Abstract:
A means and methods are provided to give a gift and simultaneously and unobtrusively record images and/or sound to capture the emotion and excitement of the gift recipient upon receipt of the gift and discovery of the gift-container contents. A gift container is combined with miniaturized video and/or audio recording technologies for use in conjunction with microelectronics and provides a means for recorded data transfer to external devices. Appropriate methods associated with related rentals, sales, and services to the consumer using the gift container are provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. application No. 60/977,656, filed Oct. 5, 2007, which application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Often, some of the most memorable moments and milestone events in people&#39;s lives coincide with gift giving, particularly in large luxury goods industries such as the jewelry industry. In the past, a typical monumental gift (e.g., engagement ring, 10 th  anniversary gift, 50 th  birthday gift, etc.) involved two processes: (1) Receiving the gift, and (2) Sometimes someone having a camera available to take photographs or video recordings after the gift was opened and received. Moreover, most if not all spontaneity is lost when trying to capture the moment of gift receiving and the reaction of the gift recipient if cameras are obviously present to record the event during or after the gift giving. 
         [0003]    If available, the photographs or video that might be treasured for years can only capture the emotions and excitement after the gift is discovered—perhaps a significant period of time while someone finds an available camera. Ideally, the excitement and emotions of a gift recipient should be captured during the actual gift-giving event without first tipping off the gift recipient vis-à-vis obvious cameras pointing at the recipient. 
         [0004]    The lack of the convenient and effective capability to capture such treasured moments in a candid way also points to a market opportunity for jewelers and other types of vendors whose chattels are often suited for special gifts. Making such an opportunity, including related ancillary services, available to consumers may well enhance consumer satisfaction and allegiance to the vendor. 
         [0005]    Of course, a gift box is a well-known item as is a still or motion picture camera. However, the two items are not combined in any known art such that the actual moment of gift transfer and recipient realization are captured, including all of the emotion, surprise, gratitude, and excitement that goes along with the receipt of a special gift. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, a melding of the two basic gift-giving processes cited above is desired to turn a routine gift-giving into a “media event,” while allowing the gift-giver to control the moment when the process starts to record the rare emotion at the actual moment of inception, which can later be enjoyed and shared forever. 
         [0007]    Many gifts have emotional value far beyond their financial cost. Whether it is an engagement ring, a necklace, the keys to a car, a favorite bottle of wine, or a bottle of shaving lotion or perfume, many consumers would like to be able to have a convenient way to record their special moment. The need and desire for such a solution is so widespread that it could eventually be a factor in any competitor&#39;s ability to make a sale if they did not offer this capability. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  provides a front view from a slightly upper angle of one embodiment of the invention, a typical jewelry-gift-box application. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  provides an interior view of the lower portion of one embodiment of the invention, a typical jewelry-gift-box application. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  provides a top view of one embodiment of the invention, a typical jewelry-gift-box application. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  provides an interior view of the upper portion of one embodiment of the invention, a typical jewelry-gift-box application. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  provides a flow diagram for a method for presenting an event-recording gift container. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  provides a flow diagram for a method for renting an event-recording gift container. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  provides a flow diagram for a method for selling an event-recording gift container. 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  provides a flow diagram for a method for selling an event-recording gift container with added consumer services. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  provides a flow diagram for a method for renting an event-recording gift container with supporting equipment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  provides a flow diagram for a method for selling an event-recording gift container with supporting equipment. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The invention is the next step for jewelry companies and other companies that make or sell gift items to be able to offer their buyers a new and special way to capture the special moment and the history of the gift-giving event. Countless gifts are given every day throughout the world where the people involved are left to wish that they had a “great picture of the moment.” 
         [0019]    The invention provides a means to give a gift and simultaneously and record images and/or sound in a non-intrusive way, to capture the emotion and excitement of the gift recipient upon receipt of the gift and discovery of the gift-container contents. The invention uses technologies available today and blends them with gift packaging for the luxury goods retail market. In particular, it makes it possible for what appears to be a common gift to actually take still photographs and/or moving videos and/or audio recordings at the very moment the recipient of a gift begins opening the container until the gift recipient has actually discovered the contents inside the container. 
         [0020]    The invention combines photographic technology and circuitry within the actual gift container itself. Additionally, the invention can have a sound-recording option for consumers interested in capturing audio sounds, including words and emotions. 
         [0021]    The invention can begin recording events just before gift transfer to the recipient in order to fully capture the recipient&#39;s reactions upon initial receipt and subsequent opening of the gift container. In one version of the invention, the gift container has two cameras—one for capturing images before the gift container is opened, and a second located in the interior of the gift container to be activated as the gift container is opened and the recipient is looking inside. The length of time to be recorded can be varied, depending on the application and end-user needs. All cameras and audio recording devices are sufficiently small and stowed in the gift container to avoid immediate detection by the gift recipient and to minimize visual obstructions for taking images. 
         [0022]    The invention can accommodate a variety of recorded data-storage and transfer strategies. Such options include USB ports, high-capacity memory cards, wireless transfer to an external computing device, and transfer to an internet host for retrieval online by whomever the consumer chooses. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     First Embodiment 
     Jewelry Gift Box 
       [0023]    One embodiment of the invention incorporates the media-recording capabilities within a jewelry gift box, typically a small box suitable for giving a ring, bracelet, or necklace. Of course, the invention itself is not limited to such an application and can be applied to myriad types of gift containers and gift subject matter.  FIGS. 1 through 4  are referred to as this embodiment is described. Said gift box uses at least one camera, but can also use a second camera as well as a miniature microphone for recording audio while still or motion video images are captured. The gift box has a power supply [ FIG. 2 : # 31 ], [ FIG. 3 : # 41 , # 42 ] to drive onboard electronics to facilitate the activation of video and/or audio recording and digital storage and/or transmittal of the captured video data and/or audio data. Ideally, the power supply is a small, rechargeable, onboard battery, with a recharging connection incorporated in the gift box [ FIG. 3 : # 42 ]. The onboard electronics typically include a microchip as a control means [ FIG. 2 : # 32 ], such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a memory card or stick [ FIG. 2 : # 33 ] of sufficient capacity to provide non-volatile data storage of up to 10 minutes of captured streaming video and/or audio data. Obviously, the data-storage capacity can be varied according to a specific application. If the goal is to only capture a series of still images, then the data-storage capacity could be much smaller; for example, about 2 Gb of memory storage could hold well over 500 images of moderate, printable resolution. 
         [0024]    Optionally, the gift box has a first miniature camera [ FIG. 1 : # 10 ], [ FIG. 3 : # 45 ], [ FIG. 4 : # 51 ] located such that its lens can capture streaming video and/or still pictures from the top of the still-closed jewelry gift box. Depending on the gift-box design, the lens could be located behind a clear material (such as glass or acrylic) [ FIG. 3 : # 45 ] or can be left completely unobstructed, with the small lens being incorporated in the outer ornamental design to help hide the camera from the gift recipient. 
         [0025]    The gift box has a miniature camera located within [ FIG. 2 : # 30 ] and proximal to the mounting to the gift itself, and angled such that it would likely capture the facial expressions of the gift recipient upon the opening of the gift box and a recognition of the gift contained therein [ FIG. 2 : # 35 ]. This internal miniature camera is not apparent to the gift recipient, and is also located in such a way as to minimize any visual obstructions for the camera (such as the gift itself). 
         [0026]    The gift box also can optionally contain a miniature microphone for audio recording [ FIG. 1 : # 22 ]. Said microphone is ideally located discretely on the outside front [as shown for example in  FIG. 1 ] or on top of the gift box. There are many miniature microphone technologies available to employ for this purpose; for example, micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS) microphones or piezoelectric-type microphones. 
         [0027]    The activation and shutdown of the camera(s) and microphone is typically controlled by the gift giver, who can activate the media recording by contacting an activation means on one or more sides of the outside of the gift box. This activation means can be an electro-mechanical means such as a reed switch or a push button actuator [ FIG. 1 : # 20 ], or some other touch-enabled means (for example, capacitance sensors or conductive rubber) [ FIG. 1 : # 25 , # 5 ] to send a signal to the control means { FIG. 2 : # 32 ], which in turn sends signals to the recording device(s) to activate and/or deactivate it (them). Preferably such a touch-enabled means is disguised by an attractive overlay of wood, metal, or material, designed to match the aesthetics of the originally designed box. 
         [0028]    To facilitate the transfer of recorded data, the gift box is typically fitted with a USB port (or its functional equivalent as computing protocols evolve) [ FIG. 2 : # 34 ], [ FIG.3 : # 43 ] to allow the transfer of the captured data to an external computing or video-display device. In addition or alternatively, the gift box can be outfitted with wireless data-communications capabilities to allow the transfer of stored data to an external computing device, or even to bypass the data-storage needs of the gift box altogether and transfer real-time media data to an external computing or video-display device. Said wireless capabilities can include radio transmission and/or infrared light transmission. 
         [0029]    The lower part of the gift box contains most of the supporting electronics, hidden underneath the mounting of the gift [ FIG. 2 : # 35 ]. The upper-half of the gift box, however, is relatively large compared to the lower half of the gift box, is substantially void [ FIG. 3 : # 40 ,  FIG. 4 : # 40 ], and is designed to minimize video-recording obstructions as well as to help a gift recipient to glimpse the internal contents for applications that use clear material in at least part of the upper half of the gift box [ FIG. 3 : # 45 ]. 
       Second Embodiment  
     Method of Presenting a Gift 
       [0030]    See  FIG. 5 . A gift is presented in a novel fashion using an event-recording gift container, similar to that described in the First Embodiment [ FIGS. 1-4 ], [ FIG. 5 : # 55 ]. After properly ensuring that the onboard memory is free for recording and the onboard power supply is available [ FIG. 5 : # 60 , # 65 ], the gift giver places the gift inside the container, on its mount [ FIG. 5 : # 70 ]. The gift giver starts to present the gift to the recipient by activating the first camera (if so equipped) and/or the microphone (if so equipped) using an electro-mechanical means or touch-enabled means [ FIG. 5 : # 75 ]. The recording of the gift recipient&#39;s reactions start at this point. When the gift box is opened, the internal camera is activated [ FIG. 5 : # 80 ], deactivating the first camera (if so equipped) [ FIG. 5 : # 85 ], and the recipient&#39;s reactions are recorded as he or she views first views the gift [ FIG. 5 : # 90 ]. 
       Third Embodiment 
     Method of Renting a Gift Container for Presentation of Gifts 
       [0031]    See  FIG. 6 . A vendor can take advantage of the invention by obtaining a gift container similar to that described in the First Embodiment above [ FIG. 6 : # 95 ], then renting the gift container to a consumer [ FIG. 6 : # 100 ], providing necessary instruction (oral, written, and/or demonstrative) on its use [ FIG. 6 : # 105 ]. After said consumer uses the gift container according to the Second embodiment above [ FIG. 6 : # 110 ], the vendor recovers the gift container from the consumer [ FIG. 6 : # 1   15 ]. The vendor transfers recorded data from the gift container onto an external medium for the consumer&#39;s convenient access [ FIG. 6 : # 120 ]. Said external medium can include a USB memory drive [ FIG. 6 : # 125 ], a compact disc [ FIG. 6 : # 130 ], a flash memory card [ FIG. 6 : # 135 ], of an internet-based weblink [ FIG. 6 : # 140 ] to for downloading recorded video, images, and/or audio. The recorded data is then removed from the gift container in preparation for the next consumer use [ FIG. 6 : # 145 ]. If necessary, the onboard power supply is replenished; e.g., battery recharging or replacement [ FIG. 6 : # 150 ]. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
     Method of Selling a Gift Container for Presentation of Gifts 
       [0032]    See  FIG. 7 . A vendor can take advantage of the invention by obtaining a gift container similar to that described in the First Embodiment above [ FIG. 7 : # 155 ], then selling the gift container to a consumer [ FIG. 7 : # 160 ] , providing necessary instruction (oral, written, and/or demonstrative) on its use [ FIG. 7 : # 165 ]. After said consumer uses the gift container according to the Second embodiment above [ FIG. 7 : # 170 ], the consumer transfers recorded data from the gift container onto an external medium for the consumer&#39;s convenient access [ FIG. 7 : # 175 ]. Said external medium can include a USB memory drive [ FIG. 7 : # 180 ], a compact disc [ FIG. 7 : # 185 ], a flash memory card [ FIG. 7 : # 190 ], of an internet-based weblink [ FIG. 7 : # 195 ] to for downloading recorded video, images, and/or audio. The recorded data is then removed from the gift container in preparation for the next use [ FIG. 7 : # 200 ]. If necessary, the onboard power supply is replenished; e.g., battery recharging or replacement [ FIG. 7 : # 205 ]. 
       Fifth Embodiment 
     Method of Selling a Gift Container With Added Consumer Services 
       [0033]    See  FIG. 8 . A vendor can take advantage of the invention by obtaining a gift container similar to that described in the First Embodiment above [ FIG. 8 : # 210 ], then selling the gift container to a consumer [ FIG. 8 : # 215 ] , providing necessary instruction (oral, written, and/or demonstrative) on its use [ FIG. 8 : # 220 ]. After said consumer uses the gift container according to the Second embodiment above [ FIG. 8 : # 225 ], the consumer brings the gift container to the vendor, who then transfers recorded data from the gift container onto an external medium for the consumer&#39;s convenient access [ FIG. 8 : # 230 ]. Said external medium can include a USB memory drive [ FIG. 8 : # 235 ], a compact disc [ FIG. 8 : # 240 ], a flash memory card [ FIG. 8 : # 245 ], of an internet-based weblink [ FIG. 8 : # 250 ] to for downloading recorded video, images, and/or audio. The recorded data is then removed from the gift container in preparation for the next use [ FIG. 8 : # 255 ]. If necessary, the onboard power supply is replenished; e.g., battery recharging or replacement [ FIG. 8 : # 260 ]. 
       Sixth Embodiment 
     Method of Renting a Gift Container With Support Equipment 
       [0034]    See  FIG. 9 . A vendor can take advantage of the invention by obtaining a gift container similar to that described in the First Embodiment above [ FIG. 9 : # 265 ], then renting the gift container and an external computing and/or audio-video-recording device to a consumer [ FIG. 9 : # 270 ], providing necessary instruction (oral, written, and/or demonstrative) on the use of the rented devices [ FIG. 9 : # 275 ]. After said consumer uses the gift container according to the Second embodiment above [ FIG. 9 : # 280 ], the consumer transfers recorded data from the gift container onto an external medium for the consumer&#39;s convenient access [ FIG. 9 : # 285 ]. Said external medium can include a USB memory drive [ FIG. 9 : # 290 ], a compact disc [ FIG. 9 : # 295 ], a flash memory card [ FIG. 9 : # 300 ], of an internet-based weblink [ FIG. 9 : # 305 ] to for downloading recorded video, images, and/or audio. The vendor recovers the gift container from the consumer [ FIG. 9 : # 3   10 ]. The recorded data is then removed from the gift container and from the external computing and/or audio-video-recording device in preparation for the next consumer use [ FIG. 9 : # 315 ]. If necessary, the gift container&#39;s onboard power supply is replenished; e.g., battery recharging or replacement [ FIG. 9 : # 320 ]. 
       Seventh Embodiment 
     Method of Selling a Gift Container With Support Equipment 
       [0035]    See  FIG. 10 . A vendor can take advantage of the invention by obtaining a gift container similar to that described in the First Embodiment above [ FIG. 10 : # 325 ], then selling the gift container and an external computing and/or audio-video-recording device to a consumer [ FIG. 10 : # 330 ], providing necessary instruction (oral, written, and/or demonstrative) on its use [ FIG. 10 : # 335 ]. After said consumer uses the gift container according to the Second embodiment above [ FIG. 10 : # 340 ], the consumer brings the gift container to the vendor [ FIG. 10 : # 345 ], who then transfers recorded data from the gift container onto an external medium for the consumer&#39;s convenient access [ FIG. 10 : # 350 ]. Said external medium can include a USB memory drive [ FIG. 10 : # 355 ], a compact disc [ FIG. 10 : # 360 ], a flash memory card [ FIG. 10 : # 365 ], of an internet-based weblink [ FIG. 10 : # 370 ] to for downloading recorded video, images, and/or audio. The recorded data is then removed from the gift container and from the external computing and/or audio-video-recording device in preparation for the next consumer use [ FIG. 10 : # 375 ]. If necessary, the gift container&#39;s onboard power supply is replenished; e.g., battery recharging or replacement [ FIG. 10 : # 380 ]. 
         [0036]    Those skilled in the art will have no difficulty devising myriad obvious variants and improvements of the invention, having been informed by the teachings of the present document. All such obvious variants and improvements are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the claims which follow.