CN1316158A - Apparatus and method for distribution of high quality image and audio programs to remote locations - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and method are provided for the distribution of very high quality audio or visual programming material from one or more central hubs (102) to one or more presentation locations (56, 104) such as theaters using high data rate links such as satellites (106). At the central hub (102), a source generation system (108) generates an electronic program signal from an analog signal, a compression/encryption system (110) codes and digitally encrypts the electronic signal, and a modulation/transmission system (114) processes the signal for transmission via the satellite (106). A network management system (112) at the central hub (102) controls the operation of the hub. At the theater (56) or other location, a receiver/demodulator (120) receives the programming signal transmitted using the satellite (106). A theater management system (122) then controls the storage, routing, decoding, and display of the received programming material. Storage arrays (124A-124N) in the theater system (104A-104N) provide for centralized storage of the programming material. The programming material is routed through a local area network to designated auditoriums, several of which may operate within a theater system (104A-104N). At each auditorium, the programming material is decompressed and decrypted for display using electronic projection equipment (132A) and standard auditorium sound systems (134A).

Description

Distribution high quality image and audio program are to the apparatus and method in long-range place

Background of invention

I. invention field

The present invention relates to electronic audio frequency/image (visual), more specifically, the present invention relates to a kind of apparatus and method, be used for being distributed to digital image static or that move and audio-frequency information various for the place that shows.The invention further relates to coding, encryption, transmission, storage, releasing compression, deciphering and the reproduction of high-resolution electronic audio frequency/image program from central equipment to a plurality of projection displays or display system.

II. the description of prior art

Recent decades, the film industry film that depended on and duplicated, distributes and showed a film is sent to creationary program material the cinema that disperses on the geography in country and the world everywhere.To a great extent, the distribution method of this film material and structure have been difficult to change in many decades.

Current film shown in Figure 1 duplicates and distribution procedure.Film duplicates general egative film from superior videocamera.At film studio 50 places, after making the process of film in the original,film editor 52 makes the main leaves copy, and film copiedcells 54 is made so-called distribution negative film, makes distribution picture (print) (crowd know be " positive ") in a large number from the distribution negative film.Distribute the number of desired circulation or copy according to film, more intermediate steps can be arranged or make a plurality of copies in each stage.By running sheet person or other physical means the film positive is distributed to each cinema as 56 examples of cinema.56 places show film to image by usingfilm projector 58 from the film projection to the display surface at the cinema.In this traditional system, the general a plurality of sound channels that produce audio program by audio editing system 51, and these sound channels and film images are printed on the film together, so that can be synchronized with the film images in the cinema screening system in time and reproduce these sound channels on the sound system 57 at the cinema.

Though it is fine that distribution procedure work shown in Figure 1 gets, it has intrinsic restriction.Because the use of cinefilm material and the bandwidth constraints of film medium are restricted for the ability that high fidelity multichannel audio program is provided.Yet the cost of making a large amount of film duplicates is very high, should have the film of length to spend various dollars possibly for each feature film.Also have, with the big canister of motion picture film physically is distributed to big and also cinema place that number increases is associated be cost greatly, complexity and time delay.Also have, the growth trend in film industry is so-called " compound " film place, wherein arranges in a film place or is divided into a plurality of Movie Houses.In the duplex body, each Movie House may be shown a film simultaneously, and is showing other film in other Movie House.

Owing to made a large amount of duplicates, becomed increasingly difficult so prevent the theft of bootlegging and material.Estimation aspect moviemaking because the annual total of loss of evading taxation pirate and that theft causes will have tens dollars.In addition, because dust accretions, wearing and tearing, thermal change and other unknown factor are duplicated material and are reduced quality in time.At last, in the contingent damage of picture materials (can comprise in check harmful material), comprise management cost and other expense.

Technology new and that emerge makes it to provide to carrying out the another kind of solution route of film distribution problem.For example, the progress of digital technology causes distributing the revolution of notion, thereby program to be transmitted is the number format of storing by electronically, rather than on optics film medium.Can be on various magnetic medias or compact disk, or by wired, optical fiber, wireless or satellite communication system distribution digital image.

Yet, comprise that the other distribution technology of digital method still fails to provide image quality and the projection brightness of using motion picture film to use.Generally, emulative technology comprises for what show on video-frequency monitor, television set or projector equipment, is recorded in audio/video (A/V) signal on various magnetic medias or the optical medium.Because the restriction of bandwidth, these technology do not provide the quality of film.

Though can use satellite transmission method now, the current distribution that can't be used for high-quality AV material in force.Because the distribution of film program is the broadcasting of a kind of specific type of scope between the continent basically, it seems to this large-scale broadcasting, the satellite distribution method utmost point with intrinsic advantage is suitable for the film distribution.Yet in order to send the AV signal of very high-quality with " in real time ", the requirement of data transfer rate (pressing the figure place of per second) is at the order of magnitude of 1,500,000,000 of per seconds.Even send single program, the capacity that such High Data Rate equals the whole satellite of requirement sends, and this is too high expense.Need the ability of information except sending via satellite, must use high-quality projector to show received information, former do not have this equipment as yet.

In order to reduce the data rate request that transmits the very high-quality electron image, developing compression algorithm.A kind of digital dynamic image compression technology that can provide tangible compression to keep the picture intelligence quality simultaneously again utilizes the piece and the sub-piece of the self adaptation size of encoded discrete (DCT) coefficient data.After this this technology is called adaptive block sizes discrete cosine transform (ABSDCT) method.The redundancy of selecting adaptive block sizes to utilize the interior information of a frame of pictorial data to exist.Disclose described technology in No. the 5th, 021,891, the United States Patent (USP) that is entitled as " adaptive block sizes image compression method and system ", described patent has transferred assignee of the present invention, and is incorporated herein by reference.Also disclose the DCT technology in No. the 5th, 107,345, the United States Patent (USP) that is entitled as " adaptive block sizes image compression method and system ", described patent has transferred assignee of the present invention, and is incorporated herein by reference.In addition, in No. the 5th, 452,104, the United States Patent (USP) that is entitled as " adaptive block sizes image compression method and system ", disclose uses in conjunction with the ABSDCT technology of discrete four tree converter techniques, described patent also transfers assignee of the present invention, and is incorporated herein by reference.Frame coding in using in these three patents is wherein to each frame coding of image sequence and regardless of the content of any other frame.

Use ABSDCT, can be reduced to the data transfer rate of needs 5,000 ten thousand of about per seconds and not have recognizable quality to reduce from about 1,500,000,000 of described per seconds.Can use single satellite transmitter one transponder easily to send this compressed digital data rates with utmost point reasonable prices, especially when considering that the thousands of recipient of cinema that can make all in given geographic area or country receives this single transmission.

Use the audio-frequency information distribution of digital and electronic form in fact to increase not have quality reduces fast, the low cost potentiality of duplicating.Yet, there is the encryption technology of " duplicating conveniently " of being associated with digital technology, with assurance information is encoded in one way, and prevent that the useful message of distributing is distributed to not authorized each side.

The possibility that new technology such as the ABSDCT compress technique, advanced person's projection equipment and Electronic Coding method provide " digital camera " system.Generally, the definition digital camera is the electronic distribution and the demonstration of very high-quality film program, and described very high-quality film program has been converted into digital and electronic and has shown for the purpose of storing, transmitting and show.Digital Theater System will overcome the restriction of many current film distribution procedures.The transmission method of use such as satellite system, reduced widely be included in film duplicate and distribute in expense.Digital system can not resemble and reduce quality the motion picture film in time.In addition, in fact digital system has eliminated the theft and the bootlegging of motion picture film, and further is provided at the possibility that realizes safety measure in the digital system itself.Yet, the still untapped complete Digital Theater System of moviemaking or relevant technologies.

Wait to solve several issues and problem.New Digital Theater System will require the protection of improved form to prevent the theft to cinema.In order to obtain bigger economy return, the cinema of a plurality of Movie House combinations increases, and the result causes more complicated display scheduling table more with the position number that is shown to fixing film.Use current technology demonstration can require to provide many other electronic copys, have relevant complexity and running cost to cinema.

Still by above-mentioned old motion picture film copy and distribution technology definition distribution route and mechanism.Whole advantage that the digital camera that needs new technology and device to be advised to obtain is handled reduces copy, issues to market quickly, is updated in the product in the distribution, and the dispatch list and the distribution flexibility of enhancing are provided with rational cost simultaneously.Simultaneously, some Moviemaking person, studio and the manager of cinema like that distribution and distribution are had central authorities' control of enhancing, and can expand to newer market.For example, hope can provide film or other audio frequency and video with another sound channel to show, seeks the market of spectators' multilingual or another kind of language increase in the more effective mode of cost.

Needed is that some technology is integrated in the system and method, is used to transmit and manage be used for high quality image and the audio program that large-screen is watched.Need a kind of system and method, be used for being transferred to reliably the integrated and internal security measure of the dispatch list flexibly of the very high-quality image of given movie institute and audio signal, photoplay sheet and advertisement, high-quality audio signal.By in following manner the present invention can reach these targets.

Brief summary of the invention

The present invention is a kind of system and method, is used for high quality image and/or audio program from one or more central means electronic distribution to one or more display systems or the system of cinema.Apparatus and method provide coding and encryption to image and audio-frequency information, and the general type of described image and audio-frequency information is in the widespread distribution of the program material at central hinge place, this material and in the storage and the large scale display of the program at one or more Movie Houses and display position place.Program material generally comprise the audio program of film images, time synchronized and/or such as vision disorder spectators' video hint tracking, foreign language and/or dysaudia spectators' telltale title or multimedia time cue are followed the tracks of other for information about.Program material can be the time interval long (such as the film of feature film length), or short (such as movie trailer or commercial advertisement) of the time interval, or static image (such as advertisement or notice).Such as in the situation of background audio program, the relevant program with other of audio frequency does not need synchronous with pictorial information in time.

At central hinge place, handle programme information for distribution.Can use a source that is positioned at central hinge place or another place and produce system from analog or digital input generation electronic audio frequency and picture intelligence.Source generation system generally comprises the telecine studio that is used to produce electronic image signal, and the audio frequency reader that is used to produce electronic audio signal.On the other hand, can directly provide electronic signal from electronic still camera or other electron source such as computer based image generation system.

By compression/encryption system electron image and audio signal are handled then.Have again, can make compression/encryption system be positioned at the same apparatus place that central hinge place or source produce system, for example, film studio.Use many dynamic compression technology of knowing, and can be easily send compressed signal with wired, optical fiber, wireless or satellite communication system.Can use standard digital audio frequency compression algorithm compressing audio signal.

Encryption technology comprise time-use of variation electronic key value and/or digital control word sequence, only provide described encryption technology to approved receiver.In addition, can in image and/or audio signal, add digital signature or " watermark ".The spectators that generally watch can not aware the video identification device of watermark, cinema and/or appointment, but when analyzing under non real-time or frozen frozen mass reproduction, can be used to discern the copy of not checking and approving of program.Produce at independent place, decipher unit image and/or audio-frequency information are deciphered needed decryption information, described independent decipher unit is to use the secret Movie House that sends to cinema to specify key and security information.Generally, image and audio signal are separately encrypted.By image and audio-frequency unit are handled as program independently, can be attached to different audio programs in the image program for a variety of causes such as the language variation.

Offer compressed and encrypted signal at central hinge place or the modulation/transmission system at hinge place.The modulation/transmission technology generally adds checking information and modulates the Data transmission stream that is used to transmit.Generally transmit via satellite, though also can use land cable, optical fiber or other wireless method.Can change the transmission rate of broadcast program by this way, cause can be slower than, faster than or the speed that equals packed data speed send.When producing transfer of data, support the transmission of validity event with the speed identical with compression speed.

Central authorities' hinge also comprises network management system.Network management system can comprise the total operation of processor controls with management system, comprises broadcasting, reproduction/demonstration, safe and total supervision/control and Network Management Function.System can operate under central authorities or distributed Automatic Control, partial-automatic control or the situation with artificial insertion.

Under the control of network management system, program material and additional control information are broadcast to the system of cinema.Though can receive all transmission programs, the system of cinema only optionally receives the program that the plan of system of cinema is wanted.System comprises control method, is used for system of the identifier of each broadcast program notice cinema.In addition, provide control method to control of the selection storage of each system of cinema to received program.

System place at the cinema, receiver/demodulator receives broadcast program.Generally, use teledish to come receiving satellite signal.Receiver/demodulator also carries out demodulation to received signal, and is carrying out error correction on the signal of demodulation.Generally, signal and the error correction result through the demodulation that transmit the stream of packets form are offered theater management together.

Theater management monitors the error through the signal of demodulation, and the signal section that comprises error is transmitted in request again.Theater management is used return link communication path (from the system of cinema to central hinge) request transmission again.Return path can use telephone network, satellite channel, Internet or other low data rate communication means.

Under the control of management system, the storage array in the system provides the local central authoritiesization storage of program material at the cinema at the cinema.Storage array can be solid-state, magnetic or optics, and can store several programs simultaneously.Can so connect the centralized storage system via local area network (LAN) (electronics or optics), cause and on any approved display system (that is projector), to reproduce and to show any program.Also have, can on two or more display systems, reproduce identical program simultaneously.Make program material send to the Movie House of appointment via Local Area Network by route from storage array, described local area network (LAN) can use various lan topologys.For this illustrative purposes, this summary hypothesis is used the LAN in conjunction with the central network switching fabric.Yet this system also may be the lan topology of other type.

At reproduction period, sentence real-time processing program material at Movie House.Described processing comprises data transfer rate releasing compression and secure decryption (or going scramble).It is relevant with encryption technology with the compression of using in central hinge place with decipherment algorithm to remove compression.Show the picture intelligence of removing compression/deciphering by the projector in Movie House, represent audio signal by the electronic audio system simultaneously.

Theater management is generally controlled all aspects of projection operation, comprises the storage of received program, the releasing compression of programme signal and the demonstration of deciphering and program material.Though only the system place receives a program at the cinema, can make the program reproducing that is stored in the storage array repeatedly.Theater management can be controlled cycle recovery time and/or the reproduction number of times that each program allows.On the other hand, the control of procedure for displaying can be set at electronics projector, remote control unit place, or take place under the central authorities' control by hinge or other central unit.In addition, can dispose theater management becomes and the projection operation that integrates such as other cinema's operation such as permission, booking, distribution, mark, environment control, illumination, sound system operation.Each system of cinema can comprise the Movie House system of a plurality of shared common storage and controlled function, is used for demonstration more flexible and that price is more economical and selects.

The use of digital encryption provides the internal security measure of digital movie department system.The technology of accessing to your password provides the enciphered data transmission of an end to an end.That is, produce system (SGS) in the source and locate image and/or audio-frequency information are encrypted, and reproduction period just in time at the cinema the Movie House place in the system be decrypted.Except the electronic security(ELSEC) measure, physical security measures provides the additional protection of program material.

Before showing by the projector in the system at the cinema, the protection particular importance of the releasing compression/decrypted signal that physical security measures is located " lead tap ".In a preferred embodiment, be accommodated in deciphering/releasing compression function safely, hold in the cabinet of self, described cabinet physically is attached on the projector or embeds its inside in mode so, and it can not be dismantled it not check and approve contact, and can physically prevent the detection to decrypted signal.In addition, invade the beginning that this safe environment or cabinet can cause a process, cryptographic key information is eliminated or wiped to described process, showing the available numerical data in load point place otherwise eliminate or change, to prevent copy.

Correspondingly, complete digital movie department system is provided, be used for the high-quality program material in the Movie House from one or more central means to one or more compound cinemas or other place is compressed, encrypts, transmits reliably, stores and reproduces, and necessary management function is to monitor and to control this system.

The accompanying drawing summary

From the following detailed description together with accompanying drawing, feature of the present invention, purpose, advantage will be more clear, in institute's drawings attached, and the parts that identical character mark is identical, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the block diagram of traditional film dissemination system;

Fig. 2 is the high-level block diagram of the example embodiment of digital movie of the present invention department system;

Fig. 3 is based on the block diagram of the source generation systems of film;

Fig. 4 is the block diagram of compression/encryption system;

Fig. 5 is the block diagram of modulation/transmission system;

Fig. 6 is the block diagram of network management system;

Fig. 7 is the block diagram of the system of cinema through arranging;

Fig. 8 is the block diagram that hinge internal network and central hinge redundancy are shown;

Fig. 9 is the block diagram of cinema's receiver/demodulator;

Figure 10 is the block diagram of theater management; And

Figure 11 is the block diagram of cinema's decoder system.

The detailed description of preferred embodiment

The present invention includes a kind of system and method, sometimes be referred to as " digital movie institute ", be used for the electronic distribution that the high quality audio/video frequency program such as motion picture film (is called system of cinema, cinema, compound cinema or display system) from one or more central distribution point (being called central hinge, equipment or station) to a plurality of receiving stations.Digital movie department system is combined in the new invention in image and audio compression, projection technology, encryption method and many other fields.The complete system that can comprise various devices is provided, is used to encode, encrypt, transmit, store, remove the control of the various functions of reproduction and system of compression, deciphering and audio/video material.

Design digital movie institute is substituted into each reproduction such as cinema or long-range Movie House or shows the current film physical distribution method in place.It has eliminated the requirement of duplicating film and film being transported to cinema by race sheet person.It provides the superior audio/video quality and the potentiality of internal security measure.By via satellite or some other high speed media send audio frequency and visual bearing signal, digital movie institute further provides the possibility of real-time broadcasting such as motion event and " life event " program by the concert of cinema-quality.On the other hand, can send to cinema to program and be stored on the storage device such as disk for later demonstration.

System of example digital of the present invention shown in Figure 2 cinema.As shown in FIG. 2, digitalmovie department system 100 comprises two main systems: at least one central means or hinge 102 and at least one demonstration or system of cinema 104 (104A-104N).In a preferred embodiment, use at least onesatellite 106, demonstration or system of cinema 104 are broadcasted or sent to the signal of transitive graph image information or data and voice data from central means or hinge 102.Central authorities' hinge 102 is supported in all systems of cinema 104 (104A-104N) in the track ofsatellite 106 or that be coupled to selected wireless, wired or other high speed communications link.Generally,

Such as a series of cinemas such as outdoor open-air theater, school, special dining room or show that the place forms the network in place, their use native system to receive image or audio-frequency information.

Though the single central means or the hinge 102 that are used for process information are shown, for the increase of network and distribution reliability may also require a standby project planning.Can use additional hinge 102 together with link identical orother satellite 106 or other type, the cinema 104 in identical geographic area (or satellite trajectory) or other are shown that the place provides service.When using different hinges, the different film supplier persons that this can compete in the given area that service (program, the equipment slightly different to type that send varying level provide service etc.) is provided or other ISP take place.The present invention imagines and uses a plurality of satellites and hinge, such as in industry description, the service of various levels is provided.

Generally, a cinema in the network in the demonstration place that receives image or audio-frequency information or show that the place utilizes a cinema or display system 104 (104A-104N), and comprise that some centralization equipment and each show some equipment that Movie House uses.For example,satellite 106 can be a Ku frequency band geostationary satellite, though also can use other frequency and satellite orbit.Known multiple satellite system and satellite transmitter one transponder, according to desired position, price, desired average size etc., they can provide the service of this propagation function.

At central hinge 102 places, the source produces system 108 electronic audio frequency and the image program of numeral is offered system.Generally, the source produces system's 108 reception film materials and produces the tape that comprises digital information or data.Under high resolution, film is carried out digital scan, to set up the digital version of film or other program.Generally, known " telecine studio " process produces pictorial information, and many digital audio conversion process of knowing produce the audio-frequency unit of program.Not needing provides processed image from film, but can be the image of single picture or static picture format, or series of frames or picture, comprises that those are expressed as the movie film of length variations.Can these images as a series of or one group show to set up so-called image program.In addition, can provide video hint tracking, foreign language and/or the dysaudia spectators' that use such as the vision disorder spectators telltale title or other material the tracking of multimedia time cue.Similarly, use single or sound in groups or record form desired audio program.

On the other hand, high-resolution digital video camera or other known digital image generation apparatus or method can provide digital image information.Using the digital camera that directly produces digital image information is useful especially for catching life event (being to distribute immediately or simultaneously basically).Also can use a computer work station or similar equipment directly produces graphic image to be distributed.

Digital image information or program are delivered to compression/encryption system 110, and it uses known format or the process compression digital signal of selecting in advance, reduces with very high-quality and reproduces the needed amount of digital information of original picture.In a preferred embodiment, use the ABSDCT technology to come the compressed image source.At above-mentioned United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 021,891,5,107,345 and 5,452, the ABSDCT compress technique is described in No. 104.Also use digitally compressed audio information of standard technique, and can be synchronous with compressed pictorial information in time.Use one or more safe electronic methods to compressed image with audio-frequency information is encrypted or scramble then.

NMS is 112 states that monitor compression/encryption systems 110 completely, and like that compression/encryption system 110 are directed to a plurality of cinemas, security and and are with the control information transmission of compression/enciphered data as requested.Then multiple signals guiding modulation/transmission system 114, under the guiding ofnetwork management system 112, modulation/transmission system modulation compressed information bearing signal and thissignal 106 systems of cinema that send to such as the 104A of system of cinema via satellite.That is, can on wireless communications path or link, be broadcast to compressed information cinema or show the place.

In certain embodiments, transmit compressed image and audio-frequency information in mode non-adjacent or that separate independent of each other.That is, provide a kind of means, be used to compress and audio program that transmission is associated with pictorial information or program, but separate in time.When using the present invention to handle in the identical moment and transmitting audio frequency, there is not any requirement with image.As suitable, use predefined identifier or identification mechanism or scheme to make corresponding audio frequency and the image program connection that is relative to each other.This allow show constantly or during the presented event as institute's requirements the audio programs of one or more selections in advance are linked with at least one image program of selecting in advance.Originally or compressed pictorial information when asynchronous in time that is,, link compressed audio frequency and synchronous when showing when.As described below, can compressed image and audio-frequency information together or separate storage in central means, transmit in order on the predetermined instant afterwards.

Usesatellite 106 to send broadcast singals though Fig. 2 illustrates, should be appreciated that, also can use the terrestrial wireless transmission method of any number the Radio frequency relay device of terrestrial cellular, microwave or other type known such as the crowd to send broadcast singal.On the other hand, can use the wire transmission method such as many downleads (multi-drop), Internet access node, special telephone line or point-to-point fiber optic network that the crowd knows to implement the present invention.

Central authorities' hinge 102 can also comprise that at least one arranges system ofcinema 116, is used to monitor by modulation/transmission system 114 send, and the quality of signals that receives fromsatellite 106, and quality of reception measured value offered network management system 112.Arrange all features or disposal ability that system ofcinema 116 does not need to use the similar installation that is arranged in each cinema to find, but can use have suitable reception, the satellite receiver of demodulation, releasing compression and other parts, be used to produce to analyzing useful signal.For example, in order to allow in the great majority situation relevant with some known features of the numerical data of transmitting enough signal quality analyses are arranged, arranging system ofcinema 116 does not need to provide a complete high-quality image for projection significantly.

When determining that the signal that is sent is ropy, in order to improve transmission quality,network management system 112 can be regulated compression/encryption system 110 and/or modulation/transmission system 114.For example, can use the variation in the detected numerical data error rate or the loss of the Frame in the signal that receives to change compression ratio, the transmission feature of change such as signal power, sending part sub-signal more automatically, or when considering some satellite problem of transmission, fully interrupt transmission.

The present invention can be applied to the image in multiple demonstration place (such as outdoor open-air cinema, drive-in complex, city Movie House, school, special restaurant etc.) and the demonstration of audio-frequency information equivalently, uses relevant example cinema or clineplex for purpose clearly below.Those skilled in the art that understand the present invention easily and how to be applied to the place of other type.

System 104 (104A-104N) locates to receive signal or the broadcast singal that is transmitted by receiver/demodulator 120 at the cinema.In a preferred embodiment, use satellite transmitter one transponder transmission signals, receiver/demodulator 120 uses at least one receiver antenna 138 to come received signal.120 pairs of received signals of receiver/demodulator carry out demodulation and monitor error through the signal of demodulation.In order to help this process, can before transmission, add compressed information to additional examination information, to allow to detect the error in institute's information transmitted piece.

If error rate surpasses predetermined level, thentheater management 122 can ask to transmit the signal section that comprises error again.Can use return link 113 fromtheater management 122 the transmission request to be sent to central hinge 102, described return link can use phone, satellite channel, multicomponent data link, Internet, Radio Link or other low data rate communication means of band dialing or dedicated link.

In certain embodiments, also can use return link 113 finish signal section or to be passed be delivered to display field or the transmission again of the Frame of cinema.Promptly, return link 113 is configured to the two-way link, be used for the data that for example comprise transmission request again or out of Memory are delivered to central hinge from cinema, or order, general operation information or compressed image and audio-frequency information are delivered to cinema from central hinge.As further below as described in, can also use this two-way link to transmit cryptographic key data.

With at least one generally is that a plurality ofMovie House 128A-128M constitute system of cinema 104 (104A-104N).For example, in some commercial market, cinema is constituted the clineplex that has many Movie Houses in a place, be referred to as clineplex (cineplex) or cinema complex usually.Can or be delivered to a plurality of Movie Houses in single clineplex received signal broadcasting.

Signal through demodulation is had cinema's interface network (TIN) 126 to be stored from thecentralized storage system 123 that receiver/demodulator 120 sends to usestorage array 124A-124N.The size ofstorage array 124A-124N can approximate estimate, to support to have the clineplex of different number Movie Houses.Just when central hinge 102 receives information, can offer one ofMovie House 128A-128M (that is, showing) to signal via cinema'sinterface network 126 as an alternative when requiring to show through demodulation for " life event ".

In the time will watching a program, obtain programme information and use TIN126 that it is sent to theMovie House 128A-128M of one or more appointments fromstorage array 124A-124N.If specified Movie House isMovie House 128A, then decoder 130A uses the privacy key information that only cinema of being authorized is provided that broadcast singal is decrypted, and uses the releasing compression algorithm opposite with the compression algorithm of locating to use in source generation system 108 (SGC) to make the signalrelief compression.Decoder 130A converts the pictorial information of removing compression to standard video format (can be the analog or digital form) that projection system uses, and byelectronics projector 132A displayed image.Audio-frequency information is also removed compression, and offer thesound system 134A of Movie House, to reproduce with image program.Finish in case the checking and approving of some program shows the time cycle, just from one of the appointment ofstorage array 124A-124N or part, wipe digital program information, with the use that prevents that material from not checking and approving.Though not explanation especially, each ofMovie House 128A-128M comprises a decoder, a projector and a sound system.

A plurality of when watching the place when requiring,centralized storage system 123 is configured to compressed information to different Movie House (have in time each other select in advance programmable depart from or postpones) the single image program of transmission.When single image program being offered basically simultaneously selected a plurality of Movie House, make programmable the departing from of selecting in advance be substantially equal to zero or very little.For utmost point display scheduling flexibly is provided, At All Other Times, these depart from and can at random be provided with from several minutes to several hours according to stored configuration and capacity.This allows clineplex to look for the market demands of the incident of demonstration such as first run sheet preferably.

The demonstration of real-time activity event programs is similar in appearance to the demonstration of movie film, but walked around the storage ofstorage array 124A one 124N-and-reproduce operation, or use this storage as short item buffer device, potential transient signal transmission is interrupted or is sent synchronously and count.

Randomly, provide one or moredigital tape recorders 136 in the system 104 at the cinema.When satellite link or some other broadcast technology cannot the times spent, or such as cost or availability reason etc., when this technology is not the preferred approach of transmitting, can service recorder device 136.In this case, just use tape or other portable media that program is distributed to cinema 104 from central distribution point.Magnetic tape recorder 136 usesTIN 126 that program is delivered tostorage array 124A-124N.Time after can be with programme information for demonstration then.Can also recordmagnetic tape recorder 136 to the image and thedisk memory array 124A-124N of audio program for the long term archival storage, refill with the time after and be downloaded tostorage array 124A-124N.

Can use other means of higher density, high flow capacity storage to replace digital tape recorder 136.For example, other well known storage systems that adopts optical disc be can use in the present invention, CDROM storage device and digital versatile disc (" DVD ") resembled, or even some solid-state memory array.

The example embodiment of the processing block of the central hinge 102 of explanation in Fig. 3-9, and here describe.Source shown in Figure 3 produces system 108.In example embodiment, the source produces system 108 and makes film eikongen digitlization such as the 35mm movie film, and digitized storage of versions on tape.The source produces system 108 and comprises high-resolution (HD) " telecine studio " device or process 40, is used to receive film source 142 and produces digital image from film 142.The crowd knows that telecine studio handles in moviemaking, and can use in several services that can obtain in enormous quantities or the device any one to implement this process.Yet, in a preferred embodiment, use high definition television film studio to handle, this current with technical field in the equipment of many CINTEL that know or Philips BTS production be available.When designing a service, determine the resolution of employed equipment and specific selection according to cost and the factor that other crowd knows.According to target audience, available projection equipment and place, comprise that requirement reduces data transfer rate to some satellite transmission, can also use other resolution.

If original film is reference format 35mm source, then on the image of the telecine studio process of using per second 24 frames, carry out this process.Can use the numeral output of High Data Rate magnetic tape recorder storage telecine studio process, or use the magnetic tape recorder of lower data rate, or other known Image storage system and medium compress at once and/or encrypt and store.

Because telecine studio is only handled image, so the audio-frequency unit of input source is independent of image and handles.If audio-source is an analog format, then generally on tape 144, it is offered audio frequency reader 146 for digitlization.In one embodiment, make the nearly digital audio and the digital image combination of 12 sound channels by multiplexer 148, and being stored in image program in the high resolution digital video magnetic tape recorder (VTR video tape recorder) 150, or in the similar high power capacity digital storage system through multiplexed signal.On the other hand, as mentioned above, can the storing audio program and with the image program separate processes, but included synchronizing information allows correctly to aim in time and make up with image program at Movie House playback system place.

Though the part of the central hinge 102 of shown conduct should be appreciated that, can produce system 108 to the source and be arranged in other device that is not central hinge 102.Other device can just in time be to be suitable for producing digital signal from magnetic source or optical source.On the other hand, the source produces system 108 can comprise the digital camera that has built-in magnetic or optical storage, or directly produces the digital means (such as the computer that produces figure or special-effect) of other image generation of digital source material.The source produces the digital system that system 108 can also comprise still image, such as optical scanner that is used for 35mm figure lantern slide or print or image converter.Therefore, participate in the preparation of image program and show in regular studio or such as the special studio that is used for special-effect, or other device, can produce desired digital material, then described digital material is delivered to central means or hinge with further processing or transmission.

The block diagram of compression/encryption system 110 shown in Figure 4.Produce system 108 similar in appearance to the source, compression/encryption system 110 can be the part of central hinge 102 or be arranged in the device separately.For example, compression/encryption system compression/encryption system 110 can produce system 108 with the source and is arranged in film or TV factory.In addition, the compression process of figure or audio-frequency information or data can be used as the variable bit rate process and carries out.

Compression/encryption system 110 receiving digital signals, described digital signal can be provided by the digital VTR 150 that the source produces system 108.Before further handling, can be stored in digital image and audio-frequency information in the frame buffer (not shown).

Digital image signal is delivered to image compression device 162.In a preferred embodiment, image compression device 162 uses the ABSDCT technology of describing in above-mentioned United States Patent (USP) the 5th, 021,891,5,107,345 and 5,452,104 to handle digital image signal.

In the ABSDCT technology, general input color signal is by the YIQ form, and wherein Y is luminance or luminance component, and I and Q are colourity or chrominance component.Also can use other form such as YUV or rgb format.Because eyes are lower to the spatial sensitivity of colour, the ABSDCT technology is carried out son-sampling by 2 pairs of colours of the factor (I and Q) component in the horizontal direction with on each direction of vertical direction.Correspondingly, use 4 luminance components and 2 each space segment that chromatic component comes presentation image to import.

Each luminance component and chromatic component are delivered to the piece interleaver.Generally, provide 16 * 16 to the piece interleaver, the piece interleaver is arranged in the image sampling in 16 * 16, is used for the piece and the sub-piece of combination of the data of discrete cosine transform (DCT) analysis with generation.The DCT operator is a kind of method that the conversion of signals of time one sampling is become the frequency representation of same signal.By converting frequency representation to, the compression that the DCT technology allows high level has been shown, obtain the advantage of the Frequency Distribution feature of image because can design quantizer.In a preferred embodiment, a 16 * 16DCT is applied to first ordering, 48 * 8DCT are applied to second ordering, 16 4 * 4DCT are applied to the 3rd ordering, and 64 2 * 2DCT are applied to the 4th ordering.

The DCT operation is reduced in spatial redundancy intrinsic in the eikongen.After carrying out DCT, most of picture intelligence energy trend towards concentrating in the DC coefficient of minority.

Analyze the conversion coefficient of 16 * 16 and each sub-piece, to determine to piece or the needed figure place of subblock coding.Then, select piece or require the sub-piece of minimum coding figure place to make up the presentation image segmentation.For example, can select 28 * 8,64 * 4 and 82 * 2 to come the presentation image segmentation.

Correctly selected or sub-piece are combined into line ordering then.Prepare transmission then, can use known technology to be further processed,, but be not limited thereto such as frequency weighting, quantification and coding (such as variable length code) to the DCT coefficient value.Then compressed picture intelligence is offered at least one visual encryption equipment 166.

Generally digital audio and video signals is delivered to audio compressor 164.In a preferred embodiment, audio compressor 164 uses standard digital audio frequency compression algorithm to handle multichannel audio information.Compressed audio-frequency information is offered at least one audio encryption device 168.On the other hand, in uncompressed, but still be in the form of numeral, can transmit and use audio-frequency information.

Image encryption equipment 166 and audio encryption device 168 uses a kind of in many known encryption techniques respectively compressed image and audio signal to be encrypted.Can use identical or different technology to carry out the encryption of image and audio signal.In a preferred embodiment, use the real-time digital sequence scramble encryption technology that comprises image and audio program.

At image and audio encryption device 166,168 places, by changing scrambler/encryption equipment processing of circuit program material of electronic keying information (general per second changes for several times) service time one.Can send the programme information through scramble then, such as the space by in Radio Link, the relevant electronic keying information that it being used for program material or numerical data are carried out scramble, if anyone do not occupy just can not be recognized.

Encryption generally comprises the Serial No. scramble of compressed signal or directly encrypts.Speech " encryption " and " scramble " can be used interchangeably, and can be understood as and mean and use many cryptographic techniques to carry out scramble, covering or directly described digital stream is encrypted and handled any means of the digital data stream of each provenance, described digital stream uses the sequence that produces with secret number value (" key "), in this way, do not know that the private key values utmost point is difficult to find original data sequence.

The specific electron key information that provides and encrypt by the electronic key information that shows place or cinema's appointment is provided for each image and audio program, only to approved cinema or demonstration place projection (show) specific program.Movie House needs encrypted program key so that program data stream is decrypted.Before program reproducing, encrypted program key is sent or is delivered to approved cinema.Note, may be before the approved projection cycle begins a couple of days or several weeks just send program data stream, and the approved reproduction cycle begins before the just encrypted program key of transmission.Also can use the low data rate link or transmit encrypted program key such as the memory unit that disk or optical medium dish, Smart card or other device with erasable memory element etc. can be carried.Can provide encrypted program key to check and approve the particular movie theater complex of repertoire or the time cycle of Movie House in mode so with control.

Each Movie House that receives encrypted program key uses its Movie House specific key that this value is decrypted, and the key through decoding is stored in storage arrangement or other safe storage.

When wanting playback of programs, the algorithm of the most handy algorithm symmetry of using when preparing coded signal in encryption system 110 uses cinema or place specific key information or program specific key information by separating scramble/deciphering programme information in real time now.

Except scramble, visual encryption equipment 166 can one normally " watermark " of numerical characteristic be increased to image program.This comprises place specific identifiers and/or time particular video frequency identifier insertion program sequence.That is, constitute watermark, when needs, be used for more effectively following the tracks of the source of illegal copy to indicate approved place and demonstration time.Can make it to occur continually to the watermark programming, but the pseudo-random period in the reproduction process makes the spectators that watch can't see it.During showing the image or audio-frequency information of removing compression on the defined normal delivery speed, watermark is imperceptible.Yet, when with the speed significantly different (such as reproducing speed) displayed image and audio-frequency information, can detect watermark in lower " non real-time " speed or frozen frozen mass with normal speed.If find without the program copy of being authorized, then checking and approving structure can the reading number watermark information, and the cinema that can determine to make this copy.Also can apply or use this digital watermark with the identification audio program.

Compressed offered multiplexer 170 with encrypted image and audio signal.At multiplexer 170 places, image and audio signal are multiplexed with time synchronization information, sentence the mode picture reproducing and the audio stream of time alignment to allow system 104 at the cinema.Then, 172 pairs of program packetizer that make packet form program stream are handled through multiplexed signal.By grouping, or form " data block ", can monitor the error of the piece that receives in the program stream that system 104 places at the cinema receive, and only these pieces rather than whole program that error occurs be made the request of transmitting again data.Reliability and efficient in the transmission are increased.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the image of program and audio-frequency unit as independently handling with the program of different in kind.Therefore, be not to use multiplexer 170 to make image and audio signal multiplexed, but picture intelligence is divided into groups independently and transmit.In this embodiment, can not comprise audio signal and the transitive graph picture signals, vice versa.Only image and audio program are combined into composite program in the recovery time.This allows for such as changing language, providing the back distribution to upgrade or program changes, makes it to meet a variety of causes such as standard of this area and different audio programs or image program are made up.This ability that different audio frequency multichannel programs is assigned to image program neatly is extremely useful, in changing the program of having issued and seeking the film industry now in the available bigger multiple cultural products market, makes the cost minimum especially.

Can in programming, realize compressor reducer 162,164, encryption equipment 166,168, multiplexer 170 and program packetizer 172 with the software-controlled processor of carrying out function as described herein.Promptly can be configured to general utility functions hardware to them, comprise multiple programmable electronic device or computer of under software or firmware program control, working.Can use some other technology (such as by ASIC or by one or more circuit card assemblies) to realize them in addition.That is, constitute specialized hardware.

Image and audio program streams are sent to storage array 174.In addition, can send to SDLT register 176 to program stream.

The CES controller 178 main responsible whole compression/encryption systems 116 of controlling and monitor.Can be by general service hardware unit or computer being programmed carrying out desired function, or by using specialized hardware to realize CES controller 178.On the hinge internal network network control is offered CES controller 178 (Fig. 2) fromnetwork management system 112, this will be described below.CES controller 178 uses known digital interface and compressor reducer 162,164, encryption equipment 166,168, multiplexer 170 and program packetizer 172 to communicate, and controls the operation of these unit.The data and the modulation transmission system 114 (Fig. 2) of array 174, SDLT register 176, transmission between these devices also controlled and monitored to CES controller 178.

Preferably storage array 174 is constituted a group hard disc driver, it will have similar design to the disk storage array 124 in the system 104 (Fig. 2) at the cinema usually.Yet those skilled in the art that will be understood that, can use other medium such as writing optical disk again in some applications.The capacity of central authorities' hub disc storage array 174 can be lower than the bank capability of all systems of cinema 104 (summation in all Movie Houses or place), because generally once only need store a program in storage array 174.Usually, storing new program from memory transfer with after removing each program.Yet, according to being used for the equipment that receives the material that transmits, once can store a plurality of programs, even once property ground transmission on given link.At compression stage, disk storage array 174 receives compressed and encrypted image, audio frequency and the control data from program packetizer 172 or SDLT register 176.In transmit stage, disk storage array 174 sends tomodulation transmission system 114 to the data of being stored.The operation of CES controller 178 management disk storage arrays 174.

Control multiplexer 180 receives from the program stream of disk storage array 174 with from the control information of CES controller 178.Control multiplexer 180 makes this two data stream multiplexings, and offering delivery of packets device 182 through multiplexed data flow.Delivery of packets device 182 makes data stream packet with the formation transport data stream, and the stream through grouping is sent tomodulation transmission system 114.

Adopt SDLT register 176 (DTR), be used to make the filing of compressed image and audio frequency, and be used for the program distribution of record on tape to the cinema that does not have the desired wireless or wire link of available satellite or other.That is, be used to produce the digital information tape that is used to distribute.At compression stage, magnetic tape recorder 176 receives compressed and encrypted image, audio frequency and the control data from program packetizer 172.When magnetic tape recorder 176 when being recorded in data passes on the tape to disk storage array 174, program is no longer filed.The operation of CES controller 178 administering digital linear tape registers 176.

Explanation modulation/transmission system 114 in Fig. 5.114 pairs of transport data stream from compression/encryption system 110 of modulation/transmission system are carried out modulation and transmission.Modulation/transmission system 114 comprises at least onemodulator 200 and IFupconverter 202, generally they is placed in the identical physical unit, as compression/encryption system 110,network management system 112 and 116 (Fig. 2) of system of arrangement cinema.Modulation/transmission system 114 further comprisesRF transducer 204,high power amplifier 206 and modulation/transmission system controller 208, they is placed in the ground station or near ground station locates.

Modulator 200 is subsystems of standard, and it adds positive error control information and modulates transport data stream, is used to use known technology (or other wireless propagation path) transmission via satellite.In one embodiment, many in the art convolution of knowing and link Reed one Suo Luomen (Reed-Solomon) coding techniques are used for the positive error calibration function.Can adopt standard P SK (phase shift keying) modulator, be used for modulation function.

IFupconverter 202 arrives the output transform frommodulator 200, for example, and the intermediate frequency of 140MHz (IF).Then this signal is offered RF upconverter 204.Know as the crowd of institute, can be by using existing equipment in order only to do the enforcement that less modification realizes this subsystem with the remainder compatibility of system.

RF upconverter 204 generally is a standard subsystem, and it becomes to be suitable for the transmission signal of satellite transmits to IF signal transformation.In a preferred embodiment, the IF signal transformation of 140MHz is become the Ku band signal.Ku frequency band output can from about 14.0GHz be tuned to 14.5GHz.Can implement two upconverter and an automatic switch unit (not shown) so that the device redundancy that improves system reliability to be provided.This output is offeredhigh power amplifier 206 amplifies.For signal transmission via satellite, or on demand, can use the frequency band that is not the Ku frequency band in addition.

High power amplifier 206 amplifies the Ku frequency band (or other desired frequency) that is used to be transferred to satellite transmitter-transponder and sends signal.Can use two high power amplifiers and an automatic switch unit (not shown) so that the device redundancy that improves system reliability to be provided.

MTS (modulation/transmission system)controller 208 can be used for the equipment interconnection ofground station 210, dispose and monitor.Many programmable hardwares of knowing can be implementedcontroller 208 use such as personal computer or the work station.

Ground station 210 comprises all RF interconnection and an antenna.Generally comprise a RF cabin or structure to holdRF upconverter 204,HPA 206,MTS controller 208 and useful power and apparatus of air conditioning (not shown).Generally, use one or more common broadcast channel program and control information to be broadcast to the system of cinema from ground station 210.Broadcast singal comprises the control information of system of the identifier of each broadcast program notice cinema.In addition, control information is sent to the system of cinema, thus cinema optionally only storage be intended for use the program receiving of particular movie theater system and other controlled function that is associated with system operation.As described, on demand, generally can on high speed/speed or low data rate link, transmit this information.

With reference now to Fig. 6,network management system 112 is described.Network management system 112 control and systems of administering digital cinema 100.The parts that this comprises control and monitors the network of central hinge 102 and system of cinema 104.Can be the control of central authoritiesization, so that total operation ofnetwork management system 112 management systems, comprise broadcasting or transmission, reproduction/demonstration, safe and total Network Management Function.On the other hand, can implement distribution management system, the processor in demonstration or system of cinema is controlled some cinema's function therein.

Network management system 112 comprises at least one networkmanagement processing device 220, and it is central controller or " brain " of digital movie department system 100.Generally,network management system 112 is based on standard platform work station or similar programmable data processing hardware.The scheduling and the secure context ofdevice 220 systems of administeringdigital cinema 100 handled in network management.

Under the control ofnetwork management system 112, the time of 104 display programs is before from central means or hinge 102 broadcast programs at the cinema.Unless require the real-time activity event broadcast, generally all utilize said process.Therefore, on than the time that lags from central hinge 102 broadcast programs, the independently reproduction of the program material stored in advance of process control.

Broadcasting, transmission or the transfer rate thatdevice 220 is also controlled program handled in network management.According to the type of program and the appointment in transmission channel or path, transmission rate can be fixed or changed.For example, this can be according to particular satellite transmitter-transponder, or the transfer rate of other data link.Parallel program transmission also can take place at the higher rate place.Stored, treat the program that reproduces in back time transmission data rate can greater than, be less than or equal to " in real time " speed of this program.Also have, for the different program that vicissitudinous compression quality level is provided, the data transfer rate of the compressed encoding of program material may change.Come the transmission of support activities event programs with the message transmission rate identical with compression speed.

Can provide the redundant network management processor in support.Network management is handleddevice 220 and is docked with other parts in the system on the hinge internal network, generally use standard such as Ethernet many-the downlead network configuration implements the hinge internal network.Yet, can use other known network plan and type, comprise link based on optics.Here, the Ethernet hinge ofnetwork management system 112 224 is supported the hinge internal networks, as following with reference to as described in the figure 8.

Network management system 112 can also comprise modulator-demodulator group 226, it is provided at the interface that PTSN goes up cinema's network, generally comprise one group of dial telephone modulator-demodulator, cable or satellite modem, ISDN or cellular link controller, or other any means known.Modulator-demodulator group 226 is docked by modem server function and network management processing device 220.The effect of modulator-demodulator group 226 is as the receiver of the return link communication path from cinema to central hinge 102.Cinema can utilize return path ask from central hinge 102 again transport tape the program data piece of error is arranged.In addition, can use the extra program of this link request to show, or change or the renewal program material.Between the transmission period of program material or can produce again the request and the transmission itself again of transmission afterwards.In another embodiment, channel or other low data rate communication means or provide return path via satellite via the Internet.In this case, other suitable any means known or the device that can implement to be used to dock replaces modulator-demodulator group 226.

System ofarrangement cinema 116 shown in Figure 7 monitors the quality of signal transmitted and quality measured values is offerednetwork management system 112.

Arrange system ofcinema 116 and comprise at least one cinema'ssystem receiver 232, it generally has identical design with the receiver of cinema systemreceiver 104.Receiver 232 connects with areceiver antenna 234 at least, and described antenna is used for 106 receiving the signal that sends frommodulation transmission system 114 via satellite.On the other hand, when using the link of other type,, use cable or optics feed-in interface in order to test the quality of this link.Arrange system ofcinema 116 and also comprise at least onemanagement processor 236, its receives from the signal of cinema'ssystem receiver 232 and measures the mass parameter of signaltransmitted.Management processor 236 also provides quality report to network management system 112.In a preferred embodiment,management processor 236 docks withnetwork management system 112 on Ethernet or high speed data bus.

With reference now to Fig. 8, the block diagram of hinge internal network 250 is described.Hinge internal network 250 is backbones of central hinge 102.Can become the hinge internal network in internal extended the Ethernet Local Area Network of operation IP protocol groups.Therefore, in central hinge, hinge internal network 250 is handleddevice 220 with compression/encryption system 110 (110A-110B), modulation/transmission system 114 (114A-114B), network management and is arranged 116 (116A-116B) of system of cinema and physically interconnects.If desired, as the division of functionality that is suitable for local and remote function, can also provide an external interface that central hinge 102 is connected to external computer networks or communication system.

In a preferred embodiment, redundancy or spare unit are provided for central hinge 102, to meet the availability requirement in the critical piece failure event.As shown in Fig. 8, each system in central hinge 102 has fundamental system and a parallel back-up system or has the built-in redundancy degree of automatic switching capabilities as further.Therefore, use the perhaps many Redundant Ethernet transmitting-receivings of a series of Redundant Ethernet transceivers unit 254A-254E that hinge internal network 250 is connected to compression/encryption system 110A and 110B, the 114A of modulation/transmission system and 114B, network management and handle device 220A and 220B and 116A of system of arrangement cinema and 116B.These transceivers communicate by two or more Ethernet cards, described card are appointed as card A and card B or element 252A and 252B here.How the easy understanding of those skilled in the art that provides redundant system and is connected, and can increase the number of the system that has suitable interconnection and interface element on demand, is used for higher redundancy.Provide the redundant ability of handling to guarantee extremely sensitive to the time and operation reliably in the demonstration market (such as making the first showing of a film before the public) of requirement arranged.Some redundant component can be operated in " wait " or " hot exposure " pattern on request, when needs, is used for selecting fast and switching.

As previously mentioned, from central hinge 102 audio is distributed to demonstration or system of cinema such as system of cinema 104.In the example embodiment of the processing block of system of cinema 104 shown in Fig. 9-11, and here be described.

Fig. 9 illustrates the receiver/demodulator 120 of system of cinema 104.Receiver/demodulator 120 comprises outdoor unit 270, it comprises the parabolic teledish of low noise block and sensing or trackingsatellite 106, and outdoor unit 270 receives from the signal of central hinge 102 transmissions, amplifies this signal and it is converted to intermediate frequency (IF) in order to further handling.Teledish generally is tuningout feed (offset feed) teledish.According to the geographical position and the interested frequency of receiver, general, the size range of teledish is from 1.0 to 1.6 meters of diameters.Can be installed in teledish on the pillar that passes or do not pass the roof.Generally, enough little of being dimensioned to of dish, to avoid the restriction under various governments or Else Rule decree.Generally, low noise block is standard digital video broadcasting low noise block (DVB LNB), and it amplifies received signal and it is down-converted to intermediate frequency, handles for demodulator.In one embodiment, the output signal from LNB is at the IF of L frequency band scope (intermediate frequency).LNB has a feed horn that is installed on the teledish focus.Standard coaxial cable is connected to LNB the demodulator 272 of receiver/demodulator 120.

Receiver/demodulator 120 also comprises demodulator 272, request is transmitted (ARQ) processor 274 again and carried demultiplexer 276 automatically.In a preferred embodiment, implement the insertion circuit card assemblies of these 3 parts as general service computer (such as known IBM-compatible personal computer or work station).Circuit card assemblies can be installed in the inside oftheater management 122.

Recall, though from central hinge 102 broadcast programs, though and system of cinema 104 can receive the program of all transmissions, system of cinema 104 just optionally separates and is in harmonious proportion the received plan of storage and supplies with the program of particular movie theater system.Comprise control information in broadcast singal, this control information in the program stream that sends by being multiplexed in is notified them the program of planning to supply with especially the system of cinema.

Therefore, the IF signal that receives from outdoor unit 270 of demodulator 272 recovers the data and the clock of selected program.Demodulator 270 can be carried out any in many demodulation techniques, such as when using the QPSK scheme that programme signal is modulated, can carry out the QPSK demodulation techniques.Demodulator 270 can be a standard integrated circuit, such as generally being used for the machine apical grafting receipts machine equipment that direct radio and television receive.This modem device generally comprises positive error and proofreaies and correct (FEC) signal processing function.For example, can use the convolutional encoding of band Veterbi decoding to carry out error correction with link Reed-Solomon Code And Decode.In a preferred embodiment, convolution code is a k=7, the r=7/8 code, and Reed-Solomon is (204, a 188) code.Calibrated error output is offered ARQ processor 274.

ARQ processor 274 is further carried out error correction on the signal from demodulator 270.ARQ processor 274 uses such as Cyclical Redundancy Checks (CRC) sign indicating number, method through the fixed-length block of the sequence data of restituted signal and calculates digital signature.The digital signature result of calculation of each piece and a digital signature value are compared, described digital signature value is to use identical Digital Signature Algorithm to calculate by the modulation/transmission system 114 at central hinge 102 places, and this digital signature value sends with data flow on satellite channel.If the digital signature that ARQ processor 274 is calculated is inequality with the digital signature that sends with data, then represent the piece error.Discern each such data block uniquely by the piece discre value.ARQ processor 274 be recorded in the digital signature value of calculating and the digital signature value that sends for this piece in represent any piece identifier value of difference.It is any or all of through the comparative figures discrepant data block of signing that theater management 122 can utilize return link 284 request to transmit again.Then, central hinge network management system 112 can send these pieces that system of cinema 104 is asked again.Theater management 122 can substitute some pieces, and in these pieces, the digital signature with this locality calculating that is sent is inequality with the piece of transmission again with same block discre value.This method has reduced the last error rate of received signal widely.Preferably have from the dateout of ARQ processor 274 1 * 10^-10With 1 * 10^-11Between error rate, or littler.Then data are offered and carry demultiplexer 276.

Carry 276 pairs of demultiplexers to remove grouping, command packet is sent totheater management 122, and compressed/encrypted image and audio packet are sent to storage array 124 through the demodulated data diffluence.

Example theater management 122 shown in Figure 10.Theater management 122 provides operation control and monitors whole demonstration or system of cinema 104, or the Movie House in the complex at the cinema.Theater management can also be used program control device or mechanism, is used for setting up program set from one or more received indivedual images and audio programs, during checking and approving, dispatches these programs so that show in the Movie House system.

Theater management 122 comprises cinema'smanagement processor 280 and at least one modulator-demodulator 282, or other device that docks with return link (being used to use return link 284 that message is sent it back central hinge 102).Theater management 122 comprises video display unit such as monitor and the user's interface device such as keyboard, can be placed on manager's room, box office to them or other is convenient to the good place of cinema's operation.

Cinema'smanagement processor 280 generally is the computer of industry or business level.With reference to Figure 10 and with reference to figure 2, cinema'smanagement processor 280 communicates on theinterface network 126 at the cinema withstorage array 124A-124N, decoder module 130 and digital tape recorder 136.Cinema'smanagement processor 280 communicates viareturn link 284 and central hinge network management system 112.In a preferred embodiment, commercial modulator-demodulator 282 communicates with central hinge 102.Modulator-demodulator 282 generally is the standard telephone line modem that resides in the processor or be connected to processor, and is connected to the two-wire telephone wire and communicates to return central hinge 102.In another embodiment, can use other low data rate communication means such as Internet, special use or public data network, wireless or satellite communication system to send communication between cinema'smanagement processor 280 and the central hinge 102.For the example of these conversion, modulator-demodulator 282 is configured to the appropriate interface structure can be provided.

The information of transmitting viareturn link 284 comprises the request of transmission again of the information that system of cinema 104 receives fromsatellite 106, is expressed as to represent incorrect error code, supervision and control information, operationral report and warning and possible cryptographic key information.Use return link 284 message transmitted can be subjected to the protection of password, so that stealing type safety and/or checking and evaluation to be provided.

Whole operations automatically of display system be can be configured to provide cinema'smanagement processor 280, reproduction/demonstration, safety and Network Management Function comprised.Cinema'smanagement processor 280 can also provide such as peripheral cinema functions such as booking and sale, privileged operation and environment controls.On the other hand, can use artificial intervention to replenish the control of some cinema's operation.Cinema'smanagement processor 280 can also and some existing control automation system butt joint in the complex at the cinema, be used for control or regulate these functions.Still on the other hand, can propagate some cinema's operation controls that provide such as reproduction/demonstration and safety by central hinge 102.Know that as the crowd of institute system to be used depends on the available technology and the demand of particular movie theater.

Or the control bytheater management 122, or the control by network management system, the present invention will be supported in reproduces simultaneously on a plurality of demonstration projectors and shows the program that is write down.In comprising the centralized storage system ofstorage array 124A-124N, can store a plurality of programs, reproduce on a plurality of projectors of system 104 at the cinema one or more.As previously mentioned, when from broadcast channel program receiving material, system of cinema 104 also can show this program material, thereby has walked around the memory capacity of system.

In addition, under the control ofmanagement system 122 or network management system, can obtain repeatedly checking and approving of playback of programs usually at the cinema, though 104 needs program receivings of system of cinema once.Cycle in safety management control time and/or each program allow the number of times of reproduction.

Can see, by the automatic control of 112 pairs oftheater management 122 of central means network management system, under control able to programme, provide a kind of and automatically distribute, the means of storage and display program from central means.In addition, use control element, have the ability from controlling the network operation that some is selected in advance away from the place of central means.For example, now TV and film studio can automation and control film or other performance from the distribution in the central place such as office of film studio, almost be to change performance immediately, cause in the market demand and change fast, or reaction, or intelligible in the art other reason to performing.

Get back to reference to figure 2, can see, cinema'sinterface network 126 physically interconnects withtheater management 122,storage array 124A-124N,Movie House 128A-128M and digital tape recorder 136.Cinema's interface network comprises local area network (LAN) (electronics or optics), and it is provided at system of cinema 104 places and propagates by the local program of route.Receive and the program of demodulation is delivered tostorage array 124A-124N through cinema'sinterface network 126 by route and stores by receiver/demodulator 120.Be stored in the program atstorage array 124A-124N place or be delivered to one or more projector system at system 104 places at the cinema through cinema'sinterface network 126 by route to receive the program that is used to reproduce in real time.Can use any cinema's interface network of implementing of many standard local area network structures, described standard local area network structure represents suitable data transmissibility, connectivity and reliability (such as arbitration loop, switching or hinge primitive network).

Still with reference to figure 2,storage array 124A-124N provides and carries out this locality storage checking and approving the program material that reproduces and show.In a preferred embodiment, storage system is concentrated on each system of cinemaplace.Storage array 124A-124N allows the system of cinema to set up presented event in one or more Movie Houses, and shares on several Movie Houses simultaneously.

Storage array 124A-124N also is referred to asdisk storage array 124A-124N sometimes, can comprise in the art the mass storage device of many solid-state, magnetic of knowing or optics.In a preferred embodiment, the disc driver that is known as hard drives that uses as use in computer industry is to set up storage array.This device has desired price and performance (transfer rate) feature, makes their utmost points be suitable for the present invention.They are represented many technology of knowing and are just making with growing amount.Yet, such as read/write optical memory spare again, or even other device of solid-state memory and so on, may be useful to some application.

The centralized storage system can store several programs simultaneously.Connect the centralized storage system in mode so via local area network (LAN), make it on any approved display system (that is projector), to reproduce and to show any program.Also have, can on two or more display systems, reproduce identical program simultaneously.

As mentioned above, can use storage array that the compressed information of single image program is delivered to different Movie Houses, relative to each other have in advance select programmable depart from or postpone in time.When these being departed from be substantially equal to zero, simultaneously single image program is offered a plurality of Movie Houses basically.At other constantly, these are departed from be arranged to other value, make it to adapt to various scheduling schemes.

Eachdisk storage array 124A-124N is a group hard disc driver, and described disk drive memory is used for the encrypted/compressed program through the reproduction cycle of scheduling in the Movie House of appointment.Disk storage array 124A-124N is designed to can approximate estimate, to support the memory requirement of each cinema effectively.In addition, eachdisk storage array 124A-124N comprises built-in redundancy, to prevent losing the programme information of being stored in the incident of storage-unit-failure.For example, eachstorage array 124A-124N can be the system that frame is installed, and can expand the variation of this system with the memory requirement that adapts to each system of cinema.The use ofdisk storage array 124A-124N allows cinema's management dynamically the program projection to be delivered to the various screens in the complex at the cinema and the program of scheduling predetermined characteristic by route.This is to finish under the mode of high flexible, for quick response change need and market demands of great use.

In a preferred embodiment, the Capacity design of eachstorage array 124A-124N become to store equal the needed capacity of all Movie House programs stored in place at the cinema.In addition, provide suitable storage, so that when still storing current " checking and approving projection " program, can future program check and approve before the projection date just storage program in future.The amount of available memory capacity allow projection in the future program to be checked and approved can check and approve reproduce or show this program before a few hours, a couple of days or do not influence the reproduction and the display capabilities of the current program of checking and approving several weeks with regard to transmission.Estimated once that aspect numerical data memory capacity, the usage quantity level was the memory capacity of eachMovie House 120 GB in such arrangement.Suppose to use current compression and image technology just to obtain this capacity, can change the requirement that reduces to allow in the near future.

Disc storage space is dynamically distributed to the program that each is loaded intodisk storage array 124A-124N.Can be used to this conception of species to have the bigger cinema of a plurality of screens,, generally be about 2 hours because short program and long program on average is normal length.As the guide to the cinema of single screen, memory capacity should be enough to store the longest program.

Generallydisk storage array 124A-124N is configured to provide simultaneously and reads/write capability.For example, can show a plurality of programs of storage in the past (with a plurality of whiles or near while, independently read operation), download the film of new issues fromsatellite 106 at the same time.Use current technology, the circulation of each array ofdisk storage array 124A-124N has the restriction of physics.Therefore, when each array can be supported maximum number or near simultaneously, read operation screen and an a period of time (write operation) of downloading simultaneously.Use this scheme, reproduce number when bigger cinema needs other disk storage array to provide suitable.Estimate that the order of magnitude of the additional array of per 5 Movie Houses is more suitable.

Yet storage array also should be configured to or can be configured to operate in the pattern of " decomposition ", wherein received information is decomposed on only at array.That is,, divide reception data to be stored a few part guiding different drivers at memory period.Part input data passes to a driver is arrived next driver or the like to the part input data passes of following.After the enough time of delay that allows driver input data, can dispatch a given driver again and receive data.Therefore, received data are separated into smaller units or segmentation, each segmentation is stored on the independent driver with the maximum rate that each driver allows, obtain the advantage that in the driver input channel, to carry out input buffering or memory stores.This allows the low device that transmits speed to draw data substantially parallelly, therefore, realizes high transfer rate.

On the driver or the storage on other memory device should utilize parity information, to allow when obtaining data, reconstructing program.That is, provide a kind of means, be used for the each several part of program being linked at together in the time of obtaining or showing.

Can come eachdisk storage array 124A-124N of approximate estimate in two ways.By the amount of memory that increases or the disk drive of elimination in eachdisk storage array 124A-124N can be regulated each screen.When increasing driver, the size of disk drive is determined resulting increment classification in memory capacity.On the other hand, can be increased to other disk storage array system of cinema 104 to support other screen.

In a preferred embodiment, if the disk drive failure in array, then eachdisk storage array 124A-124N is (recovery capability with whole data file) according to the array design of non-expensive device redundant array.Disk storage array 124A-124N provides state and warning indicator to help pinpoint the problems or search fault.Available other selection is remote status, control and diagnosis in this class design.

Still with reference to figure 2, system of cinema 104 generally comprises digital tape recorder (DTR) 136.When using tape to give cinema program distribution when unavailable satellite link, use DTR136 that compressed/encrypted program is loaded among thedisk storage array 124A-124N.DTR136 communicates withstorage array 124A-124N on TIN126.

Generally, the operation of DTR136 does not have enough transfer rates to support direct distribution from DTR136 to the projection equipment.Also have, read with write operation and be tending towards taking place with the form of pulse train.Therefore, use big buffer that direct data flow from DTR136 to the projection equipment is carried out smoothly.For these reasons, when unavailable satellite channel, use DTR136 files and transmits.The program storage of loading from DTR136 amongstorage array 124A-124N, is used for reproducing with the maximum speed that is suitable for reproducing in real time speed.The control thattheater management 122 is carried out DTR136.

DTR136 is appended to system of cinema 104 allow the clineplexs can be with carrying out when unavailable satellite link or the channel, and obtain all other advantages that are associated with digital movie department system.In this case, similar in appearance to film distribution technology now, the digital encryption film requires physically it to be sent to cinema on tape.In addition, can use DTR136 that the program that received in the past He be stored on thestorage array 124A-124N is filed chronically.In this case, can write DTR136 to program fromstorage array 124A-124N, and can preserve the recording tape that is produced, in order to loading backstorage array 124A-124N later on again.In addition, can utilize other known magnetic, optics or solid-state memory or technology to carry out the function of DTR136.

In the time will watching a program, programme information is sent to specific one ormore Movie House 128A-128M of system of system of cinema 104 from specific one ormore storage array 124A-124N via cinema's interface network 126.The block diagram that the example ofMovie House 128A-128M shown in Figure 11 is implemented.In thisMovie House 128A-128M, decoder 130a handle treat visually to show screen or lip-deep compressed/encrypted program, and use sound system 134 that the sound equipment of audible isprovided.Movie House 128A-128M comprises cinema'sinterface network 290, at least oneremoval burster 292,Movie House controller 294, image deciphering/releasingcompressibility 296, audio frequency deciphering/releasingcompressibility 298,projector 132A and sound system 134A.Exceptprojector 132A andsound system 134A, can on one or more circuit card assemblies, realize all parts.Can circuit card assemblies be installed in be contained in orcontiguous projector 132A on, can hold in the shell of this assembly self.In addition, thesmart card 300 that can access to your password, it docks withMovie House controller 294 and/or image deciphering/releasingcompressibility 296, is used for transmitting and memory cell specific cryptographic keys information.

Cinema'sinterface network interface 290 allows each Movie House to communicate withdisk storage array 124A-124N ortheater management 122 on theinterface network 126 at the cinema.Cinema'sinterface network interface 290 comprises buffer storage, cause and to transmit signal pulse series fromdisk storage array 124A-124N via cinema'sinterface network 126 with High Data Rate, and handle with lower speed by other unit ofMovie House 128A-128M.

Encrypted/compressed program being delivered to image and audio frequency deciphering/releasing compressibility 296,298 by this interface when, transmitting control and monitoring data betweenmanagement system 122 and theMovie House controller 294 at the cinema.Receive the information of any guidingMovie House 128A, and be delivered to removal burster 292.On the contrary, remove the information that burster 292 is ignored the other parts of system of guiding cinema 104.

Removeburster 292 identifications and separate each control, image and the audio packet that arrives from cinema's interface network interface 290.Send toMovie House controller 294 controlling grouping, and image and audio packet transmission branch are clipped to image and audio frequency deciphering/releasingcompressibility 296 and 298.

The safety of 294 configurations of Movie House controller, themanagement Movie House 128A of system, and operate and monitor this Movie House system.This comprise external interface, image and audio frequency deciphering/releasingcompressibility 296 and 298 andprojector 132A andsound system 134A together.Control information is fromtheater management 122, and (such as the control panel in the 128A of Movie House system shell or cabinet outside) imported in Long-distance Control port or local control.The Electronic Keying of the 128A of Movie House system is distributed in 294 management of Movie House controller.Use the electronic cipher key of selecting in advance of distributing to Movie House system 128 together with the electronic cipher key information, described electronic cipher key information is embedded in image and the voice data, and image and audio-frequency information were deciphered usefulness before removing the compression processing.In a preferred embodiment,Movie House controller 294 utilization and operations embed the standard microprocessor of theMovie House 128A of system software, as primary functional elements or control element.

In addition, preferablyMovie House controller 294 is configured to work or carry out the communication of some information with it withtheater management 122, to be retained in the demonstration history that takes place in each Movie House.Can obtain the relevant this historical information that shows then, be used to use return link to be delivered to central means 102, or in the moment of selecting in advance by the communicate that can carry to central means.

Image deciphering/releasingcompressibility 296 is obtained image data stream from removingburster 292, carries out deciphering and reformulate the original picture that shows on screen.Generally, the output of this operation offers theprojector 132A of digital movie institute to the standard analog rgb signal.Generally, with executed in real time deciphering and releasing compression, make it to allow with real-time playback of programs material.

296 pairs of image data streams of image deciphering/releasing compressibility are decrypted and remove compression, and are opposite with the operation that the image compression device 162 and the visual encryption equipment 166 of central hinge 102 are carried out.Each Movie House system 128 can handle and the different program that shows from other Movie House system 128 in the system of same cinema 104, or one or more Movie House system 128 can handle simultaneously and shows identical program.Randomly, can on the projector that postpones each other on a plurality of times, show identical program.

The specific electronic cipher key information specific with program in unit that provides previously is provided decrypting process, together with the electronic key that is embedded in the data flow pictorial information is decrypted.(decrypting process has been described with reference to figure 4 in the front).Provide all to be checked and approved the needed cryptographic key information of program that in this Movie House system 128, shows to each Movie House system 128.

Use multistage cryptographic key management system to check and approve certain display systems and show specific program.The approved Movie House of this multi-stage key management system's general using each in image and/or audio program system 128, specific image and/or audio program, and/or the time change the electronic key value of cryptographic key sequence special use.Be programmed into each Movie House system being generally 56 or longer " Movie House special use " electronic key.

Can use few techniques to carry out programming to transmit and to provide the key information of use.For example, the link of channel or other type uses above-mentioned return link to transmit encrypted message via satellite.On the other hand, can use smart card techniques, a pre-programming flash memory card and other known portable memory.

For example, can design smart card, consequently in a single day this value is loaded in the card and just can not read from smart card memory.Adopt physics and electronic security(ELSEC) measure prevent to this key information alter and detection is attempted to alter or betray the pot to the roses.Store this key in mode so, make it in detecting the occasion of altering attempt, can be wiped free of.Smart card circuitry comprises microcontroller core, and it comprises the software implementation of cryptographic algorithm, is generally data encryption standard (DES).Smart card can be imported the value that offers it, uses card to go up the DES algorithm these values are encrypted (or deciphering), and the result is exported.On the other hand, can use smart card simply encrypted electronic key information to be delivered to circuit in Movie House system 128, described Movie House system carries out the processing of these key informations, for image and the application of audio encryption process.

Adopt reverse ABSDCT algorithm or other the image releasing compression process symmetrical with the image compression of using in central hinge compression/encryption system 110, the image program data flow is carried out dynamic image and is removed compression.If image compression is based on the ABSDCT algorithm, then removes compression process and comprise length-changeable decoding, reverse frequency weighting, backward difference four-tree conversion, IDCT and DCT piece combiner deinterleave.Can realize being used to remove the treatment element of compression in the particular hardware configuration of the special use that is used for this function, such as ASIC or one or more circuit card assemblies.On the other hand, can be used as standard component or comprise multiple digital signal processor or the generalization hardware of programmable electronic device or computer (under the control of specific function software or firmware programs) realizes removing the treatment element of compression.Can carry out a plurality of ASIC and support high pictorial data rate to handle pictorial information abreast.

Pictorial data through removing compression outputs toprojector 132A to analog signal by digital-to-analogue conversion.On the other hand, can use digital interface that the digital image data through removing compression is delivered toprojector 132A, avoid number-to-needs that Mo handles.

Audio frequency deciphering/releasingcompressibility 298 is obtained audio data stream from removingburster 292, carries out on deciphering and the reformulation loud speaker at the cinema or the original audio that manifests in the audio reproducing system.The output of this operation offerssound system 134A to the standard signal level audio signals.

Similar in appearance to image deciphering/releasingcompressibility 296, audio frequency deciphering/releasingcompressibility 298 is opposite with the operation that the audio compressor 164 and the audio encryption device 168 of central hinge 102 are carried out.Together with the electronic key that is embedded in the data flow, 350 pairs of audio-frequency informations of decryption system are decrypted from the electronic key of cryptographic smart cards 304 in use.Then to removing compression through the voice data of deciphering.

The symmetrical algorithm of the algorithm that uses with being used for audio compression with central hinge 102 places is carried out audio frequency and is removed compression.If have a plurality of audio tracks, then they removed compression.The number of audio track is according to the design of many voice sounds system in the particular presentation Room or display system.Can send additional audio track from central hinge 102, be used for strengthening audio program for the purpose such as multilingual audio track and vision disorder spectators' audio frequency hint.This system can also provide the additional data that is synchronized with image program to follow the tracks of, for the purpose such as the tracking of multimedia special-effect, telltale title and dysaudia spectators' special cued visual is followed the tracks of.

As mentioned previously, audio frequency and data tracking can be synchronized with image program in time or can provide asynchronously does not have direct time synchronized.Image program can comprise single frame (that is, still image), the sequence of single frame still image, or short or long mobile image sequence of duration.

If necessary, audio track is offered the audio frequency delay unit, this unit inserts delay on demand, makes audio frequency and suitable picture frame synchronous.Each sound channel offerssound system 134A by digital-to-analogue conversion the crowd is known the output for " signal level (line level) " then.That is, produce suitable analog level or format signal to drive suitable sound system from numerical data.The general standard x LR or the AES/EOU connector that in most of cinemas sound system, can find that use of signal level audio frequency output.

Projector 132A provides the electronics of program to show on screen.The high-quality projector is based on advanced technology, such as lyo-luminescence pipe (LCLV) method that is used to handle optics orpictorial information.Projector 132A receives the picture intelligence from image deciphering/releasingcompressibility 296, and described signal is generally with standard R-G-B (RGB) video signal format.The information transmission of control andsupervision projector 132A generally is provided in digital serial interface fromMovie House controller 294.

Still with reference to Figure 11, decoder module cabinet 302 comprises fibre channel interface 290, removal burster 292, Movie House controller 294, image deciphering/releasing compressibility 296, audio frequency deciphering/releasing compressibility 298 and cryptographic smart cards 300.The decoder module cabinet is the safe cabinet that holds self, and it also holds encrypted smart card interface, internal electric source and/or adjuster, cooling fan (on demand), local control panel and external interface.Can use any of various known input units, embed the diaphragm switch flat board of LED indicating device such as band as control panel.Generally, local control panel uses with gemel access door, and forms this a part, to allow the inlet that enters cabinet in order to keep in repair and to maintain.This Men Youyi safety lock enters, steals or alter system with what prevent from not check and approve.During installation, the cryptographic smart cards 300 that comprise encryption key message (cinema's specific key) are installed in the inside of decoder module cabinet 302, place the back of the front panel that can lock safely.Only just can contact the cryptographic smart cards groove in the front panel inside of safety.The rgb signal that outputs to projector 132A from image deciphering/releasing compressibility 296 is connected in the decoder module cabinet 302 safely in mode so, causes when decoder module cabinet 302 is installed to the projector shell, can not contact rgb signal.Interlock that can be safe in utilization prevents decoder module work when making decoder module correctly not be installed on the projector 302.

The audio-frequency unit of program is provided on thesound system 134A loud speaker at the cinema.In a preferred embodiment,sound system 134A receives the nearly sound channel of 12 reference format audio signals with number format or analog format from audio frequency deciphering/releasingcompressibility 298.

Correspondingly, provide digital movie institute system and method, be used for very high-quality audio frequency and/or video frequency program material are distributed to cinema or other place that is used to watch in the electronic distribution mode.Between further feature and advantage, described system and method allows to dispatch neatly feature film and advertisement, high quality audio and picture intelligence integrated, and implement safety measure easily.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiment is provided, makes any those skilled in the art that or use the present invention by manufacturing of the present invention.For those skilled in the art that, the change of these embodiment will be conspicuous, not need to use the creation ability just can be applied to the General Principle of determining here other embodiment.Therefore, do not plan to limit the invention to shown embodiment here, but consistent with the broad range of principle that accords with here to be disclosed and novel feature.

Claims (123)

1. one kind is used for digital image information is distributed to the device of watching the place, and described device comprises:

At least one central means is used for receiving and the compressed digital pictorial information according to the form of selecting in advance;

Transmit the device of described compressed pictorial information for one or more display systems that are positioned at far-end, wherein, each display system comprises:

Receiving and store the pictorial information of being transmitted is used for carrying out device shown at least one moment of selecting in advance;

Be used for the compressed pictorial information of being stored is distributed to the device of one or more decompression systems;

In each decompression systems, the pictorial information of being transmitted is removed the device of compression; And

The projection system of at least one connection is to receive the pictorial information through decompressing and to show that being illustrated in is the video image of presented event here.

2. device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described compressed image information is to store in non-adjacent mode.

3. device as claimed in claim 1 or 2 is characterized in that the compression of described information is carried out away from described central means.

4. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that it also comprises the digital image generation systems that is used to produce the number format image.

5. device as claimed in claim 4, it is characterized in that, basically side by side the image from described generator is caught, compressed by the described central means and the digitlization of image, and basically to be delivered to the approved display system of selecting in advance in real time.

6. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that, it also comprises compressed pictorial information is stored in the described central means device that transmits in order to afterwards predetermined instant.

7. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that, described at least one central means is that configuration is used for form according to preliminary election and carries out the reception of digitized audio message and compression, and wherein, each display system comprises:

The compressed audio information of memory allocated is used for the device of one or more decompression systems;

The device that transmission audio-frequency information in each decompression systems is decompressed; And

At least one connection is used to receive the decompression audio-frequency information and shows device as the sound of a part of described presented event.

8. device as claimed in claim 7 is characterized in that, the described compression of described digital audio is to take place under the state of variable bit rate.

9. as claim 7 or 8 described devices, it is characterized in that, it also comprises and is used to compress and the device of the audio program that transmission is associated with pictorial information, described pictorial information is what separate with the correlation diagram image information that uses identifier in time, the audio programs of one or more selections in advance or image program that at least one is selected is in advance linked when the demonstration on request allowing.

10. device as claimed in claim 8 or 9 is characterized in that, each described audio program is included in a plurality of audio tracks of providing together with identical image program are provided during the different presented event.

11. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that the compression of described digital image information takes place under the variable bit rate state.

12. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that it also comprises the device that is used for described information encryption, and described display system comprises and is used for device that encrypted information is decrypted.

13. device as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that, it also comprise be used for encrypted information itself separate the moment the necessary cryptographic key information of decrypts information is offered the device of approved display system.

14. device as claimed in claim 12 is characterized in that, it also comprise be used for the transmission with encrypted information separate the moment the necessary cryptographic key information of deciphering is stored and is transported to the device of approved display system.

15. as claim 13 or 14 described devices, it is characterized in that it also comprises the device that is used to indicate the time interval, described cryptographic key information is effectively on the described time interval, and guarantees only to use during this time interval described key.

16. device as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, it also comprises and being used for after described time interval stops the described cryptographic key information device in the write storage unit again.

17. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim, it is characterized in that, it also comprises the device that increases at least one watermark, described watermark is imperceptible during showing pictorial information through decompressing under with predetermined normal delivery speed, but is can be detected when providing described image or audio-frequency information under with the speed that is different from described normal speed basically.

18. device as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, the demonstration time of described watermark recognition image or audio-frequency information and place the two.

19. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim, it is characterized in that, it also comprises a modulation and transmission system, is used to set up a wireless communication link, at the compressed information that transmits on the described wireless communication link between described central means and the display system.

20. device as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, described transmission comprise described compressed information propagate in a plurality of Movie Houses any one or a plurality of Movie House, show to allow the information of in different Movie Houses, carrying out simultaneously.

21., it is characterized in that the transmission bit rate of compressed information is not equal to the bit rate when contracting described information as claim 19 or 20 described devices.

22., it is characterized in that the bit rate when the transmission bit rate of compressed information equals to compress described information as claim 19,20 or 21 described devices.

23., it is characterized in that, additional examination information is appended on the described compressed information, so that allow to check the block of information of the transmission that transmission error takes place therein as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 19 to 22.

24. as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 19 to 23, it is characterized in that, described transfer device comprises at least one satellite, described device also is included in the satellite receiver terminal of at least one arrangement at described central means place, be used for monitor transmitting the employed satellite channel quality of compressed information, thereby the transfer characteristic that can regulate described satellite channel is to keep desired quality level.

25. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that, it also comprises and is placed on the bi-directional link that carries out exchanges data between described central means and the display system.

26. device as claimed in claim 25 is characterized in that, described data comprise the data of using for the cryptosecurity purpose.

27., it is characterized in that described data comprise that being used for request transmits the employed data of compressed information again as claim 25 or 26 described devices, described compressed information is the information of the band error that receives at described display system place.

28. device as claimed in claim 27 is characterized in that, it also comprises the device that is used for sending again compressed information, and described compressed information is the information of the band error that receives at described display system place on described two-way link.

29., it is characterized in that described data are included in various supervision and the control input and the order of transmitting between described central means and the display system as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 25 to 28.

30. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that it also comprises network management system, the network that is used to manage display system is to provide the image of Gong watching checking and approving time and place.

31. device as claimed in claim 30 is characterized in that, described network management system provides the exercisable control of each display system.

32. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that each display system comprises the cinema that has at least one Movie House.

33. device as claimed in claim 32 is characterized in that, compressed information is propagated into several Movie Houses of selecting in advance in a plurality of Movie Houses in the complex at the cinema in the given moment.

34., it is characterized in that it also comprises at least one the decoder/decipher in each the visual projector that is integrated in described Movie House as claim 32 or 33 described devices, to prevent stealing and duplicating of image.

35. as the described device of arbitrary claim in claim 14 or its dependent claims 15 to 34, it is characterized in that it also comprises the device that detection is invaded and wipe encryption key message when being detected such intrusion the physics of a projection system in the Movie House system.

36. as the described device of arbitrary claim in claim 32 or the claim 33 to 35, it is characterized in that, at least one cinema comprises the complex of a plurality of Movie Houses, and described centralized storage system configuration become the compressed information of single image program is delivered to different Movie Houses in described each Movie House, these Movie Houses have the programmable time of selection in advance each other to be departed from.

37. device as claimed in claim 36 is characterized in that, described programmable the departing from of selecting in advance is substantially equal to zero, so that simultaneously described single image program offered different Movie Houses in described each Movie House basically.

38., it is characterized in that it also comprises central film institute storage system as the described device of arbitrary claim in claim 32 or the claim 33 to 37, be used for storage and treat to set up the employed compressed information of presented event at one or more Movie Houses place.

39. device as claimed in claim 38 is characterized in that, described central film institute storage system comprises the data storage group of being shared by a plurality of Movie Houses.

40. device as claimed in claim 39 is characterized in that, described data storage group comprises:

The magnetizing mediums array of storage devices; And

Be used for using parity information the different part compressed information of selecting in advance being linked to described each different device that installs, and during obtaining, be linked to single demonstration at memory period.

41. device as claimed in claim 40; it is characterized in that; described central film institute storage system is included in parallel " decomposition " of information received on the described array of described storage device, so that desired message data rate and error protection redundancy to be provided.

42. as claim 40 or 41 described devices, it is characterized in that, it also comprise be used for being stored in described Movie House provides through check and approve program watch history and the device of described historical report to described central means.

43., it is characterized in that it also comprises the theater management that is used to operate control and monitors each Movie House in the complex at the cinema as the described device of arbitrary claim in claim 30 or the claim 31 to 42.

44. device as claimed in claim 43, it is characterized in that, it also comprises the program control device described theater management, be used for setting up the data of expression program set from the data of representing one or more received indivedual image programs, described other image program dispatched, in the approved time interval, in the Movie House system, to show.

45., it is characterized in that it also comprises and is used for distributing automatically, the device of storage and display program as claim 43 or 44 described devices under the control able to programme of described central means.

46. as claim 43,44 or 45 described devices, it is characterized in that, it also comprise be used for respect to described central means be positioned under the control able to programme of control element of far-end distribute automatically, the device of storage and display program.

47., it is characterized in that it also comprises and being used for from control the device of some network operation of selecting in advance away from the place of described central means as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 43 to 46.

48., it is characterized in that it also comprises local cinema network system as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 43 to 47, be used for being distributed to the one or more of a plurality of Movie Houses place, to show to spectators through canned data.

49. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim, it is characterized in that, form with image program provides pictorial information, and described image program or with the form of single frozen frozen mass or with the form of a series of frame shows as adjustable length film.

50. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that described transfer device comprises:

In described central means, store the device of compressed digital information;

Described through canned data retrieve on the storage medium that can carry and actual dispensed to the device of described display system; And

On described medium, obtain and describedly be delivered to the device of described display system memory through canned data and it.

51. device as claimed in claim 50 is characterized in that, it also is included in the device that described medium is filed at described central means place.

52., it is characterized in that it also is included in the device that described medium is filed at described display system place as claim 50 or 51 described devices.

53. one kind is used for static or active type digital image information are distributed to the method for watching the place, described method comprises the following steps:

Receive according to the form of selecting in advance at least one central means place and compress described digital image;

The compressed image that obtains is delivered to one or more display systems that are positioned at far-end;

Receive and the pictorial information of storage, be used for showing at least one moment of selecting in advance of each display system through transmitting;

The compressed pictorial information of being stored is distributed to one or more decompression systems;

In each decompression systems, make pictorial information remove compression through transmitting;

Receive pictorial information at projection system place that at least one connected, and video image is offered one or more viewers according to described received information through decompressing.

54. method as claimed in claim 53 is characterized in that, it also comprises in non-adjacent mode independent of each other stores described compressed image and audio-frequency information.

55. as claim 53 or 54 described methods, it is characterized in that, remotely carry out the described step of compressed information from central means.

56., it is characterized in that it also comprises the image that produces number format with the digital image generation systems as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 55.

57. method as claimed in claim 56, it is characterized in that it also comprises basically side by side catches, compresses and propagate into the approved display system of selecting in advance by described central means with image with the digitlization of image from described digital image generation systems.

58., it is characterized in that it also is included in compressed image and the audio-frequency information of storage in the described central means as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 57, so that the predetermined instant after transmits.

59., it is characterized in that as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 52 to 58, further dispose described at least one central means, the form that is used for selecting according to carrying out ahead of schedule receives and compression digital audio frequency information, and further comprises the following steps:

The compressed audio-frequency information of being stored is distributed to one or more decompression systems;

In each decompression systems, the audio-frequency information that is transmitted is decompressed; And

Receive audio-frequency information at sound system place that at least one connected, and it is offered one or more listeners based on the information that is received through decompressing.

60. method as claimed in claim 59 is characterized in that, the step of compressing described digitized audio message is to take place under the state of variable bit rate.

61. as claim 59 or 60 described methods, it is characterized in that, it also comprises compression and transmits the audio program that the image that separates in time with the relevant image that uses identifier is associated, and when showing one or more audio programs of selection is in advance linked with at least one image program of selecting in advance on request allowing.

62., it is characterized in that each described audio program is included in a plurality of audio tracks of providing together with identical image program are provided during the different presented event as claim 59,60 or 61 described methods.

63., it is characterized in that the described step of compressing described digital image information takes place as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 62 under the variable bit rate state.

64., it is characterized in that it also is included in described central means place to described information encryption as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 63, and encrypted information result be decrypted at described display system place.

65. as the described method of claim 64, it is characterized in that, it be included in also that transmission with encrypted information separates the necessary cryptographic key information of moment store decrypted, and it is flowed to approved display system.

66., it is characterized in that it also comprises the instruction time of step at interval as the described device of claim 64, described cryptographic key information is effectively on the described time interval, and guarantees only to use during this time interval described key.

67. as the described device of claim 66, it is characterized in that, it also be included in described time interval stop after described cryptographic key information write storage unit again.

68. as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 67, it is characterized in that, it also comprises the step that increases at least one watermark, described watermark is imperceptible during showing image through decompressing or audio-frequency information under with predetermined normal delivery speed, but is can be detected when providing described image or audio-frequency information with the speed that is different from described normal speed basically.

69. as the described method of claim 68, it is characterized in that, it comprise the described watermark of configuration with demonstration time of recognition image or audio-frequency information and place the two.

70., it is characterized in that it also is included on the wireless communication link between described central means and the display system modulation and sends compressed information as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 59.

71. as the described method of claim 70, it is characterized in that, it comprise described compressed information propagate in a plurality of cinema screenings Room any one or a plurality of, thereby allow in different Movie Houses, to carry out simultaneously the demonstration of a plurality of information.

72., it is characterized in that it comprises the transmission bit rate of using compressed information as claim 70 or 71 described methods, the bit rate when described transmission bit rate is not equal to the described information of compression.

73., it is characterized in that it comprises the transmission bit rate of using compressed information as claim 70,71 or 72 described methods, the bit rate when described transmission bit rate equals to compress described information.

74., it is characterized in that it comprises additional examination information is appended on the described compressed information, thereby allows to check the transmission block of information that transmission error takes place therein as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 70 to 73.

75., it is characterized in that it comprises as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 70 to 74:

Use at least one signal to be delivered to the satellite of described display system; And

Arrange at least one satellite receiver terminal at described central means place, and monitor employed satellite channel quality when transmitting compressed information, so that allow to regulate the transfer characteristic of described satellite channel to keep desired quality level.

76., it is characterized in that it also is included in the enterprising line data exchange of bi-directional link between described central means and the display system as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 75.

77., it is characterized in that it comprises uses described data through exchange for the cryptosecurity purpose as the described method of claim 76.

78. as claim 76 or 77 described methods, it is characterized in that, the transmission again of request compressed information, described compressed information is the information of the band error that receives at described display system place.

79., it is characterized in that it also comprises and send compressed information again as the described method of claim 78, described compressed information is the information of the band error that receives at described display system place on described two-way link.

80., it is characterized in that described data are included in various supervision and the control input and the order of transmitting between described central means and the display system as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 76 to 79.

81. as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 80, it is characterized in that, it also comprises a network management system, described network management system provides the operation control of each display system, be used to manage the network of display system, to provide the image of Gong watching checking and approving time and place.

82., it is characterized in that it comprises that each display system of configuration is as the cinema that has a Movie House at least as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 81.

83., it is characterized in that it is included in the given moment compressed information is propagated into the several Movie Houses selected in advance in a plurality of Movie Houses in the complex at the cinema as the described method of claim 82.

84. as the described method of arbitrary claim in claim 65 or the claim 66 to 88, it is characterized in that, it comprises that also the physics in the projection system that detects the Movie House system invades, and when detecting this intrusion when whenever, wipes decryption key information.

85. as claim 82,83 or 84 described methods, it is characterized in that, it also comprises from described centralized storage system and the compressed information of single image program is delivered to different Movie House in described each Movie House the complex of a plurality of Movie Houses at the cinema, and these Movie Houses have the programmable time of selecting in advance each other to be departed from.

86., it is characterized in that it comprises that reducing described programmable the departing from of selecting in advance makes it to be substantially equal to zero, so that simultaneously single image program is offered the different Movie Houses of described each Movie House basically as the described method of claim 85.

87., it is characterized in that it also comprises storing treats that the one or more Movie Houses place in the centralized storage system sets up the employed compressed information of presented event as claim 82 or 83 described methods.

88., it is characterized in that it comprises that the array that uses the magnetizing mediums memory device is as described central film institute storage system as the described method of claim 87.

89. as the described method of claim 88, it is characterized in that, it comprises the use parity information, at memory period the different parts of selecting in advance of compressed information being linked to the different components of described each device, and is linked to single demonstration during obtaining.

90., it is characterized in that it comprises carries out parallel " decomposition " to information received on the described array of described memory device, so that desired message data rate and error protection redundancy to be provided as claim 88 or 89 described methods.

91. as claim 88,89 or 90 described methods, it is characterized in that, it also comprise be stored in provide in the described Movie House through checking and approving the history of watching of program, and give described central means described historical report.

92. as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 91, it is characterized in that, it also is included in the described theater management and sets up program set from one or more received indivedual images and audio programs, described other image and audio program are dispatched, in the approved time interval, in the Movie House system, to show.

93., it is characterized in that it also is included in automatic distribution under the control able to programme of described central means, storage and display program as the described method of claim 92.

94., it is characterized in that it also comprises from controlling the network operation that some is selected in advance away from the place of described central means as claim 92 or 93 described methods.

95., it is characterized in that it also comprises canned data is distributed to one or more in a plurality of Movie Houses place, to show to spectators as claim 92,93 or 94 described methods on local cinema network system.

96. as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 95, it is characterized in that, it comprises that also the form with image program provides pictorial information, described image program or with the form of single frozen frozen mass or with the form of a series of frame is shown as adjustable length mute.

97., it is characterized in that described transmission step comprises as the described method of arbitrary claim in the claim 53 to 96:

The compressed digital information of storage in described central means;

Retrieve one through canned data and can carry on the storage medium described, physically to be distributed to described display system; And

On described medium, obtain and describedly be delivered to described display system memory through canned data and it.

98., it is characterized in that it also is included in described central means place described medium is filed as the described method of claim 97.

99., it is characterized in that it also is included in described central means place described medium is filed as the described method of claim 97.

100. a device is used for the data of presentation image are sent to selected place, it is characterized in that described device comprises:

Be used to receive the input of pictorial data;

The data compressor that is used for compressed image data;

Data encryptor is used for pictorial data is encrypted, and causes encrypted data to comprise the data of discerning selected place, and the data of an encryption key of requirements definition, so that data are decoded; And

Reflector is used for sending encrypted data on transmission medium, wherein arranges the data of encryption system with output definition encryption key, is used for transmitting independently encrypted data.

101., it is characterized in that the data of output definition encryption key were transmitted with the time that is different from encrypted data as the described device of claim 100.

102., it is characterized in that as claim 100 or 101 described devices, in predetermined period, check and approve in selected place and carry out image reconstruction, and the encryption key that output is used to transmit in very short time before predetermined period begins.

103. as the described device of claim 102, it is characterized in that, arrange encryption key only in predetermined period, to reproduce with restriction.

104. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that, propagates encrypted data on propagation medium.

105. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that, uploads the decryption key of progressively increasing at the medium different with transmission medium.

106. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that, the arranging data encryption equipment, thus in encrypted data, add watermark.

107., it is characterized in that described watermark comprises the data in the encrypted data as the described device of claim 106, the pseudo-random position place particular place in its presentation image and/or the identifier of special time.

108., it is characterized in that as the described device of claim 107, constitute watermark to indicate approved place and time, be used to show image by encrypted data representation.

109. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that, thereby arranges reflector propagating the encrypted data of transmission on the transmission medium.

110. the described device of arbitrary as described above claim is characterized in that, arranges reflector, thereby sends encrypted data according to the represented feature of image and the transmission rate that feature determined of transmission medium.

111. a device is used to show by the represented image of the data that transmit on transmission medium, it is characterized in that, described device comprises:

Receiver is used to be received in encrypted data that send on the transmission medium and the image that is used to show, and the data that are used to receive the expression encryption key;

Decoder is used to use encryption key that encrypted data are decoded;

A plurality of image display apparatus; And

Distributing network is used for during presented event the data through decoding being distributed to selected image display apparatus.

112. as the described device of claim 111, it is characterized in that, with encrypted data different time in receive the data of definition encryption key.

113. as claim 111 or 112 described devices, it is characterized in that, arrange the encryption key restriction only in predetermined period, to reproduce, and arrange decoder only during described predetermined period, just data to be decoded according to encryption key.

114. as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 111 to 113, it is characterized in that, optionally receive encrypted data from propagation medium.

115. as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 111 to 114, it is characterized in that, receive encryption key from the medium that are different from transmission medium.

116. as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 111 to 115, it is characterized in that, it also comprises management processor, is used to measure the mass parameter of received signal and exports the request of transmitting a part of enciphered data again when mass parameter is lower than predetermined value.

117., it is characterized in that as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 111 to 116, arrange management processor, in order to the digital signature in the encrypted data of rating unit, and if digital signature incorrect, a request transmission part more then.

118. as the described device of claim 117, it is characterized in that, thereby in case arrange management processor to carry out transmission again then with having the alternative encrypted data of part of the encrypted data of part that correct digit is signed with incorrect digital signature.

119. as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 111 to 117, it is characterized in that it also comprises storage array, be used to store the data that are distributed to selected display unit subsequently through decoding.

120., it is characterized in that as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 111 to 119, described data are distributed to a plurality of display unit, be used for thereon displayed image simultaneously.

121., it is characterized in that as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 111 to 119, described data are distributed to a plurality of display unit, be used for showing image thereon through time delay.

122. be subordinated to the described device of claim 113 as claim 119, it is characterized in that, arrange memory before predetermined period, to store encrypted data, and arrange decoder that the encrypted data from memory are decoded, be used for during predetermined period, showing represented image.

123. as the described device of arbitrary claim in the claim 111 to 122, it is characterized in that it also comprises register, be used to write down the history of presented event.

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