but are able to also respond to their environment. The images produce natural shadows and highlights relying on direction and intensity of the illumination around them. This process could be used to create images that change over time as illumination varies, without the need for electronics or active control. For instance, depending on the sun’s position, this revolutionary invention is able to alter the image displayed, thus creating animated videos.

Present three-dimensional images are created using a collection of systems which imitate separate images for each eye, but the new 6-D image uses a similar concept to the inexpensive 3-D images applied in postcards and novelty items. It uses an overlay of plastic that includes a sequence of parallel linear lenses that form an obvious set of vertical lines over the image. As the image is viewed in one single motion, from side to side, the sequence of images changes. This can reproduce simple motion; for example, a car travelling along a road.

Source: http://thefutureofthings.com/news/5804/mits-6-d-display.html