Abstract:
The invention includes improvements in the method and apparatus for enabling a video presentation, that is located at a remote location from the email, such a special video server, to be begin playing almost immediately when that email is opened.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of previously filed provisional application Ser. No. 60/964,592, filed Aug. 14, 2007, entitled A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING, MANAGING, SENDING AND TRACKING VIDEO PRESENTATIONS WITH EMAILS. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing video presentations on-line without the requirements of attaching a separate video file to an email message. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The desirability of having the ability to instantly display a video message in front of a potential or existing customer or as part of a professional relationship provides an opportunity to inform as never before. While the ability to add and send a video file to an email was a giant step forward in internet technology only a few years ago, the invention now enables a person, company or other professional organization to contact a desired person, whether known or not known to that person, and immediately display of their video presentation. The ability to contact and instantly promote a prepared and targeted message to a selected audience is unprecedented in marketing to date. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The present invention may be used to send an email that when opened will immediately initiate the playing of a video message without actually attaching a video file to the email. An email can be formatted to initiate the playing a video message when opened, that is small and in a standard email HTML format so that it can pass through firewalls and other security systems without being blocked. 
         [0005]    A user may create an account that they can manage, upload, modify, track, keep records of use and accounting and activate the system for use when desired. 
         [0006]    The present invention can be configured to provide public access to the system through on site Kiosks in malls and stores and like settings for people of no ordinary skill to take video of themselves and then produce a presentation for their use such as birthday and holiday video greetings to family and friends. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a general flow diagram of a process of designing and creating a presentation. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a general flow diagram of the sender using the presentation software of the present invention to create and manage their presentation. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of a Kiosk with the presentation system and video camera. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a schematic type drawing of the home page links of the presentation system web site. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a schematic drawing of the login section and user account links on the home page of the presentation system web site. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a schematic drawing of examples of various secondary links and functions relating to tools and reports that may be available on the presentation system web site. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a schematic drawing of examples of various secondary links and functions relating to videos that may be available on the presentation system web site. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a schematic drawing of examples of various secondary links and functions relating to production that may be available on the presentation system web site. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Referring to the figures, a general flow diagram showing a manual process for displaying video  21  on computer monitor  31  of email  40  to a targeted recipient is illustrated. Video  21  can be designed to play almost immediately when an email  40  is opened, which allows and enables the sender to make sure their message  45  is received and viewed. Typically, when a video is sent via the internet  36  as part of an email  40  to a known or unknown recipient, it is sent as an attachment to the email  40  in the form of a video file video file. Often times there may be some hesitancy on the recipient&#39;s part, especially if they are not familiar with the sender&#39;s email address  24 , to open a video (as an attachment) for fear of a virus or because it may contain unsuitable material. When video  21  is sent by sender to function as a marketing tool to make an introduction of one&#39;s products and or services or information, it is preferable to have the video  21  and the message  45  contained within the email to begin playing immediately to the targeted email recipient. 
         [0016]    The process begins with a videographer taking video  21  and in the configuration shown sending the video  21  as a movie file attachment to an email via the internet  36  to a user&#39;s computer  31 . The video  21  may also be mailed or otherwise delivered to the user in an electronic format. Once the user has possession of video  21 , he or she can then select a message layout template  22 , content  23  (message body) and targeted email list  24  (all four items: message layout template  22 , content  23 , video  21  and email list  24  may be packaged as a single presentation unit  19 ). The user then sends the four items to a computer work station  26  where the information can be organized and prepared for further processing. For example, video  21  may be sent in an appropriate file or format to Flash® video converter  27  via internet  36 . Streamable video converter  27  can then convert the video  21  to streamable video  28  and send it to Host server  29  via internet  36  where it can be stored for later use. 
         [0017]    As part of the process and at approximately the same time, the matching message layout template  22  and content  23  can be sent to template and merging processor  38  via internet  36  or by another means, such as a computer terminal or cable connection. The message layout template  22  and content  23  can be converted into an HTML email format  44  to mass email mailer  46  which in turn can prepare the information before it is sent to SMTP server  30 . The prepared information may then be stored and be accessible in a HTML standard format  35  by Host server  29  via internet  36 . 
         [0018]    A SMTP server  30  can then send email  40  to the computers  31  of the targeted recipients. Email(s)  40  are generally sent via internet  36  to the inbox of the recipients email client such as Outlook, Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Hotmail, etc. Computer  31  may be any form of a computing and display device such as a laptop computer, desktop computer, cell phone, PDA device, IPhone and other similar devices. Email  40  does not contain the sender&#39;s message  45  in the form of a video file which would require downloading, but instead enables message  45  to be sent from Host server  29  as streamable video stream to be immediately displayed on recipient&#39;s computer  31 . 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of generally a more efficient and user friendly method of creating, managing, tracking and sending email(s)  40  with streamable video stream  32  used as the format to convey message  45  to targeted recipients. For example, one purpose of a sender sending presentation unit  19  to targeted recipients is to gain their immediate attention with their message  45 . To keep email  40  small and able to pass the various filter elements on a computer monitor  31  of known and unknown recipients, streamable video  28  remains on video server  29  until it is accessed. Streamable video stream  32  begins flowing to computer monitor  31  with the simple clicking action of the recipient when opening the matching email  40 . In this configuration, video  21  can be supplied to sender to begin the presentation process. 
         [0020]    Video  21  may be supplied by a professional videographer, friend, associate or by the sender or even from a presentation Kiosk booth  48  so long as it is suitable for uploading and conversion to the streamable video stream  32  or other suitable format. Sender or sender&#39;s agent accesses and uses presentation software program  37  and first uploads video  21  to begin the process. Sender or sender&#39;s agent may also access presentation web site  25  to gain access to presentation software program  37 . Second, sender selects the desired message layout template  22  from the styles available and third, adds the text to the content message body  23 . 
         [0021]    The fourth step requires the sender to add the list of email addresses  21  of the recipients as targeted by the sender. As shown, the sender may wish to upload all or part of the email address index  43  to the presentation software program  37  from their existing email account. The presentation unit  19  is typically used for business or professional types of marketing applications to convey their message  45  using video  21  form as opposed to sending a friend a video file as an attachment as part of email correspondence. 
         [0022]    Once all of the data (video  21 , message layout template  22 , content of message body  23  and email address index  43 ) for presentation unit  19  is entered into presentation software program  37 , then sender approves all and produces presentation unit  19  as follows. Video  21  is sent to video converter server  42  via internet  36  whereby video converter server  42  converts video  21  to streamable video  28 . As this process is completed, streamable video  28  is transferred to video server  29  where it is stored and will play from. 
         [0023]    In a similar manner and at approximately the same time, presentation software program  37  will send message layout template  22 , content of message body  23  and email address index to application server  33  via internet  36  or other types of computer connection that may be wired or wireless in design. Application server  33  then sorts this data and sends the message layout template  22  and content of message body  23  as HTML standard format  35  information to web server  34  while email address index  43  is sent to SMTP server  30  in HTML email format  44  information via internet  36  or by other suitable means such as a wired or wireless connection. 
         [0024]    HTML standard format  35  and HTML email format  44 , as parts of message  45  to form presentation unit  19 , are sent from web server  34  and SMTP server  30  respectively, to a target recipient(s) inbox of their email client such as Yahoo Mail, Gmail, etc. As soon as recipient opens the sender&#39;s targeted email (which is purposely made into a small and non-threatening file that is generally able to penetrate the filters, firewalls and other security programs on a computer connected to internet  36 ) the streamable video stream, as part of message  45  of presentation unit  19 , is accessed from Host server  29  immediately. Should presentation unit  19  be blocked and not begin playing immediately, recipient is instructed (from content of message body  23  of presentation unit  19 ) to click icon  60  on computer screen to play message  45  of presentation unit  19 . 
         [0025]    A Kiosk  48  can be located on floor  50  in a mall or store type setting where people can create their own video  21  as well as continue on to produce an presentation unit  19 . Included at part of Kiosk  48  is video camera  49  (which can be fixed or adjustable), curtain support  54  and curtain  53 . Curtain  53  may used a backdrop as well as “green background” should the user wish to add an artificial background scene available as part of the presentation software program to enhance heir video  21 . Video camera  49  is connected to computer station  20  via cable  39 . To start the video camera, user selects the various options available and makes a payment using payment station  52  that may accept credit cards, debit cards, gift cards and or cash. 
         [0026]    To begin producing a presentation unit  19 , user accesses presentation web site  25  via computer station  20  begin uploading video as part of their message  45 . User continues to use presentation web site  25  and presentation software program and uses computer station  20  to establish a user account  57  with presentation software program  37 . User continues with the production process by selecting a style of message layout template  22  and content of body message  23 . User may also have video converted to a CD for pick up at CD module  56 . 
         [0027]    Links About Us  62 , Services  63 , Analysis  64 , Hall of Fame  65 , Contact Us  66  and Sign on  67  may be part of the home page presentation web site  25 . Links About Us  62 , Services  63 , Analysis  64  and Hall of Fame  65  may be for general viewing purposes to learn about the presentation unit technology, products and services and not necessarily interactive with the user. Link Contact Us  66  is interactive with the user in that the user can use an email client to contact customer service. Link Sign On  67  is also interactive in that a new user can use this link to sign up as a customer and receive a username  69  and password  70  as well as to access the site, as needed to create, manage, update, schedule, track and modify their presentation unit(s)  19  on a continuing basis. It is in the spirit of the presentation web site and application program that further improvements and modifications will be made to the presentation unit technology. 
         [0028]    A login procedure of a customer accessing customer links About You  71 , Video  72 , Produce  73 , Tools  74 , Reports  75  and Help  76  via internet  36  may be accessed by entering username  69  and password  70  on the Sign In link  67  on the home page of presentation web site  25 . 
         [0029]    A user account  68  portion of presentation web site  25  that provides a customer access to and control of the Tools  74  and Reports  75  links may be included. Tools  74  link offers the customer the options of choosing optional links such as Send a presentation unit  77 , User Profiles  78 , Recipient Groups  79 , Customers  80 , Video Upload  81  and Auto Scheduler  124  that are used for creating, managing, tracking and sending presentation units to selected recipients. Reports link  75  provides the customer a history of events or certain activities of a particular presentation unit  19  with Progress-Presentation Units link  82 , Progress-Messages link  83 , Send Messages link  84 , Prospect Search link  85 , Administrator Message  86  and Stuck Message link  87 . 
         [0030]    Auto Scheduler link  14  may be provided to enable user to select the following options that include but are not limited to the time of day, date, frequency of one or more mailings, type of format such as presentation unit tracking  91  or remail  92 . Should presentation unit tracking  91  indicate that the email has not been opened in a specified amount of time, a remail  92  can be scheduled for sending. Remail  92  is available in one or more formats, one of which is primarily text link while another is a graphic text link. All remail  92  is tracked together and separately with the presentation unit tracking  91 . 
         [0031]    It is through the presentation web site  25  that enables customers to access and use the presentation application program  37  to manage their library  61  of one or more presentation units  19  without the help of specialized technicians and consultants to capture video and upload it in streamable video stream  32 , to produce, edit, modify, schedule, track, report on and generally manage all aspects of this efficient and direct marketing effort—the presentation unit  19  message  45 . The presentation library can be dissected by multiple users and individual customers on each user account  68  so that the Account owner can manage individual use and billing. 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view of video link  72  on user account page  68  of presentation web site  25  that allows user to produce the video segment of message  45  of presentation unit  19 . Presentation program  37  enables and provides user with Upload  100  link to place video  21  on or available to user&#39;s computer for storing and or editing. To edit raw video  21 , user may use Edit Play  103  link that functions so as to allow user to opportunity to view video  21  on computer  31 . Additional links Edit Clip Start  104 , Edit Clip Stop  105 , Edit Clip Save  106 , Edit Clip Join  107  and Edit Clip Save  108  all function to allow user to produce an edited and final presentation unit  19  from raw video  21 . Once presentation unit  19  is completed and ready for use, it is stored in library  61  for later use. 
         [0033]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of Production  73  link on user account  68  page that enables user to use Select Template  99  link that makes available six different styles including but no limited to Template A  112  link, Template B  113  link, Template C  114  link, Template D  115  link, Template E  116  link and Template F  117  link. Logo  93  and or other graphics may also be added to message layout template  22  during this process. 
         [0034]    Once user selects one of these template links, it is saved and stored as the message layout template  22  segment of presentation unit  19 . Next, user accesses Add Text  118  link to provide content message body  23  segment of presentation unit  19 . Another step to be processed by presentation application program  37  is to convert and or assemble the Video Clip  123  segment, message layout template  22  segment and content message body  23  segment into presentation unit  19  and finally selecting the type of presentation unit  19  as either a s a presentation unit tracking  91  or as remail  92 . 
         [0035]    More specifically, content message body  23  is wrapped in a single element and all styles are nested beneath this element. This protects the message  45  from aggressive web clients, such as Yahoo Mail, which will strip the styles from message  45  while merging it into the web-mail page HTML. Also, in the a large portion of business email  40  environments, more sophisticated types of web client/browser applications such as Windows Outlook® or Thunderbird® do not rigorously strip emails and as a result provide a safe and efficient venue for a presentation unit tracking  91  to be used. Because sender&#39;s email  40  can be embedded with streamable video stream  32  with the presentation unit tracking  91 , message  45  will begin playing almost immediately, without a further action on the part of recipient when the recipient opens the email  40 . 
         [0036]    When the presentation unit tracking  91  can&#39;t be used, typically because the email client of the recipient is bolstered with filters, a firewall and other security programs (stripping the email of an embedded video presentation or like information, remail  92  may be used. Remail  92  combines an image, resembling the type of imagery that simulates video player  95  and message layout template  22  as a presentation unit tracking  91 . Remail  92  generally requires some action by the recipient to have it start playing. Remail  92  is designed so that when recipient clicks on icon  60  (i.e. click here to start) of message layout template graphic  22   a,  streamable video stream  32  will begin streaming from Host server  29  and subsequently appearing on computer  31 . 
         [0037]    Recipient may also be prompted to click icon  60   a  to download a program that converts and handles streamable video, such as Flash® by Adobe for viewing. Presentation units  19  that are sent out are encoded with a globally unique identifier GUID  97  which tags message  45  and email  40  various information, including a recipient&#39;s email address. 
         [0038]    It is to be understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto, except in so far as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable equivalents thereof.