Detecting and thwarting imaging systems at theatrical performances

• US 20040182996A1
• Filed: 04/02/2004
• Published: 09/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DigiMedia Tech, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Elliott D. Light, Jon L. Roberts
• Inventors: Roberts, Jon L., Light, Elliott D.
• Granted Patent: US 6,977,366 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 250/221
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2005/91392 using means for preventing making copies of projected video images
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/913 for scrambling ; for copy protection

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 the IR 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.

Claims

1. A system for detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience comprising:

a sensor arranged spatially proximate to the area wherein the theatrical experience is taking place and connected to a network;

the sensor adapted to sense an auto focus emission from an imaging system and to send a signal in the event an auto focus emission is received;

a processor connected to the network and adapted to receive the signal from the sensor and to initiate a warning if the signal is received.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the area wherein the theatrical experience is taking place is a room and the sensor is located on the interior walls defining the room.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the area wherein the theatrical experience is taking place is an outdoor theater and the sensor is mounted on structures arranged spatially so as to surround a space occupied by an audience.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the processor comprises a computer program for determining the location of the imaging system from which the emission emanates.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the sensor is further adapted to receive radio frequency emissions from an imaging system.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the sensor adapted to receive radio frequency emissions is located in audience seating fixtures.

7. A method of detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience comprising a sensor located proximate to the area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the method comprising:

receiving at the sensor auto focus emissions from an imaging system;

receiving at a processor the output of the sensor;

initiating an alarm if auto focus emissions from an imaging system are detected.

8. The method as in claim 7 further comprising receiving at the sensor radio frequency emissions of an imaging system.

9. The method as in claim 7 wherein the method further comprises determining the location of the source of auto focus emissions received by the sensor.

10. A method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience wherein a thwarting signal generator is located proximate to the area in which a theatrical experience is taking place, the method comprising emitting a thwarting signal that is visible to an imaging system but that is not visible to the human eye.

11. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal that is visible to an imaging system but that is not visible to the human eye comprises emitting a thwarting signal that is in the infrared region of the spectrum.

12. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal that is visible to an imaging system but that is not visible to the human eye comprises emitting a thwarting signal is a short duration visible light signal not visible to the human eye.

13. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal comprises emitting the thwarting signal from a thwarting signal generator attached to on-stage equipment.

14. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal comprises emitting the thwarting signal from a thwarting signal generator attached to the periphery of a stage.

15. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal comprises emitting the thwarting signal from a thwarting signal generator positioned behind a screen.

16. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal that is visible to an imaging system comprises emitting a thwarting signal to a still photo camera.

17. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal that is visible to an imaging system comprises emitting a thwarting signal to a moving picture camera.

18. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal that is visible to an imaging system comprises emitting a thwarting signal to a CCD array camera.

19. The method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 10 wherein emitting a thwarting signal that is visible to an imaging system comprises emitting a thwarting signal to an imaging cellular telephone.

20. A method of thwarting the pirating of a theatrical experience comprising:

a plurality of thwarting signal generators located proximate to the area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the method comprising emitting a thwarting signal that is detectable by an auto focus system of an imaging system but that is not visible to the human eye.