Procams

Disney Research developed a set of tools for geometric and colorimetric calibration of multi-projector systems that enables Imagineers to design and build world-class projection mapping systems, as well as to maintain the attraction and ensure its quality for years of operation.

Abstract:

We are using the combination of cameras and projectors to develop a general purpose procams-framework which supports all kinds of projection mapping applications being relevant for The Walt Disney Company. These tools need to work regardless of what hardware or software was being used and regardless of the geometry of the scene being augmented. In addition to a fully automatic calibration support to estimate the projectors’ orientation and lens properties as well as overlapping areas, shadow casts, reflected color intensities and other relevant information. the developed toolbox offers functionality which is used to support designing projector-based installations.

Besides the development of production ready calibration tools, Disney Research also focused on the development of novel algorithms to augment human faces using projectors, to compensate surface texture on a sub-pixel accurate level, and to computationally design optimized surface structures to further improve the perceived quality of projection displays.

Tech Transfer:

The developed projection mapping tools have become an essential part of Walt Disney Imagineering’s (WDI) core calibration and deployment framework which is used for many of Disney’s theme park and cruise ship attractions. The results can be experienced in rides such as Soarin, Ratatouille, Tron, Journey Grotto, Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Elsa, Goofy’s Paint‘n’Play, and Frozen, A Musical Spectacular just to name some of them.

Publication Highlights