Exhibiting Patents (Class 352/40)
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Patent number: 11122336Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to notify a user of content availability. An exemplary embodiment receives a content availability notification request that specifies at least one content of interest, searches current electronic program guide (EPG) information to identify the content of interest, determines that the information identifying the specified content of interest is unavailable based upon the search of the current EPG information, generates a content availability reminder that is associated with the specified content of interest, monitors a content database to determine an availability of the specified content of interest identified in the content availability reminder, determines that the specified content of interest is available when the monitored content database indicates availability of the specified content of interest, and generates a content availability reminder notification that indicates at least a title of the specified content of interest.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.Inventor: Sri Ramana Pandala
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Patent number: 10885339Abstract: A head-mounted device includes a first image capturing device, a transparent display, and circuitry. The first image capturing device captures an image of a scene in a line-of-sight (LOS) of a wearer of the head-mounted device. The circuitry receives an audio segment that corresponds to audio content. The circuitry determines a level of each image characteristic of a background portion and a foreground portion of the captured image. The circuitry estimates a first region on a display portion of the transparent display for display of text information associated with the received audio segment. The circuitry determines a level of each display characteristic from a set of display characteristics for the text information based on the estimated first region and the determined level of each image characteristic. The circuitry controls the display of the text information in the estimated first region of the display portion of the transparent display.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Brant Candelore, Mahyar Nejat, Peter Shintani, Robert Blanchard
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Patent number: 10805591Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a visual attraction which provides a multi-dimensional audio/video experience in which the three dimensional screens provide for a three dimensional appearing display of two dimensional images in anticipation of and leading up to a reveal event in which the screens rise to expose a view behind the screens. The visual attraction also collects and separates the visitors to the visual attraction by collecting a predetermined grouping of the visitors and processing them through the attraction in a fashion which provides a manageable flow of visitors spaced apart by the length of the show which then passes the group of visitors in the attraction to the remainder of the attraction before collecting and passing through the next group.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: LEGENDS ATTRACTIONS, LLCInventors: Philip Hettema, David Revel, Arthur Derby Ahlstone
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Patent number: 10698573Abstract: A system can comprise a memory for storing machine readable instructions and a processing unit for accessing the memory and executing the machine readable instructions. The machine readable instructions can comprise an automation client to facilitate managing media operations. The automation client can comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) generator to provide a GUI. The GUI can concurrently provide a plurality of modes of operation for a plurality of playlists in a graphical framework.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2017Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: IMAGINE COMMUNICATIONS CORP.Inventors: Michael J. Salyards, Charles P. Lotz, Csaba Felvegi
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Patent number: 10205926Abstract: The invention is generally directed to a visual attraction which provides a multi-dimensional audio/video experience in which the three dimensional screens provide for a three dimensional appearing display of two dimensional images in anticipation of and leading up to a reveal event in which the screens rise to expose a view behind the screens. The visual attraction also collects and separates the visitors to the visual attraction by collecting a predetermined grouping of the visitors and processing them through the attraction in a fashion which provides a manageable flow of visitors spaced apart by the length of the show which then passes the group of visitors in the attraction to the remainder of the attraction before collecting and passing through the next group.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Legends Attractions, LLCInventors: Philip Hettema, David Revel, Arthur Derby Ahlstone
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Patent number: 10037131Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods, and computer storage media directed to facilitating object set replication. In embodiments described herein, a repeatable object set can be generated. Such a repeatable object set can include one or more objects and a field format indicating a position of the object(s) within a field. The generated repeatable object set can be replicated as replicated object sets into a set of fields within a layout structure, wherein each of the replicated object sets includes a representation of the object(s) placed within a corresponding field in accordance with the field format indicating the position of the one or more objects. The replicated object sets within the set of fields the layout structure can then be presented.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATEDInventors: Narciso Batacan Jaramillo, III, Tomas Krcha, Anirudh Sasikumar, Talin Chris Wadsworth
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Patent number: 9817553Abstract: A system can comprise a memory for storing machine readable instructions and a processing unit for accessing the memory and executing the machine readable instructions. The machine readable instructions can comprise an automation client to facilitate managing media operations. The automation client can comprise a graphical user interface (GUI) generator to provide a GUI. The GUI can concurrently provide a plurality of modes of operation for a plurality of playlists in a graphical framework.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: HBC SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Michael J. Salyards, Charles P. Lotz, Csaba Felvegi
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Patent number: 9785044Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods to configure an immersive theater environment by moving one or more screens. A movie screen can be provided with one or more actuators coupled to the movie screen, wherein the one or more actuators are configured to move the movie screen in a plurality of directions including, for example, up, down, left, right, back, forward, pitch, roll, and yaw. This system can include a processor coupled to the actuator, wherein the processor is configured to control the movement of the one or more actuators, synchronize cinema content for movement of the movie screen, process cinema content for metadata cues indicating movement of the movie screen, and track positions of the movie screen.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Barco, Inc.Inventor: Alexander William Gocke
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Patent number: 9645482Abstract: The technology described herein relates generally to a projection system having a fail-safe feature for use in a presentation or display. In one example a projection system having at least one main projector projects a first image onto a main projection area of a projection surface. The projection system may further include a relief projector that when activated projects a second image onto a backup projection area of the projection surface. The projection system may be provided with a sensor capable of sensing at least one characteristic of the at least one main projector, the main projection area, or the projection surface. The projection system may include a control system in communication with the sensor, wherein the control system activates the relief projector in response to the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2015Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventor: Daniel Joseph
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Patent number: 9474823Abstract: A low dispersion scent sampler for point of sale display has a housing with a front panel to which a label advertising products sold at the point of sale may be affixed. Inside of the housing is a blower connected to a timer control circuit and battery through a pushbutton actuated switch. A scented material is provided in the air flow path from the blower to one or more exhaust ports. When the pushbutton is pressed by a consumer, the blower turns on for a brief period of time to force air over the scented material and then through the exhaust ports for sampling of the scent emitted by the scented material. The on time for the blower is brief to limit exposure to the scent to the space occupied by the consumer.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignees: Scentisphere LLC, Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLCInventors: James Berard, Tom Lockwood
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Patent number: 9392215Abstract: Previously-produced motion pictures are enhanced for theatrical exhibition, at double the frame rate at which they were originally produced. New, rendered images are interpolated between each of the images of the original motion picture. For image pixels containing excessively complex motion, those pixels are corrected to eliminate such complexity. This correction is accomplished by selecting the specific pixels that are too complex to be made a part of a synthesized image, rejecting them, and repeating only those appropriate pixels as they appeared in the previous frame; and by treating all other pixels in other images in a normal manner, known in the art. The pictures are projected through digital means at 48 frames-per-second. The invention allows for upgrade of previously-produced motion pictures for high-frame-rate presentation without repeating any frames, improving the quality of presentation by eliminating any appearance consistent with low-frame-rate photography and presentation.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Inventor: Robert C. Weisgerber
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Patent number: 9294493Abstract: A security system, including a receiver for receiving a downloadable, a scanner, coupled with the receiver, for scanning the downloadable to identify suspicious computer operations therein, a code modifier, coupled with the scanner, for overwriting the suspicious computer operations with substitute computer operations, if at least one suspicious computer operation is identified by the scanner, and for appending monitoring program code to the downloadable thereby generating a modified downloadable, if at least one suspicious computer operation is identified by the scanner, and a processor, coupled with the code modifier, for executing programmed instructions, wherein the monitoring program code includes program instructions for the processor to validate input parameters for the suspicious computer operations during run-time of the downloadable. A method is also described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Finjan, Inc.Inventors: Yuval Ben-Itzhak, Golan Yosef, Israel Taub
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Patent number: 9049427Abstract: The present invention relates to a playback device, a playback method, and a program, which enable a 3D content to be played by determining which stream of a basic stream and an extended stream is a left image stream in the event of displaying a 3D image for example. In the event that the value of view_type is 0, of the data stored in a DPB 151, data obtained by decoding a Base view video packet which is identified by PID=0 is output to an L video plane generating unit 161. The value 0 of the vie and w_type represents that a Base view video stream is an L view stream. In this case, data obtained by decoding a Dependent view video packet which is identified by a PID other than 0 is output to an R video plane generating unit 162. The present invention can be applied to a playback device compatible with the BD-ROM standard.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Shinobu Hattori
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Patent number: 9013671Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for displaying different captions for selective viewing. A display is used for showing the captions in different color and/or polarization combinations, and color-selective filters and/or polarizers are used for separately viewing the individual captions.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Mark J. Huber, William Gibbens Redmann
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Patent number: 8988514Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting digital video content and for discouraging recording of the projected video content using a video camera or other sampling recording device are described, including accepting a frame of digital video content, time-shifting a bit-plane of the frame of the digital video content at a phase difference, projecting the time-shifted frame, repeating the accepting, time-shifting and projecting acts for a number of frames, adjusting the phase difference and repeating all of the above acts. Also described are a method and apparatus for generating an indication of a mid-scale level bit-plane of a frame of digital video content, including accepting a frame of digital video content, accepting a selection of mid-scale level bit-plane of the frame and generating an indication of the selection of the mid-scale level bit-plane of the frame. Time-shifting bit-planes of a frame generates in the recorded video a flicker.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: Emil Tchoukaleysky
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Publication number: 20140354954Abstract: The present invention provides an additional effect system and method, the additional effect system including: a plurality of projection surfaces installed in a single theater; and an additional effect device for implementing an additional effect other than images projected on the plurality of projection surfaces, wherein the additional effect device provides the additional effect depending the images projected on the plurality of projection surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Hwan Chul Kim, Su Ryeon Kang
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Publication number: 20140340647Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-projection system and method including direction-changeable audience seats, and the multi-projection system includes a plurality of projection surfaces installed in a single theater; and an audience seat whose direction is changed depending on images projected on the plurality of projection surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Hwan Chul Kim, Su Ryeon Kang
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Publication number: 20140268061Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby motion pictures photographed and exhibited at high frame rates, typically 48 frames-per-second, are modified to impart a cinematic appearance which tempers the level of motion detail inherent at such high frame rates. Motion pictures can be photographed either on film or by digital means. A controlled amount of motion blur is imparted selectively to certain scenes, sequences, frames or components of images. This can be accomplished by using different shuttle angles for digital photography, or by imparting motion blur in post-production. The result is a motion picture that retains a cinematic appearance, at least in part, while other parts of the same motion picture appear hyper-realistic, due to the high frame rate of photography and exhibition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventor: Robert C. Weisgerber
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Patent number: 8836910Abstract: The present invention comprises a light and sound sensor system and method for repetitively measuring the luminance, chromaticity, sound, and infrared illumination in a theater to detect any changes thereto so that the images being viewed on the screen and the sound in the theater can be kept at their optimal values. In addition, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system has an audio and video synchronization capability. By monitoring the audio and visual signals in real time, the exact time relationship between the signals is detected to determine whether they are properly synchronized.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Inventors: James A. Cashin, Harold Mark Hallikainen
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Patent number: 8814367Abstract: A 3D image cinema system having at least one projection room for viewing 3D images or 2D images is divided into forward and rearward viewing directions for the projection of an image on a front screen and a rear screen which are provided in a front end and a rear end of the projection room, respectively. Further, a front direction chair and a rear direction chair having a different viewing direction are provided on a front step and a rear step between the projection room and the front and rear screens where the theater can be easily installed in a general building and the 3D and 2D image has as much as 1.5-2 times wider viewing as a prior image.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventor: Hae-Yong Choi
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Patent number: 8804093Abstract: Systems and methods for providing movement to seating including theater seating generate complex motion responses in the seating by automatically analyzing an audio component of media being consumed for one or more aspects of the audio information contained in the audio component at certain frequencies or frequency ranges. The aspects analyzed include aspects relating to frequencies and frequency ranges substantially higher than the low-frequency signals used to drive motion of theater seating. From the analysis of the audio aspects contained in the audio component, a plurality of independent low-frequency output signals is generated. The plurality of independent low-frequency output signals is directed to a plurality of individual actuators incorporated into different locations in a seat to provide sensations of motion at different locations of the seat, such as at a seat location, at a lower back location, and at an upper back location.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventors: Levoy Haight, J. Ken Barton, David J. Havell, Aaron Michael Best, Trent Lawrence Rolf, Mark Myers
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Patent number: 8749752Abstract: Motion picture images are photographed at forty-eight frames per second, onto motion picture film in the thirty-five millimeter, two-perforation format. These film images are then converted to digital images and re-sized to accommodate an aspect ratio used for wide-screen motion picture exhibition. During exhibition, the images are projected digitally in the 1080 by 2048 or other commercially-used digital exhibition format. The server used for such exhibition is 3D compatible, although the interleaving feature used for three-dimensional exhibition is not used in the present invention. Instead, forty-eight discrete images are projected during each second, matching the forty-eight discrete images per second originally photographed on motion picture film in the practice of this invention. Thus, the present invention combines advantages of film photography in an economical film format with advantages of digital exhibition to theatrical motion picture audiences.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2007Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Robert C. Weisgerber
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Patent number: 8493544Abstract: Digital cinema exhibition facilities make use of a show play list (SPL) specifying a time sequence of the events to occur during the presentation of digital cinema content. One or more cues in the show play list trigger certain activities, such as displacing the screen curtain and dimming the house lights. To achieve an aesthetic, showman-like presentation, the cues in the show play undergo re-cuing. For each cue, a determination is made automatically of the prefire interval, that is, the interval by which the cue should be advanced. The execution the cue to trigger a corresponding activity is advanced by the automatically determined pre-fire interval.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: William Gibbens Redmann, James Paul Sabo, Mark Leroy Walker
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Publication number: 20130135587Abstract: A motion picture film includes a plurality of frames, with each frame formed of a first and second sub-frames. Each of the first and second sub-frames encompasses an image of a separate one of first and second sequences of successive images independent of each other. The first and second sequences of images typically undergo display one prior to the other, by projecting the film twice in succession, the first time to display the images in the first sequence, the second time to display the images in the second sequence. The film also carries two separate sets of sound tracks, each corresponding to separate one of the first and second sequences of successive images for separate playback.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: THOMSON LICENSINGInventors: Antonio D'Arienzo, Pietro Pacitto, Alessandro Adamo, Dario Marzeglia
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Publication number: 20130093999Abstract: Digital cinema exhibition facilities make use of a show play list (SPL) specifying a time sequence of the events to occur during the presentation of digital cinema content. One or more cues in the show play list trigger certain activities, such as displacing the screen curtain and dimming the house lights. To achieve an aesthetic, showman-like presentation, the cues in the show play undergo re-cuing. For each cue, a determination is made automatically of the prefire interval, that is, the interval by which the cue should be advanced. The execution the cue to trigger a corresponding activity is advanced by the automatically determined pre-fire interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: THOMSON LICENSINGInventor: THOMSON LICENSING
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Patent number: 8421991Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: IMAX CorporationInventors: Steven Charles Read, Brian John Bonnick, George Eric Jacques
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Patent number: 8395751Abstract: Digital cinema exhibition facilities make use of a show play list (SPL) specifying a time sequence of the events to occur during the presentation of digital cinema content. One or more cues in the show play list trigger certain activities, such as displacing the screen curtain and dimming the house lights. To achieve an aesthetic, showman-like presentation, the cues in the show play undergo re-cueing. For each cue, a determination is made automatically of the prefire interval, that is, the interval by which the cue should be advanced. The execution the cue to trigger a corresponding activity is advanced by the automatically determined prefire interval.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: William Gibbens Redmann, James Paul Sabo, Mark Leroy Walker
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Publication number: 20120224145Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: MaxiVision Cinema TechnologyInventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Ty Safreno
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Patent number: 8243252Abstract: A method for frustrating piracy of a movie, the movie including a plurality of filmed frames, each of the filmed frames including an image, the method including editing the movie prior to projection such that different regions of the image of one of the filmed frames are in different frames so that the different regions will be projected at different times, and repeating the editing for other ones of the filmed frames. Related apparatus and methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: NDS LimitedInventors: Kfir Moshe, Gavriel Benaily, Or Taieb, Perry Smith, Shlomo Kipnis
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Patent number: 8201952Abstract: A projection apparatus and a projection system comprising the same are provided. The projection apparatus is adapted to connect to a server for transmitting a time signal via a network. The projection apparatus comprises a schedule module, a timing module, and a network process module. The schedule module is configured to store schedule information. The timing module is configured to generate time information. The network process module is coupled to the schedule module and the timing module, and configured to connect to the server to get time signal via the network according to the schedule information and timing information in a specific time.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Jimmy Su, Yu-Shan Lai
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Publication number: 20120099080Abstract: An apparatus for transilluminating a film includes a light source emitting a light beam for transilluminating the film, a film guide for guiding the film such that the light beam can transilluminate a section of the film, a film feed for feeding the film to the film guide, and a film removal for removing the film from the film guide. The film guide has a support designed for rotation about a rotation axis running through the center of the support and a rotationally symmetric circumferential surface. The film can be supported on the circumferential surface at least with part of the width thereof over a section of the circumferential surface. The light beam generated by the light source passes through the film when the film is supported on the circumferential surface at least with part of the width thereof over a section of the circumferential surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: DFT Digital Film Technology Holding GmbHInventors: Rainer Kaus, Klaus Anderle, Markus Hasenzahl
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Patent number: 8094286Abstract: The invention relates to a method for combating the copying of source pictures by means of a camera while they are being displayed, for example using a camcorder in a movie theatre. To this end, it is known, in classical projection systems, to modulate by a carrier wave the brightness of some pixels of the pictures. The frequency of the carrier wave is usually constant and generally half the refresh frequency. The main problem with such systems is that once a pirate has figured out what the modulation frequency is, he can configure his camcorder shutter to filter out this frequency and bypass the anti-camcorder method. According to the invention, the frequency of the carrier is changed at least once throughout the displaying of the sequence pictures or the movie, to defeat all camcorders standards (PAL/NTSC) and shutter configurations.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Pascal Bourdon, Sylvain Thiebaud, Didier Doyen
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Patent number: 8018569Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: MaxiVision Cinema TechnologyInventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Ty Safreno
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Publication number: 20110122369Abstract: A method for frustrating piracy of a movie, the movie including a plurality of filmed frames, each of the filmed frames including an image, the method including editing the movie prior to projection such that different regions of the image of one of the filmed frames are in different frames so that the different regions will be projected at different times, and repeating the editing for other ones of the filmed frames. Related apparatus and methods are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: NDS LimitedInventors: Kfir Moshe, Gavriel Benaily, Or Taieb, Perry Smith, Shlomo Kipnis
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Publication number: 20110116048Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2011Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: IMAX CORPORATIONInventors: STEVEN CHARLES READ, BRIAN JOHN BONNICK, GEORGE ERIC JACQUES
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Publication number: 20110085141Abstract: A system for projecting stereoscopic images is provided. The system includes a light source configured to provide light energy to a length of film having frames each comprising two sideframes oriented off axis, or side-by-side, from a preferred viewing orientation, an image receiving lens configured to receive light energy transmitted through the length of film, and an optical arrangement configured to receive images as light energy from the image receiving lens. The optical arrangement may include an afocal extender and means for reorienting images to the preferred viewing orientation and registering images reoriented to the preferred viewing orientation to a screen. The means for reorienting and registering include a plurality of optical refractive elements. Polarization, such as linear polarization, may be employed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Lenny Lipton, Albert L. Mayer, JR., John A. Rupkalvis
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Patent number: 7924395Abstract: A method for delivering digital cinema concurrently to a retail exhibitor and a remote theater that includes forming a digital cinema right-to-distribute contract between a content owner and a retail exhibitor. In addition, a digital cinema movie rental contract is formed between the retail exhibitor and a remote theater user. Newly released digital cinema content is delivered both to the remote theater and to the retail exhibitor. Display of the newly released digital cinema content occurs at the remote theater as early as the display of the newly released digital cinema content at the retail exhibitor.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Leslie G. Moore, Verlyn Belisle, Robert Mayson, Richard C. Sehlin, Mark P. Henry
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Patent number: 7907248Abstract: A method for frustrating piracy of a movie, the movie including a plurality of filmed frames, each of the filmed frames including an image, the method including editing the movie prior to projection such that different regions of the image of one of the filmed frames are in different frames so that the different regions will be projected at different times, and repeating the editing for other ones of the filmed frames. Related apparatus and methods are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: NDS LimitedInventors: Kfir Moshe, Gavriel Benaily, Or Taieb, Perry Smith, Shlomo Kipnis
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Publication number: 20110025981Abstract: Digital cinema exhibition facilities make use of a show play list (SPL) specifying a time sequence of the events to occur during the presentation of digital cinema content. One or more cues in the show play list trigger certain activities, such as displacing the screen curtain and dimming the house lights. To achieve an aesthetic, showman-like presentation, the cues in the show play undergo re-cueing. For each cue, a determination is made automatically of the prefire interval, that is, the interval by which the cue should be advanced. The execution the cue to trigger a corresponding activity is advanced by the automatically determined prefire interval.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: William Gibbens Redmann, James Paul Sabo, Mark Leroy Walker
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Patent number: 7728950Abstract: A method for presenting video content including displaying the video content at an enhanced frame rate selectively modified to interfere with a recording of the video content by a camcorder. For example, the video content can be displayed at a frame rate of 54 pictures per second or a frame rate of 66 pictures per second. For implementation of the enhanced frame rate, a first picture can be displayed within the video content a first number of times and at least a second picture can be displayed a different number of times.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventor: Donald Henry Willis
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Publication number: 20090262305Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: STEVEN CHARLES READ, Brian John Bonnick, George Eric Jacques
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Patent number: 7595860Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: IMAX CorporationInventors: Steven Charles Read, Brian John Bonnick, George Eric Jacques
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Publication number: 20090128779Abstract: A method for frustrating piracy of a movie, the movie including a plurality of filmed frames, each of the filmed frames including an image, the method including editing the movie prior to projection such that different regions of the image of one of the filmed frames are in different frames so that the different regions will be projected at different times, and repeating the editing for other ones of the filmed frames. Related apparatus and methods are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2006Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: NDS LIMITEDInventors: Kfir Moshe, Gavriel Benaily, Or Taieb, Perry Smith, Shlomo Kipnis
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Patent number: 7528928Abstract: A transport stream with embedded projector configuration data 208 being carried along with the video for use in digital cinema projector setup. The embedded configuration data consists of sub-packets 304 of setup data information for such parameters as gamma tables, color management system information, relative luminance level, format and range of the sampled data, 3D/2D presentation information, frame rate, image size, aspect ratio, font tables, and language provision. This approach assures that the projector 404 is setup properly and also permits on-the-fly changes to the projector's parameters, which may be used for artistic effects in the movie.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: William B. Werner
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Publication number: 20090033872Abstract: A method to create continuous motion using a plurality of images depicting numerous lines or pixels arranged in such a way as to create the perception of motion such as in a continuous flow, when projected in sequence, the sequence being repeated in an endless loop. The plurality of images can create a plurality of effects and can be embodied in many commercially viable ways: this can be a design projected on a full motion display, multi-layer edge lit, among many others.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Herbert Jan Karl Boks
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Publication number: 20080309883Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2006Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Dean K. Goodhill, Ty Safreno
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Publication number: 20080266522Abstract: Motion picture images are photographed at forty-eight frames per second, onto motion picture film in the thirty-five millimeter, two-perforation format. These film images are then converted to digital images and resized to accommodate an aspect ratio used for wide-screen motion picture exhibition. During exhibition, the images are projected digitally in the 1080×2048 or other commercially-used digital exhibition format. The server used for such exhibition is 3-D compatible, although the interleafing feature used for three-dimensional exhibition is not used in the present invention. Instead, forty-eight discrete images are projected during each second, matching the forty-eight discrete images per second originally photographed on motion picture film in the practice of this invention. Thus, the present invention combines advantages of film photography in an economical film format with advantages of digital exhibition to theatrical motion picture audiences.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventor: Robert C. Weisgerber
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Patent number: 7420649Abstract: A method and a system for identifying a copy of an image sequence which is presented on a screen. At least one identifier distinct from the image sequence can be projected through the screen such that the identifier is displayed using visible light along with the image sequence. The identifier can be presented at periodic intervals and can define a theater location, a date and/or a time. A color and/or an illumination of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation can be measured. Based on the measured illumination and/or color, a projection brightness and/or color can be determined for the identifier. Also, a location on the screen through which the identifier should be projected can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: David Jay Duffield, Mark Alan Schultz, Michael Allan Sterling
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Patent number: 7382969Abstract: A method for preventing the copying of useable video content is disclosed. The method includes identifying the video signal content of a video signal that is suitable to be extracted, extracting video content from the video signal to transmit to a receiver, and replacing the extracted video content with marred video content in the video signal. The method further includes placing the extracted video content in a user data channel of a program stream for transmission to a receiver. In addition, the method includes transmitting portions of the video signal that contains the marred video content in a first channel of the program stream, and transmitting the extracted video content in a second channel of the program stream to the receiver. The signals transmitted in the program stream are synchronized for presentation in the display of the receiver.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.Inventor: Thomas P. Dawson
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Patent number: 7313571Abstract: A system and method for generating a list is provided. The system includes a seed item input subsystem, an item identifying subsystem, a descriptive metadata similarity determining subsystem and a list generating subsystem that builds a list based, at least in part, on similarity processing performed on seed item descriptive metadata and user item descriptive metadata and user selected thresholds applied to such similarity processing. The method includes inexact matching between identifying metadata associated with new user items and identifying metadata stored in a reference metadata database. The method further includes subjecting candidate user items to similarity processing, where the degree to which the candidate user items are similar to the seed item is determined, and placing user items in a list of items based on user selected preferences for (dis)similarity between items in the list and the seed item.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: John C. Platt, Christopher Burges, Alice Zheng, Christopher B. Weare, Steven E. Swenson