DE10248310B4 - Stamp, method of making a custom stamp and device for making a custom stamp - Google Patents

Abstract

Stamp,
- with a validity certifying area (6) consisting of an indication of their value (2) and an indication of their currency (3) and
With an ornamentable working area (4),
characterized,
that for the production of the valid stamp (1) and for adapting to the wishes of the user, the certifying area (6) and the decoration serving area (4) are individually configurable by the user, and
in that the certifying area (6) is arranged next to the area (4) serving for the decoration, or the different areas (4, 6) of the stamp (1) have at least partially an overlap.

Description

State of the art

The The invention relates to a stamp, a method for individual Design of a stamp and a device for individual design a stamp, according to the preamble of claim 1, 9 and 21.

stamps belong for a long time the state of the art. They serve for freeing of postcards, correspondence, parcels, or the like moistening gum or a self-adhesive layer on fixed to the object to be sent, or are already integrated into this (eg envelope with integrated stamp). The sender Meets the selection for him suitable stamp on a wide spectrum. So he can between very simple standard stamps up to elaborately designed Select special stamps. Despite this diverse selection remains but his individual design scope is quite limited, since He can only use the postage stamps that are on the market gives.

A more individual design of Postwertzeichen is desirable. Therefore, with the published patent application DE 199 00 236 A1 proposed a function-extended stamp in which additional information can be applied by a mounted on or on her code, for example, on the value, the weight, the shipping route or the recipient of the shipment. The disadvantage, however, is that these codes can only be read out with an aid (eg scanner) and thus the additional information can not be recognized by the naked eye.

Therefore, the patent fails EP 0 741 896 B1 a composite stamp before. This stamp provides an area that can be completed by the user by pasting a also to buy motif or message after their purchase. The design is thus only in the selection and gluing the beautification element. Since these are given, the design is quite limited.

Also in the published patent application WO 99/605516 A1 described stamps given motifs can be glued into a designated area of a purchased stamp. In addition, it is proposed to provide the design option on a separate by a perforation of the actual stamp area. In order to increase the design options, it is provided as an alternative to pasting that a separate image is printed in the area left free on the stamp for the design. However, the user is bound to the predetermined size of the printable area.

With the publication WO 01/53923 A1 a stamp is proposed in which an image developed on photographic paper can be integrated. For this purpose, the corresponding film strip is superimposed with a layer determining the value and the country of origin, which has a transparent film in the middle, as a result of which the image underneath remains visible. The disadvantage, however, is that this stamp is twice as high as conventional stamps and that their structure is quite expensive in terms of the transparent film.

In order not to be dependent on the given motives of commercial stamps, is in the writings JP 11249205 A . JP 2000112356 A . JP 10322544 A . JP 2000343900 A . JP 2001109380 A and the publication WO 01/82270 A1 proposed a postage stamp which, in addition to the necessary components (eg country, currency, value), has a limited free area upon purchase, which can be customized by the buyer. It is in the published patent application WO 01/82270 A1 and Scripture JP 11184380 A additionally provided that the design is made via a software on the computer, so that a printout can be done by means of a printer.

In the published patent application WO 00/60545 A1 A value sign is described in which the manufacturer has an unworkable area, information about the value as well as eg. B. identification and security elements contains a freely designable space on the stamp provides.

In addition to the counters of the post offices, the customer can also buy stamps from stamp vending machines. These machines either issue notes containing a certain value of stamps, or single stamps. The customer has no influence on the design of the stamp. In contrast to the conventional stamp automats describes the patent US 5,873,605 A a device that has a camera by means of which the customer can integrate his image into a stamp. However, this postage stamp produced by the apparatus is composed of two layers, the first layer showing the image of the customer being superimposed by a second value-determining layer, which is designed in such a way that the image of the first layer due to the framing by the second Layer remains visible.

The invention and its advantages

The stamp according to the invention, the inventive method for individual design of a stamp and the inventive A device for individual design of a stamp, which has a validity certifying area consisting of, for example, an indication of their value and an indication of their currency and an ornament serving, editable area, having the characterizing features of claim 1, 9 and 21 have On the other hand, there is an advantage that the validity certifying area and the decoration serving area can be individually designed by the user according to the application needs thereof, so that individual stamps can be created by the individual design of the user, with the certifying area located adjacent to the decoration area or the different areas of the stamp according to the invention at least partially have an overlap. According to the invention, at least one partial surface of the stamp is released for free design. In this part, for example, a self-selected image motif (self-portrait, landscape, or the like.), A self-written text, or the like. or a combination of these integrable. This integration ensures that in order to avoid counterfeiting, the part that identifies the postage stamp as the original postage stamp remains easily recognizable. Therefore, this necessary part, whose creation and positioning within the stamp according to the invention is also subject to the influence of the user, usually always be in the foreground or will this part at least partially frame the customizable area.

To an advantageous embodiment of the invention is the size, color and positioning the validity certifying area changeable by the user for the production of the stamp. As a result, an adjustment is achieved, which leads to an optimal and harmonious overall picture of the innovative stamp.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is the the ornamentation serving area as an editable area to the outdoors Design by the user available. This area is descriptive and / or printable. He can, however, remain released.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is the editable area by the user with a template (photo, Graphics, text, or the like), which are predetermined or even created by the user is provided.

To one in this regard advantageous embodiment of the invention is the machinable area provided with several templates.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the invention serves as Template a file.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the invention is the File generated by a camera or a scanner.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inventive stamp a rubber or adhesive surface on or will be sent directly after production to the Broadcast applied.

The inventive method for the production of an individually designed stamp, according to claim 9, with its characterizing part, is characterized by the fact that without loss of validity by the user of both the validity certifying also the ornamentation serving, editable area editable is, with the certifying area next to that of the ornament serving area is arranged or the different areas the stamp at least partially overlap.

To an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is through a digital camera, a scanner, data transmission from a storage medium (floppy disk, CDROM, file), or the like in the Editable and available for free design area an image and / or text, or the like, integrable.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is determined by the purchase price of the the production of the necessary paper the value of it can be produced Stamps paid.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention Manufacturing is done on a computer that uses one to manufacture the stamp is equipped with appropriate software and for issue the designed stamp associated with a suitable output device (printer) is carried out.

To one in this regard advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized by the Purchase price of the software, the value of the stamps that can be produced with it settled.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention allows the Software by programming only the production of a limited Number of stamps.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the software by a fee-based password, a pin number, update, upgrade, or the like. for another be limited number of stamps usable.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention only the creation of the design of the stamp according to the invention takes place at a computer, whereby afterwards the data of the finished stamp original to be transferred to a place authorized for printing.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention only the creation of the design of the stamp according to the invention takes place on a computer through the internet via the authorized one Job provided Stamp making software is contacted. Here is the final Production (printing) of the stamp according to the invention either by the user himself or the authorized body.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention the stamp is produced by one of the public accessible equipment by the user himself or an operator.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention are single stamps, stamp sheets or stamp booklets produced. Here is the size of the final product variable.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is next to the freely designed stamp a simultaneous individual Design of the postcard, the envelope, or the like possible.

The Inventive device for the production a custom print engine, especially a stamp, that with a recording unit and / or reading unit (camera, scanner, Drive, or the like) and equipped with an output unit (printer, or the like) is, according to claim 21, draws with its characterizing part characterized by the fact that the over transmit the recording unit and / or the read-in unit Information individually before output to the output unit can be edited by the user.

To an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention is the Spatial output unit separated from the recording unit and / or the reading unit.

To a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention is a Acceptance area for direct payment of the stamps to be created intended.

Further Advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subsequent description of the drawing and the claims.

drawing

embodiments the subject matter of the invention are shown in the drawing and will be closer in the following explained. Show it:

1 a stamp according to the invention with almost full-surface processing area in which an image is inserted,

2 a stamp according to the invention with an editable only in size, color or position ( 6 ) and a fully editable area ( 4 ), in which a picture is inserted, and

3 a stamp according to the invention with an editable only in size, color or position ( 6 ) and a fully editable area ( 4 ) in which a picture and a text are inserted.

Description of the embodiment

1 shows a stamp according to the invention 1 with almost all-over machinable area 4 in which an inserted picture 5 is integrated. Despite full-surface insertion is the value 2 and the currency 3 visible, so that the stamp of the invention 1 recognizable as "correct" and valid stamp. The position, size and color of this area certifying the validity of the stamp according to the invention 6 is variable or freely selectable, so that an optimal adaptation to the overall picture of the stamp according to the invention 1 he follows. The stamp of the invention 1 is self-adhesive, has a gumming to moisten, is directly printable on the object to be franked, odgl ..

The design of the stamp according to the invention 1 This is very easy. About a digital camera, a scanner, or the like. the information to be processed is recorded or via a CDROM, a floppy disk, or the like. read. Advantageously, the information to be processed after their recording or after their reading editable. Here, for example, the image detail, the brightness, the contrast, a manipulation of colors and contours, or the like. possible. In addition, a text input is conceivable. The device required for this purpose is, for example, similar to a passport photo machine (payment, photo, output device).

After completion of the stamp of the invention 1 , which is depending on the self-adhesive or with a rubber coating, or the like. is issued as a single copy, stamp rolls, stamp booklets, stamp sheets, postage stamps integrated on an envelope or postcard. It can stamps according to the invention 1 also directly on the envelopes, postcards, or the like to be printed. In addition to modified in this direction postage metering devices franking is also conceivable, for example, commercially available computers and commercially available printers. This is particularly easy with a computer franking software conceivable that could possibly be combined with a suitable hardware. The "license" for printing, so the permission (for example, via pre-affordable pin numbers, or the like.) To print a certain number of stamps according to the invention, either via the Internet, in writing, by phone, or the like .. It is also conceivable that the software to be acquired only a limited number of stamps according to the invention 1 and the value is settled with the purchase price, for example the CDRom.

The individual design is carried out either on a designated office (post office), a machine that is similar to a passport photo machine, a printer, on a commercial computer, or the like .. It is also conceivable that in addition to the self-input information given templates (pictures, Texts, or the like) are made available for free design. It is conceivable that after the individual design of the stamp according to the invention 1 on the appropriate device (vending machine, computer, or the like.) The stamp of the invention 1 (Immediately) is finished (output device, printer) or that on the appropriate device (machine, computer, or the like.) The stamp of the invention 1 "Only" is recorded in order to send this data to a suitable and authorized agency (post office, printing house, etc.) (eg via the Internet) at which the completion takes place.

2 shows a stamp according to the invention 1 with a partially editable 6 and a fully editable area 4 in which an inserted picture 5 is integrated. In the partially editable area 6 is the value 2 and the currency 3 recognizable. In addition, another counterfeit-proof feature 7 (eg coat of arms, country code, etc.) arranged in this area.

3 shows a stamp according to the invention 1 with a partially editable 6 and a fully editable area 4 in which an inserted picture 5 and an inserted text 8th , which can be used for promotional purposes or as a message of greeting, is integrated. In the partially editable area 6 is the value 2 and the currency 3 recognizable. In addition, another counterfeit-proof feature 7 arranged in this area.

In addition to the private application, in which the user his personally tailored to the recipient stamp of the invention 1 can create and thus the recipient shows his appreciation is the stamp of the invention 1 also usable in the business traffic. Companies can stamp the invention 1 for example, for advertising purposes, in which they use their latest products on the stamp of the invention 1 or surprise your customers with regards (eg, Christmas greetings).

All Features shown here can both individually and in any combination with each other invention essential be.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Stamp

2

value

3

Currency (currency example in Euro)

4

Fully editable Area

5

Inserted picture

6

Partially editable area

7

Unforgeable feature

8th

Inserted text

Claims (23)

Stamp, - with a validity certifying area ( 6 ) consisting of an indication of their value ( 2 ) and an indication of their currency ( 3 ) and - with an ornamentable, editable area ( 4 ), characterized in that for the production of the valid stamp ( 1 ) and, in order to adapt to the wishes of the user, the certifying area ( 6 ) and the ornamentation area ( 4 ) are individually designable by the user and that the certifying area ( 6 ) next to the decoration area ( 4 ) or the different areas ( 4 . 6 ) of the stamp ( 1 ) at least partially have an overlap. Stamp, according to claim 1, characterized in that the size, color and positioning of the validity certifying area ( 6 ) by the user for the production of the stamp ( 1 ) is changeable. A stamp according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the area serving as an ornamentable area ( 4 ) to free design by the user is available. Stamp, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the workable area ( 4 ) is provided by the user with a template (photo, graphic, text,). Stamp, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, the workable area ( 4 ) is provided with multiple templates. Stamp, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that, serves as a template a file. Stamp, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized marked that, the file through a camera or a Scanner is generated. Stamp, according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that it has a rubber coating or adhesive surface or directly after production on the consignment to be shipped is applied. Method for producing an individually designed stamp, in particular a stamp ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, without loss of validity by the user, both the validity certifying ( 6 ) as well as the ornamentable, editable area ( 4 ) is machinable, the certifying area ( 6 ) next to the decoration area ( 4 ) or the different areas ( 4 . 6 ) of the stamp ( 1 ) at least partially have an overlap. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that, by a digital camera, a scanner, data transmission from a storage medium (floppy disk, CDROM, file), in the editable and free design available area ( 4 ) a picture ( 5 ) and / or text ( 8th ) is integrable. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, by the purchase price of the paper necessary for the production of the value of the stamps produced thereon ( 1 ) is compensated. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, the production on a computer, with a for the production of the stamp ( 1 ) is equipped with suitable software and is connected to a suitable output device (printer) for outputting the designed stamp. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that, by the purchase price of the software, the value of the stamps thus produced ( 1 ) is compensated. A method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, by programming the software, only the production of a limited number of stamps ( 1 ). A method according to claim 14, characterized in that, the software by a fee-based password, a pin number, or the like. for another limited number of stamps ( 1 ) is usable. Method according to claim 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that the production of the stamp ( 1 ) on a computer and the data of the finished stamp original are transferred to a place authorized for printing. Method according to claim 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that the production of the stamp ( 1 ) takes place on a computer through which via the Internet the stamp making software provided by the authorized agency is contacted. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 17, characterized in that the production and / or production of the stamp ( 1 ) by means of a device accessible to the public by the user or an operator. Method according to one of Claims 9 to 18, characterized that, single stamps, stamp sheets or stamp booklets can be produced are. Method according to one of claims 9 to 19, characterized in that in addition to the freely designed stamp ( 1 ) a simultaneous individual design of the postcard, the envelope, is possible. Device for producing an individually designed printing unit, in particular a stamp ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and in particular using the method for producing a stamp according to one of claims 9 to 20, - with a recording unit and / or read-in unit (camera, scanner, drive,) and - with an output unit (printer, ), characterized in that the information transmitted via the recording unit and / or the read-in unit can be edited individually prior to the output to the output unit. Device, according to claim 21, characterized in that, the output unit spatial separated from the recording unit and / or the reading unit is. Apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, a cash acceptance area for direct payment of the stamps to be created ( 1 ) is provided.

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