Geodesic domes and immersive gaming

Dec 272012
 

Realism in game role-playing has always been a goal of players and game manufacturers alike. With the introduction of new technology and equipment from Microsoft Kinnect, PlayStation Move and Wii, a player is no longer bound to a controller to play a game. As one company states: “You are the controller”.

Below is a video from  The Gadget Show that has been 4 million times on Youtube as we write this article. As amazing as the results of their efforts seem to be,  you can still create an inexpensive immersive gaming environment in your own home that will be impressive.

Ultimate Battlefield 3 Simulator – Build & Test (Full Video) – The Gadget Show

 

In this low-cost solution we assume that you have the following

A curved surface, geodesic assembly or not, 180 degrees or half is best to cover your peripheral field of vision

A video projector to display your game graphics

vproj

 

 

 

 

A convex mirror such as the ones you see in stores for security purposes

quarter_mirror

The best mirror to use has the reflective surface on the top of the plastic, but a regular one will do fine for home use

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the video above, five projectors were used  to create a 360 degree projection. In a modest setup you can get away with only one projector because we will stretch (warp) the image.

The mirror is curved, so is the dome surface, and this is no coincidence. The image is projected from the projector to the mirror, then from the mirror onto the dome surface. In short, the image is warped then warped again to display a proportional image on the dome surface.

The projector send the image on the mirror; the mirror then projects it on the surface of the dome

Keep in mind that some adjustments are required: your mirror should ideally have its reflective surface on the outer surface (most have it under the plastic), and the distances between projector and mirror, as well as between mirror and dome surface will need to be calibrated.

Here is Paul Bourke’s iDome below

iDome

 

For a more detailed explanation on dome projection and  immersive gaming, visit the Domerama dome projection section.

 

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Geodesic domes of the world

Dec 262012
 

The Google Geodesic Help group has been compiling a list of geodesic domes around the globe entitled Geodesic Domes of the World . This is an interactive map which lists the locations and the names of the structures. Listed are homes, theaters, stadiums and many other types of geodesic domes.

domes_of_the_world

Click on the image to view Domes of the World on Google Maps

Since much of the domes on the map are located in North America, we invite all to submit new sightings of geodesic domes or any geodesic type of structure.

If you wish to add a geodesic structure or dome to the Google Geodesic Domes of the World map:

email   geodesichelp@googlegroups.com

or visit  http://groups.google.com/group/GeodesicHelp

 

 

 

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Geodesic dome size and frequency

Dec 252012
 

Anyone planning to build a geodesic dome will want to look at the image below. It identifies how many struts used for different frequencies. The higher the frequency, the more struts are used, and the stronger the geodesic dome will be.

geodesic_frequencies_vs_struts

Note: odd frequency domes can be more or less than 1/2 of a sphere. This affects the number of struts used. Shown above are a  3v 5/9 and a 5v 8/15. For a more detailed chart click here.

The obvious question

So why not always build domes with the same frequency? Three factors: strength, simplicity and cost.

The most popular frequency is the 3v because it uses less struts than a 4v which makes it easier, faster, and less expensive to build, but if you want a geodesic dome larger than 30 feet (9m) in diameter, traditional materials will not be strong enough. You then have 2 options:

  • Use better and stronger materials
  • Increase the frequency of your geodesic dome

And this is how many people come to consider a different frequency.

 

Odd and Even frequencies

Even frequencies such as 2v, 4v, 6v and so forth can “split”(truncate) a sphere at the center (making it a hemisphere) and create a dome which is flat at its base. This is the frequency most often used in the domes you see.

Odd frequencies  such as 1v, 3v,5v do not naturally truncate at the center of a sphere, and they are not flat at their base.

But there is an exception to odd frequencies. The Kruschke method or geometry is different than the traditional method 1 geometry (what most use).  With it you can calculate a geodesic dome which will be flat at its base for odd frequencies. Domerama has 3v Kruschke calculators in the Calculators section.

 

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Holly Geodesic!

Dec 232012
 
xmas_fuller

R. Buckminster Fuller can’t resist another spin around a sphere, even if not quite geodesic

For those who celebrate Christmas, may this one be peaceful and memorable.

And for all others enjoy the time off! Party at your house on the 26th!

 

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