U.S. patent application number 11/065383 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-14 for method and system for capturing memories of deceased individuals.
Invention is credited to Notargiacomo, Richard C., Patton, David L., Pincelli, Frank.
Application Number | 20050154706 11/065383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25409783 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050154706 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Notargiacomo, Richard C. ;
et al. |
July 14, 2005 |
Method and system for capturing memories of deceased
individuals
Abstract
A method, system, and computer software product for capturing
and distributing memories of a deceased individual. An electronic
storage memory database is provided having controls for allowing
selective entry of information into said database with respect to
said selected individual. Individuals can be pre-authorization for
accessing said database for viewing or entering of data into the
database with respect to a deceased individual. Also a gatekeeper
can be designated for providing editorial control over entry of
said data.
Inventors: |
Notargiacomo, Richard C.;
(Penfield, NY) ; Patton, David L.; (Webster,
NY) ; Pincelli, Frank; (Rochester, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pamela R. Crocker
Patent Legal Staff
Eastman Kodak Company
343 State Street
Rochester
NY
14650-2201
US
|
Family ID: |
25409783 |
Appl. No.: |
11/065383 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11065383 |
Feb 24, 2005 |
|
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09898636 |
Jul 3, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.001 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/10 20130101;
Y10S 707/99931 20130101; Y10S 707/99939 20130101; Y10S 707/99945
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/001 |
International
Class: |
G09B 007/00 |
Claims
1. A software product such that when loaded onto a computer it
would cause the computer to do the following steps: providing
pre-authorization for selected individual for accessing a website
over a communication network; providing a gatekeeper for having
editorial control over entry of said data on said website by said
selected individuals; and providing approval of said data by said
gatekeeper prior to being entered into said database.
2. (canceled)
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/898,636
filed Jul. 3, 2001 by Richard C. Notargiacomo et al., entitled
Method and System for Capturing Memories of Deceased
Individuals.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the compilation and
managing of memories of deceased individuals. In particular to a
method and system that allows the compilation of images, text or
other information with respect to a particular individual from a
variety of unrelated sources and also allows controlled access by
various individuals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Today when an individual dies, a family member or close
friend often writes an obituary with regard to that individual.
However, these are typically written from a single point of view
and are limited to the point of view of the writer. Also,
information for these obituaries is generally taken at a time when
the individuals providing the information are under an emotional
stress. Thus, these obituaries may not accurately portray or
provide a complete understanding of the individual. Finally, these
obituaries are generally limited to distribution in local
newspapers whereas the individual may have known or been known by
many people throughout the country and/or world.
[0004] In the case of people who are well known such as
celebrities, obituaries are kept on file and can be accessed,
reported and/or printed by the media in the event the person
passes. This of course is not the case for the majority of
people.
[0005] Thus there is a need to provide a way for gathering and
distributing information with regard to a deceased individual which
takes into account points of view from a variety of different
individuals, and therefore provides a more complete understanding
of the deceased, that can be viewed and distributed in a wide
manner.
[0006] The present invention seeks to solve these problems by
utilizing a communication network, such as the Internet, for
allowing people to submit and access an obituary library whereby
text messages, images, sound and other data may be submitted and/or
accessed by various individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is provided a software product such that when loaded onto a
computer it would cause the computer to do the following steps:
[0008] providing pre-authorization for selected individual for
accessing said database;
[0009] providing a gatekeeper for having editorial control over
entry of said data by said related individuals; and
[0010] providing pre-approval of said information prior to being
entered into said database.
[0011] This and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of
the present invention will be more clearly understood and
appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of
the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of
the invention presented below, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a system made in accordance to the
present invention for gathering and distributing of information
with regard to a deceased individual;
[0014] FIG. 2a illustrates a general access living virtual obituary
web page/site made in accordance to the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2b illustrates a private access living virtual obituary
web page/site made in accordance to the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an access card for accessing information
with regard to a deceased individual distributed from a site as
described in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a Kioskused for
accessing the virtual reality obituary web page/site in accordance
to the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 describes a flow chart of one method of operation of
the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 6 describes a flow chart showing another embodiment of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a system 10 made
in accordance to the present invention for gathering and
distributing of information with regard to a deceased individual.
In the embodiment illustrated, system 10 includes a communication
network 12 that is freely accessible by individuals. In the
particular embodiment illustrated the communication network 12 is
the Internet. However, it can be any other appropriate
communication network that may be utilized. System 10 includes a
funeral home 14 or other similar type business establishment having
an electronic database that can be accessed by the Internet service
provider 16 for allowing communication over the Internet. In the
embodiment illustrated the electronic database comprises a
computer/server 18. The computer/server 18 includes a data entry
system 20, for allowing data entry regarding the deceased
individual to be entered either by the funeral home or by any
guest, employee or other individual at the funeral home. Typically
the data entry mechanism is a keyboard, microphone, digital camera,
smart card, computer mouse or other computer data entry device. The
computer 18 contains software which enables the users to create and
maintain a living virtual obituary web, communicate with the
Internet, accept and store data about the deceased, and provide a
system for data viewing, adding information, and for providing and
maintaining various levels of access to the obituary web page/site
25. The software can reside not only on the hosting server but also
on the individual user's personal computer 44, 45 at their home or
office and on a Kiosk 60.
[0021] Now referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the living virtual
obituary web page/site is illustrated. The virtual living obituary
web page/site 25 is established on behalf of a deceased individual
and is hosted on a server 26. This can be established and
maintained at the funeral home 14 or may be hosted at a hosting
obituary service 21 which is in communication with the Internet 12.
The advantage of having a funeral home or hosting service is they
can provide the service for a multitude of individuals, thus
potentially lowering the cost for each web page established.
[0022] The web page/site 25 will have its' own URL 24 that can be
accessed via the Internet. The individual who sets up that web
page/site 25 (hereinafter referred to as the owner or controller)
can be provided with editorial controls for determining the type
and manner of allowing information to be entered onto the web
page/site 25. The controller can set up a filter for reviewing
submitted data for placement on the web page/site 25. For example,
the controller can monitor the type of information that is placed
thereon and set up appropriate access for third parties. The
controller or someone on his/her behalf enters background
information about the deceased. For example, the data entry system
20 at the funeral home 14 can be used for establishing and entering
initial information regarding the deceased individual. The initial
information can include, but is not limited to, the name and
address of the deceased 34, names of the surviving family members
35 and previously deceased family members 36 such as brothers,
sisters, wives, husbands, children, grand children and great grand
children. The initial information can also include a template 37
setting forth the manner and structure of the web page/site 25.
Additional information such as a list of authorized individuals 38
to input information into the web page/site 25 and the type of
information/data 39 that may be entered on to the web page/site 25.
A system similar to the system used in IBM's Lotus Notes software
for providing access to a person's calendar by others for viewing,
adding meetings, and managing can be set up for accessing the
obituary website/ page 25. For example, multimedia information 48
such as text, images, and sound that are to be associated with the
deceased individual can be entered. In a further embodiment the
multimedia information 48 can be used by the deceased to leave a
message to people for reading after the individual's death. This
can be done either in anticipation of death or not.
[0023] The images can be in the form of still images or streaming
digital images. As previously discussed, the controller can provide
any desired editorial controls. For example, access to the web
page/site 25 can be unrestricted or restricted by passwords that
are passed out to selected individuals. In addition, certain
sections in the web page/site 25 can be set up having different
restricted access. For example, there can be a section for general
access 49 and a second section such as a private section 51. The
general access can be limited to friends, neighbors, and co-workers
while the second section may be exclusively for family members and
closest friends. It is of course understood that any desired number
of sections can be established, each with its own set of
authorizing rules for viewing and/or submission data/information.
Since different individuals have different points of views and may
have many interesting facts/information about the deceased
individual that many others may not be aware of, the web page/site
25 provides a mechanism whereby people can share different
experiences with the deceased individual. This allows people
viewing the web page/site 25 a greater understanding of the
individual that has passed. For example, people at work may know
certain things that the individual has done that the family would
like to know about. However, the deceased individual may have never
told the family about these things. The obituary web page/site 25
can also provide related information, for example, full name and
addresses of relative's or other individual's etc.
[0024] Traditionally funeral homes have been responsible for
providing local newspapers with information about the deceased.
With the additional information provided by the deceased's family
and friend, the funeral home now has the opportunity to notify of
out of town newspapers such as the newspaper of the town where the
deceased grew up or worked etc. This may be done via a connection
to the web page/site 25, or by any other means.
[0025] Similarly, the funeral home can notify alumni organizations,
service groups and other organizations of which the deceased might
have been a member.
[0026] The web page/site 25 can also be set up so that text and/or
images are placed together or in different locations. The web
page/site 25 can include a specific categories 52 which may in turn
be further divided into categories, for example sections directed
to particular events and times in the life of the deceased
individual. It is to be understood that the web page/site 25 can be
segmented in any desired manner and structure so as to correspond
to the life experiences of the deceased individual.
[0027] Another provision of the invention is that the web page/site
25 can also include instructions in the form of a prompt 55 and a
place to enter a credit card number for making donations to certain
charitable organizations, in lieu of flowers.
[0028] As previously discussed, the site will have a URL address 24
that can be accessed over the Internet by a variety of individuals.
One manner in which information can be accessed or distributed from
this site would be through the use of an access card 22 as
illustrated in FIG. 3. The access card can include a variety of
information but would include at least the URL address 24 of the
site. In addition, a bar code or magnetic stripe 29 can be provided
for devices that can read this information and automatically go to
the site. Additional information such as the name of the deceased
27, the date of birth and the date on which the deceased and passed
away 28 can be shown on the card.
[0029] In the particular embodiment illustrated, an image 30 of the
deceased individual is displayed on card 22 as selected by the
person setting up the web page/site 25. Other information such as
information about the sponsor 32 can also be provided. For example,
this may include information about the sponsoring business
establishment that initiated the web page/site, such as the funeral
home 14 who handled the funeral arrangements with respect to the
deceased, as this may be a way to defray the costs of operating the
web page/site. However, it is to be understood the sponsoring
organization may be any organization that desires to sponsor the
site and/or provide some service related thereto. The cards 22 can
be passed out to individuals who visit the funeral home 14 where
the deceased is presented (for example at a wake or funeral).
Alternatively, the cards 22 can be sent out directly by the
controller, or someone on his/her behalf. In the particular
embodiment illustrated, the bar code and/or magnetic stripe 26 is
illustrated as being on the front side 34. However, it is to be
understood that this can be placed on the backside (not shown).
Also, any other appropriate information can be placed on either
side of the access card 22.
[0030] Referring back to FIG. 1, there is illustrated how
individuals are given access to the web site. For example, in the
embodiment illustrated, individuals at remote sites such as their
homes 40 or offices 42 access the web page/site 25 through
appropriate Internet service providers 41, 43, respectively. As
illustrated, the individuals at home use a personal computer 44 or
other type of device to access the Internet 12 and to input
data/information to be added to the web page/site 25. The personal
computers 44 and 45 are hooked up to data entry devices 46 and 47
respectively. These devices 46 and 47 may include, but are not
limited to keyboards, scanners, microphone and/or cameras for
enabling images or any other desired data to be uploaded to the web
page/site 25. It is to be understood the present invention is not
limited to the data/information discussed herein, and that any
data/information uploaded and/or displayed at and/or from any
location for the purposes described herein is covered by this
invention.
[0031] In the embodiment previously discussed, people are advised
of their ability to access the web site/page 25 through the
distribution of an access card 22, FIG. 3. It is of course
understood that this information can be disseminated by other means
either at the funeral home or through a newspaper or by any other
means. In an alternate embodiment, which is especially desirable in
situations where access is to be restricted to only close friends
and relatives of the deceased, a sign up book (not shown) is
provided at the funeral home 14 where individuals can place their
names and/or e-mail addresses. An e-mail, or other notification can
be sent to these individuals who may either desire to view the
information already on the web page/site 25 or to submit new
information by sending an e-mail, or any other notification to the
web site. In this way, an e-mail is sent which allows the client at
home to automatically have access to the web site.
[0032] Depending on the type of security system set up by the
owner/controller of the site, new information input by third
parties goes through a variety of different paths. For example, the
information entered by third party individuals can be automatically
added to the living virtual obituary web page/site 25, as
submitted. Alternatively, their information may be forwarded to the
controller (or delegated party) who will approve and/or edit the
information before posting information on the virtual obituary web
site/page 25. In another form the controller modifies the
information for placement on the web site 25 or sends it back to
the submitter for approval for posting on the web site 25.
Alternatively, the controller of the web site can just simply
reject the information with or without replying to the submitter.
Illustrations of these paths are described later in FIG. 4.
[0033] Once information has been added to the living obituary web
site/page 25, subsequent viewers have access to all of the
information including that which has been most recently posted.
This process is repeated as many times as people choose to add new
information or comments to the living obituary web site. No time
limit need be set for adding information, which may go on for years
into the future. This also provides a valuable resource for people
doing family tree searches for viewing and getting a greater
understanding of the individual that has passed away and also
information about relatives of that individual.
[0034] In the particular embodiment illustrated, the web page/site
25 has been limited to the viewing and submitting of information.
In another embodiment of the present invention the service enables
individuals to order hard copy goods and/or services. Referring to
FIG. 1, individuals can request copies of information and/or images
that had been submitted to the web site 25. This information may
include, for example, images, text, and/or sound that have been
submitted by friends and relatives that were unfamiliar or unknown
to the viewer. In such cases the web page/site 25 provides
information that is immediately links the viewer to a service
provider 50, such as Print @ Kodak, over the Internet. The service
provider 50 can then fulfill the request for goods and/or services
and deliver the goods and/or services to the viewer. It is of
course understood that appropriate mechanisms for payment of these
services, the information of the types of goods and/or services
requested and where they are to be delivered are provided as
described in patent application Ser. No. 09/378,159, Aug. 19, 1999
which is hereby included by reference. The individual can also
print locally using their personal home computer or print locally
at the Kiosk 60. The benefit of the current system is that once the
individual sees something that is desirable, an immediate link is
made to provider 50 for the ordering of the goods and/or services.
A referral fee may be collected by the web page/site 25 for any
business forwarded to the provider 50 from the web page/site
25.
[0035] Individuals that do not have a computer at their home can
have access to web page/site 25 through the use of a Kiosk 60.
Referring to FIG. 4 there is illustrated is a schematic diagram of
a Kiosk 60 that can be used for accessing the virtual reality
obituary web page/site 25. The Kiosk 60 is provided with
appropriate input controls allowing access to the Internet 12 and
to the web 25. The Kiosk 60 also includes a display screen 62, a
data entry mechanism, such as a keyboard 64 for data entry by the
user, and a card slot 66 having an associated reader for reading of
the information on the access card 22. This Kiosk 60 can be located
at a remote site placed at a business establishment such as the
funeral home 14. However, it is to be understood that the Kiosk 60
can be of any commercial type and placed in any appropriate
location. The Kiosk 60 having an appropriate payment mechanism 68
is capable of receiving payments for any goods and/or services. In
the particular embodiment illustrated, the Kiosk 60, as shown in
FIG. 3, has the capability of providing copies of text and/or
images to the user. In another option, the Kiosk 60 is equipped
with the appropriate devices for producing CDs, tapes, and other
recordings on which images, text, sound and other data are
contained. In such cases an output delivery device 70 is provided
for the delivering of the requested product to the user of the
Kiosk 60. Of course other input or output devices 72, 74 may be
provided as desired.
[0036] In the particular embodiment described above, the access
card 22 can provide automatic access to the web page/site 25. The
reader (not shown) reads the barcode from the access card 22 and
thereby allows instant access to the web site 25. In this
situation, the access card 22 can be used to provide a type of
password protection so that only individuals who possess the access
card 22 and know the appropriate password are able to automatically
and quickly link them to the web page/site 25. The access card 22
also includes codes for multiple access levels so that only the
appropriate level of access is provided for the particular
cardholder.
[0037] To better understand the present invention, a brief
description of this operation will now be discussed in greater
detail.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 5, a flow chart describes one method of
operation of the present invention. A web page/site 25 is created
for the deceased, step 80. The appropriate base line information is
provided on the web site, step 82. The location of the web
page/site 25 and instructions/access to it are provided to desired
individuals such as family members and friends, step 84. The
individuals access the web site and view the information contained
on it, step 86. At step 88, an individual accessing the site may
check and edit previously entered information or may decide to
enter new information. In one embodiment, the database storing the
information is then updated, step 90 and individuals subsequently
accessing the web page/site 25 will then see the updated
information.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, a flow chart describes another
embodiment of a method of operation of the present invention. The
controller of the web page/site 25 screens the information
submitted, step 94, and decides whether to accept, reject, or
modify the newly submitted information. If the information is
accepted, the database for the web page/site 25 is modified, step
90. If the information is rejected, an email, or other
notification, is sent to the submitter notifying them of the
rejection, at decision block, step 96. If the controller decides to
edit the information, step 102, he or she sends the modified
submission back to the submitter, step 104. The submitter can
either accept the edited version, decision block, step 106 in which
case the database is updated, step 90, or reject the edited
version, decision block, step 106, in which case the process ends,
step 100.
[0040] As previously noted, not only can information be submitted
by various people, it can also be shared by many viewers so that
all can have a common understanding of the life of the deceased
individual. Also, as previously discussed, there may be information
entered onto the web page/site 25, which is new to many viewers.
For example, a person may see an image of a particular event or
person which is new to them, and they may wish to own a copy of it.
In this system they may request that a copy of the image either
from the controller of the web page/site 25 or from a service
provider 50. A link may be provided to the service provider 50
whereby the information being displayed may be turned into hard
copy images, CDs, or other products that the provider may offer. In
addition, information may be provided on the database of where the
image or text originated so that the viewing individual may go back
to this individual and get perhaps a higher quality image from the
original source, which then could be again turned, into a product
for the user. In addition to providing these services, there may be
provided incentives for people to use the service provider by the
providing of coupons and certificates good for being redeemable at
a particular provider based on the fact that the images were
originally gathered from this web site.
[0041] One of the advantages of the present invention is that
information may be added and/or shared by various individuals at
any time from remote locations. This allows greater time for
reflection, for remembering things about the individual, and for
deciding what should be stated about the individual. Also, this
invention provides a mechanism whereby information about a variety
of different individuals can be grouped, commonly stored, and
accessed quickly and easily in a controlled manner. Also, the
present invention, by gathering names of individuals at a time when
they come together at the funeral, permits information to be easily
gathered from a large variety of sources. In addition, the present
invention allows this information to be gathered in a relatively
unobtrusive manner, i.e. by providing cards that people just simply
take with them for later use. Finally, it also provides e-mail
addresses so that individuals can contact each other at some
appropriate time in the future.
[0042] It is to be understood that various modifications and
changes may be made without departing from the present invention,
the present invention being defined by the following claims.
Parts List
[0043] 10 system
[0044] 12 Internet
[0045] 14 funeral home
[0046] 16 ISP/server
[0047] 18 computer/server
[0048] 20 data entry system
[0049] 21 hosting obituary service
[0050] 22 access card
[0051] 24 URL
[0052] 25 Web page/site
[0053] 26 server
[0054] 27 name of deceased
[0055] 28 date
[0056] 29 bar code/magnetic stripe
[0057] 30 image
[0058] 32 sponsor
[0059] 34 front side
[0060] 35 names of the surviving
[0061] 36 previously deceased family members
[0062] 37 template
[0063] 38 authorized individuals
[0064] 39 information/data
[0065] 40 home
[0066] 41 internet service providers
[0067] 42 office
[0068] 43 internet service providers
[0069] 44 computer/server
[0070] 45 computer/server
[0071] 46 data entry device
[0072] 47 data entry device
[0073] 48 multimedia information
[0074] 49 general access
[0075] 50 service provider
[0076] 51 private access
[0077] 52 categories
[0078] 55 prompt
[0079] 60 kiosk
[0080] 62 display screen
[0081] 64 keyboard
[0082] 66 card slot
[0083] 68 payment mechanism
[0084] 70 output delivery device
[0085] 80 step
[0086] 82 step
[0087] 84 step
[0088] 86 step
[0089] 88 step
[0090] 90 step
[0091] 94 step
[0092] 96 step
[0093] 98 step
[0094] 100 step
[0095] 102 step
[0096] 104 step
[0097] 106 step
* * * * *