Descriptipn
Introduction of the Panoscope 360 prototype
Siggraph 2000, July 22-28, New Orleans.
Panoscope 360 is a panoramic viewer that displays a full 360-degree cylindrical image from a single video or data channel. A disc-shaped rear projection screen is placed horizontally above a spheric reflector. From within the installation, visitors see a virtual cylindrical image obtained by reflexion.
The installation is designed to simplify both production and presentation of panoramic video programs. It is particularly appropriate for interactive content, where visitors are invited to navigate a space and manipulate elements within it.
To produce the anamorphic (disc shaped) panoramic image, a commercially available panoramic lens is used. This lens can be adapted to any professional camera including high resolution.
Typical anamorphic image projected from above
Demo of first prototype
Because it required several film or video channels, the production and display of 360º panoramic movies has been a complex and costly operation. The proposed system, which uses a single image channel to produce a full 360º panoramic moving image, greatly simplify the creation process and promises to foster the emergence of a new type of content where visitors experience instant visual immersion.
The Panoscope 360 is particularly suitable for interactive content where visitors are invited to navigate spaces and manipulate objects within them. It can be seen as a practical alternative to the head mounted display by allowing a small group of users to share the experience of the same interactive content and this without having to wear special gear.
The First Edition of the Panoscope 360 (P1E) is composed of a 44" reflector attached to an adjustable ceiling-mounted structure. The projector is not included. It is available to developers and early adopters interested in experimenting with panoramic content. For pricing and availability, please contact [].
The Panoscope 360 was imagined and developped by Luc Courchesne at the Laboratoire de muséographie, Université de Montréal. The project has been carried in part with support from the Daniel Langlois Foundation for Art, Science and Technology. The First Edition of the Panoscope 360 (P1E) is distributed worldwide by Ideaction inc.
Installing the Panoscope 360 &endash; First Edition (P1E) is determined by the eye level of the typical user (UEL), the room's vertical clearance (VC) and by the projector's focal lenght (FL). The following diagram shows the basic configuration. The ideal height of the P1E (X) is determined by the average user's eye level + 6" (X = UEL+6"). Once the ceiling mounted structure is in place, the wires lenght will be adjusted to at least allow for an 18 inches adjustment in both directions. For example, if the average user is standing, the top of the P1E (X) will be at 72" from the floor. If the ceiling mounted structure is at 11' (132") from floor, the lenght of the cables will thus be Y (VC - X) + horizontal lenght of cable A, B, C and D (HLC) + 18" :
Cable A = (60"+64"+18")
Cable B = (60"+4"+18")
Cable C = (60"+52"+18")
Cable D = (60"+64"+18")The projector is either positioned pointing down directly above the P1E or attached parallel to the ceiling with a front surface mirror placed directly above the P1E. The mirror size and projector distance from mirror will be determined by the projector's focal lenght (FL) and by the vertical clearance. (VC) Here are some configurations we tested:
Epson PowerLite 9000i (true SXGA) with short throw lens :Distance from lens to top of Panoscope = 66"
NEC VT540 (true XGA):
Distance from standard lens to top of Panoscope = 80"
The inside reflective coating of the Panoscope 360 is sensitive to fingerprints and abrasion. Touching it should therefore be avoided. It can be cleaned using a soft dry cloth; the use of water and detergent is not recommended. The rear projection screen can be cleaned with water and a soft detergent if needed.