Information of Hardware
The integrated system for medium-size domes combining
3D planetarium and high definition full-dome digital projection functions.
Konica Minolta developed "SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II"
January, 2009
Konica Minolta Planetarium Co., Ltd. (head office, Nishi-ku, Osaka, President, Yasushi Imai, hereinafter "Konica Minolta") has developed SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II, the integrated system for medium-size domes combining digital planetarium which enables 3D astronomical simulations from Earth to the edge of our known universe with the super-high-definition full-dome digital projection functions (full-dome resolution: diameter 2400 pixels).
Currently in the planetarium market, increasing number of digital planetariums with 3D planetarium and full-dome projection functions has been introduced. Among them there are growing needs for high-resolution and seamless, high-contrast images.
In 2001, Konica Minolta launched "MEDIAGLOBE", the world first single lens, full-color, full-dome CG projection system. The MEDIAGLOBE series, including SUPER MEDIAGLOBE introduced in 2003 for medium-size domes and MEDIAGLOBE-II introduced in 2007, are installed at more than 60 locations in the world. Other than planetarium, MEDIAGLOBE series are used in various fields such as amusement facilities, restaurants, and events attractions.
The newly developed "SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II" takes over the concepts of MEDIAGLOBE series and has achieved higher-resolution, higher-contrast and higher-functionality. The system’s brilliant, razor-sharp fisheye lens testifies to Konica Minolta’s cutting-edge optical design and fabrication. The lens is matched with the top level JVC’s high-resolution and high-contrast 4K projector to create an overwhelming experience in high-definition imagery.
SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II utilizes the comprehensive stellar database from the 4D2U project (Mitaka) by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. Based on the latest research and observation data, the SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II constructs objects in the solar system or the large-scale structure of universe with 3D models, and simulates space trips through the solar system and beyond, flying through 3-D space to the edge of the known universe, not to mention star field seen from Earth.
The newly developed graphical user interface and the "Show Director Function" which enables to record manual operations provides great operability and allows operators to create a show very easily without typing a single line of commands.
Konica Minolta will enhance product lineup, from "MEDIAGLOBE-II" for small domes to "GEMINISTAR III", the integrated planetarium for medium- or large-size domes, to meet customer’s diverse needs.
SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II Main Features
1.High-resolution of diameter 2,400 pixels and high-contrast of 10,000:1 with a single lens projection method
The combination of the high-resolution, high-contrast projector and the high-performance fish-eye lens will create super-real dome images.
It is the world’s first single lens digital planetarium that adopted the JVC’s 4K projector (4096X2400) with high-resolution of more than four times of full high-vision and high native contrast ratio of 10,000:1. The specially designed fish-eye lens was newly developed using Konica Minolta optical technology to realize projection of non-distorted high-resolution images of diameter 2400 pixels on the dome screen. Also its high-contrast realistic black color enables realistic representation of full-dome images such as the simulations of the latest information gathered about our universe, CG images and live-actions.
2."3D digital planetarium function" that enables space simulation from Earth to the edge of known universe
Projection image by using 3D digital planetarium function
The 3D digital planetarium function, which constitutes galaxies and planets with 3D models, has been evolved. Using 3D positioning data including the depth information for about 118,000 fixed stars up to the 12.4 magnitude, the fly-through simulation beyond the solar system can be performed. Also SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II utilizes "Mitaka" data base from the 4D2U project by the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan showing the motion of the stars and planets in a way that is easy to understand. Powerful real-time simulations using the latest data and images will take audiences through the solar system and beyond, flying-through 3-D space to the edge of the known universe of 13,700 million years ago.
3.The high-resolution full-dome digital projection function and the multimedia projection function
Konica Minolta digital technology allows smooth playback of full-dome high-definition movie images (full-dome diameter 2400 pixels). Full-color computer-generated and live-action still and movie images are shown with the great clarity and realism. Furthermore, SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II is equipped with multimedia function which enables to create presentations or shows using your own digital materials (still images, movies, and sounds).
4.Easy-To-Use Operation and the useful function for creating a show.
The console realizes user-friendly operation containing newly-developed graphical user interface, touch screen, keyboard, and joystick. Beginners will find the system easy to use, yet powerful. Using the "Show director function", operator can create a show very easily by recording and registering operations, playing them automatically or editing them.
SUPER MEDIAGLOBE II Major Specifications
| Recommended Dome Size | 8-12m（Horizontal/Tilt） | |
|---|---|---|
| Projector Unit | Projector Resolution |
4,096 × 2,400 pixels （full-dome resolution: diameter 2,400 pixels） |
| Projector Contrast Ratio |
10,000:1（Native） | |
| Light Source | 825W Xenon lamp | |
| Lens | Fish-eye lens （designed for dome projection. View of angle is 160 degrees.） |
|
| Projection Range | 180 degrees（The entire hemispherical dome screen） | |
| Projection Method | Equi-distant projection method | |
| 3D Digital Planetarium Functions | Fixed stars | Maximum 118,000 fixed stars（maximum magnitude 12.4 ） |
| Simulation range | Time：representation of proper motion of fixed star more than 0±500,000 years Space：virtually limitless |
|
| Astronomical objects | -Able to display popular fixed stars, all planets, all dwarf plants, Moon, prominent satellites, prominent minor bodies (minor planets, comets, trans-neptunian objects）, major space crafts, Milky Way（visible light, infrared light, X-ray, Gamma-ray, radio wave, etc）, all Messier objects (including enlarged pictures), prominent galaxies, galaxy clusters, nebulae /star clusters, Oolt Cloud. -Able to display data from SDSS, quasar, WMAP. |
|
| Others | Able to display sporadic meteor、meteor shower, coordinates, constellation artworks, constellation lines, constellation boundaries, constellation names, markers, pointers, morning and evening glow, twilight and twilight gloom, natural sky phenomenon（clouds, aurora, lightning, rain）, panorama landscapes, etc can be projected. | |
| Multimedia Functions | Full-dome Projection | Able to project full-dome still images and movies.（highest resolution: diameter 2400 pixels） |
| Still image and Movie |
Able to project several still images or movies on any location on the dome. You can select the size of the projection including Full-dome. Special effects such as move, zoom and fade can be used. | |
| Sound | Able to play several sound files | |
| Operation Unit | Specially designed console（Separated type） ：equipped with monitor, keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc. easy-to-use operation with the newly-developed graphical user interface. |
|
| Power Supply | AC100-240V 50/60Hz | |
| Projection Unit Dimensions（mm） | Less than W1000×D660×H1150mm | |
| Projection Unit Mass（Weight） | Less than 180kg | |
- Note:
- sound equipments such as amplifier and speaker are not included with SUPER MEDIAGLOBE-II. Konica Minolta will separately provide the system matching with the customer’s environment.
- MEDIAGLOBE and GEMINISTER are registered trademarks or trademarks of Konica Minolta Planetarium Co., Ltd.
- Specifications are subject to change without notice.