Abstract:
A method and apparatus to inhibit the piracy of motion pictures in theaters by taking advantage of the frame rate discrepancies between film (or digital) display and video camcorders. By alternating specific image display intervals and, shuttering cadences, or with digital video projectors commanding a similar modified display via the digital projector's blanking and display capabilities, so that the projected images occur in a random and/or phase shifted manner, objectionable distortions are produced in an illicitly captured video image, while being invisible to theatrical viewers. In addition, various serrated, slit, multi-quadrant or spotted patterns may be used on mechanical shutters, or simulated on digital displays, to further degrade the quality of illicitly captured video by pirates in theaters.
Abstract:
Pulfrich Filter Spectacles to view a 2-dimensional motion picture with 3-dimensional visual effects are disclosed. A method for synchronizing the Puifrich filter spectacles and a method of displaying 2-dimensional motion pictures as 3-dimensional pictures using the spectacles are also disclosed. The Puifrich spectacles and its synchronizing method and displaying method will allow almost any motion picture to be viewed effortlessly by the viewer with the visual effect of 3-dimensions.
Abstract:
This system comprises vertical platter devices (4) including a support tower (43), vertical platters (41, 42) with as many removable rings (5) for winding the film projected in the corresponding theatre, a sprocket (46) for eventual pulling of the film (3), free-turning rollers (47) for guiding the film (3), a tension roller (6) and push buttons (9) to control the operation of the vertical platters (41,42) and the sprocket (46). The system further includes auxiliary devices (7) for cutting and/or splicing the film (3).
Abstract:
A system for providing closed-caption text in a movie theater wherein the caption information is only visible to those patrons wishing to view the text, comprising a projector projecting a plurality of light applications onto a predetermined strip of light in a viewing area, encoding the caption text so that it will only be viewed within the predetermined strip of light in the viewing area and providing means for decoding the encoded text so that it will be viewed only by those patrons wishing to view the text.
Abstract:
The liquid crystal lens of the invention has an optically transparent liquid crystal plate which includes a plurality of liquid crystal pixels divided two-dimensionally, and a liquid crystal drive section which selects only a part of the liquid crystal pixels simultaneously and controls voltage application to the selected liquid crystal pixels. The liquid crystal drive section performs voltage application control to the selected liquid crystal pixels so as to form, in the liquid crystal plate, a refractive index distribution of light which transmits the liquid crystal plate.
Abstract:
A system and method of screening films. The method includes the first step of displaying a movie print with multiple soundtracks on a display screen. A plurality of screening rooms, each with a view of the display screen, is provided. Separate audio signals from each soundtrack is generated and one or more of the audio signals is transmitted to one or more of the screening rooms. A system for screening films includes a display; a plurality of screening rooms, wherein each screening room includes a view of the display; a movie playback system; and, a sound distribution system coupled to receive audio signals from the movie playback system and to distribute the audio signals to the plurality of screening rooms.
Abstract:
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for associating contemporaneous notes with photographed images using a camera slate. The apparatus, in one embodiment, comprises a camera slate that includes a body having at least one substantially flat surface. The substantially flat surface includes an erasable exterior for creating a temporary note with an erasable writing device. In addition, the substantially flat surface may be viewable through a camera lens to allow a user of the camera to take a photograph of the camera slate that includes the temporary note. As a result, the image of the temporary note serve to identify and organize one or more photos stored by the camera. Furthermore, an attachment mechanism may be connected to the body for securing the body to a portable object within arm's reach of a photographer.
Abstract:
A projector automation system for controlling one or more controlled systems having functionality that is responsive at least in part to automation control signals. The automation system interacts with a digital projector having a control port and a film projector having a cue sensor that generates cue signals. A film-based cinema automation component receives the cue signals and generate at least some of the automation control signals to the one or more controlled systems. A second cinema automation component has a first interface coupled to the control port of the digital projector and the first cinema automation system. The second cinema automation component includes means for generating at least some of the automation control signals to the one or more controlled systems either autonomously, semi-autonomously, or in response to commands from an external scheduling system.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for disrupting digital photography uses one or more infrared, LED-based light sources that emit light generally not visible to the human eye yet readily detected by digital imaging equipment. Such detected infrared light disrupts the quality of an image that is obtained from a semi-conductor-based light detector and digitally recorded. Thus, digitally-recorded images are disrupted without disrupting live viewing of such images.
Abstract:
Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods including moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artefacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed.