Patent Publication Number: US-2011066945-A1

Title: Video Greeting Cards

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates to the field of multimedia devices, and more particularly, to an editable multimedia card. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     Greeting cards are important means of social communication, but are usually difficult to customize. Especially customization by a group of people, for example, in case of a birthday greeting cards, requires using pens and paper in the traditional ways, or attaching an additional media for, e.g., home made video films. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a multimedia device comprising: a recording unit comprising a camera and a microphone, arranged to allow users to record video messages; a contributor chain module arranged to organize the recordings corresponding to the order of video messages contributed by each user; a user interface arranged to allow users to input additional content and edit the video messages; a communication unit arranged to allow input and output of multimedia content; a managing unit comprising a power source, a processor, a memory and an application, arranged to save, manage and allow editing of multimedia content, so as to produce an integrated multimedia content comprising the video messages, additional content and inputted multimedia content; and a playback unit comprising a display and a speaker, arranged to allow reproducing the integrated multimedia content. One multimedia device is arranged to allow different users to sequentially save and edit multimedia content, to reproduce the integrated multimedia content and to allow associating different parts of the integrated multimedia content with individual users. 
     Accordingly, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multimedia device, wherein the managing unit further comprises a video format manager arranged to decode and convert video formats of the video messages to a predefined format. 
     Accordingly, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multimedia device, wherein the user interface comprises an electronic pen unit arranged to allow generating hand written notes relating to parts of the multimedia content, and wherein the managing unit is arranged to integrate the generated notes into the integrated multimedia content. 
     Accordingly, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multimedia device, wherein the integrated multimedia content is integrated so as to allow the identification of a generation timing for each video message, additional content and inputted multimedia content. 
     Accordingly, according to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multimedia device, wherein the multimedia device is encased so as to be used as a personalized greeting card, a personalized video chain letter or a personalized digital video diary recording environment events and editing them online or directly on card. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of producing a greeting card, chain letter, or a video diary enhanced with multimedia content. One method comprises: recording a plurality of video messages by a plurality of users using the same recording means that are integrated in the greeting card; associating each video message with a corresponding user which was identified before or during the recording of the video message; editing the video messages using editing means that are integrated in the greeting card or using online web site editing tools; arranging the video messages to an integrated multimedia content so as to allow sequence of video messages ordered and differentiated according to associated users; and reproducing the integrated multimedia content by playback means that are integrated in the greeting card. 
     Accordingly, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, further comprising: inputting notes related to the video messages electronically; and integrating the notes into the integrated multimedia content so as to maintain the relation of the notes to the video messages. 
     These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  are high level schematic block diagrams illustrating a multimedia device and an embodiment thereof as an editable multimedia card, according to some embodiments of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of the editable multimedia card as a greeting card, a chain letter or a video diary, according to some embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  are high level flowcharts illustrating a method of producing a greeting card enhanced with multimedia content, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are high level schematic block diagrams illustrating a multimedia device  200  and an embodiment thereof as an editable multimedia card  100 , according to some embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 3  is a schematic illustration of editable multimedia card  100  as a greeting card, a chain letter or a video diary, according to some embodiments of the invention. 
     In embodiments, multimedia device  200  comprises a recording unit  210  comprising, e.g., a camera  105  and a microphone  107 , arranged to allow users  150  to record video messages. Recording unit  210  may further comprise a light source  108  and be arranged to allow recording the video messages in the dark. Camera  105  may be of CCD, CMOS or any other type. 
     In embodiments, multimedia device  200  comprises a contributor chain module  212  arranged to organize the recordings corresponding to the order of video messages and an order of users  150  and corresponding video messages contributed by each user  150 . Multimedia device  200  may further comprise a physical switch  214  associated with contributor chain module  212 . Physical switch  214  may be arranged to be activated upon each change of user  150  and enable contributor chain module  212  to relate the corresponding video messages to the recording users  150 . Multimedia device  200  may further comprise an authentication module  216  connected to contributor chain module  212  and arranged to authenticate each user  150 . Alternatively or complementarily, authentication module  216  may be associated with or replace by an authentication module on remote server  170 . 
     In embodiments, multimedia device  200  comprises a user interface  220  arranged to allow user  150  to input additional content and edit the video message. User interface  220  may comprise an electronic pen unit (not shown) arranged to allow generating hand written notes relating to parts of the multimedia content. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, user interface  220  may comprise an on/off button arranged to activate multimedia device  200  upon pushing the button or upon opening multimedia device  200  in form of a foldable card. 
     In embodiments, multimedia device  200  comprises a communication unit  230  arranged to allow input and output of multimedia content. Communication unit  230  may comprise a wired communication unit  125  (e.g., a USB socket and cable, separated, integrated or in socket form) and a wireless communication unit  130  such as one operable with BlueTooth, WiFi, optical communication, cellular network (e.g., per SMS or MMS) etc. Inputted multimedia content may comprise templates for recording and editing multimedia content. Communication unit  230  may comprise a cellular communication module  131  (see  FIG. 3 ) such as utilizing GSM (Global System for Mobile communications). 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, managing unit  240  may communicate via communication unit  230  with a remote server  170  over a wired or wireless communication link  99 . Server  170  may provide templates and additional multimedia content to be integrated into the integrated multimedia content, allow user  150  to add content via server  170 , user  160  to receive the integrated multimedia content via server  170 , and other users to view, vote and co-edit the multimedia content. 
     In embodiments, multimedia device  200  comprises a managing unit  240  comprising a power source  145 , a processor  135 , a memory  140  and an application  136 , arranged to save, manage and allow editing of multimedia content, so as to produce an integrated multimedia content comprising the video messages, additional content and inputted multimedia content. Managing unit  240  may be arranged to integrate notes generated by the electronic pen unit into the integrated multimedia content. For example, notes relating to specific parts of the multimedia content may be visually integrated as parts thereof in the appropriate timing. Memory  140  may comprise a flash memory, a detachable memory card or a combination thereof. Power source  145  may comprise batteries (such as button cell batteries or alkaline batteries), rechargeable cell batteries or a combination thereof (the non-rechargeable batteries serving as backup). 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, managing unit  240  is arranged, and the integrated multimedia content is integrated such as, to allow re-editing the integrated multimedia content. For example, receiving user  160  may re-edit the integrated multimedia content, add content and generate a new integrated multimedia content. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, multimedia device  200  may be operated by a main user or an “event director” that may choose a group of people that can have a code or authorization to add their messages to multimedia device  200  physically, or online with editing tools. After all messages have been added, the main user may collect the video messages from his group, send or edit them directly online or on multimedia device  200 . The main user may he manage the messages and direct them over e.g., the Internet via server  170 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, multimedia device  200  may be used as a chain letter (users  150  sending it to each other sequentially) or as a video dairy (a user recording messages through time, like in a diary). These may as well be edited directly on multimedia device  200  or online via server  170 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the power consumption of multimedia device  200  may be optimize to allow recording a predefined number of video messages and editing in respect to the capacity of power source  145  and to the power consumption patterns of display  110 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, managing unit  240  may further comprise a video format manager  137  arranged to decode and convert video formats of the video messages to a predefined format. The integrated multimedia content is integrated so as to allow the identification of parameters such as a source or a generation timing for each video message, additional content and inputted multimedia content. Video format manager  137  may be arranged to receive a large variety of file formats (audio, graphic, image, video, multimedia) and make them available for integration in the multimedia content. Video format manager  137  may be further arranged to allow outputting the integrated multimedia content in various formats. Multimedia device  200  may use a designated multimedia format and video format manager  137  may be arranged to convert other format to and from the designated multimedia format. In particular, the designated multimedia format may comprise identification possibilities for individual content elements that are integrated, and allow their designation or marking. 
     In embodiments, multimedia device  200  comprises a playback unit  250  comprising a display  110  and a speaker  115 , arranged to allow reproducing the integrated multimedia content. Display  110  may comprise any of various liquid crystal displays (LCD) or other types such as a touch screen (partly integrated within user interface  220 ), or various organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays. Processor  135  may comprise a 16-bit central processing unit (CPU) arranged to control display  110  and speaker  115 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, multimedia device  200  is arranged to allow users  150  to sequentially save and edit multimedia content, to reproduce the integrated multimedia content and to allow associating different parts of the integrated multimedia content with individual users  150 . Multimedia device  200  may be given to a receiving user  160  as a present, and encased so as to be used as a personalized greeting card. The encased multimedia device  200  may be designed appropriately, e.g., after various themes. For example, a case  201  ( FIG. 3 ) may comprise plastic, metal, paper, wood or their combinations and be adapted to greeting event such as birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, weddings or other special events. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, multimedia device  200  may be used as a promotional card, allowing clients or workers to participate in its editing. In such cases it may comprise search and text editing tools. Multimedia device  200  may be used as a story teller book, allow parents to document themselves reading a book, or allowing the production of multimedia content to accompany story that is printed on multimedia device  200 . Multimedia device  200  may comprise several pages, each with its own playback unit  250  and user interface  220  to allow producing varying integrated multimedia content on each page. Multimedia device  200  may incorporate video games as part of the integrated multimedia content. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, multimedia device  200  may allow detailed differentiation among source, timing and types of elements composing the integrated multimedia content. Contributor chain module  212  in cooperation with physical switch  214  may be used to differentiate among users  150  and their contributions to the integrated multimedia content. For example, multimedia device  200  may passed among guests of an event, and each guest is allowed to leave a video message for the host (e.g., in a wedding). 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, multimedia device  200  may further comprise various covers (not shown), attachable upon case  201 , that allow variable use of multimedia device  200 . The covers may be of paper, plastic, fabric-all printed with decorations. These may be sold in packs or as separate units with multimedia device  200  as a basic core device. Users  150  may choose the cover as skin according to style or occasion (birthday, Xmas, etc) and connect it to multimedia device  200  by Velcro or zipper, snap etc. The cover make multimedia device  200  customizable and reusable, e.g., one may reuse received video greeting cards. The covers may be printable by users  150  and thus further customizable. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  are high level flowcharts illustrating a method of producing a greeting card enhanced with multimedia content, according to some embodiments of the invention. The method comprises the following stages: recording video messages by users using the same recording means that are integrated in the greeting card (stage  300 ); associating each video message with a corresponding user which was identified before or during the recording of the video message (stage  305 ); editing the video messages using editing means that are integrated in the greeting card (stage  310 ), or using online web site editing tools; arranging the video messages to an integrated multimedia content so as to allow sequence of video messages ordered and differentiated according to associated users (stage  320 ); and reproducing the integrated multimedia content (stage  330 ) by playback means that are integrated in the greeting card. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise physically activating a switch upon each change of user (stage  307 ). Associating each user with the corresponding video message (stage  305 ) may utilize the switch activation (stage  307 ) in order to differentiate among users. The method may further comprise authenticating each user (stage  308 ) as part of this differentiation. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise using templates to the recording and the editing (stage  335 ). The templates may be customized according to the type of greeting card used. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise inputting notes related to the video messages electronically (stage  340 ); and integrating the notes into the integrated multimedia content (stage  345 ) so as to maintain the relation of the notes to the video messages. In the integrated multimedia content, single notes may be related to particular timings in the corresponding video message and to related to a specific recording user. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise wirelessly receiving additional content (stage  350 ); and integrating the additional content into the integrated multimedia content (stage  355 ). 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the method may further comprise exporting the integrated multimedia content to an external server (stage  360 ); re-editing the integrated multimedia content on the external server (stage  365 ); and importing the re-edited integrated multimedia content to the greeting card (stage  370 ). 
     In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. 
     Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment. 
     Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions. 
     It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. 
     The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples. 
     It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention. 
     Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. 
     It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. 
     If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. 
     It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element. 
     It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. 
     Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described. 
     Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks. 
     The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs. 
     The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. 
     Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. 
     The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein. 
     Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.