Video communication system and method for using same

Abstract

The present invention provides a video communication system including a kiosk for recording video messages created by a user and a database for storing and providing access to the video messages. The kiosk includes a user interface for receiving user information such as name, address, email, and other identifying information. The kiosk further includes a message-recording device for recording a user video message. The video message and user message data are uploaded to a database. The database reconnects with the user through the user information to allow the user to access the video message. In an embodiment, the database sends an email web link to the user. The user may view the video message by opening the email web link and viewing the video message on an internet website.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A video communication system comprising:
 a housing configured to be carried by a user;   an input device integrated with the housing and configured to receive identification information associated with a user; and   a message-recording device integrated with the housing and configured to capture media data;   wherein the video communication system is configured to:
 associate the captured media data with the identification information associated with the user; and 
   transmit, to a device connected to a communication network, the captured media data to enable access of the captured media data via the communication network,   wherein the message-recording device comprises a mobile telecommunication device.   
     
     
         22 . The video communication system of  claim 21 , wherein the housing is portable such that it is light enough, rugged enough, and free enough of encumbering external connections. 
     
     
         23 . The video communication system of  claim 22 , wherein the message-recording device comprises a camera of the mobile telecommunication device. 
     
     
         24 . The video communication system of  claim 21 , wherein the mobile telecommunication device comprises a cell phone. 
     
     
         25 . The video communication system of  claim 21 , wherein the mobile telecommunication device is configured to receive input relating to a selection of an image to be combined with the media data. 
     
     
         26 . The video communication system of  claim 21 , wherein the mobile telecommunication device comprises a cell phone. 
     
     
         27 . The video communication system of  claim 21 , wherein the mobile telecommunication device comprises at least one of a personal digital assistant or tablet computer. 
     
     
         28 . The video communication system of  claim 21 , wherein the mobile telecommunication device is removably integrated with the housing. 
     
     
         29 . The video communication system of  claim 21 , wherein the mobile telecommunication device comprises the input device. 
     
     
         30 . The video communication system of  claim 21 , further comprising a display integrated with the housing. 
     
     
         31 . The video communication system of  claim 30 , wherein the mobile telecommunication device comprises the display 
     
     
         32 . The video communication system of  claim 30 , wherein the display renders information associated with at least one of the received identification information or the captured media data 
     
     
         33 . The media kiosk system of  claim 21 , wherein the user input comprises a user identity associated with a user who is the subject of the media data. 
     
     
         34 . The media kiosk system of  claim 33 , wherein the user identity comprises a social networking website account identity. 
     
     
         35 . A media message communication system comprising:
 a kiosk configured to communicate with a network, the kiosk comprising:
 a housing; 
 a message-recording device configured to record a media message; 
 a user interface for receiving identification data related to the media message; and 
 wherein the message-recording device and user interface are integrated within the housing; and 
   a database connected to the network and configured to:
 receive the media message and the identification data from the portable kiosk; and 
 manage access to the media message by a remote access point based on information associated with a request to access the media message; 
 wherein the database is further configured to associate the media message with a user identity on a social networking website based on the identification data. 
   
     
     
         36 . The media message communication system of  claim 35 , wherein the housing is light enough, rugged enough, and free enough of encumbering external connections to be carried by a user. 
     
     
         37 . The media message communication system of  claim 35 , wherein the first kiosk includes a mobile device that comprises the message-recording device and the display. 
     
     
         38 . The media message communication system of  claim 35 , wherein the database is further configured associated the media message with at least one of a user associated with the capture of the media message or a user associated with providing the first kiosk. 
     
     
         39 . A portable kiosk system comprising:
 a mobile telecommunication device comprising an input device and a message recording device, and integrated within the portable kiosk, wherein the input device is configured to receive identification information associated with a user, and wherein the message-recording device is configured to capture media data;   wherein the portable kiosk component is configured to:
 associate the captured media data with the identification information associated with the user; and 
   transmit, to a device connected to a communication network, the captured media data to enable access of the captured media data via the communication networks.   
     
     
         40 . The media message communication system of  claim 39 , wherein the database is configured to publish the media message to a social media network.