Abstract:
The systems and methods of this invention use an index and digital audio and/or video recordings of an activity to provide access to recently recorded material. For example, users initiate audio and/or video recordings. An index, e.g., an agenda, outlines the structure of the to be recorded event. The user selects an index item as an activity that corresponds to an index item is recorded. The recordings are then associated with the index. The user can then randomly access the recordings for playback, editing or further recording. The systems and methods of this invention additionally provide the means for correlating events and the corresponding index items with the recordings.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention is directed to systems and methods for individuals and groups to index, locate and review recently recorded events. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In interactions among people, conversation often ranges widely and previous topics and ideas are often forgotten. Similarly, a person performing a task can make a recording of the task to allow that person&#39;s performance to be reviewed. It is possible to make audio or video recordings as records of these interactions and actions, because of the linear nature of those records. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, it is difficult to refer back to the previously-recorded portions of a recording of an on-going activity, especially if the user would like to immediately include a portion of the recording of the activity at a later portion of the recording that same on-going activity. 
     Searching a traditional audio or video tape, even if it has been produced with a time code, requires a secondary index, such as meeting notes, to find and replay those recordings within the immediate context of a meeting. 
     Additionally, the fine-grained synchronization of ideas and activity within a group might be the provocation for replaying some earlier recorded-material. For example, someone may ask “Where were we?” or a new participant may enter the room and join in the discussion and thus require an explanation of the current state of the discussion. 
     This invention provides systems and methods for using structured representations to index recordings of activity. 
     This invention separately provides systems and methods that allow users to index, locate and review recorded events. 
     This invention separately provides systems and methods that enable a user to replay a previously-recorded portion of a recording and have that replayed portion copied or added to the recording at a later point. 
     The systems and methods of this invention use an index and a digital audio and/or video recording to provide access to recent digitally recorded material. For example, users initiate recordings of audio and/or video data, make an index, i.e., make notes or agenda about the contents of the recordings, and use those notes to randomly access the recordings for playback. 
     The systems and methods of this invention additionally provide an interface that correlates events and the corresponding notes with the recordings. This interface uses visual representations that are part of the content of meetings as the basis of marking and identifying events. 
     Furthermore, the systems and methods of this invention provide an environment in which a user who is recording and indexing an activity can replay a previous portion of the recording of that same activity and have the previously recorded section re-recorded into the recording at the current indexing point. 
     In an exemplary scenario, a meeting has been called, to begin at a predetermined time. The agenda includes five items and the agenda has been input into a system according to this invention and is displayed to the participants. During the meeting, as each new agenda item is begun, the moderator “checks off” that new agenda item on the agenda index to a recording of the meeting. This creates an index to the recording indicating the checked agenda item is being discussed. A participant is called out of the meeting, and thus misses a couple of items. Following the meeting, the participant can select the agenda items that were missed. The recording of the discussion for those selected events is replayed based on the selected agenda items. 
     While this is a simple example, the idea has a number of powerful variations. Specifically, the index or “agenda items” might be elements of diagrams or process representations. The representations used for the index, and for retrieving segments of the recording need not contain much detail. The “agenda items” can also be used to guide participants through structured recording activities. 
     Continuing with the above example, as each task item on the agenda comes up for review, that agenda item is ‘checked’. Following the activity, the various participants have a record of what was said about the status of tasks that may be of importance to them. 
     By way of another example, the systems and methods of this invention could be employed by someone repairing a complex piece of equipment. This piece of equipment has very high tolerances but the service technician may be unfamiliar with the machine. As the machine is disassembled, the technician&#39;s actions are recorded. As sub-assemblies are removed, the technician clicks on the image of the sub-assembly in the documentation on a display to create an index into the recording. During re-assembly, the technician encounters a part that does not seem to fit. The technician can then click on the image in the display. The previously-recorded removal sequence performed by that technician is replayed, to show that technician how he removed the part and thus help him replace the part. 
     In a further exemplary scenario, an insurance claims adjuster can use the systems and methods of this invention when examining an automobile. The claims adjuster has a video camera. The system displays an image of a claim form. It highlights sections that the adjuster should record with the video camera. The adjuster then clicks through the parts that are irrelevant to this particular claim and continues on to the next desired element. 
     The systems and methods of this invention actively mediate between the temporal recording and notes and records made using other media or systems. The systems and methods of this invention link images used in the supported processes with the recordings of those activities. 
     These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preferred embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram of an object description file according to this invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an example of an agenda; 
         FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of the indexed recording system according to this invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of the input/output features of the indexed recording system according to this invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary functional block diagram of the indexed recording system according to this invention in use; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart outlining the recording, indexing, and playing process when there is no predefined agenda according to this invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart outlining the indexing, recording, and playing process for a predefined agenda according to this invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a temporal graph of an exemplary recording session. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of an object description file  100  according to this invention. The object description file  100  provides a data structure which indexes recordings of an activity. The object description file  100  is a database which stores an index  105 . The index  105  can be derived from a number of sources or can be generated in real time as an activity, such as a recorded meeting, proceeds. 
     Specifically, the index  105  in the object description file  100  can be a predefined document  110  which is loaded into the system prior to commencement of the activity to be recorded. Furthermore, the index  105  in the object description file  100  can be generated from user input  120 . In this instance, as an activity proceeds, the moderator of that activity can index, i.e., timestamp, specific portions of the recorded/recording activity and label them with a corresponding name. Additionally, the index  105  in the object description file  100  can be extracted from an already existing document  130 . In this instance, the already existing document  130  can be further annotated. Furthermore, the object description file  100  can be derived from a scanned document  140  which is input to the system. 
     All of these methods of input provide an object description file  100  which is an index  105 , such as, for example, the agenda  115  shown in  FIG. 2 , for temporally tracking the recordings of an activity.  FIG. 2  illustrates the exemplary agenda  115 . Each item on the agenda  115  corresponds to a location in the associated audio/video recording. The agenda  115  can correspond, for example, to an already-recorded meeting as illustrated by agenda item  5 . 1 . 1 . In this instance, agenda item  3 . 1 , in whole or in part, is incorporated into the subsequent agenda item  5 . 1 . 1 . If a user selects an ‘item’ in the agenda  115 , the portion of the recorded video/audio corresponding the selected agenda item is then enabled for replay. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an activity indexing system  200  according to this invention. The activity indexing system  200  includes a recording subsystem  210 , an editing subsystem  220 , a playback subsystem  230 , a controller  240 , an input/output interface  250 , audio/video storage  260  and the object description file  100 . 
     The recording subsystem  210  records audio and/or video data of the activity. The editing subsystem  220  allows users to return after recording the activity to further augment the recording. 
     The playback subsystem  230  allows activity participants or others to view a previously-recorded activity at a later time, which may occur during the recording of the activity itself. Thus, the playback subsystem  230 , in conjunction with the recording subsystem  210 , allows simultaneous recording of the activity and playing back of the recording, so that activity participants may review a previously-recorded and indexed portion of the activity, while that review is simultaneously being recorded by the recording system  210  and indexed to the current index heading. 
     The input/output interface  250  enables communication between the activity indexing system  200  and the various types of recording and playback devices. The audio/video storage  260  is a memory device that is capable of storing audio and/or video data. 
       FIG. 4  shows some of the typical input/output devices that can be used in conjunction with the activity indexing system  200 . The activity of the input/output devices is monitored by the controller  240  and routed through the input/output interface  250 . The input/output devices can include a display device  2500 , such as a TV, monitor or touch screen, a slide projector  2510 , a printer  2520 , a speaker  2530 , a mouse  2540 , a microphone  2550 , a keyboard  2560 , an electronic pen  2570 , an electronic whiteboard  2580 , a video recorder  2590  or any other device capable of receiving or conveying information between a user and the system. However, it should be appreciated that any known or later developed input/output device that is capable of recording an activity, replaying that same activity to a user, and/or recording a user&#39;s inputs, can be used in conjunction with the system. 
     The functionality of the input/output devices in  FIG. 4  becomes more apparent if viewed in conjunction with  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 5  functionally shows how the system  200  interacts with user  500 . 
     As described in the previous examples, a user  500  could, for example, be a service technician or a meeting moderator who wishes to record the proceedings of a particular activity. Through the input/output devices, a selector  330 , a microphone  255  and a video recorder  259 , the user&#39;s activities are recorded in the audio/video storage  260  via the appropriate input/output devices. It should be appreciated that this set of input devices is exemplary only and that any known or later developed input device would be used instead of or in addition to those shown in  FIG. 5 . 
     The selector  330 , in response to the user&#39;s  500  actions, appropriately selects an item from the agenda  115  displayed on the display  300  to which the recorded events will be indexed. Therefore, as the activity progresses, the selected index items are associated with particular portions of the recording of the activity being recorded. In particular, the recording of the activity is indexed to the index  105  and stored in the object description file  100  in conjunction with a system clock  320 . As described earlier, this indexing can occur progressively, i.e., as the user steps through an agenda which is shown, for example, on the display  300 , or “on the fly.” In the case of “on the fly” indexing, as new “headings” are encountered or generated during the activity, index markings associated with those activities are registered in the object description file  100 . 
     However, it should be appreciated the activity indexing system  200  is not limited to the particular embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . Specifically, any combination of known or later developed input/output devices could be used provided the selected components that allow for capturing of a particular activity. Additionally, the components should be selected to enable a user to correlate an index, such as an agenda, to the particular events as they are recorded. Thus, the device with which the user interacts to enter or indicate an index item can include, but is not limited to, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, an electronic pen, a track ball, a touch pad, or the like. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart outlining one exemplary embodiment of an indexing method according to this invention. Specifically,  FIG. 6  outlines a method of recording and indexing where there is no pre-existing agenda and the agenda is created “on the fly.” Starting in step S 100 , control continues to step S 200 , where recording the user&#39;s actions begins. Next, in step S 300 , the user is prompted to add an index item corresponding to the currently recorded material. Then, in step S 400 , a determination is made whether the user wishes to replay a previous portion of the recording. If replaying a previous portion is desired, control continues to step S 500 . Otherwise, control jumps directly to step S 600 . In step S 500 , a previously recorded portion is replayed and the act of replaying this previously-recorded portion, and the previously-recorded portion itself, becomes part of the recording of this agenda item. Control then continues to step S 600 . 
     In step S 600 , a determination is made whether another index item corresponding to the now-current location of the recording is desired. If an additional index item is to be added, control jumps back to step S 400 . However, if additional index items are not required, control continues to step S 700 . In step S 700 , recording ends. Control then continues to step S 800 , where the control sequence ends. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart outlining another exemplary embodiment of an indexing method according to this invention. Specifically,  FIG. 7  outlines a method of indexing and recording where there is a predefined agenda and recordings are made corresponding to a selected index item. Starting in step S 1000 , control continues to step S 1100  where an object description file is initialized to provide an agenda template from which the user selects an index item or to which the user can add an index item. The recording will then be correlated to the agenda. Next, in step S 1200 , the recording of the activity is begun. Then, in step S 1300 , a determination is made whether a previous portion of the recording is to be replayed. If a previous portion is to be replayed, control continues to step S 1400 . Otherwise, control jumps directly to step S 1500 . In step S 1400 , a previous portion of the recording is replayed and the act of replaying this previously-recorded portion, and the previously-recorded portion itself, become part of the recording of this agenda item. Control then continues to step S 1500 . 
     In step S 1500 , recording of the activity relative to this agenda item ends. Then, in step S 1600 , a determination is made whether another index item has been selected or added. If further indexing and recording is desired, control jumps back to step S 1200 . Otherwise, control continues to step S 1700 . In step S 1700 , the control sequence ends. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , it should be appreciated that a user can switch back and forth between these methods depending on the desired function. For example, a user, after recording a session according to the method outlined in  FIG. 6 , may decide to go back and add an additional index item or modify an index item using the method outlined in  FIG. 7 . Alternatively, after adding an index item with the method outlined in  FIG. 7 , a user may desire to start an entirely new recording and thus would begin with the method outlined in  FIG. 6 , in the instance where there is no predefined agenda, and the method outlined in  FIG. 7 , where there is a predefined agenda. 
       FIG. 8  is an exemplary temporal graph illustrating how a sequence of events may occur during the recording of an activity. Specifically, as agenda items  1 – 5  are encountered, various start and stop control sequences are initiated to control replaying various items and pausing the recording of the activity. As shown in  FIG. 8 , at time t 1 , recording of agenda item  1  begins. At time t 2 , recording of agenda item  2  begins. Then, at time t 3  recording the agenda item  3  commences. Next, at time t 4 , a previously-recorded agenda item is replayed and recorded as part of the third agenda item. At time t 5 , the replaying of that replayed agenda item stops. Then, at time t 6 , new agenda item  4  is selected to index the recording. 
     At time t 7 , a stop command is encountered, pausing the recording of the activity. Next, at time t 8 , the recording of the activity begins again. At time t 9 , another previously-recorded agenda item is replayed as part of the fourth agenda item. Then, at time t 10 , the replaying of that previously-recorded agenda item stops. At time t 11 , the recording is indexed to the fifth agenda item, as the activity being recorded moves from the fourth agenda item to the fifth agenda item. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the recording and playback device  200  is preferably implemented on a programmed general purpose computer. However, the recording and playback system  200  can also be implemented on a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as a discreet element circuit, a programmable logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA or PAL, or the like. In general, any device, which is capable of implementing a finite state machine that is in turn capable of implementing the flowchart shown in  FIG. 6 , can be used to implement either the activity indexing system  200 . 
     It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the present invention a method and apparatus for using structured representations to index recordings of activity. While this invention has been described in conjunction with preferred embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, applicants intend to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations to fall within the sphere and scope of this invention.