US20060262280A1 - Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected onto a screen - Google Patents
Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected onto a screen Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060262280A1 US20060262280A1 US10/567,941 US56794104A US2006262280A1 US 20060262280 A1 US20060262280 A1 US 20060262280A1 US 56794104 A US56794104 A US 56794104A US 2006262280 A1 US2006262280 A1 US 2006262280A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- identifier
- image sequence
- marking
- color
- screen
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/14—Details
- G03B21/26—Projecting separately subsidiary matter simultaneously with main image
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B21/00—Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor
- G03B21/14—Details
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B20/00—Signal processing not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Circuits therefor
- G11B20/10—Digital recording or reproducing
- G11B20/18—Error detection or correction; Testing, e.g. of drop-outs
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/74—Projection arrangements for image reproduction, e.g. using eidophor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/76—Television signal recording
- H04N5/91—Television signal processing therefor
- H04N5/913—Television signal processing therefor for scrambling ; for copy protection
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/12—Picture reproducers
- H04N9/31—Projection devices for colour picture display, e.g. using electronic spatial light modulators [ESLM]
- H04N9/3191—Testing thereof
- H04N9/3194—Testing thereof including sensor feedback
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/76—Television signal recording
- H04N5/91—Television signal processing therefor
- H04N5/913—Television signal processing therefor for scrambling ; for copy protection
- H04N2005/91392—Television signal processing therefor for scrambling ; for copy protection using means for preventing making copies of projected video images
Definitions
- the inventive arrangements relate generally to the field of protecting film against illegal copying, and in particular, to a method for identification of the source of films illegally copied by camcorders.
- Piracy issues in connection with the theatrical exhibition of motion picture films are well known.
- a film distributor distributes prints of a motion picture film to exhibitors for theatrical exhibition, a certain degree of control over the product is lost.
- a customer in the theater may surreptitiously record the film using, for example, a hand held camcorder.
- a person seeking to obtain an illegal copy of a film print may gain access to a theater projection booth in collusion with an employee of the exhibitor and make a copy of the film after hours in a relatively controlled environment.
- the audio from the projection equipment can be directly fed to the camcorder.
- a tripod can be used to ensure a clear and steady picture. As a result, an illicit copy can be made.
- CAP Coded Anti-piracy
- the film prints are usually coded for each theater in which a film is distributed. If CAP coded films are re-used, for example in theaters specializing in the presentation of older films, the identification of a theater being used to make illegal film prints may become impossible. Thus, a new film print must be generated for each theater in which a film is to be shown. The generation of film prints is relatively expensive, however. Moreover, it is expensive and cumbersome to maintain a library of interpositives from which new film prints can be generated for subsequent re-releases of films. Thus, a method is needed for identifying a theater in which an illegal copy of a film is made, regardless of whether the film is CAP coded.
- the present invention relates to a method for identifying, or marking, a copy of an image sequence, e.g., a video or film, which is presented on a screen.
- an image sequence e.g., a video or film
- the identifier can be presented at periodic intervals and can define a theater location, a date and/or a time.
- An illumination and/or a color 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.
- a projection location where the identifier should be projected on the screen also can be determined.
- the invention also includes a system for identifying, or marking, a copy of an image sequence.
- the system comprises a projector for projecting onto a screen at least one identifier distinct from the image sequence such that the identifier is displayed on the screen 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.
- the system can include a detector for measuring an illumination and/or a color of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation.
- the system also can include a processor for determining projection brightness and/or color for the identifier based upon the measured illumination and/or color.
- the processor also can determine a projection location on the screen where the identifier can be projected.
- FIG. 1 is a diagram of a video projection system that is useful for understanding the invention
- FIG. 2 shows a frame containing an image onto which a marking pattern has been projected
- FIG. 3 shows an exemplary illumination/color detector which is useful for understanding the invention
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart, which is useful for understanding the invention.
- FIG. 5 shows another illustrative embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention.
- FIG. 6 shows an illustrative form of marking data in accordance with the principles of the invention.
- An embodiment in accordance with the present invention pertains to a method for projecting one or more identifiers onto a projection screen during a video presentation to generate a marking pattern such that if the video presentation is recorded—the marking pattern is also recorded.
- the marking pattern can identify a location, or facility, where the video presentation occurred, as well as the date and time at which the video presentation occurred.
- the projection screen within the facility that was used for the presentation also can be identified.
- IR infrared
- Some image capture devices are not sensitive to infrared wavelengths of light, and those that are sensitive to infrared light can be used with commonly available IR filters to mask the infrared wavelengths. (Such as the XNiteCC137 sold by LDP Net, Woodcliff Lake, N.J. at www.maxmax.com.)
- XNiteCC137 sold by LDP Net, Woodcliff Lake, N.J. at www.maxmax.com.
- the use of such filters is prevented, and the likelihood that the marks will not be noticed and/or removed by the operator of a rogue image capture device is increased.
- a system 100 for displaying a marking pattern on, or within, a video presentation.
- the system 100 can be disposed within a screen room, an editing facility, a theater, or any other location where a video presentation can occur.
- the marking pattern can be displayed within the video presentation by projecting identifiers onto a screen 105 upon which the video presentation is projected.
- the marking pattern can be encoded with the location, date and time information.
- the marking pattern can be encoded into an illicit copy of video presentation recorded by an image capture device 150 .
- the marking pattern will be detectable within frames of the illicit copy.
- the identifier 210 is distinct from the original image sequence. As defined herein, distinct from the original image sequence means that the identifier is not contained on the storage medium from which the original image sequence is presented.
- the identifier 210 can comprise one or more symbols 220 , for example, one or more characters, dots, lines, geometrical shapes, or any other identifiable symbols that can be projected onto a screen.
- the identifiers can be projected onto the screen for a time period that is long enough to insure that the identifiers mark one or more frames within the copy.
- the identifiers can be projected multiple times during a video presentation, in which case the identifier can be projected at predetermined intervals.
- the predetermined intervals can be determined by a time period, a number of frames, a number of scenes, or an interval measured in any other way. It should be noted that projecting the identifiers more than once within a video presentation can facilitate identification of the marking pattern in the event that one or more instances of the identifiers should become unreadable on an unauthorized copy of the video presentation.
- a secondary projector 115 is illustratively employed to superimpose the identifiers onto displayed video.
- the secondary projector 115 can be a projector that is often used to show advertising and auxiliary material prior to a feature presentation.
- Such projectors are known to the skilled artisan and are typically operated within a projection booth 120 , proximate to a projector 125 , which is used to project the video presentation.
- the secondary projector 115 is powered up in a ‘dowsed’ mode that produces no light. The dowsing is subsequently removed to project an image having one or more identifiers. Multiple identifiers can be presented concurrently and/or sequentially to form the marking pattern.
- images containing the identifiers have backgrounds that do not significantly affect the displayed video, while the identifiers are detectable within the displayed video.
- the image background can be a dark color, such as black.
- the secondary projector can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector, a digital light processing (DLP) projector, a liquid crystal on silicon projector (LCOS), or any other type of projector that can be configured to project the identifiers within the video presentation.
- LCD, DLP and LCOS projectors typically are digitally controlled.
- Such projectors can be advantageous in that brightness, color and location of identifiers on the screen 105 can be selectable. Varying the location of identifiers on the screen 105 can make the identifiers less noticeable to an audience, but also may make the identifiers harder to detect when attempting to read the marking pattern.
- the secondary projector 115 can be a light projecting device which employs a light source behind a rotating disk containing a pattern of dots.
- the dot pattern can form identifiers to define the theater identifier, and a clock motor can rotate one or more disks to provide time information.
- the light source can be periodically flashed, with each flash lasting for a specific duration of time. It should be noted that although the secondary projector 115 is, shown as a stand-alone device, the secondary projector 115 can be incorporated into the projector 125 .
- the secondary projector 115 can receive operating commands from a processing device 130 , for example a personal computer, a network appliance, or any other suitable processing device that can generate operating commands for the secondary projector 115 .
- the operating commands can be wirelessly propagated to the secondary projector 115 or propagated via a port or bus associated with the processing device 130 .
- the processing device 130 can be connected to a communications network.
- operation of the secondary projector 115 can be controlled from a remote location, for example from a central location within a theater or a location remote from the theater.
- the secondary projector 115 can adaptively modify the brightness, color and/or location of identifiers projected onto the screen 105 , thereby mitigating the contradictory requirements of durably marking a copy of a video presentation formed by an image capture device 150 , while obviating or minimizing any audience distraction.
- the illumination and/or color of a light incident on the screen 105 during a video presentation can be measured with one or more suitable detectors (as represented by detector 160 ) that generate data correlating to the illumination and/or color of the light. Based on the data, the brightness and/or color of identifiers used in the marking pattern can be selected.
- the identifiers can be bright enough to be visible in a white scene area, but can be rendered unobjectionable during a dark scene.
- Projection screens in most movie theaters are perforated, which allows loudspeakers to be positioned behind the projection screen to project sound through the perforations.
- light also can project through the perforations.
- the detector 160 can be placed behind the screen 105 to detect screen exit rays 165 which propagate through the perforations.
- the detector 160 can detect light in one or more areas of the screen 105 where the identifiers will be projected.
- the detector 160 can be calibrated to correlate the generated data to the color and/or illumination of the light incident on the screen 105 .
- the detector 160 can be operatively connected to the processing device 130 or directly to the secondary projector 115 .
- the processing device 130 can process illumination/color data received from the detector 160 , e.g., via signaling 131 , and forward commands to the secondary projector 115 , via signaling 116 , so that the secondary projector 115 projects the identifiers with the appropriate brightness and/or color.
- commands can be forwarded to the secondary projector 115 to determine optimum identifier placement based upon the illumination and/or color characteristics of a scene currently being displayed.
- the processing device 130 is shown as being external to other devices, such processing also can be performed by a processor incorporated into the detector 160 or the secondary projector 115 .
- the detector 160 comprises one or more sensors 310 capable of detecting screen exit rays. Such sensors are commercially available from a number of vendors, for example from Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. of Ramsey, N.J. 07446.
- measurement regions 320 can be defined. The illumination and/or color in the measurement regions 320 can be measured by the sensors 310 .
- the detector 160 can be provided with sixteen ( 16 ) sensors 310 , but the invention is not so limited and any number of sensors 310 can be provided. For instance, if higher resolution is desired, a greater number of sensors 310 can be provided. If lower resolution can be accommodated, a smaller number of sensors 310 can be provided.
- the detector 160 can include a frame imaging camera sensor (imaging sensor). This is illustrated in FIG. 5 , where detector 160 is located in front of screen 105 and measures the reflected light levels as represented by arrows 165 .
- An image signal generated by the imaging sensor can be processed to provide a near real time spatial screen map of illumination and color information associated with a projected image.
- This screen map can be processed to adaptively control the brightness and color of identifiers generated by the secondary projector.
- the screen map can be processed to determine optimal locations for identifiers on the screen.
- the picture rate of the imaging sensor should be sufficiently rapid and the integration time should be sufficiently short so that the screen map can be established from a single projector shutter opening and the identifiers can be displayed during subsequent exposures of the current film frame.
- the imaging sensor can be a high frame rate imaging device having low spatial resolution.
- a flow chart 400 which is useful for understanding the present invention is shown.
- an image sequence is presented on a screen.
- An illumination and/or color of at least a portion of the image sequence is measured, as shown in step 420 .
- the illumination and/or color information is processed to determine a brightness and/or color for identifiers projected onto the screen.
- the projection location of identifiers also can be determined based upon the measured illumination and/or color information.
- the identifiers are then projected onto the screen to form a marking pattern detectable within the video presentation, as shown in step 440 .
- FIG. 6 shows illustrative marking data for use in generating a marking pattern in accordance with the principles of the invention.
- marking data 505 comprises 5 bytes of data (bytes 0 through 4) for conveying a theatre ID comprising 14 bits as represented by TID0 through TID13 (bytes 0 and 1), a julian day of the year (0-364) as represented by bits Jul0 through Jul8 (byte 2 and a portion of byte 3) and a time of day in hour increments (0-23) as represented by bits Time 0 through Time 4 (the remaining portion of byte 3).
- bytes 0 through 4 include parity bits, e.g., odd parity bits equal to the XNOR (exclusive NOR) of the other seven bits in each byte.
- Byte 4 represents a forward error correction (FEC) byte, which is illustratively defined as the XNOR of the other four bytes (bytes 0 through 3).
- the marking data is converted into a marking pattern, e.g., via processor 130 or projector 115 , such that each bit value is represented by, e.g., a color, of one, or more, pixels of the marking pattern.
- FEC forward error correction
Abstract
A method and a system for identifying a copy of an image sequence that is presented on a screen. At least one identifier distinct from the image sequence is projected such that the identifier is displayed on the screen 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 where the identifier should be projected can be determined.
Description
- The inventive arrangements relate generally to the field of protecting film against illegal copying, and in particular, to a method for identification of the source of films illegally copied by camcorders.
- Piracy issues in connection with the theatrical exhibition of motion picture films are well known. Once a film distributor distributes prints of a motion picture film to exhibitors for theatrical exhibition, a certain degree of control over the product is lost. In the regular course of exhibiting the film, a customer in the theater may surreptitiously record the film using, for example, a hand held camcorder. At a more sophisticated level, a person seeking to obtain an illegal copy of a film print may gain access to a theater projection booth in collusion with an employee of the exhibitor and make a copy of the film after hours in a relatively controlled environment. In such an environment, the audio from the projection equipment can be directly fed to the camcorder. A tripod can be used to ensure a clear and steady picture. As a result, an illicit copy can be made.
- In 1982, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), together with the Kodak Corporation, developed a technology for uniquely identifying film prints. This technology is commonly known as Coded Anti-piracy (CAP) coding. The code is a series of faint dots in the picture that are added as the print is manufactured. Approximately one out of every hundred frames contains four tiny dots that have been added to the image. Generally, 11 CAP-coded frames are required to reconstitute the serial number of the movie print. Each unique configuration of dots corresponds to a print identifier.
- The film prints are usually coded for each theater in which a film is distributed. If CAP coded films are re-used, for example in theaters specializing in the presentation of older films, the identification of a theater being used to make illegal film prints may become impossible. Thus, a new film print must be generated for each theater in which a film is to be shown. The generation of film prints is relatively expensive, however. Moreover, it is expensive and cumbersome to maintain a library of interpositives from which new film prints can be generated for subsequent re-releases of films. Thus, a method is needed for identifying a theater in which an illegal copy of a film is made, regardless of whether the film is CAP coded.
- The present invention relates to a method for identifying, or marking, a copy of an image sequence, e.g., a video or film, which is presented on a screen. Specifically, at least one identifier distinct from the image sequence is projected such that the identifier is displayed on the screen using visible light along with the image sequence. Illustratively, the identifier can be presented at periodic intervals and can define a theater location, a date and/or a time. An illumination and/or a color 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. A projection location where the identifier should be projected on the screen also can be determined.
- The invention also includes a system for identifying, or marking, a copy of an image sequence. The system comprises a projector for projecting onto a screen at least one identifier distinct from the image sequence such that the identifier is displayed on the screen 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. The system can include a detector for measuring an illumination and/or a color of at least a portion of the image sequence presentation. The system also can include a processor for determining projection brightness and/or color for the identifier based upon the measured illumination and/or color. The processor also can determine a projection location on the screen where the identifier can be projected.
-
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a video projection system that is useful for understanding the invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a frame containing an image onto which a marking pattern has been projected; -
FIG. 3 shows an exemplary illumination/color detector which is useful for understanding the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart, which is useful for understanding the invention; -
FIG. 5 shows another illustrative embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention; and -
FIG. 6 shows an illustrative form of marking data in accordance with the principles of the invention. - An embodiment in accordance with the present invention pertains to a method for projecting one or more identifiers onto a projection screen during a video presentation to generate a marking pattern such that if the video presentation is recorded—the marking pattern is also recorded. Illustratively, the marking pattern can identify a location, or facility, where the video presentation occurred, as well as the date and time at which the video presentation occurred. Further, in addition to identifying a facility in which the video presentation occurred, the projection screen within the facility that was used for the presentation also can be identified. Thus, if an illicit copy of a film is made from a video presentation, the illicit copy can be evaluated to determine when and where the copy was made. Since this advantageous optical marking is performed during a video presentation, rather than on the print of the video, there is no potential problem with marking a print that may be subsequently used at a different location or for a different purpose.
- Other systems have used infrared (IR) light sources to degrade a captured image in a capture device. While this works in many cases, it is subject to circumvention. Some image capture devices are not sensitive to infrared wavelengths of light, and those that are sensitive to infrared light can be used with commonly available IR filters to mask the infrared wavelengths. (Such as the XNiteCC137 sold by LDP Net, Woodcliff Lake, N.J. at www.maxmax.com.) However, and in accordance with the principles of the invention, by using small amounts of visible light to create marks in the captured image, the use of such filters is prevented, and the likelihood that the marks will not be noticed and/or removed by the operator of a rogue image capture device is increased.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , asystem 100 is depicted for displaying a marking pattern on, or within, a video presentation. Thesystem 100 can be disposed within a screen room, an editing facility, a theater, or any other location where a video presentation can occur. The marking pattern can be displayed within the video presentation by projecting identifiers onto ascreen 105 upon which the video presentation is projected. The marking pattern can be encoded with the location, date and time information. Thus, the marking pattern can be encoded into an illicit copy of video presentation recorded by animage capture device 150. In particular, the marking pattern will be detectable within frames of the illicit copy. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , anexemplary frame 200 having an identifier, or marking pattern, 210 is shown. Theidentifier 210 is distinct from the original image sequence. As defined herein, distinct from the original image sequence means that the identifier is not contained on the storage medium from which the original image sequence is presented. Theidentifier 210 can comprise one ormore symbols 220, for example, one or more characters, dots, lines, geometrical shapes, or any other identifiable symbols that can be projected onto a screen. The identifiers can be projected onto the screen for a time period that is long enough to insure that the identifiers mark one or more frames within the copy. - The identifiers can be projected multiple times during a video presentation, in which case the identifier can be projected at predetermined intervals. The predetermined intervals can be determined by a time period, a number of frames, a number of scenes, or an interval measured in any other way. It should be noted that projecting the identifiers more than once within a video presentation can facilitate identification of the marking pattern in the event that one or more instances of the identifiers should become unreadable on an unauthorized copy of the video presentation.
- Referring again to
FIG. 1 , asecondary projector 115 is illustratively employed to superimpose the identifiers onto displayed video. For example, in a first embodiment, thesecondary projector 115 can be a projector that is often used to show advertising and auxiliary material prior to a feature presentation. Such projectors are known to the skilled artisan and are typically operated within aprojection booth 120, proximate to aprojector 125, which is used to project the video presentation. In operation, thesecondary projector 115 is powered up in a ‘dowsed’ mode that produces no light. The dowsing is subsequently removed to project an image having one or more identifiers. Multiple identifiers can be presented concurrently and/or sequentially to form the marking pattern. In a preferred arrangement, images containing the identifiers have backgrounds that do not significantly affect the displayed video, while the identifiers are detectable within the displayed video. For example the image background can be a dark color, such as black. After the identifiers have been projected, thesecondary projector 115 can be turned off or returned to the dowsed mode. - In other illustrative embodiments, the secondary projector can be a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector, a digital light processing (DLP) projector, a liquid crystal on silicon projector (LCOS), or any other type of projector that can be configured to project the identifiers within the video presentation. LCD, DLP and LCOS projectors typically are digitally controlled. Such projectors can be advantageous in that brightness, color and location of identifiers on the
screen 105 can be selectable. Varying the location of identifiers on thescreen 105 can make the identifiers less noticeable to an audience, but also may make the identifiers harder to detect when attempting to read the marking pattern. - In yet another embodiment, the
secondary projector 115 can be a light projecting device which employs a light source behind a rotating disk containing a pattern of dots. The dot pattern can form identifiers to define the theater identifier, and a clock motor can rotate one or more disks to provide time information. Further, the light source can be periodically flashed, with each flash lasting for a specific duration of time. It should be noted that although thesecondary projector 115 is, shown as a stand-alone device, thesecondary projector 115 can be incorporated into theprojector 125. - Notably, the
secondary projector 115 can receive operating commands from aprocessing device 130, for example a personal computer, a network appliance, or any other suitable processing device that can generate operating commands for thesecondary projector 115. The operating commands can be wirelessly propagated to thesecondary projector 115 or propagated via a port or bus associated with theprocessing device 130. Further, theprocessing device 130 can be connected to a communications network. Thus, operation of thesecondary projector 115 can be controlled from a remote location, for example from a central location within a theater or a location remote from the theater. - In another arrangement, the
secondary projector 115 can adaptively modify the brightness, color and/or location of identifiers projected onto thescreen 105, thereby mitigating the contradictory requirements of durably marking a copy of a video presentation formed by animage capture device 150, while obviating or minimizing any audience distraction. The illumination and/or color of a light incident on thescreen 105 during a video presentation can be measured with one or more suitable detectors (as represented by detector 160) that generate data correlating to the illumination and/or color of the light. Based on the data, the brightness and/or color of identifiers used in the marking pattern can be selected. Thus, the identifiers can be bright enough to be visible in a white scene area, but can be rendered unobjectionable during a dark scene. - Projection screens in most movie theaters are perforated, which allows loudspeakers to be positioned behind the projection screen to project sound through the perforations. However, light also can project through the perforations. Thus, the
detector 160 can be placed behind thescreen 105 to detect screen exit rays 165 which propagate through the perforations. In a preferred arrangement, thedetector 160 can detect light in one or more areas of thescreen 105 where the identifiers will be projected. Thedetector 160 can be calibrated to correlate the generated data to the color and/or illumination of the light incident on thescreen 105. - The
detector 160 can be operatively connected to theprocessing device 130 or directly to thesecondary projector 115. For example, theprocessing device 130 can process illumination/color data received from thedetector 160, e.g., via signaling 131, and forward commands to thesecondary projector 115, via signaling 116, so that thesecondary projector 115 projects the identifiers with the appropriate brightness and/or color. Also, in an embodiment in which placement of the identifiers on thescreen 105 is selectable, commands can be forwarded to thesecondary projector 115 to determine optimum identifier placement based upon the illumination and/or color characteristics of a scene currently being displayed. Although theprocessing device 130 is shown as being external to other devices, such processing also can be performed by a processor incorporated into thedetector 160 or thesecondary projector 115. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , anexemplary detector 160 is depicted. Thedetector 160 comprises one ormore sensors 310 capable of detecting screen exit rays. Such sensors are commercially available from a number of vendors, for example from Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. of Ramsey, N.J. 07446. When the detector includes a plurality of sensors,measurement regions 320 can be defined. The illumination and/or color in themeasurement regions 320 can be measured by thesensors 310. As shown, thedetector 160 can be provided with sixteen (16)sensors 310, but the invention is not so limited and any number ofsensors 310 can be provided. For instance, if higher resolution is desired, a greater number ofsensors 310 can be provided. If lower resolution can be accommodated, a smaller number ofsensors 310 can be provided. - In another arrangement the
detector 160 can include a frame imaging camera sensor (imaging sensor). This is illustrated inFIG. 5 , wheredetector 160 is located in front ofscreen 105 and measures the reflected light levels as represented byarrows 165. An image signal generated by the imaging sensor can be processed to provide a near real time spatial screen map of illumination and color information associated with a projected image. This screen map can be processed to adaptively control the brightness and color of identifiers generated by the secondary projector. Moreover, the screen map can be processed to determine optimal locations for identifiers on the screen. Ideally, the picture rate of the imaging sensor should be sufficiently rapid and the integration time should be sufficiently short so that the screen map can be established from a single projector shutter opening and the identifiers can be displayed during subsequent exposures of the current film frame. For example, the imaging sensor can be a high frame rate imaging device having low spatial resolution. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , aflow chart 400, which is useful for understanding the present invention is shown. Beginning atstep 410, an image sequence is presented on a screen. An illumination and/or color of at least a portion of the image sequence is measured, as shown instep 420. Proceeding to step 430, the illumination and/or color information is processed to determine a brightness and/or color for identifiers projected onto the screen. The projection location of identifiers also can be determined based upon the measured illumination and/or color information. The identifiers are then projected onto the screen to form a marking pattern detectable within the video presentation, as shown instep 440. - It should be noted that the above-described marking pattern can be generated from marking data As such, and in order to improve the ability to recover the marking pattern from a recovered pirate recording, an error-correction scheme may be used in the marking pattern to increase the reliability of the data. This is illustrated in
FIG. 6 , which shows illustrative marking data for use in generating a marking pattern in accordance with the principles of the invention. In particular, markingdata 505 comprises 5 bytes of data (bytes 0 through 4) for conveying a theatre ID comprising 14 bits as represented by TID0 through TID13 (bytes 0 and 1), a julian day of the year (0-364) as represented by bits Jul0 through Jul8 (byte 2 and a portion of byte 3) and a time of day in hour increments (0-23) as represented by bits Time0 through Time4 (the remaining portion of byte 3). As can be observed fromFIG. 6 ,bytes 0 through 4 include parity bits, e.g., odd parity bits equal to the XNOR (exclusive NOR) of the other seven bits in each byte.Byte 4 represents a forward error correction (FEC) byte, which is illustratively defined as the XNOR of the other four bytes (bytes 0 through 3). The marking data is converted into a marking pattern, e.g., viaprocessor 130 orprojector 115, such that each bit value is represented by, e.g., a color, of one, or more, pixels of the marking pattern. Using this code, if one pixel (or group of pixels) is rendered invalid (e.g., in a subsequent recording), that byte may be corrected, and if one byte is rendered invalid, it can be also be recreated. Although this example uses a simple parity based code, it is clear that one skilled in the art could use one of any variety of error correcting codes, including by way of example, BCH-codes, Reed-Solomon codes, Goppa codes, or convolutional codes. - While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as described in the claims.
Claims (32)
1. A method for marking a copy of an image sequence comprising the steps of:
presenting the image sequence on a screen; and
projecting onto 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 projection location of the at least one identifier 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 projection location of the at least one identifier based upon the measured color of light.
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. A system for identifying a copy of an image sequence comprising:
a projector for projecting onto a screen at least one identifier distinct from an image sequence being presented on the screen such that the identifier is displayed using visible light along with the presented image sequence.
13. The system of claim 12 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.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the processor also determines a projection location of the at least one identifier based upon the measured illumination.
15. The system of claim 12 , 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.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the processor also determines a projection location of the at least one identifier based upon the measured color of light.
17. The system of claim 12 , wherein the system is configured to present the at least one identifier at periodic intervals.
18. The system of claim 12 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.
19. The system of claim 12 , wherein the projected at least one identifier represents marking data comprising a forward error correction code.
20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the marking data represents at least one of a theatre identifier, date and/or time.
21. The system of claim 19 , wherein the forward error correction code represents an exclusive NOR operation of at least some of the marking data.
22. The system of claim 12 , wherein the image sequence is a movie.
23. 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.
24. The method of claim 23 , wherein the marking pattern represents marking data comprising a forward error correction code.
25. The method of claim 24 , wherein the marking data represents at least one of a theatre identifier, date and/or time.
26. The method of claim 24 , wherein the forward error correction code represents an exclusive NOR operation of at least some of the marking data.
27. 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.
28. The medium of claim 27 , wherein the medium is a digital versatile disc (DVD).
29. The medium of claim 27 , wherein the medium is a camcorder tape.
30. The medium of claim 27 , wherein the marking pattern represents at least one of a theatre identifier, date and/or time.
31. The medium of claim 27 , wherein the marking pattern represents marking data comprising a forward error correction code.
32. The medium of claim 31 , wherein the forward error correction code represents an exclusive NOR operation of at least some of the marking data.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/567,941 US20060262280A1 (en) | 2003-08-19 | 2004-07-28 | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected onto a screen |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US49611603P | 2003-08-19 | 2003-08-19 | |
PCT/US2004/024337 WO2005020571A1 (en) | 2003-08-19 | 2004-07-28 | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected onto a screen |
US10/567,941 US20060262280A1 (en) | 2003-08-19 | 2004-07-28 | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected onto a screen |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060262280A1 true US20060262280A1 (en) | 2006-11-23 |
Family
ID=34215961
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/567,954 Expired - Fee Related US7420649B2 (en) | 2003-08-19 | 2004-07-28 | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected through a screen |
US10/567,941 Abandoned US20060262280A1 (en) | 2003-08-19 | 2004-07-28 | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected onto a screen |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/567,954 Expired - Fee Related US7420649B2 (en) | 2003-08-19 | 2004-07-28 | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected through a screen |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7420649B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1656795A1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2007503163A (en) |
CN (2) | CN1839623A (en) |
CA (2) | CA2535568A1 (en) |
WO (2) | WO2005020571A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060291722A1 (en) * | 2003-08-19 | 2006-12-28 | Duffield David J | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected through a screen |
US20080180640A1 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2008-07-31 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Projector |
US20090073391A1 (en) * | 2007-09-18 | 2009-03-19 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method |
US20090108182A1 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2009-04-30 | Sylvain Thiebaud | Global anticamcorder projection system and method |
US20100306022A1 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-02 | Honeywood Technologies, Llc | Advertisement content selection and presentation |
CN102484724A (en) * | 2009-09-10 | 2012-05-30 | 株式会社理光 | Projection image area detecting device |
US8243984B1 (en) | 2009-11-10 | 2012-08-14 | Target Brands, Inc. | User identifiable watermarking |
WO2014083473A1 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2014-06-05 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Use of ambience light for copy protection of video content displayed on a screen |
Families Citing this family (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2008002302A1 (en) * | 2006-06-27 | 2008-01-03 | Thomson Licensing | System for measuring light levels from a display projector |
EP2218254A1 (en) * | 2007-11-08 | 2010-08-18 | Thomson Licensing | Method, apparatus and system for anti-piracy protection and verification |
US20090180079A1 (en) * | 2008-01-16 | 2009-07-16 | Oakley Willliam S | Projected Overlay for Copy Degradation |
TW200948064A (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-16 | Univ Nat Central | Apparatus for continuously projecting images and method therefor |
US20120086862A1 (en) * | 2009-07-03 | 2012-04-12 | Research Organization Of Information And Systems | Video display device, video display method, video display screen and liquid crystal display device |
EP2546832A1 (en) * | 2011-07-11 | 2013-01-16 | Thomson Licensing | Forensic method for classifying unauthorised digital movie-projection recaptures |
KR101298144B1 (en) * | 2012-03-28 | 2013-08-20 | 주식회사 글로벌미디어테크 | Digital cinema appartus for integrating space being used for complex service areas and the playing method thereof |
DE102016112886A1 (en) * | 2016-07-13 | 2018-01-18 | B. Braun Avitum Ag | Display device for a medical device |
EP3794817B1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2023-06-28 | Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation | Projector controller |
CN109271814A (en) * | 2018-10-09 | 2019-01-25 | 裕利年电子南通有限公司 | Anti- take pictures display system and anti-photographic method based on computer vision |
Citations (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5959717A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-09-28 | Chaum; Jerry | Motion picture copy prevention, monitoring, and interactivity system |
US6018374A (en) * | 1996-06-25 | 2000-01-25 | Macrovision Corporation | Method and system for preventing the off screen copying of a video or film presentation |
US20020171813A1 (en) * | 2001-05-16 | 2002-11-21 | Katsumi Kimura | Imaging prevention method and system |
US6559883B1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2003-05-06 | David H. Sitrick | Movie film security system utilizing infrared patterns |
US20040062393A1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2004-04-01 | Sitrick David H. | Targeted anti-piracy system and methodology |
US6772349B1 (en) * | 2000-05-03 | 2004-08-03 | 3Com Corporation | Detection of an attack such as a pre-attack on a computer network |
US6809792B1 (en) * | 2000-10-09 | 2004-10-26 | Eastman Kodak Company | Spectral watermarking for motion picture image data |
US7231062B2 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2007-06-12 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image processing apparatus, image processing system, electronic information apparatus, image processing method, control program, and computer-readable recording medium |
US7393108B2 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2008-07-01 | Sony Corporation | Imaging disturbing method and system |
US7420649B2 (en) * | 2003-08-19 | 2008-09-02 | Thomson Licensing | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected through a screen |
-
2004
- 2004-07-28 CN CNA2004800239303A patent/CN1839623A/en active Pending
- 2004-07-28 US US10/567,954 patent/US7420649B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-07-28 JP JP2006523859A patent/JP2007503163A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-07-28 WO PCT/US2004/024337 patent/WO2005020571A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-07-28 JP JP2006523854A patent/JP2007503018A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-07-28 WO PCT/US2004/024074 patent/WO2005020570A1/en active Application Filing
- 2004-07-28 CN CNA2004800239290A patent/CN1839622A/en active Pending
- 2004-07-28 CA CA002535568A patent/CA2535568A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-07-28 CA CA002535564A patent/CA2535564A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-07-28 EP EP04779403A patent/EP1656795A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-07-28 EP EP04757300A patent/EP1665784A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-07-28 US US10/567,941 patent/US20060262280A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6018374A (en) * | 1996-06-25 | 2000-01-25 | Macrovision Corporation | Method and system for preventing the off screen copying of a video or film presentation |
US5959717A (en) * | 1997-12-12 | 1999-09-28 | Chaum; Jerry | Motion picture copy prevention, monitoring, and interactivity system |
US6772349B1 (en) * | 2000-05-03 | 2004-08-03 | 3Com Corporation | Detection of an attack such as a pre-attack on a computer network |
US6559883B1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2003-05-06 | David H. Sitrick | Movie film security system utilizing infrared patterns |
US20040062393A1 (en) * | 2000-09-27 | 2004-04-01 | Sitrick David H. | Targeted anti-piracy system and methodology |
US6809792B1 (en) * | 2000-10-09 | 2004-10-26 | Eastman Kodak Company | Spectral watermarking for motion picture image data |
US20020171813A1 (en) * | 2001-05-16 | 2002-11-21 | Katsumi Kimura | Imaging prevention method and system |
US6742901B2 (en) * | 2001-05-16 | 2004-06-01 | Sony Corporation | Imaging prevention method and system |
US7393108B2 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2008-07-01 | Sony Corporation | Imaging disturbing method and system |
US7231062B2 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2007-06-12 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Image processing apparatus, image processing system, electronic information apparatus, image processing method, control program, and computer-readable recording medium |
US7420649B2 (en) * | 2003-08-19 | 2008-09-02 | Thomson Licensing | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected through a screen |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7420649B2 (en) * | 2003-08-19 | 2008-09-02 | Thomson Licensing | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected through a screen |
US20060291722A1 (en) * | 2003-08-19 | 2006-12-28 | Duffield David J | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected through a screen |
US8016425B2 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2011-09-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Projector |
US20080180640A1 (en) * | 2007-01-29 | 2008-07-31 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Projector |
US20090073391A1 (en) * | 2007-09-18 | 2009-03-19 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method |
US8152309B2 (en) * | 2007-09-18 | 2012-04-10 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Image display apparatus, image display system, and image display method |
US20090108182A1 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2009-04-30 | Sylvain Thiebaud | Global anticamcorder projection system and method |
US20100306022A1 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2010-12-02 | Honeywood Technologies, Llc | Advertisement content selection and presentation |
US8579442B2 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2013-11-12 | Transpacific Image, Llc | Advertisement content selection and presentation |
CN102484724A (en) * | 2009-09-10 | 2012-05-30 | 株式会社理光 | Projection image area detecting device |
US8243984B1 (en) | 2009-11-10 | 2012-08-14 | Target Brands, Inc. | User identifiable watermarking |
WO2014083473A1 (en) | 2012-11-27 | 2014-06-05 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Use of ambience light for copy protection of video content displayed on a screen |
US20150304522A1 (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2015-10-22 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Use of ambience light for copy protection of video content displayed on a screen |
JP2015537248A (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2015-12-24 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェKoninklijke Philips N.V. | Using ambient light for copy protection of video content displayed on the screen |
US9641725B2 (en) * | 2012-11-27 | 2017-05-02 | Philips Lighting Holding B.V. | Use of ambience light for copy protection of video content displayed on a screen |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2007503018A (en) | 2007-02-15 |
CN1839623A (en) | 2006-09-27 |
EP1656795A1 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
EP1665784A1 (en) | 2006-06-07 |
US20060291722A1 (en) | 2006-12-28 |
US7420649B2 (en) | 2008-09-02 |
JP2007503163A (en) | 2007-02-15 |
WO2005020570A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 |
CA2535568A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 |
WO2005020571A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 |
CN1839622A (en) | 2006-09-27 |
CA2535564A1 (en) | 2005-03-03 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20060262280A1 (en) | Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected onto a screen | |
US7936898B2 (en) | Watermarking of motion picture prints | |
US7206409B2 (en) | Motion picture anti-piracy coding | |
JP4545592B2 (en) | Method for changing the spectrum of a display image for copy protection, system for implementing the method, and medium manufactured by the method | |
EP1588544B1 (en) | Motion picture anti-piracy coding | |
AU2006287912B2 (en) | Digital cinema projector watermarking system and method | |
US7289644B2 (en) | Anti-piracy coding of motion pictures | |
US8311391B2 (en) | Method and system for analyzing and marking a film |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THOMSON LICENSING S.A., FRANCE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DUFFIELD, DAVID JAY;SCHULTZ, MARK ALAN;STERLING, MICHAEL ALLAN;REEL/FRAME:017569/0926;SIGNING DATES FROM 20040806 TO 20040809 Owner name: THOMSON LICENSING, FRANCE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:THOMSON LICENSING S.A.;REEL/FRAME:017569/0933 Effective date: 20060124 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |