Digital Cinema Distribution Method And Apparatus

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a (digital) supply chain (ISC) product. The disclosure covers a simple explanation of the improved supply chain as a service business model, a review of key digital cinema (D-Cinema) topics, a description of the Digital Cinema supply chain, and, a description of the improved supply chain product and process.

Therefore I claim: 
     
         1 . A software as service method implemented with a computer processor for distributing a digital representation of a cinematic production comprising the steps of:
 producing a digital source master (DSM) of the cinematic production on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium;   producing a digital cinema distribution master (DCDM) from the DSM;   compressing the DCDM to a digital cinema package (DCP);   selecting a priority type associated with delivery of the selected DCP;   identifying a transfer begin and end time of the selected DCP;   booking electronic delivery of the DCP to a cinema based upon the priority type selected; and   electronically delivering the DCP to the cinema.   
     
     
         2 . The software as service method of  claim 1  wherein the step of booking electronic delivery of the DCP to the cinema based upon the priority type selected, is accomplished by a software application. 
     
     
         3 . The software as service method of  claim 1  further comprising a step of determining a plurality of DCP delivery slots at each cinema. 
     
     
         4 . The software as service method of  claim 1  further comprising a step of billing the cinema based on transactional usage of the software. 
     
     
         5 . The software as service method of  claim 1  wherein receipt of the DCP is confirmed by the recipient prior to access being granted to the DCP. 
     
     
         6 . The software as service method of  claim 1  wherein the KDM file includes data controlling the time period in which the DCP may be unlocked for projection. 
     
     
         7 . A software as service method for distributing a digital representation of a cinematic production comprising the steps of:
 providing a non-transitory computer readable storage medium;   producing a digital source master (DSM) of the cinematic production on the non-transitory computer readable storage medium;   distributing the DSM to at least one project owner;   producing a digital cinema distribution master (DCDM) from the DSM;   wherein the digital project file provides a project owner continuous control over access to a digital cinema package (DCP) produced from the DCDM; and   wherein the project owner digitally maintains control of access to the DCP.   
     
     
         8 . The software as service method as recited in  claim 7  wherein the digital assets comprise a DCP, and/or key delivery message (KDM). 
     
     
         9 . The software as service method as recited in  claim 7  wherein delivery of the DCP must be confirmed by a recipient prior to access being granted to the DCP.