WO2020033612A1

WO2020033612A1 - Event recording system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2020033612A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/045599
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven ARMS
Original assignee: Swarms Ventures, Llc
Priority date: 2018-08-08
Filing date: 2019-08-08
Publication date: 2020-02-13

Abstract

A loop recording system allows users to remotely save and share -short recorded video, audio, or combination clips using portable devices equipped with, cameras, microphones, and sensors. The loop recording system enables users of portable devices, such as smartphones, tablets, smart watches, etc,, to record moments of interest during live events (hereinafter called "loops", 'Recordings" or "loop recordings"), white preventing unwanted data loss and conserving memory resources of the portable device. The loop recording system can merge the loop recordings with additional video from after the moment of interest thereby allowing for the recording of a complete event while efficiently using the portable device's memory.

Description

EVENT RECORDING SYSTEM AND METHOD

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U S. Provisional Application No. 62/716,151. filed August 8, 2018 and titled“Event Recording System and Method,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to audio and video recording. In particular, the present invention is directed to an Event Recording System and Method.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Recording events, such as sporting events (e,g., tennis matches, soccer/hockey/football games) can be a challenge as the primary action, e.g., a goal scored or a winning shot, take place infrequently when considering the overall length of the game. Recording the entire event is possible, but that typically results in a long, memory intensive recording (video and/or audio) that must be picked through to find the parts of the events of most interest (commonly referred to as

“highlights”). While storage on recording devices generally continues to increase with new storage technologies and possibly artificial intelligence will one day be able to comb through hours of footage to produce highlights for viewers, there is currently no expedient way to both accurately capture the desired portions of an ev ent while also minimizing memory usage on recording devices.

[0004] Certain technologies exist, such as loop recording/continuous recording, which recycle the memory' of a recording device when recording events or activities (such as security cameras) such that the recording device does not stop recording unless a user intervenes. More specifically, loop recording-continuous recording is the process of recording continuously onto a

recording½torage media by having the recording process, once it reaches the end of the media, continue recording from the beginning of the media, thereby overwriting the oldest recorded material on the recording/storage media.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a method of recording an event that includes programming a recording device to record information for a desired recording length, recording information of the event with the recording device, receiving a first save command, saving the desired recording length of information preceding the receiving of the first save command, continuing to record infonnation of the event, receiving a second save command, and generating a final recording from the saving and the information recorded until the receipt of the second save command.

[0006] It is another object of the invention to provide an event recording system that includes a remote recording device having a recorder with a non-transitory storage medium. The remote recording device is configured to receive, as an input, a desired recording length of information, and to record information related to the event into the non-transitory storage medium. 'Fhe remote recording device receives a first save command, saves the desired recording length of information preceding the receipt of the first save command, and continues to record information related to the event into the non-transitory storage medium. The remote recording device receives a second save command and creates a final recording the saved information and the information recorded prior to the receipt of die second save command.

[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide an event recording system that includes a remote recording device having an information recorder and a non-transitory storage medium divided into a predetermined number of partitions, wherein the storage provided by the

predetermined number of partitions is less than a total storage available on the non-transitory storage medium The remote recording device is configured to record an event into the predetermined number of partitions so as to create a plurality of video segments, wherein each of the plurality of video segments is recorded into a corresponding respective one of the predetermined number of partitions, and delete a then oldest video segment when all of the predetermined number of partitions are full. The remote recording device records a new video segment in the partition occupied by the then oldest video segment, stops the recording of a then current video segment into the

predetermined number of partitions upon receiving a first instruction, continues recording the video into die non-transitory storage medium, stops the recording of the event upon receiving a second instruction, and sequentially merges the plurality of video segments in the plurality of partitions and the video recorded in the non-transitory storage medium after the stopping of the recording to generate a video clip.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide a method of recording an event that includes designating certain portions of a non-transitory storage medium as loop recording segments based upon an interval number, a total memory size of the loop recording segments being less than an available space in the non-transitory storage medium, and continuously recording the event into the loop recording segments. The method further includes receiving a first save command, stopping loop recording upon receipt of the first save command, continuing to record the event into other portions of the non-transitory storage medium, receiving a second save command, and creating a video clip from the loop recording segments and the other portions of the non-transitory storage medium.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide an event recording system that includes a remote recording device with a video recorder having a non-transitory .storage medium divided, at least in part, into a plurality of partitions. The remote recording device is configured to designate certain ones of the plurality of partitions as loop recording segments based upon an interval number, the interval number being less than the number of the plurality of partitions, continuously record the event into the loop recording segments, receive a first save command, stop loop recording upon receipt of the first save command, continue to record the event into other ones of the plurality of partitions, receive a second save command, and create a video clip from the loop recording segments and the other ones of the plurality of partitions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspects of one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an information system for use with an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an exemplary partitioned memory for use with an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another exemplary partitioned memory for use with an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view schematic of a portable device for use with an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a rear view schematic of a portable device for use with an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is another front view schematic of a portable device for use with an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 8 is a front view schematic of a portable device for use with an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A-9C are front view' schematics of another portable device for use with an event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method of recording an event using an event recording system according to embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 A is a flow diagram of another method of recording an event using an event recording system according to embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 B is a flow diagram of interactions with an event recording system by third-parties according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a computer system suitable for use with the event recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

1<M)111 An event recording system and method according to the present disclosure enables users of portable devices capable of recording audio and video or other information (e.g., sensed information), such as smartphones, tablets, smart watches, etc., to record moments of interest daring live events while preventing unwanted data loss, conserving the memory resources of the portable device, and capturing the entire desired portion of the event (rather than substantially more of the event than is desirable). In certain embodiments, the event recording system allows for the recording of live events by combining a partitioned memory with a unique method of interacting with the recording device so as to efficiently capture the entirety of moments of interest. An event recording system according to the present disclosure can also merge one or more of the partitions into a sequentially arranged video clip. An event recording system according to the present disclosure can also prevent unwanted erasure of data, facilitating the tagging of loops, sharing of loops, and enhancing the loops using post processing means. Certain embodiments of the event recording system disclosed herein can support multiple users of die same portable video recording device, such that each user can interact with the portable video device so as to save individualized video clips, e.g.. video clips of different portions of the same event under recording. Additionally, certain embodiments of the event recording system disclosed herein can facilitate multiple portable devices all recording the same event, the portable devices being synchronized so as to support a stereoscopic viewing experience.

[0012] Turning now to the figures, FIG. i schematically illustrates an embodiment of an information system 100 used facilitate the operation of an event recording system, such as event recording system 200 (depicted in FIG. 2 and discussed below). System 100 may be used to communicate a wide variety of information within and external to event recording system 200 including, but not limited to, recording information, connection/sharing information, user preferences, and recording settings, including, but not limited to, date, duration, segments/interval numbers, and activity specific information

[0013] System 100 may include a computing device 104, an information network 108, (such as the Internet), a local area network H 2, a content resource 1 16, and one or more portable

devices 120. Computing device 104 and portable devices 120 may communicate through

information network 108 (and/or local area network 1 12) in order to access information in content resource 1 16. Content resource 116 can be, for example, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, whether publicly accessible, privately accessible, or accessible through some other arrangement such as subscription (e.g., a cloud-based sendee), that holds recordings and recording related information, data, databases, programs, algorithms, or computer code, thereby accessible by computing device 104 and portable devices 120.

[0014] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, computing device 104 may take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, a web appliance, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a computer workstation, a terminal computer, web-enabled televisions, media players, and odrer computing devices capable of communicating with information network 108.

[0015] Information network 108 may be used in connection with system 100 to enable communication between the various elements of the system. For example, as indicated in FIG. 1, information network 108 may be used by computing device 104 to facilitate communication between content resource 1 i 6 and the computing device, as well as portable devices 120. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that computing device 104 may access information network 108 using any of a number of possible technologies including a cellular network, Wi-Fi, wired internet access,

Bluetooth* combinations thereof, as well as others not recited, and for any of a number of purposes including, but not limited to, those reasons recited above. [0016] As certain recording locations may be relatively inaccessible by wireless transmissions, in an exemplary embodiment one or more of the modules included with event recording system 200 (discussed in detail below with reference to FIG.2) reside on computing device 104 or on one or more portable devices 120. This configuration can allow a user to record events locally (e.g., on the device) and to later upload or modify the relevant data when connected to information network 108, if desired. Alternatively, communication between the modules included with event recording system 200 may be initiated through a webpage instantiated in a web-based environment that is accessible through an information network, such as information network 108. In this embodiment, if wireless Internet access is available, then the data may be transmitted to a database residing on a server or other remote storage medium. If wireless Internet access is not available, then the data can be saved locally (i.e., on portable device 120) until such time that wireless Internet access is available and/or the user desires to send the saved data or a collection of saved data back to the server.

[0017] As noted above, event recording system 200 includes one or more software modules configured lo allow for recording of live events while minimizing memory usage; the input of recording requirements; recording the moment of interest during events; saving recordings remotely by multiple parties; merging recorded intervals sequentially to create a video clip; sharing of recordings by multiple persons; and a polling of the recordings by those interested in the event. In an embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, event recording system 200 includes an input module 204, a recording module 208, and a merge module 212.

[0018] Input module 204 allows a user(s) to interact with the portable device, such as portable device 120. For example, input module 204 may be configured to allow the user to input various parameters for recording events using the portable device (explained in further detail below and shown on, for example, FIGS. 5, 7, 8, and 9A and B). Input module 204 also typically allows for user(s) to interact with the portable device or a remote device connected to the portable device during an event that is being recorded. For example, a user may interact with input module 204 so as to initiate the saving of a recording, the taking of a snapshot, starting a recording, viewing what is being recorded, etc. Input module 204, as explained in more detail below with reference to process 600 (FIG. 10), can be configured lo accept wireless communications from remote devices or sensors that send commands indicative of certain sounds, motion, etc. In an embodiment, multiple users can interact with input module 204 so as to personalize the recording of the event by the portable device. For example, any user may provide a“save” command to input module 204 and event recording system 200 can, as discussed in more detail below, provide the video clip to the user who initiated the save command or other users who also desire the same video clip. In this embodiment, event recording system 200 would continue to record after receiving the“save” command thereby allowing another user (or the same user) to save another or different video clip (possibly including a portion of the prior video clip that was the subject of the prior save request). In this way, event recording system 200 can allow for users to capture their desired video clips without inhibiting the ability for other users to do the same. In an embodiment, input module 204 is provided on a smart watch or similar device which interacts with a similar input module on a portable recording device. In this way, a user can interact with the portable recording device (which can include the remaining portions of event recording system 200 aside from input module 204) without having to be near the device.

[0019] Recording module 208 records information (audio, video, wearable sensor data, or any combination thereof) according to the parameters set by the user (or via certain predetermined parameters). Recording module 208 typically interacts with both the recording device, such as video recorder 520 (FIG. 6) and/or input device 508 (FIG. 5), and a memory, such as storage device 924 (FIG. 12), included within portable device 120 (FIG. 1 ). Recording module 208 may also interact with a remote server using, for example, information network 108 (FIG. 1 ). Recording module 208 can also be configured to monitor audio, video, or other sensed inputs, and determine whether or not to save a recording.

[0020] In certain embodiments, recording module 208 can use recording parameters and other inputs to determine a recording sequence for the video recorded. In an embodiment, if the recording parameters indicate that for each recording, a maximum of 3 segments (discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4), each having a duration of l minute, am to be recorded, recording module 208 records each segment to a memory partition (either local or remote) and records over the oldest segment if the recording goes longer than 3 minutes before a save command is provided. Recording module 208 can also interact with input module 204 such that requests to retain certain recordings are logged and the recordings are preserved. Recording module 208 can also be configured to monitor memory usage and volume. In general, the number of segments (when employed) that are saved to memory is programmable by the user or can be preprogrammed according to the certain criteria, e.g., event type, memory size, etc. Typically, the number of segments is sufficient such that one or more previously recorded segments would not be immediately overwritten, e.g., typically 3 or more segments are employed. Delaying overwriting of previously recorded segments facilitates sharing of video clips widt other persons and allows persons with access to save certain recorded segments.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of recording module 208. the recording module evaluates the available memory on the portable device, such as portable device 120, and determines an appropriate recording segment duration based upon the available memory included with the portable device. This embodiment can be advantageous where the user is unsure as to the desirable segment length. In another embodiment of recording module 208, the recording module is able to interact with multiple users so as to save different sets of segments for different users. These different sets of segments may be merged, using merge module 212, so as to provide different composite (e.g.„ collections of segments) recordings to each user of event recording system 200.

[0022] Event recording system 200 can optionally include a timestamp module that can, in certain embodiments, associate a local time with one or more portions of the recording completed by recording module 208. In an embodiment, the timestamp module associates a local time with the beginning and ending of each recording, with the local time then being stored along with the recording. In another embodiment, the timestamp module associates a local time with each frame recorded by recording module 208. The local time can be determined by the timestamp module interacting with a cellular network or global positioning system that includes a reference of the local time or via other means known in the art. In addition to providing a time with the recording, the timestamp module can additionally or alternatively provide a location of the recording. Adding the location of the recording can provide additional features and functionality to system 200. For example, the user could search for recordings based on location or third-parties can use the location information to request recordings from or select recordings from the people making recordings. Even a person present at the event location that did not have a good vantage to get a recording or were not set up well to capture recording could identify and view applicable recordings of others using system 200. Additionally, location information may be useful if a large number of recordings reside in a shared storage area and the recordings are all proximate in time (e.g., many people contributing recordings from different tennis matches all taking place at the same time (on court l, court 2, etc.)). Using location information in addition to time information would allow' users and third-parties the ability to navigate large numbers of recordings.

[0023] Alternatively, the location might be remote to the Viewer person making the request for video. So this Viewer may be looking for video clips at particular time where an event may have occurred - and the Viewer knows die location but was not present at dial location. So the request would include a time stamp along with a requested location.

[0024] In an embodiment, the inclusion of the timestamp module enables time-synchronization of multiple portable devices having recorders, such as multiple ones of portable device 120. Time- synchronized recording by multiple portable devices 120 can provide multi-angle viewing of the same event, thereby allowing replays from different recorded aspects. Time-synchronized recording can also assist with 3D viewing of the event. For example, two time-synchronized ponable devices 120, configured to record the event in binocular vision, can, when combined with a virtual reality device such as Oculus Rift* (from Oculus VR, LLC of Menlo Park, California) or on a 3D television set, provide a 3D viewing experience of the event.

[0025] In certain embodiments, wearable sensors, such as, but not limited to, force sensing elements embedded within an athletic shoe or motion sensors embedded in the handle of a tennis racquet (such as die one described in International Application No. WO 2013174922, filed May 23, 2013 and entitled“Tennis Racket*’), can be time synchronized with recorded video of the event. Advantageously, this time synchronized wearable sensor data could be viewed along with the time- synchronized loop video recording to enhance sports training.

[0026] Shown in FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example memory 300 that has been divided into a plurality of partitions 304. Each of partitions 304 is, in this embodiment, the same size (e.g., a storage size of, for example, 10MB). in an embodiment, the size of each partition 304 corresponds to the inputs provided by a user. For example, die user may, as discussed in more detail below and in addition to other parameters, specify the size of each partition to be recorded and the number of partitions to record to make a given recording. This information can be used to partition some or all of memory 300 into partitions 304 that are suitable to record video (at, for example, a desired frame rate and desired video quality). As an example, and as shown in FIG. 3, memory 300 has partitioned a recording portion 308 of the memory into 3 substantially equal segments 312, e.g., 312A-312C When in use, recording module 208 begins recording into one of segments 312A-C and cycles through the two remaining segments until the recording module is instructed to stop. Thus, for example, if recording module 208 began loop recording with segment 312A it would continue to record, unless stopped, until segment 312A was full, then the recording module would continue on to record information into segment 312B, and then to segment 312C. In this embodiment, if no stop or save or similar command was received by the time segment 312C was full, recording module 208 would delete the video in segment 312A and would record a new video in that .segment (or rather than deleting the video in the entire segment 312 A , the video is written over as recording occurs). The process of deleting and recording, aka, loop recording, would continue until recording module 208 was stopped or a save or similar command was given.

[0027] As discussed above, a user may desire to capture both prior recorded information (e.g., information recorded prior to the user sending a stop command) and additional information that occurs after pressing the stop command. In an embodiment, recording module 208 can be configured to record information as described above and then after receiving a stop/save command, immediately cease recording over any previously recorded segment or portion of a segment and transition to storing material in additional partition, such as partitions 316 (e.g., partitions 316A-C), until a second stop command is received (this process is more fully described with reference to process 600 in FIG. 10).

[0028] To better understand the recording concept described above, the following non-limiting example is provided: a user of the recording system is at a field hockey game and is using event recording system 200 on her mobile phone. She has selected that recording system 200 should record three 30-second recording segments. Recording module 208 therefore has divided at least a portion of the memory of the mobile phone into a plurality of partitions, each having 30 seconds in duration at the desired frame rate and video quality. Additionally, recording module 208 designates the three recording segments that will be recorded into (e.g., recording segments 312 A-C). The user begins recording and as the game progresses, recording module 208 records the action first in recording segment 312A, then 3128, and then 312C, then cycles back to 312A, then 3128, and so forth. In this example, while recording module 208 is recording in recording segment 312B, a goal is scored. The user desires to save the video of the goal and presses a soft key on her mobile phone (e.g., a portable device 120) to indicate to the recording module to stop recording. At this time, recording

module 208 ceases to continue to record in segment 3128 and begins to record in partitions 316 (e.g., partitions 316A-C and potentially more if needed/desired). The user waits until the team has celebrated the goal and the game is about to resume before pressing a soft key on her mobile phone to indicate to the recording module to stop recording the then current recording. At the time of the second soft key press, recording module 208 is recording in partition 316C and stops recording (and/or starts recording in another set of three segments, segments 320A-C, to begin the process again by recording in only these three designated segments). After stopping recording in partition 316C, a video clip is formed (as discussed below with respect to merge module 212) that is comprised of(in this order), segments 3I2C, 312A, and 312B, and partitions 316A, 316B, and 3I6C. In this way, the user has both captured the event (the goal) and the post-event (the celebration) in the same video clip.

[0029] Although the disclosure references a“stop” command, it should be understood that the process could be carried out by issuing a“save” command or any similar such command, such that the portable device continues to record while merge module 212 (discussed below-') merges the appropriate segments, e.g., the then current segment and the prior segments recorded by recording module 208.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a memory, memory 400, that has been divided into a plurality of partitions 404. Although substantially similar to memory 300,

memory 400 includes partitions 404 of different sizes, which can indicate a change in preferences by a user. For example, a user may desire to record three recording segments of 25 seconds each (represented in FIG. 4 by segments 404A-C) so as to record a tennis match and, at another time, may desire to record four recording segments of 60 seconds each (represented by segments 404D-G) for a hockey game. FIG. 4 also exemplifies an example where a stop command has been received and only a portion of a segment, e.g., portion 408 of segment 404C or portion 410 of segment 404E, has been filled with information. In an embodiment, recording module 208 may determine that the remainder of segment 404C remains empty (empty portion 412) and repartition memory 400 so as to more fully utilize the memory. Although each group of segments, e.g., 404A-C and 404D-G, has segments that are proximate one another, it should be understood diat segments can be dispersed in memory 400 so as to effectively use the entirety of memory 400 as recordings are made and saved.

[0031] Returning now to FIG. 2, merge module 212 combines the recorded segments, e.g.. segments 312A-C (FIG. 3), into a video clip for the user. Merge module 212 is configured to receive, as an input, notification of the stop or save command. Merge module 212 prepares a video clip, such as video clip 416 (FIG. 4). Video clip 416 is the assembly of segments, such as segments 404A and 404B and any portion of a segment, e.g., portion 408, into a time sequential recording. As another example, merge module 212 combines segments 4Q4D, 4Q4F, and 404G and portion 410 to generate video clip 420. As is evident, while the recording into memory 400 was looped, merge module 212 reorganized the segments so as to create a time sequential clip (in other words, the recordings in 404D and 410 occurred later than those in 404F and 404G). Merge module 212 may receive information from a timestamp module so as to appropriately organize videos or may include other information, such as a unique identifier associated with each segment, which allows for sequential organization by the merge module.

[0032] System 200 can optionally include a sharing module that can facilitate the dissemination of recordings saved by merge module 212. The sharing module can allow persons to subscribe or otherwise interact with the portable device so as to view and disseminate captured recordings.

Examples of the available dissemination processes are described more fully below with reference to process 600 (shown in FIG. 10). In an embodiment, the .sharing module can include a voting module that allows multiple persons interacting (or receiving the disseminated loops) to express a preference for a certain video clip which may then be further disseminated based upon the number of“votes'^* received. Further discussion of voting is discussed below.

[0033] Turning now to FIGS. 5 to 8, there is shown an implementation of a portable device 120 (FIG. 1 ) suitable for use with event recording system 200. Portable device 120 can include a touch- sensitive display 504, an input device 508, a speaker 512, a transceiver 516, and a video recorder 520 (best seen in FIG. 5). Touch-sensitive display 504 is sometimes called a“touch screen” for convenience and may also be known as or called a touch-sensitive display system. Touch screen 504 can be used to display information or to provide user-interface objects 524 (e.g., virtual (also called “soft”) control keys, such as buttons or keyboards), thereby providing an input interlace and an output interface between portable device 120 and a user. Information displayed by touch screen 504 can include graphics, maps, text, icons, video, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”), hi an embodiment and in use with event recording system 200, a user can input into portable device 120 using one or more user-interface objects 524, e.g., objects 524^* and 524"

(FIG. 7), using touch screen 504 to designate the parameters of loop recording for event recording system 200.

)0034j Touch screen 504 has a touch-sensitive surface, which uses a sensor or set of sensors to accept input from the user based on haptic and/or tactile contact. Touch screen 504 may use 1.0) (liquid crystal display) technology, or LPD (light emitting polymer display) technology, although other display technologies may be used in other embodiments. Touch screen 504 can detect contact (and any movement or breaking of the contact) on the touch screen and converts the detected contact into interaction with user-interface objects (e.g., one or more soft keys, icons, web pages, or images) that are displayed on the touch screen. Touch screen 504 may detect contact and any movement or breaking thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensing technologies now known or later developed, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with a touch screen 504. In an exemplary embodiment of the use of portable device 120, a user presses a finger to touch screen 504 so as to initiate contact. In alternative embodiments, a user may make contact with touch screen 504 using any suitable object, such as, but not limited to, a stylus.

[0035] Input device 508 facilitates navigation among and interacts with one or more user- interface objects 524 displayed in the touch screen 504, In an embodiment, input device 508 is a click wheel that can be rotated or moved such that it can be used to select one or more user-interface objects 524 displayed on touch screen 504. In an alternative embodiment, input device 508 can be a virtual click wheel, which may be either an opaque or semitransparent object that appears and disappears on the touch screen display in response to user interaction with portable device 120. In another embodiment, input device 508 is a microphone that allows portable device 120 to be responsive to user voice commands and to receive/record audio/sounds. Although not shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, more than one input device 508 may be included with portable device 120 so that more than one type of interaction with the portable device is available.

[0036] Transceiver 516 receives and sends signals from portable device 120. In an embodiment of portable device 120, transceiver 516 sends and receives radio frequency signals through one or more communications networks, such as network 108 (FIG. 1), and/or other computing devices, such as computing device 104. Transceiver 516 may be combined with well-known circuitry for performing these functions, including, but not limited to, an antenna system, one or more amplifiers, a tuner, one or more oscillators, a digital signal processor, a CODEC chipset, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, and a memory. As mentioned above, transceiver 516 may communicate with one or more networks, such as the Internet, also referred to as the World Wide Web (WWW), an intranet and/or a wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network, a wireless local area network (LAN), and/or a metropolitan area network (MAN), and other devices. Portable device 120 may use any of a plurality of communications standards to conununicate to networks or other devices with transceiver 516. Communications standards, protocols, and technologies for communicating include, but are not limited to, Global System for Portable Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), high-speed downlink packet access (BSDPA), wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDM A), Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.1 la, IEEE 802.1 1 b, IEEE 802.1 lg and/or IEEE 802.11 n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-M AX, a protocol for email (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)), instant messaging, e g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP), Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS), and/or Shon Message Service (SMS), or any other suitable communication protocol.

[0037] Transceiver 516 may also be configured to assist portable device 120 in determining its current location and other information. For example, a timestamp module can direct transceiver 516 to provide signals that are suitable tor determining the current local time for portable device 120, as discussed in detail above. Portable device can also request input from the user as to whether or not it has identified the correct time. The user can indicate, using touch-screen 504 or other means, such as voice activation, that the timestamp module has identified the appropriate time.

[0038] Portable device 120 may also include other applications or programs such as, but not limited to, word processing applications, JAVA-enabled applications, encryption, digital rights management, voice recognition, voice replication, and a browser module. The browser module may be used to browse the Internet, including searching, linking to, receiving, and displaying web pages or portions thereof, as well as attachments and other files linked to web pages.

[0039] It should be appreciated that the portable device 120 is only one example of the portable device that may be used with the present system and method, and that the portable device may have more or fewer components than mentioned, may combine two or more components, or a may have a different configuration or arrangement of the components. In the present system and method, portable device 120 may be implemented with any computing device that includes timestamp functionality and is not so large that it is very inconvenient to move it from one location to another. Thus, portable device 120 is not restricted to a smartphone, smart watch, or other hand-held device, and may include pad or tablet computing devices, smart books, net books, laptops, and even larger computing devices with geolocation functionality that may be moved from one location to another without significant incon venience.

[0040] Turning now to relevant details of FIG. 5 to 8, FIG. 5 shows that portable device 120 can be selected to be a recorder of the event or as a device connected to a recorder such that portable device becomes a“viewer” device. ]004l] FIG. 6 shows a rear illustration of a portable device 120 displaying video recorder 520. At a high level, video recorder 520 is configured to allow for capturing images. In an exemplary embodiment, video recorder 520 is suitable for capturing high resolution images at various frame (update) rates.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows some available video parameters that can be input by a user in various embodiments. For example, a user may specify the number of segments, the duration of each segment, and whether the user wants to enable the loop recording (e.g., automatic overwrite) functionality such as that described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a different embodiment of portable device 120 where the user can select the frame rate, the video duration, and whether the portable device should connect to a remote recorder (and thus this device can act as a control) or a remote viewer (and thus the device is acting as the recorder and can take commands from the viewer, e.g., smartwatch). It is understood that the portable device can be both the recorder and viewer simultaneously, when, for example, the user is holding the portable device to record the event and watching the display.

[0044] FIGS. 9 A to 9C show another embodiment of a portable device 120, remote control device 528, in this instance having a smartwatch form factor. As shown in the FIGS., a number of user interface objects 524 may be presented to the user so as to communicate and control a remote recording device, such as another portable device 120 having a recording camera. For example, and as shown in FIG. 9 A, remote control device 528 can allow the user to start the recording of the event and can allow the user to view the information being recorded by the remote recording device.

FIG. 9B provides additional optional functionality for remote control device 528, such as a start softkey 532, a settings softkey 536 for modifying settings on the remote recording device (such as, but not limited to those settings discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5, 7, and 8), and a snapshot softkey 540 that allows for the user to take a still frame picture of the event. FIG. 9C shows a trigger softkey 544, which can be implemented such that the user presses this key to issue the first save command, thereby preserving a predetermined amount of recorded material and allowing for the continuation of recording (discussed further below-- with respect to FIGS. 10 and 1 1, below). Remote control device 528 can also include a stop softkey 548 which stops recording altogether or can be implemented as the second save command. In an embodiment, trigger softkey 544 is larger than stop softkey 548 until the trigger softkey is pressed by the user. At that point, the stop softkey 548 becomes larger than trigger softkey 544. In certain embodiments, after trigger softkey 544 is pressed, it disappears, leaving only stop softkey 548. This embodiment facilitates ease of use of recording system 200 when implementing a multi-save process such as that described in process 600 and 700 of FIGS. 10 and 1 1 A, respectively.

[0045] Turning now to FIG. 10, there is shown a process of recording events, process 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] At step 604, a user programs a portable device, such as portable device 120 (FIG. I ), to save recordings (when a save command is received as discussed below), for a specified amount of time and, in certain embodiments, for a desired number of recordable segments in a memory. For example, a user could set the portable device to record for a certain segment length, e.g., a 10 second segment, a 60 second segment, a 5 minute segment, or a 10 minute segment. In another embodiment, the portable device can be preprogrammed to a segment that is suitable for the event to be recorded. For example, when recording a tennis match, the segment may be set to 2.1 seconds. As another example, when recording a golf match, the segment may be set to 10 second segments. Then, in certain embodiments, the user could program the portable device to record for a desired number of segments to loop record, e.g., two, three, five, etc. loop recording segments. The user may also specify other parameters that would impact the recording, such as, but not limited to, frame rate, video quality, and actuating stop/save command type (e.g., voice command, sensor command, remote computing device (e.g., another portable device 120 in communication with the portable device doing the recording). In an embodiment, upon inputting the segment time or size or other desired parameter, the portable device’s available memory (i.e., free space) is split into partitions according to the desired segment size (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0047] At step 608, the portable device receives a stan command to begin recording. In an embodiment, the start command can be made by interacting with a portable device interface, such as the touch screen of a smartphone or tablet (as described above) or the touch to a smartwatch that transmits a signal to the recording device to begin recording, in another embodiment, the start command could be issued using a wireless interface that enables one or more video recorders to be positioned remotely, such as, but not limited to, an Airturn DIGIT 11, aSatechi Bluetooth

Multimedia remote control, or other Bluetooth devices. In yet another embodiment, the start command could be issued using a mechanical or electrical switch closure such as those currently used on the lead wires of headphones, which connects directly to the portable device audio connector. In this embodiment, the switch closure can be a contact type or a non-contact type (e.g.. capacitive, inductive, magnetic, optical). Alternatively, existing headphones could be used, with die stan/stop switch used to initiate the start command. The aforementioned mechanical, electrical, or electro-mechanical switches could be connected to a multi-pin connector of the portable device, which can receive digital command signals (from, for example, a hard-wired remote control) to the portable device to start recording.

[0048] The start command could also be initiated via a remote (wireless) command from a second device, such as a second smartphone, tablet, laptop, wrist-borne devices (smart watches), etc. In another exemplary embodiment, the start command could be initiated by a sound (or lack thereof), such as, but not limited to, a referee’s whistle, a pre-defined period of silence (such as the period that precedes a golf swing or a tennis serve), and a buzzer.

[0049] In another exemplary embodiment, the start command is initiated using a voice command, such as, but not limited to,“start" or“loop now.” In this embodiment, the portable device would wait for the user to issue the appropriate voice command before commencing loop recording. In certain embodiments, the portable devices could also acknowledge receipt of the command by, for example, responding audibly with“looping now" and/or providing a blinking light on the device’s display.

[0050] At step 612, portable device begins recording for the duration of time programmed by the user. The recording may be audio, video, or both, depending on the user's desires. The recording can be at any desired/available frame rate and quality and can be from multiple devices.

[0051] At step 616, the recording made at step 612 is stored in a memory (such as a non- transitory storage medium) associated with the portable device. In an embodiment, the recording can be saved, for example, temporarily to a cache memory, to an on-board non-transitory memory, or to a remote memory, e g., cloud-based storage. In an embodiment, steps 612 and step 616 are essentially combined, such that upon recording the information related to the recording, the information is written to the memory.

[0052] At step 620, while the portable device is recording, the process monitors whether a first command (e.g. , a“stop”,“save”, or similar command - for convenience, the phrase“save command” should be considered to include any method or mode initiating a command to the portable device to save a recording) has been received. The user (or another user with access to the portable device) may save the recording by using, for example, a save command as described in detail above. In an alternative embodiment, the recording of the event may be interrupted by a noise (e.g., goal hom, a whistle, a buzzer, etc.) or lack thereof (e.g.„ predetermined period of silence), or other activity indicating a desired saving point. If no command has been received, process 600 can continue to fill the segment with recorded information until the segment is full, at which point process 600 can proceed to step 624 (when a number of segments are designated by a user), if a command has been received the process continues to step 632.

[0053] It should be understood that although the steps of recording, monitoring, and

determining the end of the segment are presented as sequential steps (for clarity of the description of process 600), these steps could be earned out simultaneously or practically simultaneously in so far as the monitoring and determining the end of the segment are checked as the recording is conducted.

[0054] If the current segment has been fully recorded in, at step 624 it is determined whether another segment should be recorded in, which, in certain embodiments involves a number of considerations (discussed further below). In an embodiment, step 624 evaluates whether the number of segments recorded since the portable device received the start command (step 608) is equal to the number of segments tiiat comprise a loop according to the user’s preferences (step 626). If die total number of segments has been reached, the process continues to step 628; otherwise, the process returns to step 612 where another segment is recorded into. For example, a user might choose to record three segments each having a duration of 60 seconds. Once initiated at step 608, the portable device begins recording (step 612) to its memory in 60 second segments and would, if no stop or save command is received, write sequentially each of the three segments to memory. If no request to stop or save is received by the portable device (monitored at step 620), the portable device can overwrite the first file (i.e., the information recorded in the segment that includes 0-60 seconds) with data recorded from minutes 3 to 4 (seconds 181 to 240). In another exemplary embodiment, a recording dial has been saved to on-board memory would not be overwritten without the express consent from the portable device user. Alternatively, where saved recordings are remotely stored (such as in the cloud), the portable device could be instructed to overwrite locally saved segments recordings upon the receipt of an acknowledgement from the remote server that the segment had been remotely saved in its entirely.

[0055] At step 628, if the set number of segments has been reached, the oldest recorded segment that has been recorded since the portable device received the start command is deleted, 'fhis deletion concept and process is more thoroughly discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, and therefore, for brevity, will not be repeated here.

[0056] As noted above steps 624 and 628 are optional additional features of process 600. Other embodiments of process 600 may not include a determination regarding the number of segments to be recorded into, but instead proceed to more traditional loop recording for a certain amount of time for this portion of the process, i.e., once a time limit is reached, deleting or allowing for the deletion of the then oldest recorded information while recording new information, i.e., the amount of information that will be retained is limited to the selection of the user, e.g., 30 seconds.

[0057] If a save command is received, the process proceeds to step 632 where loop recording is stopped, but recording continues. The continued recording of the moment of interest continues in a memory/storage area that does not include recorded information, which could include any area or memory location including any empty segment. In an embodiment, a recording can also begin to be generated from the segments recorded thus far by earlier steps of process 600 (steps 612 and 616). This may be accomplished, for example, by using a merge module, such as merge module 212, discussed above with reference to FIG. 2. If recording has only occurred in one segment, then no merging is necessary. When two or more recorded segments (or partial segments as discussed above) are combined, they are combined in a time sequential manner so as to create a continuous recording.

[0058] At step 636, process 600 monitors for a second command. The user (or another user with authorized access to the portable device) may stop the recording by using, for example, a stop command as described in detail above. In an alternative embodiment, the recording of the event may be interrupted by a noise (e.g. goal horn, cheer) or other activity indicating a desired stopping point. If no command has been received, the process continues to record at step 640 and for continued monitoring at step 636, if a command has been received the process continues to step 648.

[0059] At step 648, the recording is generated from the segments recorded prior to the first command and the additional information (e.g., video) recorded before the second command was received. In this way, the recording produced at step 648 includes recorded information from prior to the moment of interest (e.g., goal, winning tennis shot, etc.) and information after tire moment of interest (e.g., the team celebration). Thereby, the user can conserve memory resources on their portable device(s) by allowing them to record moments of interest at an event without recording significant amounts of additional information (when nothing of note is happening). [0060] In certain embodiments, process 600 can include a determination of whether a request to save any of the previously recorded segments has been received (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, one or more devices can command the portable device to save the recorded segment. In this embodiment, process 600 can mark the synchronous time at which the command from a device, such as a remote device, was received and associate it with the recorded segment. In certain embodiments, a text message, email, or wireless signal can be sent from a remote device over the local or wide area network to indicate that a particular person in the network would like to receive a copy of the recorded segment that was previously recorded or the presently recorded segment.

Where a command may have been entered at a time when the segment was being recorded, the segment can be saved at the end of its programmed time segment and shared with those

devices/users that sent a save command on their remote devices. In an exemplary process 600, multiple persons can send a command to save a particular recording. Furthermore, a recording that has been saved can be shared according to preprogrammed choices and/or by the other users with access to recordings on the portable device. Notably, receiving a save command, may or may not (depending on the privileges given the user issuing the command) operate as a stop command for the purposes of step 620.

[0061] In another embodiment, a request to save may be prompted by the occurrence of one or more external events. For example, an audio event could be used, such as a series of sounds made by a coach’s or referee’s whistle, the sound of the ice hockey goal scored horn, or a specially designed whistle operating at a specific frequency. As another example, a series of sounds combined with video action could also be used to automatically save one or more segments. For example, when recording a tennis match, a series of struck balls with simultaneous motion capmred by the portable device’s microphone and camera could be determined to be representative of an interesting played point and thus worthy of being automatically saved. In an exemplar y embodiment, automatic identification of specific sounds and/or motions can be accomplished by training the software using neural networks - mathematical training techniques that learn from a user’s inputs of what constitutes a segment worth saving and could then automatically save segments without a direct command from a user. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the portable device may be programmed to also save segments proximate the segment designated to be saved. The number of additional segments may be specified by the user or may be preprogrammed based on the number of segments designated by the user upon programming the device (e.g., step 604). [0062] The portable device could also be programmed to save a recorded segment upon the receipt of a signal from a sensor. For example, a magnetically activated switch could detect a door or window opening and send a hard-wired or wireless signal to the portable device to save the loop currently being recorded. In another example, the portable device could save a segment under recording (or a subsequent series of segments ) upon the occurrence of a sound, such as, but not limited to, a window breaking on a valuable asset, e.g., car, a smoke alarm, or theft alarm. In exemplary embodiments, the magnetic switch, microphone enabled switch, or other sensor in communication with the portable device, could send a hard-wired or wireless signal to die portable device to save the current segment or a series of segments, thus providing the owners or operators of the valuable asset with important insight into which operator, trespasser, process, or activity may have contributed to the potentially damaging event while minimizing their investments in video surveillance and storage. In medical applications, portable devices could be placed in homes, assisted care, and hospital facilities, and body worn or implanted sensors could be used to detect a person falling down, a drop in blood pressure, or a cardiac arrhythmia, thereby prompting portable devices in die vicinity of the sensor wearer/user to save the segment(s). Alternatively, microphones could detect a person crying for help and send a signal to the portable device to save one or more segments, thereby enabling care providers to more fully understand what happened to the person and to improve the quality of care that they provide to all the persons in the facility.

[0063] In the event that the portable device does not have enough memory to record any further segments (the implication being that all previous recordings have been designated as“saved” recordings), the process can inform the user of how much memory a new recording requires and how much memory is available. In certain embodiments, process 600 may suggest modifying the selections in order to enable the portable device to record, such as, but not limited to, reducing the duration of future recordings, the number of segments, removing certain recordings from the portable device (e.g., large or old recordings), or reducing the frame rate or video quality.

[0064] Facilitating the saving and sharing of recordings recorded by portable device 120 typically requires accurate timestamping. In an exemplary embodiment, the local time (of the portable device) can be accurately and automatically obtained by the portable device using either global positioning system (GPS) or cellular phone networks. The local time can be used to mark the start and stop times of every recorded segment. Moreover, each frame of the segment may also be timestamped. [0065] Once saved, final recordings may be placed in remote or cloud data storage, such as but not limited to, Dropbox, Google Drive, Apple iCloud, etc. Furthermore, recorded loops may be distributed through social networking providers, including but not limited to, YouTube, Vine, Facebook, etc.

[0066] Final recordings may also be linked to by sending notices out through social networking providers, including but not limited to Twitter® (from Twitter, Inc. of San Francisco, CA),

Facebook® (from Facebook, Inc. of Menlo Park, CA), etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the portable device is announced as“available to be accessed by others” through these social networks. These announcements would enable other persons that may be attending the event to utilize the portable device so that they could receive important saved recordings or so that they could request a specific recording be saved for them (video or link to the video subsequently sent to them via text or email; or made available to them via a shared folder on the portable device or stored within a folder on a remote server). Alternatively, or in conjunction with the aforementioned broadcast over social media networks, the saved segments could lie re-broadcast to a local viewing screen equipped with an appropriate interface (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) such as may be built in to the viewer or provided by an external box such as Apple TV (from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, CA).

[0067] In an embodiment, notices (e.g. , email, text, Twitter feed) can provide a hyperlink to a specific location of the saved recording (e.g., URL) and may include a“tag” with key information about the recordings such as the geolocation of the portable device, description of the recorded event, notes, etc. An example of this tag (which would be preprogrammed by the portable device user or by a remote user) could read as follows: #CVU VFH coach CVU scores first leads SBHS 1 - 0. In this example, the portable device user is identified (Champlain Valley Union varsity field hockey coach), and the important info (CVU sewed first) and the resulting score against their rival team. South Burlington High School (SBHS). Linking to this video would allow a person interested in this field hockey game to view a recording of the goal that CVU scored.

[0068] The portable device may be accessible via local Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or through a remote server using suitable software. Access to video and'or audio recordings on the portable device may be restricted to authorized persons or access may be unrestricted. These programmable selections are made by the portable device user and would be used to limit control of saving and distribution of recordings. For example, the portable device user may choose to make the portable device visible to all other devices in the local area network (LAN), the user may choose to make the portable device visible to only a select group of other devices (such as a“buddy list”), or the user may choose to make the portable device invisible and inaccessible to others.

[0069] In certain instances, a number of persons that are viewing a live event being recorded by portable devices as described herein can‘Vote", using a voting module, to save one or more recordings, with the number of‘Votes” determining whether a recording is saved or with the number of votes being transmitted along with the recording (as discussed just above) so that those people interested in the event can ascertain the relative importance of the recording.

[0070] A portable device according to the present disclosure overcomes many of the limitations of other recording devices and methods. For example, the portable device can include a

programmable user interface so as to set the segment recording duration, can allow ibr the remote sending of commands such as“start looping” or“save loop” or“vote for loop,” and can allow for multiple persons to access and control certain features of the portable device. These features make the portable device uniquely applicable for sporting applications where the users may not be able to readily access an appropriate placement (positioned so as to record items of interest, e.g., goals ).

[0071] A portable device according to the present disclosure allows for viewers to fully experience the event they ate watching or actively participating in, without being burdened by holding and monitoring the device while making a recording. The portable device also requires no external systems for video capture, recording, and remote sharing, e.g., no suite of remote cameras, cables, data storage devices, display monitors, etc. Therefore, the burden of costand complexity of the recording system decreases, while the number of applications that can be served increases.

[0072] Additionally, the portable device does not require a significant amount of on-board memory to record the significant and/or most interesting parts of an event. For example, one hour of video recording may use as much as 5 GB of memory. However, many users cannot store files of that size because their handheld devices (e.g., smartphones) are storing other data, including applications, music libraries, contact information, etc. Therefore, recordings of duration of one or more hours typically need to be edited or“clipped” in order that only the portion of the video that is of interest to the end user is actually saved. For example, a typical tennis match may last for several hours, yet the best points played may last for only 30 seconds. A portable device and process as disclosed herein allows the recording of only the best points played. Therefore, the amount of memory required is greatly reduced and users are not burdened reviewing a long video recording. editing the recording, and then sending the edited clip to others that may have been participating in the match, watching it from the stands, or coaching the players.

[0073] A system as disclosed herein also facilitates rapid dissemination of that portion of an event that would be of interest in order to enable an immediate review of what has just happened, i.e., to provide an“instant replay” to others watching the event or those not able to attend the live performance. By recording only the relatively short moment of interest, and by eliminating the need to edit the video, the moment of interest can be rapidly communicated to those persons that want to review it and/or share it with others. Moreover, these short recordings can be used for training, leaching, learning, or for mere enjoyment.

[0074] FIGS. 1 1 A and 11 B show another process of recording events, process 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Turning first to FIG. 1 1 A, at step 704, a user programs a portable device, such as portable device 120 (FIG. 1 ), to record for a specified amount of time (e.g., a segment) and, in certain embodiments, for a desired number of recording segments in a memory as described in, for example, process 600 (and thus will be excluded here for brevity). As with other embodiments discussed herein, the user may also specify other parameters that would impact the recording, such as, but not limited to, frame rate, video quality, and actuating stop/save command type (e.g., voice command, sensor command, remote computing device (e.g., another portable device 120 in communication with the portable device doing the recording).

[0076] At step 708, the portable device receives a command to begin recording. The command can be similar or the same as the options presented in step 608 of process 600 and thus will not be repeated here.

[0077] At step 712, portable device begins recording the event. The recording may be audio, video, or include additional information (e.g., sensed information), depending on the user’s desires. The recording can be at any desired/available frame rate and quality and can be from multiple devices. In an embodiment, the recording can be saved, for example, temporarily to a cache memory, to an on-board memory, or to a remote server, or remote storage medium. [0078] At optional step 716, the recording is shared via a network. In an embodiment, the recording is shared in real-time, such that the event is“Hve-streamed,” thereby allowing third-parties to view the recording.

[0079] At step 720, while the portable device is recording, the process monitors whether a first command has been received. In an alternative embodiment, the recording of the event may be interrupted by a noise (e.g., goal horn, a whistle, a buzzer, etc.) or lack thereof, or other activity indicating a desired saving point. If no command has been received, the process continues to step 724, where recording continues. As with other embodiments and processes described herein, the recording of the event is conditioned upon only saving limited amounts of recordings. Thus, as discussed above, once the user programs the device at step 704, the amount of recorded material that will be ultimately saved is limited by the programming. In an embodiment, if the user programs the device for a 10 second recording, the portable device records continuously until issued a save command; however, the only“available,” and therefore preserved, prior recorded material is the prior 10 seconds from when the user issues a save command. Additionally, once the save command is given, in this example, the previous ten seconds become“protected” - meaning that the video cannot be recorded over unless the user instructs the portable device to do so. In contrast, the information recorded after receiving the start command but prior to the 10 seconds of protected information may be recorded over as a result of the portable device performing or continuing to perform process 700. In an embodiment, so as to conserve storage space, the portable device can loop record according to the embodiments discussed with respect to FIG. 3, FIG. 4, or process 600.

[0080] If a first command is received, the process continues to step 728 where the timestamp associated with the command is associated with the recording. In general, and as previously discussed, the recorded information preferably has a time associated with it for many purposes, including, but not limited to, searching for saved recordings, third-party requests for recordings, as well as organizing and categorizing recordings. As such, it is understood that associating timestamp information could be done while the recording of the event is taking place, such as saving timestamp information (as metadata) with each frame of video that is recorded.

[0081] At step 732, the portable device continues to record after receiving the first command. Step 732 continues to record until step 736, and preferably, the portable device does not record this additional information over any protected recordings. [0082] At step 736, process 700 monitors for a second command (which may be the same type of command as the first or a different type). If no command has been received, the process returns to step 732, if a save command has been received the process continues to step 740.

[0083] At step 740, a second timestamp associated with the second save command is associated with the recording.

[0084] At step 744, a recording is generated from the segment recorded prior to the first command and all the additional information (e.g., video) recorded before the second save command was received. In this wav, the recording produced at step 744 includes recorded information from prior to the moment of interest (e.g., goal, winning tennis shot, etc.) and information after the moment of interest (e.g., the team celebration). In this way, the user can conserve memory resources on their portable device(s) by allowing them to record moments of interest without recording significant amounts of additional information (when nothing of note is happening).

[0085] Once the recording is generated at step 744, it is saved at step 748. In an embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 11 A, the recording may be placed in remote or cloud data storage, such as but not limited to, Dropbox, Google Drive, Apple iCloud, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the recording can be saved on the device or on a local network.

[0086] In an embodiment of process 700, after receiving the second command, the portable device, in addition to generating the video clip at step 744, continues to record information at step 752 and returns to step 720 so as to monitor for a first command. In this way, potential desired recordings can continue to be recorded while the portable device saves and stores the previous recording.

[0087] Turning now to FIG. 1 IB, there is shown a process 800 whereby interested third-parties can request saved recordings. At step 804, a third-party or recipient (the recipient of the recording), sends a request for a recording, referred to herein as a request signal. As discussed previously, the portable device and processes described herein are useful for the recording of live action events, such as sporting events. Thus, it is envisioned the recipient may be a spectator and as such, in an embodiment, would be able to make a request for a recording moments after or during the moment of interest during the event, e.g., goal, in an embodiment, the recipient has a device capable of sending the request signal such that it interacts with the portable device of the user, such as portable device 120, or with the device or system that stores/maintains tire recordings, hr this embodiment the recipient's device is not capable of interacting directly with the recording device or the execution of processes described herein by the portable device. It is envisioned that the user maintains control over the portable device and its execution of recording desired information.

[0088] At step 808, a timestamp is associated with the request signal. In an embodiment, the recipient's device may send a request signal which includes pertinent information about where the request came from (e g., an email address or phone number) as well as a timestamp associated with the request. In another embodiment, the recipient may provide a preferred event time. This may be useful, if for example, the recipient knows that the interesting event occurred a certain time in the past.

1<M>89| At step 812, the timestamp or desired event time provided by the recipient is compared to the timestamps associated with recordings that have been generated by the portable device.

[0090] At step 816, the recording that is closest in time to the timestamp is determined, in general, the timestamp associated with the request signal is likely to be different than a timestamp(s) associated with recordings. Accordingly, process 800 determines the timestamp that is closest in time to the timestamp associated with the request signal. In certain embodiments, when multiple portable devices are each connected to the same recording storage location (e.g., multiple users are each saving to a“shared” storage location), step 816 may determine a plurality of recordings that are proximate in time to the recipient signal and provide a list of recordings to the recipient.

[0091] At step 820, one or more recordings are provided to the recipient, in an embodiment, the recordings may be provided as“links” to the storage location of the recordings or may be provided in a downloadable format.

[0092] FIG. 12 shows a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of a computing device in die exemplary fonn of a computer .system 900 within which a set of instructions for causing a portable device, such as portable device 120 or computing device 104, to perform any one or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the present disclosure may be executed. It is also

contemplated that multiple computing devices may be utilized to implement a specially configured set of instructions for causing the device to perform any one or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the present disclosure. Computer system 900 includes a processor 904 and a memory 908 that communicate with each other, and with other components, via a bus 912. Bus 912 may include any of several types of bus structures including, but not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, a local bus, and any combinations thereof, using any of a variety of bus architectures.

[0093] Memory 908 may include various components (e.g., machine readable media) including, but not limited to, a random access memory component (e.g., a static RAM“SRAM,” a dynamic RAM“DRAM,” etc.), a read only component, and any combinations thereof. In one example, a basic input/output system 916 (BIOS), including basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within computer system 900, such as during start-up, may be stored in

memory 908.

[0094] Memory 908 may also include (e.g., stored on one or more machine-readable media) instructions (e.g., software) 920 embodying any one or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the present disclosure. In another example, memory 908 may further include any number of program modules including, but not limited to, an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, program data, and any combinations thereof.

[0095] Computer system 900 may also include a storage device 924. Examples of a storage device (e g., storage device 924) include, but are not limited to, a hard disk drive for reading from and/or writing to a hard disk, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and/or writing to a removable magnetic disk, an optical disk drive for reading from and/or writing to an optical medium (e.g., a CD, a DVD, etc.), a solid-state memory device, and any combinations thereof Storage device 924 may be connected to bus 912 by an appropriate interface (not shown). Example interfaces include, but are not limited to, SCSI, advanced technology attachment (ATA), serial ATA, universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 1394 (FIREWIRE), and any combinations thereof. In one example, storage device 924 (or one or more components thereof) may be removably interfaced with computer system 900 (e.g., via an external port connector (not shown)). Particularly, storage device 924 and an associated machine-readable medium 928 may provide nonvolatile and/or volatile storage of machine-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and/or other data for computer system 900. In one example, instructions 920 may reside, completely or partially, within machine- readable medium 928. In another example, instructions 920 may reside, completely or partially, within processor 904.

[0096] Computer system 900 may also include an input device 932. In one example, a user of computer system 900 may enter commands and/or other information into computer system 900 via input device 932. Examples of an input device 932 include, but are not limited to, an alpha-numeric input device (e.g., a keyboard), a pointing device, a joystick, a gamepad, an audio input device (e.g., a microphone, a voice response system, etc.), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a touchpad, an optical scanner, a video capture device (e.g., a still camera, a video camera), touch screen, and any combinations thereof. Input device 932 may be interfaced to bus 912 via any of a variety of interfaces (not shown) including, but not limited to, a serial interface, a parallel interface, a game port, a USB interface, a FIREWIRE interface, a direct interface to bus 912, and any combinations thereof. Input device 932 may include a touch screen interface that may be a part of or separate from display 936, discussed further below. Input device 932 maybe utilized as a user selection device for selecting one or more graphical representations in a graphical interface as described above. Input device 932 may also include sensors that provide information related to the event being recorded, such as a tennis racket grip sensor or a goal sensor (which can detect when a goal is scored, such as a hockey goal or a soccer goal). The output of the sensors can be stored, for example, in storage device 924 and can be further processed to provide, for example, analysis of the grip pressure value (when implemented as a grip sensor) over time, by processor 904.

[0097] A user may also input commands and/or other information to computer system 900 via storage device 924 (e.g., a removable disk drive, a flash drive, etc.) and/or network interface device 940. A network interface device, such as network interface device 940 may be utilized for connecting computer system 900 to one or more of a variety of networks, such as network 944, and one or more remote devices 948 connected thereto. Examples of a network interface device include, but are not limited to, a network interface card (e g., a mobile network interface card, a LAN card), a modem, and any combination thereof. Examples of a network include, but are not limited to, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), a local area network (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campus or other relatively small geographic space), a telephone network, a data network associated with a telephone/voice provider (e.g., a mobile communications provider data and/or voice network), a direct connection between two computing devices, and any combinations thereof. A network, such as network 944, may employ a wired and'or a wireless mode of communication. In general, any network topology may be used. Information (e.g., data, software 920, etc.) may be communicated to and'or from computer system 900 via network interface device 940.

[0098] Computer system 900 may further include a video display adapter 952 for

communicating a displayabie image to a display device, such as display device 936. Examples of a display device include, but are not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, and any combinations thereof. In addition to a display device, a computer system 900 may include one or more other peripheral output devices including, but not limited to, an audio speaker, a printer, and any combinations thereof. Such peripheral output devices may be connected to bus 912 via a peripheral interface 956. Examples of a peripheral interface include, but are not limited to, a serial port, a USB connection, a FIREWIRE connection, a parallel connection, and any combinations thereof.

[0099] In an embodiment, a method of recording an event includes programming a recording device to record information for a desired recording length, recording information of the event with the recording device, receiving a first save command, saving the desired recording length of information preceding the receiving of the first save command, continuing to record information of the event, receiving a second save command, and generating a final recording from the saving and the information recorded until the receipt of the second save command.

[00100] Additionally or alternatively, recording by the recording device continues after receiving the second save command.

[0010] } Additionally or alternatively, the recording device is a remote recording device and the first save command is transmitted wirelessly to the remote recording device by a user device.

[00102] Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes providing a sensor in communication with the remote recording device.

[00103] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is coupled to a grip of a racket.

[00104] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is coupled to a sports goal.

[00105] Additionally or alternatively, information recorded by die sensor is combined with the final recording.

[00106] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined noise.

[00107] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined period of silence. [00108] Additionally or alternatively, wherein time information is associated with final recording.

[00109] Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes the steps of providing the final recording to a shared storage location, receiving a recording request from a third-party, the recording request including a time, and providing access to the final recording based upon the time.

[00110] In another embodiment, an event recording system includes a remote recording device having a recorder with a non-transitory storage medium. The remote recording device is configured to receive, as an input, a desired recording length of information, and to record information related to the event into the non-transitory storage medium. The remote recording device receives a first save command, saves the desired recording length of information preceding the receipt of the first save command, and continues to record information related to the event into the non-transitory storage medium The remote recording device receives a second save command and creates a final recording the saved information and the information recorded prior to the receipt of the second save command.

[00111] Additionally or alternatively, recording by the remote recording device continues to record information to the non-transitory storage medium after receiving the second save command.

[00112] Additionally or alternatively, the first save command is transmitted wirelessly to the remote recording device by a user device.

[00113] Additionally or alternatively, the system includes providing a sensor in communication with the remote recording device. jOOl 14} Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is coupled to a grip of a racket

[00115] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is coupled to a sports goal.

[00116] Additionally or alternatively, information recorded by the sensor is combined with the final recording.

[00117] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined noise.

[00118] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined period of silence. [00119] Additionally or alternatively, time information is associated with final recording.

[00120] Additionally or alternatively, the remote recording device is further configured to provide the final recording to a shared storage location, receive a recording request from a third- party, the recording request including a time, and provide access to the final recording based upon the time.

[00121] In another embodiment, a method of recording an event includes designating certain portions of a non-transitory storage medium as loop recording segments based upon an interval number, a total memory size of tire loop recording segments being less than an available space in die non-transitory storage medium, continuously recording the event into the loop recording segments, receiving a first save command, stopping loop recording upon receipt of the first save command, continuing to record the event into other portions of the non-transitory storage medium, receiving a second save command, and creating a video clip from the loop recording segments and the other portions of the non-transitory storage medium.

[00122] Additionally or alternatively, the number of loop recording segments is at least 3.

[00123] Additionally or alternatively, the number of loop recording segments is less than 7.

[00124] Additionally or alternatively, a size of each of the loop recording segments is a function of a recording space available on the non-transitory storage medium.

[00125] Additionally or alternatively, a size of each of the loop recording segments is equal to a recording length input by a user.

[00126] Additionally or alternatively, the method further includes providing a sensor in communication with the remote recording device.

[00127] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is coupled to a grip of a racket.

|00f 28} Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is coupled to a spons goal.

{(Mil 29} Additionally or alternatively, information recorded by the sensor is combined with the video clip.

[00130] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined noise [00131] In another embodiment, an event recording system includes a remote recording device having an information recorder and a non-transitoty storage medium divided into a predetermined number of partitions, wherein the storage provided by the predetermined number of partitions is less than a total storage available on the noo-transttoiy storage medium. The remote recording device is configured to record an event into the predetermined number of partitions so as to create a plurality of video segments, wherein each of the plurality of video segments is recorded into a corresponding respective one of the predetermined number of partitions, and delete a then oldest video segment when all of the predetermined number of partitions are full. Hie remote recording device records a new video segment in the partition occupied by the then oldest video segment, stops the recording of a then current video segment into the predetermined number of partitions upon receiving a first instruction, continues recording the video into the non-transitory storage medium, stops the recording of the event upon receiving a second instruction, and sequentially merges the plurality of video segments in the plurality of partitions and the video recorded in the non-transitory storage medium after the stopping of the recording to generate a video clip.

[00132] Additionally or alternatively, a size of each of the predetennined number of partitions is about 30 seconds of video.

[00133] Additionally or alternatively, an input is provided by a user from a remote device, the input setting a recording duration and a number of the predetermined number of partitions.

[00134] Additionally or alternatively, the system further includes a sensor in electronic communication with the remote recording device-

[00135] Additionally or alternatively, information sensed by the sensor is combined with the video clip.

[00136] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first instruction, upon the occurrence of a predetermined sensed event.

[00137] Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined period of silence.

[00138] Additionally or alternatively, a control device is in electronic communication with the remote recording device, the control device sends the first instruction and½r the second instruction [00139] In another embodiment, an event recording system includes a remote recording device with a video recorder having a non-transitory storage medium divided, at least in part, into a plurality of partitions. The remote recording device is configured to designate certain ones of the plurality of partitions as loop recording segments based upon an interval number, the interv al number being less than the number of the plurality of partitions, continuously record the event into the loop recording segments, receive a first save command, stop loop recording upon receipt of the first save command, continue to record the event into other ones of the plurality of partitions, receive a second save command, and create a video clip from the loop recording segments and the other ones of the plurality of partitions.

[00140] Additionally or alternatively, a size of each of the predetermined number of partitions is a function of a recording space available on the non-transitory storage medium.

[00141] Additionally or alternatively, a size of each of the predetermined number of partitions is equal to a recorded length input by a user.

[00142] Additionally or alternatively, a sensor in electronic communication with the remote recording device.

[00143] Additionally or alternatively, information recorded by the sensor is combined with the video dip.

[00144[ Additionally or alternatively, the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined sensed event.

[00145] Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined sensed event is a hom.

[00146] Additionally or alternatively, the predetermined number of partitions has a total storage capacity that is less than the storage capacity of the non-transitory storage medium.

[00147] Additionally or alternatively, a control device is in electronic communication with the remote recording device, the control device sends the first save command and/or the second save command.

[00148] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, omissions and additions maybe made to that which is specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of recording an event comprising:

programming a recording device to record information for a desired recording length; recording information of the event with the recording device;

receiving a first save command:

saving die desired recording length of information preceding the receiving of the first save command;

continuing to record information of the event;

receiving a second save command; and

generating a final recording from the saving and the information recorded until the

receipt of the second save command.

2. A method of recording an event according to claim 1 , wherein recording by the recording device continues after receiving the second save command.

3. A method of recording an event according to claim 1, wherein the recording device is a remote recording device and the first save command is transmitted wirelessly to the remote recording device by a user device.

4. A method of recording an event according to claim 3, further including providing a sensor in communication with the remote recording device.

5. A method of recording an event according to claim 4, wherein the sensor is coupled to a grip of a racket.

6. A method of recording an event according to claim 4, wherein the sensor is coupled to a sports goal.

7. A method of recording an event according to claim 4, wherein information recorded by the sensor is combined with the final recording.

8. A method of recording an event according to claim 4, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined noise.

9. A method of recording an event according to claim 4, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined period of silence.

10. A method of recording an event according to claim 1 , wherein time information is associated with final recording.

1 1. A method of tecording an event according to claim l„ further including the steps of:

providing the final recording to a shared storage location;

receiving a recording request from a third-party, the recording request including a time; and

providing access to the final recording based upon the time.

12. An event recording system comprising:

a remote recording device including a recorder having a non-transitory storage

medium, the remote recording device configured to:

receive, as an input, a desired recording length of information;

record information related to the event into the non-transitory storage medium;

receive a first save command;

save die desired recording !engtii of information preceding the receipt of the first save command;

continue to record information related to the event into the non-transitory storage medium;

receive a second save command; and

create a final recording the saved information and the information

recorded prior to the receipt of the second save command.

13. Hie system according to claim 12, wherein recording by the remote tecording device

continues to record information to the non-transitory storage medium after receiving the second save command.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first save command is transmitted wirelessly to the remote recording device by a user device.

15. The system according to claim 12, further including providing a sensor in communication with the remote recording device.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the sensor is coupled to a grip of a racket.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the sensor is coupled to a sports goal.

18. 'Hie system according to claim 15, wherein information recorded by the sensor is combined with the final recording.

19. The system according to claim 15, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal,

representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined noise.

20. The system according to claim 15, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal,

representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined period of silence.

21. The system according to claim 12, wherein time information is associated with final

recording.

22. The system according to claim 12, wherein the remote recording device is further configured to:

provide the final recording to a shared storage location;

receive a recording request from a third-party, the recording request including a time; and

provide access to the final recording based upon the time.

23. An event recording system comprising:

a remote recording device including an information recorder and a non-transitory storage medium divided into a predetermined number of partitions, wherein the storage provided by the predetermined number of partitions is less than a total storage available on the non-transitory storage medium, the remote recording device configured to:

record an event into the predetermined number of partitions so as to create a plurality of video segments, wherein each of the plurality of video segments is recorded into a corresponding respective one of the predetermined number of partitions;

delete a then oldest video segment when all of the predetermined number of partitions are full;

record a new video segment in the partition occupied by the then oldest video segment; stop the recording of a then current video segment into the predetermined number of partitions upon receiving a first instruction;

continue recording the video into the non-transitory storage medium, stop the recording of the event upon receiving a second instruction; and sequentially merge the plurality of video segments in the plurality of

partitions and the video recorded in the non-transitory storage medium after the stopping of the recording to generate a video clip.

24. An event recording system according to claim 23, wherein a size of each of the

predetermined number of panitions is about 30 seconds of video.

25. An event recording system according to claim 23, wherein an input is provided by a user from a remote device, the input setting a recording duration and a number of the predetermined number of partitions.

26. An event recording system according to claim 23, further including a sensor in electronic communication with the remote recording device.

27. An event recording system according to claim 26, wherein information sensed by the sensor is combined with the video clip.

28. An event recording system according to claim 26, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first instruction, upon the occurrence of a predetermined sensed event

29. An event recording system according to claim 26, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined period of silence.

30. An event recording system according to claim 23, wherein a control device is in electronic communication with the remote recording device, the control device sends the first instruction and/or the second instruction.

31. A method of recording an event comprising:

designating certain portions of a non-transitory storage medium as loop recording segments based upon an interval number, a total memory size of the loop recording segments being less than an available space in the non-transitory storage medium; continuously recording the event into the loop recording segments;

receiving a first save command;

stopping loop recording upon receipt of the first save command,

continuing to record the event into other portions of the non-transitory storage

medium;

receiving a second save command; and

creating a video clip from the loop recording segments and the other portions of the non-transitory storage medium.

32. A method of recording an event according to claim 31 , wherein the number of loop recording segments is at least 3.

33. A method of recording an event according to claim 32, wherein the number of loop recording segments is less than 7.

34. A method of recording an event according to claim 31 , wherein a size of each of the loop recording segments is a function of a recording space available on the non-transitory storage medium.

35. A method of recording an event according to claim 31 , wherein a size of each of the loop recording segments is equal to a recording length input by a user.

36. A method of recording an event according to claim 31 , further including providing a sensor in communication with the remote recording device.

37. A method of recording an event according to claim 36, wherein the sensor is coupled to a grip of a racket.

38. A method of recording an event according to claim 36, wherein the sensor is coupled to a sports goat.

39. A method of recording an event according to claim 36, wherein information recorded by the sensor is combined with the video clip.

40. A method of recording an event according to claim 36, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined noise.

41. An event recording system comprising: a remote recording device including a video recorder having a non-tiansitory storage medium divided, at least in part, into a plurality of partitions, the remote recording device configured to:

designate certain ones of the plurality of partitions as loop recording

segments based upon an interval number, the interval number being less titan the number of the plurality of partitions;

continuously record the event into the loop recording segments;

receive a first save command;

stop loop recording upon receipt of the first save command;

cont inue to record the event into other ones of the plurality of partitions; receive a second save command; and

create a video clip from the loop recording segments and the other ones of the plurality of partitions.

42. An event recording system according to claim 41, wherein a size of each of the

predetermined number of partitions is a function of a recording space available on the non-lransitory storage medium.

43. An event recording system according to claim 41 , wherein a size of each of the

predetermined number of partitions is equal to a recorded length input by a user.

44. An event recording system according to claim 41 , further including a sensor in electronic communication with the remote recording device.

45. An event recording system according to claim 44, wherein information recorded by the

sensor is combined with the video clip.

46. An event recording system according to claim 44, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal, representative of the first save command, upon the occurrence of a predetermined sensed event.

47. An event recording system according to claim 46, wherein the predetermined sensed event is a hom.

48. An event recording system according to claim 41, wherein the predetermined number of partitions has a total storage capacity that is less than the storage capacity of the non- transitory storage medium.

49. An event recording system according to claim 41, wherein a control device is in electronic communication with the remote recording device, the control device sends the first save command and'or the second save command.