EP1145165A3 - Acheminement de cartes de voeux et de cartes-primes a travers un reseau informatique mondial - Google Patents

Acheminement de cartes de voeux et de cartes-primes a travers un reseau informatique mondial

Info

Publication number
EP1145165A3
EP1145165A3 EP00928774A EP00928774A EP1145165A3 EP 1145165 A3 EP1145165 A3 EP 1145165A3 EP 00928774 A EP00928774 A EP 00928774A EP 00928774 A EP00928774 A EP 00928774A EP 1145165 A3 EP1145165 A3 EP 1145165A3
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
card
gift
greeting
recited
gift card
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00928774A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1145165A2 (fr
Inventor
Eric W. Smith
Alex Dorfman
Kenneth R. Greulich
Thomas M. Broad
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Moore North America Inc
Original Assignee
Moore North America Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Moore North America Inc filed Critical Moore North America Inc
Publication of EP1145165A2 publication Critical patent/EP1145165A2/fr
Publication of EP1145165A3 publication Critical patent/EP1145165A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/06—Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Definitions

  • the method (c) may be practiced by merging variable templates with variable text data and ripped graphic images (e.g. pre-ripped, or pre- ripped and/or ripped "on the fly" (in a continuous process)) in a continuous process in which layouts, graphic images and text change independently from card to card as the plurality of cards are sequentially produced in the same continuous process.
  • (c) may be practiced to leave the gift certificate (or bank draft) attached to the greeting card by a line of weakness, and the method may further comprise, between (c) and (f), inserting the greeting card and attached gift certificate into an envelope, either manually, or utilizing conventional automated equipment, the envelope either being a window envelope with the address imaged on the card, or a label on the envelope itself being imaged, or the address being imaged on the envelope directly, or the envelope being created in-line with the address imaged directly on the envelope.
  • (c) may be practiced to detach the gift certificate from the greeting card, and the method may further comprise, between (c) and (f) inserting the greeting card and detached gift certificate into an envelope.
  • the method (d) may be practiced in part by selecting or inputting a personalized message which is provided on the gift card, which may be the same as or different than any card personalization selected for the greeting card with which the gift card is associated.
  • the gift card may be glued onto the greeting card by conventional, readily-removable from the greeting card, hot melt glue, or other commonly used attachment methods.
  • the greeting card has a gift certificate portion, and (e) may be practiced to attach the gift card to the gift certificate portion with hot melt glue.
  • the method (d) and (e) may be practiced with a plastic or paper gift card, with or without a magnetic strip, RF technology, or the like.
  • (d) and (e) may be practiced by imaging the gift card directly or the gift certificate portion of the greeting card.
  • the method preferably further comprises laminating at least one face of the gift card with transparent plastic before practicing (f).
  • the method preferably further comprises especially encoding magnetic strip or RF technology information into the gift card before practicing (f).
  • Web Site content management (categories, card selection, etc.)
  • FIGURE 1 is a schematic high level diagram of an exemplary method according to the present invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a more detailed schematic illustration showing the variable card imaging process according to the invention
  • FIGURES 3A and 3B are interior and exterior views, respectively, of one form of combined greeting card and gift certificate according to the invention.
  • FIGURE 4 is a modified form of the greeting card and gift certificate of FIGURES 3A and 3B;
  • FIGURE 5 is an exemplary schematic illustration of a home page screen for one exemplary form of implementation of the method according to the invention.
  • FIGURES 6 through 14 are schematic illustrations of exemplary screens for the implementation of the method according to the present invention
  • FIGURE 15 is a high level flow diagram showing one exemplary form of implementation of an advertising subsidy feature that may be utilized in the practice of the method according to the present invention
  • FIGURE 16 is a high level flow diagram of a modification of the method according to the invention wherein a gift card is produced and associated with the greeting card;
  • FIGURES 17 and 18 are schematic perspective views of two different embodiments of a greeting/gift card combination produced according to the method of FIGURE 16; and FIGURES 19 through 21 are side schematic views, with the components thereof greatly enlarged and exaggerated in relative dimension for clarity of illustration, of exemplary gift cards per se that may be produced and utilized according to the present invention.
  • FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates the basic concept of the method of providing and ordering greeting cards over a wide range computer network (in this case a global computer network, such as the Internet).
  • the system illustrated in FIGURE 1 includes at least one central imaging facility 10, preferably having a high technology driver 11 and a full process color digital press printer 12.
  • the driver 11 preferably comprises a variable imaging system, such as the XL Open System available from Moore North America, Inc. of Lake Forest, Illinois.
  • the XL Open, or like variable imaging system allows efficient production of a large number of unique variable documents where layouts, graphic images (such as photographs, drawings, etc.) and texts are merged on-the-fly (in a continuous process) and could change from page to page independently.
  • the printer 12 may be a Xeikon printer.
  • the system of FIGURE 1 also includes a plurality of remote terminals 13, only two of which are illustrated in FIGURE 1 , but typically it includes millions of different terminals, preferably home or office PCs.
  • Each of the terminals 13 is in a different location than other terminals and than the central imaging facility 10.
  • the terminals 13 each comprise a monitor 14 and a selector, illustrated schematically at 15. While the monitor 14 is shown as a computer monitor it also can be a television screen, a dumb terminal monitor, or the like.
  • the selector 15 may comprise any conventional selector. While it will be described below primarily with respect to a mouse having two selector buttons, it is to be understood that any conventional selector could be provided, such as a keyboard, "touch screen", etc.
  • the system of FIGURE 1 further comprises at least one server, shown schematically at 16 in FIGURE 1 , typically a global computer network server which is operatively connected to the remote terminal 13 over a wide range computer network, schematically illustrated at 17 as the worldwide web.
  • a variety of data files are associated with the server 16, such as the image/text paragraph selection for cards data file 18, frequent customer profiles file 19, gift certificate selection data file 20, a data file for advertising users which subsidize cards, 21 , etc.
  • the server 16 has electronic connection to and association with banks, as indicated by the credit card transactions double arrow 22 and the bank symbol 23 in FIGURE 1.
  • Card orders are provided from the server 16, as indicated schematically by the arrow 24 in FIGURE 1 , to an order database 25.
  • the order database 25, which includes computer storage, provides order information to the central imaging facility 10.
  • While the cards created by the driver 11 may be electronically transmitted, preferably they are printed on the printer 12 and then physically transmitted, such as by mail, as schematically illustrated at 26 in FIGURE 1. Typically the mail or other physical transmission may be from the central imaging facility 10. Express options may also be provided, including hand delivery if the recipient of the cards is geographically proximate a central imaging facility 10, overnight courier, etc..
  • FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates the variable card imaging process utilizing the system of FIGURE 1 , and particularly the XL Open variable imaging system 11 associated with Xeikon printer 12.
  • Variable templates illustrated schematically at 27 in FIGURE 2
  • variable data, illustrated at 28, and pre-ripped images, illustrated schematically at 29 in FIGURE 2 are merged at high speed to produce consecutive merged page images, illustrated schematically at 30 in FIGURE 2, which are supplied to the press 12 which then prints them in full color.
  • a "template” is a collection of fixed text, images, and placeholders for variable text and images placed in a certain location with certain attributes.
  • the variable placeholders (illustrated at 27 in FIGURE 2) are filled based upon the input data that drive the variable imaging process, e.g. from Order database 25.
  • images ripped on the fly may be merged with the pre-ripped images. Alternatively, only images ripped on the fly may be used.
  • FIGURES 3A and 3B show one greeting card and gift certificate construction that may be produced according to the invention, generally by reference numeral 31.
  • the construction 31 preferably is made from a web of paper in continuous process with different sections of the web defining different cards, or card and gift certificate constructions, being separate from each other, and produced utilizing conventional equipment.
  • the construction 31 may be made from a sheet in a sheet feeding and printing process.
  • the construction 31 comprises a paper greeting card 32, and a gift certificate (or bank draft) 33 integral with (from the same web of paper as) and connected by a line of weakness 34 (such as a perforation line) to the greeting card 32.
  • the greeting card 32 has a first end 35 and a second end - coincident with the perforation line 34 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 3A and 3B -- opposite the first end, and a fold line
  • the greeting card 32 is defined by the elements 34 through 36 into a front panel 37 (FIGURE 3B), a rear panel
  • first end 35 is associated with the front and first intermediate panels 37, 39, respectively, while the second end 34 is associated with the rear 38 and second intermediate 40 panels, respectively.
  • Multicolor indicia including multicolor graphics shown schematically at 41 in
  • FIGURE 3B is imaged (has been automatically imaged) on front panel 37.
  • text may also be imaged on the front panel 37 in addition to multicolor graphic images 41.
  • the rear panel 38 also may be imaged, for example, with advertising text and/or graphics illustrated schematically at 42 in FIGURE
  • the card 32 also includes standard greeting card text indicia, illustrated schematically at 43 in FIGURE 3A, as well as personalized text indicia, illustrated schematically at 44 in FIGURE 3A, automatically imaged on the second intermediate panel 40. As illustrated schematically at 45 in FIGURE 3A, graphics may also be imaged thereon. The graphics 45 may also comprise a graphic "signature".
  • the gift certificate (or bank draft) 33 also has appropriate gift certificate (or bank draft) indicia imaged thereon, illustrated schematically at 46 in both FIGURE 3A and 3B.
  • the indicia 46 includes redeeming establishment, monetary value, an identifying number (such as a serial number for security purposes) indicia automatically imaged on one or both faces of the gift certificate 33.
  • the construction 31 After production of the construction 31 , and separating it from other cards or cards and certificates in the paper web, the construction 31 is folded about the fold line 36 and the line of weakness 34, and inserted into an envelope 47 with which it has been electronically matched, the envelope 47 having address indicia 48 thereon (or visible therethrough), such as in the form of a label as illustrated in FIGURE 3A.
  • the construction 31 is then mailed or otherwise delivered to the recipient whose name is on the variable address 48.
  • FIGURE 4 is an embodiment like that of FIGURE 3A only in which the gift certificate 33 has been separated from the second end 34 of the card 32.
  • the gift certificate 33 is then inserted, or otherwise provided (such as by formation of the envelope around the card and gift certificate) the envelope 47.
  • FIGURES 5 through 15 One form in which the desirable attributes described above can be implemented is shown in FIGURES 5 through 15, FIGURES 5 through 14 being schematic illustrations of exemplary screens that appear on the monitor 14, and FIGURE 15 being a high level flow sheet showing implementation of one of the attributes described above.
  • FIGURE 5 illustrates three basic options that may be selected on an accessing terminal 13 at the home page associated with the server 16, including selection options 49, 50, and 51.
  • selection options 49, 50, and 51 One simple way of selecting an option 49-51 is to move the cursor to it with a mouse, and click on it.
  • FIGURE 6 is an illustration of an exemplary card selector screen, for example, after first selecting "love” from elements 52, and then clicking on selector 49, in FIGURE 5.
  • a plurality of possible card graphic images, shown schematically at 53, and internal messages 54, are illustrated, as well as an option that allows upload or retrieval of one's own graphic image, 55, or an option that allows one to select an inside message first before selecting a cover, as illustrated at 56.
  • a user at the terminal 13 can personalize the greeting card.
  • the screen of FIGURE 7 which is a personalization of a card screen
  • the image 53 and the verse 54 inside the card are displayed, and an area under the heading "Personal Message" -- illustrates schematically at 61 in FIGURE 7 -- is provided.
  • the user can input (e.g. with a keyboard portion of the selector 15) any desired personal message, such as illustrated schematically at 62 in FIGURE 7.
  • font selection option 63 and a color (for the type) option 64.
  • a graphic "signature" selection box 67 is preferably provided, which also preferably has a font selection option 68 associated therewith.
  • the advertisement 70 is in some way associated with either the graphic image 53 and/or the inside message 54 (e.g. provided on panel 40 in FIGURE 3A).
  • the advertisement 70 may be from an outdoor products company.
  • FIGURE 7 Other selection possibilities/options that are displayed in FIGURE 7 are an image selection option 71 which allows one to change the image 53, a select paper type/size option 72 (for example allowing one to select recycled or virgin paper, conventional size greeting card, or oversized card, etc.) as well as an option 73 that allows one to select a postage stamp or other delivery options.
  • image selection option 71 which allows one to change the image 53
  • select paper type/size option 72 for example allowing one to select recycled or virgin paper, conventional size greeting card, or oversized card, etc.
  • option 73 that allows one to select a postage stamp or other delivery options.
  • the screen of FIGURE 7 also includes an option for entering the recipient's address information 74, which may allow one to use an address book by clicking on option 75 if the user is one having address information stored in association with the server 16, and database 19. So that cards may be purchased well in advance -- without having to access the system of FIGURE 1 a few days before the event that the greeting card 32 is to acknowledge -- a future transmission date option 76 is provided. This is very user friendly and clear, having separate boxes that allow one to select the day, month, and year of the transmission, which is retained in computer memory (e.g. in order database 25, or database 19), and then the order is provided from the computer memory to the central printing facility 10 at the appropriate time, without the user having to take any action.
  • the option 76 may merely provide for the system to provide the user with a call-up (e.g. by e-mail) as the date approaches so that the user may either confirm the selection, or make another.
  • FIGURE 8 displays the front panel 37, and the second intermediate panel 40, in essentially every situation, and also preferably displays the first intermediate 39 and the rear panel 38, for example ad indicia being illustrated at 42 on the rear panel 38, and the advertising logo 79 being provided on the panel 39, or other indicia. If a gift certificate is selected, that also may be displayed, as illustrated schematically at 33 in FIGURE 8.
  • Options 74, 76 in FIGURE 8 which are the same as in FIGURE 7, and will have their indicia added at FIGURE 7 if indicia was added there, which then can be double checked.
  • the screen of FIGURE 8 also has other options at the bottom left, such as those similar to FIGURE 7, as well as an option 80 indicating that the card has been selected (and typically sent to the "shopping cart").
  • a screen is displayed like the gift certificate (and/or bank draft) screen of FIGURE 9.
  • This may have a plurality of selector options 82, which relate to a number of different companies, or if none of the companies are of interest, then the no gift certificate selection (which is the default selection) may be exercised.
  • An inscription for the gift certificate may be entered in the option box 84 seen in FIGURE 9, and the amount of the gift certificate is selected utilizing option box 85. Assuming that the outdoor equipment company gift certificate 82 is selected, when the card 32 is printed the gift certificate 33 that will be printed as the appropriate indicia for that company.
  • selection options of the FIGURE 9 screen may include attaching the gift certificate to the card by clicking on option 86 (e.g. to produce the construction of FIGURES 3A and 3B), or enclosing the gift certificate with the greeting card by clicking on 87 (the FIGURE 4 option).
  • a screen like that of FIGURE 10 may appear, which has a plurality of different stamp formats/options 88, or a "pick a stamp for me” (default) option 89, or an option 90 for selecting other delivery options (such as courier service, insured mail, etc.).
  • the same standard option indicia, such as the "go back one screen” option 60 is also provided at the bottom left of the screen of FIGURE 10. The option 91 returns one to the screen of FIGURE 7.
  • the screen that is displayed when one clicks on option 72 is similar to the screen of FIGURE 10 only it includes paper type and size options instead of different postage stamp options.
  • the shopping cart screen 11 displays all relevant information with respect to the card or cards (and gift certificates or bank drafts if selected) options are illustrated.
  • the front panel graphics image 53, the selected stamp 92, the company supplying the gift certificate 93, the personal message 62 that was added, as well as the recipient indicia 94 that was supplied in the option 74, are displayed, as well as the mailing/transmission date selected in response to the display option 76, date indicia being illustrated at 95 in FIGURE 11. This allows a quick check of all of the relevant information.
  • the cost is displayed as indicated at 96. The total cost, broken down by greeting cards, gift certificates, sales tickets, etc.
  • FIGURE 11 also displays the payment options, illustrated schematically at 98, which typically preferably will be credit card or debit card and having the standard fields to be filled in by the user using the selector 15 at his/her remote terminal 15. Once all the information is entered and checked, the order may be placed by clicking on option 99. Alternatively, if the user wants the cost to be subsidized (so that the cost of the greeting card is reduced) option 100 may be exercised. Exercise of the option 100 the procedure illustrated by the high level flow sheet of FIGURE 15 may be implemented (the high level flow sheet of FIGURE 15 being illustrated in lieu of a screen).
  • one scenario when the option 100 is selected -- as illustrated in FIGURE 15 -- is a query of the user, as indicated schematically at 101 in FIGURE 15, as to whether he or she will complete a survey. If “no" is selected, then the monitor 13 is returned to the screen of FIGURE 11. If "yes” is selected, then the survey is displayed as illustrated at 102. If the survey is completed and submitted, as indicated by the selection box 103 in FIGURE 15, then the amount of the discount will be displayed at 104. If the survey is not completed or submitted, then the monitor 14 is returned to the shopping cart screen of FIGURE 1 1. Once the discount is displayed at 104 on the monitor 14, then one or more ad messages may be displayed (or at the same time as the discount) as indicated at 105.
  • the user can still opt out of the subsidy and the monitor 14 will return to the shopping cart screen of FIGURE 11.
  • the user may be queried -- as indicated schematically at 107 in FIGURE 15 -- about whether another preview (screen of FIGURE 8) is desired. If so, then the new preview is displayed as indicated at 108 (the screen of FIGURE 8, including the advertising message 42 and/or 79). If no preview is required, then box 108 is skipped.
  • the user is asked to accept the discount and ad message as indicated by the decision box 109. If it is declined, then one immediately returns to the shopping cart as indicated at 58, but without any recalculated figures. If "yes” is selected, then the total owed is recalculated as indicated at 110 (that is the discount is subtracted from the figures illustrated in the screen of FIGURE 11), and then the screen of FIGURE 11 , with recalculated monetary figures is then displayed.
  • an exemplary log-on screen may be as illustrated in FIGURE 12, which screen is self-explanatory. If the user already is a member the ID 111 and password 112 are entered, as in many other conventional log-in procedures. If the user is not yet a member, then the option 113 is clicked on.
  • the member profile screen of FIGURE 13 may be displayed, again which is self-explanatory. If desired, the member profile screen of FIGURE 13 may be displayed whenever log-in is clicked on, allowing one to update his or her profile, as illustrated at option 114 in FIGURE 13. Ultimately, when the member services option 59 is selected, the screen of FIGURE 14 may be displayed. The selection of option 59 may result in the display of a wide variety of service options depending upon the member services available.
  • Some of the services, illustrated schematically in FIGURE 14, are the member profile option 115 (which returns to the screen of FIGURE 13), the address book option 75 (where an address book may be created, updated, or utilized), a scheduling reminder option 116 (which will allow storage, and e-mail reminders, of upcoming dates), and an order history option 117 which, if selected, displays all of the orders that the user has selected in the past (for example to make sure that he or she does not send the same card to the same person more than once, etc.).
  • the member profile option 115 which returns to the screen of FIGURE 13
  • the address book option 75 where an address book may be created, updated, or utilized
  • a scheduling reminder option 116 which will allow storage, and e-mail reminders, of upcoming dates
  • an order history option 117 which, if selected, displays all of the orders that the user has selected in the past (for example to make sure that he or she does not send the same card to the same person more than once, etc.).
  • FIGURE 16 schematically shows an exemplary method according to the invention which includes the production of a plastic or paper (plain or laminated with transparent plastic) gift card that can be included with the greeting card 32.
  • the gift card may be of a variety of sizes, but preferably is the size of a conventional credit, phone or I.D. card (e.g., between about 3-4 x 1.5-2.5 inches, and all narrower ranges within that broad range (such as 3.4 x 2.15 inches)).
  • An exemplary gift card is shown schematically at 120 in FIG. 17.
  • a user may select a gift card (such as card 120) to be included with greeting card 32.
  • the gift card e.g., 120
  • the gift card may be one that is encoded with particular information (e.g., via a magnetic strip, RF technology, bar code, or any other suitable conventional technique) to make it useful to access, receive discounts for, and/or purchase suitable goods, services, or the like.
  • Non- limiting examples include phone cards, debit cards, membership cards (allowing access to a private club, discounts at a buying service or other establishment, etc.), identification cards, and key cards.
  • a screen may be displayed -- as indicated schematically by element 124 in FIG. 16 -- asking if the user wants to personalize the gift card. If the user does, then a screen like that of FIG. 7 (only simplified and for a gift card instead of a greeting card) may be displayed.
  • the personal message e.g., such as indicated schematically at 126 for the gift card and 125 in FIG. 17 -- will be imaged on the gift card.
  • the personal message may be the same as or different from the message 54, 62, etc., for the greeting card 32.
  • Inputting of the personal message - schematically indicated at 126 in FIG. 16 -- may be with keyboard 15, or in any other suitable conventional manner.
  • Option 128 may be to glue -- e.g., by hot melt glue 129 (FIG. 17) -- a plastic gift card 121 to an inside panel (or gift certificate panel) of a greeting card 32, as seen in FIG. 17.
  • a gift card 131 can be printed on the paper of gift certificate panel 33, with or without personal message 125, as seen in FIG. 18.
  • the gift card 131 may be separated by one or more lines of weakness (such as die cut lines, pert lines, etc.) 133 from the rest of the panel 31.
  • the card 131 is separated from panel 31 by the recipient of card 32, along the lines 133.
  • lamination of one or both faces of paper gift card 131 with a clear plastic may optionally (or necessarily upon utilization of 130) be provided.
  • the final procedure shown in FIG. 16 is at 136, where provision of a magnetic strip, etc., may be provided on a gift card 120, 131 regardless of the nature of the card and anything else associated therewith.
  • FIGURES 19 - 21 schematically show various modifications of cards 131 that may be provided, either formed separately from a paper substrate, or formed as part of the panel 31 (the cards 131 being shown separated from the panel 31 in FIGS. 19-21).
  • FIGS. 19-21 the paper substrate is shown by reference numeral 140, and all layers are shown greatly enlarged and in exaggerated relative size, for clarity of illustration.
  • an encoded magnetic strip 141 is shown on one face of substrate 140 of card 143, with personalized indicia 144 on the opposite face and having a transparent plastic laminate 145 thereover.
  • an RF antenna 146 and RF chip 147 are shown on one face of card 148 (separated by a dielectric 149), with laminates 145 on both faces. Any other known RF technology may alternatively be utilized.
  • FIG. 21 shows a card 150 having personalized indicia 144 on one face, laminates 145 on both faces, and no strip, RF elements, etc., although the indicia 151 may include encoding or indicia that makes the card 150 particularly valuable.
  • the equipment to make, secure, pert, laminate, image, apply magnetic strips or use RF technology, etc., associated with the FIGS. 16-21 embodiments is entirely conventional per se, and may be utilized right along with other equipment for making the cards 32 from a web of paper or the like.
  • the facility 10 will automatically image a plurality of multicolored (that is a plurality of colors besides black, white and gray) physical greeting cards 32 having image graphics and text, with associated gift cards 120, 131 , etc., and the cards will be physically transmitted to the appropriate respective recipient addresses, as indicated schematically at 26 in FIGURE 1 , e.g. by mailing.
  • a plurality of multicolored that is a plurality of colors besides black, white and gray

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

Selon cette invention, un réseau informatique étendu tel qu'un réseau mondial permet de commander des cartes de voeux auprès de plusieurs terminaux distants donc chacun comprend un moniteur et un sélecteur. Lorsque l'accès au serveur central se fait à partir de terminaux distants, les options sélectionnables depuis les terminaux accédant au serveur sont affichées sur les moniteurs des terminaux; elles comprennent l'image de la carte de voeux, un message, des éléments personnalisés de la carte, l'adresse du destinataire, le mode de paiement, une carte-prime et des options similaires. En réponse aux choix opérés depuis le terminal accédant au serveur, plusieurs cartes de voeux multicolores comportant des graphismes et du texte sont imprimées au bureau central de production d'images; ces cartes de voeux sont ensuite envoyées physiquement (p.ex., par la poste) aux adresses correspondantes des destinataires sélectionnés. On produit la carte de voeux et la carte-prime qui l'accompagne au moyen d'une bande ou d'une feuille de papier continue, en fusionnant des modèles variables avec des données de texte variables et des images graphiques détachées, et ce dans le cadre d'un processus continu au cours duquel les mises en page, les images graphiques et les textes changent d'une carte à l'autre de façon indépendante à mesure que plusieurs cartes sont produites séquentiellement lors d'un seul et même processus continu. Les cartes de voeux peuvent être en papier ou en plastique, elles peuvent être personnalisées et/ou comporter une bande magnétique et des informations/données codées au moyen d'une technologie HF, une des faces de la carte ou les deux étant généralement laminées dans du plastique transparent.
EP00928774A 1999-05-12 2000-05-04 Acheminement de cartes de voeux et de cartes-primes a travers un reseau informatique mondial Withdrawn EP1145165A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US31010499A 1999-05-12 1999-05-12
US310104 1999-05-12
US41987499A 1999-10-15 1999-10-15
US419874 1999-10-15
PCT/US2000/012036 WO2000070517A2 (fr) 1999-05-12 2000-05-04 Acheminement de cartes de voeux et de cartes-primes a travers un reseau informatique mondial

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1145165A2 EP1145165A2 (fr) 2001-10-17
EP1145165A3 true EP1145165A3 (fr) 2002-02-06

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Family Applications (1)

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EP00928774A Withdrawn EP1145165A3 (fr) 1999-05-12 2000-05-04 Acheminement de cartes de voeux et de cartes-primes a travers un reseau informatique mondial

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Country Link
EP (1) EP1145165A3 (fr)
JP (1) JP2003530615A (fr)
AU (1) AU4695600A (fr)
BR (1) BR0006125A (fr)
CA (1) CA2337528A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2000070517A2 (fr)

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JP2003530615A (ja) 2003-10-14
EP1145165A2 (fr) 2001-10-17
WO2000070517A8 (fr) 2001-11-08
BR0006125A (pt) 2001-03-27
WO2000070517A2 (fr) 2000-11-23
AU4695600A (en) 2000-12-05
CA2337528A1 (fr) 2000-11-23

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