Undertaking
Patent
1986-11-05
1988-12-13
Apley, Richard J.
Undertaking
52 6, A63J 300
Patent
active
047905271
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to an entertainment or amusement structure.
Footage of cinematic programs which is filmed downwardly, using a fish eye or wide angle lens, can create a dramatic visual impact. However, such an impact is diminished in the conventional arrangement of projecting the footage onto a vertical screen, since the viewer is aware that the images on the vertical screen and being viewed horizontally in fact are a representation of what is in reality extended horizontally below the camera. The present invention provides an entertainment or amusement structure which, when used with such footage, enables the footage to be viewed with an enhanced visual impact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A structure according to the invention has a frame structure extending upwardly from a base support, a walkway supported by the frame structure, and a horizontally disposed cinema screen. At least a major portion of the walkway is spaced above, and preferably at least in part over, the screen to enable images projected onto the screen to be seen by viewers on the walkway.
The frame structure may be within a building or enclosure, such as at least in part within a dome thereof. In such case, the frame structure may be an integral part of the building. Alternatively, the frame structure may be of skeletal form, and either independent of or partially braced by a covering building or enclosure. Where the frame structure is independent of the building or enclosure, the latter may simply comprise a covering for the frame structure and either be self-supporting or at least partially supported by the frame structure.
The walkway preferably has an arcuate form, or at least includes a portion of such form, so as to enable viewers thereon to move so as to view images projected onto the screen from different angles. In one form, the walkway may extend around a substantially full circumference above the screen, such as in a circular or helical path.
The structure of the invention is particularly suited for viewing cinematic programs filmed using a wide angle or fish eye lens. Such a program is most conveniently filmed from above, using a camera with such lens. The camera, in producing such a program, for example is carried by a helicopter, glider or hot air balloon which is preferably movable on a gimbal mount, or carried by a sky-diver during a descent.
The walkway may be substantially rigidly supported by the frame structure. However, in a preferred arrangement, the walkway may be suspended by ropes, cables or rods secured to the frame structure. In such an arrangement, the ropes, cables or rods can allow a controlled amount of movement of the walkway, such as a swaying movement, thereby tending to increase a feeling of realism for those viewing the images projected onto the screen.
Where the program is of the intended form, i.e. filmed from above using a fish eye or wide angle lens, it is highly desirable that this be projected onto the screen from below by a rear projection system. The structure according to the invention thus most preferably is adapted for rear projection. For this, the screen necessarily is of a type suited to rear projection, while there is sufficient spacing below the screen for the projected beam to pass to the screen over the relatively longer projection path necessary for rear projection compared with front projection. However, while that spacing can be such as to enable positioning of the rear projection system below the screen, this is not essential. Thus, the projector system can be positioned to one side of, and at a lesser distance below, the screen; with an inclined mirror below the screen reflecting the projected beam upwardly to the screen.
The screen, where of a type suited to rear projection, thus is of a suitable translucent material. The screen may comprise at least one layer of such material held horizontally below walkway by suitable support means. However, to minimize disruption to a program in the event of an object being dropped onto the screen by a viewer on the walkway, the screen
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Apley Richard J.
Bahr Robert W.
Concord St. George Productions Pty. Ltd.
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