Detecting and thwarting imaging systems at theatrical performances
View Patent ↗A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect the IR focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable.
1. A system for detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience comprising:
a plurality of sensors arranged spatially proximate to an area wherein the theatrical experience is taking place;
the plurality of sensors adapted to sense auto focus emissions from an imaging system;
the plurality of sensors further connected to a network;
a processor connected to the network and adapted to receive signals from the plurality of sensors and to initiate a warning if the signals are received.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the area wherein the theatrical experience is taking place is a room and the plurality of sensors are located on the interior walls defining the room.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the area wherein the theatrical experience is taking place is an outdoor theater and the plurality of sensors are mounted on structures arranged spatially so as to surround a space occupied by an audience.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the processor comprises a computer program for determining the location of the imaging system from which the emissions emanate.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sensors are further adapted to receive radio frequency emissions from the imaging system.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the sensors adapted to receive radio frequency emissions are located in audience seating fixtures.
7. The system for detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 1 further comprising a thwarting signal generator located proximate to the area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the thwarting signal generator adapted to emit a thwarting signal that is visible to the imaging system.
8. The system for detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience of claim 1 further comprising a thwarting signal generator located proximate to the area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the thwarting signal generator adapted to emit a thwarting signal that is visibly detectable by an auto focus system of the imaging system.
9. A method of detecting the pirating of a theatrical experience wherein a plurality of sensors are located proximate to an area in which the theatrical experience is taking place, the method comprising:
receiving at a plurality of sensors auto focus emissions from an imaging system;
receiving at a processor the output of the plurality of sensors;
initiating an alarm if the auto focus emissions from an imaging system are detected.
10. The method as in claim 9 further comprising receiving at the plurality of sensors radio frequency emissions of the imaging system.
11. The method as in claim 9 wherein the processor further comprises software means for determining the location of the source of the auto focus emissions received by a plurality of sensors.
12. The method as in claim 9 , further comprising emitting a thwarting signal from a thwarting signal generator that is visible to the imaging system.
13. The method as in claim 9 , further comprising emitting a thwarting signal from a thwarting signal generator that is visibly detectable by an auto focus system of the imaging system.