Patent Publication Number: US-2011076993-A1

Title: Video communication system and method for using same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/688,238 filed on Jan. 15, 2010, which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/205,140, entitled “Video Communication System and Method For Using Same,” filed on Jan. 15, 2009, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to a system and method for recording, transmitting, and accessing video communications. 
     Patrons at entertainment venues, sporting events, tourist attractions, and other leisure and business events often enjoy capturing visual memories of the event to share with friends and family. One way to share memories and messages from an event is by purchasing a post card, photograph or picture. Postcards, however, are limited to the pictures that are available for purchase and do not always convey the desired message. Furthermore, postcards are tedious because a user must prepare and mail them to each and every individual recipient. 
     In recent years, various electronic devices have been developed to improve the ways in which visual memories can be captured and shared. Devices such as digital cameras and video cameras allow users to capture and store high quality photos and video. However, these devices are often limited in their capacity to share and transfer the recorded pictures and video. Specifically, the picture and video files must be removed from the device and transferred to a computer or other medium before being shared with others. Additionally, the user is required to carry the digital camera or video camera with them at the given event. 
     More recently, other devices and technologies have been developed to improve the sharing of video files. Many cell phones, PDAs, and other electronic devices provide a convenient and direct way of communicating a photo or video message to an individual. For example, many cell phones are equipped with digital cameras for recording photos or videos. Additionally, many phones allow an electronic photo or video file to be sent to another cell phone via a text or an email or uploaded directly to the Internet. However, picture and sound quality on most mobile devices is limited due to the size of the electronic media files, and general cost constraints. Furthermore, sharing and accessibility of the video or photo is limited in many cases to other cell phones and mobile devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     A video communication system is provided. The video communication system includes a kiosk for recording video messages created by a user and a database for storing and providing access to the video messages. The kiosk includes a user interface for receiving user information such as name, address, email, and other identifying information. The kiosk further includes a message-recording device for recording a user video message. The video message and user information are uploaded to a database. The database associates the video message with the user information. The video message may be accessed via a website by inputting user information. 
     In an embodiment, the communication system includes a mobile device capable of recording a video message. The mobile device includes a camera, a user interface and a network connection. A software is configured to run on the mobile device. The software is configured to record a video communication using the camera, receive identification data related to a user from the user interface, connect to a network via the network connection, and upload the video message and identification data to a database over the network. The software may further share the video communication instantly to social networking websites. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Objects and advantages together with the operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a system diagram of a global video communication system. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a kiosk for recording a video communication. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a kiosk for recording a video communication 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart of a method for capturing, storing and retrieving a video communication. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention relates to a system and method for recording, storing, and retrieving video communications. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the video communication system  10  includes a plurality of kiosks  12  in communication with a database  14 . As described below in further detail, each kiosk  12  is configured to receive and store video communications and corresponding message data. The kiosk  12  is further configured to communicate with the database  14 . For example, the kiosk may upload video communications to the database  14  and receive instructions or messages from the database  14 . It is understood that video communications may include audio files, video files, text files, other type of electronic media files, or any combination thereof. The database  14  may receive video communications and corresponding message data from the kiosk  12  and store the video communications based on the corresponding message data. 
     Message data may include information related to the user creating the video communication, the place where the video communication is created, the time when the video communication is created, or any other data that identifies the video communication or user creating the video. For example, information related to the user creating the video communication may include the user&#39;s name, a user-created username, the user&#39;s address, telephone number, email address, or other personal information. Likewise, information related to the place where the video communication was created may include the address or name of the venue where the video communication was created, the name of the event taking place at the venue when the video communication was created, or other similar identifying information. 
     The database  14  may allow stored video communications to be remotely accessed. For example, video communications stored on the database  14  may be accessible through a website  16 . In an embodiment, a user  17  may retrieve a stored video communication from the database  14  by inputting a portion of the message data related to the desired video communication into the website  16 . For example, the user may input message data such as a username or password associated with the video communication. The website  16  transmits the message data to the database  14 . If the desired video communication and input message data match, the user may be allowed to access the video communication. The website  16  may permit the user to stream the video communication, download the video communication, or access the video communication by any other means known in the art. 
     The website  16  may be a social networking website. For example, the website  16  may allow users to create a user account based on user information. Users may create a user account while logged into the website or alternatively while using the kiosk  12  by inputting user information into the kiosk  12 . In an embodiment, the kiosk  12  may automatically create a user account on the website  16  based on message data input by the user. Video communications created by a user at a kiosk  12  may be associated with the user&#39;s account on the website. Users on the website may connect with other users on the website to allow third party website users to access video communications. 
     The database  14  may send information related to the video communication and message data to a user. For example, the database  14  may send an email containing a web link to the website  16  to the email address provided by a user. By activating the web link, a user may stream, download, or otherwise access the video communication. The database  14  may also send a text message or email web link to a cell phone, allowing the cell phone user to access the video communication. The database  14  may also send the user information related to the venue or event where the video communication was created. For example, the database may send mail or email advertisements to the user related to other events taking place at the venue where the video communication was created. Additionally, the database  14  may send advertisements to the user related to events at other venues, similar to the event where the video communication was created. 
     The video communication system  10  may allow persons other than the video communication creator to access the video communication via the website  16 . For example, the video communication creator may input identifying information of other persons, such as email addresses, as part of the message data. Persons identified by the video communication creator will receive an email containing a web link to the website  16 . By activating the web link, users  17  may access the website  16  where they may stream, download, or otherwise access the video communication. Additionally, the video communication creator may add persons to receive an email web link through the website  16 . The website  16  and database  14  may limit access to the video communication based on a specified number of users  17 , a predetermined length of time, or any other similar parameter. 
     The kiosk  12  and database  14  are configured to communicate via a remote network. For example, the kiosk  12  may communicate with the database  14  via the Internet, through a satellite connection, over a telephone line, via a cloud network, or by any other remote manner of communication known in the art. In an embodiment, the kiosk  12  includes a communication connection such as an Ethernet port, Wireless Large Area Network (WLAN) connection, WIFI or wireless connection, or other known wired or wireless communication means to communicate with the database  14 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a kiosk  12 . As shown, the kiosk  12  may be a free standing unit, housing various components for recording, storing and communicating a video communication. It will be appreciated, however, that a kiosk  12  may be any unit, freestanding or supported, that houses the components described herein. The kiosk  12  includes a message-recording device  20 . The message-recording device  20  may include a visual recording component such as a camera, video camera, or web camera. In an embodiment, a camera is connected to an adjustable apparatus (not shown). The adjustable apparatus allows the user to change the height and angle of the camera in order to record at a desired position. The visual recording component may further be configured to record a portion of the venue where the kiosk  12  is located. For example, a kiosk  12  located at a baseball park may include a camera positioned to record a user such that the baseball field or other recognizable landmark is seen in the background. In one embodiment, the visual recording component may be positioned to record the user in front of a blank screen or green screen. The user may then select a background to be inserted into the video communication from a list of optional backgrounds. 
     The message-recording device  20  may further include a sound-recording component such as a microphone or other sound-receiving device. The sound-recording component may be integrated with or separate from the visual recording component. The message-recording device  20  may also include a keyboard  22 , graphical user interface  31  such as a touch screen monitor, or other known components for receiving text from a user. The graphical user interface  31  may further be used as a second display to provide information to the user. 
     In an embodiment, the message-recording device  20  includes a digital video camera, a microphone, and a keyboard. The user may record a video communication of a specified length into the video camera. The user may further type a text or caption on the keyboard to be displayed on the video communication. The kiosk  12  may include a display  24  to allow the user to watch or review the video communication during or after it is recorded. 
     The kiosk  12  may include a memory component for storing video communications and message data. Message data input by the user may further be stored on the memory component and associated with the corresponding video communication created by the user. The kiosk  12  may periodically upload the video communications and message data from the memory component to the database  14  via the remote network connection. The kiosk  12  may be configured to upload the video communications and message data based on the number of video communications stored on the memory component, set time intervals, or any other parameter or set of parameters. 
     The kiosk  12  further includes an input device for inputting message data. The input device may include a keyboard  22 , mouse, touch screen monitor, microphone, scanner, USB port, voice recognition, or any other means for inputting data. In one embodiment, the kiosk  12  may include a device for recognizing a user based on an identifier. For example, the kiosk  12  may include a card reader for recognizing and reading a user card. The user card may store user data, allowing a repeat user to input message data by inserting the user card into the card reader. Additionally, the kiosk  12  may recognize a user based on any unique identifier, including but not limited to a user&#39;s fingerprint, retinal scan, electronic device identification, or any other biometric parameter. 
     The kiosk may further include a display  24  or speaker for prompting the user to input data or communicating with the user in response to entered data. In an embodiment, the kiosk  12  includes a display  24 , and a keyboard  22  or other input device, such as a touch screen. The display  24  may prompt the user to enter specific user information such as name, address, telephone number, email address, or other personal information. The user may enter the information using the keyboard  22  or other input device. The information may be stored on the memory component as message data, and associated with the corresponding video communication created by the user. When a user is not interacting with the kiosk  12 , the monitor may display an advertisement loop or other promotion material related to the venue or the features of the video communication system  10 . Advertising and promotional material displayed by the kiosk  12  may be changed at the kiosk  12  or remotely changed by the database at any time. 
     The kiosk  12  includes a currency receiver  26 . The currency receiver may include a bill acceptor, credit card reader, or any other manner for accepting payment known in the art. The kiosk  12  may also provide alternative payment means. For example, the kiosk  12  may allow a user to pay through PayPal, EBT, billing to a cellular phone, or other alternative forms of payment. The display  24  may prompt a user to enter payment. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the kiosk  12  may be a stand-alone unit. With reference to  FIG. 2 , the components of the kiosk  12  may be contained within a body  28 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the components of the kiosk  12  may be connected to a leg assembly  30 . It will be understood, however, that the kiosk  12  may be supported in any manner. For example, the kiosk  12  may be mounted or secured to a wall, post, or other stable portion of the venue. In addition, the kiosk  12  may be portable such as installed in a vehicle, or configured as a mobile unit. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4 , the kiosk  12  may display an advertisement or promotion  34  on the display  24  while there is no user is interacting with the kiosk  12 . Once a user interacts with the kiosk  12 , the video communication system  10  may prompt the user to enter a specified payment  36  before recording a video communication. The kiosk  12  may verify payment by verifying credit card information via the remote network or verifying that proper bills have been inserted into the currency receiver  26 . In an embodiment, the kiosk  12  may allow a user to record a video communication without paying, allowing the user to record a video communication at no charge. The kiosk  12  may prompt the user to enter user information  38 . As previously described, user information may include name, address, telephone number, email address, or other personal information. The user information may be stored on the memory component  40  and associated with the video communication to be created by the user. The user may then record a video communication  42  using the message-recording device  20 . In an alternative embodiment, the user may record the video communication before entering user information. It will be appreciated, however, that the steps described herein may be completed in any order and are not limited to the order illustrated in  FIG. 4 . 
     The kiosk  12  may also be oriented to include two or more stations for the user to complete the tasks of payment, video recording and user information input (not shown). For example, the kiosk may include two stations that are opposite from each other. The first station includes the features that allow a user to make a payment and record a video. The second station includes the features that allow the user to input user information. Alternatively, the two stations can be configured in any manner to allow for payment, recording, and inputting user information. It is also contemplated that the kiosk can include three or more stations to complete payment, recording, and user input on separate stations. The multiple stations may be connected to a single database  14  or may be connected to multiple databases  14 . 
     The kiosk  12  stores the video communication on the memory component  44 , associated with the corresponding message data. The kiosk  12  uploads the video communications and message data  46  to the database  14 , via the remote network. Video communications may be uploaded to the database  14  automatically upon completion of the video communication recording. Alternatively, the video communications may be uploaded to the database  14  at a predetermined time interval, or when a predetermined amount of memory space has been used. However, it is understood that video communications and message data may be uploaded to the database  14  based on any predetermined parameter or set of parameters. The database  14  sends a communication to the user  48  to allow the user to access the video communication. For example, the database  14  may send an email to the user containing a direct link to access the video communication. Additionally, the database may grant access to the video communications by sending a web link via email that allows the video communication to be streamed to a computer, viewed on a cell phone, downloaded, or otherwise accessed. 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the video communication system  10  includes a plurality of mobile devices  50  in communication with the database  14 . Each mobile device  50  may be configured to record and store video communications and corresponding message data and communicate the video communications and message data to the database  14 . The mobile device  50  may further receive messages or instructions from the database  14 . 
     The mobile device  50  may be a portable electronic device capable of remote communication. For example, the mobile devices  50  may be a cellular phones, PDAs, or other electronic devices capable of connecting to a cellular phone network, wi-fi internet connection, or other type of remote network. 
     A software or firmware program may be stored on the mobile device  50 . The software may facilitate communication between the mobile device  50  and the database  14 . The software program may be specifically designed to interface with the mobile device  50  or an operating system on the mobile device. For example, the software program may be an application designed to run on an iPhone, Blackberry device, Android device or another known device or mobile operating system. The software may operate as an executable program that is stored on the device memory. 
     The software may interface with hardware components on the mobile device  50  to record a video communication. For example, the software may interface with a camera or microphone on the mobile device  50 . Further, the software may interface with communication ports, such as a USB port, to interface with external components connected to the mobile device  50 . The software allows a user to record a video communication and upload it to the database  14 . The software may further allow the video communication to be shared directly to a social networking website, such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or other social networking websites. 
     In an embodiment, the software may allow a user to create a custom video communication using special effects technology. For example, the software may be equipped with real time ChomaKey or green screen features to superimpose the target of the video communication onto a virtual environment. The special effects technology may be used to allow a person in a video communication to be virtually interviewed through a series of pre-recorded questions and prompting the user to answer the questions. The software may superimpose the video communication onto the virtual environment in real time, as the video communication is recorded. 
     The video communication system  10  may be configured to display branding or promotions related to a client or sponsor. For example, branding material such as logos or promotional coupons related to the client or sponsor may be embedded into video communications or displayed upon replay of a video communication. The branding material may be arranged as a single picture, icon or logo positioned at a desired location on the video communication. The branding material may also include a border or partial border surrounding at least a portion of the video communication. The border may include logos, slogans, icons, and other material related to the type of video communication or related to a sponsor. Further, the website or software may display advertisements or provide hyperlinks related to the sponsor or its products. 
     The invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alternations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claim or an equivalent thereof.