Digital cinema system hub for multiple exhibitor distribution

A method and apparatus for transmitting a media program comprising audiovisual data. The method comprises the steps of transmitting the audiovisual data from a ground center to a satellite; transponding the audiovisual data to a ground-based hub; and transmitting the audiovisual data from the ground-based hub to a display entity if the satellite is obscured from the display entity. The apparatus comprises a ground transmitter transmitting the audiovisual data from a ground center to a satellite; satellite for transponding the audiovisual data; and a ground-based hub, having a receiver for receiving the transponded audiovisual data and a hub transmitter for transmitting the audiovisual data from the ground-based hub to a display entity if the satellite is obscured from the display entity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to systems and methods for delivering media to multiple exhibitors. Particularly, the present invention relates to such systems and methods for use in digital cinema applications.

2. Description of the Related Art

The methods by which movies and other media programs that are distributed to theaters for display to audiences have not substantially changed in over 75 years. Celluloid copies of such movies are distributed to each theater in advance of the first showing, and the same copy is repeatedly displayed for audiences until the movie is excessively worn, the license expires, or the theater stops showing the movie in favor of a more popular movie.

There are several problems with this process. First, the process of manually and securely distributing physical celluloid copies of each movie is costly. Second, it is time consuming. This is especially important in circumstances where last minute changes must be made to the film before release. Such time concerns often prohibit that any such changes be made.

There is therefore a need for a method and system for distributing media programs in a rapid and inexpensive manner. As will be described further herein, the present invention solves that need by providing for the distribution of digital copies of media programs via a satellite or other high bandwidth medium. For example, digital cinema systems provide the ability for distributing digital copies of motion picture “films” electronically directly to theatres running exhibitor systems.

However, the use of digital cinema systems presents additional challenges. For example, some theaters and other exhibitors may not have the capability to point an antenna at a satellite. An unobstructed line-of-sight (LOS) to the satellite is necessary to acquire the data. Some examples of problems theatres could experience include no southerly LOS view to the geo-satellite, building obstructions, no roof access or other architectural impacts.

What is needed is a system that transmitting media programs such as digitized films to remote locations without an unobstructed LOS to the satellite transmitting the media program. What is also needed is a system that provides the data to the exhibitor systems with a high degree of reliability and security, even under poor weather conditions. The present invention satisfies that need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the requirements described above, the present invention discloses a method and apparatus for transmitting a media program comprising audiovisual data. The method comprises the steps of transmitting the audiovisual data from a ground center to a satellite; transponding the audiovisual data to a ground-based hub; and transmitting the audiovisual data from the ground-based hub to a display entity if the satellite is obscured from the display entity. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a ground transmitter transmitting the audiovisual data from a ground center to a satellite; satellite for transponding the audiovisual data; and a ground-based hub, having a receiver for receiving the transponded audiovisual data and a hub transmitter for transmitting the audiovisual data from the ground-based hub to a display entity if the satellite is obscured from the display entity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, byway of illustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A and 1Bdepict a top-level functional block diagram of one embodiment of a media program distribution system100. The media distribution system100comprises a content provider102, a protection entity104, a distribution entity106and one or more presentation/displaying entities108. The content provider102provides media content110such as audiovisual material to the protection entity104. The media content110, which can be in digital or analog form, can be transmitted in electronic form via the Internet, by dedicated land line, broadcast, or by physical delivery of a physical embodiment of the media (e.g. a celluloid film strip, optical or magnetic disk/tape). Content can also be provided to the protection entity104(also referred to as a preparation entity) from a secure archive facility112.

The media content110may be telecined by processor114to format the media program as desired. The telecine process can take place at the content provider102, the protection entity104, or a third party.

The protection entity104may include a media preparation processor116. In one embodiment, the media preparation processor116includes a computer system such as a server, having a processor118and a memory120communicatively coupled thereto. The protection entity104further prepares the media content110. Such preparation may include adding protection to the media content110to prevent piracy of the media content110. For example, the preparation processor116can add watermarking122and/or encrypt126the media content110to protect it. In addition, the preparation processor can also apply compression124to the media content110. Once prepared, the output media content128can be transferred to digital tape or a disk (e.g. a DVD, laserdisk or similar medium). The output media content128can then be archived in a data vault facility130until it is needed.

When needed, the prepared output media content128is then provided to the distribution entity106(alternatively referred to hereinafter as the network operations center, or NOC). Although illustrated as separate entities, the protection entity104and the distribution entity106can be combined into a single entity, thus ameliorating some security concerns regarding the transmission of the output media content128.

The distribution entity106includes a conditional access management system (CAMS)132(also referred to as a configuration management engine), that accepts the output media content128, and determines whether access permissions are appropriate for the content128. Further, CAMS132may be responsible for additional encrypting so that unauthorized access during transmission is prevented. Once the data is in the appropriate format and access permissions have been validated, CAMS132provides the output media content128to an uplink server134, ultimately for transmission by uplink equipment136to one or more displaying entities108(also referred to as exhibitor systems) (shown inFIG. 1B). This is accomplished by the uplink equipment136and uplink antenna138. Also, as shown, in addition or in the alternative to transmission via satellite, the media program can be provided to the displaying entity108via a forward channel fiber network140. Additionally, information may be transmitted to displaying entity108via a modem142using, for example a public switched telephone network line. A land based communication such as through fiber network140or modem142is referred to as a back channel. Thus, information can be transmitted to and from the displaying entity108via the back channel or the satellite network Typically, the back channel provides data communication for administration functions (e.g. billing, authorization, usage tracking, etc.), while the satellite network provides for transfer of the output media content128to the displaying entities108.

The output media content128may be securely stored in a database144. Data is transferred to and from the database144under the control and management of the business operations management system (BOMS)146. Thus, the BOMS146manages the transmission of information to108, and assures that unauthorized transmissions do not take place.

Turning toFIG. 1B, the data transmitted via uplink148is received in a satellite150A, and transmitted to a downlink antenna152, which is communicatively coupled to a satellite or downlink receiver154.

In one embodiment, the satellite150A also transmits the data to a second distribution entity108B and/or to another satellite150B via crosslink158. Typically, satellite150B services a different terrestrial region than satellite150A, and transmits data to displaying entities108in other geographical locations.

A typical displaying entity108comprises a modem160(and may also include a fiber receiver162) for receiving and transmitting information through the back channel (i.e., via an communication path other than that provided by the satellite system described above) to and from the distribution entity106. For example, feedback information (e.g. relating to system diagnostics, billing, usage and other administrative functions) from the exhibitor108can be transmitted through the back channel to the distribution entity106. The output media content128and other information may be accepted into a processing system164(also referred to as a content server) such as a server or computer similar to that which is illustrated inFIG. 2(see description below). The output media content128may then be stored in the storage device166for later transmission to displaying systems (e.g., digital projectors)168A-168C. Before storage, the output media content128can be decrypted to remove transmission encryption (e.g. any encryption applied by the CAMS132), leaving the encryption applied by the preparation processor116.

When the media content110is to be displayed, final decryption techniques are used on the output media content128to substantially reproduce the original media content110in a viewable form which is provided to one or more of the displaying systems168A-168C. For example, encryption126and compression124applied by the preparation processor118is finally removed, however, any latent modification, undetectable to viewers (e.g., watermarking122) is left intact. In one or more embodiments, a display processor170prevents storage of the decrypted media content in any media, whether in the storage device166or otherwise. In addition, the media content110can be communicated to the displaying systems168A-168C over an independently encrypted connection, such as on a gigabit LAN172.

FIG. 2is a functional block diagram of a computer system200that can be used to perform the operations of the media preparation processor116and processing system164. Embodiments of the invention are typically implemented using a computer200, which generally includes, inter alia, a display device202, data storage devices204, cursor control devices206, and other devices. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any combination of the above components, or any number of different components, peripherals, and other devices, may be used with the computer100.

Generally, the computer200operates under control of an operating system212stored in the memory214, and interfaces with the user to accept inputs and commands and to present results on the display202and provide data to other systems coupled to the computer system200. An application program210, stored in memory214accesses and manipulates data stored in the memory214of the computer200. The computer200also optionally comprises an external communication device such as a modem, satellite link, Ethernet card, or other device for communicating with other computers.

In one embodiment, instructions implementing the operating system212, the application program210are tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, e.g., data storage device204,206, which could include one or more fixed or removable data storage devices, such as a zip drive, floppy disc drive, hard drive, CD-ROM drive, tape drive, etc. Further, the operating system212and the computer program210are comprised of instructions which, when read and executed by the computer102, causes the computer200to perform the steps necessary to implement and/or use the present invention. Computer program210and/or operating instructions may also be tangibly embodied in memory214and/or data communications devices, thereby making a computer program product or article of manufacture according to the invention. As such, the terms “article of manufacture,” “program storage device” and “computer program product” as used herein are intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer readable device or media.

FIG. 3is a functional block diagram of system employing an exemplary digital cinema system hub302.

FIG. 4is a flowchart presenting exemplary process steps used to practice one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, audiovisual data, collectively constituting one or more media programs is transmitted from a ground center such as the NOC106to a satellite150, as shown in block402. The satellite150receives the audiovisual data, and transponds the audiovisual data to a ground-based hub302and to displaying entities108that are not obscured, as shown in blocks404and406. The ground-based hub302receives the transponded audiovisual data via a hub receive antenna306and a hub receiver310.

In block408, a determination is made as to whether the satellite150is obscured from displaying entity304. The satellite150may be obscured from the displaying entity304in a number of ways. For example, the displaying entity304may be disposed in a location wherein a terrestrial feature neat the displaying entity obscures transmissions from the satellite150. This may occur, for example, in highly urban locations where an adjacent or nearby building obscures the satellite from their displaying entity304. This may also occur, for example, if the view of the displaying entity's receive antenna318is obscured by nearby mountains or other surface features.

The satellite150maybe obscured from the receive antenna318of the displaying entity304by weather320. For example, weather320may comprised a rainstorm which attenuates received transmissions from the satellite150. Whether the weather320obscures the audiovisual data can be determined by the NOC106or ground-based hub302(from weather data), or the display entity304itself (from local weather data or from analysis of the received transmissions).

If the satellite150transmissions are not obscured from the display entity304, the audiovisual data transponded from the satellite150is simply received by the display entity304. If, however the satellite150transmissions are obscured from the display entity304, the audiovisual data is transmitted from the ground-based hub302to the display entity304, as shown in blocks410and412. This can be accomplished via a secure landline322(which may comprise a copper twisted pair or optical fiber permitting transmission rates up to, but not limited to, 155 megabits per second), or via wireless link324by use of the ground-based hub transmitter312, hub transmitting antenna308, and display entity receive antenna318. An example of applicable technology includes RF broadband technology using the Ka-Band frequency and providing DS-3 (45 megabits per second) data capabilities. The ground-based hub302has the capability to serve several display entities concurrently. Further, the landline322and wireless link324can be combined in a hybrid communication link.

In one embodiment, the ground-based hub302receives encrypted audiovisual data from the satellite150, and decrypts the audiovisual data before transmitting it to the display entity304. Where the communication link between the hub302and the display entity304is sufficiently secure (e.g. a dedicated secure landline) to permit transmission of the audiovisual data in unencrypted form, the audiovisual data is simply transmitted from the ground-based hub302to the display entity304without re-encryption or further encryption. However, where the communication link between the hub302in the display entity304is not sufficiently secure, the audiovisual data is either re-encrypted, or further-encrypted to assure that the audiovisual data is uncompromised during transmission. In one embodiment, the ground-based hub302re-encrypted data according to a different encryption algorithm than that which was used to transmit the audiovisual data from the NOC106to the ground-based hub302via the satellite150. Since different encryption schemes are used, it becomes possible to select a security level appropriate for the vulnerability of the communication link to unauthorized intercept and the equipment available at the display entity304. For example, if desired, information transmitted over the landline322may be encrypted to a lower-level security than that of the link from the satellite150to the hub302, to account for the additional security provided by the landline322itself.

In one embodiment, the ground-based hub302functions much like a ground-based repeater, in that the information received from the satellite150is at most only temporarily cached before transmission to the display entity304. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the audiovisual data is received, compiled (e.g. assembled into a complete media program using a compiler implemented by the computer200), and stored in the memory214of the ground-based hub302before transmitting the audiovisual data to the displaying entity304. This embodiment permits the audiovisual data of the media program to be transmitted in received at a location readily available to the displaying entity304(namely, the ground-based hub302), without storing the audiovisual data in the display entity304itself. When the display entity304requires the audiovisual data in order that they media program be displayed, the display entity304transmits a transfer request (preferably encrypted) to the ground-based hub302(whether directly by landline322or wireless link324, or via the NOC106further enhancing security. The ground-based hub302receives the request, and transmits the data, essentially in real time, to the display entity304. Thus, the audiovisual data is transmitted in displayed substantially concurrently (the audiovisual data may be cached in the displaying entity).

Transmission security can also be enhanced by transmitting the audiovisual data from the satellite150to the ground-based hub302and a narrow spot beam. The spot beam provides additional security because it limits the location of any receivers intending to intercept the transmission to the area proximate the ground-based hub302.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the ground-based hub302can be used to transmit the audiovisual data to the display entity304as an alternative to the ordinary transmission of audiovisual data from the satellite150to the displaying entity304. This embodiment is useful in circumstances where in the displaying entity receive equipment (for example satellite receiver154shown inFIG. 1B) is non-operational or marginally operational. While the display entity304could also receive the audiovisual data directly from the NOC106, the transmission capabilities of the NOC106may be exceeded if an excessive number of display entities304are experiencing equipment failures, particularly if the audiovisual data is streamed, and not stored at the display entity304.

The ground-based hub302can also be used simply to augment the transmission capacity of the media program distribution system100. In this embodiment, audiovisual data is transmitted to the display entity304by a direct link from the satellite150and also by the ground-based hub302. Hence, the ground-based hub302can be used in high-traffic periods when the transmission capacity of the satellite150would otherwise be exceeded. Further, in situations where media programs are transmitted to the display entity304by both satellite150transmission and data received from the ground-based hub302, security can be enhanced by judicious selection of which data is transmitted from which entity. For example, the media program maybe segmented into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion (e.g. 95%) of the media program can be transmitted by the satellite150using a first encryption technique, and a second or any remaining portion (e.g. 5%) of the media program (which can be selected to include important portions of the media program) can be transmitted by the ground-based hub302using a second encryption technique (more secure, if desired). Particularly in cases where link322is used to communicate between me ground-based hub302in the display entity304, this technique can substantially increase security.

Those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that any combination of the above components, or any number of different components, peripherals, and other devices, may be used with the present invention.

CONCLUSION