A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.
Systems, Methods And Computer Program Products For Converting Image Data To Nonplanar Image Data
Raymond L. Idaszak - Apex NC David T. Bennett - Chapel Hill NC Suresh Balu - Carrboro NC
Assignee:
Elumens Corporation - Cary NC
International Classification:
G06T 1520
US Classification:
345427, 345581, 345585, 345582, 345419
Abstract:
Image data is converted to nonplanar image data for display on a nonplanar display, using a planar image graphics computer system, such as an OpenGLĂ‚ system, which converts image data to planar image data for display on a planar display. A transformation matrix is obtained from the planar image graphics computer system. A plurality of vertices of the image data are multiplied by the obtained transformation matrix, to produce transformed image data. The transformed image data is nonplanarly distortion corrected to produce nonplanar image data. A passthrough transformation matrix, such as an identity matrix, is provided to the planar image graphics computer system. The nonplanar image data is then input to the planar image graphics computer system for further processing. The nonplanar image data which is processed by the planar image graphics computer system is then displayed on a nonplanar display. Accordingly, the image data is distortion corrected and manipulated as necessary, so that the distortion corrected image data can be applied to a standard planar image graphics computer system for image processing.
Methods, Systems, And Computer Program Products For Generating And Providing Access To End-User-Definable Voice Portals
Edward Lee Bryan - Durham NC David Tracy Bennett - Chapel Hill NC Raymond Leo Idaszak - Apex NC Suresh Balu - Carrboro NC
Assignee:
Topic Radio, Inc. - Durham NC
International Classification:
G06F 1730
US Classification:
707 9, 704270, 704275, 379 8801, 379 8802
Abstract:
A method and system for creating, using, and updating individual user voice portals in a multi-user environment is disclosed. Each user selects data sources, keywords and time intervals for searching the data sources, and grammar for accessing search results. Based on this information, an individual voice portal is created for the user. The requested information is extracted from the specified data sources and cached or stored in a database to increase extraction speed. The user accesses the individual voice portal using a unique identifier assigned to the user and the selected grammar. Because each user has a unique voice portal, the search space for software that interprets the grammar is decreased. As a result, the likelihood of misinterpretation and the time for extracting the requested information are decreased.
Optical Projection System Including Projection Dome
A visual workstation for use by a viewer includes a dome having an open front end and a truncated spherical inner dome surface. A work surface is disposed in front of and adjacent the dome front end. The work surface defines a viewer area on a side of the work surface opposite the dome. The viewer area is sized and configured to receive the viewer and is positioned relative to the spherical inner dome surface such that the viewer, when located in the viewer area, may view the spherical inner dome surface. A projector is disposed between the viewer area and the dome. The projector is operative to project a truncated spherical projection onto the inner dome surface.
Display Station And Three-Dimensional Display Ceiling
Suresh Balu - Chapel Hill NC, US Raymond L. Idaszak - Apex NC, US Eric Knisley - Durham NC, US
Assignee:
Elumens Corporation - Durham NC
International Classification:
G03B021/14 G02F001/133
US Classification:
353 94, 353122, 349 8, 352 70
Abstract:
An optical projection system includes a first optical image projector that is configured to generate a first array of image pixels having a first pupil associated therewith. A second optical image projector is configured to generate a second array of image pixels having a second pupil associated therewith. An optical element is configured to superimpose the first and second pupils to create a single exit pupil.
Methods And Systems For Projecting Images At Greater Than 180 Degrees
Raymond L. Idaszak - Apex NC, US Suresh Balu - Chapel Hill NC, US David McConville - Asheville NC, US
Assignee:
Elumens Corporation - Durham NC
International Classification:
G03B021/14
US Classification:
353122, 353 69
Abstract:
An optical projection system includes an image source that is configured to generate an array of image pixels. A lens assembly is configured to project the array of image pixels onto a hemispherical surface at a projection angle greater than 180. The lens assembly may include a wide-angle lens assembly and an image relay lens assembly that is configured to reduce dispersion in the array of image pixels between the image source and the wide-angle lens assembly. The wide-angle lens assembly may include a meniscus lens assembly and a wavefront shaping lens assembly. The lens assembly may be further configured to project the array of image pixels onto the hemispherical surface such that there is a constant angular separation between adjacent image pixels. An optical projection system may also include two image sources that are configured to generate first and second arrays of image pixels and two lens assemblies that are configured to respectively project the first and second arrays of image pixels at projection angles that are greater than 180 onto a surface in opposite directions of each other. The combination of the first and second arrays of image pixels may cover a continuous, 360 portion of the hemispherical surface.
Optical Projection System And Methods For Configuring The Same
Suresh Balu - Chapel Hill NC, US Jason Coposky - Raleigh NC, US Ray Idaszak - Apex NC, US Warren Ginn - Raleigh NC, US Tim Fletcher - Kowloon, Flat A, 2/F, Block A, HK
International Classification:
G03B 21/00 G03B 21/28 G09B 9/00
US Classification:
353 7, 353 99, 348121
Abstract:
An optical projection system for use with a display surface includes at least one image source including an array of source image pixels, a projector to project a first projection of the array of source image pixels, and at least one mirror including at least one curved reflecting surface having a curved profile. The at least one curved reflecting surface is adapted to convert the first projection to a curved second projection directed onto the display surface to provide an array of displayed image pixels on the display surface corresponding to the array of source image pixels, wherein the array of displayed image pixels have constant pixel pitch among adjacent displayed image pixels.