WO2000054507A1 - Systeme et procede de diffusion video a definition standard et elevee - Google Patents

Systeme et procede de diffusion video a definition standard et elevee Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000054507A1
WO2000054507A1 PCT/US2000/006156 US0006156W WO0054507A1 WO 2000054507 A1 WO2000054507 A1 WO 2000054507A1 US 0006156 W US0006156 W US 0006156W WO 0054507 A1 WO0054507 A1 WO 0054507A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
subsystem
headend
data
image
digitized forms
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/006156
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Donald C. Mead
Irving Rabowsky
Original Assignee
Digital Electronic Cinema, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Digital Electronic Cinema, Inc. filed Critical Digital Electronic Cinema, Inc.
Priority to AU35208/00A priority Critical patent/AU3520800A/en
Publication of WO2000054507A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000054507A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/234—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
    • H04N21/2347—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream encryption
    • H04N21/23473—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream encryption by pre-encrypting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/234—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
    • H04N21/2347—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream encryption
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47202—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/162—Authorising the user terminal, e.g. by paying; Registering the use of a subscription channel, e.g. billing
    • H04N7/165—Centralised control of user terminal ; Registering at central
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests

Definitions

  • This invention relates to delivery of images for viewing by end users such as residential consumers, public social or business gathering places, governmental agencies, and companies.
  • this invention relates to a system and method for secure electronic delivery of television programs, and other image and audio programs, and documents, in digital format to one or more end users.
  • the current method of delivery of motion picture derived programs for home viewing is to convert the original negative film into an analog or digital program file using a telecine.
  • the output of the telecine may be either in standard or high definition television format, and is then recorded on a magnetic tape master. Once the master tape is created, conversion to the format required or delivery such as NTSC, PAL, HDTV, etc. may be done.
  • Duplication masters are then created for use in generating copies of the program such as VHS tapes and DVD disks, which are to be delivered to many end users.
  • copies of programs may be delivered by transportation or satellite communications to broadcast stations which then broadcast such programs to end users.
  • This conventional delivery method suffers from several disadvantages.
  • Third, the current method of distribution of video programs via the Internet, broadcast, or by satellite communications provides real time video at resolutions of less than 1 million pixels.
  • Fourth, the end user has a limited choice of programs from which to make a selection, and no ability to search for a specific category of programs or a specific program and then select a preferred program of their choice.
  • an on-line service using computer technology will allow an end user to search a database and select a preferred program in the format of choice for electronic delivery directly to the end user.
  • the present invention satisfies this need by providing a distribution/delivery system with a complete end-to-end integrated delivery system of secure digital video and audio programs, and other data that can be delivered at data rates which are a multiple of a program's real time data rate.
  • the system of the present invention may include a long term archiving system for conversion of an image program into a digitized form, such as an image file, a headend system, and an end user system so that the digitized forms that are sent by the long term archiving subsystem are received by the headend subsystem and then relayed to the end-user subsystem for viewing by the at least one end-user.
  • the long term archiving system may further include an image conversion subsystem for conversion of image programs captured on film to digitized forms, a digital program playback subsystem to playback programs which are received from a source in digital format, an audio playback subsystem to playback audio programs which are received from a source in digital format, an audio conversion subsystem to convert the audio program into a format suitable for storage in the long term archiving system, a lossless compression encoder subsystem for compressing the digitized forms, a long term storage subsystem for storage of the digitized forms, an encryption subsystem to encrypt the digitized forms prior to storage in the long term storage subsystem, a decryption subsystem to decrypt the digitized forms for viewing on a display panel of the long term system, and a management subsystem to manage security of the digitized forms and to relay system data and the digitized forms to the headend subsystem.
  • an image conversion subsystem for conversion of image programs captured on film to digitized forms
  • a digital program playback subsystem to playback programs
  • the headend system may further include a baseband processing subsystem to receive as input system data and the digitized forms, for example NTSC or HDTV digital files, a distribution subsystem to receive as input system data and the digitized forms from the baseband processing subsystem, a radio frequency transmission subsystem to transmit system data and the digitized forms between the end-users and the long term archiving subsystem; and a management subsystem to provide a management interface with end users and sources of program materials.
  • a baseband processing subsystem to receive as input system data and the digitized forms, for example NTSC or HDTV digital files
  • a distribution subsystem to receive as input system data and the digitized forms from the baseband processing subsystem
  • a radio frequency transmission subsystem to transmit system data and the digitized forms between the end-users and the long term archiving subsystem
  • a management subsystem to provide a management interface with end users and sources of program materials.
  • the end user system may further include a transmission line interface to relay coded system data and said digitized forms from the headend system to the end-user subsystem, a receiver-decoders subsystem to receive as input the relayed coded system data and the coded digitized forms from the transmission line interface in form of the radio frequency bit stream and to produce decoded digitized forms and system data at baseband, a storage playback subsystems to store system data and the digitized forms, a secure playback subsystems to playback system data and the digitized forms, an automation/scheduling subsystem to direct playback of system data and the digitized forms in the secure playback subsystems as authorized by a management subsystem, and a reverse channel to relay feedback data to the headend system from the at least one end user.
  • a transmission line interface to relay coded system data and said digitized forms from the headend system to the end-user subsystem
  • a receiver-decoders subsystem to receive as input the relayed coded system data and the
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of a preferred version of a long term archiving system embodying the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram of a preferred version of a headend system embodying the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram of a preferred version of an end user system embodying the present invention.
  • the overall system architecture of the present invention may include three main subsystems.
  • the first subsystem is the Long Term Archiving Subsystem 1, which may include a subsystem of Film To Digital Transfer 11 for conversion of image programs originally captured on film to a digital file, a Program Playback Subsystem 15 which provides playback of programs received from a source in digital format, along with a Audio Playback Subsystem 10 for playback and conversion of source audio programs and further conversion of the audio programs into a format suitable for storage in the Long Term Archiving Storage Subsystem 13. Also included in the Long Term Archiving Subsystem 1 is the Lossless Motion Picture Compressor 12 which first performs lossless compression and encryption of image files, before their storage in the Long Term Archiving Storage Subsystem 13.
  • a Long Term Archiving Monitor Subsystem 14 is included to monitor system for viewing decrypted program files on a program display, and a Long Term Archiving Management Subsystem 16 which provides record keeping of all program files, contracts with program owners, and manages security of the program files and transmissions across the Transmission Line Interface 17 to the Headend System 2.
  • the second system is the Headend System 2, which may include a Baseband Processing Subsystem 200, a Distributed Storage Subsystem 220 for distribution of digitized programs and data files, a Radio Frequency Transmission Subsystem 240 for transmission of program and data files to various users, and a Headend Management Subsystem 260 for management of program files and databases.
  • a Baseband Processing Subsystem 200 may include a Baseband Processing Subsystem 200, a Distributed Storage Subsystem 220 for distribution of digitized programs and data files, a Radio Frequency Transmission Subsystem 240 for transmission of program and data files to various users, and a Headend Management Subsystem 260 for management of program files and databases.
  • the third system is the End User System 3, which may include
  • the Long Term Archiving System 1 includes provision for conversion of the original camera film negative of images, such as motion pictures, to a digital representation converting from film to a digital file, utilizing the Film To Digital Transfer 11 subsystem to create a master digital program image file.
  • the Long Term Archiving System 1 accommodates digital program image files which were converted from all the various film formats and aspect ratios, including but not limited to 8 millimeter, 16 mm, and 35 mm film formats, and 1.33,1.37, 1.66, and 1.85 aspect ratios, and digital program image files which may contain one or more still images.
  • the Long Term Archiving System 1 also includes a Program Playback Subsystem 15 which provides for playback of program images captured with video cameras and other capture technologies, and for the conversion of such programs into master digital program image files.
  • the master digital program image file After creating the master digital program image file, the master digital program image file is losslessly compressed and then encrypted in the Lossless Motion Picture Compressor 12, as directed by a Long Term Archiving Management Subsystem 16, utilizing an encryption technique and a conditional access system which has been standardized for use by the Long Term Archiving Subsystem 1, the Headend Subsystem 2, and the End-user Subsystem 3.
  • Program audio files associated with program image files are obtained from magnetic tapes, or from optical audio files on film.
  • the original audio files may be in a number of formats including analog, digital uncompressed, and digital compressed utilizing several alternative compression algorithms such as MP1, AC-3, or DTS.
  • the analog audio files are converted to digital uncompressed format and then stored in the Long Term Archiving Storage Subsystem 13.
  • Digital audio files are stored in the Long Term Archiving System 1 without further processing or with lossless compression.
  • the Audio Playback Subsystem 10 provides for later playback and conversion of source audio programs where a system layer is utilized to combine the audio and image files, using time stamps for both the audio and video so that features such as lip synchronization can be maintained when the audio and video files are later combined for display.
  • the Long Term Archiving System 1 may also include Long Term Archiving Management Subsystem 16 which may further include a Database Management System 18 and a Conditional Access System 19 which are used to keep records of digital program image files, digital audio files, and other data files, and to assure that program files are encrypted and stored in accordance with the program owner's instructions, and to ensure that transmission of a copy of an encrypted digital program file to the headend system is only done upon receipt of a valid authorization.
  • Long Term Archiving Management Subsystem 16 may further include a Database Management System 18 and a Conditional Access System 19 which are used to keep records of digital program image files, digital audio files, and other data files, and to assure that program files are encrypted and stored in accordance with the program owner's instructions, and to ensure that transmission of a copy of an encrypted digital program file to the headend system is only done upon receipt of a valid authorization.
  • a Long Term Archiving Monitor Subsystem 14 is also provided to allow a system operator to review program files, and to monitor and control the performance of the Long Term Archiving System 1.
  • the delivery of the encrypted digital program files from the Long Term Archiving System 1 to the Headend Subsystem 2 is then accomplished using a secure method of transmission provided by the Transmission Line Interface 17, or by a physical delivery.
  • Headend Subsystem 2 may further include the subsystems of Baseband Processing
  • the delivery of a digitized program file is authorized by the Subscriber Management System 263 (SMS) of the Headend Management Subsystem 260.
  • SMS Subscriber Management System 263
  • An encrypted electronic request for delivery of a specific digitized program file from the Long Term Archiving System 1 to the headend is sent to the Long Term Archiving System 1, under the direction of the SMS 263.
  • the Long Term Archiving System 1 Upon acceptance of the message, which contains conditional access authorization information, the Long Term Archiving System 1 delivers an encrypted copy of the requested file to the headend system.
  • the encrypted digital program file may include a digital program image file, a digital audio file, one or more other data file, and conditional access messages.
  • the delivery of the program files may be over a secure transmission line of Transmission Line Interface 17, or by transportation of physical media, such as disks.
  • a first File Server 201 Upon receipt of the digital program files from the Long Term Archiving System 1 via the Transmission Line Interface 17, a first File Server 201 directs the files into the Headend Archiving Storage Subsystem 202 of the Baseband Processing Subsystem 200, where the files are stored as received from the Long Term Archiving Management Subsystem 16, for later distribution.
  • the functions of the File Server 201 may include:
  • the Headend Archiving Storage Subsystem 202 stores a number of lossless program image files, audio files and other data files, and is able to playback on demand program image, audio, and other data files. Safeguards such as 1:1 redundant fail safe protection can be included. If a practical limitation exists in a system specific on the amount of available storage capacity, at any given time the Headend Subsystem 2 may then store in the Headend Archiving Storage Subsystem 202 only the program files to be distributed over a period of several weeks. In this configuration, the system design may include an added feature of choosing a period of time in which each program is to be archived at the headend, and a method for disposition of the file when the storage/distribution period ends.
  • the Signal Processing Subsystem 210 may include a Demultiplexor/Decryptor 201, an Audio Baseband Processor 212, an Audio Compressor 213, a Lossless Program Image-decompressor 214, a Program Image Preprocessor 215, a Lossy Program Image-compressor 216, and a Data/ Authorization Interface Module 217.
  • the image file is first separated and then decrypted by the Demultiplexor/Decryptor 201, then undergoes lossless decompression in the Lossless Program Image-decompressor 214 so that the original digital program image file is recovered.
  • the Program Image Preprocessor 215, under the direction of the Program File Management System 261 further converts the original digital program image file into a reduced program image file which is appropriate for the user specified requirement.
  • the reduced program image file may have been preprocessed to provide an image resolution of 480 x 720, or 1080 x 1920 or any number of formats consistent with presentation of NTSC, PAL, HDTV, etc. on an end user display.
  • the reduced program image file is then compressed again in the Lossy Program Image-compressor 216 utilizing a lossy compression algorithm such as MPEG2, as directed by the Program File Management System 261 of the Headend Management Subsystem 260, resulting in a compressed program image file, which can be transmitted utilizing a much lower bandwidth then would otherwise be required without lossy compression.
  • a lossy compression algorithm such as MPEG2
  • the digital audio file is also separated and decrypted by the Demultiplexor/Decryptor 201 and sent to Audio Baseband Processor 212 which identifies the compression algorithm used on the original digital audio file, if any, and decompresses the audio file into an original uncompressed program audio file. Then, the program audio file is compressed again in the Audio Compressor 213 utilizing a compression algorithm specified by the Program File Management System 261, for example, as the MPEG Standard, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) algorithm.
  • the AAC algorithm provides efficient coding of monaural, stereo, and multi-channel audio. The AAC can achieve reduction of audio files by a factor of 10:1.
  • the outputs of the digital program image, the digital audio compressors, and the data interface module are then forwarded to the Multiplexor/Encryptor 203 which packets the incoming bit streams, and forms the packets into a serial multiplexed bitstream similar to, for example, the format of the System Layer of MPEG2.
  • Each packet in the bitstream is then encrypted with a very powerful encryption algorithm such as the triple Data Encryption Standard (Triple DES) which uses a 168 bit key, or to use the Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) standard, which has been widely adopted.
  • the Conditional Access Security System 262 provides the instructions to the conditional access engine in the Multiplexor/Encryptor 203, which in turn enables the encryptor.
  • the output of the Multiplex/Encryptor 203 is then sent to the Distribution Subsystem 220.
  • the output of the Baseband Processing Subsystem 200 is then routed by a second File Server 218 into the Distribution Storage Subsystem 220.
  • the Distribution Storage Subsystem 220 provides short-term storage of programs for which transmission to End-users Subsystem 3 is reasonably imminent.
  • Digital program files in this storage system may include program files derived from the same original digital program file but of different resolution, such as NTSC and HDTV program files.
  • the second File Server 218 Upon command of the Subscriber Management System 263 in the Headend Management Subsystem 260, the second File Server 218 reads out the packets of multiplexed digital program files, and adds program associated data, particularly authorizations, to the multiplexed bit stream.
  • the Subscriber Management System 263 also defines the read-out rate of the output bit stream, consistent with the data rate of the transmission system.
  • a digital program file that has a normal data rate of 4 mbps can be transmitted at a data rate 16 times its normal rate.
  • the transmission time of a 120-minute program will be less than 8 minutes.
  • the output bit stream of the Baseband Processing Subsystem 200 is thus forwarded via the second File Server 218 and the Distribution Storage Subsystem 220 to the Modulator-Tuner 242 of the Radio Frequency Transmission Subsystem 240, described below.
  • the Radio Frequency Transmission Subsystem 240 may include a Modulator-Tuner 242, a Transmission Line Interface 246, an Inbound User Data Transmission Subsystem 241, a Data Encryptor 243, a Message Handler 244 and a User File Server 245.
  • the specifications of the Modulator/Tuner 242 depends upon the transmission media chosen for distribution.
  • One preferred version of the present invention uses satellite transmission for distribution to end users,
  • alternative transmission media such as microwave, coaxial cable, and fiberoptic cable can be used for delivery of digital electronic program to classes of users.
  • channel coding for satellite transmission of digital TV utilizes QPSK modulation, with rate 1/2 to rate 5/6 convolutional coding and Reed Solomon forward error correction.
  • the net bits per symbol is about 1.7, and the coding gain is about 4.5 dB, resulting in a threshold Eb/No at the receiver demodulator of about 5.5 dB.
  • Recent advances in coding technology have led to an effort by many companies to bring into production a 16PSK modulation, with rate 3/4 trellis code, thus achieving a net of 3 bits per symbol, and a coding gain of about 6.6 dB.
  • This new modulator design is predicted to achieve equivalent receiver threshold of about 5.5 dB, but with over a one-third reduction in occupied bandwidth. Thus a 96 Mbps modulator will require about 32 MHz of bandwidth.
  • Other channel coding techniques well-known to those skilled in the art, can be used in the present invention.
  • the tuner may provide, for example, a L Band output having a carrier which is chosen to provide the authorized satellite transponder frequency after upconversion by the upconverter module (which follows the tuner).
  • the carrier output frequency is electronically programmable, and is assigned by the broadcast operations module of a distribution management module.
  • the satellite uplink transmission system may include an upconverter, an interfacility link (between the modulator/tuner and the upconverter), a power amplifier, and an uplink antenna.
  • small antenna "dishes" are used by the end users to comply with governmental regulations, and address the security concerns, construction costs and antenna costs associated with large dishes. For these reasons, as well as C band frequency congestion problems, a preferred version of the present invention uses Ku band link implementation, which allows use of smaller dishes. In yet another preferred embodiment geared toward reducing the higher hourly transponder costs and significantly higher rain attenuation of Ku band links, lower frequency links are used.
  • the antenna dish sizes for the uplink and the downlink are chosen based on the link reliability objective, and the power output of the chosen high power amplifier. It is expected the uplink antennas will be sized for a reliability of 99.99% availability, resulting in a Ku band uplink antenna size of about 7 meters in diameter, and the downlink will be sized for a reliability of 99.9% availability resulting in a Ku band downlink antenna size of about 0.6 meters.
  • an incoming L band signal from the modulator/tuner which is within the frequency band 950 to 1450 MHz, is upconverted to the frequency band 14.0 to 14.5 GHz.
  • the output of the upconverter is amplified by a Ku band power amplifier.
  • a four port orthomode transducer is then used in conjunction with a switching system to provide uplink capability in either right or left hand polarization, together with the ability to receive the downlink signal for signal monitoring and performance verification.
  • Uplink signal power level is electronically controlled to provide automatic modification of uplink power during uplink rain fades. The objective is to keep the uplink signal strength constant at the input to the satellite transponder receiver. If the uplink signal uses an entire transponder, a transponder with automatic level control is preferred.
  • the electronics modules of the uplink system preferably have 1 : 1 redundancy and automatically switchover should a failure occur, as directed by a monitor and control system.
  • the Inbound User Data Transmission 241 channel enables either the Headend Subsystem 2 to receive responses to inquiries from the End-user Subsystem 3, such as for playback information, security status, or end user module performance status.
  • the Headend Subsystem 2 also can receive confirmation of inputted data such as authorizations, entitlement modifications, or financial or administrative messages.
  • the End-user Subsystem 3 can use the data link to make inquiries of all kinds, update information, provide statistical information, and to pay for services electronically.
  • the Inbound User Data Transmission 241 channels provide the Headend Subsystem 2 with the ability to receive data and messages from not only the End-user Subsystem 3, but also the studios, suppliers, financial institutions, and other entities which need technical and/or administrative data interfaces with the Headend Subsystem 2.
  • Sensitive data sent to the Headend Subsystem 2 may be encrypted by the Data Encryptor 243 so that encrypted data, as well as data which has not been encrypted, can be routed to its destination address, acknowledged if applicable, and stored if appropriate.
  • An internal Message Handler Router 244 is used to forward data to applicable Outbound Transmission Lines 247 as required.
  • the routing of technical and administrative data is accomplished via a local area network (LAN) with appropriate security safeguards, such as multi-level passwords and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access.
  • LAN local area network
  • the Headend Management Subsystem260 may include a Conditional Access Security Subsystem (CASS) 262, a Subscriber Management System (SMS) 263, a Program File Management System (PFMS) 261, and a Data File Management System (DFMS) 264. Access to the digital program files is controlled by the CASS 262 for the following reasons:
  • CASS Conditional Access Security Subsystem
  • SMS Subscriber Management System
  • PFMS Program File Management System
  • DFMS Data File Management System
  • the CASS 262 manages the flow of entitlements (authorization information), and other information such as program, audio, and data bit streams to their destinations (for example, the end user receiver-decoder, storage, and playback systems, the archiving storage systems, and through the encryptors and decryptors).
  • Entitlements originate in the SMS 263, which contains a database on all the deal memos between distributors, service providers, end users, and other subscribers, and contract information on any other services including any conditional access requirements.
  • the CASS 262 also provides a very high level of both physical and electronic system security to regulate the viewing of files at the destination, and to eliminate the ability of pirates to intercept files and view their contents.
  • the CASS 262 may include four subsystem which provide control, security, and distribution of program and data files. These subsystems are:
  • EMC Entitlement Management Center
  • CAD program data file access data
  • EMC Entitlement Management Messages
  • Entitlement Controller which generates the following data packets which provide entitlement instructions:
  • ECM Entitlement Control Message
  • Control Word An authorizing key is also created for each program/data file, and delivered to the encryptor.
  • the Control Word governs how the file will be encrypted and later decrypted at the receiver-decoder. It is not broadcast to the receiver decoder.
  • the EC forwards the EMM to the receiver-decoder.
  • Conditional Access Module (CAM) 311 which resides in the Receiver-Decoder 305 of the End-user Subsystem 3, and controls access to the incoming files.
  • This module may, for example, consist of an ISO Smart Card reader and a Smart card.
  • the Smart Card reader manages the exchange of information between the Smart Card and the receiver-decoder.
  • the Smart Card reader Upon receipt of an entitlement message, the Smart Card reader verifies that the entitlement message is authentic, and then compares the entitlement data in the received message with the entitlement data resident in the Smart Card. If they match, the appropriate Control Word is generated to be used by the decryptor to unscramble the program/data file.
  • Callback capability which also may be provided to allow the receiver-decoder to call the EMC, or the EMC to call the receiver-decoder.
  • the EMC can receive data back from the end user/subscriber Smart Card. This data includes end user/subscriber identification, stored transactional information such as number of playbacks, and equipment status reports. The EMC may also call the receiver- decoder to deliver new data to the Smart Card.
  • the SMS 263 manages the distribution of the program and data files, and the flow of traffic and timely operation of the various subsystems of the Headend 2 and the End-user 3 subsystems. The SMS 263 is tasked to:
  • Traffic/Scheduling System which provides scheduling information to all subsystems of the Headend 2and End-user 3 Subsystems which must conduct timed operations. This system also receives feedback from the End-user Systems 3, for example, as played information, requests to reschedule playback, and other requests which require initiating new entitlement messages.
  • the SMS 263 contains sensitive data which must be protected from unauthorized access and therefore, may include multi-level password protection, firewalls at data I/O ports, and sufficient redundancy of the hardware to prevent loss of records.
  • the Program File Management System (PFMS) 261 provides a database of all the program files in the Headend Subsystem 2, and at end-user locations. A database record is created for each program file, with a separate record for each program image, audio, and associated data file. The record is expanded and updated each time a program file is processed at the headend to include its status, location, copies if any, type of processed file, and modifications. A separate database is kept of all program files which are received from the Long Term Archiving Storage System 13. This database includes historical information on who, why, when, and what was accessed, and the authorization information. The PFMS 261 also keeps individual records of program files stored in the end user storage systems and the purging thereof. The PFMS 261 provides status reports on a routine basis, and exception reports on an urgent basis when certain operations, such as purging, fail to occur as scheduled. These reports are provided to the SMS 263.
  • the Data File Management System (DFMS) 264 serves a function equivalent to that of the PFMS 261, except the files which are managed are non-program files. These files could include data such as program associated files, data describing a particular program, its production, and other historical data concerning a program file which might interest an end user or the program audience. The data could include subtitles, teletext, special interest information, and a myriad of other possible data transfers between the service provider, distributor, and end user. In some cases the data is encrypted, in other cases it is not.
  • the DFMS 264 keeps records of all the data files, their location, and historical information on the processing, access and disposition of the data files.
  • the End-User Subsystem 3 may include Transmission Line Interfaces 300, a Receiver- Decoder subsystem305, a Storage Playback Subsystem 320, a Secure Playback Subsystem 360, an Automation/ Scheduling Subsystem 330 and a Reverse Channel 350. Below is a more detailed description of each such feature.
  • Program and data files can be delivered by a satellite communication link, or terrestrial communication links such as microwave, coaxial cable, or fiber-optic cable via the Transmission Line Interface 300.
  • the earth station transmission system may comprise a down-converter, an interfacility link (between the down-converter and the demodulator/tuner), and a downlink antenna.
  • a Ku band link is utilized with a small antenna (dish) mounted on the roof of end users.
  • the dish size is a function of the desired reliability of the transmission link from the headend to the end user. For example, for programs which are delivered only for storage on the end user storage system, link outage probability of three hours a month may be reasonable. In general, dish size is in the range of 0.5 meter to 2.4 meters in diameter.
  • the received signal of such a link is collected by the antenna and forwarded to a low noise down-converter which converts the Ku band signal to a signal in the 950 to 1450 MHz band.
  • the low noise down-converter has sufficient gain to allow an interfacility link coaxial cable to be run from the antenna location to the indoor demodulator/tuner of the indoor receiver-decoder.
  • the Reverse Channel 350 provides an outbound data channel so that two-way data communications can be established between the Headend Subsystem 2 and the End-user Subsystem 3.
  • the outbound channel can be used for many purposes including sending inquiries, playback information, security status, end user module performance, confirmations, electronic payments, and e-mail.
  • Data packets within the bit stream of an outbound data channel may be encrypted in accordance with instructions from the CASS 262.
  • the outbound data channel can utilize satellite or terrestrial transmission media. If, for example, satellite transmission is utilized, then a low power uplink transmitter is provided. This uplink transmitter is interfaced to a transmit port of the antenna.
  • the uplink transmitter includes a medium power amplifier (0.5 to 2.0 watts), an up-converter from the frequency band 950 to 450 MHz to the satellite receive transponder frequency, and a modulator/tuner which receives outbound (reverse) data from the end user system and provides a radio frequency carrier, which is chosen to provide the authorized satellite transponder frequency after up-conversion by the up-converter module (which follows the tuner).
  • the carrier output frequency is electronically programmable, and is assigned by the broadcast operations module of the SMS.
  • the Receiver-Decoder 305 may include a Tuner/Demodulator 310, a System Demultiplexer 312, a Microprocessor/Controller 313, and a Conditional Access Module (CAM) 311.
  • CAM Conditional Access Module
  • transmission may be at 96
  • the Receiver-Decoder 305 operates in L band, where an L band tuner of the Tuner/Demodulator 310 is tuned to a specific L band frequency associated with a specific downlink satellite transponder. The output of the tuner is demodulated to a baseband digital bit stream, and then forward error correction is utilized to remove possible bit errors that may have occurred in transmission.
  • the resultant bit stream is an encrypted, multiplexed bit stream containing audio, program image, and data information.
  • the System Demultiplexor 312 then separates the bit stream into its components of audio, program image, and data bit streams.
  • the resultant bit streams are then forwarded to the appropriate ports or interfaces under direction of a microprocessor/controller.
  • the Microprocessor/Controller 313 provides instructions which direct the activities of all the input/output ports, and does all the housekeeping tasks necessary to provide a functioning receiver-decoder. It may also compare a user profile stored in User Profile 314 or Storage Media 315 with an incoming data message describing a specific user profile, and either accept or reject the incoming bit stream. If the incoming bit stream is accepted as valid for a particular receiver-decoder, then entitlement information is passed to the CAM 311 for further processing. In addition, the Microprocessor/Controller 313 accesses the Receiver-Decoder 305 memory in User Profile 314 or Storage Media 315 which may contain instructions and messages such as error messages. These messages can be displayed locally or forwarded to the headend via the reverse channel.
  • a CAM 311 first receives EMM and ECM data from the Headend Subsystem 2, verifies the authenticity of the data, compares the data with stored information, for example, in a Smart Card, and, if validity is established, generates a key word necessary to enable the Decryptor 361.
  • the key word is generated on a packet by packet basis.
  • each location which has an encryptor and/or a decryptor has an associated Receiver-Decoder 350 with a CAM 311. These locations include the Secure Playback System 360, and the User Data Transmission 351.
  • the key word is transferred to the encryptor/ decryptor in a secure environment. For example, removal of the Smart Card or the CAM 311 from the Receiver-Decoder 350 disables the Receiver-Decoder 350.
  • Each current authorized program is stored in compressed and encrypted form in a storage media.
  • a storage media In a preferred version of the present invention, rewriteable non-removable hard drives are used.
  • Other storage media well-known to those skilled in the art, can be used in the present invention. The selection of the storage media is predicated not only on capacity, redundancy, I/O ports, access time, throughput, and file transfer rate, but also on the security needs of the system.
  • the storage media may have over 18 gigabytes of storage that can record at a data rate of at least 8 megabytes per second, and playback at data rates ranging 0.1 to 8 megabytes per second.
  • the storage media is sized to provide storage for all program files.
  • the Automation Scheduling System 330 (described below) delivers each program file to a secure playback system at a time specified and authorized by the CASS 262.
  • the storage media is automatically erased and another authorized program file may be stored in its place.
  • the Secure Playback System 360 may include the following subsystems:
  • Program Image Decompressor 362 4. Program Audio Decompressor 363;
  • the Secure Playback System 360 is designed so that decryption of the program image takes place within the Secure Playback System 360 with sufficient security to prevent interception of the decrypted program image file. It is a sealed assembly which if opened not only causes the loss of the stored program file, but also makes the playback inoperable until serviced by an authorized field service technician.
  • the Demux/ Program Decryptor 361 receives encrypted files from local storage, separates program image, audio, and data files into separate bit streams, then decrypts them and provides the outputs to the Audio Decompressor 363 and Program Image Decompressor 362.
  • separate program image, audio, and data decompression units are employed.
  • each decompression unit has sufficient programmability so that a variant of ISOMPEG2 coding technology can be used at present, while allowing decompression units to be upgraded to ISOMPEG4 and beyond in the future.
  • the ISOMPEG2 System transport layer may be employed to ensure that appropriate synchronization is maintained between the audio and the program image.
  • the Visual Playback Display 364 is preferably designed to meet high quality display requirements of HDTV. These requirements may include display of up to 2 million pixels for each of 30 frames per second.
  • the display unit may be physically separated from the other subsystems of the secure playback system. Cabling between subsystems which contains decrypted, decompressed program information is physically and electronically secure.
  • a shielded armor cable may be used with a special electronic continuity signal which detects when an end of the cable is disconnected from the display. Upon the occurrence of such an event, the secure playback system is disabled until re-authorized by the CASS 262.
  • a playback schedule Within the bit stream provided by the Headend Subsystem 2 to a specific end user is a playback schedule. This schedule defines the authorized playback dates and number of playbacks for each program file and for each display of the end user.
  • Automation/Scheduling Subsystem 330 schedules these playbacks, and provides the necessary machine control to automatically play the programs at the scheduled times.
  • An end user operator interface provides the end user with the ability to define and modify the schedule of the playbacks, within the authorization parameters, such as changing play times, and which displays are showing which programs. Such changes require notification of the headend. Changes which do not violate contractual terms are automatic, requiring only a change in the distribution records. Changes which modify the terms of an existing contract between End User, Program Owner, Distributor, and Service Provider are verified and authorized by the SMS 263 once accepted by the parties to the contract.
  • the Reverse Channel 350 provides data back to the Headend Subsystem 2 and the program owner or distributor from the end user.
  • the data includes status information, as played information (actual times of playback), purges (erasure of program files), trouble reports and error messages, diagnostic information, and other messages related to the health and welfare of the end user system.
  • the Reverse Channel 350 also may be used for administrative and financial information. Since the reverse channel provides the end user with a two-way data capability (utilizing the forward data transmission capability of headend transmission system), interactive data applications can be utilized to provide interactive experiences to end user audiences.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un nouveau système de diffusion électronique sécurisée d'images destiné à l'usage domestique d'utilisateurs finaux. Ledit système comprend un système d'archivage à long terme permettant de convertir un programme image, tel qu'un fichier image, un système tête de réseau, et un système d'utilisateur final, en une forme numérisée, de manière que les images numérisées envoyées par le sous-système d'archivage à long terme soient reçues par le sous-système tête de réseau, puis remises au sous-système de l'utilisateur final en vue de leur visualisation par les utilisateurs finaux. Ce nouveau procédé de diffusion devrait permettre aux systèmes de diffusion actuellement utilisés dans l'industrie des divertissements, basés sur des techniques orientées transport physique, la diffusion analogique, les techniques de séquençage vidéo à basse résolution et en différé, d'adopter un nouveau mode de diffusion électronique numérique.
PCT/US2000/006156 1999-03-10 2000-03-10 Systeme et procede de diffusion video a definition standard et elevee WO2000054507A1 (fr)

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US60/123,570 1999-03-10

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US9852437B2 (en) 2002-09-13 2017-12-26 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Opt-in/opt-out in loyalty system
US8626577B2 (en) 2002-09-13 2014-01-07 Visa U.S.A Network centric loyalty system
US8239261B2 (en) 2002-09-13 2012-08-07 Liane Redford Method and system for managing limited use coupon and coupon prioritization
US8015060B2 (en) 2002-09-13 2011-09-06 Visa Usa, Inc. Method and system for managing limited use coupon and coupon prioritization
US10460338B2 (en) 2002-09-13 2019-10-29 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Network centric loyalty system
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US8386343B2 (en) 2003-05-02 2013-02-26 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and user device for management of electronic receipts
US7725369B2 (en) 2003-05-02 2010-05-25 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and server for management of electronic receipts
US8554610B1 (en) 2003-08-29 2013-10-08 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and system for providing reward status
US8793156B2 (en) 2003-08-29 2014-07-29 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and system for providing reward status
US7857215B2 (en) 2003-09-12 2010-12-28 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and system including phone with rewards image
US7857216B2 (en) 2003-09-12 2010-12-28 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and system for providing interactive cardholder rewards image replacement
US8407083B2 (en) 2003-09-30 2013-03-26 Visa U.S.A., Inc. Method and system for managing reward reversal after posting
US8244648B2 (en) 2003-09-30 2012-08-14 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and system for providing a distributed adaptive rules based dynamic pricing system
US9141967B2 (en) 2003-09-30 2015-09-22 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and system for managing reward reversal after posting
US8005763B2 (en) 2003-09-30 2011-08-23 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Method and system for providing a distributed adaptive rules based dynamic pricing system
US7653602B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2010-01-26 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Centralized electronic commerce card transactions
US9710811B2 (en) 2003-11-06 2017-07-18 Visa U.S.A. Inc. Centralized electronic commerce card transactions
US8119282B2 (en) 2005-06-16 2012-02-21 Exide Technologies Gmbh Pole bridge for a battery
US7941407B2 (en) 2005-06-27 2011-05-10 Thomson Licensing Organization of archival elements for analog/digital hybrid data on film
US11132691B2 (en) 2009-12-16 2021-09-28 Visa International Service Association Merchant alerts incorporating receipt data
US8429048B2 (en) 2009-12-28 2013-04-23 Visa International Service Association System and method for processing payment transaction receipts
US8650124B2 (en) 2009-12-28 2014-02-11 Visa International Service Association System and method for processing payment transaction receipts
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CN116760935B (zh) * 2023-08-21 2023-10-17 湖南马栏山视频先进技术研究院有限公司 基于图像数据传输的数据围栏系统

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