Detecting and thwarting imaging systems at theatrical performances

• US 6,861,640 B2
• Filed: 11/14/2002
• Issued: 03/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: DigiMedia Tech, LLC (IP Investments Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: Elliott D. Light, Jon L. Roberts
• Inventors: Roberts, Jon L., Light, Elliott D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Luu, Thanh X.
• Assistant Examiner(s): YAM, STEPHEN K
• Application Number:
  US10/294,273
• Publication Number:
  US 20040094697A1
• Time in Patent Office: 838 Days
• Field of Search: 250/221, 250/208.2, 250/208.4, 352/38, 352/39, 380/201, 353/122, 353/90, 353/34, 386/94, 360/60, 348/744
• 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 plurality of sensors arranged spatially proximate to an area wherein the theatrical experience is taking place;

the plurality of sensors adapted to sense auto focus emissions from an imaging system;

the plurality of sensors further connected to a network;

a processor connected to the network and adapted to receive signals from the plurality of sensors and to initiate a warning if the signals are received.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the area wherein the theatrical experience is taking place is a room and the plurality of sensors are 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 plurality of sensors are 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 emissions emanate.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sensors are further adapted to receive radio frequency emissions from the imaging system.

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

7. The system for detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 1 further comprising a thwarting signal generator located proximate to the area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the thwarting signal generator adapted to emit a thwarting signal that is visible to the imaging system.

8. The system for detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 1 further comprising a thwarting signal generator located proximate to the area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the thwarting signal generator adapted to emit a thwarting signal that is visibly detectable by an auto focus system of the imaging system.

9. A method of detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience wherein a plurality of sensors are located proximate to an area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the method comprising:

receiving at a plurality of sensors auto focus emissions from an imaging system;

receiving at a processor the output of the plurality of sensors;

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

10. The method as in claim 9 further comprising receiving at the plurality of sensors radio frequency emissions of the imaging system.

11. The method as in claim 9 wherein the processor further comprises software means for determining the location of the source of the auto focus emissions received by a plurality of sensors.

12. The method as in claim 9, further comprising emitting a thwarting signal from a thwarting signal generator that is visible to the imaging system.

13. The method as in claim 9, further comprising emitting a thwarting signal from a thwarting signal generator that is visibly detectable by an auto focus system of the imaging system.