Integrated, adaptable theater, club and multiplex

• US 20020135739A1
• Filed: 02/26/2002
• Published: 09/26/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Video Applications, Inc.
• Original Assignee: WorldStage, LLC
• Inventors: Long, Jeff, Standard, Gary, Weiss, Lou, Whitaker, Gregg, Standard, Russ, Standard, Lee, McMillan, Carl
• Granted Patent: US 6,848,219 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 353/46
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 3/22 Theatres; Concert halls; Studios for broadcasting, cinematography, television or similar purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2335 involving reformatting operations of audio signals, e.g. by converting from one coding standard to another details of audio signal transcoding G10L19/173
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/235 Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23614 Multiplexing of additional data and video streams arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information H04H20/28
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2368 Multiplexing of audio and video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4131 home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices home automation data switching networks exchanging configuration information on appliance services H04L12/2807
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41415 involving a public display, viewable by several users in a public space outside their home, e.g. movie theatre, information kiosk
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4305 Synchronising client clock from received content stream, e.g. locking decoder clock with encoder clock, extraction of the PCR packets arrangements for synchronising receiver with transmitter by comparing receiver clock with transmitter clock H04L7/0012; arrangements for synchronising receiver with transmitter wherein the receiver takes measures against momentary loss of synchronisation H04L7/0083
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43074 of additional data with content streams on the same device, e.g. of EPG data or interactive icon with a TV program
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4341 Demultiplexing of audio and video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4348 Demultiplexing of additional data and video streams
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/435 Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6543 for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording remote booting in general G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/74 Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/165 Centralised control of user terminal subsequent to an upstream request signal H04N7/17345; Registering at central by two-way working H04N7/17309
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

The present invention advantageously provides an enhanced event-based theater going experience. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention enables pre-recorded videos of live performances, such as concerts, to be reproduced with great realism and encourages theater attendees to act or feel more as participants and less as passive viewers. The theater optionally comprises a projection screen, a projection room, seating, a dance area, an MC (master of ceremonies) station, changeable scenic designs, special effects equipment, food services and/or a bar.

Claims

1. A modified movie theater having a projection screen, comprising:

a digital projector configured to project digital image sequences onto the projection screen;

a plurality of seats positioned between the projection screen and the digital projector;

at least a first support structure positioned at the side of the projection screen;

a plurality of special effects systems connected to the first support structure and configured to operate during the projection of the image sequences and in synchronization with the image sequences so as to simulate being present at a live event; and

a communal area positioned between the projection screen and the plurality of seats and configured to provide an open space for people to dance.

2. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, further comprising movable props suspended from at least a first support structure.

3. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, further comprising a backstage area located behind the projection screen, the backstage area configured to simulate the backstage of a live concert venue.

4. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, further comprising a master of ceremonies station positioned adjacent to the plurality of seats.

5. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, further comprising a lounge positioned adjacent to the plurality of seats.

6. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, further comprising a bar positioned adjacent to the communal area.

7. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, wherein the image sequences are of a live concert.

8. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, wherein the image sequences are of a recorded concert.

9. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, wherein the image sequences are of a sporting event.

10. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, wherein the special effects systems include synchronized lights.

11. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, wherein special effects systems include synchronized fog machines.

12. The modified movie theater as defined in claim 1, wherein the plurality of seats are adaptably positioned to simulate a plurality of venues.

14. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 13, further comprising a plurality of scenic elements positioned adjacent to the plurality of seats.

15. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 14, wherein the plurality of scenic elements include sculptures.

16. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 14, wherein the plurality of scenic elements include statutes.

17. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 14, wherein the plurality of scenic elements include mannequins.

18. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 13, wherein the plurality of special effects systems include synchronized lights.

19. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 13, wherein the plurality of special effects systems include synchronized fog machines.

20. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 13, wherein the plurality of special effects systems include synchronized props.

21. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 13, wherein the entertainment venue is a dance club.

22. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 13, wherein the different entertainment venue is an outdoor concert venue.

23. The entertainment venue as recited in claim 13, wherein the different entertainment venue is a sports arena.

25. The method of modifying the movie theater as recited in claim 24, further comprising positioning a concession stand in the theater.

26. The method of modifying the movie theater as recited in claim 24, further comprising providing a communal area in the theater, the communal area configured to provide an open space for people to dance.

27. The method of modifying the movie theater as recited in claim 24, further comprising positioning a digital projector at a rear section of the theater and positioning a projector screen at a front section of the theater, the digital projector configured to project the video sequence onto the projection screen.

28. The method of modifying the movie theater as recited in claim 27, further comprising positioning a backstage area behind the projection screen, the backstage area configured to simulate the backstage of a live concert venue.

29. The method of modifying the movie theater as recited in claim 27, further comprising positioning a plurality of seats between the front section and the rear section of the theater, each of the plurality of seats having a seat shaker for vibrating the seat.

30. The method of modifying the movie theater as recited in claim 24, wherein the special effects device is a fog machine.

13. An entertainment venue configured to be adapted to emulate other entertainment venues, comprising:

a projection screen;

a projector configured to project image sequences onto the projection screen;

a plurality of seats reconfigurably positioned in front of the projection screen;

at least a first support structure positioned adjacent to the projection screen; and

a plurality of special effects systems connected to the at least a first support structure and configured to operate during the projection of the image sequences and in synchronization with the image sequences so as to simulate being present at an event at a different entertainment venue.

24. A method of modifying a movie theater, comprising:

coupling a truss system to a first theater wall;

coupling motorized lights to the truss system;

coupling a special effects device to the truss system;

positioning props in the movie theater, the props corresponding to a video sequence that is to be shown in the movie theater; and

synchronizing the motorized lights and the special effects device to data stored in the audio sequence.