iDome is a proprietry hardware/software platform developed by the iCinema Centre that offers a cost-effective and compact immersive visualisation environment for panoramic and spherical representations, video and/or computer generated. Ideally suited for museological applications, it is configured as a three to five meter fibreglass hemisphere that stands vertically in front of the viewer, with a projector, computer, surround audio equipment and user interface.

Projection system

The iDome utilises a three meter fibreglass dome as the surface for 180 degree projection made possible by a high-resolution projector and a spherical mirror as reflection surface. Size and shape of this projection set-up covers the peripheral vision of the user standing directly in front of it and thus results in a truly immersive experience.

This approach has advantages over the “projector with fish eye lens” set up, used for the installation Conversations@the Studio at the Powerhouse Museum Sydney. It does not require a large projector stand (which partly blocks the view), is much more cost effective and can take advantage of even higher resolution projectors when they become available.

ARC InvestigatorsDennis Del Favero, Jeffrey Shaw, Neil BrownVolker Kuchelmeister, Nikos Papastergiadis, Scott McQuire, Andy Arthurs, Sarah Kenderdine, Kevin Sumption, Grace Cochrane

Project Directors: Dennis Del Favero, Jeffrey Shaw, Volker KuchelmeisterAdrian HardjonoMatthew McGinity

ProgrammersVolker KuchelmeisterAdrian HardjonoMatthew McGinity

Project Funding: ARC LP0453638, Questacon/Scitech, University of Wollongong, Bourke Museum
2006-2010

  • Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, 2010
  • Darling River Journey, Back of Bourke Exhibition Centre, 2009
  • Australasian Planetarium Society Conference, Horizon Planetarium, Perth, 2008

Project Directors: Jeffrey Shaw and Dennis Del Favero

Production and Technical Co-Ordinator: Volker Kuchelmeister

Mirror Projection Geometry: Paul Bourke

Playback Engine: Joachim Tesch, Jared Berghold

Production Manager: Damian Leonard

Hawkesbury River Footage: Volker Kuchelmeister

Sound Recording: Nick Mariette