Abstract: [Problem] To shorten the processing time without performing complicated processing during image reading. [Solution] The present disclosure provides an image processing apparatus that includes: a dividing unit that divides a detection region for detecting a feature value of an image into a plurality of regions; a decimation processing unit that performs a decimation process on a pixel value for each of the regions; and a histogram calculating unit that interpolates a pixel value having undergone the decimation process to calculate a histogram of pixel values of the regions. With this configuration, it is possible to shorten the processing time without performing complicated processing during image reading.

Abstract: Face mask communication system 100 includes face mask 10 worn by user 14 and signal receiving hand glove 16 worn by user 18. Glove 16 includes data receiver 66 for data communication with mask 10 and includes multiple vibrotactile devices for generating haptic signals. Mask 10 includes an elastic element of flexible material, and a plurality of EMG sensors 12 fixed to the element, for sensing electrical activity of face regions of the user's 14 face. Mask 10 includes a processor 60; decoding algorithm 110 and transmitter 62 for, respectively, processing signals from the sensors 12; generating command instructions based on the signals; and wirelessly transmitting the signals to receiver 66 of glove 16. Mask 10 includes thread elements connected to the elastic element of mask 10 enabling tensioning of the element to provide for fitment of mask 10 to users of different sizes, for optimal location sensors 12.

Abstract: Playback and distribution systems and methods for multimedia files are provided. The multimedia files are encoded with indexes associated with the content data of the multimedia files. Through the use of the indexes, playback of the content is enhanced without significantly increasing the file size of the multimedia file.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for gaze detection of occupants for vehicle displays. An example vehicle includes a panoramic display including polarized displays. The example vehicle also includes a controller to identify a primary operator interface and a primary passenger interface and detect, via one or more cameras, an operator gaze and a passenger gaze. The controller also is to present the primary operator interface to an operator via one of the polarized displays corresponding with the operator gaze and present the primary passenger interface to a passenger via one of the polarized displays corresponding with the passenger gaze.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of increasing spatial/temporal resolution including the steps of (a) providing a current video having an initial temporal/spatial resolution; (b) repeatedly reducing the temporal/spatial resolution of the current video to produce a lowest temporal/spatial resolution current video; (c) increasing the spatial/temporal resolution of the lowest temporal/spatial resolution current video; (d) increasing the spatial/temporal resolution of the next higher temporal/spatial resolution current video; and (e) repeating step (d) up to the initial temporal/spatial resolution.

Abstract: Playback and distribution systems and methods for multimedia files are provided. The multimedia files are encoded with indexes associated with the content data of the multimedia files. Through the use of the indexes, playback of the content is enhanced without significantly increasing the file size of the multimedia file.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of delivering fluid from one or more armrests of seat systems. In a feature, the system includes a seat support assembly with armrests with one or more fluid nozzles mounted on one or more of the armrests, a fluid delivery system coupled to the one or more fluid nozzle(s), wherein the fluid nozzles are mounted on an end of the armrest that slopes upward to direct fluid toward the viewer. In another feature, the system includes a seat support assembly with air outlet(s) on an armrest coupled to a fan, which reduces the load on the fluid delivery system. In another feature, the system includes a controller (e.g., a network server) configured to communicate on and off commands that correspond to events on a timeline of a movie to actuate the fluid delivery system to deliver fluids to the outlets.

Abstract: Shaped glasses have curved surface lenses and spectrally complementary filters disposed on the curved surface lenses configured to compensate for wavelength shifts occurring due to viewing angles and other sources. The spectrally complementary filters include guard bands to prevent crosstalk between spectrally complementary portions of a 3D image viewed through the shaped glasses. In one embodiment, the spectrally complementary filters are disposed on the curved lenses with increasing layer thickness towards edges of the lenses. The projected complementary images may also be pre-shifted to compensate for subsequent wavelength shifts occurring while viewing the images.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for digitally scanning motion picture film with automatic recovery after a failed splice or break is repaired. The system includes a motion picture film digital scanner. Software executed on a processor either integrated within the motion picture film digital scanner or in an external computer communicating with the motion picture film digital scanner detects film breakage. When an operator signals that the splice repair operation is complete, the software directs the scanner to rewind the film by a pre-determined amount and resume scanning. The software automatically, and seamlessly, merges the scan sequences from before and after the splice repair operation.

Abstract: A cinema structure (1) comprises an auditorium (3) having a flat planar screen (10) onto which images of a motion picture is projected by a projector (12) located adjacent a rear wall (5) of the auditorium (3). Seating (14) comprising rows (15) of seats (16) are supported on tiered plinths (18) which are tiered at an angle ? of approximately 25°. A front row (15a) of the seats (16) is formed in two parts, namely, a left-hand part (44a) and a right-hand part (44b) on a front plinth (18a), which is also formed in two parts, namely, a left-hand part (42a) and a right-hand part (42b). The left and right-hand parts of the front row (15a) and the front plinth (18) define central gaps (45,43, respectively) in order to accommodate the projected beam of the motion picture uninterrupted from the projector (12) to the screen (10). The rows (15) of seats (16) are pitched at a horizontal pitch (P1) of 1,300 mm, and each plinth (18) is at a vertical height (h1) of approximately 600 mm above its adjacent plinth (18).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. A method includes determining, using a computing device and stored emission signatures of a plurality of different imaging devices, whether an emission is indicative of a presence of an imaging device that has transmitted a content signal and in response to determining that the emission is indicative of the presence of the imaging device that has transmitted the content signal, and initiating, using the computing device, transmission of a thwarting signal from a signal generator to thwart the imaging device.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus is disclosed that can directly connect to a portable digital video camera and can record uncompressed video and audio data, along with associated metadata, in the field and elsewhere. Most preferably, the integrated apparatus includes a removable, recordable, reusable digital magazine that may be mounted. Most preferably, the integrated apparatus also supports a variety of input and output formats, and the apparatus may be easily connected to other computing systems, either directly or through network connections, wired or wireless. The digital magazine can be mounted in a variety of docking stations and can be directly connected to a network, allowing the video and audio data to be easily stored and transferred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for monitoring frame alignment status and correcting misalignment for film in a stereoscopic 3D projection system, in which gap indicia are provided onto the film in a gap between images, whether the images belong to the same frame or different adjacent frames. Thus, gap indicia are positioned in at least one of an interframe gap and an intraframe gap of the stereoscopic film. During projection of the film, presence or absence of the gap indicia is used to determine a frame alignment status. Frame misalignment is then easily diagnosed and corrected. Characteristics of the gap indicia are modified for improving frame alignment diagnosis.

Abstract: Previously-produced motion pictures are enhanced for theatrical exhibition, at double the frame rate at which they were originally produced. Synthesized images are interpolated between each of the images of the original motion picture. These interpolated images are generated through the use of computer software that analyzes the actual horizontal and vertical displacement of each pixel of every image of the original motion picture, so the interpolated images accurately depict the exact image that would have been captured, if the original motion picture had been produced at double the actual frame rate of production. This enhancement technique can be used selectively for certain scenes or sequences. The invention uses the 70 mm film format or digital equivalent, with picture information added to films produced in a 35 mm format. For image components containing complex motion, those components are selected for treatment to correct for such complexity. The entire process can be executed automatically.

Abstract: A method for communicating and preserving creative intent within a motion picture production chain, including a production stage, and at least one of a subsequent laboratory or post production stage, including capturing an original image of a scene during the production stage; generating a look representative of a creative intent, wherein the look is a digital representation of a creative alteration of the captured original scene image; and applying the look to the captured original scene image and confirming approval of the look during the production stage. The digital representation of the look is stored as a recipe for generating the creative alteration, and communicated from the production stage to at least one of the subsequent laboratory and post-production stages for applying the look to the captured motion picture footage during subsequent laboratory and post-production stages.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect a focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable. Emission signatures of imaging devices are stored in a datastore and distributed to users of thwarting systems via a network. Emission signatures are associated with thwarting signals to allow detection and thwarting systems to respond quickly to the use of an unauthorized imaging device.

Abstract: A method for communicating and preserving creative intent within a motion picture production chain, including a production stage, and at least one of a subsequent laboratory or post production stage, including capturing an original image of a scene during the production stage; generating a look representative of a creative intent, wherein the look is a digital representation of a creative alteration of the captured original scene image; and applying the look to the captured original scene image and confirming approval of the look during the production stage. The digital representation of the look is stored as a recipe for generating the creative alteration, and communicated from the production stage to at least one of the subsequent laboratory and post-production stages for applying the look to the captured motion picture footage during subsequent laboratory and post-production stages.

Abstract: A method for communicating and preserving creative intent within a motion picture production chain, including a production stage, and at least one of a subsequent laboratory or post production stage, including capturing an original image of a scene during the production stage; generating a look representative of a creative intent, wherein the look is a digital representation of a creative alteration of the captured original scene image; and applying the look to the captured original scene image and confirming approval of the look during the production stage. The digital representation of the look is stored as a recipe for generating the creative alteration, and communicated from the production stage to at least one of the subsequent laboratory and post-production stages for applying the look to the captured motion picture footage during subsequent laboratory and post-production stages.

Abstract: A digital still camera switches an image sensor between moving picture shooting and still picture shooting. The digital still camera includes a variable-magnification optical system having a plurality of lens groups of which four are movable. At least one of the movable lens groups travels different movement trails for magnification variation between during zooming in moving picture shooting and during zooming in still picture shooting.

Abstract: Spectral separation filters for channels of a 3D image projection incorporate passbands of primary colors. In at least one of the filters, passbands are present in more than 3 primary colors. A set of two filters include a first filter having passbands of low blue, high blue, low green, high green, and red, and a second filter having passbands of blue, green, and red. The additional primary passbands of the first filter allow for an increased color space in projections through the filters compared to filters only having red, green, and blue primaries. The added flexibility of the increased color space is utilized to more closely match a color space and white point of a projector in which the filters are used.

Abstract: An anamorphic imaging system is disclosed which maximizes the use of available image area to minimize display magnification and image degradation due to display magnification, reduces the amount of anamorphic squeeze or stretch during photography to lower image degradation due to anamorphosis, and in film applications, utilizes a film frame that is only three perforations in height to reduce the amount of original film needed. The frame for either film or digital applications has an aspect ratio of approximately 16:9, is contained within the total available frame area of a three-perforation frame or digital imager, and is sized to maximize image area. In preferred embodiments, the image capture area is approximately 0.900 inches wide by approximately 0.506 inches tall.

Abstract: A method for archiving a motion picture film can include capturing in a digital format at least one reference image set corresponding to at least one image from the motion picture film. At least one reference image set can be created which includes an unprocessed image captured, in the digital format, from an original camera negative. The image set can also include a processed image, stored in said digital format, that is a modified version of the unprocessed image. Subsequently, the reference image set can be recorded on a reference film medium to form a key frame reel. The key frame reel can thereafter be used to create monochrome color separations.

Abstract: A system and method for marking, coding and tracking a film print in an efficient, adaptive and customized manner for providing unique and robust identification of each individual film print and for facilitating accurate tracking of the origin of a pirated copy is described herein. A film print to be marked is calibrated and provided in computer-readable form for input to a prescreening device. The calibrated film print is reviewed and ideal locations on each frame of the film print are chosen for applying a mark. A unique coding scheme is generated for each desired print. If a pirate copy is found, all marks are located and a matching serial number (e.g., coding scheme) is determined for the pirated copy based on marks found in the pirate copy when compared to a database storing film print mark information generated during the marking and coding process.

Abstract: A method for converting a sequence of scan-only film captured images into a sequence of modified images that provide the appearance of images captured by a photographic film reproduction system; the photographic film reproduction system being includes photographic motion picture negative film printed onto a motion picture print film that is displayed, or a reversal motion picture system in which the reversal film is displayed, or a photographic motion picture film electro-optically scanned to standard format video by a telecine and further displayed, or a photographic motion picture film electro-optically scanned by a scanner suitable for producing digital data intended for additional digital image manipulation and further preparation as a digital master for electronic distribution such as digital theatrical projection or various types of broadcast video; or recorded out to another photographic film to be used as a printing master for producing distribution optical prints for theatrical projection.

Abstract: When a point (parameter) to be edited is judged to be present in the shape or moving state of an object (to be displayed) during reproduction of animation, the user selects the object on the screen (S201–204). Varying parameters (variation parameters; position, and the like) of the object are extracted during the reproduction of the animation and displayed on another display screen. The animation can be corrected by stopping it at a part to be edited and correcting the values of the displayed variation parameters (S205–208). Since the variation parameters can be extracted and the animation can be edited, edition of animation is facilitated.

Abstract: In a digital cinema system, a method for creating a playlist is claimed. At least one image program and at least one audio program is displayed. Each image program comprises encoded data representing image information, and each audio program comprising encoded data representing audio information. Responsive to image programs and audio programs being specified, compatibility of selected image programs and selected audio programs is verifying.

Abstract: A method for communicating and preserving creative intent within a motion picture production chain, including a production stage, and at least one of a subsequent laboratory or post production stage, including capturing an original image of a scene during the production stage; generating a look representative of a creative intent, wherein the look is a digital representation of a creative alteration of the captured original scene image; and applying the look to the captured original scene image and confirming approval of the look during the production stage. The digital representation of the look is stored as a recipe for generating the creative alteration, and communicated from the production stage to at least one of the subsequent laboratory and post-production stages for applying the look to the captured motion picture footage during subsequent laboratory and post-production stages.

Abstract: An image processing method includes: discriminating between a still picture area and a motion picture area in an input image; enhancing edges with a quantity of edge enhancement larger in the motion picture area than in the still picture area; and outputting the input image having the enhanced edges. The output having the enhanced edges is displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: A method for scheduling motion picture and promotional content for an audience at an exhibitor site includes the steps of: assembling an electronic play list (62) for the motion picture and for related promotional content. The play list (62) identifies at least one time slot (64) for presentation of the promotional content. An ad auction entry (32) is posted, soliciting a bid from an advertisement provider for purchase of the time slot (64). In response to a received bid, an advertisement is provided for the time slot (64) so that the advertisement can be downloaded from a networked advertisement provider.

Abstract: A moving picture recording/reproducing apparatus has a camera portion to take a moving picture, a compressor/expander which compresses and expands a video signal and an audio signal, a card slot which receives a memory card that records compressed video and audio data, and an LCD and a speaker which reproduces and outputs the video and audio data recorded in the memory card. This recording/reproducing apparatus has such a size that easily fits in a pocket of a jacket. The apparatus takes moving pictures and still pictures, and further records and reproduces video signals from an external apparatus.

Abstract: A time-varying image editing device is provided on a recording medium (101) and used for editing time-varying image data reproduced from a time-varying image file containing time-varying image data body (111) the items of which are arranged together with time management information in temporal order and outputted. The device includes a file-to-be-reproduced extracting section (12) for extracting a desired reproduction part of a time-varying image file. The desired part contains a predetermined reproduction time. The device further includes a file creating section (17) for storing edit information (112) for managing the extracted reproduction part and the reproduction time in an area other than the one where the time-varying image data body is stored on the recording medium (101).

Abstract: An image processing method includes: discriminating between a still picture area and a motion picture area in an input image; enhancing edges with a quantity of edge enhancement larger in the motion picture area than in the still picture area; and outputting the input image having the enhanced edges. The output having the enhanced edges is displayed on a display unit.

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: A method for producing multiple imagery products from a single scan of motion picture film is based on scanning a motion picture film and generating a digital data file that provides a full fidelity rendition of the imagery on the motion picture film, wherein full fidelity is taken to mean the substantial preservation of the spatial resolution and colorimetric profile of the motion picture film. Given the resultant fidelity of the digital date file, a plurality of processing files are provided that are able to convert the digital data file into a corresponding plurality of imagery products. Then, when a particular imagery product is desired, a processing file for the particular imagery product is selected and applied to the digital data file to generate the particular imagery product.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to extract from a moving picture and display at least a portion of team play, especially in a field sport, that is considered to be important for detailed analysis, so that the teamwork involved is easily discerned.

Abstract: A method is provided for transferring dye from a dye imbibed matrix film to a receiver film for producing a dye transfer print of a motion picture print. A dye imbibed matrix film and a receiver film are superimposed together in precise registration on a seating apparatus, e.g., a pin belt, to create a two-film sandwich. The two-film sandwich is stripped from the seating apparatus before completing dye transfer, and dye transfer from the matrix film to the receiver film is completed along a pinless, substantially rectilinear film path while maintaining the two-film sandwich in precise registration. For example, a transfer cabinet may be provided that includes a plurality of rollers having a predetermined relationship to one another and defining the substantially rectilinear film path, and the two-film sandwich may be directed along the film path to complete dye transfer.

Abstract: In a digital cinema system, a method for creating a playlist is claimed. At least one image program and at least one audio program is displayed. Each image program comprises encoded data representing image information, and each audio program comprising encoded data representing audio information. Responsive to image programs and audio programs being specified, compatibility of selected image programs and selected audio programs is verifying.

Abstract: In general, the invention provides a method for filtering a repeating pattern in a medium comprising the steps of identifying a repeating pattern in the medium and subtracting out that pattern from the medium. The medium may be photographic film, magnetic recording tape, or any other medium capable of recording a signal. The repeating pattern has a known frequency, and may be a physical property of the medium such as a sprocket-hole banding artifact or a motion artifact. As such, there is disclosed a method of identifying and correcting undesirable artifacts associated with sprocket holes during digital film processing.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the amount of unexposed photographic film remaining in a motion camera film magazine that includes the steps of: providing an unexposed motion picture film containing a support having at least one light sensitive image recording layer and a transparent magnetic recording layer; recording film length data on the transparent magnetic recording layer of the unexposed motion picture film; loading the unexposed motion picture film in a motion picture film magazine; and reading the film length data from the transparent magnetic recording layer as it is removed from the film supply magazine to provide an indication of the amount of unexposed film remaining in the motion picture film magazine. The amount of unexposed film remaining may be displayed in a read-out device associated with the film magazine or camera.

Abstract: A system for automating the control of movie display electronics in a cinema. The system includes a cinema controller which receives as input information regarding start times of movies and the contents of corresponding film reels. The content of the film reel contains a plurality of elements of varying durations and formats. Using the input information, the controller determines the times of play of the different elements and sends the appropriate signals to the appropriate digital cinema processor to perform format changes, sound level changes, etc. in the projection room without operator intervention.

Abstract: A method of displaying still images as a motion picture by sequentially displaying, at predetermined intervals, still frames representing the motion of some object being displayed is disclosed. The display method includes receiving a series of still images taken periodically of an object in motion, dividing the series of still images into small segments according to the continuous motion states of the object, and sequentially displaying frames representing the beginning of each of the object's continuous motion states followed by a frame representing the end of the object's final continuous motion state.

Abstract: A 70 mm motion picture film (80 in FIG. 3) is provided which can be projected by a standard 70 mm motion picture projector onto widely available theater projection screens, where the film results in a projected image (90) having a width-to-height (E/F) aspect ratio of 2.4 to 1, instead of the previous 2.2 to 1 aspect ratio, with the projected image having the same height as previously. The new 70 mm film has film frames (82) that each occupies over 95% of the horizontal distance (M) between the two rows of perforations (60, 62), and preferably 99% of the distance between the rows of perforations. Sound is produced by a disk controlled by a timing track (96) that lies between one row of perforations (60) and an edge (106) of the film strip.

Abstract: A computer operated man assisted motion generation system for use with a camera in cinematography. The system responds to the measured or sensed position of a camera support such as a crane or dolly, and determines the desired camera pan, tilt, roll, focus, zoom, etc. based on predetermined correspondence between camera location and camera parameters, and generate movement of the camera and camera control accordingly.

Abstract: The system for and a method of generating a scent and an image based upon a coded signal transmitted from a remote location, and the scent is generated from a dry scent carrying medium which contains a plurality of independent sources of scent causing agents. The coded signal is indicative of simultaneously activating the independent sources of scent causing agents so as to generated a complex mixture of the scents on the fly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for intensifying sensorial perception of an audience in attendance of a visual and/or acoustic representation by introducing scents in synchronism with the visual and/or acoustic representations. The scents are supplied to or removed from the audience area either in groups or separately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for intensifying sensorial perception of an audience in attendance of a visual and/or acoustic representation by introducing scents in syncronism with the visual and/or acoustic representations. The scents are supplied to or removed from the audience area either in groups or separately.

Abstract: A method is described for producing Cinemascope-type motion picture images that have a large aspect ratio (e.g. 2.35 to 1), which enables their high quality projection using moderately priced projection lenses, which produces a steadier projected image, and which increases the life of the release print while reducing its cost. A scene is photographed in the prior art manner, using an anamorphic lens to produce 50% horizontally compressed anamorphic camera film frame images (aspect ratio of about 1.175 to 1). During processing to produce a release print, another anamorphic lens is used to produce 36.5% vertically compressed anamorphic release print film frame images (aspect ratio of 1.85 to 1) of the camera film images. An anamorphic projection lens is used in a motion picture theater to horizontally expand the projected images by about 27% (to an aspect ratio of 2.35 to 1).

Abstract: A method of creating motion picture film reduces strobing effect and increases resolution and density. Images are recorded on a first frame of the film from two frames viewed by the camera. These will be superimposed at equal exposure rates. Each frame of the processed film will have double exposures. The procedure may to be performed with photographic film and also with video tape.

Abstract: There is provided a method for detecting change points between cuts from motion picture images including a plurality of consecutive images. First of all, in this method, motion picture images which are the subject of detection of change point between cuts are inputted in a time series by taking a frame as the unit, and a predetermined feature quantity including a color histogram possessed by image data of said motion picture images is produced while taking a frame as the unit. A correlation coefficient with respect to feature quantity between the above described feature quantity and a feature quantity produced in an immediately preceding frame is then produced. Further, a change rate between the correlation coefficient of the current frame and a correlation coefficient produced for a frame preceding the current frame is produced. A time point whereat the change rate exceeds a predetermined allowable value is detected as a change point between cuts of the motion picture images.