Abstract: A multimedia keepsake is created containing multimedia content created by a customer and stored online as content information. After the customer selects the type of keepsake, the content information is converted to keepsake information having a format appropriate for storage in the selected type of keepsake. The keepsake information is stored online so as to be accessible via an access code, and it is downloaded to a vendor providing the access code.

Abstract: A presentation apparatus contains an electronic media player and, through voice recognition, responds to a user's voice utterances to adapt the presentation in accordance with the user's voice responses. That is, the device will either play predetermined media in response to a recognized phrase or prompt the user further for a voice response to navigate through multiple levels of available playback material.

Abstract: A multimedia keepsake is created containing multimedia content created by a customer and stored online as content information. After the customer selects the type of keepsake, the content information is converted to keepsake information having a format appropriate for storage in the selected type of keepsake. The keepsake information is stored online so as to be accessible via an access code, and it is downloaded to a vendor providing the access code.

Abstract: An audio or multimedia unit is provided which may be attached to or mounted within an existing book. In a record mode of operation, it permits a user to select a particular page of the book and record audio or multimedia information relative to that page. In a playback mode of operation the user may select any page and play back audio or multimedia previously recorded with respect to that page.

Abstract: a multimedia playback keepsake and a method for its production are provided. The keepsake includes a control processor and a playback processor. The control processor is associated with storage containing a content program to be presented and contains interrupts corresponding to points in the content program where custom content information is to be presented. The playback processor contains content elements associated with the interrupts. The content program is presented to the playback processor for play back and, when an interrupt is encountered, the control processor causes the playback processor to insert and playback the appropriate content element. As a result a content program is provided which includes custom inserts at the interrupts.

Abstract: A multimedia keepsake and the systems for its production are provided. At a kiosk, or using any form of computerized network communication (e.g. a PDA), a gift giver may design a multimedia keepsake in a processor. It may include any or all of a personal image, a text message, and an audio recording, including a voice message. Although these may originate with the gift giver and be uploaded to the processor. The processor then assembles the multimedia keepsake under the gift giver's control. The completed keepsake may be delivered to the gift recipient in physical or electronic form. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a page of an album containing photographs may be provided with touch sensitive areas, so that a viewer may touch such areas and hear prerecorded sound recordings associated with the photograph. Touch sensors are preferably embedded in a cover of the album and aligned indicia are provided on an album page.

Abstract: A gift card is provided which integrally combines a voice storage/playback unit with a stored value card and on two separate portions of a base substrate, with the two portions separated by a releasable connection portion. Upon purchasing the gift card, a gift giver records a personal voice message and provides the gift card to the recipient. Upon receiving the gift card, a recipient may immediately playback the recorded personal voice message through simple manipulation of the card. Thereafter, the two parts of the card may be separated by manipulation of the connection portion, and the stored value portion may be used in the matter of the conventional stored value cards. The voice storage/playback portion may be stored for safekeeping and played back by the gift recipient at will.

Abstract: A voice message processor is disclosed for producing remote voice recordings in a decentralized, non-networked environment. Connections are provided for a communication link capable of transmitting and receiving calls over a public communication network, for a telephone set, and for a recordable voice message recording/playback device. A switching device provides a first state in which the telephone set connection and communication link connection are connected together, a second state in which the voice message recording/playback device input is connected to the communication link connection, and a third state in which the voice message recording/playback device output is connected to the communication link connection. A controller enable the voice message recording/playback device to be selectively recorded and played back when the switching device is in its second state and enables the voice message recording/playback device to be selectively played back when the switching device is in its third state.

Abstract: A system for producing voice message keepsakes includes a message processor which may be accessed over a plurality of communication links, such as telephone lines. The processor may be so accessed by a customer's communication set, such as a conventional telephone set, or by a subscriber set, and it is capable of distinguishing the two. When accessed by a customer's set, the processor permits the caller to create a temporary mailbox associated with his gift purchase, in which he may then record a voice message. When called by a subscriber set, the processor permits previously created mailboxes to be accessed and will transfer the message recorded therein to the subscriber set. The subscriber set includes a receptacle for receiving a voice message keepsake in accordance with the present invention, and it will record thereon stored messages provided from the message processor, under control of the message processor.

Abstract: A system for producing voice message keepsakes includes a message processor which may be accessed over a plurality of communication links, such as telephone lines. The processor may be so accessed by a customer's communication set, such as a conventional telephone set, or by a subscriber set, and it is capable of distinguishing the two. When accessed by a customer's set, the processor permits the caller to create a temporary mailbox associated with his gift purchase, in which he may then record a voice message. When called by a subscriber set, the processor permits previously created mailboxes to be accessed and will transfer the message recorded therein to the subscriber set. The subscriber set includes a receptacle for receiving a voice message keepsake in accordance with the present invention, and it will record thereon stored messages provided from the message processor, under control of the message processor.

Abstract: A system for producing voice message keepsakes includes a message processor which may be accessed over a plurality of communication links, such as telephone lines. The processor may be so accessed by a customer's communication set, such as a conventional telephone set, or by a subscriber set, and it is capable of distinguishing the two. When accessed by a customer's set, the processor permits the caller to create a temporary mailbox associated with his gift purchase, in which he may then record a voice message. When called by a subscriber set, the processor permits previously created mailboxes to be accessed and will transfer the message recorded therein to the subscriber set. The subscriber set includes a receptacle for receiving a voice message keepsake in accordance with the present invention, and it will record thereon stored messages provided from the message processor, under control of the message processor.

Abstract: A module for use in a fire extinguishing system and comprising a housing which contains detector apparatus for detecting characteristics of a fire or an incipient fire; control apparatus adapted to be actuated by detection at the detector apparatus; and fire extinguishing apparatus adapted to be discharged by the control apparatus.