JP2005286561A - Movie distribution method and movie distribution system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a movie distribution system for digital cinema for efficiently distributing the digital cinema and satisfying a live utilizing characteristic included in the digital cinema. <P>SOLUTION: A movie distribution method distributes a movie in a network system provided with: a content storage and transmission server 3 for storing movies; a reception and showing server 4 for showing a movie; an FPU transmitter 1 for distributing the movie; and an FPU receiver 2 for receiving the distributed movie. The reception and showing server 4 requests the content storage and transmission server 3 to distribute a movie, the content storage and transmission server 3 selects a movie according to the request and transmits the selected movie to the FPU transmitter 1, the FPU transmitter 1 transmits the movie to the reception and showing server 4 via the FPU receiver 2, and the reception and showing server 4 televises the movie. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a movie distribution method and a movie distribution system, and more particularly to a movie distribution method and a movie distribution system using an FPU (Field Pickup Unit Ground-to-Ground Wireless Relay Device).

  Conventionally, when distributing content to movie theaters in digital cinema, information is written on a DVD (digital videodisk) from the viewpoint of information capacity and from the viewpoint of information protection, and the person in charge carries the DVD to a movie screening device. The method of writing was taken.

  However, as the number of digital cinema theaters increases, the efficiency of this distribution method is low, and distribution methods using satellites and distribution methods using optical cables have been considered.

  The good point of the distribution method using the satellite is that it can be distributed to many movie theaters at the same time. For example, the file size of movie content for 2 hours is about 500 gigabytes or 1 terabyte, and the compression rate is high at the expense of video quality. Even so, since it exceeds 100 gigabytes, distribution using satellites with limited bandwidth takes more than one night. Movie theaters to be screened will be closed during that time, which is a problem for entertainment companies that want to change the movie content to be screened frequently.

  Thus, for example, Patent Document 2 proposes a method of transmitting digital signal content with a limited bandwidth.

  However, since the distribution using satellites can be received by anyone with the necessary equipment, security problems are likely to occur.

  On the other hand, there are two distribution methods using an optical cable: a distribution method using a dedicated line with an emphasis on security and a distribution method using the Internet with an emphasis on lowering the distribution price.

  However, the use of a dedicated line requires a wide band in order to maintain the quality of digital cinema, and it requires a running cost. Using the Internet is more flawed in terms of security than the lack of bandwidth.

  Live screening is attracting attention as a way to use digital cinema. This is a real-time screening method for content that can be viewed on a large screen and has immediacy like a television that cannot be enjoyed in a conventional movie theater (using FILM). In the case of satellite use, if CS (communications satellite) satellite is used, it may be possible to secure a wideband problem to maintain high-definition image quality displayed on a large screen. The problem of satellite usage fees per digital cinema screening hall remains.

  In the case of using an optical line, the broadband problem can be solved over time, but it depends on how far the price of a dedicated line for maintaining security is lowered.

In the early days of the spread of digital cinema, the number of satellite reception terminals will not increase, and the cost per movie theater using satellites will be very high.
Special Table 2000-505250 JP 2000-504906 Gazette

  As described above, the use of satellites and optical cables, which are under consideration for movie distribution for digital cinema, is a system that is currently difficult to use in terms of operational costs and security.

  Therefore, the present invention is designed to efficiently deliver digital cinema in an area where a large number of viewers and movie theaters are gathered in the early days of the spread of digital cinema, and to satisfy the live use characteristics of digital cinema. An object is to provide a third system of a movie distribution system for digital cinema.

  As means for solving the above problems, the present invention provides a content storage and transmission server for storing movies, a reception and screening server for the movies, an FPU transmitter for distributing the movies, and the distributed movies. In a movie distribution method for distributing a movie in a network system comprising an FPU receiver for receiving, the reception and screening server makes a request to request movie distribution, and the content storage and transmission server is configured to execute the request according to the request. Select a movie and send the selected movie to the FPU transmitter, the FPU transmitter sends the movie to the reception and screening server via the FPU receiver, and the reception and screening server The movie is screened.

  The present invention also provides a content storage and transmission server for storing a movie, a reception and screening server for the movie, an FPU transmitter for distributing the movie, and an FPU receiver for receiving the distributed movie. In the movie distribution method for distributing a movie in a network system, the reception and screening server inquires of the content storage and transmission server about movie storage information as to which movie is stored, and the content storage and transmission server video A table in which a movie desired to be distributed is selected from files stored in a file storage area, and the content storage and transmission server is stored in the content storage and transmission server, and is a table describing a plan for distribution by the FPU transmitter. Browse the delivery plan table, and look for a time zone in which the FPU transmitter can deliver The reception and screening server sends a reception and screening server device number that is a number indicating itself to the FPU receiver, and the FPU receiver indicates the FPU receiver. In addition to the FPU receiver device number, which is a number, in addition to the reception and screening server device number, a movie received by an FPU receiver having the FPU receiver device number is transmitted and received by the FPU receiver device number. Creates and encrypts information that is transmitted only to the server, sends it to the reception and screening server, and the reception and screening server creates a cipher from the time zone that can be distributed and the file number of the video, and transmits it from the FPU receiver. The created encryption along with the encrypted information is transmitted to the content storage and transmission server, and the content storage and transmission server In response to a request from the reception and screening server, the movie and the distribution plan table are selected, and the selected information is transmitted to the FPU transmitter together with the information received from the reception and screening server. The FPU transmitter Upon receipt of information, the movie is compressed and transmitted to the direction of the FPU receiver that transmitted the information, and the FPU receiver decompresses the transmitted movie and transmits the decompressed movie. A reception and screening server is determined, and the movie is transmitted according to the determination, and the reception and screening server screens the received movie.

  According to the present invention, the movie is a digital cinema in which an image is composed of digital data.

  The present invention also provides a content storage and transmission server for storing a movie, a reception and screening server for the movie, an FPU transmitter for distributing the movie, and an FPU receiver for receiving the distributed movie. In the movie distribution system, the FPU transmitter includes means for transmitting the movie to the reception and screening server via the FPU receiver, and the content storage and transmission server includes the reception and screening server. Means for selecting the movie in accordance with a request from, and means for transmitting the selected movie to the FPU transmitter, wherein the reception and screening server makes a request to request distribution of the movie; , And means for screening the movie, wherein the receiving and screening server makes a request to request distribution of the movie and distributes the movie. The content storage and transmission server selects the movie with means for selecting the movie, transmits the selected movie with the movie transmission means, and the FPU transmitter passes through the FPU receiver. The movie is transmitted to the reception and screening server, and the reception and screening server screens the movie.

  The present invention also provides a content storage and transmission server for storing a movie, a reception and screening server for the movie, an FPU transmitter for distributing the movie, and an FPU receiver for receiving the distributed movie. In the movie distribution system comprising, the content storage and transmission server browses a distribution plan table that is stored in the content storage and transmission server and is a table describing a plan distributed by the FPU transmitter; The FPU transmitter selects the movie and the delivery plan table according to a request from the reception and screening server, a means for finding a time when the movie can be delivered, a means for reserving a delivery date and time Selection information transmitting means for transmitting the selected information together with the information received from the reception and screening server to the FPU transmitter; The receiving and screening server stores means for inquiring about the movie storage information as to which movie is stored in the content storage and transmission server, and is stored in the video file storage area of the content storage and transmission server. Means for selecting a movie to be distributed from a file, means for transmitting a reception and screening server device number, which is a number indicating itself, to an FPU receiver, and means for generating a cipher from a distributable time zone and a video file number And means for transmitting the created cipher together with the encrypted information transmitted from the FPU receiver to a content storage and transmission server, and means for screening the received movie, the FPU receiver Adds the FPU receiver device number, which is a number indicating the FPU receiver, to the reception and screening server device number. The movie received by the FPU receiver having the FPU receiver device number is created and encrypted to be transmitted only to the reception and screening server that transmitted the reception and screening server device number, and the reception and screening server Encrypted transmission means for sending to the FPU receiver, means for decompressing the transmitted movie, means for determining the reception and screening server for transmitting the decompressed movie, and transmitting the movie according to the determination Means for compressing the movie upon receiving the information, and means for transmitting the movie in the direction of the FPU receiver that sent the information. Here, the reception and screening server inquires at the movie storage unit, selects the movie at the movie selection unit, and stores the content storage and transmission server. The distribution plan table is browsed by the distribution plan table browsing means, the time zone that can be distributed is searched for by the distribution time search means, the desired distribution date and time reservation means is reserved, and the reception and screening server receives the reception And the transmission server device number transmission means, the FPU receiver encrypts and transmits the encrypted transmission means, the content storage and transmission server selects the distribution plan table by the distribution plan table selection means, and the information The FPU transmitter is compressed by the movie compression means and transmitted by the movie transmission means. The FPU receiver decompresses the movie by the movie decompression means, and receives and displays the movie. It is discriminated by a server discriminating means, transmitted by the movie transmitting means, and the reception and screening server is screened by the movie screening means.

  According to the present invention, the movie is a digital cinema in which an image is composed of digital data.

  According to the present invention, digital cinema content can be distributed efficiently while ensuring security within an area having a radius of FPU transmission distance (about 50 km).

  In addition, when distributing content that requires live screening, it is necessary to select a digital cinema building to be screened, but live distribution is possible while maintaining image quality performance that can withstand the large screen of the digital cinema. Within a radius of 50 km, it is possible to cover a large metropolitan area such as the Tokyo area and Osaka area, and it is possible to build a movie distribution system that is different from the nationwide simultaneous distribution using satellites and the regional distribution using optical cables. .

  Also, in the early days of the popularization of digital cinema, the price of cinema machines to be screened in theaters is high, so the number of satellite reception terminals does not increase, and the cost per satellite movie theater is very high. The present invention has a function that can contribute to the spread of digital cinema.

  Originally, FPU is manufactured and used on the assumption that it is used as equipment for broadcasting station material transmission, and has many units in preparation for a large event, but the operation rate is not so high. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the cost of movie distribution by using the equipment for movie transmission.

  Further, according to the present invention, in addition to the high security due to the directivity of the FPU transmission path and the special application property possessed by the equipment, the equipment management security method provided in the screening server for protecting the contents of the digital cinema. By adding the above, it is possible to provide a third system of the movie distribution system for digital cinema that has high security and can be used for live use required for the theater management of digital cinema.

  Further, according to the present invention, the capability of material transmission having a wide enough bandwidth to withstand the upper cinema quality of a digital cinema on an FPU transmission line satisfies the economic efficiency required for a digital cinema network.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Description of configuration]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the whole movie distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the movie distribution system of this embodiment includes a plurality of transmission systems on the transmission side, and in this embodiment, N (natural number) transmission systems. The receiving system is also connected to the transmitting system so as to correspond to it.

  Each transmission system is connected via a network 103, and a control server 102 and a distribution server 101 are connected to the network 103.

  The control server 102 and the distribution server 101 play the same role as the central function when a normal large-scale network is constructed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the entire network system to which the transmission side system and the reception side system of the movie distribution system of this embodiment are connected.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of receiving systems are connected to one transmitting system, and N (natural number) systems are connected.

  The transmitting system distributes the movie to these receiving systems according to the information stored in the distribution destination FPU information storage area 56 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the transmission side system and the reception side system of this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the transmission-side system of the present embodiment includes an FPU transmitter 1 that compresses input video data and transmits it by superimposing it on a radio frequency, and a reception and screening server 4 that stores video data and later describes it. The content storage and transmission server 3 for transmitting video data to the FPU transmitter 1 in response to the request of the receiver is provided, and the receiving side system separates and decompresses the received radio signal and transmits the video signal transmitted from the FPU transmitter 1. Is sent to the reception and screening server 4 as described later as video data, and a request to distribute desired video data to the content storage and transmission server 3 is transmitted from the content storage and transmission server 3 based on the request. Receiving and screening server 4 for receiving the received video data from FPU receiver 2 and transmitting the video data to a display (not shown). And which, FPU transmitter 1 and the FPU receiver 2 and are connected via a FPU network 100, a content storage and transmission server 3 and received and exhibition server 4 is connected via the Internet 200.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the FPU transmitter 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the FPU transmitter 1, an FPU transmission unit 51, a communication unit 52, a hard disk array 54, and an encoder unit 59 are connected via a BUS 53.

  The FPU transmission unit 51 is connected to the antenna unit 55 and can communicate with the FPU receiver 2.

  The communication unit 52 communicates with the content storage / transmission server 3 and receives video output from the content storage / transmission server 3.

  The hard disk array 54 includes a storage area 57 that is a normal storage area and a distribution destination FPU information storage area 56.

  The encoder unit 59 encodes and compresses the video output from the content storage and transmission server 3.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the FPU receiver 2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the FPU receiver 2, an FPU receiver 61, a communication unit 62, and a hard disk array 64 are connected via a BUS 53.

  The FPU receiving unit 61 is connected to the antenna unit 65 and can communicate with the FPU transmitter 1.

  The hard disk array 64 includes a storage area 67 that is a normal storage area and a device number storage area 66.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reception and screening server 4.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 71, the communication unit 72, the HDD (hard disk array) 74, and the BUS 73 are connected.

  The hard disk array 74 includes a storage area 77 that is a normal storage area, a device number storage area 75, and a video file storage area 76.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the content storage and transmission server 3.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a control unit 81, a communication unit 82, and a hard disk array 84 are connected via a BUS 83.

  The hard disk array 84 includes a storage area 77 that is a normal storage area, a distribution plan table file storage area 85, and a distribution plan table file storage area 85 in the hard disk array 84.

[Description of operation]
FIG. 8 is a sequence showing the operation of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the reception and screening server 4 inquires the content storage and transmission server 3 via the network 200 about digital cinema storage information as to which digital cinema is stored (steps). S1) From the files stored in the video file storage area 86, a file in which a digital cinema desired to be distributed is stored is selected (step S2).

  A video stored in the selected file is a video (DC-A).

  Also, the content storage and transmission server 3 looks at a distribution plan table that is a table in which a plan to be distributed by the FPU transmitter 1 in the distribution plan table file storage area 85 of the content storage and transmission server 3 is described (step S3) The FPU transmitter 1 searches for a time zone in which distribution is possible (step S4), and reserves the date and time for which distribution is desired (step S5).

  On the other hand, the reception and screening server 4 transmits a reception and screening server device number indicating the number indicating itself to the FPU receiver 2 (step S6).

  The FPU receiver 2 receives the received and screened server device number and the FPU receiver device number which is a number for displaying the FPU receiver itself, and has the device number received from the FPU receiver 2 having this device number. The information that the video information transmitted by the FPU transmitter 1 is transmitted only to the screening server 4 is created and encrypted (step S7), and sent back to the reception and screening server 4 (step S8).

  The reception and screening server 4 creates a cipher from the time zone that can be distributed and the file number of the video (DC-A) (step S9), and stores and stores the content together with the encrypted information transmitted from the FPU receiver 2 described above. It transmits to the transmission server 3 (step S10).

  The content storage and transmission server 3 selects the video (DC-4) from the video storage file 86 and the distribution plan table from the distribution plan table file storage area 85 according to the request of the reception and screening server 4 (step S11). An instruction to transmit the selected information in addition to the information transmitted in S8 is sent to the FPU transmitter 1 (step S12).

When receiving the information transmitted in step S6, the FPU transmitter 1 encodes and compresses the video (DC-4) (step S13), and discriminates it from the FPU receiver 2 having the device number transmitted according to the distribution plan table. (Step S14), the transmission direction is determined to be the direction in which the FPU receiver 2 is located (Step S15), and the encoded and compressed information is distributed on the radio wave (Step S16). (Since FPU has strong directivity, it must be determined by the pan head.)
The FPU receiver 2 decodes and decompresses the video (DC-4) from the distributed signal (step S17), and determines to which reception and screening server 4 the decompressed video is transmitted based on the previously transmitted information. (Step S18), and the video (DC-4) is distributed to the reception and screening server 4 (Step S19).

  The reception and screening server 4 that has received the video (DC-4) screens the obtained video (DC-4) on the display (step S20).

It is a block diagram which shows the whole movie delivery system of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole network system with which the transmission side system and receiving side system of the movie delivery system of the 1st Embodiment of this invention are connected. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the transmission side system of a 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a reception side system. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an FPU transmitter 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an FPU receiver 2. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reception and screening server 4. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a content storage and transmission server 3. FIG. It is a sequence which shows the operation | movement of the 1st Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 FPU transmitter 2 FPU receiver 3 Reception and screening server 4 Content storage and transmission server 100 FPU network B
200 Network A

Claims (6)

A movie is stored in a network system including a content storage and transmission server for storing a movie, a reception and screening server for the movie, an FPU transmitter for distributing the movie, and an FPU receiver for receiving the distributed movie. In the movie distribution method to distribute,
The receiving and screening server makes a request to request distribution of a movie;
The content storage and transmission server selects the movie according to the request,
Send the selected movie to the FPU transmitter;
The FPU transmitter transmits the movie to the reception and screening server via the FPU receiver;
The movie distribution method, wherein the reception and screening server screens the movie. A movie is stored in a network system including a content storage and transmission server for storing a movie, a reception and screening server for the movie, an FPU transmitter for distributing the movie, and an FPU receiver for receiving the distributed movie. In the movie distribution method to distribute,
The reception and screening server inquires of the content storage and transmission server about movie storage information indicating which movies are stored,
Select a movie to be distributed from a file stored in the video file storage area of the content storage and transmission server,
The content storage and transmission server browses a distribution plan table that is stored in the content storage and transmission server and is a table in which a plan to be distributed by the FPU transmitter is described.
Find the time zone that the FPU transmitter can deliver,
Reserve the date and time you want to deliver,
The reception and screening server sends a reception and screening server device number, which is a number indicating itself, to the FPU receiver;
The FPU receiver adds an FPU receiver device number, which is a number indicating the FPU receiver, to the reception and screening server device number, and receives a movie received by the FPU receiver having the FPU receiver device number. And the information that is sent only to the receiving and screening server that sent the screening server device number, and encrypts it, and sends it to the receiving and screening server,
The receiving and screening server creates a cipher from the time zone for distribution and the file number of the video,
Send the created cipher together with the encrypted information transmitted from the FPU receiver to the content storage and transmission server,
The content storage and transmission server selects the movie and the distribution plan table according to the request of the reception and screening server,
Sending the selected information together with the information received from the receiving and screening server to the FPU transmitter;
When the FPU transmitter receives the information, it compresses the movie,
Send the movie in the direction of the FPU receiver that sent the information,
The FPU receiver decompresses the transmitted movie,
Identify the receiving and screening server that will send the decompressed movie,
Send the movie according to the discrimination,
The movie distribution method, wherein the reception and screening server screens a received movie. 3. The movie distribution method according to claim 1, wherein the movie is a digital cinema whose image is composed of digital data. In a movie distribution system comprising a content storage and transmission server for storing a movie, a reception and screening server for the movie, an FPU transmitter for distributing the movie, and an FPU receiver for receiving the distributed movie,
The FPU transmitter comprises means for transmitting the movie to the reception and screening server via the FPU receiver;
The content storage and transmission server selects the movie according to a request from the reception and screening server;
Means for transmitting the selected movie to the FPU transmitter,
The reception and screening server includes means for requesting distribution of a movie, and means for screening the movie, wherein
The reception and screening server requests distribution of the movie by means for requesting distribution of the movie, the content storage and transmission server selects the movie by means of selecting the movie, and the movie transmission unit The selected movie is transmitted, the FPU transmitter transmits the movie to the reception and screening server via the FPU receiver, and the reception and screening server screens the movie. Movie distribution system. In a movie distribution system comprising a content storage and transmission server for storing a movie, a reception and screening server for the movie, an FPU transmitter for distributing the movie, and an FPU receiver for receiving the distributed movie,
The content storage and transmission server, means for browsing a distribution plan table that is stored in the content storage and transmission server and is a table describing a plan to be distributed by the FPU transmitter;
Means for finding a time during which the FPU transmitter can deliver the movie;
A means of reserving the desired date and time,
Means for selecting the movie and the distribution plan according to the request of the reception and screening server;
Selection information transmission means for transmitting the selected information together with the information received from the reception and screening server to the FPU transmitter,
The reception and screening server inquires of the content storage and transmission server for movie storage information indicating which movie is stored;
Means for selecting a movie to be distributed from files stored in the video file storage area of the content storage and transmission server;
Means for transmitting a reception and screening server device number, which is a number indicating itself, to the FPU receiver;
A means of creating a cipher from the time zone that can be delivered and the file number of the video
Means for transmitting the created cipher together with encrypted information transmitted from the FPU receiver to a content storage and transmission server;
Means for screening received movies,
The FPU receiver adds an FPU receiver device number, which is a number indicating the FPU receiver, to the reception and screening server device number, and receives a movie received by the FPU receiver having the FPU receiver device number. And encrypted transmission means for creating and encrypting information that is transmitted only to the reception and screening server that transmitted the screening server device number, and sending the encrypted information to the reception and screening server;
The FPU receiver includes means for decompressing the transmitted movie;
Means for discriminating a receiving and screening server for transmitting the decompressed movie;
Means for transmitting the movie according to the determination,
The FPU transmitter, upon receiving the information, means for compressing the movie;
Means for transmitting the movie in the direction of the FPU receiver that transmitted the information, wherein
The receiving and screening server inquires at the movie storage means, selects the movie at the movie selection means,
The content storage and transmission server browses the distribution plan table with the distribution plan table browsing means, finds a time zone that can be distributed with the distribution time search means, and reserves with the desired delivery date and time reservation means,
The reception and screening server transmits by the reception and screening server device number transmission means, the FPU receiver transmits encrypted by the encryption transmission means,
The content storage and transmission server selects a distribution plan table by the distribution plan table selection unit, transmits by the information selection transmission unit,
The FPU transmitter is compressed by the movie compression means, and is transmitted by the movie transmission means;
The FPU receiver decompresses the movie by the movie decompression means, discriminates by the reception and screening server discrimination means, transmits by the movie transmission means,
The movie distribution system, wherein the reception and screening server performs screening by the movie screening means. 6. The movie distribution system according to claim 4, wherein the movie is a digital cinema whose image is composed of digital data.