Ames, Iowa-based Micoy Corporation has been awarded a patent for its omni-directional spherical 3D immersive imaging technology for dome and panoramic theaters and other environments with curved screens and displays.
In other words, 360° 3D.
A flat screen is unable to display truly immersive 3D since it does not physically surround the viewer.
Micoy will showcase the new technology in a dome environment at the next 3D Gaming Summit in April 2010 in Universal City, Calif. Additional screenings are scheduled upon request.
The company believes some additonal applications could be with promotional advertisers, tradeshow marketers, government agencies, movie theatres, videogame developers, and entertainment venues.
“Showing a 3D film rendered with Micoy technology allows viewers to be literally enveloped and inside the movie in a 360-degree environment, making the experience incredibly realistic and highly memorable,” said Don Pierce, founder and president of Micoy.
Micoy’s image format is complementary and enhances the 3D viewing experience regardless of which hardware is employed.
With content rendered in the Micoy image format, the 360-degree volumetric stereo separation is mapped in the image itself.
The Micoy 360°3D Toolset is the world’s first panoramic 3D image format. This powerful software rendering toolset enables the user to create panoramic 3D computer animation from films produced using current 3D industry standard animation software programs such as Maya or 3D Studio Max. The Micoy 360°3D format creates a true 3D environment around the viewer.
The company is also developing The Micoy Real-Time 360°3D Stereo Rendering Engine, the first of its kind available commercially. Micoy is currently accepting key industry development partners to help bring this technology to market.
Finally, Micoy is also developing a 360°3D advanced panoramic 3D digital video camera system using Micoy’s optical designs. The company is also seeking development partners for this project.
The company licenses its software to content producers and distributors from a variety of markets such as promotional advertising, tradeshow exhibition, military training, feature film, videogames and theme park destinations.