Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected through a screen

• US 20060291722A1
• Filed: 07/28/2004
• Published: 12/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/19/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Triumph IP LLC (IP Edge LLC)
• Original Assignee: Thomson Licensing (Vantiva SA)
• Inventors: Sterling, Michael Allan, Schultz, Mark Alan, Duffield, David Jay
• Granted Patent: US 7,420,649 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/174
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/14 Details
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/26 Projecting separately subsidiary matter simultaneously with main image
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 20/18 Error detection or correction; Testing , e.g. of drop-outs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2005/91392 using means for preventing making copies of projected video images
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/74 Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/913 for scrambling ; for copy protection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/3194 including sensor feedback

Abstract

A method and a system for identifying a copy of an image sequence which is presented on a screen. At least one identifier distinct from the image sequence can be projected through the screen such that the identifier is displayed using visible light along with the image sequence. The identifier can be presented at periodic intervals and can define a theater location, a date and/or a time. A color and/or an illumination of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation can be measured. Based on the measured illumination and/or color, a projection brightness and/or color can be determined for the identifier. Also, a location on the screen through which the identifier should be projected can be determined.

Claims

1. A method for marking a copy of an image sequence comprising the steps of:

presenting the image sequence onto a screen; and

from a position located behind the screen, projecting through the screen at least one identifier distinct from the image sequence such that the identifier is displayed using visible light along with the presented image sequence.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of presenting the at least one identifier further comprises the steps of:

measuring an illumination of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation; and

determining a projection brightness for the at least one identifier based upon the measured illumination.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of determining a location on the screen through which the at least one identifier is projected based upon the measured illumination.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of presenting the at least one identifier further comprises the steps of:

measuring a color of light associated with at least a portion of the image sequence presentation; and

determining a projection color for the at least one identifier based upon the measured color of light.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of determining a location on the screen through which the at least one identifier is projected based upon the measured illumination.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one identifier is presented at periodic intervals.

7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the at least one identifier defines at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a theater location, a date and a time.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the projected at least one identifier represents marking data comprising a forward error correction code.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the marking data represents at least one of a theatre identifier, date and/or time.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the forward error correction code represents an exclusive NOR operation of at least some of the marking data.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the image sequence is a movie.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the projecting step includes the step of communicating a command for use in controlling the projection of the at least one identifier.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of communicating uses a 35 mm piece of film.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of communicating uses a screen advertising projector.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of communicating uses a hand-held stroboscope.

16. A system for identifying a copy of an image sequence comprising:

a pattern generator for projecting through a screen at least one identifier distinct from a image sequence being presented on the screen such that the identifier is displayed using visible light along with the presented image sequence.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one identifier is selected from a set of identifiers and wherein the system further comprises a processor coupled to the pattern generator for controlling selection of the at least one identifier from the set of identifiers.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising:

a detector for measuring an illumination of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation; and

a processor for determining a projection brightness for the at least one identifier based upon the measured illumination.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the processor also determines a location on the screen through which the at least one identifier is projected based upon the measured illumination.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the detector and the processor are contained within the pattern generator.

21. The system of claim 16, further comprising:

a detector for measuring a color of light associated with at least a portion of the image sequence presentation; and

a processor for determining a projection color for the at least one identifier based upon the measured color of light.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor also determines a location on the screen through which the at least one identifier is projected based upon the measured illumination.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the detector and the processor are contained within the pattern generator.

24. The system of claim 16, wherein the system is configured to present the at least one identifier at periodic intervals.

25. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one identifier defines at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a theater location, a date and a time.

26. The system of claim 16, wherein the projected at least one identifier represents marking data comprising a forward error correction code.

27. The system of claim 25, wherein the marking data represents at least one of a theatre identifier, date and/or time.

28. The system of claim 25, wherein the forward error correction code represents an exclusive NOR operation of at least some of the marking data.

29. The system of claim 16, wherein the image sequence is a movie.

30. The system of claim 16, wherein the pattern generator receives a command for use in controlling the projection of the at least one identifier.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the command is provided by a 35 mm piece of film.

32. The system of claim 30, wherein the command is provided by a screen advertising projector.

33. The system of claim 30, wherein the command is provided by a hand-held stroboscope.

34. A method for use in identifying how a recording was made, the method comprising:

playing back the recorded movie to view image sequences thereof; and

identifying in at least one of the image sequences a marking pattern that was displayed using visible light along with the movie, wherein the marking pattern provides an identification indicative of at least one parameter selected from a group comprising a theater location, a date and a time.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the marking data represents at least one of a theatre identifier, date and/or time.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein the marking pattern represents marking data comprising a forward error correction code.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the forward error correction code represents an exclusive NOR operation of at least some of the marking data.

38. A medium for storing a recorded movie that when accessed by a processor results in a playing of the recorded movie, the medium comprising:

a first portion representing a sequence of images representing the movie;

wherein at least one of the sequences includes therein a marking pattern that was displayed using visible light along with the movie.

39. The medium of claim 38, wherein the medium is a digital versatile disc (DVD).

40. The medium of claim 38, wherein the medium is a camcorder tape.

41. The medium of claim 38, wherein the marking pattern represents at least one of a theatre identifier, date and/or time.

42. The medium of claim 38, wherein the marking pattern represents marking data comprising a forward error correction code.

43. The medium of claim 42, wherein the forward error correction code represents an exclusive NOR operation of at least some of the marking data.