Virtual reality dome theater

Abstract

A dome shape theater has a reflective floor. Audience members may sit or stand on a central platform viewing area surrounded by the screen. Audience members may access the viewing area via a tunnel passing under the reflective floor, by a movable bridge, or by passageways between divided sections of the reflective floor. A compound curved screen may alternatively lower from above to surround the viewing area. A 2D/3D projection system may be used to create images on the screen. Integrated special effects located throughout the theater can be synchronized with the media presentation.

1 . A theater comprising:
 a domed structure;   a raised viewing area in the center of the structure;   a substantially continuous domed screen around the viewing area; and   a reflective floor surface around the perimeter of the structure.   
     
     
         2 . The theater of  claim 1  wherein the structure is circular. 
     
     
         3 . The theater of  claim 1  wherein the structure is elliptical. 
     
     
         4 . The theater of  claim 1  further comprising an audience standing area within the theater. 
     
     
         5 . The theater of  claim 1  further comprising audience seating within the theater. 
     
     
         6 . The theater of  claim 1  with the theater further comprising an entrance tunnel and an exit tunnel leading to the viewing area. 
     
     
         7 . The theater of  claim 1  further comprising 2D and/or 3D projector(s) arranged to provide substantially seamless edge blended images on the screen. 
     
     
         8 . The theater of  claim 4  further comprising concentric circular handrail sections on tiers in the viewing area. 
     
     
         9 . The theater of  claim 1  further comprising a control system operable to coordinate the media presentation with integrated special effects. 
     
     
         10 . The theater of  claim 1  further comprising projectors adjacent to a central location of the theater, with the projectors projecting images radially outwardly and onto the screen. 
     
     
         11 . The theater of  claim 1  with the screen curved and continuous around and over the seats. 
     
     
         12 . The theater of  claim 1  further comprising a screen lifter for lifting and the lowering of the screen vertically. 
     
     
         13 . The theater of  claim 1  further comprising a reflective surface around the perimeter of the theater configured to create the illusion of a continuous sphere or ovoid. 
     
     
         14 . A theater comprising:
 a viewing area raised up off of a theater floor;   a substantially continuous domed screen around the viewing area, with a section of the domed screen below the viewing area; and   with the viewing area having a line of sight to the section of the domed screen below the viewing area, providing audience members on the viewing area with an elevation angle field of view of the screen greater than 180°.