(19) United States
`(2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2001/0032246A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Oct. 18, 2001
`Fardella et al.
`
`US 20010032246A1
`
`(54) METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING
`AND SENDING A VIDEO E-MAIL
`
`(76)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(63)
`
`Inventors: Anthony James Fardella, Pittsburg,
`CA (US); Thomas Mason Miller,
`Reston, VA (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Mitchell B. Wasson
`Hoffman Wasson & Gitler PC
`2361 Jefferson Davis Highway - Suite 522
`Arlington, VA 2.2202 (US)
`Appl. No.:
`
`09/754,335
`
`Filed:
`
`Jan. 5, 2001
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Non-provisional of provisional application No.
`60/174,594, filed on Jan. 5, 2000.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." … G06F 15/16
`(52) U.S. Cl. … 709/206
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A method and system for composing and sending a video
`e-mail from a user to a receiver. A video source, such as a
`digital camera is used to take still or moving pictures which
`would be stored in the hard drive of the sender’s personal
`computer. A central web server is contacted by the sender
`and the sender is then provided with a unique number to be
`associated with the video e-mail. At this point, the video
`e-mail is sent to the central server. The receiver is contacted
`indicating that a video e-mail has been sent to the receiver.
`The receiver would then contact the central server which
`would then transmit the video e-mail to the receiver to be
`viewed on the web browser of the receiver’s personal
`computer.
`
`Front-End
`
`r
`
`tnterface Computer
`Running
`Majikam Messaging
`Creation Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Webserver
`
`Majikam
`Internet Message
`Request Via
`Browser
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`Majikam
`Messaging
`Database
`Server Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Majikam EMail
`Message Link
`Server
`
`Majikam
`EMail Message
`internet Link
`
`
`
`
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Oct. 18, 2001 Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 2001/0032246 A1
`
`| 8
`
`
`
`Od 49Sm
`
`1?SMO 18 qeAA q??AMZZ
`
`9I
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 18, 2001 Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 2001/0032246A1
`
`Figure 2
`
`Front-End
`
`-
`
`tnterface Computer
`Running
`Majikam Messaging
`Creation Software
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`|
`
`| Webserver
`
`
`
`| Messaging
`Database
`Server Software
`
`12
`
`i
`|
`| Majikam EMail
`Message Link
`Server
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Majikam
`Internet Message
`Request Via
`Browser
`
`
`
`Majikam
`EMail Message
`internet Link
`
`–
`:
`
`21
`
`-
`
`.
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 18, 2001 Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 2001/0032246A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`?ôessou op??A SÐAes/seleelo odp?SOIX (NL)ue>|?eW ' ! 06els
`
`
`
`
`
`HECINES9Z
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Z8
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 18, 2001 Sheet 4 of 4
`Figure 4
`
`US 2001/0032246A1
`
`Example URL
`http://dewors.najikan.com/majikan.iasso?sessionin-Aizsas
`A
`A.
`A.
`Host name
`Script Location
`Unique Message Number
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 5
`
`

`

`US 2001/003.2246 A1
`
`Oct. 18, 2001
`
`METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING AND
`SENDING A VIDEO E-MAIL
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`[0001] Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), this application
`claims a priority benefit of provisional patent application
`Ser. No. 60/174,594, filed Jan. 5, 2000.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`[0002] The present invention is directed to a method and
`system for constructing and sending video e-mails.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0003] Since time immemorial, man has always endeav
`ored to develop better and more efficient ways of commu
`nicating with one another. Different types of technology
`have been introduced allowing varying modes of commu
`nication to bring the world closer together. After language
`was developed, people exchanged news chiefly by word of
`mouth. Various individuals or couriers have carried spoken
`messages over long distances as was true in the Plains of
`Marathon. People also employed drum beats, fires and
`smoke signals to communicate with one another. Once
`writing was developed, the chief means of long distance
`communications was the written word. Businesses hired
`professional messengers who carried letters on foot, on
`horseback or by ship. However, as can be appreciated, the
`time it would take to deliver these written messages could be
`quite long such as when the messages were transported over
`the high seas. When more efficient means of communica
`tions were developed such as the use of the telegraph, the
`time that it would take to send a message from one point to
`a far distance point was greatly diminished.
`[0004] Communication was further aided by the invention
`of photography such that the written word can be accom
`panied and amplified by a permanent photograph. The
`development of television also enhanced communication
`between the originating television program and a mass
`audience. Unfortunately, as can be appreciated, the inven
`tion of television itself did not enhance the ability of
`individuals to communicate on a one-to-one basis.
`[0005] The ability of one individual to communicate with
`another individual in a speedy manner was enhanced by the
`development of the computer in conjunction with the inter
`net. This type of technology allowed an individual to
`instantly send messages to one another utilizing e-mail.
`While this use of email was beneficial in allowing individu
`als to communicate with one another using the written word,
`it was thought that this communication could be enhanced
`by allowing the individual to incorporate the written word
`with a visual still or moving picture. This type of technology
`is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,689, issued to Budge et
`al. This patent illustrates an email system with a video e-mail
`player. Audio and video components of a message are
`recorded, encoded and combined into a video message file
`which is sent to a recipient over conventional communica
`tions networks in the form of a video email. Unfortunately,
`if this video e-mail is sent directly from a first computer to
`a second computer, the downloading of the video e-mail in
`the second computer would be time-consuming and would
`utilize a large portion of that second computer’s memory.
`
`[0006] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,320, issued to Krebs
`illustrates a video mail delivery system in which a sender
`subscriber communicates with a network provider system.
`The network provider system as illustrated in FIG. 4 would
`prompt the sender-subscriber for various information includ
`ing the receiver’s names and addresses of the video mail.
`The network provider system would then determine the
`appropriate time to transmit the bulk data to the receiver. As
`was true with respect to the Budge et al patent, once the
`video e-mail is delivered to the receiver, precious memory
`space would be lost in the receiver’s computer for other
`purposes.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0007] The deficiencies of the prior art are addressed by
`the present invention which is directed to a method and
`system for allowing a first individual to prepare and send a
`still or video message with or without a text or audio
`message to a second individual. A video camera is provided
`at a central location, such as a kiosk or is attached to the first
`individual’s personal computer. Once the video message or
`e-mail is composed by the first individual, a message is then
`sent to a central server. The central server would then e-mail
`a message to the sender including a unique message number
`to be associated with the video e-mail. The sender would
`then upload the video e-mail to the central server. At this
`point, the central server would e-mail a message to the
`receiver, notifying the receiver of the existence of the video
`e-mail. Thereafter, when the receiver wishes to view the
`video, a connection is made between the central server and
`the receiver’s personal computer, thereby allowing the video
`message to be viewed through a web browser provided on
`the receiver’s personal computer.
`[0008] These and other aspects of the present invention
`will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a
`reading of the following description of the preferred
`embodiments when considered with the drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0009] FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams showing the
`components of the present invention;
`[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a method for
`delivering a video e-mail; and
`[0011] FIG. 4 is an example of a URL message.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`[0012] The drawings are for the purpose of describing
`preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not
`intended to limit the present invention. Like components are
`represented by the same reference numeral.
`[0013] The system and method of the present invention
`(Majikam") system would allow an individual to generate
`moving and/or still images from a video source, such as a
`digital camera associated with a sender’s personal computer
`or a stand alone kiosk. The produced video images in the
`form of a video e-mail can be utilized with or without text
`messages and with or without audio messages. The audio
`message would be generated by a microphone associated
`with the digital camera. Once a message is generated,
`various information including e-mail addresses among other
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 6
`
`

`

`US 2001/003.2246 A1
`
`Oct. 18, 2001
`
`information would be associated with the video e-mail.
`Once the video e-mail was completed, it would be stored on
`the hard drive of the sender’s personal computer or kiosk. A
`message would then be sent to a central web server. It is
`important to note that at this point, the video e-mail resides
`in the central web server and not the receiver’s personal
`computer. Once the receiver wishes to view the video
`e-mail, the receiver would contact the central web server by
`clicking a particular icon on the personal computer screen of
`the receiver. The central web server would respond to this
`request by searching its database for the proper information
`and then generate a web page including the video message
`along with any accompanying audio or textual message.
`This web page would then be transmitted to the receiver’s
`personal computer for viewing over a web browser associ
`ated with the receiver’s personal computer.
`[0014] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the major components 10
`of the present invention. These components include a video
`source, such as a digital camera 12 for capturing either a
`moving or still video image, or both. This generated video
`image is then saved on the hard drive of the sender’s
`personal computer 14, equipped with the appropriate soft
`ware (Majikam" kiosk software) for processing this infor
`mation and then putting it in a form for transmission to a
`central server (Majikam" server) 18.
`[0015] The Majikam" kiosk software would prompt the
`sender to provide information which would accompany the
`video e-mail. This information includes but is not limited to
`the sender’s name, the sender’s e-mail, the receiver’s name,
`the receiver’s e-mail and a textual message as illustrated in
`reference numeral 16. The host name of the Majikam"
`server would be automatically included in this additional
`information. The Majikam" server 18 would receive a
`communication from the personal computer or kiosk 14
`utilizing the Majikam" kiosk software. The central server
`would then add database data including a unique message
`number to the information supplied by the sender. The
`database data would also include the internet host name of
`the server, a user name for log in to the web server, a
`password for log in to the web server and the location in
`which to store the video e-mail. A message is then sent back
`to the sender’s personal computer 14 which would allow the
`Majikam" kiosk software to rename the video with the
`server-assigned name and then would upload all of this
`information into the Majikam" server's 18 database. The
`Majikam" server would also send an e-mail 19, 23 (see
`FIG. 2) to the receiver indicating that a video e-mail has
`been sent and is ready for review to the receiver. At this
`point, it is noted that the video e-mail is stored in the
`Majikam" server’s database, but is not stored at the present
`time with the receiver’s personal computer 22.
`[0016] The e-mail received by the receiver’s personal
`computer 22 would include a uniform resource locator
`(URL) so that the receiver can retrieve their particular video
`e-mail.
`[0017] To receive the video e-mail, the user need only
`click on the URL link and open their message in a web
`browser as shown by 21. The web browser will open this
`message and display the video content, along with any
`textual message. Additionally, if an audio message accom
`panies the video e-mail, this audio message will be played
`at the present time.
`
`[0018] When the user clicks on the URL, the Majikam"
`web server database 18 (located at the same location as the
`Majikam" server 20 or at a different location) would extract
`a session identification from the URL, would access the
`database and build the web page with the video, textual and
`if provided, audio message which would be displayed on the
`web browser of the receiver’s personal computer at 22.
`[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates the method of the present inven
`tion 24 utilizing the components described with respect to
`FIGS. 1 and 2. Initially, a picture is taken utilizing a video
`source such as a digital camera at step 25. This picture could
`either be a still photograph or a moving picture. The video
`is stored in a temporary file at the Majikam" kiosk or a
`personal computer shown at step 26. The sender would then
`enter information such as their own name, e-mail address, a
`textual message, as well as the name and the e-mail address
`for the intended receiver. Furthermore, an audio message
`could also be added. It is noted that only the receiver’s
`e-mail address is required and the additional information not
`necessarily needed. The sending device such as the
`Majikam" kiosk or personal computer is then connected to
`the Majikam" database provided at the Majikam" server
`as shown by step 28. It is important to note that the video
`e-mail is not sent to the Majikam" server at step 28 but
`merely the identifying information as noted hereinabove.
`The Majikam" database software would then return to the
`sending computer a unique message number along with
`additional information as previously described. This number
`is then used by the sending computer to name the temporary
`video file. Once named, this file is uploaded to the
`Majikam" web server application at step 30. It is noted that
`the web server application and the Majikam" server can be
`provided at the same location or at a different location. The
`uploaded file would then be used in conjunction with the
`information stored in the database to construct a final web
`page/video postcard to be sent to the recipient.
`[0020] The information sent from the Majikam" server
`application responsive to the Majikam" kiosk software
`would also contain, along with the unique message number,
`the internet host name of the web server, a user name for log
`in to the web server, a password for log in to the web server
`as well as the location in which the document is stored. Once
`this information is delivered to the sending computer, the
`digital video file is uploaded to the web server. At this point,
`the Majikam" server software sends identification e-mails
`to the sender and receiver alerting them to the fact that they
`have a message waiting to be retrieved. The e-mail message
`sent to the receiver contains a URL link allowing the user to
`click on the link and to open their message in a web browser.
`The web browser would open their message and display the
`video content, along with the text message content and an
`audio message.
`[0021] As illustrated in step 30, once the receiver has
`received their e-mail and clicked on a link, they will be
`directed to a specified server to retrieve their message. The
`URL contains the location of the script on the server used to
`dynamically build the web page as well as the aforemen
`tioned unique message number. FIG. 4 illustrates a typical
`URL link. This link includes the internet host name of the
`web server, a script location in which to store the document
`as well as the unique message number. At this point, the web
`server would send the constructed web page to the receiver
`as shown by step 32.
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 7
`
`

`

`US 2001/003.2246 A1
`
`Oct. 18, 2001
`
`[0022] While the embodiments described hereinabove are
`presently the best perceived mode of carrying out the
`invention, other embodiments may be employed without
`departing from the scope of the present invention. For
`example, while the present invention has been described in
`terms of transmitting a personal e-mail from a sender to a
`recipient, the present invention could be utilized to produce
`a web cam database, a security database, a medical database
`with pictures of patient’s conditions as well as a registry of
`individuals with their associated pictures.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A system for composing and sending a video e-mail
`from a sender to a receiver comprising:
`a video source for taking a picture;
`a first computer connected to said video source for
`receiving said picture, said computer provided with
`first software for obtaining information relating to the
`sender and the receiver;
`a centralized web server for receiving and storing said
`information and said picture from said first computer,
`said web server provided with second software for
`communicating with said first computer and the
`receiver, said web server further provided with a
`memory for storing said picture in the form of a video
`e-mail; and
`a second computer in communication with said web
`server, said second computer capable of receiving a
`communication from said web server indicating that a
`video e-mail directed to the receiver is stored at said
`memory of said web server.
`2. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
`second computer includes a means for receiving and dis
`playing the video e-mail received from said web server.
`3. The system in accordance with claim 2, wherein said
`web server constructs a web page including the video e-mail
`which is transmitted to said second computer and displayed
`on a web browser provided at said second computer.
`4. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
`picture includes a textual message associated therewith.
`5. The system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said
`picture includes a textual message associated therewith.
`6. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
`picture includes an audio message associated therewith.
`7. The system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said
`picture includes an audio message associated therewith.
`8. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
`first computer has a memory for storing said picture.
`9. The system in accordance with claim 8, wherein said
`first software communicates said information to said second
`software, and further wherein said second software provides
`a unique message number to said first software relating to
`said picture.
`10. The system in accordance with claim 9, wherein said
`picture, said information and said unique message number
`associated with said digital picture are uploaded to said
`memory of said web server.
`11. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
`communication received by the receiver from said web
`server includes a URL.
`12. The system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said
`communication received by the receiver from said web
`server includes a URL.
`
`13. A system for composing a video e-mail including a
`picture created by a video source for sending the video
`e-mail from a server to a receiver comprising:
`a centralized web server for receiving and storing said
`information and said picture from said first computer,
`said web server provided with second software for
`communicating with said first computer and the
`receiver, said web server further provided with a
`memory for storing said picture in the form of a video
`e-mail; and
`a second computer in communication with said web
`server, said second computer capable of receiving a
`communication from said web server indicating that a
`video e-mail directed to the receiver is stored at said
`memory of said web server.
`14. The system in accordance with claim 13, wherein said
`second computer includes a means for receiving and dis
`playing the video e-mail received from said web server.
`15. The system in accordance with claim 14, wherein said
`web server constructs a web page including the video e-mail
`which is transmitted to said second computer and displayed
`on a web browser provided at said second computer.
`16. The system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the
`picture includes a textual message associated therewith.
`17. The system in accordance with claim 15, wherein the
`picture includes a textual message associated therewith.
`18. The system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the
`picture includes an audio message associated therewith.
`19. The system in accordance with claim 15, wherein the
`picture includes an audio message associated therewith.
`20. The system in accordance with claim 13, wherein said
`first computer has a memory for storing the picture.
`21. The system in accordance with claim 20, wherein said
`first software communicates said information to said second
`software, and further wherein said second software provides
`a unique message number to said first software relating to
`the digital picture.
`22. The system in accordance with claim 21, wherein the
`picture, said information and said unique message number
`associated with the picture are uploaded to said memory of
`said web server.
`23. The system in accordance with claim 13, wherein said
`communication received by the receiver from said web
`server includes a URL.
`24. The system in accordance with claim 22, wherein said
`communication received by the receiver from said web
`server includes a URL.
`25. A method of composing and sending a video e-mail
`from a sender to a receiver, comprising the steps of:
`using a video source to take a picture;
`transmitting said picture to a first computer provided with
`first software for obtaining information relating to the
`sender and the receiver;
`obtaining said information from the sender;
`forwarding said information from said first computer to a
`centralized web server provided with second software
`for communicating with said first computer and the
`receiver;
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 8
`
`

`

`US 2001/003.2246 A1
`
`Oct. 18, 2001
`
`providing a unique message number associated with said
`information;
`sending said unique message number to said first com
`puter to be associated with said picture;
`transmitting said digital picture in the form of a video
`e-mail including said unique message number from
`said first computer to said web server;
`transmitting a message to a second computer indicating
`that said video e-mail is ready to be delivered to the
`receiver at said second computer; and
`transmitting said video e-mail from said web server to
`said second computer responsive to a command issued
`from said second computer to said web server.
`26. The method in accordance with claim 25, further
`including the step of viewing said video e-mail on a web
`browser provided in said second computer.
`27. The method in accordance with claim 26, wherein said
`video e-mail is constructed in the form of a web page in said
`server prior to being transmitted to said second computer.
`
`28. The method in accordance with claim 25, further
`including the step of including a textual message with said
`picture.
`29. The method in accordance with claim 25, further
`including the step of including an audio message with said
`picture.
`30. The method in accordance with claim 25, further
`including the step of storing said picture in a memory
`provided in said first computer.
`31. The system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
`video source is a digital camera and said picture is a digital
`picture.
`32. The system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the
`video source is a digital camera and the picture is a digital
`picture.
`33. The method in accordance with claim 25, wherein said
`video source is a digital camera and said picture is a digital
`picture.
`
`Snap's Exhibit No. 1060
`Page 9
`
`