The CompuObscura is a self-contained room-sized device modeled on the idea of the type of room-sized camera obscuras that were briefly popular around the end of the 1800s. Large manifestations of camera obscura technology used a room sealed off to all light, except for a pinhole-sized “window” in one wall that, over time, allowed an inverted image of whatever was outside the window to be projected on the opposite wall. Essentially, camera obscuras were large pinhole cameras, and were an early cross between a vaudeville hall, a movie theater, and a backroom séance.

From the outside, we have designed our CompuObscura to appear somewhat similar to the ornate construction of a camera obscura. But inside, the device is a combination of a digital television studio (with green-screen capability) and an Internet-channeled video projection and viewing facility.

 

         
  Early 3D sterograph print of park installation of camera obscura theater in the mid-1800s. Image #2. Image source unknown at present.  
         
    Image of green film frame cast against the side of the CompuObscura with participant leaving the device. Taken by Cal Poly Architecture class students using class-created model and slide projector, Spring 2004.    
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