WO2007104533A1

WO2007104533A1 - Cinema system

Info

Publication number: WO2007104533A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/002208
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sergej Racman; Maria Costeira
Original assignee: X6D Limited
Priority date: 2006-03-13
Filing date: 2007-03-13
Publication date: 2007-09-20
Also published as: DE102006011773A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a cinema system for three-dimensionally displaying animated audiovisual media. Said cinema system comprises a projection unit (14) which is configured to display three-dimensional animated pictures on a screen unit (16) by means of a couple of superimposed, preferably linearly polarized individual projections, and an audio unit (18) which is designed to output an audio signal that is synchronized with the picture. A PC-based multichannel server unit (10) is provided for triggering the projection unit and the audio unit. The server unit (10) is configured so as to adjustably output digital media signals to the projection unit (16), said media signals being selected among a plurality of predetermined digital video formats, including a video format for two-dimensionally displaying pictures on the screen unit.

Description

CINEMA SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a cinema system according to the preamble of the main claim. Such a device is known from the prior art, in particular in connection with specially set up for three-dimensional cinema experiences cinemas in amusement parks, museums, exhibitions or the like .. In an otherwise known way is here taking advantage of the effect that two polarized in different polarization planes and Projected onto a common screen unit images can then be perceived by a viewer as a three-dimensional image with appropriate coordination when wearing a pair of glasses with a pair of correspondingly polarized glasses.

While such a three-dimensional display technology has not been widely adopted in the audience cinema market, however, such devices exist for applications in which three-dimensional effects play a special role, for example in the environment of the scientific-technical representations or those entertainment offerings in which the 3D presentation promises a special public appeal.

However, the realization of three-dimensional projection environments in the prior art is not without problems; Thus, one of the main difficulties is traditionally in aligning the projector pair with the respective projected image in such a way that - without adversely affecting the image quality - clear, edge-free images are produced. Often this is the result of a lengthy set up process.

Not least because of this circumstance, the use of three-dimensional projection technologies has hitherto been limited to the described special fields, and in particular in the wide public cinema so far three-dimensional projection technology, because of the special and expensive projection technology, which, compared to traditional two-dimensional cinema technology, requires high investments and specially trained projection personnel.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a cinema system for the three-dimensional representation of audio-visual (AV) media according to the preamble of the main claim, which is improved in terms of its ease of implementation and operation, in particular adjustment and image quality, with maximum flexibility for the most diverse requirements and operating environments can be realized by the same system.

The object is achieved by the cinema system with the features of the main claim; advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

In accordance with the invention, a PC-based system is used to implement the present invention, which uses sophisticated and powerful, yet proven and flexible video and video server technology to realize a 3D multimedia environment in a simple and flexible manner, which can combine the highest image quality with the potential for further additional effects to increase the entertainment value for the viewer.

In the context of this flexibility, it is therefore provided by the invention to be able to display numerous different (digital) video formats, wherein in the context of the invention, in particular (otherwise known) two-dimensional video formats can be represented, in other words, the device according to the present invention is suitable in a simple and flexible way for displaying common, such as HD video format present AV media, without about converted in a separate way hardware or must be set up differently. At the same time, however, it is possible with the present invention to exploit the maximum of (quality-influencing) technical properties offered by current digital video technology; For example, within the scope of a preferred development of the invention, it is provided that the digital projection unit controlled by the digital server unit (eg two-channel) be designed such that these image resolutions are more than 1,500 lines vertical, more advantageously more than 2,000, 4,000 or even 8,000 lines vertically dissolves, so that previously unimagined quality leaps in the image presentation for cinema audience can be achieved.

The effect unit provided in the context of a further preferred development of the invention (best mode) makes it possible, parallel to the AV display, to output to the viewer numerous signals which act on his other senses (in addition to seeing and hearing), which are particularly tactile Shape effect: Depending on the aesthetic need in the multimedia overall presentation by the system according to the invention therefore any suitable rain, fog or wind effects can be triggered by each associated aggregates, complementary or alternative odor effects or touch effects (for example, integrated in the cinema chair tappet or the like Units). Advantageously and synergistically in the context of the present invention, these effects can be controlled by the server unit as well as the spatial video and audio output, and enable simple synchronization.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention is provided to cinema seats with movement, tilt, pan and / or Rüttelaggregaten exercise a corresponding movement pattern on the sitting on the seat of the chair or against the backrest leaned viewer. Here too, the synchronized activation of these movement or vibration effects is advantageously carried out in the context of the development according to the invention by the server unit according to the invention, wherein associated control patterns then technically extend the (even only dimensional) audio and video experience, render them storable and controlled in the manner of further dimensions or signal channels, all in the context of integrated, easy-to-use server technology.

Behind the idea of equipping individual (or a selected group) of the cinema seats is also the possible concept of further flexibilizing a cinema hall: for example, with the purpose of offering premium services to a special target group, certain central armchairs could be used The first group will be equipped with the additional motion or vibration functionality described above, while other armchairs (for example inside a larger auditorium) will not be upgraded in this regard. Hereby, the motion-assisted premium effect can be achieved in one and the same performance for the first group, while the observers on the remaining places only perceive the audio-visual (and possibly further sensory) effects. Alternatively, of course, such a hall is equally usable for displaying traditional (such as 2D) AV movie theaters, so that the flexibility inherent in the present invention also radiates to the respective required premises.

The present invention obtains further flexibility and user-friendliness in that individual functions of the server unit, in particular those functions which are important for operation and / or control of a demonstration operation of the respective media, can be suitably preset, programmed and / or remotely operated. Thus, a particular advantageous development of the invention resides in the fact that by means of a suitable (more preferably wirelessly connected) remote control unit various operating programs, parameters or the like. easy and with little effort (especially by untrained personnel) to be able to select the same time for the audience, the presentation to allow more complex and accordingly perceived as entertaining effects.

A continuation of the inventive concept by further education associated with the cinema system units, which allow the addition of the additional effects enabled by the invention to known (about 2D) feature films; For example, by generating a three-dimensionality by suitable arithmetic operations and projecting by means of the system according to the invention, additionally or alternatively the sensory and / or tactile effects described or the chair-related movement effects can be supported and (synchronously) presented. In the context of this preferred development of the invention, a unit cooperating with the server unit is provided for guiding or storing such additional data.

Particularly preferred and in the context of a development of the invention is also provided, the inventive

Server unit so that it not only controls or outputs digital media signals in the manner described above, but additional to (selectable or switchable, alternatively synonymous shared, synchronous) interaction with and outputting video and audio signals analog film media, in particular a 35 mm film, is set up.

The result of the present invention is a cinematic system which, in an unimaginably flexible and elegant manner, makes the possibilities of 3D technology (limited to special technology and niches) applicable to broad target groups in the commercial cinema sector, at the same time the simple and flexible integration of additional, creative and (especially in the context of their own competition in the entertainment business) potentially strategically important additional effects to increase the spectator experience value and still the flexibility sitting, traditional cinema media in a three-dimensional way (or in subsequently prepared form) offer the audience, without any special conversions, adjustments or the like. requirement.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and with reference to the figures; these show in

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the cinema system according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention and

2 shows a schematic perspective view of a cinema hall equipped with the cinema system of FIG. 1.

A two-channel video server unit 10, based on PC technology and corresponding to the two individual projections to be projected and overlaid, is designed to play a plurality of synchronized HD (High Density) MPEG-2 video streams. This server unit designated by the reference numeral 10 reads out for this purpose the corresponding digital signals from a media storage unit 12 and prepares them for a downstream projection unit 14, from which then (suitably linearly polarized, superimposed and offset with respect to the polarization against each other ) the projections on a screen unit 16 convey the desired three-dimensional image for spectators.

In the present example, Server Unit 10 masters eighteen ATS formats, making it suitable for virtually all (professional) video applications, including two-dimensional and three-dimensional representations. The resolutions to be processed reach up to 8,000 pixels (vertical).

The polarized images resulting from the two-channel system are produced by means of discrete, linearly polarized filters of the projection unit 14, in which case the observers use appropriately polarized glasses to generate the image perceive the three-dimensional effect optimally. In the present case, the linear polarization is used, since projection screens with a low optical gain can be used here in a way that is favorable for the overall visual impression, with the effect that so-called "hot spots", ie unnaturally bright screen areas, can be avoided ,

As the block diagram of Fig. 1 illustrates, the server unit 10 is not only the preparation of the video signal and the control of the projection unit 14, also, approximately according to the BOSE 3 Space audio technology, by the server unit 10, an audio unit 18 is driven, which then About appropriately placed in a movie theater speaker units A a suitably room-filling, three-dimensional audio signal, video synchronous to the video presentation, outputs.

Further, the server unit 10 serves to drive an effect unit 20. Depending on the configuration, this effect unit contains aggregates for a multiplicity of effects to be radiated or emitted in the cinema hall, such as light effects (for example for the simulation of lightning, explosions or the like), fog or rain with suitable moisture release, air flow to Generation of a wind impression, the delivery of suitably prepared and metered odors, etc. In the context of the effect unit 20, which acts on the audience audiences via only symbolically designated effect units E in the cinema in the manner described, it is also to produce tactile or touch effects, such as by suitable plunger or the like. Aggregates in the back of a cinema chair, which can then be touched at a preselected, synchronized with the time the back of the viewer. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cinema hall (see FIG. 2) also has two groups of cinema seats; a first group 22, preferably arranged in the center of the cinema hall and designed as a "premium" seating group, offers the possibility that - more preferably individually or group-controlled - the armchairs can be moved in predetermined movements (longitudinally and / or transversely to the Sitting direction) can be added, or alternatively in a predetermined inclination, in a shaking or the like. Vibrations or other, preferably motion-based operating conditions. Depending on the impression to be conveyed to the observer, the effect of the images displayed (or the tones emitted) can be significantly enhanced, for example by the characteristic shaking of the seat during a motorcycle ride or a spaceship launch or a sudden stop just before a slope. In weiterbildungsgemäßer way these seats own brackets for drinks or other comfort-enhancing equipment or the like. be assigned.

Another group of seats 24 would not be on this

Be upgraded and the viewers only the

(possibly enriched by unit 20 effects) audio-visual presentation. In this way, an environment can be created in a particularly elegant way and to further increase the flexibility of a cinema hall for a variety of applications, in which - virtually without any conversion process - traditional cinema media are shown, high-quality, motion effects supplemented representations of a selected, smaller audience. gene can be submitted, alternatively, a mixed representation described is possible.

FIG. 1 illustrates in the form of an additional data unit 26 the possibility, in the context of the present invention, to extend already existing, traditional films in a simple and flexible manner by the inventive technology; Thus, an additional data storage unit 28 is provided, which offers the possibility of a known, two-dimensional film additionally impressed effects, including about a three-dimensionality, suitable to store and supply via the server unit 10 for demonstration.

The arrangement shown is particularly preferably remotely controllable and / or programmable by means of a remote control unit 30, more preferably by means of suitable parameter sequences, and thus in particular also allows the use of untrained personnel.

The present invention is not limited to the field of use of commercial motion pictures; in particular, it is also particularly appropriate to use this technology for scientific, museum, artistic or simulation purposes, in which case a suitable inspection is to be carried out and the technology used, for example with regard to resolution, provided video formats, etc., to would be adapted to the respective application.

Claims

1. Cinema system for the three-dimensional representation of animated audio-visual media with one for displaying three-dimensional animated images on a screen unit (16) by means of a pair of superimposed, each preferably linearly polarized individual projections formed Projektion on unit (14) and one set up for outputting a synchronous audio signal Audio unit (18), characterized in that for driving the projection unit and the audio unit, a PC-based multi-channel server unit (10) is provided for the adjustable output of digital media signals to the projection unit (16) selected from a plurality of predetermined digital video formats and including a video format for two-dimensional image representation on the screen unit, is formed.

2. Cinema system according to claim 1, characterized in that the digital video formats are selected from the group comprising HD (High Density) video formats, ATSC, DFB and / or MPEG-2.

3. cinema system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the digital multi-channel media signals to achieve a three-dimensional image representation on the screen unit are synchronized.

4. Cinema system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the projection unit (14) and the server unit (10) are arranged so that a vertical image resolution of the images at least 1,500 lines, preferably at least 4,000 lines, more preferably at least 8,000 lines , is.

5. cinema system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the server unit is formed for synchronized with the images driving an effect unit (20) which is used for controllable output of steam, fog, rain, wind, odor , Touching and / or lighting effects is designed for before the screen unit provided viewer.

6. Cinema system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cinema system has a preferably formed in the manner of an auditorium and arranged seating with a plurality of armchair units (22, 24), of which at least one by controlling the server unit in vibration , Inclination, longitudinal movement, transverse movement and / or tilting movement can be displaced, preferably synchronously with the images.

7. Cinema system according to claim 6, characterized in that the seating comprises a first group (22) of armchair units, which is displaceable by controlling the server unit in motion or vibration, and a second group (24) of armchair units, which no means for movement or vibration.

8. Cinema system according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the audio unit is formed with the images synchronous output of a three-dimensional perceptible, controlled by the server unit sound signal.

9. Cinema system according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the functions of the server unit, in particular the functions necessary for the operation and / or control of a demonstration operation of the audiovisual media, by a cooperating with the server unit remote control unit (30) and / or programmatically are operable.

10. cinema system according to claim 9, characterized in that the remote control unit is portable and preferably wirelessly coupled to the server unit.

11. Cinema system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the remote control unit is realized by means of a computer unit designed as a PDA.

12. Cinema system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by means (26, 28) for adding and / or storing image-synchronous additional data to two-dimensional cine films, wherein the additional data (28) driving the effects unit according to claim 5 and / or allow the driving of the armchair units according to claim 6 or 7 synchronously.

13. Cinema system according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by means for additional and / or alternative representation of an image and / or sound signal of an analog film medium, in particular a 35 itim film.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, characterized in that the server unit for synchronized, simultaneous and / or predetermined tuned output of the digital media signals and the image and / or audio signal is set up.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, characterized by the selectable and / or switchable output of the digital media signals and the image and / or audio signal of the analog film medium.