KR20010043462A - Apparatus and method for distribution of high quality image and audio programs to remote locations - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

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

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

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

Although the distribution process shown in FIG. 1 works well, there are inherent limitations. Due to the use of celluloid materials for film and the bandwidth limitations of film media, there is a limit to the ability to provide high fidelity multi-channel audio programming. Thus, a high cost is required to mark a large number of film replicas, which can cost hundreds of dollars per film length film. There is also a problem of cost, complexity and delay associated with physically distributing a large amount of celluloid film to a larger and growing number of theater areas. In addition, the development of the so-called "multiplex" theater areas where a plurality of consulate venues are located or concentrated in one theater area is on the rise in the movie theater industry. When different images are being shown at different consulates of a multiplex cinema, each consulate can show a moving picture at the same time.

Because of the large number of copies that are made, it is increasingly difficult to prevent piracy and theft of these materials. In the film industry, the loss of taxes due to copyright infringement and theft is estimated to be billions of dollars annually. In addition, replicated data tends to deteriorate over time due to dust, abrasion, damage, thermal changes and other known factors. As a result, administrative costs and other expenditures lead to the ultimate destruction of film data, which may include regulated harmful data.

Emerging technologies provide alternative approaches to ongoing film distribution issues. For example, advances in digital technology have led to an innovative concept of distribution in which the transmitted programming is electronically stored in digitized form rather than optical film media. Digitized images can be transmitted on various magnetic media or compact disks or on wired, optical fiber, wireless or satellite communication systems.

However, alternative distribution technologies, including digital methods, cannot provide image quality and projection brightness using celluloid films. Comparable technologies typically include audio / visual (AV) signals recorded on various magnetic or optical media for display on video monitors, televisions or projection devices. These techniques do not provide good quality of the film due to bandwidth limitations.

Although satellite transmission methods are currently available, they are not currently available commercially for the distribution of high quality AV data. Since the distribution of film programming is essentially a special type of broadcast to continental regions, a satellite distribution method with inherent advantages in such a wide area is ultimately suitable for film distribution. However, in order to transmit high quality AV signals in "real time", the data rate request (bits per second) is approximately 1.5 billion bits per second. This high data rate requires the capacity of the entire satellite to make unacceptable spending even for transmitting a single program. In addition to the ability to transmit the necessary information via satellite, the received information should be displayed using a high quality projector that was not previously available.

Compression algorithms are being developed to reduce the data rate requirement required to transfer very high quality electronic images. One digital dynamic image compression technique that can provide significant compression effects while maintaining the quality of image signals utilizes properly sized blocks and sub-blocks of encoded Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficient data. This technique will hereinafter be referred to as the adaptive block size discrete cosine transform (ABSDCT) method. Adaptive block sizes are selected to take advantage of the redundancy that exists for information in the frame of image data. This technique is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,021,891, entitled “Adaptive Block Size Image Compression Method And System”, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and described herein by reference. DCT techniques are also disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,107,345, entitled “Adaptive Block Size Image Compression Method And System”, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and described herein by reference. In addition, the use of ABSDCT technology in combination with discrete Quadtree transformation technology has also been assigned to the assignee of the present invention and is referred to herein as " Adaptive Block Size Image Compression Method And System " Is initiated in a call. The systems disclosed in these patents use intraframe encoding and each frame of an image sequence is encoded regardless of the content of any other frames.

Using ABSDCT, the required data rate can be reduced from approximately 1.5 billion bits per second to approximately 50 million bits per second without any noticeable degradation in quality. Especially given the case where a single transmission is received by hundreds or thousands of theater receivers over a given geographic region or country, this compressed digital data rate uses a single satellite transponder at a very reasonable price. Can be easily transferred.

Distribution of film information using digital electronic forms increases copying speed quickly and at low cost without substantially compromising quality. Furthermore, with regard to "easiness of duplication" associated with digital technology, there are encryption techniques that ensure that information is encoded in a way that prevents useful information from being distributed to unauthorized persons.

New technologies such as ABSDCT compression technology, advanced projection devices, and electronic encryption methods offer the possibility of "digital cinema" systems. Digital cinema, which is generally defined, relates to the electronic distribution and display of film programming with ultrafast quality that is converted into digital electronic representations for storage, transmission and display purposes. Digital cinema systems overcome many of the limitations of current film distribution processes. Using transmission methods such as satellite systems, the expenditures associated with the reproduction and distribution of the film are greatly reduced. Digital systems do not easily show quality degradation over time, according to the celluloid film. In addition, the digital system substantially eliminates theft and piracy of the celluloid film and offers the possibility of performing security methods within the digital system itself. However, a complete digital cinema system has not been developed in the moving picture industry or related fields.

Many issues and problems remain to be solved. New digital cinema systems will require improved forms of protection to prevent theft from theaters. Complex theaters with multiple venues have grown very large, for reasons of being more economical, in order to result in more complex screening schedules and to provide a large number of locations showing a certain film. This may require many additional electronic copies sent to theaters for screening using current technologies, in terms of complexity and operational costs.

Distribution channels and mechanisms are still defined by the old celluloid film copy and the distribution techniques discussed above. New technologies and devices are needed to make the best use of the provided digital cinema process, reduce copying, provide quick release to the market, and update results in unpacking, while providing increased scheduling and distribution flexibility at a reasonable cost. . At the same time, some filmmakers, studios and theater managers want to increase the centralized control of opening and distribution and expand into new markets. For example, it is desirable to provide films and other audio visual presentations along with alternative sound tracks to increase the market for audiences of multiple or alternative languages in a more cost effective manner.

What is required is a method of transfer and management of high quality image and audio programs to provide integration into certain technical systems and to provide large screen screens. A system and method are needed for reliable transmission of high quality image and audio signals to designated theaters, flexible scheduling of screening films and advertisements, integration of high quality audio signals and construction of a secure method. These objects are achieved by the present invention described below.

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

The features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference numerals correspond throughout.

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

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

3 is a block diagram of a film based source generation system;

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

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

6 is a block diagram of a network management system;

7 is a block diagram of a deployed theater system;

8 is a block diagram illustrating a hub internal network and a central hub spare;

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

10 is a block diagram of a theater management system; And

11 is a block diagram of a theater decoder system.

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

At the central hub, program information is processed for distribution. Source generation systems disposed at either the central hub or at an optional location may be used to generate electronic audio and image signals from analog or digital inputs. This source generation system generally includes a television movie that generates an electronic image signal, and an audio reader that generates the electronic audio signal. Optionally, the electronic signal may be provided directly from another electronic source such as an electronic camera or computer based image generation system.

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

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

The compressed and encrypted signal is provided to the modulation / transmission system at the central hub or hubs. The modulation / transmission technique generally adds error correction information first and demodulates the transport data stream for transmission. In general, transmission is via satellite, although terrestrial cable, optical, or other wireless methods may also be used. The transmission rate of broadcast programming can vary in a manner that information can be transmitted at a rate slower, faster than the compressed data rate, or at the same rate as the compressed data rate. The transmission of live event programs is maintained when data transmission occurs at the same rate as the compression rate.

The central hub also includes a network management system. The network management system may include a control processor that manages the overall operation of the system, including broadcast control, playback / display, security, and overall monitoring / control and network management functions. The system can be operated centrally or under distributed fully automatic, semi-automatic control or by manual adjustment.

Under the control of the network management system, programs and additional control information are broadcast to the theater system. Even if all transmitted programs are received, the theater system selectively stores only the received programs designated for this theater system. The system includes a control method for notifying the theater system of the identity of each broadcast program. A control method is also provided for controlling the selective storage of each theater system of the received program.

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

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

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

The program is processed in the audience in real time during playback. This process includes data compression and secure decryption (or descrambling). This compression and decryption algorithm depends on the compression and encryption technology used at the central hub. The compressed / decrypted image signal is presented to the audience through a projector, and the audio signal is displayed through an electronic voice system.

In general, the theater management system controls all aspects of projection operations, including storage of received programming, compression and decryption of programming signals, and display of programs. Even if a program is received only once in a theater system, the program stored in the storage array can be multi-time played. The theater management system may control the number of playbacks and / or time periods allowed for each program. Alternatively, the control of the presentation process may be arranged locally in the electronic projector, the radio control unit or under central control by a hub or other concentrator. In addition, the theater management system may be configured to integrate projection operations with other theater operations, such as licenses, ticketing, promotions, signals, environmental control, lighting, sound system operations, and the like. Each theater system may include multiple seating systems that assign common storage and control functions for flexible and cost-effective presentation options.

The use of digital encryption provides a built-in security mechanism for digital movie systems. Cryptography is used to transfer encrypted data from end to end. That is, the image and / or audio information signal is encrypted in a source generation system (SGS) and decrypted on the right side of the seat in the theater system during playback. Electronic security mechanisms are particularly important for securing compressed / decrypted signals from "wiretaps" before being presented by projectors in theater systems. In a preferred embodiment, the decryption / compression function is a secure, self-contained chassis that is physically attached or inserted inside the projector that physically prevents probing of the decrypted signal in a way that cannot be moved without authorized access. Is provided. In addition, the intrusion into the security environment or chassis prevents copying by deleting or changing certain digital data that is deleted or removed by encryption key information or the like valid at the projection supply point.

Thus, as well as the necessary management facilities to monitor and control the system, as well as complete compression, encryption, reliable transmission, storage, and playback of high-performance programs from one or more central functions to one or more seats in a theater complex or other location. A digital movie system is provided.

(Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments)

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

Digital cinema is designed to replace the current method of physical distribution of film at each playback or projection location, such as a movie or remote seat. It eliminates the need for film reproduction and film transfer to the theater by the guide. It offers the possibility for exceptional audio / visual characteristics as well as built-in security mechanisms.

By transmitting audio and images carrying signals over satellites or other high-speed electronic media, digital films offer the potential for real-time broadcast of "live events" programming, such as sporting events and concerts of cinema-quality. Provide more. Optionally, the program is transferred to a theater and stored in a storage device, such as a magnetic disk, for later presentation.

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

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

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

At the central hub 102, the source generation system 108 provides digitized electronic audio and image programs to the system. Generally, the source generation system 108 receives the film material to generate a magnetic tape that includes digitized information or data. Film is digitally scanned at very high resolution to create a digital version of a movie or other program. Generally known "TV movie" processing generates image information and known digital audio conversion processing generates the audio portion of the program. This processed image need not be provided from the film, but may be a series of frames or screens, including those shown as a signal picture or still frame type image, or as a moving picture of variable length. Such an image may be presented as a series or a set that produces what is called an image program. Other materials may also be provided, such as video signal tracks for visually impaired listeners, subtitles for foreign and / or hearing impaired listeners, or multimedia time signal tracks. Similarly, a single or a set of voices or recordings are used to form the desired audio program.

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

Digital image information or programs exist in the compression / encryption system 110 that compresses the digital signal using a preselected known format or process that reduces the amount of digital information necessary to reproduce the original image by very high characteristics. do. In a preferred embodiment, ABSDCT technology is used to compress the image source. This ABSDCT compression technique is disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 5,021,891, 5107,345, and 5,454,104. In addition, audio information may be digitally compressed using standard techniques and time-synchronized by this compressed image information. The compressed image and audio information is then encrypted and / or scrambled using one or more secure electronic methods.

Network management system 112 monitors the status of compression / encryption system 110 and directs multiple theater, security, and transmission control information along with compressed / encrypted data as desired for compression / encryption system 110. This multiple signal then modulates and transmits, under the direction of network management system 112, the modulated / transmitted system that modulates and transmits the compressed information carrying the signal via satellite 106 to a theater system, such as theater system 104A. 114). That is, the compressed information can be broadcast to a theater or presentation location via a wireless communication path or link.

In some embodiments, the compressed image and audio information are each transmitted in a contactless or detached manner independent of each other. That is, means are provided for compressing and transmitting audio information associated with image information or programs but separated by time. When using the present invention, there is no need to process and transmit audio and images at the same time. Corresponding audio and image programs are used to associate with each other as a predetermined identifier or identification mechanism or configuration is appropriate. This allows the connection of at least one preselected image program and one or more preselected audio programs as desired at the presentation time or during the presentation event. That is, the compressed audio is linked and synchronized in the presentation even if it is not initially time synchronized with the compressed image information. As described below, the compressed image and audio information may then be stored together or separately in a central function for transmission at a predetermined time.

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

In addition, the central hub 102 monitors the characteristics of the signal received from the satellite 106 when transmitted by the modulation / transmission system 114 and at least one for providing the reception characteristic measurement to the network management system 112. May include a simultaneous screening system. Simultaneous screening system 116 need not use all features or processing capabilities found with similar devices located in each theater, but simple satellites with other components to generate appropriate reception, demodulation, compression, and analysis signals. Signal receivers can be used. For example, according to some known characteristics for the digital data transmitted by the simultaneous screening system 116, in most cases it is not necessary to explicitly present a complete high characteristic image for projection to allow sufficient analysis of the signal characteristics.

If the transmitted signal is determined to be poor in nature, the network management system 112 may cause the compression / encryption system 110 and / or modulation / transmission system 114 to adjust to improve the transmission characteristic. For example, a change in the detected error rate for digital data, or the loss of a data frame in a received signal, may be a transmission characteristic such as signal power, automatic retransmission of the signal, or completely interruption of transmission, taking into account certain satellite transmission problems. It is used to change the compression rate and the compression rate.

The present invention may equally apply the presentation of image and audio information to various presentation venues such as outdoor amphitheaters, drive-in complexes, civic seats, schools, professional restaurants, and the like. Used for clarity. Those skilled in the art will readily understand how the invention applies to other types of locations.

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

If the error rate exceeds a predetermined level, theater management system 122 requests retransmission of the signal portion containing the error. This retransmission request may be made using a reply link 113, which may use the telephone network by telephone line or dedicated link, satellite channel, packetized data link, Internet, wireless link, or other low data rate communication method. From 122 to central hub 102 may be transmitted.

In some embodiments, retransmitted signal portions or frames of data to be transmitted to the presentation venue or theater may also be performed using reply link 113. That is, reply link 113 is, for example, a bidirectional link for data transmission, including a retransmission request or other information from the theater to the central hub, or a command, general motion information, or audio information from the central hub to the theater. Is made of. This bidirectional link may also be used for cryptographic key data transmission, which will be discussed further below.

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

The demodulated signal is sent from the receiver / demodulator 120 to the central storage system 123 via the storage theater interface network (TIN) 126 using the storage arrays 124A-124N. The size of the storage arrays 124A- 124N is adjustable to support theater complexes with varying numbers of seats. The demodulated signal can be displayed as one of the seats 128A-128M via the theater interface network 126 when a presentation is required, while the information is central hub 102 (ie, a “live” presentation). Is received from.

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

When multiple viewing locations are required, the central storage system 123 is configured to send the compressed information of a single image program to different seats having a preselected programmable offset or time delay relative to each other. These preselected programmable offsets can be set to substantially zero or very small when a single image program presents to multiple seats selected at substantially the same time. At other times, these offsets can be set at any point in time over minutes to hours, depending on storage configuration and capacity, to provide highly flexible presentation scheduling. This takes into account the need for a better address market for a presentation event, such as a theater complex, the first screening film.

The presentation of a live live program is similar to that of a movie, but the use of storage and playback operations of storage arrays 124A-124N or storage as shorter duration buffers to account for potential transient signal interruptions or synchronization issues. Did not consider

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

Other schemes for high density, high power data storage may be used, which are replacing the digital tape recorder 136. For example, other known storage systems using optical disc technology such as CD ROM storage devices or digital versatile discs (“DVDs”), or even certain solid state memory arrays may be used within the present invention.

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

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

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

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

A block diagram of the compression / encryption system 110 is illustrated in FIG. 4. Similar to the source generation system 108, the compression / encryption system 110 may be part of the central hub 102 or located in a separate facility. For example, compression / encryption system 110 may be with source generation system 108 in a movie or television production studio. In addition, the compression process for image or audio information or data may be performed at various speed processes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The digital audio signal is generally passed to an audio compressor 164. In a preferred embodiment, the audio compressor 164 processes multi-channel audio information using standard digital audio compression algorithms. The compressed audio signal is provided to at least one encryptor 168. In addition, audio information can be transmitted and used in an uncompressed but still digital format.

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

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

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

Each image and audio program utilizes specific electronic keying information that is provided and encrypted only at theaters or presentation venues authorized to show a particular program by presentation location or special electronic keying information of the theater. The encrypted program key is needed by the audience to decrypt the program data stream. The encrypted program key is transmitted or otherwise delivered to approved theaters before the program is played. Note that the program data string can be sent a few days or weeks before the approved show period, and the encrypted program key can be sent just before the approved play period begins. In addition, the encrypted program key may be transmitted using a low data rate link or transportable storage element such as a magnetic or optical media disk, a scart card or other devices with removable memory elements. The encrypted program key may be provided in a manner that allows a particular theater complex or audience to adjust the period of time that is authorized to play the program.

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

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

In addition to scrambling, image encryptor 166 adds a “watermark” that is often digital in nature to the image program. This relates to inserting a specific position and / or time specific visual recognizer into the program sequence. That is, the watermark is configured to indicate an authorized location and time for presentation to more efficiently track the source of piracy when needed. The watermark can be programmed to appear frequently in the playback process, but at pseudo-random periods and become invisible to viewers. Watermarks are inconspicuous during the presentation of compressed image or audio information at a rate defined by normal bit rates. However, the watermart can detect when image or audio information is presented at a rate substantially different from normal speed, such as slower "non-real time" or still frame refresh rates. When unauthorized copying of the program is recovered, the digital watermark information can be read by the relevant period, and the theater where the copying has been made can be determined. This watermark technique can also be applied or used to identify audio programs.

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

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

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

Image and audio program sequences are sent to storage array 174. The program sequence can also be sent to the digital linear tape recorder 176.

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

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

The control multiplexer 180 receives program strings from the disk storage array 174 and control information from the CES controller 178. The control multiplexer 180 multiplexes these two data streams and represents the multiplexed data streams with the transport packager 182. The transmit packetizer 182 packetizes the data string to form a transmission data string, and sends the packetized string to the modulation transmission system 114.

A digital tape recorder 176 (DTR) is used to compress and record the compressed image and audio and to distribute the recorded program to tape to theaters that do not have an available satellite or other desirable wireless or wireline link. That is, to produce a tape of digital information for distribution. Tape recorder 176 receives the compressed and encrypted image, audio, and control data from program packager 172 during the compression phase. The program is decompressed when the tape recorder 176 transfers the tape recorded data to the disk storage array 174. The operation of the digital linear tape recorder 176 is managed by the CES controller 178.

The modulation / transmission system 114 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The modulation / transmission system 114 performs modulation and transmission of the transmission data stream from the compression / encryption system 110. The modulation / transmission system 114 includes at least one modulator 200, an IF upconverter 202, a network management system 112, and a simultaneous screening system that are typically located in the same physical facility as the compression / encryption system 110. 116) (FIG. 2). The modulation / transmission system 114 also includes an RF converter 204, a high power amplifier 206, and a modulation / transmission system controller 208 located within or next to the earth station 210.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under the control of the network management system 112, the program may be broadcast from the central facility or hub 102 before the time for the presentation of the program in the theater 104. This procedure will generally be used unless a live live broadcast is required. Therefore, individual processing controls the reproduction of a program stored in advance later than that of the broadcast transmission from the central hub 102.

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

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

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

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

The simultaneous screening system 116 shown in FIG. 7 monitors the quality of the transmitted signal and provides the network management system 112 with a degree of signal quality.

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

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

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

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

9 shows a receiver / demodulator 120 of the theater system 104. Receiver / demodulator 120 includes an external unit 270 having a low noise block and a parabolic dish antenna pointing to or chasing satellites 106. External unit 270 receives, amplifies, and modulates the signal transmitted from central hub 102 to an intermediate frequency (IF) to prepare for further processing. Generally, the dish antenna is an offset feed dish antenna. In general, the antenna size ranges from 1.0 to 1.6 meters in diameter depending on the topographic position of the receiver and the frequency of interest. The dish antenna may be mounted on a through or non-penetrating loop mount column. In general, the size of the dish will be designed small enough to avoid regulation under various government or other administrative regulations.

In general, the low noise block is a standard digital video broadcast low noise block (DVD LNB) that amplifies the received signal and downconverts to IF for processing by the demodulator. In one embodiment, the output signal from the LNB is an IF within the L-band frequency range. The LNB has a feed horn disposed at the focal point of the dish antenna. A standard coaxial cable connects the LNB to demodulator 272 of receiver / demodulator 120.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The decryption process uses encryption key information specific to the unit and program provided in advance together with the electronic key included in the data string to decrypt the image information. (The decryption process has already been described with reference to FIG. 4). [0045] The cipher key 128 is provided to each seat system 128 for all programs authorized to be screened in each seat system 128. [0033] FIG.

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

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

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

The image program data stream is dynamically decompressed using an inverse ABSDCT algorithm or other image decompression process that is symmetric to the image compression used in the central hub compression / encryption system 110. If image compression is based on the ABSDCT algorithm, the decompression process includes variable length decoding, inverse frequency weighting, inverse differential quad-tree transformation, IDCT, and DCT block joint deinterleaving. The decompression processor can be implemented with specialized hardware configured for this function, such as an ASIC, or with one or more circuit card assemblies. Alternatively, the decompression processor may be embodied by a general purpose hardware or standard apparatus, including various signal processors, or programmable electronic devices, or computers operating under the control of software or firmware programs of a particular function. Multiple ASICs may be implemented that process image data in parallel to support high image data rates.

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

The audio decryption / decompression system 298 receives the audio data stream from the depacketizer 292, decrypts it, and restores the original audio signal to be demonstrated on a theater speaker or audio sound system. The output of this operation provides a standard line signal level audio signal to the sound system 134A.

Similar to the image decryption / decompression system 296, the audio decryption / decompression system 298 reverses the operations performed by the audio compressor 164 and the audio encryptor 168 of the central hub 102. To do it. Using the electronic key from cryptographic smart card 304 together with the electronic key included in the data string, decryption system 350 decrypts the audio information. The decrypted audio data is then decompressed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims (123)

As a device for distributing digital image information to a viewing place, One or more central facilities for receiving and compressing digital image information in a predetermined format; Means for transmitting the final compressed image information to one or more remote presentation systems, Each presentation means Means for receiving and storing image information transmitted for presentation at one or more predetermined times; Means for distributing the stored compressed image information to one or more decompression systems; Means for decompressing image information transmitted from each decompression system; And And at least one projection system connected to receive the decompressed image information and present the expressed visual image as a presentation event. The method of claim 1, And said compressed image information is stored in a discontinuous manner. The method according to claim 1 or 2, Compression of the information is performed remotely from a central facility. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, And a digital image generator for generating an image in a digital format. The method of claim 4, wherein The image from the generator is captured and compressed by the central facility and transmitted to a predetermined approved presentation system in near real time, almost simultaneously with the digitization of the image. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, And means for storing compressed image information in the central facility for transmission at a later predetermined time. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The one or more central facilities are configured to receive and compress digitized audio information in a predetermined format, Each presentation system Means for distributing the stored compressed audio information to one or more decompression systems; Means for decompressing audio information transmitted in each decompression system; And And one or more sound systems connected to receive the decompressed audio information and present the audio information as part of the presentation event. The method of claim 7, wherein And the compression of the digital audio information is at a variable rate. The method according to claim 7 or 8, And means for compressing and transmitting the audio program associated with image information separated in chronological order from the image by means of an identifier so that one or more predetermined image programs can be connected to one or more predetermined audio programs as desired at the time of presentation. Apparatus comprising a. The method according to claim 8 or 9, Wherein each said audio program comprises a plurality of audio tracks which are presented to the same image program during different presentation events. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, And said compression of said digital image information occurs at a variable rate. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Further comprising means for encrypting said image, Said presentation system comprising means for decrypting encrypted information. The method of claim 12, And means for providing encryption key information necessary for decrypting the information from the encrypted information itself to the authorized presentation system at each time. The method of claim 12, And means for storing encryption key information necessary for decrypting the information and transmitting it from the encrypted information itself to the approved presentation system at each time. The method according to claim 13 or 14, Means for indicating a period of time during which said encryption key information is valid and for ensuring that only said key is used during said period. The method of claim 15, And means for overwriting the encryption key information in a storage location after the expiration of the period. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, During the presentation of the decompressed image information, one or more watermarks which are perceptually unrecognizable at a certain normal transmission rate but detectable when the image or audio information is presented at a rate different from the normal rate are added. The apparatus further comprises means. The method of claim 17, Wherein the watermark identifies the presentation time and location of the image or audio information. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, And a modulation and transmission system for establishing a wireless communication link for transmitting compressed information between the central facility and the presentation system. The method of claim 19, And wherein said transmitting comprises broadcasting said compressed information to a predetermined one or more seats such that multiple information presentations can be simultaneously performed in different seats. The method of claim 19 or 20, And wherein the transmission bit rate of the compressed information is different from the bit rate of compressing the information. The method according to any one of claims 19, 20, or 21, And the transmission bit rate of the compressed information is the same as the bit rate of compressing the information. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, And checksum information is appended to the compressed information to detect a block of transmitted information where a transmission error occurs. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 23, The means for transmission comprises one or more satellites, The apparatus further comprises one or more simultaneous satellite receiver terminals in the central facility to monitor the quality of the satellite channels used to transmit the compressed information to adjust the transmission characteristics of the satellite channels to maintain the desired quality level. Apparatus comprising a. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, And a two-way transport link disposed between the central facility and the presentation system and in which data is exchanged. The method of claim 25, And said data comprises data used for cryptographic security purposes. The method of claim 25 or 26, Wherein the data comprises data used to request retransmission of compressed information received in error in the presentation system. The method of claim 27, Means for retransmitting the error-received compressed information at the presentation system over the two-way link. The method of claim 25 or 28, wherein The data includes various monitor and control inputs, and commands sent between the central facility and the presentation system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 29, And a network management system for managing the network of the presentation system for presenting the images and viewing them at an approved time and location. The method of claim 30, And said network management system provides operation control of each presentation system. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 31, Wherein each presentation system comprises a theater having one or more seats. The method of claim 32, And wherein the compressed information is broadcast at a given time to a predetermined seat in a plurality of seats of the theater complex. 34. The apparatus of claim 32 or 33, comprising one or more decoders / decoders integrated into each image projector in the auditorium to prevent eavesdropping and duplication of images. The method according to any one of claims 14 or 15 to 34, And means for detecting physical intrusion into the projector system for the auditorium system and deleting encryption key information whenever such intrusion is detected. 36. A method according to any one of claims 32 or 33 to 35, One or more theaters comprise a complex of multiple seats, and the central storage system is adapted to transmit compressed information of one image program to a seat different from one of the seats at a predetermined programmable offset in time with each other. And characterized in that the device is configured. The method of claim 36, And said predetermined programmable offset is substantially zero such that said one image program is presented to another of said seats at about the same time. The method according to any one of claims 32 or 33 to 37, Further comprising a central theater storage system for storing compressed information used to generate presentation events in one or more seats. The method of claim 38, And wherein said central theater storage system comprises a data storage bank shared by multiple seats. The method of claim 39, The data storage bank is An array of magnetic media storage devices, and Means for connecting the pieces of different compressed information of the devices to different devices during storage using parity information and connecting them to one presentation upon recovery. The method of claim 40, And wherein said central theater storage system comprises means for parallel "striping" of information received across said array of storage devices to provide a desired data transfer rate and error protection redundancy. 42. The method of claim 40 or 41 wherein And means for storing a show history of the approved program presented at the audience and reporting the record to the central facility. The method according to any one of claims 30 or 31 to 42, And a theater management system for motion control, wherein the audience is monitored within the theater complex. The method of claim 43, The theater management system further comprises program control means for generating data indicative of a set program from data presenting one or more individual image programs, which are scheduled for presentation on an auditorium system for an approved period of time. Device. The method of claim 43 or 44, And means for automatically distributing, storing, and presenting the program under programmable control from the central facility. The method according to any one of claims 43, 44, 45, And means for automatically distributing, storing, and presenting the program under programmable control from a control unit remote from the central facility. 47. The method of any of claims 43-46, And means for controlling predetermined network operation from a location remote from the central facility. The method of any one of claims 43-47, Further comprising a regional theater network system for distributing information stored at one or more seat locations for presentation to an audience. 49. The method of any of claims 1-48, And the image information is provided in the form of an image program in the form of one still frame or a series of frames represented by a variable length video. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 49, The transmission means, Means for storing compressed digital information at the central facility; Means for implanting the stored information onto a portable storage medium for physical distribution to the presentation system; And Means for recovering the stored information on the medium and transmitting to the presentation system repository. 51. The method of claim 50 wherein And means for archiving said medium at said central facility. The method of claim 50 or 51, And means for archiving said medium in said presentation system. As a method of distributing digital images of still or moving image information to a viewing place, Receiving and compressing the digital image information according to a predetermined format at one or more central facilities; Transmitting the final compressed image information to one or more remote presentation systems; Receiving and storing transmitted image information for presentation at one or more predetermined times in each presentation system; Distributing the stored compressed image information to one or more decompression systems; And Receiving decompressed image information at one or more connected projection systems and presenting the visual image to one or more audiences based on the received information. The method of claim 53, wherein Storing the compressed image and audio information in a discontinuous manner with each other. 55. The method of claim 53 or 54, Compressing the information is performed remotely from a central facility. The method of any one of claims 53-55, Generating an image in a digital format using a digital image generation system. The method of claim 56, wherein Capturing, compressing, and broadcasting an image from the digital image generation system to a predetermined approved presentation system approximately simultaneously with digitizing the image through the central facility. The method of any one of claims 53-57, Storing the compressed image and audio information in the central facility for later transmission at a predetermined time. The method according to any one of claims 52 to 58, The one or more central facilities are further configured to receive and compress digitized audio information according to a predetermined format, Distributing the stored compressed audio information to one or more decompression systems; Decompressing the transmitted audio information in each decompression system; And Receiving the decompressed audio information at one or more connected sound systems and presenting it to one or more listeners based on the received information. The method of claim 59, Compressing the digital audio information occurs at a variable rate. 61. The method of claim 59 or 60, Compressing and transmitting the audio program associated with image information separated in chronological order from the corresponding image using an identifier, so that one or more predetermined image programs and one or more predetermined audio programs can be connected as desired during the presentation. Method comprising a. 63. The method of any of claims 59, 60, or 61, wherein Wherein each said audio program comprises a plurality of audio tracks to present to the same image program during different presentation events. 63. The method of any of claims 53-62, Compressing the digital image information occurs at a variable rate. The method of any of claims 53-63, wherein Encrypting the information at the central facility and decrypting the final encrypted information at the presentation system. 65. The method of claim 64, further comprising storing and transmitting the encryption key information required for decryption at a different time than the transmission of the encrypted information to the authorized presentation system. The method of claim 64, wherein And indicating that the encryption key information is valid and ensuring that only the key is used during that period. The method of claim 66, wherein And overwriting the encryption key information in a storage location after the period of time has expired. The method of any one of claims 53-67, During the presentation of the decompressed image information, one or more watermarks that are perceptually unrecognizable at a predetermined normal transmission rate, but which are detectable when presenting the image or audio information at a rate different from the normal rate, And further comprising a step. The method of claim 68, wherein Configuring the watermark to identify a presentation time and location of the image or audio information. 70. The method of any of claims 53-69, Modulating and transmitting the compressed information over a wireless communication link between the central facility and the presentation system. The method of claim 70, Broadcasting the compressed information to a predetermined one or more seats to enable presentation of multiple information simultaneously in different seats. The method of claim 70 or 71, wherein Using a transmission bitrate for compressed information that is not equal to the bit rate at which the information is compressed. 73. The method of any of claims 70, 71 or 72, Using a transmission bit rate for compressed information equal to the bit rate from which the information is compressed. The method of any one of claims 70 to 73, And adding checksum information to the compressed information to detect a block of transmitted information in which a transmission error occurs. 75. The method of any of claims 70-74, Using one or more satellites to transmit a signal to the presentation system; And Co-screening one or more satellite receiver terminals at the central facility and monitoring the quality of the satellite channel used to transmit compressed information to adjust the transmission characteristics of the satellite channel to maintain a desired quality level. How to. 78. The method of any of claims 53-75, Exchanging data over a two-way transport link disposed between the central facility and a presentation system. 77. The method of claim 76, Using the exchanged data for cryptographic security purposes. 78. The method of claim 76 or 77, Requesting retransmission of the compressed information received in error in the presentation system. The method of claim 78, And retransmitting the compressed information received in error in the presentation system over the two-way link. 80. The method of any of claims 76-79, The data includes various monitor and control inputs and instructions sent between the central facility and the presentation system. 81. The method of any of claims 53-80, And a network management system for providing operational control of each presentation system to manage the network of the presentation system to present an image for viewing at an approved time and location. 82. The method of any of claims 53-81, And comprising each presentation system as a theater having one or more seats. 83. The method of claim 82, Broadcasting the compressed information at a predetermined time to a predetermined seat among the plurality of seats in the theater complex. 84. The method of any of claims 65 or 66-83, Detecting physical intrusion into the projection system for the auditorium system and deleting the decryption key information whenever such intrusion is detected. 85. The method of any of claims 82, 83, or 84, Transmitting compression information of one image program from the central storage system to a plurality of seat complexes in the theater at different predetermined time offsets from each other in the seat auditorium. How to. 86. The method of claim 85, Reducing the predetermined programmable offset to near zero such that the one image program can be presented at another seat among the seats at about the same time. 84. The method of any of claims 82 or 83, Storing compressed information used to generate a presentation event in one or more seats in a central theater storage system. 88. The method of claim 87, Using an array of magnetic media storage as said central theater storage system. 89. The method of claim 88 wherein Connecting the portions of different compression information of the devices to different devices during storage using parity information and connecting to one presentation upon recovery. 91. The method of claim 88 or 89 wherein Parallel "striping" of the received information across the array of storage devices to provide a desired data transfer rate and error protection redundancy. 91. The method of any of claims 88, 89, or 90, wherein Storing the screening history of the approved program presented at the auditorium and reporting the history to the central facility. 92. The method of any of claims 53-91, Generating a set of programs in the theater management system from one or more received individual image and audio programs that are scheduled for presentation on an auditorium system for an approved period of time. 92. The method of claim 92, Automatically distributing, storing and presenting the program under programmable control from the central facility. 94. The method of claim 92 or 93, Controlling predetermined network operation from a location remote from the central facility. 95. The method of any of claims 92, 93, or 94, wherein Distributing the stored information through the local theater network system to one or more multiple seat locations for presentation to the audience. 95. The method of any of claims 53-95, And providing the image information in the form of an image program in the form of a still frame or a series of frames represented by a variable length movie. 97. The method of any of claims 53-96, The transmitting step, Storing compressed digital information in the central facility; Implanting the stored information onto a portable storage medium for physical distribution to the presentation system; And Recovering the stored information on the medium and transmitting to the presentation system repository. 97. The method of claim 97, Archiving said medium at said central facility. 97. The method of claim 97, Archiving the medium in the presentation system. A device for transmitting data representing an image to a selected location, An input for receiving image data; A data compressor for compressing the image data; A data encryptor for encrypting the image data such that the encrypted data includes data identifying a selected location and requests data defining an encryption key capable of decrypting the data; And A transmitter for transmitting encrypted data through a transmission medium, And the encryption system is arranged to output data defining an encryption key for transmission independently of the encrypted data. 101. The method of claim 100, Wherein the data defining the encryption key is output for transmission at a different time than the encrypted data. The method according to any of the preceding claims, The reproduction at a predetermined position is approved for a predetermined period, and the encryption key is output for transmission immediately before starting the predetermined period. 103. The method of claim 102, And the encryption key is arranged to limit playback only for a predetermined period of time. The method according to any of the preceding claims, Encrypted data is broadcast over a broadcast medium. The method according to any of the preceding claims, And the encryption key is transmitted via a medium different from the transmission medium. The method according to any of the preceding claims, And the data encryptor is arranged to add a watermark to the encrypted data. 107. The method of claim 106, And include data in encrypted data indicative of a location specific and / or time specific identifier at a pseudo random location within the image. 108. The method of claim 107 wherein The watermark is configured to indicate an approved position and time for presentation of the image represented by the encrypted data. The method according to any of the preceding claims, And the transmitter is arranged to transmit the encrypted data via the broadcast transmission medium. The method according to any of the preceding claims, And the transmitter is arranged to transmit the encrypted data at a transmission rate that depends on the characteristics of the image to be represented and the characteristics of the transmission medium. An apparatus for displaying an image represented by data transmitted through a transmission medium, A receiver for receiving encrypted data transmitted through a transmission medium to represent an image for display and to receive data indicative of an encryption key; A decoder for decoding the encrypted data using the encryption key; A plurality of image display devices; And And a distribution network for distributing the decoded data to the selected image display device during the presentation event. 112. The method of claim 111, wherein And the data defining the encryption key is received at a different time than the encrypted data. 112. The method of claim 111 or 112, The encryption key is arranged to restrict playback to only a predetermined period, and the decoder is arranged to decode data only during the predetermined period in response to the encryption key. 115. The method of any of claims 111-113, And said encrypted data is selectively received from a broadcast medium. 117. The method of any of claims 111-114, The encryption key is received from a medium different from the transmission medium. 116. The method of any of claims 111-115, And a management processor for measuring a quality variable of the received signal and outputting a request for retransmission of a portion of the encrypted data when the quality variable is less than or equal to a predetermined value. 117. The method of any one of claims 111-116, And the management processor is arranged to compare digital signatures in portions of encrypted data and request retransmission of the portions if the digital signatures are inconsistent. 118. The method of claim 117, And wherein said management processor replaces portions of encrypted data with inconsistent digital signatures with portions with correct digital signatures once the correct digital signature is retransmitted. 117. The method of any of claims 111-117, And a storage array for storing the decoded data on the selected display device for subsequent distribution. 119. The method of any one of claims 111-119, wherein Wherein said data is distributed to a plurality of display devices for simultaneous display of images. 119. The method of any one of claims 111-119, wherein Wherein the data is distributed to a plurality of display devices for relative time delayed display of the image. 119. The method of claim 119 wherein The store is arranged to store encrypted data before a predetermined period of time, and the decoder is arranged to decode the encrypted data from the store for display of an image represented during the predetermined period of time. 124. The method of any of claims 111-122, And recorder to record the history of the presentation event.