JP2012191633A - Apparatus and method for distribution of high-quality image and audio programs to remote locations - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To distribute high-quality image and audio programs to remote locations.SOLUTION: An apparatus and a method are provided for the distribution of high-quality audio or visual programming data from one or more central hubs 102 to one or more presentation locations 104 such as theaters using high data rate links such as satellites 106. At the central hub 102, an information source generation system 108 generates an electronic program signal from an analog signal, a compression/encryption system 110 codes and digitally encrypts the electronic signal, and a modulation/transmission system 114 processes the signal for transmission via the satellite 106. A network management system 112 at the central hub 102 controls the operation of the hub. At the theater or other locations, a receiver/demodulator 120 receives the programming signal transmitted using the satellite 106.

Description

  The present invention relates to electronic audio / visual processing. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for distributing digitized image and audio information in either a static or moving image format to various locations for display. The invention further relates to encoding, encryption, transmission to a plurality of display projectors or display systems, storage, decompression, decryption and playback of high-definition electronic audio / visual programming from a central facility.

  For decades, the motion picture industry has relied on copying, distribution, and projection of motion picture films that provide creative programming material to geographically different theaters throughout the country and the world. To a great extent, the methods and mechanisms for distributing this film material have changed little for decades.

  The current film copying and distribution process is shown in FIG. Film copying generally begins with a camera negative with very good characteristics. At film studio 50, film editor 52 generates a master film copy after processing to generate the original film. From this master film copy, the film copying element produces what is referred to as a distribution negative from which a number of distribution prints (known as "positives") are generated. There may be more intermediate processes or multiple copies generated at each stage, depending on the size of the open movie or the number of copies desired to distribute the film. Film positives are distributed to various theaters as illustrated at theater 56 by scheduled flights and other physical means. At theater 56, the movie is displayed by projecting an image from the film onto a display surface using film projector 58. In this conventional system, a multitrack audio program is usually created by the audio editing system 51 and printed on film with movie images so that the soundtrack can be played back to the theater sound system 57 at a time synchronized with the movie in the theater projection system. Is done.

  Although the distribution process shown in FIG. 1 works well, there are inherent limitations. Due to the use of motion picture film materials for film and the bandwidth limitations of film media, there are limitations to the ability to provide high fidelity multi-channel audio programming. Therefore, it is expensive to make a large number of film replicas that can cost hundreds of dollars for each feature film. There is also the cost, complexity and delay associated with physically distributing a large canister of motion picture film to a large number of theater locations and an increasing number of theater locations. Furthermore, an increasing trend in the movie theater industry is the development of so-called “complex” theater locations where multiple movie seats are in a single theater location or gathered together. Each projection auditorium may screen a movie at the same time that other movies are shown at other projection auditoriums in the complex complex.

  Due to the large number of duplicates made, it becomes increasingly difficult to prevent illegal duplication and material theft. It is estimated that the total revenue lost from theft and theft accounts for billions of dollars lost each year by the movie industry. In addition, replicated materials tend to degrade over time due to dust deposits, fraying, thermal fluctuations, and other known factors. Lastly, administrative costs and other costs are affected by sometime destruction of film material that may include controlled and dangerous materials.

  Newly emerging technologies can provide other ways to address ongoing film distribution problems. For example, advances in digital technology have resulted in a revolutionary distribution concept, whereby the programming transferred is an electronically stored digitized format rather than stored on an optical film medium. Digitized images can be distributed on various magnetic media or compact optical discs, or can be transmitted via a wired communication system, an optical fiber communication system, a wireless communication system, or a satellite communication system.

  However, other distribution technologies, including digital methods, have failed to provide the image quality and projection brightness available using motion picture film. Competing technologies typically require audio / visual (AV) signals recorded on various magnetic or optical media for display on a video monitor, television, or projection device. These techniques do not provide high quality films due to bandwidth limitations.

  Although satellite transmission methods are currently available, this method is currently impractical for the distribution of commercially high quality AV material. Since the distribution of film programming is essentially a special type of broadcast to all continental areas, such a satellite distribution method that has the advantages inherent in wide area broadcasting seems ultimately suitable for film distribution. However, in order to transmit very high quality AV signals in "real time", the data rate requirement (in bits / second) is about 1.5 billion bits / second. This high data rate requires processing power comparable to all satellites, which are prohibitively expensive to send a single program. In addition to the ability to transmit the necessary information via satellite, the received information must be displayed using a high quality projector that was not previously available.

  Compression algorithms have been developed to reduce the data rate requirements for the distribution of ultra-high quality electronic images. One digital dynamic image compression technique that can provide significant compression while retaining a high quality image signal utilizes adaptively sized blocks and sub-blocks of coded discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficient data. This technique is hereinafter referred to as the adaptive block size discrete cosine transform (ABSCT) method. The adaptive block size is selected to take advantage of the redundancy that exists for the intra-frame information of the image data. This technique is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,021,891 entitled “Adaptive Block Size Image Compression Method and System”, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. The DCT technology is also disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,107,345 entitled “Adaptive Block Size Image Compression Method and System”, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the discrete quaternary tree transformation technique is also assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and the name incorporated herein by reference is "adaptive block size image compression method and system" US Pat. No. 5,452,104. Is discussed. The systems disclosed in these patents utilize intra-frame coding, where each frame of the image sequence is encoded regardless of the contents of any other frame.

  Using ABSDCT, the required data rate may be reduced, for example, from about 1.5 billion bits / second to about 50 million bits / second without any noticeable degradation of properties. This compressed digital data rate is a single satellite at a very reasonable cost, especially considering that this single transmission can be received by hundreds or thousands of theater receivers throughout a given geographic region or country. Can be easily transmitted using a transponder.

  Distribution of film information using a digital electronic format actually increases the potential for rapid, low-cost replication without loss of properties. However, with the “easiness of replication” associated with digital technology, there are cryptographic techniques that ensure that this information is encoded in a way that prevents useful information from being distributed to unauthorized parties.

  New technologies such as ABSDCT compression technology, state-of-the-art projection equipment, and electronic encryption methods offer the potential of “digital movie” systems. Commonly defined digital movies show electronic distribution and display of ultra-high performance film programming that has been converted to digital electronic display for storage, transmission, and display purposes. Digital cinema systems can solve many of the limitations of the current film distribution process. Using a transmission method such as a satellite system greatly reduces the costs associated with film duplication and distribution. Digital systems are not affected by degradation of properties over the time experienced by motion picture films. In addition, the digital system effectively eliminates movie film theft and illegal duplication, and also provides the possibility to implement security measures within the digital system itself. However, fully digital movie systems have not been developed by the movie industry or related technologies.

  A number of issues and problems remain unresolved. New digital movie systems require improved forms of protection to prevent theft from the theater. The theater complex with multiple spectator seats has grown larger in an attempt to provide greater economic revenue, resulting in more complex screening schedules and multiple locations for a given film. This requires a large number of additional electronic copies that are sent to the theater for screening using current technology with associated complexity and operating costs.

  Distribution channels and mechanisms are further defined by the older motion picture film copying and distribution techniques described above. New technologies and equipment will reduce the number of duplications, provide faster release films to the market, renew the work being released, and at the same time increase the scheduling and provide reasonable cost distribution flexibility. Necessary for use. At the same time, some filmmakers, studios, and theater managers prefer to be able to increase centralized control over opening and distribution and expand into newer markets. For example, it may be desirable to provide other soundtracks for film and other audiovisual displays and speak a large number of languages in a more cost-effective manner or address an increasing market for audiences in other languages.

  What is needed is an integration into a system and method for the distribution and management of high quality image and audio programming for large screen viewing of a given technology. System and method for reliable transmission of very high quality image and audio signals to designated theaters, flexible scheduling and advertising of major works, integration of high quality audio signals, and embedded security measures Is necessary. These objects are achieved by the present invention as described below.

  The present invention is a system and method for electronic distribution of high quality image and / or audio programming from one or more central mechanisms to one or more screening or theater systems. The apparatus and method includes encoding and encryption of image and audio information in the form of normal programming data at a central hub, wide distribution of this data, and storage of the program in one or more spectator seats or display locations. And provide a large screen display. Programming data typically includes movie images, time-synchronized audio programming, and / or other related such as visual cue tracks for visually impaired audiences, subtitles for foreign languages and / or hearing impairments, or multimedia cue tracks Consists of information. The program theme may have a longer period (for example, a feature film), a shorter period (for example, a trailer or a commercial advertisement), or a still image (for example, an advertisement or a commercial). Audio and other related programs do not need to be time synchronized with the image information as is the case with background audio programming.

  At the central hub, program information is processed for distribution. An information source generation system at either a central hub or other location may be used to generate electronic audio and image signals from analog or digital inputs. An information source generation system generally includes a telecine that generates an electronic image signal and an audio reader that generates an electronic audio signal. Alternatively, the electronic signal may be supplied directly from another electronic source such as an electronic camera or a computer-based image generation system. Therefore, the electronic image signal and the audio signal are processed by the compression / encryption system. Further, the compression / encryption system may be in either the central hub or the information source generation system, eg, the same facility as the production studio. Known dynamic compression techniques are used, and the compressed signal is easily transmitted via a wired communication system, an optical fiber communication system, a wireless communication system, or a satellite communication system. The audio signal may be compressed using standard digital audio compression algorithms.

  Cryptographic techniques require time-varying electronic key values and / or digital control word sequences that are only supplied to the authorized receiver. Further, a digital signature or “watermark” may be added to the image and / or audio signal. Watermark, theater and / or time-specific visual identifiers are not perceptible to normal audiences and, when analyzed under non-real-time or still frame playback, to identify unauthorized sources of copying in the program May be used. The information necessary to decrypt the image and / or audio information is generated with a separate decryptor using the secret audience key and secure information sent to the theater. Usually, the image signal and the audio signal are encrypted separately. By treating the image part and the sound part as separate programs, different sound programs may be combined with the image program for different reasons, such as different languages.

  The compressed signal and the encrypted signal are fed to a modulation / transmission system at the central hub. Modulation / transmission techniques typically add transfer error correction information and modulate the transport data stream for transmission. Transmission is typically via satellite, although terrestrial cables, fiber optics, or other wireless methods may also be used. The transmission rate of broadcast programming may be varied so that information can be transmitted at a slower, faster, equal to compressed data rate. Transmission of raw event programming is supported if data transmission occurs at the same rate as the compression rate.

  The central hub also includes a network management system. The network management system may include a control processor that manages all operations of the system including broadcast, playback / display, security and full monitoring / control and control of network management functions. The system can operate under central or distributed fully automatic control, semi-automatic control or with manual intervention.

  Under the control of the network management system, programming material and additional control information are broadcast to the theater system. Although the entire transmission program can be received, the theater system selectively stores only the reception programming for the theater system. This system includes a control method for notifying the theater system of the ID of each broadcast program. In addition, a control method is provided for controlling the selection storage of each theater system for receiving programming.

  In a theater system, the receiver / demodulator receives broadcast programming. Generally, dish antennas are used to receive satellite signals. The receiver / demodulator also demodulates the received signal and performs error correction of the modulated signal. The demodulated signal in the form of a normal transport packet stream is supplied to the theater management system together with the result of error correction.

  The theater management system monitors the demodulated signal for errors and requests retransmission of the signal part containing the errors. The theater management system uses the return communication path (from the theater system to the central hub) to request retransmission. The return path may use a telephone network, satellite channel, the Internet, or other low data rate communication methods.

  Under the control of the theater management system, the storage array of the theater system provides a local centralized storage of programming material. The storage array may be solid, magnetic, or optical and may store several programs simultaneously. The central storage system is connected via a local area network (electronic or optical) so that any program can be played and displayed on an authorized projection system (ie, projector). Furthermore, the same program may be played back simultaneously on two or more projection systems. Programming data is routed from the storage array to a designated audience seat via a local area network (LAN) that may use various LAN architectures. For purposes of this description, this overview takes the use of a LAN that incorporates a central network switch architecture. However, other types of LAN architectures are possible with this system.

  Programming data is processed in real time at the spectator seat during playback. This process includes data rate decompression and security decryption. The decompression and decryption algorithms depend on the compression and encryption techniques used at the central hub. The decompressed / decrypted image signal is displayed on the audience seat via the projector, while the audio signal is supplied via the electronic sound system.

  Theater management systems typically control all aspects of the projection operation, including storage of received programming, decompression and decryption of programming signals, and display of programming data. Although programming is received only once at the theater system, programming stored in the storage array may be played multiple times. The theater management system may control the time and the number of playbacks enabled for each program. Alternatively, the display process may be controlled locally by electronic projector, remote control, or under central control by a hub or other centralized element. In addition, the theater management system is configured to integrate projection operations in other theater operations such as business permits, issuance of admission tickets, promotions, characters as symbol marks, environmental control, lighting, sound system operations, etc. Also good. Each theater system may include multiple auditorium systems that share common storage and control functions for versatile and more cost effective display options.

  The use of digital encryption provides built-in security measures for digital movie systems. Cryptographic techniques are used to perform end-to-end encrypted data transfer. That is, the image and / or audio information signal is encrypted by an information source generation system (SGS) and directly decrypted at a spectator seat in a theater system during playback. In addition to electronic security measures, physical security measures provide additional protection for programming measures.

  Physical security measures are particularly important to protect the decompression / decryption signal from “sniffing” prior to display by the theater system projector. In a preferred embodiment, the decryption / decompression function cannot be removed without authorized access and is securely attached to the projector or embedded within the projector in a manner that physically prevents the decryption signal from being probed. Housed in a built-in chassis. In addition, entry into the secured environment or chassis deletes or erases encryption key information, or deletes or modifies any digital data that can be used at the project delivery point to prevent copying. The process to start is started.

  Thus, a fully digital cinema system can compress and encrypt high-performance programming data, reliable transmission and storage from one or more central mechanisms to one or more auditoriums in a theater complex or elsewhere. And for playback and management functions necessary to monitor and control such systems.

It is a block diagram of the conventional film distribution system. 1 is a high level block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a digital movie system of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a film-based source generation system. 1 is a block diagram of a compression / encryption system. 1 is a block diagram of a modulation / transmission system. It is a block diagram of a network management system. It is a block diagram of the theater system put together. It is a block diagram which shows a hub internal network and central hub redundancy. 2 is a block diagram of a theater receiver / demodulator. FIG. It is a block diagram of a theater management system. 1 is a block diagram of a theater decoder system.

  The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout.

  The present invention, sometimes referred to herein as a “digital movie”, provides cinematic sound and high quality audio / visual programming from one or more central distribution points (central hub, facility, or station). Systems and methods for electronic distribution to multiple receiving stations (referred to as theater systems, theaters, complexes, or screening systems) are provided. Digital cinema systems incorporate image and audio compression innovations, projection techniques, encryption methodologies, and many other areas. A complete system is provided that can include devices for encoding, encrypting, transmitting, storing, decompressing, decrypting, and playing audio / visual data, and controlling various functions of the system.

  Digital movies are designed to replace the latest physical distribution methods of film for each playback or projection location, such as a theater or a distant audience seat. Digital cinema eliminates the need for film copying and transportation of film to the theater by regular flights. This digital movie offers the potential for very good sound quality / image quality and built-in security measures. By transmitting audio and video with signals via satellite or some other high-speed electronic medium, digital movies can be played against real-time broadcasts of “live event” programming such as high-quality movie sports events and concerts. Give further possibilities. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the theater and stored on a storage device such as a magnetic disk for display at a later time.

  A typical digital movie system of the present invention is shown in FIG. The digital movie system 100 as shown in FIG. 2 includes two main systems: at least one central mechanism or hub 102 and at least one display or theater system 104 (104A-104N). In the preferred embodiment, the signals carrying image information or data and audio data are broadcast or transmitted from the central facility or hub 102 to the display or theater system 104 using at least one satellite 106. The central hub 102 supports the entire theater system 104 (104A-104N) within the transmission footprint of the satellite 106 or coupled to a selected wireless wireline or other high speed communication link. Typically, a series of theaters or screening locations such as outdoor amphitheaters, schools, specialty restaurants, etc. form a network of locations that should receive image or audio information using the system.

  Although a single central mechanism or hub 102 for processing information is shown, a backup mechanism may be desired for increased network or distribution reliability. Further, the additional hub 102 can be used with the same or other satellites 108 or other types of links to serve theaters 104 or other screening locations within the same geographic region (or satellite footprint). . This is because different film suppliers or other service providers, such as different hubs competing within a given field, transmitting different levels of programming and serving slightly different types of equipment Used by. The present invention contemplates using multiple satellites and hubs as desired within an industry that provides various levels of service.

  Typically, one theater or screening system 103 (104A-104N) is used for each theater or screening location in the network of screening locations that should receive image or audio information, and is used for each screening audience seat. Including some centralized devices as well as certain devices. The satellite 106 may be, for example, a Ku-band geostationary satellite, although other frequencies and satellite orbits may be used. Various satellite systems and satellite transponders are known that can serve this transfer function based on the desired location, cost, average capacity required, etc.

  At the central hub 102, the information source generation system 108 provides digitized electronic audio and image programs to the system. In general, the information source generation system 108 receives film data and generates a magnetic tape containing digitized information or data. The film is digitally scanned at a very high resolution to create a digitized version of the movie or other program. In general, the known “telecine” process generates image information, whereas the well-known digital audio conversion process generates the audio portion of the program. The processed image need not be sourced from film and may be a single image or a series of frames or images including a frame or image shown as a still frame image or a movie of varying length. These images can be displayed as a continuation or set to create what is called an image program. In addition, other materials such as visual cue tracks for visually impaired audiences, subtitles for foreign language and hearing impaired audiences, multimedia time cue tracks may be provided. Similarly, a single or set of sounds or recordings can be used to form the desired audio program.

  Alternatively, a high definition digital camera or other known digital image generation device or method may provide digitized image information. The use of a digital camera that directly generates digitized image information is particularly useful for capturing live events for near-instant or simultaneous distribution. A computer workstation or similar device can also be used to directly generate the graphic image to be delivered.

  Digital image information or programs compress / encrypt digital signals using a pre-selected known format or process to reduce the amount of digital information required to reproduce the original image with very high image quality Provided to system 110. In a preferred embodiment, ABSDCT compression techniques are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,021,891, US Pat. No. 5,107,345 and US Pat. No. 5,452,104, indicated above. The audio information may be digitally compressed using standard techniques and time synchronized with the compressed image information. The compressed image and audio information is then encrypted using one or more secure electronic methods.

  The network management system 112 monitors the state of the compression / encryption system 110 and directs the compression / encryption system 110 to complex theater, security, and transmission control information having the desired compressed / encrypted data. Thus, the multiplexed signal modulates the compressed information comprising the signal under the direction of the network management system 112 and transmits it via the satellite 106 to a theater system such as the theater system 104A. That is, the compressed information may be broadcast to a theater or a screening place via a wireless communication path or link.

  In some embodiments, the compressed image and audio information are each transferred in a non-adjacent or separate manner independently of each other. Means are provided for compressing and transferring audio programs related to image information or programs but separated in time. There is nothing required when using the present invention to process and transfer audio and images simultaneously. A predetermined identifier or identification mechanism or scheme can be used to reasonably associate the corresponding audio and image programs with each other. This allows one or more pre-selected audio information to be combined with at least one pre-selected image program at the time of the show or during the show event as desired. That is, the compressed audio information is not synchronized in time with the compressed image information at first, but the compressed audio is synchronized to be combined in the screening. As described above, the compressed image and audio information can be stored together or separately in the central mechanism for transfer at a later predetermined time. Although FIG. 2 shows that the broadcast is transmitted using satellite 106, the broadcast signal may be transmitted through a number of terrestrial radio transmission methods, such as the well-known terrestrial cellular, microwave, or other types of radio frequency repeaters. It should be understood that either can be used to transmit. Alternatively, wired transmission methods such as well-known multidrop, Internet access nodes, dedicated telephone lines, or point-to-point fiber optic networks can be used to implement the present invention.

  Central hub 102 also includes at least one packaged theater system 116 that monitors the characteristics of signals received from satellite 116 as transmitted by modulation / transmission system 114 and provides the reception characteristics to network management system 112. May be included. The packaged theater system 116 does not need to use all of the features or processing functions found in the same equipment in each theater, for proper receiving component, demodulation component, decompression component, and analysis. Simpler satellite signal receivers with other components that generate useful signals can be used. For example, the bundled theater system 116 is clearly transferred in most cases without having to provide a complete high-quality image for screening to allow sufficient analysis of signal characteristics. Rely on certain known characteristics of the digital data.

  If the transmission signal is a signal with insufficient characteristics, the network management system 112 may make adjustments to the compression / encryption system 110 and / or the modulation / transmission system 114 to improve the transmission characteristics. For example, a detection error rate for digital data or a change in the loss of a data frame of a received signal may change the compression rate, change transmission characteristics such as signal power, and automatically retransmit a portion of this signal, It can be used to completely interrupt transmission due to a given satellite transfer problem.

  The present invention is equally applicable to the display of image and audio information for various screening locations such as outdoor amphitheaters, drive-in complexes, city halls, schools, specialty restaurants, etc. The composite is used for clarity below. Those skilled in the art will readily understand how the present invention applies to other types of locations.

  The transferred or broadcast signal is received by the theater system 104 (104A-104N) by the receiver / demodulator 120. In embodiments where a satellite transponder is used for signal transmission, the receiver / demodulator 120 uses at least one receiver antenna 138 that receives the signal. The receiver / demodulator 120 demodulates the received signal and monitors the demodulated signal for errors. To assist in this process, additional checksum information can be added to the compressed information prior to transmission to allow detection of errors in the transmitted information block.

  If the error rate exceeds a predetermined level, theater management system 122 may request retransmission of the portion of the signal that contains the error. The request for this retransmission can be made using a dial-up or dedicated link, satellite channel, packet format data link, Internet, wireless link, or return link 113 that may utilize a telephone network with other low data rate communication methods. It may be transmitted from the management system to the central hub 102.

  In some embodiments, a portion or frame of a retransmission signal of data transferred to the show location can also be obtained using the return link 113. That is, the return link 113 is a bi-directional link that transfers data including, for example, a retransmission request from the theater to the central hub or other information, or a command, general operation information, or compressed image and audio information from the central hub to the theater. Configured as This bi-directional link can also use cryptographic key data as discussed further below.

  The theater system 104 (104A to 104N) includes at least one and usually a plurality of spectator seats 128A to 128M. For example, in some commercial markets, theaters are often configured as theater complexes with multiple auditoriums in a single location, often referred to as a movie building or complex theater. The received signal can be broadcast or transferred to a plurality of spectators in the spectator seats within a single theater complex.

  Demodulated signals are transmitted from receiver / demodulator 120 to central storage system 123 using storage arrays 124A-124N via theater interface network (TIN) 126 for storage. The size of the storage arrays 124A-124N can be increased or decreased to support a theater complex with a varying number of screening audience seats. If a show is desired while information is received from the central hub 102 (ie, for a “live event” show), the demodulated signal is instead sent to the audience seats 128A-128N via the theater interface network 126. One of the two.

  If the program is to be viewed, program information is received from storage arrays 124A-124N using TIN 126 and transmitted to one or more designated spectator seats 128A-128N. If the designated spectator seat is the spectator seat 128A, the private key information supplied only to the permitted theater is used to decrypt the broadcast signal, which is the reverse of the compression algorithm used in the information source generation system 108 (SGS). Decompress the signal using a decompression algorithm. Decoder 130A converts the decompressed image information to a standard video format (which may be either analog or digital format) used by the screening system, and this image is displayed by electronic projector 132A. The audio information is supplied to the spectator sound system 134A for reproduction by an image program. Once the permission indication for a given program is complete, the digitized program information is deleted from the designated storage array or the designated number of storage arrays 124A-1124N to prevent unauthorized use of the data. Although not shown in detail, spectator seats 128B-128M each include a decoder, a projector, and a sound system.

  When multiple viewing locations are desired, the central storage system 123 is configured to transfer the compressed information of a single image program to different audience seats with programmable offsets or delays preselected for each other. Is done. If a single image program is to be delivered to selected spectator seats at approximately the same time, these preselected programmable offsets are approximately equal to or very small. At other times, these offsets can be set anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on storage configuration or capacity to provide very flexible screening scheduling. This allows theater complexes to better handle market demands for screening events such as the first sequel film.

  Display of real-time live event programming is similar to movie screening, but bypasses storage / playback operations of storage arrays 124A-124N or reveals potential signal transfer interruptions or synchronization problems Therefore, such a memory is used for a shorter period.

  Optionally, one or more digital tape recorders 136 are provided in theater system 104. If a satellite link or some other broadcast technology is not available or if such a technology is not the preferred transfer method for cost or availability reasons, a tape recorder 136 may be used. In this case, magnetic tape or other portable media is used to distribute the program from the central distribution point to the theater 104. Tape recorder 136 uses TIN 126 to transfer this program to storage arrays 124A-124N. Thus, the program information is available for display at a later time. Image and audio information may also be recorded from the disk storage arrays 124A-124N to the tape recorder 136 for long-term recording storage for later reloading into the storage arrays 124A-124N.

  Other means for storing higher density and higher throughput data may be used, replacing the digital tape recorder 136. For example, other known storage systems using optical disk technology, similar CDROM storage devices or digital versatile disks (“DVDs”), or even some solid state memory arrays may be used within the scope of the present invention.

  Exemplary embodiments of processing blocks for the central hub 102 are shown in FIGS. 3-9 and described herein. The information source generation system 108 is shown in FIG. In an exemplary embodiment, the information source generation system 108 digitizes a 35 mm motion picture film image source and stores the digitized version on magnetic tape. The information source generation system 108 includes a high definition (HD) “telecine” device that receives the film source 142 and generates digitized images from the film 142. Telecine processing is well known within the movie industry and any one of several commercially available services or devices may be used to perform this processing. However, in a preferred embodiment, high resolution telecine processing, such as commercially available, is used with devices manufactured by CINTEL or Philips BTS as is known in the art. The determination and specific choice of equipment used is determined according to cost factors and other well-known factors when the service is designed. Other decisions, including a requirement to reduce the data rate for a given satellite transfer, can also be used depending on the target audience, available projection equipment, and location.

  If the original film is a standard format 35 mm source, this processing is performed on the image using telecine processing at 24 frames / second. The digitized output of the telecine process can be stored using a high data rate magnetic tape recorder or immediately compressed and / or encrypted to produce a lower data rate tape recorder or other known image storage system and media. Use memorized.

  Since only the telecine processes the image, the audio portion of the input source is processed independently of the image. If the audio information source is in an analog format, the audio information source is typically provided on the magnetic tape 144 of the audio reader 146 for digitization. In one embodiment, up to 12 channels of digitized audio are combined with the digitized image by multiplexer 148, and the multiplexed signal is combined with the image program at a high definition digital video tape recorder (VTR) 150 or similar high capacity. Stored in a digital storage system. Alternatively, as described above, audio programming may be stored and processed separately from image programming, but in the case of time-synchronized information, the time-synchronized information is appropriately time-aligned with the image program of the audience viewing system. May be included to enable

  Although shown as part of the central hub 102, it should be understood that the source generation system 108 may be in a facility other than the central hub 102. Other facilities may be just like those suitable for generating digitized signals from magnetic or optical information sources. Alternatively, the source generation system 108 may be a digital camera with an embedded magnetic or optical storage device or other digital means of image generation that directly generates digital source data (eg, computer generated graphics or special For effect). The source generation system 108 may also consist of a digitizing system for still images, such as a 35 mm photographic slide or an optical scanner or image converter used for slides. Thus, a regular or dedicated studio, such as for special effects, or other facilities involved in the creation and display of an image program can then be sent to a central facility or hub 102 for further processing or transmission. Data can be generated.

  A block diagram of the compression / encryption system 100 is shown in FIG. Similar to the source generation system 108, the compression / encryption system 110 may be part of the central hub 102 or may be in a separate facility. For example, the compression / encryption system 110 may be placed with the source generation system 108 in a film or television production studio. Furthermore, the compression process for either image or audio information can be performed as a variable speed process.

  The compression / encryption system 110 receives a digital signal that may be supplied by the digital VTR 150 of the source generation system 108. Digital image and audio information may be stored in a frame buffer (not shown) prior to further processing.

  The digital image signal is sent to the image compressor 162. In a preferred embodiment, the image compressor 162 uses the ABSDCT technique described in the aforementioned US Pat. No. 5,021,891, US Pat. No. 5,107,345 and US Pat. No. 5,452,104. Use to process digital image signals.

  In the ABSDCT technique, the color input signal is in YIQ format, Y is a luminance component, and I and Q are chrominance components or color components. Other formats such as YUV or RGB formats may also be used. Because of the low spatial sensitivity of the eye to color, the ABSDCT technique subsamples the color (I and Q) components by twice in each of the horizontal and vertical directions. Thus, four luminance components and two chrominance components are used to indicate each spatial segment of the image input.

  Each of the luminance and chrominance components is sent to the block interleaver. Typically, the 16 × 16 block is fed to a block interleaver that arranges the image samples within the 16 × 16 block to generate a block of data and a composite sub-block for discrete cosine transform (DCT) analysis. The DCT operator is one way to convert a time sample signal into a frequency representation of the same signal. By converting to a frequency representation, the quantizer can be designed to take advantage of the frequency distribution characteristics of the image, so DCT technology is shown to allow a very high level of compression. In a preferred embodiment, one 16 × 16 DCT is added to the first array, four 8 × 8 DCTs are added to the second array, sixteen 4 × 4 DCTs are added to the third array, and 64 2 X2DCT is added to the fourth array.

  DCT operation reduces the spatial redundancy inherent in the image source. After DCT is performed, most of the image signal energy tends to be concentrated in some DC coefficients.

  For the 16 × 16 block and each sub-block, the transform coefficients are analyzed to determine the number of bits needed to encode the block or sub-block. Thus, the block or sub-block combination that requires the least number of bits to encode is selected to indicate the image segment. For example, two 8 × 8 sub-blocks, six 4 × 4 sub-blocks, and eight 2 × 2 sub-blocks may be selected to represent the image segment.

  Therefore, the selected block or sub-block combination is appropriately arranged in order. The DCT coefficient values are then further processed using known techniques in preparation for transmission, such as, but not limited to, frequency weighting, quantization, and encoding (eg, variable length encoding). May be. The compressed image signal is then supplied to at least one image encryptor.

  The digital audio signal is normally sent to the audio compressor 164. In the preferred embodiment, audio compressor 164 processes multi-channel audio information using standard digital audio compression algorithms. The compressed audio signal is supplied to at least one audio encryptor 168. Alternatively, audio information may be transferred and used in a still digital format that is not compressed.

  Image encryptor 166 and audio encryptor 168 encrypt each of the compressed image and audio signals using any of a number of known encryption techniques. The image and audio signals may be encrypted using the same technology or different technologies. In the preferred embodiment, encryption techniques are used, including real-time digital sequence encryption for both image and audio programming.

  In the image and voice encryptors 166, 168, the programming data is processed by the encryptor circuit using time-varying electronic keying information (typically modified several times / second). Secondly, encrypted program information, such as via radio links, is generally encrypted for anyone who does not have the associated electronic keying information used to encrypt program data or digital data. Can't decrypt and send.

  Encryption typically includes digital sequence encryption or direct encryption of the compressed signal. The words "encryption" and "scramble" are used interchangeably and use a secret digital value ("key") so that it is very difficult to recover the original data sequence without knowledge of the secret key value Means any means of processing digital data streams from various sources using any of a number of cryptographic techniques that scramble, cover or directly encrypt the digital stream using the generated sequence Then it is understood.

  Each image and sound program uses specific electronic keying information that is supplied only to theaters or venues authorized to show this particular program and is encrypted with electronic keying information specific to the venue or theater. The encrypted program key is required by the auditorium to decrypt the program data stream. The encrypted program key is sent to the authorized theater prior to playing the program or otherwise supplied. Note that a program data stream may be sent for a few days or weeks before the permitted screening period begins and an encrypted program key may be transmitted immediately before the permitted playback period begins. The encrypted program key can also be transferred using a low data rate link or a removable storage element such as a magnetic or optical medium, a smart card, or other device having an erasable memory element. An encrypted program key may be provided to control the time allowed for a particular theater complex or spectator seat to show the program.

  Each spectator who receives the encrypted program key decrypts this value using the spectator's unique key and stores the decrypted program key in a memory device or other secured memory.

  If the program is to be played, theater or location-specific and program-specific keying information is preferably used in conjunction with a symmetric algorithm used in the encryption system 110 in creating the encrypted signal.

  In addition to encryption, the image encryptor 166 may add a “watermark” that is actually digital to the image programming. This entails inserting place-specific and / or time-specific visual identifiers into the program sequence. That is, the watermark is configured to indicate a permitted location and time for screening, if necessary, to more effectively track the cause of illegal copying. The watermark may be programmed to be displayed in a pseudo-random period that is frequent in the playback process, and is invisible to the audience. The watermark is not perceptually perceptible during the display of the decompressed image or audio information that is defined in advance as a normal transfer rate. However, if the image or audio information is displayed at a speed different from this normal speed or still frame playback speed, such as in slower “non-real time”, the watermark is detectable. If an unauthorized copy of the program is found, the digital watermark information can be read by the institution and the theater where the copy was made can be determined. Such watermark technology may also be applied or used to identify audio programs.

  Both the compressed and encrypted video and audio signals are supplied to multiplexer 170. At multiplexer 170, the video and audio signals are multiplexed together with time synchronization information so that the video and audio streams can be played back in a time aligned manner in theater system 104. The multiplexed signal is then processed by a program packetizer 172 that packetizes the data and forms a program stream. By packetizing data or forming a “data block”, the program stream received by the theater system 104 (FIG. 2) is monitored for errors in the received block, and a retransmission request is substituted for the entire program. May be performed only on those data blocks that indicate an error. This results in increased reliability and efficiency for transmission.

  In other embodiments of the invention, the image and audio portions of the program are treated as separate programs and different programs. Thus, instead of using the multiplexer 170 to multiplex the image and audio signals, the image signals are packetized for transfer separately. In the present embodiment, the image signal may be transferred except for the audio signal, and vice versa. Image and audio programs are collected into the combined program only during playback time. This allows different audio programs to be combined with the image program for various reasons, such as changing languages, with post-release updates or program changes to fit within local community standards and the like. This ability to assign multi-track programs with different audios to allow for flexibility in image programs is a cost-effective way to change the program already in distribution and consider the larger multicultural markets currently available to the film industry. Very useful to make.

  The compressors 162, 164, encryptors 166, 168, multiplexer 170, and program packetizer 172 may be implemented on a software controlled processor that is programmed to perform the functions described herein. . That is, they can be configured as generalized functional hardware including various programmable electronic devices or computers that operate under software or firmware program control. Alternatively, these may be performed using an ASIC or some other technique such as by one or more circuit card assemblies. That is, it is configured as dedicated hardware.

  The image and audio program stream is sent to the storage array 174. The program stream may also be sent to a digital linear tape recorder 176.

  The CES controller 178 mainly serves to control and monitor the entire compression / encryption system 116. The CES controller 178 may be implemented by programming a general purpose hardware device or computer that performs the necessary functions or by using dedicated hardware. Network control is provided from the network management system 112 (FIG. 2) to the CES controller 178 via a hub internal network described later. CES controller 178 communicates with compressors 162, 164, encryptors 166, 168, multiplexer 170, packetizer 172 using known digital interfaces and controls the operation of these elements. The CES controller 173 also controls and monitors the array 174, the digital linear tape recorder 176, the data transfer and modulation transmission system 114 (FIG. 2) between these devices.

  Storage array 174 is preferably configured as a bank of hard disk drivers that are generally of the same design as disk storage array 124 used in theater system 104 (FIG. 2). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other media, such as a rewritable optical disc, can be used in some applications. In general, since only one program needs to be stored in the storage array 174 at a time, the capacity of the central hub disk storage array 178 is the combined total theater system 104 (all spectator seats or all locations). It may be smaller than the capacity. Typically, after each program is transferred and removed from memory, a new program is stored. However, multiple programs can be stored simultaneously and even transferred simultaneously over a given link, depending on the device used to receive the transferred data. The disk storage array 174 receives compressed and encrypted images, audio, and control data from either the program packetizer 172 or the digital linear tape recorder 176 during the compression phase. During the transmit phase, disk storage array 174 transmits the stored data to modulated transmission system 114. The operation of the disk storage array 174 is managed by the CES controller 178.

  Control multiplexer 180 receives program streams from disk storage array 174 and control information from CES controller 178. The control multiplexer 180 multiplexes these two data streams and supplies the multiplexed data stream to the transport packetizer. The transport packetizer 182 packetizes the data stream, forms a transport data stream, and transmits the packetized stream to the modulated transmission system 114.

  A digital tape recorder 176 (DTR) records compressed images and audio and is used for distribution of recorded programs to tape in theaters that do not have an available satellite or other desirable radio or wireline link . That is, to generate a digital information tape for distribution. The tape recorder 176 receives compressed and encrypted images, audio and control data from the program packetizer 172 during the compression phase. The program may be deleted from the recording when the tape recorder 176 transfers the tape recording data to the disk storage array 174. The operation of the digital linear tape recorder 176 is managed by the CES controller 178.

  The modulation / transmission system 114 is shown in FIG. Modulation / transmission system 114 performs modulation and transmission of the transport data stream from compression / encryption system 110. The modulation / transmission system 114 typically includes at least one modulator 200 and IF up in the same physical mechanism as the compression / encryption system 110, the network management system 112, and the combined theater system 116 (FIG. 2). A converter 202 is included. The modulation / transmission system 114 includes an RF converter 204, a high power amplifier 206, and a modulation / transmission system controller 208 that are within or close to the ground station.

  Modulator 200 is a standard subsystem that adds forward error correction information and modulates a transport data stream for transmission over a satellite (another wireless transmission path) using known techniques. Convolution and concatenated Reed-Solomon coding techniques known in the art are used for the forward error correction function in the preferred embodiment. A standard PSK (phase shift keying) modulator may be used for the modulation function.

  The up-converter 202 converts the output from the converter 200 to an intermediate frequency (IF) of 140 MHz, for example. This signal is then supplied to the RF upconverter 204. The execution of this subsystem may be performed by existing devices that have only minor changes to the rest of the system and compatibility as is well known.

  The RF upconverter 204 is typically a standard subsystem that converts IF signals into transmission signals suitable for satellite transmission. In the preferred embodiment, the 140 MHz IF signal is converted to a Ku-band signal. The Ku band output can be tuned from about 14.0 GHz to 14.5 GHz. Two upconverters and automatic exchanges through a device (not shown) may be implemented to provide device redundancy for improved system reliability. This output is supplied to a high power amplifier 206 for amplification. Frequency bands other than the Ku band may alternatively be used for transmission of signals by satellite or as desired.

  The high power amplifier 206 amplifies the Ku band (or other desired frequency) transmission signal for transmission to the satellite transponder. Two upconverters and automatic exchanges via equipment (not shown) may be used to provide equipment redundancy for improved system reliability.

  An MTS (Modulation / Transmission System) controller 208 may be used to interface with, configure and monitor the equipment of the ground station 210. The controller 208 may be implemented using well-known programmable hardware such as a personal computer or workstation.

  Ground station 210 consists of all RF interconnects and antennas. An RF hat or structure is typically included that houses the RF upconverter 204, HPA 206, MTS controller 208, and useful power and air conditioning devices (not shown). Typically, programming information and control information are broadcast from the ground station 210 to the theater system using one or more common broadcast channels. The broadcast signal includes control information for notifying the theater system of the ID of each broadcast program. Further, since the control information is transmitted to the theater system, the theater selectively stores only receive programming for a particular theater system orientation and other control functions related to system operation. As mentioned above, this information can generally be transferred over high or low data rate links as desired.

  Referring now to FIG. 6, the network management system 112 is shown. The network management system 112 controls and manages the digital cinema system 100. This includes control and monitoring of the central hub 102 components and the theater system 104 network. Control may be centralized such that the network management system 112 manages all operations of the system including control of broadcast or transfer, playback / display, security, and full network management functions. Alternatively, a distributed management system may be implemented in which a screening system or theater system processor controls some of the theater functions.

  The network management system 112 includes at least one network management processor 220 that is a central controller or “brain” for the digital cinema system 100. The network management system 112 is generally based on a standard platform workstation or similar programmable data processing hardware. The network management processor 220 manages the scheduling and security aspects of the digital cinema system 100.

  Under control of the network management system 112, the program may be broadcast from the central facility or hub 102 prior to the time for the display of programming in the theater 104. This procedure is typically used unless real-time live event broadcasting is desired. Thus, a separate process controls the playback of pre-stored programming data at a time later than the time of broadcast transmission from the central hub 102.

  The network management processor 220 also controls program broadcast, transmission, or transfer rate. This transmission rate may be fixed or changed depending on the program format and the design of the transfer channel or path. For example, this depends on the transfer rate for a particular satellite transponder or other data link. Parallel program transfers can also occur at high speed. For a program stored and replayed at a later time, the data transmission rate may be greater than, less than, or equal to the “real time” rate for this program. Further, the data rate of the compression encoding of the programming data can vary for different programs and give varying compression quality levels.

  A redundant network management processor may be provided as a backup. The network management processor 220 interfaces to other components of the system via a hub internal network that is typically implemented using a standard multi-drop network architecture such as Ethernet. However, other known network designs and types including optical based links can be used. Here, the Ethernet hub 224 of the network management system 112 supports a hub internal network as described below with respect to FIG.

  The network management system 112 also interfaces to the theater network via the PSTN and typically comprises a modem bank 226 that includes a set of dial-up telephone modems, cable or satellite modems, ISDN or cellular link controllers, or other known means. May be. The modem bank 226 interfaces to the network management processor 220 via a modem server function. The modem bank 226 serves as a receiver for the return link communication path from the theater to the central hub 102. The return path may be utilized by the theater to request retransmission of program data blocks with errors from the central hub 102. In addition, an extra display of the program or a change or update of the program data can be requested using this link. The request for retransmission itself may occur during or after transmission of program data. In other embodiments, the return path may be provided by a satellite channel or other low data rate communication method or over the Internet. In this case, other known means or devices for interfacing are implemented as appropriate instead of the modem bank 226.

  The grouped theater system 116 shown in FIG. 7 monitors the characteristics of the transmitted signal and provides characteristic measurements to the network management system 112.

  The grouped theater system 116 includes at least one theater system receiver 232 that typically has the same design as the receiver of the theater system 104. Receiver 232 interfaces with at least one receiver antenna 234 that receives signals transmitted from modulated transmission system 114 via satellite 106. Alternatively, if other types of links are used, cable or optical feed interfaces are used to test the characteristics of such links. The grouped theater system also includes at least one management processor that receives the signal from the theater system receiver 232 and measures a characteristic parameter of the transmitted signal. Management processor 236 also provides a characteristic report to network management system 112. In the preferred embodiment, management processor 236 interfaces with network management system 112 via Ethernet or a high-speed data bus.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, a block diagram of the hub internal network 250 is shown. The hub internal network 250 is an important component of communication for the central hub 102. The hub internal network 250 may be internally expanded as an Ethernet local area network (LAN) that implements a set of IP protocols. Accordingly, the hub internal network 250 includes a compression / encryption system 110 (110A-110B), a modulation / transmission system 114 (114A-114B), a network management processor 220, and a central hub grouped theater system 116 (116A- 116B) are physically interconnected. An external interface may also be provided to connect the central hub 102 to an external computer network or communication system, if desired, as appropriate for a particular functional division of local and remote functions.

  In the preferred embodiment, the central hub 102 includes redundant or backup components to meet availability requirements in the event of a major component failure. Each system within each hub 102 has a primary system and either a parallel backup system or built-in redundancy for automatic switching beyond functionality, as further shown in FIG. Accordingly, the hub internal network 250 is grouped using a series or set of redundant Ethernet transceivers 254A-254E, compression / encryption systems 110A and 110B, modulation / transmission systems 114A and 114B, network management processors 220A and 220B, and so on. Connected to theater systems 116A and 116B. These transceivers communicate via two or more Ethernet cards or components 252A and 252B, shown as cards A and B. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art how to provide redundant systems and connections and additional system numbers can be used for higher levels of redundancy for the appropriate interconnects and interface elements as desired. Redundant processing capabilities are provided to ensure the reliable management of the overly demanding screening market, which is very time sensitive, such as the first trailer. Some of the redundant components can operate in a “standby” or “warm start” mode as desired for quick selection and switching, if necessary.

  As described above, audio / visual programming is distributed from the central hub 102 to a screening system such as a theater system 104 or theater system. Exemplary embodiments of the processing blocks of the theater system 104 are shown and described herein in FIGS.

  FIG. 9 shows the receiver / demodulator 120 of the theater system 104. Receiver / demodulator 120 includes an outdoor unit 270 that includes a low noise block and a parabolic dish antenna that is directed to or tracks satellite 106. The outdoor unit 270 receives a signal transmitted from the central hub 102, amplifies this signal, and converts it to an intermediate frequency (IF) for other processing. The dish antenna is usually an offset feed dish antenna. The size of the antenna usually ranges from 1.0 to 1.6 meters in diameter, depending on the receiver concerned and the geographical location of the frequency. The dish antenna may be mounted on a pillar that penetrates or does not penetrate the roof mount. In general, the dish size is designed to be small enough to avoid restrictions under various government laws or other regulatory ordinances. The low noise block is typically a standard digital video broadcast low noise block (DVB LNB) that down-converts the received signal to an intermediate frequency for the demodulator for processing. In one embodiment, the output signal from the LNB is an intermediate frequency in the L-band frequency range. LNB is a feed horn installed at the focal point of the dish antenna. A standard coaxial cable connects the LNB to the demodulator 270 of the receiver / demodulator 120.

  The receiver / demodulator 120 also includes a demodulator 272, an automatic request for a retransmission (ARQ) processor 274, and a transport demultiplexer 276. In the preferred embodiment, these three components are implemented as a plug-in circuit card assembly for a general purpose computer such as a known IBM compatible personal computer or workstation. The circuit card assembly is installed in the theater management system 122.

  Although the program is broadcast from the intermediate hub 102 and the theater system 104 can receive all transmitted programs, the theater system 104 selectively demodulates and stores only the receive programming for a particular theater system. The control information is included in the broadcast signal to inform the theater system of special programming to the theater system by multiplexing this control information in the transmitted program stream.

  Accordingly, the demodulator 272 recovers the selected programming data and clock from the IF signal received from the outdoor device 270. Demodulator 270 may perform any of a number of demodulation techniques, such as a QPSK demodulation technique, when the program signal is modulated using a QPSK scheme. Demodulator 270 may be a standard integrated circuit, such as is typically used in set-top receiver devices for direct broadcast video reception. Such a demodulator typically includes a forward error correction (FEC) signal processing function. Error correction may be performed, for example, with concatenated coding in conjunction with Viterbi decoding along with concatenated Reed-Solomon coding and decoding. In the preferred embodiment, the convolutional code is k = 7, r = 7/8, while the Reed-Solomon is a (204, 188) code. The error correction output is supplied to the ARQ processor 274.

ARQ processor 274 performs other error correction of the signal from demodulator 270. The ARQ processor 274 uses a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code to calculate the digital signature of the sequential data of the fixed-length block demodulated signal. The resulting calculated digital signature for each block is calculated using the same digital signature algorithm by the modulation / transmission system 114 of the central hub 302 and compared with the digital signature value transmitted with the data stream via the satellite channel. . If the digital signature calculated by the ARQ processor 274 is not identical to the digital signature transmitted with the data, a block error is indicated. Each such data block is uniquely identified by a block identification value. The ARQ processor 274 records a block identifier value for any block that indicates a difference in the calculated and transmitted digital signature value for this block. The theater management system 122 may use the return link 284 to request retransmission of any or all of the data blocks that have a miscalculated digital signature. The central hub network management system 112 may then retransmit those blocks requested by the theater system 104. The theater management system 122 may replace the transmitted and locally calculated digital signature with a block that is not the same as the retransmit block with the same block identification value. Such a method greatly reduces the resulting error rate of the received signal. The output data from the ARQ processor 274 preferably has an error rate of 1 × 10 ⁻¹⁰ to 1 × 10 ⁻¹¹ or less. The data is then provided to the transport demultiplexer 276.

  Transport demultiplexer 276 depackets the demodulated data stream, sends command packets to theater management system 122, and sends compressed / encrypted image and audio packets to storage array 124.

  A typical theater management system 122 is shown in FIG. The theater management system 122 controls and monitors the entire screening system in the theater complex or the theater system 104, or the audience seats. The theater management system can also use a program control means or mechanism that creates a program set from one or more received individual image and audio programs scheduled for screening on the auditorium system during the authorization interval.

  Theater management system 122 includes a theater management processor 280 and at least one modem 282 or other device that interfaces with a return link and sends messages back to central hub 102 via return link 284. The theater management system 122 includes a visual display element such as a monitor and a user such as a keyboard, which may be in a theater complex manager's office, ticket office, or any other suitable location convenient for theater operations. Interface device.

  Theater management processor 280 is typically a standard commercial or business grade computer. Referring to FIG. 10 with respect to FIG. 2, theater management processor 280 communicates with storage arrays 124A-124N, decoder module 130, and digital tape recorder 136 via theater interface network 126. Theater management processor 280 communicates with central hub network management system 112 via return link 284. In the preferred embodiment, modem 282 is used to communicate with the central hub. The modem 282 is typically a standard telephone line modem that is in or connected to the processor and connects to a standard two-wire telephone line and communicates back to the central hub 102. In other embodiments, communication between the theater management processor 280 and the central hub 102 may be performed using other low data rate communication methods such as the Internet, dedicated or public data network communication systems, wireless communication systems, or satellite communication systems. May be sent using. For these alternatives, modem 282 is configured with a suitable interface structure.

  Information communicated via the return link 284 is received by the theater system 104 from the satellite 106 and is instructed to indicate uncorrectable bit errors, monitoring and control information, operational reports and alarms, and possibly cryptographic keying information. Includes a request for retransmission of Messages communicated using the return link 284 may be cryptographically protected for eavesdropping security and / or verification and authentication.

  The theater management processor 280 may be configured to perform fully automatic operation of the screening system including playback / display functions, security functions, and network management functions. The theater management processor may also control peripheral theater functions such as ticket reservation and ticket sales, store management, and environmental control. Alternatively, manual intervention may be used to supplement some adjustments in theater operations. The theater management processor 280 may also interface with certain existing automated control systems of the theater complex to control or coordinate these functions. Alternatively, some theater management coordination, such as playback / display and security, may be performed by the central hub 102 via radio waves. The system used will depend on the technology and requirements available for the particular theater as is known.

  Through control by either the theater management system 122 or the network management system, the present invention typically supports simultaneous playback and display of recording programming for multiple display projectors. The plurality of programs may be stored in a central storage system that includes storage arrays 124A-124N for playback on one or more display projectors of the theater system 104. As mentioned above, theater system 104 may also display programming data as received from the broadcast channel.

  Further, under the control of the theater management system 122 or network management system, it is often possible to allow a program to be played multiple times even if only the theater system 104 receives the programming once. Control management controls the time and / or the number of plays enabled for each program.

  It can be seen that automatic control of the theater management system 122 by the central organization network management system 112 provides means for automatically distributing, storing and displaying the program under programmable control from the central organization. In addition, there is the ability to control certain preselected network operations from a location remote from the central mechanism that uses the control components. For example, a television or film studio then automates and controls the distribution or other screening of film from a central location such as a studio office, and it is understood in the reaction or technical response to rapid changes in market demand or screening. Almost immediate changes can be made to the screening to reveal other reasons.

  Referring back to FIG. 2, theater interface network 126 physically interconnects with theater management system 122, storage arrays 124A-124N, spectator seats 128A-128M, and digital tape recorder 136. The theater interface network 126 comprises a local area network (electrical or optical) with local routing of programming in the theater system 104. The programs received and demodulated by the receiver / demodulator 120 are sent via the theater interface network 126 to storage arrays 124A-124N for storage. Programs stored in storage arrays 124A-124N and received for real-time playback are sent via theater interface network 126 to one or more projection systems of theater system 104. A theater interface network may be implemented using any of a number of standard local area network architectures that exhibit appropriate data rates, connectivity, and reliability such as arbitrated loops, switched, or hub-oriented networks. .

  Still referring to FIG. 2, storage arrays 124A-124N include local storage of program data that is permitted to be played and displayed. In the preferred embodiment, the storage system is centralized in each theater system. Storage arrays 124A-124N allow the theater system to create a screening event at one or more spectator seats and can be shared simultaneously across several spectator seats.

  Storage arrays 124A-124N, sometimes referred to as disk storage arrays 124A-124N, may include solid state storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or optical mass storage devices that are well known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, a magnetic disk drive known as a hard drive as used in the computer industry is used to form a storage array. Such devices have desirable cost and performance (transfer rate) characteristics that make them well suited for the present invention. Such devices symbolize well-known technology and are manufactured with ever increasing functions. However, other devices such as rewritable optical storage devices and equal solid-state storage devices can serve several applications.

  A central storage system may store several programs simultaneously. The central storage system is connected via a local area network so that any program can be played and displayed on any authorized screening system (ie, projector). Furthermore, the same program may be played simultaneously on two or more screening systems.

  As mentioned above, the storage array can be used to transfer the compressed information of a single image program to different audience seats with a preselected offset or time delay relative to each other. If these offsets are made approximately equal to zero, the single image program is displayed in multiple spectator seats almost simultaneously. At other times, these offsets are set to other values to suit various scheduling schemes.

  Each of the disk storage arrays 124A-124N is a bank of hard disk drives that stores a scheduled playback period encryption / encryption program in a designated spectator seat. Disk storage arrays 124A-124N are designed to be scaleable to effectively support each theater's storage requirements. In addition, each of the disk storage arrays 124A-124N includes built-in redundancy to prevent loss of storage programming information if the storage device fails. Each of the storage arrays 124A-124N may be, for example, a rack mounting system that is expandable to meet the changing storage requirements of each theater system. Disk storage arrays 124A-124N allow theater management to dynamically send program exhibits to the various screens of the theater complex and schedule pre-star programming. This is done in a very flexible way that helps to respond quickly to changing demands or market demands.

  In the preferred embodiment, each of the storage arrays 124A-124N is designed with a capacity for storage equal to the capacity required to store the program for all audience seats in the theater venue. In addition, a suitable storage device is provided for storing future programs that are still allowed to be stored at the same time as future programs can be stored prior to their permitted viewing date. Depending on the total amount of storage available, the program can be sent hours, days or weeks prior to permission to play and display such programs without affecting the ability to play and display currently authorized programs. Can be allowed for the main screening. With respect to digital data storage capacity, it is estimated that approximately 120 gigabytes of storage capacity / audience seats are used in this type of device. This capacity ensures the use of state-of-the-art compression and image technology that may change to allow for reduced demand in the near future.

  Disk storage space is dynamically allocated for each program loaded into the disk storage arrays 124A-124N. This concept works for larger theaters with multiple screens, as short programs typically average about 2 hours in length. As a guideline for single screen theaters, the storage capacity should be sufficient to store the maximum program.

  The disk storage arrays 124A-124N are typically configured to perform simultaneous read / write functions. For example, a plurality of pre-stored programs can be displayed (in the case of multiple simultaneous operations, near-simultaneous operations, separate read operations) and at the same time a new opening is downloaded from the satellite 106 (write operation). Using state-of-the-art technology, there are physical limitations in the processing capacity of each of the disk storage arrays 124A-124N. Thus, each array can support a maximum number of simultaneous operation screens, an almost simultaneous operation screen, a read operation screen, and one simultaneous download session (one write operation). Using this scheme, larger theaters require an additional disk storage array to provide a suitable number of simultaneous playbacks. It is estimated that approximately one additional array per five spectator seats is appropriate.

  However, the storage array should be configured or configurable to operate in a “removal” mode in which received information is removed across the array. That is, the received data to be stored is partially directed to a different drive among the storing drives. Part of the input data is transferred to one drive and at the same time the next part is transferred to the next drive, and so on. After a wait time sufficient to allow the drive to write data, a given drive can be scheduled to receive input data again. Thus, the incoming data is separated into smaller components or segments, each of which is stored at the highest (ie, high) speed enabled by each drive of a separate drive, and input buffering available on the drive input channel. Alternatively, memory storage is used. As a result, a slower transfer rate device can inherently control data in parallel, so that a very high transfer rate can be obtained. This type of storage also creates error protection redundancy.

  Storage in a drive or other storage device should utilize parity information that can be reconstructed by the program upon retrieval. That is, means are provided for recombining program parts together at the time of retrieval or display.

  Each of the disk storage arrays 124A-124N can be increased or decreased in two ways. The amount of storage space per screen can be adjusted by adding or removing disk drives in each of the disk storage arrays 124A-124N. The size of the disk drive determines the incremental steps that are obtained in storage performance when the drive is added. Alternatively, an additional disk storage array can be added to the theater system 104 to support additional screens.

  In the preferred embodiment, the disk storage arrays 124A-124N are based on a low cost device redundant array (RAID) array design that has the ability to restore all data files if the disk drives in the array fail. Disk storage arrays 124A-124N provide status and alarm indicators that are useful for troubleshooting or fault isolation. Remote status, control, and diagnostics are other options used with this type of design.

  Still referring to FIG. 2, the theater system 104 typically includes a digital tape recorder (DTR) 136. If the satellite link is not available and the tape is used to distribute the program to the theater, the DTR 136 is used to load the compression / encryption program into the disk storage arrays 124A-124N. DTR 136 communicates to storage arrays 124A-124N via TIN 126.

  Typically, the DTR 136 does not operate at a sufficient transfer rate to support direct distribution from the DTR 136 to the screening device. Furthermore, read and write operations tend to occur in bursts. Thus, a large buffer is used to smoothly drain data directly from the DTR 136 to the projection device. For these reasons, DTR 136 is used for recording and forwarding when no satellite channel is available. Programs loaded from the DTR 136 are stored in storage arrays 124A-124N that play at full speed appropriate for real-time playback speed. The DTR 136 is controlled by the theater management system 122.

  With the addition of the DTR 136 to the theater system 104, the theater complex can realize and take advantage of all the other advantages associated with a digital movie system without an available satellite link or channel. In this case, the digitized encrypted film needs to be physically distributed to the theater with magnetic tape, similar to today's film distribution technology. Further, the DTR 136 may be used for long-term recording of programs previously received and stored in the storage arrays 124A-124N. In this case, the program may be written from the storage arrays 124A-124N to the DTR 136, and the resulting recording tape may be later reloaded and returned to the storage arrays 124A-124N. In addition, other known magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, or solid state storage devices or techniques may be utilized to perform the functions of DTR 136.

  If the program is to be viewed, the program information is sent from the particular one or more storage arrays 124A-124N via the theater interface network 126 to the particular audience system 128A-128N of the theater system 104. Sent to. A block diagram of an implementation of a typical spectator seating system 128A-128M is shown in FIG. Within such spectator systems 128a-128M, the decoder 130a processes the compression / encryption program to visibly project on the screen or surface and present it to be heard using the sound system 134. Spectator system 128A-128M includes theater interface network 290, at least one depacketizer 292, auditorium controller 294, image decryption / decompression system 296, speech decryption / decompression system 298, and speech decryption. / Extension system 298, projector 132A, and sound system 134A. All of the components except for projector 132A and sound system 134A implement one or more circuit card assemblies. The circuit card assembly may be installed in a self-contained housing that is mounted on or adjacent to the projector 132A. In addition, a cryptographic smart card 300 that interfaces with a spectator controller 294 and / or an image decryption / decompression system 296 that transfers and stores device-specific cryptographic keying information may be used.

  The theater interface network interface 290 allows each spectator seat to communicate with the disk storage arrays 128A-124N or the theater management system 122 via the theater interface network 126. The theater interface network 290 buffers information bursts from the disk storage arrays 124A-124N via the theater interface network 126 at a high data rate and can be processed at a slower rate by other elements in the spectator system 128A-128N. Contains memory.

  Control and monitoring data is sent between the theater management system 122 and the auditorium controller 294, whereas the encryption / compression program is sent to the image / sound decryption / decompression system 296, 298 via this interface. It is done. Any information directed to spectator seat 128A is received and sent to depacketizer 292. Conversely, information destined for other parts of the theater system 104 is ignored by the depacketizer 292.

  The depacketizer 292 identifies and separates individual control packets, image packets, and audio packets that arrive from the theater interface network interface 290. Control packets are sent to the spectator controller 294, whereas image packets and audio packets are sent to the image and audio decryption systems 296 and 298, respectively.

  The spectator seat controller 294 configures and manages the security of the spectator seat system 128A, operates and monitors the spectator seat system 128A. This includes an external interface along with projector 132A and sound system 134A, and image and audio decryption / decompression systems 296 and 298. Control information is obtained from a theater management system 122, such as a theater system 128A housing or a control panel external to the chassis, a remote control port, or a local control input. The spectator seat controller 294 manages the electronic key assigned to the spectator seat system 128A. The preselected electronic encryption key assigned to the spectator seat system 128 is used with electronic encryption key information embedded in the image and audio data to decrypt the image and audio information before decompression. In the preferred embodiment, spectator controller 294 uses a standard microprocessor that runs embedded spectator system 128A software, such as basic functional or control elements.

  Further, the spectator seat controller 294 is preferably configured to activate predetermined information or communicate predetermined information with the theater management system 122 to maintain a history of screenings occurring at each spectator seat. This information about the show history is therefore useful for transfer to the central facility using a return link or by a movable medium when preselected.

  Image decryption / decompression system 296 processes the image data stream from depacketizer 292, performs decryption, and reassembles the original image for screening on the screen. The output of this operation usually provides standard analog RGB signals to the digital movie projector 132A. In general, decryption and decompression are performed in real time, allowing real time playback of programming data.

  Image decryption / decompression system 296 decrypts and decompresses the image data stream and reverses the operations performed by image compressor 162 and image encryptor 166 of central hub 102. Each spectator system 128 may process and display a different program from other spectator systems 128 in the same theater system 104, or one or more spectator system 128 may process and display the same program simultaneously. May be. Optionally, the same program time delayed with respect to each other may be displayed on multiple projectors.

  The decryption process uses device-specific and program-specific electronic encryption key information supplied in advance together with an electronic key embedded in the data stream to decrypt the image information. (Decryption processing has been previously described with respect to FIG. 4) Each spectator seat system 128 is equipped with encryption key information necessary for all programs allowed to be screened on the spectator seat system 128.

  A multi-level cryptographic key information system is used to authorize a specific screening system to display a specific program. This multi-level key management system generally includes an electronic key value, a specific image and / or audio program, and / or a time-varying encryption key within the image and / or audio program that is unique to each authorized spectator system 128. Use a sequence. Generally, a 56-bit or longer “audience seat specific” electronic key is programmed into each spectator seat system.

  This programming can be performed using several techniques to transfer and display key information for use. For example, the return link described above can be used over a satellite channel or other type of link to transfer cryptographic information. Alternatively, smart card technology, preprogrammed flash memory cards, and other known portable storage devices can be used.

  For example, the smart card may be designed so that this value once loaded into the card cannot be read from the smart card memory. Physical and electronic security measures are used to prevent tampering with key information and detect attempted tampering or compromise. This key is stored so that it can be deleted in the event of a detected tampering attempt. A smart card circuit typically includes a microprocessor core that includes a software implementation of a data encryption standard (DES) encryption algorithm. The smart card inputs the supplied values, encrypts (or decrypts) these values using the on-card DES algorithm and a prestored auditorium key and outputs the result. Alternatively, the smart card may simply be used to transfer the encrypted electronic keying information to the circuitry of the spectator system 128 that performs processing of the key information for use by the image and voice decryption process.

  The image program data stream performs dynamic image decompression using an inverse ABSDCT algorithm or other image decompression process that is symmetric to the image compression used in the central hub compression / encryption system 110. If image compression is based on the ABSDCT algorithm, the decompression process includes variable length decoding, inverse frequency weighting, inverse differential quadrature transform, IDCT, and DCT block combiner deinterleaving. The processing elements used for decompression may be implemented on dedicated specialized hardware or one or more circuit card assemblies configured for this function, such as an ASIC. Alternatively, the decompression processing element may be implemented as a standard element or generalized hardware including various digital signal processors or programmable electronic devices or computers operating under the control of special functional software or firmware programming. . Multiple ASICs may be implemented to process image information to support high image data rates.

  The decompressed image data undergoes digital / analog conversion, and the analog signal is output to projector 132A. On the other hand, the digital interface may be used to communicate decompressed digital image data to projector 132A that eliminates the need for digital / analog processing.

  The audio decryption / decompression system 298 processes the audio data stream from the depacketizer 292, performs decryption, and reassembles the original audio for presentation to a theater speaker or audio sound system. The output of this operation provides a standard line level audio signal to sound system 134A.

  Similar to the image decryption / decompression system 296, the audio decryption / decompression system 298 reverses the operations performed by the audio compressor 164 and the audio encryptor 168 of the central hub 102. Using the electronic key from cryptographic smart card 304 along with the electronic key embedded in the data stream, decryption system 350 decrypts the voice information. Next, the decrypted voice data is decompressed.

  Speech decompression is performed with an algorithm that is symmetric with the algorithm used at the central hub 102 for speech compression. If there are multiple audio channels, they are decompressed. The number of audio channels depends on the specific auditorium or the multi-audio sound system design of the screening system. Additional audio channels for advanced audio programming for purposes such as multilingual audio tracks and audio cues for visually impaired audiences may be transmitted from the central hub 102. The system may also include additional data tracks that are synchronized to the image program for purposes such as multimedia special effects tracks for hearing impaired audiences, captioning, and special visual cue tracks.

  As described above, the audio and data tracks may be time synchronized to the image program or may be provided for desynchronization without direct time synchronization. The image program may consist of a single frame (ie, a still image), a series of single frame images, or a short duration animation sequence.

  If necessary, the audio channel is provided to an audio delay element that inserts a delay as needed to synchronize the audio with the appropriate image frame. Each channel then performs a digital / analog conversion to provide what is known as a "line level" output to sound system 134A. That is, the appropriate analog level or format signal is generated from the digital data to drive the appropriate sound system. Line level audio output typically uses standard XLR or AES / EOU connectors found in most theater sound systems.

  Projector 132A displays an electronic representation of the program on the screen. High quality projectors are based on the latest technologies such as liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) methods for processing optical or image information. Projector 132 </ b> A receives an image signal, typically in standard red green blue (RGB) video signal format, from image decryption / decompression system 296. Information transfer for controlling and monitoring the projector 132A is generally supplied from the spectator seat controller 294 via a digital serial interface.

  Still referring to FIG. 11, the decoder module chassis 302 includes a fiber channel interface 290, a depacketizer 292, a spectator controller 294, an image decryption / decompression system 296, an audio decryption / decompression system 298, an encryption Smart card 300. The decoder module chassis 302 is a secure built-in chassis that also houses an encrypted smart card interface, an internal power source and / or regulator, a cooling fan (if necessary), a local control panel, and an external interface. The local control panel may use any of a variety of known input devices such as membrane switch flat panels with embedded LED indicators. The local control panel typically uses or forms part of a hinged inspection port so that it can enter the chassis for service or maintenance. This inspection port has a safety lock so as to prevent unauthorized entry, theft or tampering of the system. During installation, a cryptographic smart card containing cryptographic keying information (audience seat unique key) is installed in the decoder module chassis 302 and secured behind the locked front panel. The cryptographic smart card slot can only be accessed inside the secured front panel. The RGB signal output from the image encryption / decompression system to the projector 132A is tightly coupled within the decoder module chassis 302 so that the RGB signals cannot be accessed while the decoder module chassis 302 is attached to the projector housing. The security interlock may be used to prevent the decoder module from operating when not properly installed in the projector 302.

  The sound system 134A supplies the audio portion of the program to the theater speakers. In the preferred embodiment, sound system 134A receives standard format audio signals from up to 12 channels in digital or analog format from audio decryption / decompression system 298.

  Accordingly, digital movie systems and methods are provided that electronically distribute very high quality audio and / or visual programming data to theaters or other locations for viewing. This system and method, among other features and advantages, allows for flexible scheduling of central movies or advertisements, integration of high quality and high quality signals, and implementation of security measures.

  The previous description of the preferred embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without using the features of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

  The previous description of the preferred embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without using the features of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.
[C1]
A device that distributes digitized image information to the viewing location, comprising:
At least one central mechanism for receiving and compressing digitized image information according to a preselected format;
Means for transferring the obtained compressed image information for one or more remote display systems, wherein each display system comprises:
Means for receiving and storing transferred image information for display at at least one preselected time;
Means for distributing stored compressed image information to one or more decompression systems;
Means for decompressing the transferred image information in each decompression system;
At least one projection system connected to receive decompressed image information and to provide visible information displayed thereby as a display event;
[C2]
The apparatus of [C1], wherein the compressed image information is stored so as not to be adjacent.
[C3]
The compression of the information is performed remotely from the central mechanism, [C1] or [C2
] Device.
[C4]
The apparatus according to any one of [C] above, including a digital image generation system that generates an image in a digital format.
[C5]
The apparatus of [C4], wherein the image from the generator is captured, compressed, and transferred in real time to a pre-selected authorization display system by the central mechanism substantially simultaneously with digitization of the image.
[C6]
The apparatus of any of [C] above, further comprising means for storing compressed image information in the central mechanism for transfer at a later predetermined time.
[C7]
The at least one central mechanism is configured to receive and compress digitized audio information according to a preselected format; and
Means for each display system to distribute compressed audio information stored for one or more decompression systems;
Means for decompressing the transferred audio information in each decompression system;
The apparatus of any of [C] above, comprising at least one sound system connected to receive decompressed audio information and to provide audio shown as part of the display event.
[C8]
The apparatus of [C7], wherein the compression of the digitized audio information occurs at a variable speed.
[C9]
Image information time separated from related images using an identifier so that one or more preselected audio programs can be combined with at least one preselected image program as desired for display. The apparatus according to [C7] or [C8], further comprising means for compressing and transferring an audio program related to the.
[C10]
The apparatus of [C8] or [C9], wherein each of the audio programs includes a plurality of audio tracks such that they are shown with the same image program during different display events.
[C11]
The apparatus of any one of [C] above, wherein the compression of the digitized image information occurs at a variable speed.
[C12]
The apparatus according to any one of [C] above, further comprising means for encrypting the information, and the display system further comprises means for decrypting the encrypted information.
[C13]
[C12] The apparatus according to [C12], further comprising means for supplying encryption key information necessary for decrypting the information to the permission display system at a time different from the encrypted information itself.
[C14]
[C12] The apparatus of [C12], further comprising means for storing encryption key information necessary for decryption and transferring the encryption key information to the permission display system at a time different from the transfer of the encryption information.
[C15]
[C13] or [C14] The apparatus of [C13] or [C14], further comprising means for indicating a time interval in which the encryption key information is valid and that the key is only used during this interval.
[C16]
[C15] The apparatus of [C15], further comprising means for overwriting the encryption key information in a storage location after the time interval has expired.
[C17]
At least one that is detectable if the image or audio information is displayed at a rate that is substantially different from the normal rate without being noticed as being perceived during display of the decompressed image information at a normal transfer rate defined in advance. The apparatus of any one of [C] above, further comprising means for adding two watermarks.
[C18]
The apparatus of [C17], wherein the watermark identifies both a display time and a place for image or audio information.
[C19]
The apparatus of any of [C] above, further comprising a modulation and transmission system through which compressed information is generated to transfer compressed information between the central mechanism and the display system.
[C20]
[C19] The apparatus of [C19], wherein the transfer includes broadcasting the compressed information to any one or more of a plurality of spectator seats so that multiple information can be displayed at different spectator seats at different times.
[C21]
[C19] or [C20], wherein the transmission bit rate of the compressed information is not equal to the bit rate at which the information is compressed.
[C22]
The apparatus of [C19], [C20] or [C20], wherein the transmission bit rate of the compressed information is equal to the bit rate at which the information is compressed.
[C23]
The apparatus according to any one of [C19 to 22], wherein the additional checksum information is added to the compressed information so that a block of transmission information in which a transmission error occurs can be detected.
[C24]
The transfer means includes at least one satellite, and the device monitors the characteristics of the satellite channel used to transfer the compressed information so that adjustment of the transfer characteristics of the satellite channel can maintain a desired characteristic level. The apparatus of any of [C19-23], further comprising at least one satellite receiver terminal located in the central facility.
[C25]
The apparatus of any one of [C] above, further comprising a bi-directional transfer link disposed between the central mechanism and a display system through which data is exchanged.
[C26]
The device of [C25], wherein the data is used for cryptographic security purposes.
[C27]
The apparatus of [C25] or [C26], wherein the data includes data used to request retransmission of compressed information received by a display system having an error.
[C28]
The apparatus of [C27], further comprising means for retransmitting compressed information received at the display system having an error over the bi-directional link.
[C29]
The device of any of [C25-C28], wherein the data includes various monitor and control inputs and commands transmitted between the central facility and a display system.
[C30]
The apparatus of any one of [C] above, further comprising a network management system for managing a network of the display system to display images viewed at an authorized time and place.
[C31]
[C30] The apparatus in which the network management system controls the operation of each display system.
[C32]
The apparatus of any preceding [C] above, wherein each display system comprises a theater having at least one auditorium.
[C33]
[C32] The apparatus of [C32], wherein the compressed information is broadcast to a preselected spectator seat in a plurality of spectator seats of the theater complex at a given time.
[C34]
The apparatus of [C32] or [C33], further comprising at least one decoder or decryptor integrated with each image projector in the spectator seat to prevent eavesdropping and copying of images.
[C35]
[C14] or [C15-34] further comprising means for detecting a physical intrusion into the projection system for the auditorium system and deleting cryptographic key information whenever such intrusion is detected Any device.
[C36]
At least one theater includes a complex of spectator seats, and the central storage system provides compressed information of a single image program with a pre-selected programmable offset at a time relative to each other in the spectator seats. The device of either [C32] or [C33-35] configured to transfer to a different spectator seat.
[C37]
[C36] The apparatus of [C36], wherein the pre-selected programmable offset is displayed at approximately the same time as the single image program in different spectator seats in the spectator seats.
[C38]
Either [C32] or [C33-37], further comprising a central theater storage system that stores compressed information that should be used to create a display event at one or more spectator seats Equipment.
[C39]
The apparatus of [C38], wherein the central theater storage system includes a data storage bank shared by a plurality of spectators.
[C40]
The data storage bank is
An array of magnetic media storage devices; and
[C39]. The apparatus of [C39], comprising: storing different pre-selected portions of compressed information in different devices in said device and means for using parity information to combine into a single display system in a search.
[C41]
The apparatus of [C40], wherein the central theater storage system strips received information in the array of storage devices in parallel to provide a desired data rate and error protection redundancy.
[C42]
The apparatus of [C40] or [C41], further comprising means for storing a history of viewing the permission program displayed on the spectator seat and reporting the history to the central mechanism.
[C43]
The apparatus according to any one of [C30] or [C31-42], further including a theater management system that controls the operation and monitors the audience seats in the theater complex.
[C44]
The theater management system further includes program control means for creating data indicative of a program set from data indicative of one or more received individual image programs scheduled for display on the auditorium system during an authorization interval. [C43].
[C45]
The apparatus of [C43] or [C44], further comprising means for automatically distributing, storing and displaying the program under programmable control from the central mechanism.
[C46]
The apparatus of [C43], [C44], or [C45], further comprising means for automatically distributing, storing and displaying the program under programmable control from a control element remote from the central mechanism .
[C47]
The apparatus of any of [C43-46], further comprising means for controlling a predetermined preselected network operation from a location remote from the central mechanism.
[C48]
[C43-47] The apparatus of any of [C43-47], further comprising a local theater network system that distributes stored information to one or more of the plurality of spectator seats for display to the audience.
[C49]
The apparatus of any one of [C] above, wherein the image information is provided in the form of an image program in the form of either a single still frame or a series of frames shown as a movie of varying length.
[C50]
The transfer means is
Means for storing compressed digital information in the central mechanism;
Means for retrieving the information stored in a transportable storage medium for physical distribution to the display system;
The apparatus according to any one of the above [C], including means for retrieving the information stored in the medium and transferring the information to the display system storage device.
[C51]
The apparatus of [C50], further comprising means for recording on the medium of the central mechanism.
[C52]
The apparatus of [C50] or [C51], further comprising means for recording on the medium of the display system.
[C53]
A method for distributing to a place to view digitized image information in a still or moving image format, comprising:
Receiving and compressing the digitized image information according to a preselected format at at least one central mechanism;
Transferring the resulting compressed image information to one or more remote display systems;
Receiving and storing image information transferred for display on each display system at at least one preselected time;
Distribute the stored compressed image information to one or more decompression systems;
Decompress the transferred image information with each decompression system,
The expanded image information is received by at least one connected projection system, and the visible image is displayed to one or more viewers based on the received information.
[C54]
The method of [C53], wherein the compressed image information and the audio information are stored so as not to be adjacent to each other regardless of each other.
[C55]
The method of [C53] or [C54], wherein the step of compressing the information is performed remotely from the central mechanism.
[C56]
Any of the methods [C53-55] for generating an image in a digital format using a digital image generation system.
[C57]
The method of [C56], wherein an image from the digital image generation system is captured, compressed, and transferred to a preselected authorization display system via the central mechanism substantially simultaneously with digitization of the image.
[C58]
The method of any of [C53-57], further comprising storing compressed image information and audio information in the central mechanism for transfer at a later predetermined time.
[C59]
The at least one central mechanism is further configured to receive and compress digitized audio information according to a preselected format; and
Distribute stored compressed audio information to one or more decompression systems;
The transferred audio information is decompressed by each decompression system,
The apparatus of any of [C52-58], wherein the expanded audio information is received by at least one connected audio system and the expanded audio information is provided to one or more listeners based on the received information.
[C60]
The method of [C59], wherein the step of compressing the digitized audio information occurs at a variable rate.
[C61]
Image information time separated from related images using an identifier so that one or more preselected audio programs can be combined with at least one preselected image program as desired for display. The method of [C59] or [C60], further comprising compressing and transferring an audio program associated with the.
[C62]
The method of [C59], [C60], or [C61], wherein each of the audio programs includes a plurality of audio tracks represented by the same image program during different display events.
[C63]
The method of any of [C53-62], wherein the step of compressing the digitized image information occurs at a variable rate.
[C64]
The method of any of [C53-63], further comprising encrypting the information with the central mechanism and decrypting the resulting encrypted information.
[C65]
The method of [C64], further comprising storing encryption key information necessary for decryption and transferring the encryption key information to the permission display system at a time different from the transfer of the encryption information.
[C66]
The method of [C64] further comprising indicating a time interval in which the encryption key information is valid and ensuring that the key is only used during this interval.
[C67]
The method of [C66], further comprising overwriting the encryption key information in a storage location after the time interval has expired.
[C68]
Detectable when the image or audio information is displayed at a speed substantially different from the normal speed without being noticed as if there is a perception during the display of the decompressed image information or audio information at a normal transfer speed defined in advance. The method of any of [C53-67], further comprising adding at least one watermark.
[C69]
The method of [C68] constructing the watermark that identifies both display time and location for image or audio information.
[C70]
The method of any of [C53-69], further comprising modulating and transmitting compressed information via a wireless communication link between the central mechanism and the display system.
[C71]
The method of [C70], comprising: broadcasting the compressed information to any one or more of a plurality of theater seats and simultaneously displaying a plurality of information on different seats.
[C72]
The method of [C70] or [C71] comprising using a transmission bit rate for compressed information that is not equal to a bit rate at which the information is compressed.
[C73]
The method of [C70], [C71] or [C72] comprising using a transmission bit rate for compressed information equal to a bit rate at which the information is compressed.
[C74]
The method according to any one of [C70 to 73], including adding additional checksum information added to the compressed information so that a block of transmission information in which a transmission error occurs can be detected.
[C75]
Using at least one satellite for transferring signals to the display system;
At least one satellite receiver terminal is grouped together at the central mechanism, and adjusting the transfer characteristics of the satellite channel is used to transfer compressed information with it so that the desired characteristic level can be maintained. Monitoring the characteristics of the satellite channel. [C70-74].
[C76]
The method of any of [C53-75], further comprising exchanging data via a bi-directional transfer link disposed between the central facility and the display system.
[C77]
The method of [C76] comprising using the exchange data for cryptographic security purposes.
[C78]
The method of [C76] or [C77] for requesting retransmission of compressed information received by a display system having an error.
[C79]
The method of [C78], further comprising retransmitting compressed information received at the display system having an error over the bi-directional link.
[C80]
The method of any of [C76-79], wherein the data includes various monitor and control inputs and commands transmitted between the central facility and a display system.
[C81]
[C53-80] The method according to any one of [C53-80], further including a network management system that performs operation control of each display system and manages a network of the display system to display an image to be viewed at a permitted time and place.
[C82]
The method of any of [C53-81] comprising configuring each display system as a theater having at least one auditorium.
[C83]
The method of [C82] comprising broadcasting the compressed information to a preselected spectator seat in a plurality of spectator seats of the theater complex at a given time.
[C84]
Either [C65] or [C66-88] further comprising detecting a physical intrusion into the projection system for the auditorium system and deleting the encryption key information whenever such intrusion is detected The method of crab.
[C85]
Transfer the compressed information of a single image program from the central storage system with pre-selected programmable offsets at relative times to different spectator seats in the spectator seats of a complex of spectator seats in a theater [C82], [C83], or [C84].
[C86]
The method of [C85] comprising reducing the preselected programmable offset to be approximately zero such that the single image program is displayed at approximately the same time in different spectator seats of the spectator seat.
[C87]
The method of [C82] or [C83], further storing compressed information that should be used to create a display event at one or more spectator seats in the central theater storage system.
[C88]
The method of [C87] comprising using an array of magnetic media storage devices as the central theater storage system.
[C89]
The method of [C88], comprising using parity information to combine different preselected portions of stored compressed information into a single representation of different devices and searches within the device.
[C90]
The method of [C88] or [C89] comprising removing received information in the array of storage devices in parallel to provide a desired data rate and error protection redundancy.
[C91]
The method of [C88], [C89], or [C90], further comprising storing a history of viewing the permission program displayed on the spectator seat and reporting the history to the central mechanism.
[C92]
Further comprising creating a set of programs in the theater management system from one or more received individual image programs and audio information scheduled for display on a spectator system during an authorization interval [C53-91]. Either way.
[C93]
The method of [C92], further comprising automatically distributing, storing, and displaying the program under programmable control from the central facility.
[C94]
The method of [C92] or [C93] further comprising controlling a predetermined preselected network operation from a location remote from the central mechanism.
[C95]
The method of [C92], “C93”, or [C94] further comprising delivering the stored information to one or more of the plurality of audience seating locations for display to the audience via the local theater network system .
[C96]
The method of any of [C53-95], further comprising providing image information in the form of an image program in the form of either a single still frame or a series of frames shown as varying length movies.
[C97]
The transfer step includes
Storing compressed digital information in the central mechanism;
Retrieving the information stored in a transportable storage medium for physical distribution to the display system;
The method of any of [C53-96] comprising retrieving the information stored on the medium and transferring it to the display system storage device.
[C98]
The method of [C97], further comprising recording on the medium of the central mechanism.
[C99]
The method of [C97], further comprising recording on the medium of the display system.
[C100]
An apparatus for transmitting data representing an image to a selected location, comprising:
Input part for receiving image data,
A data compressor for compressing the image data;
A data encryptor for encrypting the image data to include data identifying the selected location of the encrypted data and requiring data defining an encryption key capable of decrypting the data;
A transmitter for transmitting the encrypted data via a transmission medium, the encryption system is arranged to output the data defining the encryption key for independently transferring the encrypted data.
[C101]
The apparatus according to [C100], wherein the data defining the encryption key is an output for transmission at a time different from that of the encrypted data.
[C102]
The reproduction of the image at the selected place should be permitted for a predetermined period, and an encryption key for transmission is output immediately before the start of the predetermined period. [C100] or [C101] apparatus.
[C103]
The apparatus according to [C102], wherein the encryption key is configured to restrict reproduction only for a predetermined period.
[C104]
The apparatus according to any one of [C] above, wherein the encrypted data is broadcast via a broadcast medium.
[C105]
The apparatus according to any one of [C] above, wherein the encrypted data is transferred via a medium different from the transmission medium.
[C106]
The apparatus of any one of [C] above, wherein the data encryptor is configured to add a watermark to the encrypted data.
[C107]
The apparatus of [C106], wherein the watermark includes data in the encrypted data that indicates a location-specific and / or time-specific identifier of a pseudo-random location of the image.
[C108]
The apparatus of [C107], wherein the watermark is configured to indicate a permitted location and time for displaying an image indicated by the encrypted data.
[C109]
The apparatus of any one of [C] above, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit encrypted data via a broadcast transmission medium.
[C110]
The apparatus of any of [C] above, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the encrypted data at a transmission rate determined by the characteristics of the image and the characteristics of the transmission medium indicated thereby.
[C111]
An apparatus for displaying an image indicated by data transmitted via a transmission medium, comprising:
A receiver for receiving encrypted data transmitted through a transmission medium and indicating an image for display and receiving data indicating an encryption key;
A decoder for decrypting the encrypted data using the encryption key;
A plurality of image display devices,
A distribution network that distributes the decoded data to selected image display devices during a display event.
[C112]
The apparatus according to [C111], wherein the data defining the encryption key is received at a different time from the encrypted data.
[C113]
The encryption key is configured to restrict reproduction only for a predetermined period, and the decoder is configured to decrypt the data only during the predetermined period according to the encryption key The device according to [C111] or [C112].
[C114]
The apparatus according to any one of [C111 to 113], wherein the encrypted data is selectively received from a broadcast medium.
[C115]
The apparatus according to any one of [C111 to 114], wherein the encryption key is received from a medium different from the transmission medium.
[C116]
Any of [C111 to 115] further includes a management processor that measures a characteristic parameter of the received signal and outputs a request for retransmission of a part of the encrypted data when the characteristic parameter decreases below a predetermined value. A device according to the above.
[C117]
The apparatus according to any of [C111-116], configured to compare a digital signature of a portion of the encrypted data and to request a partial retransmission if the digital signature is incorrect. .
[C118]
The apparatus of [C117], wherein the management processor is configured to replace a portion of encrypted data having an incorrect digital signature with a portion having an accurate digital signature once the same is retransmitted. .
[C119]
The device of any of [C111-117], further comprising a storage device array for storing the decoded data for subsequent distribution to the selected digital device.
[C120]
The device according to any one of [C111 to 119], wherein the data is distributed to a plurality of display devices that simultaneously display the image.
[C121]
The device according to any one of [C111 to 119], wherein the data is distributed to a plurality of display devices that display the image with a relative time delay.
[C122]
The storage device is configured to store encrypted data prior to a predetermined period, and the decoder receives the encrypted data from the storage device for displaying the image indicated thereby for a predetermined period of time; The apparatus of [C119], subordinate to [C113], configured to decode.
[C123]
The apparatus according to any one of [C111 to 122], further including a recorder that records a history of display events.

Claims (123)

A device that distributes digitized image information to the viewing location, comprising:
At least one central mechanism for receiving and compressing digitized image information according to a preselected format;
Means for transferring the obtained compressed image information for one or more remote display systems, wherein each display system comprises:
Means for receiving and storing transferred image information for display at at least one preselected time;
Means for distributing stored compressed image information to one or more decompression systems;
Means for decompressing the transferred image information in each decompression system;
At least one projection system connected to receive decompressed image information and to provide visible information displayed thereby as a display event;   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the compressed image information is stored so as not to be adjacent.   Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compression of information is performed remotely from the central mechanism.   Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a digital image generation system for generating an image in digital format.   The apparatus of claim 4, wherein an image from the generator is captured, compressed, and transferred in real time to a pre-selected authorization display system by the central mechanism substantially simultaneously with digitization of the image.   The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising means for storing compressed image information in the central mechanism for transfer at a later predetermined time. The at least one central mechanism is configured to receive and compress digitized audio information according to a preselected format, and each display system is stored for one or more decompression systems A means of distributing information;
Means for decompressing the transferred audio information in each decompression system;
The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising at least one sound system connected to receive decompressed audio information and to provide audio that is shown as part of the display event.   8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the compression of the digitized audio information occurs at a variable rate.   Image information time separated from related images using an identifier so that one or more preselected audio programs can be combined with at least one preselected image program as desired for display. 9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising means for compressing and transferring an audio program associated with the.   10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each of said audio programs includes a plurality of audio tracks such that they are shown with the same image program during different display events.   The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the compression of the digitized image information occurs at a variable rate.   The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising means for encrypting the information, and wherein the display system further comprises means for decrypting the encrypted information.   13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising means for supplying encryption key information necessary for decrypting the information to the permission display system at a time different from the encrypted information itself.   13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising means for storing encryption key information required for decryption and transferring to the authorization display system at a time separate from the transfer of encryption information.   15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, further comprising means for indicating a time interval during which the encryption key information is valid and ensuring that the key is only used during this interval.   The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising means for overwriting the encryption key information in a storage location after the time interval has expired.   At least one that is detectable if the image or audio information is displayed at a rate that is substantially different from the normal rate without being noticed as being perceived during display of the decompressed image information at a normal transfer rate defined in advance. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising means for adding one watermark.   18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the watermark identifies both display time and location for image or audio information.   The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a modulation and transmission system through which a compressed communication information is transferred between the central mechanism and the display system.   20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the transfer includes broadcasting the compressed information to any one or more of a plurality of spectator seats so that multiple information can be displayed at different spectator seats at different times.   21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, wherein the transmission bit rate of the compressed information is not equal to the bit rate at which the information is compressed.   21. The apparatus of claim 19, 20 or 20, wherein a transmission bit rate of compressed information is equal to a bit rate at which the information is compressed.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the additional checksum information is added to the compressed information so that a block of transmission information in which a transmission error occurs can be detected.   The transfer means includes at least one satellite, and the device monitors the characteristics of the satellite channel used to transfer the compressed information so that adjustment of the transfer characteristics of the satellite channel can maintain a desired characteristic level. 24. The apparatus of any of claims 19-23, further comprising at least one co-located satellite receiver terminal in the central facility.   The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a bi-directional transfer link disposed between the central mechanism and a display system through which data is exchanged.   26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the data is used for cryptographic security purposes.   27. The apparatus of claim 25 or 26, wherein the data comprises data used to request retransmission of compressed information received at a display system having an error.   28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising means for retransmitting compressed information received at the display system having an error over the bi-directional link.   29. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 28, wherein the data includes various monitor and control inputs and commands transmitted between the central facility and a display system.   The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a network management system for managing a network of display systems to display images viewed at authorized times and locations.   32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the network management system controls operation of each display system.   The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein each display system comprises a theater having at least one auditorium.   33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the compressed information is broadcast to a preselected spectator seat in a plurality of spectator seats of the theater complex at a given time.   34. The apparatus of claim 32 or 33, further comprising at least one decoder or decryptor integrated with each image projector in the spectator seat to prevent eavesdropping and copying of images.   35. The method of claim 14 or claims 15-34, further comprising means for detecting a physical intrusion into a projection system for a spectator system and deleting cryptographic key information whenever such intrusion is detected. Any device.   At least one theater includes a complex of spectator seats, and the central storage system provides compressed information of a single image program with a pre-selected programmable offset at a time relative to each other in the spectator seats. 36. Apparatus according to claim 32 or any of claims 33 to 35, configured to transfer to a different spectator seat.   37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the preselected programmable offset is displayed at about the same time that the single image program is displayed at different spectator seats in the spectator seat.   38. A central theater storage system that further stores compressed information that is to be used to create a display event at one or more spectator seats, or any of claims 33-37. Equipment.   39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the central theater storage system includes a data storage bank shared by a plurality of auditoriums. The data storage bank is
An array of magnetic media storage devices; and
40. The apparatus of claim 39, comprising: means for using parity information to combine different pre-selected portions of compressed information into a single display system in a different device in storage and retrieval.   41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the central theater storage system strips received information in the array of storage devices in parallel to provide a desired data rate and error protection redundancy.   42. The apparatus of claim 40 or 41, further comprising means for storing a history of viewing the permission program displayed at the spectator seat and reporting the history to the central facility.   43. An apparatus according to any of claims 30 or 31 to 42, further comprising a theater management system that controls operation and monitors spectator seats in the theater complex.   The theater management system further includes program control means for creating data indicative of a program set from data indicative of one or more received individual image programs scheduled for display on the auditorium system during an authorization interval. 45. The apparatus of claim 43.   45. The apparatus of claim 43 or 44, further comprising means for automatically distributing, storing and displaying the program under programmable control from the central facility.   46. The apparatus of claim 43, 44, or 45, further comprising means for automatically distributing, storing and displaying the program under programmable control from a control element remote from the central mechanism.   47. Apparatus according to any of claims 43 to 46, further comprising means for controlling predetermined preselected network operations from a location remote from the central mechanism.   48. The apparatus of any of claims 43-47, further comprising a local theater network system that distributes stored information to one or more of a plurality of spectator seats for display to a spectator.   Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the image information is provided in the form of an image program in the form of either a single still frame or a series of frames shown as a varying length movie. The transfer means is
Means for storing compressed digital information in the central mechanism;
Means for retrieving the information stored in a transportable storage medium for physical distribution to the display system;
Means for retrieving the information stored on the medium and transferring it to the display system storage device.   51. The apparatus of claim 50, further comprising means for recording on the medium of the central mechanism.   52. The apparatus of claim 50 or 51, further comprising means for recording on the medium of the display system. A method for distributing to a place to view digitized image information in a still or moving image format, comprising:
Receiving and compressing the digitized image information according to a preselected format at at least one central mechanism;
Transferring the resulting compressed image information to one or more remote display systems;
Receiving and storing image information transferred for display on each display system at at least one preselected time;
Distribute the stored compressed image information to one or more decompression systems;
Decompress the transferred image information with each decompression system,
The expanded image information is received by at least one connected projection system, and the visible image is displayed to one or more viewers based on the received information.   54. The method of claim 53, wherein the compressed image information and audio information are stored so as not to be adjacent to each other independently.   55. The method of claim 53 or 54, wherein the step of compressing the information is performed remotely from the central mechanism.   56. A method according to any of claims 53 to 55, wherein a digital image generation system is used to generate an image in digital format.   57. The method of claim 56, wherein an image from the digital image generation system is captured, compressed, and transferred to a preselected authorization display system via the central mechanism substantially simultaneously with digitization of the image.   58. The method of any of claims 53-57, further comprising storing compressed image information and audio information in the central mechanism for transfer at a later predetermined time. The at least one central mechanism is further configured to receive and compress digitized audio information according to a preselected format; and
Distribute the stored compressed audio information to one or more decompression systems, decompress the transferred audio information in each decompression system,
59. The apparatus of any of claims 52-58, wherein the expanded audio information is received by at least one connected audio system and the expanded audio information is provided to one or more listeners based on the received information.   60. The method of claim 59, wherein the step of compressing the digitized audio information occurs at a variable rate.   Image information time separated from related images using an identifier so that one or more preselected audio programs can be combined with at least one preselected image program as desired for display. 61. The method of claim 59 or 60, further comprising compressing and transferring the audio program associated with the.   62. The method of claim 59, 60, or 61, wherein each of said audio programs includes a plurality of audio tracks that are shown with the same image program during different display events.   63. A method according to any of claims 53 to 62, wherein the step of compressing the digitized image information occurs at a variable rate.   64. The method of any of claims 53-63, further comprising encrypting the information with the central mechanism and decrypting the resulting encrypted information.   65. The method of claim 64, further comprising storing encryption key information necessary for decryption and transferring to the authorization display system at a time separate from the transfer of encryption information.   68. The method of claim 64, further comprising indicating a time interval during which the encryption key information is valid and ensuring that the key is only used during this interval.   68. The method of claim 66, further comprising overwriting the encryption key information in a storage location after the time interval has expired.   Detectable when the image or audio information is displayed at a speed substantially different from the normal speed without being noticed as if there is a perception during the display of the decompressed image information or audio information at a normal transfer speed defined in advance. 68. The method of any of claims 53-67, further comprising adding at least one watermark.   69. The method of claim 68, wherein the watermark identifying both display time and location for image or audio information.   70. The method of any of claims 53-69, further comprising modulating and transmitting compressed information between the central facility and the display system via a wireless communication link.   71. The method of claim 70, comprising broadcasting the compressed information to any one or more of a plurality of theater spectators and simultaneously displaying a plurality of information on different spectators.   72. The method of claim 70 or 71 comprising using a transmission bit rate for compressed information that is not equal to a bit rate at which the information is compressed.   73. The method of claim 70, 71 or 72, comprising using a transmission bit rate for compressed information equal to the bit rate at which the information is compressed.   74. The method according to claim 70, further comprising adding additional checksum information added to the compressed information so that a block of transmission information in which a transmission error occurs can be detected. Using at least one satellite for transferring signals to the display system;
At least one satellite receiver terminal is grouped together at the central mechanism, and adjusting the transfer characteristics of the satellite channel is used to transfer compressed information with it so that the desired characteristic level can be maintained. 75. A method according to any of claims 70 to 74, comprising monitoring the characteristics of the satellite channel.   76. The method of any of claims 53-75, further comprising exchanging data via a bi-directional transfer link disposed between the central facility and a display system.   77. The method of claim 76, comprising using the exchange data for cryptographic security purposes.   78. A method according to claim 76 or 77, requesting retransmission of compressed information received at a display system having an error.   79. The method of claim 78, further comprising retransmitting compressed information received at the display system having an error over the bi-directional link.   80. A method as claimed in any of claims 76 to 79, wherein the data includes various monitor and control inputs and commands transmitted between the central facility and a display system.   81. The method of any of claims 53-80, further comprising a network management system that controls operation of each display system and manages a network of display systems to display images viewed at authorized times and locations.   82. The method of any of claims 53-81, comprising configuring each display system as a theater having at least one spectator seat.   83. The method of claim 82, comprising broadcasting the compressed information to preselected spectators in a plurality of spectators of the theater complex at a given time.   69. Any of claims 65 or 66-88, further comprising detecting a physical intrusion into the projection system for the auditorium system and deleting encryption key information whenever such intrusion is detected. The method of crab.   Transfer the compressed information of a single image program from the central storage system with pre-selected programmable offsets at relative times to different spectator seats in the spectator seats of a complex of spectator seats in a theater 85. The method of claim 82, 83, or 84, further comprising:   86. The method of claim 85, comprising reducing the preselected programmable offset to be approximately zero such that the single image program is displayed at approximately the same time in different spectator seats.   84. The method of claim 82 or 83, further storing compressed information that is to be used to create a display event at one or more spectator seats of the central theater storage system.   88. The method of claim 87, comprising using an array of magnetic media storage devices as the central theater storage system.   90. The method of claim 88, comprising using parity information to combine different preselected portions of stored compressed information into a single representation of different devices and searches within the device.   90. The method of claim 88 or 89, comprising removing received information in the array of storage devices in parallel to provide a desired data rate and error protection redundancy.   93. The method of claim 88, 89, or 90, further comprising storing a history of viewing a permission program displayed at the spectator seat and reporting the history to the central facility.   92. The method further comprising: creating a program set in the theater management system from one or more received individual image programs and audio information scheduled for display on a spectator system during an authorization interval. Either way.   94. The method of claim 92, further comprising automatically distributing, storing and displaying the program under programmable control from the central facility.   94. The method of claim 92 or 93 further comprising controlling a predetermined preselected network operation from a location remote from the central mechanism.   95. The method of claim 92, 93, or 94, further comprising distributing the stored information to one or more of the plurality of auditorium locations for display to the audience via the local theater network system.   96. A method according to any of claims 53 to 95, further comprising providing image information in the form of an image program in the form of either a single still frame or a series of frames shown as varying length movies. The transfer step includes
Storing compressed digital information in the central mechanism;
Retrieving the information stored in a transportable storage medium for physical distribution to the display system;
97. The method of any of claims 53-96, comprising retrieving the information stored on the medium and transferring it to the display system storage device.   98. The method of claim 97, further comprising recording on the medium of the central mechanism.   98. The method of claim 97, further comprising recording on the medium of the display system. An apparatus for transmitting data representing an image to a selected location, comprising:
Input part for receiving image data,
A data compressor for compressing the image data;
A data encryptor for encrypting the image data to include data identifying the selected location of the encrypted data and requiring data defining an encryption key capable of decrypting the data;
A transmitter for transmitting the encrypted data via a transmission medium, the encryption system is arranged to output the data defining the encryption key for independently transferring the encrypted data.   101. The apparatus of claim 100, wherein the data defining the encryption key is an output for transmission at a different time than the encrypted data.   102. The apparatus according to claim 100 or 101, wherein reproduction of the image at a selected location should be permitted for a predetermined period, and an encryption key for transmission is output immediately before the start of the predetermined period.   105. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the encryption key is configured to limit playback only for a predetermined period.   The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the encrypted data is broadcast via a broadcast medium.   The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the encrypted data is transferred via a medium different from the transmission medium.   The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the data encryptor is configured to add a watermark to the encrypted data.   107. The apparatus of claim 106, wherein the watermark includes data in the encrypted data indicating a location-specific and / or time-specific identifier of a pseudo-random location of the image.   108. The apparatus of claim 107, wherein the watermark is configured to indicate an authorized location and time for displaying an image indicated by the encrypted data.   The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit encrypted data over a broadcast transmission medium.   The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitter is configured to transmit the encrypted data at a transmission rate determined by the characteristics of the image and the characteristics of the transmission medium indicated thereby. An apparatus for displaying an image indicated by data transmitted via a transmission medium, comprising:
A receiver for receiving encrypted data transmitted through a transmission medium and indicating an image for display and receiving data indicating an encryption key;
A decoder for decrypting the encrypted data using the encryption key;
A plurality of image display devices,
A distribution network that distributes the decoded data to selected image display devices during a display event.   112. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the data defining the encryption key is received at a different time than the encrypted data.   The encryption key is configured to restrict reproduction only for a predetermined period, and the decoder is configured to decrypt the data only during the predetermined period according to the encryption key 113. Apparatus according to claim 111 or 112.   114. The apparatus according to any of claims 111 to 113, wherein the encrypted data is selectively received from a broadcast medium.   115. The apparatus according to any of claims 111 to 114, wherein the encryption key is received from a medium different from the transmission medium.   116. The management processor according to any one of claims 111 to 115, further comprising a management processor that measures a characteristic parameter of the received signal and outputs a request for retransmission of a part of the encrypted data when the characteristic parameter decreases below a predetermined value. A device according to the above.   117. The apparatus of any of claims 111-116, configured to compare a digital signature of a portion of the encrypted data and to request a partial retransmission if the digital signature is incorrect. .   118. The apparatus of claim 117, wherein the management processor is configured to replace a portion of encrypted data having an incorrect digital signature with a portion having an accurate digital signature once the same is retransmitted. .   118. The apparatus of any of claims 111-117, further comprising a storage array that stores decoded data for subsequent distribution to selected digital devices.   120. Apparatus according to any of claims 111 to 119, wherein the data is distributed to a plurality of display devices that simultaneously display the image.   120. Apparatus according to any of claims 111 to 119, wherein the data is distributed to a plurality of display devices for displaying the image with a relative time delay thereon.   The storage device is configured to store encrypted data prior to a predetermined period, and the decoder receives the encrypted data from the storage device for displaying the image indicated thereby for a predetermined period of time; 120. The apparatus of claim 119 when dependent on claim 113, configured to decode.   123. The apparatus according to any of claims 111 to 122, further comprising a recorder that records a history of display events.

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