Abstract: Optical systems are provided that include illumination sources, micro-mirror array optical modulators, and an optical element. The micro-mirror array optical modulators can selectively modulate light beams, redirect light by diffraction and reflection, and provide an output modulated light beam that exhibits a diffraction handedness dependent on the spectral bandwidth of the light incident thereupon. The optical element has a color dependent aperture that defines portions of output modulated light beams that are transmitted and remaining portions that are blocked. An efficiency and contrast of each the output modulated light beams acquired by the optical element can be independently determined by a narrow spectral bandwidth of each of the light beams, the spectral characteristics of the color dependent aperture, and the diffraction handedness of the micro-mirror array optical modulators for the associated spectral bandwidth.

Abstract: A transportable large capacity theatre includes a primary theatre body with laterally spaced apart first and second long sides, opposing first and second ends attached to the long sides, and a roof over the long sides and ends, the body defining an enclosed interior chamber. The roof, the long sides and the ends may be defined by a plurality of laterally extending inflated tubes, and the long sides of the primary theatre body may have a substantially vertical orientation relative to a surface on which theatre may be supported for at least a major portion of the height of the respective long sides. The theatre further includes a seating section, a display screen positioned in the interior of the primary theatre body and viewable by a viewer seated in the seating section, and a projection system in the interior of the primary theatre body and in communication with the screen.

Abstract: A method for producing a first output image and a second output image for being projected by a first projector and a second projector, respectively, is disclosed. The method comprises: providing a source image comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a source value, providing an inverted threshold value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, and generating thereof a temporary image comprising a temporary value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels. The method further comprises: generating the first output image comprising a first output value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the first output value being generated from the temporary value and the source value for each pixel, and generating the second output image comprising a second output value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the second output value being generated from the temporary value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for the exhibition of a motion picture with enhanced perceived resolution and visual quality. The enhancement of perceived resolution is achieved both spatially and temporally. Spatial resolution enhancement creates image details using both temporal-based methods and learning-based methods. Temporal resolution enhancement creates synthesized new image frames that enable a motion picture to be displayed at a higher frame rate. The digitally enhanced motion picture is to be exhibited using a projection system or a display device that supports a higher frame rate and/or a higher display resolution than what is required for the original motion picture.

Abstract: Hybrid image projection systems and methods can superimpose image components of an input image. An input image can be divided into smaller regions and at least one parameter of each region can be determined. The input image can be decomposed based on the parameter of each region into multiple, less correlated, orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal image components. Each projector can display respective image components so that the images projected may be optically superimposed on a screen. The superposition of orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal image components can result in superposition of images in an existing multi-projector image systems being more insensitive to inter-projector image misalignment. Superimposing orthogonal or quasi-orthogonal images can be used to avoid visible image degradation, and provide more robust image quality in a multiple projector system implementation.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to a method and system whereby any defined system characteristic, property, or parameter can be normalized for farther improving the displayed image quality. The normalization processing can use a generalized calibration process and can normalize a system characteristic, or a system property, and/or parameter to result in a more uniform or accurately displayed image using a generalized image processing method.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to processing images by creating scale space images from an image and using them to identify boundaries of objects in the image. The scale space images can have varying levels of detail. They are used to determine a potential map, which represents a likelihood for pixels to be within or outside a boundary of an object. A label estimating an object boundary can be generated and used to identify pixels that potentially may be within the boundary. An image with object boundaries identified can be further processed before exhibition. For example, the images may be two-dimensional images of a motion picture. Object boundaries can be identified and the two-dimensional (2D) images can be processed using the identified object boundaries and converted to three-dimensional (3D) images for exhibition.

Abstract: Multiple source high performance stereographic projection systems are described. One projection system described comprises a first projection channel, a first light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, and a second light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, wherein when the projection system is in a first presentation mode the first and second light sources are on, and wherein when the projection system is in a second presentation mode the first light source is on and the second light source is at a reduced power.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise electronic projection systems and methods. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of creating composite images with a projection system comprising as first projector and at least a second projector, comprising generating a correspondence map of pixels for images by determining offsets between pixels from at least a second image from the second projector and corresponding pixels from a first image from the first projector, receiving a source image, warping the source image based at least in part on the correspondence map to produce a warped image, and displaying the source image by the first projector and displaying the warped image by the second projector to create a composite image.

Abstract: Multiple source high performance stereographic projection systems are described. One projection system described comprises a first projection channel, a first light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, and a second light source capable of providing light for the first projection channel, wherein when the projection system is in a first presentation mode the first and second light sources are on, and wherein when the projection system is in a second presentation mode the first light source is on and the second light source is at a reduced power.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise electronic projection systems and methods. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of creating composite images with a projection system comprising a first projector and at least a second projector, comprising generating a correspondence map of pixels for images by determining offsets between pixels from at least a second image from the second projector and corresponding pixels from a first image from the first projector, receiving a source image, warping the source image based at least in part on the correspondence map to produce a warped image, and displaying the source image by the first projector and displaying the warped image by the second projector to create a composite image.

Abstract: A method for producing a first output image and a second output image for being projected by a first projector and a second projector, respectively, is disclosed. The method comprises: providing a source image comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a source value, providing an inverted threshold value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, and generating thereof a temporary image comprising a temporary value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels. The method further comprises: generating the first output image comprising a first output value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the first output value being generated from the temporary value and the source value for each pixel, and generating the second output image comprising a second output value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the second output value being generated from the temporary value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of digitally converting 2D motion pictures or any other 2D image sequences to stereoscopic 3D image data for 3D exhibition. In one embodiment, various types of Image data cues can be collected from 2D source images by various methods and then used for producing two distinct stereoscopic 3D views. Embodiments of the disclosed methods can be implemented within a highly efficient system comprising both software and computing hardware.

Abstract: A method for producing a first output image and a second output image for being projected by a first projector and a second projector, respectively, is disclosed. The method comprises: providing a source image comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel having a source value, providing a threshold value and an inverted threshold value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, and generating there from a temporary image comprising a temporary value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels. The method further comprises generating the first output image comprising a first output value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the first output value being generated from the temporary value and the source value for each pixel, and generating the second output image comprising a second output value for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, the second output value being generated from the temporary value.

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 artifacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of digitally converting 2D motion pictures or any other 2D image sequences to stereoscopic 3D image data for 3D exhibition. In one embodiment, various types of image data cues can be collected from 2D source images by various methods and then used for producing two distinct stereoscopic 3D views. Embodiments of the disclosed methods can be implemented within a highly efficient system comprising both software and computing hardware.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for performing actions based on received input in a theater environment. In operation, content is displayed to a plurality of users in a theater environment. Additionally, input from one or more of the plurality of users is received in response to the displaying. Further, one or more actions are performed based on the received input.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems, equipment and methods that allow the improved tiling of multiple projections displays in order to create higher resolution images. Equipment and methods are disclosed for improved blending of the seam by optical means where edge blending masks are employed to create a brightness ramp in the blending region. Equipment and methods are also disclosed for the correction of artifacts in an optically blended seam by modifying the brightness of image pixels in the overlap or blend region. Equipment, systems, and techniques are disclosed for preserving the resolution and uniformity of the image across each seam by actively controlling the position of each display using a servo controlled lens mount for the positioning of each projected image in conjunction with a real time image analysis system.

Abstract: Systems and processes for compensating for changes in a theatre sound system positioned in a theatre are described. A subsequent response of a loudspeaker to a test signal is captured and compared to a previously obtained signature response of the loudspeaker to the test signal. An audio signal can be processed based on the comparison to compensate for changes to loudspeaker performance, or otherwise.

Abstract: Electronically controlled film transport methods and systems are described. One system described comprises a film transport path for transporting film, an input drive assembly for advancing film through the film transport path, an output drive assembly for advancing film out of the film transport path, an aperture positioned in the film transport path, at least one registration pin capable of engaging at least one perforation in the film to secure a portion of the film in the aperture, wherein the at least one registration pin is capable of retracting to a non-engaging position, and a controller for controlling the retraction of the at least one registration pin.