Abstract: An enhanced cinema system for use with a movie screen using a fog-like gas released from a plurality of retractable shafts having slits. The plurality of shafts may spin to generate a fog effect with the fog-like gas escaping from the slits. A movie projector may project a movie onto the movie screen, and signals may cause a laser beam of light to interact with the movie and fog-like gas in front of the movie screen. Programmable lighting panels may be mounted on the side walls of the movie theater and in response to a lighting signal from the movie projector, activate lights in the programmable lighting panels during a movie. The enhanced cinema system may further include a remote location coupled to the enhanced cinemas, for distributing programs through a communications channel or other medium, for having a globally controlled system for various movies and effects.

Abstract: The Seat Base Motion Controller provides automated control of seat motion for seat systems employed in providing combined visual and motion experience for patrons in amusement rides and the like. Occupant safety features are integrated within the seat motion control system and centralized control of multiple motion bases is accomplished. Motion control of the seat bases is responsive to a position signal input coordinated with a visual presentation viewed by the patrons. Self contained power systems for the actuation means of the seat base allows sizing of an entertainment threater to accommodate anticipated audiences. Independent control and operation of each motion base precludes the need for shutting down the entire theater if a fault exists in one motion base or the safety systems on that motion base are activated.

Abstract: A process for producing a traveling matte by first converting a first picture including a foreground and a background image to an electronic form into computer memory. Then, converting a second background picture to electronic form and storing it into computer memory. The computer is then used to subtract one stored picture from the other to arrive at a difference image. The shade of the difference image is then changed to a uniform black color, thereby creating an electronic male matte having only black and white regions, which is stored in the computer memory. The computer is then used to change all black regions of the male matte to white regions and all white regions of the male matte to black regions, thereby creating a female matte, which is stored in computer memory. Finally, the stored male and female mattes are converted from electronic form to a photographic material, such as film.

Abstract: The atmosphere control apparatus of the present invention employs first and second chambers located for example, adjacent the ceiling and adjacent the floor of the audience seating section of the movie theater, respectively. Both chambers have a large storage capacity. Cool air and warm air, supplied from an air conditioner, are stored in the first and second chambers, respectively. In order to create an atmosphere similar to that in, for example, a movie scene, the cool air in the first chamber and the warm air in the second chamber are selectively blown outward, in the direction of the audience seating section, in accordance with a control signal.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided, of the type that moves and tilts passengers viewing a motion picture, which is more versatile than prior rides. A plurality of passenger-holding frames is provided, that are all moved in sychronism, each by a separate set of actuators, while the passengers view a stationary screen. The passenger-holding frame is pivoted up and down on a beam which is supported by only two largely vertical actuators, while two pairs of links or arms limit movement of the beam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for motion estimation in motion picture processing are disclosed in which an initial velocity vector is selected as an estimation of the displacement of a region from a location in a first frame to a corresponding location in a second frame and the velocity estimate is then refined by minimizing an average value of the squared directional gradient residual over the region. A continuous signal representation is obtained from a set of image intensity samples over the region of interest and, from tThe U.S. government has rights in this invention pursuant to NSF Grant No. DC1-8407285.

Abstract: The atmosphere control apparatus of the present invention employs first and second chambers located for example, above the ceiling and below the floor of the audience seating section of the movie theater, respectively. Both chambers have a large storage capacity. Cool air and warm air, supplied from an air conditioner, are stored in the first and second chambers, respectively. In order to create an atmosphere similar to that in, for example, a movie scene, the cool air in the first chamber and the warm air in the second chamber are selectively blown outward, in the direction of the audience seating section, in accordance with a control signal.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided, of the type that moves and tilts passengers viewing a motion picture, which is more versatile than prior rides. A plurality of passenger-holding frames is provided, that are all moved in synchronism, each by a separate set of actuators, while the passengers view a stationary screen. The passenger-holding frame is pivoted up and down on a beam which is supported by only two largely vertical actuators, while two pairs of links or arms limit movement of the beam.

Abstract: An amusement ride is provided, of the type that moves and tilts passengers viewing a motion picture, which is more versatile than prior rides. A plurality of passenger-holding frames is provided, that are all moved in sychronism, each by a separate set of actuators, while the passengers view a stationary screen. The passenger-holding frame is pivoted up and down on a beam which is supported by only two largely vertical actuators, while two pairs of links or arms limit movement of the beam.

Abstract: An entertainment or amusement device or structure (10), having an elongate chamber (18) bounded along it length by at least three elongate, substantially planar walls (22, 24) with at least two adjacent ones of those walls (22, 24) having reflective surfaces. The device has an image generating means (30) by which a primary image can be formed across one end of the chamber (28) so as to result in secondary images being generated by reflection of the primary image by the reflective surfaces. Also, the structure (10) is adapted to enable viewer access (20) for simultaneous viewing of the primary image and the secondary images. In the case of a structure (10), the viewer access is enabled by a gallery (20) at the end of the chamber remote from the one end (28). Typically, the reflective surfaces (22, 24), and optionally also a screen (28) of the image generating means, are defined by reflective tiles so that the secondary images, and optionally the primary image, is perceived as comprised of pixels.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a person's unconscious mind in order to effect a desired change in the person's behavior which does not require the services of a trained therapist. Instead the person to be treated views a program of video pictures appearing on a screen. The program as viewed by the person's unconscious mind acts to condition the person's thought patterns in a manner which alters that person's behavior in a positive way.

Abstract: A flashing device attachable to a motion picture camera having a body provided with an objective lens aperture and with at least two magazine apertures over one of which may be detachably mounted a film magazine. The camera comprises a driving mechanism inside its body to move the film stored in the magazine and passing it through one magazine aperture over which the magazine is mounted, in front of the lens aperture in order to expose the successive frames of this film to the light of a scene to be recorded. A casing provided with an opening closed by a ground glass is detachably mounted onto the body of the camera over the other magazine aperture with the opening of the casing facing the other magazine aperture. A lamp is mounted inside the casing for directing light onto the ground glass closing the opening of the casing and therefrom through this opening and its facing aperture, onto the film moving through the body of the camera in order to subject the film to a supplemental uniform exposure.

Abstract: A player for a multi-aroma cartridge constituted by a planar array of like frame assemblies held within a multi-section framework, each assembly being formed by a pad of absorbent material sandwiched between a pair of frames whose margins are joined together to define a central zone exposing the pad. The pad of each assembly is impregnated with a liquid fragrance that differs from those of the others. When the cartridge is inserted in a slot in the player case, it lies over a complementary honeycomb, each of whose cells is then in registration with a respective assembly. The cells are provided with individual electric heaters such that when a selected cell heater is energized, it heats the air in the cell to produce a positive pressure therein that acts to force the heated air through the zone to volatilize the liquid fragrance, the resultant aromatic vapor being discharged into the atmosphere through vents in the case.

Abstract: A system is disclosed in which individual frames are colorized by the addition of manually generated color. Color information is blurred, for example, by passing through a low resolution digital encoder for use in frames adjacent to the one being individually colorized. Interpolative techniques are used to reduce the number of frames which have to be individually colorized.

Abstract: A system for emitting, in sequence, a plurality of different scents includes a plurality of holders for scent-bearing chips; a mechanism for propelling these scents from a system; a mechanism for conveying, selectively, any desired scent holder into operative relation with the propelling mechanism; and a mechanism for actuating the propelling mechanism to propel scent from any desired scent holder in response to a programmed, predetermined sequence of scents of predetermined duration.

Abstract: This apparatus forms and displays sequentially a plurality of three-dimensional images. Frames from a film strip are stroboscopically selected and projected on a moving screen. The effect may be simply a comparison of two three-dimensional images. Alternatively, an illusion of motion of a three-dimensional image may be created. Safety features prevent access to rotating parts and other features protect the stroboscope from excessive and unnecessary use. A single three-dimensional image may be selected and continuously projected on the screen.

Abstract: A field of view test apparatus utilizes a plurality of interchangeable acic masks to vary the resolution characteristics of a projected field of view. An eye or head tracker provides line of sight direction signals to a servo which positions the mask with the optical path of the projection to correlate the area of higher resolution with the direction of the line of sight.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of distinct devices in a theater displaying a projected motion picture or other visual program and having a multichannel sound signal contained on a moving film or other type strip, which system has a memory unit for storing groups of digital control signals for operating the distinct devices, each forming a channel, in a selected manner during a selected portion of the moving strip. This system has means for selecting one of the groups of the digital control signals for a selected portion of the visual program and means independent of the strip for causing the stored digital control signals of the selected group to be outputted in a time sequence corresponding to the selected portion of the visual program.

Abstract: A camera for taking a plurality of exposures upon a continuous length of film includes a film transport/registration sprocket mounted directly to the shaft of a first stepper motor for incremental rotation thereby. The film transport/registration sprocket engages sprocket holes along the edges of the film for transporting the film through the camera and registering the film relative to an aperture plate assembly. Guide rollers are provided to guide a portion of the film past the aperture plate assembly through which the film can be exposed. The aperture plate assembly includes an aperture frame which supports a removable aperture mask for selecting the area of film to be exposed. A shutter disk is mounted to a shaft for rotation by a second stepper motor in order to expose the film. A pressure plate controlled by the shutter disk shaft urges the film against registration pins within the aperture frame which engage the sprocket holes in the film during each exposure.

Abstract: An insert body is interposed between a film magazine and a motion picture camera, and is provided with a cavity containing a light source. An elongated opening in the body transmits light to preflash motion picture film passing from the film magazine into the motion picture camera. Controls on the quantity and quality of light are provided. In one form of control, a translucent cylindrical rod extends into the light source cavity and has an end face exposed to the light source. The translucent rod has an opaque lateral surface interrupted on one side by an axially extending light transmitting window. In another form of control, a window in the side of the translucent rod receives light from the light source. In a third form of control a cylindrical shell with opposed parallel windows takes the place of the translucent rod. In all cases, the translucent rod or shell has a head portion accessible exteriorly of the body for turning it to change the amount of light passing through the elongated opening.

Abstract: A scene containing one or more targets for simulated target practice is pographed in a special motion picture camera such that only one half of each frame is exposed. After reversal development, a transparent template having two sets of aligned, spaced-apart cross-hairs is positioned over the film such that the upper set of cross-hairs is aligned with one of the recorded targets. Then, using the lower pair of cross-hairs as a guide, a pin-hole is punched in the unexposed i.e. opaque portion of the frame. This action is repeated for every frame in the film, altering the size of the dot as need be, as the target moves towards or away from the camera.

Abstract: A ride assembly for simulating travel in a preprogrammed environment to passengers is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing having a moveable base adapted for carrying passengers thereon. The assembly also includes a pair of supporting carriage members, the first carriage member being moveably supported at the upper surface of a stationary support cradle member by a first set of bearings which allow the first carriage member to pitch about a fixed pitch axis associated with the cradle member. The first carriage member moveably supports the second carriage member at its upper surface by a second set of bearings which allows the second carriage member to roll about a variable roll axis associated with the first carriage member. The base is fixedly mounted on the second carriage member, and each portion of the base is moved through a range of pitch and roll positions.

Abstract: A composite photography system of a registered matte type having foreground and background camera optical systems is provided. The respective images from each camera optical system are maintained in registration whereby objects in the background scene can be viewed by one camera and objects in a foreground scene can be viewed by the other camera to produce a realistic composite image. The optical systems permit the maintenance of a substantially constant magnification ratio of image to object during a variable focussing of at least one of the foreground and background optical systems. Additionally, substantially stationary entrance pupil positions are maintained during the focussing mode of operation. The background lens system is, by itself particularly adapted for incorporation into optical scanning probes such as simulators to provide a minimum altitude and constant image magnification during focussing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for imparting visual effects to reflected images. A housing is provided in which two mirrors are disposed. The first mirror reflects the image of the object to the second mirror. The second mirror reflects the image of that object to a recording device, such as a camera, or the like. The first mirror comprises a mirrored Mylar, which is backed with Lycra and a screen. By deforming the screen in the desired area, either by use of a suction produced by a blower motor, or the like, or by pushing outwardly, as with a screwdriver blade, or the like, the object can be made to appear deformed or otherwise be selectively animated in that location.

Abstract: A light source, preferably within the camera, exposes film prior to exposure to the scene. The image is enhanced over normal exposure, particularly in photographing shadows and low light levels. Pre-exposure overcomes the reluctance of film chemicals to activation.

Abstract: A constant magnification zoom lens system is provided that has the capability of permitting a predetermined desired constant magnification of an image during a zoom operation. A variator lens group for varying the focal length of the lens system and a compensator lens group for controlling the position of an image formed by the lens system is provided. Pairs of cam and follower assemblies can be provided in the barrel mechanism to control the movement of the respective compensator lens group and variator lens group so that the position of an image of a fixed object is maintained within a predetermined depth of focus in a normal zooming mode of operation and also the position of an image of a moving object can be maintained within a predetermined depth of focus in response to any variation of focal length to provide a constant magnification photography mode.

Abstract: In a composite photography system of the type wherein a foreground camera photographs life-size actors and objects while a background camera photographs scenery on a life-size scale or a scale different from life-size so that when the outputs from both cameras are combined the actor or foreground objects will appear to be located in the scenery filmed by the background camera, it is crucial that the motion of the background camera be slaved to the motion of the foreground camera. The foreground camera is mounted on a yaw and pitch support mechanism which is in turn mounted on a boom that provides movement along the z axis. The boom is carried by a dolly that moves the entire assembly in the x-y plane. Sensors on the dolly detect movement along the five axes of x, y, z, yaw and pitch, and cause the background camera to move its corresponding amount.

Abstract: A special effects device for use in motion pictures, television, and the like having an outer, middle and inner frame. The middle frame is mounted in the outer frame for translational movement relative thereto and the inner frame is mounted in the middle frame for translational movement relative to the middle frame. Motor means are provided to impart translational movements to the middle and inner frames. An object is supported within the inner frame and by co-ordinating the movements of the inner and middle frames, the object is put into motion. The outer frame may also be moved to give the object movement in the direction perpendicular to the movement of the middle and inner frames.

Abstract: To record a composite picture on a film, a projection objective inserted between a movable transparency support and a pair of large-diameter planoconvex field lenses produces an aerial image of a slide, mounted on the support, in the region of the field lenses, preferably just beyond the more rewardly positioned field lens. A varifocal objective disposed to the rear of the field lenses has a stationary front component fully illuminated by the diverging light cones from all the points of the aerial image, this varifocal objective forming part of a zoom camera enabling the magnification ratio between the slide and its image on the camera film to be varied in a range of at least 6:1.

Abstract: A visible light projection device for producing an image on a screen in a variety of angular orientations and sizes. The device includes two servo controlled prisms rotatable about two transverse axes. The prisms serve to direct an input image to a zoom lens for reprojection of the image on a suitable screen in a variety of angular positions and image sizes.

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: To record a composite picture on a film, a projection objective inserted between a movable transparency support and a pair of large-diameter planoconvex field lenses produces an aerial image of a slide, mounted on the support, in the region of the field lenses, preferably just beyond the more rearwardly positioned field lens. A varifocal objective disposed to the rear of the field lenses has a stationary front component with a natural entrance pupil fully illuminated by the diverging light cones from all the points of the aerial image, this varifocal objective forming part of a zoom camera enabling the magnification ratio between the slide and its image on the camera film to be varied in a range of at least 6:1.

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.