Method and system for audio/video capturing, streaming, recording and playback

#1. Field of the Invention

#This invention relates generally to systems for recording audio and video (A/V) and for playback of same. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for A/V capturing, recording, streaming, videoconferencing and for live and on-demand playback. The capture function of the system and method is often referred to as “event capture” generally and sometimes more specifically as, “lecture capture” and “deposition capture” among types of events that can be AV captured for recording and/or streaming and/or videoconferencing.

#2. Description of Related Art

#The following drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments for carrying out the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in different views or embodiments of the present invention in the drawings.

#FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method for audio/video (A/V) capturing, streaming, recording and playback according to the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an A/V capturing, streaming, recording and playback system according to the present invention.

#Embodiments of the present invention have particular utility in the context of legal depositions, but have many other applications as well, such as distance learning. Embodiments of the present invention combine evidence presentation, video capturing, recording, streaming and videoconferencing and further eliminate the need for unnecessary, expensive and less accurate stenographic reporting. Even though courtroom technology is considerably more advanced than that used for depositions, existing courtroom technology is still crude relative to other industries. Thus, a system embodiment of the present invention may be ideal for the many state courtrooms that now have little or no technology and may replace existing, poorly designed systems that are now in most federal courts. By combining the power of video and digital (paperless) evidence display, the duration of discovery and trials may be dramatically reduced. Furthermore, litigation results may be enhanced by use of the present invention, because judges and juries will better comprehend the evidence.

#As used herein, the terms “A/V signals”, “video” and “video recording” are meant to encompass video and audio signals combined together, unless otherwise apparent from the context. The term “video recording” is inclusive of any suitable computer media for performing the recording, including tape (VHS, DV), compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), magneto-optic, hard disk drives, solid-state memory and any other suitable media for recording video data.

#FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a method 100 for audio/video (A/V), capturing, streaming, recording and playback, according to the present invention. Method 100 may include framing 102 at least one person and a video display in a camera field of view and selectively displaying 104 legible rich media on the video display (the evidence display part of the method). Method 100 may further include capturing 106 A/V signals of at least one person and the rich media using a camera. Method 100 may further include generating 108 a single A/V feed, the single A/V feed being configured for recording, playback and streaming, i.e., the recording/streaming part of the method embodiments of the present invention.