Anamorphous lenses - Experiences?

[Matt Olieman]

The curved mirror topic has been around a while. I've definitely experimented with it.

WARNING: you just can't use any type mirror, it has to be a front surface mirror, otherwise you will get ghost imaging. (actually, you can if you want, but...)

Now we're talking big bucks again

[superconnie]

MattO:
What kind of mirrors did you use? I know that some good optical surface mirrors must be used for that... I just stumbled over another problem. Will I need a curved screen when I use a cylindrical mirror?

NicD:
You described the effect that the picture is accelerated at the edges. Were you using a flat screen or a cylindrical screen?

I just contacted a company who builds mirrors of metal instead of glass. They are normally used for high power lasers (with internal cooling) but they also have small mirrors and they say metal mirrors are much cheaper. Will see if it's true.

[Matt Olieman]

I tried several kinds of mirrors, the closest to a front surface was mylar covered over plastic (lexan), didn't work to well.

Part of the reason for curved mirror was to project on a curved screen. Curved mirror changes the distance of projection, so a curved screen would be required.

I'm far from an expert at doing this.... so don't take my experience to seriously, I too am still looking for the right answer for the best result.

Metal mirrors..... you got my attention.... keep us informed

[superconnie]

THIS would be the solution to all our problems:

http://www.openwarp.com/

But it looks extremely expensive... With this box you can trow pictures on any form of screen, with as many projectors as you want. All kind of geometric adjustments are possible.

[andyb]

There's also another thread describing a similar solution ......

One VERY exciting software program
http://www.mycockpit.org/forums/showthread.php?t=11040

THIS would be the solution to all our problems:

http://www.openwarp.com/

But it looks extremely expensive... With this box you can trow pictures on any form of screen, with as many projectors as you want. All kind of geometric adjustments are possible.

[superconnie]

Are you the AndyB. from Immersaview.com? We are already in contact and I'm looking forward to get a price list.
I'm now downloading the evaluation version of the Sol7 software... let's see what it can do for me

I have seen a price of $4000 and I hope this is only for large scale commecial applications because this is far away from what I can afford. For that money I almost build the entire simulator.

Christian

[superconnie]

I just tried the demo of Sol7 and it is great! Very simple to use and it works. You only need the manual to find out the keys used in the setup.

As screen I used a simple piece of paper approx. 60x45cm and positioned it in front of my beamer. I made a curved screen but with a very odd shape... the paper just stood there as it was.

After a few tries and restarts ( the demo works only 10 min.) I had a picture with an almost perfect geometry.... even on my improvised screen.

[superconnie]

I got an answer from the metal mirror manufacturer... a 10x10cm curved mirror would cost about 1000 Euro. That's too expensive for an experiment I don't know if it works.
The interesting point is that the cost of the mirror come down to 1/10 if the price if you order a higher quantity.

However, I think I forget the mirror thing and concentrate on the Sol7 software.

Christian

[Matt Olieman]

That answers my question, regarding buying a metal mirror, OUCH!!!

Who needs a curved mirror anyway when you got Sol7....