Abstract: A workstation assembly comprising an emissive surface assembly including a substantially contiguous emissive surface on which visual content may be presented, the emissive surface assembly including emissive surface sections including first and second substantially flat emissive surface sections wherein one of the first and second flat sections is substantially horizontal and the other of the first and second flat sections is at least somewhat vertical, first and second curved surface sections that are curved about first and second non-parallel axis, the first curved section positioned between and adjacent the first and second flat surface sections, the second curved section adjacent an edge of the first substantially flat emissive surface section, each of the curved and flat surface sections forming a portion of the substantially contiguous emissive surface, a support structure and a driver.

Abstract: Provided is a gimbal for 360-degree video and picture shooting including: a camera mounting unit having a body and a cavity formed in a center of the body, with a plurality of cameras being mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the body to take a 360-degree image or picture; a multi-axis driving unit provided in the cavity of the camera mounting unit and fixed to one side of the camera mounting unit to calibrate shaking of the camera mounting unit; and a support unit to which the other side of the multi-axis driving unit is fixed. Since the multi-axis driving unit is not exposed to the outside when the gimbal takes the 360-degree image and picture, it is possible to minimize the restriction of the area to be filmed when taking the surrounding image and picture.

Abstract: A system and method of determining a tilt angle of a portable computing device using sensor data; identifying a tilt angle from a plurality of predetermined tilt angle ranges; determining focal length settings for image capture devices of the portable computing device using the tilt angle, adjustment increments, and autofocus scan range algorithms. A portable computing device including a processor; a first image capture device on a first side of the portable computing device, and a second image capture device on the second side of the portable computing device, the second side located opposite of the first side; and a memory device including instructions operable to be executed by the processor to perform a set of actions, enabling the portable computing device to perform the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides an additional effect system and method, the additional effect system including: a plurality of projection surfaces installed in a single theater; and an additional effect device for implementing an additional effect other than images projected on the plurality of projection surfaces, wherein the additional effect device provides the additional effect depending the images projected on the plurality of projection surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-projection system and method including direction-changeable audience seats, and the multi-projection system includes a plurality of projection surfaces installed in a single theater; and an audience seat whose direction is changed depending on images projected on the plurality of projection surfaces.

Abstract: A multi-projection system having a plurality of projection surfaces onto which images are projected is provided, where the plurality of projection surfaces are disposed on two or more sides not parallel to each other. The multi-projection system provides high three-dimensional images and a high degree of immersion in images and further provides multi-view images, thereby making theater customers feel like they really exist in the space described through the images.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a spherical-screen device, a spherical-screen playing system and an image generating method thereof, which adopt the following steps for image rectification: equally dividing an arc curve of a spherical screen, which corresponds to a radian of 90°, into a plurality of segments; according to pixels of a planar image that needs to be displayed, equally dividing a straight line of the planar image corresponding to the arc curve into a plurality of segments, the number of the segments of the straight line being equal to the number of the segments of the arc curve; assigning an image parameter of a first point in the planar image to a third point in a planar image; and connecting a sphere center with a second point of a to-be-displayed image position on the arc curve that corresponds to the first point, a point falling in the planar image being the third point.

Abstract: A method having corresponding apparatus and computer-readable media comprises: receiving a first image, wherein the first image includes a plurality of substantially parallel first stripes, wherein the first image conforms to a virtual display space, wherein the virtual display space comprises a first plurality of first pixel locations; projecting the first image from a projector onto a surface, wherein the projector is described by a projector space comprising a second plurality of second pixel locations; capturing a second image of the first image projected onto the surface, wherein the second image conforms to the virtual display space; detecting edges of the first stripes based on the second image; generating second stripes based upon the edges of the first stripes; and determining a correspondence between each second pixel location and one or more of the first pixel locations based upon the second stripes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system adapted to project a cylindrical, spherical, conical or other three-dimensional display surface onto every direction in the distance or receive images from every direction at such a three-dimensional imaging surface. The optical system is adapted to project a three-dimensional object surface 3 onto a full circle in the distance, and comprises at least one rotationally symmetric reflective surface 2.

Abstract: When a whole image having a large area or high resolution is displayed, the boundary lines are made less noticeable with a small amount of calculation by displaying partial images by a plurality of image projection units. An apparatus has a division position creation unit to create division positions such that the division positions vary at given timings, an image division unit to divide images at the division positions created by the division position creation unit, and plural image projection units PJ1, PJ2, . . . , PJN to display the images divided by the image division unit.

Abstract: An image pickup device capable of dividing an image into two or three portions and capturing the image portions as divided. The image pickup device comprises a splitting part (135), which includes both a bi-prism for splitting an incident light into two and a tri-prism for splitting an incident light into three, and an exchange mechanism for exchanging the bi-prism and tri-prism. The splitting part (135) can be located other than a position where the focus position of a main lens (131), on which a light from a subject (140) is incident, coincides with the focus positions of relay lenses (132,133,134) that guide the split lights. This arrangement allows images of normal, twice or three times wide, which are equivalent to images as acquired by a single, two or three cameras, respectively, to be captured, recorded, reproduced, relayed, transmitted, displayed, or screened.

Abstract: This invention introduces, as one aspect, an apparatus for creating three-dimensional object model, comprising photographing means for photographing an object to be modeled for obtaining images to be used for creating the three-dimensional object model, setting means for longitudinally and latitudinally setting a relative position between the object and said photographing means, said setting means being capable of setting the object and said photographing means a plurality of different relative longitudinal and latitudinal positions, and control means for controlling said photographing means and said setting means so that a number of photographs taken from different relative longitudinal positions at a first relative latitudinal position is larger than that taken from different relative longitudinal positions at a second relative latitudinal position, the first relative latitudinal position being closer to a lateral position than the second relative latitudinal position.

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: Image projection and display devices include a plurality of projectors, a projection screen forming a focusing plane for the projected images from the plurality of projectors, mutually overlapping regions existing between the images, a test image storing section for storing prescribed test images, and an image capturing section for acquiring projected test images in which a prescribed test image is projected. The devices further include a correction data calculating section for calculating correction data for correcting the input images for the respective projectors, on the basis of the acquired test images, in such a manner that a uniform or continuous brightness is achieved across the whole projection area including the overlapping regions, a correction data storing section for storing the correction data thus calculated, and an image correcting section for correcting the images input to the respective projectors, by using the correction data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided for creating a new compound image by correcting a correlation error in a compound image. According to one embodiment, information identifying a correlation error in a compound image is received, a first constituent image and a second constituent image whose miscorrelation caused the correlation error are identified, a correlation offset of the first constituent image is ascertained, and a new compound image is created by substantially aligning the first constituent image with the second constituent image using the correlation offset.

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: The Remote Mosaic Imaging System having High-Resolution, Wide Field-of-View and Low Bandwidth (“Remote Mosaic System”) uses image frame synchronization and multiplexing to reduce the bandwidth needed to transmit the plurality of images to a remote location. The Remote Mosaic System employs a plurality of remote sensors to create a plurality of images. The use of readily available and inexpensive commercial imaging sensors significantly decreases the cost of the system while greatly increasing the capabilities of the imaging system to cover virtually any target space with virtually any desired resolution.

Abstract: A system and process for deghosting mosaiced images created by stitching together images of a scene captured from different viewpoints is presented. When images are mosaiced, which were captured by different cameras at different viewpoints, the possibility of localized double images of objects exists. Essentially, this double imaging or ghosting will occur if an object in the scene is close in to the cameras capturing the images. However, this localized ghosting can be compensated for by estimating the amount of local mis-registration and then locally warping each image in the mosaiced image to reduce any ghosting.

Abstract: A panoramic imaging and display system for the imaging and displaying of visual-media content, comprising a screen configured for the display of panoramic imagery, having an interior surface-perimeter and an exterior surface-perimeter, wherein each of said surface-perimeters are substantially contiguous in appearance and are sized and shaped to have a display area on which, substantially contiguous panoramic visual-media content and segmented visual-media content can be imaged. The system provides support and positioning of the display to at least one height relative to a viewing audience to provide circumnavigable viewing, and a multitude of vantage points from which to view at least one of the surface-perimeters of the panoramic display. Embodiments of the system can have an array of speakers positioned around a perimeter of the system's screen as a sound-system providing a panning of audible sound which can be synchronized with the movement of objects seen moving on the screen.

Abstract: A tactical display unit having a set of abutting viewing screens with each of the viewing screens located at an angle of at least 60 degrees to each other and each having an identical image thereon with the screens positioned either above or below a lateral head region of the viewers to create a communications zone where each of the viewers can both visually and orally communicate with one another even if viewers are on the opposite side of the viewing screens.

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: An image alignment system for rear projection in which a portion of the normally changing pixel pattern contains a pixel reference mark, which appears in each of the side-by-side pixel images projected onto a screen. A camera having a field of view large enough to encompass the pixel reference mark of each of the images on the screen captures the location of the pixel reference marks to enable a computer to determine the coordinates of the each of the pixel reference marks and generate a deviation signal represented of the visual misalignment of the side-by-side images. A drive member controllable by the deviation signal from the computer repositions one of the side-by-side images with respect to the other to thereby align the images to produce a single visually seamless image. The camera and computer can continually monitor both of the pixel reference marks to continually generate a deviation signal so that the side-by-side images can automatically be brought into a single visually seamless image.

Abstract: A panoptic camera system that can be used to capture all the light from a hemisphere viewing angle is disclosed. The panoptic camera comprises a main reflecting mirror that reflects light from an entire hemisphere onto an image capture mechanism. The main reflecting mirror consists of a paraboloid shape with a dimple on an apex. The surface area around the dimple allows the main reflector to capture light from behind an image capture mechanism or a second reflector. When two panoptic camera systems that capture the light from an entire hemisphere are placed back to back, a camera system that “sees” light from all directions is created. A stereo vision panoramic camera system is also disclosed. The stereo vision panoramic camera system comprises two panoramic camera systems that are separated by a known distance. The two panoramic camera systems are each placed in a “blind spot” of the other panoramic camera system.

Abstract: An omnidirectional or panoramic viewer/projector uses a single camera and a mirror with a curved surface. The curved mirror provides a single virtual optical center or viewpoint.

Abstract: In a image pickup apparatus having three cameras for use in picking up a seamless panoramic image for a multi-screen, angles of view of the three cameras are jointed with each other without any overlapping or dead areas by making a side boundary line of one camera match with a complimentary side boundary line of another camera, the two outside cameras receiving an image in reverse through two reflection mirrors. The two reversed images are electrically or optically inverted by inversion sections to obtain original images.

Abstract: A dodecahedral environmental photography and projection system based on a pentagonal format is disclosed, designed for a modular compound camera and projector system aligned according to the dodecahedron, for the photography and projection of apparently continuous images across the interior surface of a dome or spherical theater. The use of a compound system provides better resolution that a single-camera system,and the use of a pentagonal picture as a standard shape allows complete coverage of a spherical surface, and greater use of the available lens image than existing rectangular formats. By the addition of camera and projection modules, this system enables photography and projection up to a total spherical field of view, and practical application of video technology to a dome theater. A masking processor is also provided to control the shape of the projected video image, enabling projection of compound images of variable overall shape and size.

Abstract: A circular projection system using segmented trapezoidal screens arranged in a continuous arcuate array about a central vertical axis. The top of each screen is tilted downward. Each screen is illuminated by a projector which is mounted above and behind the screen which opposes it. The image from each projector is also angled downward.For an eight-screen system, each screen is tilted by approximately 8.degree.. For a nine-screen system, each is tilted by approximately 7.degree.. For maximum linearity, the ratio of the distance between the projector lens and the top of the screen on which it projects to the width of the top of said screen is substantially equal to the ratio of the distance between the projector lens and the bottom of said screen to the width of the bottom of said screen.

Abstract: The device includes a U-shaped fixing support on which is secured an optical recording device. The support is also fixed by means of two axes aligned with each other and at right angles with the legs of the U-shaped fixing support. The support is pivotally mounted in bearings provided on the legs of a second fixing support which is fixed to a vertical axis pivotally mounted in a bearing provided in the upper face of a base which carries the bearing and further includes securing means for fixing the device to an appropriate support. The device enables the taking a plurality of photographs from a single focal point to thereby enable the recordation of and the re-creation of complete "environmental photograph" from a single point.

Abstract: A spherical projection system includes a spherical rear projection screen assembly of an extent such that a viewer sees projected images in any viewable direction, a plurality of image projectors which cooperate to project portions of a continuous panoramic scene onto all the viewable surfaces of the screen assembly, sets of mirrors to reflect the images onto associated areas of the screen assembly, and an opaque enclosure which houses the screen assembly, mirror sets, and image projectors. In one embodiment of the system, the screen assembly includes a truncated spherical portion which is sized to receive a viewer entirely within and which is closed by a planar rear projection screen which forms a floor to support the viewer. A separable section of the spherical screen portion is mounted on a track for sliding movement to allow entry and exit by the viewer. In another embodiment of the system, the spherical screen is sized to receive only the head and upper body of the viewer.

Abstract: A device for taking a series of photographs, each in reference to one of the faces of a regular polyhedron. The photographs are then printed and the prints are trimmed to the appropriate configuration in relation to the geometry of the faces of the polyhedron used. Trimming of the prints requires that the edges of adjacent prints result in images which are continuous. The prints are then mounted to form a continuous photograph in the form of a regular polyhedron similar to the polyhedron used as a camera mount to take the series of photographs.

Abstract: A visible light projection device for producing an image on a screen in a variety of angular orientations and sizes. The device includes two servo controlled prisms rotatable about two transverse axes. The prisms serve to direct an input image to a zoom lens for reprojection of the image on a suitable screen in a variety of angular positions and image sizes.

Abstract: This invention is an improved apparatus for recording and displaying a scene. A camera comprising a recording means is positioned at a location in a mosaic comprising a stage, to record said scene to be photographed which selectively extends beyond said mosaic. Said camera comprises a rotatable reflector selectively with focusing means, reflecting said scene to said recording means, for rotating said reflector instead of rotating said recording means. Said scene when projected upon a cyclorama substantially fills the field of vision of an observer, creating the illusion of reality. Said cyclorama is in the form of a generally symmetrical geometric figure. Said camera selectively rotates at a uniform speed in a predetermined pattern, and at least one projector is mounted on the optical axis of said camera for projecting the image recorded on said film back to the portion of said cyclorama corresponding to the respective portion of said scene.

Abstract: A system for registering images produced by projectors on a screen or other viewing surface is described herein. Two or more projectors are used with a laser attached to one of the projectors. The laser emits a reference point on the screen and a light-sensitive sensor such as a diode array or TV camera is connected to the other projector to allow a determination of the reference point. One motion system is connected to one of the projectors and the laser and another motion system is connected to the other projector and the sensor. A computer is coupled to both motion systems, the laser and the sensor so that the computer will cause the projectors to move so that the images produced by the projectors are always registered and are believable to an observer.