Technology

How Do the VisionStation and the VisionDome Work?

Via patented technologies, the VisionDome delivers a full-color, raster based, interactive display, with 360 degree projection and a 180 degree field of view. The tilted hemispherical screen is positioned so as to fill the field-of-view of the participants, creating a sense of immersion in the same way that large-screen cinemas draw the audience into the scene. The observer loses the normal depth cues, such as edges, and perceives 3D objects beyond the surface of the screen. The dome itself allows freedom of head motion, so that the observer can change their direction of view, and yet still have their vision fully encompassed by the image.

In contrast with the large format, analogue film used for entertainment in domed cinemas, the VisionDome is driven by digital media, either pre-recorded or generated in real-time from a computer or High Definition TV camera. Linked with compelling audio, the dome can temporarily suspend belief in the physical world and transport the audience into a virtual space. This provides the group equivalent an immersive 3D space but without personally inhibiting hardware, and opens up a range of potential stand-alone and networked applications.

Elumens' VisionDome is an immersive digital environment that, via proprietary projection and rendering technologies, creates a full color, high-resolution, interactive, 3D display in which a dozen or more people can simultaneously participate and collaborate without having to use restrictive head-mounted displays or goggles.

The VisionDome projects a 360 by 180 degree panorama on the interior of a dome, which is tilted from 0 to 90 degrees for viewing ease. Because of the Dome's parallax effect, how it engulfs viewers' fields of view, and Elumens' proprietary rendering technology, the display creates strong spatial 3D. This causes viewers to perceive 3D, and to feel completely immersed in the virtual environment.

The VisionDome is designed to be deployed for 3D applications in which many people need to participate jointly. Since there is only one projection source and nothing to wear, the VisionDome is the best solution for collaborative environments. Because of its simplicity, the VisionDome is a practical and cost-effective alternative to head-mounted displays.