Interactive Digital Cinema System Using Audience Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current audience response systems and digital cinema technologies lack connectivity and interoperability, preventing audience input from influencing on-screen content in real-time, which is a limitation in engaging younger generations and maximizing theater revenue during off-peak times.

Innovation Solution

A data management system that collects audience input data and processes it to interface with digital content servers, allowing for interactive content changes based on audience feedback, using a digital content interface connected through networks, enabling real-time adaptation of content such as advertising, movies, and gaming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If audience response systems use dedicated hardware (keypads, base stations), then data collection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata collection reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the cinema projection system serve multiple functions: it not only projects movies but also displays interactive content, collects audience responses, and processes data. The existing projector and screen infrastructure is utilized for both traditional cinema and interactive applications, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for audience response collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a media server as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the projection system and audience response collection. This media server receives audience input through various interfaces, processes the data, and controls the projection content, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If digital content servers are used for cinema projection, then content delivery quality is improved, but adaptability to interactive content changes worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent delivery qualityVSAvoidinteractive content adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling the projection content to change in real-time based on audience interactions. The system transitions from static pre-programmed content to dynamic content that adapts to audience responses, allowing for interactive storytelling, real-time polls, and responsive gaming experiences while maintaining high content delivery quality through the digital cinema infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where audience responses are collected, processed, and used to immediately adjust the projection content. This closed-loop feedback system allows the content to respond to audience input in real-time, enhancing interactivity while preserving the high quality delivery capabilities of digital cinema servers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If real-time audience interaction is implemented, then audience engagement is improved, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaudience engagementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the existing cinema infrastructure: the projection system handles both movie playback and interactive content delivery, the audio system manages both audio tracks and feedback signals, and the seating system integrates both positioning and input collection. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while enabling real-time audience interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs self-service mechanisms where the projection system automatically detects audience interactions and adjusts content without requiring manual intervention. The media server autonomously processes audience responses and controls content delivery, reducing the need for complex manual control systems while maintaining high audience engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If existing cinema infrastructure is used for interactive content, then ease of operation is improved, but functionality and interactivity are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidinteractive functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing cinema infrastructure universal by enabling it to perform both traditional cinema projection and interactive content delivery. The projection system, audio equipment, and seating arrangements are designed to serve multiple purposes, including movie playback, interactive storytelling, polls, quizzes, and gaming, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly enhancing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the cinema infrastructure with necessary software and hardware components for interactive content. The media server is pre-programmed with interactive applications and the projection system is calibrated to handle both traditional and interactive content formats, ensuring ease of operation while providing robust interactive functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9749590B2Method for interactive digital cinema system
Publication Date: 2017.08.29 CINVOLVE
  • US9749590B2 patent drawing
  • US9749590B2 patent drawing
  • US9749590B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for providing interactive cinema, by collecting digital data from members of an audience in response to content projected in a cinema, processing the data, interfacing the data using a digital content interface with a digital content server, and providing interactive content based on the data.