Image projection and warping for curved screens

[OmniAtlas]

To be honest, I appreciate any help I can get, so thanks to those who are contributing.
With regards to the immersive design software, I am sure it would help if I knew how to correct the distortion with an optical solution.
That is the key piece of knowledge which I am lacking right now. I had also considered changing the screen shape to spherical or conical to tilt the screen towards the projector.

Any help appreciated

The Barron

Hi Barron,

3 projectors has been proven to work with either the optoma GT1080 or the BenQ ST projectors. Check out this sim builders website - http://b737home.blogspot.com.au/

There is a pretty good diagram on how he set it up, and perhaps that can give you some additional ideas.

[OmniAtlas]

Ben, you would be better advised to follow your own advice, "IMHO, Best if you are going to recommend another cockpit builder forum, to do so by PM", in your case, the contrary argument can also apply!

This is not the place to air previous perceived grievances.

David

I agree with you David, and would be happy to share and state my case by PM. The previous response was just a caution about venturing out to Mr T Forum.

Regards.

[TheRedBarron]

Thanks OmniAtlas and others for your ideas. I have no problem reproducing what others have shown in their videos with the warping software. It appears that they too have the same issue of bowed images. See photo.


Anyone tried using optics (lenses or mirrors to correct this)?

Regards

The Barron

[TheRedBarron]

Some progress!!
Using a slightly curved mirror and back projecting I have eliminated a lot of the distortion. Hence I think it is possible to optically correct most of the distortion. I may even be able to eliminate the need for warping software Perhaps that's a bit optimistic!
PS the mirror is not first surface hence the ghosting at the edges.


Set up ...

[TheRedBarron]

Some progress!
By facing the projector away from the screen and back projecting using a curved mirror, I have managed to eliminate much of the distortion.

Here is the trial setup

Here is the resulting image...
Top left / right are out of focus because of the way I distorted the mirror.


I reckon with a first surface mirror (only using 3mm acrylic for now) and some careful clamping I can get the image pretty close to what's required.
Anyone else tried this?
Should be able to mount on the ceiling very close to the screen, which may give more room for the cockpit. That would be a double win if I can work it all out.

Regards

The Barron

[TheRedBarron]

This is my third attempt to send an update, but the two previous replies have not been published. Not sure what is going on.
Anyway, good progress has been made.
Using a curved mirror I have been able to project a much less distorted image - see pictures.


Using this set up...more later after I fine tune it (some problems with focusing due to curvature)

[OmniAtlas]

Hi Barron -- I don't think mirrors or lenses are required. You will just need careful positioning.

Nat also has some good case studies up on his website -- http://www.natvis.com.au

[iwik]

Ben has provided a great link as this guy is a real pro.
He also pops up on the site i mentioned so a post there may be of some value.
Les

[Melnato]

G'Day everyone,

Been a while since I've been here!
When I first read Murrays question, honestly it took me back 10 years prior to pre-warp software days
Although I can understand you don't want to lose pixels, you are fighting a real battle with the method you are pursuing. I can only imagine the chance of finding the perfect mirror that will result in the perfect image on the curve screen...software is so much easier...just saying.

Nat

[OmniAtlas]

Thats very interesting Barron, reminds me of some of the work with Paul Burke's iDome http://paulbourke.net/dome/iDome/

In fact, someone commericalise his stuff, and produced the Cobra Dome.

I have considered this route but First Surface Curved mirrors are expensive (>900 AUD) and might as well purchase another projector for the effect.

Have you heard of the Star Wars Pod?



I tried it out in Monte Carlo and was quite impressed. They also use one Canon projector but a very expensive spherical lens.

Ben

Some progress!
By facing the projector away from the screen and back projecting using a curved mirror, I have managed to eliminate much of the distortion.

Here is the trial setup

Here is the resulting image...
Top left / right are out of focus because of the way I distorted the mirror.

I reckon with a first surface mirror (only using 3mm acrylic for now) and some careful clamping I can get the image pretty close to what's required.
Anyone else tried this?
Should be able to mount on the ceiling very close to the screen, which may give more room for the cockpit. That would be a double win if I can work it all out.

Regards

The Barron