Multi-Projector Imagery on Curved Screens
We describe a new technique to display seamless images using overlapping projectors on curved quadric surfaces such as spherical or cylindrical shape. Current techniques for automatically registered seamless displays have focused mainly on planar displays. On the other hand, techniques for curved screens involve cumbersome manual alignment to make the installation conform to the intended design. We show a seamless real-time display system.
Background & Objective: Large seamless displays using overlapping projectors are an emerging technology for constructing high-resolution semi-immersive visualization environments capable of presenting high-resolution images from scientific simulation, entertainment and instruction. General techniques that can handle setups where projectors have been casually installed and exploit geometric relationship between projectors and display surface eliminate cumbersome manual alignment and reduce maintenance costs.
Technical Discussion: We define a new quadric image transfer function and show how it can be used to achieve sub-pixel registration while interactively displaying two or three-dimensional datasets. Accurate estimation of geometric relationship between overlapping projectors is the key for achieving seamless displays. They influence the rendering algorithms and also determine soft edge blending efforts. Our technical contributions are as follows: Simplification of quadric transfer; Calibration methods; Software blending scheme using quadric transfer; Fast rendering strategy exploiting graphics hardware; and Sweet-spot selection and head-tracking support. Accurate alignment of projectors has been demonstrated on 2 and 3 meter diameter dome screens with up to 6 projectors.
Publications:
Technology Areas:
Off the Desktop Interaction and Display
Computer Vision
Modification Date: July 7, 2008