Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Techniques for presenting display frames projected using a handheld projector. Embodiments detect a marker embedded in a display surface. A first display frame is projected onto the display surface from the handheld projector, where the first display frame projects, on the display surface, one or more animated objects positioned relative to the detected marker embedded in the display surface. Embodiments generate one or more subsequent display frames projected from the handheld projector, where at least a first one of the animated objects in the one or more subsequent display frames is positioned relative to the detected marker embedded in the display surface.

Abstract: 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.

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 method for identifying of tokens in a video sequence is described. First, the video sequence is scanned for boundaries between consecutive parts of the sequence where the appearance of the tokens is expected. After that step, candidate regions are pre-selected and classified in parts of the video sequence adjacent to detected boundaries, and tokens are located in the candidate regions. Information carried on the tokens is located, interpreted, and merged into consistent sets of information after passing a confidence analysis. In parallel a change in the visual appearance of a token, signaling a special event, is detected.

Abstract: A system and method for providing generated, synchronized, and displayed video time code for recording on film or videotape during the recording of the film or videotape in production. The system, in an embodiment thereof, comprises a slate wherein the generated, synchronized, and displayed video time code provides a visual marker for enabling post-production editing of the film or videotape. The slate enables generation of the video time code, synchronization thereof with a master clock audio time code, and displaying of the video time code. It also enables the setting of video and audio rates and modes of operation, the providing of portable power, and the retaining of data memory. The slate further enables scroll-back operations, and the displaying of operational parameters.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a clapper device and method for synchronizing the auditory and visual elements in motion picture film production. The device has a standard clapper, a means of receiving timecode from an audio recorder (by wireless transmission or by cable or by some other means), a visual display for indicating a machine readable code indicating the stage of the filming process, onboard processing and storage, and a data entry means. The timecode information and machine code displayed corresponding to the point of time when the clapper is closed are used to synchronize the auditory and visual elements after digitization of the same.

Abstract: A back-lighted clap board or slate used with the identification of rolls, takes and scenes and like information in the making of films that is back-lit with an electroluminescent panel. In addition, a liquid crystal display is formed on the clap board in front of the electroluminescent panel so that the liquid crystal display is back-lit and made visible and thus in dark or semidark conditions will be energized and back-lit with the light from the electroluminescent panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a back lighted clap board or slate used for the identification of rolls, takes, and scenes and like information in the making of films that is back-lit with an electroluminescent panel. The electroluminescent panel is activated by the movement of the clap board arms with respect to each other such that, when the arms open, the electroluminescent panel is illuminated. A timing circuit determines the length of time the electroluminescent panel will be lit. Either a mechanically actuated switch or a Hall effect switch may be used to control the illumination of the electroluminescent panel. In addition, a photodiode may be used to detect light intensity and activate the circuit only when the light falls below a predetermined intensity.

Abstract: A cinema sound system for upperforated screens includes for each sterophonic channel a floor positioned direct radiator bass speaker unit radiating into quarter space and an upper frequency speaker unit mounted above the screen. Each upper frequency speaker unit includes a middle frequency driver mounted in a sealed rear enclosure which is attached to the throat of a middle frequency horn. A constant directivity high frequency horn with a high frequency driver attached to a rear end is mounted coaxially in the middle frequency horn. Sharp cutoff active crossover filters divide the input signal into low, middle, and high frequency band signals which are separately power amplified. The middle frequency horn is adapted to function as a direct radiator at a lower end of the middle band and as a sectoral horn above an unloading frequency of the middle frequency horn.

Abstract: The element of the laser framefinder comprise a laser beam generator, a shutter for pulsing a beam of laser light, a laser beam scanner, coupling elements joining a laser beam generator with a laser beam scanner, elements for manipulating a scanning device to produce a laser light pattern, a camera including elements for coupling a scanning device to a camera body, projecting device for aligning a laser light pattern with an optical axis of a camera, a device for optically transmitting a laser light pattern from the scanner to one projecting device, elements creating optical transparency to laser light in a substantially planar ground glass element used as the focusing element of a reflex viewing system, a feedback network utilizing a sensing element to couple laser beam pulsation with a positioning of an optical element of a scanning device, a feedback network utilizing a sensing device to couple a laser beam pulsation with a positioning of a projecting apparatus.