KR100671188B1 - Apparatus and method for distributing high quality image and audio programs remotely - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides for the distribution of high quality audio or video programs from one or more central hubs (102) to one or more theater locations (56, 104) such as theaters using high-speed links such as satellites (106). An apparatus and method are provided. In the central hub 102, the source generation system 108 generates an electronic program signal from the analog signal, and the compression / encryption system 110 codes the electronic signal, encrypts it with a digital signal, and modulates / transmits the system 114. ) Processes the signal via satellite 106. At central hub 102, network management system 112 controls hub operation. At the theater 56 or other location, the receiver / demodulator 120 receives the program signal transmitted using the satellite 106. The theater management system 122 then controls the storage, delivery, decoding, and display of the received program. Storage arrays 124A-124N in theater systems 104A-104N provide a central repository of programs. The program is delivered to the designated seats through the local area network, and some seats operate within the theater systems 104A-104N. In each audience, the program is decompressed and decrypted for display using the electronic projection device 132A and the standard audience sound system 134A.

Remote program distribution system

Description

Apparatus and method for distributing high quality image and audio programs to remote locations {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTION OF HIGH QUALITY IMAGE AND AUDIO PROGRAMS TO REMOTE LOCATIONS}

The present invention relates to electronic audio / visual processing. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for distributing still or motion type digital image and audio information to various locations for presentation. The invention also relates to the coding, encryption, transmission, storage, decompression, decryption and playback of high definition electronic audio / visual programming from a central facility to multiple display projectors or screening programs.

For decades, the video industry has relied on the reproduction, distribution, and projection of celluloid films to deliver creative programming materials to geographically diverse theaters in the country and the world. In general, methods and mechanisms for the distribution of this film material have changed little over the decades.

The current film replication and distribution process is shown in FIG. Typically, film duplication starts with exceptional quality camera negative. In film studio 50, film editor 52 makes a master film copy after the process for making the original film. From this master film copy, film replica element 54 makes what is called a distribution negative, from which negative distribution prints (known as "positive") are made in large quantities. Depending on the size of the release or the number of copies required for the distribution of the film, there may be additional intermediate steps or multiple copies made at each step. Film quantifications are distributed by courier or other physical means to the various theaters as illustrated by theater 56. In the theater 56, the movie is displayed by projecting images using the film projector 58 from the film to the display screen. In this conventional system, in general, a plurality of track audio programs are generated by the audio editing system 51 and printed together with the moving image images on the film so that the soundtrack is synchronized with the moving image in the theater projection system. Can be played on the sound system 57.

Although the distribution process shown in FIG. 1 works well, there are inherent limitations. Due to the use of celluloid materials for film and the bandwidth limitations of film media, the ability to provide high fidelity multi-channel audio programming is limited. In addition, high costs are required to mark a large number of film replicas, which can cost hundreds of dollars for each popular movie length film. In addition, there are problems of cost, complexity, and delays associated with physically distributing large amounts of celluloid film to larger and more growing theater areas. In addition, the development of so-called "multiplex" theater areas where multiple projection auditors are located or concentrated in one theater area is on the rise in the movie theater industry. At the same time as other videos are being shown in different projection audiences in the multiplex complex, each projection auditorium may also be showing the movie.

Because of the large number of copies made, it is increasingly difficult to prevent the illegal copying and theft of these materials. In the film industry, revenue losses from privacy and theft are estimated to be billions of dollars annually. In addition, replicated data tends to deteriorate over time due to dust, abrasion, damage, thermal changes and other known factors. As a result, administrative and other expenses are associated with the ultimate damage to film material, which may include regulated harmful data.

Emerging technologies provide another way of addressing ongoing film distribution problems. For example, advances in digital technology have led to innovative distribution concepts where programming to be transmitted is electronically stored in digital format rather than optical film media. Digital images may be distributed on various magnetic media or compact optical disks, or transmitted via wired, optical fiber, wireless or satellite communication systems.

However, other distribution technologies, including digital methods, cannot provide image quality and projection brightness available with the use of celluloid films. Typically, comparable techniques include audio / visual (AV) signals recorded on various magnetic or optical media for display on video monitors, televisions or projection devices. These techniques do not provide the film quality because of bandwidth limitations.

Although satellite transmission methods are now available, they are currently not commercially available for the distribution of high quality AV data. Since the distribution of film programming is essentially a special type of broadcast to continental regions, ultimately, satellite distribution methods that have inherent advantages over such wide area broadcasting are suitable for film distribution. However, in order to transmit high quality AV signals in "real time", the data rate requirement (bits per second) is approximately 1.5 billion bits per second. This high data rate also requires the capacity of the entire satellite to transmit a single program, which is a huge expense. 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 are being developed to reduce the data rate requirement required to transfer very high quality electronic images. One digital dynamic image compression technique that can provide significant compression effects while maintaining the quality of the image signals is to utilize appropriately sized blocks and sub-blocks of encoded Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficient data. This technique is hereinafter referred to as the adaptive block size discrete cosine transform (ABSDCT) method. Adaptive block sizes are selected to take advantage of the redundancy that exists for information in a frame of 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. In addition, DCT techniques are 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 use of ABSDCT technology in conjunction with Discrete Quadtree Transform (DQT) technology has also been assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is entitled "Adaptive Block Size Image Compression Method And System" and is incorporated herein by reference. 5,452,104. The systems disclosed in these patents use intraframe encoding in which each frame of an image sequence is encoded regardless of the content of any other frames.

By using ABSDCT, the required data rate may be reduced from approximately 1.5 billion bits per second to approximately 50 million bits per second without noticeable quality degradation. In particular, assuming that such a single transmission can be received by hundreds or thousands of theater receivers over a given region or country, such a compressed digital data rate is a single satellite transponder (at a very reasonable price). may be easily transmitted using a transponder.

Indeed, the distribution of film information using digital electronic formats increases copying speed quickly and at low cost without compromising quality. In addition, along with the "easiness of duplication" associated with digital technology, there are encryption techniques that ensure that information is encoded in a way that prevents useful information from being distributed to unauthorized persons.

New technologies such as ABSDCT compression technology, advanced projection devices and electronic encryption methods offer the possibility of "digital cinema" systems. Generally defined digital cinema is concerned with the electronic distribution and display of the highest quality film programming that is transformed into digital electronic representations for storage, transmission and display. Digital cinema systems overcome many of the limitations of current film distribution processes. Using transmission methods such as satellite systems, the costs associated with copying and distributing film are greatly reduced. Digital systems do not readily exhibit quality degradation over time experienced by celluloid films. In addition, the digital system substantially eliminates theft and piracy of celluloid films and offers the possibility of performing security methods within the digital system itself. However, a complete digital cinema system has not been developed in the video industry or related industries.

Many issues and problems remain to be solved. New digital cinema systems will require enhanced protection formats to prevent theft from theaters. Theater complexes with multiple seats have been grown very largely to produce more complex screening schedules and to provide a large number of locations showing certain films, because of the more economical reason. This may require many additional electronic copies to be delivered to the theaters using current technologies in terms of complexity and operational costs.

Distribution channels and mechanisms are still defined by the old celluloid film copy and the distribution techniques described above. New technologies and devices have been developed to provide increased scheduling and distribution flexibility at a reasonable cost, while taking full advantage of the provided digital cinema processing, reducing copying, providing a quick release to the market, and updating the results in the unpacking. Required. At the same time, some filmmakers, studios and theater managers want to increase the centralized control of opening and distribution and expand into new markets. For example, there is a need to provide films and other audio visual presentations along with other soundtracks in order to increase markets for audiences in multiple or alternative languages in a more cost effective manner.

There is a need for a method of transfer and management of high quality image and audio programs to provide integration into certain systems of technology and to view large screens. What is needed is a system and method for the reliable transmission of high quality image and audio signals to designated theaters, the flexible scheduling of screening films and advertisements, the integration of high quality audio signals and the construction of a security method. These objects are achieved in the manner described below by the present invention.

The present invention relates to a system and method for electrically distributing high quality image and / or audio programming from one or more central functions to one or more presentation or theater systems. This apparatus and method provides for the coding and encryption of image and audio information, generally in the form of programming materials, central distribution of the material, and storage of the program in one or more seating or screening locations and a large screen display at a central hub. to provide. This program typically includes video images, time-synchronized audio programming, and / or visual cue tracks for visually impaired viewers, subtitles for foreign and / or deaf viewers, or multimedia time cue tracks. cue tracks). The program can be long term (such as a movie of a certain length), short term (such as a video trailer or commercial advertisement) or still image (such as an advertisement or announcement). The audio program and other related programs do not need to be time synchronized with the image information as in the case of background audio programming.

At the central hub, program information is processed for distribution. A source generation system disposed at either the central hub or at another location may be used to generate electronic audio and image signals from analog or digital inputs. In general, this source generation system includes a telecine for generating an electronic image signal, and an audio reader for generating an electronic audio signal. Alternatively, the electronic signal can be provided directly from another electronic source, such as an electronic camera or computer-based image generation system.

The electronic image and audio signal are then processed by the compression / encryption system. In addition, the compression / encryption system can be placed in either the same facility as the source generation system, such as a production studio, or either of the central hub. Known dynamic compression technology is used, and the compressed signal is transmitted via wired, optical fiber, wireless, or satellite communication system. The audio signal can be compressed using standard digital audio compression algorithms.

Encryption techniques include the use of time-varying electronic key values and / or digital control word sequences and are provided only to authorized receivers. In addition, digital signals or “watermarks” may be added to the image and / or audio signals. This watermark, ie theater and / or time specific image identifier, is not recognized by normal television viewers but can be used to identify the source of an unauthorized copy of a program if it is analyzed in real time or under still frame playback. . The decryption information necessary for decrypting the image and / or audio information is generated at the individual decoder unit using the secret information and secret seat specific key sent to the theater. In general, image and audio signals are individually encrypted. By processing the image and audio portions as separate programs, different audio programs can be merged with the image program for various reasons, such as language change.

The compressed and encrypted signal is provided to the modulation / transmission system at the central hub or hubs. The modulation / transmission technique generally adds error correction information first and demodulates the transmission data stream for transmission. In general, transmission is via satellite, although terrestrial cable, optical, or other wireless methods may also be used. The transmission rate of broadcast programming can be changed in such a way that information can be transmitted at a rate slower, faster, or at the same rate as the compressed data rate. The transmission of the live event program is maintained when 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 the overall operation of the system, including broadcast control, playback / display, security, and overall monitor / control and network management functions. The system can be operated centrally or in accordance with fully automatic, semi-automatic control distributed or by manual adjustment.

Under the control of the network management system, the program and additional control information are broadcast to the theater system. Even if all transmission programs are received, the theater system selectively stores only the reception programs designated for this theater system. The system includes a control method for notifying the same theater system as each broadcast program. In addition, a control method is provided for controlling the selective storage of each theater system of a receiving program.

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

The theater management system monitors the demodulated signal for errors and requires retransmission of the signal portion containing the error. The theater system uses a return link communication path (from the theater system to the central hub) to request retransmission. The return path may use a telephone network, satellite channels, the Internet, or other slow data communication methods.

Under control of the theater management system, the storage array in the theater system provides localized storage of programs. The storage array can be solid state, magnetic, or optical material and can store several programs at the same time. The central storage system is connected via a local area network (LAN) (electronic or optical) in such a way that a given program can be played and played on a given approved screening system. Also, the same program can be played simultaneously in two or more screening systems. The programming material is routed from the storage array to the designated seat (s) through a local area network (LAN) that can utilize various LAN structures. For this description, this summary assumes the use of a LAN that includes a central network switch configuration. However, other forms of LAN configuration are possible with this system.

Programming material is processed in the audience in real time during playback. Such processing includes data compression and secure decryption (or descrambling). This compression and decryption algorithm depends on the compression and encryption technology used at the central hub. Compressed / decrypted image signals are displayed through the projector in the auditorium, and audio signals are displayed through the electronic sound system.

In general, the theater management system controls all aspects of the projection operation, including storage of received programming, decompression and decryption of programming signals, and display of programming material. The programming is only received once in the theater system, but the program stored in the storage array can be played many times. The theater management system may control the number of playbacks and / or time periods allowed for each program. Alternatively, control of the screening process may occur locally in an electronic projector, wireless control unit, or may occur under central control by a hub or other centralized element. In addition, the theater management system may be configured to integrate projection operations with other theater operations, such as licensing, ticketing, promotions, signals, environmental control, lighting, sound system operations, and the like. Each theater system may include multiple seating systems that assign common storage and control functions for flexible and cost-effective screening options.

The use of digital encryption provides an embedded security mechanism for digital cinema systems. Encryption technology is used for end-to-end encrypted data transmission. That is, the image and / or audio information signal is encrypted in a source generation system (SGS) and decrypted directly in the seat of the theater system during playback. In addition to electronic security mechanisms, physical security mechanisms provide additional protection of programming material.
Physical security mechanisms are particularly important for securing decompressed / decrypted signals from "wiretaps" before displaying by projectors in theater systems. In a preferred embodiment, the decryption / decompression function cannot be removed without authorized access and is a secure standalone chassis (physically attached or inserted inside the projector in a manner that physically prevents the probing of the decrypted signal). housed in a self-contained chassis. In addition, intrusion into such a secure environment or chassis results in a process that begins with deleting or removing encryption key information or deleting or altering available digital data at the projection feed point to prevent copying.

Thus, as well as the necessary management facilities to monitor and control the system, as well as complete for compression, encryption, reliable transmission, storage, and playback of high quality programs from one or more central functions to one or more seats in complex theaters or other locations. A digital cinema system is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals corresponding throughout.

1 is a block diagram of a conventional film distribution system.

2 is a high-level block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the digital cinema system of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of a film-based source generation system.

4 is a block diagram of a compression / encryption system.

5 is a block diagram of a modulation / transmission system.

6 is a block diagram of a network management system.

7 is a block diagram of a co-located theater system.

8 is a block diagram illustrating hub internal network and central hub redundancy.

9 is a block diagram of a theater receiver / demodulator.

10 is a block diagram of a theater management system.

11 is a block diagram of a theater decoder system.

(Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments)

The present invention relates to multiple receiving stations (theater systems, theaters, complex theaters, or screening systems) from one or more central distribution points (called central hubs, central hub functions, or central hub stations), often referred to herein as "digital cinema". And electronic distribution systems and methods of high quality audio / visual programming such as video. Digital cinema systems integrate image and audio compression, projection technology, encryption methodologies, and many other ranges of innovation. A complete system is provided that can include devices for coding, encrypting, transmitting, storing, compressing, decrypting, and reproducing audio / visual material and controlling various functions of the system.

Digital cinemas are designed to replace conventional methods of physical distribution of film at each playback or projection location, such as a movie or remote seat. It eliminates the need for film duplication and film transfer to the theater by the delivery means. It offers the possibility of exceptional audio / visual characteristics as well as built-in security mechanisms. By transmitting audio and image carrying signals via satellites or other high-speed electronic media, digital cinema opens up the possibility for real-time broadcast of "live events" programming, such as sporting events and cinema-quality concerts. Provide more. Alternatively, the program is transferred to the theater and stored in a storage device such as a magnetic disk for later display.

delete

An exemplary digital cinema system of the present invention is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital cinema system 100 includes two main systems, namely at least one central function or hub 102 and at least one screening or cinema system 104 (104A-104N). In a preferred embodiment, signal transmission image information or data and audio data are broadcast or transmitted from the central function or hub 102 to the screening or theater system 104 using at least one satellite 106. Central hub 102 supports all theater systems 104 (104A-104N) that are within the transmission footprint of satellite 106 or are connected to a selected wireless, wired, or other high speed communication link. In general, a series of theaters or screening locations, such as outdoor amphitheaters, schools, specialty restaurants, and the like, form a location network that receives image or audio information using the system.

Although a single central facility or hub 102 is shown to process information, a backup hub facility may be desirable for increased network or distribution reliability. In addition, additional hubs 102 may be used with the same or different satellites 106 or other types of links to provide theater 104 or show location within the same area (or satellite footprint). This occurs where different hubs competing within a given service area are used by different film suppliers or other service providers to transmit different levels of programming and provide slightly different types of equipment. The present invention contemplates the use of multiple satellites and hubs, as required in the industry to provide various service levels.

Generally, one theater or screening system 104 (104A-104N) is used for each theater or screening location in a network of screening locations that receives image or audio information, which system is used in each screening audience. It includes a predetermined device as well as a predetermined central device. Satellite 106 may be, for example, a Ku-band geosynchronous satellite, although other frequency and satellite trajectories may be used. Various satellite systems and satellite transponders are known to provide this transmission based on desired location, cost and average capacity required.

In the central hub 102, the source generation system 108 provides the system with digitized electronic audio and image programs. Generally, source generation system 108 receives film material to generate a magnetic tape that includes digitized information or data. The film is digitally scanned at very high resolution to create a digital version of a movie or other program. Generally known "telecine" processes generate image information, and known digital audio conversion processing generates the audio portion of the program. This processed image need not be provided from film, but can be a series of frames or images, including those represented as variable-length moving images, or a single image or still frame type image. Such an image may be screened as a series or a set to produce what is called an image program. In addition, other materials may be provided, such as video cue tracks for visually impaired listeners, subtitles for foreign and / or hearing impaired listeners, or multimedia time signal tracks. Similarly, a single or a series of sounds or recordings are used to form the desired audio program.

Alternatively, a high definition digital camera or other known digital image generating device or method can provide digital image information. The use of digital cameras to directly generate digital image information is particularly useful for capturing live events for near instantaneous or simultaneous distribution. In addition, a computer workstation or similar equipment may be used to directly generate the graphical image to be distributed.

The digital image information or program is shown on a compression / encryption system 110 that compresses the digital signal using a preselected known format or process, which reduces the amount of digital information necessary to reproduce the original image with very high quality. do. In a preferred embodiment, ABSDCT techniques are used to compress the image source. This ABSDCT compression technique is disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,021,891, 5,107,345, and 5,452,104. In addition, audio information may be digitally compressed using standard techniques and time-synchronized by this compressed image information. The compressed image and audio information is then encrypted and / or scrambled using one or more secure electronic methods.

Network management system 112 monitors the state of compression / encryption system 110 and, if desired, causes compression / encryption system 110 to multiplex theater, security, and transmission control information into compressed / encrypted data. . The multiplexed signal is then modulated / transmitted to modulate and transmit the compressed information carrying the signal via satellite 106 to a theater system, such as theater system 104A, via satellite 106. Screened on transmission system 114. That is, the compressed information can be broadcast to a theater or show location via a wireless communication path or link.

In some embodiments, the compressed image and audio information are each transmitted in a non-continuous or separate manner independent of each other. That is, means are provided for compressing and transmitting audio information associated with image information or programs but separated by time. With the present invention there is no need to process and transmit audio and images simultaneously. A predetermined identifier or identification mechanism or configuration is used to associate the corresponding audio and image programs with each other where appropriate. This allows the connection of at least one preselected image program with one or more preselected audio programs, if desired, at the show time or during the show event. That is, the compressed audio is connected and synchronized at the time of screening even if it is not initially synchronized with the compressed image information. As described below, the compressed image and audio information can then be stored together or separately in a central function for transmission at a predetermined time.

Although FIG. 2 shows that broadcast signals are transmitted using satellites 106, broadcast signals may be transmitted using any number of terrestrial radio transmission methods, as well as known terrestrial cellular, microwave, or other types of radio frequency relays. It should be understood that can be sent. Alternatively, wired transmission methods such as known multi-drop, Internet access nodes, dedicated telephone lines, or point-to-point optical fiber networks can be used to practice the present invention.

In addition, the central hub 102 monitors the quality of the signal received from the satellite 106 when transmitted by the modulation / transmission system 114, and provides at least for measuring the reception quality to the network management system 112. It may include one collocated theater system. The co-located theater system 116 need not use all the features or processing capabilities found with similar devices located in each theater, but other components for generating appropriate reception, demodulation, decompression, and analysis signals. A simpler satellite signal receiver can be used. For example, in accordance with certain known characteristics of the co-located theater system 116 for transmitted digital data, in most cases it is necessary to clearly present a complete high quality image for projection to allow sufficient analysis of signal characteristics. none.

If it is determined that the transmitted signal is of poor quality, the network management system 112 may cause the compression / encryption system 110 and / or the modulation / transmission system 114 to adjust to improve the transmission quality. For example, a detected error rate for digital data, or a change in the loss of a data frame in a received signal, changes the compression rate, changes transmission characteristics such as signal power, automatically retransmits a portion of the signal, or It can be used to completely stop transmission in terms of satellite transmission problems.

The present invention may equally apply the screening of image and audio information to various screening locations such as outdoor amphitheaters, drive-in complexes, civic seats, schools, specialty restaurants, etc. To use an exemplary theater or complex theater. Those skilled in the art can readily see how the present invention applies to other types of locations.

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

If the error rate exceeds a predetermined level, theater management system 122 requests retransmission of the signal portion containing the error. These retransmission requests are made using a theater management system using a return link 113 that can use the telephone network by telephone or dedicated links, satellite channels, packetized data links, the Internet, wireless links, or other low data rate communication methods. From 122 to central hub 102 may be transmitted.

Further, in some embodiments, retransmitted signal portions or frames of data to be transmitted to the show location or theater may be performed using return link 113. That is, the return link 113 is a bi-directional link for data transmission, including, for example, a retransmission request or other information from the theater to the central hub, or a command, general motion information, or audio information from the central hub to the theater. Is made of. This bidirectional link may also be used for encryption key data transmission, which will be discussed further below.

Theater system 104 (104A-104N) is comprised of at least one and generally multiple seats 128A-128M. For example, some commercial market theaters consist of multiple theaters with many seats in a single area, often referred to as cineplex or multiplex theaters. The received signal can be broadcast or transmitted to multiple seats in a single complex theater.

The demodulated signal is transmitted from the receiver / demodulator 120 to the central storage system 123 using the storage arrays 124A- 124N for storage via the theater interface network (TIN) 126. The size of the storage arrays 124A-124N is adjustable to support complex theaters with varying numbers of seats. The demodulated signal can be screened to one of the seats 128A-128M via the theater interface network 126 when screening is required, while information is received from the central hub 102 (ie, "live" screening). It is done.

When a program is shown, program information is retrieved from storage arrays 124A-124N and sent to one or more designated seats 128A-128M using TIN 126. If the designated seat is seat 128A, the decoder 130A decodes the broadcast signal using the secret key information provided only to the authorized theater and decompresses the algorithm, which is the inverse of the compression algorithm used in source generation system 108 (SGS). Decompress the signal using. Decoder 130A converts the decompressed image information into a standard video format used by the projection system (which may be in analog or digital format), and the image is displayed via electronic projector 132A. In addition, the audio information is decompressed and provided to the audience sound system 134A for playback with the image program. Once the approved show time period of a particular program is completed, the digitized program information is deleted from designated members or members of the storage arrays 124A-124N to prevent unauthorized use of the material. Although not specifically illustrated, each of the seats 128B-128M consists of a decoder, a projector, and a sound system.

When multiple viewing locations are required, the central storage system 123 is configured to send the compressed information of a single image program to different seats with a predetermined programmable offset or time delay relative to each other. These predetermined programmable offsets can be set to substantially zero or very small when a single image program is shown in multiple seats that are selected substantially simultaneously. At other times, these offsets can be set at any time over minutes to hours, depending on the storage configuration and capacity to provide highly flexible screening scheduling. This allows complex theaters to meet better market demand for screening events such as opening films.

The screening of a live live program is similar to that of a movie, but the use of storage and playback operations of storage arrays 124A-124N, or storage as shorter duration buffers to account for potential transient signal interruptions or synchronization issues. Overlook it.

Optionally, one or more digital tape recorders 136 are provided to the theater system 104. The tape recorder 136 may be used when a satellite link or some other broadcast technology is not available or when such technology is not desirable as a transmission method for reasons of cost or availability. In this case, magnetic tape or other portable media is used to distribute the program from the central distribution location to the theater 104. The tape recorder 136 transfers the program to the storage arrays 124A-124N using the TIN 126. The program information is then available for display at a later time. Image and audio programs can also be recorded for long term archiving storage for reloading from disk storage arrays 124A-124N to tape recorder 136 and later to storage arrays 124A-124N.

Another approach for high density, high power data storage may be used that replaces the digital tape recorder 136. For example, other known storage systems using optical disc technology such as CD ROM storage devices or “digital versatile disks” (DVDs), or even certain solid state memory arrays can be used within the present invention.

An embodiment of the processing blocks of the central hub 102 is illustrated in FIGS. 3-9 and described herein. Source generation system 108 is shown in FIG. 3. In an embodiment, the source generation system 108 digitizes a film image source, such as a 35 mm movie film, and stores the digitized version on a magnetic tape. Source generation system 108 consists of a high definition “Telecine” apparatus or process 400 that receives film source 142 and generates a digital image from film 142. Telecine processing is well known within the film industry, and any of several commercial services or devices can be used to perform this process. However, in a preferred embodiment, high resolution telecine processing is used as is currently available with devices made by CINTEL or Philips BST as known in the art. The particular choice of solution and the device used depends on the cost and other well-known factors when the service is designed. In addition, other solutions may be used depending on the location including the target audience, the available projection equipment, and the need to reduce the data rate for a particular satellite transmission.

If the original film is a 35 mm source in standard format, the process is performed on an image using the telecine process at 24 frames per second. The digitized output of the telecine process is stored using a high data rate magnetic tape recorder, or directly compressed and / or encrypted, using a lower data rate tape recorder or other known image storage systems and media. .

Since telecine processes only the image, the audio portion of the input source is processed independent of the image. If the audio source is in an analog format, it is generally provided on a magnetic tape 144 of the audio reader to digitize it. In one embodiment, up to 12 channels of digitized audio are combined into a digital image by the multiplexer 148, and the multiplexed signal is transferred to an image program on a high resolution digital video tape recorder (VTR) 150 or similar high capacity digital storage system. Stored. On the other hand, as described above, the audio program may be stored and processed separately from the image program with the included starter information in consideration of the appropriate time aligned with the starter information included as the image program in the projection auditorium reproduction system.

Although shown as part of the central hub 102, the source generation system 108 may be located in a facility other than the central hub. Other facilities may be adapted to generate digitized signals from magnetic or optical sources. On the other hand, the source generation system 108 may be configured in a digital camera with magnetic or embedded optical storage, or in another digital manner of image generation to produce digital source material directly. The source generation system 108 may also be comprised of a digitizing system for still images, such as an optical scanner, or an image converter used for 35 mm photo slides or printing. Therefore, other studios participating in the preparation and screening of specialized studios or image programs for ordinary or special effects may generate the required digitized material, and then the central facility or hub (102) for subsequent processing or transmission. ) Is sent.

A block diagram of the compression / encryption system 110 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 located in a separate facility. For example, compression / encryption system 110 may be with source generation system 108 in a movie or television production studio. Furthermore, the compression process for image or audio information or data can be done in a variable rate process.

Compression / encryption system 110 may receive a digital signal and be provided by digital VTR 150 of source generation system 108. Digital image and audio information may be stored in a frame buffer (not shown) prior to subsequent processing.

The digital image signal is transmitted to the image compressor 162. In a preferred embodiment, image compressor 162 processes digital image signals using ABSDCT techniques described in US Pat. Nos. 5,021,891, 5,107,345, and 5,452,104 described above.

In ABSDCT technology, the color input signal is generally in YIQ format, where Y is luminance, or brightness, component, and I and Q are chrominance or color components. Other formats can also be used, such as the YUV or RGB format. Because of the eye's low spatial perception of color, ABSDCT technology subsamples two factor color (I, Q) components, each in the horizontal and vertical directions. Therefore, four luminance components and two chrominance components can be used to represent each spatial segment of the image input.

Each of the luminance and chrominance components is passed to a block interleaver. In general, 16 × 16 blocks are provided to the block interleaver, which aligns the image samples within 16 × 16 blocks to produce complex subblocks of data for the block and discrete cosine transform (DCT) analysis. The DCT operator is one way to convert a time sampled signal into a frequency representation of the same signal. By converting to a frequency representation, DCT techniques have been shown to take into account very high levels of compression, just as a quantizer can be designed to exploit the frequency distribution characteristics of an image. In a preferred embodiment, one 16 × 16 DCT is applied to the first order, four 8 × 8 DCTs are applied to the second order, sixteen 4 × 4 DCTs are applied to the third order, 64 two × 2 DCT is applied to the fourth order.

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

For 16x16 blocks, each subblock and transformed coefficients are analyzed to determine the number of bits required to encode the block or subblock. Then a block or combination of subblocks that requires the smallest number of bits to encode is selected to represent the image segment. For example, two 8x8 sub blocks, six 4x4 sub blocks, and eight 2x2 sub blocks can be selected to represent the image segment.

The selected block or combination of subblocks is then properly arranged in order. Then, DCT coefficient values are not limited when preparing for transmission, but a continuous process such as frequency correction, quantization, and coding using a known technique (variable length coding) can be performed. The compressed image signal is then provided to at least one image encryptor 166.

The digital audio signal is generally passed to an audio compressor 164. In a preferred embodiment, the audio compressor 164 processes multi-channel audio information using standard digital audio compression algorithms. The compressed audio signal is provided to at least one encryptor 168. In addition, audio information can be transmitted and used in a format that is not compressed but is still digital.

Image encryptor 166 and audio encryptor 168 encrypt the compressed image and audio signals, respectively, using any of several known encryption techniques. Image and audio signals may be encrypted using the same or different techniques. In a preferred embodiment, an encryption technique is used which consists in scrambling both real-time digital sequences of image and audio programs.

In the image and audio encryptors 166 and 168, the program is processed with a scrambler / encryptor using time-varying electronic keying information (typically changed several times per second). The scrambled program information can then be transmitted from the air to the wireless link or the like without being read to anyone who does not have associated electronic keying information used to scramble program material or digital data.

Encryption generally includes digital sequence scrambling or direct encryption of the compressed signal. The terms "encryption" and "scrambling" are used interchangeably, and sequences created using secret digital values ("keys") in such a way that it is very difficult to recover the original data sequence without knowing the secret key values. It is understood to mean any method of processing digital data streams from various sources using any of a number of encryption techniques for scramble, cover or directly encrypt the digital streams.

Each image and audio program uses specific electronic keying information that is provided and encrypted only in theaters or show locations authorized to show a particular program by the show location or theater's special electronic keying information. The encrypted program key is needed by the audience to decrypt the program data stream. The encrypted program key is transmitted or otherwise delivered to approved theaters before the program is played. The program data stream may be sent a few days or weeks before the approved show period, and the encrypted program key may be sent just before the approved play period begins. In addition, the encrypted program key can be transmitted using a low data rate link or a transferable storage element such as a magnetic or optical media disk, a smart card or other devices with removable memory elements. The encrypted program key may be provided in such a way as to control the time period during which a particular compound theater or auditorium is authorized to play the program.

Each seat that receives an encrypted program key decrypts this value using its seat specific key and stores the decrypted program key in a memory device or other reserved memory.

When a program is to be played, the theater or a specific location and program specific keying information is used and preferably descrambles / reads the program information in real time with a symmetric algorithm used in the encryption system 110 in preparing the encrypted signal. .

In addition to scrambling, image encryptor 166 adds a “watermark” that is often digital in nature to the image program. This relates to inserting a specific location and / or time specific picture identifier into the program sequence. That is, the watermark is configured to indicate the location and time approved for screening, in order to more efficiently track the source of piracy when needed. Watermarks can be programmed to appear frequently in the playback process, but in a pseudo-random cycle and become invisible to viewers. Watermarks are inconspicuous during the presentation of compressed image or audio information at rates defined by normal transmission rates. However, watermarks can be detected when image or audio information is shown at a rate substantially different from the normal rate, such as a slower "non-real time" or still frame reproduction rate. If an unauthorized copy of the program is restored, the digital watermark information can be read by the relevant period, and the theater from which the copy was made can be determined. This watermark technique can also be applied or used to identify audio programs.

Both compressed and encrypted image and audio signals appear in multiplexer 170. In multiplexer 170, image and audio signals are multiplexed with starter information that causes image and audio strings to be reproduced in a time-aligned manner in theater system 104. The multiplexed signal is then processed by a program packetizer 172, which packetizes the data to form a program stream. By packetizing the data or forming a “data block”, the program stream received at the theater system 104 (FIG. 2) may be retransmitted only for those data blocks that represent an error in the received blocks and an error instead of the entire program. Can be monitored. This leads to an increase in reliability and efficiency in transmission.

In another embodiment of the invention, the image and audio portions of the program are processed into separate and distinct programs. Therefore, instead of using the multiplexer 170 to multiplex the image and audio signals, the image signal is separately packetized for transmission. In this embodiment, the image signal may be transmitted except for the audio signal or vice versa. Image and audio programs are assembled into a program that is combined only at playback time. It takes into account different audio programs that will be combined with image programs in a variety of languages, for various reasons, such as post-release updates or program changes. The flexibility of assigning different audio to image programs different from these multitrack programs is very beneficial in minimizing the costs required to change already distributed programs and in spreading them to the more multicultural markets currently available in the film industry.

The compressors 162, 164, the encryptors 166, 168, the multiplexer 170, and the program packager 172 may be implemented with a software control processor programmed to perform the functions described herein. That is, they may be composed of a comprehensive functional hardware including various programmable electronic devices or computers operating under software or firmware program control. They may also be implemented using some other technology, for example via an ASIC or one or more circuit card assemblies. That is, it consists of special hardware.

The image and audio program streams are sent to storage array 174. The program stream can also be sent to the digital linear tape recorder 176.

CES controller 178 is primarily responsible for controlling and monitoring the entire compression / encryption system 116. The CES controller 178 may be implemented using a general hardware device or a computer for performing the required functions or using special hardware. Network control is provided to the CES controller 178 from the network management system 112 (FIG. 2) for the hub internal network, which will be described later. The CES controller 178 communicates with the compressors 162 and 164, the encryptors 166 and 168, the multiplexer 170, and the packager 172 using a known digital interface and controls the operation of these elements. . The CES controller 178 also controls and monitors the array 174, the digital linear tape recorder 176, the data transmission between these devices, and the modulation transmission system 114 (FIG. 2).

The storage array 174 is preferably comprised of a series of hard disk drives, which is generally similar in design to the disk storage array 124 used in the theater system 104 (FIG. 2). However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other media, such as rewritable optical discs, may be used in some applications. The capacity of the central hub disk storage array 174 is higher than all the theater systems 104 (sum of all seats or locations combined) because usually only one program needs to be stored at one time in the storage array 174. Can be low. Generally, new programs are stored after each program is transferred and removed from memory. However, multiple programs can be stored at one time and even transmitted over a given link at one time, depending on the equipment used to receive the transmitted data. Disk storage array 174 receives compressed and encrypted control data from program packager 172 or digital linear tape recorder 176 during the image, audio, and compression phases. During the transfer phase, the disk storage array 174 sends the stored data to the modulation transmission system 114. The operation of disk storage array 174 is managed by CES controller 178.

Control multiplexer 180 receives a program stream from disk storage array 174 and control information from CES controller 178. Control multiplexer 180 multiplexes these two data streams and provides the multiplexed data streams to transport packager 182. Transmission packager 182 packetizes the data stream to form a transmission data stream, and sends the packetized string to modulation transmission system 114.

A digital tape recorder 176 (DTR) is used to compress and record compressed images and audio, and to distribute programs recorded on tape to theaters that do not have available satellites or other desirable wireless or wired links. That is, to produce a tape of digital information for distribution. Tape recorder 176 receives the compressed and encrypted image, audio, and control data from program packager 172 during the compression phase. The program is decompressed when the tape recorder 176 transfers the tape recorded 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 transmission data stream from compression / encryption system 110. The modulation / transmission system 114 includes at least one modulator 200, an IF upconverter 202, network management system 112, and co-located theaters, typically located in the same physical facility as the compression / encryption system 110. System 116 (FIG. 2). Modulation / transmission system 114 also includes an RF converter 204, a high power amplifier 206, and a modulation / transmission system controller 208 located within or next to an earth station 210.

Modulator 200 is a standard subsystem that adds forward error correction information and modulates the transmission data for transmission to a satellite (or other wireless transmission path) using known techniques. In a preferred embodiment, known convolutional and concatenated Reed-Solomon encoding techniques are used for forward error correction functionality. A standard PSK (Phase Shift Keying) modulator can be used for the modulation function.

IF upconverter 202 converts the output from modulator 200 to an intermediate frequency (IF) of, for example, 140 MHz. This signal is then provided to the RF upconverter 204. Implementation of this subsystem can be accomplished using existing equipment that is only slightly modified for compatibility with the rest of the system, as is known.

In general, the RF upconverter 204 is a standard system for converting an IF signal into a transmission signal suitable for satellite transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the IF signal at 140 MHz is converted to a Ku band signal. The Ku band output is tunable from about 14.0 Hz to 14.5 Hz. Automatic switches (not shown) for two upconverters and units can be implemented to provide equipment margin for improved system reliability. This output is provided to a high power amplifier 206 for amplification. Frequency bands other than the Ku band can also be used to transmit signals to the satellite or as desired.

The high power amplifier 206 amplifies the Ku band (or other desired frequency) transmission signal for transmission up to the satellite transponder. Automatic switches (not shown) for the two high-power amplifiers and units can be used for equipment margin for improved system reliability.

An MTS (Modulation / Transmission System) controller 208 can be used for interfacing, configuring, and monitoring the equipment at the earth station 210. Controller 2080 may be implemented using known programmable hardware, such as a personal computer or workstation.

Earth station 210 consists of all RF wiring and antennas. RF huts or structures are generally included to accommodate the RF upconverter 204, HPA 206, MTS controller 208, and power and useful air conditioning equipment (not shown). Generally, program and control information is broadcast from the earth station 210 to the theater system using one or more broadcast channels. The broadcast signal includes control information for notifying the theater system of identification of each broadcast program. In addition, control information is transmitted to the theater system such that the theater is intended for a particular theater system and other control functions associated with system operation and stores only the receiving program. As mentioned above, this information can be transmitted over a high or low speed data link as often as desired.

Referring to FIG. 6, a network management system 112 is shown. Network management system 112 controls and manages digital cinema system 100. This includes controlling and monitoring the components of the central hub 102 and the network of the theater system 104. Such control may be centralized such that network management system 112 manages all operations of the system, including control of broadcast or transmission, playback / display, security, and overall network management functions. In addition, a distributed management system may be implemented in which processors in the show or theater system control some of the theater functions.

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

Under the control of the network management system 112, the program may be broadcast from the central facility or hub 102 before the time for display of the program in the theater 104. This procedure will generally be used unless real time live broadcasting is required. Therefore, the individual processes control the playback of the prestored program later than that of the broadcast transmission from the central hub 102.

The network management processor 220 also controls the broadcast, transmission, or transmission rate of the program. The transmission rate may be fixed or vary depending on the type of program and the transmission channel or path. For example, this may depend on the transmission rate for a particular satellite transponder, or other data link. In addition, parallel program transfer can be issued at high speed. For programs that are later stored and played back, the data transfer rate may be greater than, less than, or equal to the "real time" for the program. In addition, the data rate of compression coding of programming material can be varied for different programs that provide various levels of compression. Transmission of live broadcast programming may be supported by transmitting data at the same rate as the compression rate.

A network management processor of redundancy can be provided for backup. Network management processor 220 interfaces other components in the system to a hub internal network, which is typically implemented using standard multi-drop network structures such as Ethernet. However, types including other known network designs and optically based links can be used. Here, the Ethernet hub 224 of the network management system 112 supports the hub internal network, which will be discussed later with reference to FIG.

In addition, network management system 112 includes a modem bank 226 that provides an interface to a network of theaters with a PSTN, and generally includes a set of dial-up telephone modems, cable or satellite modems, an ISDN or cellular link controller, or Consists of different known methods. The modem bank 226 interfaces to the network management processor 220 through the modem server function. The modem bank 226 serves as a receiver of the return link communication path from the central hub 102 in the theaters. The return path can be used by theaters where program data blocks with errors from the central hub 102 require retransmission. In addition, temporary screenings of programs, or changes or updates in program material, may be requested using this link. The request for retransmission and the retransmission itself is made during or after the transmission of the program.

In alternative embodiments, the return path may be provided via satellite channels, other low speed communication methods, or the Internet. In this case, other known means or apparatus are implemented in place of the modem bank 226 for the interface.

The co-located theater system 116 shown in FIG. 7 monitors the quality of the transmitted signal and provides the network management system 112 with a degree of signal quality.

Co-located theater system 116 includes at least one theater system receiver 232, which generally has the same design as theater system receiver 104. Receiver 232 interfaces with at least one receive antenna 234 to receive a signal transmitted from modulation / transmission system 114 via satellite 106. Alternatively, when employing other types of links, wired or optical interfaces are used to test the quality of such links. The co-located theater system 116 also includes at least one management processor 236 that receives signals from the theater system receiver 232 and measures the quality of the transmitted signals. The management processor 236 also reports the quality level to the network management system 112. In a preferred embodiment, management processor 236 interfaces with network management system 112 via an Ethernet or high speed data bus.

8 shows a block diagram of an internal network 250 of a hub. The internal network 250 of the hub forms the axis of communication for the central hub 102. The internal network 250 of the hub may be extended internally with an Ethernet LAN that follows the IP protocol. Thus, the hub's internal network 250 is physically located within the central hub, such as compression / encryption systems 110 (110A-110B), modulation / transmission system 114 (114A-114B), network management processor 220, and concurrent. Interconnected with positional theater system 116 (116A-116B). In addition, since it is appropriate to divide local and remote functions into specific functions, an external interface may be provided as needed to connect the central hub 102 to an external computer network or communication system.

In the preferred embodiment, the central hub 102 provides a redundancy or backup component to meet the required performance in the event of a problem with the underlying component. As shown in FIG. 8, each system in the central hub 102 has a base system and a parallel backup system, or has built-in redundancy with automatic switches. Therefore, using a set or series of redundant Ethernet transceivers 254A-254E, the hub's internal network 250 is used to compress / encrypt systems 110A, 110B, modulation / transmission systems 114A, 114B, and network management processor 220A. , 220B), and co-located theater systems 116A, 116B. These transceivers communicate via two or more Ethernet cards, designated here as cards A and B or devices 252A and 252B. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that additional systems may be properly interconnected and used with an interface device as needed to expand the redundancy level and to provide a system or connection of redundancy. This redundancy processing capability is provided to ensure reliable operation in time-sensitive and demanding screening markets, such as the initial video screening request. Some redundancy components can operate in "standby" or "warm start" mode for quick selection and switching when needed.

As discussed above, audio / visual programming is distributed from the central hub 102 to a screening or theater system such as the theater system 104. 9-11 illustrate one embodiment of a processing block of the theater system 104.

9 shows a receiver / demodulator 120 of the theater system 104. Receiver / demodulator 120 includes an external unit 270 having a low noise block and a parabolic dish antenna pointing to or chasing satellites 106. External unit 270 receives, amplifies, and modulates the signal transmitted from central hub 102 to an intermediate frequency (IF) to prepare for further processing. Generally, the dish antenna is an offset feed dish antenna. In general, the antenna size ranges from 1.0 to 1.6 meters in diameter depending on the topographic position of the receiver and the frequency of interest. The dish antenna may be mounted on a through or non-penetrating loop mount column. In general, the size of the dish will be designed small enough to avoid regulation under various government or other administrative regulations. In general, the low noise block is a standard digital video broadcast low noise block (DVD LNB) that amplifies the received signal and downconverts to IF for processing by the demodulator. In one embodiment, the output signal from the LNB is an IF within the L-band frequency range. The LNB has a feed horn disposed at the focal point of the dish antenna. A standard coaxial cable connects the LNB to demodulator 272 of receiver / demodulator 120.

delete

Receiver / demodulator 120 also includes a demodulator 272, an automatic request (ARQ) for retransmission processor 274, and a transmit demultiplexer 276. In a preferred embodiment, these three components run as plug-in circuit card assemblies for a general purpose computer such as an IBM compatible PC or workstation. The circuit card assembly may be installed in the theater management system 122.

Although the program is sent from the central hub 102 and the theater system 104 can receive all transmitted programs, the theater system 104 selectively demodulates and stores only the received program intended for a particular theater system. . Control information is included in the broadcast signal to inform the theater system that they are a program specifically intended by multiplexing this control information within the transmitted program stream.

Thus, demodulator 272 recovers the data and clock of the selected program from the IF signal received from external unit 270. The demodulator 270 may perform various demodulation techniques, such as using a QPSK demodulation technique when the program signal is modulated using the QPSK scheme. Demodulator 270 may be a standard integrated circuit commonly used in set-top receiving equipment for broadcast video direct reception. In general, such a demodulation device includes a forward error correction (FEC) signal processing function. For example, error correction is performed using Viterbi decoding and convolutional encoding according to contiguous Reed-Solomon encoding and decoding. In a preferred embodiment, the convolutional code is k = 7, r = 7/8 and Reed-Solomon is a (204,188) code. Provide the error corrected output to the ARQ processor 274.

ARQ processor 274 further performs error correction on the signal from demodulator 270. ARQ processor 274 calculates the digital signature using a method such as cyclic redundancy check (CRC) and a fixed length block of sequence data of the demodulated signal. The digital signature calculated for each block is calculated using the same digital signature algorithm by the modulation / transmission system 114 at the central hub 102 and compared with the digital signature value transmitted with the data stream over the satellite channel. . If the digital signature calculated by the ARQ processor 274 does not match the value sent with the data, it indicates a block error. Each such data block is uniquely identified by a block check value. ARQ processor 274 records the block acknowledgment value of the block whose calculated value corresponding to that block and the transmitted digital signature value are different. Theater management system 122 may use return link 284 to require retransmission of all data blocks for which the comparison of digital signatures is different. The central hub network management system 112 may then retransmit these blocks required by the theater system 104. Theater management system 122 may replace a block with a different digital signature and a calculated digital signature with a retransmitted block having the same block confirmation value. This method dramatically reduces the error rate of the received signal. The output data from the ARQ processor 274 would preferably have an error rate of 1 × 10 ⁻¹⁰ to 1 × 10 ⁻¹¹ or less. The data is then provided to a transmission demultiplexer 276.

The transmit demultiplexer 276 depacketizes the modulated data stream, forwards the command packet to the theater management system 122, and delivers the compressed and encrypted image and audio packets to the storage array 124.

10 illustrates one embodiment of a theater management system 122. Theater management system 122 provides motion control and monitoring of the entire show or theater system 104. In addition, the theater management system may use program control means or a mechanism for generating a program set from one or more received individual image and audio programs, which may be screened for the auditorium system 128A-128M for an authorized time. Is scheduled for.

Theater management system 122 includes a theater management processor 280 and other devices that interface with the return link to deliver messages to the central hub 102 using at least one modem 282 or return link 284. do. Theater management system 122 includes a display device, such as a monitor, and a user interface device, such as a keyboard, which can be placed in a convenient location for the theater manager's office, ticket office, or theater operation.

Generally, theater management processor 280 is a standard computer. Referring to FIG. 10 in conjunction with FIG. 2, the theater management processor 280 is in communication with the storage arrays 124A-124N, the decoder module 130, and the digital tape recorder 136 on the theater interface network 126. Theater management processor 280 communicates with central hub network management system 112 via return link 284. In a preferred embodiment, the modem 282 is used to communicate with the central hub 102. In general, modem 282 is a standard telephone line modem within or coupled to the processor, and connected to a standard dual telephone line to communicate with central hub 102. In another embodiment, the communication between the theater management processor 280 and the central hub 102 may use slow data communications such as the Internet, private or general purpose data networking, wireless or satellite communications systems. In these alternative examples, the modem 282 is configured to provide an appropriate interface.

Information communicated via return link 284 indicates uncorrectable bit errors, monitor and control information, activity reports and alarms, encryption key information, etc., received from the satellite 106 by the theater system 104. Request for retransmission of the information. Messages communicated using return link 284 may be encrypted to provide eavesdropping security and / or confirmation and authentication.

Theater management processor 280 is configured to provide full automation of the screening system, including control of playback / display, security, and network management functions. Theater management processor 280 also provides control of the theater's peripheral functions, such as ticket booking and sales, on-premises kiosk operations, and environmental control. Alternatively, manual control of some theater operations may be possible. In addition, theater management processor 280 may interface with an automatic control system residing in the theater for control or adjustment of these functions. Or, some theater operation controls such as playback / display and security may be provided wirelessly by the central hub 102. The system to be used will depend on the technology available and the needs of the particular theater.

Through either control by theater management system 122 or network management system, the present invention will support simultaneous playback and display of programs recorded on multiple display projectors. In order to play on one or more display projectors in the theater system 104, the plurality of programs may be stored in a central storage system consisting of storage arrays 124A-124N. As also described above, the theater system 104 may display the received program from the broadcast channel, thus surpassing the system's storage capability.

Further, under the control of the theater management system 122 or the network management system, even if the theater system 104 receives a program only once, the right can be given to play the program several times. Security management controls the duration and / or the number of playbacks allowed for each program.

Through automatic control of the theater management system 122 by the central facility network management system 112, it can be seen that means are provided for automatic distribution, storage, and screening of the program under programmable control from the central facility. There is also the ability to use a control device to control preselected network operation at locations remote from the central facility. For example, a television or film studio can automate and control the distribution or other screening of a film in a central location, such as a studio office, and can be screened for rapid changes in market demand, response to the screening, or other reasons understood in this field. Can be changed immediately.

Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the theater interface network 126 is physically connected with the theater management system 122, the storage arrays 124A-124N, the seats 128A-128M, and the digital tape recorder 136. . Theater interface network 126 is comprised of a local area network that provides a local path of programming to theater system 104. The program received by the receiver / demodulator 120 and delivered to the storage array 124A- 124N is stored via the theater interface network 126 for storage. Received programs are stored in storage arrays 124A-124N or delivered to one or more projection systems of theater system 104 via theater interface network 126 for real-time playback. The theater interface network may be implemented using any of a number of standard local area network structures that represent a reliable, switched or hub-orientated network such as an appropriate data transfer rate, connectivity, and arbitrated loop.

Also referring to FIG. 2, storage arrays 124A- 124N provide a local repository of entitled programs for playback and display. In a preferred embodiment, the storage system is centralized in each theater system. Storage arrays 124A-124N allow the theater system to produce a show in one or more seats and can be shared by multiple seats at one time.

The storage arrays 124A-124N, also referred to as disk storage arrays 124A-124N, may be made of materials well known in the art, such as solids, magnetic materials, or optical storage devices. In a preferred embodiment, magnetic disk devices known as hard drives used in the computer industry to create storage arrays 124A-124N are used. Such an apparatus has suitable performance (transmission rate) characteristics and suitable cost characteristics for the present invention. They are well known techniques and are gradually improving their performance. However, other devices such as repeatable optical storage devices and solid state memory devices may also be useful in some applications.

The central storage system can store multiple programs at one time. The central storage system is connected via a local area network in such a way that any program can be played and displayed on an approved screening system (ie, a projector). Also, the same program can be played simultaneously on two or more screening systems.

As discussed above, storage arrays 124A-124N may be used to transmit compressed information of one image program to another audience at a time delay associated with it or a preselected programmable offset. If these offsets are near zero, one image program is provided to the plurality of seats at about the same time. In other cases these offsets are set to different values to accommodate various schedules.

The disk storage arrays 124A-124N are hard disk drive banks each storing encrypted and compressed programs so as to be screened in a designated seat at a predetermined time. Disk storage arrays 124A-124N are designed to be resizable to sufficiently support the storage needs of each theater. In addition, the disk storage arrays 124A-124N each include built-in redundancy, thereby preventing loss of stored program information due to defects in the storage unit. For example, the storage arrays 124A-124N may each be a rack-mounted system that is expandable to accommodate the various storage needs of individual theater systems. By using the disk storage arrays 124A-124N, it is possible to manage the theater to dynamically transmit program shows to various screens of the theater, and to schedule a special program in advance. This is achieved by a very flexible method that is useful for responding quickly to changing demands or market demands.

In a preferred embodiment, the storage arrays 124A-124N are each designed with the same capacity required to store the program for all the seats in the theater. It also provides an appropriate repository for storing upcoming programs, while storing current programs. These available storage capacities do not affect the ability to display and play the currently playing program, but allow an unopened program to be transferred prior to approval for its playback and display. In this type of deployment, the use of a storage capacity of about 120 gigabytes per seat is considered in terms of digital data storage capacity. This capacity takes into account current image compression techniques, which will reduce the storage capacity required in the near future.

Disk storage space is dynamically allocated for each program loaded into disk storage arrays 124A-124N. This concept enables large theaters with multiple screens, since long pieces and shorts can generally be averaged at about two hours of running time. As a criterion for a single screen theater, the storage capacity should be sufficient to store the longest program.

In general, disk storage arrays 124A-124N are configured to provide simultaneous read / write capabilities. For example, while downloading a new program from the satellite 106 (recording), a plurality of pre-stored programs may be screened (simultaneous or near simultaneous read operation). Using current technology, there is a physical limitation on the amount of processing of each array of disk storage arrays 124A-124N. Therefore, each array can support the maximum number of simultaneous or near simultaneous read operations and one single download session (one write operation). Using this scheme, larger theaters require additional storage arrays 124A-124N for an appropriate number of simultaneous playbacks. It is considered that one additional array is appropriate for every five seats.

However, the storage arrays 124A- 124N can be configured or configured to operate in a “striping” mode of banding the received information across the array. That is, the received data that is stored is partially transferred to another drive while being stored. While part of the input data is delivered to one drive, the subsequent part is delivered to the next drive. After sufficient time has elapsed for the drive to write data, the drive is again scheduled to receive input data. Thus, the received data is separated into small components or pieces, each of which is stored at the maximum (or high) speed allowed for each of the separate drives using input buffering or available storage in the drive input channel. This allows devices with lower transmission rates to input data in parallel, achieving very high transmission rates. In addition, this type of storage provides error protection redundancy.

This data store or other storage device on the drive uses parity information that allows the program to be reproduced upon program recovery. In other words, it provides a means for relinking portions of the program at the time of recovery or screening.

Disk storage arrays 124A-124N can each be sized in two ways. The amount of storage locations per screen can be adjusted by adding or deleting disk drives within each disk storage array. The size of a disk drive determines the width of the storage capacity as the drive is added. Alternatively, additional disk storage arrays may be added to the theater system 104 to support additional screens.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the disk storage arrays 124A- 124N is based on a Redundant Array of inexpensive Devices (RAID) array design with the ability to recover the entire data file if a disk drive in the array fails. Disk storage arrays 124A-124N provide status and warning indicators to troubleshoot or correct a fault. Remote status, control, and diagnostics are other options available in this type of design.

Referring to FIG. 2, a theater system 104 generally includes a digital tape recorder (DTR) 136. If a satellite link can be used and the tape is used to distribute the program to the theater, the DTR 136 is used to load the compressed / encrypted program into the disk storage arrays 124A-124N. DTR 136 communicates with storage arrays 124A-124N via TIN 126.

In general, DTR 136 will not operate at a transmission rate sufficient to distribute directly from DTR 136 to projection equipment. Also, this read and write operation tends to occur unexpectedly. Therefore, a large buffer is used to smoothly deliver data from the DTR 136 directly to the projection equipment. For this reason, if satellite channels are not available, DTR 136 is used for compression and transmission. Programs loaded from the DTR 136 are stored in the storage arrays 124A-124N for playback at the maximum speed suitable for real-time playback. The DTR 136 is controlled via the theater management system 122.

Adding the DTR 136 to the theater system 104 allows the theater to take advantage of all other benefits associated with the digital cinema system without the use of satellite links or channels. In this case, it is necessary to deliver the digital cryptographic film to the theater by magnetic tape, a technique similar to today's film distribution. In addition, the DTR 136 may be used for a long program that was previously received and stored in the storage arrays 124A- 124N. In this case, it may be written from the storage arrays 124A-124N to the DTR 136, which may then be archived for later reloading into the storage arrays 124A-124N. In addition, other magnetic, optical, or solid state storage devices or techniques may be used to perform the functions of the DTR 136.

When a program is played, program information is transmitted from one or more storage arrays 124A- 124N through the theater network interface 126 to a particular one of the seat system 128A-128M of the theater system 104. 11 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of an auditorium system 128A-128M. In such auditorium systems 128A-128M, decoder 130A scans the compressed / encrypted program on the screen and processes it to be heard using sound system 134. The auditorium system 128A-128M includes a theater interface network 290, at least one depacketizer 292, an auditorium controller 294, an image decryption / decryption system 296, an audio decryption / decryption system ( 298), projector 132A, and sound system 134A. All components except for the projector 132A and the sound system 134A may be implemented on one or more circuit card assemblies. The circuit card assembly may be mounted on the projector 132A or installed in an integrally complete environment adjacent to it. It is also possible to use a cryptographic smart card 300 that interfaces with the seat controller 294 and / or the image decryption / decompression system 296 to store and transmit key information of the specific cryptography of the unit.

Theater interface network interface 290 allows each guest to communicate with disk storage arrays 124A-124N or theater management system 122 via theater interface network 126. The theater interface network interface 290 includes buffer memory, thereby transferring information from the disk storage arrays 124A-124N via the theater interface network 126 at high speed, and other devices in the auditorium system 128A-128M are slow. To allow this to be processed.

While the encrypted / compressed program is passed through this interface to the image and audio decryption / decompression system 296, 298, control and monitor data is transferred between the theater management system 122 and the seat controller 294. . Any information delivered to the audience is received by the depacketizer 292. Conversely, information passed to other parts of theater system 104 is ignored by depacketizer 292.

Depacketizer 292 identifies and isolates individual control, image, and audio packets sent from theater interface network interface 290. While sending the image and audio packets to the image and audio decryption / decompression systems 296 and 298 respectively, the control packets are sent to the seat controller 294.

The seat controller 294 configures the seat system 128A, manages, operates, and monitors its security. This includes external interfaces, image and audio encryption / decompression systems 296, 298, projector 132A, and sound system 134A. Control information comes from a local control input, such as a theater management system 122, a remote control port, or a control panel external to the seat system 128A housing or chassis. The seat controller 294 manages an electronic key assigned to the seat system 128A. To decrypt the image and audio data prior to decompression, the preselected electronic encryption key assigned to the seat 128 is used in conjunction with the electronic encryption key information contained in the image and audio data. In a preferred embodiment, the seat controller 294 uses a standard microprocessor that runs the seat system 128A software as a basic function or control device.

In addition, the seat controller 294 is preferably configured to communicate or share specific information with the theater management system 122 in order to maintain a show history in each seat. The information about this screening history can then be used to transmit to the central facility 102 using a return link or via a medium capable of transmission at a preselected time.

The image decryption / decompression system 296 receives image data strings from the packager 292, decrypts them, and restores the original image for screening. In general, the output of this operation provides a standard analog RGB signal to the digital cinema projector 132A. Generally, encryption and decompression are performed in real time, allowing the program to be played in real time.

The image encryption / decompression system 296 decrypts and decompresses the image data strings to reverse the operations performed by the image compressor 162 and image encryptor 166 of the central hub 102. The auditorium system 128 may each process and display a different program with another auditorium system 128 in the same theater system 104 or simultaneously process and display the same program, which is one or more auditorium systems 128. To be. Optionally, the same program can be displayed with a time delay associated with each other on the plurality of projectors.

The decryption process uses the encryption key information specific to the unit and program provided in advance together with the electronic key included in the data string to decrypt the image information. (The decryption process has already been described with reference to FIG. 4). The encryption system is provided to each seat system 128 with the necessary encryption keys for all programs authorized to be played in each seat system 128.

Multiple levels of encryption key management systems are used to authorize a particular screening system for displaying a particular program. In general, this multi-level key management system uses electronic key values specific to each authorized seat system 128, a particular image and / or audio program, and / or a time-varying encryption key sequence within the image and / or audio program. An electronic key that specifies a seat, typically 56 or more bits, can be programmed into each seat system 128A-128M.

This program can be performed using several techniques for presenting and transmitting usage key information. For example, the above-described return link may be used via another type of link or satellite channel that transmits cryptographic information. Alternatively, smart card technology, preprogrammed flash memory cards, and other known portable storage devices can be used.

For example, a smart card can be designed such that this value once loaded into the card cannot be read from the smart card memory. Physical devices and electronic security devices are used to prevent tampering with this key information and to detect such attempts. When a random operation is detected, the key is stored in such a way that the key can be erased. Generally, smart card circuitry includes a microprocessor core containing software that performs encryption algorithms such as the Data Encryption Standard (DES). The smart card enters the values provided to it, encrypts (or decrypts) these values using the DES algorithm and prestored algorithm specific keys, and outputs the result. Alternatively, a smart card may be used to simply transmit encrypted electronic key information to circuitry in the seat system 128 that processes this key information for use by an image and audio decryption process.

The image program data stream is dynamically decompressed using an inverse ABSDCT algorithm or other image decompression process 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 quad-tree transformation, IDCT, and DCT block joint deinterleaving. The decompression processor can be implemented in specialized hardware configured for this function, such as an ASIC, or in one or more circuit card assemblies. Alternatively, the decompression processor may be embodied by a variety of signal processors or general-purpose hardware or standard devices, including programmable electronic devices, or computers operating under the control of software or firmware programs of particular functions. Multiple ASICs may be implemented that process image data in parallel to support high image data rates.

The decompressed image data is passed to the D / A converter, and the analog signal is sent to the projector 132A. Alternatively, a digital interface may be used to deliver the decompressed digital image data to the projector 132A so that there is no need to convert the digital signal into an analog signal.

The audio decryption / decompression system 298 receives the audio data stream from the depacketizer 292, decrypts it, and restores the original audio signal to be demonstrated on a theater speaker or audio sound system. The output of this operation provides a standard line signal level audio signal to the 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. To do it. Using the electronic key from cryptographic smart card 304 along with the electronic key included in the data string, decryption system 350 decrypts the audio information. The decrypted audio data is then decompressed.

Audio decompression is performed using an algorithm symmetric to that used at the central hub 102 for audio compression. If there are a plurality of audio channels, the plurality of audio channels are decompressed. The number of audio channels depends on the sound system design, or screening system, of the particular audience. Additional audio channels may be transmitted from the central hub 102 for improved audio programs for purposes such as, for example, multilingual audio tracks and audio means for the visually impaired. The system may also provide additional data tracks synchronized to image programs for purposes such as multimedia special effects tracks, subtitles, and video means for the hearing impaired.

As mentioned above, the audio and data tracks may be synchronized to the image program in time, or may be demonstrated asynchronously without time synchronization. The image program may consist of a single frame (ie a still picture), a sequence of still pictures, or a short or long video sequence.

If necessary, an audio channel is provided to an audio delay device that generates the delay needed to synchronize the audio signal with the associated image frame. Each channel then undergoes a process of converting a digital signal into an analog signal to provide what is known as a "line level" output to the sound system 134A. That is, it generates the appropriate analog level or format signal from the digital data to drive the appropriate sound system. In general, line-level audio output uses standard XLR or AES / EOUs used in most theater sound systems.

Projector 132A provides an electronic representation of the program on the screen. High quality projectors are based on advanced technologies such as liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) methods that process optical or image information. In general, projector 132A receives image signals in a standard RGB video signal format from image decryption / decompression system 296. Generally, information is transmitted from the seat controller 294 via the digital serial interface for the control and monitoring of the projector 132A.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, the decoder module chassis includes a fiber channel interface 290, a depacketizer 292, an auditor controller 294, an image decryption / decompression system 296, an audio decryption / decompression system ( 298), and cryptographic smart card 300. Decoder module chassis 302 is an integrated chassis that incorporates a secure, cryptographic smart card interface, an internal power and / or voltage regulator, heat sink, local control panel, and external interface. The local control panel may use any of a variety of input devices such as a membrane switch flat panel with an LED indicator. In general, the local control panel forms or uses a hinged door to allow entry into the chassis for maintenance. This door has a security device to prevent unauthorized intrusion, theft, or any manipulation of the system. During installation, a cryptographic smart card 300 that holds encryption key information (the key specifying the seat) is installed inside the decoder module chassis 302 and protected from the locked front panel back. The cryptographic smart card slot can only be accessed from inside the secure front panel. The RGB output signal from the image decryption / decompression system 296 is secured inside the decoder module chassis 302 in such a way that the RGB signal cannot be accessed while the decoder module chassis 302 is mounted in the projector housing. 132A. If the decoder module is not installed correctly in the projector 302, an internal security device may be used to prevent the operation of the decoder module.

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

Accordingly, the present invention provides a digital cinema system and method for the electronic distribution of very high quality audio and / or video programs to a theater or other location for show. This system and method enables, among other features and advertisements, flexible scheduling of feature films and advertisements, accumulation of high quality audio and image signals, and easy implementation of security devices.

The preferred embodiments described above are provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the gist of the invention.

Claims (310)

delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete A device for distributing still or moving image type and audio information to a viewing position, Means for independently receiving and storing compressed and encrypted image and audio files associated with one or more image programs and one or more audio programs to a central storage system for presentation at one or more predetermined times; Means for distributing the stored image and audio files independently to a plurality of audiences; Means for receiving the image and audio file independently, in each seat; Means for decrypting the image and audio files independently, in each seat; Means for independently decompressing the image and audio file, in each seat; One or more projection systems in each seat, receiving the decrypted and decompressed image file and displaying one of the image programs; And One or more sound systems in each seat, receiving the decrypted and decompressed audio file and selectively playing one of the audio programs in synchronization with the screened image program Distribution apparatus comprising a. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein Wherein said image and audio information are stored independently of each other in a non-continuous manner, respectively. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein Wherein said image and audio information is compressed remotely. delete delete 127. The method of claim 124 wherein Means for storing the encrypted and compressed image and audio information in a central storage system for later transmission at a predetermined time. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein The audio information is compressed at a variable rate. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein And means for using the identifier to link one or more predetermined image programs and one or more predetermined audio programs as desired at the time of presentation. The method of claim 131, wherein Wherein each of the audio programs comprises multiple audio tracks to be provided with the same image program during different show events. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein And the image information is compressed at a variable rate. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein And means for receiving encryption key information necessary for decrypting the image and audio information at a time separate from the receipt of the compressed and encrypted information. 135. The method of claim 134, And means for transmitting and storing encryption key information necessary for decryption in an authorized seat at a time separate from the distribution of the compressed and encrypted image and audio information. 136. The method of claim 135, wherein And means for accepting a valid period of time for which the encryption key information is valid and for ensuring that the key is used only for the specified period of time. 136. The method of claim 136, And means for overwriting the encryption key information at a storage location after the expiration of the period. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein One or more watermarks that are perceptually unrecognizable while playing the image or audio program at a predetermined normal transmission rate, but are detectable when the image or audio program is playing at a rate substantially different from the normal rate Distributing apparatus further comprises a means for receiving. 138. The method of claim 138 wherein Wherein the watermark identifies a show time and location of an image or audio program. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete 127. The method of claim 124 wherein Distribution apparatus characterized in that the encrypted and compressed image and audio information is broadcast to a predetermined audience at a predetermined time. The method of claim 154, wherein And at least one decoder / decoder integrated into each image projection system in each seat to prevent eavesdropping and duplication of audio and image information. 175. The method of claim 155, And means for detecting a physical intrusion into the projection system in each seat and deleting the encryption key information each time such intrusion is detected. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein Wherein said distribution means is arranged to distribute compressed and encrypted image and audio information for a single image program to different ones of said seats having a predetermined programmable offset in time with respect to each other. Device. 158. The method of claim 157, And said predetermined programmable offset is substantially zero, such that said single image program is screened substantially simultaneously in different ones of said seats. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein And a central theater storage system for storing compressed and encrypted image and audio information for use in generating a show event in one or more seats. 159. The method of claim 159, Wherein said central theater storage system comprises a data storage bank shared by multiple seats. 161. The method of claim 160, The data storage bank, And an array of magnetic media storage devices. 161. The method of claim 161, And wherein said central theater storage system comprises means for parallel "striping" of information received across said array of storage devices to provide a desired data transfer rate and error prevention redundancy. 161. The method of claim 161, And means for storing viewing history of the approved image program being shown in each audience and reporting the history to the central storage system. 158. The method of claim 157, And a theater management system for controlling the operation and monitoring the seats in the complex theater. 175. The method of claim 164 wherein The theater management system further comprising program control means for generating a program set from at least one individual received image and audio program that is scheduled for showing on an auditorium system for an approved period of time. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein And a local theater network system for distributing the stored information to one or more of the plurality of seats. 127. The method of claim 124 wherein And the image information is provided in the form of a series of frames represented by a variable-length moving picture or image programs in the form of a single still frame. As a method of distributing still or moving image type and audio information to a viewing position, Independently receiving and storing compressed and encrypted images and audio files associated with one or more image programs and one or more audio programs, to a central storage system, for presentation at one or more predetermined times in each audience; Distributing the stored image and audio file independently to a plurality of seats; Receiving, independently in each seat, the image and audio file; Decrypting and decompressing the image and audio files independently, in each seat; Receiving the decrypted and decompressed image file at one or more connected projection systems in each seat, and displaying one of the image programs; And Receiving the decrypted and decompressed audio file and selectively playing one of the audio programs in synchronization with the screened image program. 168. The method of claim 168, Storing the compressed image and audio information, independently of one another, in a non-continuous manner. 168. The method of claim 168, The image and audio information is compressed remotely. delete delete delete 168. The method of claim 168, The audio information is compressed at a variable rate. 168. The method of claim 168, Using an identifier to link one or more predetermined image programs and one or more predetermined audio programs as desired at the time of presentation. 175. The method of claim 175, Wherein each of said audio programs comprises multiple audio tracks to be provided with the same image program during different show events. 168. The method of claim 168, Wherein said image information is compressed at a variable rate. 168. The method of claim 168, Receiving encryption key information necessary for decrypting the approved seat at a time separate from receiving the compressed and encrypted information. 178. The method of claim 178, Distributing a period of validity of the encryption key information and ensuring that the key is used only during that period. 179. The method of claim 179, And overwriting the encryption key information in a storage location after the period of time has expired. 179. The method of claim 179, One or more watermarks that are perceptually unrecognizable while playing the image or audio program at a predetermined normal transmission rate, but are detectable when the image or audio program is playing at a rate substantially different from the normal rate Distribution method further comprising the step of receiving. The method of claim 181, wherein Wherein the watermark identifies a show time and location of an image or audio program. delete delete delete delete delete delete 168. The method of claim 168, And exchanging data via a two-way transfer link disposed between the central facility and the seat. The method of claim 189, wherein Using the data for cryptographic security. The method of claim 189, wherein And requesting retransmission of the received information with an error in the auditorium. The method of claim 191, wherein And retransmitting the received information in error in the auditor over the bidirectional link. The method of claim 191, wherein And said data includes commands, control inputs, and various monitoring transmitted between said central facility and the auditorium. 179. The method of claim 179, And a network management system for managing the network of the audience to display the viewing image at an approved time and location. 179. The method of claim 179, Distributing each seat as a theater having one or more seats. 179. The method of claim 179, And distributing information to a predetermined seat in the plurality of seats at a predetermined time. 196. The method of claim 195, Detecting a physical intrusion into the projection system for the auditorium system and deleting the decryption key information each time such intrusion is detected. delete delete 196. The method of claim 195, Storing compressed and encrypted image and audio information in a central theater storage system for use in generating a show event in one or more seats. 197. The method of claim 197, wherein Using an array of magnetic media storage devices as said central theater storage system. The method of claim 201, wherein Using parity information to connect different predetermined portions of compressed information to different ones of the devices during storage and to a single seat at retrieval. The method of claim 201, wherein Parallel “striping” information received across the array of storage devices to provide a desired data transfer rate and error prevention redundancy. The method of claim 201, wherein And storing the viewing history of the approved image program being screened in the auditorium and reporting the history to a central storage system. delete delete delete delete 179. The method of claim 179, And providing image information in the form of a series of frames represented by a variable-length moving picture or image programs in the form of a single still frame. delete delete delete A device for distributing still or moving image type of digitized image and audio information to a viewing position, A central facility for independently receiving and storing digitized image and audio information; Means for independently encrypting the digitized image and audio information; Means for independently compressing the encrypted image and audio information; Means for transmitting the compressed and encrypted image and audio information independently as a program file to a plurality of seats at a predetermined time; And Means for synchronizing one or more audio program files and one or more image program files to reproduce the one or more audio program files and the one or more image program files. Distribution apparatus comprising a. The method of claim 213, wherein And means for providing, to the authorized seat, encryption key information necessary for decrypting the information at a time separate from the transmission of the compressed and encrypted information. 214. The method of claim 214 wherein And means for transmitting and storing said encryption key information. 215. The method of claim 215, And means for indicating that the encryption key information is valid and ensuring that the key is used only for the specified period. 213. The method of claim 216, And means for overwriting the encryption key information at the storage location after the expiration of the period. The method of claim 213, wherein One or more watermarks that are perceptually unrecognizable while playing the image or audio program at a predetermined normal transmission rate, but are detectable when the image or audio program is playing at a rate substantially different from the normal rate A distribution apparatus, further comprising a means for adding. 138. The method of claim 138 wherein Wherein the watermark identifies a show time and location of an image or audio program. delete delete delete delete delete A method of distributing still or moving image type of digitized image and audio information to a viewing position, Receiving and storing digitized image and audio information independently in a central storage system; Independently encrypting the digitized image and audio information; Independently compressing the encrypted image and audio information; Transmitting the compressed and encrypted image and audio information independently as image and audio files to a plurality of remote location seats at a given time; And Synchronizing one or more audio files and one or more image files to play the one or more image files and the one or more audio files Distribution method comprising a. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete The method of claim 213, wherein A distribution device, further comprising a digital image generation system for generating digitized images. 233. The method of claim 233 wherein And said generating system comprises a digital camera. 245. The method of claim 234 And an image program from the digital camera is captured, encrypted, compressed and broadcast in real time to a predetermined approved seat by the central facility substantially simultaneously with the digitization of the image. 233. The method of claim 233 wherein And said generating system comprises a telecine device. 233. The method of claim 233 wherein The genital approval system includes a computer-based workstation. The method of claim 213, wherein And a modulation and transmission system for establishing a wireless communication link through which encrypted and compressed information is transmitted between the central facility and the seat. 238. The method of claim 238 wherein And the transmitting means further comprises means for broadcasting the information to any one or more of a plurality of seats allowing multiple screening of the image program in different seats at the same time. 238. The method of claim 238 wherein Wherein the transmission bit rate of the compressed information is not the same as the bit rate at which the information is compressed. 238. The method of claim 238 wherein And a transmission bit rate of the compressed information is the same as the bit rate at which the information is compressed. 238. The method of claim 238 wherein Additional checksum information appended to the transmitted information to allow detection of the transmitted information block in which a transmission error occurs. 238. The method of claim 238 wherein And said transmitting means comprises at least one satellite. 253. The method of claim 243 wherein At least one side-by-side arranged satellite at the central facility for monitoring the quality of the satellite channel used to transmit the compressed information to allow adjustments in the transmission characteristics of the satellite channel to maintain a desired level of quality. A distribution device further comprising a collocated satellite receiver terminal. The method of claim 213, wherein And a bidirectional transmission link to which data is exchanged and disposed between the central facility and the auditorium. 245. The method of claim 245, And the data includes data used for cryptographic security. 245. The method of claim 245, And the data includes data used to request retransmission of information received in the audience with an error. 247. The method of claim 247 And means for retransmitting, via the bidirectional link, information received in the auditorium with an error. 247. The method of claim 247 The data distribution device comprises various monitoring and control inputs and commands transmitted between the central facility and the auditorium. 247. The method of claim 247 And the bidirectional link comprises a dedicated telephone data link. 247. The method of claim 247 And the bidirectional link comprises a dial-up telephone data link. 247. The method of claim 247 And the bidirectional link comprises a packet type data link. 247. The method of claim 247 And the bidirectional link comprises an internet based link. 247. The method of claim 247 And the bidirectional link comprises a wireless data link. 247. The method of claim 247 And the bidirectional link comprises a satellite based data link. The method of claim 213, wherein And a network management system for managing the network of the auditorium in order to display an image for viewing at an approved time and place. 258. The method of claim 256, And said network management system provides operational control of each seat. 161. The method of claim 161, The array of storage devices uses parity information to link different predetermined portions of compressed and encrypted image and audio information to another of the storage devices during storage and to a single seat during retrieval. Device. 167. The method of claim 166 wherein A distribution device comprising at least one local area network interface. The method of claim 213, wherein And said transmitting means comprises at least one optical fiber network. The method of claim 213, wherein And said transmitting means comprises at least one high-speed wired based network. The method of claim 213, wherein And said transmitting means comprises means for wireless broadcasting of a signal comprising said encrypted and compressed image and audio information. The method of claim 213, wherein The transmission means, Means for storing the encrypted and compressed information at the central facility; And Means for retrieving the stored information to a transportable storage medium for physical distribution to the seat Distribution device comprising a. 263. The method of claim 263, And the medium comprises an optical storage medium. 263. The method of claim 263, And the medium comprises a magnetic storage medium. 263. The method of claim 263, And means for archiving the medium at the central facility. 263. The method of claim 263, And means for archiving the medium in the auditorium. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein Generating a digitized image using the digital image generation system. 268. The method of claim 268 Using a digital camera for said generating step. 270. The method of claim 269 wherein The digitized image from the digital camera further comprises capturing, encrypting, compressing and broadcasting to an approved seat by the central storage system substantially simultaneously with the digitization of the image. 268. The method of claim 268 Wherein said generating step comprises using a computer-based workstation. 168. The method of claim 168, Storing the compressed and encrypted image and audio information in a central storage system for later transmission at a predetermined time. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein And modulating and transmitting the encrypted and compressed information over a wireless communication link transmitted between the central storage system and an auditorium. 272. The method of claim 273 wherein Simultaneously broadcasting the encrypted and compressed information to any one or more of a plurality of theater seats allowing multiple screening of the image program in different seats. 272. The method of claim 273 wherein Using a transmission bit rate for compressed information, wherein the transmission bit rate for the compressed information is not equal to the bit rate at which the information is compressed. 272. The method of claim 273 wherein Using a transmission bit rate for compressed information, wherein the transmission bit rate for the compressed information is the same as the bit rate at which the information is compressed. 272. The method of claim 273 wherein Appending additional checksum information to the transmitted information to allow detection of the transmitted information block in which a transmission error occurs. 272. The method of claim 273 wherein Using at least one satellite for transmitting the information to the audience. The method of claim 278, A satellite that is used to collocate at least one satellite receiver terminal in the central storage system side by side and to transmit compressed information to allow adjustments in the transmission characteristics of the satellite channel to maintain a desired level of quality Steps to monitor your channel's quality Distribution method comprising more. The method of claim 191, wherein Using a dedicated telephone data link as the bidirectional link. The method of claim 191, wherein Using a dial-up telephone data link as the bidirectional link. The method of claim 191, wherein Using a packet type data link as the bidirectional link. The method of claim 191, wherein Using an internet-based link as the bidirectional link. The method of claim 191, wherein Using a wireless data link as the bidirectional link. The method of claim 191, wherein Using a satellite-based data link as the bidirectional link. 194. The method of claim 194, wherein The network management system provides the operation control of each seat. 196. The method of claim 195, Incorporating at least one decoder / decoder into each image projector in each seat to prevent eavesdropping and duplication. 272. The method of claim 272 Transmitting compressed and encrypted image and audio information for a single image program to different ones of the seats with a predetermined programmable offset in time with respect to each other. 328. The method of claim 288 Reducing the predetermined programmable offset to be substantially zero such that the single image program is shown at substantially the same time in different ones of the seats. 196. The method of claim 195, Controlling and monitoring the operation of the seats in the complex theater using a theater management system. 290. The method of claim 290 wherein Generating a set of programs in the theater management system from data indicative of one or more individual received images and audio programs that are scheduled for showing on an auditorium system for an approved period of time. 290. The method of claim 290 wherein Automatically distributing, storing, and displaying the program under programmable control from a control element remote from the central storage system. 290. The method of claim 290 wherein Controlling certain predetermined network operations from a remote location in the central storage system. 290. The method of claim 290 wherein Distributing the stored information to one or more of the multiple seat locations for viewing to the audience via a local theater network system. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein Wherein said transmitting step comprises using at least one optical fiber network. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein Wherein said transmitting step comprises using at least one high speed wired based network. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein Storing the encrypted and compressed information in the central storage system; Retrieving the stored data to a transportable storage medium for physical distribution to the seat; And Retrieving the information stored in the medium and transmitting the information to the seat. Distribution method comprising a. The method of claim 297, wherein Wherein said medium comprises an optical storage medium. The method of claim 297, wherein Wherein said medium comprises a magnetic storage medium. The method of claim 297, wherein Archiving the media in the central storage system. The method of claim 297, wherein And archiving the medium in the auditorium. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein Wherein said transmitting step comprises using at least one high speed wired based network. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein Employing redundancy in the central storage system and the auditorium for a predetermined function to ensure reliable operation in various expected operating situations. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein Storing compressed and encrypted image and audio information in the central storage system for transmission at a later predetermined time. 253. The method of claim 225 wherein Encrypting the information in the central storage system, and decrypting the resulting encrypted information in the seat. 305. The method of claim 305, At a time separate from the transmission of the compressed and encrypted information, transferring and storing the encryption key information necessary for decryption to an authorized seat. 305. The method of claim 305, And indicating that the encryption key information is valid and guaranteeing that the key is used only during that period. 307. The method of claim 307, Overwriting the encryption key information at the storage location after the period expires. 305. The method of claim 304, One or more watermarks that are perceptually unrecognizable while playing the image or audio program at a predetermined normal transmission rate, but are detectable when the image or audio program is playing at a rate substantially different from the normal rate Distributing method further comprising the step of adding. 309. The method of claim 309, Configuring the watermark to identify a show time and location for the image and audio program.

Images