Method and Apparatus for the Automated Response Capture using Text Messaging

Abstract

The FaceBack system incorporates an automated mechanism for remotely capturing the reaction of the receiver of a text message. This mechanism is started when the texter incorporates instructions into a text message to take a photo or record a video when the text is read by a receiver. The receiving device scans the incoming text message and takes a photo or records a video of the receiving user when the user reads the text message. Once the video is recorded or the picture is taken, the video or picture is returned to the texter through the SMS system.

1 - 18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method for capturing a reaction to an incoming text message, the method comprising:
 receiving the incoming text message on a receiving device from a sending device;   scanning a user data field of the incoming message for an instruction;   the instruction instructing a camera on the receiving device to capture an user image using the camera,   if the instruction is included in the incoming text message,   capturing the user image using the camera on the receiving device, and   sending the user image, using an outgoing text message, to the sending device.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the text message is an iMessage message. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the text message is a Viber message. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the text message is a WhatsApp message. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the user image is a portion of a video. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 19  wherein the user image is one of a series of photographs. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising delaying the capture of the user image for a period of time. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising delaying the capture of the user image until a user's eye reaches a specified point the incoming text message. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising capturing the user's image for a period of time and reviewing, under software control, the user's images to identify an emotional image that represents the most significant change in the user's facial expression. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising prompting a user before sending the outgoing text message. 
     
     
         29 . An apparatus for capturing a reaction to an incoming text message, the apparatus comprising:
 a receiving device;   a processor on the receiving device;   a memory connected to the processor;   a camera on the receiving device electrically coupled to the processor, the camera responsive to an instruction from the processor to collect an user image and store the user image in the memory;   a network interface on the receiving device electrically connected to the processor, the network interface configured to receive incoming text messages and sending outgoing text messages;   a screen on the receiving device electrically connected to the processor, configured to display incoming text messages;   software stored in the memory of the receiving device for scanning a user data section of the incoming text messages for the instruction to take the user image, the software further configured to instruct the camera to collect the user image and to send outgoing text messages containing the user image through the network interface.   
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the text message is an iMessage message. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the text message is a Viber message. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the text message is a WhatApp message. 
     
     
         33 . The apparatus  claim 29  wherein the user image is part of a video. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the user image is one of a series of photographs. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the instruction is located in a header of the incoming text message. 
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the software further includes an eye tracking algorithm. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the software further includes facial recognition software. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the software further edits the images. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 29  wherein the software further compares the image and determines which image to send in the outgoing text message.