WO2000046945A1 - Digital distribution and viewing of feature length movies in theaters - Google Patents

Digital distribution and viewing of feature length movies in theaters Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000046945A1
WO2000046945A1 PCT/US2000/000621 US0000621W WO0046945A1 WO 2000046945 A1 WO2000046945 A1 WO 2000046945A1 US 0000621 W US0000621 W US 0000621W WO 0046945 A1 WO0046945 A1 WO 0046945A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
motion picture
data
compressed
transmitting
recited
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/000621
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Keith R. Barker
Mark T. Rafter
Ward W. Shelley
Tabbin L. Shackelford
Daniel F. O'connell
Original Assignee
Cyberstar, L.P.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cyberstar, L.P. filed Critical Cyberstar, L.P.
Priority to AU25001/00A priority Critical patent/AU2500100A/en
Publication of WO2000046945A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000046945A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/40—Arrangements for broadcast specially adapted for accumulation-type receivers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N19/00—Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals
    • H04N19/60—Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding
    • H04N19/61—Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using transform coding in combination with predictive coding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/65—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems for broadcast
    • H04H20/71—Wireless systems
    • H04H20/74—Wireless systems of satellite networks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the distribution of feature length movies, and more particularly, to a system and method for digitally distributing and displaying feature length movies at viewing locations or theaters.
  • Conventional motion pictures are produced and distributed to motion picture theaters by preparing a film that is physically shipped to the theaters and then displayed to an audience using a conventional motion picture projector. Although it is in its infancy, technology is being developed that will permit recording of motion pictures using digital cameras.
  • the present invention addresses the distribution of such digitally recorded motion pictures to motion picture theaters.
  • the present invention provides for a system and method for use in distributing recorded motion pictures to motion picture viewing locations, such as theaters, for viewing by an audience.
  • the system and method involve the transmission of the digitally recorded motion picture by way of a data broadcasting system, which may comprise a satellite, for example, from a production or distribution facility to each of the viewing locations at which the motion picture is to be played. Subsequently, the motion picture may be displayed using a digital projector.
  • the present invention is employed with a digitally recorded motion picture.
  • a transmitting processor is used to compress the digitally recorded motion picture to produce blocks of data having an MPEG-2 data format.
  • the blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data are sequentially transmitted by way of a satellite transmission link to each motion picture theater that is to display the motion picture.
  • a receiving processor comprising a server computer located at each motion picture viewing location or theater reconstructs the blocks of the motion picture from the received blocks of MPEG-2 compressed data.
  • the reconstructed blocks of the motion picture are then sequentially displayed to the audience using a digital projector.
  • the present invention uses store and forward technology as opposed to video streaming technology used in conventional digital video displays.
  • the present invention provides for simultaneous multi-theater distribution (multi-casting) of the motion picture.
  • the present invention may also employ the use of encryption or conditional access technology which is used by each motion picture viewing location or theater to access and receive the motion picture that is distributed.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for digitally distributing and displaying motion pictures in accordance with the principles of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a motion picture distribution method in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 10 for digitally distributing and displaying motion pictures in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • the system 10 comprises a transmitting processor 1 1 that processes a recorded motion picture, such as a digitally recorded motion picture or a film recording converted to digital format, for example, to compress it.
  • the compression processing may produce blocks of data having an MPEG-2 data format, for example.
  • the blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data are routed from the processor 1 1 to a transmitter 12 which is part of a data broadcasting system.
  • the transmitter 12 transmits (uplinks) the blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data to a satellite 13 of the data broadcasting system.
  • the blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data are retransmitted (downlinked) from the satellite 13 to receivers 14 that are part of the data broadcasting system that are located at each motion picture viewing location 17 or theater 17.
  • Each receiver 14 is coupled to a server computer 15, such as a Windows ® -based personal computer 15, for example, that processes the downlinked blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data to reconstruct the blocks of the motion picture from the sequentially received blocks of MPEG-2 compressed data.
  • the server computer 15 is coupled to a digital projector 16 that sequentially displays the reconstructed blocks of the motion picture to the audience.
  • Store and forward technology as opposed to video streaming technology used in conventional digital video displays, is used in the system 10.
  • the store and forward technology is implemented by one or more data storage elements that store data in a persistent manner for subsequent broadcast at a future time.
  • the system 10 provides for simultaneous distribution or multi-casting of the motion picture to multiple theaters 17. Such simultaneous distribution is achieved by an addressing mechanism that assigns users (viewing locations or theaters) to multicast group membership, uses that membership assignment to indicate to users their right to receive the motion picture, and transmits the motion picture by way of the satellite 13 to all entitled users simultaneously.
  • Encryption or conditional access technology may be used in the transmitting processor 1 1 and the server computer 15 at each motion picture viewing location 17 or theater 17 to access and receive the motion picture that is distributed.
  • Such encryption or conditional access technology is implemented by a methodology wherein users (viewing locations or theaters) entitled to receive the motion picture are provided with a cryptography- based key that allows the server computer 15 to decrypt the encrypted motion picture after delivery from the satellite 13.
  • Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a motion picture distribution method 30 in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • the motion picture distribution method 30 comprises the following steps.
  • a (digitally) recorded motion picture is compressed 31.
  • the compression may produce compressed blocks of data having an MPEG-2 data format, for example.
  • the compressed motion picture (such as the blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data) is transmitted 32 by way of a data broadcast system to each motion picture viewing location 17 or theater 17 that is to display the motion picture.
  • the transmitted compressed motion picture (blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data) is received 33 at each motion picture theater.
  • the received compressed motion picture (blocks of MPEG-2 compressed data) is processed to reconstruct 34 the motion picture.
  • the reconstructed motion picture may then be displayed 35 to the audience using a digital projector 16

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

A system and method for distributing digitally recorded motion picture via satellite (13) to one or more viewing locations (17) for display to an audience using a digital projector (16).

Description

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION AND VIEWING OF FEATURE LENGTH MOVIES IN THEATERS
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to the distribution of feature length movies, and more particularly, to a system and method for digitally distributing and displaying feature length movies at viewing locations or theaters. Conventional motion pictures are produced and distributed to motion picture theaters by preparing a film that is physically shipped to the theaters and then displayed to an audience using a conventional motion picture projector. Although it is in its infancy, technology is being developed that will permit recording of motion pictures using digital cameras. The present invention addresses the distribution of such digitally recorded motion pictures to motion picture theaters.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a system and method for digitally distributing and displaying feature length movies at viewing locations or theaters.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for a system and method for use in distributing recorded motion pictures to motion picture viewing locations, such as theaters, for viewing by an audience. The system and method involve the transmission of the digitally recorded motion picture by way of a data broadcasting system, which may comprise a satellite, for example, from a production or distribution facility to each of the viewing locations at which the motion picture is to be played. Subsequently, the motion picture may be displayed using a digital projector.
More particularly, the present invention is employed with a digitally recorded motion picture. A transmitting processor is used to compress the digitally recorded motion picture to produce blocks of data having an MPEG-2 data format. The blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data are sequentially transmitted by way of a satellite transmission link to each motion picture theater that is to display the motion picture. A receiving processor comprising a server computer located at each motion picture viewing location or theater reconstructs the blocks of the motion picture from the received blocks of MPEG-2 compressed data. The reconstructed blocks of the motion picture are then sequentially displayed to the audience using a digital projector. The present invention uses store and forward technology as opposed to video streaming technology used in conventional digital video displays. The present invention provides for simultaneous multi-theater distribution (multi-casting) of the motion picture. The present invention may also employ the use of encryption or conditional access technology which is used by each motion picture viewing location or theater to access and receive the motion picture that is distributed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to* the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary system for digitally distributing and displaying motion pictures in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and
Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a motion picture distribution method in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawing figures, Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary system 10 for digitally distributing and displaying motion pictures in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The system 10 comprises a transmitting processor 1 1 that processes a recorded motion picture, such as a digitally recorded motion picture or a film recording converted to digital format, for example, to compress it. The compression processing may produce blocks of data having an MPEG-2 data format, for example. The blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data are routed from the processor 1 1 to a transmitter 12 which is part of a data broadcasting system. The transmitter 12 transmits (uplinks) the blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data to a satellite 13 of the data broadcasting system. The blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data are retransmitted (downlinked) from the satellite 13 to receivers 14 that are part of the data broadcasting system that are located at each motion picture viewing location 17 or theater 17. Each receiver 14 is coupled to a server computer 15, such as a Windows®-based personal computer 15, for example, that processes the downlinked blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data to reconstruct the blocks of the motion picture from the sequentially received blocks of MPEG-2 compressed data. The server computer 15 is coupled to a digital projector 16 that sequentially displays the reconstructed blocks of the motion picture to the audience. Store and forward technology, as opposed to video streaming technology used in conventional digital video displays, is used in the system 10. The store and forward technology is implemented by one or more data storage elements that store data in a persistent manner for subsequent broadcast at a future time. The system 10 provides for simultaneous distribution or multi-casting of the motion picture to multiple theaters 17. Such simultaneous distribution is achieved by an addressing mechanism that assigns users (viewing locations or theaters) to multicast group membership, uses that membership assignment to indicate to users their right to receive the motion picture, and transmits the motion picture by way of the satellite 13 to all entitled users simultaneously.
Encryption or conditional access technology may used in the transmitting processor 1 1 and the server computer 15 at each motion picture viewing location 17 or theater 17 to access and receive the motion picture that is distributed. Such encryption or conditional access technology is implemented by a methodology wherein users (viewing locations or theaters) entitled to receive the motion picture are provided with a cryptography- based key that allows the server computer 15 to decrypt the encrypted motion picture after delivery from the satellite 13.
Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a motion picture distribution method 30 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The motion picture distribution method 30 comprises the following steps. A (digitally) recorded motion picture is compressed 31. The compression may produce compressed blocks of data having an MPEG-2 data format, for example. The compressed motion picture (such as the blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data) is transmitted 32 by way of a data broadcast system to each motion picture viewing location 17 or theater 17 that is to display the motion picture. The transmitted compressed motion picture (blocks of MPEG-2 compressed motion picture data) is received 33 at each motion picture theater. The received compressed motion picture (blocks of MPEG-2 compressed data) is processed to reconstruct 34 the motion picture. The reconstructed motion picture may then be displayed 35 to the audience using a digital projector 16
Thus, a system and method for digitally distributing and displaying feature length movies have been disclosed It is to be understood that the described embodiments are merely illustrative of some of the many specific embodiments that represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Clearly, numerous and other arrangements can be readily devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is
1 A system for digitally distributing motion pictures comprising a transmitting processor for compressing a recorded motion picture: a data broadcasting system for transmitting the compressed motion picture data to one or more motion picture viewing locations: and a server computer at the one or more viewing locations that receives compressed motion picture data and processes it to reconstruct the motion picture
2. The system recited in Claim 1 further comprising a digital projector coupled to the server computer for displaying the reconstructed motion picture.
3. The system recited in Claim 1 wherein the data broadcasting system comprises: a transmitter; a satellite; and a receiver located at each motion picture viewing location that is coupled to the server computer located at the respective motion picture viewing location.
4. The system recited in Claim 1 wherein the data broadcasting system comprises store and forward apparatus having one or more data storage elements that store motion picture data for subsequent broadcast at a future time.
5. The system recited in Claim 1 wherein the transmitting processor compπses encryption software for encrypting the data prior to transmission, and the server computer comprises decryption software for decrypting the received data.
6. The system recited in Claim 1 wherein the transmitting processor and server computer comprise software that provides for conditional access to the motion pictuie that is distπbuted.
7. The system recited in Claim 1 wherein the transmitting processor 1 1 simultaneously distributes the compressed motion picture data to multiple motion picture viewing locations 17.
8. The system recited in Claim 1 wherein the transmitting processor compresses a recorded motion picture to produce blocks of data having an MPEG-2 data format.
9 A motion picture distribution method comprising the steps' compressing a recorded motion picture; transmitting the compressed motion picture data by way of a data broadcasting system to one or more motion picture viewing locations; receiving the transmitted compressed motion picture data at each motion picture viewing location; and processing the received data to reconstruct the motion picture.
9. The method recited in Claim 9 further comprising the step of: displaying the reconstructed motion picture using a digital projector.
10. The method recited in Claim 9 wherein the step of transmitting the compressed motion picture data by way of the data broadcasting system compπses the steps of: uplinking the compressed motion picture data to a satellite using a transmitter; and downlinking the motion picture data from the satellite to a receiver at each of the one or more motion picture viewing locations.
11. The method recited in Claim 9 wherein the step of transmitting the compressed motion picture data by way of the data broadcasting system to one or more motion picture viewing locations compπses the step of: simultaneously transmitting the compressed motion picture data to multiple motion picture viewing locations.
PCT/US2000/000621 1999-02-04 2000-01-11 Digital distribution and viewing of feature length movies in theaters WO2000046945A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU25001/00A AU2500100A (en) 1999-02-04 2000-01-11 Digital distribution and viewing of feature length movies in theaters

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US24515399A 1999-02-04 1999-02-04
US09/245,153 1999-02-04

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000046945A1 true WO2000046945A1 (en) 2000-08-10

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1130920A2 (en) * 2000-02-03 2001-09-05 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method, apparatus and system for motion picture signal distribution

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5924013A (en) * 1997-09-03 1999-07-13 Guido; Mary M. Method and apparatus for transmitting motion picture cinematic information for viewing in movie theaters and ordering method therefor

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5924013A (en) * 1997-09-03 1999-07-13 Guido; Mary M. Method and apparatus for transmitting motion picture cinematic information for viewing in movie theaters and ordering method therefor

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1130920A2 (en) * 2000-02-03 2001-09-05 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method, apparatus and system for motion picture signal distribution
EP1130920A3 (en) * 2000-02-03 2002-10-30 Lucent Technologies Inc. Method, apparatus and system for motion picture signal distribution

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2500100A (en) 2000-08-25

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