US 5,218,388 A · Film monitor for use in automating movie theater operation

Abstract

A motion picture film monitor structured and operated in the film path of a film projector, having a plurality of film support rollers for supporting the film as it passes adjacent a plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors includes at least one proximity sensor positioned preferably adjacent one of the guide rollers and when more than one proximity sensor is spaced closely to each other, a different frequency is used by each proximity sensor. In addition, an optical film presence detector including a light emitter and a light sensor is positioned adjacent another support roller such that when the film passes the film presence detector, it is supported by the roller. A film motion detector using a similar optical system is positioned adjacent one of the support rollers which supports the film in close proximity to the sensor. Electronic circuitry and connections therefore, are structured to allow for a logically configured and miniaturized monitor. An electronic circuit may be used to expand the control capabilities of the monitor.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A cue sensor assembly for detecting at least one cue located in one of generally three transverse positions on a portion of film, said transverse positions being adjacent a left edge, adjacent a right edge and generally centered between the right and left edges, said cue sensor assembly comprising:

a film support roller having an axis of rotation perpendicular to a film path;
and,
a plurality of cue sensors is positioned in an manner as to sense a cue placed adjacent the right edge of the film, and a second sensor is positioned in a manner as to sense a cue placed generally centered between the right and left edges of the film, and another sensor positioned in a manner as to sense cue placed on the left edge of the film, and, wherein said cue sensors are operated at different frequencies preventing electrical disturbances between adjacent sensor.

A film monitor, for use in automating motion picture presentation, that senses cues positioned on a film being projected, senses the presence of film in a projector and senses motion of the film through the projector, said monitor comprising;

a plurality of film support guide rollers;
a plurality of proximity sensors positioned adjacent to one of said guide rollers, each said sensor being capable of detecting one of said cues;
an optical film presence detector positioned adjacent to one of said guide rollers;
a film motion detector of an optical type positioned adjacent one of said guide rollers;
and
an electronic circuit for processing electrical input signals produced by said sensors, and producing an electrical output signal related to said input signals for controlling the projector and peripheral equipment.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Film monitor for use in automating movie theater operation

Life of this patent

Film monitor for use in automating movie theater operation

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17