Personal video recording system with home surveillance feed

• US 20020016971A1
• Filed: 03/30/2001
• Published: 02/07/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: United Video Properties Incorporated (Adeia, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: United Video Properties Incorporated (Adeia, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ellis, Michael D., Berezowski, David M., Thomas, William L., DeWeese, Toby
• Application Number:
  US09/823,696
• Publication Number:
  US 20020016971A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/105
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1037 being specially adapted for converting control signals received from the game device into a haptic signal, e.g. using force feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19693 using multiple video sources viewed on a single or compound screen
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/216 Rewritable discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2562 DVDs [digital versatile discs]; Digital video discs; MMCDs; HDCDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2575 DVD-RAMs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/034 on discs G11B27/036, G11B27/038 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/04 with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4147 PVR [Personal Video Recorder] H04N5/76 takes precedence ; arrangements for broadcast with accumulation-type receivers H04H20/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42203 sound input device, e.g. microphone
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4223 Cameras H04N23/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/426 Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof H04N5/44 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4438 Window management, e.g. event handling following interaction with the user interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/478 Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4788 communicating with other users, e.g. chatting arrangements for providing for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms, to substation in data switching networks H04L12/1813; distributed application using peer-to-peer [P2P] networks H04L67/104
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4828 for searching program descriptors retrieval of video data G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/76 Television signal recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/77 : between a recording apparatus and a television camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/775 : between a recording apparatus and a television receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/85 : on discs or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17318 : Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/181 : for receiving images from a plurality of remote sources

Abstract

A personal video recording system is provided that acquires real-time video and audio information in, and in the vicinity of, a user'"'"'s home. Acquired video and audio information may be stored on a storage device included in user television equipment or at any other suitable location. Current information may be presented to the user in real-time. The user may also access stored information for playback. The user may use a guidance application to aid in the retrieval of information. The personal video recording system may provide a user interface to manipulate audio and video information. Information may be shared between multiple personal video recording systems. The personal video recording system may also be used for surveillance.

Claims

1. A method for using a personal video recording system having user television equipment for acquiring video information comprising:

coupling at least one video capture device to a multi-media device;

acquiring video information using the video capture device; and

storing the video information on a storage device, wherein the storage device is coupled to the multi-media device.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the multi-media device is selected from a group consisting of a set-top box, a personal video recorder, a television having an integrated set-top box, a WebTV box, a personal computer television (PC/TV), a handheld computing device, and any combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

coupling at least one audio capture device to the multi-media device;

acquiring audio information using the audio capture device; and

storing the audio information on the storage device.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

accessing the video information; and

presenting the video information to a user.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein presenting the video information to a user comprises displaying the video information to the user on a display device.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a user with the ability to name the video information.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a user with the ability to name the video capture device.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a user with the ability to store the video information at any location in a file system in the storage device.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the storage device is located in the home of a user.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein the storage device is a remote shared server.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising allowing a user to restrict access to the video information.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a user with the ability to edit the video information.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the acquiring the video information takes place as a result of at least one sensor being tripped.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising communicating a signal to an appropriate authority as a result of at least one sensor being tripped.

15. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing the user with the ability to share video information with users of other user television equipment.

16. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a guidance application to a user, wherein the guidance application allows the user to navigate among the video information.

17. The method of claim 1 wherein the video information comprises one or more still frames.

18. The method of claim 1 wherein the video information is stored on an auxiliary device.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the multi-media device is selected from a group consisting of a set-top box, a personal video recorder, a television having an integrated set-top box, a WebTV box, a personal computer television (PC/TV), a handheld computing device, and any combination thereof.

21. The method of claim 19 further comprising:

coupling at least one audio capture device to the multi-media device;

acquiring audio information using the audio capture device; and

presenting the audio information in real-time to the user via at least one audio output device wherein the audio output device is coupled to the multi-media device.

22. The method of claim 19 further comprising providing the user with the ability to name the video information.

23. The method of claim 19 further comprising providing the user with the ability to name the video capture device.

24. The method of claim 19 further comprising providing the user with the ability to store the video information at any location in a file system in a storage device.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein the storage device is located in the home of a user.

26. The method of claim 24 wherein the storage device is a remote server.

27. The method of claim 19 further comprising allowing the user to restrict access to the video information.

28. The method of claim 19 further comprising providing a user with the ability to edit the video information.

29. The method of claim 19 wherein the acquiring the video information takes place as a result of at least one sensor being tripped.

30. The method of claim 19 further comprising communicating a signal to an appropriate authority as a result of at least one sensor being tripped.

31. The method of claim 19 further comprising providing the user with the ability to share video information with users of other user television equipment.

32. The method of claim 19 further comprising providing a guidance application to a user, wherein the guidance application allows the user to navigate among the video information.

33. The method of claim 19 wherein the video information comprises one or more still frames.

34. The method of claim 19 wherein the video information is stored on an auxiliary device.

36. The method of claim 35 further comprising providing the user with the ability to name the video information.

37. The method of claim 35 further comprising providing the user with the ability to name the video capture device.

38. The method of claim 35 further comprising providing the user with the ability to store the video information at any location in a file system in a storage device.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein the storage device is located in the home of a user.

40. The method of claim 38 wherein the storage device is a remote server.

41. The method of claim 35 further comprising providing parental control features to lock and unlock the video information.

42. The method of claim 35 further comprising providing a user with the ability to edit the video information.

43. The method of claim 35 further comprising providing the user with the ability to edit the video information using a third-party application.

44. The method of claim 35 further comprising displaying at least one selectable item corresponding to video information.

45. The method of claim 44 further comprising automatically displaying the selectable item in response to at least one sensor being tripped.

46. The method of claim 35 further comprising providing the user with the ability to share video information with users of other user television equipment.

47. The method of claim 35 wherein the video information comprises one or more still frames.

48. The method of claim 35 wherein the video information is stored on an auxiliary device.

50. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the multi-media device is selected from a group consisting of a set-top box, a personal video recorder, a television having an integrated set-top box, a WebTV box, a personal computer television (PC/TV), a handheld computing device, and any combination thereof.

51. The personal video recording system of claim 49 further comprising at least one audio capture device coupled to the multi-media device, wherein the audio information acquired from the audio capture device is stored in the storage device.

52. The personal video recording system of claim 49 further comprising a display device that is used to present the video information to a user.

53. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the system is configured to provide a user with the ability to name the video information.

54. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the system is configured to provide a user with the ability to name the video capture device.

55. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the system is configured to provide a user with the ability to store the video information at any location in a file system in the storage device.

56. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the storage device is located in the home of a user.

57. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the storage device is a remote shared server.

58. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the system is configured to provide a user with the ability to restrict access to the video information.

59. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the system is configured to provide a user with the ability to edit the video information.

60. The personal video recording system of claim 49 further comprising at least one sensor, wherein the video capture device acquires video information in response to at least one sensor being tripped.

61. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein a signal is communicated to an appropriate authority in response to at least one sensor being tripped.

62. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the system is configured to provide a user with the ability to share video information with users of other user television equipment.

63. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the system is configured to provide a guidance application to a user, wherein the guidance application allows the user to navigate among the video information.

64. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the video information comprises one or more still frames.

65. The personal video recording system of claim 49 wherein the video information is stored on an auxiliary device.

19. A method for using a personal video recording system having user television equipment for acquiring and presenting real-time video information to a user comprising:

coupling at least one video capture device to a multi-media device;

acquiring video information using the video capture device; and

presenting the video information in real-time to the user via at least one display device wherein the display device is coupled to the multi-media device.

35. A method for providing a user with the ability to manipulate audio and video information using a personal video recording system having a guidance application and user television equipment comprising:

acquiring the audio and video information using at least one audio capture device and at least one video capture device, respectively, wherein the audio capture device and the video capture device are included in the user television equipment; and

providing to the user an interface using the guidance application, wherein the user is given the ability to use the interface to manipulate the audio and video information.

49. A personal video recording system having user television equipment for acquiring video information comprising:

a multi-media device;

at least one video capture device coupled to the multi-media device; and

a storage device coupled to the multimedia device, wherein video information acquired from the video capture device is stored in the storage device.

66. A personal video recording system having user television equipment for acquiring and presenting real-time information to a user comprising:

a multi-media device;

at least one video capture device coupled to the multi-media device; and

at least one display device coupled to a multi-media device on which video information acquired from the video capture device is presented in real-time to the user.

67. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the multi-media device is selected from a group consisting of a set-top box, a personal video recorder, a television having an integrated set-top box, a WebTV box, a personal computer television (PC/TV), a handheld computing device, and any combination thereof.

68. The personal video recording system of claim 66 further comprising at least one audio capture device coupled to the multi-media device;

and

at least one audio output device through which audio information acquired from the audio capture device is presented in real-time to the user.

69. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to name the video information.

70. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to name the video capture device.

71. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to store the video information at any location in a file system in a storage device.

72. The personal video recording system of claim 71 wherein the storage device is located in the home of a user.

73. The personal video recording system of claim 71 wherein the storage device is a remote server.

74. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to restrict access to the video information.

75. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the user is provided with the ability to edit the video information.

76. The personal video recording system of claim 66 further comprising at least one sensor, wherein the video capture device acquires video information in response to at least one sensor being tripped.

77. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein a signal is communicated to an appropriate authority in response to at least one sensor being tripped.

78. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the user is provided with the ability to share video information with users of other user television equipment.

79. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the system is configured to provide a guidance application to a user, wherein the guidance application allows the user to navigate among the video information.

80. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the video information comprises one or more still frames.

81. The personal video recording system of claim 66 wherein the video information is stored on an auxiliary device.

82. A personal video recording system for providing a user with the ability to manipulate audio and video information using a personal video recording system having a guidance application and user television equipment:

at least one audio capture device and at least one video capture device configured to capture audio and video information respectively, wherein the audio capture device and the video capture device are included in the user television equipment;

a user interface is provided to the user using the guidance application and wherein the user is given the ability to use the interface to manipulate the audio and video information.

83. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to name the video information.

84. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to name the video capture device.

85. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to store the video information at any location in a file system in a storage device.

86. The personal video recording system of claim 85 wherein the storage device is located in the home of a user.

87. The personal video recording system of claim 85 wherein the storage device is a remote server.

88. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to restrict access to the video information.

89. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to edit the video information.

90. The personal video recording system of claim 89 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to edit the video information using a third-party application.

91. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the display device displays at least one selectable item corresponding to video.

92. The personal video recording system of claim 91 wherein the display device displays the selectable item in response to at least one sensor being tripped.

93. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the system is configured to provide the user with the ability to share video information with users of other user television equipment.

94. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the video information comprises one or more still frames.

95. The personal video recording system of claim 82 wherein the video information is stored on an auxiliary device.