Theater identification system utilizing identifiers projected onto a screen

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 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. [0002] 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 di...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] 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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

As a result, an illicit copy can be made.

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.

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.

Images