HIGH QUALITY VIDEO SHARING SYSTEMS

Abstract

Current video sharing systems, particularly systems sharing sports videos suffer from lots of users sharing low quality video recordings. High quality video is manifested primarily in capturing interesting content and good camera handling. These qualities may be achieved by amateur videographers by employing automated video recording devices, using highlight finding software to obtain short but interesting video clips, and augmenting the video clips with special effects and musical soundtracks. Systems and methods provide for sharing videos recorded by automatic video recording devices. The system plays video files at a user's request accompanied with music clips if desired and permits users to participate in improving video quality by providing feedback to the video sharing system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/399,724, filed Nov. 7, 2014, entitled “HIGH QUALITY VIDEO SHARING SYSTEMS”, which is a U.S. national stage application of PCT International Application No. PCT/US2013/041187, filed May 15, 2013, entitled “HIGH QUALITY VIDEO SHARING SYSTEMS”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61,647,506, filed May 15, 2012, entitled “HIGH QUALITY VIDEO SHARING SYSTEMS”.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to sharing high quality videos with an audience and friends using an application (referred to as an “app”) or applications designed for mobile devices such as smartphones and personal digital assistants (PDAs), etc., and also usable on websites and by social networking tools and similar portals.

Recently, mobile phones and smartphones have made it easier for amateur photographers to capture interesting moments or images and share those images with their friends and the world immediately or almost immediately. In the era of virtually unlimited computer memory, an unskilled photographer with a smartphone may take dozens or even hundreds of pictures and then select one that is well framed giving the impression of a “good photographer's eye”. In addition, the photographer may use apps to further improve the artistic quality of the selected photograph by applying image filters that may blur edges of the image or alter colors thereby further increasing the artistic nature of the photograph. Video, however, is a string of many related frames or images and does not lend itself to similar selection of the best images. When sections or parts of the video are shaky, blurry, poorly framed and the like, the only remedy is editing out the bad parts or re-shooting the entire video. Video quality is further complicated by the need for an appropriate and well-timed soundtrack. The quality of the content and the skill of the videographer, cameraman and editor are so fundamental to the resulting video that available smartphone tools (like filters) and the like simply do not have enough of an effect on the output to transform amateur video footage into high quality videos that would be pleasing to the general viewing public.

Current websites, social media networks, and mobile device applications dedicated to making and or sharing/distribution of videos are lacking because they simply do not address the fundamental problem that amateur videos are just that, amateur. All too often, shared amateur videos are not pleasant or difficult to watch, and therefore are not watched by many people. Lack of viewers make it difficult to generate advertising revenue or otherwise monetize the vast majority of amateur videos.

Since a 2010 statistic asserts that the average YouTube video was viewed close to 100,000 times, it is safe to assume that there are many more consumers of online videos than those generating them. It is therefore desirable to determine who produces good videos and reward those who do. The systems and methods disclosed herein assist finding and rewarding authors of good videos.

Further, while the use of smartphones to record video content has increased, the quality of the resulting video on average is down. Thus, a problem exists regarding the quality of video recorded by “amateur” videographers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating components of a high quality video sharing system.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating a video recording device.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart illustrating a video sharing method.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating another video sharing method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods of the present disclosure solve problems associated with video content recorded, for example, by amateur videographers. To solve content quality problems, the systems and methods hereof include tools that amateur videographers can use to improve video quality along with methods for making good videos that may also be easily shared with others.

The present disclosure is based on analysis of the features or requirements that make good (i.e., high quality) video. These features and requirements are (i) good, interesting, current content, (ii) professional camera handling, (iii) appropriate sound or soundtrack, (iv) editing for length and or content, and (v) additional effects. The systems and methods hereof make it quick and easy for amateurs to generate and share high quality video recordings (HQVR) with minimal disruption of their routine.

The issue of content is of primary importance. Good content is interesting. Furthermore, current video content is more “newsworthy” and thus better. For example, a video of a recent event is deemed more interesting than a video of something that happened two months ago. For example, current social media applications like Twitter and Facebook provide short updates of what is presently happening.

The importance of interesting content is supported by statistics. Even though sport videos constitute only about six percent of videos on YouTube (compared with about thirty percent for music videos, the most popular category), sports video's “favorite” count is much higher than that of any other video category, even music (1514.7 vs. 986.5). Further, sport videos are viewed much more frequently. See Syomos, Inc., “Inside YouTube Videos”, available at the URL address www.sysomos.com/reports/youtube/.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure provide an integrated system of (i) specialized video recording equipment that is well suited for recording planned activities such as sporting events and activities and operated by a large number of independent owners/users, (ii) computer programs such as mobile device apps, and (iii) a host system such as a website where high quality video recordings are posted, shared, and feedback is stored. This integrated system helps users create and share good, interesting, current content with smooth camera movements. Using specialized video recording equipment implies planning, and the planning aspect further contributes to recording high quality video, whether it is a sport, or other event that one records. The specialized equipment also provides for instantaneous or near instantaneous upload of videos such as streaming of videos. Additionally, as described further herein, the host computer system assists in matching videos with soundtracks, such as musical soundtracks, that may further improve the quality of the video.

The following documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,222, titled “System and Method or Initial Setup of an Automatic Recording System”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,355, titled “Automatic Orientation of a Pointing Device Using a Single Global Positioning Unit”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,380, titled “A Portable System for Automated Video Recording”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,451, titled “Feedback and Manual Remote Control System and Method for Automatic Video Recording”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,862, title “Apparatus and Method for Automatic Video Recording”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/801,336, titled “System and Method for Video Recording and Webcasting Sporting Events”.

The app described herein may include tools for video editing while forcing a limitation on video length. This is an important step because, as statistics show, people tend to post much longer videos (on average about four minutes but, notably, the average length of the sport videos is only about three minutes; see the URL address www.sysomos.com/reports/youtube/). In the inventors' experience, only professional videos are watchable when the length exceeds a few minutes. After 30 seconds have elapsed in an online video, up to 33% of viewers have moved on; at one minute, 44% have left (regardless of the clip's length); and almost 60% of viewers have abandoned the video by the two-minute mark. See Engage, the Blog, “101 Video Stats to Make Your Eye's Glaze Over, available at the URL address engage.tmgcustommedia.com/2011/04/101-online-video-stats-to-make-your-eyes-glaze-over/.

The additional effects that augment video quality may include transitions between different camera angles, special effects, like slow motion and accelerated speed, and others.

The systems and methods hereof further provide an ability to both be a part of the action and immediately and automatically edit and share a newsworthy video clip as it is happening, or just after it happens, or to have a person or program manage the broadcast without the subject having to stop participating in the action (such systems and methods are further described in co-owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/801,336, titled “System and Method for Recording and Webcasting Sporting Events” and corresponding PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/31001, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by this reference in their entirety). Finally, the system is capable of automatically adding professional looking effects such as transitions and credits without requiring much effort by the user sharing the video while still in the heat of the activity.

In summary, there are shortcomings of video sharing today that the systems and methods of the present disclosure remedies. Video content for sharing needs to be interesting, the camera movement must be smooth, and sharing must be easy. The systems and methods of the present disclosure include hardware to record HQVR and post or stream videos taken, for example, at sports venues from either a spectator's vantage point or participant's point of view.

Another problem with videos, particularly amateur videos, is they often are too long and show uninteresting, poorly edited footage rather than brief and exciting clips. Generally speaking, high quality video recording is hard to achieve, and forcing people to cut video length is a good way to make them select the best part of the footage. An appropriately cut video clip may give the impression of being well edited or professional.

A further problem addressed by the systems and methods of the present disclosure is that the sounds accompanying many amateur videos are either unrelated to the visuals or of poor quality. Such videos may be much improved by playing them with music or a soundtrack that fits the mood and tempo of the footage. It is expected that viewers of the videos will appreciate the improved appearance of their videos and the videos of their peers increasing their enjoyment value so that sharing videos becomes an even larger part of the cyber and social experience than it is today. Further, feedback features and system responses to feedback disclosed herein reward the best videos. Authors of such best videos will be able to earn posting privileges and even monetary rewards; thus, professional quality posting by amateurs will become more prevalent.

The present disclosure mentions use of the Internet. While the Internet is a preferred network, many features of the present disclosure may be implemented in part or entirely on other networks. Using a different network alone or in conjunction with the Internet should not be construed as a departure from the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating the components of a high quality video sharing system 1000. High quality video sharing system 1000 comprises a host computer system 80 configured and programmed to accept or receive video files and music files uploaded by users of host computer system 80. Host computer system 80 creates searchable databases of the uploaded videos and music files, among other tasks. It should be understood that host computer system 80 may comprise a plurality of networked computers. Viewer 90 accesses content stored on host computer system 80 via a website accessible through the Internet. Other methods of accessing content may also be implemented. High quality video sharing system 1000 further includes automated video recording device 10 operated (and perhaps owned) by an individual user/subject 1. The automated video recording device 10 records videos of the activities of user/subject 1 who is the subject of the automated video recording. Such an automated video recording device is described and enabled herein below and in the documents incorporated by reference above, namely U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,222, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,355, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,380, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,451, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,862, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/801,336. Reference should be made to these documents for further description of the details and features of the automated video recording device 10. Such an automated video recording system preferably comprises appropriate hardware to connect to the Internet.

High quality video sharing system 1000 further comprises providers or sources of music, both amateur music providers 85 and professional music providers 95, each of which may be individual users, or music aggregating websites, or other entities. While FIG. 1 only shows one automated video recording device 10, one user/subject 1, one viewer 90, one amateur music provider 85, and one professional music provider 95, it should be understood that more than one of each user type accesses host computer system 80. Indeed, host computer system 80 and its associated web site may interact with a large number (thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands) of automated video recording devices, with an even larger number of users (both subjects and viewers), and with many music providers (both professional and amateur). Thus, the present disclosure shows three groups or sets of users interfacing with high quality video sharing system 1000: the first group comprises those operating automatic video recording devices and uploading videos (user/subject 1), the second group comprises those watching and downloading videos and providing requests and feedback (viewers 90), and the third group comprises those uploading or otherwise providing music files (amateur music providers 85 and professional music providers 95). In practice, the same person may belong to any one group, to any two groups, or to all three groups. At least some (perhaps the vast majority or all) users are independent users, i.e., the users are not affiliated with, employed by, directed, governed or generally controlled by the operator(s) of host computer system 80 of high quality video sharing system 1000. Users 1 may upload video they record with automated video recording device 10 to the host computer system 80. Host computer system 80 is configured and programmed to augment the videos with music tracks using music uploaded by users or provided by music aggregators. Once augmented, the videos are made available to be browsed and watched by viewers 90. As noted above, while FIG. 1 illustrates three different user types (users/subjects, viewers, and musicians), in practice the same person may act in any or in all of the three roles at different times. While FIG. 1 shows users 1, viewers 90, amateur music providers 85, and professional music providers 95 in direct contact with host computer system 80, it is understood that such connection is facilitated with appropriate interface devices (Internet capable devices, phones, tablets, laptop computers, etc.). FIG. 2 shows a block diagram illustrating a video recording device 10. Automated video recording device 10 is an automated video recording device that records videos of an activity from a spectator's point of view. In the implementation shown in FIG. 2, the automated video recording device 10 comprises two main components: base unit 60 and remote unit 16. The base unit 60 comprises base station 18, camera positioners (camera positioner pan 31 and camera positioner tilt 33), and a camera 46 (i.e., a video camera) with focus and zoom controls (in addition to other standard camera controls). The remote unit 16 is collocated with the subject of the recording and moves with the subject. According to one implementation of the present disclosure, remote unit 16 is collocated with a user/subject 1 (see FIG. 1). Remote unit 16 may be worn, carried, etc. by user/subject 1. Remote unit 16 generates data necessary to orient and, to an extent that depends on the particular features of the automated video recording device 10, to otherwise control camera 46 to record the activities of the subject 1 as he or she moves around. More generally, the subject associated with remote unit 16 may be other than user 1; for example, it may be a child, an animal, an object, such as a model airplane, etc.

The remote unit 16 comprises localizer 55, input/output devices 65, processor (CPU 70), and radio 75. Localizer 55 is a device, or a set of devices, that determines the current location of the remote unit 16, and thus the location of the subject, at any given time during recording. The main component of localizer 55 may be a GPS receiver that receives and parses communication from satellites. GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System.

Alternatively, remote unit 16 may be a device that does not actually localize the subject, but assists in pointing of camera 46 at the subject. Remote unit 16 may also be an electromagnetic radiation sensor that receives and parses signals from base unit 60 and may also be a source of electromagnetic radiation which is received and parsed by base unit 60. The input/output devices 65 of remote unit 16 are devices that accept user input including commands to upload video to the video sharing host computer system 80. The input/output devices 65 also output status information for the user. Such devices may include an LED that indicates that recording is “on”, or touchscreen displays, or similar devices. Some input/output devices may serve both input and output functions and may permit the subject/user to preview the video prior to uploading and to supply credits (e.g., authorship information or other information (title, name of subject, date, etc.) about the content of the video) for the video. CPU 70 assists in carrying out the functions and features of the remote unit 16. Radio 75 is one means of communication between the remote unit 16 and the base unit 60. Radio 75 may also serve as a means of communication with host computer system 80 shown in FIG. 1 (this communication may also be through intermediary devices, wireless networks, telephone lines, or satellites, for example).

Communication between remote unit 16 and base unit 60 enables base station 18 to control camera orientation, zoom, and focus to record videos of the activities of user/subject 1 (see FIG. 1). Base unit 60 comprises base station 18, camera positioner pan 31 and camera positioner tilt 33, and a video camera 46 with adjustable zoom and focus, preferably controlled by base station 18. In alternative implementations, some elements of the base unit 60 may not be controlled by base station 18 (for example, there may be a traditional camera autofocus instead of computer controlled focusing based on the distance between remote unit 16 and camera 46). Base station 18 preferably comprises a CPU that parses location information and provides control commands to the camera positioners (camera positioner pan 31 and camera positioner tilt 33) and to video camera 46. Additionally, base station 18 preferably comprises a radio for communication with remote unit 16 and to establish Internet/data connection either directly, such as by using a cellular link, or through a Wi-Fi connection to a nearby network or through a tether (using a cellular link such as one through the user's cell phone). The commands of base station 18 may be based on a system that uses the location information of remote unit 16 to orient video camera 46 to point at the subject as he or she moves and to adjust the focus and zoom of video camera 46 to record high quality video of the user. The user may use input/output devices 65 of remote unit 16 to send commands to base station 18 that override preprogrammed orienting and recording actions of base unit 60. In some implementations, base station 18 may include its own localizer enabling it to determine and store its own position in an earth fixed coordinate system or its position relative to the remote unit 16. CPU 70 and radio 75 of the remote unit may also include a direct cellular link to the Internet or the ability to connect to a local Wi-Fi network. Video camera 46 may be equipped with a microphone. Recording sound using this microphone may be useful for the purposes of recording certain videos. For example, recording an announcement regarding speed during a car race or a ski jump may be very informational and entertaining when the resulting video is watched. Remote unit 16 may also be equipped with a microphone. In some situations, the sound recorded by camera 46 may be irrelevant to the video being recorded. For example, when recording a surfing activity, comments by the surfer would contribute to a better appreciation of the video. In addition, voice commands received by the remote unit microphone may be used to control, override, or otherwise communicate with base unit 60.

Base unit 60 may or may not be stationary (meaning that during recording the location of the base unit 60 is fixed, although base unit 60 may otherwise be portable and may be set up at various locations where the user wishes to record his activities). In many applications, it is preferable that the base unit be portable to many locations for recording purposes. In applications where base unit 60 is stationary, a setup procedure is preferably used to determine the location and initial orientation of camera 46. This setup procedure is not necessary if base unit 60 also comprises hardware that enables it to determine the camera's location and orientation. Such hardware may include GPS receivers, accelerometers, altimeters, levels, magnetometers, and the like. These instruments (except for GPS receivers and similar devices) may be referred to as inertial measurement units (IMUs). In applications where it is desirable to have base unit 60 mounted on a mobile platform (such as a vehicle, a boat, or the like), either the mobile platform or base station 18 is equipped with devices that enable it to recognize changes in location and spatial orientation as those may change as the platform moves. In cases where the platform may have restricted movements (such as movements along a rail, or computer controlled movements), it is possible to use the restrictions or the computer control to supplement or even to replace functions of the GPS receivers and IMUS. More generally, if the camera-to-remote unit orientation is determined automatically using any method, the camera may be automatically oriented at the subject and automatic video recording may take place. The specific instruments and methods of automatic video recording described herein are examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Base station 18 and/or remote unit 16 are parts of high quality video sharing system 1000 (see FIG. 1) and as such are recognized when they communicate with other parts of video sharing system 1000 (e.g., host computer system 80). This arrangement is useful in that logging in and uploading recorded videos to host computer system 80 shown in FIG. 1 may be straightforward or even automatic. The base station 18 and remote unit 16 may also be software platforms that allow users so inclined to write software applications for the system using a manufacturer supplied Software Development Kit (SDK).

According to an implementation of the present disclosure, video files that are uploaded to host computer system 80 are preferably brief in duration. Such brief duration does not greatly exceed one minute (about 60 seconds). One implementation of video duration limit of the present disclosure is a range of approximately 15 to 60 seconds long (i.e., not greater than one minute or 60 seconds). The video files (which may also be referred to as video clips) are uploaded to host computer system 80 where the user/subject 1 has a registered account. Consider this example: When surfing, the surfer normally spends extended periods of time paddling to areas where the surf is good to attempt to catch a wave.

When the surfer has reason to believe that a great video has been recorded (i.e., the surfer has just caught and surfed a wave), the surfer commands base station 18 to upload the recorded video file to host computer system 80 and post the video on the related website (see FIG. 1) for later viewing or for viewers 90 to view. In a variation of the process described, and to make an informed decision about posting a video by the subject, an instant playback feature may be available on a screen associated with remote unit 16. In such an implementation, remote unit 16 may be Internet enabled and further may be the device used to upload the video to host computer system 80. In such an implementation, the user may almost immediately share his or her accomplishment with his friends, followers, and the world.

According to one implementation of the present disclosure, high quality video sharing system 1000 preferably comprises software (executable strings of commands, algorithm) to sort videos by duration into groups (also referred to herein as bins) such as, for example, zero to 30 seconds, 30 to 45 seconds, 45 to 60 seconds, etc. Additionally, a mobile device application (also referred to herein as an app) is preferably made available to assist users in selecting, editing, and uploading videos they wish to share with others. Videos may be cut to a particular “bin” length using markers on a screen displayed ruler that displays the running time of the video within the app; additional markers may be used to designate footage to be played at accelerated speed (using command buttons such as >> for twice as fast and >>> for three times as fast, for example), or at reduced speed (command button such as 1/2 for 1/2×).

When parts of a video are played in accelerated mode, a longer video may fit into a shorter time bin. A video clip, or a portion of it, may be played in slow motion for enhanced effect. Preferably, the number of choices for video editing is not too numerous so that editing and uploading is as automatic and pleasant as possible, particularly for amateur videographers. FIG. 2 shows an additional preferred feature which includes recording and uploading point of view video. In some implementations, remote unit 16 may be connected with a point of view (POV) camera that is substantially collocated with subject 1 and is operated either manually or automatically. In such an implementation, base unit 60 may or may not be used. In such an implementation, remote unit 16 may be integrated with a wearable camera 47 that records point of view (POV) videos. Preferably, remote unit 16 transmits recorded POV video to base station 18 for uploading to host computer system 80 or may directly upload the recorded POV video to host computer system 80. In a further implementation, the automated “spectator's view” recording generated using base unit 60 and video recorded with wearable camera 47 that records POV videos are synchronized and automatically formatted to be playable on a split screen, picture in picture (PiP), or sequential arrangement. Such formatting may be performed by the host computer system 80.

Automatic video recording systems may comprise multiple automatically oriented cameras that may be used to record the same subject simultaneously using communication between a remote unit and multiple camera orienting devices. Videos recorded by such systems may be uploaded to host computer system 80 and then synchronized and edited to show an event or activity in a single video incorporating videos shot from multiple vantage points.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram illustrating a video sharing method.

Referring to FIG. 3, the parts of the software that depend on user action are identified by numbers 100-180; those parts of the software that represent actions by host computer system 80 are identified by numbers 200-270. As described with respect to FIG. 1, host computer system 80 accepts video file uploads and music file uploads. Both file types are either user-generated products or products that the uploader has permission to upload. Users register with a website associated with host computer system 80 and may create active accounts that permit uploading in step “create account” 100 (uploading of video) and “create account” 140 (uploading of music). It is noted that once the account is created, the user may simply access his or her account as noted in FIGS. 3 and 4. Additionally, a user may register a “passive” account that does not permit uploading (create account 175). During registration, users create profiles that include at least the following information, a username, an electronic address, a list of friends, etc. User profiles may be modified by the user at any time. An electronic address may be an e-mail address or other similar unique identifier that enables electronic communication with the user (e.g., a Twitter, Skype or Facebook username, or the like). Those who wish to view content must register with an account, either an active account or a passive account. When registering an active account in step “create account” 100, a selection may be made whether, in general, the videos that will be posted from that user's account will be visible to all users or only to a subset of users. When posting a video, the user may be provided with the option to override this selection. When registering a music related account in step “create account” 140, the user creates a profile that also includes the name of the musician or band. When registering with the web site, the users also agree to allow the uploaded content to be combined with other content on the web site. For example, the users agree that uploaded videos may be played with or combined with any music clip uploaded on the web site. The user may enter information to generate default credit lines (i.e., authorship information, date, location of filming, etc.) at registration (or at any time thereafter) that will be used to credit uploaded videos and/or music (unless the user overrides the default credit when uploading a specific file).

The registration process permits linking of a hardware device, such as automated video recording device 10, to a user account. Once the hardware device is registered, upload of content from that device is allowed automatically without further authentication. A user may register multiple devices with his or her account. Also, users may be given the option to register other Internet enabled devices (like smartphones). By permitting registration of other Internet enabled devices, it is possible for a single user to generate and upload video using the automated video recording device of FIG. 2 while also consuming or watching videos on a mobile device or using a computer used to access the website. The website of the present disclosure allows video file and music file uploads from mobile and other devices as long as the time limit set by the video sharing website (i.e., the clip duration limit, preferably 15 to 60 seconds for both videos and music) is observed and authentication is provided. Longer uploads (with certain exceptions) may be automatically truncated. Alternatively, the application interface preferably provides a slider showing the maximum amount of footage or music to be included in a clip and the user may select the truncation points. The application interface further provides the option of designating parts of videos to be played at accelerated speed or in slow motion. Once the video or music is recorded (step 110 and step 150, respectively) they may be uploaded, step 120 and step 170, respectively. Video uploaders are asked to select from a menu a music genre to be played with their video, step 130. To make uploads faster, the user may set a default music genre for his videos at registration or at any time thereafter. If a default is set, it will be applied unless the user overrides it at the time of uploading. Music uploaders are asked to select (input) a genre from a menu, 160. Both video and music uploaders may input credits following the upload if they wish to use other credits than a default one established when registering, or at any later time. The credits provided at registration are overridden if different credits are provided at the time of uploading. Credits may be limited by the number of lines (preferably one or two lines) or by character length. Credits may comprise title, date, location, authorship, and any other desired information. The automated video recording device 10 (see FIG. 2) may add a location stamp and/or a time stamp to a recorded video for inclusion in the credits of the uploaded video.

Host computer system 80 builds searchable databases of the uploaded music clips, 200, and of the uploaded videos, 210. When a request is made by a user to play a certain video in step 180, the software assigns and appends a music clip to the video, 250, and plays them together, 260. The video plus music clip ends showing both video and music credits.

Advertisements may also be included. Users are asked to give feedback separately for the video and for the music and the feedback is registered, 270. The music feedback is used to give preference to various clips if it has received positive feedback. This is done first by deciding whether user feedback is available (step 220), and using a random but weighted selection method in step 230 or a completely random selection method in step 240, when feedback has been received (Yes) or not (No).

According to one implementation of the present disclosure, software displays the videos within a frame that also displays the logo of the video sharing hardware and/or website. The frame of the video may serve as a location for advertisements. Similarly a “watermark” may be applied to some or all videos either advertising the application, hardware, or for traditional advertising.

According to another implementation of the present disclosure, the music genre menu (list) provided to video uploaders when they select a genre, 160, encompasses a wide variety of popular music genres, including a generic “other”. However, the menu (list) of music genres presented to music uploaders is limited to those previously selected by at least one video uploader and a generic “other”. This method, combined with a random element in music selection ensures that all uploaded music has a chance to be played.

According to yet another implementation of the present disclosure, the software is programmed to identify extreme movements, lighting changes, transitions, and/or tempo within video clips and searches for music clips within the database with sound effects, such as rhythm, drums, crescendos and the like, that match the timing seen in an uploaded video. The software gives preference to playing videos with music that includes matching sound effects if available. Otherwise, the music clip selection may be entirely random or preferred music may be played more frequently. However, the random selection feature may always be present in the music selection, thus the software ensures that all music clips have some chance to be played.

According to yet another implementation of the present disclosure, the video and music uploads are facilitated by apps that may be downloaded to mobile web ready (Internet enabled) devices. The uploading is facilitated from these devices by automatic authentication of the user and easy editing of the video or music clip for the required duration. For example, a user may upload a live track of their band playing a gig recorded by their smartphone. They may also, at a different occasion, upload a video made by the automated video recording device showing them or another subject surfing or playing soccer, for example. They may force selection of their own music file to be played with the video or let the system select which videos the sound recording plays for and which sound track plays with their video recording.

According to another implementation of the present disclosure, the software keeps track of how many times a video has been played in total and how many times a video has been played per request of users who are not directly associated with the uploader of the video clip (i.e., they are not “friends” on the web site or the like). The software also keeps track of positive and negative feedback. Users whose videos are played more frequently and elicit more positive responses may accrue privileges on the video sharing. Such privileges may include, for example, the following: uploading longer video clips, uploading sound (including, for example, music clips or commentary) to be played with their video clips, choosing specific music clips (not just genre) to be played with their video clips. When videos “go viral” (i.e., when many or most watchers of a particular video clip are not friends or acquaintances of the uploader) the uploader may also be entitled to a cash reward or other bonuses.

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram illustrating another video sharing method. In FIG. 4, the actions of creating/accessing an account, recording and editing a video, signing in and uploading the video are carried out in step 125. Several of the steps in FIG. 4 are the same or similar as described with respect to FIG. 3. Uploaders of videos select music genre and source in step 135. The software creates searchable video (and music, not shown) databases from uploaded files in step 210. When a video is requested by a viewer in step 180, a music clip is assigned in step 250. In this implementation, music may be selected from amateur or from professional (pro) sources, 300. For the purposes of this description, amateur music source relates to music and the related description (i.e., credits and genre) uploaded to the video sharing web site as detailed in FIG. 3; the selection of amateur music means a selection from the database containing amateur music uploads, 235. Pro music sources are those web sites or services that enable music downloads and/or streaming, such as iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, etc. Music clips are pre-aggregated and searchable databases already exist for these “pro” sources. If pro music is selected, step 300, the software contacts the selected provider, 310, selects a music clip, 320, downloads the music clip, makes note of the source and credits, 330, and plays the sound clip with the video, 260, upon user request, 180. (The requesting user must be registered or must register before having access to such features, 175). This system may take advantage of the fact that some sites or services permit users to listen or stream a “free” 30-second or similar sample of a song to be listened to before customers make purchases. Preferably, the owners of the video sharing web site have a special agreement with the pro music site or service to permit such synchronization of music samples with video clips. The methods described with the aid of FIGS. 3 and 4 may allow many songs to be sampled by many users who may not otherwise ever hear, let alone purchase, such content. Step 330 may be modified to exclude downloading when the music is played via streaming, such as through Internet radio stations. Users may also have an option to play music already saved on their video displaying devices if that is their preference (not shown). User feedback is solicited and accepted (step 270), and it may trigger further action (step 340), that rewards posters of popular videos and sources of popular music. For example, the user may follow a link to the provider of the music clip or a direct link to purchasing the music may be provided. Also, in response to repeated positive feedback for a poster, he or she may be allowed to obtain privileges such as described in the previous paragraph (to post video with its own soundtrack, post longer videos, etc,). Also, a user may get credits at a particular music-selling site if that user's videos consistently lead to music sales. User feedback may also include recommending the video and or music to other users and to make a link to the clip available on other social network sites.

In one implementation, the software also permits flagging a video for offensive or inappropriate content. Such videos are automatically removed and at the earliest availability an administrator reviews the removed video and decides either to reinstate the video or to permanently remove it. Users who repeat posting offensive or inappropriate videos may be temporarily or permanently banned and such banning may extend to their registered uploading device not just to their particular account.

In a further implementation of the present disclosure, a method the inventors refer to as “wisely chosen videos” is employed. To keep only the most interesting videos on a user's video feed, the concepts of “interesting people” (or “interesting person” among users who post videos) and of “interesting videos” is hereby introduced. Such a methodology uses the following: (1) interesting people take interesting video footage and post it/them; (2) viewers (users) subscribe to the interesting people's profile(s); (3) when a new video is posted by an interesting person, the video gets posted to viewers video feed; (4) as viewers send feedback (by votes or rating) about a particular video, and if such video gets poor ratings, it is gradually removed from users' news feeds by a weighing method based on a combination of random chance and video rating (high rated videos stay on viewers' newsfeeds longer, low rated videos are randomly removed from viewers' news feeds; the percentage of news feeds from which they get removed is based on the rating score). When viewers subscribe to interesting people's profiles, they may choose to be shown all videos posted by that person, or only videos voted to be high quality, or by the “wisely chosen videos” method described above.

In another implementation of the present disclosure, a user may upload a longer version of a video part of which was truncated during a prior upload. There may be a time (duration) limit set for the longer version as well; this limit may be extended for users who have produced good feedback to their earlier uploaded videos. The default mode of the system hereof is to provide as a default short video clips but may include a hyperlink to the extended version. If a user clicks the link he or she may view the extended version which action may be weighted as positive feedback for a given video clip.

This system may be used to disseminate professional content as well, such as movie trailers. For example, by opting in to a given news feed, the system may automatically post professional content that users may find interesting, such as clips of television shows and movies including movie trailers. This system may ban traditional commercials or may allow them to also be randomly inserted in various places. Similarly, the system may ban text or other clickable advertisements that detract from user experience and have no benefit, or, worse, negatively impact the user.

The embodiments described above may be employed separately or in combination. According to an implementation of the present disclosure, automated video recording device 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), by virtue of being parts of high quality video sharing system 1000, are recognized by host computer system 80 and are permitted to upload videos without further authentication. This privilege of “automatic” authentication may be revoked by the operator of system 1000 if abused. Other users may register and upload videos recorded using other video recording devices and uploading devices such as desktop computers, smartphones, tablet computers, and the like as well. Host computer system 80 may be programmed to limit the time (duration) of uploaded videos and music to particular values and to match videos with appropriate music clips when played upon request of viewers 90.

Preferably, a mobile device application enables the device which records video for upload or an intermediary device, such as a smartphone, to connect directly to a host computer system and/or one or more social networking web sites. A user of the mobile device application logs in to his or her account on a particular social network to post or watch videos (as when using YouTube) or to connect and interact with other users (as when using Facebook). After posting content, the social network web sites notifies the user's friends and subscribers so that they can more easily watch content they may find interesting. The mobile device application facilitates posting content to social networking web sites to utilize user's feed notices which notify others that new content is available. The new content may be posted or it may be a live feed.

Different implementations, embodiments, features and methods of the present disclosure are described with the aid of the figures, however the particular described implementations, embodiments, features and methods should not be construed as being the only ones that constitute practice of the invention and the described implementations, embodiments, features and methods are in no way substitutes for the broadest interpretation of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A video sharing method comprising:

a) providing a host computer system configured to receive video files uploaded from a plurality of automatic video recording devices, said automatic video recording devices comprising video cameras and designed to be capable of automatically orienting their video cameras at moving subjects and to be controlled and operated by a first set of independent users;

b) providing computer memory associated with said host computer system to store uploaded video files;

c) enabling a plurality of said automatic video recording devices that are capable of automatically orienting their video cameras at moving subjects and being controlled and operated by said first set of independent users to upload video files to said host computer system; and

d) enabling a plurality of a second set of users to connect to said host computer system and to play said video files that have been uploaded to said host computer system.

2. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of limiting duration of uploaded video files to about 60 seconds.

3. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of playing the uploaded video files live.

4. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of finding highlights in the uploaded video files and automatically editing the uploaded video files to feature highlights.

5. The video sharing method of claim 4, further comprising the step of enabling said second set of users to limit playing videos that are automatically edited to feature highlights.

6. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of configuring said host computer system to receive video files irrespective of hardware used to record and upload said video files. The video sharing method of claim 6, further comprising the steps of using said host computer system to synchronize video files recorded simultaneously by multiple cameras belonging to at least one user or recording footage of at least one subject and combine said video files recorded simultaneously by multiple cameras into a single video featuring the at least one user or at least one subject.

8. The video sharing method of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of automatic video recording devices comprises a base unit and at least one remote unit, wherein said at least one remote unit is co-located with a subject being recorded and each said remote unit is configured to communicate with a base unit.

9. The video sharing method of claim 8, wherein some of said remote units are configured to connect to said host computer system.

10. The video sharing method of claim 9, further comprising the step of initiating upload of video files to the host computer system from the remote unit.

11. The video sharing method of claim 9, further comprising the step of displaying video to be uploaded to the host computer system on a screen of the remote unit.

12. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of replacing a soundtrack of the uploaded video files with music when said video files are played.

13. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of building a searchable database of uploaded video files.

14. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the step of using said host computer system to receive music files from a third set of users.

15. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of

a) enabling input, by said first set of independent users, of credits to be shown as part of a videos uploaded by users and storing input credits in said computer memory associated with said host computer system; and

b) automatically including input credits in videos uploaded by said first set of independent users.

16. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of

a) displaying said video files as a newsfeed comprising a list of selectable videos available for viewing by said second set of users;

b) soliciting and accepting positive or negative feedback from said second set of users regarding videos from said list of selectable videos; and

c) using feedback from said second set of users to selectively display video files on the newsfeed.

17. The video sharing method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of

a) evaluating feedback from said second set of users and associating positive feedback with those users who uploaded video files that received positive feedback from said second set of users; and

b) rewarding those users who uploaded video files that received positive feedback from said second set of users.

18. The video sharing method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of

a) displaying said video files as a newsfeed comprising a list of selectable videos available for viewing by said second set of users;

b) soliciting and accepting positive or negative feedback from said second set of users about soundtracks associated with videos from said list of selectable videos;

c) using feedback from said second set of users regarding soundtracks associated with videos from said list of selectable videos to selectively display video files on the newsfeed;

d) evaluating feedback from said second set of users and associating positive feedback with those users whose soundtracks received positive feedback; and

e) rewarding those users who uploaded video files with soundtracks that received positive feedback.