New BARCO stereo brochure PDF 1.3 MByte

Stereoscopic Projection3 D P R O J E C T I O N T E C H N O L O G Y

innovators in image processing

Stereobrochure 15-07-2002 09:43 Pagina 1

right eye

left eye image right eye image

stereoscopic projection

left eye

The Principle of 3D Imaging

Due to the 4-6 cm (1.6-2.3 inch) separationbetween the eyes, each eye has a slightlydifferent viewpoint. The images from thesetwo different viewpoints are sent to thebrain and this difference, which is termedparallax, is interpreted as depth.

Stereoscopic projection is based on the sameprinciple: two slightly different images areprojected onto the screen and the imagingsystem must enable the left eye to see only theleft eye image, and the right eye to see onlythe right image.

Barco’s quality of separation guaranteesthat the images of the two eyes are separatedand displayed in such a way that the final 3Dimages appear fully focused and notblurred.

Barco: The Qualit

Chemists analyze complex molecularstructures and simulate how new drugsmight interact with the human body.

Oil and Gas specialists determine where todrill by virtually exploring geoseismic data ofthe earth below its surface.

Edutainment is especially captivating whenone is immersed in a virtually createdimaginary world.

Engineers experience new designs virtuallybefore they are actually produced.

BrookHaven NationalLaboratory,

New York, USA.Photo courtesy of

Tom Sobolik.

Photo courtesy ofRover, UK.

Photo courtesy ofPolytechnic University,

Hong Kong.

Photo courtesy ofSchlumberger

Dairy Ashford, Texas,USA.


ity Solution for Stereoscopic Viewing

Barco offers a complete range of high-endprojection platforms covering all technologies - CRT,LCD and DLP™ - for active and/or passive stereoapplications.

High quality optional application-specificoptimizations for multi-screen stereoscopicprojection onto flat, curved and dome-shapedscreens result from years of experience in the field.

Barco’s projection solutions include: • Optimized mechanics and screens• Proprietary high-quality eyewear• Software for dedicated image distortion and easy

adjustment and maintenance

Barco has a proven track record of high-qualityinstallations in the most demanding 3D marketsworldwide.

Automotive designers evaluate the looks and ergonomics of future cars, reducing the costlyand time-consuming effort of physical prototyping.


1 DLP™Projector1 CRTProjector

Pair of passive stereo glasses

Images at doublerefresh rate on a non-depolarizing screen

Stereo-enabled DLP™ or fast-phosphor greenCRT projector

ZScreen

The ZScreen for a DLP™ (Digital Light Processing™)projector such as the BARCO GALAXY is smaller becauseit must cover only one lens, while a CRT projector hasthree lenses.

LCD projectors cannot operate at a high enoughvertical refresh rate to produce a high-quality stereodisplay with a single projector (at least 96 Hz isrecommended).

When using CRT projection a "fast-phosphor"green CRT is needed to obtain the required highrefresh rate. Barco CRT projectors such as theBARCOREALITY 908, 909 and 912 can be delivered withthis option already installed.

Barco has developed very high quality passive stereodisplays based on the principle of light polarization.The viewer wears a pair of glasses containing twooppositely polarized filters - one for the left eye andone for the right eye. The light from each of twoprojected images is polarized and can only passthrough its corresponding filter.

With a Single Projector

• The projector alternates the left eye information withthe right eye information at double refresh rate.

• A ‘ZScreen’ in front of the projector’s lensesalternates the polarization of the projected imagein such a way that the image of each eye passes onlythrough its corresponding polarizing filter of the pairof passive stereo glasses.

PassivePassive 3D DISPLAY SYSTEMS

Photo courtesy of Terminal V, Austria.



Non-depolarizing screenTwo CRT or DLP™ projectors

With Two Projectors

One projector displays the left eye information and theother displays the right eye information, both at astandard refresh rate.A polarizing filter mounted in the optical light pathof each projector ensures that the correct informationpasses through its corresponding filter in the pair ofpassive stereo glasses.This two-projector approach has the added value ofproviding higher brightness.

A light wave rotates in any direction. The specificorientation at any given moment determines thepolarization of a light wave. By passing unpolarizedlight through a polarizer, only one of its orientationsemerges.

By organizing the polarization oppositely for theleft and right eye we can direct differentinformation to the left and right eye, thus creatingdepth perception. As the human eye itself is largelyinsensitive to polarization, changing the orientation ofpolarized light does not change what we see.

Linear & Circular Light Polarization

Linear PolarizationIf light is polarized in a single direction (north/south,east/west, or even oriented diagonally), it is defined aslinear polarization. When one changes the orientationof linear-polarized glasses by tilting his or her head, sothat the resulting orientation of polarization does notmatch that of the polarization filter mounted on aprojector, there will be a loss of stereo information asperceived by the viewer.

Nevertheless, linear polarization is a cost-effectivetechnology that can produce excellent image separationbetween the left and right eye, for stereoscopicapplications whereby head tilting is limited.

Linear polarized light

Circular polarized light

2 CRT ProjectorsAlthough weaker in light output, a CRT projectorallows for the highest resolution large screenimages, with unparalleled visual fidelity. Barco CRT projectors offer a motorized polarizationfilter as an option for stereoscopic projection, wherebythe filter can be rotated away from the lens forstandard non-stereoscopic projection.

2 DLP™Projectors

In high ambient light conditions or for very largescreen applications, this solution is optimal.Barco offers a range of high-quality DLP™ (DigitalLight Processing™) projectors with light output from5,000 to 18,000 ANSI lumens. For stereoscopic use,however, “stereo lumen” - which equals less than halfthe ANSI lumen value - is the realistic measurementof brightness.

PassivePassive 3D DISPLAY SYSTEMS



Images at doublerefresh rate on a non-depolarizing screen Two 3D optimized

LCD projectors

Linear-polarized Barco glasses are matched to linear-polarized Barco projectors, and they offer an excellentquality-to-price value for stereo viewing with largeaudiences.

Circular PolarizationWith circular polarization, the viewer can tilt his headand change his viewing angle relative to thestereoscopic projection display, because the light is notpolarized in a single direction.

As this high-end technology demands greaterprecision and requires a tighter match between thepolarizing filters in the light path of the projectors andthose in the glasses, the use of Barco high-qualitycircular eyewear is recommended.

Easy to use and comfortable to wear, polarizedpassive stereo eyewear have no active components andare thus very affordable for large audiences.

Overview Barco glasses: www.vr.barco.com

Some alternative technologies available todayincorporate stereo information into the colorwavelengths of the projected image. This solutiontends to impact negatively on the contrast and colorsaturation of the image, resulting in washed-out andcolor-distorted renderings.

Barco’s MICATM, MINI CADWALL.(Photo courtesy of Schlumberger, GeoQuest)

Single Active Stereo > Passive Stereo The BARCO DUET converter splits an active stereoimage into a left and right eye component andthen passes these two images to the two correspondinginternally polarized BARCOREALITY SIM 6 projectors.

Barco DUETThe active-to-passive stereo converter for the BARCOREALITY SIM 6projector offers automated left/right signal and sync detection andautomatically chooses the resolution and refresh rate for optimalpassive stereo display.

one double refresh rateactive stereo signal

two passive stereo signals

Dual-stackedBARCOREALITY SIM 6

Workstation with one graphics output Barco's DUET

one double refresh rateactive stereo signal

two passive stereo signals

Dual-stackedBARCOREALITY SIM 6

Workstation with one graphics output Barco's DUET

2 LCDProjectorsBarco LCD projectors are each internallypolarized to its corresponding left and right eyeinformation, eliminating the requirement for externalfilters. With Barco’s internal polarization 70% of theoriginal light output is maintained, making thistechnology the most efficient method available toobtain high stereo lumen brightness levels.

DUET

Barco’s high-quality circular eyewear

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Single Projector, Double Refresh Rate

The viewer wears special eyewear comprising two IR-controlled LCD light shutters working insynchronization with the projector. When theprojector displays the left eye image, the right eyeshutter of the active stereo eyewear is closed, and viceversa. The single projector used must be capable ofdisplaying at a refresh rate high enough that theviewer does not perceive a flicker between alternateframes. Pair of active stereo glasses

Images at doublerefresh rate

Stereo-enabled DLP™ or fast phosphor green CRT projector

Emitter

Photo courtesy of ItalDesign, Italy.

1 CRT ProjectorDue to the higher refresh rate of the incomingsignal, a projector with a ‘fast phosphor’ green CRTis required. Barco’s CRT projectors can be deliveredwith this option already installed.

1 DLP™Projector

The BARCO GALAXY stereoscopic DLP™ projectoroffers stereo capabilities at SXGA resolution up to110Hz. This higher refresh rate is complemented by anextremely bright and high-contrast image, resulting inan active stereo 3D projection display of unparalleledclarity and vividness.

ActiveActive 3D DISPLAY SYSTEMS

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Stereo

LCD

CRT

DLP™

Lumens

With stereo projection, light output is at leasthalved in the process of creating a separate left andright eye picture. Projectors employing differenttechnologies but with the same ANSI lumen specs cangive quite different stereo lumen results. The stereolumen is the only practical value for accuratelymeasuring brightness in Virtual Reality applications.

BARCOREALITY 909The motorized polarizing filter can be

disengaged by remote control forfull brightness in non-

stereo mode. BARCO GALAXY DLP™An impressive 205 MHz A/D conversion

bandwidth ensures compatibility with high resolutionand high refresh rate sources for active stereo.

Fast Green Phosphor

CRT projectors offer a high dynamic range,displaying detail from bright highlight areas to darkshadow areas. Color matching and color uniformity isexcellent.

For active stereo applications, where double refreshrates are required, the persistence and decay time ofthe phosphor on the green cathode ray tube (CRT)must be shortened.

Barco offers active stereo CRT projectors with fast-phosphor green tubes at sizes of 7", 8", 9", and even12”.

BARCOREALITY SIM 6 This LCD projector, which is speciallydesigned for applications in Simulation andVirtual Reality, offers built-in Warp6TM

non-linear image mapping technology.Warp6TM enables high-order pre-distortionselectronically with virtually no frame delay,for use with curved-screen and domeapplications.The BARCOREALITY SIM 6 projectorsshown here are equipped with Barco’sexternal blending plates, for seamless soft-edge matching across multi-channel displays.

Internally Stereo Optimized

By internally polarizing Barco LCD projectors, externalpolarizing filters are not needed, thus avoiding theexcessive light loss caused by external polarization. Inthis way Barco LCD stereo-optimized projectors are ableto maintain about 70% of the original light output.

Barco’s Transport Delay Reduction technologyessentially eliminates the delay between the inputsignal and the projected image for optimal real-timeinteraction with projected images.

Light Efficiency

BARCO GALAXY

Barco’s multi-channel-capable stereo-optimizedGALAXY, equipped with DMD™ (Digital MicromirrorDevice™) optimized polarizers, displays active stereo atSXGA resolution up to 110Hz.

Barco’s SyncLock technology ensures synchronizationbetween the Image Generator, the BARCO GALAXYand the active stereo shutter glasses.

For passive stereo, Barco offers a range of DLP™projectors with light output from 5,000 to 18,000 ANSIlumens.

more product info on www.vr.barco.com


> ACT IVE STEREO

As the projector sequentially projects the left and righteye images, the duty cycle is 50%. However, the extrablanking between the left and the right image that isrequired to ensure a good stereo separation furtherdiminishes the light output, resulting in anefficiency of about 45%.Due to polarizing filters that are utilized in active

stereo eyewear, each eye receives less than half ofthe remaining light. As the shutter glasses do notopen and close instantaneously, and due to the lightlost from the polarization, efficiency of the activestereo eyewear is rated at about 35%. The overallefficiency of the active stereo process thereforeequals about 45% x 35%, or approximately 16%.

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SINGLE CRT OR DLP™ PROJECTOR

The unpolarized light coming from each projector isexternally polarized, which diminishes the brightnessby more than half and reduces the efficiency to about45%. Then the polarized image is viewed through

LCD panels polarize the light that passes through themin different directions. Through the use of internalpolarization Barco is able to maintain about 70% ofthe original light output.

Combined with the 84% efficiency of the passiveglasses an overall projection efficiency of 59% isreached.

passive stereo glasses that transmit the polarizedlight at about 84% efficiency, resulting in a finalefficiency rate of approximately 38%.

When a ZScreen is used to polarize the light, a singleprojector is driven in active stereo mode. As a ZScreenis even slower than active glasses more blanking isneeded between the left and right signal, resulting in aduty cycle efficiency of about 40%.

The ZScreen polarizes light with a brightness efficiencyof about 35%. With the passive stereo eyewearhaving an efficiency rating of 84%, the final efficiencyrating is about 12%.

> PASS IVE STEREO

-55%-16% 38%

-60%-65% -16%

12%

-30%-16% 59%

TWO CRT OR DLP™ PROJECTORS

SINGLE PROJECTOR WITH ZSCREEN

TWO LCD PROJECTORS


Mirror

Wide

Although the projection screen is oneof the key components in a displaysystem, its significance is oftenoverlooked. The type of screentechnology employed is critical formulti-channel displays and especiallyfor passive stereoscopic projection. In close collaboration with the world’sleading screen suppliers, Barco isconstantly evaluating the latest screentechnologies and has developedproprietary and customized screensolutions for the most demandingapplications.

Advanced Screen Technology

There is no magic screen material norconfiguration or set-up that performsperfectly for every installation

Viewing Angles

Providing wide horizontal and vertical viewing angles andmaintaining consistent corner-to-center brightness levels areessential for large-format stereoscopic projection display systems.In order to eliminate hot spots and color shifts the gain anddiffusion properties of a screen must be matched preciselyto the type of projection technology utilized (CRT, LCD, or DLP™).The positioning of the projectors (on-axis or off-axis), theirbrightness level, and the type of stereoscopy (active or passive)are important considerations as well.

Barco offers screens that can beoptimized for diffusion with differentgain factors. Total half-gain anglescan range from 45 to 100 degrees,depending on the specific needs ofthe application.

Configurations

To minimize the floor space required for rear-projectioninstallations, optical mirror systems are often used to fold thelight path. Barco uses only specially selected front-coated mirrorsof the highest quality. Advanced 3D engineering software isutilized to calculate the optimal positioning of the mirrors,projectors, and screen, as the complex light paths within aprojection display system are precision-designed to the tightesttolerances possible.


PASCAD

MechanicalSetup Channels Stereo ● Rigid or

● Flexible Screen● front ● single ● none ● flat● rear ● multi* ● active ● cylindrical curved

● passive linear ● spherical curved● passive circular ● conical curved

* blending optimized

Barco’s Transportable I-SPACETM4(Photo Courtesy of Dassault Systèmes Group and SAS3 consortium)

Standard screen:ghosting due to

inadequate non-depolarization of

the screen.

Passive Stereo Screen

Excellent Stereo SeparationWhen excellent passive stereo separation is achieved byintegrating Barco projectors with polarizationtechnology, it is perfectly maintained by the optimalnon-depolarizing properties of Barco’s proprietaryPASCAD passive stereo screen.

Requirements

While screens should be as rigid as possible in order toprevent distortion of the projected image, they mustalso have the flexibility to pass through doors orwindows to reach an installation site. When used onthe floor of an immersive cubic environment, thescreen must be solid and stable enough to supportseveral people, yet thin enough to prevent doubledimages. There should be no visible seams between thewalls, floor and ceiling.

Barco can deliver single sheets of screen material withwidths up to 7.5m (24.6 feet), heights up to 3.5m(11.5 ft), and thicknesses from 0.8mm (0.032 inch) to75mm (3 inch).

Barco’sPASCADscreen

ACTCADActive Stereo Screen

After extensive testing of numerous different screenmaterials, which were selected based on a thoroughunderstanding of their mechanical and opticalcharacteristics, Barco has developed its proprietaryACTCAD screens. Delivering a higher brightness leveland better color uniformity than standard diffusescreens, the ACTCAD screen offers optimal viewingfrom almost any angle.


Barco’s Projector Alignment Tool

For easy and fast alignmentof complex multi-screenprojection systems to theirmaximum capabilities, Barcohas developed its ownproprietary dedicatedsoftware.

With an intuitive userinterface, Barco’s Polarissoftware is driven by multi-pipe, multi-channel imagegenerators to calculate andgenerate user-specified pre-distorted test patterns.

EXPERT PROJECTOR ALIGNMENT SOFTWARE

AutoAlignAfter one source has been aligned, BARCO AUTOALIGNtechnology automatically adjusts the other sourcesto obtain optimal geometry, edge matching andconvergence. This automated alignment process resultsin a precise matching of adjacent channels in theblend areas. Remote access is possible through a localnetwork.

AUTOALIGN is also a great help in performing a quicktouch-up to maintain optimal multi-channelgeometry and convergence (including on green).

Expert Alignment Software

The user enters the dimensions and shape ofthe screen (flat, cylindrical, spherical,toroidal, dome-shaped, conical) andPolaris calculates and generates thepre-distorted geometry, gray scaleand color alignment patterns.

Camera settings and parameters foreach display channel can be specified incoordinates or as field-of-view angles,either symmetrical or asymmetrical.

When applicable,patterns can be savedindependently from thegraphics configuration ofthe image generator.

AccurateReference Points

To enable the alignment of several projectors onto amulti-channel display, accurate reference pointsmust be marked on the screen structure.

To achieve the highest level of accuracy possible, Barcohas developed its own procedures and correspondinghardware.

www.vr.barco.com


Foto courtesy of Fraunhofer IAO, GermanyFoto courtesy of Fraunhofer IAO, Germany

WizardTracking Software

As a user’s head moves, turns or tilts in a virtualenvironment, the computer-generated image he seesmust continually update accordingly with nonoticeable lag, jitter or distortion. If a user employs awand to interact with the environment, the computermust interact in real time with the movements andspatial orientation of the wand as well.

Accurate tracking of the user’smovements and subsequentfeedback to the computer areintegral components of asuccessful interactionbetween the user and thecomputer.

The technology orcombination oftechnologies chosen forinteraction will determineits efficiency in a givenapplication. Barco hasaccumulated considerableexperience with the variousinteractive devices andtracking technologies and caninsure a superior performanceand a "seamless" integration of thetracking system into a given interactivedisplay system.

For the accurate and efficient calibration of ultrasonictracking devices, Barco has developed its "iWIZARD"software. In combination with integrated markinghardware, this software is used to configure theposition and orientation of each transmitter. For reconfigurable systems such as the BARCO MOVE™different setups can be activated by a single buttonclick. The software is available on Unix as well as onWindows platforms.


Renault - Italdesign - Pharmacia - Cineca -

ELF - Volvo - General Motors - Italdesign -

National Center for Atmospheric Research -

Center for Human Simulation - SGI - EDS -

Boeing - AGIP - University of Vienna - Lancia

- Schlumberger - Volkswagen - PSA -

University of Munster - Fraunhofer Institut -

Skoda - Cineca - University of Tokyo - FIAT -

SAIC - Pininfarina - Adler Planetarium -

Conoco - US Army - Brown University - Alfa

Romeo - World Expo Hanover 2000 -

University of Tubingen - Sanofi - University

of Mississippi - Avantis Pharma - Stola

Group - University of Osaka - Matsushita

Sonatrach HMD - Digital Earth - University

of Illinois - Naval Undersea Warfare Center -

NASA Ames Research Center - BMW - Maui

High Performance Computing Center -

Brookhaven National Laboratory ...

BARCO Simulation ProductsA Business Unit of BARCO Projection Systems

US Headquarters:600 Bellbrook Ave.Xenia, OH 45385Phone +1 (937) 372 7579 • Fax +1 (937) 372 8645E-mail: [email protected]

European Headquarters:Noordlaan 5 8520 Kuurne, BelgiumPhone +32 56 36 82 11 • Fax +32 56 36 84 86E-mail: [email protected]

www.vr.barco.com

• Expertise in all aspectsthat create and impactstereo image quality

• Global experience in awide variety ofdemanding V&ARapplications

Ref

. n°

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9430

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2002

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BARCO Projection Systems

is an ISO 9001 registered

company.

The information and data given are typical for the

equipment described. However any individual

item is subject to change without any notice.

Barco Simulation Products develops high-performance visual display

systems for flight simulators, ship bridge simulators, Air Traffic Control,

mission rehearsal simulators and entertainment applications. Active on a

worldwide scale – with main offices in Kuurne (Belgium) and Xenia

(Ohio, US) – Barco Simulation Products has gained an international

reputation for its customer-driven application engineering and

projection system optimization know-how.

In Virtual and Augmented Reality HighestAdded Value for Optimal Return onInvestment has a Name: BARCO

Barco’s Virtual & Augmented Reality (V&AR) division offers a wide range

of high-end solutions for 3D stereo and multi-screen applications,

ranging from curved-screen reality centers and multi-channel

CADWALLS™, to immersive virtual environments such as the MOVE™ and

the I-SPACE™. These top-of-the-line V&AR solutions are developed and

manufactured for a variety of markets, such as Automotive, Oil&Gas,

Military, Pharmaceutical, Medical, Edutainment and Engineering.

US headquarters at Xenia, Ohio European headquarters at Kuurne, Belgium

DLP™ technology by Texas Instruments offers

crystal clear images with superior quality.

DLP, Digital Light Processing, DMD, Digital

Micromirror Device are trademarks of Texas

Instruments.


Documents

New BARCO stereo brochure PDF 1.3 MByte