WO2001042956A1 - Systeme et procede permettant de produire electroniquement des imprimes personnalises a communiquer, et distribution, expedition, et gestion des contacts de ceux-ci - Google Patents

Systeme et procede permettant de produire electroniquement des imprimes personnalises a communiquer, et distribution, expedition, et gestion des contacts de ceux-ci Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001042956A1
WO2001042956A1 PCT/US2000/033300 US0033300W WO0142956A1 WO 2001042956 A1 WO2001042956 A1 WO 2001042956A1 US 0033300 W US0033300 W US 0033300W WO 0142956 A1 WO0142956 A1 WO 0142956A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
user
print
print communications
communications
customer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/033300
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jinee C. Tao
Original Assignee
Cardstore.Com
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 Cardstore.Com filed Critical Cardstore.Com
Priority to AU27260/01A priority Critical patent/AU2726001A/en
Publication of WO2001042956A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001042956A1/fr

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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
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/26—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for printing, stamping, franking, typing or teleprinting apparatus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to computer networks, and more specifically to a computer-based system for producing, distributing, mailing and contact managing personalized social and business print communication.
  • the service of providing and distributing greeting cards, invitations, announcements and other similar personalized types of social and business print communication has typically required a user to produce or purchase pre-designed products from a store, personalize them by hand, and then manually address and mail them to the recipient. This is a cumbersome process that does not easily allow for the mass mailing of personalized print communications to many different recipients.
  • the present invention provides a system and method for the on-line creation, designing, personalization, ordering, production, distribution, mailing and contact management of social and business print communications of all types.
  • a client-server computer system is provided for the on-line, on-demand ordering of high quality, personalized greeting cards, invitations, announcements and other types of social and business print communication.
  • the client-server system comprises an networked website that is accessed by a user over the Internet to create personalized greeting cards and other types of private or general, social or business print communication.
  • the website is maintained by a network server and incorporates a print communication creation process that includes an on-line, searchable library of print communication designs and design elements available to the user, as well as libraries of on-line searchable catalogues of various types of print communication ready for personalization.
  • the server also includes design creation features that permit the customer to create designs and then upload these designs to the client computer for incorporation into a print communication product, as well as an ordering feature to permit the customer to order the created product.
  • the server further provides an address book feature to permit the customer to identify intended addressee(s) for the product, and a calendar service for reminding the customer of upcoming events and important dates, as may be predetermined by the system or the customer.
  • the server is coupled to a print communication production system that receives the customer order and produces the print communication product using high quality digital press equipment and distributes the product to the specified addressees in accordance with mailing options selected by the customer.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a computer network system that implements embodiments of the present invention
  • Figure 2 A is a flowchart that illustrates the basic steps of a print communication product creation and distribution process executed by a network server, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2B is a flowchart that illustrates the basic steps of a print communication product creation and distribution process executed by a user through a network client computer, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram that illustrates the components of the server-side, print communication product creation process, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 illustrated a print communication creation process implemented on a distributed and clustered computer network system, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 illustrates the format of a contact entry form for an address book that is used in conjunction with the print communication creation process, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 illustrates a salutation builder form that can be used in conjunction with the customer address book, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of entering addresses in an address book for a print communication creation process, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the process of fulfilling a customer order for print communication product using a website accessing a product creation process, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of fulfilling a customer order for invitation/announcement print communications using a website accessing a print communication creation process, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 10 is a diagram that illustrates the print communication production process, according to one embodiment of the present.
  • Figure 1 1 illustrates a graphical user interface screen that rates the print quality of an uploaded image, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • server and client computer systems transmit and receive data over a computer network or standard telephone line.
  • the steps of accessing, downloading, and manipulating the data, as well as other aspects of the present invention are implemented by central processing units (CPU) in the server and client computers executing sequences of instructions stored in a memory.
  • the memory may be a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a persistent store, such as a mass storage device, or any combination of these devices. Execution of the sequences of instructions causes the CPU to perform steps according to embodiments of the present invention.
  • the instructions may be loaded into the memory of the server or client computers from a storage device or from one or more other computer systems over a network connection.
  • a client computer may transmit a sequence of instructions to the server computer in response to a message transmitted to the client over a network by the server.
  • the server receives the instructions over the network connection, it stores the instructions in memory.
  • the server may store the instructions for later execution, or it may execute the instructions as they arrive over the network connection.
  • the downloaded instructions may be directly supported by the CPU.
  • the instructions may not be directly executable by the CPU, and may instead be executed by an interpreter that interprets the instructions.
  • hardwired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions to implement the present invention.
  • the present invention is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the server or client computers.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a computer network system 100 that implements one or more embodiments of the present invention.
  • a network server computer 104 is coupled, directly or indirectly, over line 125 to one or more network client computers 102 through a network 110.
  • the network interface between server computer 104 and client computer 102 may also include one or more routers that serve to buffer and route the data transmitted between the server and client computers over line 121.
  • Network 1 10 may be the Internet, a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Local Area Network (LAN), or any combination thereof.
  • WAN Wide Area Network
  • LAN Local Area Network
  • the server computer 104 is a World-Wide Web (WWW) server executing a web server process 116, and stores data in the form of 'web pages' for transmission as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) files over the Internet network 1 10 to the client computer 102.
  • WWW World-Wide Web
  • HTML Hypertext Markup Language
  • the client computer 102 typically runs a "web browser" program 114 to access the web pages served by server computer 104 and other server computers, such as content provider 103.
  • server 104 in network system 100 is a server that executes a social or business printed communication (“Product") creation process 112.
  • Product or business printed communication
  • Client versions of the Product creation process may also be executed on the client computers, such as client computer 102.
  • Product creation process 112 may represent one or more executable program modules that are stored within network server 104 and executed locally within the server. Alternatively, however, it may be stored on a remote storage or processing device coupled to server 104 or network 1 10 and accessed by server 104 to be locally executed. In a further alternative embodiment of the present invention, the Product creation process 112 may be implemented in a plurality of different program modules, each of which may be executed by two or more distributed server computers coupled to each other, or to network 1 10 separately.
  • network server 104 executes a web server process 116 to provide HTML documents, typically in the form of web pages, to client computers coupled to network 110.
  • client computer 102 runs a web client process (typically a web browser, such as Netscape NavigatorTM or Microsoft ExplorerTM) 114 that accesses web pages available on server 104 and other Internet server sites, such as content provider 103 (which may also be a network server executing a web server process).
  • a network system 100 that implements embodiments of the present invention may include a larger number of interconnected client and server computers than shown in Figure 1.
  • the client computer 102 may access the Internet network 1 10 through an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 107.
  • ISP Internet Service Provider
  • a separate content provider 103 may provide the data that comprises the Product content processed by the Product creation process 1 12.
  • this content may be provided directly by the server computer 104.
  • the representative networked computers of Figure 1, such as network server computer 104 and client 102 can be implemented as any standard computer that includes a central processing unit (CPU) coupled through a bus to various other devices. These devices could include random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and mass storage devices (e.g., a magnetic disk, optical compact disk, or tape drive for storing data and instructions).
  • RAM random access memory
  • ROM read only memory
  • mass storage devices e.g., a magnetic disk, optical compact disk, or tape drive for storing data and instructions.
  • the computer also typically includes input/output devices, such as, a display device, keyboard, and network interface device, along with other similar devices or interfaces.
  • input/output devices such as, a display device, keyboard, and network interface device, along with other similar devices or interfaces.
  • Any of the computers in Figure 1 could be implemented in the form of personal computers, laptop computers, mainframe computers, or other type of workstation computers.
  • the computers in Figure 1 could also be implemented in the form of portable or miniaturized computing devices, such as handheld personal digital assistants (PDA), including devices that communicate with other devices on the network over a wireless medium.
  • PDA handheld personal digital assistants
  • the client computer can also be implemented as a dedicated Internet client, such as a television that includes Internet access.
  • the network system illustrated in Figure 1 comprising a Product creation process and print and production system coordinated by a server computer, can be used or provided by a service that helps customers make and send cards, invitations, announcements and other similar personalized types of social and business correspondence print communication.
  • Product Creation and Distribution System
  • the Product creation process 112 executed by system 100 of Figure 1 comprises a digital on-line website that a user accesses over the Internet to create personalized greetings and other types of private or general social or business print communications.
  • the website maintained by the network server 104 and used in conjunction with the Product creation process 112 includes several components.
  • the server 104 maintains on-line, searchable library inventories of diverse and sophisticated designs, artwork, borders, color, text, font-types, print sizes, etc. available to the user, as well as libraries of online searchable catalogues of Products or generic (pre-defined) print communication ready for personalization.
  • the server also includes design creation features that permit the customer to create designs and then "upload" these designs to the client computer 102 for incorporation into a Product, and an ordering feature to permit the customer to order the created Products.
  • the server further provides an address book feature to permit the customer to identify and have produced the intended addressee(s) for the Products, and a calendar service for reminding the customer of upcoming events, dates, birthdays, etc. as may be predetermined by the system or the customer.
  • the server 104 website contains all of the necessary data and information for the Product creation, ordering and distribution processes, other than the address and billing information provided by the user. Thus, the customer is not required to maintain a separate or dedicated storage device or CD-ROM to access or utilize the website.
  • the network server 104 is coupled to or inco ⁇ orated within a print and production system 120 that may be used to print the created Products.
  • the print and production system 120 typically includes high-quality color digital press printing equipment that permits the use of a wide selection of paper stock, size and so on.
  • the print and production system 120 also includes a distribution coordination facility for generating printed envelopes for the Products and permitting the direct mailing of the Products (in single pieces or in bulk) consistent with the instructions provided by the user.
  • FIG. 2A is a flowchart that illustrates the basic steps of a Product creation and distribution process executed by the network server 104, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • digital inventory is placed on-line on a website created and maintained by web browser process 116 for access by a user on network client 102.
  • the on-line inventory includes the Product design inventory, a custom Product creation process, and the address book and calendar services.
  • the network server prints the user selected or custom designed Products upon demand by the user.
  • the print process allows the incorporation of personalized messages by the user, and in certain implementations uses off-set color digital printing processes and distributed printing techniques.
  • the server 104 coordinates the production flow, step 206. This step involves the mailing or distribution of the Products.
  • FIG 2B is a flowchart that illustrates the basic steps of a Product creation and distribution process executed by the user through network client 102, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the user (“customer") may use a network client computer or other similar device that permits access to the Internet website maintained by network server 104.
  • the user selects a pre-defined Product, creates a new Product, or personalizes a pre-defined Product or other print communication using designs or templates provided by the server computer in the server's on-line digital inventory.
  • a guided search feature may be provided by the Product creation process to aid in the selection of designs or motifs and borders.
  • the user composes a personal note or message to be included in the Product, if so desired.
  • the Product creation process includes various design selections, such as message style, size, font, color, and so on.
  • the process also includes an on-line preview function that allows the user to preview the message prior to selection.
  • the user After creating the design and content of the Product, the user lists the recipients, step 214. Typically, the user must provide the name and address of each of the recipients. If the address book feature is used, selection of recipient names from the address book is facilitated.
  • the Product creation process provides a salutation function that provides a generic or personalized salutation for each recipient. After the user selects the recipients, he or she selects a mailing or distribution option, step 216. In general, three options are provided: direct mailing, facilitated mailing, and Products only.
  • the server process then prints, produces, and distributes the selected Product in accordance with the process illustrated in Figure 2A, and the selected recipients receive the Product.
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram that illustrates the components of the server-side
  • the website maintained by network server 104 includes a graphical user interface 306 that permits each customer to, inter alia: (1) browse through libraries of designs, verse, text, etc.; (2) create a unique and personalized Product design, whether utilizing data from the libraries, uploading customer created/provided data, or a combination thereof; (3) provide mailing/distribution instructions for the created/ordered Product; (4) upload and keep track of addresses and addressees; (5) calendar special occasions and notice dates and upcoming deadlines; (6) take advantage of embedded address book logic to generate frequently used salutation and addressee information whether or not based on prior customer history; (7) use the address book to group mailings and place orders; (8) create an order history profile to track prior print communications, organize RSVP and gift lists, etc.; (9) search through the various libraries and inventories in the website and the user's own files maintained therein; and (10) provide additional informational services including magazine type columns such as etiquette and party throwing, events management tools, and initiate preparation
  • the Product creation process 304 also includes several custom application programs. These custom application programs housed in a web and application server 308 that includes: (1) the website storefront, (2) selection and guided search applications, (3) personalization applications, (4) address book and calendar applications, (5) image upload and checking applications, (6) e-commerce applications including privacy and credit card transaction applications, and (7) production and distribution applications with bar code functionality.
  • a database process 310 that comprise numerous personalized databases (e.g., in Microsoft SequelTM or other database programs). These personalized databases contain libraries and data to allow the customer to browse and select for completed Products or to design a personalized Product.
  • the various databases include: (1) a library of designs or sentiments; (2) a library of artwork; (3) library of fonts; and (4) a library of customer information including artwork archives, previous Product creation history and transaction history.
  • the Product creation process is executed on a server computer that operates off of a Windows NTTM Operating System.
  • a distributed printing process 312 within the Product creation process 304 is accomplished through the use of networked, on-demand digital presses, such as an IndigoTM machine or other similar 4 or 6 color press digital printer. This permits the utilization of customer-selectable stock paper in the printing process.
  • Product production is completed by a paper cutter and a paper scorer and folder, by a Product production process 314.
  • unique, individualized bar codes and product differentiation codes are imprinted on the Products, and are used to initiate envelope printing and to further facilitate the mailing process.
  • the envelope for each Product is produced in the envelope print/stuff/mail process 316.
  • the bar code is used to initiate the printing of the envelope and the Product is joined with the proper envelope for enclosure. Depending upon the mailing option and particular stamp selected by the user, the proper postage is then affixed to the envelope.
  • FIG. 4 illustrated a Product creation process implemented on a distributed and clustered computer network system, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the client computer 402 operated by the customer is coupled through the Internet 404 to a co-location site 406.
  • the co- location site 406 includes a web server cluster 412, an application server cluster 414, and databases 416.
  • the databases store customer transaction information, graphical pictures of the Product inventories, customer information, and website content.
  • the co-location site 406 is coupled to a production control site through a secure network link, such as a Tl link utilizing a network firewall.
  • the production control facility 408 includes administration production and transaction servers 420, and databases 422.
  • the production control databases 422 store print-quality images for the Products, as well as printing and design templates for the Product inventory.
  • the production control facility 408 is coupled to a print and mail system 410 through the administration production and transaction servers 420 over a local area network (LAN).
  • the print and mail system 410 includes digital printer or digital press systems 424, and cutter and folder machines 426.
  • the mail processing portion of system 410 includes mail room operator screen processes 428 and envelope printers 430. These systems cause the cards to be matched to the appropriate printed envelopes and mailed to the customer or the recipients.
  • the Product creation system illustrated in Figure 1 can be used to create and distribute a wide range of social and business print communications, including greeting cards, invitations, announcements, press releases, advertisements, mass mailing print communications, and many other types of personalized or generic print communications, each representing a particular type of Product.
  • the Product creation process includes a sub-process that allows a customer to select a pre-existing Product that is on the system, or to create a new Product.
  • the customer can do so in one of three ways: (1) by browsing a Product gallery, (2) by selecting among seasonally relevant Products, using a dedicated process, or (3) by completing a specific term search using the Direct/Specific Search Function within the website graphical user interface 306.
  • a customer can choose from different categories of occasions or events. The customer is then offered a library of Products from which to choose. The customer may browse the selected Product library until the Product of choice is found. If none is found, the customer may navigate the site in different ways to find the desired Product(s).
  • One sub-process within the Product creation process allows the user to select among seasonally relevant Products.
  • This sub-process offers users a direct link to holidays, occasions, or categories that are particularly relevant to the season at the time of the customer's entry into the website. This feature takes the customer immediately to a selection of Products chosen among the seasonally relevant Products. This option allows for expedient seasonal purchases by a customer valuing convenience and ease.
  • a guided search can be performed by the system to facilitate the selection process.
  • the customer can search for a Product by tone, relationship, diversity/heritage, hobbies/interest, and age/attitude or other criteria. Once the criteria are selected, the search is narrowed and the website provides the customer a selection of Products that matches the narrowed request. The customer may then browse the group of Products until the desired Product is found.
  • a third way to select a completed Product is to use a search option called Direct/Specific Search Function.
  • This allows the customer to choose among a group of Products that are related to the search term that is typed in by the customer. For instance, the customer can ask for anything that has a deer in the image, for all baby announcements, or sentiments that say "Happy Birthday" within the text.
  • the search option then provides the customer a selection of Products that meet the search parameters.
  • the customer also follows a series of prompts and instructions regarding the text, if any, for the Product, the preferred font size, pitch, etc., as well as the desired language for the printed text (e.g., English, Japanese, or Spanish).
  • Personalization programs permit the customer to find and select verses and formats for the Product, or to create/write their own. These prompts lead the customer to the completion of all aspects of the created Product.
  • the customer may also create a unique Product by uploading photographs or artwork, or selecting from the library of images, artwork, etc. available on the website.
  • the system allows the customer to create their own Products by uploading their own photograph or artwork.
  • This system is designed to take a customer's photo or image and prior, to the upload of the image into the web-based system, the customer is able to view the image within Product designs/formats/borders, resize, copy or otherwise transform their image to meet their desire.
  • the system will test the print quality potential of the uploaded design or photo and display the results on an onscreen indicator. This test will determine whether the uploaded image is acceptable or should be rejected so that another image can be substituted.
  • the customer can determine whether to go forward with an image of varying degrees of quality and printing suitability. Assuming a design is accepted, the customer follows prompts similar to those outlined above in order to finalize the Product for ordering, printing, mailing and contact managing.
  • Figure 11 illustrates a graphical user interface screen that rates the print quality of an uploaded image, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the uploaded image is displayed in an image display area 1102.
  • the resolution, dimensions, and other similar characteristics are displayed in a print quality forecast area 1108.
  • the customer can choose to enclose the image within a border by selected a border option 1 104. If a border is selected, the border 1106 is shown around the image box 1102.
  • Various different border patterns can be provided along with a customization feature that allows a customer to design a custom border.
  • the quality of the image is displayed on a graphical indicator 1110 to indicate whether it is acceptable or unacceptable for use in the correspondence.
  • the graphical indicator provides a range from "Best” to "Acceptable” to "Not Recommended”.
  • Uploaded images that are of a sufficiently high quality are rated as either Best or Acceptable, while those that are not of sufficiently high quality are rated as Not Recommended.
  • the customer may then elect to continue with the upload of the image, or select a new image to be uploaded.
  • the customer preferably chooses among certain mailing options.
  • the mailing options include: (1) the direct mailing option; (2) the facilitated mailing option; and (3) the Product only option.
  • the direct mailing option allows for the Products to be sent directly from the print location to the intended recipients of the Products.
  • the facilitated mailing option prepares the Products with pre-addressed stamped envelopes for mailing back to the customer for mailing by the customer to the intended recipients.
  • the Products only option mails back to the customer the custom Products and blank envelopes for the customer to complete the mailing process.
  • the stamp can be separately applied by the user and involves an extra manual step.
  • the system encompasses invitations, announcements, etc. in addition to cards, certain mailing options are impacted. For example, if the customer chooses the Products only mailing option for the greeting cards, the customer selects the quantity desired to go to the secure checkout since the customer has already personalized the Product. If the customer chooses the Products only mailing option for cards/invitations/announcements, then the customer selects the quantity desired, and also types or uploads the invitation message, and choose other options such as the desired font before the customer is allowed to checkout. By way of further example, if the customer chooses the direct mail option or the facilitated mail option, then for all cards/invitations/announcements, the customer selects names from the address book or enters a new name.
  • the system will then merge the default salutation and the return address automatically. Thereafter, the customer selects: (1) a personal message or announcement; (2) a font; (3) a stamp; (4) a mailing date; and (5) other parameters as needed before the customer is allowed to proceed to checkout.
  • the customer may create one or more personalized address books on the system website.
  • the customer creates a website address book listing on the website, which lists the recipients of the Products, by either, an upload to the website or by a manual input. If the customer decides to manually build the address book, the customer can do so directly with a contact entry form as shown in Figure 5.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the format of a contact entry form for an address book that is used in conjunction with the Product creation process, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the address book contact entry form includes data entry areas for the names of a contact at a particular mailing address.
  • the contact entry form may also include a dual contact name and a dual contact address entry area. This is the type of form illustrated in data entry window 500.
  • the dual contact information is used to generate a default list of options for addressing an envelope and message salute tion through an application module called a "salutation builder". This module recognizes that a sender might wish to communicate with only one contact at certain times, and the entire family at other times, or that casual print communications may be desired instead of business print communications.
  • the dual contact entry form also accommodates spouses who have different last names, and also provides the user the ability to enter unique entries or alternatives.
  • the address book entry process may also include an address ZIP code search program. This program automatically determines the ZIP code corresponding to a particular address for address entries in which the customer does not know the ZIP code.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a salutation builder form that can be used in conjunction with the customer address book, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the main entry screen 600 includes data entry areas for the user to select or input the addressee name.
  • the addressee data entry area 602 includes a pull-down menu that lists the primary and/or secondary names for all of the addressees entered using the contact entry form illustrated in Figure 5.
  • the name format may be provided as first name/last name, or title/first name/last name, or a similar format depending upon how the primary addressee name was entered in the contact entry form 500. If a secondary contact person was entered in the contact entry form, the name provided in the addressee entry area 602 may provide the address information as primary first name/last name and secondary first name/last name. If the last name of the primary and secondary contacts is the same, the addressee information may be provided as primary first name and secondary first name/last name. If title and middle name or middle initial information is provided in the contact entry form, the format of the displayed names may incorporate this information in various different formats, as well.
  • An alternate entry field 604 provides a means for the user to manually enter an alternate addressee.
  • the salutation builder form 600 includes a message salutation input field 606. This field provides a number of pre-defined salutation options, such as "Dear”, “Hello”, “Hi”, “Greetings”, and so on, followed by the name of the addressee specified in field 602.
  • An alternate salutation entry field 608 provides a means for the user to manually enter an alternate salutation, if the desired salutation is not provided in the pull-down menu of field 606.
  • Figure 7 is a flow-chart illustrating the steps for creating an address book either through manual input, as depicted in Figure 4, or through an upload operation to the website.
  • the customer builds an address book directly from the contact entry form 500, illustrated in Figure 5, step 702.
  • the customer runs the salutation builder application and enters the desired salutation using the salutation builder form 600, illustrated in Figure 6, step 704.
  • the customer then confirms the salutation and addresses, step 706, and the process ends.
  • a CSV file is an ASCII file where each individual data field is delimited by commas.
  • Examples of digital address book programs that can be used include: Microsoft OutlookTM, EudoraTM, GoldmineTM, ExcelTM, or similar programs, and personal digital assistants such as the Palm PilotTM, PsionTM, and other such handheld devices.
  • the address book can be modified over time using the editable contact entry form 500. The system then responds by either uploading or synchronizing with other digital address book programs, step 710.
  • step 712 the system response is to upload
  • step 714 the customer matches the address fields with the .CSV fields.
  • the system will then respond by running the salutation builder application, step 704.
  • step 710 If it is determined in step 710 that the system response was to synchronize, then a synchronization application program utilizing intermediate formats, such as those defined by PumaTM Software, or similar programs, will be run, step 716.
  • the customer confirms the synchronization results in step 718 before the salutation builder, as illustrated in Figure 6, is run.
  • the salutation builder is run in step 704, the customer once again confirms the results and the creation of the address book is complete, step 706.
  • Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates the overall process of customer order processing using a website accessing the Product creation process, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the print communications to be produced comprises greeting cards.
  • the customer can either browse through the inventory provided by the Product creation process and select a pre-defined
  • step 802 or the customer can upload his or her own design to be used for the Product, step 804. If the customer selects a pre-designed Product, the customer can add or modify the pre-defined message or greeting, step 806. The customer then selects a mailing option, step 810. If the customer elects to use his or her own design, step 804, the design is uploaded to the Product creation process, which measures the print quality to ensure that it is high enough to be satisfactorily produced, step 808. If it is determined in step 809 that the print quality is not sufficiently good, the uploaded design is rejected and the customer is prompted to upload a better version of the design or another design. If the print quality is sufficiently good, the customer is prompted to select a mailing option, step 810.
  • the customer can select from a direct mailing option, a facilitated mailing option, or a Products only option. If the customer selects the direct mailing option, the customer selects the quantity of Products to be produced, step 815, since the Products will be returned to the customer and not distributed by the system. The customer then proceeds to the secure checkout step, step 824. If the customer selects the facilitated mailing option or the Products only option in which the system distributes the Products, as determined in step 814, the customer specifies the addressees by selecting names from the address book or specifying new names and addresses, step 816. Default or customer selected salutations, as well as the customer's return address is then automatically merged with the Products, step 818. If desired, the customer may enter a personal message for the Product, step 820. In step 822, the customer selects the stamp/postage and verifies the content and addressees of the Products. The customer then proceeds to the secure checkout step, step 824.
  • the system displays the order and the price for the order including the shipping charges, step 826.
  • the customer can then enter a discount code, if any, or card club credits, step 828.
  • billing information such as credit card information
  • the system will verify the billing information, step 832.
  • the credit card or payment information is then verified, step 834, and if the billing information is accepted, the order will be printed and a bar code number will be issued, step 836.
  • the Product are ready for production, step 838.
  • Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process of fulfilling a customer order for invitation/announcement print communications using a website accessing a Product creation process, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the process for fulfilling a customer order for a invitation/announcement is very similar to that for fulfilling an order for a greeting card, as illustrated in Figure 8.
  • the primary difference is illustrated in step 902 in which, after the customer selects the quantity of invitations/announcements for a direct mailing, the customer types the invitation or announcement message and confirms the message prior to entering the secure checkout process, step 824.
  • the customer selects the facilitated mailing option or the Products only option, the customer, in step 904, types the invitation or announcement message and confirms the message prior to entering the secure checkout process. All of the other steps of the process of Figure 9 correspond to the steps of the process illustrated and referenced in relation to Figure 8.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram that illustrates the Product production process, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the Product production begins with the assignment of an order control number for each individual Product or piece.
  • Each control number relates to a file specific to each Product, and contains transaction information, image and data specifications, personalized content information, and distribution instructions.
  • the control number (from which is assigned a barcode as discussed below) is used in all subsequent production stages to initiate and control the processes involved.
  • the print order is transmitted to the production system.
  • the production operator can automatically or manually pull the orders from the co-located transaction servers.
  • Production of the printed product preferably occurs using flat sheets of high-quality paper printed by digital printers 1004, such as an Indigo TurbostreamTM digital printer or other similar 4 or 6 color press digital printer. With this type of printer, printing capability is one-off six color duplex material on a wide-variety of paper stocks.
  • the printer accesses the relational databases of images, messages, and ancillary information as specified by the customer and any informational material for the backside.
  • a unique bar code image that corresponds to the Product's unique control is assigned to the Product. Bar codes such as code 39 software from AzaleaTM, or similar systems, may be used. In general, the bar code image serves to differentiate various pre-defined or user created Products and print communications items. This facilitates inventory control as well as efficient tracking of a print communications order through the Product creation and delivery process.
  • the flat sheets are converted to folded Products. This is accomplished through a typical "bindery" type operation with cutting and folding equipment such as a cutter, scorer and a folder 1006.
  • a guillotine cutter such as a PolarTM 66 or similar device, cuts the flat sheets to a correct size, preferably cutting 12" x 18" sheets into 2 pieces of 10" x 7".
  • a scorer/folder apparatus 1008 such as a StahlTM B20 or similar device, converts the sheets into folded pieces, preferably a 10" x 7" flat sheet into a 5"x7" folded Product. Folded Products are processed through the scorer/folder 1008, while unfolded Products are send directly to a lettershop services area 1010.
  • the production process may also include a UV coating process that coats the top of the cards or selected correspondence with a glossy finish.
  • the Product is moved into the lettershop services area 1010 where it is sorted from other Products, addressed, and shipped through a mix of automatic and manual processes.
  • Automation of custom addressing and shipping is accomplished by the use of bar code technology combined with PC's and laser printers to read the bar code representation of the individual control numbers printed on the backside of the Product. Scanning of the bar codes, by scanning devices, such a Welch AllynTM or similar device, is completed to read the bar code information and retrieve and print the custom addressing information for the Product on an envelope on printers, such as ink-jet or laser printers.
  • Bar code technology is used to automate the custom addressing and shipping feature offered to customers.
  • that bar code not only provides Product content information, but also information necessary to print shipping labels or envelopes, provide sorting directions, organize packaging, and complete shipping labels for Products shipped by any means other than to customer's individual recipients.
  • the bar codes are also used to communicate order status and fulfillment information to the master order database.
  • the bar code is used to coordinate and map the boxing and packaging of the Products for shipping.
  • shipping labels and packaging slips/invoices are printed and distribution occurs through the U.S. Postal Service or other various common carriers 1014.
  • a system that implements the Product creation and production process can be embodied in a distributed and clustered network architecture.
  • the application server clusters 416 are linked to the administration and production servers 420, which in turn incorporate or are linked to separate transaction servers.
  • the transaction servers start the manufacturing process of the Products by assigning control numbers for each individual Product. Each control number relates a specific file for each Product, which contains certain parameters such as transaction information, image and design specifications, personalized content, and distribution instructions. The control numbers are used in all subsequent production stages to initiate and control the processes involved.
  • the servers also must access the databases 422, which hold the print-quality images and the printing and design templates for output to the digital printers.
  • the Product creation and production system permits the linking of location of printing facilities and databases in various geographical areas in order to minimize shipping and handling costs and increase system efficiency and speed.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un système informatique client-serveur (400) servant à la production, la distribution, l'expédition et la gestion des contacts en ligne d'imprimés sociaux ou commerciaux personnalisés. Le système client-serveur (400) comprend un site web en ligne auquel on peut accéder par Internet (404) pour produire des imprimés sociaux ou commerciaux personnalisés à communiquer. Le site web se trouve dans un serveur réseau et fait intervenir un processus qui comprend une bibliothèque consultable en ligne de modèles et éléments de modèles dont disposent l'utilisateur, ainsi que des bibliothèques de catalogues consultables en ligne d'imprimés à communiquer prêts à être personnalisés. Le serveur comprend également des caractéristiques de création de modèle qui permettent au client de créer des modèles puis d'envoyer ces modèles à l'ordinateur client pour qu'ils soient intégrés à la correspondance d'imprimés, ainsi qu'une caractéristique de demande permettant au client de faire appel à la correspondance créée. Le serveur est couplé à un système de production (408) qui reçoit la demande du client, produit la correspondance par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif d'impression numérique couleur de haute qualité (424) et distribue la correspondance aux destinataires spécifiés.
PCT/US2000/033300 1999-12-10 2000-12-08 Systeme et procede permettant de produire electroniquement des imprimes personnalises a communiquer, et distribution, expedition, et gestion des contacts de ceux-ci WO2001042956A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU27260/01A AU2726001A (en) 1999-12-10 2000-12-08 System and method for electronically creating personalized print communications and distributing, mailing and contact managing the same

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US17009699P 1999-12-10 1999-12-10
US60/170,096 1999-12-10

Publications (1)

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WO2001042956A1 true WO2001042956A1 (fr) 2001-06-14

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2380823A (en) * 2001-10-11 2003-04-16 Pfe Internat Ltd Geographically remote mailing of computer generated greetings cards
US6650433B1 (en) 2000-01-25 2003-11-18 Vista Print Usa Inc. Managing print jobs
US6976798B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2005-12-20 Vistaprint Usa, Incorporated Method for processing aggregate print jobs
WO2008043136A1 (fr) * 2006-10-12 2008-04-17 Riwal Systems Pty Ltd Procédé et système de création de modèles personnalisés

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5748484A (en) * 1992-09-23 1998-05-05 Onkor, Ltd. System for printing social expression cards in response to electronically transmitted orders

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5748484A (en) * 1992-09-23 1998-05-05 Onkor, Ltd. System for printing social expression cards in response to electronically transmitted orders

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6650433B1 (en) 2000-01-25 2003-11-18 Vista Print Usa Inc. Managing print jobs
US6976798B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2005-12-20 Vistaprint Usa, Incorporated Method for processing aggregate print jobs
US6992794B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2006-01-31 Vistaprint Usa Incorporated Managing print jobs
US7133149B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2006-11-07 Vistaprint Usa, Inc. Methods of aggregating multiple individual print jobs for simultaneous printing
US7145670B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2006-12-05 Vista Print Usa, Inc. Method of aggregating multiple individual print jobs having common printing parameters
US7187465B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2007-03-06 Vistaprint Technologies Limited Quantity-based print job preparation
US7495796B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2009-02-24 Vistaprint Technologies Limited Browser-based product design
US8732003B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2014-05-20 Vistaprint Usa, Inc. Product pricing system and method
US9152362B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2015-10-06 Cimpress Usa Incorporated Managing print jobs
US9645774B2 (en) 2000-01-25 2017-05-09 Cimpress Usa Incorporated Managing print jobs
GB2380823A (en) * 2001-10-11 2003-04-16 Pfe Internat Ltd Geographically remote mailing of computer generated greetings cards
WO2008043136A1 (fr) * 2006-10-12 2008-04-17 Riwal Systems Pty Ltd Procédé et système de création de modèles personnalisés

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