Picture-in-picture video system for virtual exercise, instruction and entertainment

• US 8,620,146 B1
• Filed: 12/29/2011
• Issued: 12/31/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 03/28/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Theresa Coleman
• Original Assignee: Theresa Coleman
• Inventors: Coleman, Theresa
• Primary Examiner(s): DANG, HUNG Q
• Application Number:
  US13/339,801
• Time in Patent Office: 733 Days
• Field of Search: 386200-234, 386278-290
• US Class Current: 386/278
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/772 the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/91 Television signal processing therefor

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing a picture-in-picture overlay video system for superimposing real time video onto a prerecorded video image onto a viewing screen. The present invention is used for exercise and sports instruction by enabling the user to view a real time video image superimposed on a viewing screen showing a prerecorded instructional video and allowing for comparison of the users form in comparison to that of the instructor on the prerecorded video. The merged images can also be saved for future evaluation.

Claims

1. A video editing system for inserting a real time user designated field image into a prerecorded video and simultaneously displaying a combined single stream video output on a viewing screen comprising:

a) a media player/recording device;

b) video frame editing software installed in said media player whereby a user designated video field compilation comprises a field image and a field background;

c) a digital video camera in communication with said media player;

d) a prerecorded video;

e) a hand held control unit; and

f) a viewing screen display;

wherein said video frame editing software of said media player is configured for receiving a user designated field image incorporating said field image into a prerecorded video, thereby creating said combined single stream video output such that said field image of said video field compilation is part of said prerecorded video, and wherein said field image is a live video feed recorded by said digital video camera;

said combined video output being displayed on said viewing screen display simultaneously with the step of incorporating said field image into said prerecorded video;

wherein said user directs said digital video camera to record said user to create an editable, real time video, said user defining said field image positionable within said prerecorded video allowing live, video-based user comparison with an action of an instructor of said prerecorded video and said video frame editing software removing said field background based on the simultaneous incorporating of said field image into said prerecorded video and display of said combined single stream video output in real time; and

wherein said comparison with the action of said instructor is performed by positioning said field image next to the image of the instructor provided by said prerecorded video and adjusting a position and a sizing of said field image accordingly, forming said combined single stream video real time display.

2. The video editing system recited in claim 1, wherein the processor executable software comprising said overlay field image and said overlay field background provides for independently displaying said image from said background.

3. The video editing system recited in claim 1, wherein said viewing screen is a television.

4. The video editing system recited in claim 1, wherein said viewing screen is a computer monitor.

5. The video editing system recited in claim 1, wherein said digital video camera communicates with said media player/recording device via a USB cable.

6. The video editing system recited in claim 1, wherein said digital video camera communicates with said media player/recording device via a wireless connection.

7. The video editing system recited in claim 1, wherein said media player/recording device is selected from the group consisting of:

a) a gaming device;

b) a computer; and

c) a DVD player.

8. The video editing system recited in claim 7, wherein said gaming device is a Sony Playstation 2.

9. The video editing system recited in claim 7, wherein said computer is a desktop computer.

10. The video editing system recited in claim 7, wherein said computer is a notebook computer.

11. The video editing system recited in claim 1, wherein said video frame editing software receiving a user designated video field incorporates said video field into a predetermined plurality of video frames of the prerecorded video presentation contained on said prerecorded video.

12. The video editing system recited in claim 11, wherein said video frame editing software comprises:

a) a set-up module enabling the user to manipulate the size;

position of said field image; and

capture a field background to be removed;

b) a recording module for saving the user designated combined single stream video output of said field image and said prerecorded video; and

c) an evaluation module to enable playback of saved combined single stream video output of said field image and prerecorded video.

13. The video editing system recited in claim 12, wherein said prerecorded video is selected from the group of instructional videos, entertainment videos, music videos and performing arts videos.