Method for exhibiting motion picture films at frame rates higher than that in which the films were originally produced

• US 6,243,156 B1
• Filed: 05/03/1999
• Issued: 06/05/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Weisgerber, Robert C.
• Original Assignee: Weisgerber, Robert C.
• Inventors: Weisgerber, Robert C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Adams, Russell
• Assistant Examiner(s): FULLER, RODNEY EVAN
• Application Number:
  US09/303,450
• Time in Patent Office: 764 Days
• Field of Search: 352/38, 352/40, 352/44, 352/81, 352/84, 352/92, 352/167, 352/239, 352/46, 352/97
• US Class Current: 352/46
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/003 Cine-projectors
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 41/00 Special techniques not covered by groups G03B31/00 - G03B39/00; Apparatus therefor

Abstract

A method is disclosed whereby existing on future motion picture films are modified for exhibition at frame rates significantly higher than those used for general theatrical release. Films photographed at customary frame rates (such as 24 frames per second) are printed, with each frame printed twice, onto film for exhibition. The resulting film is shown at double the original frame rate (48 frames per second, for example). The method disclosed here allows more light to pass through the film than is possible with conventional projection methods. The method disclosed here is also compatible with any standard or nonstandard film size or aspect ratio. This method also allows light brightness to be varied for certain scenes or sequences, thereby allowing the viewers to perceive different amounts of visual impact for different scenes or sequences, a feature not available through conventional motion picture exhibition methods.

Claims

1. A method for exhibiting motion picture films to theatrical audiences at high frame rates, with the objective of increasing the visual impact on such audiences when the method described here is used, comprising:

the modification of the original film by transferring each image contained in the original film onto two successive frames of the film ultimately to be exhibited to said audiences, and the exhibition of said films so modified at a frame rate double that at which the original film was photographed or the images of the original film were otherwise imparted onto said original film.

2. The method as in claim 1, in which the films so exhibited are shown to said audiences through a projector equipped with a double-bladed shutter, such that the number of flashes of light presented to said audiences during each second is double the frame rate at which said films are projected.

3. The method as in claim 2, in which the films so exhibited were originally photographed or the images of such films were originally imparted onto such films at a frame rate from the group consisting of 16,18,24,25,26 and 30 frames per second.

4. The method as in claim 1, in which said films are exhibited to audiences in the same film format in which said films were originally made.

5. The method as in claim 1, in which films not originally photographed or otherwise produced for exhibition in the 70 mm film format are converted to the 70 mm film format by imparting sufficient anamorphic expansion in the vertical direction to restore the aspect ratio of the film format in which said films were originally photographed or produced for exhibition and exhibited in the 70 mm film format.

6. The method as in claim 1, in which said film are modified through optical printing or computerized image transfer techniques.

7. The method as in claim 1, further comprising a means to vary the level of light brightness provided by the projector light source, from one scene to another, during the exhibition of said films.

8. The method as in claim 7, in which said means is activated by commands imparted onto the film ultimately to be exhibited.

9. The method as in claim 7, in which the level of light brightness for scenes to be exhibited at a low level of light brightness is 10.9 foot lamberts or less.

10. The method as in claim 7, in which the level of light brightness for scenes to be exhibited at a high level of light brightness is 16.5 footlamberts of more.

11. A method for exhibiting previously produced motion picture films at high frame rates comprising printing each frame of said motion film twice and exhibiting such films at double the frame rate at which the original films were made, where the improvement consists of the exhibition of said films at said higher frame rate, with the effect of increasing the visual impact perceived by the persons who view said films.

12. The method as in claim 11, in which the improvement further comprises changing light brightness levels between scenes of said films, with the result that the viewers of said films will perceive certain scenes as more brightly illuminated than other scenes.