AVRRC Immersive Displays

AVRRC Panoramic Immersive Display System

Immersive displays are characterised by their ability to present very large wide field of view high resolution imagery/data where image scale is important. Another feature is that under certain conditions the user can feel immersed or present in the synthetic environment.

The AVRRC has been developing a wide range of immersive display technologies that enable a group or team of people to collaborate. These offer significant benefit over desktop displays and in some instances VR headset systems. We have found that their ability to provide extremely high-resolution images and the widest possible information context a key to understanding complex information. These outperform smaller displays by providing a significantly wider field of view. Also, these displays can provide a 1:1 scale display rather than a small window onto a scene. Consequently, there minimal requirement to zoom and scroll through displays when very wide fields of view are used.

In some visualization modes stereoscopic viewing can help provide true depth perception. However, care must be taken in some situations to track the user so that the correct viewing perspective is presented. Rear projection is preferred because it avoids the users’ creating shadows over the projection screen.

The AVRRC have developed unique multi-person stereoscopic viewing modes where two people can see different viewing perspectives from each other. This demands extremely high update rates to be achievable by the display projection hardware.

Panoramic Display System of AVRRC. One staff member is analysing the figures in front of the screen, and two other staff in the foreground are sat at a table with a laptop.

Panoramic Display System

The AVRRC have developed a blended multi-projector system that provides a very wide field of view display onto a curved projection surface. Special edge blending techniques have been used to seamlessly blend three projector images to completely fill the entire projection screen. This includes incorporates geometry, colour, luminance and distortion correction methods to provide the edge blended display. Additionally, the system can operate in a stereo display mode if required.

The main features of the multi-projector system: 

  • High resolution 
  • Stereographic 
  • Full colour 
  • Compatible with a wide range of display sources 
  • Triple blended high resolution projection system 
Immersive wall display – showing a visual analytics application

Immersive wall display – showing a visual analytics application

This display employs a modified SEOS high resolution immersive display system. The system incorporates two high resolution Barco Galaxy projection systems with wide angle short range lenses. Different blending options are available from dedicated hardware, optical and software solutions. The exact type of projection display edge blending depends on the application and the image generation platform.

The Immersive Wall Display can be operated in monoscopic or true stereoscopic (frame sequential) modes to give incredible depth information. 

Also, a high-resolution full room spatial tracking system has been integrated with the system to allow viewer dependant projections and/or full interactivity with the immersive display. 

The system is ideal for applications where a high quality stereographic image is required - for example medical applications, 3D product visualization and visual analytics. 

The main features of the Immersive Wall Display: 

  • High resolution 
  • Stereographic 
  • Full colour 
  • Compatible with a wide range of display sources 
  • Intersense 3D Tracking System 
  • Dual blended high resolution projection system 
Schematic of 5m Vision Dome

Schematic of 5m Vision Dome

The AVRRC has two Vision Domes (5m and 4m), each Vision Dome provides an impressive multi-user immersive experience when driven with appropriate graphics. The extremely wide field of view provides powerful visual cues that are crucial for some applications.

Upon entering the Vision Dome, users are completely drawn into a fully immersive 180 degree hemispheric screen. The tilted screen is positioned to fill the users’ field-of-view, creating an incredible sense of immersion. Users experience vivid images which take on depth via the unique optical system. The Vision Dome is further enhanced by an environmental sound system. 

Users of the Vision Dome do not have to wear head mounted displays, stereo glasses, or other restrictive devices. The Vision Dome is an ideal choice for multi-user, multi-sensory display for simulation, training, design, engineering, product display, energy exploration & production, education, medical services and entertainment. 

The main features are shown below: 

  • High resolution 
  • Wide field of view - 180 degrees 
  • Full colour 
  • Compatible with a wide range of display sources - although real-time image distortion needs to be applied to correct geometry. 
  • Environmental sound system 
  • Immersive experience common to a group of 15 people in a natural environment 
  • High resolution projection system 
  • Accommodates both real and computer-generated 3D data 

In its current configuration the 4m Vision Dome houses a fixed based helicopter flight simulator. The outside world visuals are extremely impressive. Below the pilot's seat is a representative control feel system that can be adjusted to suit different helicopter control configurations. The simulator can be networked to other flight simulators in the AVRRC.

a fully immersive 180 degree hemispheric screen

 4m Vision dome used as helicopter simulator

Immersive Work Bench Displaying Real-Time Heart Data from Glenfield Hospital CT Scanner
Immersive Work Bench Displaying Real-Time Heart Data from Glenfield Hospital CT Scanner

The AVRRC has two SEOS Immersive Work Bench display systems. Each Immersive Work Bench provides two channels of stereographic imagery. The system employs active stereo display technology to produce extremely high quality images that appear in front of the display device. 

These devices are ideal for applications where a high quality stereographic image is required - for example medical applications, 3D product visualization and visual analytics. 

The main features of the Immersive Work Bench: 

  • High resolution 
  • 2 x Wide field of view 
  • Stereographic 
  • Full colour 
  • Compatible with a wide range of display sources - although real-time image distortion needs to be applied to correct geometry
  • Intersense 3D Tracking System 
  • High resolution projection system