Abstract: A special synchronization frame generator is used for creating simultaneous easily visible synchronization markers as part of a multi-channel image generating system. It does not rely upon any external objects or markers being simultaneously present in the field of view of several cameras in a multi-camera system, or upon a separate synchonization signal being recorded simultaneously along with the image information, or upon any post-processing of the recorded image to add synchronization markings common to the various channels of the system. The generation of synchronization frames can be applied to either multichannel video or film systems.

Abstract: Improvements in the production means for dodecahedral imaging are described, to define a simple, flexible and efficient strategy for the creation of extremely wide images. Improvements in production technology include lenses and optical mounts that enable automatic alignment of film and video cameras and other imaging devices to cover multiple fields of view equal to one, two or three dodecahedral pentagons. Three double-pentagon formats, X, P and O, are described in detail, the X format producing an even hemispherical division and a full spherical view, and the P format producing simplified coverage of most of a sphere and ease of use for stereoscopic effects, and the O based on the combination of the dodecahedron and the octahedron. A triple-pentagon T format based on the use of the tetrahedron is also described, along with crisscross optics and temporal offset mounts to minimize parallax differences between the separate camera views.

Abstract: Video image information representing an immersive image up to a complete spherical field of view is utilized by a special image processor to extract a region of interest as a moveable window. The immersive image is divided into standardized pentagonal segments according to the geometry of the dodecahedron, and these segments are carried as a plurality of video channels. The image processor extracts and assembles the moveable region of interest from among the various segments of the image as they are recorded in a segmented memory, according to pointing device information from the user, such as a joystick or the tracker of a head-mounted-display. The video image information used can come from sources including a photographic camera system recording scenes from the real world, and can be either live or prerecorded. Existing methods for transmission of video channels can be used to broadcast such immersive images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing a plurality of signals to a desired signal. The present invention provides real time synchronization of similar audio and any associated sequence of images, either on video or on film, without the need for a separate reference or carrier frequency to be added to both signals. A slave input is synchronized to a master input signal. The slave and master signals are filtered and selected frequencies are analyzed. The resulting output provides signature information about the signals. Thus signature information is digitized into a relatively low number of bits so that comparison of the master and slave signals can be done in real time. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, three methods of analysis are used on the inputted signals, a bandpass method, a mathematical method and an envelope method.

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.