Quick Start Guide¶

Get Digital Memory Chest running in just a few minutes and see the magic of AI-powered memorials in action.

🚀 One-Command Demo¶

The fastest way to experience Digital Memory Chest is with our demo setup:

# Clone and run the complete demo
git clone https://github.com/your-username/digital-memory-chest
cd digital-memory-chest
python run_demo.py

This command will:

• ✅ Install all dependencies
• ✅ Set up the database with sample data
• ✅ Create a complete memorial for Eleanor Thompson
• ✅ Launch the web interface at http://localhost:8501

Welcome interface showing the Digital Memory Chest platform with Eleanor Thompson demo

📋 Prerequisites¶

🛠️ Manual Setup¶

If you prefer step-by-step installation:

1. Install Dependencies¶

# Create virtual environment
python -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate

# Install requirements
pip install -r requirements.txt

2. Configure Environment¶

Create a .env file with your preferences:

# Copy example configuration
cp .env.example .env

# Edit with your settings (optional)
nano .env

3. Initialize Database¶

# Set up database tables
python test_setup.py

4. Launch Application¶

# Recommended: Clean app startup with process management
python run_app.py

# Alternative: Direct startup (may conflict with existing processes)  
streamlit run app.py

Visit http://localhost:8501 to access Digital Memory Chest!

📱 First Steps Tutorial¶

Creating Your First Memory Chest¶

flowchart TD
    START([Start Application]) --> CREATE[Create New Chest]
    CREATE --> DETAILS[Add Person Details]
    DETAILS --> HERO[Upload Hero Image]
    HERO --> SAVE[Save Chest]
    SAVE --> UPLOAD[Upload First Memory]
    UPLOAD --> PROCESS[AI Processing]
    PROCESS --> STORY[Generate Story]
    STORY --> SHARE[Share Memorial]

    style START fill:#e3f2fd
    style CREATE fill:#e8f5e8
    style STORY fill:#f3e5f5
    style SHARE fill:#e1f5fe

Step 1: Create Memory Chest¶

1. Click "Create New Memory Chest"
2. Enter the person's name and dates
3. Add a brief description
4. Upload a hero image (optional)

Step 2: Upload Memories¶

Choose from multiple upload options:

Step 3: AI Processing¶

Watch as Digital Memory Chest automatically processes your uploads:

timeline
    title AI Processing Timeline

    Upload Complete    : File saved
                      : Metadata extracted
                      : Thumbnail generated

    AI Processing     : Audio transcribed
                     : Images tagged  
                     : Content analyzed

    Story Generation  : Timeline constructed
                     : Themes identified
                     : Narrative written

    Ready to Share   : Memorial complete
                    : Share tokens created
                    : Export options available

Step 4: Review Generated Story¶

The AI creates a respectful, comprehensive narrative including:

• Timeline: Chronological journey through life
• Themes: Personality traits, values, and passions
• Memories: Integration of uploaded content
• Legacy: Impact on family and friends

You can: - ✏️ Edit any section - 🔄 Regenerate parts you'd like to improve - ➕ Add additional context or memories - 📤 Export in multiple formats

🔗 Sharing Your Memorial¶

Share Token System¶

Digital Memory Chest uses secure tokens instead of public URLs:

# Example share token (safe to share)
https://your-site.com/memorial/abc123token456def789

Benefits: - 🔒 Private by default: No public directory of memorials - 🚫 Revocable access: Disable tokens anytime
- ⏰ Time-limited: Set expiration dates - 📊 Access tracking: See who visits and when

Contribution System¶

Allow family and friends to add memories:

1. Enable Contributions: Toggle on in memorial settings
2. Share Contribution Link: Separate token for submissions
3. Review Submissions: Moderate before publishing
4. Approve/Decline: Full control over content

🎯 Common Use Cases¶

Memorial Services¶

Create beautiful tributes for: - Funeral Services: Display during services - Celebration of Life: Interactive memory sharing - Anniversary Remembrance: Annual commemoration - Family Gatherings: Share stories across generations

Personal Archives¶

Build living histories for: - Grandparents: Preserve family history - Military Service: Honor veterans' stories - Career Achievements: Professional legacies - Life Transitions: Milestone celebrations

Collaborative Memories¶

Involve the whole family: - Sibling Contributions: Different perspectives on shared memories - Grandchildren Stories: Multi-generational narratives - Friend Networks: Broader community memories - Extended Family: Inclusive memorial creation

🔧 Troubleshooting Quick Fixes¶

Common Issues¶

# Check Python version
python --version  # Should be 3.9+

# Reinstall dependencies
pip install --upgrade -r requirements.txt

# Clear cache
rm -rf __pycache__ .streamlit/

# Check logs
tail -f logs/processing.log

# Reset processing queue
python scripts/reset_queue.py

# Try with smaller files first

⚡ Next Steps¶

Now that you have Digital Memory Chest running: