Abstract:
A method that provides a motion picture promotional item using digital data at an exhibition site. The method includes receiving motion picture digital data at the exhibition site; and receiving supplemental data transmitted along with the motion picture digital data, the supplemental data to be used for forming the promotional item. Additionally the method stores the supplemental data in a memory accessible from the exhibition site, and forms the promotional item according to the supplemental data in response to a user command.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention generally relates to digital cinema and more particularly relates to a method and apparatus for using the digital data stream to promote sales of supplemental movie-related items.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     With the advent of digital cinema, considerable attention has been directed to potential commercial advantages that become available when using content that is generated and transmitted electronically. For example, digital cinema provides the capability to provide multiple versions of a movie or of movie scenes, as well as the capability to adapt the content of individual scenes based on audience demographics. Because the content of the motion picture and its associated advertising is transmitted electronically, there is additional flexibility for control of content, allowing opportunities for adapting displayed content to local conditions and audience preferences. Other technical advantages will allow more flexible display arrangements as well as opportunity for color enhancement and other imaging improvements. In addition to these technical and performance advantages, there also appear to be considerable advantages and opportunities for more economical motion picture distribution, for improved adaptation to markets and viewer demographics, for local customization of some types of content, and for an overall development of a more engrossing theater experience. Along with these advantages come enhanced opportunities for revenue enhancement both for studios that produce and distribute motion picture content and for theaters that show this content to audiences.  
         [0003]     The conventional model for motion picture film distribution is characterized by rigid control of the entire distribution and display process, allowing minimal or no flexibility for local adaptation. Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a block diagram of a conventional motion picture film distribution system  10 . A production studio  20  takes the content from content providers  22  who generate the film feature, advertising, trailers, previews, and other content for theater display, typically as separate content films  30 . Studio  20  edits, masters, and prepares print films  24  and provides them, through a distribution network  26  to theaters  28 . In the conventional model of  FIG. 1 , studio  20  dictates what is viewed at each theater  28 . This control of what gets shown extends not only to the film feature itself, but also to any advertising or trailers, such as previews for future offerings, and the like. In the conventional arrangement, theaters  28  follow the instructions of studio  20  for display of the film feature and other related content. With the relatively inflexible arrangement shown in  FIG. 1 , there is no opportunity for dynamically adding or changing image content.  
         [0004]     Theater revenues are primarily from admission fees and concession sales, often with some additional revenue from local and national advertisers for material displayed between showings. Theaters, however, have little participation in additional profits from movie-related items. Items that promote the motion picture and its stars include such items as posters, T-shirts, and other accessories. These promotional items are sold by stores and other outlets not related to the theater. Thus, while studios and motion picture distributors enjoy a share of the profits from sales of supplemental promotional items to movie fans, the theater does not derive any direct benefit from these sales.  
         [0005]     It is well known that many consumers are more likely to purchase various types of items on impulse, based on experiencing an event such as a motion picture. Theater owners, however, are largely unable to take advantage of the type of consumer enthusiasm that often follows the viewing of a popular motion picture. Among practical obstacles are the cost of inventory, complexities of ordering and inventory management, required floor and storage space, and theft and security considerations. Thus, while it can be appreciated that the capability for offering promotional items to the movie audience would have advantages for movie theater owners, workable schemes for taking advantage of this opportunity have not been developed.  
         [0006]     Items promoting a movie, such as posters and banners, are currently provided to the theater owner in printed form. These items can be expensive to ship and may not arrive in sufficient time for advertising an upcoming feature to current customers. Many motion picture fans would have an interest in purchasing movie posters, as provided to the theater or in personalized form. However, using conventional distribution practices, theater owners are not able to print their own posters for display, nor can they take advantage of potential revenues from the sale of these items.  
         [0007]     Thus, it can be seen that there is a need for solutions that allow a theater owner to print posters for advertisement and to provide promotional items to audiences in a timely and flexible fashion, without incurring high inventory expenses.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The aforementioned needs are met addressed with the present invention by providing a method for providing, at an exhibition site, a promotional item related to a showing of a motion picture from digital data, the method comprising the steps of: 
        (a) receiving motion picture digital data at the exhibition site;     (b) receiving supplemental data transmitted along with the motion picture digital data, the supplemental data to be used for forming the promotional item;     (c) storing the supplemental data in a memory accessible from the exhibition site;     (d) forming the promotional item according to the supplemental data in response to a user command.        
 
         [0013]     Another aspect of the present invention provides a system for providing a promotional item at a presentation site of a motion picture that includes: 
        (a) a receiving logic processor for receiving a motion picture data stream,     (b) a data storage means for storing motion picture data and for storing supplemental data provided in the motion picture data stream for forming the promotional item;     (c) a control logic processor for accepting an operator command to form the promotional item; and     (d) a recording apparatus in communication with the control logic processor for obtaining the supplemental data and for forming the promotional item onto a recordable medium according to the operator command.        
 
         [0018]     Still another aspect of the present invention employs a method for providing, at an exhibition site, a promotional item related to a showing of a motion picture from digital data, including the steps of: 
        (a) receiving motion picture digital data at the exhibition site;     (b) receiving supplemental data transmitted along with the motion picture digital data, the supplemental data to be used for forming the promotional item;     (c) storing the supplemental data in a memory accessible from the exhibition site;     (d) forming the promotional item according to the supplemental data in response to a user command; and     (e) requesting the promotional item via a kiosk.        
 
         [0024]     A feature of the present invention is the inclusion of promotional data content along with the digital image data stream.  
         [0025]     It is an advantage of the present invention that it allows flexibility for preparation of suitable promotional materials at the motion picture theater itself, both for current and upcoming features.  
         [0026]     It is a further advantage of the present invention that it allows the theater owner to offer customers a range of promotional items related to a film showing, yet without the need to stock and manage substantial amounts of inventory.  
         [0027]     It is yet a further advantage of the present invention that it allows the theater owner to provide promotional items related to a motion picture that can be customized for the individual consumer.  
         [0028]     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described an illustrative embodiment of the invention.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0029]     While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter of the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram showing a conventional prior art system for motion picture film preparation and distribution.  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  is a schematic block diagram showing an exemplary system for mastering and providing digital motion picture data for implementing the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an arrangement of output devices provided for generation of promotional items at a movie theater.  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing major data components of an image data stream that provides the digital image data along with data for generating related promotional items.  
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a kiosk for selection, payment, and customization, according to the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 6  is a plan view showing example interface screens provided on the kiosk. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]     The present description is directed in particular to elements forming part of, or cooperating more directly with, apparatus in accordance with the invention. It is to be understood that elements not specifically shown or described may take various forms well known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0037]     One of the potential benefits of digital cinema relates to how images are stored and displayed from data. Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a block diagram of a digital cinema preparation and distribution system  100 , according to the present invention, for providing motion picture images from a studio  110 , over a transmission system  130  to an exhibition system  140 , typically a movie theater. The movie theater resides at an exhibition site. The exhibition site includes the lobby, the display screens and projection devices, gaming areas, dining facilities and refreshment stands, and exit/entrance areas and anticipated extended areas proximate to the theater. These areas are well known to those skilled in the art and those that view movies at these exhibition sites. At studio  110 , digital mastering is performed on film  112  that contains image content, such as the film feature, advertising, trailers, and the like. A datacine system  114  transforms the film content into digital image content and provides the digital image content to a rendering system  118 , typically supported by a disk array  120 , that renders the motion picture image data in a resolution suitable for distribution and display. Rendering system  118  may also accept input from auxiliary input devices  116  such as data tape, DS tape, and DataCam devices. The fully mastered digital cinema output then is provided as a data stream to transmission system  130 , which may utilize a satellite  138  in communication with a transmitter  122  connected to studio  110  equipment. Other alternative transmission media include a fiber cable connection  136 , or transmission using an optical medium  134 , such as DVD or optical disks, or using a magnetic medium  132 , such as data tape, or using some other type of medium. At exhibition system  140 , the mastered digital image data is received, such as at a receiver  148 , an optical media reader  144 , a magnetic media reader  142  or over a data or fiber optic cable connection  136 . A cinema operating system  146 , typically supported by disk array  120  or some other mass data storage apparatus using electronic, optical, magnetic, or other types of storage media, accepts the digital input data, processes the input data stream for presentation, and provides this data for image forming and projection by one or more digital projectors  150 .  
         [0038]     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown an entertainment system  40  according to the present invention, that is configured at exhibition system  140  of  FIG. 2 . A control logic processor  46 , which may be a separate computer or microcomputer or may be identical with cinema operating system  146 , accesses transmitted data that has been provided over transmission system  130  and that is typically stored by means of some mass data storage apparatus, as described hereinabove with reference to  FIG. 1 . Control logic processor  46  connects along a network  44  to digital projector  150  and to one or more output devices. The output devices are for recording a supplemental portion of the transmitted data onto an item of some type for forming a promotional item. Output devices may include one or more recording apparatus  52 , a large-format printer  48 , or other devices, including output devices associated with a kiosk  50 . The promotional item can be recorded onto any of a number of types of media, including, but not limited to, optical and magnetic media, textiles, paper, ceramics, and plastics, for example.  
         [0039]     Large-format printer  48  may be an inkjet, thermal, laser, or other type of printer suited for printing posters and banners, for example. With this capability, a theater owner can print promotional posters on-site. This would allow the theater owner to print and use an appropriate number of posters or banners for a site, depending on available wall space, audience interest, and timing, for example. The theater owner also has the opportunity to print and sell posters to consumers. Even though it may take several minutes to prepare a large-scale print, posters can be printed at the presentation site during idle time, such as during a showing, so that prints are ready for sale at the end of the event. Posters may be standard posters prepared under the control of studio  110  or, optionally, may be customized, such as using kiosk  50  capabilities, described subsequently.  
         [0040]     Recording apparatus  52  may be any of a number of different types of devices for providing images, for recording audio data, or for copying software, or for recording image data, for example. A color printer, such as a thermal printer or photographic printer, could be employed to provide 8×10 prints or printed material in other useful formats. Recording apparatus  52  may also be a printer for writing coupons, tickets, or other appropriate materials. Recording apparatus  52  could be a device for recording onto optical media, such as CDs and DVDs for example. This capability would enable the theater owner to provide audio and/or video clips related to the motion picture or to other upcoming attractions. For example, key scenes or music from a film could be available as a promotional item, recorded onto CD or DVD at the site or delivered/transmitted wirelessly as photo messages or text messages that incorporate scene content or supplemental promotional data. One or more trailers or out-takes from existing or upcoming motion pictures could be provided, for printing onto DVD. Video trailers or selected out-takes could be provided for free or at a nominal price, based on promotional needs of a theater or distributor. A trailer, out-take, still images, or other sample segment of a motion picture could be provided at lower resolution, to enable faster printing of DVDs. Similarly, audio clips could be provided at low cost for promoting music associated with the motion picture. The content included can be selected by the user when a user selection function is enabled.  
         [0041]     In another embodiment, recording apparatus  52  is a printer equipped for writing onto T-shirts and other types of wearing apparel. Using an apparatus such as a thermal printer or a thermal transfer from an electrophotographic system would enable the consumer to obtain a wearable memento of the motion picture immediately before or after a showing, at the motion picture presentation site itself. Other types of recording apparatus  52  could be employed for writing tattoo materials, coffee mugs, and other types of promotional items.  
         [0000]     Data Transmittal  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a block diagram of transmitted data  80  sent by studio  110  for a motion picture showing. Transmitted data  80  includes both a sizeable motion picture data component  82  and one or more supplemental data components  84  sent along with the motion picture data component  82 . For example, supplemental data components  84  may be sent “via the same channel” or “in the same file” as the motion picture data component  82 . In general, supplemental data components  84  differ from motion picture data component  82  in that the supplemental data is intended for uses other than those of motion picture display. In fact, the supplemental data can include images that are not displayed in the motion picture display, for example, promotional posters (which are a composite of text, graphics, and images related to the motion picture). Supplemental components  84  may include images, such as poster images or images suitable for printing onto apparel or coffee mugs, audio data, video data, or audio and/or images suitable for transmission to or from wireless handheld communication devices or entertainment software. Entertainment software might include game modules or interactive programs suited to the motion picture audience and theme, for example. Video materials may even include data for recording a DVD copy of the movie. Such a DVD copy may be of a pre-selected resolution and quality. Other supplemental data components  84  may include image data for printing CD or DVD labels. Wireless transmission of promotional item image data via hand-held communication devices such as cellular phones, mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants, handheld gaming devices, pocket personal computers, and other like devices is contemplated as well.  
         [0043]     Supplemental data components  84  may also include data and software for supporting sales of promotional items. For example, an advertisement for on-screen display can be provided, to be shown between scheduled showings, reminding the audience that various promotional items are available. Supplemental data components  84  software could also include various types of software utilities for tracking sales, print drivers for different recording apparatus  52 , encoded instructions for machine operation, or operator instructions for using the data to fabricate promotional items. Tracking software could be used, for example, to monitor and report the generation of a promotional product formed at recording apparatus  52 . In this way, each sale of a promotional item can be tracked to facilitate royalty payment, for example. A report can be transmitted electronically with each completed sale or can be compiled and stored for uploading when queried from a remote site, for example. Also, various password and key word protection schemes could be employed for allowing data to be recorded at the theater site. Password protection software or encoded security keys may be downloaded as part of supplemental data components  84 .  
         [0044]     It is instructive to note that supplemental data components  84  are generally intended for use with output devices or processors other than digital projector  150  ( FIG. 3 ). As such, supplemental data components  84  are suitably formatted for their target output recording apparatus  52  and not for digital projector  150 . For example, still and motion picture images, as well as audio data, would be arranged with the appropriate format for suitable output devices, which typically use lower resolution data and may employ an image format not usable for digital projector  150 . Additionally, color gamut and/or tone scale may be appropriately adjusted for the output device.  
         [0000]     Kiosk  50  for Selection and Customization  
         [0045]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown an arrangement of kiosk  50  in one embodiment. Kiosk  50  can be placed in the lobby at the theater site, and can be operated by a consumer  56  or by theater personnel. Kiosk  50  includes an interface terminal  54  that enables consumer  56  to order any of various promotional items that have been provided with the motion picture data. For example, interface terminal  54  may provide a touch screen menu of selections, as shown in the example screen sequence of  FIG. 6 . A main menu screen  70  lists options for ordering. The full set of available promotional items is extensive and may include such items as posters, coffee mugs, iron-on cloth patches and T-shirts of various design, CDs having one or more celebrity interviews, songs, or theme segments, or DVDs, for example. Consumer  56  makes a selection by pressing a touch screen button  72  and successively works through additional menu screens  74  and  76  to specify the promotional item ordered. Of course, there are many options for user interface design that would allow customers themselves to specify promotional item type and characteristics and also selections of specific content such as song titles or movie clips as would be familiar to one skilled in the user interface arts. In addition, kiosk  50  may provide non-copiable samples of various promotional items, allowing playback of various video or audio content, allowing a customer to order an item for later shipment. Wireless communication with the kiosk  50  is possible using known means such as Bluetooth™ and future equivalent wireless transmission means.  
         [0046]     In other embodiments, kiosk  50  may serve as more than an order station. A camera  58  and display  60  may also be provided as part of the configuration of kiosk  50 , allowing consumer  56  to obtain a custom image on a promotional item. For example, camera  58  may obtain an image of the face of consumer  56  for combination with a prepared background that may appear on display  60  or may be stored internally. This would enable consumer  56  to be placed within a scene or costume appropriate to the motion picture.  
         [0000]     Transaction Handling  
         [0047]     Coupling supplemental data components  84  to transmitted motion picture component  82  allows a number of possible arrangements for handling payment. In one embodiment, promotional items used directly as advertising, such as trailers, posters, or small portions of selected scenes or music themes, are printed onto DVD or CD at the theater site and are made available for free to all customers, or to customers who paid at the door, or to those who paid in advance. The expense of providing these items is then borne by studio  110  ( FIG. 1 ) or by a distributor. This type of “free” advertising distributes, to the movie-going public, materials such as selected trailers for upcoming motion pictures.  
         [0048]     In another embodiment, theater  28  pays a license fee for reprinting of promotional items from supplemental data component  84 . Tracking software is also provided in order to maintain some measure of control in this printing arrangement. In one embodiment, tracking software permits the copying or printing of a limited number of promotional items; attempts to exceed these limits may lead to the requirement to purchase a more expensive license, for example. Tracking software can also be used to report the number of promotional items fabricated in order for studio  110  to obtain some percentage of the profits. Tracking software may contact the supplemental data provider each time an item is created via supplemental data component  84 , or may accumulate a particular number of usages before contacting or being queried by the supplemental data provider.  
         [0049]     Customer payment can also be obtained in a number of different ways. In one embodiment, consumer  56  pays directly at the kiosk with an electronic transaction, swiping a credit card through a reader after making an order, for example. Some items may be immediately available before or following a showing; others may be shipped to consumer  56  or available for pick-up at a later time. The ticket stub of consumer  56  can also be scanned in a reader to validate a special offer or to obtain an item paid for at the time of ticket purchase. A third-party ticket service, such as http://www.tickets.com, for example, may present a special offer that can be fulfilled by scanning a ticket or other printed item. In yet another embodiment the promotional items may be used as rewards for courtesy card holders. For example, a certificate for a poster may be awarded the customer who accumulates a certain number of courtesy card points. A bar code maybe printed on the ticket that can be scanned at the kiosk to receive the poster.  
         [0050]     It can be appreciated that entertainment system  40  of the present invention provides the theater owner with a number of unique advantages for profit and can help to enhance the entertainment experience of consumer  56 . The theater owner is not burdened with the task of storing and maintaining inventory of items that can only be profitably sold while a motion picture is shown at the site. For example, instead of ordering hundreds of T-shirts of various sizes for each movie being shown, the theater owner can stock a reasonable number of generic sized, blank T-shirts, ready for imaging, with whatever image the consumer wants. The consumer, meanwhile, has an opportunity to purchase a promotional item at the theater itself, before, during, or after the showing.  
         [0051]     In addition to promotional items for sale, other types of promotional items could be provided in supplemental components  84 . These might include, for example, brief audio or video clips for web transmittal by the theater owner to preferred customers. Image content for tickets and coupons could alternately be provided.  
         [0052]     Supplemental component  84  need not necessarily be directly associated with the motion picture with which the data is sent. In one embodiment, images and audio for an upcoming “blockbuster” would be sent in advance, along with the motion picture image data for a different movie, to take advantage of early publicity opportunities.  
         [0053]     The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention as described above, and as noted in the appended claims, by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a person of ordinary skill in the art may implement portions of the present invention for “live” shows such as theater productions, circus productions, and skating productions.  
       Parts List  
       [0000]    
       
           10  Motion picture film distribution system  
           20  Studio  
           22  Content providers  
           24  Print film  
           26  Distribution network  
           28  Theater  
           30  Content films  
           40  Entertainment system  
           44  Network  
           46  Control logic processor  
           48  Large-format printer  
           50  Kiosk  
           52  Recording apparatus  
           54  Interface terminal  
           56  Consumer  
           58  Camera  
           60  Display  
           70 ,  74 ,  76  Menu screen  
           72  Touch screen button  
           80  Transmitted data  
           82  Motion picture component  
           84  Supplemental data component  
           100  Digital cinema preparation and distribution system  
           110  Studio  
           112  Film  
           114  Datacine system  
           116  Auxiliary input devices  
           118  Rendering system  
           120  Disk array  
           122  Transmitter  
           130  Transmission system  
           132  Magnetic medium  
           134  Optical medium  
           136  Fiber cable connection  
           138  Satellite  
           140  Exhibition system  
           142  Magnetic media reader  
           144  Optical media reader  
           146  Cinema operating system  
           148  Receiver  
           150  Digital projector