HK1071830A - Simulation of attendance at a live event - Google Patents

Description

Simulation of attendance at a live event

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to methods of creating virtual nonces or telepresence, including devices, fabrics, and network architectures that implement the virtual nonces. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reproducing attendance at a live event or performance experience in a modular theater structure.

Background

Various techniques have been applied to simulate various environments, such as flight simulation and training, to enhance the perception of the realism of multimedia play. The focus of the existing systems is on the development and improvement of technology without disclosing a method or architecture for distributing multiple viewers over multiple locations, nor the simultaneous reproduction of remotely located viewers attending a live event experience.

For example, U.S. patent 6,141,034 issued to McCutchen at 31/10/2000 discloses a dodecahedron imaging camera and a modular spherical video projector for projecting an entire spherical image. The patent also relates to an easily assembled modular screen for a dome theater, which is made up of a plurality of screen components attached to a grid-like frame. The invention focuses on the technical aspects of the capturing of images and the projection of images onto spherical screens.

U.S. patent 5,130,794 issued to Ritchey at 14.7.1992 discloses a panoramic virtual live display system that segments a composite image into a plurality of segments for display on the display of a plurality of video display devices. The images are collected by a panoramic optical device responsible for distributing the images to a video display. The figures show a cubic arrangement, see fig. 34 to 39. Preferably, a plurality of display devices are arranged within an enclosure and mounted in all visible directions. The display device also comprises a structure surrounding the viewer or even a single viewer. The display unit used in this patent includes a flat display screen, such as a large plasma display screen, an electroluminescent display screen or a liquid crystal display screen, and a rear projection screen. Us patent 5,023,725 issued to McCutchen on 11/1 1991 discloses dodecahedron imaging and related capture and projection techniques. By projecting a pentagonal image frame into the interior of the dome, this patent projects a apparently continuous image through the dome or spherical theater.

Similar techniques are used in training environments and flight simulators, examples of which are Canadian patent 2,287,650 issued to Amery at 5.20.2000 and US patent 5,137,450 issued to Thomas at 8.11.1992. Amery discloses simulation of a training environment, such as flight simulation. The invention includes a plurality of adjacent video image generation and display modules. Each module includes an image generator that generates a video image that is part of a composite display image. These image generation and display modules are preferably mounted in a support structure designed to accommodate each module. Thomas describes a surround display system that displays video images of a flight simulator. The display system comprises eight identical pentagonal translucent rear projection screens joined at their edges to form a partial dodecahedron. A projection device is mounted on the exterior of the partially dodecahedron for directing appropriate simulator images to the back of the pentagon screen.

The above-referenced patents disclose techniques and structures for a virtual current environment. However, none of them disclose a synchronized virtual simulation of an actual event occurring at a remote location, as seen at a fixed location. While television broadcasting can enable viewers to witness events at home, it reduces the realism that viewers can experience because of the voice overreach, playback, and various perspectives regarding the selection of events provided. Thus, the audience is not integrated into a life-like environment.

Disclosure of Invention

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a method of simulating the attendance of a live event or a live performance. Unlike the patents cited above, the present invention contemplates a series of virtual live theaters or modules at different locations in different cities, where broadcast video of live events or shows are presented to viewers on a wide-angle screen surface. The present invention simulates real events for remote spectators as if the spectators were actually sitting in the best seats to personally attend the event. For example, a hockey playground may be presented to the audience in a manner that looks down at the point of tee from the seat. With the present invention, it is possible to simulate this experience to many spectators in many different locations while the actual hockey game is starting. This allows more fans to attend and enjoy the same experience at a lower price than the fare of the live event. To further enhance the reality experience, stadium style seats may be provided in the form of box seats or front seats in the modular theater structure.

Similarly, the simulation and the sense of concentration of virtual attendance at a live performance, such as a theater or concert, are also contemplated. A panoramic view of various performing artistic and cultural scenes as if the stage and adjacent auditorium were seen from the front seat or box seat may also be presented to the remote audience.

The present invention includes a camera or digital camera device for recording real-time or near real-time events or shows and capturing a wide field of view, preferably wider than the field of view of the audience. The device is to be placed at a carefully selected vantage point and mounted in a fixed position. For example, the digital camera may be mounted in the box or front seat of a hockey game to capture the same field of view as spectators attending and sitting in the same box or front seat. The camera captures a panoramic view of the entire visual space of the playing site without horizontal or vertical movement.

The cameras used in the preferred embodiment are high resolution cameras such as DALSA (digital camera), Ikegami (HDTV) and Thomson multimedia (HDTV or digital camera).

The invention also includes a transmitting means for transmitting the live event or delayed delivery of camera storage to a remote location. The transmitting means may comprise a satellite or equivalent transmission system capable of high-speed broadband delivery of digital video (e.g., at 250 megabits per second or higher) over multiple channels. Such systems allow for on-site or delayed delivery to multiple remote locations.

The receiving device receives a delayed delivery of the site or store. The projection device projects an image onto a video projection screen or visual display system that presents a panoramic viewing surface. The projector can be, but is not limited to, a CRT, DLP or DILA projector manufactured by such manufacturers as CHRISTIE, BARCO and JVC. Presentation at the remote location may include, but is not limited to, high definition televisions, multiple video display devices, rear and front projection screens, and three dimensional viewing surfaces such as the interior of a dome. The preferred embodiment uses a multi-channel video projection system such as SEOS, MECHOYNE, which employs a screen rear reflector.

When the received image is a mosaic fragment, it can be projected onto a screen in various formats. The present invention contemplates using digital edge blending techniques (e.g., PANORAMTECH and SEOS) to remove grid lines between channels to achieve uniform resolution across the entire screen. For example, each mosaic slice is 1280 (cells) horizontal by 760 (cells) vertical or 4000 x 2000 pixels across the entire screen of a 3 x 2 array.

The architecture considered to accommodate the screen and the audience at a remote location is modular and can be developed into a modular architecture of a series or networked modules. A single module may include a viewing plane and a stadium-type seat within an audience area opposite the viewing plane.

Ideally, the theater structure or module is enclosed and has an interior or exterior level configuration. The size of the theater structure in the preferred embodiment is about 30 x 30 feet at the bottom and about 18 feet high, which can accommodate about 30 to 50 seats in a tiered row of precise size simulating a venue seat.

In a preferred embodiment, a frame is vertically disposed between the motion picture seat and the screen, and the viewer views the image projected onto the screen through an opening in the frame.

The frame opening is positioned and sized such that the view from any seat to the surrounding screen or emitter is limited (e.g., limited to about 120 to 180 degrees in the horizontal direction and about 45 to 80 degrees in the vertical direction). This may prevent the viewer from seeing the screen edge or reflective device (mirrorassembly). In the preferred embodiment, the opening of the frame is a minimum of about 16 feet wide by 9 feet high for a minimum of 30 to 50 viewers to best see the screen. In other embodiments, the size of the opening may be a multiple of the above dimensions or the aspect ratio (16: 9 horizontal to vertical) of HDTV is used.

In a preferred embodiment six projectors are used, arranged in two rows of three projectors. The first set of three projectors are horizontally linearly arranged and uniformly spaced from each other. The projector may be mounted on top of the frame outside the audience space and thus not visible to the audience. These projectors are directed forward toward (and aligned with) the screen or reflector.

The second set of three projectors are vertically linearly aligned and uniformly spaced from each other. These projectors are located at the lower and outer portions of the frame, forward and upward toward the screen. The present invention allows six projectors to be placed at different angles towards the screen and to produce a single image on the screen with edge blending without the appearance of a visible matrix or grid lines.

A viewer at a remote location and viewing a video projection screen will be able to virtually attend a live event, show or similar event as if the viewer had actually attended the event.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a method of simulating attendance at a live event, performance or similar event.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the interior of the proposed theatre structure for accommodating spectators, projection screens and projectors;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a modular structure attached to a house or building;

figure 4 provides an example of an economic application of the invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1, a live event or performance such as a hockey game or concert is conducted at a location 10, and an attached camera 20 is positioned at a vantage point of the location to record a wide-angle scene of the event. The scene recorded by the camera is essentially what the person attending the event sees. The camera 20 is maintained in a fixed position throughout the performance.

The transmitter 30 transmits live or tape-delayed delivery of the camera output to the remote location 50.

The receiving device 40 receives the live or tape-delayed transport and forwards it to the projection device 70. The image is then projected onto a screen or display 60 for viewing by the viewer.

Can provide 80 individual playground type seats.

In order to more clearly understand the present invention, a preferred embodiment of a theatre structure is now described by way of example with reference to fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the remote location 50 as a theater structure housing a front projection display screen 60 and a projection device 70. A stadium style seat 80 is positioned in front of the screen. Between the screen and the stadium seat is a vertically disposed frame 82, the frame 82 having an opening 84 through which the screen can be viewed. The balustrade 86 protects the audience from falling out of the audience space 8. Multiple projectors may also be used to project images onto screen 60. Fig. 2 shows the projection device 70 positioned over the frame opening 84 and outside the audience space 88 without being seen by the audience. Fig. 2 also shows that the projection device 70 is positioned below the frame opening 84 and outside the audience space 88 without being seen by the audience.

Fig. 3 is another alternative embodiment of a theater structure that does not include the frame 82 and frame openings 84 of fig. 2. The theater structure of fig. 3 includes a projection screen 60, a projection device 70, stadium seating 80, and a projector.

Figure 4 provides an example of an economic application of the invention. A modular structure 110 with a box and a front seat is built inside or connected to another building. For example, the modular structure 110 may be connected to a sports bar, whereby patrons may enter the bar or sit in the box 90 with their beverages to view hockey at night as if they were actually at the play site. Alternatively, the team promoter or team member of the venue could build a modular structure at their headquarters where their employees and customers could give the opportunity to enjoy the real hockey game. Fig. 3 shows the modular structure 110 attached to a room 100, which room 100 may be a bar or a suite of rooms in a corporate building, for example. The video projection screen 60, the projection device 70, the front or car seat 90, and the frame 82 and frame opening 84 are also all disposed in the modular configuration of this embodiment.

Various other embodiments are also possible in light of the above description. Thus, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.

Claims (7)

1. An apparatus for providing simulation of attendance at a live event, performance or the like, comprising:

(i) audio-visual recording means for recording live events, performances or similar events;

(ii) transmitting means for transmitting on-site or stored delayed delivery from the recording means to a remote location;

(iii) receiving means for receiving said live or tape delayed delivery at said remote location;

(iv) a projection device for projecting the live or tape delayed transport;

(v) a video projection screen for presenting a panoramic surface such that the live or stored delayed delivery can be presented thereon at the remote location.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said audio-visual recording device is positioned at a fixed location at a carefully selected vantage point, said audio-visual recording device capable of capturing panoramic images.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the remote location comprises a modular structure enclosed and containing the projection device and the video projection screen, the modular structure further comprising an audience area from which an audience may view the video projection screen.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the modular structure comprises stadium style seats in the audience area that simulate seats in a box, front seat, or suite.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the modular structure is divided by a frame positioned between the video projection screen and the audience area, the frame being opaque and having dimensions such that an audience seated in the stadium style seat can view the video projection screen through its opening, but the frame prevents viewing of the edges of the video projection screen.

6. The apparatus of claims 3 to 6, further comprising a plurality of modular structures, each of the modular structures being located at a separate remote location.

7. A method of providing a simulation of attending a live event, performance or similar activity, comprising the steps of:

(i) selecting a vantage point from which the live event, show or similar activity can be seen;

(ii) positioning at least one audio-visual recording device at a fixed location of said vantage point;

(iii) transmitting a live or stored delayed delivery from the audiovisual recording device to a remote location;

(iv) the delivery is played at the remote location using a video projection screen that presents a panoramic viewing surface, whereby a viewer at the remote location viewing the video projection screen can view the live event, performance or similar activity as if in person.