US5563649A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System and method for transmitting video material
Assignee: PORTE MICHAEL
•
Filing: 1995-03-08
•
Granted: 1996-10-08
•
Expires: 2015-03-08
Abstract
Abstract A "video fax" system electronically delivers a non-real time, full-motion, sub-broadcast quality facsimile of relatively short segments of video material from an originating location to a receiving location in a short period of time, utilizing selected widely available commercial telephone switched networks. At the originating location, analog source material is digitized, compressed, prepared for transmission and stored temporarily. Digital source material is handled by bypassing the digitization step and part of the compression step, and performing the necessary file conversion. The sending location dials up the receiving location, and a connection is established. The digital file is transmitted over the network. When finished, the connection is terminated. At the receiving location, the material is received, decompressed and converted back to either analog form or digital form, depending on the recipient's preference. Compression and decompression are each performed in two stages, with a real-time component performed at full-frame rate, and an offline secondary reduced frame-rate component. Alternatively, the compression is performed entirely at the reduced frame rate, which involves undoing of the compression component performed in real-time. The corresponding decompression involves decompressing entirely at a reduced frame rate, followed by recompressing in preparation for full-frame rate real-time decompression. Transmission over the telephone network is performed concurrently with the reduced frame rate compression, resulting in an overall faster transfer.
Inventors
- 👤 Kim V. W. Gould
- 👤 Charles R. Abraham
- 👤 Michael H. Porte
- 👤 Michael D. Elliott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 03:52
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N19/00; H04N19/60; H04N19/61
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 130
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, playing from an analog source a motion video segment and converting the motion video segment into a motion video stream; compressing the motion video stream using real-time compression to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; displaying the motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; storing as a motion video file a portion of the once-compressed motion video stream corresponding to the portion of the motion video segment selected; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of the second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the motion video file.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, playing from an analog source a motion video segment and converting the motion video segment into a motion video stream; compressing the motion video stream using real-time compression to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; displaying the motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; storing as a motion video file a portion of the once-compressed motion video stream corresponding to the portion of the motion video segment selected; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of the second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the motion video file.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the motion video segment comprises: applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: previous to transmitting, retrieving the motion video file; applying real-time motion video decompression to the motion video file; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising: repeating the steps of claims 1 and 3 at least once to produce a resulting motion video stream that is satisfactory to the viewer.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the analog source is a motion video tape player.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: at the second geographic location, storing the motion video file.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 6, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 6, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 6, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 9, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the motion video segment and each motion video stream also includes audio information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 11, wherein the audio information is compressed and decompressed only during real time compression and real time decompression, respectively.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
197 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, playing from an analog source a motion video segment and converting the motion video segment into a motion video stream; compressing the motion video stream using real-time compression to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; displaying the motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; storing as a motion video file a portion of the once-compressed motion video stream corresponding to the portion of the motion video segment selected; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of the second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
197 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, playing from an analog source a motion video segment and converting the motion video segment into a motion video stream; compressing the motion video stream using real-time compression to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; displaying the motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; storing as a motion video file a portion of the once-compressed motion video stream corresponding to the portion of the motion video segment selected; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of the second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the steps of applying secondary compression and transmitting are performed concurrently.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising: at the second geographic location, applying secondary decompression to the twice-compressed motion video stream; and storing as a motion video file the resulting once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 15, wherein the steps of receiving and applying secondary decompression are performed concurrently.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 15, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising: recording the analog motion video signal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 18, wherein the recording device is a motion video tape recorder.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 15, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 15, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 21, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 13, further comprises: at the second geographic location, storing as a twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; applying secondary decompression to the twice-compressed motion video stream; and storing as a motion video file the resulting once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 23, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 24, further comprising: recording the analog motion video signal.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 25, wherein the recording device is a motion video tape recorder.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 230, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 23, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 28, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
221 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, playing from an analog source a motion video segment and converting the motion video segment into a motion video stream; compressing the motion video stream using real-time compression to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; displaying the motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; storing as a motion video file a portion of the once-compressed motion video stream corresponding to the portion of the motion video segment selected; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; storing as a twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the twice-compressed motion video file, the twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of a second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
221 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, playing from an analog source a motion video segment and converting the motion video segment into a motion video stream; compressing the motion video stream using real-time compression to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; displaying the motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; storing as a motion video file a portion of the once-compressed motion video stream corresponding to the portion of the motion video segment selected; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; storing as a twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the twice-compressed motion video file, the twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of a second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 30, further comprising: at the second geographic location, applying secondary decompression to the twice-compressed motion video stream; and storing as a motion video file the resulting once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the steps of receiving and applying secondary decompression are performed concurrently.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 31, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 33, further comprising: recording the analog motion video signal.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the recording device is a motion video tape recorder.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 31, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 31, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 37, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 30, further comprising: at the second geographic location, storing as a twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; applying secondary decompression to the twice-compressed motion video stream; and storing as a motion video file the resulting once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 39, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 40, further comprising: recording the analog motion video signal.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 41, wherein the recording device is a motion video tape recorder.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 39, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 39, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 44, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, displaying a motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; compressing at least a portion of the motion video segment selected to form a once-compressed motion video stream and storing the once-compressed motion video stream as a motion video file; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of a second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the motion video file.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
146 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, displaying a motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; compressing at least a portion of the motion video segment selected to form a once-compressed motion video stream and storing the once-compressed motion video stream as a motion video file; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of a second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the motion video file.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising: previous to transmitting, altering the format of the motion video file.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising: previous to transmitting, retrieving the motion video file; applying real-time motion video decompression to the motion video file; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 48, further comprising: repeating the steps of claims 41 and 43 at least once to produce a resulting motion video stream that is satisfactory to the viewer.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 46, further comprising: at the second geographic location, storing the motion video file.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 50, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 50, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 50, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 53, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46, wherein the motion video segment and each motion video stream also includes audio information.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 55, wherein the audio information is compressed and decompressed only during real time compression and real time decompression, respectively.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, displaying a motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; compressing at least a portion of the motion video segment selected to form a once-compressed motion video stream and storing the once-compressed motion video stream as a motion video file; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of a second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
174 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, displaying a motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; compressing at least a portion of the motion video segment selected to form a once-compressed motion video stream and storing the once-compressed motion video stream as a motion video file; within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of a second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 57, wherein the steps of applying secondary compression and transmitting are performed concurrently.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 57, further comprising: at the second geographic location, applying secondary decompression to the twice-compressed motion video stream; and storing as a motion video file the resulting once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 59, wherein the steps of receiving and applying secondary decompression are performed concurrently.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 59, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 61, further comprising: recording the analog motion video signal.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 62, wherein the recording device is a motion video tape recorder.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 59, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 59, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 65, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 57, further comprising: at the second geographic location, storing as a twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; applying secondary decompression to the twice-compressed motion video stream; and storing as a motion video file the resulting once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 67, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 68, further comprising: recording the analog motion video signal.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 69, wherein the recording device is a motion video tape recorder.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 67, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 67, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 72, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, displaying a motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; compressing at least a portion of the motion video segment selected to form a once-compressed motion video stream and storing the once-compressed motion video stream as a motion video file: within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; storing as a twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the twice-compressed motion video file, the twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of a second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the twice-compressed motion motion video stream.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
193 words
A method of transmitting selected motion video content from a first user to a second user, comprising: at a first geographic location, displaying a motion video segment; based on display of the motion video segment, selecting at least a portion of the motion video segment in response to one or more commands of the first user; compressing at least a portion of the motion video segment selected to form a once-compressed motion video stream and storing the once-compressed motion video stream as a motion video file: within a fixed period of time determined in response to one or more commands of the first user, retrieving the motion video file; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; storing as a twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the twice-compressed motion video file, the twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate through a telephone network from the first geographic location to a second geographic location of a second user, and receiving at the second geographic location, the twice-compressed motion motion video stream.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 74, further comprising: at the second geographic location, applying secondary decompression to the twice-compressed motion motion video stream; and storing as a motion video file the resulting once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 75, wherein the steps of receiving and applying secondary decompression are performed concurrently.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 75, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 77, further comprising: recording the analog motion video signal.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 78, wherein the recording device is a motion video tape recorder.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 75, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 75, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 81, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 74, further comprising: at the second geographic location, storing as a twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the twice-compressed motion video file the twice-compressed motion video stream; applying secondary decompression to the twice-compressed motion video stream; and storing as a motion video file the resulting once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 83, further comprising: retrieving from the received motion video file a once-compressed motion video stream; applying real-time motion video decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream; converting the resulting motion video stream to an analog motion video signal; and displaying the analog motion video signal.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 84, further comprising: recording the analog motion video signal.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 85, wherein the recording device is a motion video tape recorder.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 83, further comprising: at the second geographic location, receiving and storing one or more additional received motion video files coexisting with the first received motion video file.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 83, further comprising: presenting to an external source the motion video file.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 88, further comprising: prior to presenting the motion video file to the external source, converting the motion video file to a different compressed motion video format.
Claim 96
Independent Claim
88 words
A method comprising: applying real-time compression to an original motion video stream to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; storing as a motion video file a portion of the once-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the motion video file at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate the motion video file; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting to a remote geographic location at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
88 words
A method comprising: applying real-time compression to an original motion video stream to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; storing as a motion video file a portion of the once-compressed motion video stream; retrieving from the motion video file at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate the motion video file; applying secondary compression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to the motion video file to produce a twice-compressed motion video stream; and transmitting to a remote geographic location at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 90, wherein secondary compression comprises: applying decompression to the motion video file to produce an approximation of the original motion video stream; and applying compression to said approximation of the original motion video stream to produce the twice-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 91, wherein decompression of the motion video file and compression of the motion video stream are performed concurrently to minimize the storage requirements for storing the approximation of the original motion video stream.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 91, comprising the further steps of: receiving at the remote geographic location the twice-compressed motion video stream; applying to said twice compressed motion video stream secondary decompression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to produce an approximation of the once compressed motion video stream; and applying to said approximation of the once-compressed motion video stream real-time decompression.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 91, comprising the further steps of: receiving at the remote geographic location the twice-compressed motion video stream; and applying to said twice-compressed motion video stream real-time decompression.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
77 words
The method of claim 91, comprising the further steps of: receiving at the remote geographic location the twice-compressed motion video stream; applying to said twice-compressed motion video stream secondary decompression at a reduced, sub-motion video, frame rate to produce an approximation of the original motion video stream; applying to said approximation of the original motion video stream reduced frame-rate compression to produce a once-compressed motion video stream; and applying real-time decompression to the once-compressed motion video stream.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 90, comprising the further steps of: receiving at the remote geographic location the twice-compressed motion video stream; applying to said twice compressed motion video stream secondary decompression at a reduced, subvideo, frame rate to produce an approximation of the once compressed motion video stream; and applying to said approximation of the once-compressed motion video stream real-time decompression.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 90, comprising the further steps of: receiving at the remote geographic location the twice-compressed motion video stream; and applying to said twice-compressed motion video stream real-time decompression.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
170 words
A motion video fax station comprising: a central processor; multi-level storage means connected to the central processor for storing at least one digital motion video file; means for inputting a digital motion video file to the multi-level storage means and outputting a digital motion video file from the multi-level storage means; an analog interface for selectively receiving audio and motion video signals from and selectively providing audio and motion video signals to a plurality of media devices; means connecting to the analog interface and the central processor for performing real-time compression of audio and motion video signals; means connected to the analog interface and the central processor for performing real-time decompression of audio and motion video signals; means for interfacing with, transmitting compressed audio and motion video signals to, and receiving compressed audio and motion video signals from a telephone network, thereby achieving two-way motion video communication; and means connected to the central processor for indicating to a user an operational status of the system and for receiving user commands.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
170 words
A motion video fax station comprising: a central processor; multi-level storage means connected to the central processor for storing at least one digital motion video file; means for inputting a digital motion video file to the multi-level storage means and outputting a digital motion video file from the multi-level storage means; an analog interface for selectively receiving audio and motion video signals from and selectively providing audio and motion video signals to a plurality of media devices; means connecting to the analog interface and the central processor for performing real-time compression of audio and motion video signals; means connected to the analog interface and the central processor for performing real-time decompression of audio and motion video signals; means for interfacing with, transmitting compressed audio and motion video signals to, and receiving compressed audio and motion video signals from a telephone network, thereby achieving two-way motion video communication; and means connected to the central processor for indicating to a user an operational status of the system and for receiving user commands.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
22 words
The motion video fax station of claim 98, further comprising: means for performing secondary compression and decompression of compressed motion video streams.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
29 words
The motion video fax station of claim 98, wherein the means for performing secondary compression and decompression performs secondary compression at a rate less than 25 frames per second.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
26 words
The motion video fax station of claim 98, further comprising: means within the central processor for performing secondary compression and decompression of compressed motion video streams.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
29 words
The motion video fax station of claim 101, wherein the means for performing secondary compression and decompression performs secondary compression at a rate less than 25 frames per second.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
22 words
A motion video fax system comprising a plurality of motion video fax stations as recited in claim 98, and a telephone network.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
20 words
The motion video fax station of claim 103, wherein the telephone network comprises a plurality of temporarily established point-to-point connections.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
131 words
A motion video fax station comprising: a central processor; multi-level storage means connected to the central processor for storing at least one digital motion video file; means for receiving a digital motion video file from an external source; means for inputting a digital motion video file to the multi-level storage means and outputting a digital motion video file from the multi-level storage means; means connected to the central processor for performing real-time decompression of audio and motion video signals; means for interfacing with, transmitting audio and motion video signals to, and receiving compressed audio and motion video signals from, a telephone network, thereby achieving two-way motion video communication; and means connected to the central processor for indicating to a user an operational status of the system and for receiving user commands.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
131 words
A motion video fax station comprising: a central processor; multi-level storage means connected to the central processor for storing at least one digital motion video file; means for receiving a digital motion video file from an external source; means for inputting a digital motion video file to the multi-level storage means and outputting a digital motion video file from the multi-level storage means; means connected to the central processor for performing real-time decompression of audio and motion video signals; means for interfacing with, transmitting audio and motion video signals to, and receiving compressed audio and motion video signals from, a telephone network, thereby achieving two-way motion video communication; and means connected to the central processor for indicating to a user an operational status of the system and for receiving user commands.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
22 words
The motion video fax station of claim 105, further comprising means for outputting a digital motion video file to an external destination.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
22 words
The motion video fax station of claim 106, further comprising: means for performing secondary compression and decompression of compressed motion video streams.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
29 words
The motion video fax station of claim 107, wherein the means for performing secondary compression and decompression performs secondary compression at a rate less than 25 frames per second.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
26 words
The motion video fax station of claim 105, further comprising: means within the central processor for performing secondary compression and decompression of compressed motion video streams.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
29 words
The motion video fax station of claim 109, wherein the means for performing secondary compression and decompression performs secondary compression at a rate less than 25 frames per second.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
22 words
A motion video fax system comprising a plurality of motion video fax stations as recited in claim 105, and a telephone network.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
20 words
The motion video fax station of claim 111, wherein the telephone network comprises a plurality of temporarily established point-to-point connections.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
182 words
A motion video fax station comprising: a central processor; multi-level storage means connected to the central processor for storing at least one digital motion video file; means for receiving a digital motion video file from an external source; means for inputting a digital motion video file to the multi-level storage means and outputting a digital motion video file from the multi-level storage means; an analog interface for selectively receiving audio and motion video signals from and selectively providing audio and motion video signals to a plurality of media devices; means connected to the analog interface and the central processor for performing real-time compression of audio and motion video signals; means connected to the analog interface and the central processor for performing real-time decompression of audio and motion video signals; means for interfacing with, transmitting compressed audio and motion video signals to, and receiving compressed audio and motion video signals from, a telephone network, thereby achieving two-way motion video communication; and means connected to the central processor for indicating to a user an operational status of the system and for receiving user commands.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
182 words
A motion video fax station comprising: a central processor; multi-level storage means connected to the central processor for storing at least one digital motion video file; means for receiving a digital motion video file from an external source; means for inputting a digital motion video file to the multi-level storage means and outputting a digital motion video file from the multi-level storage means; an analog interface for selectively receiving audio and motion video signals from and selectively providing audio and motion video signals to a plurality of media devices; means connected to the analog interface and the central processor for performing real-time compression of audio and motion video signals; means connected to the analog interface and the central processor for performing real-time decompression of audio and motion video signals; means for interfacing with, transmitting compressed audio and motion video signals to, and receiving compressed audio and motion video signals from, a telephone network, thereby achieving two-way motion video communication; and means connected to the central processor for indicating to a user an operational status of the system and for receiving user commands.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
22 words
The motion video fax station of claim 113, further comprising means for outputting a digital motion video file to an external destination.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
22 words
The motion video fax station of claim 113, further comprising: means for performing secondary compression and decompression of compressed motion video streams.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
29 words
The motion video fax station of claim 115, wherein the means for performing secondary compression and decompression performs secondary compression at a rate less than 25 frames per second.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
26 words
The motion video fax station of claim 113, further comprising: means within the central processor for performing secondary compression and decompression of compressed motion video streams.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
29 words
The motion video fax station of claim 117, wherein the means for performing secondary compression and decompression performs secondary compression at a rate less than 25 frames per second.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
22 words
A motion video fax system comprising a plurality of motion video fax stations as recited in claim 113, and a telephone network.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
20 words
The motion video fax station of claim 119, wherein the telephone network comprises a plurality of temporarily established point-to-point connections.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-10-08 | 2000-04-08 | 2000-10-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-08 | 2004-04-08 | 2004-10-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-08 | 2008-04-08 | 2008-10-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |