A panel member for a cyclorama includes a concavo-convex body having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane to uniformly reflect or diffuse sound and light incident on the panel member.

FIELD

The present disclosure concerns cycloramas, such as for use in photography and film production.

BACKGROUND

Cyclorama structures are useful for creating the appearance of an unlimited space having no horizon or wall intersections in photography and film applications. A cyclorama typically includes two angled walls that meet at a corner, and one or more curved panels or coves extending between the walls to conceal the corner to provide the appearance of an uninterrupted expanse. The cyclorama can also include one or more curved panels extending from the corner to conceal the intersection between the floor and the walls and/or between the walls and the ceiling. However, the curvature of the panels in the corner of a cyclorama is typically such that sound is focused by the panels in particular directions, resulting in amplification of sound along certain sight lines and deadening of sound along other sight lines. Similarly, the panels can reflect and focus light in particular directions, resulting in shadows or uneven lighting of a subject in or near the corner of the cyclorama. Accordingly, there is a need for improved cycloramas.

SUMMARY

Certain disclosed embodiments concern modular panel members for cycloramas, and methods of making, assembling, and using the same. In a representative embodiment, a panel member comprises a concavo-convex body having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

In another embodiment, a method comprises creating an image using a cyclorama including a panel member having a concavo-convex body with integrally-formed first and second side portions and an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

In another representative embodiment, a cyclorama assembly comprises a first concavo-convex panel member having integrally formed first and second side portions and an intermediate portion therebetween. The first and second side portions and the intermediate portion comprise a first radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further comprise a second radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The assembly further comprises a second concavo-convex panel member disposed adjacent one of the first or second side portions of the first concavo-convex panel member. The second concavo-convex panel member comprises the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The assembly further comprises a third concavo-convex panel member disposed adjacent an upper edge portion of the first concavo-convex panel member. The third concavo-convex panel member comprises integrally formed first and second side portions having the second radius of curvature in the X-Y plane.

In another representative embodiment, a method comprises situating a first concavo-convex panel member between two angled walls. The first concavo-convex panel member has integrally formed first and second side portions and an intermediate portion therebetween. The first and second side portions and the intermediate portion comprise a first radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, the first and second side portions further comprising a second radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The method further comprises situating a second concavo-convex panel member adjacent one of the first or second side portions of the first concavo-convex panel member, the second concavo-convex panel member comprising the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The method further comprises situating a third concavo-convex panel member adjacent an upper edge portion of the first concavo-convex panel member, the third concavo-convex panel member comprising integrally formed first and second side portions having the second radius of curvature in the X-Y plane.

In another representative embodiment, a method of making a panel member comprises applying a moldable material to a mold member, and applying pressure to the moldable material to form a concavo-convex panel member having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

In another representative embodiment, a method of making a panel member comprises introducing a moldable material into a mold cavity to form a concavo-convex panel member. The concave-convex panel member has integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The method further comprises removing the panel member from the mold cavity.

In another representative embodiment, a method of disassembling a cyclorama comprises positioning a tool comprising a handle portion and a blade portion such that the blade portion is between a panel member of the cyclorama and a support structure to which the panel member is secured. The method further comprises moving the tool such that the blade portion moves between the panel member and the support structure to unsecure the panel member from the support structure.

In another representative embodiment, a panel member for a cyclorama configured to be situated on a horizontal reference comprises a first concavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a first radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion has a second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slope upwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated on the horizontal reference. The panel member further comprises a second concavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has the first radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion has the second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slope upwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated on the horizontal reference. The first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature.

In another representative embodiment, a method of making a panel member for a cyclorama comprises applying a moldable material to a mold member, and applying pressure to the moldable material to form a panel member configured to be situated on a horizontal reference. The panel member comprises a first concavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a first radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion has a second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slope upwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated on the horizontal reference. The panel member further comprises a second concavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has the first radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion has the second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slope upwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated on the horizontal reference. The first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature.

In another representative embodiment, a method comprises creating an image using a cyclorama including a panel member configured to be situated on a horizontal reference. The panel member comprises a first concavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has a first radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion has a second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slope upwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated on the horizontal reference. The panel member further comprises a second concavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion has the first radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion has the second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slope upwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated on the horizontal reference. The first radius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Cycloramas comprising a plurality of modular panel members can be useful for quickly setting up, breaking down, or reconfiguring a set or stage for photography or film applications. Exemplary embodiments of cycloramas comprising modular panel members are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,447, which is incorporated herein by reference.

First Representative Embodiment

FIG. 1illustrates a set, such as a film or photography set, including a representative embodiment of a cyclorama100. The cyclorama can have a support structure configured as first and second walls102,104that intersect one another at a corner106. The cyclorama100can further include an absolute horizontal reference such as a floor108extending along an X-Y plane (note Cartesian axes shown), and a corner cove structure generally indicated at107. A plurality of curved panel members can extend between the walls and/or between the floor and the respective walls to conceal the intersections therebetween to provide the appearance of an unlimited space. For example, the cyclorama can include a plurality of curved floor-to-wall panel members110extending between the floor108and the respective walls102,104to conceal the intersection between the floor and the walls. Additionally, in some embodiments, the floor-to-wall panel members can be configured to extend between the respective walls102,104and the ceiling of the studio at the top of the cyclorama to conceal the intersection therebetween.

The cyclorama can also include a plurality of curved wall-to-wall panel members112extending between the respective walls102,104to form the cove structure107. The floor-to-wall panel members110and the wall-to-wall panel members112can be modular. Accordingly, the cyclorama can be constructed having any suitable length and/or height dimensions, and can be couplable to one another and/or to the respective walls to facilitate assembly and disassembly.

The cyclorama can further include a curved corner panel member114to which the adjacent floor-to-wall panel members110and the adjacent wall-to-wall panel members112can be coupled. In certain embodiments, the corner panel member can have a concavo-convex shape, with the concave surface facing away from the walls102,104and the convex surface facing toward the walls. The corner panel member114can extend horizontally between the walls102,104, and vertically between the floor108and the respective walls102,104such that a lower edge116contacts and/or is secured to the floor and at least a portion of an upper edge118contacts and/or is secured to the walls.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the corner panel member114can include first and second side portions120,122, and an intermediate portion124therebetween. The first side portion120, the second side portion122, and the intermediate portion124can be integrally formed with one another such that the corner panel member114comprises a one-piece unitary construction. The first and second side portions120,122, and the intermediate portion124, can be curved in the Y-Z plane such that the corner panel member can conceal the intersection of the floor and the walls at the corner106. To this end, the first and second side portions120,122, and the intermediate portion124can each have a radius of curvature illustrated with respect to horizontal axes corresponding to each respective portion.

For example, the first side portion120can have a radius of curvature R1Aillustrated with respect to a horizontal axis126such that the portion of the lower edge116associated with the first side portion contacts the floor and the portion of the upper edge118associated with the first side portion contacts the wall102(seeFIG. 1). The second side portion122can have a radius of curvature R2Aillustrated with respect to a horizontal axis128such that the portion of the lower edge116associated with the second side portion122contacts the floor108and the portion of the upper edge118associated with the second side portion contacts the wall104. The intermediate portion124can also have a radius of curvature R3illustrated with respect to a horizontal axis130such that the portion of the lower edge116associated with the intermediate portion contacts the floor108and the portion of the upper edge118associated with the intermediate portion extends between the walls102,104. In the illustrated embodiment, the radii of curvature R1A, R2A, and R3of the first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion, respectively, can be substantially equal such that the upper and lower edges118,116of the corner panel member are continuous along the floor and between the walls, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first and second side portions120,122and the intermediate portion124can have respective degrees of curvature of between about 60 to about 90 degrees in the Y-Z plane. In certain embodiments, the first, second, and intermediate portions can be non-parabolic.

In addition to the curvature in the Y-Z plane, the first and second side portions120,122can also be curved in the X-Y plane. For example, the first side portion120can have a radius of curvature R1Bdefined with respect to a vertical axis132, and the second side portion122can have a radius of curvature R2Bdefined with respect to a vertical axis134. In this manner, the first and second side portions120,122can extend in a curvilinear fashion from the intermediate portion124to contact the respective walls102,104and respective floor-to-wall panel members110. In the illustrated embodiment, the radii of curvature R1B, R2Bcan be substantially equal such that the first and second side portions120,122can be symmetrical about the intermediate portion124. In certain embodiments, the first and second side portions120,122can have respective degrees of curvature substantially equal to angles defined between the walls102,104and the intermediate portion124. For example, with reference toFIG. 9, the first side portion120can define an angle θ1between the intermediate portion124and an edge123of the first side portion. In certain embodiments, the angle θ1can be from about 20 to about 60 degrees, depending upon the angle of the walls. In some embodiments, the angle θ1can be about 45 degrees.

The second side portion122can also define an angle θ2between the intermediate portion124and the respective edge125of the second side portion. In certain embodiments, the angle θ2can be from about 20 degrees to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ2can be about 45 degrees. In this manner, the first and second side portions together can provide a degree of curvature of about 90 degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature of the first and second side portions and the intermediate portion in the Y-Z plane and the curvature of the first and second side portions in the X-Y plane can be different. In other words, the radii R1A, R2A, and R3can be equal to one another, but unequal to the radii R1Band R2B. By making the radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane different from the radii of curvature in the X-Y plane, light incident on the corner panel member114is more uniformly reflected or diffused from the corner of the cyclorama, rather than focused along particular sight lines, as in many cyclorama structures with equal radii in the X-Y and Y-Z planes. This reduces or substantially eliminates shadows, and facilitates more even lighting of the panels of the cyclorama. The unequal radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane can also provide more uniform sound propagation from the corner cove107by reflecting or dispersing sound incident on the corner panel member114. This can reduce sound amplification along particular sight lines and sound deadening along certain other sight lines relative to the corner cove107.

For example, in some embodiments, a ratio between the radius of curvature of the first and second side portions in the X-Y plane and the radius of curvature of the first and second side portions and the intermediate portion in the Y-Z plane can be from about 1.1:1 to about 10:1, such as about 1.1:1 to about 3:1, about 1.1:1 to 2:1, about 1.1:1 to 1.5:1, or about 1.2:1. Thus, in one representative embodiment, the radii R1Band R2Bcan be about 36 inches, and the radii R1A, R2A, and R3can be about 30 inches. In another representative embodiment, the radii R1Band R2Bcan be about 48 inches, and the radii R1A, R2A, and R3Acan be about 40 inches. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that the radii can have any suitable dimensions. Additional perspective and side elevation views of the corner panel member114are illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, respectively.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the floor-to-wall panel members110can comprise a radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane equal to the radii R1A, R2A, and R3Asuch that the lower edges are flush with the floor108and the upper edges are at substantially the same height as the upper edge118of the corner panel member114. In certain embodiments, the floor-to-wall panel members can have a degree of curvature that is substantially equal to an angle defined between the floor and the walls (e.g., between about 60 to about 90 degrees).FIGS. 3 and 4illustrate perspective and side elevation views of a representative floor-to-wall panel member110.

In the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the wall-to-wall panel members112can extend between the walls102,104, and can define respective first and second side portions136,138. The side portions136,138of the wall-to-wall panel members can be curved in the X-Y plane to interface with the respective walls102,104, and to conceal the intersection of the walls at the corner106. Thus, the respective side portions136,138can have radii of curvature in the X-Y plane substantially equal to the radii R1Band R2Bof the corner panel member114. This can allow the wall-to-wall panel members112to interface with the upper edge118of the corner panel member114to form the corner cove107. Because the wall-to-wall panel members112extend upwardly from the corner panel member114, they need not be curved in the Y-Z plane.FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate respective perspective and plan views of a representative embodiment of a wall-to-wall panel member112.

The wall-to-wall panel members112can further comprise an intermediate portion140corresponding substantially to the intermediate portion124of the corner panel member114, as best shown inFIGS. 2 and 6. As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, the intermediate portion140is not curved in the Y-Z plane such that the combined intermediate portions140of one or more wall-to-wall panel members112(see, e.g.,FIG. 1) define a planar region142extending substantially along the center of the corner cove structure107. The planar region142can have any suitable width and/or height, and can disperse or disrupt the transmission of sound waves and/or light waves reflected into the cove107by the curved side portions of the wall-to-wall panel members and the corner panel member. In particular embodiments, the planar region142can have a width W of from about 1 inch to about 120 inches (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the width dimension W can be from about 1 inch to about 48 inches. In some embodiments, the width dimension W can be about 12 inches.

In certain embodiments, the side portions136,138of the wall-to-wall panels can have respective degrees of curvature substantially equal to angles formed between the respective walls102,104and the intermediate portion140. For example, with reference toFIG. 6, the first side portion136can define an angle α1between the intermediate portion140and the edge of the first side portion136. The angle α1can be from about 20 to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle α1can be about 45 degrees, similar to the angle θ1of the first side portion of the corner panel member114. The second side portion138can also define an angle α2between the intermediate portion140and the edge of the second side portion. The angle α2can be from about 20 to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle α2can be about 45 degrees, similar to the angle θ2of the second side portion of the corner panel member114.

As stated above, the modular floor-to-wall panel members110and wall-to-wall panel members112can be couplable to the corner panel member114, to the floor108and/or the walls102,104, and/or to one another to facilitate assembly and disassembly. In some embodiments, the panel members can be coupled to one another by any suitable means such as fasteners, any of various mating flange or keyway arrangements, etc. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel members can comprise flanges160located on the sides of the panel members (see, e.g.,FIGS. 3-8). The flanges160can define a plurality of openings162for receiving fasteners to fasten adjacent panel members to one another. The flanges also serve to provide integrity and strength to the corner cove assembly to help ensure that the panel members retain the desired curvature along the length of the interfaces between respective panel members.

In some embodiments, the panel members can also be coupled to the respective walls102,104instead of, or in addition to, the adjacent panel members. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second side portions120,122of the corner panel member114can include respective notch portions144,146such that the corner panel member defines respective lateral edge portions148,150and an upper edge portion152comprising the edge118. The flanges160of the corner panel member can extend from the notch portions144,146, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8. In this manner, the corner panel member114can interface with and/or be coupled to the adjacent floor-to-wall panel members110and/or the adjacent wall-to-wall panel member112.

In certain embodiments, the panel members can include peripheral recessed portions extending along the perimeter of the panel members. For example, with reference toFIG. 2, the wall-to-wall panel member112can include recessed portions170A,170B extending along the respective side portions136,138. The corner panel member114can include recessed portions172A,172B located along the periphery of the notches144,146of the first and second side portions120,122, respectively. The floor-to-wall panel members110can include recessed portions174extending along at least the upper edge of the panel members. The respective panel members can also comprise respective primary surfaces. For example, the panel member112can comprise a primary surface178, the panel member114can comprise a primary surface180, and the panel members110can include respective primary surfaces182.

Proceeding specifically with reference to the wall-to-wall panel112for purposes of illustration, the recessed portions170A,170B can extend a specified distance from the edge of the panel member112(e.g., 2 inches), and can define secondary surfaces176A,176B offset from the primary surface178(e.g., in the direction of the walls102,104ofFIG. 1, respectively). The recessed portions of the panel member114and the panel members110can also define secondary surfaces (e.g.,173A-173B and175, respectively) offset from the primary surfaces of the respective panel members. In some embodiments, the secondary surfaces176A,176B can be offset from the primary surface by a specified depth (e.g., about ⅛ inch). The depth can be related to a thickness of one or more materials (e.g., tape such as sheetrock tape, mud, plaster, etc.) that may be applied to the secondary surfaces when assembling the cyclorama. By making the depth of the recessed portions170A,170B approximately equal to the thickness of the materials to be applied to the recesses when the panels are assembled, the surface of those materials in the recessed portions can be made substantially even with the primary surface178after assembly. Thus, the panels can be joined, taped, mudded, and otherwise finished such that the interfaces between adjacent panel members, the floor, and/or the walls are covered, obscured, or otherwise rendered substantially undiscernable in the finished cyclorama.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the recessed portion170A of the panel member112, the recessed portion172A of the panel member114, and the recessed portion174of the respective panel member110can be contiguous when the panels are assembled. When tape and/or mud are applied to the secondary surfaces of the respective recessed portions, the surface of the tape and/or mud along the extent of the contiguous recessed portions can be made substantially even with the primary surfaces178,180,182. In this manner, the interfaces between the respective panel members112,114,110, and between the panel members and the walls, can be covered, obscured, or otherwise rendered substantially undiscernable. It should be understood that the panel members can include recessed portions along any suitable edge portion, including edge portions interfacing with the floor, the walls, the ceiling, and/or with adjacent panel members. Furthermore, the recessed portions can have any suitable width dimension and/or depth dimension. As illustrated inFIGS. 2-8, the secondary surfaces of the recessed portions can also include holes or openings184to accept fasteners185(e.g., nails, screws, etc.) to fasten the panel members to the floor and/or to the walls.

In some embodiments, the panel members described herein can comprise, for example, any of various moldable materials, such as polymers, plastics, such as ABS plastic, resin, fiberglass, or foam, to name a few. The panel members can also be made from any machine-workable material, including any of various metals (e.g., aluminum), foam, wood, etc. Certain disclosed working embodiments were made from ABS plastic and fiberglass.

In a representative embodiment, the wall-to-wall panel members112can have a height dimension H of about 48 inches, and the floor-to-wall panel members can have a length dimension L of about 48 inches, although the panel members can have any suitable height and length dimensions, as desired. An exemplary embodiment can include two wall-to-wall panel members112, a corner panel member114, and seven or eight floor-to-wall panel members110, although a person of ordinary skill will understand that this is variable, and that the disclosed cycloramas can include any suitable number of the various panel members.

In some embodiments, the panel members can be made by, for example, introducing (e.g., as by injection molding) a moldable material into a mold cavity having the shape of the desired panel, and removing the panel from the mold cavity after allowing the material to cure. In some embodiments, the panel members can be made by applying a moldable material to the exterior of a mold member having a surface comprising the shape of the desired panel member, and forming the material into the shape of the mold member. Moldable material such as fiberglass can be applied to the surface of the mold member together with a resin, and pressure can be applied to the moldable material by, for example, placing the mold in a vacuum bag and drawing a vacuum such that the moldable material is urged against the surface to form a panel member having the shape of the mold. In some embodiments, resin can be applied to the form, moldable material such as fiberglass can be applied to the form over the resin, and the combination can be drawn against the form by application of vacuum.

For example,FIG. 10illustrates a representative embodiment of a mold member200having a surface202comprising the shape of a floor-to-wall panel member. By way of further example,FIG. 11illustrates a representative embodiment of a mold member300having a surface302comprising the shape of a wall-to-wall panel member. By way of further example,FIG. 12illustrates a representative embodiment of a mold member400having a surface402comprising the shape of a corner panel member. When making a panel member, moldable material can be applied to the surface of the appropriate mold member, and the moldable material can be urged or otherwise caused to conform to the shape of the surface by applying pressure to the material. In certain examples, pressure can be applied to the moldable material by placing the mold member in a vacuum bag and drawing a vacuum in the bag. In other examples, the moldable material can be caused to conform to and take on the shape of the mold member by vacuum forming, in which the moldable material is urged against the surface of the mold member by a vacuum drawn through one or more openings in the surface of the mold member to form a respective floor-to-wall, wall-to-wall, or corner panel member.

FIG. 13is a process flow diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a method of making a panel member. Although the method proceeds with reference to the corner panel mold member400for purposes of illustration, it should be understood that the method can be used in combination with any of the mold members described herein.

At block502, a moldable material can be applied to a mold member, such as the mold member400.

At block504, pressure can be applied to the moldable material to form a concavo-convex panel member having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion can have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions can have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The corner panel member can then be removed from the mold member400for post-processing, such as trimming excess material, finishing, polishing, etc., as necessary. In alternative embodiments, a panel member having the desired shape can be milled from a block or billet of material, or stamped from sheet stock.

In another embodiment, any of the panel members described herein can be made in an injection molding process.FIG. 14illustrates a representative embodiment of mold600including first and second portions602,604. The first mold portion602can define a mold cavity606, which can have the shape of the any of the panel members described herein.

FIG. 15is a process flow diagram illustrating another representative embodiment of a method of making a panel member, such as a corner panel member, using the mold600ofFIG. 14. At block702, a moldable material can be introduced into a mold cavity to form a concavo-convex panel member having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion can have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions can also have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

At block704, the panel member can be removed from the mold cavity.

The disclosed cyclorama embodiments can provide several surprising and significant advantages over known cycloramas. As stated above, the unequal radii of curvature of the corner panel member114in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane can reduce or eliminate the focusing of light incident on the corner panel member114along particular sight lines, resulting in more uniform lighting of the panel members. This can provide the illusion of an infinite space without a ground or floor, a sky, or a horizon, which can be desirable when creating images (e.g., live film broadcasts, recorded films or movies, or still photographs) of subjects on a set incorporating the cyclorama.

For example, the even lighting of the cyclorama facilitated by the shape of the corner panel member and the other panel members described herein can be crucial when using chroma key composite techniques in green and/or blue screen applications. In such applications, uniform lighting of the cyclorama is required in order to distinguish the cyclorama background from the subject (e.g., a person or product) being imaged. For example, in some chroma key composite techniques, the cyclorama can be painted (e.g., green, blue, etc.). An image of a performer or subject on the set in front of the colored cyclorama can then be distinguished by software and combined (e.g., superposed) with a different background (e.g., a special effect background) that replaces the portions of the image occupied by the colored cyclorama. The unequal radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane of the panel members, along with the intermediate portions124and140of the panel members114and112, respectively, can promote even lighting of the primary surfaces of the panel members, reducing shadows and highlights. This, in turn, can allow the subject to be more readily distinguished from the cyclorama background, which can be critical to achieving a high resolution image of the subject when superposed on the special effect background. For example, the improved ability to distinguish the subject from the cyclorama provided by the panel members described herein can result in a higher resolution image near the edges of the subject, and can also promote higher resolution of fine features, such as the hair of an actor or newscaster, which is typically difficult to distinguish from the background.

The unequal radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane of the panel members, and particularly of the corner panel member114, can also reduce or eliminate the focusing of sound incident on the corner panel member114along particular sight lines, resulting in more uniform sound propagation from the corner cove107. The planar region142defined by the intermediate portions of the respective wall panel members112can also promote uniform sound propagation from the cove107and reduce the amplification or deadening of sound along particular sight lines or trajectories relative to the cyclorama.

Additionally, by integrating the first and second side portions and the intermediate portion of the corner panel member114into a single unit, along with the corresponding unitary wall-to-wall panel members112, the cyclorama100can be quickly and easily assembled, disassembled, or reconfigured (e.g., to increase or decrease the dimensions). For example, using a corner panel member114in combination with an appropriate number of floor-to-wall and wall-to-wall panel members110,112, a cyclorama having walls 12 feet in length and a height of 10 feet can be constructed by a single person in about 1-2 hours. By contrast, other cycloramas of similar dimensions can require two workers 8 hours to construct.

An additional advantage of the modular construction of the cyclorama, and particularly of the unitary construction of the corner panel member and the corresponding unitary wall-to-wall panel members, is that a separate support frame for the panel members apart from the walls is not required. Many cycloramas require erecting a support frame prior to attachment of the panel members. However, because the unitary corner panel member and the wall-to-wall panel members are symmetrical, the panel members can be fastened directly to one another and/or to the walls or the floor of the cyclorama without an additional support frame. This can substantially reduce the time and effort required to construct the cyclorama and/or to reconfigure the cyclorama (e.g., to increase or decrease height and/or length dimensions of the cyclorama) for different applications. By fastening the panel members to one another along the respective flanges, the flanges can also provide structural strength and support to maintain the desired curvature along the length of the panel members.

Another advantage of the embodiments described herein is that by reducing the number of panel members required to construct the cyclorama, the number of joints or interfaces between panels can be reduced. This can provide significant advantages over known systems because slight misalignments between panels can result in undesirable features or defects in the background of a film image or a photographic image that must be corrected or removed (e.g., by software) during production. Such defects can be of particular concern when performing green and/or blue screen imaging techniques. For example, the techniques most commonly used to remove such cyclorama defects from the image involve reducing the resolution of the film or photographic image in order to obscure the defect in the cyclorama. Reducing the resolution of the image also reduces the image quality of the subject. Thus, making the first, second, and intermediate portions of the corner panel members114and the wall-to-wall panel members112into respective unitary constructions reduces the number of joints between panels and provides a corresponding reduction in the number of defects or artifacts in an image that must be removed or corrected during production.

FIG. 16is a process flow diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of a method of assembling a cyclorama using any of the panel member embodiments described herein. At block802a first concavo-convex panel member can be situated between two angled walls. The first concavo-convex panel member can have integrally formed first and second side portions and an intermediate portion therebetween, and can have radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane and the X-Y plane that are unequal, as described above.

At block804, a second concavo-convex panel member can be situated adjacent one of the first or second side portions of the first concavo-convex panel member. The second concavo-convex panel member can comprise the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

At block806, a third concavo-convex panel member can be situated adjacent an upper edge or top portion of the first concavo-convex panel member. The third concavo-convex panel member can comprise integrally formed first and second side portions having the second radius of curvature in the X-Y plane.

In some embodiments, at least one floor-to-wall panel member configured as a wall-to-ceiling panel member can be disposed between a respective wall and a ceiling of the cyclorama. Additional floor-to-wall, wall-to-wall, and/or wall-to-ceiling panel members can be added to the cyclorama to achieve the desired dimensions.

When the panel members have been positioned and secured to the walls, the floor, and/or to one another, any spaces or seams between adjacent panel members can be concealed. For example, the recesses and any spaces between adjacent panel members can be concealed with fiberglass tape, and finished with a joint compound or “topping mud” (e.g., CGC or USG Durabond® Brand 90 Setting-Type Joint Compound available from CGC Corporation). The panel members can then be sanded, sealed, and painted, as desired. In some embodiments, the joints or spaces between panel members can be concealed only with joint compound.

FIGS. 17 and 18illustrate a representative embodiment of a tool900. The tool900can be, for example, a chisel, and can comprise a handle portion902and a blade portion904. The handle portion902can have a grip portion906, which can be knurled to allow a user to grip the grip portion without slipping. The blade portion904can include a blade edge908, which can be made from any suitable metal material such as hardened steel. In some embodiments, the blade portion904can be removable for servicing or replacement. In other embodiments, the blade portion can be secured or integrally formed with the handle portion. The tool900is useful for, for example, quickly and efficiently disassembling a cyclorama. For example, by moving the blade edge908between an edge portion of a panel member and a substrate (e.g., a floor or wall to which the panel member is secured), the blade edge can cut through or sever fasteners, tape, mud, etc., holding the panel to the substrate. This can be particularly advantageous for removing fasteners because they are frequently covered by mud, tape, etc., applied to the panel members over top of the fasteners, making location and removal of the fasteners difficult and time-consuming.

A representative method of disassembling a cyclorama using the tool900is described with reference to the process flow diagram illustrated inFIG. 19. At block1002, a user can position the tool such that the blade edge is between a panel member of a cyclorama and a support structure to which the panel member is secured.

At block1004, the user can move the tool such that the blade edge moves between the panel member and the support structure to unsecure the panel member from the support structure.

Second Representative Embodiment

FIG. 20illustrates another embodiment of a cyclorama1100including a plurality of alternating first and second panel members1102,1104arranged between two angled walls1106,1108to form a curved cove structure1110. The first panel members1102can be curved in the Y-Z plane while being straight in the X-Y plane. The second panel members1104can be curved in the Y-Z plane and curved in the X-Y plane. In some embodiments, the second panel members1104can have a degree of curvature in the X-Y plane similar to the degree of curvature described above with respect to the side portions of the corner panel member114and the wall-to-wall panel members112. In some embodiments, the degree of curvature can be from about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees, or about 22 degrees. In this manner, the curvature of the second panel members1104in the X-Y plane can be additive such that the combined curvature of the second panel members is substantially equal to an angle defined between the walls1106,1108(e.g., about 90 degrees). In some embodiments, the second panel members can include peripheral side portions extending along a length of the panel members (e.g., in the z-direction) that are not curved in the X-Y plane. These peripheral side portions can interface with the first panel members1102, and can be taped and mudded to conceal the interface of the first and second panel members. The cyclorama can also include one or more floor-to-wall panel members1114extending between the floor1112and the respective walls1106,1108.

By arranging the first and second panel members1102,1104in an alternating fashion, the cyclorama can provide the illusion of an unlimited space and can render the curvature of the cove structure1110substantially undiscernable. More specifically, by arranging the second panel members1104alternatingly with the first panel members1102, the straight profile of the first panel members in the X-Y plane can make the relatively low degree of curvature of the second panel members in the X-Y plane difficult or impossible to discern. This, in turn, can provide the illusion that the curved corner structure1110is not curved. Additional panel members corresponding to the first and second panel members1102,1104can be arranged on top of the first and second panel members in the cove structure, where the panel members corresponding to the first panel members are rectangular and the panel members corresponding to the second panel members are curved in the X-Y plane.

In some embodiments, the first and second panel members can have radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 1described above. In some embodiments, the second panel members can have radii of curvature in the X-Y plane. In some embodiments, the radii of curvature of the second panel members in the X-Y plane can be different from or unequal to the radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane. In some embodiments, respective first and second panel members of the curved corner structure1110can be a single unitary construction.

Exemplary cyclorama embodiments used by, for example, Adidas America, Inc., the University of South Florida, the University of Tennessee, and PBS Hawaii in photography and film production include a corner panel member114described above, two wall-to-wall panel members112positioned one on top of the other above the corner panel member, and seven floor-to-wall panel members110. Four floor-to-wall panel members were positioned on one side of the corner panel member, and three floor-to-wall panel members were positioned on the opposite side of the corner panel member. The radii R1Aof the corner panel members were between about 18 inches and about 60 inches, and the radii R1Bwere between about 21 inches and 72 inches.

Third Representative Embodiment

FIGS. 21-24illustrate another representative embodiment of a panel member1200for a cyclorama. The panel member1200can include a cove portion1202defined by a first wall portion1204, a second wall portion1206, and a third wall portion1208. A fourth wall portion1210can be coupled to the second wall portion1206and a fifth wall portion1212can be coupled to the third wall portion1208such that the wall portions1204-1212together define a subject area1214, which can be configured, for example, to receive an object to be photographed. In some embodiments, a floor portion1216can extend between the wall portions1204-1212in the subject area1214.

With reference toFIG. 21, the panel member1200can be configured to be situated on a horizontal reference1218, such as a floor, a table, or other horizontal surface. The horizontal reference1218can define an X-Y plane1220that is parallel to the horizontal reference. The first wall portion1204can include an upper portion1222and a lower portion1224. As shown inFIG. 22, the upper portion1222of the first wall portion1204can have a radius of curvature R1in the X-Y plane1220. Meanwhile, the lower portion1224can be curved in the X-Y plane1220and in a Y-Z plane1226(e.g., shown bisecting the first wall portion1204inFIG. 22) that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference1218. The lower portion1224can have a radius of curvature R2in the Y-Z plane1226, as best shown inFIG. 24. In this manner, the lower portion1224can curve upwardly from the horizontal reference1218to the upper portion1222to provide the illusion of an infinite space. This can also cause an upper edge or boundary1228of the lower portion1224to have the radius R1in the X-Y plane1220, while a lower edge1230of the lower portion1224has a radius of curvature R3in the X-Y plane (FIG. 22) that is less than the radius R1.

In some examples, a ratio of the radii R1:R3can be from about 3:1 to about 1.2:1. In some examples, a ratio of the radii R1:R2can be from about 2:1 to about 10:1. In some examples, the ratio of the radii R1:R2can be from about 3:1 to about 6:1. In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio of the radii R1:R2is about 4.5:1.

Referring again toFIGS. 21 and 22, the second wall portion1206is located between and coupled to the first wall portion1204and the fourth wall portion1210. The second wall portion1206can have an upper portion1232and a lower portion1234. The upper portion1232can have a radius of curvature R4in the X-Y plane1220, and the lower portion1234can have a radius of curvature R5(FIG. 23) in a Y-Z plane1236that is defined with respect to the second wall portion1206(e.g., shown bisecting the second wall portion1206inFIG. 22), and that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference1218. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius R1of the upper portion1222of the first wall portion1204is greater than the radius R4of the upper portion1232of the second wall portion1206. For example, in some embodiments the ratio R1:R4can be greater than or equal to 1.5:1. In some embodiments, the ratio R1:R4can be greater than or equal to 2:1. In the illustrated embodiment, the ratio R1:R4is about 2.25:1, although it should be understood that the radii R1and R4can have any suitable ratio.

The fourth wall portion1210can include an upper portion1238and a lower portion1240. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion1240has a radius of curvature in a vertical plane similar to the radii R2and R5, while the upper portion1238is planar, and is perpendicular to the horizontal reference1218.

Referring again toFIG. 22, an upper portion1242of the third wall portion1208can have a radius of curvature R6in the X-Y plane1220. In the illustrated embodiment, the radius R6of the third wall portion1208is equal to the radius R4of the second wall portion1206, although other configurations are possible. The third wall portion1208can also have a lower portion1244that has a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane1237(e.g., shown bisecting the third wall portion1208) that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference1218. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the lower portion1244in the Y-Z plane1237can be equal to the radius R2(FIG. 24), similar to the second wall portion1206. The fifth wall portion1212can also have an upper portion1246that is planar, and a lower portion1248that is curved in a vertical plane, similar to the fourth wall portion1210. In this manner, the cyclorama1200can be symmetrical about the Y-Z plane1226.

The wall portions1204,1206,1208,1210,1212and the floor portion1216can be integrally formed with one another, or separately formed and coupled together using, for example, fasteners or adhesive. The wall portions can be made of, for example, plastic (e.g., ABS plastic), foam, metal, fiberglass, resin, wood, or any other suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment, the cyclorama can include tab portions1254extending from the fourth and fifth wall portions1210,1212and configured to contact the surface on which the panel member1200is situated in order to provide stability. In some embodiments, the panel member1200can be made by molding a moldable material on a mold having a surface comprising the shape of the panel member, similar to the molds ofFIGS. 10-12.

The panel member1200ofFIGS. 21-24can provide a number of significant advantages over known cycloramas. For example, the upper portions1222,1232, and1242of the respective first, second, and third wall portions1204,1206,1208can form a cove wall1250with a compound curvature in the X-Y plane1220comprising the radius R1of the first wall portion1204, the radius R4of the second wall portion1206, and the radius R6of the third wall portion1208. One significant advantage of this configuration is that by incorporating the radii R4and R6, which are smaller than the radius R1, into the cove portion1202, the transition from the curved first wall portion1204to the straight fourth and fifth wall portions1210,1212can be made more gradual, and abrupt changes in curvature of the walls can be avoided. This can reduce shadows and bright spots associated with abrupt changes in curvature of the walls of the panel member, thereby promoting more even lighting of the panel member and of the subject area1214.

This concept is illustrated inFIGS. 25 and 26.FIG. 25illustrates the panel member1200lit evenly from all directions.FIG. 26illustrates a panel member1300in similar lighting. The panel member1300includes a wall portion1302having an upper portion1304with a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is parallel to a horizontal reference, similar to the first wall portion1204. The wall portion1302is directly coupled to a wall portion1306that is not curved in the X-Y plane, similar to the fifth wall portion1212ofFIG. 25. InFIG. 25, only a slight change in brightness is visible at the junction between the third wall portion1208and the fifth wall portion1212, owing to the compound curvature of the cove wall. However, a significant change of brightness is visible inFIG. 26at the location where the wall portion1302is coupled to the wall portion1306. This is because the curvature of the upper portion1304of the wall portion1302abruptly transitions to the straight wall portion1306. Such undesirable lighting effects can be reduced or eliminated by including wall portions, such as the second and third wall portions1206,1208, with upper portions having radii of curvature in a plane parallel to a horizontal reference (e.g., the X-Y plane) that are less than the radius of curvature of the upper portion of the first wall portion1204, as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 21-24.

Incorporating the second and third wall portions1206,1208having the radii R4and R6into the panel member1200can also allow the radius R1of the first wall portion1204to be larger than known cyclorama panel members. Making the radius R1larger can allow the first wall portion1204to diffuse light more evenly through the subject area1214. Another advantage of the embodiment ofFIGS. 21-24is that the relatively large radius R1, in combination with the smaller radii R4and R6, also allows the fourth and fifth wall portions1210,1212to form an angle of less than 90 degrees while preserving the relatively large subject area1214, and without producing substantial shadowing effects. With reference toFIG. 22, the fourth wall portion1210forms an angle θ of about 5 degrees with a reference axis1252that is parallel to the Y-Z plane1226. The fifth wall portion1212can be symmetrical with the fourth wall portion1210such that the fourth and fifth wall portions1210,1212form an angle of about 10 degrees. This provides the advantage of widening the subject area1214, while reducing the difference in curvature at the interface of the second wall portion1206with the fourth wall portion1210, and at the interface of the third wall portion1208and the fifth wall portion1212. However, it should be understood that the fourth and fifth wall portions1210,1212can form any suitable angle, such as from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, or from about 5 degrees to about 30. In other embodiments, the fourth and fifth wall portions1210,1212can be parallel to one another, as desired.

The panel member ofFIGS. 21-24can be used in combination with a variety of peripheral elements to create a studio, including integral or standalone lighting (e.g., mounted on stands placed in front of or around the subject area1214), one or more light-reflecting placards or “bounce cards” that can be located in or around the perimeter of the subject area1214, and/or a cover that can be situated above the subject area to reflect light into the subject area. An exemplary configuration is illustrated inFIG. 27, in which the panel member1200is shown in combination with an independently configurable lighting assembly1256, and two bounce cards1258arranged one on either side of the subject area1214. A subject1260(e.g., a product to be photographed) is shown situated in the subject area1214. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting assembly1256can include a cover member1262configured to be situated over the subject area to reflect light from the lighting assembly into the subject area from above. In this manner, the subject1260can be photographed in the subject area1214to create an image1264of the subject1260in which the wall portions of the panel member1200provide the illusion of an infinite space, as shown inFIG. 28. In alternative embodiments, the panel member1200can be used in combination with a cover member that rests on top of the wall portions.

In a representative example of the panel member ofFIGS. 21-24, the panel member1200is sized to be situated on a horizontal reference, such as a floor or a table. With reference toFIGS. 23 and 24, a length L defined between the edges of the fourth and fifth wall portions1210,1212can be about 31.5 inches. A height H of the panel member can be about 15.5 inches, and a depth D measured from the front edge of the floor portion1216to an apex of the first wall portion1204can be about 19.5 inches. The radius of curvature R1of the upper portion1222of the first wall portion1204can be about 18 inches, and the radius of curvature R2of the lower portion1224can be about 4 inches. The radius of curvature R3of the lower edge of the lower portion1224can be about 9 inches. The radii of curvature R4and R6of the upper portions1232and1242of the second and third wall portions1206,1208, respectively, can be about 8 inches. Meanwhile, the radius R5of the lower portion1234of the second wall portion1206can be 4 inches, similar to the radius R2. However, in other embodiments, the various radii can be larger or smaller, as desired, and the wall portions1210,1212can be longer or shorter in proportion to the cove1250, as desired.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper portions of the respective wall portions can have the same height, and the lower portions of the respective wall portions can have the same height. In this manner, the upper edges of the lower portions, such as the edge1228of the lower portion1224of the first wall portion1204, can be contiguous with one another, as shown inFIG. 21.

General Considerations

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement, unless a particular ordering is required by specific language. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. As used herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “at least one” encompass one or more of the specified element. That is, if two of a particular element are present, one of these elements is also present and thus “an” element is present. The terms “a plurality of” and “plural” mean two or more of the specified element.

As used herein, the term “and/or” used between the last two of a list of elements means any one or more of the listed elements. For example, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means “A,” “B,” “C,” “A and B,” “A and C,” “B and C” or “A, B and C.”

As used herein, the term “coupled” generally means physically coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled items absent specific contrary language.

As used herein, the terms “integrally formed” and “unitary construction” refer to a construction that does not include any welds, fasteners, or other means for securing separately formed pieces of material to each other.

Some of the figures provided herein include an orientation system that includes an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis that are mutually orthogonal to one another. It should be understood that the orientation system is merely for reference and can be varied. For example, the x-axis can be switched with the y-axis and/or the object or assembly can be rotated.

As used herein, the term “X-Y plane” refers to a plane defined by an x-axis and a y-axis that extend along an absolute horizontal reference, such as a floor on which a panel member is situated when in a functional position, such that the plane is parallel to the absolute horizontal reference.

As used herein, the term “Y-Z plane” refers to a plane defined by the y-axis of the X-Y plane and a z-axis that is mutually orthogonal to the x- and y-axes, and that is perpendicular to the absolute horizontal reference.

As used herein, “curved in the X-Y plane” means that a two-dimensional projection of a body or a portion of the body, such as a panel member, onto the X-Y plane has a curved profile.

As used herein, “curved in the Y-Z plane” means that a two-dimensional projection of a body or a portion of the body, such as a panel member, onto a Y-Z plane of the body has a curved profile.

As used herein, the term “degree of curvature” refers to an angle of an arc defined by the surface of a curved portion of a panel member.