Real image

In optics, an image is defined as the collection of focus points of light rays coming from an object.

A real image is the collection of focus points actually made by converging/diverging rays, while a virtual image is the collection of focus points made by extensions of diverging or converging rays.

A real image occurs at points where rays actually converge, whereas a virtual image occurs at points that rays appear to be diverging from.

Real images can be produced by concave mirrors and converging lenses, only if the object is placed further away from the mirror/lens than the focal point, and this real image is inverted.

A second lens or system of lenses, the eyepiece, then projects a second real image onto the retina of the eye.

Top: The formation of a real image using a convex lens. Bottom: The formation of a real image using a concave mirror. In both diagrams, f is the focal point , O is the object, and I is the image. Solid blue lines indicate light rays. It can be seen that the image is formed by actual light rays and thus can form a visible image on a screen placed at the position of the image.
An inverted real image of distant house, formed by a convex lens, is viewed directly without being projected onto a screen.
Producing a real image. Each region of the detector or retina indicates the light produced by a corresponding region of the object.