Improvement in motion picture theatres and methods of projecting pictures and producing sound effects therein

摘要

518,905. Optical-projection apparatus and screens. WALLER, F., and WALKER, R. Sept. 14, 1938, No. 26815. Convention date, Sept. 14, 1937. [Class 97 (i)] In a motion-picture theatre wherein opticallyseparate projectors project on to contiguous areas of a screen having a curved surface, each projector is located so that its projection axis and a radius of curvature of the screen are coincident, and so that its distance from the screen along the projection axis is greater than the radius of curvature; sound-producing apparatus may be associated with some or all of the projectors, and loudspeakers may be provided, each separately operated by a separate sound reproducer and located adjacent the area of the screen towards which the corresponding projector projects. The screen may have spherical curvature and may extend through any arc, up to 360 degrees in a horizontal plane, and to 90 degrees in a vertical plane. As shown spherical screen 1 extending through 180 degrees in a horizontal plane and 90 degrees in a vertical plane, seats 4 are arranged between the horizontal arc of the screen and its chord, and projectors 6 ... 9, arranged as stated above, and equidistant from the screen, project on to areas of the screen which slightly overlap. Loudspeakers 21 ... 24 are provided, each behind one of these areas, and each associated with the sound reproducer of the projector for its screen area.