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: 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: A system and method for registering the frames of film with respect to an aperture in a motion picture projector. A registration reference mark is applied to each frame corresponding to the location of the frame on the film. When the film is intermittently stopped in the projector's film gate, the registration reference mark is read to determine the location of that frame relative to the immediately preceding frame. If the frame in the gate is misregistered, the gate is moved to correctly register the frame prior to projection. By properly registering the frames, the “jitter”and “weave” associated with conventional projectors is eliminated and resolution of the projected film image is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film transport systems for motion picture projectors and, more particularly, to a film projector movement that is capable of transporting film prints having frames spanning a predetermined number of perforations per frame at a specified projection frame-rate and then automatically switching to another film format having frames spanning a different number of perforations per frame as well as a different projection frame-rate, based on the detection of an encoded trigger strip on the film which carries the format characteristics of the incoming film. A controller enables the system to automatically switch between a variety of different film formats and frame-rates, on the same projector and on the same platter of film, without substantially interrupting or delaying operation of the projector.

Abstract: A switchable pulldown film projection system comprising a film transport system for transporting film through a projector. The film transport system has a plurality of sprockets with teeth for engaging perforations on the film, and a pair of motors that rotate the sprockets and move the film in a frame-by-frame manner past an aperture in the projector. The motors are controlled by an electronic controller that changes the rotational output of the motors based on a signal related to the format of the film in terms of the number of perforations spanned by each frame on the film. The controller enables the system to switch between a variety of different film formats, on the same projector and on the same strip of film, without substantially interrupting or delaying operation of the projector.