Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02337528 2001-O1-11
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SUPPLYING GREETING CARDS AND GIFT CARDS
OVER A GLOBAL COMPUTER NETWORK
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No.
08/310,104, filed May 12, 1999.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The use of greeting cards (also known as social expression cards) to extend
best
wishes to friends, family members, and business associates, is very popular in
many
cultures, especially at major holidays and important personal dates such as
birthdays
and anniversaries. However, selecting, purchasing, and sending -- in a timely
manner -
- greeting cards can be a time consuming and energy intensive procedure, and
all too
many people wait until the last minute.
In order to minimize the time and energy spent in sending out greeting cards,
many people use Internet based systems that allow greeting cards to be ordered
-- and
even personalized -- from a home or office computer over a global computer
network
(e.g. the Internet). It is also possible to ship gift certificates, or even
gifts, at the same
time, or with, the greeting cards. While present systems for providing and
ordering
greeting cards over a global computer network can be successful, oftentimes
the
greeting cards are completely predetermined, or personalized messages that are
added
are imprinted by using cumbersome techniques on an already prepared card.
Also, the
number of options and sophistication of the display of the cards, and services
associated therewith are not as complete or effective as desired. Also, in
typical
ordering systems once the order is placed the card is printed and mailed
shortly
thereafter, requiring that one purchase a card that is to be mailed by the
provider at a
time close to the event toward which the greeting or social expression is
directed, or
entry of future date mailing is not as simple as desired. Also; there can be
difficulties in
matching gift certificates with cards, particularly when already prepared gift
certificates
are attempted to be matched.
According to the present invention a method and construction are provided
which
80 greatly enhance the quality and speed of production, can minimize costs
because of
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automation, and greatly improve the flexibility and options available in card
and gift
certificate selection and production. According to the present invention it is
possible to
use variable imaging systems which allow efficient production of large numbers
of
unique variable documents where layouts, images, and texts are merged on-the-
fly (in a
continuous process) that can change from page to page independently. The
documents can be printed and physically transmitted, or transmitted
electronically. The
invention is particularly desirable when implemented using a full process
color press,
such as the Xeikon digital press, at its rated speed, again with produced
documents
made of unlimited numbers of variable layouts, color images, and texts.
Preferably a
data-base driven work flow is provided designed to take advantage of the
capabilities of
the variable imaging system and digital press described above to provide such
features
as job hatching, distributed print, resource management, status checking, and
the like.
A large number of documents can be produced in the run length of one.
Utilizing the
invention it is possible to reduce cost of sales and the workflow-related
expenses like
prepress. The gift certificates can be produced at the same time, from the
same web of
paper, as the greeting cards, and connected to the greeting cards via a fine
of
weakness (such as a perforation line), or separated and inserted separately
into an
envelope. For organizations that issue and accept electronic gift
certificates,
information about the e-certificate can be printed directly on the card. Each
of these
procedures minimizes difficulties in matching, and minimizes mismatches.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is a method of
providing
and ordering greeting cards over a wide range computer network (e.g. a global
computer network, like the Internet) utilizing at least one central imaging
facility
(typically including a driver such as the Moore XL Open Driver, available from
Moore
North America, Inc. of Lake F=orest, Illinois} and preferably (although not
necessarily) a
full process color digital press, such as a Xeikon printer; a plurality of
remote terminals,
each including a monitor and selector (such as home or office PCs connected to
the
Internet} in different locations from each other and the central imaging
facility
(essentially located anywhere in the world}; and at least one server. The
method
comprises: (a} Utilizing a plurality of the remote terminals, simultaneously
or
sequentially, gaining access 'to the server over a wide range computer
network.
{b) Displaying on the accessing terminal monitors options for selection by the
accessing
terminals including greeting card image, message, card personalization,
recipient
address, and payment options. (c) In response to selections made by the
accessing
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terminals, automatically imaging a plurality of multicolored physical greeting
cards,
having imaged graphics and text, at the central imaging facility, (d)
producing a gift card
for each of at least some of i:he greeting cards; (e) including the gift card,
where
provided, with a greeting card; and (f} physically (or electronically, or by
mailing a disk)
transmitting the greeting cards from (c} to the appropriate respective
recipient
addresses selected therefor. In the method (c) may be practiced by merging
variable
templates with variable text data and ripped graphic images (e.g. pre-ripped,
or pre-
ripped and/or ripped "on the fly" (in a continuous process)} in a continuous
process in
which layouts, graphic images and text change independently from card to card
as the
plurality of cards are sequentially produced in the same continuous process.
Each greeting card may be a postcard, but preferably has a plurality of imaged
panels (e.g. two, three, or even more) and (b) is preferably practiced to
display on an
accessing terminal monitor at the same time ail of the imaged panels of the
greeting
card selected. Typically the greeting card is produced from a paper web or
sheet and
(b) is also preferably practiced to display gift certificate (or bank draft)
options and {c) is
practiced, in response to a gift certificate selection by an accessing
terminal, by imaging
a selected gift certificate (or bank draft) on the same paper web or sheet
substantially
sequentially adjacent to or on (in the case of an e-certificate) the greeting
card setected
with the gift certificate. Further, {c) may be practiced to leave the gift
certificate {or
bank draft) attached to the greeting card by a line of weakness, and the
method may
further comprise, between (c) and (f}, inserting the greeting card and
attached gift
certificate into an envelope, either manually, or utilizing conventional
automated
equipment, the envelope either being a window envelope with the address imaged
on
the card, or a label on the envelope itself being imaged, or the address being
imaged
on the envelope directly, or the envelope being created in-line with the
address imaged
directly on the envelope. Alternatively (c) may be practiced to detach the
gift certificate
from the greeting card, and the method may further comprise, between (c) and
(f)
inserting the greeting card and detached gift certificate into an envelope.
In the method (d) may be practiced in part by selecting or inputting a
personalized message which is provided on the gift card, which may be the same
as or
different than any card personalization selected for the greeting card with
which the gift
card is associated. The gift card may be glued onto the greeting card by
conventional,
readily-removable from the greeting card, hot melt glue, or other commonly
used
attachment methods. Typically, the greeting card has a gift certificate
portion, and (e)
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may be practiced to attach the gift card to the gift certificate portion with
hot melt glue.
In the method (d) and (e) may be practiced with a plastic or paper gift card,
with or
without a magnetic strip, RF technology, or the like. Where the gift card is
paper, (d)
and (e) may be practiced by imaging the gift card directly or the gift
certificate portion of
the greeting card. The method preferably further comprises laminating at least
one
face of the gift card with transparent plastic before practicing (f). Also,
the method
preferably further comprises especially encoding magnetic strip or RF
technology
information into the gift card before practicing (f).
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination
1 D greeting card and gift card, comprising a paper greeting card having first
and second
opposite ends and a fold fine substantially parallel to and between the ends,
defining
the greeting card into four panels including a front panel, a rear panel, a
first
intermediate panel opposite the front panel, and a second intermediate panel
opposite
the rear panel, the first end associated with the front and first intermediate
panels, and
the second end associated with the rear and second intermediate panels;
multicolor
indicia, including multicolor graphic images, on the front panel; standard
greeting card
text indicia, and personalized text indicia, automatically imaged on the
second
intermediate panel;
For example, the greeting card has a gift certificate panel integrally formed
therewith, and the gift card is operatively connected to the gift certificate
panel. !n
various modifications the gift card has personalized text indicia
automatically imaged
thereon; the gift card is plastic and is connected by hot melt glue to the
gift certificate
panel; the gift card includes an encoded magnetic strip or RF technology;
andlor the gift
card is an integral portion of said gift certificate panel, and is separated
by one or more
lines of weakness therefrom. Typically, at least one face of the gift card is
laminated
with a transparent plastic.
The general attributes of the system and method according to the present
invention include scalability for rapid growth, flexible architecture for
quick adjustments
to changing business needs, open architecture based upon industry standards
(such as
CORBA, DCOM, etc.), efficient use of hardware (such as multi-threading for
parallel
processing, etc.), utilization of commercially available software (e.g. SQL
databases),
ready interface with corporate systems (e.g. SAF', Lawson, etc.), providing
necessary
security levels for different modules, and to provide full back up, restore,
compact, and
repair capabilities. High level functional desired attributes of the system
and method
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repair capabilities. High level functional desired attributes of the system
and method
{although all need not be implemented) are as follows:
Mapping of Customer Operation and Workflow to the Supporting System
Functionality
CUSTOMER OPERATION SUPPORTING SYSTEM
and WORKFLOW FUNCTIONALITY
Connect to the Greeting Card web Provides access to the system over
site. a
Introductory screen advertising global computer network (e.g. the
features of
the site. Internet
Trace from where the web site was
entered from for re ortin ur oses
Enter Greeting Card "storefront".
The customer has the options of:
{1) selecting, customizing and ordering[SEE DETAILS BELOW]
a
greeting card
{2) utilizing various member services
{3) artists / vendors forum
(4) learning more about features
and
services
1 - selectin , customizin and orde rin a reetin card
Narrow the extensive library of Provide images and verses for selection
card choices
by the specification of preference by multiple hierarchical content
criteria.
These criteria may include: categories (e.g. Birthday-Humorous,
Type I category of card Holiday-Grandparents, etc.) Preferably
Occasion displaying all the items for the
current
Theme (sub) categories, however given
the
Categories by artists performance constraint alternative
User specified keywords solutions may be used.
This search may include either the
description of card imagery or card
textual
content.
Search for an image by keywords
Multiple keywords
Ability to exclude by keyword
Free way search
List of standard keywords (the
same
us used to re inter ima es
Search within the current {sub)
category
or throe h the whole libra
Ability to search for a verse
(the same requirements as for image
search
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Select the appropriate card image For each card display the following:
and/or
verse from an assortment of possibleThumbnail of the front of the
card
choices. Identification of the areas for
variable
text
Description
Default verse
Size
Price (template/ image)
Fla if a new card
Personalize the card by: Display the graphical representation
of
Selecting and/or modifying the versethe whole card
Selecting fonts Images
Adding personal message Variable text fields
Selecting additional images) Default verse (if available)
Including customer's images) (retrieved
from either client system or another
web
site)
Addin si nature
Provide mechanism to enter or
modify
variable text fields based on
the template
specifications for the selected
card
One or more fields
Ability to select another verse
from the list
of verses for the current (sub)
category
into the verse field. Size and
the text-flow
of the verse needs to match the
template
ecification for the ara ra h.
s
_
The amount of text may be limited
as it is
typed in based on the template
s ecifications
Option to select font typeface
and color
for every variable text field
from the lists
of available font typefaces and
colors.
The template parameters need to
be
considered, e. . text field size.
Option to select a background
for the
inside of the card from a list
of available
backgrounds
Display a thumbnail (small) of
the
background
Descri tion of the back round
Ability to select more than one
image per
template (additional images) on
all
anels
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Option to retrieve users' images
from
sources other then the standard
library
Upload from client system
Retrieve from another web site
Interactive pre-flight capabilities
for
received images
Store ima es in s ecial libra
An ability to use customer's actual
handwriting through handwriting
capture
technolo
Display required specifications
for the
ima es to be a loaded
Select gift certificate to be includedSelect and order gift certificates.
with
card (if desired) Track the usage for payments to
gift
certificate vendor partners
Ability to charge higher then the
face
value as a percentage or a fixed
amount
Ability to specify optional handling
fees per item
Group by gift categories, e.g.
restaurants, retail.
Navigate by categories
Navigate by geographical area
Keyword search for a gift
Ability to customize gift certificates
Customization data may vary by
vendor
Customization fields may be allowed
or re uired
Optionally display partners' logos
to
graphically identify them.
The logos are URLs to partners'
gift
selection area for the selected
artner
Select delivery method and, optionally,Offer different delivery options,
e.g.
postage stamp to be used on card. regular mail, overnight, insured,
etc.
The selection of stamps will vary . Address limitations (PO Box)
based
upon: . Insurance
Card selection and inclusions (mailing. Overnight carrier will be selected
weight) based on the local agreements
Delivery method International regulations
Schedule card for delivery
Option to select a stamp from the
list of
available stam s re ular mail
Schedule mailing by entering the
referred delive date
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Address the card in case of a. postcardAbility to enter the To and From
greeting or the envelope in case addresses. In case of existing
of a profile, the
traditional card From address comes from the profile
with
the o tion to override.
Ability to select address-to from
"address
book" linked to current rofile
Option to send card to the person
ordering it. In this case a blank
envelope
is included with the card to allow
the
customer to hand address it.
Advance real time address verification
using postal databases
Retrieve city and state based
on the
postal code
In case of invalid address ask
for
confirmation
Bypass verification for countries
for
which address verification is
not
available
Optional ability to send copies
of a
created card to multiple destinations.
By typing in names/addresses-to
or
selecting from address book
By attach a mailing list for sending
a
card to multiple destination
If a gift certificate is selected,
the
amount and personalization for
each
certificate is s ecified
Preview the finished product prior Ability to create an on-screen
to order proof of the
card showing the variable data
as it will
be printed
Low resolution proof
Display alt panels on the same
screen
Displayed utilizing native browser
capabilities
Rendered to make the text easy
to
read
Place card into the shopping cart. Shopping cart concept for multiple
The
shopping cart will list each card purchases including among other
awaiting things:
order Ability to remove items
Active link to modify items
Multiple mailing destinations
Postage calculation
Tax calculation
Calculate total amount
g
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Provides intertace and necessary
functionality for handling taxes
Tax exempt
Collect tax based on applicable
laws
in sending and receiving locations
Store data necessary for tax
remittance
Allow credit card payment on-line.
Syntax verification: checksum,
expiration date
Real time credit verification
Stop purchase if the transaction
rejected
Optional ability to hold an order
in
pending state when the transaction
can't be verified. Customer may
return
at a later time to complete the
transaction
Digital cash support (as standards
are
available)
Commit order. Payment information Order confirmation page
must
be complete. Customer receives Display unique confirmation order
confirmation on screen with invoicenumber
information, plus a copy sent to . List all the items ordered, total
their email price,
aiddress fees, the last 4 digit of the credit
card
and the card type (invoice)
Indicate that the order number
is used
as a reference to the order inquiries
Formatted to tint as an invoice
Send the same invoice information
as an
e-mail
~! - utilizing various member services
L.ogin to member services Profile fog-on functionality
Automated login using pre-stored
user
name and password
Verify credit card expiration
date
Log-on in multiple places
Home page
Check-out
Web site custamization based on
the
profile data
Customer name
Upcoming events
Selective messages based on
urchasin histo
Create / modify member profile Ability to store/editldelete customer
rofiles: Customer name. address,
user-
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provided user name and password,
e-
mail, credit card related data,
digitized
image of customer signature.
Verify uniqueness of the user
name and
assword
Maintain address book Ability to select, edit, add,
and delete
addresses in the "address bookn
linked to
current rofile
Create / modify delivery schedule.Schedule mailing by entering the
Card will be produced and deliveredpreferred delivery date
automatically, customer will be
billed at that
time.
Create / modify reminder schedule Create a list of dates for customers
to
Customer-specified reminder will receive reminders via e-mail
produce
an small message to the profile Dates
email
address on the specified day. Events description (e.g. Mary's
Birthda
Check order status, billing and Customer support functionality
order history via
Internet
findl check order status
request credit
ask other uestions
Orders placed by a customer with
an
identified rofile are linked to
that rofile.
3 -- artists I vendors forum
Login to artist / vendor services Artist registration/login
(this service is available to graphicassign user namelpassword
artists,
poets or card vendors wishing to . artists name/address/bio
include
their card designs on this site) . select and accepted payment
arrangement, e.g. fixed price,
royalty
payment data
to in to a load area
Maintain artist I vendor rofile
On-line business agreement with Select arid accept the conditions
the of
participating artist/poet/vendor. providing images through the artists
This will
allow for a selection between severalforum
pre-
determined methods of payment for
use of
material, and will be legally binding
for all
arties involved.
Provide the ability to upload imagesProvide an ability for artists
andlor to upload
verses, and categorize these materialstheir images
in
such a way that is useful to customersUniquely identified
purchasing the finished card product. Occurs to a reserved area
New
material that is submitted is subject
to
review and moderation prior to
becoming
available for eneral use.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26~
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wo ooi~osm rcT~rsoonzo3s
Image registration capabilities:
image description
categories from the existing
categories on the web site
keywords for search through selecting
standard web site keywords and
free
entry keywords
default verse for images
referred a er
Verse a load and re istration
nlloderation services
Verify the usability of uploaded Pre-flight services for the artists'
material. images
Generate required file for the (prepress)
production
systems. Verify if usable
Adjust if possible
Send back if not correctable
4 - iearnin more about features d services
an
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) FAQ sectian
Page listing existing
questions/answers
Form to submit a new questions
Form should guide the responses
New questions are sent to customer
su ort
Users' comments
Additional User Desired Attributes
Web Site requirements
Attribute
he theme of the web site is driven dynamically based on Holiday and Special
Events
chedule stored in the database
ecial offers romotion via banners
upport for Internationalization. Includes screen messages in the selected
local
language and filtering variable resources (standard verses and images) by
country
ountry selector
Pa es customization b count , includin the list of holida s
bility to create and order other variable on-demand products like calendars,
rochures, business cards, postcards etc. These products can be built based on
the
xistin tem fates or on the template designed by the user.
utomaticaily route orders to a predefined manufacturing facility based on
customer
ail-to address and rovide address ad'ustment addlremoveltranslate count
bility to upload used gift certificate unique numbers to gift certificate
vendors.
(Includes all the customization data for the issued gift certificate, (e.g.
date issued, flag
Ef voided
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Provide electronic version of the cards via e-mail or through URL
(sent in an e-mail) to
the card
Obtain e-mail address of the reci lent
Entire web site, the look and selection, can be customized to identify
the partner if the
web site is entered from the partner's web site.
In case of gift certificate partnE~rs, the card selection stays
the same, the gift certificates
are limited to the current partner.
In case of card partner the card selection is limited to the current
card partner, and the
gift certificates stay the same.
iThe flow and the individual page layout of the site stays the
same.
he customization is limited to the than a of to os, names, and
back rounds.
Allow multiple gifts with a card
bility to select and order gifts other then gift certificates,
e.g. personalized calendars,
pre-paid calling cards, etc.
Back Office
Attribute
Serve as data repository for the order data
Data conversion
"Device Inde endent"
Run production processes based on the mail date
Credit card charges
Generate roduction data for variable Tint roduction and order fulfillment
Input production status info received from production facilities
real time, as well as both
throw h batch rocess and manual in ut
enerate re-run production files based on the production status
Ensure the uni ueness of the ift certificate numbers
modif order, issue credit
ustomer su ort functionalit : find/ check/
_
ax re ortin
eb Site content mana ement cats ories, card selection, etc.
Postal regulation
Postage rates for various sizes/ weights
Delive dates
Reminder fulfillment
Digital Assets Management
(Variable Templates, Images, Verses)
Attribute
ersion control, "freeze" resources for existin orders
Provide verse editin ca abilities
utomatic image format conversion (e.g. JPEG, BMP, etc. to PS, EPS;
PS, EPS to
t-F)
tore re wired arameters like resolution, screenin , bits/ ixel,
etc.
w
reate thumbnails based on the ima a and tem late data to ether
Provide stora a com ression
12
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Maintain images in multiple formats and sizes:
High res for printing
Low res for thumbnails
Maintain ift certificate data: back round, customization fields
Provide country and (sub) category assignment functionality (Cards,
Verses, Gifts
count onl
Provide default verse assi nment functionali
s for eve ima a and verse
tore ke ord
_
Store fonts required in the job
Maintain the list of available fonts for displaying on the web
site for user selection for
he text fields
Maintain the list of available colors for displaying on the web
site for user selection for
he text fields
tore variable template description
List of fields
Field type: image, text
ize of variable text fields, images
Pa a size
It is the primary object of the present invention to provide for the ordering
and
production of greeting cards (typically with gift cards) over a wide range
computer
network (e.g. the Internet) with enhanced speed, flexibility, efficiency, and
accuracy.
This and other objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection
of the
detailed description of the invention and from the appended claims.
BRIEF IDESCR1PTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a schematic high level diagram of an exemplary method according
to the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a more detailed schematic illustration showing the variable card
imaging process according to~ the invention;
FIGURES 3A and 3B are interior and exterior views, respectively, of one form
of
combined greeting card and gift certificate according to the invention;
FIGURE 4 is a modified form of the greeting card and gift certificate of
FIGURES
3A and 3B;
FIGURE 5 is an exemplary schematic illustration of a home page screen for one
exemplary form of implementation of the method according to the invention;
FIGURES 6 through 1 ~ are schematic illustrations of exemplary screens for the
implementation of the method according to the present invention;
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FIGURE 15 is a high level flow diagram showing one exemplary form of
implementation of an advertising subsidy feature that may be utilized in the
practice of
the method according to the present invention;
FIGURE i 6 is a high level flow diagram of a modification of the method
according to the invention wherein a gift card is produced and associated with
the
greeting card;
FIGURES 17 and 18 are schematic perspective views of two different
embodiments of a greeting/gift card combination produced according to the
method of
FIGURE 16; and
FIGURES 19 through 21 are side schematic views, with the components thereof
greatly enlarged and exaggerated in relative dimension for clarity of
illustration, of
exemplary gift cards per se that may be produced and utilized according to the
present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates the basic concept of the method of
providing
and ordering greeting cards over a wide range computer network (in this case a
global
computer network, such as tree Internet). The system illustrated in FIGURE 1
includes
at least one central imaging facility 10; preferably having a high technology
driver 11
and a full process color digital press printer 12. The driver 11 preferably
comprises a
variable imaging system, such as the XL Open System available from Moore North
America, Inc. of Lake Forest, Illinois. The XL Open, or like variable imaging
system,
allows efficient production of a large number of unique variable documents
where
layouts, graphic images {such as photographs, drawings, etc.) and texts are
merged
on-the-fly {in a continuous process) and could change from page to page
independently. The printer 12 may be a Xeikon printer.
The system of FIGURE 1 also includes a plurality of remote terminals 13, only
two of which are illustrated in FIGURE 1, but typically it includes millions
of different
terminals, preferably home or office PCs. Each of the terminals l3 is in a
different
location than other terminals and than the central imaging facility 10. The
terminals 13
each comprise a monitor 14 and a selector, illustrated schematically at 15.
While the
monitor 14 is shown as a computer monitor it also can be a television screen,
a dumb
terminal monitor, or the like. 'The selector 15 may comprise any conventional
selector.
14
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While it will be described below primarily with respect to a mouse having two
selector
buttons, it is to be understood that any conventional selector could be
provided, such as
a keyboard, "touch screen", etc.
The system of FIGURE 1 further comprises at least one server, shown
schematically at 16 in FIGURE 1, typically a global computer network server
which is
operatively connected to the remote terminal 13 over a wide range computer
network,
schematically illustrated at 17 as the worldwide web. A variety of data files
are
associated with the server 1 h, such as the imageltext paragraph selection for
cards
data file 18, frequent customer profiles file 19, gift certificate selection
data fife 20, a
data file for advertising users which subsidize cards, 21, etc. The server 16
has
electronic connection to and association with banks, as indicated by the
credit card
transactions double arrow 22 and the bank symbol 23 in FIGURE 1.
Card orders are provided from the server 16, as indicated schematically by the
arrow 24 in FIGURE 1, to an order database 25. The order database 25, which
includes computer storage, provides order information to the central imaging
facility 10.
While the cards created by the driver 11 may be electronically transmitted,
preferably they are printed on the printer 12 and then physically transmitted,
such as by
mail, as schematically illustrated at 2E in FIGURE 1. Typically the mail or
other physical
transmission may be from the central imaging facility 10. Express options may
also be
provided, including hand delivery if the recipient of the cards is
geographically
proximate a central imaging facility 10, overnight courier, etc..
FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates the variable card imaging process utilizing
the
system of FIGURE 1, and particularly the XL Open variable imaging system 11
associated with Xeikon printer 12. Variable templates, illustrated
schematically at 27 in
FIGURE 2, variable data, illustrated at 28, and pre-ripped images, illustrated
schematically at 29 in FIGURE 2, are merged at high speed to produce
consecutive
merged page images, illustrated schematically at 30 in FIGURE 2, which are
supplied
to the press 12 which then prints them in full color. A "template" is a
collection of fixed
text, images, and placeholders for variable text and images placed in a
certain location
with certain attributes. The variable placeholders (illustrated at 27 in
FIGURE 2) are
filled based upon the input data that drive the variable imaging process, e.g.
from Order
database 25.
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In addition to utilizing pre-ripped images, images ripped on the fly may be
merged with the pre-ripped images. Alternatively, only images ripped on the
fly may be
used.
FIGURES 3A and 3B ;>how one greeting card and gift certificate construction
that
may be produced according to the invention, generally by reference numeral 31.
The
construction 31 preferably is made from a web of paper in continuous process
with
different sections of the web defining different cards, or card and gift
certificate
constructions, being separate from each other, and produced utilizing
conventional
equipment. Alternatively, the construction 31 may be made from a sheet in a
sheet
feeding and printing process.
The construction 31 comprises a paper greeting card 32, and a gift certificate
(or
bank draft) 33 integral with (from the same web of paper as) and connected by
a line of
weakness 34 (such as a perforation line) to the greeting card 32. The greeting
card 32
has a first end 35 and a second end -- coincident with the perforation line 34
in the
embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 3A and 3B -- opposite the first end, and a
fold line
36 substantially parallel to and between the ends 34, 35. The greeting card 32
is
defined by the elements 34 through 36 into a front panel 37 (FIGURE 3B), a
rear panel
38 (FIGURE 3B), a first interrnediate panel 39 (FIGURE 3A) and a second
intermediate
panel 40 (FIGURE 3A). The first end 35 is associated with the front and first
intermediate panels 37, 39, respectively, while the second end 34 is
associated with the
rear 38 and second intermediiate 40 panels, respectively.
Multicolor indicia, including multicolor graphics shown schematically at 41 in
FIGURE 3B, is imaged (has keen automatically imaged) on front panel 37.
Depending
upon the particular construction 31 text may also be imaged on the front panel
37 in
addition to multicoior graphic images 41. The rear panel 38 also may be
imaged, for
example, with advertising text and/or graphics illustrated schematically at 42
in FIGURE
3B, or indicating the name of the organization that printed the card 32, etc.
The card 32 also includes standard greeting card text indicia, illustrated
schematically at 43 in FIGURE 3A, as well as personalized text indicia,
illustrated
schematically at 44 in FIGURE 3A, automatically imaged on the second
intermediate
panel 40. As illustrated schematically at 45 in FIGURE 3A, graphics may also
be
imaged thereon. The graphics 45 may also comprise a graphic "signature".
The gift certificate (or bank draft) 33 also has appropriate gift certificate
(or bank
draft) indicia imaged thereon, illustrated schematically at 46 in both FIGURE
3A and
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3B. The indicia 46 includes redeeming establishment, monetary value, an
identifying
number (such as a serial nurr~ber for security purposes) indicia automatically
imaged
on one or both faces of the gift certificate 33. '
After production of the construction 31, and separating it from other cards or
cards and certificates in the paper web, the construction 31 is folded about
the fold line
36 and the line of weakness 34, and inserted into an envelope 47 with which it
has
been electronically matched, the envelope 47 having address indicia 48 thereon
(or
visible therethrough), such as in the form of a label as illustrated in FIGURE
3A. The
construction 31 is then mailed or otherwise delivered to the recipient whose
name is on
the variable address 48.
FIGURE 4 is an embodiment like that of FIGURE 3A only in which the gift
certificate 33 has been separated from the second end 34 of the'card 32. The
gift
certificate 33 is then inserted, or otherwise provided (such as by formation
of the
envelope around the card and gift certificate) the envelope 47.
One form in which the desirable attributes described above can be implemented
is shown in FIGURES 5 through 15, FIGURES 5 through 14 being schematic
illustrations of exemplary screens that appear on the monitor 14, and FIGURE
15 being
a high level flow sheet showing implementation of one of the attributes
described
above.
FIGURE 5 illustrates three basic options that may be selected on an accessing
terminal 13 at the home page associated with the server 16, including
selection options
49, 50, and 51. One simple way of selecting an option 49-51 is to move the
cursor to it
with a mouse, and click on it. Before clicking on the option 49, one of the
general
categories of cards, illustrated schematically at 52, may first be selected.
FIGURE 6 is an illustration of an exemplary card selector screen, for example,
after first selecting "love" from elements 52, and then clicking on selector
49, in
FIGURE 5. On the greeting card selector screen of FIGURE 6 a plurality of
possible
card graphic images, shown schematically at 53, and internal messages 54, are
illustrated, as well as an option that allows upload or retrieval of one's own
graphic
image, 55, or an option that allows one to select an inside message first
before
selecting a cover, as illustrated at 56. At the bottom of the screen of FIGURE
6 are
other options, such as selecting other products by clicking on 57, sending a
selection to
a shopper's electronic "shopping cart" as indicated at 58, and a "member
services"
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option 59. Or by clicking on arrow 60, one may return to the previous screen
(e.g
FIGURE 5).
By clicking on one of the images 53, a user at the terminal 13 can personalize
the greeting card. For example, by clicking on the top leftmost image 53 of
FIGURE 6,
the screen of FIGURE 7, which is a personalization of a card screen, is
provided. On
the screen of FIGURE 7 the image 53 and the verse 54 inside the card are
displayed,
and an area under the heading "Personal Message" -- illustrates schematically
at 61 in
FIGURE 7 -- is provided. By tabbing to, clicking on, or otherwise entering the
personal
message box 61, the user can input (e.g. with a keyboard portion of the
selector 15)
any desired personal message, such as illustrated schematically at 62 in
FIGURE 7. A
number of other options may also be provided, such as font selection option 63
and a
color (for the type) option 64. Also far cards where there is also a message
on the front
panel (37 in FIGURE 3B) that message, or an opportunity to customize it, may
be
provided as illustrated in dotted line at 65 in FIGURE 7, as well as the
possibility of
selecting the position of the text as illustrated at 66 in FIGURE 7. Also, a
graphic
"signature" selection box 67 is preferably provided, which also preferably has
a font
selection option 68 associated therewith.
On the same screen of FIGURE 7 preferably are other option selections, such as
a request/option 69 for selection of a gift certificate (33). White clicking
on the option 69
does not require one to select a gift certificate from a company or company
specifically
advertising, as indicated by the indicia 70 therein, preferably the
advertisement 70 is in
some way associated with either the graphic image 53 and/or the inside message
54
(e.g. provided on panel 40 in FIGURE 3A). For example, for an outdoor image 53
and
message 54, as illustrated in FIGURE 7, the advertisement 70 maybe from an
outdoor
products company.
Other selection possibilitiesloptions that are displayed in FIGURE 7 are an
image
selection option 71 which allows one to change the image 53, a select paper
typelsize
option 72 (for example allowing one to select recycled or virgin paper,
conventional size
greeting card, or oversized card, etc.) as well as an option 73 that allows
one to select a
postage stamp or other delivery options.
The screen of FIGURE 7 also includes an option for entering the recipient's
address information 74, which may allow one to use an address book by clicking
on
option 75 if the user is one having address information stored in association
with the
server 16, and database 19.
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So that cards may be purchased well in advance -- without having to access the
system of FIGURE 1 a few days before the event that the greeting card 32 is to
acknowledge -- a future transmission date option 76 is provided. This is very
user
friendly and clear, having separate boxes that allow one to select the day,
month, and
year of the transmission, which is retained in computer memory (e.g. in order
database
25, or database 19), and then the order is provided from the computer memory
to the
central printing facility 10 at the appropriate time, without the user having
to take any
action. Alternatively, the option 76 may merely provide for the system to
provide the
user with a call-up (e.g. by e-mail) as the date approaches so that the user
may either
confirm the selection, or make another.
At the bottom left of the screen of FIGURE 7 there are a number of other
options, some the same as the screen of FIGURE 6, but others different. For
example,
the option 77 asked to see a. preview of the finished product, while the
option 78 allows
one to conduct a computer search of other messages for certain keywords, that
one
might want to incorporate into the card being constructed using the screen of
FIGURE
7.
Assuming that the option 77 is clicked on, a screen such as that of FIGURE 8
is
displayed on the monitor 14, namely a greeting card preview screen. The
preview
screen of FIGURE 8 is displayed on a monitor 14, all at the same time, all of
the
imaged panels of the greeting card, such as the card 32, that will be
produced. With
reference to the card 32 that will ultimately be produced as illustrated in
FIGURES 3A
and 3B, FIGURE 8 displays the front panel 37, and the second intermediate
panel 40,
in essentially every situation, and also preferably displays the first
intermediate 39 and
the rear panel 38, for example ad indicia being illustrated at 42 on the rear
panel 38,
and the advertising logo 79 being provided on the panel 39, or other indicia.
If a gift
certificate is selected, that also may be displayed, as illustrated
schematically at 33 in
FIGURE 8.
Options 74, 76 in FIGURE 8, which are the same as in FIGURE 7, and will have
their indicia added at FIGURE 7 if indicia was added there, which then can be
double
checked. The screen of FIGURE 8 also has other options at the bottom left,
such as
those similar to FIGURE 7, as well as an option 80 indicating that the card
has been
selected (and typically sent to the "shopping cart").
If the gift certificate option 69 of FIGURE 7 is selected, then a screen is
displayed like the gift certificate (and/or bank draft) screen of FIGURE 9.
This may
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have a plurality of selector options 82, which relate to a number of different
companies,
or if none of the companies are of interest, then the no gift certificate
selection (which is
the default selection) may be exercised. An inscription for the gift
certificate may be
entered in the option box 84 seen in FIGURE 9, and the amount of the gift
certificate is
selected utilizing option box 85. Assuming that the outdoor equipment company
gift
certificate 82 is selected, when the card 32 is printed the gift certificate
33 that will be
printed as the appropriate indicia for that company.
Other selection options of the FIGURE 9 screen may include attaching the gift
certificate to the card by clicking on option 86 (e.g. to produce the
construction of
FIGURES 3A and 3B), or enclosing the gift certificate with the greeting card
by clicking
on 87 {the FIGURE 4 option).
If one selects the option 73 from FIGURE 7, a screen like that of FIGURE 10
may appear, which has a plurality of different stamp formats/options 88, or a
"pick a
stamp for me" (default) option 89, or an option 90 for selecting other
delivery options
(such as courier service, insured mail, etc.). The same standard option
indicia, such as
the "go back one screen" option 60 is also provided at the bottam left of the
screen of
FIGURE 10. The option 91 returns one to the screen of FIGURE 7.
The screen that is displayed when one clicks on option 72 is similar to the
screen
of FIGURE 10 only it includes paper type and size options instead of different
postage
stamp options.
Whenever the shopping cart option 58 is selected, a screen like that of FIGURE
11 will appear. Preferably the shopping cart screen 11 displays all relevant
information
with respect to the card or cards (and gift certificates or bank drafts if
selected) options
are illustrated. For example, i:he front panel graphics image 53, the selected
stamp 92, '
the company supplying the gilt certificate 93, the personal message 62 that
was added,
as well as the recipient indicia. 94 that was supplied in the option 74, are
displayed, as
well as the mailing/transmission date selected in response to the display
option 76, date
indicia being illustrated at 95 in FIGURE 11. This allows a quick check of all
of the
relevant information. Also the cost is displayed as indicated at 9fi. The
total cost,
broken down by greeting cards, gift certificates, sales tickets, etc. is also
displayed as
illustrated at 97 depending upon the number of cards/certificates selected.
FIGURE 11
also displays the payment options, illustrated schematically at 98, which
typically
preferably will be credit card or debit card and having the standard fields to
be filled in
by the user using the selector 15 at hislher remote terminal 15. Once all the
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information is entered and checked, the order may be placed by clicking on
option 99.
Alternatively, if the user wants the cost to be subsidized (so that the cost
of the greeting
card is reduced) option 100 may be exercised. Exercise of the option 100 the
procedure illustrated by the high level flow sheet of FIGURE 15 maybe
implemented
(the high level flow sheet of FIGURE 15 being illustrated in lieu of a
screen).
For example, one scenario when the option 100 is selected -- as illustrated in
FIGURE 15 -- is a query of the user, as indicated schematically at 101 in
FIGURE 15,
as to whether he or she will complete a survey. If "no" is selected, then the
monitor 13
is returned to the screen of FIGURE 11. if "yes" is selected, then the survey
is
displayed as illustrated at 1 Q~?. If the survey is completed and submitted,
as indicated
by the selection box 103 in FIIGURE 15, then the amount of the discount will
be
displayed at 104. !f the survey is not completed or submitted, then the
monitor 14 is
returned to the shopping cart screen of FIGURE 11. Once the discount is
displayed at
104 on the monitor 14, then one or more ad messages may be displayed (or at
the
same time as the discount) as indicated at 105. If none of the messages are
suitable,
the user can still opt out of the subsidy and the monitor 14 will return to
the shopping
cart screen of FIGURE 11. Mowever, if an ad message is selected in the
decision box
106, then the user may be queried -- as indicated schematically at 107 in
FIGURE 15 --
about whether another preview (screen of FIGURE 8) is desired. If so, then the
new
preview is displayed as indicated at 108 (the screen of FIGURE 8, including
the
advertising message 42 and/or 79). If no preview is required, then box 108 is
skipped.
Ultimately, the user is asked to accept the discount and ad message as
indicated
by the decision box 109. If it is declined, then one immediately returns to
the shopping
cart as indicated at 58, but without any recalculated figures. If "yes" is
selected, then
the total owed is recalculated as indicated at 110 (that is the discount is
subtracted from
the figures illustrated in the screen of FIGURE 11 ), and then the screen of
FIGURE 11,
with recalculated monetary figures is then displayed.
If the member log-in option 50 of FIGURE 5 is elected, an exemplary log-on
screen may be as illustrated in FIGURE 12, which screen is self-explanatory.
If the
user already is a member the ID 111 and password 112 are entered, as in many
other
conventional log-in procedures. If the user is not yet a member, then the
option 113 is
clicked on.
Once log-in has occurred, at least when the option 113 is selected, the member
profile screen of FIGURE 13 may be displayed, again which is self-explanatory.
!f
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desired, the member profile screen of FIGURE 13 may be displayed whenever log-
in is
clicked on, allowing ane to update his or her profile, as illustrated at
option 114 in
FIGURE 13. Ultimately, when the member services option 59 is selected, the
screen of
FIGURE 14 may be displayed.
The selection of option 59 may result in the display of a wide variety of
service
options depending upon the member services available. Some of the services,
illustrated schematically in FIGURE 14, are the member profile option 115
(which
returns to the screen of FIGURE 13), the address book option 75 (where an
address
book may be created, updated, or utilized), a scheduling reminder option 116
(which will
allow storage, and e-mail reminders, of upcoming dates), and an order history
option
117 which, if selected, displays all of the orders that the user has selected
in the past
(for example to make sure that he or she does not send the same card to the
same
person more than once, etc.).
All of the other options not specifically described above, such as options 51,
55,
56, 71, 63, 64, 66, etc., will display on various screens options that are
suitable to
implement the functions indicated.
FIGURE 16 schematically shows an exemplary method according to the
invention which includes the production of a plastic or paper (plain or
laminated with
transparent plastic) gift card 'that can be included with the greeting card
32. The gift
card may be of a variety of sizes, but preferably is the size of a
conventional credit,
phone or I.D. card (e.g., between about 3-4 x 1.5-2.5 inches, and all narrower
ranges
within that broad range (such as 3.4 x 2.15 inches)). An exemplary gift card
is shown
schematically at 120 in FIG. 17.
At any stage of production of greeting card 32 {e.g., after selection of all
of the
components thereof, as indicated schematically at 121 in FIG. 16), in response
to the
query indicated by element 122 in FIG. 16 (which query is displayed on the
screen 14),
such as indicated schematically at 123 in FIG. 9, a user may select a gift
card {such as
card 120) to be included with greeting card 32. The gift card (e.g., 120) may
be one
that is encoded with particular information (e.g., via a magnetic strip, RF
technology,
bar code, or any other suitable conventional technique) to make it useful to
access,
receive discounts for, and/or purchase suitable goods, services, or the like.
Non-
limiting examples include phone cards, debit cards, membership cards (allowing
access
to a private club, discounts at a buying service or other establishment,
etc.),
identification cards, and key cards:
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If a user wants a gift card, a screen may be displayed -- as indicated
schematically by element 124. in FIG. 16 -- asking if the user wants to
personalize the
gift card. If the user does, then a screen like that of FIG. 7 (only
simplified and far a gift
card instead of a greeting card) may be displayed. The personal message, e.g.,
such
as indicated schematically at 126 for the gift card and 125 in FiG. 17 -- will
be imaged
on the gift card. The personal message may be the same as or different from
the
message 54, 62, etc., for the greeting card 32. Inputting of the personal
message --
schematically indicated at 126 in FIG. 16 -- may be with keyboard 15, or in
any other
suitable conventional manner.
There may only be one option provided for the composition and/or type of the
gift
card (e.g., 120), or multiple options may be possible or utilized in any
particular
situation, as schematically shown by box 127 in FIG. 16. Option 128 may be to
glue --
e.g., by hot melt glue 129 (FI(a. 17) -- a plastic gift card 121 to an inside
panel (or gift
certificate panel) of a greeting card 32, as seen in FIG. 17. Or, as indicated
at 130 in
FIG. 16, a gift card 131 can be printed on the paper of gift certificate panel
33, with or
without personal message 125, as seen in FIG. 18. The gift card 131 may be
separated by one or more lines of weakness (such as die cut lines, pert lines,
etc.) 133
from the rest of the panel 31. The card 131 is separated from panel 31 by the
recipient
of card 32, along the lines 133.
As indicated by element 134 in FIG. 16, there also may be the option (or there
necessarily may be provided merely from the utilization of 130) the provision
of a
magnetic strip, RF technology, a bar code, or the like encoding on the card
131.
Further, as indicated at 135 in FIG. 16, lamination of one or both faces of
paper gift
card 131 with a clear plastic may optionally (or necessarily upon utilization
of 130) be
provided.
The final procedure shown in FIG. 16 is at 136, where provision of a magnetic
strip, etc., may be provided on a gift card 120, 131 regardless of the nature
of the card
and anything else associated therewith.
FIGURES 19 - 21 schematically show various modifications of cards 131 that
may be provided, either formed separately from a paper substrate, or formed as
part of
the panel 31 (the cards 131 being shown separated from the panel 31 in FIGS.
19-21 ).
fn each of FIGS. 19-21 the paper substrate is shown by reference numeral 140,
and all
layers are shown greatly enlarged and in exaggerated relative size, for
clarity of
illustration.
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In FIGURE 19 an encoded magnetic strip 141 is shown on one face of substrate
140 of card 143, with personalized indicia 144 on the opposite face and having
a
transparent plastic laminate 1f45 thereover. In FIG. 20 an RF antenna 146 and
RF chip
147 are shown on one face of card 148 (separated by a dielectric 149), with
laminates
145 on both faces. Any other known RF technology may alternatively be
utilized.
FiG. 21 shows a card 150 having personalized indicia 144 on one face,
laminates 145
on both faces, and no strip, RF elements, etc., although the indicia 151 rnay
include
encoding or indicia that makes the card 150 particularly valuable.
The equipment to make, secure, pert, laminate, image, apply magnetic strips or
use RF technology, etc., associated with the FIGS. 16-21 embodiments is
entirely
conventional per se, and may be utilized right along with other equipment for
making
the cards 32 from a web of paper or the like.
It will thus be seen that according to the present invention utilizing a
plurality of
remote terminals, 13, simultaneously or sequentially, access may be gained to
a server
16 over a wide range computer network 17. On the accessing terminal monitor 14
there will be displayed options for selection by the accessing terminals 13
including
greeting card image 53/41, message 54143, card personalization 62/44,
recipient
address 74/75, payment 98, gift certificate 69/82, advertising subsidy 100,
105, etc.,
postage stamp 73/88, paper type/size 72, future transmission date 76,
historical order
and important date data 116, 117, graphic image upload or retrieval 55, artist
registration and upload 5i, options, and a wide variety of gift card options.
In response
to such selections, the facility 10 will automatically image a plurality of
multicolored (that
is a plurality of colors besides black, white and gray) physical greeting
cards 32 having
image graphics and text, with associated gift cards 120, 131, etc., and the
cards will be
physically transmitted to the appropriate respective recipient addresses, as
indicated
schematically at 26 in FIGURE 1, e.g. by mailing.
While the invention has been herein shown and described in what is presently
conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment thereof, it will
be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications may be
made
thereof within the scope of the invention, which scope is to be accorded the
broadest
interpretation claims so as to encompass all equivalent methods and products.
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