(51)4 INTERNATIONAL PATENT CLASSIFICATION
`
`EO4H 003/22
`
`G033 021/54
`
`A63J 005/02
`
`F21P 005/02
`
`6028 027/18
`
`(21) Application No.
`
`:
`
`77725/87
`
`(22) Application Date :
`
`29.08.
`
`\1)
`
`(23) Filing Date of Complete Specification :
`
`31.08.87
`
`(43) Publication Date : 3.3.88
`
`(60) Related t) Provisiona1(s)
`
`:
`
`PH77S7
`
`(71) Applicant
`CONCORDE ST. GEORGE PRODUCTIONS PTY. LTD—I
`(72) Inventor
`NAME NOT GIVEN
`
`(74) Attorney or Agent
`PHILLIPS,ORMONDE & FITZPATRICK
`
`(54) Title
`THEATRICAL SY TEM
`
`(5?) Claim
`
`1.
`
`A theatrical system having a stage area and, adjacent
`
`the stage area, a viewing area in which members of an audi-
`
`ence can be accommodated for viewing actual
`
`images and/or
`
`action on the stage area and/or images perceived as being
`
`on the stage area:
`
`image generating means offset to one side
`
`of, or vertically spaced from the level of,
`
`the stage and
`
`Viewing areas; and image translating means;
`
`the image trans-
`
`lating means including a light—transparent, planar element
`
`mounted on the stage area and positoned so that a major sur-
`
`face thereof is inclined partly toward the viewing area;
`
`the arrangement being such that an image from the generating
`
`means is reflected by said surface toward the viewing area
`
`but
`
`is perceived from the viewing area as if located on the
`
`stage area rearwardly of tLe planar element.
`
`Cirque du Soleil My
`Cirque du Soleil My
`Call, L.L.C.
`Ex. 1002
`
`Call, L.L.C. EX. 1002
`
`Page 1 of 21
`Page 1 of21'
`
`

`

`-\l N'TR '\ |.I -\
`
`l’uh'llh 'h/
`
`COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
`t()Rl(LI\A\l)
`
`(lgm
`
`lm ('luv
`
`Awhwxinn Numhu
`
`[OJFUJ
`
`'
`
`‘
`
`' L'umplclc Snflfimlinn lodged:
`
`\{ucplcd
`
`I’uhlhhcd'
`
`'
`
`'_
`
`PROM!)
`
`" Rclaml An:
`
`.'
`
`.
`
`APP! I(‘-\,\'T'.\ RH .CAp of p“ 7757
`
`_
`
`Nam” of --\PPh~‘u“lNi
`
`Concorde St . George Product mons Pty. Ltd.
`
`
`
`Addrcwcs) of .-\pphcunu~):
`
`'."’.
`I
`‘
`,,
`
`67 Palmerston Crescent '
`South Melbourne.
`(P.O. Box 13),
`chtorid, 3205, Australia.
`
`Actual Invcnlom):
`
`Addrms for Service is:
`
`PHIL] lPS. ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK
`Palcnl and Trade Mark Attorneys
`367 Collins Slrccl
`Melboumc. Australia. 3000
`
`Complete Spca‘ficuuon for [he invcnxion cnlillcd:
`
`THEATRICAL SYSTEM
`
`The following slalcmcnl is a full dcscriplion of this invention. including the bcsl mclhod of performing it known to
`
`applicant“):
`
`7 ww
`
`l
`
`Page 2 of 21
`Page 2 of 21
`
`

`

`10
`
`THFATRICAL SYSTEM
`
`.
`
`This anCnTIOn relates to an improved theatrical sys-
`
`tem and,
`
`in particular,
`
`a system enabling a combination of
`
`an actual stage setting or
`
`the like and optical effects.
`
`According
`
`to
`
`the
`
`Invention,
`
`there is provided
`
`a v‘natrical system haVing a stage area and, adjacent
`
`the
`
`stage area,
`
`a Viewing area in which members of an audience
`
`can be accomodated for V10w1ng actual
`
`images and/or action
`
`on the stage area and/or
`
`images perceived as being on the
`
`stage area;
`
`image generating means offset
`
`to one Side of, or
`
`vertically spaced from the level of,
`
`the stage and Viewing
`
`areas: and image translating means;
`
`the image translating
`
`means including a
`
`light-transparent, planar element mounted
`
`on the stage area and pOSlllODCd so that
`
`a major surface
`
`thereof 15 inclined partly toward the Vxewing area:
`
`the
`
`arrangement being such that an image from 'he generating means
`
`is reflected by said surface toward the v;ewtng area but
`
`lS
`
`perceived from the Viewing area as if located on the stage
`
`area rearwardly of
`
`the planar element.
`
`The invention also provxdes a theatrical system haVing
`
`a Stage area and, aojaccnt
`
`the Stage area,
`
`a viewing area
`
`in which members of an audience can be accomodated for viewing
`
`actual
`
`images and/or action on the stage area and/or
`
`images
`
`perceived as being on the stage area; first and second image
`
`generating means each offset
`
`to one Side of, or vertically
`
`spaced from the level of,
`
`the stage and ViOWlng areas: and
`
`first and secondimage translating means of which one is
`
`positioned rearwardly of
`
`the other: each image translating
`
`30
`
`means including a respective light-transparent, planar ele-
`
`ment mOunted on the stage area and positioned so that
`
`a major
`
`surface thereof is inclined partly toward the viewing area;
`
`the arrangement being such that a respective image from each
`
`of the first and second generating means is reflected by said
`
`surface of a respective planar element
`
`toward the viewing area
`
`but
`
`is perceived from the viewing area as if located on the
`
`Id
`
`stage area rearwardly of the planar element.
`
`In a system according to the invention,
`
`the viewing
`
`area may be provided with a seating array in which the members
`
`JI
`
`_
`
`2 _
`
`Page 3 of 21
`Page 3 of 21
`
`

`

`of
`
`the audience can be accommodated. Most conveniently,
`
`the
`
`stage area and the Viewing area are enclosed in a suitable
`
`building structure,
`
`it being highly preferred that
`
`the audi-
`
`ence members are able to view such images substantially only
`
`by light provided to illuminate or generate the action.
`
`Most conveniently,
`
`the audience and stage areas are
`
`separated by a proscenium, setting limits to the stage area
`
`visible from normal viewing positions for audience members
`
`when accommodated inthe audience area. Additionally,
`
`the
`
`10
`
`two areas preferably are divided by an upstanding transparent
`
`panel adjacent
`
`the proscenium of which the purpose will become
`
`more apparent
`
`from the following description. Normal
`
`theatre
`
`curtains which may be provided,
`
`if required. However,
`
`a fine
`
`film of gauze,
`
`through which images on the stage area can be
`
`viewed, may be provided adjacent
`
`the transparent panel.
`
`The stage area may contain objects, whether real or
`
`provided by stage settings, although these preferably are
`
`rearwardly with respect
`
`to the audience area. Also,
`
`the
`
`available space may enable actors or participants to be pre-
`
`:
`
`'...
`
`:
`
`'...
`
`3'.
`
`20
`
`sent on and to move around the stage area.
`
`00 ll
`
`30
`
`JI
`
`‘2A-
`
`Page 4 of 21
`Page 4 of 21
`
`

`

`The
`
`system further
`
`includes
`
`at
`
`least
`
`one
`
`image
`
`generating means.
`
`In a first
`
`form of
`
`the invention,
`
`the image
`
`generating means
`
`includes at
`
`least one
`
`image projecting means
`
`mounted to one side of, or above or below the level of,
`
`the
`
`stage and viewing areas and,
`
`associated with the projecting
`
`means,
`
`image
`
`translating means
`
`for
`
`positioning
`
`an
`
`image
`
`generated by
`
`the projecting means onto,
`
`or
`
`so
`
`as
`
`to
`
`be
`
`perceived as on,
`
`the stage area.
`
`The projecting means may comprise a film image
`
`projector
`
`for projecting images, via the translating means,
`
`onto
`
`or
`
`so
`
`as
`
`to
`
`be
`
`perceived
`
`as
`
`on
`
`the
`
`stage
`
`area.
`
`Alternatively,
`
`the projecting means may
`
`comprise
`
`a
`
`light
`
`source operable similarly to project
`
`a cone of
`
`light onto or
`
`so as
`
`to be perceived as on the stage area,
`
`the light source
`
`being operable if required to vary the colour of
`
`the light of
`
`the cone in part or
`
`in whole. Where the projecting means is a
`
`film image projector,
`
`it may
`
`be
`
`one
`
`operable
`
`to project
`
`photographic slide images,
`
`although it most preferably is
`
`a
`
`cinematographic projector. Where the projecting means
`is a
`light
`source,
`the
`arrangement may
`be
`such that static or
`
`moving silhouette images may be carried by the cone of
`
`light.
`
`such as
`
`by positioning static or moving objects within the
`
`cone of
`
`light or by one or more participating persons standing
`
`or moving within that cone.
`
`The
`
`image
`
`translating means may comprise
`
`at
`
`least
`
`one mirror by which the images generated by the projecting
`
`reguired in
`to be positioned as
`reflected so as
`is
`means
`relation to the stage area. Most conveniently,
`the mirror, or
`
`the one of the mirrors providing a final mirror reflection,
`
`causes the image to be reflected along an axis which passes
`
`30
`
`FY
`
`Page 5 of 21
`Page 5 of 21
`
`

`

`between the
`
`audience
`
`area and the required position on
`
`the
`
`stage area.
`
`rearwardly of
`
`the proscenium and/or
`
`transparent
`
`panel
`
`if provided.
`
`The
`
`translating means preferably includes
`
`a
`
`light
`
`transparent
`
`element
`
`by which
`
`the
`
`image
`
`is
`
`finally
`
`;
`
`reflected, at
`
`least
`
`in part, onto or so as
`
`to be perceived as
`
`on the stage area.
`
`The element m05t preferably comprises
`
`a
`
`sheet
`
`of
`
`transparent material,
`
`such
`
`as
`
`sheet glass.
`
`The
`
`element most preferably has a surface which is inclined partly
`
`toward the audience area, and partly toward the mirror or the
`
`one of
`
`the mirrors providing the
`
`final mirror
`
`reflection.
`
`Most preferably,
`
`the element
`
`is of
`
`a size such that
`
`its edges
`
`are outside the stage area visible to audience members.
`
`: fé'
`I
`
`'°-
`
`a
`
`Intermediate
`
`the
`
`image projecting means
`
`and
`
`the
`
`on.out0.. I
`
`"'
`
`0'.
`
`'..
`
`light
`
`transparent element,
`
`the image ~enerating means may have
`
`an
`
`image developing means.
`
`The
`
`latter most preferably is a
`
`translucent screen on which images generated by the projecting
`
`means are made visible.
`
`The developing means most preferably
`
`'§::'
`
`is
`
`located between the mirror,
`
`or
`
`the one of
`
`the mirrors
`
`providing the final mirror reflection, and the light
`
`.:205
`
`E‘J:'
`
`transparent element.
`
`A number of variants are possible in the first form
`
`of
`
`the invention.
`
`These may
`
`be
`
`used
`
`individually or,
`
`by
`
`provision of
`
`two or more
`
`image generating means,
`
`they may be
`
`used simultaneously in combination.
`
`In
`
`a
`
`first variant,
`
`the
`
`image generating means
`
`comprises
`
`a cinematographic projector which is offset
`
`to one
`
`side of
`
`the viewing and stage areas; and projects a cinematic
`
`image cone along that side.
`
`A substantially vertical mirror,
`
`also offset to that one side,
`
`is angled relative to the axis
`
`30
`
`of the image cone so as to reflect the cone so that its axis
`
`-4-
`
`Page 6 of 21
`Page 6 of 2-1
`
`

`

`passes
`
`across
`
`a
`
`forward
`
`region
`
`of
`
`the
`
`stage
`
`area.
`
`A
`
`substantially vertical
`
`translucent
`
`screen,
`
`preferably alse
`
`offset
`
`to that one side,
`
`is positioned to intercept
`
`the image
`
`cone such that
`
`the latter generates a cinematic image on the
`
`screen.
`
`As
`
`the screen is
`
`translucent,
`
`the image
`
`is visible
`
`,
`
`from each surface of
`
`the screen, although the screen position
`
`most preferably is such that
`
`it
`
`is not directly visible from
`
`the viewing area. Within the
`
`forward region of
`
`the
`
`stage
`
`area,
`
`there is provided a
`
`large substantially vertical clear
`
`E.i5'
`
`glass
`
`sheet which
`
`is
`
`angled relative to the
`
`screen and
`
`a
`
`u
`
`I:O C
`
`vertical central plane though the viewing and stage areas such
`
`"'
`
`that
`
`a
`
`surface of
`
`the glass
`
`sheet
`
`facing the viewing area
`
`the image
`
`on
`
`the screen
`
`directs a diminished reflection of
`
`toward the viewing area.
`
`In
`
`that
`
`first
`
`variant,
`
`the
`
`screen
`
`and mirror
`
`. u
`
`preferably are positioned and angled relative to the projector
`
`such that
`
`the image on the screen is focussed over
`
`the full
`
`"'
`
`area
`
`thereof. Most conveniently,
`
`the projector directs its
`
`image cone such that its axis is substantially parallel to the
`
`2205
`
`central vertical plane; while the screen preferably also is
`
`.
`
`parallel
`
`to that plane.
`
`However,
`
`the mirror
`
`and glass sheet
`
`are oppositely inclined relative to the plane, most preferably
`
`each at
`
`an
`
`angle of
`
`substantially 450.
`
`The
`
`area
`
`of
`
`the
`
`glass
`
`sheet preferably is
`
`such
`
`that
`
`its periphery is not
`
`discernible from the viewing area, although the periphery of
`
`a
`
`glass sheet can be obscured under
`
`the conditions of
`
`intended
`
`use of
`
`the arrangement.
`
`The first variant,
`
`as generally is
`
`the case with
`
`other variants and forms of the invention is intended to be
`
`used only with relatively subdued lighting,
`
`if any,
`
`in the
`
`30
`
`FY
`
`‘5'
`
`Page 7 of 21
`Page 7 of21
`
`

`

`stage area and negligible lighting in the viewing area. Under
`
`those conditions,
`
`in particular,
`
`the
`
`image
`
`on
`
`the
`
`screen
`
`reflected by the glass sheet
`
`is perceived as being behind the
`
`glass
`
`sheet
`
`by
`
`substantially
`
`the
`
`same
`
`lateral
`
`distance
`
`separating the glass
`
`sheet
`
`and
`
`the
`
`screen.
`
`The
`
`resultant
`
`perceived image thus is seen as
`
`if actually present
`
`in a
`
`rear
`
`region of
`
`the
`
`stage
`
`area
`
`and
`
`thus
`
`related to objects or
`
`persons on that rear region.
`
`In alzernative variants of
`
`the first form of
`
`the
`
`invention,
`
`the
`
`projector, mirror
`
`and
`
`screen
`
`can
`
`be
`
`correspondingly placed above or below 'te viewing and
`
`stage
`
`areas, with the screen substantially horizontal and the mirror
`
`and glass sheet correspondingly inclined to the horizontal.
`
`Particularly in the case of
`
`the alternative in which
`
`the projector, mirror
`
`and screen below the viewing and stage
`
`areas, useful effects readily can be achieved.
`
`In that case.
`
`the screen can be mounted against
`
`a
`
`transparent basal wall of
`
`a horizontal
`
`tray, either above or below that wall.
`
`In such
`
`case,
`
`the tray can hold a
`
`transparent or translucent
`
`liquid.
`
`zo-E
`
`this being agitated or
`surface of
`such as water, with the
`rippled to generate optical. effects which become
`integrated
`
`with the reflection of
`
`the image on the screen as reflected by
`
`the glass sheet. Alternatively,
`
`the tray can hold a quantity
`
`of heavier than air transluscent
`
`smoke, or vapour such as
`
`from
`
`dry ice,
`
`to achieve an alternative form of
`
`integrated optical
`
`effects.
`
`In the case of
`
`a
`
`liquid, paddles or
`
`an ultrasonic
`
`vibrator can be used to agitate its surface.
`
`In the case of
`
`smoke or vapour, blowers, agitators or natural
`
`flow under
`
`gravity can enhance variation in the optical effects.
`
`Such optical effects, particularly those achieved
`
`-5-
`
`Page 8 of 21
`Page 8 of 21
`
`

`

`with smoke or vapour can be achieved with the projector mirror
`
`and
`
`screen offset
`
`to one side of, or above,
`
`the viewing and
`
`stage areas,
`
`such as by the tray being replaced by
`
`a
`
`thin
`
`vessel
`
`bounded
`
`on
`
`opposed major
`
`surfaces
`
`by
`
`opposed
`
`transparent or translucent sheets.
`
`Such optical effects, particularly those achievable
`
`with
`
`smoke
`
`or
`
`vapour,
`
`are
`
`not
`
`readily
`
`achievable
`
`by
`
`alternative means.
`
`The effects are perceived as part of
`
`the
`
`perceived screen image and as being actually in the rear
`
`.0I
`1h.,'region of
`
`the stage area.
`
`The degree of
`
`realism cannot be
`
`cancon.0.
`
`I.
`
`..achieved if the effects are part of
`
`the programme content of
`
`'” film image generated by the projector.
`
`Further
`
`effects
`
`readily
`
`can
`
`be
`
`achieved
`
`in
`
`combination with,
`
`or
`
`as
`
`an alternative to those described
`
`Thus,
`
`a
`
`thin transparent or highly translucent gauze
`
`I
`O
`
`D
`
`'l'
`
`above.
`
`or
`
`film can
`
`be provided
`
`adjacent
`
`the
`
`screen,
`
`between the
`
`latter
`
`no.at
`"‘.temperature below the
`
`and
`
`the glass
`
`sheet.
`
`A
`
`liquid,
`
`combustible
`
`at
`
`a
`
`ignition temperature of
`
`the gauze or
`
`film, can be provided over the latter to provide flames which
`
`20:0'Esimilarly are seen as
`
`integrated with the reflected screen
`
`y‘t‘image.
`
`Such liquid can be allowed to flow over
`
`the fabric, or
`
`may be
`
`initially provided thereon.
`
`Portions of
`
`the gauze or
`
`film can be treated so as
`
`to repell
`
`the liquid and confine it
`
`to other portions, while flame colouring additives can be used
`
`as required to achieve variations in flame colour or perceived
`
`intensity.
`
`In a second form of
`
`the invention, able to be used
`
`alone but preferably in combination with the first
`
`form a
`
`variant thereof,
`
`the image generating means includes a
`
`secondary stage offset
`
`to one side of the viewing area and the
`
`"
`
`‘7'
`
`Page 9 of 21
`Page90f21—
`
`30
`
`FY
`
`V“
`
`'
`
`

`

`stage area so as not
`
`to be visible by members of an audience
`
`accommodated
`
`in
`
`the Viewing
`
`area.
`
`The
`
`second
`
`form also_
`
`includes
`
`a
`
`substantially vertica‘ glass
`
`sheet mounted on
`
`a
`
`forward
`
`region of
`
`the
`
`stage
`
`area
`
`as described
`
`above
`
`in
`
`relation to the first
`
`form of
`
`the invention. Typically,
`
`the
`
`secondary stage will correspond at
`
`least
`
`in part
`
`to the rear
`
`region of
`
`the stage area and may have some similarly shaped
`
`Objects thereon. However,
`
`the similarly shaped objects on the
`
`econdary stage are blackened so as not
`
`to be perceived as
`
`part of
`
`any reflection provided by the glass
`
`sheet,
`
`and are
`
`positioned on
`
`the secondary stage so that
`
`if so perceivable
`
`they would be not
`
`seen as different
`
`to corresponding objects
`
`on
`
`the
`
`stage area.
`
`The blackened objects of
`
`the secondary
`
`stage thus
`
`function as masks,
`
`thereby enabling an actor or
`
`the
`
`participant
`
`on
`
`the
`
`secondary
`
`stage
`
`to
`
`pass
`
`behind
`
`blackened object but appear, by reflection,
`
`to be on the stage
`
`area and passing behind the real object on that area.
`
`The
`
`theatrical effects achievable with the present
`
`invention may be enhanced by controlled lighting in the rear
`
`region of
`
`the stage area.
`
`As
`
`indicated above,
`
`this preferably
`
`is
`
`achieved
`
`by
`
`subdued’
`
`lighting.
`
`Also,
`
`the
`
`lighting
`
`preferably
`
`is
`
`concealed,
`
`while
`
`its
`
`intensity
`
`and
`
`directionality may
`
`be
`
`varied
`
`to
`
`enhance
`
`further
`
`those
`
`effects. Also,
`
`accompanying sound can be varied in level,
`
`directionality and source, preferably in synchronism with real
`
`and/or image action to enhance the effects still further.
`
`In the foregoing desciption of
`
`the image generating
`
`means,
`
`it is to be understood that at
`
`least one mirror between
`
`the projecting means and the image developing means. That is,
`
`the projecting means may cause an image to be formed directly
`
`'8'
`
`Page 10 of 21
`Page 10 of21
`
`

`

`on the image developing means.
`
`However, at
`
`least one mirror,
`
`enables a more compact overall arrangement.
`
`In order
`
`that
`
`the invention may be understood more
`
`readily,
`
`reference
`
`now
`
`is
`
`directed
`
`to
`
`the
`
`accompanying
`
`drawings,
`
`in which:
`
`Figure l
`
`is a schematic,
`
`longitudinal sectional view
`
`of
`
`a
`
`theatre according to the invention; and
`
`Figure 2
`
`is a plan view of
`
`the theatre of Figure 1.
`
`In the drawings,
`
`theatre 10 has an auditorium or
`
`‘d
`
`a
`
`aan;_.a
`on.no.so. u
`
`viewing area M
`
`in Which members of
`
`an audience (whose heads
`
`only are depicted) can be accommodated in an array of seats
`
`14.
`
`Beyond
`
`area M,
`
`in the direction faced by members
`
`12.
`
`there is a
`
`stage area 5 having a
`
`forward
`
`region S'
`
`and
`
`a
`
`rearward region S". Adjacent
`
`the junction of areas S and N,
`
`there is
`
`a proscenium A and,
`
`across
`
`the opening defined by
`
`this,
`
`a sheet of clear glass 8.
`
`Both areas S and M are enclosed by suitable walls
`
`16,17 and roofing 18 of
`
`an enclosing building.
`
`However,
`
`for
`
`ease of illustration. walls 16,17 and roofing 18 are shown
`
`only in relation to area M.
`
`The arrangement
`
`is
`
`such that,
`
`within theatre 10. unwanted light
`
`can be excluded.
`
`However
`
`above
`
`and,
`
`if
`
`required,
`
`to one or both sides of
`
`region S“.
`
`there is provided variable photo-lighting units
`
`I which are
`
`concealed from the direct view of audience members 12 by masks
`
`or cutters J.
`
`Controlled lighting on
`
`stage
`
`area
`
`S also can be
`
`provided by respective image generating means 20 and 22.
`
`VThe
`
`former
`
`is offset
`
`to one side of
`
`theatre 10
`
`in an enclosure
`
`(not shown) and has a cinematic projector X operable to
`
`project an imare cone 24 along an axis parallel to a
`
`-9-
`
`Page 11 of 21
`Page'11 of21
`
`

`

`longitudinal, vertical plane 26 of
`
`theatre 10.
`
`'Laterally in
`
`line with region S' of stage area S, means 20 has
`
`a vertical
`
`mirror
`
`R which is at 45°
`
`to plane 26,
`
`and reflects cone 24
`
`so that
`
`its axis
`
`is perpendicular
`
`to plane
`
`26.
`
`However,
`
`adjacent mirror R,
`
`cone 24
`
`falls on
`
`a vertical,
`
`translucent
`
`screen 0 which is parallel
`
`to but spaced from plane 26.
`
`within
`
`region S'
`
`of
`
`stage
`
`area
`
`S,
`
`there
`0
`
`is
`
`a
`
`vertical.
`
`transparent
`
`sheet
`
`C which
`
`is
`
`at
`
`45
`
`to
`
`and
`
`disposed substantially symmetrically across plane 26.
`
`Sheet C
`
`preferably is of clear glass,
`
`and is of
`
`a size such that
`
`its
`
`edges are not visible to members 12.
`The inclination of sheet
`C is such that
`a diminished reflection of
`the image on screen
`
`0 is directed parallel with plane 26
`
`towards viewing area M.
`
`That reflection is permitted by an opening in wall
`
`17 between
`
`screen 0 and sheet C.
`
`In rear
`
`region S” of stage area S, objects may be
`
`Positioned such as depicted by trees T. With subdued lighting
`
`in region 5',
`
`such as
`
`from units I, members
`
`12 perceive the
`
`reflected image from sheet C as if present
`
`in region 8'.
`
`Line
`
`P depicts
`
`equal
`
`focal
`
`radii,
`
`and
`
`the perceived
`
`image
`
`is
`
`discerned by members
`
`12 as being at
`
`a depth corresponding to
`
`the intersection of plane 26 and line P:
`
`that distance being
`
`the spacing between plane 26 and screen 0.
`
`Such perception is
`
`heightened by transparent sheet 3. as the latter substantially
`
`prevents any awareness of sheet C.
`
`The
`
`reflected image thus
`
`is perceived as being integrated with the direct
`
`image of
`
`objects T on region S”,
`
`and with any actors or participants
`
`standing or moving on region S”.
`
`In the arrangement of image generating means 22.
`
`projector 3' mirror 0. screen G and transparent sheet D
`
`-10-
`-
`
`Page 12 of 21
`Page 12 of21
`
`30
`
`FY
`
`i;- :«w. 9,;
`
`

`

`anction us
`
`for
`
`the corresponding components
`
`of means
`
`20.
`
`However,
`
`in this
`
`instance,
`
`components Y ,
`
`O and G are below
`
`theatre
`
`10, with
`
`screen G horizontal; while
`
`sheet
`
`D
`
`is
`
`disposed at 45°
`
`to the horizontal
`
`and an opening in theatre
`
`floor 30
`
`above
`
`screen G enables
`
`a
`
`reflection of
`
`the
`
`image
`
`provided on screen G to be
`
`reflected towards viewing area M.
`
`Again,
`
`the reflected image
`
`is discerned as being at
`
`the same
`
`depth as
`
`that provided by
`
`sheet C,
`
`although this
`
`can be
`
`varied,
`
`if required, by altering the spacing between screen G
`
`and sheet D.
`
`The arrangement of means 22 differs further
`
`in that
`
`screen G defines the base of
`
`a shallow containing trough F.
`
`A
`
`controlled layer of vapour H, of
`
`a denSity greater
`
`than that
`
`of air,
`
`is maintained in trough F; while vapour agitator units
`
`fans 8 causes controlled or
`
`synchronised movement of
`
`the
`
`or
`
`vapour.
`
`As
`
`a consequence.
`
`the image projected onto screen G
`
`by the image cone 32 from projector Y
`
`and mirror 0 is seen as
`
`reflected by sheet D as integrated with the vapour.
`
`The image
`
`perceived as being on region S' of stage area 5 thus is
`
`discernable
`
`as
`
`formed within
`
`and
`
`by
`
`vapour, with
`
`the
`
`appearance of vapour or
`
`smoke
`
`having
`
`a
`
`substantially more
`
`realistic appearance
`
`than
`
`if
`
`provided by
`
`the photographic
`
`images on film used with projector Y.
`
`The effect, enhanced by
`
`sheet
`
`8 obscuring the presences of
`
`sheet D,
`
`is such that
`
`a
`
`person moving on
`
`region S' of
`
`stage area S
`
`appears
`
`to be
`
`passing through or around smoke or vapour in his presence.
`
`The realism of
`
`images generated by means 20,21 can
`
`be
`
`further
`
`heightened by
`
`their use
`
`in combination and/or in
`
`alternate sequences. However,
`
`the realism can be further
`
`improved by lighting synchronisation.
`
`The images resulting
`
`41'
`
`Page 13 of 21
`Page 13 of 21
`
`

`

`from projectors X,Y typically are generated at 24
`
`frames per
`
`second, using a double—blade rotating shutter arrangement,
`
`to cause image flicker at 48 cycles per second.
`
`Incandescent
`
`light,
`
`from the light sources of projectors X,Y and direct
`
`typically is at about 50 cycles
`lighting such as from units I
`in the case of hot filament
`light
`
`per second. However,
`
`sources for projectors X,Y and units 1,
`
`the cycling is not
`
`on/off in nature due to the time required for cooling of
`
`the
`
`filaments, but only of full
`
`light/partially diminished light
`
`10
`
`intensity.
`
`As a result,
`
`the cycling of
`
`the projected image
`
`is visually apparent as a flickering by contraSt with the
`
`relatively constant
`
`intensity of the directlighting. and is
`
`suggestive of a mechanically projected image.
`
`To obviate
`
`this,
`
`a mechanical gating arrangement
`
`is used with substan—
`
`tially all direct
`
`lighting (including ancilliary lighting
`
`such as "exit" lights in viewing area M),
`
`to superimpose on
`
`such lighting a positive on/of cycling which is at
`
`least
`
`sub—
`
`stantially in phase with the projected and reflected cinematic
`
`images.
`
`o.
`
`20
`
`In a variant of the ioregoing,
`
`image generating means
`
`20 can be modified by replacing projector
`
`X, mirror R and
`
`screen Q with a secondary stage corresponding to rear region
`
`S" of stage area s.
`
`The secondary stage may be at right
`
`angles to region 5" so that a reflection thereof is provided
`
`by sheet C. Alternatively,
`
`the secondary stage can be at
`
`a different angle. with a mirror being positioned to reflect
`
`an image of it onto sheet C.
`
`The secondary stage may be pro—
`
`vided with objects corresponding to objects T of region S",
`An actor on the secon—
`but blackened so as to act as masks.
`
`30
`
`dary stage thus is able to move behind such mask; with an
`
`image of the actor being perceived as if on region S“ and
`
`passing behind the corresponding object T thereon.
`
`In a fixed arrangement, means 20, 22 each provides an
`
`image which is perceived as being at a constant depth within
`ea S. However,
`
`the components of one
`
`region S" of stage ar
`
`or both of means 20,
`
`22 apart
`
`from sheets C,D can be movably
`
`mounted on a dolly or carriage arrangement, so as to be adjus—
`
`tably movable toward or away from plane 26.
`
`As a consequence,
`
`JI
`
`12
`
`Page 14 of 21
`Page 14 of21
`
`

`

`the depth at which the perceived image is seen can vary.
`In the above,
`there is reference to an image beiné
`
`perceived as located behind sheet C or sheet D.
`
`As Will be
`
`appreciated,
`
`that distance corresponds to the mean distance
`
`between sheet C and screen 0 or between sheet D and screen
`
`G.
`
`Finally,
`
`it is to be understood that various altera-
`
`tions, modifications and/or additions may be introduced
`
`into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously
`
`10
`
`described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the
`invention.
`
`20
`--
`U 0..
`I
`.Q
`
`30
`
`Page 15 of 21
`Page 15 of21
`
`

`

`The claims defining the invention are as follows:
`
`1.
`
`A theatrical system having a stage area and, adjacent
`
`the stage area,
`
`a viewing area in which members of an audi-
`
`ence can be accommodated for viewing actual
`
`images and/or
`
`action on the stage area and/or images perceived as being
`
`on the stage area;
`
`image generating means offset
`
`to one side
`
`of, or vertically spaced from the level of,
`
`the stage and
`
`viewing areas; and image translating means;
`
`the image trans-
`
`lating means including a light-transparent, planar element
`
`10
`
`mounted on the stage area and positoned so that a major sur-
`
`face thereof is inclined partly toward the viewing area;
`
`the arrangement being such that an image from the generating
`
`means is reflected by said surface toward the viewing area
`
`but
`
`is perceived from the viewing area as if located on the
`
`stage area rearwardly of the planar element.
`
`2.
`
`A system according to claim 1. wherein the image
`
`generating means comprises a filmimage projector, such as a
`
`cinematic or slide projector, and a screen onto which an
`
`image is projected by said image projector,
`
`the screen being
`
`20
`
`positioned such that an image projected thereon is reflected
`
`by said planar element surface toward the viewing area and is
`
`perceived from the viewing area as if located rearwardly of
`
`the planar element by a distance corresponding to that sepa-
`
`rating’said screen and planar element.
`
`3,
`
`A system according to claim 1, wherein the image gene—
`
`rating means comprises a light source operable to project a
`
`beam or cone of light such that a silhouette image of an
`
`object or person within the beamor cone of light
`
`is generated,
`
`said beam or cone being directed so that said silhouette
`
`30
`
`image is reflected by said planar element surface toward the
`
`viewing area and is perceived from the viewing area as if
`
`”I
`
`- l4 —
`
`Page 16 of 21
`Page 16 of21
`
`

`

`located rearwardly of
`
`the planar element by a distance
`
`corresponding to that separating said object or person and
`
`the planar element or
`
`that separating the planar element
`
`and a screen onto which said silhouette image is projected.
`
`4.
`
`A system according to claim 2, wherein said screen
`
`is horizontally disposed and is mounted adjacent
`
`a basal
`
`wall of a horizontal
`
`tray; said tray being adapted to hold
`
`a transparent or translucent fluid and having associated
`therewith
`
`10
`
`o
`
`c
`
`no.
`
`a
`
`IO O
`
`20
`
`I.
`0
`
`III
`D I.
`
`cone.
`0
`O
`
`30
`
`J1
`
`_ 14
`
`_
`
`A
`
`Page 17 of 21
`Page 17 of21
`
`

`

`means causing movement of said fluid such that an image pro-
`
`jected on said screen is perceived as if integrated with an
`
`image pattern of
`
`the fluid.
`
`5.
`
`A system according to claim 1, wherein said image
`
`generating means comprises a secondary stage offset to one
`
`side of the viewing and stage areas, said planar element
`
`being vertical and said secondary stage being positioned
`
`relative to said planar element such that a reflection of
`
`the secondary stage is directed toward the viewing area and
`
`10
`
`is perceived therefrom as if located rearwardly of said pia-
`
`nar element by a distance equal
`
`to that separating said
`
`0.-
`o
`
`o
`
`C
`
`Ia
`
`I
`
`a o -
`
`element and secondary stage.
`
`6.
`
`A theatrical system having a stage area and, adjacent
`
`the stage area, a viewing area in which members of an audi-
`
`ence can be accommodated for viewing actual
`
`images and/or
`
`action on the stage area and/or images perceived as being on
`
`the stage area: first and second image generating means
`
`’"
`
`each offset
`
`to one side of, or vertically spaced from the
`
`level of,
`
`the stage and viewing areas; and firs: and second
`
`..
`0
`
`IO.
`
`20
`
`image image translating means of which one is positioned
`
`._.
`
`"‘
`
`---
`
`.'.
`
`oo-III
`-
`‘
`l
`
`,_.
`
`rearwardly of the other; each image translating means inclu—
`
`ding a 1
`
`arespective
`
`light- transpare
`
`planar element mounted on the stage area and positioned so
`
`that a major surface thereof is inclined partly toward the
`
`viewing area;
`
`the arrangement being such that a respective
`
`image from each of the first and second generating means is
`
`reflected by said surface of a respective planar element
`
`toward the viewing area but
`
`is perceived from the viewing
`
`area as if located on the stage area rearwardly of the pla—
`
`30
`
`nar element.
`
`7.
`
`A system according to claim 6, wherein the first
`
`image generating means comprises a film image projector, such
`
`as a cinematic or slide projector, and a screen onto which
`
`an image is projected by said image projector,
`
`the screen
`
`being positioned such that an image projected thereon is
`
`reflected by said first planar element surface toward the
`
`viewing area and is perceived from the viewing area as if
`
`located rearwardly of the first planar element by a distance
`
`31
`
`-1s-
`
`Page 18 of 21
`Page'18 of21
`
`

`

`l0..OOOo g.- IIooo 0-.C
`
`It.
`
`corresponding to that separating said screen and {irSL planar
`element.
`
`8.
`
`A system according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein
`
`the second image generating means comprises a
`
`light source
`
`operable to project a beam or cone of
`
`light such that
`
`a
`
`silhouette image of an object or person within the beam or
`
`cone of
`
`light
`
`is generated, said beam or cone being directed
`
`so that said silhouette image is reflected by said second
`
`planar element surface toward the viewing area and is per-
`
`10
`
`ceived from the viewing area as if located rearwardly of
`
`the second planar element by a distance corresponding
`
`to that separating said object or person and the second pla-
`
`nar element or
`
`that seerating the second planar element and
`
`a screen onto which said silhouette image is projected.
`
`9.
`
`A system according to claim 7 or claim 8 when appen—
`
`ded to claim 7, wherein said screen is horizontally disposed
`
`and is mounted adjacent a basal wall of a horizontal
`
`tray;
`
`said tray being adapted to hold a transparent or translucent
`
`fluid and having associated therewith means causing movement
`
`of said fluid such that an image projected on said screen is
`
`perceived as if integrated with an image pattern of
`fluid.
`
`the
`
`lo
`
`A system according to claim 6, wherein one of or a
`
`further said image generating means comprises a secondary
`
`stage offset
`
`to one side of the viewing and stage areas, one
`
`of or a further said planar element bEing vertical and said
`secondary stage being positioned relative to said one of or
`further planar element such that a reflection of the secon—
`
`dary stage is directed toward the viewing area and is per-
`
`30
`
`ceived therefrom as if located rearwardly of said one of or
`
`further planar element by a distance equal
`
`to that separating
`
`said element and secondary stage.
`
`11.
`
`A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
`
`wherein said viewing and stage areas are separated by an
`
`upwardly extending transparent sheet
`
`through which the stage
`
`area is able to be viewed from the viewing area.
`
`12.
`
`A theatrical system, substantially as herein
`
`JI
`
`Page 19 of 21
`Page 19 of21
`
`

`

`described with reference to the aceompanying drawings.
`
`"
`
`31 August, 1987.
`DATED:
`PHILLIPS ORMONDE 8 FITZPATRICK
`ATTORNEYS FOR:
`CONCORDE ST. GEORGE PRODUCTIONS PTY. LTD.
`
`.
`
`’1'.” -4 -
`
`10
`
`C
`
`I.0
`
`.
`
`.
`
`OC
`I U.-
`
`I.0.
`
`I'IV
`
`0"
`
`.
`
`20
`
`30
`
`JI
`
`.
`
`5‘ :
`
`_
`
`- l7 -
`
`Page 20 of 21
`Page 20 of 21
`
`

`

`'77 725/87
`
`
`
`Page 21 of 21
`Page 21 of21
`
`