METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUDIO DUBBING DISTRIBUTION

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The current applications claims the priority rights of US provisional patent

applications No. 61/444,798 filed February 21, 2011, and No. 61/471,710 filed April 5, 2011 , both tided "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AUDIO DUBBING

DISTRIBUTION " and both filed by the present inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the invention The invention is in the field of entertainment, especially in the field of movie theaters, overcoming the use of a soundtrack inappropriate for a visitor by providing the visitor an audio content in his/her desired language.

Description of related art

Many tourists all over the world avoid going to movies at the city they are visiting because in most cases the movie soundtrack is presented with dubbed audio that fits the local language. The same is applied for immigrants in a country where the movies are presented with a soundtrack that does not fit their native language. For example, Russian people are used to Russian dubbed audio for American movies. Immigrating to US or Israel, Russian people got the original English soundtrack which they can barely understand, not to speak about enjoying the movie. Thus there is a demand for Russian dubbing for American movies in American or Israeli movie theaters. In another example, an English tourist visiting Bulgaria would like to see a movie in a local movie theater. However, while the movie may have an original English soundtrack, it is present in Bulgaria with Bulgarian dubbed audio, discouraging the English tourist from visiting the movie theater.

Owners of Movie theaters, as well as movie producers, may increase profits by providing visitors a soundtrack in a desired language. Such a service will increase the number of visitors in movie displays, and increase the number of desired display. Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to provide means for listening to a desired audio content, in a desired language for example, while seeing the visible portion of the movie. The current invention is a result of a vision that every person may be able to enter a movie theater everywhere and be able to listen to a soundtrack in a native language.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is provided according to some embodiments of the present invention, a method for playing a desired audio content associated with a certain movie in a mobile device serving a movie theater visitor. The method includes receiving the certain audio content, receiving a plurality of synchronization signals associated with the certain movie while the certain movie being displayed to a visitor having the mobile device, and playing the audio content in synchronization with the certain movie.

In some embodiments, the method includes a step of applying a manual signal associated with me mobile device at a specific timing appearing visually or audibly in the movie theater.

In some embodiments, data like the audio content and synchronization signals, is provided to the mobile device through a communications channel like the internet, a Bluetooth™ channel, and a Wi-Fi™ channel.

In some embodiments, the mobile device is an headset provided by the movie theater, and the method includes a step of receiving a unique identification code enabling communication with an access point associated with a movie playing controller in the movie theater. Preferably, the method includes a step of checking status of the headset to verify that the headset is fully operational. Preferably, the method includes a step of isolating environmental noise.

In some embodiments, the mobile device is a smart cellular phone. Preferably, the method includes associating with an audio streaming site, requesting a certain audio content associated with a certain movie, receiving the certain audio content from the audio streaming site, defining a destined movie theater, and receiving a unique identification code for enabling communication with an access point at the destined movie theater.

In some embodiments, the method includes a variety of security measures to prevent transfer of audio contents to unauthorized users or devices. In one example, the method includes receiving a security code, and submitting the security code to the audio streaming site as a pre-condition before providing the certain audio content Another possible pre-condition is mutual verification of the identities of the smartphone and the server providing the certain audio content

In some embodiments, the method includes security steps like verifying mat a file associated with performing the method has not been changed since last check, receiving an encryption key for storage in the mobile smartphone, temporally splitting downloading of application files associated with performing the method, encrypting communication with a server providing audio content, and limiting providing of audio content to movie theater visitor to earphone outlet only.

It is provided according to some embodiments of the present invention, a movie theater method for supporting playing a desired audio content associated with a certain movie in a mobile device serving a movie theater visitor. The method includes receiving a request for playing the desired audio content while the certain movie is displayed to the movie theater visitor, and providing a plurality of synchronization signals associated with the certain movie while the certain movie is displayed to the movie theater visitor, wherein the mobile device plays the desired audio content in synchronization with the certain movie.

In some embodiments, the method includes a step of receiving a plurality of audio contents associated with a plurality of movies. Preferably, the method includes a step of converting a first audio content received in a first format to a second audio content in a second format, such that the second audio format is appropriate for receiving or playing by the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method includes a step of providing an audio content to the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method includes a step of checking status of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, the method includes a step of logging data on providing services like providing audio contents to mobile devices and providing a plurality of synchronization signals associated with the certain movie while the certain movie being displayed to the movie theater visitor, and a step of charging payment in accordance with the logged data. It is provided according to some embodiments of the present invention, a movie theater system for supporting playing a desired audio content associated with a certain movie in a mobile device serving a movie theater visitor. The system includes a movie playing controller , a gateway connected to the controller, and an access point connected to the gateway. The movie playing controller controls the projecting of a movie visual content on a screen and provides synchronization signals associated with the certain movie while the certain movie is displayed in the movie theater. The gateway receives a request for playing the desired audio content while the certain movie is displayed in the movie theater, receives the synchronization signals, and provides the synchronization signals to an access point. The access point receives the synchronization signals, and provides the synchronization signals to the mobile device. Consequently, the mobile device plays the desired audio content in synchronization with the certain movie.

In some embodiments, the gateway is associated with an audio streamer which provides a plurality of audio contents for a plurality of movies, whereby the gateway provides the desired audio content to the access point

In some embodiments, the access point broadcasts data associated with a displayed movie to a plurality of mobile devices arranged in a subnet

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to system organization and method of operation, together with features and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanied drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system for supporting playing a desired audio content in a mobile device serving a movie theater visitor.

Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a method for playing desired audio content in a mobile device serving a movie visitor. Fig. 3 is flow chart of a movie theater method for supporting playing desired audio content in a mobile device serving a movie visitor.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for securing audio content delivered to a smartphone.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in terms of specific example embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the example embodiments disclosed. It should also be understood that not every feature of the methods and systems handling the described device is necessary to implement the invention as claimed in any particular one of the appended claims. Various elements and features of devices are described to fully enable the invention. It should also be understood that throughout this disclosure, where a method is shown or described, the steps of the method may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless it is clear from the context that one step depends on another being performed first

Before explaining several embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The systems, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs "comprise", "include" and "have", and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

The present invention introduces a new method and system to allow movie theater visitors to hear a dubbed audio content at a selected language, while the movie at the movie theater or movie hall is presented in a language or accent not inappropriate for the visitor. For example, a movie may be presented with original soundtrack in English, which is heard all over the movie hall in English through the speakers. The present invention provides a visitor with a movie soundtrack at a selected language, by dubbed audio produced for the audience in a country having the selected language as a native or common language.

In a reversed example, a French speaking visitor comes to a movie theater in

Russia where a dubbed Russian soundtrack is loudly heard in the movie theater for the benefit of the local Russian residents. As the visitor is not familiar with the Russian language, the visitor would like to hear the original French soundtrack. The visitor may have two main options to hear the movie soundtrack with dubbed audio. In the first option, the visitor uses a wired or wireless headset provided by the movie theater, and the dubbed audio is delivered to the headset over a wire or wirelessly, respectively. In the second option, the visitor preload the movie dubbed audio into a smart cellular phone or to another audio device from a special audio streamer web site using an appropriate application. Later on, while the movie is displayed to the visitor in a movie hall, the visitor plays the downloaded soundtrack in synchronization with the displayed movie. Achieving such a synchronization is discussed below.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 for supporting playing a desired audio content, associated with a certain movie, in a mobile device 140 or 150 serving a movie theater visitor. System 100 includes a movie playing controller 110, a gateway 120 connected to controller 110, and an access point 130 connected to gateway 120. Movie playing controller 110 controls projecting of a movie visual content on a screen and provides synchronization signals associated with the movie while the movie is displayed in the movie theater. Gateway 120 receives a request for playing the desired audio content while the certain movie is displayed in the movie theater, receives the synchronization signals, and provides smartphone 140 or headset 150 data for enabling playing the desired audio content in synchronization with the certain movie. Consequently, smartphone 140 or headset 150 plays the desired audio content in synchronization with the movie.

Gateway 120 is connected with an audio streamer 200 which provides a plurality of audio contents for a plurality of movies. Gateway 120 may provide a desired audio content to access point 130, for delivering in synchronization with a displayed movie to headset 150. The synchronization of the audio content by the synchronization signals is done either in gateway 120, or in access point 130. Communication between access point 130 and a smartphone 140 or headset 150 is carried over a local area network using a Bluetooth™ port 142 or Wi-Fi port 143. In case there are several visitors in the movie theater desiring the same audio content, access point 130 broadcasts audio content and/or synchronization signals to the mobile devices of all these visitors by arranging them in a subnet, using a feature available in a certain local area network protocols, Blutooth™, for example.

Referring now to audio streamer 200, it may be an internet server having a central processor 210, a dubbing database 220, a charging unit 225 and interfaces 230, 240, and 270. Audio streamer 200 is fed by audio content files of respective movies, by audio files providers 160 and 165 through a provider interface 270. Gateways 120 serving a variety of movie theaters register to audio streamer 200 through theater interface 240, download appropriate software for operating gateways 120, if needed, and then download audio content files for movies they currently display.

A worldwide service may be facilitated by a single audio streamer 200.

Alternatively, a national or regional audio streamer 200 may serve limited sectors of a worldwide base on basis of geographical region or serving languages.

Smartphone 140 registers to audio streamer 200, downloads a smartphone application from either server 200 or a smartphone provider store like Apple iTune™ Later on, planning to attend a movie theater for a certain movie, smartphone 140 selects an appropriate audio content using a friendly interface, and downloads that audio content Consequently, owner visits the movie theater and uses earphones for connection to smartphone 140. While the movie is displayed, smartphone 140 gets synchronization signals from access point 130 which in turn allows smartphone 140 to play the audio content in synchronization with the displayed movie.

The dubbed audio file may be provided to the visitor in additional ways, like a memory card, an email message, a disk on key, or an external hard disk.

Before referring to methods 400 and 500 of respective Figs. 2 and 3, it is noted that the steps of the methods may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless it is clear from the context that one step depends on another being performed first.

Referring now to fig. 2, it presents a flow chart of a method 400 for playing a desired audio content associated with a certain movie in a smartphone 140. Method 400 includes several preparatory steps including a step 410 of associating with or registering at an audio streaming site 200, a step 420 of requesting a certain audio content associated with a certain movie, a step 430 of receiving the certain audio content from audio streaming site 200, a step 440 of defining a destined movie theater, and a step 450 of receiving a unique identification code for enabling communication with an access point 130 at the destined movie theater.

Upon visiting the theater hall, smartphone 140 accesses the access point using the provided identification code. Method 400 further includes a step 450 of receiving a plurality of synchronization signals associated with the certain movie while the certain movie is displayed, and a step 470 of playing the audio content in synchronization with the certain movie.

In some embodiments, method 400 includes a step 480 of applying a manual signal associated with the mobile device at a specific timing appearing visually or audibly in the movie theater. A visitor having no smartphone may still use system 100. When the visitor pays for the movie ticket, she indicates that she would like to hear a soundtrack different from the soundtrack played loudly in the movie hall. The theater team handles the visitor a headset 140, possibly for additional charge, and loads the headset with a unique identification code enabling communication with access point 130 and indicating of the desired audio content The theater team may request the visitor to push a certain bottom upon hearing or seeing an appropriate countdown respective audible or visible signal. In addition, method 400 includes a step 490 of checking status of headset 150 to verify that headset 150 is fully operational. Applying well known technology, Sony MDR-NC500D™ , for example, headset 150 may be isolated in a step 495 from environmental noise like the loudly soundtrack. Noise canceling headphones sample surrounding noise through a microphone and use signal processing to generate signals at a reversed phase, such as to cancel the surrounding noise. Emitting these cancelling signals as sound through a driver unit provides the user with a quiet listening environment In the past, signal processing system at the heart of noise canceling headphones has been based on analog technology. Recently, digital signal processing has been introduced and achieved improved performance of noise cancelling and desired audio fidelity. Fig. 3 is flow chart of a movie theater method 500 for supporting playing desired audio content in a mobile device 140 or 150 serving a movie visitor. Method 500 includes a step 510 of receiving a plurality of audio contents associated with a plurality of movies, and a step 520 of converting a first audio content received in a first format to a second audio content in a second format, such that the second audio format is appropriate for receiving or playing by mobile device 140 or 150. Method 500 also includes a step 530 of receiving a request for playing the desired audio content while the movie is displayed to the movie theater visitor, a step 540 of providing an audio content to the mobile device, and a step 550 of providing a plurality of synchronization signals associated with the movie while it is displayed to the movie theater visitor. Consequently, the mobile device 140 or 150 plays the desired audio content in synchronization with the certain movie. Method 500 may also include a step 560 of checking status of the mobile device to verify that it is alive and functioning.

In some embodiments, method 500 includes a step 570 of logging data on provided services like providing audio contents to mobile devices and providing synchronization signals, and a consequent step 580 of charging payment in accordance with the logged data. The charging is facilitated by charging unit 225 of the audio streamer or by a charging facility of the movie theater, whereas charging is done either through a ticket or through a charging service like PAYPAL™.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4 which outlines a method 600 for securing audio content delivered to a smartphone and preventing its transmittance to an unauthorized user or device. Before describing a variety of steps and techniques to secure the audio file, it should be noted that an attempt to illegally acquire an audio file may be conducted either passively or actively. In a passive attack, one does not interfere the operation of the application, but tries to catch the audio file while running in a normal mode. In an active attack, one penetrates the application and circumvents the usual operation or security mechanism for stealing the audio content

Thus, method 600 includes security steps to prevent active and passive attacks like a step 610 of verifying by a audio streamer that the application files have not been changed since last check, a step 620 of encrypting the communication with a server and a step 630 of receiving an encryption code for storage in the smartphone, such that a penetrator who does not have the encryption code is not able to make use of the encrypted audio file. An additional security step is step 640 of temporally splitting downloading of the application files such that a file or two are not part of the installing setup of the application but have to be downloaded afterwards from the streamer site which has better security measures.

Passive attack may be prevented by a step 650 of limiting outputting of audio content to movie theater visitor only via an earphone outlet

For preventing an active attack on the audio content, method 600 includes a step 660 of receiving a security code, and a step 670 of submitting the security code to the audio streaming site as a pre-condition before providing the certain audio content Another possible pre-condition may be a step 680 of mutual verification of the identities of the smartphone and the streamer.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. In particular, the present invention is not limited in any way by the examples described.