U.S. patent application number 11/612121 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for order fulfillment system and method for printing products including individualized information.
Invention is credited to Scott S. Curry, Ronald E. Hoffmeyer, Craig E. Krone.
Application Number | 20070164554 11/612121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38218503 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070164554 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krone; Craig E. ; et
al. |
July 19, 2007 |
ORDER FULFILLMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRINTING PRODUCTS INCLUDING
INDIVIDUALIZED INFORMATION
Abstract
Interactive custom printed order placement and fulfillment
systems and methods for placing, selling, accepting, proofing,
transmitting, producing, servicing, and delivering orders for
printed products including individualized or personalized
information in time-efficient ways. Video conferencing technicians
can provide direct access to professional, expert, and
knowledgeable help. The interactive custom printed order
fulfillment systems and methods further provide opportunities for
targeted up-sells, cross-promotion, advertising, marketing, and
information management to benefit those placing orders, those
facilitating or brokering orders, and those producing and
delivering orders, thereby increasing information efficiency.
Inventors: |
Krone; Craig E.; (Mankato,
MN) ; Curry; Scott S.; (Edina, MN) ;
Hoffmeyer; Ronald E.; (Dana Point, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATTERSON, THUENTE, SKAAR & CHRISTENSEN, P.A.
4800 IDS CENTER
80 SOUTH 8TH STREET
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-2100
US
|
Family ID: |
38218503 |
Appl. No.: |
11/612121 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60835952 |
Aug 7, 2006 |
|
|
|
60751040 |
Dec 16, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
283/56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 15/024 20130101;
B42D 15/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0269 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
283/056 |
International
Class: |
B42D 15/00 20060101
B42D015/00 |
Claims
1. A set of printed business cards comprising at least a portion of
an order for customized products, the set of printed business cards
comprising: at least one summary card comprising at least one of
the following: printed business card data, an order number, a
barcode, and a reorder contact; a plurality of business cards
comprising individualized information; and at least one promotional
card, wherein the promotional card includes targeted information
selected according to at least one characteristic of the
individualized information or the order.
2. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein the
printed business card data of the summary card comprises an image
of a printed business card.
3. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein the
reorder contact comprises at least one of a uniform resource
locator (URL), a telephone number, a facsimile number, an e-mail
address, and a mailing address.
4. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein the
plurality of business cards are identical.
5. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of the individualized information of the plurality of
business cards is identical.
6. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein the at
least one summary card, the plurality of identical business cards,
and the at least one promotional card are assembled in a business
card stack.
7. The set of printed business cards of claim 6, wherein the at
least one summary card and the at least one promotional card are
strategically placed within the business card stack.
8. The set of printed business cards of claim 7, wherein the at
least one summary card and the at least one promotional card are
randomly placed within the business card stack.
9. The set of printed business cards of claim 7, wherein the
business card stack is assembled in the following order: a summary
card; at least one promotional card; a plurality of identical
business cards; at least one promotional card; and a summary
card.
10. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein the at
least one characteristic of the individualized information or the
order is selected from the group consisting of: a job title; a
business name; a logo; a graphic; a business type; an address; a
ZIP code; a telephone number; an area code; an order origination
location; an order placement date; an order production date; a new
order status; a reorder status; an order composition; and an order
size.
11. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein the
targeted information comprises promotional information.
12. The set of printed business cards of claim 11, wherein the
promotional information comprises at least one of an advertisement
and a promotional offer.
13. The set of printed business cards of claim 12, wherein the
promotional information is selected from a database of available
advertisers.
14. The set of printed business cards of claim 12, wherein the
promotional information is selected according to an advertiser
preference of at least one characteristic of the individualized
information or the order.
15. The set of printed business cards of claim 12, wherein the
promotional information comprises a coupon.
16. The set of printed business cards of claim 11, wherein the
promotional information is personalized with a name of a consumer
related to the order.
17. The set of printed business cards of claim 11, wherein the
promotional information relates to a location from which the order
for customized products originated.
18. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein the at
least one characteristic of the order comprises an order
origination location, and wherein at least a portion of the
targeted information of the promotional card is selected at the
order origination location.
19. The set of printed business cards of claim 1, wherein the at
least one characteristic of the order comprises an order producer,
and wherein at least a portion of the targeted information of the
promotional card is selected by the order producer.
20. A method of printing a set of business cards comprising the
steps of: receiving an order for customized products, wherein the
order comprises order data and at least a portion of the order
comprises a set of business cards; storing the order data in a
database; correlating at least a portion of the stored order data
with data in an information database; extracting information from
the order data to be printed on the business cards; printing the
set of business cards, wherein the set of business cards comprises
at least one summary card comprising at least a portion of the
order data, a plurality of business cards comprising individualized
information, and at least one promotional card comprising targeted
information selected from the information database.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of
electronically transmitting the order prior to the step of
receiving.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of manually
entering at least a portion of the order data from a hardcopy order
form.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the step of correlating further
comprises the steps of: matching at least one element of the stored
order data with at least one corresponding element in the
information database, wherein the at least one element is selected
from the group consisting of a job title; a business name; a
business type; an address; a ZIP code; a telephone; an order
origination location; an order placement date; an order production
date; a new order status; a reorder status; an order composition;
and an order size; and selecting the targeted information from the
information database based on the at least one corresponding
element, wherein the targeted information comprises at least one of
promotional information and a promotional offer.
24. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of
assembling the set of business cards into a business card
stack.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step of
strategically arranging the at least one summary card and the at
least one promotional card within the business card stack.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of strategically
arranging further comprises randomly placing the at least one
promotional card within the business card stack.
27. The method of claim 25, further comprising the step of
assembling the business card stack in the following order: a
summary card; at least one promotional card; a plurality of
identical business cards; at least one promotional card; and a
summary card.
28. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of
overriding the step of correlating by manually selecting the
targeted information.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of overriding further
comprises manually selecting the targeted information at an order
origination location.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of overriding further
comprises manually selecting the targeted information at an order
production location.
31. A sheet of printed business cards comprising: at least one
summary card comprising at least one of data of a printed business
card, an order number, a barcode, and a reorder contact; a
plurality of business cards comprising individualized information;
and at least one promotional card, wherein the promotional card
includes targeted information selected according to at least one
characteristic of the individualized information or the order,
wherein the sheet of printed business cards comprises a variable
imposition matrix, and wherein the at least one summary card, the
plurality of business cards, and the at least one promotional card
are variably arranged within the matrix to form an ordered business
card stack after the sheet is cut and collated.
32. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the data of a printed business
card comprises an image of a printed business card.
33. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the reorder contact comprises at
least one of a uniform resource locator (URL), a telephone number,
a facsimile number, an e-mail address, and a mailing address.
34. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the plurality of business cards
are identical.
35. The sheet of claim 31, wherein at least a portion of the
individualized information of the plurality of business cards is
identical.
36. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the at least one summary card,
the plurality of business cards, and the at least one promotional
card are variably arranged within the matrix to strategically
distribute the at least one summary card and the at least one
promotional card within the ordered business card stack after the
sheet is cut and collated.
37. The sheet of claim 36, wherein the at least one summary card,
the plurality of business cards, and the at least one promotional
card are variably arranged within the matrix to provide a business
card stack having the following order after the sheet is cut: a
summary card; at least one promotional card; a plurality of
identical business cards; at least one promotional card; and a
summary card.
38. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the at least one characteristic
of the individualized information or the order is selected from the
group consisting of: a job title; a business name; a business type;
an address; a ZIP code; a telephone number; an area code; an order
origination location; an order placement date; an order production
date; a new order status; a reorder status; an order composition;
and an order size.
39. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the targeted information
comprises at least one of promotional information and a promotional
offer.
40. The sheet of claim 39, wherein the promotional information
comprises an advertisement.
41. The sheet of claim 39, wherein the promotional offer comprises
a coupon.
42. The sheet of claim 39, wherein the targeted information is
selected from a database of available advertisers.
43. The sheet of claim 39, wherein the targeted information is
personalized with a name of a consumer related to the order.
44. The sheet of claim 39, wherein the targeted information relates
to a location from which the order for customized products
originated.
45. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the at least one characteristic
of the order comprises an order origination location, and wherein
at least a portion of the targeted information of the promotional
card is selected at the order origination location.
46. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the at least one characteristic
of the order comprises an order producer, and wherein at least a
portion of the targeted information of the promotional card is
selected by the order producer.
47. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the sheet is cut from a
roll.
48. The sheet of claim 31, wherein the sheet is sheet-fed.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/835,952 entitled "ORDER FULFILLMENT SYSTEM AND
METHOD FOR PRINTING PRODUCTS INCLUDING INDIVIDUALIZED INFORMATION,"
filed Aug. 7, 2006, and to U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/751,040 entitled "DIGITAL MARK ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND
METHOD," filed Dec. 16, 2005; and is related to U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/942,747 entitled "DIGITAL CONTENT LICENSING TOOLBAR,"
filed Sep. 16, 2004; U.S. application Ser. No. 11/242,603 entitled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY MANAGING INDIVIDUAL AND
BUSINESS INFORMATION," filed Oct. 3, 2005; and U.S. application
Ser. No. 11/301,501 entitled "PACKAGING, STORING AND DISPENSING
SYSTEM FOR PRINTED MATERIALS," filed Dec. 13, 2005, all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to custom printed or other
products, such as business cards, that include individualized
consumer or business information. More particularly, the invention
relates to systems and methods for accepting, creating, marketing,
and handling orders for custom printed or other products that
include individualized consumer or business information.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The commercial printing industry has developed and
modernized with the primary goal of efficiently and accurately
producing uniformly printed and high quality goods, often in large
runs. Newspapers, for example, are printed daily in runs of
thousands or millions in a matter of mere hours. Printing
equipment, order handling, and general infrastructure, from
placement to delivery, have therefore been designed to most
effectively handle these types of orders.
[0004] By contrast, individualized printed goods including
customized or personalized information and graphics are typically
printed in smaller runs. Individualized printed goods can include
paper products such as business cards, letterhead, invitations,
calendars, and announcements, as well as a diverse range of other
goods including apparel, bags, banners, signs, glassware, mugs,
cups, bottles, pens, pencils, trophies, statuettes, sporting goods
and equipment, magnets, tags, labels, mailers, packaging materials,
digital and computer products, and other items that include
personal, corporate, or other customized or personalized data,
graphics, logos, colors, schemes, or information. As such, the term
"printing" is broadly and generally used herein to refer to a
variety of manufacturing, production, reproduction, and creation
systems and methodologies.
[0005] Individualized printed goods are important personal and
professional communication tools on which businesses and
individuals rely to accurately and effectively provide information,
project an image, advertise or market ideas and events, and
encourage more personal communicative contact in increasingly
impersonal and isolated digital environments. For example, despite
the availability and convenience of digital transmission and
communication technologies, hardcopy business cards remain relevant
and effective business communication tools. Because individualized
goods are more personal and can be targeted and customized for
particular uses, relatively smaller runs are often produced to meet
varying specific needs. A wedding invitation order might include
two hundred announcements and reply cards. Business cards are often
printed in orders comprising 250 to 1,000 or more individual cards.
Hats or T-shirts can be printed for particular events, such as an
annual 5K race or a family reunion. Magnets and plastic cups can be
produced monthly, seasonally, or annually to include a particular
team's schedule.
[0006] While the commercial printing industry can print quality
individualized printed goods, the current infrastructure is not
sufficiently nimble so as to quickly produce single short-run
orders at a low cost. For example, set-up, design, and other fees
often make it more cost effective on a per-item basis to order
1,000 customized T-shirts instead of only ten. In some instances,
the printing system can make the production of smaller orders more
efficient from a manufacturing and processing perspective by
holding multiple single short-run orders to form a single larger
run order. Multiple business card orders, for example, can be held
until enough are received to fill out a single printing run, which
is often preferred in some circumstances to reduce operational
stresses on printing press systems.
[0007] The result, from the printer's perspective, is an efficient
use of printing resources. From a consumer's perspective, however,
the result can be an extended wait time for individualized printed
products rather than a desired quick turnaround. In the above
business card example, the consumer submitting the first order of a
larger run of orders may experience a delay of several days to
several weeks before their order is even printed, much less
packaged, shipped, and delivered, given the practice of holding
multiple individual orders for larger runs. In addition to being
delayed, the wait period can also be uneven between different
consumers, depending upon whether a consumer's order is one of the
first or last received in a single large run.
[0008] Unfortunately, balancing the needs of commercial printers
with those of individual consumers is not easily accomplished.
While some printing companies may have equipment designed more
exclusively for short-run jobs, this equipment is often more costly
and less efficient than that used for larger run commercial print
jobs. The options available when using such equipment also may be
reduced. For example, only certain types of papers and stocks may
be compatible or ink color palettes limited because use is
reduced.
[0009] Even if equipment is developed to handle short-run orders
and produce a high quality product, the order handling
infrastructure becomes a limiting factor in the order time. Orders
are often submitted to printing companies in hardcopy form. After
the order is received by the printing company in the mail, as a
facsimile document, or in some other form from an individual or
dealer, the order must be manually entered and sometimes reentered
into the printing system. A first entry may be needed for a
printing company's billing system and a second separate entry for
typesetting and actual printing. Multiple entries present multiple
opportunities for typographical and other errors; the data enterer
or typesetter may miss errors made by the consumer on the order
form, may introduce new errors or inaccuracies when manually
entering the order, and then may not catch these errors and
inaccuracies when proofing the order they themselves entered.
[0010] In addition to being time-inefficient with respect to
small-run orders, the existing commercial printing industry can
also be information inefficient from both consumer and printer
perspectives. To place a custom order according to some
conventional practices, an individual consumer visits an office
supply store, print shop, dealer, or other retailer to peruse
available custom printing options available from a printing
company. The retailer is typically a third party to the transaction
between the consumer and the printing company, not formally
affiliated with the printing company yet able to accept orders for
the printing company's products in exchange for a commission or
other fee. An individual may also submit an order directly to or
through the printing company, such as through a catalog or other
ordering system, without involving a third-party retailer. In one
example relating to business cards, the consumer may be able to
select card stock, colors, fonts, and graphics from one or more
sample books provided by the retailer. The selections are generally
made in isolation without providing the consumer with the
opportunity to view the selections in combination. For example,
other than holding cardstock and ink color sample charts near each
other, the consumer may not be able to see what a selected ink
color actually looks like when printed on a chosen cardstock.
Further, certain printing or finishing effects offered may not be
viewable in catalogs or may not always be provided in sample
books.
[0011] After the aforementioned selections are made, the consumer
will typically fill in desired custom content to be printed on the
business card, such as name and contact information, on a hardcopy
order form. The consumer's desired content must conform to the
options provided by the hardcopy order form, with little or no
opportunity for advanced custom layouts or other higher-level
design features. The result is an order for a "custom" printed
product that may not be fully customized as desired by the consumer
because of information access constraints imposed by the hardcopy
order submission process.
[0012] Further, the consumer may never have had an opportunity to
view a complete mock-up or proof of their selections and therefore
may not be entirely confident in the combined result of the various
separate selections. Alternatively, if proofs are available, they
may have to be mailed to the consumer for review, further delaying
the overall order turnaround time and adding additional postage,
delivery, and processing expenses. If electronic proofs can be
provided, they still may not adequately display and convey colors.
Therefore, existing order processes are information inefficient to
consumers because consumers are provided with incomplete
information during their design and decision-making process.
[0013] At times during the above process, the consumer might need
or want assistance in making selections or clarifying options and
may have specific questions relating to the mechanics of the
ordering process. The only assistance available, however, may be
the retailer's employees, who may be less familiar with the
ordering process and multitude of options and who likely do not
have specialized training in graphic layout and design. As
mentioned above, the retailer is typically a third party to the
transaction. Therefore, the retailer's employees may have limited
training in and experience with the printing company's branding and
product lines in order to offer related products that may be of use
to the individual, depending on how long they have been with the
retailer and how much training they received. Further, the retailer
typically incurs the costs of and invests time in training each
employee with respect to accepting and placing orders. These costs
and times can become significant if multiple new employees are
hired or if turnover occurs. Other retailers may have little
motivation or interest in accepting or handling more complex
orders. For example, a consumer ordering business cards may also
need letterhead, envelopes, and announcement cards, or have use for
business marketing products such as pens, folios, labels, and other
items that include personalized printed content, so-called
"up-selling" or cross-promotion. In the current custom printing
order process, however, there is little or no opportunity for the
printing company to directly offer these other products to the
consumer. The consumer may also be interested in other products or
services offered by the retailer, the printing company, or other
organizations related to or somehow affiliated with either of these
organizations. These other organizations, however, do not have a
way of contacting the consumer to inform them of additional
opportunities.
[0014] Further, as a simple matter of course, the printing company
collects a significant amount of valuable information about the
consumer placing the order, such as the consumer's contact
information, job title, business or employer, order placement
retailer, and location. With the exception of using the information
to print and deliver the desired product, the information is not
used to the benefit of any of the consumer, the retailer, or the
printing company. Further, most retailers are not able to store the
information, which may include logos, artwork, and specific print
requirements, for future use. If a consumer decides to add items
after an initial order is placed or desires to reorder later in the
time, the entire order process may need to be repeated, including
the gathering and transmission of basic information, in part or in
its entirety. These information inefficiencies are experienced by
both the consumer, who has limited access to available options, and
the commercial printer, who may not be effectively meeting the
needs of the consumer. These inefficiencies can also lead to
product inconsistencies. For example, if a consumer wants to
reorder business cards including a specialized logo a year after a
first order and wants the reordered product to be identical to that
of the first order, the consumer typically will have to resubmit
the logo or other digital mark asset to the retailer or printing
company because the original logo was not captured and stored for
reuse either in hardcopy or digital form.
[0015] After the hardcopy order form is completed to the best of
the consumer's ability, the retailer forwards the hardcopy form to
the printing company, typically in the mail or by fax. Once
received by the printing company, the order must be interpreted by
a printing company employee and manually entered into the printing
company's system as described above. If an order simply cannot be
read or understood because of poor handwriting, incomplete data, or
reduced document quality, the order is placed on hold and the
hardcopy form is return mailed or faxed to the consumer placing the
order or to the retailer where the order was placed. The consumer
also can be contacted for clarification. Whether the form is
returned or the consumer contacted, additional expense and
inefficiency are introduced into the ordering process.
[0016] Inefficiencies are also introduced by existing order
packaging and distribution systems. Commonly, after printing, the
business cards are packaged into cardboard boxes and shipped or
delivered. Current methods of packaging of business cards require
that the business cards be packaged largely by hand, and that the
lid to the business card box, as well as a sample card on the
exterior of the box for identification of the contents, be applied
manually. The process of actually printing business cards is
largely accomplished by automation and can be done with high speed
commercial grade printing machinery, albeit with the deficiencies
described above. The requirement for manual packaging of the
business cards at the end of the process dramatically limits the
speed with which cards can be packaged and shipped. Further, when
printing large run orders, each product is the same, making
packaging and shipment a matter of matching the correct number of
products to be sent to a particular recipient. In smaller run
orders, particularly in batches of small runs held to form a single
large run, order mix-ups can more easily occur, such as shipping
the sixtieth order in a batch of one hundred to the address of the
sixty-first order, particularly when orders are manually handled as
described above. Order handling errors can also occur if a
typographical error was introduced at the time of order placement
or during the aforementioned manual order entry.
[0017] When the consumer ultimately receives their order, which may
be one to several weeks after the order was initially placed, the
consumer may notice errors or inaccuracies in the printed product.
The error(s) may be significant enough to require reproduction of
the entire order, or they may be minor enough that the consumer
accepts the order as-is. In either event, the consumer may be
reluctant to reorder from the same retailer (and, therefore, from
the same printing company) in the future given the extended
turnaround and disappointing result.
[0018] Conventional ordering and delivery systems for products
including individualized, customized, or personalized information
are therefore inefficient from both time and information
perspectives and do not provide branding, marketing, and proofing
opportunities in convenient ways. Therefore, a need remains in the
industry for improved order placement and delivery systems for
short-run individualized printed products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention resolves many of the above-described
deficiencies and drawbacks inherent with existing printing systems
by providing interactive custom printed order fulfillment systems
and methods for selling, accepting, proofing, transmitting,
producing, servicing, and delivering orders for printed products
including individualized, customized, or personalized information
in time-efficient ways. For example, embodiments of the present
invention can significantly reduce the turnaround time for a
customized business card order. The interactive custom printed
order fulfillment systems and methods further provide opportunities
for targeted up-sells, cross-promotion, advertising, marketing, and
information management, which can benefit all parties involved in
the order fulfillment system.
[0020] The above summary of the invention is not intended to
describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the
present invention. The figures and the detailed description that
follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a participant block diagram according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a kiosk system according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a flowchart according to one embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 5 is another flowchart according to one embodiment of
the invention.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a consumer-side screenshot according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a sales-side screenshot according to one
embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a printing and packaging
subsystem according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a stack of custom
printed business cards according to one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] While one particular example relating to printed business
cards will be described herein, the interactive order fulfillment
systems and methods of the present invention contemplate much wider
applicability. For example, the systems and methods can be used to
fulfill orders for one or more products generally printed on paper
and other similar materials, such as business cards, letterhead,
invitations, calendars, cards, mailers, folios, tags, labels,
envelopes, and announcements, as well as a diverse range of other
products and goods including apparel, bags, banners, signs,
glassware, mugs, cups, bottles, pens, pencils, trophies,
statuettes, sporting goods and equipment, magnets, packaging
materials, digital audio and video/visual computer products, and
other items that include personal, corporate, or other customized
or personalized data, graphics, logos, colors, schemes, or
information. As such, "printing" can broadly include more
traditional paper and ink press systems as well as screening,
etching, embroidering, stitching, transferring, bonding, heat
applying, copying, and other creation, transmission, and
reproduction techniques and methodologies.
[0031] The invention improves the efficiency of ordering systems,
from selection, transmission, manufacturing, and delivery, and
enhances information use and exchange by viewing information
previously used only for basic ordering tasks and manufacturing
imaging as data. The data and various assigned metadata tags enable
wider use of the information to the benefit of consumers,
retailers/brokers, and printers/manufacturers. For example, contact
information provided by a consumer to be printed on an
individualized product can be used to concurrently provide targeted
marketing, offer a catalog or display of pre-populated
complementary products, and manage orders, all to the benefit and
for the convenience of the consumer. The same information can be
used in real time to more effectively merchandise, advertise,
market, and customize information provided to the same and similar
consumers by retailers and others brokering the individualized
product order. Additionally, the information can be stored and
managed by the manufacturer, to be used for more efficient order
and reorder fulfillment and handling, product development, and
retailing. The information can also benefit any or all of the
consumer, retailer/broker, and manufacturer if the information is
shared with commonly interested but unrelated parties offering
goods and services.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the invention
facilitates transactions and interactions between a consumer 10, a
retailer/broker 20, and a printer/manufacturer 30. Consumer 10 can
be an individual, a small business, a corporation, or any other
entity desiring to order custom printed or created products.
Retailer/broker 20 can be a small- or large-scale retailer, public
or private organization, or virtually any entity willing to or
capable of communicating with consumer 10 and printer/manufacturer
30. Retailer/broker 20 may be motivated by a commercial or
contractual relationship with printer/manufacturer 30 or may broker
communications between consumer 10 and printer/manufacturer 30 as a
complimentary service to consumer 10. Retailer/broker 20 can also
be part of or directly related to printer/manufacturer 30. In one
embodiment, retailer/broker 20 is a big box retailer, an office
supply store, a specialty retailer, a convention center hosting a
communications kiosk, or some other entity. In another embodiment,
consumer 10 can directly communicate and interact with
printer/manufacturer 30. Printer/manufacturer 30 can be a small- or
large-scale commercial printer, manufacturer, or other producer or
provider of goods and services. For example, printer/manufacturer
30 can print paper products, produce apparel, manufacture plastics
or glassware, provide commercial advertising goods, and the like.
In one non-limiting example described herein throughout, consumer
10 is generally a business or individual, retailer/broker 20 is a
retail store, and printer/manufacturer 30 is a commercial printing
company.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, one embodiment of an interactive custom
printed order fulfillment system 100 accessible at various levels
as described in more detail herein throughout by each of consumer
10, retailer/broker 20, and printer/manufacturer 30 according to
the invention comprises three primary subsystems: an ordering
subsystem 102, an information management subsystem 104, and a
production/distribution subsystem 106. Although integrated within
system 100 in one embodiment, each subsystem 102, 104, 106 can be
partially or fully applicable to other systems or can comprises
standalone components or features.
[0034] Ordering subsystem 102 comprises a user interface 108 and a
sales consulting component 110 in one embodiment and can be
accessed by consumer 10 or retailer/broker 20 to place an order,
manage an account, or otherwise provide or edit information. User
interface 108 can comprise a standalone personal computer coupled
to a communications network, such as the Internet or another
partially or fully wired or wireless network. Ordering subsystem
102 preferably comprises a plurality of user interfaces 108, with
each individual user interface 108 communicatively coupled to the
Internet, an Intranet system, or some other public or private,
wired or wireless, communication network to provide two-way
communications with subsystems 104 and 106.
[0035] Referring also to FIG. 3, user interface 108 comprises one
or more dedicated computer kiosk systems 112 communicatively
coupled by the Internet or some other partially or fully wired or
wireless network to information management subsystem 104 in one
embodiment. Kiosk system 112 can be hosted, for example, by
retailer/broker 20 for access by consumer 10, as described in more
detail below. In other embodiments, user interface 108 comprises or
operates on a wired or wireless handheld device. The handheld
device may be a standalone device or may operatively couple to, for
example, kiosk system 112. Such communicative coupling can comprise
a USB, Bluetooth, infrared, radio frequency, proprietary docking,
or wired or wireless other connection.
[0036] As depicted in FIG. 3, kiosk 112 comprises a screen 114, a
scanner 116, a central processing unit (CPU) 118, and an optional
camera and microphone unit 120. Kiosk 112 also comprises user input
means 122, such as one or more of a keyboard, touchpad, mouse,
trackball, joystick, infrared sensor, USB or other communications
port, Bluetooth communications circuitry, and docking station, and
an optional printer 124. Kiosk 112 may be embodied in other forms
in other embodiments of the invention. The particular configuration
of kiosk 112 is of less significance than the user interface
functions and features provided. For example, screen 114, scanner
116, camera 120, user input means 122, and printer 124 may be
located together, while CPU 118 is located nearby but not within
the same immediate geographic area in one embodiment.
Alternatively, CPU 118 may be omitted, replaced by or supplemented
with a local or remote server or server connection in other
embodiments.
[0037] Screen 114 can comprise any suitable monitor or display
unit, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, liquid crystal
display (LCD) screen, plasma screen, and touch screen. Screen 114
can comprise a single screen or monitor unit or a plurality of
individual screens. For example, screen 114 can comprise a first
data screen and a second video screen positioned adjacent each
other in kiosk 112 in one embodiment. In another embodiment, data
and video are presented on a single split screen. Virtually any
single or multi-screen arrangement may be used.
[0038] Scanner 116 comprises a standalone or integrated hardcopy
digital scanning unit communicatively coupled to CPU 118, screen
114, and/or the Internet or other wired or wireless communications
network to which kiosk 112 is coupled. In one embodiment, scanner
116 is adapted to scan an existing paper image, such as a business
card, letterhead document, or other item. The scanned image is then
recreated in a digital format. This recreation can be carried out
by scanner 116 itself, or in part or wholly by CPU 118 and/or
another component of system 100, as described in more detail
below.
[0039] CPU 118 can comprise any of a desktop, tower, notebook,
component, or other computer device adapted at least in part to
facilitate communications between kiosk 112 and other components of
system 100. As mentioned above, CPU 118 may be omitted, replaced by
or supplemented with a local or remote server or server connection
in other embodiments. CPU 118 can comprise proprietary local
software adapted to interface with scanner 116 and system 100. In
other embodiments, CPU 118 is primarily adapted to communicatively
couple kiosk 112 with other components of system 100, the other
components including proprietary and non-proprietary software as
described in more detail below. In one embodiment, CPU 118
comprises an Internet browser and communications software and
hardware to facilitate user interaction with kiosk 112.
[0040] Camera and microphone unit 120 can comprise a one- or
two-way camera unit and a microphone and speaker in one embodiment.
The microphone and speaker can be integrated with or distinct from
camera unit 120. For example, the microphone may be positioned to
best pick up consumer 10's speech, while the speaker is positioned
where consumer 10 can most conveniently hear sound while limiting
the sound to the immediate area of kiosk 110. In one embodiment,
the speaker is integrated with CPU 118. In another embodiment,
kiosk 112 is outfitted with one or more individual speakers 120A.
Camera unit 120 is adapted to provide enhanced communications
between kiosk 110 and, in particular, sales consulting component
108. Sales consulting component 108 is described in more detail
below.
[0041] If scanner 116 is not available, not preferred by consumer
10, or omitted from kiosk 112, consumer 10 can enter new or updated
data into user interface fields, or data from an existing paper
image, via user input means 122. As previously mentioned, user
input means 122 can comprise one or more of a keyboard, touchpad,
mouse, trackball, joystick, voice recognition system, infrared
sensor, USB or other communications port, Bluetooth communications
circuitry, docking station and the like. User input means 122 can
also be partially or wholly integrated with any of screen 114,
scanner 116, and CPU 118. For example, screen 114 can be a touch
screen and/or CPU 118 can comprise a notebook computer with
integrated keyboard and touchpad mouse. Even if not specifically
used to replace or supplement scanner 116, user input means 122 are
preferably included as part of kiosk 112 to enable manual user
entry of account numbers and other preliminary information or
information not capable of being gleaned from an existing hardcopy
business card, other paper image, or digital communication.
[0042] Optional printer 124 can comprise an ink jet, laser, or
other printing device to provide hardcopy printouts of proofs,
order forms, order confirmations, and other materials. Printer 124
can be located at kiosk 112 as depicted or in another location. For
example, in an embodiment in which kiosk 112 is located at
retailer/broker 20, optional printer 124 can be located in a secure
location, such as at a service desk. Multiple kiosks 112 can share
a single printer 124 in other embodiments.
[0043] In one embodiment, kiosk 112 is adapted for placement at
retailer/broker 20, which can be virtually any relatively secure
public or private location, such as in an office supply, general
merchandise, home improvement, retail, wholesale, or other store,
or in a mall, airport, library, government center, educational
institution, post office, bank, corporate building, convention
center, medical facility, pedestrian area, or other interior or
exterior location. In such an embodiment, kiosk 112 is
communicatively coupled to the Internet, an Intranet system, a
local or remote server, or some other open or dedicated
communications network for exchanging data and information in real
time. The particular communications network and connections can be
land-line, wireless, or a combination thereof. In accordance with
at least one embodiment discussed above, and to more easily
facilitate placement of a streamlined and attractive kiosk 112 in a
retail location, CPU 118 may be located in a secure location
separate from screen 114 and other components of kiosk 112 or may
comprise a server connection. In other embodiments, CPU 118 is
omitted, and kiosk 112 comprises a terminal unit communicatively
coupled to a local or remote server or to the Internet.
[0044] Referring again to FIG. 2, user interface 108 is
communicatively coupled to sales consulting component 110 in one
embodiment. Sales consulting component 110 and camera unit 120 are
adapted to provide a live, real-time audio and video link between
consumer 10 at kiosk 112 (or, more generally, user interface 108)
and a trained sales and service consultant at a remote sales and
customer service location 110. Using the same kiosk 112 set-up but
differently connected with data and production systems, the
Internet-enabled communicative connection between kiosk 112 and
sales consulting component 110 provides convenient assistive,
marketing, and branding opportunities during the ordering of custom
printed items by consumer 10. The communicative connection can be
dedicated or on-demand and can be one-way or two-way.
[0045] Sales consulting component 110 operates in cooperation with
camera unit 120 of kiosk 112 in one embodiment. In another
embodiment, video, audio, and text are provided to consumer 10 of
kiosk 112, while only audio is provided by kiosk 112 to sales
consulting component 110 to increase consumer 10's comfort by
eliminating the appearance of consumer 10 on camera. In yet another
embodiment, video provided by camera unit 120 at kiosk 112 is a
user selectable option, enabling consumer 10 to be seen via video
if consumer 10 so consents. In further embodiments in which camera
unit 120 is unavailable or not desired, sales consulting component
110 and user interface 108 can be voice only, text and graphics
e-mail, messaging, or live chat only, or some combination thereof.
Technologies which may be implemented at kiosk 112 and/or as part
of sales consulting component 110 to support video and voice
communications and text messaging include Microsoft RTC API 1.2,
TIGHTVNC, remote frame buffering, Windows C#, and other computer
and web technologies.
[0046] User interface 108 and sales consulting unit 110 of ordering
subsystem 102 interface with information management subsystem 104.
Information management subsystem 104 comprises a server 130. Server
130 can comprise a single or multi-unit configuration and can be
locally or geographically distributed for efficient information
management and for security and information backup and redundancy.
Server 130 operably stores, secures, and distributes customer and
other data from ordering subsystem 102. As such, server 130 is a
general repository for and manager of user account information as
scanned or input into kiosk 112. Server 130 further comprises
proprietary hardware and software packages adapted to facilitate
various features of system 100. In one embodiment, server 130
comprises a data capture and management application 132, an
interactive advertising and marketing application 134, a digital
asset management application 136, and a digital content licensing
application 138. Each of these applications can be implemented by
server 130, by individual servers comprising server 130, or by some
other server engine, hardware, software, firmware, or computer
configuration as understood by one skilled in the art. Regardless
of the particular configuration in any one embodiment, each part
and portion of server 130, including applications 132, 134, 136,
and 138 can share data in efficient and non-duplicative ways.
[0047] Data capture and management application 132 operating on
server 130 is the primary link between and integrates operations of
ordering subsystem 102, information management subsystem 104, and
production/distribution subsystem 106. Data capture and management
application 132, as well as the other applications of server 130
and subsystems of system 100 are more easily understood in the
context of a particular example. Therefore, referring to FIG. 4,
consumer 10 desires to place an order for a custom printed product
to include individualized or personalized content, data, or
information. The order could relate to a reprint or reorder of an
existing product, an update of an existing product, or an entirely
newly designed and selected product. In this example, consumer 10
places an order for business cards at step 202.
[0048] Electronic order placement step 202 is depicted in more
detail in FIG. 5. As described above, consumer 10 can access user
interface 108 of system 100 at step 250 in a variety of ways. In
this example, access is gained at step 250 via kiosk 112 located at
retailer/broker 20.
[0049] Formally accessing system 100 and certain features of user
interface 108 can include logging in or selecting a guest user
option in one embodiment. At or after a log-in prompt provided by
user interface 108, system 100 determines whether the consumer has
an existing account at step 252. Consumer 10 account information is
stored on server 130, accessible by data capture and management
application 132. An existing account may be a personal consumer
account, a corporate account with one or more authorized users, a
standalone system 100 account, an account integrated with one or
both of digital asset management application 136 and digital
content licensing application 138, or some other type of account.
Available account types may be graduated or offer more advanced
tools and features based on various criteria, and access can be
complimentary on behalf of a retailer, commercial printing entity,
or other organization, or can be offered as part of an incentive or
provided as part of a subscription or other fee structure. In
another embodiment, the scanning of step 256 which is described in
more detail below, precedes steps 252-256 and triggers step 252
after scanning.
[0050] At step 254, system 100 creates a new user account for
consumer 10 if no existing account exists. Account creation can
comprise collecting basic consumer contact and, optionally, billing
information and digital mark assets, logos, and other information.
Consumer 10 can also select a user name and password to secure and
streamline access to user interface 108 in the future. In another
embodiment, account creation is carried out at a later stage, such
as at step 266 when consumer 10 is completing an order.
[0051] Consumer 10 then has access to user interface 108 in order
to place an order. In one embodiment, consumer 10 places an order
from an existing printed product. For example, consumer 10 may have
existing business cards that need to be reprinted to include
updated contact information or to replenish supply. At step 256,
system 100 via user interface 108 prompts consumer 10 to provide an
existing product, if one exists. At step 258, consumer 10 can scan
the existing product at scanner 116 to input information about and
from the product into system 100 in one embodiment. To begin
scanning, user interface 108 may first prompt the consumer for
basic information about the product to be scanned. For example,
consumer 10 can select a product type from a drop-down menu.
Consumer 10 then inserts the business card or other existing paper
product into scanner 116. The product is scanned and, by scanner
116 and/or CPU 118 in one embodiment, recreated in a digital file
format, such as PDF, JPG, TIF, and other suitable and compatible
file formats. An information extraction program operating on CPU
118, scanner 116, or on a local or remote server can then identify
and parse the various data components and populate editable fields
in user interface 108 with the appropriate data components. In
another embodiment, scanning is omitted at step 258 and appropriate
data components are instead received from a file or URL, such as is
described in related U.S. application Ser. No. 11/242,603 entitled
"SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY MANAGING INDIVIDUAL AND
BUSINESS INFORMATION," filed Oct. 3,2005, which has been
incorporated herein by reference. In yet another embodiment, if
scanner 116 is not available or not desired, the consumer can
manually enter data from the existing paper product via user input
means 122 or send a hardcopy form to retailer/broker 20 or
printer/manufacturer 30 for scanning and data entry.
[0052] Following scanning, various applicable fields presented in
the user interface can include first name, middle name/initial,
last name, address, phone number 1, phone number 2, e-mail address,
business or organization name, URL, digital mark asset, and the
like. The fields can be populated with data obtained from the
existing paper product or related digital file.
[0053] Following scanning or other entry at step 258 and at step
260, data capture and management application 132 is then triggered,
hosted by server 130 in user interface 108. In addition to storing
and managing account information and data, data capture and
management application 132 facilitates editing and design of new
and existing products to be custom printed with individualized
information. As part of design and editing, consumer 10 can select
layouts, fonts, colors, materials, effects, styles, and output
types from options available for particular products.
[0054] In one embodiment, data capture and management application
132 is adapted to access and present an online catalog of custom
printed products in user interface 108. The consumer can select
existing layouts and designs, choose new products that complement
existing individualized items, or begin an entirely new order, such
as at step 260. The online catalog of custom printed goods can also
be interactive and pre-populated. For example, consumer 10 scans an
existing business card as described above or logs into their
account via user interface 108. Based on data and metadata obtained
from past orders, similar orders, or other sources, data capture
and management application 132 can present consumer 10 with a
catalog of preselected or generally available items digitally
pre-populated with consumer 10 data in user interface 108.
Letterhead matching the design of previously existing business
cards can be shown with consumer 10's data in an example layout, or
ceramic mugs can be shown with the logo previously printed on
consumer 10's business cards. Consumer 10 can select, edit, and/or
further customize the options displayed in the pre-populated
catalog if so desired or request sales and service assistance for
help.
[0055] Although sales and service assistance is depicted at steps
262 and 264 in FIG. 5, the consumer can access sales consulting
component 110 at any time during step 202. Sales consulting
component 110 provides trained, expert, and professional assistance
to consumers via real-time interactive video and sound in one
embodiment. An additional benefit to a commercial printing company
is the opportunity to provide brand-familiar and trained
representatives to assist consumers in making selections and
composing orders. Further, a sales consultant with access to sales
consulting component 110 can have direct access to production and
other systems and subsystems of system 100 of the invention to
provide additional information to consumers. In one embodiment,
kiosk 112 or a similar system is replicated at a site of sales
consulting component 110, which can be in virtually any physical
location. For example, sales consulting component 110 can be local
to any of a retailer/broker 20, printer/manufacturer 30, or third
party site, such as a sales center, home office, corporate
environment, or other location.
[0056] In one embodiment, the consumer accesses sales consulting
component 110 by selecting an icon in user interface 108 at step
264. A video and/or textual dialog box can then open in user
interface 108 to provide access both to a design page and live
sales consulting assistance. The live sales consulting assistance
is provided by a sales and service consultant located at a remote
location in one embodiment. The remote location may be an office,
residence, production facility, or other location properly
outfitted with audio and video technology. The live assistance can
comprise any or all of audio, video, and textual content at kiosk
112 and at the remote location. In one embodiment, however, video
of the consumer at kiosk 112 is not provided in order to reduce the
consumer's discomfort with appearing on camera. In another
embodiment, the consumer can select whether to activate camera unit
120 at kiosk 112.
[0057] Proprietary software has been developed that provides
shared-screen capabilities, enabling the sales and service
consultant to locally view the same computer screen layout and
information viewed by the consumer on screen 114 at kiosk 112.
Example screenshots are depicted in FIGS. 6 (consumer side) and 7
(sales side). At any time, the consultant can take control remotely
of the consumer's screen to make selections, identify options, or
otherwise assist with the design and ordering process. In one
embodiment, the assistance provided by sales and service
consultants at step 264 results in higher order conversion, more
efficient order placement, improved consumer satisfaction, reduced
error rates, and increased order cross- and up-selling of
complementary products and services. This integrated sales and
service consulting feature of the present invention also reduces
burdens on retailers by minimizing the time and expense required to
train employees to assist with and accept orders for individualized
products.
[0058] At step 266, the order is finalized by consumer 10. The
sales and service consultant, if accessed, can further assist
consumer 10 with these steps, or consumer 10 can complete them
alone. Order completion step 266 includes reviewing a digital proof
of the individualized product(s) created at step 202, entering
account and contact information if not previously established,
providing billing information, and submitting the order. In another
embodiment, consumer 10 can request a hardcopy proof to verify
printed ink colors, paper type, or other characteristics that
cannot be or are difficult to proof on a digital screen. In yet
another embodiment, kiosk 112 is equipped with printer 124 enabling
consumer 10 to print a basic proof on-site without having to wait
for one to be sent by mail or other means.
[0059] Returning to FIG. 4, the order completed at step 202 is
transmitted to and received by server 130 at step 204. Referring to
steps 206 and 208, system 100 is also adapted to handle orders
placed manually according to traditional hardcopy, mail, facsimile,
telephone, or other methodologies, although these methodologies are
generally not preferred because they are time and information
inefficient. Such orders are received at step 208 in hardcopy form
and manually entered into system 100 by billing personnel and/or
typesetters.
[0060] At step 210, order data and metadata are extracted,
aggregated, and stored at server 130 by data capture and management
application 132. In one embodiment, order data is used not only to
produce the ordered product(s) but additionally, with order
metadata, to pre-populate an online order catalog as described
above, to provide targeted marketing and advertising to consumers,
to provide additional consumer information to retailer/brokers 20
and printers/manufacturers 30 hosting kiosk 112 to enable
retailer/brokers 20 to learn more about and therefore more
effectively serve consumer 10, and to provide a general data set
with which to gauge consumer habits and preferences to improve the
products and services offered by and presented within system 100.
In one embodiment, this data and metadata can be used by system 100
in real time to provide targeted advertising with an individual
consumer's order and can be stored and updated for use during
subsequent orders. Targeted advertising is described in more detail
below.
[0061] The order is then routed at step 212 to
production/distribution subsystem 106, and orders and suborders are
produced at step 214. Production/distribution subsystem 106
comprises a printing and packaging unit 140 and a
distribution/tracking unit 142 in one embodiment. printing and
packaging unit 140 can comprise any type of printing or production
compatible with one or more desired customized products. The
particular production steps and processes vary according to the
products produced. For example, a single order might include
business cards, letterhead, T-shirts, and pens, each including
similar but not identical individualized information, each to be
produced by a different printer/manufacturer 30 or other vendor.
Referring to FIG. 8, system 100, in particular data capture and
management application 132, is adapted to automatically and
digitally route orders and suborders appropriately among the
various printing companies 150 and 158; manufacturers 152, 154, and
156; and other vendor(s) 160 that are part of or affiliated with
printing and packaging subsystem 140. System 100 can also route
orders according to priority or availability. For example, if two
printing facilities 150 and 158 are equally capable of handling a
printing order, system 100 can automatically route an order to a
geographically convenient facility or to the facility currently
providing the quickest turnaround. Order data and metadata can be
helpful in determining geographic convenience. A geographically
convenient facility could be one close to consumer 10's shipping
address for faster handling or local to retailer/broker 20 if an
order is to be picked up in person. Other factors may be used to
determine geographic convenience and/or preferred printer
manufacturer 30 for purposes of order routing among available
vendors.
[0062] In one embodiment, printing and packaging unit 140 comprises
one or more commercial grade printing systems, such as at one or
more printing companies 150, 158. The printing systems of printing
companies 150, 158 can comprise pre-printing stages, such as file
receipt and preparation. In one embodiment, server 130 and data
capture and management application 132 provide efficient data
handling and information management by providing a centralized
repository accessible by printing companies 150, 158 and other
printers/manufactures 30. In combination with digital asset
management application 136, server 130 further provides
appropriately formatted and optimized files preferred or required
by each printer/manufacturer 30 to produce the desired orders and
suborders. In other embodiments, printing companies 150, 158 and
other printers/manufacturers 30 receive files and perform necessary
reformatting or optimization on-site.
[0063] The printing systems of printing companies 150, 158 and the
other manufacturing systems of vendors 152, 154, 156, 160 and
printers/manufacturers 30 in general, including
printing/manufacturing/production stages and post-processing
stages, such as assembly and packaging. Referring in particular to
printing companies 150, 158, example printing methodologies include
any form of gravure, waterless offset, direct image waterless
offset, dry offset, lithographic, intaglio, embossing, engraving,
screen, rotary screen, silkscreen, letterpress, ink jet, digital,
thermal, lenticular and other dimensional printing techniques, and
other related printing techniques or combinations thereof. Printing
and packaging unit 140 can also comprise vendors 152, 154, 156, 160
and printers/manufacturers 30 in general that specialize in
embroidery, stitching, heat, bonding, transferring, copying, and
other specialized printing, manufacturing, production, and
reproduction techniques.
[0064] Referring again to the business card order example, printing
company 150 of printing and packaging unit 140 comprises a
commercial grade printing press. The printing press can be
continuous feed, capable of running both short and long runs with
variable data, and can print business cards in variable imposition
matrices, such in a 10.times.11 format, 2.times.50 format, and
others. A run of 10.times.11 sheets, including optional advertising
space of 10 cards, or more or fewer in other embodiments, can be
printed in about two seconds in one embodiment. This printing speed
is an improvement over existing systems used to print business
cards.
[0065] Business cards can be printed on glossy, semi-glossy, or
non-glossy paper stock, as appropriate to accommodate an acceptable
or preferred level of ink absorption or some other printing
characteristic. For example, certain paper stocks may be use in
some applications because the stocks are sufficiently porous to
enable the ink to absorb but not so porous so as to over-absorb the
ink color and reduce the quality of the printed product. Other
appropriate papers and materials can be used in other embodiments
according to a desired product to be produced. For business cards,
almost any stock of business card weight can be used. A variety of
inks can also be used, including ink jet, dry toner, oil-based,
water-based, and others.
[0066] For ease of integration and compatibility with other
components of system 100, the printing press of printing and
packaging unit 140 can be a digital press. The digital press can
receive data to be printed in PDF files or in some other suitable
or compatible file format. For example, certain presses require or
prefer a particular file format, and the files provided in printing
and packaging unit 140 can vary accordingly. As part of
pre-printing in one embodiment, a file is received at a receiving
unit of the press. In system 100, the file may be sent from server
130 and may be sent or requested, as mentioned above, in one of
many available file formats. The print server then "rips" the file
before the printing stage, in which the aforementioned quantities
of cards can be printed from the data contained in the ripped file.
Ripping, or raster image processing (RIP), includes hardware and/or
software processing and converting of digital files to printable
formats. The file can include data to print a single design or
multiple designs with variable data, and a file is ripped for each
different page to be printed. In other embodiments, multiple pages
can be ripped in a single file. Multiple design files or single
files including multiple designs can take longer to rip given the
increased data. While the ripping process can take about ten
minutes in one embodiment, which time-limits the printing process
when only seconds are needed to actually print the images
associated with the ripped file, further improvements have been
made to reduce the time associated with ripping and transferring
the files. For example, speed can be improved by downloading files
on the fly during operation, which enables the press to run more
continuously, needing to be stopped only periodically. The periodic
stoppages can be timed, for example, to coincide with operator
break times or routine service or maintenance for further improved
efficiency. Additionally, speed can be improved by smaller file
sizes, which result in faster file transfer times and shorter
ripping times. Suitable printing presses of printing and packaging
unit 140 include various ink jet and toner based systems, such as
an Agfa-Gevaert Dotrix press, a Hewlett Packard Indigo press, a
Kodak Nexpress, and a Xerox iGen press.
[0067] Printing and packing unit 140 can also comprise, such as for
the printing of business cards, suitable post-printing processing
and handling equipment. In one embodiment, printing and packaging
unit 140 comprises one or more bi-directional slitter/collators for
flat-printed business cards. A bi-directional slitter cuts large
sheets of printed products into multiple individual products by
first cutting in one direction, such as horizontally, and then
cutting in a second direction, such as vertically. In another
embodiment, printing and packing unit 140 comprises multiple
printing lines feeding one or more slitting and cutting lines.
Suitable cutting and slitting equipment is commercially available
from such manufacturers as Duplo, Polar, and Rollem, among others.
Other equipment can be used or may be more suitable in other
embodiments in which different products, such as non-paper objects,
are manufactured, individualized, customized, or personalized.
Suitable post-processing can vary according to the particular
product and can include coating, varnishing, sanding, heating,
cooling, charging, discharging, curing, drying, polishing,
painting, lacquering, gluing, pressing, sizing, punching,
laminating, and other finishing processes, treatments, and
methodologies.
[0068] In some embodiments, suitable preprocessing can also be
performed. One preprocessing example includes applying magnetic
stripes to paper phone cards. Such preprocessing can occur, for
example, in the steps of unwinding, preprocessing, and rewinding a
web. Roll-to-roll unwinding and rewinding can also be compatible
with embodiments of the present invention, as well as sheet fed
systems.
[0069] Following cutting and slitting, business cards can be
collated and stacked. The particular cutting, slitting, and
subsequent collating equipment and procedures can depend upon the
particular product printed and the layout of the product on the
original large sheet. For example, proper collating is of
particular importance when printing sequential products on a single
large sheet, such as pages of a book or numbered checks. Collating,
in turn, is dependent upon the print layout or imposition matrix
used for the large sheet(s) of printed materials.
[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention related to
business cards, collating of items printed in variable imposition
matrices is important in order to strategically place advertising,
marketing, and reorder cards within a stack 170, as depicted in
FIG. 9. For example, stack 170 can begin with an order summary or
reorder card 172, followed by one or more optional advertising
cards 174 before a main body 176 of cards, and end with one or more
additional yet optional advertising cards 178 and an optional
reorder card 180. In another embodiment, stack 170 can begin with
order summary or reorder card 172, followed by main body 176, with
one or more additional yet optional advertising cards 178 randomly
placed within main body 176 and stack 170. In other embodiments,
one or more advertising cards 174, 178 are additionally or
alternatively placed in body 176 or otherwise strategically
arranged throughout stack 170; more advertising cards 174, 178 may
be placed toward the beginning of stack 170, as a consumer is more
likely to see cards so placed in a timely manner or before needing
to reorder to update changed information.
[0071] The advertising and marketing presented by cards 174 and 178
or by other means with other printed and manufactured items and
products can provide targeted and controlled advertising and
marketing. Cards 174 and 178 can also provide contact, service,
consulting or other similar information related to the product
ordered, consumer 10, or some other factor as described in more
detail below. Advertising, marketing, contact, service, consulting,
or other similar information can be generally referred to as
promotional information. The promotional information can be
targeted based on a number of factors related in particular to the
consumer or the retailer/broker in one embodiment, and the aspect
of control can relate to any or all of the message, placement,
provider and recipient.
[0072] To facilitate these features, information management
subsystem 104 comprises interactive advertising and marketing
portion 134. Interactive advertising and marketing portion 134 is
at least partially integrated with data capture and management
portion 132 operating on server 130 in one embodiment to facilitate
efficient information storage, transfer, and use, and to support
interoperability and functionality when and where applicable. In
other embodiments, interactive advertising and marketing portion
134 is distinct from one or both of server 130 and data capture and
management portion 132.
[0073] When operating in conjunction with data capture and
management portion 132, interactive advertising and marketing
portion 134 can use consumer 10 and order data and metadata to
select advertising or other promotional information to appear on
advertising cards 174, 178. For example, consumer 10 places an
order for business cards. The cards include consumer 10's name and
title, such as "John Smith, Electrician," and address, including
ZIP code 12345. While many printing companies view order
information as a simple collective image, the present invention
recognizes the data and metadata supplied in order to facilitate
advertising and other features. Interactive advertising and
marketing portion 134 can use this information to search an
information database that includes available advertisers and other
information. Interactive advertising and marketing portion 134
therefore may choose to include advertisements, offers, or other
promotional information from electrical supply companies located in
or near ZIP code 12345 on advertising cards 174 and 178.
[0074] Additionally or alternatively, cards 174 and 178 may be
printed with coupons from restaurants in ZIP code 12345 offering
specials or information from advertisers who have listed
"electricians" as a selected or favored group. Further, ads can be
personalized, such as, "Mr. Smith, did you know we opened a new
store within five miles of your office?" or "John, please use this
coupon to receive a complimentary car wash the next time you
purchase five gallons of gas at our location on Elm Street."
[0075] Advertising cards 174 and 178 can also be printed with
advertisements or promotional offers from retailer/broker 20 where
consumer 10 placed the order. Further, retailer/broker 20 can
provide, edit, and select which advertisements or promotional
offers will appear on advertising cards 174 and 178 via a
retailer/broker 20 portion of user interface 108. Retailer/broker
portion of user interface 108 can be accessed via a retailer/broker
20 version of kiosk 112, via the Internet, or by some other means.
In one embodiment, retailer/broker portion 550 enables real-time
selection and editing of ads and other promotional information
provided to consumer 10. Retailer/broker 20 can set up various
rules in interactive advertising and marketing portion 134 via user
interface 108 by which advertising is placed. Dynamic editing of
promotional information and placement is also enabled. For example,
retailer/broker 20 can select each morning which promotional
information will run for orders placed or produced that day.
Separate rules can also be formulated based on product type
ordered, order size or frequency, consumer address or title, or
some other criteria. Retailer/broker 20 can also choose to omit
advertisements from some or all orders. Individual advertisers can
be arranged by retailer/broker 20, printer/manufacturer 30, or some
other party. In some embodiments, printer/manufacturer 30 can also
edit and select some or all of the advertisements placed in an
order.
[0076] Variable imposition matrices and cutting/collating can be
used when targeted advertising is to be placed in a business card
stack 170, as the layout and arrangement of these matrices assist
in proper order arrangement. For example, the promotional
information to be included in an order originating from a first big
box office supply store retailer/broker 20 must not be intermixed
with the advertising to be placed in an order originating from a
competitor second big box office supply store retailer/broker 20.
Cutters/slitters and collators used in cooperation with the
aforementioned variable imposition matrices of the present
invention place advertising cards 174 and 178 where desired in card
stack 170.
[0077] The targeted or personalized promotional information can be
distinguished from existing co-marketing or co-advertising. For
example, advertisements for coordinating check book covers are
often included in personal check orders. While these advertisements
are targeted with respect to the product, they are not selected
based on customer data or order metadata related to a wider range
of criteria. Further, their placement and inclusion in particular
orders cannot be omitted, selected on the fly, or otherwise easily
determined via a third-party retailer/broker 20.
[0078] Referring again to FIG. 4, packaging methodologies at step
214 can improve distribution in one embodiment by reducing handling
and labeling. For example, in further post-processing of business
cards, the stacks are packaged for distribution. Suitable packaging
equipment is commercially available from Unisource and other
manufacturers. In one embodiment, packaging lines can package
products both from the aforementioned preferred digital press as
well as from traditional printing/manufacturing processes. For
example, a plurality of printing lines may produce products
according to various processes, and the products are subsequently
packaged via a single system, or multiple packaging system may be
used according to the volume produced by a single printing line.
Other packaging formats can be used for business cards and other
items produced by system 100. Once packaged, the printed products
are distributed at step 216 by distribution/tracking unit 142
directly to consumer 10 or to a recipient specified by consumer 10
during ordering.
[0079] Expedited packaging and distribution is provided in one
embodiment by the modular blister packs described in more detail in
pending U.S. application Ser. No. 11/301,501 entitled "PACKAGING,
STORING AND DISPENSING SYSTEM FOR PRINTED MATERIALS," filed Dec.
13, 2005, which has been incorporated herein by reference. The
invention described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/301,501 gives
users of business cards or other printed units access to bulk
numbers of business cards stored in modular separable packets or
modules. The modular separable packets are substantially sealed
from the environment and protect the cards therein from wear and
soiling until the cards are dispensed. The modular separable
packets are structured to allow individual dispensing of the
business cards while still providing substantial protection to the
remaining business cards in the packet. The modular packets allow
users to transport and store business cards in relatively small
quantities, while still maintaining the cards in excellent
condition and accommodating individual dispensing of the cards. The
modules can comprise blister pack packaging adapted to store
approximately fifty to one hundred business cards in modularized
packages. The modularized packages are positioned together in
groups, with each modularized package individually separable from
the group. A tear away strip on each modularized package can be
selectively removed to provide for the dispensing of individual
cards from the modularized package. The modularized packets can
also be automatically packaged to include an external shipping
address for improved handling.
[0080] After an order has been received, there are several
different account management tools which can be used depending upon
the user. In one embodiment, consumer 10 can access their account
information to view and approve order proofs, order status,
shipping status, billing status or place new orders. In another
embodiment of account management tools, retail/broker 20 can pull
up the account information by a variety of categories, such as
orders by geography, i.e., how many orders were placed at kiosks
112 for a particular metropolitan area, or how many orders per
location, or by product, such as how many business card orders, how
many color business card orders, how many mug orders, how many pen
orders, and the like. Retail/broker 20 can use this account
management tool to get up-to-date billing information and
statistics, such as how many total dollars were spent, how much
revenue was generated, and how much the consumer or store was
billed. Additionally, retail/broker 20 can view production status,
when a product was produced or shipped, what particular tracking
number was assigned for a shipment, what a projected delivery date
and time is, and the like. Retailer/broker 20 can also see if
consumer has viewed and/or approved a proof and can view a
consumer's order history, store order history, or regional order
history.
[0081] In another embodiment of the account management tools,
retailer/broker 20 and/or printer/manufacturer 30 can view and
extract billing information so that credit cards, gift cards, and
coupons are properly billed and redeemed. Verified proofs and order
histories can also be viewed. In yet another embodiment,
retailer/broker 20, printer/manufacturer 30, and/or personnel at
sales consulting subsystem 110 can also view account information to
verify orders, verify order status, view shipping status, view and
report tracking numbers, and project possible arrival times of the
products and/or goods. This account summary can be part of data
capture and management application 132 and can provide order
tracking, order history, reordering, pre-populated catalog access,
and other custom features of use to consumer 10. The account
summary can also provide notifications of new products, specials,
sales, and other offers and remind consumer 10 that it may be time
to reorder a previously ordered product. For example, data capture
and management application 132 can track that a particular consumer
10 orders 500 business cards every eight months. At a time seven
months from the last order, data capture and management application
132, via account summary 600, can prompt consumer 10 with a reorder
reminder. These and other features may also be integrated with the
invention described in copending U.S. application Ser. No.
11/242,603 entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY MANAGING
INDIVIDUAL AND BUSINESS INFORMATION," filed Oct. 3, 2005, which has
been incorporated herein by reference.
[0082] Further, with the customer data described above,
retailer/broker 20 can send out targeted email with direct links
back to a consumer's account to advertise any number of
customizable products from the retail solution catalog. When
consumer 10 opens up that link to the document, consumer 10 is
directed to their account page where they can view an image of the
advertised product as it might appear with some of their data,
marks, or information appearing on the advertised product. Consumer
10 can order advertised products by selecting an option, or
consumer 10 can further edit advertised products before ordering.
The timing of these targeted emails can vary. For example, email
messages can be sent to consumers 10 who created an account and
customized products at kiosk 112 but did not complete an order, or
messages can be sent as a follow-up or reminder regarding a
reorder. Email messages can also be sent on-demand by
retailer/broker 20 and/or printer/manufacturer 30.
[0083] A retailer/broker 20 portion of the aforementioned account
management feature can be integrated with interactive advertising
and marketing portion 134 or some other part of server 130 in one
embodiment. Via this user interface portion, retailer/broker 20 can
view overall orders placed at a location and obtain additional
information regarding use, demographics, and other characteristics
for performance, evaluative, advertising, marketing, reporting,
statistical, price determination, promotional, and other
purposes.
[0084] One or more of data capture and management application 132,
interactive advertising and marketing application 134, digital
asset management application 136, and digital content licensing
application 138 can also support a logo, graphic, or design
self-creation or assistance service. This service can be provided
as an add-on or can be fully integrated with some other portion of
system 100. In one embodiment, data capture and management
application 132, digital asset management application 136,
interactive advertising and marketing application 136, and digital
content licensing toolbar application 138 can operate one a single
server or on one or more communicatively coupled servers. Databases
accessed, used, or hosted by any or all of applications 132, 134,
136, and 138 can be shared, independent, and/or support data
replication where needed or desired. It follows that data can be
stored separately or housed centrally, with servers capable of
extracting and/or pushing data if or when necessary. Virtually any
operational and data configurations capable of supporting the
various applications can be used in various embodiments of the
invention, including web, matrix, hub and spoke, and others.
[0085] Referring again to FIG. 2, digital asset management
application 136 is described in more detail in U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/751,040 entitled "DIGITAL MARK ASSET MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM AND METHOD," filed Dec. 15, 2005, which has been
incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, digital asset management
application 136 provides improved content holder control and
monitoring of digital mark use, robust and intelligent formatting
and optimization of digital mark files for particular uses, and
standardization of the appearance of marks such as logos and
insignia regardless of application in a convenient, efficient, and
quality-conscious manner. In particular, one embodiment of the
present invention is directed to systems and methods for managing
digital mark assets including digital mark asset
acquisition/capture, digital mark asset storage and security,
digital mark asset refinement and enhancement including file format
and content optimization, and digital mark data security and
regulated/controlled and monitored data distribution. Digital asset
management application 136 provides a service through which digital
mark assets can be managed, stored, optimized, distributed, and
reproduced. Digital asset production and reproduction can be
optimized by the system of the invention across a plurality of
platforms, including print, embroidery, silk screen, stamp, web
publishing, and others, user and vendor systems, and end products
to provide consistent and repeatable quality regardless of format
or media. The system provides enhanced management and control tools
to digital content owners while maximizing content applications and
flexibility in a secure environment. The system also provides
information regarding digital mark asset access, use, distribution,
and reproduction that may be of use to content owners, vendors,
system managers, and other third parties. As such, digital asset
management application 136 is particularly suited for use within,
for example, system 100 to manage, store, optimize, distribute, and
reproduce digital marks provided or owned by users desiring to
reproduce the marks as part of customized printed content. For
example, corporate logos and graphics are frequently used in
various forms on business cards, apparel, and other individualized,
customized, or personalized products. Digital asset management
application 136 as part of system 100 provides approved content
optimized for the particular application requested by a user.
[0086] Digital content licensing application 138 is described in
more detail in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/942,747
entitled "DIGITAL CONTENT LICENSING TOOLBAR," filed Sep. 16, 2004,
which has been incorporated herein by reference. Briefly, digital
content licensing application 138 manages online transactions of
copyrighted material and may be embodied as a toolbar that displays
copyright status information available at kiosk 112. More
particularly, the toolbar can be integrated with an Internet
browser at kiosk 112. Digital content licensing application 138
comprises a number of features, including controlling content
management information and certain transactional features
associated with obtaining content, in one embodiment. In one
example, digital content licensing application 138 is used to track
sales and distribution of formerly printed (i.e., hardcopy) content
as digital content in an electronic environment, such as the
Internet. Within system 100, digital content licensing application
138 can be of use tracking use of licensable graphics, text, video,
broadcasts, and characters that a user may desire to reproduce
digitally and/or on customized printed materials. Users of digital
content licensing application 138, as with users of system 100
generally, can include corporate enterprise clients with a
plurality of authorized individual users who access, distribute, or
otherwise utilize digital content such as printed articles,
graphics, clip art and other media, audio-visual transmission, and
the like on behalf of the enterprise. Therefore, digital content
licensing application 138 in combination with digital asset
management application 136 can form an effective corporate asset
and use management system. Users may also include individual end
users accessing content for personal use, including home
printing/publishing of occasion cards, invitations, announcements,
business cards and correspondence, and other items. Users may also
be individuals desiring to obtain a digital copy of a broadcast
sporting event or television show for viewing. Accordingly, a
number of industry-specific applications digital content licensing
application 138 can exist, i.e., enterprise use of
Internet-available copyrighted information; occasion printing,
which could encompass home publishing as well as use by
retail/special order printers.
[0087] The invention therefore addresses and resolves many of the
deficiencies and drawbacks previously identified. The invention may
be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the
essential attributes thereof, therefore, the illustrated
embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative
and not restrictive.
* * * * *