Storing and sharing of content

Abstract

A CD containing still images, video, audio, or data files unique to a person is created and packaged in a postcard-like medium, greeting card, or the like. The card is printed upon with a personalized image derived from the stored files or selected from an appropriate library of images.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A personalized storage medium and packaging, comprising: 
 a computer writeable storage medium including at least one stored user specified computer file and having a predetermined physical shape; and    a package having a medial filler spacing apart a first lamina with an outward facing surface and a second lamina, said filler having a pocket formed therein adapted to accommodate said predetermined shape and said outward facing surface of said first lamina having an image disposed thereon, said image related to said stored user specified computer file.    
     
     
         2 . A personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said second lamina further comprises a second outward facing surface adapted to have a postal address printed thereon.  
     
     
         3 . A personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said computer file further comprises an image file.  
     
     
         4 . A personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 3  wherein said image disposed upon said outward facing surface of said first lamina and related to said stored user specified image file further comprises an image derived from said image file.  
     
     
         5 . A personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 3  further comprising a stored second user specified computer file of said at least one stored user specified computer file, said second user specified computer file further comprising a video file.  
     
     
         6 . A personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said computer writeable storage medium further comprises a linking between said video file and said image file.  
     
     
         7 . A personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 1  wherein said computer writeable storage medium further comprises a CD.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus that creates a personalized storage medium and packaging, comprising: 
 a processor that accepts still image content input and creates a first digital image file suitable for storing on the personalized storage medium and a second digital image file suitable for printing an image on the packaging;    a data recorder that stores said first digital image file on the personalized storage medium; and    a printer that prints said second digital image file on a first surface of the packaging.    
     
     
         9 . Apparatus that creates a personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 8 , further comprising a data processor that accepts input from a user suitable for printing on a second surface of the packaging.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus that creates a personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 9  further comprising a data processor that accepts a postal address from a user for printing on a second surface of the packaging.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus that creates a personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 8  wherein said data recorder further comprises a CD burner for storing said first image file on a CD.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus that creates a personalized storage medium and packaging in accordance with  claim 8  further comprising an audio processor that accepts audio content input and creates a digital audio file suitable for storing on the personalized storage medium.  
     
     
         13 . A method of creating a personalized storage medium and packaging, comprising the steps of: 
 storing at least one user specified computer file on a computer writeable storage medium having a predetermined physical shape;    printing an image related to said stored user specified computer file on a first outward facing surface of the packaging;    forming a pocket in a filler, said pocket adapted to accommodate said predetermined shape; and    disposing said filler between said first outward facing surface and a second outward facing surface.    
     
     
         14 . A method in accordance with the method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of accepting payment for creating the personalized storage medium and packaging.  
     
     
         15 . A method in accordance with the method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of printing a postal address on said second outward facing surface.  
     
     
         16 . A method in accordance with the method of  claim 13  wherein said step of storing at least one user specified computer file further comprises the step of storing at least one user specified image file.  
     
     
         17 . A method in accordance with the method of  claim 16  wherein said step of disposing an image related to said stored user specified image file further comprises the step of disposing an image derived from said image file on said first outward facing surface of the packaging.  
     
     
         18 . A method in accordance with the method of  claim 16  wherein said step of storing at least one user specified computer file further comprises the step of storing a second user specified computer file as a video file.  
     
     
         19 . A method in accordance with the method of  claim 18  further comprises the step of linking said video file and said image file.  
     
     
         20 . A method in accordance with the method of  claim 16  wherein said step of storing at least one user specified computer file further comprises the step of storing a second user specified computer file as a digital audio file.  
     
     
         21 . A personalized storage medium and packaging created in accordance with the method of claim  13 .