Video acquisition and compilation system and method of assembling and distributing a composite video

摘要

FIG. 7 shows a camera system (700) that operates to time-stamp video content captured from multiple cameras (740) relative to a recorded and time-synchronized location of a portable tracking unit (722). The position of the cameras (740) is known to the system. Based on the time and position data for each uniquely identifiable tracking unit, an editing suite (770) automatically compiles a composite video made up from time-spliced video segments from the various cameras. Video or still images captured by the cameras (740)are cross-referenced against the client address stored in database (760) and related to the assigned, uniquely identifiable tracking unit (722). A server (750) is arranged to use the client address to send reminder messages, which reminder messages may include selected images taken by the composite video. Alternatively, a client (720) can use the client address to access the database and view the composite video. In the event that the client (720) wants to receive a fair copy of the composite video, the server (750) is arranged to process the request and send the composite video to the client. Streaming of multiple video feeds from different cameras that each encode synchronized time allows cross-referencing of stored client-specific data and, ultimately, the assembly of the resultant composite video that reflects a timely succession of events having direct relevant to the client (720).

主权项

1. A video acquisition and compilation system comprising:
a) a portable location and tracking unit having a unique identity, the portable location and tracking unit arranged to record and store position data against time; b) a plurality of cameras arranged to capture and communicate time-stamped video content, the cameras arranged in time synchronicity with respect to the portable location and tracking unit, the cameras positioned, in use, at known locations across a geographic region; and c) a server arranged to effect storage in a database of both the time-stamped video content and also the position data and time of the portable tracking unit, the server configured automatically to control assembly of a composite video constructed from splicing together time stamped video content from the plurality of cameras with correspondingly synchronized position and time data recovered from the portable location and tracking unit, wherein storage in the database of composite video at least cross-references the unique identity of the portable tracking unit against client details, wherein: the client details are pre-registered and are a client address stored in the form of at least one of an internet account and a cell phone number, and after assembly of the composite video, the system is arranged to make the composite video available to the client address by: automatically sending directly to the client address a content-restricted portion of the composite video or a content-restricted photographic image obtained from one of said plurality of cameras, wherein content restriction has the effect of at least one of: i) reducing quality or quantity of the sent composite video or sent photographic image; ii) limiting use of the sent composite video or sent photographic image by inclusion of a watermark in the sent composite video or the sent photographic image; iii) preventing storage of a data stream that communicates the composite video or photographic image; or iv) limiting the number of times that the sent composite video or sent photographic image can be reviewed without payment for unrestricted access to the composite video; and following automated delivery by the server of a message reminder to the client address, the system is further arranged to provide selective access to the composite video, wherein the message reminder contains a log-in code of the composite video or photographic image code in the database.