Large-audience, positionable imaging and display system for exhibiting panoramic imagery, and multimedia content featuring a circularity of action

Patent 6669346 Issued on December 30, 2003. Estimated Expiration Date:

May 12, 2021. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventor

Metcalf, Darrell J.

Application

No. 09/853915 filed on 05/12/2001

US Classes:

353/94, PLURAL352/34, Housing and supports352/69, PANORAMIC PICTURE TYPE352/70, Mosaic picture353/122, MISCELLANEOUS353/15, WITH SOUND ACCOMPANIMENT353/70, For projection axis inclined to screen434/40, View simulating means located on element having spherical surface434/44View simulated by projected image

Examiners

Primary: Adams, Russell E.
Assistant: Koval, Melissa J.

International Classes

G03B 37/04 (20060101)
G03B 37/00 (20060101)

Abstract

A panoramic imaging and display system for the imaging and displaying of visual-media content, comprising a screen configured for the display of panoramic imagery, having an interior surface-perimeter and an exterior surface-perimeter, wherein each of said surface-perimeters are substantially contiguous in appearance and are sized and shaped to have a display area on which, substantially contiguous panoramic visual-media content and segmented visual-media content can be imaged. The system provides support and positioning of the display to at least one height relative to a viewing audience to provide circumnavigable viewing, and a multitude of vantage points from which to view at least one of the surface-perimeters of the panoramic display. Embodiments of the system can have an array of speakers positioned around a perimeter of the system's screen as a sound-system providing a panning of audible sound which can be synchronized with the movement of objects seen moving on the screen.