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Revolutionary projection calibration technology for 360 dome theaters

Why do we need calibration and clever software?

Dome projection has a field of view close to 180º from left to right and front to back of the dome screen. That is much wider than the human eye field of view, and that what makes the dome an immersive environment. 

Such a wide field of view means a lot of pixels are needed for a clear image, and in theory, the number of pixels required is independent of dome size. However, 8K resolution seems to be more than adequate in very big domes and 4K resolution in medium-size domes. For small domes, a lower resolution is often acceptable.

When Fulldome.pro entered the dome projection market in 2010, there were no 4K projectors. Back then, the only way to get higher resolution in a projection dome was to combine images from multiple projectors.

And that’s where calibration comes in. When more than one projector is used, we must align them to cover the full screen, split the content between the projectors, and mask and blend images where these projections intersect.

 

Before digital calibration, this had to be done manually. The process of masking and blending could take hours or even days. Even after slight adjustments like moving projectors or replacing lamps, the calibration had to be done all over again. The difficulty with setting up and maintaining dome projection had limited mobile domes to the single projector systems with low resolution. 

This, in turn, limited the size of mobile and portable domes. High-resolution immersive dome experiences like Samskara – did not exist.

How it works

After installing the projectors and pointing them in roughly the right direction, a camera with a fisheye lens is placed in the center of the dome. The operator connects the camera to the single media server and starts the calibration process. Our fully-automated calibration software takes care of the rest.

Each projector displays a series of patterns on the screen, which are captured by the camera and analyzed. The software works out where each projector overlaps with others and maps the intensity over the entire screen. With our DX4 projection systems, a full calibration is completed in under 15 minutes. When calibrating systems with eight or more projectors, masks and blends for multiple projectors are calculated simultaneously – so the process is still really fast.

In most cases, calibration only needs to be performed once for a perfect dome image. But there are times where a few tweaks may be required. Settings can be adjusted to compensate for stray light, objects inside the projection dome, and other factors. Once these parameters are set, the system will be able to calibrate despite the interference.

Fulldome.pro technology allows using relatively low-cost projectors, which in turn lowers the cost of high-quality dome projection systems. Even though 8K projectors are becoming available, using multiple FullHD or 4K projectors will produce better results at a lower overall cost.

Another great feature is that the calibration process is managed from the iPad interface and is run from a single Media Server. There is no need for a dedicated server room or a team of IT staff to support it.

Why we love it

Our auto-calibration system made the previously tedious task fast and efficient, cutting down projection domes installation time and costs. Any project manager or a team member can be trained to complete a calibration process with our user-friendly technology.

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THE SECRETS OF MAKING YOUR EXPO STAND A SUCCESS

So you’ve decided to take part in one of the industry’s most visited trade fairs. You’ve booked a space, and your stand is located in a good spot. Is this enough for success? To be blunt – no. In this article, we’ll go over the risks and the solutions in order to make sure that not a single visitor passes your company by. 

Participating in an expo is a marketing exercise, so your company should have a well-prepared strategy for expo marketing, including a description of the company’s position on the products and services market. You need a detailed, clear and simple description of the unique commercial product the company intends to present at the expo, and this should be reflected in the design of the stand. 

Careful consideration of the recognisability of your business is essential, and some simple but important steps can help you with this:

1. Give your stand a branded design

Branding can help you to show the way you communicate with your customers and helps them understand what makes your product unique. By making your company’s corporate style a key element of the stand’s design, you will create your own world and can attract “your” people. 

2. “Build high” to attract visitor traffic to your stand

Your stand should be visible from afar. For this, use components that are taller than standard. Use banners, flags, illuminated signs or a projection dome – let it be a beacon for your business. Bear in mind that technical norms to be followed when installing such constructions, so you need to make sure that the organizers of the event can make your idea a reality. 

3. Consider extra lighting for your stand

The light in an exhibition pavilion may not be ideal. But even the most modern expo center will not be able to provide you with additional individual lighting. Creative illumination will give your stand increased visibility and will not only attract visitors but also concentrate their attention, emphasizing particular areas. 

Remember that according to research, 46 percent of visitors make decisions on whether to buy a product while attending an expo, and 77 percent find new suppliers. 

These three simple rules on a visual design for a stand at an exhibition pavilion are guaranteed to attract new buyers to your company while giving your established customers a pleasant surprise.

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What you need to know about the Geodesic dome

Geodesic domes are modern architectural theatre structures that come with several peculiar characteristics. 

Their origin, however, is traced back to Walther Bauersfeld – who purposely designed it for a planetarium project he was championing. Thus, the first structure with this basic model was built in Germany in the year 1922. At that time, people got to love the dome idea, primarily because of the observed successes it had on Bauersfeld’s project. 

Use benefits of Geodesic domes

Geodesic domes provide some distinct structural advantages, which are a significant reason why many people now see them as a right solution for different housing or sheltering needs. 

 

Asides the massive aesthetic appeal on most Geodesic dome structures, several other benefits come to users:

1. They are easier and quicker to set up

The fact that Geodesic domes are quick to set up is probably one of the main reasons why people still fancy them a lot. Geodesic domes don’t have a fixed base structure, and you can get a beautiful dome standing in relatively less time, hence making them good options for emergency sheltering purposes.

2. They carry out effective air and heat distribution

Air and heat distribution in a Geodesic dome, is mostly even and effectively optimizing the same condition throughout the structure. This is a good reason why it is also suitable for everyday housing purposes.

3. Geodesic dome designs make them durable and strong

After the success of the first Geodesic dome, one of the reasons why more people ventured into its creation and use, is because of their durability and rugged tendencies. The Geodesic dome is usually strong enough for its weight, while its spherical shape allows it to enclose a great volume for a less surface area.

Considering their strength and durability, these structures can significantly withstand weather conditions like snow loading, wind storms, heavy rain, and heat.

4. They’re relatively cheap to build

Unlike the regular housing structures that take more time and resources to build, Geodesic domes don’t require too many materials. This makes them very cost-effective housing and sheltering structures that are yet very effective.

Possible uses of Geodesic domes

Interestingly, Geodesic domes can (and are) used for a good number of activities and purposes. The following are some ways you’ll find them useful:

1. Greenhouse farming

Since Geodesic domes can significantly distribute temperature and air evenly within itself, this makes it a good structure for greenhouse farming. 

If you’re thinking of starting a greenhouse, then you really should consider making it in the form of a Geodesic dome.

2. Yoga practicing and exercise

Yes, the atmosphere in a geodesic dome, tends to make you connect well with your body and mind. 

It also provides you with enough space to carry out your practices and exercise effectively.

3. Geodesic domes are great places for glamping

Glamping is just another name for glamorous camping, and that sounds fun. 

Now, nothing else probably screams more glamourous than a beautifully designed geodesic dome.

4. Play structures for kids

Geodesic domes are magnificent climbing structures for kids to play and have fun. 

They are safe structures that can help kids develop muscle, balance, coordination, and agility.

5. Geodesic domes as an immersive entertainment experience

A geodesic dome with PVC cover and a screen inside could be used as a planetarium or as exciting entertainment and educational tool. With the projection system installed, the geodesic dome turns into projection dome to provide an unforgettable immersive 360 experience. Geodesic Projection domes have a wide range of use: 

6. Festivals and live events

Geodesic event domes will bring creativity and innovation to any celebration or live event. With the unusual shape and breathtaking content, projection domes create a unique shared experience for the guests.

7. Education

Geodesic education dome is a new interactive education format. The lessons are presented as an immersive 360 experience promoting a deeper engagement and better understanding of a subject. 

8. Attraction geodesic dome

A fully immersive dome screen, surround sound, and motion chairs create an incredible 360 VR immersive adventure. The attraction dome can take you on a crazy roller coaster ride, a space flight, or an incredible journey through the solar system.  

9. Planetarium

Many planetariums are undergoing significant upgrades of their projection systems and screens. By replacing the old 1K fisheye systems with digital projectors and updating the dome screens, the projection resolution increases tremendously – 4K and up, as well as the seating capacity of the planetarium.

At Fulldome.pro, we specialize in full-service projection domes for different occasions and events. We bring the amazing 360-degree immersive dome experience to a broader audience through high quality, high value, and simply designed complete dome systems. We are geodesic and projection dome experts, who will do your dome installations perfectly – from scratch to finish.

Geodesic domes provide distinct structural advantages, which are a significant reason why many people now see them as a right solution for different needs. With durable design, easy and quick set up, and cost-effective materials, geodesic domes are used for a good number of activities and purposes. From housing, greenhouses, and playgrounds to advanced projection domes and planetariums, geodesic domes are one of the most popular and interesting structures today.

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Astra Film Festival in Sibiu, Romania. October 14th-20th.

We are happy to announce that two Fulldome.pro shows are being presented at Astra Film Festival in Sibiu, Romania.

This major event in the European documentary film community is taking place on October 14-20.

The Festival champions that particular type of engaged cinema, which produces a detailed and intimate account of the human condition in the form of powerful cinematic stories.

In the special section called The Future is Today, the Dome, a space dedicated to immersive stories at Astra Film Festival, will present films that employ immersive technologies in order to be able to go deep into the concept at hand and to raise awareness on the subjects tackled by the documentaries, offering the audience a unique experience.

Our fulldome movies

The Festival’s choice fell on Luminokaya – a psychedelic story of Angkor Wat, and The Snowflake Adventure – immersive ride through the snowy wonderland.

LUMINOKAYA

Amazing psychedelic art, created by Luminokaya Lab and 360ART.PRO, which includes a variety of symbols,

More Fulldome Content Here
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5 Solutions to Help Festival Organisers Cope with Bad Weather

Imagine the following situation: you’ve selected a day for an open-air festival a year before, spent a long time preparing all the events for this date, planned the schedule, and invited speakers and presenters. And now day X is approaching, but the weather forecast is not comforting – rain! What should you do, how can you solve this problem and are weather conditions really a problem?! 

Of course, rain can dampen your mood and force you to rearrange your plans. Stay calm and keep a smile on your face, in order to be of the most use to your guests and emerge from a difficult situation with dignity. And our advice will help you solve this “wet” problem.

Tip 1: Change the festival location

If the insurance in your contract covers you for a deterioration in the weather conditions, then it makes sense to change the location of your event. This means switching it to an indoor venue and informing all the guests and participants of the festival. 

If this option is not available, then:

Tip 2: Projection dome 

Install projection domes over areas such as the lecture area, kids’ zone, etc. It will protect your guests from the rain, and you will still be able to hold all the planned lectures, concerts, etc. In a cozy atmosphere, visitors will be able to have a bite to eat and drink hot tea. You can also show projections with the day’s itinerary so that nobody misses what they have come to see.

Tip 3: Protective tents

Put up protective tents and marquees over open areas and hardware in advance. They will fulfill a protective function and will give your guests the opportunity of receiving satisfaction from being at your festival. You can always take them down if you don’t need them. 

Tip 4: Free ponchos

Perhaps you are planning to include zones reserved especially for exclusive visitors to your festival. This could be in the form of VIP-ticketed areas, or maybe you want to invite Instagram influencers to promote your event. Keeping the possibility of bad weather in mind, why not buy (or, if it is an option, rent) ponchos and waterproof footwear to be offered free to all your special guests? Individual care always makes a good impression!

And, following on from this…

Tip 5: Take care of your visitors

You can’t change the weather, and you have no influence over it, so you need to try to take as much care of your guests as possible; give them a mental hug. Prepare hot drinks and meals for all the participants, buy blankets, and if you know for certain that there will be children at your event, make sure to organise a space where they can change and give them the possibility of sleeping, if there will be parents with young children – a place where mothers can feed their babies in peace and comfort. 

Remember that visitors might not remember what guest speakers say, but they will always remember the care taken of them. Love and protect your clients and they will always reply in kind.