Abstract: Methods and systems for improving seat selection at a venue are described. The methods and systems help users understand how good a view they will have of a performance or event and/or how enjoyable an experience they will have before they purchase a ticket. A user selects a seat and is able to access relevant traits of people who purchased seats proximate to the selected seat. Relevant traits include physical features such as height, weight, build, etc., and behavior information, such as how noisy or quiet the person is.

Abstract: A composite variable duration soundtrack for a user to play while reading a text source, the soundtrack duration being defined by a soundtrack timeline. The soundtrack comprises multiple sound layers configured to play concurrently through the soundtrack timeline, each sound layer having an arrangement of one or more audio features that are configured to play at preset start times in the soundtrack timeline. At least one sound layer is adapted for modifying the preset start and stop times of its audio features to match the reading speed of a user based on a reading speed input.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided to facilitate the association of a selected portion of an audio soundtrack with one or more video clips. In the context of a method, a visual representation of an audio soundtrack is caused to be displayed. The audio soundtrack is to be associated with one or more video clips to facilitate concurrent playback of at least a portion of the audio soundtrack and one or more video clips. The method also receives user input with respect to the audio soundtrack and, in response to the user input, adjusts a starting point of the audio soundtrack relative to the one or more video clips. The starting point may be adjusted by defining the starting point of the audio soundtrack based on the user input and also in a manner so as to coincide with a predefined feature of the audio soundtrack.

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: The invention regards a device for recording full picture frames onto a photosensitive material, comprising at least one light source, at least two full frame devices for modulating light from the light source, imaging optics for combining the modulated light from the light modulation devices and/or combining optics, and recording the modulated light onto the photosensitive material, thus exposing the photosensitive material frame by frame, a film transportation device adapted for exposing, section for section, sections of the photosensitive material to the modulated light. The invention also regards a device for simultaneous and synchronised recording of full picture frames and sound tracks onto a photosensitive material.

Abstract: A system and method displays a realistic image that allows a user to readily grasp his/her own positional relationship and also to experience a sense of presence. An outer dome screen is disposed so as to surround a user, and an immersion image such as the scenery of the surroundings of an object is displayed thereon. An inner dome screen is disposed inside the outer dome screen, and it displays a bird's-eye image of the object as perceived by the vision of the user when the object is viewed from a viewpoint of the user. In this case, the user is allowed to readily grasp his/her own positional relationship by the bird's-eye image and is allowed to experience a sense of presence by the immersion image.

Abstract: A system and method displays a realistic image that allows a user to readily grasp his/her own positional relationship and also to experience a sense of presence. An outer dome screen is disposed so as to surround a user, and an immersion image such as the scenery of the surroundings of an object is displayed thereon. An inner dome screen is disposed inside the outer dome screen, and it displays a bird's-eye image of the object as perceived by the vision of the user when the object is viewed from a viewpoint of the user. In this case, the user is allowed to readily grasp his/her own positional relationship by the bird's-eye image and is allowed to experience a sense of presence by the immersion image.

Abstract: In a method for aiding a user to customize a motion film selection, a film clip including a video track and a sound track comprising one or more actor voice tracks and a background track is selected, the sound track is modified to remove a selected actor voice track, the film clip with the modified sound track is displayed to the user, text representative of the selected actor voice track is displayed in synchrony with selected actor voice track while displaying the film clip to the user, a new voice track generated by the user is recorded for synchronized playback with the selected actor, and a new sound track including the modified sound track and the new voice track is saved.

Abstract: Method and system for customizing a motion film selection by selecting a film clip including a video track and a sound track comprising one or more actor voice tracks and a background track, modifying the sound track to remove a selected actor voice track, recording a new voice track for synchronized playback with the selected actor, and saving a new sound track including the modified sound track and the new voice track.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a simulation of attendance at a live event, performance or the like. The apparatus includes a wide angle video projection screen or visual display system (up to a complete sphere) upon which video images of an actual real-time event are presented to an audience. The video images are recorded by a video camera set in a fixed position at the live event. A modular structure is provided at a remote location and is designed to duplicate the viewing environment of the event such that the audience has the feel of sitting in a loge or box seats. The invention further encompasses a plurality of said modular structures at separate remote locations. The visual effect of the invention is that audience members in the modular structures, when presented with the video images of the event or performance, feel as if they are in attendance at the actual event.

Abstract: Method and system for customizing a motion film selection by selecting a film clip including a video track and a sound track comprising one or more actor voice tracks and a background track, modifying the sound track to remove a selected actor voice track, recording a new voice track for synchronized playback with the selected actor, and saving a new sound track including the modified sound track and the new voice track.

Abstract: An apparatus and method receive and process information, and adapt the operational characteristics of the processing in response to material included in the received information. More particularly, the apparatus and method embody a software-controlled process which adapts or modifies the software in response to the received information. One embodiment is described in connection with a motion picture film which carries a conventional analog SVA soundtrack and a digital soundtrack with a digital representation of software required to properly process the digital soundtrack.

Abstract: In a motion picture film/audio recording system where a camera produces a motion picture film, a corresponding video signal, and associates with both the motion picture film and video signal a first time code signal providing a correspondence standard between the motion picture film and the video signal, and a camera status signal representative of whether the camera is on or off, and a sound recorder which produces an audio signal, a second time code signal having a known relationship to the first time code signal, and a recorder status signal representative of whether the sound recorder is on or off, a viewing system for the motion picture film includes an interface module that receives the camera status signal and the recorder status signal, and generates a save signal whenever the camera status or the recorder status signals indicate that the camera or the recorder is on.

Abstract: A digital sound system for motion picture films employs a digital time code on the film to trigger the transfer of sound data from a digital audio store to a FIFO memory. The digital audio data is read out from the FIFO memory and played back in the theater at a constant rate, with any jumps in the digital time code handled by making a corresponding jump within the digital audio store but not in the FIFO memory. Readout from the FIFO memory and clocking of the digital-to-analog converters (DACs) used for theater playback is synchronized to the AC mains that powers the theater projector, and thus allows for an uninterrupted audio playback even if time code entries on the film are obliterated. The FIFO memory need only have enough capacity to accommodate the maximum audio store access time, and can be quite small.

Abstract: Particle pattern images of the sample are optically measured by an image reader of a particle agglutination pattern judgment apparatus, and the measured particle pattern images are retrieved by a data processing controller to be able to execute pattern judgment processing. The data processing controller obtains predetermined parameters on the basis of the particle pattern images read by the image reader, and automatically judges an agglutination, non-agglutination, or unidentified attribute of each particle pattern on the basis of the obtained parameters. An operator visually observes the particle pattern images of the sample to visually determine an agglutination, non-agglutination, or unidentified attribute of each particle pattern of the sample. The operator inputs the visual judgment results in the particle agglutination pattern judgment apparatus using an input unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for generating a low-frequency sound program for play during the performance of a motion picture film to produce a physical effect on the theater audience. Rather than to use random low-frequency noise or some other low-frequency source which is unrelated to the audible sound program, the low-frequency program is derived by shifting down in frequency a selected portion of the audible sound program. The final low-frequency program contains frequency components below 40 Hz, at least 50% of the total energy of which is derived from the shifted-down audible program. By so harmonically relating the audible and low-frequency programs, the audio/visual and vibrational sensations are perceived in a less disjointed fashion.

Abstract: A multimedia motion picture and photographic slide projection control apparatus which permits a plurality of projector devices to be controlled from an operator's console. Manually operable switch means, operating through digital control means, develops a Program Command Code Word for each change in switch conditions, the control word being decoded to provide an ON/OFF response by selected projectors, as well as lamp dissolve rate response. Simultaneously, the Program Command Code Words are recorded on a magnetic tape such that when a given presentation has been developed to the satisfaction of the operator, the stored command words can be used to control the projection devices to provide repetitive performances of the same audio-visual presentation.

Abstract: A motion picture film and sound editing-projecting system which utilizes a single sprocket wheel to advance the film and which includes record and reproduce heads within the sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel is directly connected to the armature shaft of a stepping motor, and a flywheel is frictionally coupled to the armature shaft to eliminate the cogging effect without preventing rapid acceleration.

Abstract: A single integrated machine for editing, dubbing, mixing, transferring and resolving on and with a sound motion picture film. The machine contains a first two track audio tape section, a second two track audio tape section and a film transport section including an audio stripe read head. All three of these sections are mechanically coupled together to provide a frame by frame correspondence between audio tracks and film track. The audio tracks are all electronically coupled together to permit transferring of sound from any one audio track to any other audio track on a frame by frame basis. One of the audio tracks is used as a cue track to provide cue signals for the location of scenes and for the transfer of any portion of a scene from one audio track to another selected audio track.

Abstract: A special effects system for simulating physical sensations in an audience during the presentation of a motion picture. Relatively high intensity, very low frequency random noise is acoustically coupled to a theater space to produce psychological and physiological sensations, much as earthquake movements, in the audience. The special effects are controlled by a control sub-channel which is either frequency multiplexed onto a conventional optical audio track or, in a magnetic stripe film format, the control sub-channel is placed on an accompanying optical track. The presence and amplitude of two control frequencies in the sub-channel are detected and logically combined, providing four separate digital function control signals and two analog control signals which are variable in amplitude.

Abstract: A special effects system for simulating physical sensations in an audience during the presentation of a motion picture. Relatively high intensity, very low frequency random noise is acoustically coupled to a theater space to produce psychological and physiological sensations, much as earthquake movements, in the audience. The special effects are controlled by a control sub-channel which is either frequency multiplexed onto a conventional optical audio track or, in a magnetic stripe film format, the control sub-channel is placed on an accompanying optical track. The presence and amplitude of two control frequencies in the sub-channel are detected and logically combined, providing four separate digital function control signals and two analog control signals which are variable in amplitude.