Patent Publication Number: US-2020286523-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for editing media content

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/554,989, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EDITING MEDIA CONTENT,” filed Aug. 29, 2019 (docket number 3051-003-03T). U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/554,989 is a Continuation-in-Part Application which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 (pre-AIA) of co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/053807, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EDITING MEDIA CONTENT,” filed Oct. 1, 2018 (docket number 3051-003-04). International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/053807 claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/572,157, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EDITING MEDIA CONTENT,” filed Oct. 13, 2017 (docket number 3051-003-02), now expired. International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/053807 also claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/567,054, entitled “RETROSPECTIVE CAPTURE TRIGGER,” filed Oct. 2, 2017 (docket number 3051-002-02), now expired. 
     The present application is also a Continuation-in-Part Application which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 (pre-AIA) of co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/053807, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EDITING MEDIA CONTENT,” filed Oct. 1, 2018 (docket number 3051-003-04). International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/053807 claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/572,157, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EDITING MEDIA CONTENT,” filed Oct. 13, 2017 (docket number 3051-003-02), now expired. International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/053807 also claims priority benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/567,054, entitled “RETROSPECTIVE CAPTURE TRIGGER,” filed Oct. 2, 2017 (docket number 3051-002-02), now expired. 
     Each of the foregoing applications, to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure herein, is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment, a method for presenting a media playback includes receiving a plurality of time stamped trigger data, reading a plurality of media segments from a media capture device, each media segment corresponding to a respective time stamped trigger datum, and outputting the plurality of media segments as a playback comprising the plurality of media segments. 
     According to an embodiment, a method for presenting a media playback includes receiving a plurality of time stamped trigger data, and reading at least a thumbnail from each of a plurality of media segments from a media capture device. Each media segment corresponds to a respective time stamped trigger datum. The method includes outputting a plurality of thumbnails arranged along a timeline at a location corresponding to the moment of each trigger datum. The method includes receiving a selection of a portion of the thumbnails via a user interface (UI). The method includes outputting a portion of the plurality of media segments, the portion corresponding to the selected thumbnails, as a media playback. 
     According to an embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has a plurality of computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, provide a media processing system. The media processing system includes a data reading module configured to read captured media and trigger data, the trigger data including a plurality of time stamps each indicating a real time associated with a trigger event. The media processing system also includes a media processing module configured to generate a plurality of media segments. The media processing system also includes an interface module configured to present a media playback including the media segments to a user. 
     According to an embodiment, a media editing system includes a media capture device configured to capture media. The system includes a trigger device configured to generate a plurality of trigger data, each trigger datum including a time stamp. The system includes a media processing system configured to receive the captured media and the trigger data and to output a plurality of media segments each corresponding to a time stamp. 
     According to an embodiment, a method includes capturing media data, storing the media data in temporary storage, and receiving a plurality of trigger data from a trigger device, each trigger datum including a time stamp corresponding to a real time that the trigger device generated the trigger data. The method also includes, each time a trigger datum is received, transferring the media data from the temporary storage to a permanent storage as a media segment. The method also includes uploading the media segments to a media processing system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a media presentation system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a media presentation system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of thumbnails representing media output files, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of thumbnails representing segments of captured media, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of thumbnails representing segments of captured media from multiple media capture devices, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a media playback interface including a timeline of a captured media file with markers indicating times at which trigger data were generated, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of a media presentation system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of a portion of a system including multiple media capture devices and a trigger device, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is flow diagram of a process for presenting a media playback, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of a process for presenting a media playback, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a media processing system, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a media presentation system  100 , according to an embodiment. The media presentation system  100  includes a media capture device  102 , a trigger device  104 , a media processing system  106 , and a personal electronic device  108 . These components of the media presentation system  100  are configured to cooperate to assist in editing and presenting captured media. According to embodiments, the media presentation system  100  may include more or fewer components than shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, a single component may perform the functions of multiple components shown in  FIG. 1 . Additionally, or alternatively, a single component shown in  FIG. 1  may include multiple components. 
     According to an embodiment, the media capture device  102 , the trigger device  104 , the media processing system  106 , and the personal electronic device  108  communicate with each other via the network  101 . The network  101  may include multiple networks including the Internet, wireless area networks, cellular networks, local area networks, or other types of networks. 
     According to an embodiment, the media capture device  102  is configured to capture media. The media captured by the media capture device  102  may include video media, audio media, a combination of video and audio media, and/or individual images. Accordingly, the media capture device  102  may include a camera configured to capture one or more of a video stream, an audio stream, and still images. 
     According to an embodiment, the media capture device  102  is configured to be coupled to a body of the user of the media capture device  102 . For example, the media capture device  102  may include a head mounted camera. The head mounted camera may be configured to mount on a helmet worn by the user. The head mounted camera may be configured to be worn on a head of the user without being mounted to a helmet. The user may wear a head mounted media capture device  102  in a variety of circumstances such as while the user is participating in activities such as riding a bicycle, operating a motorcycle, riding in a kayak, riding a canoe, riding in a raft, skiing, waterskiing, skydiving, rock climbing, hiking, attending an event such as a concert, or in a variety of circumstances in which the user may wish to capture media related to the activity in which the user is participating. 
     According to an embodiment, the media capture device  102  may be configured to be worn by a user. The media capture device  102  may be configured to be worn on an article of clothing of the user, such as on the shirt or jacket of the user. The media capture device  102  may be a body camera worn by a police officer or other individuals. 
     According to an embodiment, the media capture device  102  may be configured to be mounted to an item of sporting equipment or a vehicle. The media capture device  102  may be configured to be mounted to a bicycle, a raft, a kayak, a canoe, a motorcycle, an automobile, a jet ski, an ATV, or in another location. 
     According to an embodiment, the media capture device  102  may be configured to be mounted in a permanent or stationary location. The media capture device  102  may be configured to be mounted at a location to capture media related to an athletic competition, an athletic activity, a concert, a gathering, a park, a home, a secure location such as a bank, a military installation, a police installation, or in another stationary location. 
     According to an embodiment, as the media capture device  102  captures media, or while the media capture device  102  is ready to capture media, notable events of particular interest may occur. For example, during an athletic activity a participant may perform an outstanding maneuver, during a family activity a comical instance may occur, during a crowded gathering an injury or a crime may occur, or during an outdoor excursion a wild animal may be seen or encountered. In circumstances such as these, it may be desirable to single out such notable events from captured media. For example, if a media capture device  102  continuously captures a large amount of video during several hours of an outdoor activity, it may be desirable to be able to single out those notable events from the large amount of video. Additionally, or alternatively, participants may not desire to capture a large amount of video, but rather to capture media only related to those notable events. 
     According to an embodiment, the trigger device  104  enables the media presentation system  100  to readily identify the time of occurrence of notable events. In particular, the trigger device  104  is configured to generate and output time stamped trigger data. The time stamps trigger data identifies the time of occurrence of notable events. In particular, the trigger device  104  includes a real-time clock and a trigger circuit. The real-time clock keeps track of the real time. The trigger circuit includes a mechanism for generating a trigger signal upon the occurrence of a notable event. The trigger circuit may generate the trigger signal upon receiving trigger input from a user. In an embodiment, the trigger circuit may include a mechanism that enables the trigger circuit to generate the trigger signal without intentional intervention by the user. The trigger circuit may operate to generate trigger signals upon the occurrence of a notable event. 
     According to an embodiment, a user of the trigger device  104  may intentionally provide trigger inputs to the trigger device  104  upon the occurrence of notable events. For example, when the user of the trigger device  104  sees or hears that a notable event has occurred, the user may operate a switch, such as by pressing a button, flipping a toggle, manipulating a slider, or otherwise providing trigger input to the trigger device  104  indicating that a trigger event has occurred. When the trigger device  104  receives the trigger input from the user, the trigger device  104  generates a trigger signal. 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  is configured to generate trigger signals in response to stimuli other than intentional user input. For example, the trigger device  104  may be configured to generate a trigger signal based on the tone or intensity of audio signals received by the trigger device  104 . The trigger device  104  may be configured to generate a trigger signal based on motions sensed by the trigger device  104 . The trigger device  104  may be configured to generate a trigger signal based on the intensity of light or based on sudden changes in lighting. Accordingly, the trigger device  104  may include sensors such as microphones, motion sensors, photo sensors, or other kinds of sensors, and may be configured to generate trigger signals based on sensed parameters. 
     According to an embodiment, when the trigger circuit of the trigger device  104  generates a trigger signal, the trigger device  104  reads the real-time from the real-time clock and generates time stamped trigger data that indicates the occurrence of a trigger event and the real time at which the trigger event occurred. Each time the trigger circuit generates a trigger signal, the trigger device  104  generates trigger data indicating the occurrence of the trigger event and including a time stamp indicating the time at which the trigger event occurred. Thus, the trigger device  104  generates trigger data indicating the time of one or more trigger events. 
     In one embodiment, the trigger data includes location data corresponding to the location of the trigger device  104  that generates the trigger data. Thus, the trigger data not only includes a time stamp that indicates a time at which the trigger data was generated, but also location data indicating the location of the trigger device  104  when the trigger data was generated. 
     In one embodiment, the trigger data may includes an audio signal corresponding in time to each time stamped trigger data. Thus, when the trigger device  104  generates a trigger signal, the trigger device  104  also records sound from an environment of the trigger device  104 . Accordingly, the trigger device  104  may include a microphone capable of recording sounds. Each trigger datum may include a time stamp and an audio signal. 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  is configured to wirelessly communicate with the media capture device  102 . In particular, the trigger device  104  is configured to transmit the trigger data to the media capture device  102 . The trigger device  104  may be configured to communicate with the media capture device  102  via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi protocol, Zigbee protocol, or with other kinds of wireless communication protocols. The trigger device  104  may be configured to transmit the trigger data to the media capture device  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  is configured to wirelessly transmit the trigger data to the media capture device  102  immediately upon generating new trigger data. Thus, when the trigger device  104  generates a trigger signal indicating the occurrence of a notable event, the trigger device  104  transmits the trigger data to the media capture device  102 . Each time the trigger device  104  generates new trigger data, the trigger device  104  transmits the new trigger data to the media capture device  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  is configured to wirelessly transmit the trigger data to the media capture device  102  after the end of an activity for which the media capture device  102  captured media. For example, the user may manipulate the trigger device  104  indicating that the trigger device  104  should now transmit all trigger data to the media capture device  102 . Additionally, or alternatively, the media capture device  102  may communicate with the trigger device  104  and request all trigger data from the trigger device  104 . Additionally, or alternatively, after the end of an activity, the trigger device  104  and the media capture device  102  may be coupled together in a wired connection, and the trigger device  104  may provide the trigger data to the media capture device  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the media capture device  102  is a retrospective media capture device. Rather than permanently capturing a large amount of media during a prolonged activity or a prolonged amount of time, the media capture device  102  may be configured to permanently capture only selected events. Accordingly, the media capture device  102  may be configured to continuously capture media data, such as a stream of video and/or audio data, and to store the media data in a temporary storage. The temporary storage may include a circular buffer, a first in first out (FIFO) memory, or another type of temporary storage. As the temporary storage fills up with media data, the oldest media data is removed from the temporary storage and the newest media data is written to the temporary storage. Thus, at any given moment, the temporary storage including captured media data from the immediately preceding several seconds or minutes. When the media capture device  102  receives trigger data from the trigger device  104 , the media capture device  102  transfers the media data in the temporary storage to a permanent storage which will not be overwritten as the media capture device  102  continues to capture media data. The media capture device  102  may be configured to continue to store newly captured media data in the permanent storage for a selected amount of time after the trigger data has been received from the trigger device  104 . In this way, the media capture device  102  may retrospectively capture media data, such as audio and/or video data, from a period of time immediately preceding the receipt of a trigger signal. 
     In one embodiment, throughout the course of an activity, the media capture device  102  may receive multiple trigger data from the trigger device  104  at various times. Each time the media capture device  102  receives new trigger data from the trigger device  104 , the media capture device  102  retrospectively captures media content to the permanent storage. Thus, the media capture device  102  may be operated in a mode that does not cause the media capture device  102  to permanently record hours of continuous data. Instead, the media capture device  102  may be operated in a retrospective capture mode in which the media capture device  102  continuously stores new captured media in a relatively small temporary storage and only permanently records media data upon the receipt of trigger data from the trigger device  104 . 
     In one embodiment, the media capture device  102  generates a media file that includes only segments of media data permanently and retrospectively captured in response to the receipt of trigger data from the trigger device  104 . For example, at the conclusion of an activity, a user of the media capture device  102  may manipulate the media capture device  102  to indicate that the activity has concluded and that the media capture device  102  should now finalize the captured media. In response, the media capture device  102  may generate multiple individual media files each corresponding to a portion of media data surrounding the receipt of a trigger event. Additionally, or alternatively, the media capture device  102  may generate a single media file that includes multiple segments of media data each corresponding to a time of receipt of a trigger datum from the trigger device  104 . 
     In one embodiment, the media capture device  102  is configured to continuously capture media data, such as video data and/or audio data, throughout the course of an activity or a selected period of time. While the media capture device  102  captures media data, a user of the trigger device  104  may cause the trigger device  104  to generate trigger data at various times corresponding to notable events. The trigger device  104  may output the trigger data to the media capture device  102 . The media capture device  102  may mark the captured media data in accordance with the time stamp of the trigger data to indicate in the captured media data those times at which trigger data was received. The media capture device  102  may generate and output a media file that includes the captured media data and markers indicating the times at which trigger data was received. A user of the media capture device  102  may view the media file on an external device, such as the personal electronic device  108 , and may easily identify the locations of notable events in the media data file. 
     In one embodiment, the media capture device  102  is configured to output multiple media files at the conclusion of an activity for which the media capture device  102  captured media data. The media capture device  102  may be configured to generate a media file that includes all of the captured media with markers indicating times at which trigger data was received. The media capture device  102  may be configured to generate a second media file that includes the compilation of segments, each corresponding to the receipt of trigger data. The media capture device  102  may be configured to generate a plurality of individual media files each for a segment of captured media corresponding to receipt of trigger data. 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  is configured to communicate with a media processing system  106 . For example, the trigger device  104  may be configured to transfer trigger data to the media processing system  106  at the conclusion of an activity, event, or period of time during which the media capture device  102  captured media. The trigger device  104  transfers the trigger data, including trigger data for each trigger event that occurred during the activity. Thus, the trigger device  104  may transfer trigger data for a plurality of trigger events to the media processing system  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  may be configured to automatically upload trigger data to the media processing system  106  when the trigger device  104  is connected to a wireless network. Many kinds of activities may take place at locations where the trigger device  104  cannot connect to a wireless network, such as for outdoor activities at remote locations. In these cases, the trigger device  104  will not transmit the trigger data to the media processing system  106  until the trigger device  104  is connected to a wireless network. Once the trigger device  104  is again connected to a wireless network, the trigger device  104  uploads the trigger data to the media processing system  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  may include a software application associated with the media processing system  106 . The trigger device  104  may store the software application in a computer readable medium, i.e., a memory, of the trigger device  104 . The trigger device  104  may execute the software application using one or more processors of the trigger device  104 . The software application may cause the trigger device  104  to transmit trigger data to the media processing system  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the media capture device  102  is configured to upload captured media data to the media processing system  106  upon completion of a media capture activity. For example, the media capture device  102  may be configured to upload the entirety of captured media data after the media capture activity. Additionally, or alternatively, the media capture device  102  may be configured to upload the entirety of captured media and/or individual captured media segments. 
     In one embodiment, the media capture device  102  may include a software application associated with the media processing system  106 . The media capture device  102  may store the software application in a computer readable medium, i.e., a memory, of the media capture device  102 . The media capture device  102  may execute the software application using one or more processors of the media capture device  102 . The software application may cause the media capture device  102  to transmit captured media data to the media processing system  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to receive the trigger data from the trigger device  104  and the capture media data from the media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  is configured to generate edited media data from the captured media data based on the trigger data. The media processing system  106  may output the edited media data to an external device such as the personal electronic device  108  or the media capture device  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to generate a plurality of media segments from the captured media data. Each media segment corresponds to a portion of the captured media data at a time associated with a respective trigger event from the trigger data. The media processing system  106  may output the plurality of media segments to an external device. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to generate, for each media segment corresponding to the trigger event from the trigger data, a thumbnail image. The user may navigate to a selected thumbnail image to access the media segment corresponding to a trigger event from the trigger data. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to generate a media file that includes each media segment. The media processing system  106  is configured to present the media file with a timeline that includes markers indicating the segments corresponding to the trigger events. The media file may include the entirety of the captured media from the media capture device  102 , together with markers on the timeline indicating the locations in the media file of the segments corresponding to the trigger events from the trigger data. Alternatively, or additionally, the media file may include a compilation of each of the segments corresponding to the trigger events from the trigger data. The mark on the timeline may include an indication such as a thumbnail image from the segment corresponding to the mark on the timeline. Additionally, or alternatively, the mark on the timeline may include indications other than a thumbnail image. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to output the edited media files to the personal electronic device  108 . The personal electronic device  108  is configured to enable the user to access and view the edited media files generated by the media processing system  106 . The personal electronic device  108  may include a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a tablet, or another kind of personal electronic device that includes a display for displaying media content. 
     In one embodiment, the personal electronic device  108  includes a software application associated with the media processing system  106 . The personal electronic device  108  may store the software application in a computer readable medium, i.e., a memory, of the personal electronic device  108 . The personal electronic device  108  may execute the software application using one or more processors of the personal electronic device  108 . The software application may cause the personal electronic device  108  to communicate with the media processing system  106  and to receive edited media content files from the media processing system  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  includes one or more servers executing media processing software on computing resources of the one or more servers. The media processing system  106  may include cloud-based processing resources that enable the media processing system  106  to execute resource intensive media editing operations. Users of the media processing system  106  may thus utilize the media processing system  106  to generate edited media files based on the trigger data from the trigger device  104  and the captured media from the media capture device  102 . The media capture device  102 , the trigger device  104 , and the personal electronic device  108  may communicate with the media processing system  106  via the network  101 . The network  101  can include one or more of the Internet, wireless networks, local area networks, or other communication networks configured to enable the components of the media presentation system  100  to communicate with each other. 
     In one embodiment, the personal electronic device  108  includes all or a portion of the media processing system  106 . In this case, the personal electronic device  108  receives the trigger data and the captured media data from the trigger device  104  and the media capture device  102 . The personal electronic device  108  executes media processing software associated with the media processing system  106  and generates edited media files based on the captured media data and the trigger data. 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  can be part of the media capture device  102 . In this case, the user may operate the media capture device  102  to generate trigger data and to cause the media capture device  102  to retrospectively capture media data. 
     In one embodiment, each of the plurality of media segments includes a portion beginning prior to the time stamp of the respective trigger data. For example, the media segment may include media captured a few seconds prior to the time stamp of the trigger data. In an embodiment, a media segment includes up to a minute prior to the time stamp of the trigger data. In another embodiment, a media segment may include more than a minute prior to the time stamp of the trigger data. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a media presentation system  200 , according to an embodiment. The media presentation system  200  may include a trigger device  104  and a plurality of media capture devices  102 . The trigger device  104  and a plurality of media capture devices  102  cooperate together to assist in editing captured media. In an embodiment, a media capture device may be identified (e.g., dynamically identified) using local discovery of media capture devices proximal to an event experienced by the user of the trigger device. Accordingly, a trigger may cause a “harvesting” of captured media from media capture devices unknown to the user at a time prior to or even contemporaneously with the notable event marked by the user. 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  is configured to generate and output time stamped trigger data. The time stamped trigger data identifies the time of occurrence of corresponding notable events. In particular, the trigger device  104  may include a real-time clock and a trigger circuit. The real-time clock keeps track of the real time. The trigger circuit includes a mechanism for receiving a trigger signal from the user upon an occurrence of a notable event. The trigger circuit can generate the trigger signal upon receiving trigger input from a user. In embodiments, the trigger circuit may include a mechanism that enables the trigger circuit to generate the trigger signal without intentional intervention by the user. 
     In one embodiment, each media capture device  102  is configured to capture media. The media captured by each the media capture device  102  may include video media, audio media, a combination of video and audio media, and/or individual images. One or more media capture device  102  may include a camera configured to capture one or more of a video stream, an audio stream, and still images. In one embodiment, one or more media capture device  102  may include retrospective capture capabilities as described in relation to  FIG. 1 . 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  is configured to communicate with each of the media capture devices  102 . The trigger device  104  may transmit time stamped trigger data to each of the media capture devices  102 . The trigger device  104  may communicate with the media capture devices  102  in order to identify media capture devices  102  that are present and in an operational state to capture media. 
     In one embodiment, when the trigger device  104  generates a trigger signal indicative of a notable event, the trigger device  104  outputs trigger data to one or more of the media capture devices  102 . Each of the media capture devices  102  may receive the trigger data from the trigger device  104 , or alternatively may be queried by a media processing system at a later time. One or more of the media capture devices  102  may be capable of retrospectively capturing media data on receipt of the trigger signal. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the media capture devices  102  may add markers into the captured media indicating the location within the captured media corresponding to the receipt of the trigger data. Additionally or alternatively, the trigger signals generated by the trigger device  104  may cause a media processing system to parse captured media streams from the media capture devices to retrieve media segments corresponding to a notable event identified by the user. 
     In one embodiment, the plurality of media capture devices  102  include a predetermined linked group of media capture devices  102 . A user, or users, of the media capture devices  102  may link the media capture devices  102  together prior to utilizing the media capture devices  102  in a situation to capture media. The media capture devices  102  each store data indicating which other media capture devices  102  are in the predetermined group. 
     In one embodiment, the predetermined group of media capture devices  102  is associated with the trigger device  104 . When the trigger device  104  generates trigger data, the trigger device  104  may output the trigger data to each of the media capture devices  102  of the predetermined group of media capture devices  102 . In one embodiment, the media capture devices  102  may pass trigger data to each other in case one of the media capture devices  102  is outside the range of the trigger device  104  but still within the range of another of the media capture devices  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the trigger device  104  is configured to discover nearby media capture devices  102 . The trigger device  104  may be configured to discover media capture devices  102  that have a media capture zone proximate to the trigger device  104 . Thus, when the trigger device  104  generates time stamped trigger data, the trigger device  104  may output the time stamped trigger data to each of the media capture devices  102  that are in a position to capture media in an area local to the trigger device  104 . 
     In one embodiment, the media presentation system  200  includes a media processing system  106 . The media processing system  106  may include a server or cloud-based computing system configured to read captured media from each of the media capture devices  102 . The media processing system  106  may also be configured to receive trigger data from the trigger device  104 . The media processing system  106  may process the captured media in accordance with the trigger data. The media processing system  106  may generate media segments from each media capture device  102  for each trigger event in the trigger data. The media processing system  106  may output edited media data including media segments from each of the media capture devices  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  may determine which media capture devices  102  were in the vicinity of the trigger device  104  each time trigger data was generated based on the location data included in the trigger signal, as well as location data stored by the media capture devices  102 . The media processing system  106  may generate media segments from the captured media of each media capture device  102  determined to be within the vicinity of the trigger device  104 . 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to output the plurality of media segments as a playback. The media processing system  106  is configured to assemble the plurality of media segments in the time sequence corresponding to the sequence of time stamps. The media processing system  106  is configured to output the sequence of segments as a playback. The playback may be continuous, with substantially no break between segments. Alternatively, when the media processing system  106  assembles the media segments, the media processing system  106  may insert a fade between successive media segments. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to output the plurality of media segments as a playback by assembling at least a portion of the plurality of media segments as thumbnails or panes in a display list. The media processing system  106  may be configured to simultaneously output a plurality of thumbnails or panes from the display list on the user display. In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to output the plurality of media segments as a playback comprising the plurality of media segments by displaying media segments from respective media capture devices  102  corresponding to a single time stamp. In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  may be configured to output the plurality of media segments as a playback by outputting the plurality of media segments in a media stream. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to output the plurality of media segments as a media file. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to read a plurality of media segments from the media capture device  102  by reading a media file spanning a plurality of stamped times. The media processing system  106  then processes the media file into separate segments based on the stamped times. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  is configured to read a plurality of media segments from a media capture device  102  by excluding portions of the captured media not corresponding to a trigger. Thus, the media processing system  106  retrieves from the media capture device  102  only those portions of the captured media that correspond to a trigger event. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of how media files are output by the media processing system  106 , according to an embodiment. The media playback may be presented on a display of the personal electronic device  108 . The media processing system  106  has generated a file  310  that is a full video corresponding to an entirety of media captured by a media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  has also generated a file  312  that includes a compilation of segments from the media captured by the media capture device  102 . 
     In one embodiment, when the media processing system  106  reads captured media data from a media capture device  102 , the media processing system  106  may process the captured media so that the captured media can be conveniently viewed or otherwise consumed by a user. 
     In one example, in accordance with one embodiment, a user operates a media capture device  102  during an outdoor activity. The user operates the media capture device  102  in the mode that causes the media capture device  102  to capture media during the entirety of the activity. The duration of the activity is three hours, thirteen minutes, and seven seconds. 
     In this example, in accordance with one embodiment, the user also operates a trigger device  104  to mark the occurrence of notable events during the outdoor activity. Each time a notable event occurs, the user manipulates the trigger device  104  to generate time stamped trigger data. During the outdoor activity, the user causes the trigger device  104  to generate twelve time stamps of trigger data corresponding to notable events that occurred during the outdoor activity. 
     In one embodiment, at the end of the outdoor activity, the media processing system  106  receives the captured media from the media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  also receives the trigger data, either from the trigger device  104 , or from the media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  may receive the trigger data from the media capture device  102  as markers placed in the captured media, or as separate triggers. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  generates the full video file  310  from the captured media. The full video file  310  corresponds to the entirety of the captured media from the outdoor activity. The full video file  310  is three hours, thirteen minutes, and seven seconds long. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  also generates a highlight compilation  312  corresponding to a compilation of media segments from the captured media. Each media segment includes a segment of the captured media corresponding to a time stamp in the trigger data. The highlight compilation  312  includes twelve segments compiled together having a total duration of four minutes, 27 seconds. The media processing system  106  may output the highlight compilation  312  via the personal electronic device  108 . 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  outputs only the highlight compilation file  312 . In this case, the media processing system  106  either does not read the entirety of the captured media from the media capture device  102 , or does read the entirety of the captured media but only generates and outputs the highlight compilation  312 . 
       FIG. 4  is an illustration of how a media processing system  106  outputs media files in a media playback, according to an embodiment. The media playback may be presented on a display of the personal electronic device  108 . The media processing system  106  displays a separate thumbnail for each of a plurality of segments of media captured by a media capture device  102 . Each segment corresponds to a respective time stamp from time stamped trigger data generated by a trigger device  104 . 
     In one example, in accordance with one embodiment, the media processing system  106  reads captured media from a media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  also reads time stamped trigger data generated by a trigger device  104 . The time stamped trigger data includes three time stamps. The media processing system  106  generates three media segments from the captured media. The media processing system  106  outputs a thumbnail for each media segment. In particular, the media capture device  102  generates a first thumbnail  414   a  corresponding to a first segment with a time stamp of 3:55 PM and the duration of 37 seconds. The media processing system  106  outputs a second thumbnail  414   b  corresponding to a second segment with a time stamp of 4:01 PM and the duration of 15 seconds. The media processing system  106  outputs a third thumbnail  414   c  corresponding to a third segment with a time stamp of 6:15 PM and the duration of one minute, three seconds. A user may select a thumbnail  414   a ,  414   b , or  414   c  to play back the respective segment. 
     In one embodiment, each trigger data may include a first time stamp indicating initiation of a notable event, and a second time stamp indicating the end of the notable event. A user may operate the trigger device  104  a first time to indicate the end of the notable event. This can cause the media capture device  102  (or a media processing system in combination with continuously operating media capture devices  102 ) to retrospectively capture a notable event and to stop capture when the notable event has ended. Thus, each media segment may have a duration in accordance with a duration of the notable event. Alternatively, each trigger signal may cause the media capture device  102  to capture media for a preselected period of time. Alternatively, the media processing system  106  may generate segments of a preselected length for each trigger signal. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of how a media processing system  106  outputs media files in a media playback, according to an embodiment. The media playback may be presented on a display of the personal electronic device  108 . The media processing system  106  reads captured media from multiple media capture devices  102 . The media processing system  106  also receives time stamped trigger data indicating a plurality of trigger events. The media processing system  106  generates, for each trigger event in the trigger data, a media segment for each media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  may optionally generate a highlight compilation that includes each of the segments from each media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  displays a separate thumbnail for each of the media segments and for the compilation. 
     In one example, in accordance with one embodiment, the media processing system  106  reads captured media from a first media capture device  102  and from a second media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  also reads trigger data either from a trigger device  104  or from the media capture devices  102 . The trigger data includes three time stamps corresponding to trigger events. The first trigger event has a time stamp of 10:03 AM. The second trigger event has a time stamp of 10:08 AM. The third trigger event has a time stamp of 11:19 AM. The media processing system  106  generates a media segment with a thumbnail  514   a , including media captured by the first media capture device  102  corresponding to the first trigger event. The media processing system  106  generates a media segment as a thumbnail  514   b , including media captured by the first media capture device  102  corresponding to the second trigger event. The media processing system  106  generates a media segment as a thumbnail  514   c  including media captured by the first media capture device  102  corresponding to the third trigger event. The media processing system  106  generates a media segment as a thumbnail  516   a , including media captured by the second media capture device  102  corresponding to the first trigger event. The media processing system  106  generates a media segment as a thumbnail  516   b , including media captured by the second media capture device  102  corresponding to the second trigger event. The media processing system  106  generates a media segment as a thumbnail  516   c , including media captured by the second media capture device  102  corresponding to the third trigger event. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  also generates a highlight compilation as a thumbnail  512 , corresponding to a compilation of all of the media segments from each of the media capture devices  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the user may select any of these thumbnails in order to view the respective media segment or compilation. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of how a media processing system  106  outputs media files in a media playback, according to an embodiment. The media playback may be presented on a display of the personal electronic device  108 . The media processing system  106  reads captured media from a media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  also receives time stamped trigger data indicating a plurality of trigger events. The media processing system  106  generates a media file that includes the captured media. The media file includes markers on a timeline indicating locations within the media file corresponding to trigger events. 
     In one example, in accordance with one embodiment, the media processing system  106  captures media from a media capture device  102 . The media processing system  106  also receives time stamped trigger data corresponding to four trigger events that occurred while the media capture device  102  captured media. The media processing system  106  outputs a media file  618 , including the captured media from the media capture device  102 . The media file  618  includes markers  620   a - 620   d , each corresponding to a time stamp from the trigger data. The user may utilize the markers  620   a - 620   d  to quickly navigate to portions of the media file  618  that correspond to trigger events. Additionally, or alternatively, the markers  620   a - 620   d  may include thumbnail images indicating the content at the marked location. 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of a media presentation system  700 , according to an embodiment. The media presentation system  700  includes a media capture device  102 , a trigger device  104 , and a personal electronic device  724 . 
     In one embodiment, after a user has operated a media capture device  102  to capture media, and a trigger device  104  to generate trigger data, the user seeks to upload and process the captured media in accordance with the trigger data. The user outputs the captured media from the media capture device  102  to the personal electronic device  724 . This may be done wirelessly, or via a wired connection  722 . The personal electronic device  724  also receives trigger data, either from the trigger device  104  or from the media capture device  102 . The personal electronic device  724  utilizes a media processing system  106  to process the captured media from the media capture device  102  in accordance with the trigger data from the trigger device  104 . The media processing system  106  processes the captured media in accordance with the trigger data to generate and output one or more media playback files. The media playback files may include a plurality of segments in accordance with the trigger data, a compilation of the plurality of segments, and/or a full media file including portions of the captured media that do not correspond to a trigger event. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing system  106  includes a software application executed by the media capture device  102 . The software application corresponds to instructions stored in a computer readable medium of the personal electronic device  724  and executed by one or more processors of the personal electronic device  724 . 
     In one embodiment, the media capture device  102  outputs the captured media to a media processing system  106  hosted on one or more servers, or hosted in the cloud. The media processing system  106  receives the captured media and the trigger data, processes captured media, and outputs the captured media for playback on the personal electronic device  724 . 
     In one embodiment, the personal electronic device  724  includes a laptop computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, a desktop computer, or another kind of computing device. 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of a system  800  including a plurality of media capture devices  102  operatively coupled to a trigger device  104 , according to an embodiment. The system  800  includes three media capture devices  102  and a trigger device  104 . Three users  826  each have a media capture device  102  mounted on a helmet. At least one of the users  826  is wearing a trigger device  104  around their wrist. 
     In one embodiment, as the users  826  participate in an activity, the media capture devices  102  are in retrospective capture mode, as described previously. Upon the occurrence of a notable event, the user  826  that is wearing the trigger device  104  causes the trigger device  104  to generate trigger data. The trigger device  104  outputs the trigger data to the media capture devices  102 . The media capture devices  102  retrospectively capture media corresponding to a period of time beginning before the receipt of the trigger data and extending after the receipt of the trigger data for a selected period of time. 
     In one embodiment, multiples of users  826  wear trigger devices  104 . Each trigger device  104  is configured to communicate with each of the media capture devices  102 . Thus, any of the users may cause each of the media capture devices  102  to retrospectively capture media by manipulating the respective trigger devices  104 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a process  900 , according to an embodiment. At  902 , a plurality of time stamped trigger data are received. At  904 , a plurality of media segments are read from a media capture device  102 . Each segment corresponds to a respective time stamped trigger datum. At  906 , a plurality of media segments are output as a playback, including a plurality of media segments. 
       FIG. 10  is a flow diagram of a process  1000 , according to an embodiment. At  1002 , a plurality of time stamped trigger data are received. At  1004 , at least a thumbnail from each of a plurality of media segments from a media capture device  102  is read. Each segment corresponds to a respective time stamped trigger datum. At  1006 , a plurality of thumbnails or outputs are arranged along the timeline at a location corresponding to the moment of each trigger datum. At  1008 , a selection of the portion of the thumbnails is received via a user interface. At  1010 , a portion of the plurality of media segments are output as a media playback. The portion corresponds to the selected thumbnails. 
       FIG. 11  is a block diagram of a media processing system  106 , according to an embodiment. The media processing system  106  includes a data reading module  1102 , a media processing module  1104 , and an interface module  1106 , according to an embodiment. The data reading module  1102 , the media processing module  1104 , and the interface module  1106  cooperate together to generate and present a media playback for users. 
     In one embodiment, the data reading module  1102  is configured to read or receive captured media  1110  from one or more media capture devices  102 . In one embodiment, the data reading module  1102  is configured to interface with one or more media capture devices  102  in order to read or receive the captured media  1110  from the media capture devices  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the data reading module  1102  is configured to communicate with the media capture devices  102  via a network connection. For example, the data reading module  1102  may be configured to communicate with, and retrieve captured media  1110  from, the media capture devices  102  anytime the media capture devices  102  have an Internet connection. Additionally, or alternatively, the media capture devices  102  may be configured to communicate with the data reading module  1102  when the media capture device  102  is connected to the media processing system  106  via a network other than the Internet. Additionally, or alternatively, the media capture devices  102  may be configured to communicate with the media processing system  106  when the media input devices  102  are connected to the media processing system  106  with a wired connection. 
     The data reading module  1102  may query the media capture devices  102  in order to determine whether the media capture devices  102  have any captured media  1110  to upload to the media processing system  106 . If the media capture devices  102  have captured media  1110  available for upload, the data reading module  1102  reads the captured media  1110  from the one or more media capture devices  102 . In one embodiment, the media capture devices  102  may include software applications that are part of or are related to the media processing system  106 . The media capture devices  102  may execute the software applications to cause communication with the media processing system  106  via a network connection. 
     In one embodiment, the data reading module  1102  is configured to read captured media data  1110  from one or more media capture devices  102  when a user of the media capture device  102  specifically elects to upload captured media  1110 . For example, the media capture device  102  may include a software application associated with the media processing system  106 . When the media capture device  102  executes the software application, the user may select to upload captured media  1110  to the media processing system  106  via a user interface of the media capture device  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the data reading module  1102  is configured to read trigger data  1112 . The trigger data  1112  may be read from a trigger device  104 . Additionally, or alternatively, the trigger data  1112  may be read from a media capture device  102  that received the trigger data  1112  from a trigger device  104 . The trigger data  1112  may include time stamps indicating each time that a user manipulated a trigger device  104  to generate a trigger signal. The time stamps indicate times at which trigger events occurred while a media capture device  102  was capturing media, or while a media capture device  102  was in a retrospective capture mode. 
     In one embodiment, the data reading module  1102  is configured to read or receive trigger data  1112  from a trigger device  104 . In one embodiment, the data reading module  1102  is configured to interface with one or more media capture devices  102  in order to read or receive the captured media  1110  from the media capture devices  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the data reading module  1102  is configured to communicate with a trigger device  104  via a network connection. For example, the data reading module  1102  may be configured to communicate with, and retrieve trigger data  1112  from, a trigger device  104  anytime the trigger device  104  has an Internet connection. Additionally, or alternatively, the trigger device  104  may be configured to communicate with the data reading module  1102  when the trigger device  104  is connected to the media processing system  106  via a network other than the Internet. Additionally, or alternatively, the trigger device  104  may be configured to communicate with the media processing system  106  when the trigger device  104  is connected to the media processing system  106  with a wired connection. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing module  1104  generates processed media  1114  from the captured media  1110 . The media processing module  1104  may process the captured media  1110  in accordance with the trigger data  1112 . The media processing module  1104  may generate media segments  1120  from the captured media  1110  based on the trigger data  1112 . 
     In one embodiment, the media processing module  1104  generates processed media  1114  from captured media  1110  that corresponds to a media file that represents the entirety of captured media  1110  from a media capture device  102 . For example, if a user of a media capture device  102  captured media for three hours, then in one embodiment the media processing module  1104  processes the three hours of captured media  1110  to generate multiple media segments  1120  based on the trigger data  1112 . If the trigger data  1112  represents multiple trigger events, i.e., includes multiple time stamps, then the media processing module  1104  generates from the captured media  1110  a respective media segment  1120  for each time stamp in the trigger data  1112 . The processed media data  1114  includes the multiple media segments  1120 . 
     In one embodiment, the captured media  1110  received by the data reading module  1102  includes multiple segments  1120 . In this case, the media processing module  1104  may generate the processed media  1114  by processing the previously generated media segments  1120  into a format that may be accessed by a user. 
     In one embodiment, the media processing module  1104  receives captured media  1110  from multiple media capture devices  102 . The media processing module  1104  processes the captured media  1110  from the multiple media capture devices  102  and generates processed media  1114  including a plurality of media segments  1120  for each time stamp in the trigger data  1112 . For each time stamp, the media processing module  1104  generates multiple media segments  1120 , each from a different media capture device  102 . Each media segment  1120  covers a same real-time span. If the captured media  1110  includes media from three media capture devices  102 , and if the trigger data  1112  includes two trigger events, then the media processing module  1104  generates processed media  1114  that includes three media segments  1120  associated with the first trigger event, and three media segments  1120  associated with the second trigger event. 
     In one embodiment, the processed media data  1114  includes a plurality of thumbnails representing various media segments  1120  generated by the media processing module  1104  or received from the media capture devices  102 . In one embodiment, the processed media  1114  includes large media playback data  1118  in a format that includes user accessible markers that indicate locations within the large media playback data file  1118  corresponding to trigger events. 
     In one embodiment, the interface module  1106  is configured to enable a user to interface with the media processing system  106 . The user may interface with the media processing system  106  via a personal electronic device  108  of the user. The personal electronic device  108  may include a software application linked to the media processing system  106 . Additionally, or alternatively, the personal electronic device  108  includes the media processing system  106  as software instructions executed by the personal electronic device  108 . Additionally, or alternatively, a portion of the media processing system  106  may be implemented on the personal electronic device  108 , and a portion of the media processing system  106  may be implemented within one or more remote servers, or on a separate computing device. However the user accesses the media processing system  106 , the interface module  1106  enables the user to interface with the media processing system  106 . 
     In one embodiment, the interface module  1106  presents media playback data  1118  to the user. The interface module  1106  may present the media playback data  1118  to the user on a display of the personal electronic device  108 . Alternatively, the interface module  1106  may present the media playback data  1118  to the user in a different manner. 
     In one embodiment, the media playback data  1118  includes a media playback of the processed media  1114  generated from the captured media  1110 . Accordingly, the media playback data  1118  may include a plurality of media segments  1120  from the processed media  1114 . The media playback data  1118  may also include unsegmented media files received from media capture devices  102 . The media playback data  1118  may include thumbnails representing a plurality of media segments  1120  that the user can select to view. The media playback data  1118  may include large media files presented with a timeline that includes markers that indicate the locations of media segments  1120  that correspond to trigger events. The markers may include thumbnail images showing a frame of captured media  1110  representing the media segment  1120 . 
     In one embodiment, the interface module  1106  receives selection data  1116  from a user. For example, the media playback data  1118  may include a plurality of media segment files and full media files. The user may provide selection data  1116  indicating which of the media segment files should be compiled for a highlight compilation. The selection data  1116  may indicate which segments, compilations, or full media files should be kept and which should be deleted. The selection data  1116  may indicate which media files should be downloaded from the media processing system  106  to the personal electronic device  108 . The selection data  1116  may indicate which media files that should be permanently saved in a backup storage, or a cloud-based storage. The selection data  1116  may indicate a media file that should be played as part of the media playback data  1118  immediately. The media processing module  1104  may generate further processed media  1114  based on the selection data  1116 . 
     While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.