AX4 Digital Cinema

About the AX4 System

Vision III Imaging, Inc. produces the v3® AX4 parallax scanning adapter for PL-mount Digital Cinema and Extreme Tele Zoom - ENG/EFP lenses. Our patented technologies employ unique optical techniques to capture 360 degrees of parallax three-dimensional information over time. This is accomplished using Vision III’s exclusive Digital Parallax Scanning iris mechanism (DPS®). Building upon Vision III’s continuing relationship with Thales-Angenieux, the AX4 has been
configured to work in the Optimo DP and 40x lenses, which exhibit high optical quality and precise
mechanical systems that are ideal for the 3D and 2D production arena.

The AX4 inserts into the lens’ optical path, at or near the plane of the iris, allowing for parallax views to be captured. Digital Cinema and HD video shot using AX4-equipped lenses can be recorded using industry standard cameras, and projected in theaters - or broadcast to the home - with no additional equipment required.

Two Digital Cinema lenses equipped with AX4 units can be configured in a V3D® stereoscopic manner, capturing 3D imagery using conventional side-by-side or mirror rigs. Stereoscopic images captured in v3D produced superior and more realistic three-dimensional perception, which translates intro strain-free viewing and incredibly immersive visual content.

The parallax information provided by a moving iris allows for a more naturally unified three-dimensional perception by the viewer. DPs and Stereographers can use v3D to create more compelling content than traditional 3D - with no changes in the 3D production cycle. The result is a dramatically improved viewing experience and an invaluable creative tool.

In addition to producing superior 3D content, a single channel (left or right) of a v3D production can be realeased as a depth-enhanced v3 image that will play on standard 2D displays.

Camera operators have convenient access to the features of the AX4 via a standard v3 (or similar) hand-control unit. Parallax scan tracking is automatic, and changes according to focal length while zooming. The AX4 software allows parallax scan functions to be customized by the
operator. Addition remote controls are also available for wireless and tethered operation.