MSOL Unveils Large Stereoscopic Image Projection System

Jun 28, 2007 20:01 Tsunenori Tomioka, Nikkei Monozukuri

Marubeni Solutions Corp. (MSOL) has exhibited Cheoptics360 XL, a large stereoscopic image projection system developed by Ramboll Denmark A/S at the 18th Design Engineering & Manufacturing Solutions Expo/Conference 2007 for the first time to the public.

The system comprises glass screens placed in an inverse pyramid frame and projectors. With this system, 3D images can be viewed with the naked eye.

The screens are half mirrors provided on four sides except for the top surface. Basically, a viewer looks at one of the screens, even though images can be seen from all angles in 360°.

Images are projected from the projectors located below each of the screens. As the screens are tilted downward, the images are reflected forward by the screens (half mirrors). To viewers, it seems as if the images are displayed in the center of the pyramid.

Two factors that render stereoscopic images are the black background behind the projected object and the effect of the perspective in the image. This is similar to when one looks outside from a window in a bright room at night.

If a black object is held in front of the window, the view outside can be seen clearly from the portion corresponding to the object. Similarly, if the background of the object intended for stereoscopic projection is black, the viewers can see through the background so that the object seems as if it is cut out from the background.

In short, the backside of the opposed screen is seen on the background and the object seems as if it is floating in the center of the pyramid. Thus, the distance between the projection points of the background and object generates the depth feeling.

In addition, the object looks more naturally three-dimensional because it is subjected to an effect similar to the perspective.

The frame comes in four sizes measuring 1.5 x 1.5 x 2.6 m, 3 x 3 x 3.3 m, 5 x 5 x 4.3 m and 10 x 10 x 6.8 m (in the order of width, depth and height). Height can be customized. The product is priced from 20 million yen (USD 162,575).

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