Patent US5218388A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5218388A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Film monitor for use in automating movie theater operation
Assignee: COMPONENT ENGINEERING Inc
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Filing: 1991-06-21
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Granted: 1993-06-08
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Expires: 2011-06-21
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 William H. Purdy
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:04
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B21/00; G03B21/14; G03B21/32; G03B21/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
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.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
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.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A cue sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of said cue sensors is a proximity sensor of the eddy current killed oscillation type.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
129 words
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.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
129 words
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.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
63 words
A film monitor according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of film support guide rollers includes a first film contacting roller, a proximity sensor guide roller, and an optical sensor roller, each roller having a rotational axis, each rotational axis being in parallel relationship with each other for supporting said film in a film transport plane that is perpendicular to said rotational axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
79 words
A film monitor according to claim 4, wherein said cue sensing roller includes outer shoulder portions for guiding edge portions of said film, a pair of film support ridges located on said roller for supporting said film at a location adjacent to edge perforations in said film, and having a pair of dirt collection grooves located adjacent each edge of said film, wherein said roller is supported for rotation about an axial shaft by a pair of anti-friction bearings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
A film monitor according to claim 3, wherein said optical sensing roller includes a pair of transversely extending shoulders for guiding edge portions of said film, a pair of film supporting surfaces positioned adjacent t edge perforations in said film, and having a groove extending transversely below said film support surfaces, and a small diameter center portion adjacent to a center portion of said film.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
51 words
The film monitor according to claim 3, wherein each of said proximity sensors is of the eddy current killed oscillation type, said sensors being positioned in a substantially common plane and each sensor having a different operating frequency than an adjacent sensor thereby preventing any electrical interference from said adjacent sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
79 words
A film monitor according to claim 3, wherein said film presence sensor includes a pair of optical instruments, each optical instrument having a light emitting source and a light receiving portion whereby when said film is positioned between said film presence sensor and one of said rollers, that said light emitted is reflected by said film and received by said light receiving potion of said sensor such that said sensor produces an output signal when said film is present.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
92 words
A film monitor according to claim 3, wherein said film motion sensor includes a pair of spaced apart light emitters and a pair of spaced apart light sensors, said light emitters and said light sensors each being spaced above perforations in the film such that when the film is moving, light emitted from the light source is alternately reflected by the film and passes through perforations in the film such that the light receiver alternately receives reflected light and then does not thereby producing a pulsed signal when said film is moving.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
51 words
The film monitor according to claim 3, wherein each of said proximity sensors is of the eddy current killed oscillation type, said sensors being positioned in a substantially common plane and each sensor having a different operating frequency than an adjacent sensor thereby preventing any electrical disturbance from said adjacent sensor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
79 words
A film monitor according to claim 3, wherein said film presence sensor includes a pair of optical instruments, each optical instrument having a light emitting source and a light receiving portion whereby when said film is positioned between said film presence sensor and one of said rollers, that said lights emitted is reflected by said film and received by said light receiving portion of said sensor such that said sensor produces an output signal when said film is, present.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
92 words
A film monitor according to claim 3, wherein said film motion sensor includes a pair of spaced apart light emitters and a pair of spaced apart light sensors, said light emitters and said light sensors each being spaced above perforations in the film such that when the film is moving, light emitted from the light source is alternately reflected by the film and passes through perforations in the film such that the light receiver alternately receives reflected light and then does not thereby producing a pulsed signal when said film is moving.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of controlling automated motion picture presentation in a motion picture projection system having a plurality of film support guide roller sensors associated therewith comprising the steps of: passing a film with cues thereon across a film support roller past a cue detector whereby the presence of said cues is detected; passing said film across a film support roller past a film presence detector whereby the presence or absence of film is detected; passing said film across a film support roller past a film motion detector of an optical type whereby motion of said film is detected; processing signals from each of said detectors to produce an electrical output signal related to said signals for controlling the projector and peripheral equipment.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
122 words
A method of controlling automated motion picture presentation in a motion picture projection system having a plurality of film support guide roller sensors associated therewith comprising the steps of: passing a film with cues thereon across a film support roller past a cue detector whereby the presence of said cues is detected; passing said film across a film support roller past a film presence detector whereby the presence or absence of film is detected; passing said film across a film support roller past a film motion detector of an optical type whereby motion of said film is detected; processing signals from each of said detectors to produce an electrical output signal related to said signals for controlling the projector and peripheral equipment.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 13 wherein separate film support guide rollers are used for each detection step.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said cue detector comprises an array of detectors positioned in a line perpendicular to the path of travel of said film and wherein said array comprises a plurality of proximity sensors of the eddy current killed oscillation type operated at discrete different operating frequencies to avoid electrical interference therebetween.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said step of passing said film across a film support roller past a film motion detector of an optical type further comprises the steps of positioning optical instruments having a light emitting source and a light receiving portion whereby light emitted is reflected by said film and detected by said light receiving portion whenever said film is present.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 13 wherein motion of said film is detected by positioning light emitters and light sensors at a location of perforation in said film such that when the film is moving, light from the light source is alternately reflected by the film and passed through the perforations producing a pulsed signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1996-06-07 | 1996-12-07 | 1997-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-06-07 | 2000-12-07 | 2001-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-06-07 | 2004-12-07 | 2005-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |