U.S. patent application number 13/317396 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-18 for system and method for a canvassed self healing bulletin board.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schneur Minsky. Invention is credited to Schneur Minsky.
Application Number | 20130097049 13/317396 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48086631 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130097049 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Minsky; Schneur |
April 18, 2013 |
System and method for a canvassed self healing bulletin board
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to a system and method
for converting a client order into a custom canvassed bulletin
board, where the client accesses a board maker's web site and
uploads a digital image over the internet to a server. The client
verifies the uploaded image, selects an image print size, and
submits personal information to the server. The uploaded image is
retrieved by the board maker and resized. The board maker prints
the image onto a canvas, fixes the printed canvas onto a bulletin
board, and delivers the custom board to the client. The bulletin
board can be framed, hung on a surface, used with push pins to
attach messages to the canvassed surface, or be used as decorative
art. Cork's self-healing properties causes holes through the
printed canvas and tack receptive cork layers to close up and
restore the printed image to its near original quality.
Inventors: |
Minsky; Schneur; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Minsky; Schneur |
Brooklyn |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48086631 |
Appl. No.: |
13/317396 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/26.5 ;
428/196 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0635 20130101;
G06Q 30/0241 20130101; Y10T 428/24802 20150115; Y10T 428/2481
20150115; B32B 21/02 20130101; B32B 21/10 20130101; B32B 2590/00
20130101; B32B 5/022 20130101; G09F 15/0006 20130101; B32B 2457/00
20130101; B32B 27/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0621 20130101; B32B 3/10
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26.5 ;
428/196 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20120101
G06Q030/00; B32B 27/02 20060101 B32B027/02; B32B 21/02 20060101
B32B021/02; B32B 3/10 20060101 B32B003/10; B32B 5/02 20060101
B32B005/02 |
Claims
1. A system and method for converting a client order into a self
healing bulletin board, with the steps comprising: a. client's
computer accessing a board maker's website over the internet and
uploading a digital image to a remote server; b. the server of step
a. returning a compressed file of the uploaded image to the
client's browser for verification; c. the client selecting the
image print size for the uploaded image of step a.; d. the client
selecting a decorative frame for the bulletin board; e. the client
submitting their personal information to the server; f. the board
maker using an internet connected computer to download the digital
image from step a. from the remote server and resizing the digital
image in a computer according to step c.; g. the board maker
transferring the resized digital image to a computer enabled
printer; h. the board maker using the printer of step f. to print
the resized digital image onto a cotton canvas; and i. forming a
self-healing bulletin board by adhering the back surface of the
printed cotton canvas of step g. to a bulletin board.
2. The self-healing bulletin board of claim 1, wherein the
self-healing bulletin board comprises a printed cotton canvas
layer, a tack receptive layer, and a solid support layer.
3. The uploaded image of claim 1, wherein a printer applies solvent
based inks to print the uploaded image onto the top surface of the
cotton canvas layer.
4. The printed cotton canvas of claim 1, wherein the canvas
includes a poly-cotton osnaburg or polyester nonwoven fabric that
mimics an artist's canvas, where vinyl may be 17 ounces per lineal
yard and the cotton may be about 3 ounces per lineal yard with a
fabric thickness from about 0.015 inches to about 0.030 inches and
the top surface can absorb solvent based inks and the back surface
comprises the same cotton fibers adhered to a vinyl based
polymer.
5. The tack receptive layer of claim 2, wherein this layer is a
cork sheet or a cork hybrid sheet having polymer or rubber
particulates, where either cork sheet has a thickness from about an
1/8 inch to about a 1/4 inch.
6. The solid support of claim 2, wherein the solid support may be
made from a wood fiber, a particle fiber, or a hard wood fiber
having a thickness from about a 1/4 inch to about a 1/2 inch.
7. The self-healing bulletin board of claim 1, wherein the board
maker delivers the self-healing bulletin board to the client via a
mailing system.
8. The digital image of claim 1, wherein the digital image includes
restaurant menus, calendars, or any business advertisement.
9. A self-healing bulletin board comprising a printed cotton canvas
layer, a tack receptive layer, and a solid support layer.
10. The printed cotton canvas of claim 9, wherein the canvas
includes a poly-cotton osnaburg or polyester nonwoven fabric that
mimics an artist's canvas, where vinyl may be 17 ounces per lineal
yard and the cotton may be about 3 ounces per lineal yard with a
fabric thickness from about 0.015 inches to about 0.030 inches and
the top surface can absorb solvent based inks and the back surface
comprises the same cotton fibers adhered to a vinyl based
polymer.
11. The tack receptive layer of claim 9, wherein this layer is a
cork sheet or a cork hybrid sheet having polymer or rubber
particulates, where either cork sheet has a thickness from about an
1/8 inch to about a 1/4 inch.
12. The solid support of claim 9, wherein the solid support may be
made from a wood fiber, a particle fiber, or a hard wood fiber
having a thickness from about a 1/4 inch to about a 1/2 inch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application does not claim priority to any filed
patent applications.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a system and
method for converting a client order into a custom canvassed
bulletin board. More specifically, the present invention includes a
client uploading an image to a server via the Internet, submitting
their personal information to the server, after which a board maker
retrieves the client's uploaded image from the same, prints the
image onto a canvas, and then uses the printed canvas to create a
decorative self-healing bulletin board. The bulletin board can be
used as a message board with push pins and notes or can be used as
decorative art. The board uses adhesives and cork's self-healing
properties to repair push pin holes in the canvas surface, thereby
restoring the canvas and printed image to near original
quality.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Today's technology allows people to create custom items from
digital images. However, having this flexibility does not allow
certain items to be customized due to their construction. One such
item is a traditional cork board.
[0004] Cork bulletin boards are well known in the art. Cork boards
have tackable surfaces, where push pins or thumb tacks are used to
attach notes. Due to cork's elastic properties, holes created by a
push pin close automatically upon removal of the spike, but heavy
use over time destroys the cork. Taking care when inserting and
removing push pins is crucial to the longevity of the cork board.
Cork should not be written on directly, meaning it is better not to
write or mark on cork, which makes cork difficult to use as a
printing surface.
[0005] If one wanted to fix a custom image to a cork bulletin
board, then one would have to glue or staple construction paper,
cloth, or some sort of poster with an image onto the cork surface.
However, using pins or staples to attach notes or items to the
image would cause irreversible damage to the picture. [0006] U.S.
Pat. No. 1,494,583 to Brooks describes how to make a cork bulletin
board. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,503,136 to McDonald describes a
bulletin board for educational use having an outer fabric layer
with a map print, a cork layer, and a foam support. [0008] U.S.
Pat. No. 4,893,425 to Ellis describes a display board having
plastic foam covered with a closely fitted cloth or fabric. [0009]
patent App. No. 20060150454 to Kang describes a pushpin board for
retaining and displaying messages. [0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,516
to Morrison describes a storage and display device for pieced
earrings having a framed cork surface. [0011] Patent App. No.
20110145100 to Berger et al. describes for digitally processing a
stationary order over the internet. [0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,799
to Manolis et al. describes a computer implemented method for
uploading a digital image to a server.
[0013] The listed references do not address customizing a canvassed
bulletin board according to a client order. Therefore, there is a
need for a method that converts a client order into a canvassed
bulletin board that not only serves as a message board but can be
used as fine art in one's home or office, where push pins can be
inserted and removed with very little damage to the image printed
on the canvas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide
a system and method for converting a client order into a self
healing bulletin board, where the client's computer accesses a
board maker's website over the internet and uploads a digital image
to a remote server. The server returns a compressed file of the
uploaded image to the client's browser for verification. The client
selects the image print size for the uploaded image. The client
then selects a decorative frame for the bulletin board and submits
their personal information to the server. The board maker uses an
internet connected computer to download the digital image from the
server and resizes the digital image in a computer. The board maker
transfers the resized digital image to a computer enabled printer,
where he or she uses the printer to print the resized digital image
onto a cotton canvas; and forms a self-healing bulletin board by
adhering the back surface of the printed cotton canvas to a
bulletin board.
[0015] It is another aspect of the invention where the self-healing
bulletin board comprises a printed cotton canvas layer, a tack
receptive layer, and a solid support layer.
[0016] It is another aspect of the present invention wherein a
printer applies solvent based inks to print the uploaded image onto
the top surface of the cotton canvas layer.
[0017] It is another aspect of the present invention where the
printed cotton canvas includes a poly-cotton osnaburg or polyester
nonwoven fabric that mimics an artist's canvas where vinyl may be
17 ounces per lineal yard and the cotton may be about 3 ounces per
lineal yard with a fabric thickness from about 0.015 inches to
about 0.030 inches and the top surface can absorb solvent based
inks and the back surface comprises the same cotton fibers adhered
to a vinyl based polymer.
[0018] It is another aspect of the present invention where the tack
receptive layer is a cork sheet or a cork hybrid sheet having
polymer or rubber particulates, where either cork sheet has a
thickness from about an 1/8 inch to about a 1/4 inch.
[0019] It is another aspect of the present invention wherein the
solid support may be made from a wood fiber, a particle fiber, or a
hard wood fiber having a thickness from about a 1/4 inch to about a
1/2 inch.
[0020] It is another aspect of the present invention wherein the
board maker delivers the self-healing bulletin board to the client
via a mailing system.
[0021] Further aspects of the present invention will become
apparent from the drawings and general embodiment of the invention,
which illustrates and describes the preferred embodiments on how to
convert a client's order into a self-healing bulletin board.
[0022] It is another aspect of the invention wherein the digital
image includes images of restaurant menus, calendars, or any
business advertisement.
[0023] It is an aspect of the invention wherein a self-healing
bulletin board comprises a printed cotton canvas layer, a tack
receptive layer, and a solid support layer.
[0024] Yet another aspect of the invention includes a printed
cotton canvas having a poly-cotton osnaburg or polyester nonwoven
fabric that mimics an artist's canvas, where vinyl may be 17 ounces
per lineal yard and the cotton may be about 3 ounces per lineal
yard with a fabric thickness from about 0.015 inches to about 0.030
inches and the top surface can absorb solvent based inks and the
back surface comprises the same cotton fibers adhered to a vinyl
based polymer.
[0025] Another aspect of the invention includes a tack receptive
layer that is a cork sheet or a cork hybrid sheet having polymer or
rubber particulates, where either cork sheet has a thickness from
about an 1/8 inch to about a 1/4 inch.
[0026] Yet another aspect of the invention includes a solid support
being a wood fiber, a particle fiber, or a hard wood fiber having a
thickness from about a 1/4 inch to about a 1/2 inch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The following figures are examples of the present invention
and are not a limitation thereof.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a sketch of the web based process 10 to convert a
client order into a canvassed self healing bulletin board.
[0029] FIG. 2 is an explosive view of an unframed canvassed
bulletin board, with a solid support layer 17, a tack receptive
layer 18, and a printed canvas layer 19, where the layers are
cemented by an adhesive.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] From this point forward, the following words will describe a
method for creating a canvassed bulletin board that self-heals.
However, these words are not a limitation on the scope of the
present invention but are written to detail certain embodiments
thereof, and due to the detailed description, modifications will
become apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0031] The present invention includes a client's web browser
accessing a board maker's web site and uploading at least one
digital image over the interne to a remote server. The board
maker's web site allows the client to verify the image uploaded to
the server, select an image print size, and submit his or her
personal information to the server. The uploaded image is retrieved
by the board maker via a web browser and resized. The board maker
prints the image onto a canvas, fixes the printed canvas onto a
bulletin board, and ships the bulletin board to the client. The
bulletin board can be framed or hung to a surface, be used with
push pins to attach notes and messages to the canvassed surface, or
can be used as decorative art. When used as a message board, cork's
self-healing properties enable the holes made by push pins in the
canvas and cork layer to close up and restore the printed image to
its near original quality.
General Embodiment of the Invention
DEFINITIONS
[0032] The following non-limiting terms are used to detail the
invention:
[0033] The term "digital image" generally refers to a numeric
representation (normally binary) of a two-dimensional image, a
photo. Depending on whether or not the image resolution is fixed,
it may be of vector or raster type. The term may also refer to
raster images that have been compressed called bitmap images. Web
browsers can display standard internet image formats including GIF,
JPEG, and PNG, bitmap formats.
[0034] The term "computer" generally refers to a personal
workstation, a minicomputer, a mainframe, a supercomputer, or a web
or computer server. The computer should have a basic operating
system such as MS Windows, Linux, Mac OS, and the like. The
computer may be a desktop, server, portable, hand-held, set-top, or
any other desired configuration. The computer includes a processor
and a data storage system and typically receives a number of inputs
and outputs for communicating information externally. Non-limiting
examples of inputs and outputs may include: a keyboard, a mouse, a
trackball, a joystick, a touchpad, and/or a microphone, a CRT
monitor, and/or an LCD display panel.
[0035] The terms "web browser" or "browser" generally refer to
Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape, Opera, Safari, or
any compatible web browser, where the browser is capable of
rendering HTML, XHMTL, DOM, CSS, Javascript, XML, XML/HTTP
requests, HTTP/HTTPS/PHP scripts, Flash Tools, e.g. SWFUpload, or
the like and may provide navigation to web pages via hypertext
links. One embodiment of the present invention includes using a
combination of XHTML, client side scripting language such as
Javascript or PHP, SWFUpload, a presentation definition language
(CSS), and DOM.
[0036] The term "mobile device" generally refers to any device
capable of wireless communication and connection to the internet.
More specifically, this means SMS or MMS servicing with a web
browser capable of connecting to the internet via wi-fi or through
a cell phone service. This includes, but is not limited to,
cellular phones, personal digital assistants, and/or handheld
(mobile) computer devices such as internet capable tablets.
[0037] The terms "module" or "modules" generally refer to a part of
a computer program, sub-routine, procedure, definitional statement,
and/or macro that performs a distinct function. Each module may be
separately compiled and linked into a single executable program.
The module processes may be arbitrarily redistributed to one of the
other modules, combined together in a single module, or made
available in, for example, a shareable dynamic link library.
Non-limiting examples being modules capable of taking requests or
giving commands as SWFUpload/PHP/Javascript commands for uploading
digital images with a mobile device or home computer to a server
over a network, where, for example, cell phones may use modules
that can have an SMS gateway to convert an SMSC protocol to
SWFUpload/PHP/Javascript or HTTP/HTTPS/PHP scripts, DOM, CSS, XML,
XHTML/HTTP requests, SQL request or commands, flash tools, or the
like.
[0038] The terms "internet," "network," or "web" generally refer to
an electronically connected group of computers including but not
limited to: the World Wide Web, Intranet, Local Area Networks
(LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), or Wireless Wide Area Networks
(WWAN). The internet transfers information using common protocol
that tells computers connected to the network how to locate and
exchange files with each other.
[0039] The term "server" generally refers to a private computer
that link other computers or electronic devices together and is
accessible over a network. The server may have a database that is
relational and stores a collection of data on individual tables
with common or uncommon information. The server is operated and
controlled by a private firm. A server administrator may implement
and maintain the system and establish policies and procedures
pertaining to management, security, maintenance, and use of the
server management system. The server of the present invention may
understand programming languages including but not limited to:
HTTP/HTTPS, DOM, CSS, Javascript, XML, XHTML/HTTP requests, SQL
request or commands, PHP scripts, Flash Tools, and the like.
[0040] The term "client matrix" or "matrix" generally refer to a
collection of client information stored on individual tables in a
relational database. The matrix, and therefore the database, is
located on a remote server. The matrix contains at least one
original uploaded digital image and XHTML script for information
regarding the resulting client order as metadata, which the board
maker accesses and uses to create and ship the bulletin board to
the client. The database is accessible over the internet and is
kept by a private firm, non-limiting examples being MySQL,
Interbase/Firebird, PSQL, IBM, Microsoft/Sybase, Oracle, or the
like, where a firm has a database administrator or one or more
applications developers. The database is associated with at least
one send/receive module that can convert XHTML, PHP, HTTP,
SWFUpload, PHP, CSS, HTML, DOM, or HTTP requests or any
combinations thereof from a client's or board maker's browser to
structured language queries to import client information and
digital images into tables within the database and may return such
data to the client's or board maker's browser.
[0041] Client Order--Step One: Image Uploading
[0042] The following system and method describes how a client order
is converted by a board maker into a custom canvassed bulletin
board. From FIG. 1, a client uses a computer 11 connected to the
internet 13 to access a board maker's web site via HTML/PHP/HTTP
requests. The client's internet service provider (ISP) has computer
servers 12 that facilitate the web connection between the server
14, the internet cloud 13, and the client's computer 11 by
send/receive modules or platforms known in the art. The ISP server
12 may understand programming languages including but not limited
to: HTTP/HTTPS; DOM; CSS; Javascript; XML; XML/HTTP requests; SQL
request or commands; PRP scripts; Flash Tools, and the like. The
ISP server 12 renders XHTML/PHP/HTTP/Javascript/MySQL commands and
requests for the board maker's XHTML pages originating at the
server 14 and handles file transfers from the client's computer 11
to the server 14.
[0043] The board maker's web site presents an initial web page to
the client's browser with a button that prompts a server 14 request
for the location of the client's digital image. The digital image
can be located on the client's computer 11 hard drive, computer 11
desktop, flash drive, mobile device, or any storage location on an
electronic device with the ability to connect to the internet 13
and store digital photos, a non-limiting example being a cell phone
or computer tablet having a camera, with RAM storage, and is
connected to the internet. It is within the scope of the present
invention where the client may upload digital images to the server
14 from a third party web site or application via PHP/XHTML/API
modules known in the art, non limiting examples being a client
uploading a digital image from Flickr, Facebook, or the like via
flash tools or XHTML/PHP/Javascript/API protocols. The digital
image may also include images of restaurant menus, calendars, or
any business advertising image.
[0044] To upload digital images to the server 14, at least one
graphical user interface, GUI, e.g. a button, upload progress
handler, or the like, is presented at the client's computer 11 in a
web browser over the internet 13. The client clicks a button and at
least one module at the server 14 enacts PHP/SWFUpload/Javascript
commands that request the file location and digital image for
uploading to the server 14. The client selects the location and
image for upload. Modules receiving those commands at the server 14
upload the image into a client matrix at the server 14. When the
image is uploading to the server 14, the client sees an upload
progress handler indicating in real time how much of the file has
been imported into the client matrix.
[0045] SWFUpload is a client-side file upload tool, which combines
Flash and JavaScript to provide file upload functionality to a
basic browser. Web developers can use XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript to
tailor the upload GUI. A real time upload status is made through a
set of simple JavaScript events. The developer uses these events to
update upload progress in a web page. A standard HTML upload
provides an input box and a button for the user to select a file.
The entire file must be uploaded before the next page is displayed.
SWFUpload uses a Flash movie to handle file selection and upload. A
customizable button is displayed by the Flash movie that activates
Flashes advanced file selection dialog window. The file selection
dialog is configured to allow the client to select a single file or
multiple files.
[0046] Once selected, each file is validated and queued. As the
file is uploaded by Flash, several JavaScript events are enabled
that the developer handles in order to update the page's GUI, which
allows the board maker's site to provide an upload status or error
message in real-time.
[0047] The uploaded file is submitted separately from the rest of
the page and the subsequent client form. Each file is uploaded
individually keeping the server-side upload handling script simple.
Since Flash is providing the upload service, the page does not have
to be submitted or reloaded. The page's form will be processed
separately from the file upload.
[0048] Below is a non-limiting example of how a digital image maybe
be uploaded from a client's computer 11 to a remote server 14 over
the internet 13 by web browsers via SWFUload/Javascript/XHTML,
where the following script gives functionality to an upload button;
a progress handler; and sets non-limiting physical dimensions for
uploaded digital images:
TABLE-US-00001 <link href="css/default.css" rel="stylesheet"
type="text/css" /> <script type="text/javascript"
src="js/swf/swfupload.js"></script> <script
type="text/javascript"
src="js/swf/handlers_canvas.js"></script> <script
type="text/javascript"> var swfu; window.onload = function ( ) {
swfu = new SWFUpload({ // Backend Settings upload_url:
"../../upload/?SSID=4eh6kb49csgseqq1nfa3vm7se3", // Relative to the
SWF file or absolute post_params: {"PHPSESSID":
"90tgi1bhjpqqis6h6esqhi7s03"}, // File Upload Settings
file_size_limit : "100 MB", // 2MB file_types : "*.jpg;*.tif",
file_types_description : "JPG Images", file_upload_limit : "0", //
Event Handler Settings - these functions as defined in Handlers.js
// The handlers are not part of SWFUpload but are part of my //
website and control how my website reacts to the SWFUpload events.
file queue error_handler : fileQueueError,
file_dialog_complete_handler : fileDialogComplete,
upload_progress_handler : uploadProgress, upload_error_handler :
uploadError, upload_success_handler : uploadSuccess,
upload_complete_handler : uploadComplete, // Button Settings
button_image_url : "images/swf/GetStarted.png", // Relative to the
SWF file button_placeholder_id : "spanButtonPlaceholder",
button_width: 287, button_height: 43, button_text : ",
button_text_style : `.button { font-family:Helvetica, Arial,
sans-serif;font-size: 518pt #7FAAFF; }`, button_text_top_padding:
0, button_text_left_padding: 0, button_window_mode:
SWFUpload.WINDOW_MODE.TRANSPARENT, button_cursor:
SWFUpload.CURSOR.HAND, // Flash Settings flash_url :
"js/swf/swfupload.swf", custom_settings : { upload_target :
"divFileProgressContainer" }, // Debug Settings debug: false });
};
[0049] When the image has been imported into the matrix, the client
is prompted to the next page. If the image is too large or too
small or is corrupt, then an error message is returned to the
client to select another photo or try to reload the current
image.
[0050] It is a preferred embodiment of the present invention where
the client's digital image ranges in size from about 1 KB to about
200 MB. The client's photo must be at least one megapixel in size
in order to ensure a clean and clear print image on the canvas.
[0051] It is an embodiment of the present invention where a client
may upload more than one digital image to the server. However, if
the client has uploaded multiple images to the server 14, the
server 14 returns the small compressed images to the client's
computer 11 as a digital image matrix, having each compressed
thumbnail comprising rows and columns presented to the client or
can be streamed as a photo show in photo managing software
installed on the client's computer 11. As such, there is no reason
for the client to download their large image file from the server
14 to continue the ordering process. This saves the client's
computer 11 resources and makes the web based process run smooth
and quickly.
[0052] Client Order--Step Two: Image Verification and Print
Size
[0053] The second step for creating a client order includes the
board maker's web site presenting a web page with a compressed
image of the uploaded photo in the client's browser, where
HTTP/PHP/Javascript protocols load the compressed digital image and
resizing input forms. Presenting the client with a compressed image
ensures the client that the correct image was saved to the server
14.
[0054] The client is presented with the image information including
but not limited to the number of megapixels for the original image
and a width to height ratio for the compressed image as compared to
the original. The client can select the width and height of the
photo from preselected sizes or select a custom width and height
from approximately 8'' (W).times.8'' (H) to about 48''
(W).times.96'' (H). Resizing options for a digital image correlate
to the size of the printed image on the canvas' top surface.
[0055] An image uploaded to the server 14 can be quite large. This
can have positive and negative aspects. A non-limiting example of a
positive aspect being, larger image files render shaper
reproductions for printing onto the canvas. However, large image
files take up an extremely large amount of resources, e.g. an 8
mega pixel photo would take roughly 100 MB to 150 MB of RAM
(computer 11 resources) in order to show in a web browser. Web
browsers are not meant to handle such large files, and this can
lead to the client's 11 computer slowing down to a crawl or cause
the browser to crash.
[0056] Compression modules at the server 14 reduce the size of the
original uploaded image. It is within the scope of the present
invention wherein digital image compression at the server 14
truncates an image file to thumbnail size. The truncated image may
be reduced from about 8 KB to roughly about 15 to 20 KB to maintain
optimal internet connection speed at the client's computer 11, but
this can change to a larger size to show better quality if the
internet connection speed increases.
[0057] At least two compressed images, one smaller than the other,
are generated and stored in the client matrix at the server 14.
Modules that compress large digital images are well known in the
arts. Compression algorithms/modules may compress photos into
formats including without limitation JPEG, TIFF, PNG, GIF, and the
like. Once the thumbnail image is verified, the client is presented
with resizing options for the original uploaded image. Resizing
selections are sent to the server 14 and placed into the client
matrix.
[0058] Client Order--Step Three: Framing Options
[0059] After confirming the digital image via a thumbnail returned
by the server 14 and selecting the size of the printed
image/canvas, the client is presented with a web page to select
from various framing options for their canvassed bulletin board. At
this stage, the client should understand that it takes a little bit
of time to load up the framing application that will show various
framing options. With this in mind, a larger file (roughly
1000.times.1000 pixels) with a file size of around 20 KB to about
40 KB is created such that the client can see various framing
options about the larger compressed image.
[0060] This webpage displays a slightly larger thumbnail of the
original photo along with the ability to demo and select various
decorative frames. The client simply moves the mouse over various
animated cut outs of decorative frames. This process allows the
client to demo the most aesthetically pleasing frame to border
their canvassed self-healing bulletin board. Animating frame
options is possible by well known flash scripts used in the art,
where one might use Flash/XHTML/Javascript/PHP to render the
animation at the board maker's site. Wherever the mouse is
positioned, that frame will automatically border the thumbnail.
This gives the client a quick demo of how their picture will look
with that decorative frame.
[0061] Client Order--Step Four: Payment and Order Confirmation
[0062] The final web page presented by the server 14 to the
client's browser collects the client's information and completes
the order process. The cost of creating the bulletin board and the
method of shipment are also presented to the client on this web
page. Client information may include without limitation the
client's name, delivery address, zip code, credit card number,
email address, the original digital image file number, compressed
files of the original digital image, and the selected size for
image printing. This information is housed in a database capable of
rendering SQL modules at the server 14 in an XML script containing
the metadata for the client's order. Once all fields are complete,
the client clicks a button that enables server 14 side modules
rendering Javascript, CSS, DOM, SWFupload, PHP, XHTML, and MySQL
scripts to import and organize all client information, including
the original digital image and compressed thumbnails, into the
client matrix at the server 14.
[0063] Payment is charged to the client's credit card, an order
confirmation email is sent to the client's email address containing
the order information, and the board maker converts the digital
image into a canvassed bulletin board that self heals.
[0064] The Client Order to Printed Canvas
[0065] Once client information is stored onto the server 14, the
board maker confirms the information and downloads the client's
original image into a file on his or her computer 15. With out
saving the original file, the client's image will not be printed
cleanly onto the canvas surface as the files being shown to a
client are highly compressed. Unlike text that can be compressed in
a zip file and then uncompressed and be shown in its original form
and glory, an image file gets compressed by throwing out
information, and there is no way to retrieve the lost information.
As such, the full original image uploaded to the server 14 is used
to print on the canvas.
[0066] Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the original image, now
in the board maker's computer 15, is uploaded into image software,
e.g. Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, or the like, and resized according
to the client's order. The resized image is then transferred to a
commercial printer 16 capable of printing solvent inks onto a
cotton canvass, other fabrics, films, vinyls, banners, or specialty
media.
[0067] It is within the scope of the present invention where the
printer 16 is interfaced with the board maker's computer 15 or can
be used in a peer to peer network, a non-limiting example being an
Epson GS600 or a comparable printer. The board maker's computer
must be at least a 3 to 4 GHz processor, have an up to date
operating system, at least 30 GB of free disk space for printer
software and processing files, a USB connection, and an internet
connection.
[0068] The printer 16 of the present invention includes a media
bar/scroller capable of accepting a roll of cotton print canvas.
The fabric used for the canvas includes a poly-cotton osnaburg or
polyester nonwoven fabric that mimics an artist's canvas, e.g.
poly-cotton hybrid, where the vinyl may be 17 ounces per lineal
yard and the cotton may be about 3 ounces per lineal yard, and
where the vinyl is bound to the back surface of the cotton canvas
via an adhesive known in the arts. The fabric thickness may be from
about 0.015 inches to about 0.030 inches.
[0069] The printer 16 receives a print instruction from the board
maker's computer 15 including the original uploaded image and the
print size dimensions for the image. The printer 16 then prints the
image onto the canvas layer 19 using solvent based inks. The board
maker removes the printed canvas 19 from the printer 16 and allows
the image to dry in a cool place away from sunlight. Once dried the
printed canvas layer 19 is cemented to the bulletin board with an
adhesive.
[0070] From FIG. 2, the canvassed bulletin board includes a solid
support layer 17 composed of a sturdy material; a tack receptive
layer 18 composed of an elastic self healing material, e.g. cork;
and a printed cotton canvas 19 having the print of the client's
digital image on the top surface. The solid support layer 17 and
the tack receptive layer 18 are sized and cut to fit the dimensions
of the printed canvas 19.
[0071] The solid support layer 17 may be made from materials
including but not limited to an engineered wood product that is
made out of wood fibers from about 1/4 inch to about 1/2 inch in
thickness. The solid support may also include a particle board, a
medium-density fiberboard, or a hardboard, where push pins may
penetrate through the solid support layer 17.
[0072] The tack receptive layer 18 may be made from porous
materials that permit the insertion and removal of pins, including
but not limited to a cork sheet or a cork hybrid sheet having
polymer or rubber particulates. Either cork sheet should have a
thickness from about an 1/8 inch to about 1/4 inch. The tack
receptive layer 18 may be bonded to the solid support layer 17 by
adhesives known in the arts, including but not limited to super
bonding adhesives for attaching thin films, foils and fabrics to
other materials, a non-limiting example being 3M Super 77
Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
[0073] The back surface of the printed canvas 19 may be bonded to
the tack receptive layer 18 by adhesives known in the arts,
including but not limited to super bonding adhesives for attaching
thin films, foils and fabrics to other materials, a non-limiting
example being 3M Super 77 Multi-Purpose Adhesive.
[0074] The four outer sides of the canvassed self-healing bulletin
board can be framed. Frame constructions are known in the arts.
They are typically assembled from molding formed into rectangular
units for holding art work or photographs having an upper frame
section, a lower frame section, and side sections that are
appropriately joined at mitered corners to form a rectangular
frame. The frame may be made from various materials including but
not limited to wood, metals, and plastics, where all are capable of
receiving or have decorative finishes. The back of the frame may be
associated with hanging fasteners, hanging wires, hooks, nails, or
the like for hanging the bulletin board to a wall.
[0075] It is within the scope of the present invention where the
client may select a printed canvassed bulletin board without a
frame and consisting solely of the support layer 17, tack receptive
layer 18, and printed cotton canvass layer 19 but can be hung or
placed on a wall surface.
[0076] Once framed and completed, the canvassed self-healing
bulletin board is delivered by the board maker to the client by a
delivery service, e.g. the U.S. mail or FedEx or the like, or the
client may alternatively receive the finished board from the board
maker's shop.
[0077] The foregoing words describe one embodiment for a system and
method to convert a client order into a canvassed self-healing
bulletin board. However, these words are not a limitation on the
scope of the present invention, but are written to detail certain
embodiments thereof. It should be understood that changes may be
made to the solid support layer 17, the tack receptive layer 18,
the printed cotton canvas layer 19, the printer 15 type, or ink
type without departing from the scope of the invention, thus, the
scope of the present invention is defined solely by the following
claims.
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