Abstract:
A multimedia presentation system includes a plurality of display systems and at least one control system. The plurality of display systems output image areas of a multimedia presentation to at least partially different locations of a display environment. The control system adjusts the output of the image areas from the plurality of display systems to conform to the display environment. The display and capture systems may be wearable, mobile or adjustable and can react to any environment. Editing environments allow the same show to be easily relinked to a new display configuration without any need for extensive user-driven layout revision. Virtual display configurations are simulated and presented on other displays.

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/849,332 filed on Oct. 4, 2006, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/849,342 filed on Oct. 4, 2006, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/849,335 filed on Oct. 4, 2006 which are all herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to display systems and, more particularly, to aspect-ratio independent, multimedia capture, editing, and/or presentation systems and methods thereof. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There is a growing demand for large area, high resolution displays for a variety of different applications, including educational, scientific, and entertainment, in a variety of different settings, including classrooms, work settings, entertainment venues and home settings. Unfortunately, existing presentation systems are limited to static rectangular layout or some simple perturbation from that with contiguous pixels. As a result, there is a practical limit to the shape and character of these displays. 
     To overcome this limit, one technique has been to tile together the outputs from multiple projectors. The projectors are space apart and output images to different portions of a display area. One example of such a system is a planetariums where multiple projectors output a display on to a dome-shaped screen for educational and entertainment purposes. 
     Although this type of technique helps to increase the overall area of these displays, the resulting image quality is modest at best. Additionally, the content is limited to the particular size and shape of the planetarium or other display system the content was specifically designed for display on. The technique can not accurately capture and then reproduce wide area content with multiple imaging systems on a variety of different display environments. 
     SUMMARY 
     A multimedia presentation system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of display systems and at least one control system. The plurality of display systems output image areas of a multimedia presentation to at least partially different locations of a display environment. The control system dynamically adjusts the output of the image areas from the plurality of display systems to conform to the display environment as it changes. 
     A method for displaying multimedia content in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention includes outputting image areas of a multimedia presentation to at least partially different non-contiguous locations of a display environment through means of self-luminous displays that have been non-permanently attached to display environment surfaces. The image areas are adjusted to conform to the display environment. The self-luminous displays may be reoriented into new configurations by a user and the image areas will be appropriately adjusted. 
     A multimedia capture system in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of imaging systems and one or more detection systems. The plurality of imaging systems capture image areas of a scene from at least partially different locations. The one or more detection systems determine a relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured. The relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems and the captured image areas are used to generate a multimedia presentation of the scene. The capture system may be worn by an individual or may be on a stationary or mobile support. 
     A method for capturing a scene to generate a presentation in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention includes capturing image areas of a scene from at least partially different locations with a plurality of imaging systems. A relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured is determined. The relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems and the captured image areas is used to generate a multimedia presentation of the scene. 
     A multimedia capture and presentation system in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of imaging systems and one or more detection systems. The plurality of imaging systems capture image areas of a scene from at least partially different locations. The one or more detection systems determine a relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured. The relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems and the captured image areas are used to generate a multimedia presentation of the scene. The control system adjusts the output of the captured image areas from the plurality of projection systems to conform to a display environment. The one or more detection systems determine another relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the display environment on which the image areas are displayed. The plurality of imaging systems output the captured image areas for the multimedia presentation system. The control system adjusts the output from one or more of the plurality of imaging systems to generate the multimedia presentation based on the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured and the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the display environment on which the image areas are displayed. 
     A method for capturing and presenting a multimedia presentation in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention includes capturing image areas of a scene from at least partially different locations with a plurality of imaging systems. A relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured is determined. Another relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the display environment on which the image areas are displayed is determined. The captured image areas for the multimedia presentation system with the plurality of imaging systems are output. This output is adjusted to generate the multimedia presentation based on the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured and the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the display environment on which the image areas are displayed. 
     The present invention provides a number of advantages including providing a multimedia capture, editing, and/or presentation system that can capture, edit, and/or present information using wearable, mobile or adjustable components that can move within and automatically react to any environment. Editing tools cover three functions: one for laying-out complex multimedia wide-view shows; a second for capturing the physical layout of multi-display environments; and a third for linking the shows to the display environments by pre-distorting the content and placing it appropriately onto the physical or virtual displays. The same show can be easily relinked to a new display configuration without any need for extensive user-driven layout revision. The present invention is able to dynamically adjust the output of the wide-area, multimedia content as the display environment changes and/or the subject moves. Further, with the present invention there is no imposed aspect-ratio and the captured content can be accurately displayed on a variety of different types of display settings and configurations, such desktops, floors, arbitrary wall spaces, and even people as part of the display. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a multimedia capture and editing system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of a multimedia capture and presentation system in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of a multimedia presentation system in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A multimedia capture and editing system  10  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The multimedia capture and editing system  10  includes imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ), detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ), a control system  16 ( 1 ), a support system  18 , although the multimedia capture and editing system  10  can include other numbers and types of systems, devices, and elements in other configurations. The present invention provides a number of advantages including providing a multimedia capture, editing, and/or presentation system that can capture, edit, and/or present information from multiple angles of a scene simultaneously in a very wide view giving an audience a realistic and immersive experience. 
     Referring more specifically to  FIG. 1 , the multimedia capture and editing system  10  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. In the multimedia capture and editing system  10 , each of the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) is a video imaging system which is used to capture two-dimensional video, although other types and numbers of imaging systems which can capture other types of content can be used. The imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) are each positioned to capture a different portion of at least about seventy-two degrees of a scene  19  to capture a three-hundred-sixty degree view, although the imaging systems can be positioned to capture other portions of the scene  19 . By way of example only, the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) could be positioned to capture overlapping portions of the scene  19  or top capture portions which provide at least a ninety degree view of the scene  19 . A variety of different types of two-dimensional and three-dimensional scenes can be captured, such as a crowd scene in a stadium at a sporting event by way of example only. The imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) are coupled to the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) which controls the operations of and stores content captured by the imaging system  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ), although the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) could be coupled to and controlled by other types and numbers of control systems and the content can be stored in other locations. The imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) can be static in their setup or may be repositioned relative to the scene or each other either manually or automatically by multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ). Additionally, the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) may be zoomed and refocused either manually or automatically multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ). 
     The detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ) are located adjacent to the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) and are used to determine the orientation of and the distance from the scene  19  of each of the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ), although other types and numbers of detection systems which determine other types and amounts of relative positioning data can be used, such as a single detection system. The detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ) are coupled to the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) which controls the operations of and stores data from the detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ) which corresponds with the content being captured by each of the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ), although the detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ) could be coupled to and controlled by other types and numbers of control systems and the data can be stored in other locations. 
     The multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) controls the operation of the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) and the detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ), although other types and numbers of control systems to control other types and numbers of systems and to store other types of data could be used. Additionally, the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) generates a multimedia presentation based on the captured image areas and the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene  19  from where the image areas are captured. The generation of the multimedia presentation by the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) may also be based on combining other obtained multimedia content, such as content obtained from memory  22 , with the captured image areas. Further, the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) accounts and corrects for any overlap with the captured image areas when generating the multimedia presentation to provide a smooth and substantially seamless output. The multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) is connected to the support system  18 , although the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) could be at other locations remote from the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) and the detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ). The multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) includes a central processing unit (CPU) or processor  20 , a memory  22 , a display  24 , a user input device  26 , and an interface system  28 , and which are coupled together by a bus or other link  30 , although the control system  16 ( 1 ) can include other numbers and types of components, parts, devices, systems, and elements in other configurations. 
     The processor  20  of the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) executes a program of stored instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, although the processor  20  could execute other numbers and types of programmed instructions. The memory  22  in the control system  16 ( 1 ) stores these programmed instructions, data, and other content for one or more aspects of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, although some or all of the programmed instructions could be stored and/or executed elsewhere. A variety of different types of memory storage devices, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in the system or a floppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, or other computer readable medium which is read from and/or written to by a magnetic, optical, or other reading and/or writing system that is coupled to one or more processors, can be used for the memory in the control system  16 ( 1 ). 
     The display  24  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) is used to show data and information to the user, such as relative positioning data or captured image areas or other content by way of example only. The display  24  can include a computer display screen, such as a CRT or LCD screen, although other types and numbers of displays could be used. The user input device  26  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) is used to input selections, such as requests for capturing or editing content, although the user input device could be used to input other types of data and interact with other elements. The user input device  26  can include a computer keyboard and a computer mouse, although other types and numbers of user input devices can be used. 
     The interface system  28  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) is used to operatively couple to and communicate over a communication network with the imaging system  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) and the detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ), although other types and numbers of interface systems and communication networks or systems with other types and numbers of connections and configurations can be used. By way of example only, the communication network or system can use TCP/IP over Ethernet and industry-standard protocols, including SOAP, XML, LDAP, and SNMP, although other types and numbers of communication networks, such as a direct connection, a local area network, a wide area network, modems and phone lines, e-mail, and wireless communication technology, each having their own communications protocols. 
     The support system  18  is a stationary structure on which the imaging system  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) are mounted for capturing content for the multimedia presentation, the detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ) are mounted for determining the relative positioning of each of the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ), and for supporting the multimedia control system, although other types and numbers of support systems for supporting other system, devices, and elements could be used. By way of example only, the support system  18  could be a hat or other wearable gear or could be a self-propelled or other motorized device which can move while capturing a scene. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a multimedia capture and presentation system  30  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The multimedia capture and presentation system  30  is the same as the multimedia capture and editing system  10  in structure and operation, except as described and illustrated herein. Elements in multimedia capture and presentation system  30  which are like those in multimedia capture and editing system  10  will have like reference numerals and will not be described again in detail here. The multimedia capture and presentation system  30  includes imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ), detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ), target detection system  36 , a control system  16 ( 2 ), and a support system  18 , although the multimedia capture and presentation system  30  can include other numbers and types of systems, devices, and elements in other configurations. 
     Each of the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) is a video imaging system which is used to capture and output two-dimensional video, although other types and numbers of imaging systems which can capture and output for display other types of content can be used such as separate or combined systems that can capture and output content. The imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) are each positioned to capture for display a different portion of a three-hundred-sixty degree view of scene along with relative positioning data in the manner illustrated and described with reference to  FIG. 1 . Again, a variety of different amounts and types of two-dimensional and three-dimensional image areas can be captured. The imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) also are able to output the captured content for display on the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment, although the imaging systems can be positioned to output for display other portions of the view of the scene. By way of example only, the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) could be positioned to capture and output for display at least a ninety degree view of the scene. The imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) are coupled to the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) which controls the operations of imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) to capture image areas of a scene and output content for a multimedia presentation, although the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) could be coupled to and controlled by other types and numbers of control systems and the content can be stored in other locations. The imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) can be static in their setup or may be repositioned relative to the scene, the display environment, or each other either manually or automatically by multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ). Additionally, the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) may be zoomed and refocused either manually or automatically multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ). The imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) may also comprise separate systems for capturing content and for displaying the multimedia presentation. 
     The detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) are located adjacent to the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) and are used to determine the orientation of and the distance from the scene of each of the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) and are used to determine the orientation of and the distance from the display environment  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of each of the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ), although other types and numbers of detection systems which determine other types and amounts of relative positioning data for capture and presentation can be used, such as a single detection system. The detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) are coupled to the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) which controls the operations of and stores data from the detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) which corresponds with the content being captured and output for display by each of the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ), although the detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) could be coupled to and controlled by other types and numbers of control systems and the data can be stored in other locations. 
     The target detection system  36  is used to determine the relative distance and location of a subject S with respect to the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) and the display environment  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ), although other types and numbers of detection systems for monitoring other subjects could be used. In this particular embodiment, the subject is an animate subject and may be moving with respect to the display environment  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) requiring an adjustment of the display of the multimedia presentation, although other types and numbers of subjects could be monitored. The target detection system  36  is coupled to the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) which controls the operations of and stores data from the target detection system  36  which corresponds to the relative distance and location of a subject S with respect to the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ), although the target detection system  36  could be coupled to and controlled by other types and numbers of control systems and the data can be stored in other locations. 
     The multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) controls the operation of the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ), the detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ), and the detection system  36 , although other types and numbers of control systems to control other types and numbers of systems and to store other types of data could be used. Additionally, the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) can dynamically generate and adjust a multimedia presentation based on the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured and the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) with respect to the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment on which the multimedia presentation is displayed. Further, the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) dynamically can generate and adjust the multimedia presentation based on the determined relative position of the subject S. Even further, the generation of the multimedia presentation by the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) may be based on combining other obtained multimedia content, such as content obtained from memory  22 , with the captured image areas. The multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) also accounts and corrects for any overlap with the captured image areas when generating the multimedia presentation to provide a smooth and substantially seamless output. The multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) is connected to the support system  18 , although the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) could be in other locations, such as at a remote location from the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ), the detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ), and the detection system  36 . The multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) includes a central processing unit (CPU) or processor  20 , a memory  22 , a display  24 , a user input device  26 , and an interface system  28 , and which are coupled together by a bus or other link  30 , although the control system  16 ( 2 ) can include other numbers and types of components, parts, devices, systems, and elements in other configurations. 
     The processor  20  of the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) executes a program of stored instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, although the processor  20  could execute other numbers and types of programmed instructions. The memory  22  in the control system  16 ( 2 ) stores these programmed instructions, data, and other content for one or more aspects of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, although some or all of the programmed instructions could be stored and/or executed elsewhere. A variety of different types of memory storage devices, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in the system or a floppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, or other computer readable medium which is read from and/or written to by a magnetic, optical, or other reading and/or writing system that is coupled to one or more processors, can be used for the memory in the control system  16 ( 2 ). 
     The display  24  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) is used to show data and information to the user, such as relative positioning data or captured content by way of example only. The display  24  can include a computer display screen, such as a CRT or LCD screen, although other types and numbers of displays could be used. The user input device  26  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) is used to input selections, such as requests for capturing and/or presenting content, although the user input device could be used to input other types of data and interact with other elements. The user input device  26  can include a computer keyboard and a computer mouse, although other types and numbers of user input devices can be used. 
     The interface system  28  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) is used to operatively couple to and communicate over a communication network with the imaging system  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ), the detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ), and the target detection system  30 , although other types and numbers of interface systems and other types and numbers of communication networks or systems with other types and numbers of connections and configurations can be used. By way of example only, the communication network or system can use TCP/IP over Ethernet and industry-standard protocols, including SOAP, XML, LDAP, and SNMP, although other types and numbers of communication networks, such as a direct connection, a local area network, a wide area network, modems and phone lines, e-mail, and wireless communication technology, each having their own communications protocols. 
     The display environment comprises a series of interconnected walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of a room which have a plurality of disposable display panels with a non-permanent adhesive on one surface secured to the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) in a two-dimensional pattern, although the display environment can comprise other numbers and types of walls in other configurations and with other number and types of display elements which are attached in other manners. By way of example only, one or more walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment could be coated with a layer of self-luminant material, although other numbers of layers and other types of materials could be used. Additionally, the display panels could be arranged in other configurations, such as in a three-dimensional configuration, in a contiguous pattern, in a non-contiguous pattern, and in other user configurable pattern. The detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) can identify the location and type of display elements and the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) can adjust the output from the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) based on the identified location and type of display elements. By way of example only, assuming the captured scene corresponded to the scene  19  shown in  FIG. 1  and the display environment comprised the five walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) shown in  FIG. 2 , the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) would adjust the captured image areas of the scene  19  from each of the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) to conform to the five walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment based on the relative positioning data obtained during the capture and presentation of the image areas. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a multimedia presentation system  50  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The multimedia presentation system  50  is the same as the multimedia capture and presentation system  30  in structure and operation, except as described and illustrated herein. Elements in multimedia presentation system  50  which are like those in multimedia capture and presentation system  30  will have like reference numerals and will not be described again in detail here. 
     The multimedia presentation system  50  includes imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ), detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ), a translucent three-dimensional display structure  40 , a control system  16 ( 3 ), and a support system  18 , although the multimedia presentation system  50  can include other numbers and types of systems, devices, and elements in other configurations. 
     Each of the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) is a video projection system which is used to output for display a three-dimensional video of a captured scene on to an inner surface  42  of display structure  40  for viewing on outer surface  44  of display structure  40 , although other types and numbers of imaging systems which can obtain and output for display other types of content can be used. By way of example only, the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) could output for display video of a three-dimensional scene on to an inner surface  42  of display structure  40  for viewing on the inner surface of display structure  40  if the display structure were opaque, such as in a planetarium setting. In another example, the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) along with the detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ) and the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) could be positioned outside of and around the outer perimeter of the projection structure  40  to output for display video of a three-dimensional scene on to the outer surface  44  of display structure  40  for viewing on the inner surface  42  of the display structure  40 . The imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) are coupled to the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) which controls the operations of imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ), although the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) could be coupled to and controlled by other types and numbers of control systems and the content can be stored in other locations. The imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) can be static in their setup or may be repositioned relative to the projection structure  40  or each other either manually or automatically by multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ). Additionally, the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) may be zoomed and refocused either manually or automatically multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ). 
     The detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ) are located adjacent to the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) and are used to determine the orientation of and the distance from the projection structure  40  of each of the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ), although other types and numbers of detection systems which determine other types and amounts of relative positioning data for presentation can be used, such as a single detection system, or the relative positioning data can be predetermined and stored so that no detection system is needed. The detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ) are coupled to the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) which controls the operations of and stores data from the detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ), although the detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ) could be coupled to and controlled by other types and numbers of control systems and the data can be stored in other locations. 
     The multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) controls the operation of the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) and the detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ), although other types and numbers of control systems to control other types and numbers of systems could be used. The multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) can dynamically generate and adjust a multimedia presentation based on the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) with respect to the projection structure  40  on which the image areas are displayed. The multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) also accounts and corrects for any overlap with the output image areas when generating the multimedia presentation to provide a smooth and substantially seamless output. The multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) is connected to the support system  18 , although the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) could be in other locations, such as at a remote location from the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) and the detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ). The multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) includes a central processing unit (CPU) or processor  20 , a memory  22 , a display  24 , a user input device  26 , and an interface system  28 , and which are coupled together by a bus or other link  30 , although the control system  16 ( 3 ) can include other numbers and types of components, parts, devices, systems, and elements in other configurations. 
     The processor  20  of the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) executes a program of stored instructions for one or more aspects of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, although the processor  20  could execute other numbers and types of programmed instructions. The memory  22  in the control system  16 ( 3 ) stores these programmed instructions, data, and other content for one or more aspects of the present invention as described and illustrated herein, although some or all of the programmed instructions could be stored and/or executed elsewhere. A variety of different types of memory storage devices, such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM) in the system or a floppy disk, hard disk, CD ROM, or other computer readable medium which is read from and/or written to by a magnetic, optical, or other reading and/or writing system that is coupled to one or more processors, can be used for the memory in the control system  16 ( 3 ). 
     The display  24  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) is used to show data and information to the user, such as relative positioning data or content to be displayed by way of example only. The display  24  can include a computer display screen, such as a CRT or LCD screen, although other types and numbers of displays could be used. The user input device  26  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) is used to input selections, such as requests for presenting content, although the user input device could be used to input other types of data and interact with other elements. The user input device  26  can include a computer keyboard and a computer mouse, although other types and numbers of user input devices can be used. 
     The interface system  28  in the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) is used to operatively couple to and communicate over a communication network with the imaging system  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) and the detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ), although other types and numbers of interface systems and other types and numbers of communication networks or systems with other types and numbers of connections and configurations can be used. By way of example only, the communication network or system can use TCP/IP over Ethernet and industry-standard protocols, including SOAP, XML, LDAP, and SNMP, although other types and numbers of communication networks, such as a direct connection, a local area network, a wide area network, modems and phone lines, e-mail, and wireless communication technology, each having their own communications protocols. 
     The display structure  40  is made of a translucent material, although the display structure  40  could be made of other materials, such as a partially translucent material or an opaque material. Additionally, the display structure  40  is sphere shaped, although the display structure  40  could have other types of shapes, such as a partial sphere shape or a hexagon shape. 
     Although embodiments of the multimedia control systems are described and illustrated herein, the multimedia control systems can be implemented on any suitable computer system or computing device. It is to be understood that the devices and systems of the embodiments described herein are for exemplary purposes, as many variations of the specific hardware and software used to implement the embodiments are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s). 
     Furthermore, the embodiments of the multimedia control systems may be conveniently implemented using one or more general purpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors, and micro-controllers, programmed according to the teachings of the embodiments, as described and illustrated herein, and as will be appreciated by those ordinary skill in the art. 
     In addition, two or more computing systems or devices can be substituted for any one of the multimedia control systems in any embodiment of the embodiments. Accordingly, principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy and replication also can be implemented, as desired, to increase the robustness and performance of the devices and systems of the embodiments. The embodiments may also be implemented on computer system or systems that extend across any suitable network using any suitable interface mechanisms and communications technologies, including by way of example only telecommunications in any suitable form (e.g., voice and modem), wireless communications media, wireless communications networks, cellular communications networks, G3 communications networks, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs), the Internet, intranets, and combinations thereof. 
     The embodiments may also be embodied as a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon for one or more aspects of the present invention as described and illustrated by way of the embodiments herein, as described herein, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to carry out the steps necessary to implement the methods of the embodiments, as described and illustrated herein. 
     The operation of the multimedia capture and editing system  10  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . The multimedia capture and editing system  10  is positioned at the scene  19  to be captured. The support system  18  for the plurality of imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) and detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ) is stationary with respect to the scene, although the support system  18  could be mobile. For example, the support system  18  could be a hat or other wearable gear on a subject that could be stationary or moving during the capture of the image areas. Additionally, the support system  18  could be a self-propelled or otherwise motorized system which is controlled to move by a user or automatically by the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ). 
     While the multimedia capture and editing system  10  is being set for its initial position for image capture, one or more of the imaging controls, such as for zoom and focus, on as well as the positioning of the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) can be adjusted. This adjustment can be manual by the user or automatically by the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ). 
     Once the imaging controls and positioning is set, the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) begin to capture image areas which comprise portions of the scene. In this example, the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) each capture sequential portions of about seventy-two degrees of the scene  19  to capture a three-hundred-and-sixty degree view of the scene, although other portions of the scene can be captured, such as at least ninety degrees. Meanwhile, the detection systems  14 ( 1 )- 14 ( 5 ) determine an orientation and distance from the scene of each of the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) which is stored in memory  22  in a manner which corresponds with the captured image areas, although other types of relative positioning data could be determined and stored. 
     Next, the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) can generate a multimedia presentation based on the captured image areas and the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the different locations of the scene  19  from where the image areas are captured. As part of this generation of the multimedia presentation, the multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) accounts and corrects for any overlap with the captured image areas to generate a smooth and substantially seamless multimedia presentation. The multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) may also obtain and combine other multimedia content to generate the multimedia presentation, although other numbers and types of functions can be performed on the multimedia presentation. 
     The operation of the multimedia capture and presentation system  30  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIG. 2 . The multimedia capture and presentation system  30  is positioned at a scene to be captured. Again, the support system  18  for the plurality of imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) and detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) is stationary with respect to the scene, although the support system  18  could be mobile. For example, the support system  18  could be a hat or other wearable gear on a subject that could be stationary or moving during the capture of the image areas. Additionally, the support system  18  could be a self-propelled or otherwise motorized system which is controlled to move by a user or automatically by the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ). 
     While the multimedia capture and presentation system  30  is being set for its initial position for image capture, one or more of the imaging controls, such as for zoom and focus, on as well as the positioning of the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) can be adjusted. This adjustment can be manual by the user or automatically by the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ). 
     Once the imaging controls and positioning is set, the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) begin to capture image areas which comprise portions of the scene. In this example, the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) each capture sequential portions of about seventy-two degrees of the scene to capture a three-hundred-and-sixty degree view of the scene, although other portions of the scene can be captured, such as at least a ninety degree view. Meanwhile, the detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) determine an orientation and distance from the scene of each of the imaging systems  12 ( 1 )- 12 ( 5 ) which is stored in memory  22  in a manner which corresponds with the captured image areas, although other types of relative positioning data could be determined and stored. 
     Next, the detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) determine an orientation and distance from each of the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) to the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment on which this multimedia presentation will be displayed. Next, the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) generates a multimedia presentation based on the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) with respect to the different locations of the scene from where the image areas are captured and the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) with respect to the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment on which the image areas are displayed. As part of this generation of the multimedia presentation, the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) accounts and corrects for any overlap with the captured image areas to provide a smooth and substantially seamless multimedia presentation. The multimedia control system  16 ( 1 ) may also obtain and combine other multimedia content to generate the multimedia presentation, although other numbers and types of functions can be performed on the multimedia presentation. 
     Meanwhile, a target detection system  36  also optionally monitors the position of a subject S, such as a person, relative to the plurality of imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) and the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment. The multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) dynamically can adjusts the multimedia presentation based on the relative position of the subject S determined by the target detection system  36 . 
     Additionally, prior to the display of the multimedia presentation, disposable display panels with a non-permanent adhesive are detachably secured to the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) in the display environment in a two-dimensional, user configurable pattern, although other types and numbers of panels in other configurations could be used. The detection systems  34 ( 1 )- 34 ( 5 ) can identify the identity and configuration of the display panels and provide this determination to the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) for use in controlling the output of the multimedia presentation from the imaging systems  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ). Once the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) or other area for the display environment is set, the multimedia control system  16 ( 2 ) controls the imaging systems  32 ( 1 )- 32 ( 5 ) to output the adjusted multimedia presentation onto the display panels on the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment. 
     The operation of the multimedia presentation system  50  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . The multimedia presentation system  50  is engaged and the positioning of the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) can be adjusted. This adjustment can be manual by the user or automatically by the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ). 
     Once the imaging controls and positioning is set, the detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ) determine an orientation and distance from each of the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) to the inner surface  42  of projection structure  40 . Next, the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) controls the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) to adjust the output of the captured image areas for the multimedia presentation on to different seventy-degree arcs of the inner surface  42  of projection structure  40  based on the determined relative position of each of the plurality of imaging systems with respect to the walls  38 ( 1 )- 38 ( 5 ) of the display environment on which the image areas are displayed. Since the projection structure  40  is made of a translucent material, the multimedia presentation is viewable on the outer surface  44  of the projections structure, however other configurations could be used. For example, the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) could output for display video of a three-dimensional scene on to an inner surface  42  of display structure  40  for viewing on the inner surface of display structure  40  if the display structure were opaque, such as in a planetarium setting. In another example, the imaging systems  52 ( 1 )- 52 ( 5 ) along with the detection systems  54 ( 1 )- 54 ( 5 ) and the multimedia control system  16 ( 3 ) could be positioned outside of and around the outer perimeter of the projection structure  40  to output for display video of a three-dimensional scene on to the outer surface  44  of display structure  40  for viewing on the inner surface  42  of the display structure  40 . 
     Accordingly, as illustrated and described herein the present invention provides a multimedia capture, editing, and/or presentation system that can capture, edit, and/or present information from multiple angles of a scene simultaneously in a very wide view giving an audience a realistic and immersive experience. The present invention captures the wide area content with relative positioning information of each of the image capturing system with respect to the captured content to accurately produce wide-area multimedia content. Additionally, the present invention determines the relative position of multiple projection systems to a display environment to adjust the output of the displayed, wide-area, multimedia content. The present invention is able to dynamically adjust the output of the wide-area, multimedia content as the display environment changes and/or as a subject moves. Further, with the present invention there is no imposed aspect-ratio and the captured content can be accurately displayed on a variety of different types of display settings and configurations, such desktops, floors, arbitrary wall spaces, and even people as part of the display. 
     Having thus described the basic concept of the invention, it will be rather apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is not limiting. The drawings set forth herein are for exemplary purposes and are not to scale. Various alterations, improvements, and modifications will occur and are intended to those skilled in the art, though not expressly stated herein. These alterations, improvements, and modifications are intended to be suggested hereby, and are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the recited order of processing elements or sequences, or the use of numbers, letters, or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the claimed processes to any order except as may be specified in the claims. Further, other combinations of the systems described and illustrated herein, such as the systems for capture, editing, presentation, and display, can be used. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereto.