The present invention relates to a method of obtaining multiple video streams from an event, in particular a newsworthy event such as a political rally, natural disaster, traffic accident and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of obtaining such video streams from cellular telephones equipped with video cameras.
Modern telecommunications technology has facilitated the rapid coverage of newsworthy events and the dissemination of real-time news reports to television, cable and radio outlets worldwide. The public appetite for news appears to be insatiable, and has given rise to 24-hour networks such as Fox News, CNN, MSNBC and the like.
Although modern news networks support large teams of reporters, it is virtually impossible for network reporters to cover all newsworthy events. Furthermore, those events which are covered by network reporters typically are only covered from one camera angle, using a single camera. Single-camera coverage can result in loss of coverage of all aspects of the event.
A need exists for a method of obtaining video transmissions of events, in particular newsworthy events, as soon as possible, preferably live. A need also exists for a method of obtaining video transmissions of events from multiple camera angles.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of obtaining video information pertaining to an event. The method includes the steps of: obtaining the location of an event; transmitting the location of the event to members of an organization; receiving a video transmission of the event from a cellular telephone operated by at least one member of the organization; and posting at least a portion of the video transmission on a site on a network.
According to particular embodiments, the event is located by its GPS coordinates, and the GPS coordinates of the site at which the event occurs are transmitted to a central site maintained by the organization. These coordinates can be provided by a member of the organization via a cellular telephone, in more specific embodiments via a cellular telephone equipped with a GPS device, or by other individuals or organizations.
In more specific embodiments, one or more video transmissions are provided to a central site maintained by the organization. Portions of one or more of the video transmissions can then be posted on the site. Very specific embodiments further provide for the attribution of copyright to the member or members providing the video transmissions to the central site, and also for the provision of a premium, such as monetary compensation, to members providing video transmissions to the central site.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing video information pertaining to an event to a site on a network maintained by an organization. The method includes the step of transmitting information identifying the location of an event to a central site maintained by an organization, whereby upon receipt of the information the central site transmits the information to members of an organization and prompts at least a portion of the members to attend the event and provide to the central site video transmissions of the event from cellular telephones operated by such members. The central site subsequently posts at least a portion of the video transmissions on a site on a network maintained by the organization.
The GPS coordinates of the site at which the event occurs are transmitted to the central site maintained by the organization in more specific embodiments.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
The invention may be more readily understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which
The location can be provided by any desired means, such as a cellular telephone 10, more particularly a cellular telephone equipped with a video camera 12, and even more particularly by a cellular telephone also equipped with a GPS location device. Other means for providing the location of the event to the organization, such as via a network such as the Internet, via conventional telephone, or the like, can also be employed.
Once the organization receives the location of the event, the organization notifies members of the organization (
Once the organization receives one or more video transmissions from members present at the event, the organization makes at least a portion of the video transmissions available on a web page 14 on a site maintained by the organization on a network, for example the Internet (
Some images obtained by organization members may prove to be particularly memorable or have significant commercial value, and the members thus may desire to secure copyrights in such images. Thus, the organization, in specific embodiments, includes a copyright notice with video transmissions provided by organization members (see