Abstract: An optical projection system includes an image source that is configured to generate an array of image pixels. A lens assembly is configured to project the array of image pixels onto a hemispherical surface at a projection angle greater than 180°. The lens assembly may include a wide-angle lens assembly and an image relay lens assembly that is configured to reduce dispersion in the array of image pixels between the image source and the wide-angle lens assembly. The wide-angle lens assembly may include a meniscus lens assembly and a wavefront shaping lens assembly. The lens assembly may be further configured to project the array of image pixels onto the hemispherical surface such that there is a constant angular separation between adjacent image pixels.

Abstract: An optical projection system includes a first optical image projector that is configured to generate a first array of image pixels having a first pupil associated therewith. A second optical image projector is configured to generate a second array of image pixels having a second pupil associated therewith. An optical element is configured to superimpose the first and second pupils to create a single exit pupil.

Abstract: A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.

Abstract: Image data is converted to nonplanar image data for display on a nonplanar display, using a planar image graphics computer system, such as an OpenGL® system, which converts image data to planar image data for display on a planar display. A transformation matrix is obtained from the planar image graphics computer system. A plurality of vertices of the image data are multiplied by the obtained transformation matrix, to produce transformed image data. The transformed image data is nonplanarly distortion corrected to produce nonplanar image data. A passthrough transformation matrix, such as an identity matrix, is provided to the planar image graphics computer system. The nonplanar image data is then input to the planar image graphics computer system for further processing. The nonplanar image data which is processed by the planar image graphics computer system is then displayed on a nonplanar display.

Abstract: A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.

Abstract: A dual polarization optical projection system and method combines images from first and second image sources. The first image source includes a first array of image pixels wherein the first image source generates a first pixel image having a first polarization. The second image source includes a second array of image pixels wherein the second image source generates a second pixel image having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. The first pixel image having the first polarization is combined with the second pixel image having the second polarization to form a combined pixel image. Each pixel of the combined pixel image corresponds to a combination of a first pixel from the first array of image pixels having the first polarization and a second pixel from the second array of image pixels having the second polarization.