Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subject to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subject to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights.

Abstract: An imaging device having a curved array of microlenses is disclosed, the array of microlenses disposed adjacent to a curved image screen such that each of the microlenses is approximately the same distance from the image screen, the image screen including an array of spots disposed adjacent to the array of microlenses, with an opaque wall disposed between the array of microlenses and the array of spots, the wall holding the array of microlenses in a curve that approximately matches a curve of the image screen, such that the light passing through one of the microlenses corresponds to a subset of the spots disposed adjacent to that microlens.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a projection system for providing a distributed manifestation within an environment. The projection system includes a data generator for generating a plurality of data sets of associated state data and spatial coordinate data. The projection system also includes a projector in communication with the data generator for receiving the data sets. The projector is provided with a signal generating module for generating a plurality of electromagnetic signals, and a projecting module for projecting each of the electromagnetic signals towards a target location within the environment. The projection system also includes a plurality of receiving units distributed within the environment, each receiving unit having a receiver for receiving one of the electromagnetic signals when the receiving unit is positioned in the corresponding target location, each receiving unit being adapted to perform a change of state in response to the state data.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for normalizing the size of content in a multi-projection theater and a computer-readable recording medium. The method may include receiving theater parameters stored in a database, computing the scale factor of an image projected on a main screen based on the received theater parameters, controlling the image projected on the main screen by applying the computed scale factor to the image, and controlling the scale of an image projected on a sub-screen according to the controlled image of the main screen.

Abstract: A space flight simulator includes: a celestial-body-position output unit configured to output three-dimensional positions of extragalactic celestial bodies in space; an observation-position designation unit configured to allow an operator to designate a three-dimensional position and a posture of an observer in extragalactic space; a celestial-body-image arrangement unit configured to determine, based on the output from the celestial-body-position output unit, arrangement of an image of each extragalactic celestial body in a star field seen from the designated three-dimensional position and posture of the observer, and generate a star field image; a cosmic-expansion selection unit configured to allow the operator to perform selection as to whether a cosmic expansion effect is taken into account; a time designation unit configured to designate an observation time; and a cosmic-expansion correction unit configured to correct the three-dimensional position of each extragalactic celestial body based on the cosmic

Abstract: The present invention provides a performance system with a multi-projection environment including a stage installed for a performance and a plurality of projection surfaces arranged around the stage and arranged so as not to be parallel to each other, in which synchronized images are projected on the plurality of projection surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein are directed to providing a visual effect background that may be added behind a transparent holographic projection screen (e.g., of a Pepper's Ghost Illusion system) that provides for greater scenic depth behind the holographic projection, regardless of the amount of actual physical space behind the transparent screen. The background, which may be used for projection-based holographic projections or video panel display projections, generally establishes an optical illusion of depth behind the holographic images (producing a depth perception or “perspective” that gives a greater appearance of depth or distance behind a holographic projection).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and apparatus for normalizing the size of content in a multi-projection theater and a computer-readable recording medium. The method may include receiving theater parameters stored in a database, computing the scale factor of an image project on a main screen based on the received theater parameters, controlling the image projected on the main screen by incorporating the computed scale factor into the image, and controlling an image projected on a sub-screen so that the height or width of at least any one of images of sub-screens having a different pixel size or ratio from the controlled image of the main screen is identical with a height or width of the controlled image of the main screen.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful paradigm in wide area imaging, in which wide area imaging is provided by a step/dwell/image capture process and system to capture images and produce from the captured images a wide area image. The image capture is by a sensor that has a predetermined image field and provides image capture at a predetermined frame capture rate, and by a motorized step and dwell sequence of the sensor, where image capture is during a dwell, and the step and dwell sequence of the sensor is synchronized with the image capture rate of the sensor.

Abstract: A light absorbing configuration for a venue in which images are projected to a display screen located at or near a front of the venue, may comprise a light absorbing structure deployed on one or more front portions on one or more of a ceiling, side walls, or a floor of the venue. The light absorbing structure comprises grooves formed at least in part by a first type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive a portion of light rays directly reflected off the display screen and a second type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive light rays reflected off the first type of light reflective surfaces.

Abstract: In one preferred form illustrated in FIG. 1 there is provided an autostereoscopic display 10. The display 10 includes a layer 20 of pixel sources 22. The display includes a source screen 12 and a lens structure 14. The source screen 12 is able to separate light from each pixel source 22, in the layer 20 of pixel sources 22, into view position input sources 32 each corresponding with a different view position 40. The lens structure 14 has a view position configuration 36 and a views configuration 38. The view position configuration 36 and the views configuration 38 of the lens structure 14 are able to transmit light, that is received from the view position input sources 32 as corresponding lens structure inputs 34, as views 39 grouped in viewing positions 40.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a projection system for enhancing color saturation and contrast for a projected image. The projection surface includes a coat containing active materials and the projection system includes a first light source emitting light onto the surface and defining a first image on the surface and a second light source emitting light onto the surface and activating the active materials within the transparent coat to emit visible light of one or more wavelengths. The first light source defines the first image and the visible light emitted from the active materials enhances one or more characteristics of the first image. In another embodiment, the second light source may be activated when the first light source fails to define a backup or static image that may be different or the same as the image produced by the first light source.

Abstract: Methods and devices for generating a stereoscopic image are described. In one aspect, the electronic device includes a first camera for generating first camera data, a second camera for generating second camera data and a third camera for generating third camera data. The cameras are positioned on a same side of the electronic device and in spaced relation to each other. The electronic device also includes a controller coupled with the first camera, the second camera and the third camera. The controller is configured to: identify an orientation of the electronic device; and generate a stereoscopic image based on the first camera data and the second camera data when the electronic device is at a first orientation, and generate the stereoscopic image based on the first camera data and the third camera data when the electronic device is at a second orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a theater parameter management apparatus including: a parameter creation unit for creating parameters showing a structure of a theater based on input information; a database for storing the parameters created by the parameter creation unit; and a data processing unit for performing a data processing using the parameters stored in the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for monitoring frame alignment status and correcting misalignment for film in a stereoscopic 3D projection system, in which gap indicia are provided onto the film in a gap between images, whether the images belong to the same frame or different adjacent frames. Thus, gap indicia are positioned in at least one of an interframe gap and an intraframe gap of the stereoscopic film. During projection of the film, presence or absence of the gap indicia is used to determine a frame alignment status. Frame misalignment is then easily diagnosed and corrected. Characteristics of the gap indicia are modified for improving frame alignment diagnosis.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of filming a subjected to be projected as a Pepper's Ghost image. The method may comprise filming a subject under a lighting arrangement having one or more front lights for illuminating a front of a subject and one or more backlights. The lights may be controlled such that the total brightness of the one or more front lights, as measured of the subject, is less than or approximately the same as the total brightness of the one or more backlights, as measured at the subject. The subject may be located directly above one or more floor lights such the subject is illuminated from below by the one or more floor lights. The lights may comprise one or more LEDs. A drop-off distance of the front lights may be less than a distance between the front lights and a backscreen.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system, and article of manufacture provide the ability to process image data in a computer system. A user-operable representation of at least one image-processing function is configured with an adjustable opacity. The user-operable representation is created and processed as a three-dimensional object. The opacity of the representation is adjusted in response to user input. The representation is ten blended with image data to generate blended image data that is output to a display.

Abstract: An apparatus (401) is provided for processing image data (710, 711, 712) and comprises storage means (503, 504), processing means (501), manually operable input means (409, 410, 411) and display means (408). Said storage means (503, 504) store said image data (710, 711, 712) and instructions (702) and said processing means (501) are configured by said instructions (702) to perform the steps of configuring (815) at least one user-operable representation (1501, 1502) of at least one image-processing function (1106) defined by said instructions (702) with an adjustable opacity (1901); adjusting (1902) said opacity of said representation (1501, 1502) in response to user input (705) received from said manually operable input means (409, 410, 411); blending (1202, 1402, 1806, 1904) said representation (1501, 1502) and said image data (1503, 1504) to generate blended image data (1703) and outputting said blended image data (1703) to said display means (408).

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: A system for creating the perception of visual depth in scenery comprising lateral movements. A polarizing projection filter 21 controls the plane of polarization of projected light. The plane of polarization is changed by changing the orientation of the polarizing projection filter. An observer wears special viewing glasses 22 with polarizing filters when viewing scenery illuminated by the polarizing projection filter. The plane of polarization of the polarizing viewing filter for the right eye 23 is rotated 45 degrees clockwise from horizontal. The plane of polarization of the polarizing viewing filter for the left eye 24 is rotated 45 degrees counterclockwise from horizontal. When the polarizing projection filter is rotated clockwise from horizontal the scenery appears brighter to an observer's right eye than to the observer's left eye. Objects moving laterally 42 from right to left from the observer's perspective appear closer to the observer 43.

Abstract: The current invention discloses methods for using laterally moving objects and laterally moving backgrounds in colored live scenes to create the perception of depth when scenes are viewed with viewer glasses having lens or filters of two different colors. The invention also discloses methods for using laterally moving objects and laterally moving backgrounds in colored imagery to create the perception of depth when the imagery is viewed with viewer glasses having lens or filters of two different colors. In a further aspect, the invention discloses colored imagery comprising laterally moving objects and laterally moving backgrounds to create the perception of depth when the imagery is viewed with viewer glasses having lens or filters of two different colors.

Abstract: A lens aperture of an autostereoscopic camera is moved in a parallax scanning pattern through a plurality of disparity positions offset from the optical axis of the camera lens. Images of a scene being photographed, as viewed through the lens aperture in its various disparity positions, are recorded for subsequent display, which produces a three dimensional illusion when viewed on a conventional display with the unaided eye. The size of the lens aperture and the parallax scanning pattern are adjustable to suit conditions. The lens aperture may be defined by a through-hole in an opaque card, a plurality of interleaved leaf elements, or a planar array of cells switched between transparent and opaque states. In addition to stereoscopic imaging, the moving lens aperture principle of the present invention may be utilized in range-finding and camera image stabilization applications.

Abstract: A theater includes an audience seating area, a stage and at least three projection screens. Multiple film projectors simultaneously project a three dimensional film onto the three projection screens. Three dimensional film elements appear to move seamlessly from one projection screen to the next. In a live action show, actors, stage sets and show action equipment appear to interact with the three dimensional film. The filmed set blends with the stage sets to give dimension and a feeling of depth to the viewing audience. The audience cannot easily distinguish between the real elements and filmed elements thereby intensifying the theater experience.

Abstract: A process for displaying an animated likeness of the face of a character, includes the steps of (a) providing a face screen having a three-dimensional representation of the face of the character; (b) making a projectable image of the face of the character with an image recorder while projecting the image on the face screen with a projector; (c) obtaining a presentation registration of the image and the face screen through a process selected from the group consisting of (i) altering the projectable image, (ii) adjusting at least one component of face screen position, image recording means position, projector position, focal length and lighting while making the projectable image, and (iii) combinations thereof; and (d) subsequently projecting the image on the face screen at the presentation registration whereby an animated likeness of the face of the individual is presented. An apparatus for carrying out the process is also provided.

Abstract: A lens aperture of an autostereoscopic camera is moved in a parallax scanning pattern through a plurality of disparity positions offset from the optical axis of the camera lens. Images of a scene being photographed, as viewed through the lens aperture in its various disparity positions, are recorded for subsequent display in three dimensional illusion when viewed with the unaided eye. The size of the lens aperture and the parallax scanning pattern are adjustable to suit conditions. The lens aperture may be defined as a through-hole in an opaque card or a planar array of cells switched between transparent and opaque states. In addition to stereoscopic imaging, the moving lens aperture principle of the present invention may be utilized in range-finding and camera image stabilization applications.

Abstract: A system for creating the perception of visual depth in two dimensional single image displays. A polarizing projection filter 1c provides means to control the plane of polarization of projected imagery. The plane of polarization is changed by changing the orientation of the polarizing projection filter. An observer wears special viewing glasses 2 with polarizing filters when viewing imagery polarized by the polarizing projection filter. The plane of polarization of the polarizing viewing filter for the right eye 3 is oriented 30 degrees clockwise from horizontal. The plane of polarization of the polarizing viewing filter for the left eye 4 is oriented 30 degrees counterclockwise from horizontal. When the polarizing projection filter has an angular offset of approximately 45 degrees clockwise from horizontal the projected imagery appears approximately 20 times brighter to an observer's right eye than to the observer's left eye.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing stereoscopic images for motion picture or TV using a single sensor or camera and a single lens. In carrying out the method of the invention, the camera lens is caused to rotate about an axis defined by the optical path of the incoming image rays. The apex of the cone is defined by the object being rendered. The base of the cone is defined by the image sensor portion of the camera and its circular path remains unchanged during an image rendering session. The lens of the camera, on the other hand, travels in a smaller circular path and the circumference of the path of travel of the lens is increased or decreased depending on the distance from the image to the lens and can change during the image rendering session. Apparatus comprises a frame which is driven by an electro mechanical drive mechanism for moving a camera support body through a conical path.

Abstract: A method for creating the perception of visual depth in two dimensional displays. A filter or lens of one color (for example red) covers the left eye of a viewer and a lens of another color (for example green) covers the right eye. Objects moving in either lateral direction can be made to appear closer to or farther away from the viewer depending upon the color of the objects and surrounds. Objects that appear brighter to the left eye appear closer to the viewer when they are moving from left to right. These left eye bright objects appear farther away from the viewer when they are moving from right to left. The effect is reversed for objects that appear brighter to the right eye. Objects that appear brighter to the right eye appear closer to the viewer when they are moving from right to left. These right eye bright objects appear farther away from the viewer when they are moving from left to right. The colors of the areas surrounding moving objects can produce or contribute to the depth effect.

Abstract: A lens aperture of an autostereoscopic camera is moved in a parallax scanning pattern through a plurality of disparity positions offset from the optical axis of the camera lens. Images of a scene being photographed, as viewed through the lens aperture in its various disparity positions, are recorded for subsequent display, which produces a three dimensional illusion when viewed on a conventional display with the unaided eye. The size of the lens aperture and the parallax scanning pattern are adjustable to suit conditions. The lens aperture may be defined by a through-hole in an opaque card, a plurality of interleaved leaf elements, or a planar array of cells switched between transparent and opaque states. In addition to stereoscopic imaging, the moving lens aperture principle of the present invention may be utilized in range-finding and camera image stabilization applications.

Abstract: A system and method of collecting and displaying images of isolated persons or objects in three dimensions; whereby isolated images of persons or objects (106) are collected on film or video by digitally removing the background and replacing it with black or collecting the image against a black background (107); and the isolated image (106) is projected with polarized light on to a partially reflective and transparent sheet polarizing screen (104) of an orthogonal polarization sense to that of the projected light. The screen stops and reflects the image (105), but the screen is partially-transparent to light polarized parallel to its polarization sense making a real three dimensional physical object (103B) behind the screen visible from a position in front of the screen. The isolated image (105) on the screen (104) in the presence of real physical three dimensional objects (103A) and (103B) appears to be three dimensional.

Abstract: A dimensional transformation apparatus and related method for creating visual effects for use in live and prerecorded entertainment. The system engages an elastic projection screen with a three-dimensional object that corresponds to visual effects to be projected. By application of vacuum between the screen and the object, the screen is conformed in skintight relation to the features of the three dimensional object. An actuator, which includes a pneumatic piston, motivates the three-dimensional object to selectively engage and disengage the projection screen, and may be sequenced with projected animation corresponding to the three-dimensional object so as to create multi-dimensional special effects. A control mechanism, including a computer and timing system, digitally controls and sequences projection, dimensional transformation of the screen and background lighting and sound effects.

Abstract: The device described here allows for the raising or lowering of the mask which sits along the bottom edge of the screen in a motion picture theater and, along with the top and two side masks, frames the entire screen. The lower mask is supported by a number of support units, each containing two arms, equal in length and pivotally joined at their apex, where they are also attached to the bar that supports the screen mask. The arms are moved further apart or closer together at their lower ends, so that they push the bar supporting the screen mask up or down. A rotating shaft, with sections of oppositely-pitched threads, is connected to a motor. Sleeves with complimentary inside threads are pivotally mounted to the support arms, such that rotation of the motor in one direction moves the loser ends of the arms further apart and rotation in the other direction brings the lower ends of the arms closer together. Thus, the screen mask can be raised or lowered by motor rotation in one direction or the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of relief (three-dimensional) images includes a single objection lens and a lenticular grating with a series of cylindrical elementary lenses. An imaging surface is located behind the lenticular grating. Each lens in the grating causes the image focused thereupon to be reversed in relation to the axis of the cylinder. Electronic means are provided to reverse the image focused by each cylindrical lens.

Abstract: An enhanced cinema system for use with a movie screen using a fog-like gas released from a plurality of retractable shafts having slits. The plurality of shafts may spin to generate a fog effect with the fog-like gas escaping from the slits. A movie projector may project a movie onto the movie screen, and signals may cause a laser beam of light to interact with the movie and fog-like gas in front of the movie screen. Programmable lighting panels may be mounted on the side walls of the movie theater and in response to a lighting signal from the movie projector, activate lights in the programmable lighting panels during a movie. The enhanced cinema system may further include a remote location coupled to the enhanced cinemas, for distributing programs through a communications channel or other medium, for having a globally controlled system for various movies and effects.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic presentation system (10) that allows a perceived three-dimensional volumetric image (26) to be viewed without any viewing implements. The system (10), in its preferred embodiment, consists of an enhanced film strip (12) having first and second photographic frames (14), (18) where each frame consists of a two-dimensional optical image (16), (20) further having a conventional image (16a), (20a) and a matted image (16b), (20b). The film strip is back projected onto two stationary screens (30), (32) that are juxtaposed in planar separation and where each screen operates in either a translucent mode or a clear mode. A timing and synchronizing circuit (40) in combination with a pair of light responding circuits (48), (49) selects and controls the operational modes of the screens (30), (32) and synchronizes the screen operational modes with the respective alternating projection of the two-dimensional optical images (16), (20).

Abstract: Device for reproducing stationary or three-dimensional images by projection, the photographing being effected through several objectives, each located at a different position in space; in the reproduction system, the different images, if not reproduced on a diffusion surface, do not need to be distinguished by their position on it; the projection is effected directly onto a transparent optical system, the images being distinguished from each other by their angle of projection; this optical system is formed of a sheet of vertical cylindrical lenses, the transverse size of which is not conditioned by the number of images and the aperture of which is independent of the orthoscopic viewing angle, and of a sheet of horizontal cylindrical lenses of short focal length and arbitrarily small size constituting a reproduction system which is easy to manufacture and can be adapted to any viewing angle, giving a different image at each point of viewing.

Abstract: System capable of reproducing high quality moving three-dimensional images with a non limited orthoscopic viewing angle consisting of the projection of several images PR.sub.1. PR.sub.2 . . . PRn, taken from several different spatial positions onto a transparent optical system; this transparent optical system is composed, in its front part, of an optical sheet of vertical cylinders (1) of small enough transverse dimensions so as to be imperceptible, such that the relationship between its transverse dimensions d and its focal length f is at least greater than the value obtained when dividing the distance between two adjacent projectors K.sub.

Abstract: A method of recording an image of a scene onto cinematographic color film comprises forming a number of successive partial images through a single lens system onto each single frame of the film, the successive partial images being recorded in light of different characteristics, for example different colors. The film is projected using a conventional projector, and when viewed through appropriate filters, gives a stereo scopic effect. To get an optimum effect, the sequence in which the images are recorded should be appropriate to the predominant direction of horizontal movement in the scene. Accordingly in one form of the invention, each image is divided into a number of areas, each area in successive images being recorded in light of different characteristics, and each image having different areas recorded in light of different characteristics.

Abstract: A video information system includes a screen (1) having at least two cells (2-5, 14-16) rotatable in at least one direction and forming a three-dimensional multi-plane screen system changeable in space. Information from at least one projector is fed to two or more cells (2-5). Video information is presented in an in-depth three-dimensionally unfolding space. The system also has the capability of producing simultaneous changes in time, and the screen system can be efficiently combined with scenery attributes. The video information can be fed to the cells of the screen in the form of front or rear projection.

Abstract: A method of recording an image of an object onto cinematographic color film comprises forming a number of successive images of the object through a single lens system onto each frame of the film, the successive images being recorded in light of different characteristics, for example different colors. In a preferred embodiment, each frame of the film is exposed successively to light of two or three different colors. The film is projected using a conventional projector, and when viewed through spectacles consisting of two appropriate filters gives a stereoscopic effect. The method can be used to produce a film which can also be viewed without spectacles, and is found to give enhanced sharpness and color saturation. The invention also includes a moving film camera having a mechanism for interposing a number of filters in the optical path successively during exposure of each frame so that successive images are overlaid on each frame.

Abstract: A motorized bottom masking assembly for variably masking a lower portion of a large curved picture projection screen, including a bottom mask movable to various heights along the lower portion of the screen having a rigid bar member defining the uppermost edge thereof, and at least three bar positioning lift assemblies located entirely below the bar member coupled to the bar member near opposite ends thereof and near the middle of the bar member. Each of the three lift assemblies include an elongated base track, a pair of lift arms arranged in upwardly converging inclined relation having lower end roller carrier assemblies guided by the associated base track movable toward and away from each other and having upper ends coupled together to the member, a lead screw coupled to the roller carrier assemblies, and a drive motor therefor for converging and diverging the associated pair of lift arms relative to each other to raise and lower the bar member relative to the base track.

Abstract: In a method and arrangement for the representation of a halftone image upon employment of a detection-adapted grid, the halftone image formed of intensity stages is generated by picture elements of identical size situated at prescribed grid positions. A given plurality of grid positions is combined to form an image spot. The plurality of picture elements and their grid positions within an image spot defines the respective intensity stage. The grid structure is oriented on a curve of the detection limit for the perceptability of sinusoidal grids. For producing a hexagon-like impression given the employment of grid positions situated in quadratic matrices, successive change lines of joining matrices or sub-matrices are shifted relative to one another by half a side length of the matrices or sub-matrices in the formation of the image spots.

Abstract: Apparatus for recording a sequence of frames through a single lens system along different optical axes which exit the lens system along a common axis, and focus at a recording station, and which converge at a predetermined location in a scene to be recorded, comprises a recording station for film, or a photoelectronic scanner for video, a recording control providing for sequentially recording scenes focused at the recording station, and a lens system having a field of view encompassing scenes to be recorded and defining an optical path along which light rays pass from a scene and exit the lens system on a common axis to the recording station. A light shifting device is arranged to shift the optical path cyclically within the lens system between at least two different non-parallel axes which intersect at a predetermined location in a scene viewed by the lens system.

Abstract: My invention is a three-dimensional motion picture capture and reproduction method and apparatus that allows multiple viewers to simultaneously watch the reproduction of recorded or real time 3-D pictures without the need for any special optical aids at their eyes. The playback system is compatible with all current forms of film format, television cameras and video recorders and synthesizes three-dimensional images from several lateral vantage points in the scene. The playback equipment uses a single lamp and a circular and slowly rotating platform upon which several identical projectors are affixed. The angular velocity of each projection lens node and its corresponding image surface is identical to achieve image motion compensation. Multiple images are simultaneously projected in the direction of a concaved screen through the rotation axis or another point closer to the screen. The screen is semi-specular with horizontal reflecting and vertical scatter properties.

Abstract: Three dimensional viewing achieved through use of multiple lens camera with included erector lens which yield a multiplicity of side by side medium-carried-images with provisions for some overlap and subsequent projection of said images by means of a plurality of spaced parabolic mirror reflectors on opposite sides of a diffusion screen, said reflectors being optically focused and mutually arranged to yield an ultimate, reflected, virtual image of three dimensional character over a relatively wide viewing range occupied by a plurality of viewers. System adapted for home television or commercial movie (cinema) projection.

Abstract: Wide angle film shooting and projection of images on the inside of a spherical screen is accomplished by first shooting a scene using a "fish-eye" lens to obtain truncated circular images with their truncations along a common edge of the film. The images are projected onto the concave screen through a tele-objective, and a convex mirror in the center of the screen so that truncated portions of the film images correspond to the upper portion of the screen, which is of least significance to a viewer. Images of diameter greater than the width of the film can thus be used without loss of significant information. Images with an angular field as great as 220.degree. can be projected on the screen.

Abstract: This apparatus forms and displays sequentially a plurality of three-dimensional images. Frames from a film strip are stroboscopically selected and projected on a moving screen. The effect may be simply a comparison of two three-dimensional images. Alternatively, an illusion of motion of a three-dimensional image may be created. Safety features prevent access to rotating parts and other features protect the stroboscope from excessive and unnecessary use. A single three-dimensional image may be selected and continuously projected on the screen.

Abstract: A process for recording and projecting a three dimensional visual scene onto a receiving surface from which the scene may be viewed in stereopsis by the unaided human eye. A scene is recorded from right and left view positions which are laterally separated by a distance of no more than about 1 inch, and separated in a direction generally perpendicular thereto by a distance of no more than about 1 inch, groups of one or more recorded right and recorded left views are alternately projected onto a receiving surface in sequence such that the visual duration of each group varies from a minimum to a maximum time which is generally proportional to the distance of the nearest non-moving object of special regard in the scene from the recording positions and is approximately equal to the visiopsychological supression rate of the human eyes.

Abstract: My invention relates to photographing scenes with a standard motion picture camera in which there is a relative motion between the scene and camera with the purpose of stereoscopic viewing of the motion picture without the need for viewing aids at the eye. The system is compatible with scenes photographed without this relative motion but the reproduction is flat. The film (or other appropriate media) is arrayed in a vertical plane and constrained to move horizontally around a segment of a circle of radius 2R. At the center of the film circle is a film motion compensator which can be a multi-faceted mirror drum of radius R. The film is rapidly scanned about the center of this circle by a scan projector. Projection optics on the projector, project the sequential film frames onto a relatively large circular cylindrical semi-specular screen.