Detecting and thwarting imaging systems at theatrical performances

• US 6,977,366 B2
• Filed: 04/02/2004
• Issued: 12/20/2005
• 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): Porta, David
• Assistant Examiner(s): YAM, STEPHEN K
• Application Number:
  US10/816,970
• Publication Number:
  US 20040182996A1
• Time in Patent Office: 627 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 sensor arranged spatially proximate to an 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 sensor signal in the event an auto focus emission is received;

a thwarting signal generator connected to the network, and wherein the thwarting signal generator is adapted to automatically generate a thwarting signal; and

a processor connected to the network and adapted to receive the sensor signal from the sensor and to instruct the thwarting signal generator to emit the thwarting signal if the sensor 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 plurality of sensors is further adapted to receive radio frequency emissions from the 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 an area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the method comprising:

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

receiving at a processor the sensor signal, wherein the processor is adapted to instruct a thwarting signal generator to emit a thwarting signal if the sensor signal is received.

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

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