Photosphere Dome

Abstract

The media presentation system may include a media generation component, a projection component, a first redirection component, and a display component. The media generation component may generate a video image, and the projection component may project one or more beams containing the video image in an initial direction. The first redirection component may redirect the beam(s) from the initial direction to a different subsequent direction. The display component may receive the beam(s) and display the video image, forming a substantially continuous spherical shape surrounding the plurality of human viewers above and around all sides of the plurality of human viewers of the video image. The second redirection component may receive the beam(s) in a subsequent direction from the first redirection component and redirect the beam(s) in a subsequent direction toward the display component. The system may form a dome-shaped cinema that displays the video image on a display component located within the dome.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 893,865, filed August 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Technical Field TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates generally to media presentations, and more particularly to systems and methods for presenting media content to multiple audiences. [Background technology]

[0003] background Modern media presentation systems offer various ways to present video and other related media content to audiences in useful and enjoyable ways. For example, early movie theaters projected moving images or videos onto large screens that could be viewed by many spectators at once. Traditional movie theaters included a single flat screen along one wall, rows of seats all facing the same direction toward the screen, and various speakers located throughout the theater. Various improvements over time in cinemas and cinema systems have included IMAX®-style theaters with very large screens with high aspect ratios and steep, stadium-style seating, Dolby® sound systems and theaters, various methods of providing three-dimensional ("3D") visual effects, and the introduction of higher resolution video and images.

[0004] Despite these various improvements over the years, modern cinemas and other forms of video and other media presentations involve projecting the video onto a single flat screen with the entire audience facing the same direction, and still presenting the moving images in separate, multiple, or different ways to the entire audience on the single flat screen, with the 3D visual effect provided by special glasses or other devices. This typical single-flat screen method of presenting movies and other media content has limited the types of movies and other video and media content that can be presented to an audience, and has limited the overall value and experience of such video presentations.

[0005] While traditional methods of presenting media have worked well so far, improvements are always useful. In particular, what is needed are media presentation systems and methods that provide a more robust and comprehensive viewing experience for multiple audiences. Summary of the Invention

[0006] overview An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a media presentation system and method that provides a more robust and comprehensive viewing experience for multiple viewers. The disclosed features, devices, systems, and methods provide improved media presentation solutions that include surrounding multiple viewers above and around all sides of a video image. These advantages can be achieved in multiple ways, such as by implementing a light sphere dome ("LSD") that includes a display component having a substantially continuous spherical shape, along with other system components configured to provide a video image on the LSD.

[0007] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a media presentation system may include a media generation component, a projection component, a first redirection component, and a display component. The media generation component may be configured to generate a video image. The projection component may be configured to project one or more beams including the video image in an initial direction. The first redirection component may be configured to redirect the one or more beams from the initial direction to a subsequent direction different from the initial direction. The display component may be configured to receive the one or more beams and display the video image after the one or more beams are redirected in the subsequent direction. At least a portion of the display component may form a substantially continuous spherical shape (e.g., an LSD) configured to surround a plurality of human viewers of the video image above and around all sides of the plurality of human viewers.

[0008] In various detailed embodiments, the system may include a second redirection component configured to receive the one or more beams in the subsequent direction from the first redirection component and redirect the one or more beams in a subsequent direction toward the display component. The first redirection component and the second redirection component may both be spherical mirrors. In various configurations, the initial direction may be upward, the subsequent direction may be downward, and the subsequent direction may be outward. The second redirection component may be located between the projection component and the first redirection component. The second redirection component may include an aperture or transparent region configured to pass the one or more beams projected from the projection component and a reflective region configured to reflect the one or more beams redirected from the first redirection component. The system may also include a floor component located below the display component, the floor component configured to support the plurality of human viewers. A plurality of seats may be arranged at various locations on the floor component, and the plurality of seats may be arranged concentrically about a center point of the display component.

[0009] In various further detailed embodiments, the system may also include a plurality of speakers disposed throughout the display component. The plurality of speakers may be configured to provide sound associated with the video image to the plurality of human viewers. The system may form a dome-shaped cinema that displays the video image on the display component located within the dome. In one configuration, the system may include an environmental sensing system having a plurality of sensors disposed throughout the display component, the environmental sensing system configured to sense input provided by the plurality of human viewers. The plurality of sensors may include one or more motion sensors configured to detect movement of the plurality of human viewers. The media generation component may also be configured to generate a video image based on the sensed input.

[0010] In further embodiments of the present disclosure, various methods of presenting media content are provided. Related processing steps may include providing a media presentation system, generating a video image, projecting one or more beams comprising the video image, redirecting the one or more beams, receiving the one or more beams with a display component, and displaying the video image on the display component. The provided media presentation system may include a media generation component, a projection component, a first redirection component, and the display component. The video image may be generated by the media generation component. One or more beams comprising the video image may be projected by the projection component in an initial direction. The one or more beams may be redirected from the initial direction by the first redirection component to a subsequent direction, which may be different from the initial direction. At least a portion of the display component may form a substantially continuous spherical shape configured to surround a plurality of human viewers of the video image above and around all sides of the plurality of human viewers.

[0011] In various detailed embodiments, additional steps may include redirecting the one or more beams from the subsequent direction to a next direction by a second redirection component of the media presentation system. The next direction may be different from the initial direction and the subsequent direction. In one configuration, the initial direction may be upward, the subsequent direction may be downward, and the next direction may be outward. Further steps may include providing sound associated with the video images to the human viewers; detecting one or more inputs from one or more of the human viewers; generating additional visual images based at least in part on the one or more inputs by the media generation component; displaying the additional video images on the display component; and / or providing tactile sensations associated with the video images to the human viewers. The tactile sensations may be provided via a plurality of seats for the human viewers, which may be arranged concentrically about a center point of the display component.

[0012] Other devices, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be, or become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional devices, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of this disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings included herein are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible constructions and arrangements for the disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods for media presentation systems, such as those having LSD components. These drawings are not intended to limit in any way the changes in form and detail that may be made to the present disclosure by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example LSD for a media presentation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of another example of an LSD for a media presentation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an example of a general method for presenting media content using an LSD according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates, in plan view, an example floor layout for a media presentation system with an LSD according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example media presentation system having an LSD and audio speakers according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional side view of an example media presentation system with an LSD and a motion sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a plan view of an example calibration chart for a conventional media presentation system having a flat display screen.

[0021] [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B illustrates a plan view of an example calibration chart for a media presentation system with an LSD according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of an example of a detailed method for presenting media content using an LSD according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Detailed Description Illustrative applications of the devices, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are provided solely to add context and to aid in understanding the present disclosure. As such, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details provided herein. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Other applications are possible, and therefore, the following examples should not be considered limiting. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this description, and in which specific embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, but it will be understood that these examples are not limiting, and that other embodiments may be used and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] The present disclosure, in various embodiments, relates to features, devices, systems, and methods for presenting media content to multiple viewers. The disclosed embodiments include media presentation systems and methods that provide a more robust and comprehensive visual experience for multiple viewers. In particular, an LSD and various associated components and features may be used as part of an overall media presentation system and method for presenting media content. The disclosed embodiments may use the LSD to immerse users in an interactive world of color and sound, where all space and time can intersect within the curved, spherical walls of a veritable LSD experience.

[0025] While various detailed examples are merely illustrative and non-limiting in nature, in these various detailed examples, the LSD may be a spherically shaped room usable for theater-style image projection and other related functions. Various subsystems may provide multiple different types of coordinated media content to multiple viewers within the LSD. At least one subsystem may include utilizing a suitable projection system to project one or more beams containing video images onto many or all of the interior surface of the spherically shaped room surrounding the multiple human viewers above and around all sides of the video image. Other subsystems may include providing sound, motion sensing and other user input, and video image generation, among others. It will be readily apparent that not all of the disclosed subsystems are required for use with a given media presentation system or method, and that other subsystems not disclosed herein may be used in addition to or instead of such systems and methods.

[0026] While various embodiments disclosed herein describe media presentation systems that utilize an LSD, it will be readily understood that the disclosed features, devices, systems, and methods may be used in conjunction with related media presentation systems as well. While feature films are one form of media presentation, other methods of presenting media to multiple users using an LSD, for example, may include user interactive features, as in large-scale interactive video games or other activities. Other uses, arrangements, and speculative examples beyond the illustrated embodiments are also contemplated.

[0027] Referring first to FIG. 1 , an example LSD for a media presentation system is shown in a schematic cross-sectional side view. The media presentation system 1 can accommodate multiple human viewers 2 positioned within the LSD 10. An example of the size and scale for the LSD 10 and the overall media presentation system 1 can be reflected in the relative sizes of the multiple human viewers 2 within the system shown in FIG. 1 , although it will be readily understood that larger or smaller versions of the overall system and LSD are contemplated. The LSD 10 itself can be a continuous, spherically shaped room configured to display video images and / or other media on or adjacent to the interior walls of the room. In some configurations, the actual interior surface of the LSD 10 can provide display components for displaying video images and other visual image content. In some configurations, one or more movie screens or other suitable display components can be positioned on or adjacent to the interior surfaces of the spherical walls and ceiling of the LSD 10.

[0028] As shown, LSD 10 (i.e., the "screen dome") may be the largest structure in the entire media presentation system 1. This screen dome may be a spherical chamber that surrounds the entire theater. A movie screen or other suitable display component(s) may be mounted on this spherical chamber using a support structure that offsets the screen component(s) inward from the walls of the dome. The screen component(s) or other display component(s) may be a theater screen that is shaped into a sphere by the support structure. In some configurations, the spherical shape may be assisted by using vacuum technology to curve the screen. Alternatively, the entire screen may include multiple screen segments to assist in constructing the shape. For viewing stereoscopic images, the screen may have special reflective materials to preserve the polarization of the displayed image, as some theater screens have. Other configurations and features are also contemplated.

[0029] In addition to LSD 10, media presentation system 1 may also include, among other possible subsystems, components, and features, a floor component 20, a media generation component 30, a projection component 40, a first redirection component 50, and a second redirection component 60. Floor component 20 may be, for example, a theater floor, and may form a supporting room floor for a plurality of audience members, users, and / or seats 21. Seats 21 may be arranged in columns, rows, and / or other possible configurations facing the display component of LSD 10, and may be arranged along a flat floor and / or configured as tiered or elevated stadium-style seating. Floor component 20 may extend beyond the area formed by LSD 10 (with a radius R s The floor component 20 may be elevated relative to the center point 11 of the sphere (having a height of 100 mm). Alternatively, the floor component 20 may be lowered within the LSD 10 to create a larger room space and increase the area for display components at or on the interior walls of the LSD, as described in more detail below in the example of Figure 2. Other floor component 20 heights, locations, and configurations are also contemplated.

[0030] Media generation component 30 may be configured to generate video images. This component or subsystem may include one or more processors that generate video images based on code and / or stored or provided digital images, and may also include one or more physical components that generate and send the video and / or other visual images to projection component 40, and possibly other system components such as transmitters or other communication interfaces.

[0031] The projection component 40 can be configured to project one or more beams 41 containing video images (and / or other visual images) in an initial direction, such as upward, as shown in FIG. 1 . In some configurations, the projection component 40 can include one or more scanning laser projection systems and can project images with one or more lasers. In various embodiments, the projection component 40 can be located below the floor component 20 and can project the beam(s) 41 upward through an opening 22 in the floor component. This opening can be located at or near the center of the floor component. The projection component 40 can be oriented so that the center point of the projected beam(s) coincides with the center point of the first redirection component 50 in addition to the floor component 40 (and opening 22) and the upper center or top of the LSD 10. Additionally, the projection component 40 can be mounted on an isolation system to prevent external vibrations from inducing vibrations in the projected image.

[0032] In various configurations, the projection component 40 can be similar to current commercial theater projectors but can include adjustments for spatial resolution and / or brightness, among other attributes. A minimum scan rate of 120 Hz can be used, with the projector capable of completely scanning the image across the screen dome display component at least 120 times per second. The number of pixels to be resolved in each scan can be approximately 16K x 16K (e.g., 15360 x 15360 pixels, for a total of 235,929,600 pixels per frame) or more. Because current commercial theater projectors do not operate at such high resolutions, the projection component 40 can be a synchronized collection of multiple projectors, each operating at a lower resolution and responsible for scanning only a portion of the display component space across the LSD 10. Alternatively, the projection component 40 can be a customized, advanced projector developed for such high resolutions and speeds.

[0033] Current commercial theater projectors are configured to project onto flat (or nearly flat) rectangular screens, and the laser scan patterns for these projectors typically sequentially scan a rectangular area, row by row. With respect to the display components of the LSD10 disclosed herein, the spherical dimensions of the screen or other display component can distort pixels differently. This can be at least partially compensated for by altering the laser scanner's scan pattern to allocate more pixels where needed. For example, a spiral scan pattern can allocate more pixels toward the equator of the sphere and fewer pixels toward the top center. To achieve this result, new driver software can be developed for the scanning mirrors and / or other components within the projector. Such altered scan patterns can be facilitated by new image formats tailored to the scan patterns, as well as new codecs for rapid deployment of the new image formats.

[0034] The first redirection component 50 may be configured to redirect the beam(s) 41 from an initial direction to a subsequent direction different from the initial direction. In various configurations, this first redirection component 50 may be a spherically shaped mirror configured to reflect the beam(s) 41, such as from an initial upward direction to a subsequent downward direction. The first redirection component 50, which may be referred to as a "distribution mirror," may have a center 51 (and a radius R) that may be located, for example, at the top center of the LSD 10. d ) can form a convex hemispherical surface having a center line 41. The aperture 12 in the LSD 10 or other component or feature at the top center of the LSD 10 can be located behind this distribution mirror or other first redirection component 50, since in an actual display a small area of ​​the LSD will not receive any portion of the beam(s) 41. Alternatively, there may be no aperture or other feature in the LSD 10 behind the first redirection component 50.

[0035] The second redirection component 60 may be configured to receive the beam(s) redirected in a subsequent direction from the first redirection component 50 and redirect the beam(s) in a subsequent direction toward the display component of the LSD 10. In various configurations, the second redirection component 60 may also be a spherical mirror configured to reflect the beam(s), such as from a subsequent downward direction to a subsequent upward direction. The second redirection component 60, which may be referred to as the "primary mirror," may also have a center 61 (and radius R ) that may be located between the floor component 20 and the first redirection component 50. p ) can form a convex hemispherical surface having a radii of 1 / 2 . An aperture 62 in the top center of this primary mirror or second redirection component 60 can pass an initial portion of the beam(s) 41 on their initial beam path upward from the projection component 40 to the first redirection component 50. Rather than aperture 62, this top center region of the second redirection component 60 can be a half mirror or, in various alternative configurations, can include a transparent or semi-transparent material.

[0036] In various embodiments, one or both of the first redirection component 50 and the second redirection component 60 (e.g., the distribution mirror and primary mirror) may be formed from a plated metal material and be as reflective and mirror-like as possible. One or both of the redirection components 50 and 60 may be positioned using vibration isolation mounts so that vibrations in buildings or other nearby structures or objects do not translate into vibrations in the projected video image. Protective covers may be used to retract and open to protect one or both of the redirection components 50 and 60 when not in use.

[0037] The primary mirror (or other second redirection component) 60 may be mounted on a support component 63 to elevate the primary mirror above the floor component 20. In some configurations, the support component 63 may be telescopic in nature, allowing the second redirection component 60 to be raised and lowered relative to the floor component 20. This allows for fine adjustment of the overall length of the beam(s) 41 from the focus and projection component 40 to the display component of the LSD 10. Lowering the second redirection component 60 also allows for easier cleaning and maintenance of this component or subsystem. In some configurations, one or more structural items 64 may be located on or near the support component 63. Such structural item(s) 64 may include, for example, a vending machine, as well as a machine or device housing, a door or other accessway, and / or other structural support within the overall media presentation system 1.

[0038] As described above, LSD 10 may include a display component configured to receive one or more beams and display a video image after the one or more beams are redirected. As shown, at least a portion of the display component may form a substantially continuous spherical shape configured to surround multiple human viewers of the video image above and around all sides of all of the multiple human viewers. Further details regarding the entire path of the beam(s) originating from projection component 40 and terminating at the display component of LSD 10 are described below with respect to similarly positioned beam(s) in another overall media presentation system 100 of FIG. 2 below. As described above, utilization of this entire media presentation system 1 provides a visual experience that completely surrounds the viewer, immersing them in an interactive world of color and sound where all of space and time meet within the curved spherical walls of a true LSD experience.

[0039] Continuing with FIG. 2, an exemplary LSD for another media presentation system is shown in schematic cross-sectional side view. In various configurations, media presentation system 100 of FIG. 2 may be substantially similar to media presentation system 1 described above, such as being similar in size and scale relative to multiple human viewers 102 within the system. In addition, media presentation system 100 may include LSD 110, a media generation component 130, a projection component 140, a first redirection component 150, and a second redirection component 160 having an opening 162 and a support component 163, all of which may be identical or substantially similar to similar components of media presentation system 1 described above.

[0040] However, unlike the previous media presentation system 1, the floor component 120 of the media presentation system 100 may be significantly lowered relative to the LSD 110, thereby increasing the overall space within the LSD 110 and the amount of viewing area on the display component of the LSD 110. Additionally, the seats 121 may be arranged in a tiered, stadium-style, or other elevated seating arrangement. This allows human viewers seated farther from the display component of the LSD 110 to view a wider area of ​​the display component without being obstructed by other viewers. Elevating the seats 121 closer to the second redirection component 160 allows viewers to view a wider area of ​​the display component of the LSD 110 on the opposite side of the second redirection component. As can be readily appreciated, the tiered or elevated arrangement of the seats 121 may extend throughout the entire floor component 120 of the media presentation system 100, resulting in most or all of the floor component being uneven over a significant length of the floor.

[0041] In one configuration, floor component 120 may terminate in an upwardly curved region 123 that abuts LSD 110. Upwardly curved region 123 may extend continuously around or nearly the entire perimeter of LSD 110, with interruptions in the perimeter due to doors or other structural features within LSD 110 or elsewhere within media presentation system 100. Additionally, upwardly curved region 123 and portions of floor component 120 may be configured for displaying visual or video images that are reflected or redirected from first redirection component 150 and / or second redirection component 160.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2 , one or more beams 141 containing video and / or other visual images may be projected upward from the projection component 140 through the opening 122 in the floor component 120. These beams may be considered to be segments that first exit the projection component 140 and reach the display component of the LSD 110. A first beam segment 142 may extend upward from the projection component 140 in the shape of an expanding cone where it is redirected from a distribution mirror or other first redirection component 150. A second beam segment 143 may extend downward from the first redirection component 150 in the shape of a further expanding cone where it is redirected from a primary mirror or other second redirection component 160. And a third beam segment 144 may extend outward from the second redirection component 160 toward the display component of the LSD 110 (and possibly one or more display components of the floor component 120).

[0043] As can be readily appreciated, the optical configuration shown in the overall media presentation system 100 ensures that one or more beams 141 travel a substantial distance from the projection component 140 to the final display component of the LSD 110. Such substantial distances can be extended through the use of one or more mirrors or other redirection components 150, 160. This configuration allows the beam(s) 141 containing visual and / or video images to emerge from the projection component 140 or other suitable source in a single, shortened direction and then diverge outward to be received by most or all of a large, substantially continuous, spherical display component such as that found along or near the walls of the LSD 110. Similar extensions in length for the beam(s) are also seen with respect to the optical configurations in the media presentation system 1 described above. While this substantial overall length for the beam(s) 141 can be achieved using the illustrated configuration including redirection components 150, 160, it will be readily understood that other optical arrangements can be used to generate and project video images onto this or similar large substantially continuous spherical display components.

[0044] 3, a flowchart of an example general method 300 for presenting media content using an LSD is shown. It will be understood that the general method 300 may represent a broad overview of presenting media content, and that various other steps, features, and details of such a broad overview method will not be described herein for the sake of brevity. After a start step 302, a first processing step 304 may include generating a video image. This may be done using a media generation component, which may include, for example, the use of one or more processors.

[0045] As a subsequent process step 306, one or more beams containing the video image may be projected in an initial direction. This may be done, for example, by using a high-quality scanning laser projector. In a next process step 308, one or more beams may be redirected from the initial direction to a subsequent direction. This may be done, for example, by using a first redirection component, which may be a hemispherical mirror.

[0046] In a subsequent processing step 310, the video image may be displayed on a display component, which may be located on or at the LSD, for example. This may be the result of the beam(s) containing the video image being redirected to reach the display component. As described above, at least a portion of the display component may form a substantially continuous spherical shape configured to surround a plurality of human viewers viewing the video image in all directions of the plurality of human viewers. The method may then end in end step 312.

[0047] It will be understood that not all process steps of the above-described general method 300 are required, and that other process steps and details may be added. Also, the order of steps may be changed in some cases, and some steps may occur simultaneously. For example, steps 306-310 may occur simultaneously in some configurations. Other possible process steps and details are described in further examples below, and variations and extrapolations of method 300 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0048] Turning now to Figure 4, an example floor arrangement for a media presentation system with an LSD is shown in plan view. It will be understood that many different seating arrangements and floor patterns can be used for a given media presentation system, and the following example details can be modified in many ways as desired. As discussed above with respect to Figure 2, media presentation system 100 may include a spherically shaped LSD 110 positioned above and around a floor component 120, a projection component 140 positioned below an opening 122 in the floor component, and a second redirection component 160 that is hemispherical and has an opening 162 positioned between the floor component and the top of the LSD. A second redirection component 160 may be positioned around the periphery of LSD 110 where the walls of the LSD meet floor component 112.

[0049] The seats 121 may be arranged in rows that form concentric circles around the center of the media presentation system 100, which may coincide with a floor opening 122. Some or all of the seats 121 may be positioned to face the interior wall of the nearest LSD 110 or the nearest display component. One or more aisles 123 may be located between the seats 121 at various locations to facilitate human audience access to and from the rows of seats. As described above, the floor component 120 may form a tiered theater for the system. The seats 121 may be arranged in rows in a tiered or stadium-type structure. Each row of seats may have one or two rows before another row of seats rises behind it, although other arrangements are possible. The lowest row of the floor component 120 may be the row closest to the LSD 110, and the top row may be the row closest to the second redirection component 160. In some embodiments, the floor component 120 may have one or more flat areas. The various sections and rows throughout the floor component may also be reconfigured as needed. Some or all of the seats 121 may be completely stationary, and some or all of the seats may have some degree of possible movement, such as rotational or lateral movement.

[0050] Some or all of the seats 121 may be able to rotate or swivel to allow for easy viewing of all portions of the LSD display. Haptic effects and user feedback or input at one or more of the seats 121 are also contemplated. Various configurations may also include active, computer-controlled moving seats that provide a certain amount of user control. Such seats may be similar to those used for theme park rides and immersive virtual reality experiences, for example. These types of seats may complement the visual sensation of movement projected on the display component of the LSD 10 with a physical sense of acceleration that connects to that visual sensation. The range of active movements may range from a simple rumble seat to highly complex systems.

[0051] For highly active laser tag-type games or other interactive video games or presentations where audience members or users are free to roam the theater floor and interact with each other, and / or the projected images, and / or other media content provided, there may be no seating, with floor space used for game obstacles, decorations, etc. There may also be a hybrid configuration where some areas of the floor component have seating and other areas do not, for both seated and roaming participants. Modularity and interchangeability of seated and non-seatable areas is also contemplated in some configurations.

[0052] 5, an example media presentation system having an LSD and audio speakers is shown in a schematic cross-sectional side view. Again, media presentation system 100 may include LSD 110 with an associated display component, floor component 120, media generation component 130, projection component 140, first redirection component 150, and second redirection component 160, among other possible components and subsystems. One or more speakers 170 may also be located throughout media presentation system 100, such as at various locations behind the display component of the LSD. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more speakers may be located below or around floor component 120, within or around one or both of redirection components 150, 160, and / or at other suitable locations within the system.

[0053] The speakers 170 may be part of an audio subsystem within the overall media presentation system 100. Such an audio subsystem may include spatial audio hardware, as well as one or more processors in communication with other overall system processors. The one or more speakers 170 may be configured in one or more phased arrays. The speakers 170 may also shape the spatial audio to focus sound at specific locations, and may also provide active "noise cancellation" to suppress undesirable sounds that reflect off display components and other physical system components that would otherwise cause echoes. As will be readily appreciated, commercial acoustic design software can assist in such configurations.

[0054] Continuing with FIG. 6 , an example media presentation system having an LSD and motion sensors is also shown in a schematic cross-sectional side view. In addition to the various components shown and described in detail above, media presentation system 100 may also include one or more motion capture (“mocap”) sensors 180. Such mocap sensors 180 may be configured to capture motion from various human viewers and / or other objects located anywhere within floor component 120 and / or LSD 110. Mocap sensors 180 may likewise be positioned at various strategic locations behind the display component of LSD 110. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more mocap sensors 180 may be positioned below or around floor component 120, within or around one or both redirection components 150, 160, and / or at other suitable locations within the overall system.

[0055] The mocap sensor 180 may be part of the overall motion capture, environmental sensing, and user input subsystems within the overall media presentation system 100. The mocap sensor 180 and other user input and environmental sensing hardware and software components enable human spectators and other users to interact with each other, projected images, and other media content to create immersive gaming and / or role-playing or user input-enhanced experiences. One example of such a scenario may involve a robust game of laser tag. Participants may wear a combination of vests, helmets, gloves, shin guards, and "weapons," which may be equipped with electronic components to sense the environment and track the participants and their various movements throughout the LSD and the system. Sensors on the garments may detect when a participant is "hit with the laser beam," similar to how laser tag works. Tracking hardware may include accelerometers to track the position and orientation of each garment element, process accelerometer data and timestamps, and transmit this to a Wi-Fi network within the LSD. Such hardware may include, for example, commercially available or customized systems-on-chips (SoCs), such as those found at the heart of modern smartphones.

[0056] An example of a low-cost, recent SoC is the Raspberry Pi family of computers ( https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Raspberry_Pi#Hardware ) Android phones also include software called ARCore ( ) that converts accelerometer data into position and orientation. https: / / developers.google.com / ar ) A Wi-Fi network within the overall system can complement this tracking by triangulating the location of the SoC antenna using signal strength differences of the SoC transmissions. This integration can utilize customized software that utilizes or replaces these APIs and integrates unique collections of wearables within the LSD.

[0057] In addition to the on-the-wear tracking and detection hardware and software, detection hardware can be installed on the LSD 110, such as behind a display component invisible to the LSD visitor, to detect a visitor's interaction with the video image and other media being presented. Infrared sensors aimed at the screen can be detected to detect "laser hits" by the visitor, which can redirect gameplay according to a given game script. One scenario could involve a visitor firing a "weapon" at a screen whose video image contains a car, which is detected by a sensor behind the screen, causing the video image to change to project an exploding car along with other media content changing. Other game types and hypothetical examples of these are also contemplated for use with the LSD and overall media presentation system disclosed herein.

[0058] Other environmental design subsystems and components are also contemplated for use within the media presentation system 100. For example, computer-controlled lighting can enhance specific moments in storytelling. Fog generators can also emit fog through floor components, small openings in the LSD, and / or other openings throughout the system. Fog devices range in size and capacity from the size of a large suitcase to the size of a ballpoint pen, and customized fog generators can be combined with other system components and features to provide special-purpose displays by directing projected images and / or active lights into the fog. Wind machines can enhance storytelling and can be combined with fog, sound, haptic feedback, and video images to create things like weather conditions. In some configurations, "smellovision" technology can also be integrated into the LSD and the entire media presentation system.

[0059] In various embodiments, stereoscopic projection can be used to provide video and visual images within the overall media presentation system disclosed herein. As can be easily understood, stereoscopic projection can provide a sense of 3D virtual reality to audiences by projecting two images onto a screen and having each human viewer wear special filter glasses so that their left and right eyes can each see only one of the two projected images. By creating an image similar to what each eye would see, it is possible to see something like a 3D object. This approach can be imperfect in some respects because each viewer views a different screen from a different position. Because it is impractical to provide different images for each individual position, stereoscopic projection typically provides an image pair based on an ideal viewer in an ideal position, and therefore the 3D effect is partially lost for audiences in different positions.

[0060] In a traditional theater, dual projectors use oppositely polarized light to produce image pairs, and audience members wear polarized glasses to filter the images toward each eye. The screen must have a special texture to prevent the polarization from mixing due to the reflection of polarized light off the screen. The image pairs are generated as if each image were from a pair of cameras separated by only a few inches. For the various LSD structures and related components disclosed herein, the basic stereoscopic video structure can be applied with one exception. The exception is that the LSD's expanded field of view and associated projection methods require that the differences between images in a stereo pair reflect different choices of ideal position and ideal viewer. The most natural ideal position and viewer can be specified as being located in the geometric center of the theater floor. While this default choice can be made in mastering the image content to be displayed for the purpose of providing a stereoscopic projection image, this default choice can be statically or dynamically changed in various situations and presentations depending on the narrative needs of a particular application.

[0061] At various points in this disclosure, reference has been made to customized software that may be developed for the various subsystems and components of the disclosed media presentation system. Further details regarding such customized software may include, for example, software associated with the projection component hardware. In some configurations, the laser scan pattern may be changed from a traditional rectangular progressive scan to one that better suits the spherical shape of the LSD. Customized software may be used to change how the directing mirrors within each laser scanner move to scan its pixel pattern. This customized scan pattern may be aided by a customized image format that efficiently presents pixels to the scanner in a preferred order. When projecting video content, video files may be compressed for efficiency and decompressed at the time of projection. Because the image format is customized for the LSD display and environment, the compression and decompression (codec) algorithms and software may also be customized.

[0062] Referring to gameplay as another example, GPU-based rendering can be customized from that traditionally used in the gaming industry. While typical game engines use GPUs for rendering assuming a normal flat screen, additional customized software can adapt such GPU rendering to the LSD scenario of the disclosed embodiments. One example of such an adaptation might be to render a scene six times along the six major axes and then instruct the GPU to stitch the six images into a single LSD-formatted image. This stitching operation might involve the use of LSD-customized software. Such software might be implemented as a "fragment shader" that runs within the GPU.

[0063] As another example, the acoustic experience in an LSD can benefit from the use of spatial audio techniques with a significant number of speakers hidden behind the screen. The phased array nature of a spatial audio system can locally focus the acoustic radiation and suppress echoes from the screen dome. These functions are dependent on and controlled using customized software in the audio subsystem. As yet another example, mocap and environmental sensing can benefit from customized hardware, along with customized integration of a system-on-chip into the LSD system and customized software for tracking and sensing.

[0064] FIG. 7A illustrates, in plan view, an example of a calibration chart for a conventional media presentation system having a flat display screen. As is generally well known, calibration of the scanning mirror in a standard projector can be performed using a calibration chart of landmarks and / or other features. Standard commercial projectors allow operators to load custom calibration charts tailored to the specific circumstances of each theater. Calibration chart 90 is an example of such a chart for projection onto a conventional, flat, rectangular screen. Calibration chart 90 may include an outer edge 91 of a rectangular shape, one or more horizontal landmarks 92, and one or more vertical landmarks 93, among other possible features that can be used to calibrate a scanning projector. It will be appreciated that other calibration charts may have more features or information than this relatively simple example.

[0065] As can be readily appreciated, such standard calibration charts may not transfer well to use with media presentation systems having display components that are not flat or substantially flat. FIG. 7B illustrates an example calibration chart in plan view for a media presentation system having an LSD. Calibration chart 190 may include a pattern related to the spherical nature of the LSD display component and may have distinct markings or features that may correspond to distinct target locations on a particular display component of the LSD. For example, calibration chart 190 may include a circular-shaped outer edge 191, inner concentric circles 192, diametric markings 193, a center point 194, and inner quadrant markings 195 disposed about the center point, among other possible marks and features. Calibration using calibration chart 190 allows for manual or automatic adjustments of the optics, software, and mirror position and orientation of projection component 140 to align these various chart markings with desired locations on the display component of LSD 110.

[0066] 8, a flowchart of an example detailed method for presenting media content using an LSD is shown. Detailed method 800 may represent a more detailed method for presenting media content. After a start step 802, a first processing step 804 may include providing a media presentation system. Such a media presentation system may include a media generation component, a projection component, one or more redirection components, and a display component, among other possible components and / or subsystems such as those described above for system 1 or system 100. Other similar types of media presentation systems having an LSD or similar spherically shaped display component may also be used.

[0067] In a next processing step 806, a video image may be generated. This may be done using a media generation component, which may involve the use of one or more processors, such as those detailed above. In a subsequent processing step 808, one or more beams containing the video image may be projected in an initial direction. This may be done using a projection component, such as those detailed above. The initial direction may be upward, such as when the projection component is located directly beneath a central opening in a floor component of the media presentation system. Other positions are also contemplated.

[0068] In a next processing step 810, one or more beams may be redirected from an initial direction to a subsequent direction. This may be achieved using a distribution mirror or a first redirection component, which may be located at the top center of the LSD of the media presentation system. The subsequent direction may be different from the initial direction. For example, if the initial direction is upward, the subsequent direction may be downward.

[0069] In a next processing step 812, one or more beams may be redirected again, but this time from a subsequent direction to a next direction. This may be done using a primary mirror or other second redirection component that may be located between the first redirection component and a floor component of the media presentation system. The next direction may be different from both the subsequent direction and the initial direction, and may be, for example, outward.

[0070] In a next process step 814, one or more beams may be received by a display component within the media presentation system. In process step 816, the video image may be displayed on the display component. As mentioned above, such a display component may be part of or adjacent to the LSD, and at least a portion of the display component may form a substantially continuous spherical shape configured to surround multiple human viewers of the video image above and around all sides of all of the multiple human viewers.

[0071] In a next processing step 818, sound related to the video image may be provided to a plurality of human viewers. This may be done by using one or more speakers located throughout the media presentation system, such as at various positions behind a spherically shaped display component. Other positions of speakers within the media presentation system may be used instead of, or in addition to, various positions behind the display component. The provided sound may be coordinated with the displayed video image, for example, through the use of one or more processors.

[0072] In a subsequent processing step 820, haptic sensations associated with the video image may be provided to a plurality of human viewers. Such haptic sensations may be provided in any manner, such as via a plurality of seats for the human viewers. In one configuration, the seats may be arranged in concentric circles about a center point of the display component, for example, in a raised or stadium-type arrangement.

[0073] In a next processing step 822, one or more inputs may be detected from one or more human viewers or users. Such inputs may be, for example, various movements from the viewers or users. These movements may be detected by one or more mocap sensors located at various locations throughout the media presentation system. Other types of inputs may include button inputs or inputs received from other users' items, such as video game controllers. In some embodiments, these user inputs may require the media generation component to generate additional visual images and / or other media (e.g., sounds, tactile sensations), which may be based at least in part on the one or more inputs. The additional video images may then be displayed on a display component, and / or other newly generated media may be provided by speakers or other items as may be appropriate.

[0074] At decision step 824, a query may be made as to whether the detected input creates a need for new media content. This may occur, for example, in the case of a video game or other user's interactive experience within an LSD. If new media content needs to be generated as a result of one or more inputs from a human viewer or user, the method may return to processing step 806 and steps 806-824 may be repeated. However, if new media content is not needed, the method may end at step 826.

[0075] It will be understood that not all process steps of the detailed method 800 are required, and other process steps and details may be added. Also, in some cases, the order of steps may be changed, and some steps may occur simultaneously. For example, steps 818 and 820 may be reversed, and step 822 may occur at another stage in the overall process. As another example, steps 806-820 may all occur simultaneously in some configurations. Other possible process steps, details, variations, and implications of the detailed method 800 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0076] As can be readily appreciated, media presentation systems such as those disclosed herein, which have display components that include LSDs, introduce significant changes in the nature and quality of video image projection and perception. Video image capture, generation, features, and game content that take advantage of these changes can be developed specifically for the disclosed LSD environments. Fully computer-generated content may be one straightforward approach to content creation for such new systems. Live-action video footage may also be highly desirable. Such advanced camera systems incorporate current camera technology with multiple camera arrangements as well as newly designed cameras that enable spherical or hemispherical imaging. For all forms of content, existing software-based mastering systems can be utilized to appropriately distort images, address the challenges and complexities of spherical projection, and place these images into customized "LSD image formats."

[0077] There are many different ways in which the disclosed LSD and associated subsystems and components can be applied and used by the general public or specific groups. In the various use cases described below, it will be understood that references to an LSD can include the specific aspects of a continuous spherical display component as well as suitable combinations of the various subsystems, components, and features of the overall media presentation system as described herein. While the following use cases are identified, it will be readily understood that many other use cases and applications of the LSD beyond these specific examples may exist.

[0078] Improved Cinema As mentioned above, a traditional cinematic experience may involve a user or human spectator viewing a feature image on an LSD, and the spherical confines of the screen are considered an improvement providing a new visual narrative experience.

[0079] Improved Ride Entertainment New and innovative ride systems, such as those used in amusement parks, can project images onto multiple portions of a sphere to fill the spectator's field of view, and can use moving seats to create the impression of movement through the scene, even though the spectator is effectively stationary. LSDs can use moving seats to cover a unique field of view across some or all portions of one or more LSDs to enhance the ride experience.

[0080] Super Laser Tag The LSD floor can function as a play space where players can walk around and interact with each other. Through the novel application of motion capture technology and an LSD spherical display that surrounds all players above and on all sides, players can walk around and interact with each other, and the LSD visual environment can enhance the laser tag game experience.

[0081] "Holodeck" scenery production LSD's extremely high quality and high definition projection allows viewers to feel immersed in the projected scenery.

[0082] Video game play using a moving seat Augmented video games can utilize the expanded field of view of LSD, with video game players sitting in moving seats for a variety of different types of augmented interactive gaming experiences.

[0083] Walking player video gameplay Video game players can freely roam the theater floor and interact with other players and the theater's physical environment. Subsystems integrating motion capture technology and / or other forms of player input enable player interaction within the virtual environment projected onto the LSD.

[0084] Remote multiple LSD video game play Many forms of video games allow interactive gameplay via online gameplay with other gamers remotely, possibly around the world. This approach can be applied using multiple LSDs, allowing players in one LSD to interact and play with other players in one or more other remote LSDs.

[0085] Training systems for public or private organizations The high visual quality, immersive theater experience, and / or interactivity of the disclosed LSD and associated subsystems and components may enable training that can be customized and refined to suit, for example, industrial, commercial, military, and / or government training.

[0086] Scientific Visualization The high-quality visual display and interactive capabilities of LSD and related components may provide a suitable platform for scientific visualization applications. Such applications are being explored in the Allosphere ( https: / / allosphere.ucsb.edu / about / ) may be similar to the methods used, but with increased quality and scale compared to the more limited use and utilization of Allosphere.

[0087] Museum and planetarium presentations The disclosed LSDs and subsystems and components can provide natural extensions and extrapolations to a variety of presentation values ​​and styles currently used in traditional museums and planetariums.

[0088] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be understood that the above-described disclosure may be embodied in many other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made and that the present disclosure should not be limited to the details set forth above, but rather should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A media presentation system comprising: a media generation component configured to generate video images; a projection component configured to project one or more beams containing the video image in an initial direction; a first redirection component configured to redirect the one or more beams from the initial direction to a subsequent direction different from the initial direction; a display component configured to receive the one or more beams and display the video image after the one or more beams have been redirected in the subsequent direction; wherein at least a portion of the display components form a substantially continuous spherical shape configured to surround a plurality of human viewers of the video image above and around all sides of the plurality of human viewers. Media presentation system.

2. a second redirection component configured to receive the one or more beams in the subsequent direction from the first redirection component and redirect the one or more beams in a subsequent direction toward the display component; The system of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the first redirection component and the second redirection component are both spherical mirrors.

4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the initial direction is upward, the subsequent direction is downward, and the next direction is outward.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the second redirection component is located between the projection component and the first redirection component.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the second redirection component includes an aperture or transparent region configured to allow the one or more beams projected from the projection component to pass through, and a reflective region configured to reflect the one or more beams redirected from the first redirection component.

7. a floor component located below the display component, the floor component configured to support the plurality of human viewers; The system of claim 1 further comprising:

8. a plurality of seats arranged at various locations on the floor component, the plurality of seats being arranged concentrically about a center point of the display component; The system of claim 7 further comprising:

9. a plurality of speakers located throughout the display component, the plurality of speakers configured to provide sound associated with the video image to the plurality of human viewers; The system of claim 1 further comprising:

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system forms a dome-shaped cinema that displays the video image on the display component located within the dome.

11. an environmental sensing system having a plurality of sensors disposed throughout the display component, the environmental sensing system being configured to sense inputs provided by the plurality of human viewers; The system of claim 1 further comprising:

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of sensors includes one or more motion sensors configured to detect movement of the plurality of human viewers.

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the media generation component is configured to generate a video image based on the sensed input.

14. 1. A method for presenting media content, comprising: providing a media presentation system including a media generation component, a projection component, a first redirection component, and a display component; generating a video image with the media generation component; projecting, with the projection component, one or more beams containing the video image in an initial direction; redirecting, by the first redirection component, the one or more beams from the initial direction to a subsequent direction different from the initial direction; receiving the one or more beams at the display component; displaying the video image on the display component, at least a portion of the display component forming a substantially continuous spherical shape configured to surround a plurality of human viewers of the video image above and around all sides of the plurality of human viewers; method.

15. redirecting, by a second redirection component of the media presentation system, the one or more beams from the subsequent direction to a next direction different from the initial direction and the subsequent direction.

15. The method of claim 14.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the initial direction is upward, the subsequent direction is downward, and the next direction is outward.

17. moreover, providing sound associated with said video images to said plurality of human viewers; 15. The method of claim 14.

18. moreover, detecting one or more inputs from one or more of the plurality of human viewers; generating, by the media generation component, additional visual imagery based at least in part on the one or more inputs; displaying the additional video image on the display component; 15. The method of claim 14.

19. moreover, providing tactile sensations associated with the video images to the plurality of human viewers; 15. The method of claim 14.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the haptic sensations are provided via a plurality of seats for the plurality of human viewers, the plurality of seats being arranged concentrically about a center point of the display component.

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