Abstract:
The present invention is a novel fully interactive multimedia recording system that organizes and catalogues different multimedia data easily and expeditiously using uniform arrays of data packets, thereby achieving improved efficiency of transfer to a memory and storage means over prior art. The data packets may be time variable thus each array is also time variable at the discretion of the user. The effect is to reduce the time of synchronizing the different memory and storage mediums for transfer by providing temporal and uniform data arrays.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/361,471 filed Mar. 4, 2002. The disclosure of the provisional application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates, generally, to recording systems and more particularly to providing a fully interactive multimedia recording system and a method for cataloging multimedia data for transfer to storage, computer systems and between multimedia devices.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    There presently exist many types of audio and video recording systems. The most common being magnetic tape systems with digital recording systems becoming more popular. The magnetic tape or digital media systems capture images via a camera and record the corresponding audio using a microphone. However, stand-alone audio devices are not easily compatible with video devices because of the different recording techniques of the respective devices. Furthermore, editing of separate video or audio recordings requires interconnecting the recording devices separately to a central editing machine.  
           [0006]    Continuing efforts are being made to improve the transfer of data between multimedia recording devices and computer systems. By way of example, infrared light waves have been used as a method of transmitting the multimedia data between a device and computer system. Digital still cameras and digital video cameras allow images to be stored without the use of traditional film products or magnetic tape. However, synchronizing the recording devices for transferring the data to a computer system can be difficult for an amateur user and time consuming. Furthermore, the prior art does not catalogue or organize the data after being downloaded to a computer system, but the data is simply stored and not in chronological order.  
           [0007]    There exists a need to allow a user to organize and catalogue different multimedia data easily and expeditiously during transfer to a computer system. In summary, the needed improvements include reducing the time to synchronize the different multimedia data for downloading and allowing different types of multimedia data to be recorded in sequential fashion. Additionally, a product that incorporates all of the above features and allows collaboration using the Internet, intranet, or similar communicative means is also needed.  
           [0008]    However, in view of the prior art considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0009]    The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for a multimedia recording system and method that records different types of multimedia data and catalogues the data efficiently is now provided in the form of a new, useful and non-obvious system.  
           [0010]    The present invention comprises a multimedia recording system for sequentially recording video data and audio data and cataloging the data, a primary memory means within a multimedia device for temporarily storing video and audio data captured by the multimedia device, a recording control means within the multimedia device for controlling reading and writing of desired digital video and audio data from the primary memory means to a primary recording medium, a packet of digital data formed by a segment of continuous writing of the desired video and audio data to the primary recording medium, the recording control means being adapted to repeat the reading and writing of the desired digital video and audio data from the primary memory means thereby forming a sequential array of packets on the primary recording medium wherein the array contains at least one packet, a base providing a docking interface wherein the docking interface transmits or receives the sequential array of packets with the multimedia device in response to the multimedia device being in contact with the docking interface, and a playback module wherein the playback module provides a playback signal preselected from the array of packets. The packet arrays and playback signal can include recorded biofeedback signals that temporally correspond to video and audio data so that the recorded biofeedback signal is present during playback of the array of packets.  
           [0011]    The base can include a primary storage medium such as a rewritable CD, hard drive, or other similar storage medium well known in the art for the reading and recording of the array of packets. The multimedia device is capable of providing a packet containing multi-frame video data including corresponding audio. Further, the multimedia device is capable of providing a packet containing single-frame video data including corresponding audio. Alternatively, the multimedia device is capable of providing a packet solely of audio data. The multimedia data can be recorded in sequential fashion without regard to whether the data is a picture, a movie or simply an audio recording.  
           [0012]    The base of the system includes a cataloging module, wherein the cataloging module assists the array of packets upon receiving into predetermined chronological units of data for recording on the primary storage medium. The base unit is also provided with a projection feature that allows the stored video data to be projected and previewed.  
           [0013]    The multimedia system can interface with a target computer with a secondary storage medium such as a CD, hard drive, or other similar mediums well known in the art for receiving, storing or transmitting the array of packets. The target computer can include a cataloging module to assist the array of packets upon receiving into a predetermined chronological units of data for recording on the secondary storage medium. When the docking interfaces are placed in contact with each other, the multimedia data packet arrays are transferred between the target computer and the multimedia device with the touch of a button. The docking feature allows the multimedia system to interface with the target computer when the computer is powered on, and, in response, data is electronically transferred.  
           [0014]    The multimedia data packet arrays being transferred to the base or target computer are automatically and chronologically correlated and stored in digital folders on the secondary medium with the outside of the digital folder depicting a single video frame from the stored data. This allows a user to identify the contents of a digital folder. The digital folders can easily be transferred back to the multimedia device for transport and/or transfer to a second target computer.  
           [0015]    An important object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows different multimedia to be recorded.  
           [0016]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a method that catalogues and organizes the multimedia data.  
           [0017]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can download and upload multimedia data for storage and transfer of the data.  
           [0018]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is compact and lightweight.  
           [0019]    Another object of the present invention is to record sequential events of an individual&#39;s lifetime to provide a personal and insightful digital diary.  
           [0020]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide expandable long-term storage of the digital diary.  
           [0021]    These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this description proceeds.  
           [0022]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the general description, serve to explain principles of the present invention.  
           [0023]    The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the description set forth hereinafter.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0024]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 1 is a front view of a multimedia device in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 2 is a rear view of a multimedia device in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a multimedia device in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a multimedia device in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multimedia system in accordance with the present invention showing a multimedia device docked with a receiving port of a base unit.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the docking features of the base unit.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8 is a chart showing the operations of the recording control means. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0033]    Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the reference numeral  10  denotes the multimedia device as a whole. Device  10  includes a housing  12  that protects the internal circuitry that is turned on using power button  15 . The user initiates the recording control means of the multimedia data by pressing one of the record buttons  22 ,  24 , and  26 . Single frame (still picture) image button  22  activates the recording of one video image packet via self-focusing camera lens  25  shown in FIG. 2. The still pictures can be of various resolutions. Flash button  28  when activated provides additional light using flash  32  shown in FIG. 2 for enhanced contrast for recording still pictures and video stream packets (movies). Video button  26  activates the recording control means for the recording of a movie as multimedia data packet for playback and transfer to a target computer (not shown) or base. Still pictures and movies have various modes of being recorded such as classic, black and white or sepia. Audio button  24  activates the recording control means to record audio only packets via microphone  30 . Still pictures and movies have the option of being recorded with corresponding audio. As can be appreciated, there is no specific requirement as to the location of any of the buttons of multimedia device  10 .  
         [0034]    The video playback module controls the playback from the intermediate storage medium of recorded video packets on liquid crystal display  20  when activated using start button  40 . Button  40  is also used to stop the video playback. Rewind button  52  and fast forward button  54  are provided to allow a user to locate and review specific video packets of recorded multimedia data stored in the primary recording medium or alternatively on the secondary recording medium. Speaker  45  is provided for listening to audio corresponding to the recorded video data and stand-alone recorded audio data packets.  
         [0035]    A voice activation button  62  is provided so that the recording control means of device  10  is activated to record data when a previously designated voice is recognized. The features of device  10  can be viewed and selected on display  20  and scrolled through using menu button  64 .  
         [0036]    Multimedia data packets recorded by device  10  can be transmitted using a first docking interface comprising an infrared port  66  or USB port  68 . The transmission is commenced by transfer button  70 . In the alternative, data can also be received by device  10 . Infrared port  66  allows the wireless transfer of data between a target computer or another device  10  or other compatible multimedia recording device.  
         [0037]    Self-record buttons  72  and  74  can be activated for recording a self-image or self-video stream packet, respectively. Biofeedback sensors  80  and  82  are provided so that a user can either listen to and monitor their pulse or can attempt to manipulate the piezoelectric resistance of their skin relative to their present state of rest or stress. In the preferred embodiment, the pulse or other biofeedback of a user can be broadcast over speaker  45  and the color of screen  20  changes color in response to the biofeedback. Additionally, the recording control means of device  10  can record biofeedback signals that temporally correspond to video and audio data.  
         [0038]    A pair of battery contacts  84  is provided on the lower end of device  10  for recharge purposes. Battery pack  90  provides the current to power device  10 . Battery  10  in the preferred embodiment is a removable lithium ion battery. However, as can be appreciated, the energy source identified in the preferred embodiment is based on current state of the art technology and can be substituted, without limitation, with any future compatible energy source. A serial number is stamped on a plate  92  and placed on housing  12  for identification of each individual&#39;s multimedia device  10 .  
         [0039]    Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, once the desired multimedia data packets have been recorded and stored by device  10  on the intermediate storage medium, the packets forming an array can then be downloaded to a target computer or to base unit  100 . Device  10  is docked with base unit  100  using a second docking interface to recharge battery pack  90  via a pair of recharge contacts  115  and to download data via USB port  117  to a target computer if desired. Base unit buttons  102  and  104  control the downloading and uploading of data packet arrays to device  10 . A CD/DVD slot  110  is located on base unit  100  to record data directly to a CD or DVD from device  10 . USB and power wire  125  connects base unit  100  and a target computer (not shown) for transfer of data. Base unit  100  also incorporates a projection module  120  that allows recorded video data to be displayed directly from unit  100 . Primary storage medium in the form of a hard drive or other similar storage medium well known in the art is also incorporated within base unit  100  for storing data. The primary storage is capable of storing a lifetime of events within. The primary storage is comprised of at least one storage module that is capable of being interconnected and stacked upon another storage module to provide an expansion capability of the primary storage. Furthermore, the multimedia recording device is capable of operating independent of a target computer. Base unit  100  can be connected directly to a television or VCR for playback of multimedia data. When device  10  is not docked with base unit  100 , a spare battery can be charged.  
         [0040]    Device  10  is provided with system control indicators (not shown) that inform the user of low battery life, low memory storage and other similar status. USB hard drive sticks or other similar storage medium well known in the art to record digital signals is used to provide additional intermediate storage medium for device  10 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention, wherein various input devices of device  10  provide data for recording. The data can be streaming audio and video input  202 , streaming video input  204 , audio input  206 , biofeedback input  207 , video image and audio input  208  and video image input  210 . The input is captured by a primary memory means  200  and then recording module  203  writes the input data into packets forming a packet array for storage on intermediate storage medium  205  within device  10 . Once stored the video data packets can be viewed using the base projection module  120  located on base unit  100  shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 and denoted  212  on FIG. 7. Additionally, device  10  is provided with a LCD playback module  213  so that video data can be viewed instantaneously using screen  20  located on device  10 . An audio playback module  214  allows stored audio data packets to be played back from device  10  via speaker  45 . Transmitting and receiving data packets is accomplished through a docking interface  220  of base  211 . Docking interface  220  provides a means for stored data on the intermediate storage medium  205  to be transferred directly to a CD or DVD (not shown) in a chronological and sequential fashion. The different types of data are maintained in chronological order within a packet array using device cataloging module  224  allowing video (with or without audio), still pictures (with or without audio), and separate audio to be stored sequentially without regard to the different types of data packets. Alternatively, stored data can be transferred to a target computer designated generally as  213 . Computer  213  is provided with a cataloging module  234  that organizes the data packet arrays chronologically. Cataloging module  234  creates folders in conjunction with CPU  232  to display a single frame video image that identify the typical contents of the corresponding folder. This allows a user to quickly find desired audio or video data without opening each digital folder. The digital folders are stored on secondary storage medium  236  for target computer  213  and primary storage medium  225  for base  211 .  
         [0042]    With reference to FIG. 8( a ), a series of input signals that include different combinations of input data such as Packet  3  with audio, video and biofeedback input, are divided into packets, these packets are written to the primary memory of device  10 . The packets are then formed into a sequential packet array as shown in FIG. 8( b ). The packet array is stored on the intermediate storage medium such as magnetic tape, USB hard sticks, or other storage medium well known in the art until transfer to a primary storage medium. The number of packets per each array is determined by the user and corresponds to an event in time. For example, Packet Array  1  could include several packets from a child&#39;s football game and Packet Array  2  (not shown) could include packets from a relative&#39;s wedding ceremony. Each packet array is cataloged and stored in a respective digital folder corresponding chronologically to that particular event. FIG. 8 shows packet  3  includes streaming video with corresponding audio and biofeedback signals, packet  5  includes a single frame video, and packet  8  includes a single frame video with corresponding audio. Packets  3 ,  5 , and  8  are first written to the primary memory means of the multimedia device and then recorded and stored on the intermediate storage medium as a packet array. The packet array is cataloged upon transfer to a primary storage medium. The unrecorded packets are discarded from the primary memory means. Each packet is time variable and thus each array is also time variable at the discretion of the user.  
         [0043]    Now that the invention has been described,