Abstract:
The present invention relates generally to media sharing and communication systems and methods of providing the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a media content provider configured to disseminate media to a plurality of media receivers. The system further includes a first media receiver in communication with the media content provider, the first media receiver including a first digital recording device configured to record media transmitted by the media content provider. The system further includes a second media receiver in communication with the media content provider, the second media receiver including a second digital recording device configured to record media transmitted by the media content provider. The system further includes a first user interface capable of initiating recording of media through the first digital recording device and transmitting the recorded media to the second media receiver through a communication link.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/773,518, filed Mar. 6, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to media sharing and communication systems and methods of providing the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Individuals having common bonds, both men and women, congregate together to watch events such as sports, theater, or otherwise. In one particular aspect, it is common for individuals to watch television programming including movies, sports, politics, or otherwise. This may occur in a public setting, such as bars, or in a private setting, such as one&#39;s home. During these programming events, individuals engage in discussions, exchange of ideas or beliefs, cheering or even badgering one another. 
         [0004]    With the expansion in relationships between individuals, it is not always possible for individuals to participate in viewing events or programming together. This is particularly the case after individuals separate over time, such as after military service, college, or otherwise. However, recently it has become more common for individuals to maintain long distance relationships with one another. To this extent, various internet service providers have offered networking and communication systems between individuals. They provide the ability to send public and private messages to others in their networking group. They also provide the ability to share profiles and preferences with one another so as to exchange information. Examples of such networking systems include Facebook®, LinkedIn®, Twitter®, or otherwise. 
         [0005]    However, while these and other networking means have provided some means for individuals to maintain contact, they do not effectively replace the ability for individuals to interact with one another, particularly when it comes to events and more particularly with television programming. 
         [0006]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for systems and methods to allow individuals to continue to enjoy events and programming together, without having to be at the same location. This allows for expanded networking in different aspects than before. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention provides systems and methods for sharing and exchanging media between individuals. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the exchange of media is based upon known interests of others. The features of the present invention provide the ability for individuals that are remotely located to exchange communications, ideas or otherwise, particularly as it relates to media and more particularly television programming. Through the features of the present invention, it is possible to select and optionally record media streaming from a media content provider and transmit the media and/or information pertaining to the location of the media for downloading to another through a network established therebetween, which may also comprise a network being used to disseminate the media from the media content provider. The features of the present invention further provide the ability to include communication with the media and/or information pertaining to the location of the media. Further, the features of the present invention provide the ability to selectively distribute the media and/or information pertaining to the location of the media based upon user preference including an indication of desired media content. 
         [0008]    Advancements through the features of the present invention provide a ‘TubeMail’™, ‘TubeShare’™, ‘YouShare’™, communication system that allows individuals, who share the same cable or satellite provider, the ability to record and share portions or full episodes of sporting events, movies, shows or otherwise. The system further allows a user to establish a profile and attract other users or followers from social networks, such as Facebook, twitter or otherwise, based upon the type of programming the user views. Once a profile is established, an individual can enter in favorite shows, sports, commercials, celebrities or otherwise. 
         [0009]    The communication system further includes a digital recording device, such as a DVR, that allows for media to be manually or automatically recorded based upon the user profile. The recorded media can be shared with other users having common elements within their user profile. The system further provides the ability to generate marketing and advertising based upon what the user is watching, user profile including age, gender, location or otherwise, interests such as favorite television shows, actresses or actors, sport teams, soap operas, musician, band, celebrity commercials or otherwise. 
         [0010]    The communication system further provides socialization between users. The system request a user to send and receive a friend request, which must be approved by the recipient, in order to be added to the friend list and receive media. The system is further configured to suggest friends or other users that have similar interest so that media can be sent to individuals, of a user profile friend list, that has similar interests. The system further provides the ability to set up notification that will notify a user when other users are online or offline. Still further, the system includes an instant messaging exchange that is located across the bottom of a user interface. 
         [0011]    In view of the forgoing, in one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a media sharing and communication system. The system includes a media content provider configured to disseminate media to a plurality of media receivers. The system further includes a first media receiver in communication with the media content provider, the first media receiver including a first digital recording device configured to record media transmitted by the media content provider. The system further includes a second media receiver in communication with the media content provider, the second media receiver including a second digital recording device configured to record media transmitted by the media content provider. The system further includes a first user interface capable of initiating recording of media through the first digital recording device and transmitting the recorded media to the second media receiver through a communication link. 
         [0012]    The above-described and other features and advantages of the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, drawings, and appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    Other objects, features, advantages and details of the present invention appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, the detailed description referring to the drawings in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrate a schematic view of a media sharing and communication system according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic view of another media sharing and communication system according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic view of another media sharing and communication system according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view of another media sharing and communication system according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a screen-shot of an exemplary user interface according to the teachings of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary embodiment of a media sharing and communication system  10  is shown. The system  10  includes a media content provider  12  configured to provide media content to a plurality of user systems  14  over one or more networks  16 . The system  10  includes a transmitter  18  configured to transmit media, particularly media programming, to the user systems  14  over the one or more networks  16 . The system  10  further includes a receiver  20  configured to receive media, or media information including identification information, from the user systems  14 , over the one or more networks  16 . The plurality of user systems  14  are configured to receive media, such as television programming, from the media content provider  12 . In one exemplary embodiment, the user systems  14  include a user transmitter/receiver  22 , in communication with the media content provider, a display screen  24  for viewing media content received by the user transmitter/receiver, and in one particular exemplary embodiment a digital recording device  26  for recording digital information received by the transmitter/receiver  18 . In one particular configuration, the user transmitter/receiver  22  is further configured for transmitting data stored by the digital recording device  26 . 
         [0020]    In one exemplary mode of operation, digital media is transmitted by the media content provider  12  to the plurality of user systems  14 . The media transmitted by the media content provider  12  may comprise any media transmitted by a network including programming shows, movies, sporting events, or otherwise. The transmitted media is received by the user systems  14  through the one or more networks  16 . The media received by the user transmitter/receiver  22  is further transmitted to the display screen  24  for viewing. During viewing, once the user of the user system  14  determines they wish to share media content, the digital recording device  26  is activated to record the desired media or record information pertaining to the desired media. The user of the user system  14  generates a message and the recorded media or record information pertaining to the desired media along with the message is then transmitted to another user system  14 , via the network  16 , through the user transmitter/receiver  22 . Dissemination of media from one user system  14  to another user system  14  may be based upon selection by a user of the first user system  14 , based upon user profile set up by a user of the first or second user system  14 , or otherwise. Once the recorded media or media information is received by the second user system  14 , the second user selectively reviews the message and views the media. 
         [0021]    In greater detail, with reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , the media content provider  12  is configured for disseminating media to a plurality of user systems  14 . In one exemplary embodiment, the media content provider  12  comprises a cable television provider, satellite television provider, online movie or other media provider, or otherwise. The media content provider  12  provides assortment of media including audio/visual media, identification information or otherwise. The media provides one or more, or plurality of programming for the user systems  14 . Examples of programming available through the media, without limitation, includes movies, network programming, sporting events, concerts, or otherwise. The media disseminated to the user systems  14  may be streamed through or stored on local hard drive of the media content provider  12 . 
         [0022]    The transmitter  18  of the media content provider  12  is configured to disseminate media to a plurality of user systems  14  over one or more networks  16 . In one configuration, the network comprises a hardwired network, such as a cable network extending from the media content provider  12  to the user systems  14 . In another configuration, the network comprises or includes a wireless network configured for broadcasting signals through radio waves or otherwise. In the latter configuration the media content provider  12  includes a satellite dish or other means for broadcasting media. It is contemplated that the media disseminated from the media content provider  12  may be streamed through the media content provider or stored on one or more digital recording device. 
         [0023]    The receiver  20  of the media content provider is configured to receive information from the user systems  14 . In one configuration, the receiver  20  records data transmitted by the user systems including media, program information, both or otherwise. Accordingly, in view of the many potential user systems  14 , it is contemplated that the receiver  20  includes many data storage devices. In another configuration, the receiver  20  is further configured for transmitting the received or recorded media to another user system  14 , according to a request by the originating user system  14 . 
         [0024]    In one particular exemplary embodiment, referring to  FIG. 2 , the receiver  20  is configured with suitable software for reviewing media transmitted by a user system. In this configuration, it is possible for the receiver  20  to review the identification information of the media transmitted by a first user system  28  and confirm that a designated second user system  30  is authorized to receive the media. In this configuration, the receiver  20  confirms that the media transmitted by the first user system  28  is viewable by the second user system  30  through the viewing package held by the second user system. For example, should the first user system  28  transmit media from a first channel the receiver  20  confirms that the second user system  30  is authorized to view media on the first channel. Should the programming subscribed by the second user system  30  include the first channel then the second user system is authorized to receive and view the media along with any communication attached therewith. Should the programming purchased by the second user system  30  not include the first channel then the second user system is notified that media could not be received due to programming configuration subscribed by the second user. Also, the first user system  28  is notified that the second user system  30  is not authorized to receive the media due to programming subscription of the second user system. 
         [0025]    Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the user system  14 , e.g. first user system  28 , second user system  30  or otherwise, include the user transmitter/receiver  22 , which is configured to receive media from the media content provider  12  and in one particular exemplary embodiment transmit media and/or communication to the media content provider  12  and another user system  14 . In one exemplary embodiment, the user transmitter/receiver  22  is similar or includes a cable box, satellite receiver or similar devise commonly used to receive broadcasted digital programming. It should be appreciated that the transmitter/receiver  22  may comprise a single unit or several units. 
         [0026]    The user system  14  further include display screen  24  configured to display media received by the user transmitter/receiver  22 . The display screen comprises any suitable display screen including standard definition televisions, high definition televisions, monitors or otherwise. The display screen  24  is in communication with the transmitter/receiver  22  through suitable connecting cables or otherwise. The user systems  14  further includes digital recording device  26  configured to record media received by the user transmitter/receiver  22 . Examples of suitable digital recording devices  26  includes DVRs or otherwise. The digital recording device  26  is in communication with the transmitter/receiver  22  through suitable connecting cables or otherwise. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the user systems  14  further include suitable software for generation of a user interface  32  that is useable with a remote keypad, mouse and/or other user interface devices. In one exemplary embodiment, the suitable software for generating the user interface  32  is stored on a memory device of the user transmitter/receiver  22 . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , the user interface provides means for composing messages and attaching media segments, e.g. audio, video and/or identification information, to the composed message. The completed communication is then sendable to other user systems  14 . In the configuration shown, the user interface  32  includes a ‘FRIENDS’ section indicating users of other user systems  14 . The user interface  32  further includes ‘NEW’, ‘REPLY’ and ‘FORWARD’ icons for creating, responding and forwarding communications, which may include media. The user interface  32  further includes ‘INBOX’ section listing communication received from other user systems  14  including ‘FROM’, communication or media ‘SUBJECT’, date ‘RECIEVED’, and file ‘SIZE’ In one exemplary embodiment, the user interface  32  includes ‘Banner Add Space’ for displaying relevant marketing to the user of the user system, which may be based upon a user profile, transmitted or received media and/or communication, or otherwise. 
         [0028]    As mentioned, in one exemplary embodiment the user system  14  includes suitable software and user interface  32  for generating a user profile. The user profile includes information of a user of the user system  14  to provide an indication of personal preference. For example, information that can be inputted into the user interface includes types of media, e.g. audio, video or identification information, a user enjoys. Other user preferences includes programming likes and dislikes including sports, movies, programming or otherwise. Other user preferences are possible. 
         [0029]    In greater detail, in one exemplary embodiment, the user profile provides the ability to indicate special interests. In one particular configuration, the user profile is used to generate suggested viewing. The user profile provides the ability of a user to indicate particular interests which may include a particular actor, athlete, programming type or otherwise. Based upon the user profile, the media sharing and communication system  10  generates a listing of program based upon the user programming, which may include similar interest such as indicated actors, athletes, programming type or otherwise. 
         [0030]    For example, should the user profile indicates a favorite baseball player and the particular baseball player is participating in an interview on one programming channel, such as a finance channel, the system  10  would indicate to the user that a player indicated in their user profile is on a particular channel providing the ability of the user to watch or record the particular programming. This concept can also be applied to actors, movie types, sports, other players, automobile manufactures or otherwise. 
         [0031]    In one particular exemplary embodiment, the user system  14  is integrated in hardware and/or software components of a cellular phone. For example, the transmitter/receiver  22  comprises a transmitter/receiver  22  used in cellular phones for cellular communication. The display screen  24  comprises a screen and user interface of the cellular phone. Further, the cellular phone includes a digital recording device comprising a memory module for recording media, generating user interfaces, generating messages, combinations thereof or otherwise. 
         [0032]    In one particular mode of operation, referring again to  FIGS. 1-5 , during viewing of media being disseminated from the media content provider  12 , should the viewer find a particular media content of interest, the user records and initiates the user interface  32  to select other users to which to share the media content with. Optionally, the user includes a message with the recorded media, such as “check this out”, “did you see that play”, “best part of the movie”, or otherwise. The recorded media and message is sent to another user system  14 , through the media content provider  12  and more specifically receiver  20 . Should the recipient be authorized to receive the media and have sufficient memory, the message and media is transferred to the second user system  14 . 
         [0033]    While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.