Abstract: Network-centric systems and methods for monitoring the security of a cargo container during shipment from an origination point to a destination are described. The cargo container includes a container security unit (CSU) having an electronic container identifier. As the container is loaded with various contents, a container processing system obtains produces a manifest of the contents using wireless data collection. The manifest, which also includes the container identifier, is sent to a central server for storage. As the cargo container is shipped through a port, warehouse or other shipping location, the CSU provides a status update to the central server. The status update may include a location of the cargo container, the container identifier and a status of a door seal, hazard detector and/or the like. As the cargo container arrives at its destination, another container processing system creates an arrival report of the received contents that can be compared to the manifest at the central server.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining multiple simultaneous sources to multiple exhibitor receivers in a secure manner is disclosed. An exemplary system includes a plurality of live event sites each producing and transmitting a live video source. A live event director system is used for receiving and combining each transmitted live video source in an overall transmission and transmitting the overall transmission for exhibition. A network operation center coordinates encryption of the overall transmission at the live event director system and decryption of the overall transmission by at least one authorized exhibitor site. In further embodiments, the live event sites selectively transmit high bandwidth signals to reduce bandwidth usage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for securing and/or tracking cargo containers. The security unit comprises a positioning receiver configured to provide a position of the cargo container and a memory configured to store a first geocentric zone and a second geocentric zone of the cargo container. The security unit also comprises a controller coupled to the positioning receiver and the memory. The security unit is configured to receive the position of the cargo container from the positioning receiver, determine if the position of the cargo container is within one of the first geocentric zone and the second geocentric zone stored in the memory, operate in a first operating mode associated with the first geocentric zone if the position is within the first geocentric zone, and operate in a second operating mode associated with the second geocentric zone if the position is within the second geocentric zone.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for monitoring components of a digital cinema system. A digital cinema system utilizes an exhibitor system (that has one or more components) to display media content. A configuration of the exhibitor system is stored in the exhibitor system. The integrity of the configuration is then determined by querying each of the components. Software agents on each of the components respond to the query. Based on the configuration and the responses received, the integrity of the exhibitor system is determined.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for monitoring components of a digital cinema system. A configuration of an exhibitor system (that has one or more components) of a digital cinema system is stored. Each of the one or more components is then polled (e.g., using radio frequency) based on the configuration. A determination is then made regarding the integrity of the exhibitor system based on the configuration and results of the polling. Further, a global positioning system (GPS) location and an identification (of a component) is received from an exhibitor system component. Based on the identification and the polling, a determination may be made regarding whether the identification is for an unauthorized component and consequently the location of the component for initiating enforcement action.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for monitoring an exhibition system in a digital cinema system. Exhibition information of an exhibitor system in a digital cinema system is obtained. Such exhibition information is automatically generated during a monitoring of projection system equipment. The exhibition information is then summarized. Contractual data (consisting of contractual requirements for the exhibitor system) are also obtained. Comparison information is then produced by comparing the contractual data with the summary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining operation of an automated theater are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an exhibitor support center for monitoring functional status of each of one or more exhibitor systems and for responding to failures at each of the one or more exhibitor systems. A secure network connection is provided from the exhibitor support center to each of the one or more exhibitor systems to communicate the functional status. The exhibitor support center can also initiate scheduled maintenance and extended diagnostic testing at the exhibitor systems.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for monitoring components of a digital cinema system. A digital cinema system utilizes an exhibitor system (that has one or more components) to display media content. A configuration of the exhibitor system is stored in the exhibitor system. The integrity of the configuration is then determined by querying each of the components. Software agents on each of the components respond to the query. Based on the configuration and the responses received, the integrity of the exhibitor system is determined.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for monitoring components of a digital cinema system. A configuration of an exhibitor system (that has one or more components) of a digital cinema system is stored. Each of the one or more components is then polled (e.g., using radio frequency) based on the configuration. A determination is then made regarding the integrity of the exhibitor system based on the configuration and results of the polling. Further, a global positioning system (GPS) location and an identification (of a component) is received from an exhibitor system component. Based on the identification and the polling, a determination may be made regarding whether the identification is for an unauthorized component and consequently the location of the component for initiating enforcement action.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the invention provide a method, apparatus, system, and article of manufacture for monitoring an exhibition system in a digital cinema system. Exhibition information of an exhibitor system in a digital cinema system is obtained. Such exhibition information is automatically generated during a monitoring of projection system equipment. The exhibition information is then summarized. Contractual data (consisting of contractual requirements for the exhibitor system) are also obtained. Comparison information is then produced by comparing the contractual data with the summary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining multiple live events in a bandwidth-efficient and secure manner is disclosed. A typical system includes a plurality of live event sites each producing a live video source for transmission and a live event director system. The live event director system selects one of the plurality of live event sites and synchronizes transmission among the plurality of live event sites so that only the live video source of the selected one of the plurality of live event sites is transmitted for exhibition at a time. The transmission from the selected live event site is compressed and encrypted for broadcast to one or more exhibitors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining operation of an automated theater are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an exhibitor support center for monitoring functional status of each of one or more exhibitor systems and for responding to failures at each of the one or more exhibitor systems. A secure network connection is provided from the exhibitor support center to each of the one or more exhibitor systems to communicate the functional status. The exhibitor support center can also intiate scheduled maintenance and extended diagnostic testing at the exhibitor systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining multiple simultaneous sources to multiple exhibitor receivers in a secure manner is disclosed. An exemplary system includes a plurality of live event sites each producing and transmitting a live video source. A live event director system is used for receiving and combining each transmitted live video source in an overall transmission and transmitting the overall transmission for exhibition. A network operation center coordinates encryption of the overall transmission at the live event director system and decryption of the overall transmission by at least one authorized exhibitor site. In further embodiments, the live event sites selectively transmit high bandwidth signals to reduce bandwidth usage.

Abstract: A status monitor and diagnostic unit (SMDU) (12) is provided in every car (14,16) of a magnetic levitation (MAGLEV) train (18) or other vehicle, and includes sensors (38,40,42,44,48,52) for monitoring the operational status or condition of the car (14,16). Network status interface units (NSIU) (22) are provided at stations (24) and at other fixed locations (26) through which the train (18) passes. The NSIUs (22) transmit polling signals which cause the SMDUs (12) to transmit data signals representing the operational status of the cars (14,16) to the NSIUs (22) via a spread-spectrum time-division-multiple-access (TDMA) network (30) when the train (18) passes proximate thereto. The NSIUs (22) relay the data signals to a maintenance control center (MCC) (28) via a wide-area-network (WAN) (32). The MCC (28) generates a prognosis of the operating conditions of the cars (14,16) in accordance with the data signals, and schedules maintenance actions based on the prognosis.