Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for the production of 3D motion picture subtitles adapted to image content for improved viewer experience. Some embodiments of the present invention relate to positioning subtitles at variable, scene-dependent depth. Certain aspects of the present invention may be applicable to general 3D display applications and/or digital projection of 3D motion pictures.

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: 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing or eliminating perceived ghosting in stereoscopic three-dimensional (3D) image display are described. A stereoscopic image that includes image content can be received. Display system parameters can be received. A local region of the stereoscopic image can be identified using the image content. The local region can include ghosting. Psychovisual factors can be selected using the image content. A modified stereoscopic image can be generated from the stereoscopic image by reducing or eliminating the ghosting of the local region using the psychovisual factors and the display system parameters. The modified stereoscopic image can be outputted for display.

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: A process and methods of digital enhancement of motion pictures and other moving image sequences for the purpose of being exhibited in an alternative display format including a large format cinema are disclosed. The invention efficiently enhances image resolution and quality through a temporal filtering process and achieves high performance using automated or interactive statistical quality evaluation methods. A system specially designed for efficient temporal computing with a parallel and distributed computing configuration equipped with a variety of optimization schemes is also disclosed. The performance of the process and the system is optimized through an intelligent controller and is scalable to support any throughput requirements demanded for concurrent motion picture releases in the original format as well as in any alternative format.

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 include 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, as is placement of various loudspeakers relative to, for example, projection screens or theatre walls.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for synthesizing high-resolution images are described. Using as input hybrid high- and low-resolution images (110, 120), processing techniques including three-dimensional image warp-based (160) rendering may assist in developing the high-resolution output images. Enhanced results may in some instances be obtained by creating a high-resolution images of one member of a pair of stereo images by utilizing multiple frames of the other member of the pair.

Abstract: A projection system having a controller and a plurality of reflective SLMs operatively coupled to the controller to receive image data from the controller. The reflective SLMs arc aligned in series to receive light form a light source and to reflect imaging light correlated to the image data.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for enhancing characteristics of electronic projection systems are detailed. Included among the techniques are both superimposition of sub-images and tiling of superimposed images, the combination of which can be advantageous in improving resolution of projected images. Pre-modulators and polarizing beam splitters also may be used as parts of the innovative systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems of controlling transport of film are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of controlling a supply platter motor in a no-rewind film transport system, comprises receiving take-up platter control signal information from a take-up platter controller, processing the take-up platter control signal information, and controlling the supply platter motor based at least in part on the processed take-up platter control signal information.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for enhancing blending characteristics of a composite image formed by multiple projection displays are detailed. Included among the apparatuses and techniques is the use of masks, having complimentary, non-linear edges, between a projection axis and a screen. The masks are used to solve the geometric and photometric issues involved with blending sub-images to form a composite image.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for enhancing the dynamic range of electronic projection systems are detailed. Included among the techniques are pre-modulation, luminance compensation, and partial luminance compensation.

Abstract: Systems including projection mechanisms, screens, and eyeglasses are detailed. The systems significantly reduce perceptible ghosting even when high contrast images (such as dark figures against a white background) are projected.

Abstract: A display system is disclosed that includes a light source, an integrator rod receiving a light beam from the light source and producing an integrated light beam, a beam splitting device splitting the integrated light beam into at least a first cone of light and a second cone of light, the cones of light having complementary intensity distributions, and at least a first spatial light modulator and a second spatial light modulator, wherein the first spatial light modulator is capable of selectively reflecting portions of the first cone of light in an ON direction and the second spatial light modulator is capable of selectively reflecting portions of the second cone of light in an ON direction. The display system further includes a combining device for combining the selectively reflected portions of the cones of light in the ON direction and projection optics for projecting the combined reflected cones of light.

Abstract: Addressed herein are techniques and equipment for pre-processing digital images to be superimposed for display. Filtering, re-sampling, and decimation are variously used to process images and sub-images to produce to-be-superimposed images. One of the described techniques is designed primarily (although not necessarily exclusively) for computational efficiency, while the other sacrifices some computational efficiency for higher quality of output images.

Abstract: A xenon arc lamp for a motion picture projector is cooled by providing the anode end of the lamp with a shroud that forms part of a support for that end of the lamp. Cooling air flows into the shroud along the support arm and enters the shroud through a slot in its side wall. The shroud provides an annular air space around the anode end of the lamp and has an annular air outlet through which the cooling air leaves as a “sheet” of laminar air flow which tends to adhere to the surface of the bulb, thereby providing precise cooling. In this way, arc instability is avoided or minimized, while lamp life is extended.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to creating motion pictures are described. Included as part of the system are cameras incorporating two taking lenses, one of which images onto film through a shutter and the other of which images onto a digital sensor.