Audio message book system and method

Abstract

Described herein are improved systems (100, 200, 300, 400) and methods (600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) for overcoming problems associated with audio message books and voice message recording and playback systems.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 18 / 526,929, filed on December 1, 2023, entitled “AUDIO GUESTBOOK SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” and application number 18 / 526,929, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an audio message book and a voice message recording and playback system. Background Art

[0004] An audio message system typically includes a voice recording device (such as that of a telephone) that records voice messages from guests at an event (such as a wedding, birthday, retirement party, etc.). An audio message book is the output of an audio message book system, and it may include a compilation of audio messages generated by guests at the event and recorded by the system. For example, at weddings, voice messages tend to be recorded by specially made recording devices that are made to look like telephones from another era. In some cases, old-fashioned telephones are refurbished and retrofitted to include recording devices. After the wedding, the newlyweds receive a compilation of audio messages as a keepsake. For example, the keepsake may be recorded digitally, or an analog recording may be made on a vinyl record.

[0005] Example technical problems associated with audio guestbook systems are that they lack modularity and are too specific, as well as seeming too rigid in a pinch. For example, audio guestbook systems can often fail, and these failures can be caused by a variety of reasons that are beyond the capabilities of the event coordinator. Often, the entire audio guestbook system needs to be replaced at an event. This can be a serious problem if only one audio guestbook system is brought to an event. One solution is to build a backup system, but this solution seems impractical given the costs typically associated with audio guestbook systems. In addition, the customization of the look and finish of such systems makes it difficult to provide a satisfactory backup system. This is just one of many example problems associated with audio guestbooks.

[0006] In addition, for example, methods for configuring the settings of an audio message book system or a voice message recording and playback system appear to be outdated. For example, voice message recording and playback systems have not evolved much since their initial development and use in the 1970s and 1980s. The lack of enhanced functionality in the configuration of voice messages is another example of many of the problems associated with audio message books and voice message recording and playback systems. Therefore, it is clear that such systems and corresponding methods have much room for improvement and for overcoming the technical problems associated with such systems and corresponding methods. Summary of the invention

[0007] This article describes an improved system and method for overcoming the technical problems associated with audio message book systems and voice message recording and playback systems. In summary, the system and method (or technology) disclosed herein can provide a specific technical solution to at least overcome the technical problems mentioned in the background technology section and other parts of this application, as well as other technical problems that are not described herein but recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0008] Disclosed herein for some embodiments are methods that may include computerized methods for improving voice message recording and playback systems (in general) and audio message book systems (in particular), and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for implementing the technical operations of the computerized methods. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium has computer-readable instructions tangibly stored or tangibly encoded thereon, which, when executed by one or more devices (e.g., one or more personal computers or servers), causes at least one processor to perform methods for novel and improved voice message recording and playback (in general) and novel and improved audio message book systems (in particular).

[0009] For example, some embodiments include a system comprising: a storage device configured to provide storage of digital information of an event. The system also includes a voice recorder for recording messages at the event and a computing device for performing at least some of the processes associated with collecting and storing the recorded messages. The event may include, for example, a wedding, a baby shower, an anniversary party, a birthday party, a retirement party, any other type of milestone event, or a corporate event.

[0010] In some examples, the voice recorder includes: a first electrical connector configured to couple with an electrical connector of a telephone cable to communicatively couple the telephone and the voice recorder with the telephone cable. The voice recorder may also include a second electrical connector configured to couple with a power line to electrically couple the power source and the voice recorder with the power line. The voice recorder may also include a storage device connector configured to couple with a storage device to communicatively couple the storage device and the recorder.

[0011] In some embodiments, the voice recorder includes a wireless communication interface configured to couple with the wireless communication interface of the phone to communicatively couple the phone and the voice recorder. The voice recorder may also include an electrical connector configured to couple with a power cord to electrically couple the power supply and the voice recorder with the power cord.

[0012] In some embodiments, the voice recorder includes a first circuit configured to integrate the voice recorder with a telephone. The voice recorder may also include a second circuit configured to couple with a power line to electrically couple the power source and the voice recorder or the telephone with the power line. Furthermore, the voice recorder may include a storage device circuit configured to couple with a storage device to communicatively couple the storage device and the voice recorder.

[0013] In some examples, the computing device includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program code tangibly stored thereon. In some embodiments, the computer program code includes instructions that can be executed by the processor to run a startup process of the voice recorder, and to run a user interaction setup process to generate a configuration of the voice message recording process. In some embodiments, the computer program code includes the following instructions that can be executed by the processor to activate and run the voice message recording process to prompt, capture, store and organize audio messages passed from the phone to the voice message process according to the configuration of the voice message recording process. In some examples, when the configuration is not generated before activating and running the voice message recording process, the computing device will use a default configuration including default settings for the voice message recording process. Moreover, in some embodiments, after the user has selected to end the voice message recording process (which includes an indication of the end of the activity), the computer program code includes the following instructions that can be executed by the processor to transfer the recorded and organized message from the voice recorder to the storage device.

[0014] These and other important aspects of the invention are more fully described in the detailed description that follows. The invention is not limited to the specific methods and systems described herein. Other embodiments may be used, and modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims that follow the detailed description. Within the scope of the present application, it should be understood that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth herein, and their individual features, may be employed independently or in any possible and compatible combination. Where features are described with reference to a single aspect or embodiment, it should be understood that these features apply to all aspects and embodiments unless otherwise stated or these features are incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure will be more fully understood through the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings of various example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 1 An audio message book system using a telephone and a telephone cable to transfer messages from the telephone to an audio message book hub is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 An audio message book system using a phone and an audio message book hub integrated into the phone is illustrated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 An audio guestbook system is illustrated that uses a mobile device (such as a smart phone) and a wireless link (such as a Bluetooth link or a Wi-Fi link) to deliver messages to an audio guestbook hub according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 An example network of computing systems for implementing techniques for an audio guestbook system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 5 Example aspects of an example computing system according to some implementations of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0021] Figures 6 to 11 Example operations of an audio message book system in particular and a voice message recording and playback system in general according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Details of example embodiments of the present invention are described in the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the detailed description provides reference to example embodiments, it should be understood that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to such example embodiments. Rather, on the contrary, the invention disclosed herein includes many alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which will become apparent by considering the following detailed description and other parts of the disclosure.

[0023] Improved systems and methods are described herein for overcoming technical problems associated with voice message recording and playback systems in general and with audio message book systems in particular.

[0024] Figure 1An audio message book system 100 is illustrated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, which uses a telephone 102 with a telephone handset 104 having a microphone and a telephone cord 105 to pass messages to an audio message book hub 108. In some embodiments of the audio message book system 100, the telephone handset 104 does not include a telephone cord because it is cordless and the telephone cord has been replaced by a short-range wireless communication link and corresponding hardware (such as a link configured to accommodate a cordless telephone handset and corresponding hardware). In some embodiments of the audio message book system 100, the telephone cable 106 is not present because the telephone cable has been replaced by a short-range wireless communication link and corresponding hardware (such as a Bluetooth link or a Wi-Fi link and corresponding hardware).

[0025] In some embodiments, the phone 102 is configured for analog communications or analog phone lines. In some embodiments, the phone 102 is configured for digital communications or digital phone lines. In some examples, the phone cable 106 is configured to transmit analog messages, including examples where the phone 102 is configured for analog communications or analog phone lines. In some examples, the phone cable 106 is configured to transmit digital messages, including examples where the phone 102 is configured for digital communications or digital phone lines. In addition, depending on the embodiment, the audio message book hub 108 may include one or more communication interfaces configured to communicatively couple the hub to the phone using an analog phone line, a digital phone line, or both.

[0026] One of the benefits of the audio message book system 100 and some of the other embodiments described herein is that a collection of various phone styles can be customized to suit a customer's unique aesthetic. Figure 1 As shown, the phone 102 is a retro phone with phone decorations from a bygone era. The phone in this example and other examples can be a retro phone from a similar period or another era. In addition, the phone 102 can be a new type of phone, such as a phone that looks like a pair of lips or a hamburger. In addition, the system described herein allows for the personalization of the guest experience by recording an optional friendly greeting that the guest can hear before leaving a message. In addition, the phone 102 or other examples of the phone in the system described herein can include a frame with an accompanying logo or logo that can be customized. For example, customization can be performed according to a template or not according to a template to match the style of the event.

[0027] Furthermore, the voicemail message board can be placed almost anywhere at an event because it can either be plugged into a standard power outlet or run on batteries or a battery pack. Figure 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, no Wi-Fi, Internet connection, phone line or cell service is required to use the full functionality of the system. Furthermore, in some embodiments, there is no practical limit on the time of recording, and guests can fully express their feelings. For example, from cocktail parties to receptions, from rehearsal dinners to farewell brunch, the system described herein can be transported by an administrator user or event coordinator throughout the event to ensure that memories are captured without location restrictions.

[0028] The system may generally include a voice recorder or an audio recorder, for example, see the audio message book hub 108 which may include a voice recorder. For the present disclosure, it should be understood that reference to an audio recorder or just a recorder refers to a reference to a voice recorder, as these terms are considered synonymous. Specifically, the voice recorder or audio message book hub 108 may include a first electrical connector configured to couple with an electrical connector of a telephone cable (e.g., see telephone cable 106) to communicatively couple a telephone (e.g., see telephone 102) and a voice recorder (e.g., see hub 108) to the telephone cable.

[0029] In some embodiments, the system may include a storage device (such as an external storage device) configured to provide storage of digital information of an event (such as a wedding, baby shower, anniversary party, birthday party, retirement party, corporate event, etc.) and a corresponding interface connecting the storage device to a digital audio recording device. For example, Figure 1 The memory stick 110 inserted into the memory stick interface of the audio message book hub 108 is illustrated. The corresponding interface is not specifically drawn. However, the recorder of the system or specifically the audio message book hub 108 may include a storage device connector configured to couple with a storage device (e.g., see memory stick 110) to communicatively couple the storage device and the voice recorder.

[0030] In addition, the system may include a power cord (see, for example, power cord 112) and a corresponding interface for its audio recording device or audio message book hub. Figure 1As shown, in addition to the memory stick interface, the audio message book hub 108 also includes a power interface 114, which is configured to receive power via a power cord 112 that interfaces with a power source or a power adapter. As shown, the power interface 114 is electrically coupled to a power adapter 116 (e.g., an AC to DC power adapter) or a rechargeable battery 118 (which can be a rechargeable battery pack in some embodiments). In other words, for example, the audio recorder or audio message book hub 108 can also include a second electrical connector that is configured to couple with a power cord (e.g., see power cord 112 - which can be a USB cable) to electrically couple the power source (e.g., see power adapter 116 and rechargeable battery 118) and the voice recorder to the power cord.

[0031] In addition, in particular, the audio recorder or audio message book hub 108 may include a computing device (e.g., see Figure 5 The computing device may include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including computer program code tangibly stored thereon, the computer program code including a startup process executable by the processor to run the voice recorder (e.g., see Figure 6 The instructions may also be executed by the processor to run a user interactive setup process to generate a configuration for the voice message recording process (eg, see step 604 of method 600).

[0032] The guest or host's interaction with the audio message book hub can be unique because if the customer fails to configure the hub in advance, the guest at the event will be prompted to skip the user interaction setup process to enter the message capture mode using the default settings set. In other words, the instructions are also executable by the processor to activate and run the voice message recording process to prompt, capture, store and organize audio messages delivered from the phone to the voice message process according to the configuration of the voice message recording process (e.g., see step 606 of method 600), and when no configuration is generated before activating and running the voice message recording process, the computing device will use a default configuration including default settings for the voice message recording process.

[0033] The instructions may also be executed by the processor to transfer the recorded and collated message from the voice recorder to the storage device after the user has selected to end the voice message recording process (which includes an indication that the activity is over). See, for example, step 608 of method 600. The instructions may also be executed by the processor to run a playback process to play back the message after the message is transferred from the voice recorder to the storage device (see, for example, step 610 of method 600). In some examples, the playback process is run to play back the message only after the message is transferred from the voice recorder to the storage device.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, for example, the audio message book hub 108 is separate from the phone 102. The benefit of having the audio message book hub separate from the phone is that it increases the modularity of the respective audio message book system. It allows the recorder to be used with any analog or digital phone, rather than with a custom phone that includes an audio recording device. Figure 1 In contrast to the system in, for example, Figure 2 The system in includes a phone 202 having an audio message book hub 208 integrated into the phone in that the audio message book hub 208 is not separate from the phone, such as the audio message book hub 108. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The system in also provides similar modularity, but through a different type of implementation.

[0035] and Figure 2 Similar to the system shown in , in some embodiments, the system may include a storage device configured to provide storage of active digital information and a voice recorder, the voice recorder including a first circuit configured to integrate the voice recorder with a telephone. In addition, the voice recorder may include a second circuit configured to couple with a power line to electrically couple a power source and the voice recorder or the telephone to the power line. The voice recorder may also include a storage device circuit configured to couple with the storage device to communicatively couple the storage device and the voice recorder. In addition, the voice recorder may include a computing device including a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program code tangibly stored thereon.

[0036] Computer program code (whether the code is for audio message book hub 108, audio message book hub 208, Figure 3 The audio message book hub 308 shown in FIG. Figure 4The computer program code includes instructions that can be executed by a processor to run a startup process of a voice recorder and to run a user interaction setup process to generate a configuration of a voice message recording process. The computer program code also includes instructions that can be executed by a processor to activate and run the voice message recording process to prompt, capture, store, and organize audio messages delivered from a phone to the voice message process according to the configuration of the voice message recording process. In some examples, when a configuration is not generated before activating and running the voice message recording process, the computing device will use a default configuration including default settings for the voice message recording process. In addition, the computer program code includes instructions that can be executed by a processor to transfer recorded and organized messages from the voice recorder to a storage device after the user has selected to end the voice message recording process (which includes an indication of the end of the activity). In some examples, the system allows an administrator or primary user to configure the device through a user interactive setup process; however, in some such examples, if the user skips that process, the system may still provide for activation and operation of the voice message recording process to prompt, capture, store, and organize audio messages passed from the phone to the voice message process.

[0037] Figure 2 An audio message book system 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated, and the audio message book system 200 uses a telephone 202, and the telephone 202 has a handset 204 including a microphone and a handset cord 205 to pass messages to an audio message book hub 208 via a voice communication circuit 206. Similar to the audio message book system 100, the handset cord 205 can include a telephone cord or can be cordless. A bus 210 is also shown, wherein the bus couples the handset cord 205 and the voice communication circuit 206 in a communicative manner, thereby coupling the microphone of the handset 204 with the audio message book hub 208 in a communicative manner, so that the hub can record the audio input converted from the microphone of the handset. In addition, as shown, the hub 208 is integrated with the telephone 202.

[0038] also, Figure 2The memory stick 110 inserted into the memory stick interface of the audio message book hub 208 is illustrated. The audio message book hub 208 receives power via a power cord 112 that is docked with a power source or power adapter through a power interface 114. As shown, the power interface 114 is electrically coupled to a power adapter 116 (e.g., an AC to DC power adapter) or a rechargeable battery 118 (in some embodiments, a rechargeable battery pack). In some examples of the audio message book system 200, the bus 210 directly provides an interface or connection for the power cord 112, rather than the audio message book hub 208 providing such an interface or connection. In this example, the power of the audio message book hub 208 is received via the bus 210. Through the audio message book system 200 or any other system described herein, the telephone portion of the system can be independently powered by a direct power source or powered via the audio message book hub.

[0039] The features of the audio message book system 200 are similar to those of the audio message book system 100; however, in the audio message book system 200 the local link between the audio message book hub and the telephone is integrated into the telephone 202, rather than relying on a telephone cord as in the audio message book system 100 (see voice communication circuit 206 and bus 210). Accordingly, the audio message book hub 208 is correspondingly modified to be different from the audio message book hub 108. Similarly, the audio message book system 200 includes a storage device and a voice recorder configured to provide storage of active digital information.

[0040] Figure 3 An audio message book system 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated, which uses a mobile device 302 (such as a smart phone or smart watch) and a wireless link 306 (such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi link) to deliver messages to an audio message book hub 308. In addition, Figure 3 A memory stick 110 is illustrated inserted into a memory stick interface of the audio message book hub 108. The audio message book hub 108 receives power via a power cord 112 that interfaces with a power source or power adapter through a power interface 114. As shown, the power interface 114 is electrically coupled to a power adapter 116 (e.g., an AC to DC power adapter) or a rechargeable battery 118 (which may be a rechargeable battery pack in some embodiments).

[0041] The features of the audio message book system 300 are similar to the features of the audio message book systems 100 and 200; however, in the audio message book system 300, the local link between the phone and the audio message book hub 308 is wireless (see, wireless link 306). Therefore, the audio message book hub 308 is modified accordingly to be different from the audio message book hub 108. For example, the audio message book hub 308 includes a wireless interface to connect with the phone of its system. Similarly, the audio message book system 300 includes a storage device and a voice recorder configured to provide storage of active digital information. However, specifically, the recorder or audio message book hub 308 includes a wireless communication interface that is configured to couple with the wireless communication interface of the phone (e.g., see mobile device 302) to couple the phone and the voice recorder in a communicative manner (e.g., see wireless link 306, which can be, for example, a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi link). In addition, specifically, the recorder or audio message book hub 308 includes an electrical connector that is configured to couple with a power cord (e.g., see power cord 112 - which can be a USB cord) to electrically couple a power source (e.g., see power adapter 116 or rechargeable battery 118) and the voice recorder using the power cord. Specifically, the recorder or audio message book hub 308 also includes a storage device connector that is configured to couple with a storage device to communicatively couple the storage device and the voice recorder. And, specifically, the recorder or audio message book hub 308 includes a computing device similar to the computing device of the machine or audio message book hub 108 in that it includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing computer program code tangibly stored thereon, the computer program code including the following instructions that can be executed by the processor to perform functions similar to the instructions of the audio message book hub 108 (e.g., see Figure 6 method steps).

[0042] Figure 4 An example network of computing systems implementing techniques for an audio guestbook system 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. The network of computing systems of the audio guestbook system 400 can implement any of the aforementioned components and operations as well as any components or operations described herein. The network of computing systems is shown as including client devices or end-user devices (e.g., see client devices 402a, 402b, and 402c) hosting a client-side application of the audio guestbook system 400 (e.g., see audio guestbook hub client 404). Figure 4 The audio guestbook hub client 404 shown in FIG. 4 may provide client-side application features, such as user interface elements and user interaction aspects of any of the methods described herein.

[0043] The network of computing systems also illustrates server devices (eg, see server devices 408a and 408b) that include server-side applications (eg, see audio guestbook hub application 410) that host the audio guestbook system 400. Figure 4 The audio message book hub application 410 shown in the can provide server-side application features, such as various aspects of the audio message book hub client 404 and the affairs, recording retention and storage aspects of any method described herein, or the distribution and management of any aspect of any method associated with back-end or server-side computer processing in general. The client device can send data to the server device via the LAN / WAN network 406 and receive data from the server device, and vice versa. In addition, the client device can communicate between these client devices themselves via the LAN / WAN network 406. And, the server device can communicate between these server devices themselves via one or more LAN / WAN networks 406.

[0044] The network of computing systems is also shown to include a LAN / WAN network 406, which is shown as a computing device that is communicatively coupled to the audio message book system 400. The LAN / WAN network 406 may include one or more local area networks (LANs) and / or one or more wide area networks (WANs). The LAN / WAN network 406 may include the Internet and / or any other type of interconnected communication network. The LAN / WAN network 406 may also include a single computer network or a telecommunications network. More specifically, the LAN / WAN network 406 may include a local area network (LAN) such as a dedicated computer network that connects computers in a small physical area, a wide area network (WAN) that connects computers located in different geographical locations, and / or a metropolitan area network (MAN), also known as a medium-sized area network, that connects computers in a geographical area that is larger than the geographical area covered by a large LAN but smaller than the geographical area covered by a WAN.

[0045] Each of the illustrated components of the network of computing systems of the audio message book system 400 can be at least a computing system or can include a computing system, which can include a memory, which can include a medium. The medium can include or be a volatile storage component, a non-volatile storage component or a combination thereof. Typically, each computing system can include a host system that uses a memory. For example, the host system can write data to the memory and read data from the memory. The host system can be a computing device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a network server, a mobile device, or such a computing device including a memory and a processing device. The host system can include a memory or can be coupled to the memory so that the host system can read data from the memory or write data to the memory. The host system can be coupled to the memory via a physical host interface. The physical host interface can provide an interface for transferring control, address, data and other signals between the memory and the host system.

[0046] An example advantage of the audio guestbook system 400 is that it can provide instant message retrieval using cellular networks and / or Wi-Fi networks. In addition, in some implementations of the audio guestbook system 400 and other examples, the client portion of the application can provide messaging without recording, random message playback, etc. Such examples are beneficial for corporate or group events such as retirement parties.

[0047] Figure 5 Example aspects of an example computing system 500 are illustrated in accordance with some implementations of the present disclosure. Figure 5 Components of a computing system 500 in which a set of instructions for causing a machine to perform any one or more of the methods discussed herein may be executed are illustrated. In some embodiments, the computing system 500 may correspond to a host system that includes a memory, is coupled to a memory, or utilizes a memory, or may be used to perform operations of a controller (e.g., execute an operating system to perform operations corresponding to the audio message book hub 108, the audio message book hub 208, the audio message book hub 308, the audio message book hub client 404, and the audio message book hub application 410 and their corresponding computing systems). In alternative embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a LAN, an intranet, an extranet, and / or the Internet. The machine may operate as a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment, as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment, or as a server or a client machine in a cloud computing infrastructure or environment.

[0048] The machine may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular phone, a web appliance, a server, a network router, a switch or a bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequentially or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by the machine. In addition, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" should also be construed to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

[0049] The computing system 500 includes a processing device 502, a main memory 504 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.), a static memory 1206 (e.g., flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), and a data storage system 510 that communicate with each other via a bus 520.

[0050] Processing device 502 represents one or more general processing devices, such as a microprocessor, a central processing unit, etc. More specifically, the processing device can be a microprocessor or a processor that implements other instruction sets, or a processor that implements a combination of instruction sets. Processing device 502 can also be one or more special processing devices, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processor (DSP), a network processor, etc. Processing device 502 is configured to execute instructions 514 to perform the operations discussed herein. Computing system 500 can also include a communication interface device 508 to communicate through one or more LAN / WAN networks and links 516 (such as the telephone line 106 of the audio message book system 100, the voice communication circuit 206 of the audio message book system 200, the wireless link 306 of the audio message book system 300, and the LAN / WAN network 406 of the audio message book system 400).

[0051] The data storage system 510 may include a machine-readable storage medium 512 (also referred to as a computer-readable medium) on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 514 or software embodying any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 514 may also reside completely or at least partially within the main memory 504 and / or within the processing device 502 during execution by the computing system 500, the main memory 504 and the processing device 502 also constituting machine-readable storage media.

[0052] In one embodiment, the instructions 514 include instructions that implement functions corresponding to the audio message book hub 108, the audio message book hub 208, the audio message book hub 308, the audio message book hub client 404, and the audio message book hub application 410 and their corresponding computing systems. Although the machine-readable storage medium 512 is shown as a single medium in the example embodiment, the term "machine-readable storage medium" should be deemed to include a single medium or multiple media that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-readable storage medium" should also be deemed to include any medium that can store or encode a set of instructions for execution by a machine and cause the machine to perform any one or more methods of the present disclosure. The term "machine-readable storage medium" should accordingly be deemed to include, but is not limited to, solid-state memory, optical media, and magnetic media.

[0053] about Figures 1 to 4 The audio message book system shown, as well as the computing system 500 that all of these systems may use, it should be understood that some embodiments of these systems include instructions (such as instructions 514) that, when executed by a processor, may perform Figure 6 The steps of method 600 shown in FIG. Figures 7 to 11 The steps of method 600 shown in FIG.

[0054] With respect to some embodiments of the systems and / or methods described herein, the system may include an AC power adapter, and the power source includes the AC power adapter (e.g., see power adapter 116, which in some examples may be an AC power adapter). In some embodiments, the system may include a rechargeable battery pack, and the power source includes the rechargeable battery pack (e.g., see rechargeable battery 118, which may be a rechargeable battery pack or one or more rechargeable batteries, depending on the embodiment).

[0055] In some embodiments, the cable is part of the system. In some embodiments, the link (whether wireless or not) is part of the system. For example, in some examples, the system includes a phone and a phone cable. In addition, the system can include a power cord, such as a USB cable.

[0056] In some embodiments, the storage device includes an external storage device, the external storage device including a memory card or memory stick configured to store digital information, and the memory card or memory stick includes an electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium that is electrically erasable and reprogrammable. In some cases, the electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium includes flash memory. In some embodiments, the storage device includes an external storage device configured to store digital information, the external storage device including a USB flash drive. The USB flash drive includes flash memory and a USB interface integrated with the flash memory. In addition, in some examples, the system herein may provide an option to copy a pre-recorded greeting from a memory stick to configure the recording device (such as for a greeting configured in step 604 and used in step 606).

[0057] In some embodiments, the voice recorder further includes one or more lights on the voice recorder. In some cases, the startup process activates and controls the one or more lights in a first manner to indicate that the startup process is in progress. In some cases, the startup process activates and controls the one or more lights in a second manner to indicate that the startup process is complete. And, in some cases, when the recording process ends and is accompanied by the transmission of the recorded and organized message to the storage device, the recording process activates and controls the one or more lights in a third manner to indicate the transmission of the message.

[0058] In some embodiments, the user interactive setup process provides the user with the option of selecting a custom setting for the voice message recording process or selecting a default setting for the voice message recording process. In some examples, the computing system may prompt the customer to record their message or play back the message to them, for example, or provide a default greeting. In addition, the computing system may provide the option of copying a pre-recorded greeting from a connected USB memory stick. In addition, using this system, the interaction between the guest and the host can be unique, because when the customer fails to pre-configure their audio message book hub, the guest in the event will be prompted to skip the user interactive setup process to enter the capture mode. In addition, the system in some examples can lead the customer to operate in various modes according to a seamless schedule (such as the routine provided in method 600). The software of the system can also guide the customer to select a language, record a greeting, set the capture mode of the call tone or message, and play back the greeting or message. In addition, the software may include a selection interface for dial tones and ring tones for different regions, countries, and locations. Additionally, the software may include selection and custom configuration of various modes of operation including and beyond language selection, recording a greeting, setting calling tones, capture modes, and user selectable options or programs for later playback of messages.

[0059] In some embodiments, the user interactive setup process provides the user with an option to select a language for the voice message recording process before providing the option to select a custom setting or to select a default setting. In some cases, the user interactive setup process includes receiving user input for the setup process via a user interface of the telephone. And, in some examples, depending on the embodiment of the system, the user input is transmitted to the computing device of the voice recorder using a telephone cable or wirelessly.

[0060] In some embodiments, when the user completes the message by hanging up the phone, the recording process is configured to automatically store and organize the message without further input from the user. In some cases, the automatic storage and organization is triggered by the end of the electronic signal transmitted from the phone corresponding to the message.

[0061] In some embodiments, when an electronic signal is transmitted from a phone corresponding to the message for more than a preselected threshold amount of time, the recording process is configured to automatically terminate the message and store and organize the message without further input from the user. In some cases, the preselected threshold is a first threshold amount of time. And, in some cases, when an electronic signal is transmitted from a phone corresponding to the message and the message in the signal is silent for more than a second preselected threshold amount of time, the recording process is configured to automatically terminate the message and store and organize the message without further input from the user. In some cases, the first threshold and the second threshold are different amounts of time.

[0062] In some embodiments, when an electronic signal is transmitted from a phone corresponding to a message and the message in the signal is silent for more than a preselected threshold amount of time, the recording process is configured to automatically terminate the message and store and organize the message without further user input.

[0063] In some embodiments, the recording process includes delivering a completion confirmation via telephone when the transfer of the recorded and collated message to the storage device has been completed.

[0064] In some embodiments, the storage device is not reusable for storing additional messages after the message is transmitted unless a license key is entered at the beginning of the reuse process, and the computer program code also includes instructions that can be executed by the processor to play back the message after the message is transmitted and pass the played back message via the phone. In some cases, the ability to add other recordings to the USB memory stick and then play them back via the phone is an important advantage of the system. The device can also convert greetings or additional audio files between formats (e.g., mp3 to a-law format, or vice versa) to play them back via the phone.

[0065] In some embodiments, the computer program code also includes instructions that are executable by the processor to play back the message and deliver the played back message via the phone. Moreover, in some cases, the messages are played back in the order in which they were recorded, in a random order, or in an order derived from the message content according to an order selected by the user. The ability to play back messages in a sequential or random order is unique in such systems. The device can also convert greetings or other audio files between formats (e.g., from the format mp3 to a-law) to play them back via the phone.

[0066] Figures 6 to 11 Example operations of an audio message book system in particular and a voice message recording and playback system in general according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Figures 6 to 11 Method 600, method 700 (which is a sub-method of steps 602 and 608 of method 600), method 800 (which is a sub-method of step 604), method 900 (which is a sub-method of step 606), method 1000 (which is also a sub-method of step 606), and method 1100 (which is a sub-method of step 610) are illustrated.

[0067] Method 600 is a computer-implemented method, and at step 602, a startup process of a voice recorder communicatively coupled to a storage device (such as an external storage device) is first run. In some cases, the storage device is configured to provide storage of digital information associated with an activity. In some embodiments including the systems and methods described herein, the storage device includes an external storage device, the external storage device including a portion of a memory card or memory stick configured to store digital information or a portion of a memory card or memory stick configured to store digital information. In some examples, the memory card or memory stick includes an electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium that is electrically erasable and reprogrammable. In some examples, the electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium includes flash memory. In some examples, the storage device includes an external storage device, the external storage device including a USB flash drive configured to store digital information. The storage device may include a flash memory and a USB interface integrated with the flash memory.

[0068] At step 604, the method 600 continues to run the user interaction setup process to generate a configuration for the voice message recording process.

[0069] At step 606, method 600 continues to activate and run the voice message recording process to prompt, capture, store and organize audio messages delivered from the phone to the voice message recording process according to the configuration of the voice message recording process. In some examples, when the configuration is not generated before activating and running the voice message recording process, method 600 includes using a default configuration including default settings for the voice message recording process at step 606.

[0070] At step 608, the method 600 continues to transfer the recorded and collated message from the voice recorder to the storage device after the user has selected to end the voice message recording process (which includes an indication of the end of activity). At step 610, the method 600 continues to run the playback process to play back the message after transferring the message from the voice recorder to the storage device. In some embodiments, the method 600 continues to run the playback process to play back the message only after transferring the message from the voice recorder to the storage device.

[0071] In some embodiments, the voice recorder further includes one or more lights located on the voice recorder, such as Figure 7 . The method 700 is a computer-implemented sub-method of steps 602 and 608 of the method 600, and in step 702, begins with a boot process that activates and controls one or more lights in a first manner to indicate that the boot process is in progress. In step 704, the method 700 continues the boot process that activates and controls one or more lights in a second manner to indicate that the boot process is complete. In step 706, the method 700 continues the recording process, and when the recording process ends with the transmission of the recorded and collated message to the storage device, activates and controls one or more lights in a third manner to indicate the transmission of the message. In step 708, the method 700 continues the recording process, activating and controlling one or more lights in a fourth manner to indicate the end of the message transmission. In addition, in step 710, the method 700 continues the recording process, and when the transmission of the recorded and collated message to the storage device has been completed, a completion confirmation is transmitted via the telephone.

[0072] In some embodiments, the voice recorder or computing system provides user-selectable options during the user interaction setup process, allowing customization, such as Figure 8 . Method 800 is a computer-implemented sub-method of step 604 of method 600. In step 802, the user interaction setup process first provides the user with the option of using the telephone cable for the voice message recording process before providing the option of selecting customized settings or selecting default settings. In step 804, method 800 continues the user interaction setup process by providing the user with the option of selecting customized settings for the voice message recording process or selecting default settings for the voice message recording process. In some embodiments, the user interaction setup process includes receiving user input for the user interaction setup process via a user interface of the telephone, and transmitting the user input to the computing device of the voice recorder using the telephone cable.

[0073] In some embodiments, the recording process is configured to automatically store and organize messages without further input from the user, such as Fig. 9The method depicted is shown. Method 900 is a computer-implemented sub-method of step 606 of method 600. At step 902, when the user completes the message by hanging up the phone, the recording process automatically stores and organizes the message without further input from the user. At step 904, method 900 includes: automatic storage and organization triggered by the end of the electronic signal transmitted from the phone corresponding to the message. In some embodiments, the user interactive setup process includes receiving user input for the setup process via a user interface of the phone, and the user input is transmitted to the computing device of the recorder using the telephone cable.

[0074] In some embodiments, the recording process is configured to automatically store and organize messages without further input from the user, such as Fig.10 As shown in the method depicted in . Method 1000 is a computer-implemented sub-method of step 606 of method 600. At step 1002, the method 1000 includes: when an electronic signal is transmitted from a phone corresponding to the message for more than a first preselected threshold amount of time, the recording process automatically terminates the message, and stores and organizes the message without further input from the user. At step 1004, the method 1000 includes: when an electronic signal is transmitted from a phone corresponding to the message and the message silence in the signal exceeds a second preselected threshold amount of time, the recording process automatically terminates the message, and stores and organizes the message without further input from the user. The first threshold and the second threshold are different amounts of time, such as Fig.10 As shown, the second threshold amount of time occurs within or before the first threshold amount of time. And, as shown, the recording process continuously checks for the occurrence of these thresholds.

[0075] In some embodiments, as a computer-implemented sub-method of step 610 of method 600, Fig.11 As shown in method 1100 of , running the playback process to play back the message occurs only after the transfer of the message from the voice recorder to the storage device is complete. In step 1102 of the method, running the playback process to play back the message occurs, but only after the transfer of the message from the voice recorder to the storage device is complete. The storage device cannot be reused to store additional messages after the message is transferred unless a license key is entered at the beginning of the reuse process. In step 1104 of method 1100, after the message is transferred and after the license key is entered at the beginning of the reuse process, the method continues to reuse the storage device to store additional messages.

[0076] In some embodiments of step 610 or method 1100, the processor of the system or the computer implementing the method plays the message and transmits the message via the phone. Moreover, in some cases, the message is played in the order in which the message was recorded, in a random order, or in an order derived from the content of the message according to the order selected by the user, or in a combination of these orders, depending on the embodiment or the user's selection during playback.

[0077] In some embodiments, the user interactive setup process may include user-selectable options for generating a configuration of the voice message recording process specific to a wedding, anniversary party, baby shower, birthday, graduation, retirement party, corporate or organizational event or party, or other types of events and milestones, or any combination thereof.

[0078] In some embodiments, during the recording process, end users or guests can leave voicemails (such as via an old-fashioned telephone), which can then be recorded to be turned into a souvenir for the corresponding event host. The souvenir can be a digital souvenir (such as an online souvenir) or a physical souvenir (such as a memory stick or a decorative unit that can be displayed for viewing). The storage device storing the message can be used for one event, or reused via an additional license key to reactivate it.

[0079] Some parts of the foregoing detailed description have been presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art of data processing to most effectively communicate the essence of their work to other skilled in the art. Algorithms are here and generally considered to be self-consistent sequences of operations that obtain predetermined results. These operations are operations that require physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient to sometimes refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., primarily for reasons of generality. However, it should be remembered that these terms and similar terms are associated with appropriate physical quantities and are only convenient labels applied to these quantities. The present disclosure may refer to the actions and processes of a computing system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates data presented as physical (electronic) quantities within registers and memories of the computing system and converts them into other data similarly presented as physical quantities within the computing system memory or registers or other such information storage systems.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments described herein, it is apparent that many alternatives, combinations, modifications and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention set forth herein are intended to be exemplary only and are not intended to be limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a storage device configured to provide storage of active digital information; as well as A voice recorder, the voice recorder comprising: a first electrical connector configured to couple to an electrical connector of a telephone cable to communicatively couple a telephone and the voice recorder with the telephone cable; a second electrical connector configured to couple with a power line to electrically couple a power source and the voice recording machine with the power line; a storage device connector configured to couple with the storage device to communicatively couple the storage device and the voice recorder; and A computing device comprising a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including computer program code tangibly stored thereon, the computer program code including instructions executable by the processor for: Running the startup process of the voice recorder; running a user interactive setup process to generate a configuration for the voice message recording process; activating and running the voice message recording process to prompt, capture, store and organize audio messages delivered from the phone to the voice message recording process according to a configuration of the voice message recording process, wherein when the configuration is not generated prior to activating and running the voice message recording process, the computing device will use a default configuration including default settings of the voice message recording process; and The recorded and collated message is transferred from the voice recorder to the storage device after the user has chosen to end the voice message recording process including an indication that the activity is over.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising an AC power adapter, and wherein the power source comprises the AC power adapter.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable battery pack, and wherein the power source comprises the rechargeable battery pack.

4. The system of claim 1 further comprising said telephone and said telephone cable.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a USB cable, and wherein the power cable comprises the USB cable.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the storage device comprises an external storage device, the external storage device comprising a memory card or a memory stick configured to store the digital information, and wherein the memory card or the memory stick comprises an electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium that is electrically erasable and reprogrammable.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The electronic non-volatile computer memory storage medium includes flash memory.

8. The system according to claim 1, in, The storage device comprises an external storage device, the external storage device comprises a USB flash drive, The USB flash drive is configured to store digital information and includes a flash memory and a USB interface integrated with the flash memory.

9. The system according to claim 1, in, The voice recorder further comprises one or more lights located on the voice recorder, wherein the startup process activates and controls the one or more lights in a first manner to indicate that the startup process is in progress, wherein the startup process activates and controls the one or more lights in a second manner to indicate that the startup process has been completed, and Wherein, when the recording process ends and is accompanied by the transmission of the recorded and organized message to the storage device, the recording process activates and controls the one or more lights in a third manner to indicate the transmission of the message.

10. The system according to claim 1, in, The user interactive settings process provides the user with an option to select customized settings for the voice message recording process or to select default settings for the voice message recording process, The user interactive setting process provides the user with an option to select a language for the voice message recording process before providing an option to select a customized setting or to select a default setting. wherein the user interaction setting process comprises receiving user input of the user interaction setting process via a user interface of the phone, and wherein the user input is transmitted to the computing device of the voice recorder using the telephone cable.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein: When the user completes the message by hanging up the phone, the recording process is configured to automatically store and organize the message without further input from the user.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The automatic storage and arrangement is triggered by the end of an electronic signal transmitted from a telephone corresponding to the message.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein: When an electronic signal is transmitted from a phone corresponding to the message for a preselected threshold amount of time, the recording process is configured to automatically terminate the message and store and organize the message without further input from the user.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: in, the preselected threshold being a first threshold amount of time, wherein when an electronic signal is transmitted from a telephone corresponding to the message and the message in the signal is silent for a second preselected threshold amount of time, the recording process is configured to automatically terminate the message and store and organize the message without further input from the user, and Wherein, the first threshold and the second threshold are different amounts of time.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein: When an electronic signal is transmitted from a phone corresponding to the message and the message in the signal is silent for more than a preselected threshold amount of time, the recording process is configured to automatically terminate the message and store and organize the message without further input from the user.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein: The recording process includes delivering a completion confirmation via the telephone when the transfer of the recorded and edited message to the storage device has been completed.

17. The system according to claim 1, in, The storage device cannot be reused to store additional messages after transmitting the message unless a license key is entered at the beginning of the reuse process, and The computer program code further includes instructions executable by the processor to play the message after transmitting the message and deliver the played message via the phone.

18. The system according to claim 1, in, The computer program code further includes instructions executable by the processor to play the message and deliver the played message via the phone, and The messages are played in the order in which they were recorded, in a random order, or in an order derived from the content of the messages according to an order selected by the user.

19. A system, comprising: a storage device configured to provide storage of active digital information; as well as A voice recorder, the voice recorder comprising: a wireless communication interface configured to couple with a wireless communication interface of a telephone to communicatively couple the telephone and the voice recorder; an electrical connector configured to couple with a power line to electrically couple a power source and the voice recording machine with the power line; a storage device connector configured to couple with the storage device to communicatively couple the storage device and the voice recorder; and A computing device comprising a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing computer program code tangibly stored thereon, the computer program code comprising instructions executable by the processor for: Running the startup process of the voice recorder; running a user interactive setup process to generate a configuration for the voice message recording process; activating and running the voice message recording process to prompt, capture, store and organize audio messages delivered from the phone to the voice message recording process according to a configuration of the voice message recording process, wherein when the configuration is not generated prior to activating and running the voice message recording process, the computing device will use a default configuration including default settings of the voice message recording process; and The recorded and collated message is transferred from the voice recorder to the storage device after the user has chosen to end the voice message recording process including an indication that the activity is over.

20. A system, comprising: a storage device configured to provide storage of active digital information; as well as A voice recorder, the voice recorder comprising: a first circuit configured to integrate the voice recorder with a telephone; a second circuit configured to couple to a power line to electrically couple a power source to the voice recorder or the telephone using the power line; a storage device circuit configured to be coupled to the storage device to communicatively couple the storage device and the voice recorder; and A computing device comprising a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing computer program code tangibly stored thereon, the computer program code comprising instructions executable by the processor for: Running the startup process of the voice recorder; running a user interactive setup process to generate a configuration for the voice message recording process; activating and running the voice message recording process to prompt, capture, store and organize audio messages delivered from the phone to the voice message recording process according to a configuration of the voice message recording process, wherein when the configuration is not generated prior to activating and running the voice message recording process, the computing device will use a default configuration including default settings of the voice message recording process; and The recorded and collated message is transferred from the voice recorder to the storage device after the user has chosen to end the voice message recording process including an indication that the activity is over.

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