U.S. patent application number 11/927791 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for sharing a streaming video.
Invention is credited to GUILLAUME BOISSIERE, CHRISTOPHER DODGE, GAD LIWERANT.
Application Number | 20080163315 11/927791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22691706 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080163315 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIWERANT; GAD ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
SHARING A STREAMING VIDEO
Abstract
A video segment can be shared over a computer network by first
receiving the video segment at a receiving computer on the network.
The receiving computer assures that the video segment is in a
streaming video format, and creates at least one identification tag
for the video segment. The receiving computer also stores the video
segment, and communicates the identification tag to another
computer on the network. Upon subsequent receipt of that
identification tag, the receiving computer streams the video
segment to a destination computer on the network.
Inventors: |
LIWERANT; GAD; (CAMBRIDGE,
MA) ; DODGE; CHRISTOPHER; (ARLINGTON, MA) ;
BOISSIERE; GUILLAUME; (CAMBRIDGE, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STRATEGIC PATENTS P.C..
C/O PORTFOLIOIP, P.O. BOX 52050
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
22691706 |
Appl. No.: |
11/927791 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09803243 |
Mar 9, 2001 |
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11927791 |
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60188082 |
Mar 9, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/98 ;
348/E5.008; 348/E7.073 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/23439 20130101;
H04L 67/2823 20130101; H04L 65/80 20130101; H04N 21/4786 20130101;
H04N 21/2743 20130101; H04N 7/17336 20130101; H04N 21/8586
20130101; H04M 3/567 20130101; H04L 65/602 20130101; H04N 21/2747
20130101; H04M 7/0039 20130101; H04N 21/4223 20130101; H04N 21/4782
20130101; H04N 21/6379 20130101; H04N 21/8352 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/98 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/173 20060101
H04N007/173 |
Claims
1. A method of sharing a video segment over a computer network, the
network comprising a receiving computer and a plurality of other
computers including a destination computer, the method comprising
the steps of: (a) receiving at the receiving computer the video
segment sent over the computer network from one of the plurality of
other computers; (b) performing automatically at the receiving
computer, in response to a command received over the network, the
steps of: (b1) assuring that the video segment is in a streaming
video format; (b2) creating at least an identification tag for the
video segment to identify the video segment; (b3) storing the video
segment under the control of the receiving computer in the
streaming video format; and (b4) returning the identification tag
to the one of the plurality of other computers; (c) receiving the
identification tag at the receiving computer; and (d) in response
to the receipt of the identification tag at the receiving computer,
streaming the video segment in the streaming video format over the
network to the destination computer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to
provisional U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/188,082, filed Mar.
9, 2000, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to the distribution of
video segments. More particularly, the invention relates to sharing
video in streaming video format over a network.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] A video can be sent over a computer network as a file
attachment to an electronic mail (e-mail) message. With this type
of transmission, the entire video file must be transmitted and
received before the receiver can view the video. For large files,
the time required to complete such transmissions can be longer than
the actual playing time of the video. Also, this type of
transmission typically requires multiple computer programs to
perform all of the necessary functions, including an e-mail
application program to send or receive the video in computer file
form, and a second program to play or display the video from the
received file attachment. With this type of transmission, it is
difficult to control the delivery time of the video, and it is
difficult to share or forward the received video.
[0004] A video can be posted to a World Wide Web ("Web") page. In
order to provide a video in this manner, a server computer
connected to the Web must be used to host the Web site, and
software packages must exist and be used to prepare the video, and
transmit it over the Web using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP or
ftp) or the HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP or http). To
implement this type of video posting, at least a detailed knowledge
of various computer communication protocols is required.
SUMMARY
[0005] It is an object of this invention to provide methods and
systems for sharing video segments over a network. It is another
object of this invention to provide a user with the ability to
upload automatically a video segment over a network onto a server,
without any specialized skill or knowledge on the part of the user.
It also is an object of the invention to store the automatically
uploaded video segment either on the server or remotely. The stored
segment can then be streamed over the network, for example the
Internet, to a destination computer such that a person at that
destination computer can view the video segment.
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, full motion video
can be automatically uploaded to a video server and then accessed
by any number of viewers after each viewer has been provided with
an identifier of the video. The video identifier can in general be
an identification tag which identifies where and/or how the video
can be accessed, for example a network address, or a universal
resource locator ("URL"). The video can also be identified with an
image that represents the content or subject matter of the video,
so that the video can readily be identified when held in a
collection of videos. Such identifiers as file names that are
useful in a computer file processing, storage and retrieval system
can further identify the video. In addition or alternatively, the
invention can employ such identifiers as a file handle, a storage
location, an interactive control, and a control object operating
according to the Component Object Model (COM).
[0007] In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of sharing
a video segment over a computer network. The network includes a
receiving computer and a plurality of other computers including a
destination computer. The method includes the steps of (a)
receiving at the receiving computer the video segment sent over the
computer network from one of the plurality of other computers; (b)
performing automatically at the receiving computer, in response to
a command received over the network, the steps of (b1) assuring
that the video segment is in a streaming video format; (b2)
creating at least an identification tag for the video segment to
identify the video segment; (b3) storing the video segment under
the control of the receiving computer in the streaming video
format; and (b4) returning the identification tag to the one of the
plurality of other computers; (c) receiving the identification tag
at the receiving computer; and (d) in response to the receipt of
the identification tag at the receiving computer, streaming the
video segment in the streaming video format over the network to the
destination computer.
[0008] In one embodiment, the method further includes causing the
video segment to be displayed at the destination computer. In one
embodiment, the video segment comprises an image with associated
audio information. In one embodiment, the video segment comprises a
still image. The computer network can include one of a wire
connection, a cellular communication connection, a wireless
networking connection, and a terrestrial satellite communication
connection.
[0009] In one embodiment, step (a) comprises receiving the video
segment which includes an identifier. In one embodiment, the
identifier comprises a selected one of an image, a file handle, a
storage location, an address, a Universal Resource Locator (URL), a
file name, an interactive control, and a control object operating
according to the Component Object Model (COM). In one embodiment,
step (a) comprises receiving the video segment which is sent in
association with an electronic mail message. In one embodiment,
step (a) comprises receiving the video segment which is sent in
association with a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) mail message.
In one embodiment, step (a) comprises receiving the video segment
which is sent in association with an upload form residing on a
World Wide Web (Web) page. In one embodiment, step (a) comprises
receiving the video segment which is sent in association with a
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) transfer. In one embodiment, step (a)
comprises receiving the video segment which includes information
supplied by a sender at the one of the plurality of other
computers. The information can include information describing a
streaming format into which the receiving computer converts the
video segment. The information can include an identification of the
sender. In one embodiment, the identification of the sender
comprises a proper name. In one embodiment, the identification of
the sender comprises a username. In one embodiment, the
identification of the sender comprises a password.
[0010] In one embodiment, the information comprises a return
address of the sender. The return address can be an e-mail address.
In one embodiment, the information comprises an identifier of the
video segment. The identifier can be a title. The identifier can be
a name. The identifier can be a date the video segment was
produced. The identifier can be a location relating to the video
segment. The identifier can be a subject relating to the video
segment.
[0011] In one embodiment, the information comprises a comment about
the video segment. In one embodiment, the information comprises a
period of time during which the video segment will be available. In
one embodiment, the information comprises information relating to a
priority order of processing a video segment by the receiving
computer.
[0012] In one embodiment, the information comprises an instruction
for transmittal of a response. The instruction can include a
formatting instruction. The instruction can include a speed of
transmission. The instruction can include a transmission protocol
to be used. The instruction can include a format of a physical
medium to be used in sending a physical machine-readable copy of
the video segment. The instruction can include a resolution of the
video segment. The instruction can include an image quality of the
video segment. The instruction can include a display format of the
video segment on a destination computer.
[0013] In one embodiment, the information comprises financial
information. The financial information can include a credit card
number. The financial information can include a financial account
identifier.
[0014] In one embodiment, step (b1) comprises converting the video
segment, if it is not in a streaming video format at the time of
receipt by the receiving computer, to a streaming video format,
independent of a received command to perform such conversion. In
one embodiment, step (b1) comprises automatically converting the
video segment from a first streaming video format characteristic of
the video segment upon receipt at the receiving computer to a
second streaming video format.
[0015] In one embodiment, the method further comprises queuing a
second video segment and a command transmitted with the second
video segment for processing by the receiving computer according to
steps (b) through (d) in the event that the receiving computer is
performing any of steps (b) through (d) in response to receipt of a
first video segment. In one embodiment, the method further
comprises providing to a sender of a video segment an estimate of a
duration of the required processing time for the conversion of the
video segment. The estimate is provided prior to performing any of
steps (b) through (d).
[0016] In one embodiment, the method further comprises providing to
the destination computer of a video segment an estimate of a
duration of the required processing time for the conversation of
the video segment. In one embodiment, the video segment is
converted into multiple video formats. The multiple video formats
can include a format not compatible with streaming video. In one
embodiment, the identification tag received by the destination
computer is communicated by the receiving computer in association
with one of an electronic mail message, an HTML electronic mail
message, and an instant message. The identification tag can be a
hyperlink provided in the message sent to the destination computer,
the hyperlink pointing to a Web page that causes the streaming of
the video. In one embodiment, the video segment in streaming video
format is streamed from the receiving computer as information
embedded in a message. In one embodiment, in response to the
receipt of the identification tag at the receiving computer, the
video segment in a first streaming video format is converted into a
video segment in a second streaming format by the receiving
computer, and the video segment in the second video format is
streamed to the destination computer. In one embodiment, the
receiving computer streams the video segment in a format of the
available streaming video formats, the format based on a selected
one of the receiving computer responding to user settings at the
destination computer, the receiving computer responding to display
software installed on the destination computer, the receiving
computer responding to information received in association with the
receipt of the identification tag, and the receiving computer
determining an optimal viewing format for the destination computer
of the formats available. In one embodiment, the receiving computer
sends to the destination computer a video segment that is not in
streaming format prior to the display of the video segment.
[0017] In another aspect, the invention features a computerized
system for sharing a video over a computer network, comprising a
receiving computer for communicating with one or more other
computers over a computer network including a destination computer,
the receiving computer receiving a video segment from at least one
of the one or more other computers, the receiving computer
responsive to a communication from the one or more other computers
that can activate the receiving computer automatically, the
receiving computer comprising: (i) a control module that controls a
memory, the memory capable of holding computer instructions and
data; (ii) a receiving module that receives a message associated
with the video segment sent from the at least one of the one or
more other computers; (iii) an analyzer module that determines
whether the video segment is in a streaming video format; (iv) a
format conversion module that converts a format of the video
segment to a format that is compatible with streaming video; (v) a
storage module that stores the video segment in streaming video
format in the memory module; (vi) an identification module that
creates the identification tag identifying the video segment in
streaming video format stored in the memory module; (vii) a
transmitter module that transmits over the network the
identification tag to a computer of the one or more other
computers; and (viii) a sharing module that streams the video
segment in streaming video format to the destination computer in
response to a return of the identification tag to the receiving
computer.
[0018] In one embodiment, the system further comprises an
extraction module that extracts from the received message the video
segment and information sent with the video segment. In one
embodiment, the information sent with the video segment comprises
an identity of the user of the computer of the one or more other
computers. In one embodiment, the information sent with the video
segment comprises a return address of the user of the computer of
the one or more other computers. In one embodiment, the information
sent with the video segment comprises a title of the video segment.
In one embodiment, the information sent with the video segment
comprises an identifier of the video segment. In one embodiment,
the information sent with the video segment comprises a subject of
the video segment. In one embodiment the information sent with the
video segment comprises a date of creation of the video segment. In
one embodiment, the information sent with the video segment
comprises a description of the video segment.
[0019] In one embodiment, the analyzer module that determines
whether the video segment is in a streaming video format determines
if the video segment is in QuickTime format. In one embodiment, the
analyzer module that determines whether the video segment is in a
streaming video format determines if the video segment is in ASF
format. In one embodiment, the analyzer module that determines
whether the video segment is in a streaming video format determines
if the video segment is in WMF format. In one embodiment, the
analyzer module that determines whether the video segment is in a
streaming video format determines if the video segment is in MPEG
format. In one embodiment, the analyzer module that determines
whether the video segment is in a streaming format determines if
the video segment is in Real Networks (Real) format. In one
embodiment, the analyzer module that determines whether the video
segment is in a streaming format determines if the video segment is
in AVI format.
[0020] In one embodiment, the format conversion module that
converts a format of a video segment from a format that is not
compatible with streaming video to a format that is compatible with
streaming video comprises a format conversion module that creates a
Direct Show filter graph that decompresses the video file into an
uncompressed AVI format file.
[0021] In one embodiment, the identification module that creates an
identification tag identifying the video segment in streaming video
format stored in the memory module comprises a module that selects
a video frame from the video segment in streaming video format. In
one embodiment, the identification module that creates an
identification tag identifying the video segment in streaming video
format stored in the memory module comprises a module that
identifies a location where the video segment is stored. In one
embodiment, the identification module that creates an
identification tag identifying the video segment in streaming video
format stored in the memory module comprises a module that
identifies how the video segment can be accessed. In one
embodiment, the identification module that creates an
identification tag identifying the video segment in streaming video
format stored in the memory module comprises a module that provides
an image that represents the subject matter of the video segment.
In one embodiment, the identification module that creates an
identification tag identifying the video segment in streaming video
format stored in the memory module comprises a module that
generates a file name.
[0022] In one embodiment, the transmitter module that transmits
over the network the identification tag to at least one computer of
the one or more other computers comprises a module that transmits
the identification tag using an electronic mail message
communication protocol. In one embodiment, the transmitter module
that transmits over the network the identification tag to at least
one computer of the one or more other computers comprises a module
that transmits the identification tag using a HyperText Markup
Language (HTML) mail message communication protocol. In one
embodiment, the transmitter module that transmits over the network
the identification tag to at least one computer of the one or more
other computers comprises a module that transmits the
identification tag using an upload form residing on a World Wide
Web (Web) page. In one embodiment, the transmitter module that
transmits over the network the identification tag to at least one
computer of the one or more other computers comprises a module that
transmits the identification tag using a File Transfer Protocol
(FTP) transfer.
[0023] In one embodiment, the sharing module that streams the video
segment in streaming video format to one computer of the one or
more other computers in response to a return of the identification
tag comprises a module that streams the video segment to a
specified computer. In one embodiment, the sharing module that
streams the video segment in streaming video format to one computer
of the one or more other computers in response to a return of the
identification tag comprises a module that streams the video
segment at a selected bitrate. In one embodiment, the sharing
module that streams the video segment in streaming video format to
one computer of the one or more other computers in response to a
return of the identification tag comprises a module that streams
the video segment at a selected transmission quality. In one
embodiment, the sharing module that streams the video segment in
streaming video format to one computer of the one or more other
computers in response to a return of the identification tag
comprises a module that streams the video segment at a selected
performance level. In one embodiment, the sharing module that
streams the video segment in streaming video format to one computer
of the one or more other computers in response to a return of the
identification tag comprises a module that streams the video
segment in a selected format.
[0024] The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and
advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the
following description and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025] The objects and features of the invention can be better
understood with reference to the drawings described below, and to
the claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis
instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of
the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate
like parts throughout the various views.
[0026] FIG. 1A is a diagram of an embodiment of the invention,
showing the relationships between the components and their
interactions with each other and with a sender and a viewer.
[0027] FIG. 1B shows illustrative embodiments of the invention, and
describes the activities that occur in the various components.
[0028] FIG. 1C is a diagram showing software modules that are
resident on one or more of the mail server B 21, the processing
server C 30, and the streaming server D 40, according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 1D shows an embodiment of a process and system
according to the invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is an embodiment of a system according to the
invention, including the interactions and interrelationships within
the system.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a functional block and flow diagram of an
embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a login screen on a user's computer, in one
embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a record/playback screen as seen by the user, in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 6A is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the invention
in which software automates a number of steps in connection with
the uploading of a video segment.
[0035] FIG. 6B is a flow diagram of another embodiment of the
invention in which software automates a number of steps in
connection with the uploading of a video segment.
[0036] FIG. 6C is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the invention
in which software automates a number of steps in connection with
the formatting of a video segment.
[0037] FIG. 6D shows the relationship of some of the files created
in the flow diagram of FIG. 6C.
[0038] FIG. 6E is a flow diagram of a method by which an optimally
formatted video segment is sent to a user according to the
invention.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a screen as seen by the user, the screen
indicating that file processing is occurring.
[0040] FIG. 8 is an interactive screen used to determine the
desires of the individual who sends a video for storage.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a video playback screen seen by the user.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a screen used by the user to control the status
of a video queue.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a screen used by the user to control the
operational settings of equipment associated with the user's
computer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] In the description presented below, there are references to
software and software modules. One of ordinary skill in the
computer arts understands that any functionality that can be
operable by the use of software can also be made to operate by the
use of firmware, such as software, commands, logic or data encoded
on a chip, and equally by the use of hardware, such as a hard-wired
circuit that is designed to perform a specific task. It is also
possible to provide some of the functionality by use of software
modules, and some of the functionality by use of firmware modules
and/or hardware modules. In general, a module is an assemblage of
one or more parts of software, firmware, and/or hardware that
accomplishes a defined function or task.
[0045] Turning to FIG. 1A, a sender ("sender A") using a computer
10 sends a video segment in file form and any associated audio
material (or a plurality of still images with their associated
audio files) as, for example, an e-mail attachment to an e-mail
message from sender A's computer 10 over a network (such as the
Internet or over any other communication medium that sender A's
computer 10 can employ) to a mail server B 21. The network can
include one or more of a wire connection such as a hardwired
connection, a cable connection using RS232, RS422 or RS 485
technology, and telephonic connections or cable connection using a
modem. The network can include one or more wireless connections
such as a cellular communication connection, an infrared
connection, a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) and Bluetooth
technology. The network can include a terrestrial satellite
communication connection.
[0046] The mail server B 21 performs various parsing and file
recognition processes, described in greater detail below. The mail
server B 21 is in bidirectional communication with a processing
server C 30. The functions of the mail server B 21 can be performed
by one or more server computers, and the functions of the
processing server C 30 can be performed by one or more server
computers. In some embodiments, the mail server B 21 and the
processing server C 30 can be implemented on the same one or more
server computers.
[0047] The processing server C 30 performs various video and file
conversion and identification processes, described in more detail
below. The processing server C 30 is in bidirectional communication
with a streaming server D 40. The functions of the streaming server
D 40 can be performed by one or more server computers. The
streaming server D 40 receives the video in streaming video format
from the processing server C 30, and returns to the processing
server C 30 at least one video identifier that can be used to
request the video to be streamed to a viewer. The streaming server
D 40 includes machine-readable storage 50, such as one or more of a
hard disk, a CD-ROM, and a semiconductor memory. The
machine-readable storage 50 (a single example of which is shown for
simplicity) is in communication with one or more databases 60, 61
(only two of which are shown for simplicity). Each of
machine-readable storage 50 and the databases 60, 61 can be local
or remote, in that each can be implemented as a component that is
connected directly to the streaming server D 40, or each can be
connected to the streaming server D 40 by way of a network
[0048] The streaming server D 40 also creates one or more
identifiers for the video file. The identifiers, which are
discussed in more detail below, can include, for example, one or
more of an image identifier (for example, a "thumbnail" or iconic
image), an identification tag, a file handle, a storage location,
an address such as a Universal Resource Locator (URL), a file name,
or an interactive control, or a control object operating according
to the Component Object Model (COM), for example an Active X
control. The streaming server D 40 transmits the video in streaming
video format to the machine-readable storage 50, which, at the
direction of the streaming server D 40, can store the video in
streaming video format and also can store an identification tag for
the video on itself or on the databases 60, 61. The identification
tag, or another identifier of the video, such as the thumbnail
and/or the URL, is communicated back to the sender A's computer 10
by way of one or more of the streaming server D 40, the processing
server C 30, and the mail server B 21. The operator of sender A's
computer 10 can then use the identifier to request that the video
be streamed to sender A's computer 10 for viewing, and/or the
operator of sender A's computer 10 can provide the identifier to
another viewer, for example, by way of a Web page, or by an e-mail.
In one embodiment, the identification tag can be embedded in a Web
page so that a visitor to the Web page can activate the
identification tag, such as a link to a URL, and can transmit to
the receiving computer the information required to cause the
streaming of the video segment to the computer of the Web page
visitor for viewing. In the case of an identifier such as a URL,
the operator of sender A's computer 10 additionally can communicate
the identifier orally or in writing to another viewer. The other
viewer can then use the identifier to request that the video be
streamed from the streaming server D 40 to his or her computer for
viewing.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 1B, the system and method are described in
more detail in a number of alternative exemplary embodiments. The
video sent by sender A's computer 10 (whether sent by e-mail, by
HTML message, by use of a Web page, or by some similar or other
mechanism operating over a network) can include additional
information provided by the user of sender A's computer 10. This
additional information includes, but is not limited to, the
identification of the user of sender A's computer 10 (such as a
proper name or a username and password registered with the server
computer), the electronic return address of the user of sender A's
computer 10 (such as an e-mail address), a title or an identifier
for the video (such as a name, a date produced, a location, or a
subject relating to the video that the user of sender A's computer
10 will recognize), a description of the video and/or other
comments by the user of sender A's computer 10 about the video, a
description of how a response should be transmitted and/or
formatted (e.g., e-mail, Web page containing the video, HTML e-mail
with the video embedded, and the like), and any other information
that may help to identify the user of sender A's computer 10 and/or
the video.
[0050] In an embodiment in which the video is submitted by standard
e-mail or HTML e-mail 1200, the information that the user of sender
A's computer 10 provides is in general standard information that
the e-mail format supports. The identity 1220 of the user of sender
A's computer 10 and the return address 1240 of the user of sender
A's computer 10 is automatically provided as part of the e-mail.
The title or identifier of the video (e.g., name and subject
matter) 1230 preferably can be provided as the subject of the
e-mail, or alternatively within the body of the e-mail, or as an
attachment such as a text file. The description of the video and/or
other comments by the user of sender A's computer 10 preferably can
be provided in the body of the e-mail. Alternatively, the
description and/or other information related to the video or to the
user of sender A's computer 10 can be provided as part of the
subject line of the e-mail, in the body of the e-mail message, or
as an attachment to the e-mail message. The video (and optionally
audio) material is sent as an attachment 1250 to the e-mail. The
recipient of the e-mail and attached video appears as the addressee
1210.
[0051] In another embodiment in which the video is submitted by
HTML form or message 1300, or by use of a Web page, the server
computer 1400 provides a form which has specific interactive spaces
or dialog boxes for each piece of information, including the
identity of the user of sender A's computer 10 and the return
address 1320 of the user of sender A's computer 10, the title of
the video 1310 and/or identifier of the video, and the description
1330 of the video and/or other comments. The HTML message or the
Web page can also have space for additional information 1350, as
well as optional information that the user of sender A's computer
10 desires to submit.
[0052] The additional information can include, but is not limited
to, payment information (e.g., credit card number, account number,
or the like), specifications such as resolution and/or image
quality desired by the user of sender A's computer 10, and optional
services desired, such as the provision of the files in some
additional optional form, such as recorded on CD-ROM and sent to
the user of sender A's computer 10 by postal service.
[0053] The optional information can also include information
indicating the streaming video format that the video segment should
be converted into, information about the resolution, transmission
bitrate, and video quality of the streaming video format that is
desired, and a period of time that the video segment should remain
available. In one embodiment, an instruction includes a display
format of the video segment to be displayed on a destination
computer, such as information about the size of the display in
pixels or in linear measure such as inches or centimeters,
information about what portion of the screen is to be used, such as
the location on the screen, or whether the full-screen is to be
used, and the like. In one embodiment, the sender A using computer
10 is able to set priorities about which video segments should be
processed first by the receiving computer. The form can include a
browse button 1340 that allows the user of sender A's computer 10
to browse a drive and its directories/subdirectories or other file
storage location to more easily locate a file to be sent. The
browse button 1340 also activates a series of computer commands
that automatically retrieve and attach the file to be sent to the
HTML form.
[0054] In an embodiment (not shown) in which the video is submitted
by FTP, the server computer 1400 parses the various parts of the
FTP message, for example by identifying images as one of the
various image file formats, by identifying audio files as one of
the many audio file formats, and by identifying and parsing text
files.
[0055] The system and method include functions that take place at
the server computer 1400 in FIG. 1B. The server computer 1400 can
be implemented using one or more server computers. The capabilities
that the server computer 1400 provides include all of the
capabilities of the mail server B 21, the processing server C 30,
the streaming server D 40, the machine-readable storage 50, and the
databases 60, 61 described in FIG. 1A. These capabilities include,
but are not limited to, performing the functions of: receiving the
transmission of a video file, optionally with one or more audio
files, in e-mail, HTML message, Web page format, or FTP upload to
the server computer ("receive information" at box 1405); extracting
from the received message the video and all of the information sent
with the video, including but not limited to, the identity of the
user of sender A's computer 10, the return address of the user of
sender A's computer 10, the title of the video or identifier of the
video (such as subject, place, date, or the like), the description
and/or other comments, optional additional information, as well as
information that the user of sender A's computer 10 desires to
submit ("take information" at box 1410). The server computer 1400
performs functions that are described in detail in the discussion
below with respect to one or more computer programs, (collectively)
called the VideoShare Producer, that operate on a user's computer,
such as a personal computer. In the present invention, many of the
functions described in detail for the VideoShare Producer are
performed by one or more computer programs that operate on the
server computer 1400. These functions, steps, or operations
include, but are not limited to: determining whether the video is
already in a format compatible with streaming video ("define if
video is streaming compatible format" at box 1420); if the video is
not in a format compatible with streaming video, automatically
converting the video into a format that is compatible with
streaming video (No at box 1422 and "convert to format compatible
with streaming video" at box 1425); passing the video to the next
process step if it is already in streaming video format (Yes at box
1430); optionally compressing the video in streaming video format;
creating an identification tag for the video in streaming video
format; storing a copy of the video in streaming video format in an
archival machine-readable storage 50; recording in a database 60,
61 the identification tag and the storage location of the stored
copy of the video in streaming video format for later retrieval;
creating one or more identifiers, such as a "thumbnail," a URL, a
file handle, or a file name for the video and recording the one or
more identifiers; sending at least one of the one or more
identifiers to sender A's computer 10 of the video at box 1440; and
upon a request in the form of a return of the identifier back to
the server at box 1450, serving the video in streaming video format
in response to the request at 1460 to the source of the request. In
another embodiment, the request to stream the video segment comes
from a computer other than that of the sender A of the video
segment, and the streaming video is then served to the computer
other than that of the sender A. In addition to the processes just
described, the methods and systems of the invention can also
convert the video segment from a first streaming video format to a
second streaming video format, differing from the first streaming
video format in at least one of a file format, an encoding scheme,
a resolution, an image quality, a transmission rate, and a file
size. In some embodiments, a video segment is converted into a
plurality of different formats, differing in one or more of the
properties enumerated above, such as the file format, the file
transmission quality and bitrate, and the like. In some
embodiments, the conversion of a video segment from one streaming
video format to a different streaming video format is performed in
response to a request for the video segment to be streamed in a
specific format.
[0056] The discussion below describes how a video can be examined
to determine if it is or is not in a format compatible with
streaming video format. The discussion below describes the kinds of
conversion that are done to convert a video that is not in a format
compatible with streaming video format to a format that is
compatible. The discussion below describes the optional compression
of a video segment. The discussion below describes the creation of
an identification tag for a video and the use of the identification
tag. The discussion below describes storing a video in uncompressed
or in compressed streaming video format, either locally or remotely
from the storage of the server computer. The discussion below
describes recording in a database the identification tag and the
storage location of the stored copy of the video in streaming video
format for later retrieval. The discussion below describes creating
one or more identifiers for the video and recording the one or more
identifiers. The discussion below describes sending at least one of
the one or more identifiers to the sender of the video. The
discussion below describes serving the video in streaming video
format in response to requests to serve the video.
[0057] In communicating over a network, a file can be transmitted
along with information about the file between computers either
through an e-mail attachment, by using an FTP client-server
program, or by using an upload mechanism placed on the Web. In one
embodiment, the systems and methods of the invention can optionally
convert a video in one streaming video format to a second streaming
video format, as indicated by the arrow labeled "optional" that
points from box 1430 to box 1425. In one embodiment, if the segment
is not in streaming format at the time it is received by the
receiving computer, the receiving computer will automatically
convert it into streaming format. In one embodiment, even if the
video segment is in streaming format upon receipt at the receiving
computer, the receiving computer automatically converts the video
segment into another streaming video format. In some embodiments,
the video segment can be converted into multiple video formats,
including both formats compatible with streaming video and formats
not compatible with streaming video. In some embodiments, the
destination computer is notified that the segment is available in
more than one format and that a user of the destination computer
can select whichever format is preferred for the transmission.
[0058] In the case where the video segment is available into
multiple formats at the receiving computer, the format that will be
used in streaming the video segment to the destination computer can
be selected based on criteria that exist at the destination
computer, including the possibility that the video segment should
be downloaded to the destination computer in a non-streaming
format, and then displayed at the destination computer when the
entire video segment has been downloaded.
[0059] While a viewer can select a video format, in the event that
the viewer does not know which format to select, or in the event
that a better viewing experience would result, a suggested format
can be communicated to the receiving computer from the destination
computer. Example of such communications can include a default
viewer setting, such as a default ASF format, if available, and a
secondary preference for a QuickTime format. In another embodiment,
the receiving computer makes a format recommendation to the
destination computer along with the transmission of the
identification tag. Such a recommendation can, for example, be a
communication that of the various streaming video formats available
(which can be enumerated) a particular format is suggested as the
preferred format. The receiving computer can also determine a
format for streaming a video segment in response to information
that the receiving computer obtains about the display software that
is installed on the destination computer, and the receiving
computer can then recommend a format for which the destination
computer already has display software. Another alternative is to
determine a streaming video format that will provide an optimal
viewing quality. Viewers who do not have appreciable technical
information regarding streaming video formats will be afforded
guidance as to which one to use. This format detection mechanism is
very similar to the speed detection mechanism described elsewhere
in this application.
[0060] The systems and methods of the present invention use
convention methods for such activity. The system and method of the
present invention extract from the received message the video and
all of the information sent with the video, including but not
limited to, the identity of the sender (e.g., the user of sender
A's computer 10), the sender's return address, the title or
identifier of the video, the description and/or other comments,
optional additional information, as well as information that the
sender desires to submit. In general, if one has knowledge of the
syntax of the message that one has received, it is possible to
parse the message into its component parts. In an embodiment that
relies on conventional transmission formats, such as e-mail, the
message is parsed into the component parts according to a set of
parameters that correspond to the default encoding of the message
format. If such parsing fails to disclose one or more components, a
second more specialized computer program can search for a string
that corresponds to a title or identifier. For example, if the
subject line is blank, there appears to be no sender-supplied title
or identifier, and the more specialized program could look for a
string having a format like "(words) at (words)," such as "(My
family) at (the beach)," or the like. In an embodiment such as an
HTML or Web page form, the parsing is direct in that each dialog
box has a prompt that the sender responds to, and the content of
each box is taken to be the requested information. The server
computer can check some of the information provided, such as an
e-mail address, for example by inquiring of the Internet Service
Provider (ISP) server whether the address is valid. Information
that is optional, or information such as a title for a video, can
be accepted without the necessity to confirm the accuracy or
validity of the information.
[0061] The server computer 1400 operates on the received message
with the video in the following manner, irrespective of whether the
message is in e-mail, HTML mail, HTML Web page submission format,
or FTP. The server computer 1400 recovers the video and each of the
pieces of information from the message. The server computer 1400
determines if the video is in a format compatible with streaming
video, or not. If not, the server computer 1400 converts the video
into a format compatible with streaming video format. The server
computer 1400 takes that form of the video that is compatible with
streaming video format and optionally performs compression of the
video. The server computer 1400 takes the video in format
compatible with streaming video format, in uncompressed or
optionally compressed condition, and creates one or more
identifiers, which can include a "thumbnail" image (described in
the discussion below), a file name, a handle and the like, as well
as other identifiers such as a description of the video. The server
computer 1400 creates an identification tag, which it uses to
identify the uncompressed or optionally compressed video in
streaming video format for storage and retrieval purposes. The
server computer 1400 stores the uncompressed or optionally
compressed video in streaming video format locally or remotely in
an archives. The server computer 1400 stores in a database the
identification tag and the location of the uncompressed or
optionally compressed video in streaming video format. The server
computer 1400 sends to the sender one or more of the identifiers of
the video. The identifiers can be sent to the sender in one or more
different formats, including an identifier such as a Universal
Resource Locator (URL) that is associated with the stored
uncompressed or optionally compressed video in streaming video
format; an e-mail with information relating to the location and/or
command required to request that the video be streamed; the command
to stream the video embedded in an e-mail or a HTML message; the
command to stream the video embedded in a Web page, and the like.
The information sent to the sender can include the "thumbnail"
image for ease of identification of the video and its subject
matter.
[0062] In some embodiments, if the receiving computer is already
processing a video segment at a time that another video segment is
received, the second video segment and associated commands is
queued to be processed later. This involves queuing the video
segment and any commands associated with the video segment in a
storage location under the control of the receiving computer. In
some embodiments, if video segments are queued under the control of
the receiving computer, the video segments can be processed in an
order based on a priority set by the sending computer, a priority
set by the receiving computer, or according to any other priority
scheme, such as a calculation performed using an algorithm, that is
implemented on the receiving computer.
[0063] In some embodiments, the sender or the intended recipient at
a destination computer is notified of an estimate of how long the
processing of a video segment is going to take, before the video
segment is actually processed. The notification can be provided by
any method, such as by a return email sent upon receipt of the
video segment at the receiving computer. As those familiar with the
processing of video segments will appreciate, converting a video
into streaming format can be time-consuming, and if many computers
submit their videos at the same time, some requests for service may
take some time to process by the receiving computer. In this case,
it is important to be able to notify the sender or the destination
computer of an approximate amount of time that providing the
required service will take. This is similar, but by no means
identical, to phone systems in which a caller is notified of the
approximate waiting time until the next operator will be available
to respond to a call. In a system where a caller waits for a
response by a human operator, who speaks with other callers, there
is only a statistical possibility of defining a waiting time,
because any call may be longer or shorter than an average, or
expected, duration. In the methods and systems of the invention, a
calculated estimate of a processing time can be provided based on
the file size and the format of a video segment. For example,
knowing the processing speed of a CPU, and an estimate of the time
or the number of processing operations required to convert a file
of a predetermined format and size, a file having a given size of
the same format could be expected to require a time proportional to
the ratio of the file sizes, to a first approximation.
[0064] In some embodiments, the identification tag is communicated
to the destination computer by the receiving computer in
association with one of an electronic mail message, an HTML
electronic mail message, and an instant message, such as a message
communicated among members of an affinity group of computer users
who are contemporaneously on-line. In one embodiment, the
identification tag is an hyperlink provided in the message sent to
the destination computer, the hyperlink pointing to a Web page that
causes the streaming of the video.
[0065] The sender of the video can request that the video be
streamed to the sender, and the sender can additionally, or
alternatively, provide the information needed to request the server
to stream the video to one or more other viewers. When the sender
of the video, or a party who has been given the requisite
information, sends to the server computer a request to stream of
the video, the server computer streams the video to the requester.
It can also automatically submit the video to a third party service
including but not limited to on-line auctions, on-line resume
services, on-line dating services, or on-line customer support
centers.
[0066] FIG. 1C is a diagram 1500 showing software modules that are
resident on one or more of the mail server B 21, the processing
server C 30, and the streaming server D 40. The software modules
perform specific tasks. The servers 21, 30, 40 are interconnected
by a network 22 with a machine-readable memory, such as storage
array 64, upon which software, including software modules, can be
recorded and retrieved for use by the servers 21, 30, 40. The
software modules are described below.
[0067] A control module 1510 controls a memory, which can be any
conventional machine-readable memory such as RAM, magnetic memory,
or optical memory. The control module 1510 can store and retrieve
information from the memory. The memory is capable of holding
computer instructions and data, and as indicated above, can be
located locally with respect to any of the servers, or remotely
from the servers, but in any event the memory is accessible over
the computer network 22.
[0068] A receiving module 1520 can receive both a video segment and
an associated message. The video segment and the associated message
can be sent from any one of the one or more other computers in the
network 22 with which the servers 21, 30, 40 communicate. The
receiving module 1520 can determine that the video segment and the
associated message have been received correctly, and that the files
are complete, for example by use of error detection and correction
technology such as cyclic redundancy checking (CRCs) and
coding.
[0069] An analyzer module 1530 determines whether the received
video segment is in a streaming video format. The determination of
a format can be carried out by comparing the format to known format
characteristics and format identifiers. The analyzer module 1530
can determine whether the format of the video segment is a
particular format including, but not limited to, such formats as
QuickTime format, ASF format, WMF format, MPEG format, a Real
Networks (Real) format, an AVI format, an uncompressed AVI format,
and formats not compatible with streaming video.
[0070] A format conversion module 1540 converts a format of the
video segment to a format that is compatible with streaming video.
The format conversion can be a conversion from a format not
compatible with streaming video to a format compatible with
streaming video, a conversion from a format not compatible with
streaming video to a different format not compatible with streaming
video, a conversion from a format compatible with streaming video
to a different format compatible with streaming video, or a
conversion from a format compatible with streaming video to a
format not compatible with streaming video. The format conversion
can be performed by subjecting a file having a known format to a
transformation that prepares an additional file encoded according
to a second known format. Such transformations are generally
algorithmic in nature.
[0071] A storage module 1550 stores the video segment in streaming
video format in the memory that is under the control of the servers
21, 30, 40, control being exerted by way of the control module
1510.
[0072] An identification module 1560 creates an identification tag
identifying the video segment in streaming video format that is
stored in the memory. As indicated below, the identification tag
can take many forms, including a hyperlink provided in the message
sent to the destination computer, the hyperlink pointing to a Web
page that causes the streaming of the video. The identification
module 1560 can select a video frame from the video segment in
streaming video format as an identification tag. The identification
module 1560 can identify a location where the video segment is
stored. The identification module 1560 can identify how the video
segment can be accessed. The identification module 1560 can provide
an image that represents the subject matter of the video segment.
The identification module 1560 can generate a file name.
[0073] A transmitter module 1570 transmits over the network 22 or
another network such as the Web the identification tag to a
computer of the one or more other computers. The transmitter module
1570 can transmit the identification tag using an electronic mail
message communication protocol. The transmitter module 1570 can
transmit the identification tag using a HyperText Markup Language
(HTML) mail message communication protocol. The transmitter module
1570 can transmit the identification tag using an upload form
residing on a World Wide Web (Web) page. The transmitter module
1570 can transmit the identification tag using a File Transfer
Protocol (FTP) transfer.
[0074] A sharing module 1580 streams the video segment in streaming
video format to the destination computer in response to a return of
the identification tag to the receiving computer. The video segment
is streamed over the network 22 or another network such as the Web.
The sharing module 1580 can stream the video segment to a specified
computer. The sharing module 1580 can stream the video segment at a
selected bitrate. The sharing module 1580 can stream the video
segment at a selected transmission quality. The sharing module 1580
can stream the video segment at a selected performance level. The
sharing module 1580 can stream streams the video segment in a
selected format.
[0075] In this document there are references to methods and systems
that operate on the computer of the user. There are references to
software called Videoshare Producer that operates on the computer
of a user. It should be understood that any system, process or
capability that can be carried out on the user's computer in
relation to the VideoShare Producer software can equally well be
carried out on a host computer that includes one or more server
computers that communicate over a network such as the Web with
other computers. That is, any process performed on a user computer
by software such as the VideoShare Producer can also be performed
on a host computer that includes servers.
[0076] This document makes reference to processing of a video file
on the user computer before the video file is uploaded to a host
computer. It should be understood that it is also possible to
upload the video file without performing all of the processing
described at the user computer, but rather performing the
processing at the host computer after the video has been
uploaded.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 1D, a user of the system, such as a
private individual working from home, or a professional working
from a business, employs a computer system 10. The computer system
10 can include a computer which can be a personal computer of
conventional type such as a desktop or laptop computer, a hand held
device such as a PDA, or a more powerful computer such as a
workstation, a server, a minicomputer, a mainframe, or the like.
The computer system 10 can operate software including a web browser
such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator or
Communicator or the like, for communication over a network such as
the Internet using the World Wide Web (hereinafter "the Web"), or
to permit wireless communication. The computer system 10 can
operate software that can manipulate video segment files. The
computer system 10 can communicate with video sources, such a video
cameras and video recording machines, if the user wishes to employ
such sources. Conventional commercially available personal
computers typically have sufficient capability to meet these
requirements. The computer system 10 can also employ video segments
generated digitally by the computer and appropriate software, or by
another computer, if the user wishes to employ such techniques. In
one embodiment, the computer system 10 operates a software package
called VideoShare Producer 20, which will be described and
explained in more detail below.
[0078] The VideoShare Producer 20 is a software application package
that the user can download from the Web site www.VideoShare.com 50
or that the user can obtain in other formats such as on a CD-ROM or
bundled with other software or hardware. The VideoShare Producer 20
software can be operated by the user under his control on his
computer, in the computer system 10, in order to provide the
capability of recording, converting, and optionally, compressing
video segments, creating one or more identifiers for a video
segment, and transmitting a video segment with one or more of the
identifiers to a host computer 60 operating under the control of a
host such as www.VideoShare.com 50 for storage at a location under
the control of the host computer 60. The host computer 60 will be
described further below.
[0079] The computer in the computer system 10 of the user one can
be connected to one or more kinds of equipment for generating video
segments, such as a video camera such as a Web cam 12 or another
type of video camera such as a professional quality video camera.
The computer in the computer system 10 of the user can be connected
to one or more kinds of equipment for providing prerecorded video
segments, such as a video recorder 14, or another computer that can
create digital video segments through the use of suitable software,
such as for example digital video segments that have been created
for various commercial films, or the like. Once the user has
obtained a video segment, and has manipulated it according to the
procedures described below with regard to the operation of the
VideoShare software package, or its equivalent, the video segment
with one or more identifiers is transmitted to the host computer
60.
[0080] The host computer 60 includes one or more server computers
62, 62', 62'' that communicate over a network such as the Web with
other computers, such as the computer in the user's computer system
10. The one or more server computers 62, 62', 62'' also communicate
with a storage array 64, or optionally with a plurality of storage
arrays substantially similar to storage array 64. The storage array
64 can be any convenient storage system, such as a redundant array
of magnetic storage disks, one or more readable and writeable
CD-ROMs, random access semiconductor memory, any combination of
such storage devices, or the like. In one embodiment, the host
computer 60 operates the www.VideoShare.com 50 Web site, and
provides a video hosting service to one or more users. The host
computer 60 can connect over the Web and the web site
www.VideoShare.com 50 to one or more computers that comprise the
Web, conceptually denoted by the box 70, which, while not a part of
the www.VideoShare.com 50 Web site, appears to be transparent to
users of the www.VideoShare.com 50 Web site, as well as to viewers
of video segments that are being hosted by the host computer
60.
[0081] Viewers, or individuals who desire, or are invited, to view
video segments hosted on the host computer 60, can access video
segments hosted on the host computer 60. As will be described in
more detail below, in one embodiment, video segments can be hosted
on host computer 60 in areas that are open to the public, or can be
hosted in other areas that are open only to viewers who have the
appropriate permission or authorization to view a specific video
segment. A hosted video segment that is stored and controlled by
the host computer 60 may be delivered to and displayed for a viewer
in a variety of formats, and through a variety of methods, as
denoted generally by the box 80. In different embodiments, a video
segment can be displayed as: a video greeting card 81, such as a
person wishing another a happy birthday; as video email 82, as
video that can be viewed on a remote website 83 (e.g., a video
segment embedded into the remote website so that a viewer who
visits the remote website sees the video segment as part of the
page that is presented); as video commerce 84, for example a video
that depicts a person describing his or her experience and training
as part of a resume submitted on-line; or as a video advertisement
85, for example a video depicting the benefits or showing the use
of a product. Many other like applications of the technology can be
envisioned. In various embodiments, the video segment can be made
available to the viewer as a streaming video that is sent to the
viewer, or may be made available by sending the viewer a message
such as an email that contains an address of a location to visit on
the Web (e.g., a Universal Resource Locator, or URL), or may be
made available by sending the viewer a message that contains an
embedded link to a URL, for example by sending an e-mail containing
the link or by sending a still image that may have some interest to
a viewer (e.g., sending a grandmother a still image of her
grandchildren) to which a link is attached (e.g., the still image
is linked to a streaming video of the grandchildren that is
delivered and that plays when the still image is clicked). In the
latter two methods of making a video segment available, or in like
methods, the viewer must take some action, such as employing the
URL or activating the link. In some embodiments, the viewer can use
a hand held device such as a PDA or a cellular telephone that can
connect to a network such as the Internet to view the video
segment.
[0082] In FIG. 2, the computer 16 of the user's computer system 10
is shown. The box 18 is intended to schematically depict a user of
a computer video input device, which device can be the computer 16
operating suitable software to generate digital video, or can be
another such computer, or can be the web cam or video camera 12, or
can be the video recording device 14, or the like. The user begins
by producing and/or recording a video segment on the hard disk of
the computer 16 or within the temporary memory of a handheld
device. As a second step, the video segment of step 1 can
optionally be compressed and/or can be changed as regards the
computer file format in which it is recorded on the hard disk. As a
third step, the video segment recorded on the hard drive of the
computer 16 is transmitted with one or more identifiers to the host
computer 60 that includes the VideoShare servers 62, 62' and the
storage array 64. The video segment is stored under the control of
the host computer 60, which can generate an identification tag that
the host computer 60 can use to locate the stored video segment for
retrieval and for viewing. In different embodiments, the
identification tag can be provided to a user in the form of a URL,
or can be embedded into a Web page on a remote site, or can be
linked to a message. In one embodiment the message can be a still
image that can be selected from the video segment. The third step
is schematically depicted by the arrow pointing generally from the
computer 16 to the VideoShare servers 62, 62'. As a fourth step,
the user who stored the video can send a message to an intended
viewer, so that the viewer can access and view the video segment.
The fourth step is schematically depicted by the arrow pointing
generally from the computer 16 to the computer 90 of the viewer.
The box 92 is intended to schematically depict a user of a display
device. In one embodiment, the display device can be the computer
90, or the display device can be a display device such as a Web TV,
or can be a video output device such as a television set with a
suitable decoder, or the like. The display device can also be a
wireless hand held device such as a PDA or a cellular telephone or
the like. In a fifth step, the viewer activates the viewing of the
video segment. The viewer's action is indicated schematically by
the arrow pointing generally from the computer 90 to the server
computer 62, 62'. In one embodiment the viewer activates a link by
clicking a button, and the server computer 62, 62' responds by
sending a streaming video segment that the viewer observe. The
streaming video segment can in one embodiment be delivered as part
of a video greeting card 81. In an alternative embodiment, the
video can be delivered as a streaming video directly to the viewer
from the host computer 60, without the viewer having to activate
the host computer 60.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the user can obtain a copy of the
VideoShare Producer 20 software by downloading a copy of the
software from the Website www.VideoShare.com 50, as indicated by
the picture at numeral 1. Alternatively, the user can obtain a copy
of the VideoShare Producer 20 software on machine readable media
such as a CD-ROM or the like. The VideoShare Producer 20 software
can be bundled with one or more utility or application programs
that are useful for a user to have, such as a "container"
application so that the VideoShare Producer 20 software can be
operated on a desktop computer. The user can install the VideoShare
Producer 20 software on his or her computer 16 and can register
with the VideoShare.com hosting service at no charge. In
registering for the VideoShare service, the user obtains a username
and a password that can be used to identify the user. The activity
of installing the VideoShare Producer 20 software on the user's
personal computer or the like and registering with the VideoShare
system is indicated by the picture at the numeral 2.
[0084] In order to use the system, the user first obtains a video
segment. The user can create the video segment, for example with a
Web cam 12, or the user can use an existing video segment obtained
from a video recorder 16, as indicated by the picture at the
numeral 3. The VideoShare Producer 20 software has direct capture
capabilities that permit the user to create the video segment.
[0085] The user can employ the VideoShare Producer 20 software to
optionally compress the video; to determine if a video segment is
in a format that is compatible with streaming video; to convert the
video to a file format that is compatible with streaming video if
the video segment is not already in a file format that is
compatible with streaming video; and to transmit the video segment
together with one or more identifiers that represent selections
that the user can make (for example, a still image selected from
the series of images that comprise the video segment, an identifier
of the sender of the video segment (e.g., the user), an access
privilege associated with the video segment, information indicative
of a time period during which the video segment will be accessible,
and information indicative of a number of instances that the video
segment may be accessed). The activities carried out in conjunction
with the VideoShare Producer 20 software are generally indicated by
the graphic at numeral 4.
[0086] The video segment and the identifier(s) are transmitted to
the host computer 60 for storage and for later distribution. In one
embodiment, the video segment is transmitted in a streaming video
file format. This transmission activity is denoted by the graphic
at numeral 5.
[0087] The video segment is stored under the control of the host
computer 60, which can include one or more server computers 62 and
storage array 64. The activity of receiving the video segment at
the host computer 60 and storing the video segment and its
identifier(s) is denoted by the pictures at numeral 6.
[0088] Depending on the choice of the user as to access privileges,
the video segment can be stored as a publicly available video in a
location in storage array 64 that has no restrictions on access, or
it can be stored in a portion of storage array 64 that requires
some form of authorization to enable access, such as in a private
email account area. The storage of the video segment as a public or
private video segment is denoted by the pictures at numeral 7.
[0089] Upon request from a viewer who has the proper authorization,
or upon any request in the case of a video segment available
publicly, the host computer 60 sends the video in streaming video
format to a viewer, who can observe the video in real time using a
conventional web browser without additional plug-in modules. The
activity of serving the video segment as a streaming video is
denoted by the graphic at numeral 8.
[0090] The majority of the VideoShare Producer 20 software was
developed as a Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows 2000 ("Windows
9x/2000") compatible ActiveX control (e.g. an .OCX file), with
additional components existing as active template library (ATL)
component object model (COM) components that are instantiated
during runtime. A "container application," named
"VideoProducer.exe," allows the VideoShare Producer ActiveX Control
to be executed from the Windows 9x/2000 desktop. The VideoShare
Producer Active X Control can also be embedded into a web page, as
is done within the www.VideoShare.com 50 web site.
[0091] The custom written VideoShare Producer 20 software includes
the following binary/source code components: (1) VideoShare
Producer ActiveX Control (VideoProducer.ocx); (2) JPEG ATL COM
component jpeg.dll); (3) Thumbnail Acquisition DirectShow
(ThumbnailFilter.ax); (4) Extended MAPI interface (MapiExAPI.dll);
(5) ICQ interface (icqglue.dll); AND (6) VideoShare Upload/Database
Server (vpserver.exe).
[0092] All components, except for significant portions of the JPEG
component that uses public domain source code, were entirely
written by VideoShare Inc. The VideoShare Upload/Data Server
constantly runs at the VideoShare Hosting Facility, an embodiment
of the host computer 60, with which an installed instance of the
VideoShare Producer 20 software on a user's computer 16 can be in
constant communication. The VideoShare Producer 20 software
client/server structure allows the user to upload videos to his or
her account through the "Save and Share" button that is described
later.
[0093] The VideoShare Producer 20 software is built upon the
following third-party technologies that provide lower-level device
support, document sharing, and file format conversion: (1)
Microsoft's DirectShow; (2) Microsoft's Windows Media Technologies;
(3) Microsoft's Video for Windows; (4) MAPI; AND (5) ICQ.
[0094] When the user launches the VideoShare Producer 20 software,
he or she will see the window depicted in FIG. 4 appear on his or
her computer 16 operating the Win9x/2000 operating system. The
login screen can be made optional for repeat users by providing a
unique identifier for the user, such as a password, or by
installing on the user's computer or the like a record similar to
the "cookies" used by some interactive computer systems operating
on a network such as the Internet.
[0095] When the user enters in his or her username in the box 410
labeled VideoShare Login Name and his or her password in the box
415 labeled VideoShare Password and activates the "Start VideoShare
Producer" button 420, the VideoShare Producer 20 software opens a
TCP/IP socket connection to the VideoShare Upload/Database Server
using port 80 in order to avoid typical Firewall and/or Proxy
Server problems. If the box 430 labeled Remember password is
checked, the VideoShare Producer 20 software will remember the
user's password, eliminating the necessity to type in that
information each time the software is started. The VideoShare
Upload/Database Server then verifies the validity of the
username/password. Furthermore, the VideoShare Producer 20 software
will notify the user if there is a more recent version of the
software available, giving him or her the opportunity to
automatically download and install the new software.
[0096] Also at this point, the user can choose to work offline by
checking box 440 "Work offline", which suspends communications to
the VideoShare Upload/Database Server until the user has filled his
or her "Sharing Queue" as described later. The ability to work
offline is principally of use for people with computers that do not
have a continuously open Internet connection, e.g. computers that
use telephone modems rather than high speed connections or
equipment such as cellular telephones or hand held devices that
require the user to dial in to establish a connection. With this
login dialog, the user can also receive help, by activating the
"Help" button 450, taking the user to a web page on the VideoShare
web site. The login dialog box can also be used to create a new
VideoShare user account, by clicking the "Create Another Account"
button 460.
[0097] Once the login process has been completed, the VideoShare
Producer 20 software looks for available DirectShow audio and video
capture devices. These available devices are enumerated and listed
within the "Settings Tab" as described later. The VideoShare
Producer 20 software initializes the audio and video capture
device, by recalling as a default the device that was used most
recently.
[0098] VideoShare Producer Preview/Capture/Import Process
[0099] After the capture device initialization, the VideoShare
Producer 20 software displays the window depicted in FIG. 5.
[0100] The image 510 in the middle of the window is the video input
stream from the initialized, default video capture source. The
image in FIG. 5 is that of an employee of the assignee of the
present invention, in the offices of the assignee. The VideoShare
Producer 20 software automatically builds a DirectShow "preview
graph" where the video stream from the video device is displayed on
the screen, but is not saved to disk. This gives the user the
opportunity to adjust the camera, e.g. an opportunity to correct
the camera position, the camera focus, the camera angle, the
magnification of the image, and the like.
[0101] At the top of this window, the user is presented with five
different "tabs", each presenting the user with different aspects
of the VideoShare Producer 20 software. In FIG. 5, the tab labeled
"Record/Playback" 520 is active, indicating that the VideoShare
Producer 20 software is ready to acquire and/or display a video
segment.
[0102] At the bottom of the window, there is a status message 522
that displays the current operation of the VideoShare Producer 20
software. In FIG. 5, the status message 522 prompts the user to
either activate the Record button 531 to create a new video
segment, or to import an existing video segment by activating the
Import Video button 535, both of which are described in more detail
below.
[0103] Directly below the video preview image 510 is a
Capture/Playback Control Panel 530 that includes the following
items:
[0104] Record button 531 which begins a new audio/video
capture;
[0105] Stop button 532 which terminates an active audio/video
capture operation;
[0106] Play button 533 which initiates the playing back of the last
recorded or imported video;
[0107] Delete button 534 which cancels the last record or import
operation and begins a new video preview;
[0108] Import Video button 535 which allows the user to select a
pre-existing video file from his or her hard drive;
[0109] Save and Share button 536, which in the present embodiment
activates software modules that convert the current video file into
a compressed streaming format, upload that converted file to the
VideoShare web site, and give the user options to distribute that
video to other people; and
[0110] Shuttle Bar 537 which is used to control the current
position of the playback file together with forward button 537 and
reverse button 538, allowing the user to rewind and fast forward
through the current video.
[0111] The software modules that operate upon the activation of
Save and Share button 536 will be covered in a subsequent section
in this document in detail.
[0112] When the user begins to record a video, the VideoShare
Producer 20 software builds a new "Capture Graph" that renders the
video stream to both the display window as well as to a temporary
AVI file on the user's hard drive. The audio/video capturing
continues until the user activates the "Stop" button 532 at which
point the VideoShare Producer 20 software stops the "Capture
Graph", destroys the DirectShow filter, builds a Direct Show
"Playback Graph", and displays the first frame of the captured
video as video preview image 510. When the user activates the Play
button 533 the DirectShow "Playback Graph" is put into running
mode, playing back the entire recorded video from beginning to
end.
[0113] The user can also choose to import a pre-existing video,
which in one embodiment can be a file format selected from the AVI,
MPEG, or QuickTime file formats, by activating the Import Video
button 535. The VideoShare Producer 20 software automatically
renders the correct DirectShow filter to display an imported video
correctly.
[0114] Save and Share Process
[0115] Once a video segment has been recorded or imported into the
user's computer 16 that is running the VideoShare Producer 20
software, the user can choose to process the video segment with
various optional alternatives by activating the Save and Share
button 536. When the Save and Share button 536 is activated, the
video segment is archived and distributed automatically. The
VideoShare Producer 20 software greatly simplifies the entire
process by seamlessly automating the following steps that are
depicted in FIG. 6A:
[0116] Video file format conversion, as required;
[0117] Compression to a streaming multimedia format at a
user-specified bitrate;
[0118] Creating a "Thumbnail" JPEG snapshot of the video file, as
an identifier that a user or a viewer can observe in order to
assess the content of the video segment;
[0119] Transferring the resultant video and thumbnail files to the
VideoShare server computers 62, 62';
[0120] Logging the transactions and managing the user's storage
account, including causing the generation of an identification tag
that the server computers 62, 62' can employ to retrieve the video
segment for viewing; and
[0121] Automating several possible methods of distributing the
video to third party recipients, e.g., viewers.
[0122] FIG. 6A shows a flow diagram 600 of an embodiment of the
invention in which the VideoShare Producer 20 software automates a
number of steps in connection with uploading a video segment by
activation of the Save and Share button 536 described in FIG. 5. As
indicated at box 605, a user first obtains and selects a video
segment for processing for distribution. The box 605 schematically
encapsulates all of the actions that a user takes as described in
relation to FIGS. 4 and 5 above. When the user activates the Save
and Share button 536 the actions described below that are enclosed
by the dotted line 607 are automatically carried out under the
control of the VideoShare Producer 20 software.
[0123] The VideoShare Producer 20 software subjects the selected
video segment to analysis to determine whether the selected video
segment is or is not in a file format that is compatible with a
streaming video format, as indicated at diamond 610. Formats that
are compatible with streaming media formats include formats such as
MPEGs and QuickTime videos. If the selected video segment is not
compatible with a streaming video format, it is converted to a
compatible format, as depicted by the arrow labeled "NO" that
points from the diamond 610 to the box 615, "Convert to compatible
file format." The conversion process performed by the VideoShare
Producer 20 software creates a DirectShow filter graph that
decompresses the video file into a temporary, uncompressed AVI
file.
[0124] The video segment file in a format that is compatible with
streaming video is then temporarily stored in the user's computer
16, for example as a file on the hard drive of computer 16. This
storing step is performed if the file was originally in a format
compatible with streaming video by following the arrow marked "YES"
that points from the diamond 610 to the box 620, "Temporarily store
file." Alternatively, the storing step is performed if the file was
originally not in a format compatible with streaming video by
following the arrow that points from the box 615 to the box
620.
[0125] The stored temporary file representing the selected video is
then analyzed by the VideoShare Producer 20 software, as
represented by diamond 625, "Should file be compressed?" to
determine if the temporarily stored file should be compressed. If
the software determines that the file should be compressed, as
indicated by the arrow labeled "YES" that points from the diamond
625 to the box 630, labeled "Compress file," the file is
compressed. The compression involves compressing the video file to
a user-specified bitrate, or the bandwidth that is required to view
the video without disruption in the transmission. The user can
select the desired bitrate by using the "Settings Tab" that is
described in more detail below.
[0126] The file is then converted to a streaming multimedia format
file as indicated by the box 635, labeled "Convert file to
streaming multimedia format ("SMF") file," as denoted by the arrow
pointing from the box 630 to the box 635. If the file is not to be
compressed, the flow follows the arrow labeled "NO" pointing from
the diamond 625 to the box 635, and the file is then converted to a
streaming multimedia format file as schematically represented by
the box 635.
[0127] The process that is performed by the VideoShare Producer 20
software as denoted by the box 635 involves reading in the video
file, frame by frame, and converting the video into a streaming
multimedia format. In one embodiment, the VideoShare Producer 20
software uses the Windows Media Streaming Format, known as ASF or
WMF, but it is not technologically restricted to this choice. The
Windows Media Streaming Format comprises MPEG 4 v3 for the video
stream and the Windows Media Audio format for the audio stream. The
output of this file is stored as a temporary file on the user's
hard drive, in one embodiment.
[0128] The flow diagram indicates that the process makes a
"thumbnail" of the video file, as represented schematically by the
box 640, labeled "Create and temporarily store JPEG "thumbnail"
identifier." The VideoShare Producer 20 software produces a JPEG
still image that is used as a reference image to the entire video
file. It is an identifier of the subject matter or content of the
video that a user or a viewer can readily recognize, as compared to
an alphanumeric string such as a typical string used to identify a
file by its drive, directory (and one or more subdirectories) and
filename. Such alphanumeric identifiers are useful, but may be
totally uninformative as to the content or subject matter contained
in the identified file or video segment. In one embodiment, the
VideoShare Producer 20 software creates the "thumbnail" by taking
the "middle" image of the entire video file, as measured by the
temporal duration of the file. In another embodiment, the selection
of an image from which to make the "thumbnail" can be left to the
discretion of the user. This JPEG file is also stored as a
temporary file on the user's hard drive, in one embodiment.
[0129] The next part of the process is the upload operation, in
which the VideoShare Producer 20 software contacts the host
computer 60, which in one embodiment is the VideoShare
Upload/Database Server at the VideoShare hosting facility. This
portion of the automated process is denoted by the box 645 labeled
"Transfer ("upload") temporarily stored SMF file and JPEG thumbnail
identifier to host computer 60." The VideoShare Producer 20
software notifies the host computer 60 that the user wishes to
place his or her video into a repository maintained by the host
computer 60, which in one embodiment can be the VideoShare
VideoCenter, which is a repository of all recorded and uploaded
videos to date. This upload is performed automatically using a
direct TCP/IP socket connection over a specific connection port of
the user's computer known as port 80. The VideoShare Producer 20
software uses a standard communications protocol to perform this
transfer to the host computer 60. In another embodiment, a
proprietary protocol can be used, for example if one wants to
maintain the security of information contained in the video
segment. In another embodiment, the video segment can be encrypted
in order to provide enhanced security. Both the compressed video
streaming multimedia file and the thumbnail image are uploaded at
substantially the same time.
[0130] As schematically depicted by box 650, labeled "Delete
temporary file to conserve storage space on user's computer," the
VideoShare Producer 20 software removes all of the temporary files
that were created in the course of the automated processing
described above. This feature provides for the user a convenient,
secure, and transparent process, with the benefit that the user's
computer storage device(s), for example one or more hard drives, do
not become cluttered with unnecessary and obsolete files.
[0131] Once the upload has been completed, the VideoShare Producer
20 software and the host computer 60 (for example, the VideoShare
Upload/Database Server) will update the user's account to account
for the required storage space that the video requires. The
necessary logging, creation of an identification tag, and storing
of the video and the associated identifier or identifiers is also
performed automatically, as schematically depicted by box 655.
[0132] The user can optionally add additional identification and
control information about the user, and about how and under what
conditions the video is to be made available for distribution, as
schematically indicated by box 660. The process by which some of
this information is collected is discussed below with regard to
FIG. 8. The user is automatically prompted to provide this
information, but has the option to forego making a decision
immediately. The transmission of video segment files to viewers is
discussed in more detail below, and is represented in FIG. 6 by the
box 670 labeled "Transmit file to viewer" which is outside the
region 607 as an indication that the transmission of files to
viewers is an action beyond the material discussed above in
conjunction with the Save and Share button 536 of FIG. 5.
[0133] FIG. 6B shows a flow diagram 601 of another embodiment of
the invention in which software automates a number of steps in
connection with uploading a video segment. Many of the steps
already described in connection with FIG. 6A also occur in the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 6B, and are numbered in the same manner
as in FIG. 6A. In FIG. 6B, there is first an optional step
indicated by the box 604 labeled "Optional: User authentication
with server" in which the User is optionally required to provide
identification, such as a user name and password, that
authenticates the identity of the user to the server or host
computer 60. The user then obtains and selects a video segment for
processing for distribution, as indicated at box 605 that
schematically encapsulates all of the actions that a user takes as
described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5 above. When the user
activates the Save and Share button 536 the actions described below
that are enclosed by the dotted line 608 are automatically carried
out under the control of the VideoShare Producer 20 software.
[0134] As discussed in relation to FIG. 6A, the VideoShare Producer
20 software subjects the selected video segment to analysis to
determine whether the selected video segment is or is not in a file
format that is compatible with a streaming video format, as
indicated at diamond 610. If the selected video segment is not
compatible with a streaming video format, it is converted to a
compatible format, as depicted by the arrow labeled "NO" that
points from the diamond 610 to the box 615, "Convert to compatible
file format." The conversion process performed by the VideoShare
Producer 20 software creates a DirectShow filter graph that
decompresses the video file into a temporary, uncompressed AVI
file.
[0135] The video segment file in a format that is compatible with
streaming video is then temporarily stored in the user's computer
16, for example as a file on the hard drive of computer 16. This
storing step is performed if the file was originally in a format
compatible with streaming video by following the arrow marked "YES"
that points from the diamond 610 to the box 620, "Temporarily store
file." Alternatively, the storing step is performed if the file was
originally not in a format compatible with streaming video by
following the arrow that points from the box 615 to the box
620.
[0136] The stored temporary file representing the selected video is
then analyzed by the VideoShare Producer 20 software, and
optionally compressed as represented by the box 623 labeled
"Optional compression of file." The file is then converted to a
streaming multimedia format file as indicated by the box 635,
labeled Convert file to streaming multimedia format ("SMF") file.
Alternatively, a file from the box 620 can be uploaded to the host
computer 60 without being converted to a streaming format, and the
conversion to a streaming video format can be accomplished at the
host computer 60. The process that is performed by the VideoShare
Producer 20 software as denoted by the box 635 involves reading in
the video file, frame by frame, and converting the video into a
streaming multimedia format.
[0137] The flow diagram indicates that the process makes a
"thumbnail" of the video file, as represented schematically by the
box 640, labeled Create and temporarily store JPEG "thumbnail"
identifier.
[0138] The next part of the process is the upload operation, in
which the VideoShare Producer 20 software contacts the host
computer 60, which in one embodiment is the VideoShare
Upload/Database Server at the VideoShare hosting facility. This
portion of the automated process is denoted by the box 645 labeled
"Transfer ("upload") temporarily stored SMF file and JPEG thumbnail
identifier to host computer 60." Both the compressed video
streaming multimedia file and the thumbnail image are uploaded at
substantially the same time.
[0139] As schematically depicted by box 650, labeled Delete
temporary file to conserve storage space on user's computer, the
VideoShare Producer 20 software removes all of the temporary files
that were created in the course of the automated processing
described above. This feature provides for the user a convenient,
secure, and transparent process, with the benefit that the user's
computer storage device(s), for example one or more hard drives, do
not become cluttered with unnecessary and obsolete files.
[0140] Once the upload has been completed, the VideoShare Producer
20 software and the host computer 60 (for example, the VideoShare
Upload/Database Server) will update the user's account to account
for the required storage space that the video requires. The
necessary logging, creation of an identification tag, and storing
of the video and the associated identifier or identifiers is also
performed automatically, as schematically depicted by box 655.
[0141] The user can optionally add additional identification and
control information about the user, and about how and under what
conditions the video is to be made available for distribution, as
schematically indicated by box 660. The process by which some of
this information is collected is discussed below with regard to
FIG. 8. The user is automatically prompted to provide this
information, but has the option to forego making a decision
immediately. The transmission of video segment files to viewers is
discussed in more detail below, and is represented in FIG. 6B by
the box 670 labeled "Transmit file to viewer" which is outside the
region 608 as an indication that the transmission of files to
viewers is an action beyond the material discussed above in
conjunction with the Save and Share button 536 of FIG. 5.
[0142] FIG. 6C shows a flow diagram 602 of an embodiment of the
invention in which software automates a number of steps in the
formatting of a video segment. In particular, in this embodiment,
the video segment that the user wishes to provide in streaming
video format is compressed into a plurality of formats, each of
which is encoded for optimal display at a different transmission
bitrate. There can be a benefit to recording the same video segment
in multiple formats. For example, a casual viewer may have only a
slow speed modem, such as a 28.8 kilobaud (kB) modem. For such a
viewer, the slow transmission speed can make the size of a file a
critical feature. Such a user can view a video in real time if it
is formatted for a 28.8 kB modem, but not if it is formatted for
appreciably higher transmission speeds. Another user, for example,
one who has a T1 connection that can handle transmission speeds up
to approximately 1.5 megabaud, could successfully receive a version
of the same video segment that is formatted for higher transmission
speeds, with the possibility of having a better quality image and
higher resolution, perhaps with better audio as well. The T1 user
could see the version of the video segment intended for 28.8 kB
transmission if he or she wanted to, but might prefer to see a
video segment that appeared to be more professional in quality. By
using a system that can automatically discriminate the transmission
speed capabilities of the hardware that the user employs, the
embodiment allows each user to view a version of the video segment
that is optimally configured for the user's hardware.
[0143] In particular, the steps of the method enclosed within the
dotted rectangle 609 are automated by software that embodies the
present invention. As described above, the user obtains and selects
a video segment for processing for distribution, as indicated at
box 605 that schematically encapsulates all of the actions that a
user takes as described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5 above. When
the user activates the Save and Share button 536 the actions
described below that are enclosed by the dotted line 609 are
automatically carried out under the control of the VideoShare
Producer 20 software.
[0144] As discussed in relation to FIG. 6A, the VideoShare Producer
20 software subjects the selected video segment to analysis to
determine whether the selected video segment is or is not in a file
format that is compatible with a streaming video format, as
indicated at diamond 610. If the selected video segment is not
compatible with a streaming video format, it is converted to a
compatible format, as depicted by the arrow labeled "NO" that
points from the diamond 610 to the box 615, "Convert to compatible
file format." The conversion process performed by the VideoShare
Producer 20 software creates a DirectShow filter graph that
decompresses the video file into a temporary, uncompressed AVI
file.
[0145] The video segment file in a format that is compatible with
streaming video is then temporarily stored in the user's computer
16, for example as a file on the hard drive of computer 16. This
storing step is performed if the file was originally in a format
compatible with streaming video by following the arrow marked "YES"
that points from the diamond 610 to the box 620, "Temporarily store
file." Alternatively, the storing step is performed if the file was
originally not in a format compatible with streaming video by
following the arrow that points from the box 615 to the box
620.
[0146] The temporarily stored file is then compressed in multiple
streaming multimedia formats, as denoted by the box 633. In the
present example, three files will be used to describe the process,
but it should be understood that more or fewer than three formats
may be created at substantially the same time. The resulting
multiple files are denoted by the three boxes 634, 636 and 638
labeled "Bandwidth Target A," "Bandwidth Target B," and "Bandwidth
Target C," respectively. Each file is optimally encoded for play as
a streaming video segment at a particular transmission rate and
bandwidth, such as 28.8 kB, 56 kB, 100 kB, 300 kB, or other
transmission rates.
[0147] As described above, the method includes a step of creating
and temporarily storing a thumbnail identifier, as denoted by the
box 640. Rather than transmitting one video segment in one SMF with
one thumbnail, the embodiment of FIG. 6C transmits all the files
634, 636 and 638 in association with the single thumbnail and any
other identifiers that are selected as appropriate. For example,
each SMF file can be identified as to its bandwidth. In an
alternative embodiment, the system transmits only a single SMF file
with its associated identifiers, including the JPEG "thumbnail",
and the multiple bandwidth variants of the SMF file are generated
at the host computer 60. This embodiment may be advantageous when
the user has only a slow speed modem, and would be severely time
constrained by having to upload multiple files.
[0148] The remaining steps of this embodiment, as denoted by the
boxes 650, 655, 660 and 670, correspond substantially to the steps
in FIG. 6A represented by the boxes identified with the
corresponding numerals. It should be noted that the precise order
of some of the steps, for example, the step denoted by the box 655
and the step denoted by the box 650, can be interchanged without a
different outcome of the overall process. Other such interchanges
in sequence are possible as well, again without a different outcome
of the overall process.
[0149] FIG. 6D depicts an embodiment of the database 64 of the host
computer 60 on which are recorded the three exemplary bandwidth
target files 634, 636 and 638 for FIG. 6C. These files are
available for delivery over a computer network to a viewer. The
files 634, 636 and 638 represent three versions of the same video
segment in streaming multimedia format, each suitable for optimal
viewing by a user having hardware operating at the transmission
rate corresponding to the format of one of the files.
[0150] As shown in FIG. 6E, the user (or the viewer) transmits to
the host computer 60 a request for a particular video segment,
denoted by the arrow from the box labeled "USER" to the box 960
labeled "Connection Speed Detector." Host computer 60 can include
hardware that can sense the transmission speed of a user computer
16, or of a computer used by a person desiring to view a video
segment. Alternatively, the host computer 60 can inquire of the
computer on the network that is connected to the user computer 16
or the computer of a viewer about the speed of connection that is
being maintained. When the information is available to the host
computer 60, the host computer 60 can determine which file of the
files exemplified by 634, 636 and 638 is most appropriate to serve
to the user or viewer, as denoted by the box 692 labeled "Logic to
select and serve SMF file to User." The host computer 60 then
transmits the appropriate file to the user, as denoted by the arrow
from the box 692 to the box 694 labeled "User receives and views
SMF file." Alternatively, the viewer can request the transmission
of a file encoded at a specific bitrate.
[0151] When the user begins the process described in relation to
FIG. 6A, in one embodiment, the "Progress Dialog" screen 700
depicted in FIG. 7 is presented, reflecting the status of the
process in real time. The "Progress Dialog" screen 700 notifies the
user about the total number of bytes that have to be uploaded to
perform the transfer and it also informs the user of the number of
bytes and the percentage of the file that have been uploaded in
real time.
[0152] FIG. 8 depicts a dialog panel 800 presenting several methods
with which the user can distribute the uploaded streaming video
segment and its associated identifiers to third party recipients.
The dialog panel 800 prompts the user as to the possible selections
that the user can elect.
[0153] In one embodiment, there are five possible methods to
distribute the video file:
[0154] The user can elect to use an email browser to send an email
to one or more people that includes a URL reference to the video
located on the VideoShare web site. This also includes the further
possibility to send the video player directly embedded inside the
email message. This option is elected by activating the button 810,
labeled "Share as a video mail."
[0155] The user can elect to share the video as a greeting card,
bringing the user to the Video Greeting Card web page at the
VideoShare web site. In this case, the user will also select
features relating to the greeting card. The user can elect this
option by activating the button 820, labeled "Share as a video
greeting card."
[0156] The user can elect to send an ICQ URL message, automatically
interfacing with ICQ's Instant Messenger software. The user can
elect this option by activating the button 830 labeled "Share
through ICQ Messaging."
[0157] The user can elect to go to the user's VideoCenter page on
the VideoShare web site, from which location the video can also be
shared or sent to others. The user can elect this option by
activating the button 840, labeled "Take me to my VideoCenter."
[0158] The user can elect to place HTML code in the user's
clipboard that references the video. This HTML code can be "pasted"
into any Web page that supports HTML inserts. The user can elect
this option by activating the button 850, labeled "Put HTML code in
my clipboard." In one embodiment, this option allows a user to
paste a video into a Web page, for example to demonstrate the use
of a product for sale, or to present a personal greeting to
visitors to the Web page.
[0159] By electing to activate the button 860, labeled "Nothing,
I'll share this video later," the user can postpone making an
election regarding the sharing of the uploaded video segment.
[0160] The above options are discussed in more detail below.
[0161] Sharing the video by using email will bring up the user's
default email browser, such as Outlook, Netscape Communicator,
Eudora, etc. This is accomplished through the use of MAPI
technologies that allow for document exchange on Win9x/2000
systems. A user who employs Netscape Communicator or Microsoft
Outlook will be able to directly embed the Windows Media Player
inside the email text body, allowing the recipient to directly play
the video from his or her email browser. In one embodiment, this
"embedded video mail" feature causes a window such as that depicted
in FIG. 9 to appear, for example when the user is using Microsoft
Outlook for e-mail service.
[0162] As shown in FIG. 9, at the top of the email message, the
VideoShare Producer 20 software will display the Windows Media
Player 910 with the sender's recorded video pre-loaded. The
recipient of this embedded video mail only needs to activate the
play button 920 on the Windows Media Player to see the video
segment, rather than going to a URL hyper-link. The embodiment
includes the conventional dialog boxes for entry of an email
address for a recipient (box 902), a "carbon copy" ("cc") address
(box 904), and a subject (box 906). In the embodiment shown,
instructions are presented below the Windows Media Player 910 for
the convenience of the recipient.
[0163] The two options "Share as a Video Greeting Card" and "Take
me to my VideoCenter" causes the VideoShare Producer 20 software to
spawn off a Web browser and automatically jump to one of these two
pages on the VideoShare Web site. The user can define the features
of a video greeting card, and can direct the card as an e-mail to a
viewer. Alternatively, the user can define a recipient list for the
video segment as a single item to be viewed, and can send the video
to the locations on the list.
[0164] The "Share Through ICQ Messaging" button 830 can bring up
ICQ's Instant Messenger software, if it is installed on the user's
machine, and can initiate a "URL Message" construction
automatically. The VideoShare Producer 20 software can
automatically fill out the URL that references the playback of the
user's video. The recipient of this URL Message can view the video
by clicking a mouse on the URL to be taken directly to the
VideoShare web site, where the video can be displayed.
[0165] The "Put HTML code in my clipboard" button 850 can place a
section of HTML code that, when the user pastes this code in a web
page, causes the Windows Media Player to automatically instantiate
a video playback of the message. This feature enables the user to
place this video in any system that supports HTML code, such as
personal web pages, online auction sites, online job boards, and
the like.
[0166] Working Offline and the "Sharing Queue"
[0167] The VideoShare Producer 20 software also allows the user to
"work offline." Offline means that the VideoShare Producer 20
software will not communicate with the host computer 60 (for
example, the VideoShare Upload/Database Server) until the user
explicitly uploads one-or-more videos by using a "Sharing Queue."
This Sharing Queue appears to the user as one of the main tabs in
the VideoShare Producer 20 software and acts as a temporary queue
for recorded/imported videos. "Work offline" allows the user to not
make an Internet connection until he or she is ready to upload more
than one video at a time. This mode of operation is useful for
modem users who incur considerable expense for extended dial-in
times or people who are using laptops and are not always near an
Internet connection outlet.
[0168] FIG. 10 shows a screen 1000 used to control the status of a
video queue. When the user, after recording or importing a video,
clicks the "Save and Share" button 536 of FIG. 5 while in "offline
mode," the VideoShare Producer 20 software performs the first three
steps of the "Save and Share Process," namely, the video file
format conversion represented by box 615 of FIG. 6A, the
compression of the video segment to a streaming multimedia format
at a user-specified bitrate represented by the box 635 of FIG. 6A,
and the creation of a "Thumbnail" JPEG snapshot of the video file
represented by the box 640 of FIG. 6A. The resulting output files
are stored in a local database for later use in the "Sharing
Queue," which is an operation similar to the temporary storage of
files depicted in FIG. 6A. In the middle of FIG. 10 is a dialog box
1010 that displays a list of video segments that are ready to be
uploaded to the VideoShare Web site. The small "Preview" window
1020 in the upper left corner of FIG. 10 is a DirectShow playback
graph that allows the user to review the stored video segment that
is highlighted in the dialog box 1010. The user can use this window
to preview the video segment file by activating the "Preview"
button 1030, to delete the video segment file by activating the
"Delete" button 1040, and to upload and publish the video by
activating the "Save and Share Now" button 1050.
[0169] The "Save and Share Now" button 1050 performs the uploading
process on each of the queued videos, creating a TCP/IP connection
to the VideoShare Upload/Database Server, transferring the file to
the VideoShare web site, and updating the user's VideoShare
account, in a manner substantially similar to the method employed
by the Save and Share button 536 of FIG. 5 to accomplish the same
activities.
[0170] Audio/Video Setting Process
[0171] FIG. 11 shows a screen 1100 used to control the operational
settings of equipment connected to the user's computer. Another
feature of the VideoShare Producer 20 software the ability of the
user to change the configuration of the audio, video, and
compression devices through the use of the "Settings" tab 1110.
Upon activation of the Settings tab 1110, the screen 1100 is
active.
[0172] The user can select the "bitrate" at which the streaming
multimedia files will be compressed by using the set of radio
buttons 1120 at the upper left corner of the screen 1100. The
default setting is "56 k Modem" which corresponds to a user using a
56 k modem. This default setting is denoted by the 56 k Modem radio
button 1120 appearing with a dot, while the remaining radio buttons
for bitrate 1120 are blank. In one embodiment, the pie graph 1130
that appears at the upper right corner of screen 1100 indicates the
percentage of the user's VideoShare storage space that is full. In
the embodiment shown, the user has filled approximately 3.13% of
the available storage capacity available for storing files. Two
pull-down menus, "Camera source device" box 1140 and "Audio source
device" box 1150, list all of the available video and audio capture
sources that the user has available on his or her Win9x/2000
machine. The user can select a source of audio or video by
activating the appropriate pull-down menu box and locating a device
of his or her choosing. To the right of these pull-down menus,
there are two buttons, "Video Settings . . . " 1160 and "Audio
Settings . . . " 1170 that allow the user to change the properties
of the currently selected audio and video device. Such properties
include image size, capture compression, lighting conditions, and
the like. The screen 1100 also provides to the user the current
working directory information in a the box 1180 and the current
queue directory information in the box 1190, which the user can
optionally change by entering new values in either or both boxes
1180 and 1190.
Equivalents
[0173] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it
should be understood by those skilled in the art that various
changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
* * * * *
References