JP2003530615A - Method of supplying greeting card and gift card via global computer network - Google Patents

Abstract

  (57) [Summary] A wide area (eg, global) computer network provides greeting card orders from a plurality of remote control terminals, each including a monitor and a selector. When access to the central server is obtained using a remote control terminal, options for selection by the access terminal include greeting card images, messages, card personalization, payee addresses, payment methods, gift cards and the like. Will be displayed on the terminal monitor including the option In response to a selection made by the access terminal, a plurality of multicolor physical greeting cards are printed on the central imaging device with the imaged graphics and text, and the greeting cards are sent to the appropriate selected respective recipient. Physically transmitted (for example, mail (mail)) to the address. The generation of a greeting card, and the associated gift card selected, is made using a continuous paper web or sheet by combining the variable template with the variable text data and the lip graphic image in a continuous process. Preferably, in this process, the layout, graphic images and text, which vary from card to card independently as a plurality of cards, are generated in sequence in the same continuous process. Gift cards are paper, plastic, personalized, and / or have data / information encoded on one or both sides of a paper card laminated with magnetic strips and RF technology, typically transparent plastic.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part application of US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 310,104 filed May 12, 1999.

[0002]

[Prior art]

The widespread use of greeting cards (also known as social remorse cards) to friends, family and co-workers is important for many cultures, especially major holidays and important personal data such as birthdays and anniversaries. Is very popular in. But choosing, buying, and shipping greeting cards in a timely manner is time-consuming, requires energy-intensive procedures, and puts a lot of people waiting until the very end.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

In order to minimize the time and energy spent shipping greeting cards, many people, even original ones, say that they are greeting from a home or office computer over a global computer network (eg the Internet). Uses an internet-based system that can accept card orders. In addition, a gift certificate or even a gift can be shipped at the same time as, ie with, the greeting card. Current systems for providing and ordering greeting cards over global computer networks have been successful, but often greeting cards are either completely pre-determined or use tedious techniques on already prepared cards. It is a personalized message that adds what is imprinted by it. Moreover, many options and sophisticated display of cards and associated services are not as complete or effective as desired. Also, in a typical ordering system, once an order is placed,
Since the card is printed and emailed shortly thereafter, all that is required to purchase the card must be emailed by the provider when approaching an event directed directly at a greeting or social remorse. Or registering an email shipment for a future date is not easy. Furthermore, matching gift cards with cards, and especially gift cards that have already been prepared, is difficult.

In accordance with the present invention, methods and configurations that significantly increase manufacturing quality and speed reduce the cost of automatic control and greatly improve the flexibility and options available in card and gift certificate selection and manufacturing. be able to. According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently produce a large variety of unique documents that are composed on-the-fly (in a continuous process) in which layouts, images and text can be changed independently from page to page. . This document can be printed and transmitted physically or electronically. The present invention is particularly desirable when implemented using a fully-processed color press such as the Xeikon digital press, which at its constant speed is again composed of a myriad of variable layouts, color images and text. Documents are generated. Preferably, the database-driven workflow is designed to take advantage of the capabilities of various variable image systems and the digital press described above, such as batch jobs, print distribution, resource management, status checking, etc. Provides features. Multiple documents can be generated in one run length. By using the present invention, it is possible to reduce sales costs and workflow related costs such as prepress. Gift vouchers can be generated simultaneously from the same web of paper as greeting cards, and can also be linked to the greeting card via weakened lines (like perforations), or separately from the envelope and separately. It can also be inserted. In order to organize the issuing and authenticating of electronic gift certificates, it is possible to print information about the electronic certificate directly on the card. Each of these procedures minimizes matching difficulties and minimizes mismatches.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

According to one aspect of the present invention, a method of providing and ordering greeting cards over a wide area computer network (eg, a global computer network such as the Internet), the method comprising: , Including drivers such as the Moore XL open driver available from Moore North America, Inc., Lake Forest, IL), and preferably (although this is not absolutely necessary) a full process such as a Zeicon printer. A color digital press, a plurality of remote terminals, each of these remote terminals being a monitor and a selector (such as a home PC or an office PC connected to the Internet) and a different location, and a central image device (essentially Everywhere in the world The arrangement being), and at least one server. This method comprises the steps of (a) using multiple remote terminals to gain access to a server simultaneously or in sequence over a wide area computer network; (b) greeting card images, messages, personalized cards, recipient addresses. Displaying access terminal monitor options for selection by the access terminal, including, and payment options; and (c) automatically multiple image graphics and text at the central imaging device depending on the selection made by the access terminal. Automatically imaging a multicolored physical greeting card of ;; (d) generating a gift card for each of at least some greeting cards; and (e) having a greeting card as provided. Gi (F) physically (or electronically, or by delivering the disc) the greeting card obtained in step (c) to each appropriate recipient address selected for it; ) Transmitting step. In this method, step (c) is performed by merging the variable template with variable text data and a ripped graphic image (eg, pre-ripped or pre-ripped and / or ripped "on the fly" (in continuous processing)) in a continuous process. In-process layout, graphic images and text are independently changed from card to card so that multiple cards are generated sequentially in the same continuous process.

Each greeting card is a postcard, but preferably has multiple image panels (eg, two, three or more) and step (b) is a greeting card. Preferably, all of the image panels of are selected to be displayed on the access terminal monitor at the same time. Generally, the greeting card is generated from a paper web or sheet, and step (b) is preferably performed to display a gift certificate (or bank note), and step (c) is by the access terminal. In response to the gift certificate selection, the selected gifts on the same paper web or sheet, in close proximity to or in the number of contiguous greeting cards selected with the gift certificate (for electronic certification). It is performed by imaging a ticket (or bank bill). In addition, step (c) is a gift voucher ((
Or a bank note), and step (c) further comprises separating the gift voucher (or bank note) attached to the greeting card along the weakened line, the method further comprising: Between (c) and (f), there is the step of inserting the greeting card and the attached gift voucher into the envelope manually or using conventional automation equipment, the envelope having the address imaged on the card. Either a window envelope, or the label is imaged on the envelope itself, or the address is imaged directly on the envelope, or the envelope is formed inline with the imaged address directly on the envelope. Is. Alternatively, step (c) is performed by separating the gift certificate from the greeting card. Also, the method further comprises, between steps (c) and (f), inserting a gift voucher separated from the gift card into the envelope.

In this method, step (d) includes a personalization message provided on a gift card that is the same as or different from any card personalization selected for the greeting card with which the gift card is associated. It can be partially executed by selecting or inputting. The gift card is mounted on the greeting card by conventional hot melt gluing or other commonly used attachment methods so that it can be easily separated from the greeting card. Generally, a greeting card has a gift voucher portion and also includes a step (e
) Is attached to the gift certificate part of the gift card with hot melt glue. In this method, steps (d) and (e) are performed on a plastic or paper gift card with or without magnetic strips, RF techniques or the like. If the gift card is paper, steps (d) and (e) are performed by directly imaging the gift card or by imaging the gift voucher portion of the greeting card. The method preferably further comprises the step of laminating at least one side of the gift card with clear plastic before carrying out step (f). Further, the method comprises step (f)
Preferably, it further comprises specially encoding the magnetic strip or RF technique information onto the gift card before the step is performed.

According to another aspect of the invention, a combination greeting card and gift card has first and second opposite ends and a fold line substantially parallel to and between the opposite ends. The greeting card defines four panels including a front panel, a rear panel, a first intermediate panel facing the front panel, and a second intermediate panel facing the rear panel, the first end of which includes the front panel and the first intermediate panel. Related, a paper greeting card whose second end is associated with the rear panel and a second intermediate panel; a multicolored display on the front panel containing a multicolored graphic image; automatically imaged on the second intermediate panel Standard greeting card text display and original text display.

For example, a greeting card has a gift voucher panel integrally formed between them, and the gift card is operatively attached to the gift voucher panel. In a further variation, the gift card has an originalized text display automatically imaged on it. The gift card is plastic and is glued to the gift certificate panel. Gift cards include encoded magnetic strips or RF technology. The gift card is an integral part of the gift certificate panel and is separated therefrom by one or more weak lines. Magnetic strip or RF encoded gift card
Includes technology. Generally, at least one side of a gift card is laminated with clear plastic.

The general attributes of the system and method according to the invention are: scalar capacity for rapid growth, flexible architecture for rapid adjustment to changing business needs, industrial standards (CORBA, Open architecture based on (such as DCOM), efficient use of hardware (such as multithreading for parallel processing), use of commercially available software (eg SQL database), different modules It includes off-the-shelf interfaces with common systems (eg, SAP, Lawson, etc.) that provide the security needed to do so and also provide full backup, restore, compact, and restore capabilities. The attribute desired by the high level functionality of the system and method is the ability to repair. The attributes that the high-level functions of the system and method desire (not all need to be implemented) are:

[0011]

[Table 1]

[Table 2]

[Table 3]

[Table 4]

[Table 5]

[Table 6]

[Table 7]

[Table 8]

[Table 9]

[Table 10]

[Table 11] A first object of the present invention is the ordering of greeting cards (typically with gift cards) with increased speed, versatility, validity and accuracy over a wide range of computer networks (eg Internet). Is to provide manufacturing. This and other objects of the invention will be apparent from a detailed description of the invention and a review of the appended claims.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the basic concept of how to provide and order a greeting card over a wide area computer network (in this case a global computer network such as the Internet). The system shown in FIG. 1 includes at least one central imager 10, and preferably includes a high technology driver 11 and a full process color digital press printer 12. The driver 11 preferably comprises a variable image system such as the XL Open System available from Moore North America, Inc. of Lake Forest, Illinois. This XL Open, or similar variable image system, can effectively create a large number of unique and varied documents, with layouts, graphic images (such as photos, drawings, etc.) and text on the fly (continuous). Processing) and can be changed from page to page independently. The printer 12 is a Zaicon printer.

The system of FIG. 1 also includes a plurality of remote control terminals 13, only two of which are shown in FIG. 1, but generally a number of different terminals, preferably home or office personal computers ( PC) is included. Each terminal 13 is in a different location than the other terminals and the central imager 10. Each of the terminals 13 comprises a monitor 14 and a selector shown schematically at 15. Although monitor 14 is shown as a computer monitor, it may be a television monitor, dumb terminal, or the like. Selector 15 can be comprised of any conventional selector. Although primarily described herein is a mouse with two selector buttons, it is understood that any conventional selector such as a keyboard, "touch screen", etc. can be provided.

The system of FIG. 1 further comprises at least one server, shown schematically at 16 in FIG. 1, which is generally a global computer network server, shown schematically at 17 such as the World Wide Web. It is operatively connected to a remote control terminal 13 via a wide area computer network. Various data files
Related to server 16 like image / text paragraph selection, ie card data file 18, frequently used customer profile file 1
9, a gift voucher selection data file 20, a data file 21 for promoting a user who supports a card, and the like. The server 16 has an electronic connection part,
Credit card transaction double-headed arrow 22 and bank symbol 2 in Figure 1.
It is associated with banks as indicated by 3.

Card orders are provided from the server 16 to the order database, as indicated generally by the arrow 24 in FIG. Order database 25 including computer storage
Provides the order information to the central image device 10.

The card created by driver 11 is electronically transmitted, preferably printed on printer 12, and physically transmitted, such as by mail, as schematically shown at 26 in FIG. . Generally, mailing or other physical transmission will be from the central imager 10. An express delivery option is also provided, including manual delivery by overnight courier, etc., if the recipient of the card is geographically close to the central imaging device 10.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates variable card image processing utilizing the system of FIG. 1, and particularly shows an XL open variable image system 11 associated with a Xeikon printer 12. The variable template, shown schematically at 27 in FIG. 2, the variable data 28, and the pre-ripped image, shown schematically at 29 in FIG. 2, are combined at high speed to produce the sequence shown schematically at 30 in FIG. A composite page image is generated and then printed in full color. A "template" is a set of placeholders for fixed text, images and variable text and images located at certain locations with certain attributes. A variable placeholder (shown as 27 in FIG. 2) is filled based on input data running variable image processing, for example from the order database 25.

In addition to utilizing the pre-ripped image, the on-the-fly ripped image is composited with the pre-ripped image. Alternatively, only the on-the-fly ripped image can be used.

3A and 3B show at 31 the construction of a single greeting card and gift certificate generated in accordance with the present invention. This configuration 31 is preferably a different card,
Alternatively, it is made from a paper web in a continuous process by different sections of the web that define the composition of cards and gift certificates that are distinct from each other, and is also made using conventional equipment. Alternatively, the configuration 31 can be created from a single sheet in the sheet feeding and printing process.

The configuration 31 includes a paper greeting card 32 and a gift certificate (or bank note) 33 integrally formed with and continuous with the greeting card 32 and weakened lines 34 (such as perforations). Consists of. The greeting card 32 has a first end 35 and a second end opposite the first end, which in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B coincides with the perforation line 34, and between these ends 34, 35 substantially. Has a fold line 36 parallel to the. The greeting card 32 is defined by the element 34 and the front panel 37 (FIG. 3B) via the fold line 36.
, A rear panel 38 (FIG. 3B), a first intermediate panel 39 (FIG. 3A) and a second intermediate panel 40 (FIG. 3A). The first end 35 is associated with the front panel 37 and the first intermediate panel 39, respectively, and the second end 34 is associated with the rear panel 38 and the second intermediate panel 40, respectively.

The multi-color certificate includes multi-color graphics, as schematically shown at 41 in FIG. 3B, and is imaged (automatically imaged) on the front panel 37. Depending on the specific configuration 31, text may be added to the multicolor graphic image 41 and imaged on the front panel 37. The rear panel 38 may also be imaged, for example, with advertising text and / or graphics shown schematically at 42 in FIG. 3B, or may indicate the name of the institution that prints the card 32, and so on.

Card 32 also includes a standard greeting card text certificate, shown schematically at 43 in FIG. 3A, and a personalized text certificate, shown schematically at 44 in FIG. 3A,
It is automatically imaged on the second intermediate panel 40. Graphics can also be imaged on it, as shown schematically at 45 in FIG. 3A. Graphics 45 also comprises a graphic "signature".

Gift certificate (or bank note) 33 has a suitable gift certificate (or bank note) certificate imaged thereon, shown schematically at 46 in both FIGS. 3A and 3B. The certificate 46 includes the name of the founder who collects it, the amount of money, and an identification number (a serial number for safety) certificate, and is automatically imaged on one side or both sides of the gift certificate 33.

After generation of the structure 31 and after distinguishing it from other cards or cards in a paper web from proof, the structure 31 is folded at the fold line 36 and the perforation line 34,
Inserted into an electronically matched envelope 47, which has an address certificate 48 (or visible therethrough) thereon as shown in the form of a label as shown in FIG. 3A. There is. The configuration 31 is then mailed or delivered to the named recipient on the variable address 48.

FIG. 4 is an embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 3A, in which only the gift certificate 33 is separated from the second end 34 of the card 32. The gift certificate 33 is then inserted into the envelope 47, or otherwise an envelope is attached (such as by forming an envelope around the card and gift certificate).

One form in which the desired attributes described above can be implemented is shown in FIGS. 5 to 14 schematically show typical screens that appear on the monitor 14, and FIG. 15 is a high level flow sheet that implements one of the attributes described above.

FIG. 5 shows three basic options, selection options 49, 50 and 51.
Can be selected on the access terminal 13 at the home page associated with the server 16 including. One easy way to select options 49-51 is to move the cursor with the mouse and click on it. Before clicking on option 49, one of the general categories of cards, generally indicated at 52, may be selected first.

FIG. 6 shows a typical card selector screen, for example, a state in which “love” is first selected from the element 52 and then clicked on the selector 49 in FIG. On the greeting card selector screen of FIG. 6, a plurality of possible card graphic images, shown generally at 53, and an internal message 54
And also includes the option to allow the upload or search of a graphic image 55 of a person, or the option to first select an inner message before selecting the cover shown at 56 to a person. Other options at the bottom of the screen of FIG. 6, select another product by clicking 57, and select 58.
Electronic "shopping cart" and "member service" of the person instructed at
Ship to Option 59. Alternatively, it is possible to return to the previous screen (for example, FIG. 5) by clicking the arrow 60.

By clicking on one of the images 53, the user at the terminal 13 can personalize the greeting card. For example, clicking on the leftmost image 53 in FIG. 6 provides the screen of FIG. 7, which is an originalization of the card screen. On the screen of Fig. 7, image 53 and verse 5 inside the card
4 is displayed and the area underneath the heading "Personal Message" is provided, shown schematically at 61 in FIG. By tabbing into the personal message box 61, clicking, or alternatively typing in it, the user may select any desired personal message (eg, selector 15 of FIG. 7) as schematically illustrated at 62 in FIG. You can enter it (via the keyboard). Many other options may also be provided, such as font selection options 63 and color (for type) options 64. In addition, for cards that have a message on the front panel (shown at 37 in FIG. 3B), the message or the opportunity to customize it can be provided as shown by dashed line 65 in FIG. 6
There is also the possibility of selecting a part of the text as shown in 6. Also, a graphic "signature" selection box 67 is preferably provided, and a font selection option 68 associated therewith is preferably provided.

On the same screen of FIG. 7, there are preferably other option selections such as request / option 69 for selecting a gift certificate (33). While it is not necessary to click on option 69 to select a gift voucher from a company or a particular advertising company indicated by its instructions 70, the advertisement 70 may include a graphic image 53 and / or an internal message 54 (eg, , Provided on panel 40 in FIG. 3A). For example, in FIG.
As shown in, the advertisement 70 is displayed for the outdoor image 53 and the message 54.
Comes from an outdoor products company.

Another selection possibility / option displayed in FIG. 7 is image selection option 7.
1 and can change image 53, select paper type / size option 72 (for example, recycled paper or virgin paper, traditional size greeting card, or oversized card, etc. can be selected), and option 73 can be changed. You can also choose stamps or other shipping options.

The screen of FIG. 7 also includes an option to enter recipient address information 74, provided that the user has the address information stored in association with server 16 and database 19. The address book can be used by clicking on option 75.

Future shipping date option 76 is provided so that the greeting card 32 can be purchased with ample time in the days prior to being notified that the greeting card 32 has been received without having to access the system shown in FIG. Is provided. It is very user friendly and clear, with a separate box where you can select the year, month and day of shipment, and it is kept in computer memory (eg in the order database 25 or database 19) and then the order is The user is provided to the central printing device 10 from the computer memory at the appropriate time without any action required.
Alternatively, as the day approaches, option 76 is simply provided to the system by the user in a call-up (eg, by email), and the user can confirm the selection or otherwise. .

At the bottom left of the screen of FIG. 7, there are a number of other options, some of which are shown in FIG.
The screen is the same, but some are different. For example, option 77 may require you to see a preview of the finished product, while option 78 allows you to perform another message for computer search for certain keywords, using the screen of FIG. Hope to incorporate.

Assuming that the option 77 is clicked, a screen as shown in FIG. 8, that is, a greeting card preview screen is displayed on the monitor 14. The preview screen of FIG. 8 is displayed on the monitor 14 and at the same time all the imaged panels of the greeting card, eg card 32, are generated. Finally Figure 3A
8 and 3B, the front panel 37 and the second intermediate panel 40 are displayed in substantially all conditions, and the first intermediate panel 39 and the rear panel 38 are shown in FIG. It is preferable to display the advertising instructions, such as indicated at 42 on the rear panel 38, and the advertising logo 79 provided on the panel 39, or other instructions. Once the gift certificate is selected, it can also be displayed as shown schematically at 33 in FIG.

The options 74, 76 of FIG. 8 which are the same as in FIG. 7 will have the certificate added in FIG. 7 and can be double checked if the certificate is added here. The screen of FIG. 8 has other options on the lower left, similar to those of FIG. 7, and option 80 indicates that the card has been selected (also sent to the "shopping cart" in general). ).

If the gift certificate option 69 of FIG. 7 is selected, the screen next changes to the gift certificate of FIG. 9 (
And / or bank bills) screen. It has multiple selector options 82, and therefore gift certificate selection (initialization selection) is not performed either if it involves a number of different companies or if no company is interested. The title of the gift certificate is entered in the option box 84 shown in FIG. 9, and the quantity of the gift certificate is selected using the option box 85. Gift certificate 8 of outdoor equipment company
Assuming that 2 is selected, when the card 32 is printed, the gift certificate 33
Is printed as the appropriate indicia for the company.

In another selection option of FIG. 9, the screen is displayed as option 86 (eg, FIG. 3A).
And generate a 3B configuration) to attach the gift voucher to the card or click on 87 (optional in FIG. 4) to enclose the gift voucher with the greeting card. Good.

When option 73 is selected from FIG. 7, a screen as shown in FIG. 10 appears and a plurality of different stamp formats / options 88, or “Please select another stamp” is selected.
It has (default) option 89, or option 90 for selecting other shipping options (such as courier service, insured mail, etc.).
The same standard options, such as the "Return to Screen" option 60, are also provided at the bottom left of the screen of FIG. Option 91 will bring you back to the screen in Figure 7.

The screen displayed when clicking on option 72 is similar to the screen of FIG. 10, but only includes the paper type and size options instead of different stamp options.

Whenever the shopping cart option 58 is selected, a screen like that of FIG. 11 appears. Preferably, the shopping cart screen 11 displays all pertinent information about the card, or the card (and if a gift certificate or bank note is selected) option is displayed. For example, front panel graphics image 53, selected stamp 92, company providing gift certificate 93, personal message 62, and recipient certificate 94 provided in option 74.
Is also displayed and includes mail / transmission data selected in response to the date display option 76 shown at 95 in FIG. This can quickly check all pertinent information. In addition, the cost is displayed as shown at 96. The total cost categorized by greeting card, gift certificate, sales ticket, etc. is also displayed as indicated at 97, depending on the number of cards / tickets selected. FIG. 11 also displays payment options, shown schematically at 98, preferably a credit or debit card, with standard fields entered by using the selector 15 at the user's remote control terminal 15. Have Once all the information has been entered and checked, the order will be executed by clicking on option 99. Alternatively, if the user wants to subsidize the cost (thus reducing the cost of the greeting card), option 100 can be implemented. When option 100 is executed, the steps outlined by the high level flow sheet of FIG. 15 are executed (the high level flow sheet of FIG. 15 is shown in place of the screen).

For example, one scenario when option 100 is selected, as shown in FIG. 15, is whether the user has completed the search, as schematically shown at 101 in FIG. It is a question. When "No" is selected, the monitor 13 is returned to the screen of FIG. If "yes" is selected, the search is displayed as shown at 102. When the search is complete and presented as indicated by selection box 103 in FIG. 15, the discount rate is displayed at 104. If the search is not complete or is not presented, monitor 14 is returned to the shopping cart screen of FIG. Once the discount is displayed at 104 on monitor 14, one or more messages are displayed as shown at 105 (or concurrently with the discount). If neither message is appropriate, the user can quietly withdraw from the grant and monitor 14 will return to the shopping cart of FIG. However, the ad (
Advertisement) message is selected in decision box 106 and the user then selects 10 in FIG.
A question is asked as to whether another preview (screen of FIG. 8) is desired, as shown schematically in 7. If so, a new preview is displayed as shown at 108 (including the screen of FIG. 8, advertising message 42 and / or 79). If no preview is needed, then box 108 is skipped.

Finally, the user is asked if discounts and advertising messages are allowed as indicated by decision box 109. If you decline, you are immediately returned to the shopping cart, as indicated at 58, but there are no recalculated numbers. If "yes" is selected, the total is recalculated as shown at 110 (ie the discount is subtracted from the number shown on the screen of FIG. 11) and the recalculated amount is displayed on the screen of FIG. Is displayed.

When the member login option 50 of FIG. 5 is selected, a representative logon screen looks like that shown in FIG. This screen is self-explanatory. If the user is already a member, ID 111 and password 112 are entered by many other conventional login procedures. Option 11 if the user is not yet a member
3 is clicked.

Once the login has occurred, the member profile screen of FIG. 13 is again displayed, at least when option 113 is selected. If desired, the member profile screen of FIG. 13 may be displayed whenever login is clicked, and the user's profile is shown in FIG.
It can be updated as shown at 14. Finally, when the member service option 59 is selected, the screen of FIG. 14 is displayed.

Selection of option 59 displays a wide variety of different service options depending on the member services available. Some of the services outlined in FIG. 14 include Member Profile Options 115 (return to screen of FIG. 13).
, Address book option 75 (address book created, updated, or used),
A schedule reminder option 116 (to handle near-term storage and email reminders) and an order history option 117, which when selected will display all orders that the user has previously selected (eg, , Users guarantee that they will not ship the same card to the same person twice.)

All other options not specifically described above, such as options 51, 55, 56, 71, 63, 64, 66, etc., are on various screen options that perform the appropriate function indicated. Is displayed in.

FIG. 16 schematically illustrates an exemplary method according to the present invention, which includes a plastic or paper (plain or clear plastic laminate) gift card that can include a greeting card 32. The gift card can be a variety of sizes, but is preferably a size of a conventional credit card, phone or ID card (eg, about 3-4 x 1.5-2.5 inches, and within wide limits). There are all narrower ranges at (such as 3.4 x 2.15 inches) A representative gift card is shown schematically at 120 in FIG.

At any stage of manufacture of the greeting card 32 (eg, after selecting all of its elements, shown schematically at 121 in FIG. 16), in response to the question indicated by element 122 in FIG. 16 ( This question is displayed on screen 14), 1 in FIG.
The user may select a gift card (such as card 120), including greeting card 32, as shown generally at 23. Gift card (eg 120
) Contains specific information (eg magnetic strip, RF) to make the connection valid.
Technology, barcode, or any other suitable conventional technique) for accessing, discounting, and accessing the appropriate products, services, etc.
Or) buy these. Non-limiting examples include phone cards, debit cards, membership cards (allowing access to private clubs, purchasing services or other organizations, etc.), ID cards and key cards.

If the user wants a gift card, the screen outlined in element 16 in FIG. 16 is displayed, asking whether the user wants the gift card to be original.
If the user so desires, a screen similar to that of FIG. 7 (simplified, gift card instead of greeting card) is displayed. For example, a personal message is imaged on the gift card, as schematically shown at 126 for a gift card and as shown at 125 in FIG. This personal message may be the same as or different from message 54, 62, etc. for greeting card 32. Inputting a personal message, as shown schematically at 126 in FIG. 16, is via the keyboard 15 or any other suitable conventional method.

As shown schematically in box 127 of FIG. 16, only one option is offered for the make and / or type of gift card (eg, 120), or multiple options are identified. It is possible and available in any situation. Option 128 is a plastic gift card 121, such as by hot melt gluing 129 (FIG. 17), as shown in FIG.
It can be glued to the two inner panels (or gift certificate panels). Alternatively, as shown at 130 in FIG. 16, the gift card 131 may or may not have the gift certificate panel 33 with or without the personal message 125 as shown in FIG.
Can be printed on paper. The gift card 131 is a panel 3 with one or more weakened lines 133 (such as die cut lines, perforations, etc.)
It may be separated from the rest of 1. The card 131 is separated from the panel 31 by the recipient of the card 32 along line 133.

As shown by element 134 in FIG. 16, there are also options to include such things as magnetic strips, RF techniques, barcodes, or encoding into card 131 (ie not necessarily only 130 utilization is provided. May be). Further, as shown at 135 in FIG. 16, one or both sides of the paper gift card 131 may optionally be laminated with clear plastic (ie, not necessarily 130).

The final step shown in FIG. 16 is 136, where preparations such as magnetic strips can be provided on the gift cards 120, 131 regardless of the features of the card and anything else related thereto.

FIGS. 19-21 schematically show various modifications of the card, whether formed separately from a paper substrate or as part of the panel 31 (see FIG.
-21 and shown separately from the panel 31) may be provided or provided. In each of FIGS. 19-21, the paper substrate is shown at 140, and all layers are much enlarged and exaggerated for clarity of illustration.

In FIG. 19, the encoded magnetic strip 141 is shown on one side of the substrate 140 of the card 143, with the original certificate 144 on the opposite side, and the transparent plastic laminate 145 on it. In FIG. 20, an RF antenna 146 and an RF chip 147 are shown on one side of a card 148 in a laminate 145 on both sides (separated by a dielectric 149). Other known R
The F technique is available as an alternative. 21 shows the original certificate 144 on one side.
Showing a card 150 having a laminate (laminate) 145 on both sides and an RF element or the like on one side, the certificate 151 including an encoding part or a certificate,
This makes the card 150 particularly valuable.

Equipment for ensuring perforations, perfs, laminates, images, application of magnetic strips or use of RF techniques, etc., in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. The 32 can be utilized with other equipment for making webs of paper or the like.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the server 16 can be accessed via the wide area computer network 17 by using the plurality of remote control terminals 13 in synchronization or in sequence. On the access terminal monitor 14, greeting card image 53/41, message 54/43, card originalization 62/44, recipient address 74/75, payment 98, gift certificate 69/82, advertisement grant 100, 105, stamp 73, etc. / 88, paper type / size 72, future shipping dates 76, order history and important date data 116, 117, graphic image update or search 55, artist registration and update 51, options, and a wide range of gift card options. Options for selection by the access terminal 13 are displayed. In response to these selections, device 10 automatically provides physical greeting card 32 with image graphics and text associated with gift cards 120, 131, etc., in a plurality of multi-color (ie, black, white and gray). Image in multiple colors except. The card can also be shipped to a physically appropriate individual recipient address (schematically indicated at 26 in FIG. 1), for example by mail.

Although the present invention has been shown and described herein in what is believed to be its most practicable and preferred embodiments at present, numerous modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Within the scope of the following, this range is consistent with the claims as broadly construed to cover all equivalent methods and products.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   FIG. 6 is a schematic high level diagrammatic representation of an exemplary method according to the present invention.

[Fig. 2]   FIG. 6 is a more detailed schematic diagram showing various card image processing in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an internal form and an external form, respectively, showing one form of a combined gift card and gift certificate according to the present invention.

FIG. 3B is an internal and external view showing one form of a combined gift card and gift certificate according to the present invention.

[Figure 4]   FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modified form of the gift card and the gift certificate of FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 5 is a representative schematic diagram of a home page screen showing one representative form of performing the method according to the present invention.

[Figure 6]   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

[Figure 7]   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

[Figure 8]   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

[Figure 9]   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

[Figure 10]   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

FIG. 11   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

[Fig. 12]   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

[Fig. 13]   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

FIG. 14   FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary screen for performing the method according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a high-level flow diagram illustrating one exemplary form of implementing an advertising-facilitated feature utilized to implement the method according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a high level flow diagram illustrating a modification of the method according to the invention in which a gift card is generated in association with a greeting card.

17 is a schematic perspective view showing two different embodiments of the greeting card / gift card combination generated by the method of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view showing two different embodiments of the greeting card / gift card combination generated by the method of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a side schematic view, greatly enlarged to clarify the illustration of a gift card as such, produced and utilized in accordance with the present invention, and with its elements exaggerated in relative dimensions. Is.

FIG. 20 is a side schematic view of a gift card produced and utilized in accordance with the present invention, greatly enlarged to clarify the illustration and exaggerated in relative dimensions to show its elements. Is.

FIG. 21 is a side schematic view, greatly enlarged to clarify the illustration of a gift card as such produced and utilized in accordance with the present invention, and with its elements exaggerated in relative dimensions. Is.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) B42D 15/10 531 B42D 15/10 531A G07B 1/00 G07B 1/00 E G07G 1/12 321 G07G 1 / 12 321L 321P 1/14 1/14 (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT , SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AL, AM, A , AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW , MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Glulic, Kenneth Earl. United States 14174 Youngstown, NY Riverview Drive 400 (72) Inventor Broad, Thomas M. United States 14139 South Wales New York Carpenter Road 11074 F-term (reference) 2C005 HA10 LA38 LB53 LB60 XA01 3E042 AA07 CC02 CC03 CD04 CE04 CE07 CE08 EA01

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of remote terminals comprising at least one central imaging device, a monitor and a selector, located at a different position from other terminals and remote from said central imaging device; and at least one server. Providing a greeting card via a wide area computer network and ordering the same, (a) using a plurality of the remote terminals to simultaneously access the server via the wide area computer network, or (B) monitoring of the access terminal with options to be selected by the access terminal including greeting card images, messages, personalized cards, gift cards, gift card messages, gift card values, recipient addresses and payment options. To display (C) automatically imaging a plurality of multicolor physical greeting cards with image graphics and text at the central imaging device in response to selections made by the access terminal; (D) creating a gift card for each of at least some of the greeting cards; (e) attaching the gift card to the specified greeting card; (f) the greeting from step (c). Physically transmitting the card, in step (e), if there is a gift card, to the address of each of the appropriate recipients selected, a greeting over a global computer network. How to supply cards and gift cards. 2. The step (d) comprises partially selecting and inputting,
The global computer network according to claim 1, wherein the gift card can be originalized, and the gift card can be the same as or different from the greeting card with which the selected gift card is combined. How to supply greeting cards and gift cards through. 3. The method for supplying a greeting card and a gift card via a global computer network according to claim 1, wherein step (e) is performed by gluing the gift card to the greeting card. 4. The global of claim 1, wherein the greeting card has a gift voucher portion and step (e) is performed by gluing the gift card to the gift voucher portion. A method of delivering greeting and gift cards over a computer network. 5. Delivery of greeting and gift cards over a global computer network according to claim 4, wherein steps (d) and (e) are performed by using a plastic gift card. Method. 6. The global computer of claim 4, wherein steps (d) and (e) are performed by utilizing a magnetic gift strip or a plastic gift card with RF technology. How to deliver greeting and gift cards over the network. 7. The global computer of claim 1, wherein steps (d) and (e) are performed by utilizing a plastic gift card with either magnetic strip or RF technology. How to deliver greeting and gift cards over the network. 8. The global computer of claim 4, wherein steps (d) and (e) are performed by utilizing a paper gift card with either magnetic strip or RF technology. How to deliver greeting and gift cards over the network. 9. A greeting card is produced from a paper web or sheet, said greeting card having a gift voucher portion, and further comprising step (d).
2. The method of supplying a greeting card and a gift card through a global computer network according to claim 1, wherein the steps (e) and (e) are performed by directly imaging the gift card on the gift voucher portion of the greeting card. . 10. The global computer network of claim 9, further comprising laminating at least one side of the gift card with transparent plastic before performing step (f). How to supply greeting cards and gift cards. 11. The step (d) can originalize the gift card by partially selecting and inputting, wherein the gift card is the greeting card combined with the selected gift card. The method for supplying a greeting card and a gift card via the global computer network according to claim 9, which may be the same or different. 12. The global computer network of claim 11, further comprising the step of specially encoding a magnetic strip or RF technical information on the gift card prior to performing step (f). How to supply greeting cards and gift cards. 13. The global computer network of claim 9, further comprising the step of specially encoding a magnetic strip or RF technical information on the gift card prior to performing step (f). How to supply greeting cards and gift cards. 14. The greeting over the global computer network of claim 12, further comprising the step of laminating at least one side of the gift card with transparent plastic before performing step (f). How to supply cards and gift cards. 15. Steps (c) and (d) are performed by merging a variable template with variable text data and a ripped graphic image in a continuous process such that multiple cards are sequenced in the same continuous process. The provision of greeting and gift cards over a global computer network according to claim 2, characterized in that in-process layouts, graphic images and texts are changed independently from card to card as they are generated. Method. 16. A combination greeting card and gift card having a first end and a second end opposite thereto, and a fold line substantially parallel to and between the opposite ends, The greeting card is on the front panel,
The panel includes four panels including a rear panel, a first intermediate panel facing the front panel, and a second intermediate panel facing the rear panel, the first end coupled to the front panel and the second intermediate panel. A paper greeting card having two edges joined to the rear panel and a second intermediate panel; a multicolored display on the front panel, including a multicolored graphic image; automatically imaged on the second intermediate panel Standard greeting card text display and original text display; gift card made of plastic or paper; wherein the gift card is operatively attached to the greeting card and gift A combination of cards. 17. The greeting card has a gift voucher panel, both of which are integrally formed, and the gift card is operatively attached to the gift voucher panel. A combination of a greeting card and a gift card according to claim 16. 18. The combination greeting card and gift card of claim 17, wherein the gift card has an automatically imaged originalized text display thereon. 19. The combination of a greeting card and a gift card according to claim 17, wherein the gift card is plastic and is connected to the gift certificate panel by gluing. 20. The combination greeting card and gift card of claim 19, wherein the gift card comprises encoded magnetic strip or RF technology. 21. The greeting card and gift of claim 18, wherein the gift card is an integral part of the gift certificate panel and is separated therefrom by one or more weak lines. A combination of cards. 22. The combination greeting card and gift card of claim 21, wherein the gift card comprises encoded magnetic strip or RF technology. 23. The combination greeting card and gift card of claim 21, wherein at least one surface of the gift card is laminated with a transparent plastic.