Conversion of cinema theatre to a super cinema theatre

• US 7,911,580 B2
• Filed: 06/30/2009
• Issued: 03/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IMAX Corporation
• Original Assignee: IMAX Corporation
• Inventors: Jacques, George Eric, Read, Steven Charles, Bonnick, Brian John
• Primary Examiner(s): Dowling; William C
• Application Number:
  US12/494,361
• Publication Number:
  US 20090262305A1
• Time in Patent Office: 630 Days
• Field of Search: 352/1, 352/3, 352/5, 352/6, 352/8, 352/9, 352/11, 352/18, 352/34, 352/38, 352/40, 352/69, 353/79, 359/449, 52/6, 52/8, 52/9, 52/29
• US Class Current: 352/3
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 3/22 Theatres; Concert halls; Studios for broadcasting, cinematography, television or similar purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/32 Details specially adapted for motion-picture projection with film moving continuously through the gate G03B41/02
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/565 Screens allowing free passage of sound G03B21/58 - G03B21/62 take precedence

Abstract

Methods of and equipment for converting existing standard motion picture theatres to one having highly immersive, large fields of view are addressed. Aspects of the methods including moving motion picture screens closer to the audience and employing different projection equipment to avoid or minimize appearance of unrealistic or non-natural image artifacts. Alternative sound systems too are detailed.

Claims

1. A method of converting a multiplex theatre hall into an immersive motion picture theatre hall, comprising:

a. providing a multiplex theatre hall having a rear wall and comprising;

i. a first projection screen positioned a distance D1 from the rear wall;

ii. a set of loudspeakers; and

iii. at least first and second patron seat locations;

b. providing a projection screen positioned a distance D2 from the rear wall, where D2 is greater than D1, by either (i) moving the first projection screen or (ii) erecting a second projection screen;

c. providing a sound absorbing acoustic barrier positioned a distance D3 from the rear wall, where D3 is less than D2;

d. positioning at least some of the set of loudspeakers a distance D4 from the rear wall, where D4 is greater than D3 and less than D2, such loudspeakers receiving signals via separate audio channels; and

e. aiming the set of loudspeakers so that patrons sitting at the first and second seat locations perceive sound from all audio channels as having essentially the same volume level and tonal quality, thereby creating an immersive motion picture theatre hall.

2. A method of converting a multiplex theatre hall into an immersive motion picture theatre hall according to claim 1 in which:

D3>

D1.

3. A method of converting a multiplex theatre hall into an immersive motion picture theatre hall according to claim 1 in which:

D2−

D3<

D3−

D1.

4. A method according to claim 1 further comprising mixing differently a standard cinema 5.1 sound track so as to provide signals to the set of loudspeakers.

5. A method according to claim 1 in which providing a sound absorbing acoustic barrier comprises providing a sound absorbing acoustic wall.