Interactive system and method for providing memorial information

• US 20030217120A1
• Filed: 05/17/2002
• Published: 11/20/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Michael W. Hickey
• Original Assignee: Michael W. Hickey
• Inventors: Gouin, Kenneth E., Cross, Sean B., Hickey, Michael W.
• Application Number:
  US10/150,332
• Publication Number:
  US 20030217120A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/219
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/62 Establishing a time schedule for servicing the requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2072 Schedules, e.g. personal calendars
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/533 Voice mail systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/53316 Messaging centre selected by message originator

Abstract

An interactive electronic system and method for storing and providing memorial information is disclosed. An enclosure that has at least one opening is provided. An interactive user interface for use by the living person is provided, and the interactive user interface is contained within the enclosure. A processor is provided that is configured to receive message information having an associated playback-event information, including an associated playback event. The processor is also configured to provide the message information via the interactive user interface upon an occurrence of the associated playback event. Additionally, a Global Positioning System transmitter and receiver for use in connection with memorial information is provided.

Claims

1. An electronic system for storing and providing memorial information, the system comprising:

an enclosure having at least one opening;

an interactive user interface contained within the enclosure; and

a processor electrically connected to the interactive user interface and contained within the enclosure, wherein the processor is configured to receive message information having associated playback-event information, including an associated playback event, and the processor is configured to provide the message information via the interactive user interface upon an occurrence of the associated playback event, wherein at least a portion of the message information operates as a commemorative memorial.

2. The electronic system according to claim 1, further including a solar panel electrically connected to the processor.

3. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the enclosure is portable.

4. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the interactive user interface includes a Personal Digital Assistant with a touch screen for receiving user input and for providing video output, wherein the Personal Digital Assistant further includes an audio output that is electrically connected to a loudspeaker.

5. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the message information includes audiovisual streaming video.

6. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the message information includes audio information.

7. The electronic system according to claim 6, wherein the audio information includes a voice message recorded in a digital format.

8. The electronic system according to claim 7, wherein the digital format is selected from the group consisting of a Moving Picture Experts Group audio layer three format and a WAV audio format.

9. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the associated playback event is the occurrence of a birthday.

10. The electronic system according to claim 1, wherein the associated playback event is the occurrence of a wedding anniversary.

11. The electronic system according to claim 1, further including a portable device that includes a Global Positioning System transceiver unit for providing geographical location information and a Global Positioning System receiver unit that is electrically connected to the interactive user interface that is able to provide position information related to the portable container that is available through the interactive user interface.

12. The electronic system according to claim 11, wherein the portable container is capable of holding cremated remains.

13. An electronic system for storing and providing memorial information, the system comprising:

a data center for storing and providing remote access to memorial information;

an interactive electronic device, which includes an interactive user interface, wherein the data center is connected to the interactive electronic device through an electronics communication network; and

a processor that is electrically coupled with the interactive electronic device, wherein the processor is configured to receive memorial information, the memorial information having associated playback-event information, including a playback event, wherein the processor provides the memorial information via the interactive user interface upon an occurrence of an associated playback event, wherein at least a portion of the memorial information operates a commemorative memorial.

14. The electronic system according to claim 13, wherein the interactive user interface includes an audio-visual output.

15. The electronic system according to claim 13, wherein the memorial information includes audio-visual content.

16. The electronic system according to claim 13, wherein the memorial information comprises includes audio content.

17. The electronic system according to claim 16, wherein the audio content comprises a voice message recorded in a digital format.

18. The electronic system according to claim 17, wherein the digital format is selected from the group consisting of a Moving Picture Experts Group audio layer three format and a WAV audio format.

19. The electronic system according to claim 13, wherein the playback event is the occurrence of a birthday.

20. The electronic system according to claim 13, wherein the playback event is the occurrence of a wedding anniversary.

21. The electronic system according to claim 13, further including a portable device that includes a Global Positioning System transceiver unit for providing geographical location information and a Global Positioning System receiver unit associated with the portable device that is able to provide position information related to the portable container that is available through the interactive user interface.

22. The electronic system according to claim 21, wherein the portable container is capable of holding cremated remains.

23. A method for storing and providing memorial information, the method comprising:

providing an enclosure having at least one opening;

providing an interactive user interface contained within the enclosure; and

providing a processor electrically connected to the interactive user interface and contained within the enclosure;

receiving message information having associated playback-event information, including an associated playback event; and

providing the message information via the interactive user interface upon an occurrence of the associated playback event with the processor, wherein at least a portion of the message information operates as a commemorative memorial.

24. The method according to claim 23, further including:

receiving input to the interactive user interface with a pressure sensitive membrane; and

providing an audio-visual output to the interactive user interface.

25. The method according to claim 23, further including:

receiving authentication information from the interactive user interface; and

providing the message information on the interactive user interface based on the authentication information.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein the message information is provided in the form of an e-mail message.

27. The method according to claim 23, further including receiving Global Positioning System location information that is displayed on the interactive user interface.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the Global Positioning System location information is associated with a container that is capable of containing cremated remains of the deceased person.