Express Card Systems LLC v. Apple Inc.
Filing
1
COMPLAINT against Apple Inc. ( Filing fee $ 350 receipt number 0540-3993972.), filed by Express Card Systems LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Civil Cover Sheet)(Tadlock, Charles)
EXHIBIT 2
111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
USOO5552994A
United States Patent
[19]
Cannon et al.
[45]
[54]
SYSTEM FOR PRINTING SOCIAL
EXPRESSION CARDS IN RESPONSE TO
ELECTRONICALLY TRANSMITTED
ORDERS
[75]
Inventors: Thomas G. Cannon; Daniel L.
DeHart, both of Loveland, Colo.
[73]
Assignee: Onkor, Ltd., Loveland, Colo.
[21]
Appl. No.: 90,803
[22]
Filed:
Jul. 12, 1993
Related U.S. Application Data
[63]
Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 949,715, Sep. 23, 1992.
[51]
[52]
[58]
Int. CI.6 ...•••••••••••••••••••.•...••....••••••••••••••••••••• G06F 17/00
U.S. CI•................................. 364/468.01; 364/479.03
Field of Search ..................................... 364/478, 479,
364/468, 401-412; 235/379, 381, 382,
383; 3951155-161
[56]
References Cited
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS
3,949,375 411976 Ciarlo ...................................... 340/172
4,149,246 411979 Goldman.
4,181,955 111980 Mittelman et al.
4,300,040 1111981 Gould et al. ............................ 235/381
4,495,582 111985 Dessert et al. .......................... 364/469
4,654,482 3/1987 DeAngelis ................................ 379/95
4,750,036 6/1988 Martinez.
(List continued on next page.)
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
84112625.3
58-159110
[11]
5/1985
911983
European Pat. Off..
Japan.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Evan I Schwartz et al, The Kiosks are Coming, The Kiosks
are Coming, Business Week Jun. 22, 1992, p. 122.
17 photographs showing the electronic greeting card service
available on PRODIGY no date, no Author.
Patent Number:
Date of Patent:
5,552,994
Sep.3, 1996
"Comp-U-Store System Could Change Retail Economics,"
Direct Marketing, Jul. 1983, starting at p. lOI.
Lynn A. Yeazel, "Pioneering Perspective-Point of Purchase-The Decision to Buy," Optical Information Systems,
Jan./Feb. 1986, pp. 36-37.
Bob Gatty, "Setting Up Shop on Computer Screens,"
Nation's Business, Mar. 1984, pp. 57-58.
"Germany's Bildschirmtext: The Catalog-Videotex [sic]
Connection," Direct Marketing, Jul. 1983, pp. 108-114.
"Brochure Maker," Banner Blue, advertisement no date.
"Newsmaker of the Month: Indra Turnbull, President, Innovative Icons; Creator, 'Isabella'," Gift and Stationery Business, Nov. 1993, p. 56.
"CreataCard", Custom Expressions, Inc., Glendale, California May 1990.
"Is ITV Here to Stay?", Cary Lu, BYTE, Feb. 1993, pp.
139-143.
Primary Examiner-James P. Trammell
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Dorr, Carson, Sloan & Birney, PC
[57]
ABSTRACT
A system for viewing, ordering, and printing social expression cards includes a database preparation system, a number
of card display/order systems, and a number of card printing
systems. The database preparation system uses a scanner to
input images from a plurality of cards, or a computer
software program to create images for use in card designs.
A card description database defines the layout of each card
in terms of its component images and text, and their locations on the card. The database preparation system can also
build a card parameter database to enable a user to select a
desired category of cards. Each card display/order system
accesses these databases and image files by computer network, modem, cable television, or by transfer of removable
data storage media. The card display/order system allows the
user to input parameters to pick the category of cards to be
displayed. The user can order a selected card to be printed
and input information to personalize the card. The order is
electronically transmitted to a card printing- system which
retrieves the data for the selected card and prints the card by
means of a color printer.
28 Claims, 21 Drawing Sheets
5,552,994
Page 2
u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,768,766
4,817,043
4,829,453
4,839,829
4,852,013
4,873,643
4,876,592
4,899,292
4,939,670
4,947,028
4,992,940
5,027,400
5,036,472
5,056,029
5,062,059
5,077,607
5,093,718
9/1988
3/1989
511989
611989
711989
10/1989
10/1989
211990
7/1990
8/1990
211991
6/1991
711991
1011991
10/1991
1211991
3/1992
Berger et al ..
Brown .....................................
Katsuta et al ..
Freedman ................................
Durst, Jr. et al. .......................
Powell et al ............................
Von Kohom ...........................
Montagna et al. ......................
Freiman et al..
Gorog .....................................
Dworkin .................................
Baji et al. ...............................
Buckley et al .........................
Cannon ...................................
Youngblood et al ..
Johnson et al ..
Roarty et al ..
364/518
364/519
364/478
3641468
358/455
364/821
235/381
3641401
380/358
364/479
364/468
5,117,354
5,124,980
5,130,806
5,142,662
5,163,007
5,170,467
5,172,413
5,173,594
5,175,684
5,185,857
5,222,138
5,235,680
5,239,466
5,243,174
5,283,861
5,299,123
5,305,199
511992
611992
711992
8/1992
1111992
1211992
1211992
1211992
1211992
211993
6/1993
8/1993
8/1993
911993
211994
3/1994
411994
Long et al ..
Maki.
Reed et al ..
Gump et al ..
Slilaty .
Kubota et al ..
Bradley et al. ........................... 380/20
McClure.
Chong.
Rozmanith et al ..
Balabon et al ..
Bijnagte.
Morgan et al..
Veeneman et al..
Dangler et al. .
Wang et al ..
LoBiondo et al ..
u.s. Patent
5,552,994
Sheet 1 of 21
Sep. 3, 1996
Fig. 1
Original Card
or Artwork
Color Monitor
I
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C~canner I-----l-..l
Computer
-
Input Means
..
Hard Drive
Color Printer
u.s. Patent
Sheet 2 of 21
Sep.3, 1996
5,552,994
Fig. 2
Nam e Fonts
Name Card
+
Name Card Images
Create Print Fonts
t
Scan or Create Card Images
Create 0 isplay Fonts
+
Convert Images to
Indexed Color
Run Fon t Placement
Pr
+
Save to Font Directory
Modify Images
•
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t
Create Dithered Print
Image Files
Resample Print Images
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Save Display Image Files
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Normalization Program
+
Save Standard
Image Display Files
t
Ir
Run Image File
Placement Program
t
Save to Card
Image Directory
1
--L
To Fig. 2 (A)
u.s. Patent
Sheet 3 of 21
Sep. 3, 1996
Fig. 2 (A)
"..
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Run Card Layout Program
t
Position Images
Enter and Position Text
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Save Card Format to
Card Description Database
"
Run Menu Layout Program
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Create Menu Screens
Create Menu Path
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Create Card List Screens
Save to Menu Database
5,552,994
u.s. Patent
Fig. 3
Sep. 3, 1996
5,552,994
Sheet 4 of 21
50 ___ Card Display/Order Systems
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u.s. Patent
Sep.3, 1996
Sheet 5 of 21
5,552,994
Fig.3a
Hard Drive
Operating System Program
CD-ROM Driver Program
Printer Driver Program
Card Printing System
Control Program
Card Description Database
Good Images File
Good Fonts File
Good Cards File
Bar Code Printing Program
Fax/Communications Program
Order Processing Program
Fax analysis Program
Order Information Database
Mail Management Program
Print List Creation Program
Print List Files
Order Informatio", Retrieval Program
Card/Envelope Registration Program
Available Cards File
u.s. Patent
Sheet 6 of 21
Sep. 3, 1996
Fig. 4
Turn on Card Printing System
r
Insert CD-ROM in CD-ROM Drive
~
Automatic Copying of Selected
Files to Hard Drive
r
Good Images File Created
Good Fonts File Created
~
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Card Printing System Menu Created
,.
Card Printing System Operational
5,552,994
u.s. Patent
Sheet 7 of 21
Sep. 3, 1996
Tag Section
photometricinterpretation
5,552,994
= RGB
Fig. 5
Image Data (RGB).
3 bytes 1 pixel
=
Tag Section
Photometricinterpretation = Palette Color
ImageWidth =300 dots per inch resolution
ImageLength 300 dots per inch resolution
=
Fig. 6
I
Color Palette
256 entries of 24 bit colors
Image Data (Palette index values)
1 byte = 1 pixel
Tag Section
Photometricinterpretation Palette Color
ImageWidth 85 dots per inch resolution
ImageLength = 85 dots per inch resolution
=
Fig. 7
=
Color Patette
256 entries of 24 bit colors
Image Data (Palette index values)
1 byte 1 pixel
=
u.s. Patent
Sep. 3, 1996
5,552,994
Sheet 8 of 21
Signature
Image length (at 85 dots per inch resolution)
Image Width (at 85 dots per inch resolution)
Compression Block Size
Normalized Color Palette
Fig. 8
Data Block #1 Compressed Size
Compressed Data Block
#
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u.s. Patent
Sep. 3, 1996
5,552,994
Sheet 10 of 21
Fig. 11
Primary menu 1
Card parameter 1
Card parameter 2
Card parameter N
Secondary menu 1
--
Card parameter 1
Card parameter 2
Card parameter N
Secondary menu 2
Card parameter 1
Card parameter 2
Card parameter N
Secondary menu 3
Card parameter 1
Card parameter 2
Card parameter N
Card list 1
Card name 1
Card name 2
Card name 3
--
u.s. Patent
Sep. 3, 1996
Sheet 11 of 21
5,552,994
Fig. 12(a)
Fig. 12(d)
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u.s. Patent
Sep. 3, 1996
5,552,994
Sheet 15 of 21
Fig. 16
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u.s. Patent
5,552,994
Sheet 16 of 21
Sep.3, 1996
Fig. 17
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u.s. Patent
Sep.3, 1996
5,552,994
Sheet 17 of 21
Fig. 18
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u.s. Patent
Sheet 18 of 21
Sep. 3, 1996
5,552,994
Fig. 19
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u.s. Patent
Sep.3, 1996
5,552,994
Sheet 19 of 21
Fig. 20(8)
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u.s. Patent
Sheet 20 of 21
Sep.3, 1996
Fig. 21
Card Order Received
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5,552,994
u.s. Patent
5,552,994
Sheet 21 of 21
Sep. 3, 1996
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5,552,994
1
2
SYSTEM FOR PRINTING SOCIAL
EXPRESSION CARDS IN RESPONSE TO
ELECTRONICALLYTRANSMUTTED
ORDERS
5
RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is a continuation-in-part of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/949,715 of
Cannon, et al., entitled "System for Printing Social Expression Cards", filed on Sep. 23, 1992.
lO
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of
greeting cards. More specifically, the present invention
discloses a system for creating a database of greeting card
designs that then can be customized or personalized and
manufactured through printing systems in response to electronically transmitted orders.
2. Statement of the Problem
Greeting cards or social expression cards have traditionally been manufactured in large quantities by various manufacturers at locations remote from the point of purchase or
retail outlet. Social expression cards include greeting cards,
invitations, announcements, and the like and are referred to
herein as "greeting cards" or "social expression" cards. After
manufacture, the cards are shipped, either directly or
through wholesale distributors, to a variety of retail outlets,
such as specialty card shops, drug stores, grocery stores, and
the like where they are displayed and sold to retail customers.
One of the most significant problems associated with
current methods of manufacturing greeting cards is the very
large amount of inventory needed at the point of sale, and the
space required to properly display the inventory of greeting
cards. For example, most greeting cards are displayed on
card racks that group the cards into a number of categories,
or fields, to assist a customer in locating the type of card
desired. Typically, a large display rack is needed to expose
a sufficient portion of the face of each card to allow easy
visual scanning by the customer of the various cards available in a particular category or field.
A number of systems have been invented in the past to
provide on-site manufacture or customization of social
expression cards and the like, including the following:
Inventor
Patent No.
Issue Date
Cannon
Buckley, et al.
Montagna, et al.
Powell, et al.
Brown
Ciarlo
5,056,029
5,036,472
4,899,292
4,873,643
4,817,043
3,949,375
Oct. 8, 1991
July 30, 1991
Feb. 6, 1990
Oct. 10, 1989
Mar. 28, 1989
Apr. 6, 1976
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
desired style of card, the customer enters information to
personalize the card, such as names, dates, ages, messages,
etc. It is believed that the card information is stored in vector
graphic format since the card is drawn line-by-line using an
eight-color pen plotter.
Buckley, et al., disclose a computer controlled machine
for vending personalized greeting cards and the like. The
unit provides audio and video presentations of the products
and options available to the customer. Base products such as
pre-printed forms are stored within the unit for transfer by a
robotic arm to a printer for customization.
Brown discloses an information kiosk with a video display that provides instructions and information to users. The
user enters choices on a keypad input device. The kiosk can
also provide textual or graphic printed information.
Powell, et al., disclose an interactive design terminal for
custom imprinted articles, such as T-shirts and the like. A
memory stores a library of available design elements and a
set of design rules for combination of the design elements in
accordance with selections made by the operator.
Ciarlo discloses a computer system for readily dispensing
information, such as information on travel, entertainment,
accommodations and the like.
Montagna, et al., disclose a system for storing and retrieving text and associated graphics. Graphic images are stored
in compressed digital format. Graphic images can be tied
into specific points in a menu structure as shown in FIG. 3.
There are also a number of commercially available software programs that allow personal computer systems to
print greeting cards. For example, "Card Shop" by Artsci,
Inc. allows Macintosh computer users to select from a menu
of fifty greeting cards covering a variety of occasions.
"Greeting Card Maker" by Artivision, Inc. allows Apple
computer users to print cards, invitations, and announcements. Also, "The Print Shop" by Broderbund, Inc.,
"Announcements for Windows" by Parsons Technology,
Inc. and "Studio of Greetings!" by Eqyx, Inc. allow IBM-PC
users to create and print greeting cards.
In addition to these references, a wide variety desktop
publishing software, e.g. Aldus Pagemaker and QuarkXPress, has long been commercially available for conventional personal computers. Desktop publishing systems
allow a trained user to create virtually any type of custom
publications, primarily such as newsletters and brochures.
However, it is possible to create custom greeting cards,
invitations, business cards and the like using a desktop
publishing system.
A number of broadcast and cable television systems have
also been invented in the past which allow consumers to
view products, such as greeting cards, on a television set and
place orders for products, including the following:
Inventor
55
Bradley, et al.
Maki
Hoarty, et al.
Johnson, et al.
Baji, et al.
Gorog
Von Kohom
Martinez
"CreataCard" system introduced by Custom Expressions, Inc., Glendale,
California, in May, 1990.
Cannon discloses a system for manufacturing and vending
social expression cards that queries the customer to input a
series of special occasion parameters to select a card from a
database of available card designs.
The "CreataCard" system was introduced by Custom
Expressions, Inc. in May, 1990. This system is an on-site
unit that guides customers through a series of card selections
on a touch-sensitive display screen. After choosing the
60
Patent No.
5,172,413
5,124,980
5,093,718
5,077,607
5,027,400
4,947,028
4,876,592
4,750,036
Issue Date
Dec. 15, 1992
Jun. 23, 1992
Mar. 3, 1992
Dec. 31, 1991
Jun. 25, 1991
Aug. 7, 1990
Oct. 24,1989
Jun. 7, 1988
''TV Answer" system from TV Answer, Inc., (1941 Roland Clarke Place,
Reston, Virginia 22091) to begin operations in 1993.
"
65
Bradley, et al., disclose a pay TV system which allows a
user to authorize the purchase of advertised goods by
entering personal identification numbers.
5,552,994
3
4
which cards are printed at one or more sites in response to
Maki discloses a network or cable television system
orders for individual cards placed by consumers at a number
which allows two-way data and voice telephone communiof remote sites, including retail and residential locations,
cation services between a central head end facility linked to
where order information is transmitted to the card printing
an off-site switched telephone network and a plurality of
5 site through fax modems, other modems, or other telecomremote subscriber stations.
munications means and after processing is stored in an order
Hoarty, et al., disclose an interactive cable television
information database with a unique card order code identisystem which is able to rapidly display photographic quality
fying each order received; (2) a system for printing card
images on a home TV set in response to commands transsender and receiver names and addresses on card mailing
mitted by a home user using a remote control input device.
10 envelopes where addresses are retrieved from an order
Johnson, et al., disclose a interactive cable television
information database created from data received through a
transaction terminal comprising a keyboard used for entry of
fax modem or other modem or other telecommunication
information and a screen generator for creating visual dismeans; and (3) a system where card order information is
plays of selection items or completion fields.
transmitted by telecommunication or other means to a card
Baji, et al., disclose a multimedia bidirectional television 15 printing facility where individual Personalized cards are
broadcast system which allows users to select and display
printed in response to this order information.
product information and then order a product.
Gorog discloses an automated order and payment system
which allows users to enter product order information by
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
optically scanning codes in printed media or displayed on a 20
This invention provides a system for ordering and printing
television set. Also disclosed is the entry of voice orders via
social expression cards that includes a database preparation
a voice recognition means.
system, a number of card printing facilities, and a plurality
Von Kohorn discloses a system which allows TV program
of card display/order facilities. The database preparation
viewers to respond to information in such programs by
25 system uses a scanner to input graphic images from a
making an entry on a keyboard.
plurality of cards, or a computer software program to create
Martinez discloses an interactive television and data
a plurality of images for use in card designs. A high
transmission system.
resolution print image and a lower resolution display image
A major limitation of all systems which provide on-site
are created from each of these images. The card description
manufacture and/or personalization of social expression
database defines the layout of each card in terms of its
cards is the cost of the apparatus which must be placed at 30 component images and text, and their locations on the card.
each site, whether a retail site or other site, such as a
The database preparation computer system can also build a
residence. The number of retail sites which can achieve sales
card parameter database to associate cards into different
levels which justify the placement of such apparatus is
categories. For example, the card parameter database can
limited to a small percentage of all retail sites. Further, such
define a structure of menu screens to query the user to input
apparatus does not address other problems faced by retail 35 or select one or more desired card parameters (e.g. the
sites having such apparatus and greeting card purchasers
intended card recipient, for example, "GIRL FRIEND"; the
using such apparatus at retail sites. For example, because
card graphic design subject matter, for example, "FLOWusers of such apparatus typically do not know in advance the
ERS"; the card graphic design style, for example "REALpersonalized text they wish to input, a considerable period of
ISTIC"; the original artwork media, for example, "WATERtime is required for each customer to compose and enter 40 COLOR"; the sending occasion, for example,
their personalized text. Since the apparatus can be used by
"BIRTHDAY"; interests of the intended card recipient, for
only one person at a time or in the case of a multi-user
example, "GARDENING"; characteristics of the intended
system, only a few people at a time, many potential users do
card recipient relating to physical appearance, age, sex, etc.,
not wait to use the system if it is already in use. This limits
for example, "TEENAGE GIRL"; the publisher of the card,
45
the average daily revenue generated by the apparatus.
for example, "LOONART DESIGNS"; the artist who creAlso, greeting card purchasers must normally remember
ated the original artwork for the card, for example, "JAN
to purchase cards and mail or otherwise deliver them before
JOHNSON HAMBURG"; the name of the recipient, for
specific dates. It is not unusual that someone forgets to
example ''BEVERLY''). The listed card parameters are by
purchase a card before a particular date or having purchased 50 way of example only and are not intended to be inclusive of
a card forgets to mail or deliver it on time. Another problem
all possible card parameters. A list of card designs is
which card purchasers face is not remembering what card
associated with parameters in the card parameter database.
designs they have previously sent someone and, therefore,
In one embodiment, selected databases and image files may
being concerned about sending duplicates of cards previthen be copied onto removable data storage media for
ously sent.
55 distribution to the card display/order systems and the card
3. Solution to the Problem
printing systems. Alternatively, the databases and image files
may be stored in a central data storage unit which may be
None of the prior art references uncovered in the search
accessed by the card display/order facilities and the card
show a system, as in the present invention, for displaying,
printing facilities.
ordering, and printing social expression cards in which card
images are stored as a set of display images in a format to 60
Each card display/order facility accesses these databases
facilitate rapid display on a color monitor or television set,
and image files by computer network, modem, cable teleand as a corresponding set of print images in a format to
vision, or by transfer of removable data storage media. The
rapidly produce high resolution printed cards. In addition,
card display/order facility allows the user to input paramthe system includes a card description database that defines
eters to pick the category of cards to be displayed. The user
each card in terms of its component images, text, and fields 65 can order a selected card to be printed and input information
for personalization. Also, none of the prior art references
to personalize the card. The order is then electronically
show: (1) a system for printing social expression cards in
transmitted to a card printing facility for printing.
5,552,994
5
A typical card printing system has a display, a color
printer, input means, data storage unit, a computer processor,
and optionally, a network access means. The computer
processor may be identical to that used for database preparation or it may be a separate processor. The card printing
system processor accesses the card description database to
selectively retrieve and print the print images for a selected
card by means of a color printer. Cards are selected for
printing as determined by a list of cards generated by
reference to a database of card order information created, in
turn, from data received through a fax modem, other
modem, or other telecommunication means from a card
display/order facility where the order information was
selected or input.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
card display, ordering, and printing system which can (I)
receive and process electronically transmitted orders for
card designs, optionally including personalized text and
images, such as a handwritten signature, and (2) print
high-resolution printed cards at a time determined by reference to a delivery date designated by the card purchaser.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a
card printing system that includes means whereby a person
can, at a location remote from the location at which cards are
printed, select or input desired characteristics of card
designs, view cards or images of cards which have the
desired characteristics, select a desired card to be printed at
a time determined by a specified delivery date, and enter
other order information.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a
card printing system which prints mailing addresses (entered
as order information by a customer) on card mailing envelopes in response to a unique printed code read from a
greeting card printed by the card printing system.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
card printing system for creating a card description database
in which each card is defined in terms of its component
images, text, and fields for personalization.
These and other advantages, features, and objects of the
present invention will be more readily understood in view of
the following detailed description and the drawings.
6
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention can be more readily understood in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a computer system used
in preparing social expression card designs by the process of
this invention.
FIG. 2 is a flow chart of the overall method used in
preparing databases of social expression card designs by the
process of this invention.
FIG. 3, 3n are diagrammatic views of a card printing
system used for printing personalized and nonpersonalized
social expression cards.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the method used by this invention
to configure a card printing system.
FIG. 5 is a diagram of the structure of the RGB color TIFF
file produced from the images scanned by the color scanner.
FIG. 6 is a diagram of the structure of the print palette
color TIFF file generated from the image file shown in FIG.
5.
FIG. 7 is a diagram of the structure of the display palette
color TIFF file generated from the image file shown in FIG.
5.
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60
65
FIG. 8 is a diagram of the structure of the compressed
display image file generated from the display image file
shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a diagram of the structure of the compressed
print image file generated from the print image file shown in
FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is diagram of the structure of the card description
database.
FIG. 11 is a diagram of the structure of the card parameter
database.
FIGS. 12(a) through 12(1) are diagrams of the various
possible components of the card description database.
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of a card printing system
with networked card printing systems used for printing
personalized and non-personalized social expression cards.
FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a card display/order
system where the card display means is a TV information
system which is separate from the order entry and transmission means.
FIG. 15 is a diagrammatic view of a card display/order
system where the card display means is a TV information
system which is integrated with the order entry and transmission means.
FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of a card display/order
system where the card display means and the order entry and
transmission means are accomplished using a personal computer system.
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of a card display/order
system where the card display means and the order entry and
transmission means are accomplished using a digital cable
television converter containing an integrated computer.
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of the overall system of
this invention.
FIGS. 19 and 20(a), and 20(b) are diagrams of the various
components of the card order database and an individual
order.
FIG. 21 is a diagram of how a card order is processed.
FIG. 22 is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of a
card display/order system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
INVENTION
FIG. 18 shows the relationship of the various system
elements of this invention. Details of each system element
are shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 17.
FIG. 1 shows an overall schematic view of the computer
system 68 used to prepare databases of social expression
card designs ("database preparation computer system"). The
steps in this process are outlined in the flowchart provided
in FIG. 2. Copies of certain of these databases may then be
transferred to a memory storage means which may be
accessed directly by a single card printing system 40 shown
in FIG. 3 or by one or more card printing systems, for
example, through a network shown in FIG. 13. The card
printing systems print cards in response to card identification, personalization, and other order information received
through one or more fax modems or other modems or other
telecommunication means. Alternatively, copies of these
databases may be distributed via CD-ROM or other removable storage media to a number of networked card printing
systems either at a single card printing system site or at a
number of card printing system sites, as shown in FIG. 18,
that print cards in response to card identification and per-
5,552,994
7
8
sonalization infonnation received through one or more fax
modems or other modems or other telecommunication
means.
Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, in preparing the card description database each original social expression card is viewed
and the publisher name and publisher's card number on the
card is noted. For example, card number 150 published by
David Mekelburg and Friends. If original art images (i.e.
images created using artistic media including computer paint
programs) are being used, card numbers are assigned serially
to each submission from an artist or other source. A three
letter publisher code is assigned to the publisher ("publisher
code"). For example "DMF' for David Mekelburg and
Friends.
The card is then named using the publisher code followed
by no more than four numerals ("card name"). For example,
the card name for card number 150 published by David
Mekelburg and Friends is DMFOI50. Each image on the
original card ("original card image") including the front
panel (or page), inside panel (or page) and back panel (or
page) images, is named with the card name followed by a
number indicating the order in which the image appears on
the card ("image name"). For example, DMF01501 would
be the image name for the first image on card number 150
published by David Mekelburg and Friends.
Any image that appears in the same location on more than
one card ("repeated image"), such as a logotype, is named
with the publisher code followed by a four letter code and a
single numeral indicating the order in which the repeated
image appears on the card relative to other repeated images
on the same card ("repeated image name"). For example,
DMFLOG01 is the repeated image name for the first
repeated image to appear on card number 150 published by
David Meke1burg and Friends.
Except for original art images created using computer
paint programs ("computer art images") all images on
original cards 10 are scanned using a color scanner 12, such
as the Microtek 600Z ScanMaker (Microtek International,
Inc. No.6, Industry East Road 3, Science-based Industrial
Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30077, R.O.C.) connected to a computer 15 such as an IBM PC compatible having eight
megabytes of random access memory (RAM) which in tum
is connected to one or more large capacity memory devices
16, such as a 1.2 gigabyte Micropolis Model 1598-15 hard
drive (Micropolis, Inc., Chatsworth, Calif.). The computer
also includes input means 17, such as a keyboard, mouse, or
trackball. Optionally, a color printer 19 can also be included.
Scanning is typically done at 300 dots per inch (dpi) and
24 bits per pixel. Scanned image files resulting from the
scanning process and computer art image files are stored in
directories identified by a publisher code. For example, the
directory for the publisher David Mekelburg and Friends is
named DMF. Individual image files are saved in the appropriate publisher directory under the image name previously
assigned.
Each scanned image file or computer art image file is then
opened in a digital image processing program, such as Aldus
Photostyler (Aldus Corporation, 411 First Avenue South,
Seattle, Wash. 98104-2871). Scanned images are displayed
on a color monitor 18, such as a Goldstar Model 1460 Plus
(Goldstar Co., Ltd., Lucky-Goldstar Twin-Tower, 20 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdungpo-gu, Seoul, 150-606, Korea)
capable of displaying images in at least 256 colors.
The scanned image or computer art image is saved in a file
in RGB (red, green, blue) true color fonnat as shown in FIG.
5, which may contain up to 16.7 million colors. Each pixel
in the image requires three bytes of storage. The capability
of the monitor and video card used in the system will
determine how many of the colors in an RGB true color file
will be displayed. For example, the Goldstar Model 1460
Plus monitor used with a VGA Integra card (AT! Technologies, Inc., 3761 Victoria park Avenue, Scarborough, Ontario,
Canada M1W 3S2) will display 256 of the 16.7 million
colors possible in the RGB true color file. The displayed
scanned image or displayed computer art image is then
converted to a fonnat with a limited palette of colors
("indexed color image"). This is accomplished in Aldus
Photostyler by selecting "Indexed 256-color" from the
image menu which creates an indexed color image with a
palette of 256 colors. Before completing the conversion
when Aldus Photostyler is used, the type of color palette to
be created is specified as "Adaptive" to best simulate the
colors in the original image.
If necessary, the indexed color image is cropped. This is
accomplished in Aldus Photostyler using a cropping tool to
select an area to be saved. The indexed color image size is
checked to determine if it will fit within a defined area. For
example the area could be defined as a four inch by six inch
rectangle. If the image is larger than the defined area, it
should be reduced to four inches by six inches. This is
accomplished in Aldus Photostyler by selecting the area to
be resized and then choosing "Resize" from the Transfonn
menu and entering the appropriate dimensions.
Typically, when an original card image or original art
image on a white background is scanned, the white background of the displayed indexed color image contains a
number of random colored pixels. These colored pixels must
be removed. This can be accomplished in Aldus Photostyler
by selecting the white background area using the magic
wand tool and then choosing the "Clear" command from the
Edit menu.
When an original card image or original art image having
areas of a single color is scanned, the corresponding areas of
the displayed indexed color image will contain a large
number of pixels of varying colors. These pixels should be
changed to a single color which is the same as the single
color area on the original card image or original art image.
This can be accomplished in Aldus Photostyler by selecting
the dominant pixel color in a single color area of a displayed
image with the eyedropper tool. This color is identified as
the fill color. The color area to be made into a single color
is then selected using the magic wand tool. The "Fill"
command is then chosen from the Edit menu and the
selected area is automatically filled with the dominant pixel
color previously chosen with the eyedropper tool.
When modification of the indexed color image is completed, the image is saved in two different fonnats, (1) a print
image file which will be processed to create files which can
be used by a color printer ("dithered print image file") and
(2) a display image file which can be displayed on a color
monitor or television set. The print image file is saved to the
hard drive in a color image file fonnat such as Tag Image
File Fonnat (TIFF) as shown in FIG. 6. In addition, if a
minimum amount of memory space is to be used, the file can
be compressed using, for example, the Lempel-Zev and
Welch (LZW) compression algorithm. The file is identified
with the image name followed by the extension .PCP ("Print
image file name"). For example, DMF01501.PCP is the print
image file name for the first print image on card number 150
published by David Mekelburg and Friends. The print image
files are typically saved to a separate directory.
The hue and saturation of palette colors associated with
each print image file must be adjusted to new values (i.e.,
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65
5,552,994
9
color corrected) so the printed output will match the colors
of the original card image or original art image. This is
accomplished with a color correction program, such as
Colorcorrect (Onkor, Ltd., P.O. Box 240, Masonville, Colo.,
80541) which generates new palette colors by automatically 5
applying red, green, and blue color correction curves to each
color in the indexed color image palette. The details of color
correction are well known in the art and therefore need not
be explained here.
To allow rapid printing, print image files should be 10
modified with a dithering program, for example Ditherirnage
(Onkor, Ltd.) before they are used by a color printer in a card
printing system. In an indexed color image, each pixel is
represented by an index number that corresponds to an entry
in a 24 bit color table containing 256 colors of a possible
16.7 million colors. The process of dithering reduces an 15
indexed color image to a 4 bit color image (dithered print
image). The dithered print image matches the subtractive
primary colors (i.e., cyan, magenta, and yellow) plus black
used by the printer. To compensate for this loss of color
resolution, a dithering algorithm is used. A dithered print 20
image uses an N by N matrix (for example 5 by 5), of cyan,
magenta, yellow or black pixels ("dither matrix") to represent the 24 bit color value of each indexed color image pixel.
Individual dither matrix color pixels have varying values so
the color of the matrix is perceived by the human eye as an 25
approximation of the original pixel color in the indexed
color image.
In addition to dither matrix creation, the dithering program overlaps adjoining dither matrices. This is necessary 30
because the indexed color image has a resolution of 300 dpi
which matches the printer resolution. If no overlapping of
dither matrices was done and, for example, a 5 by 5 dither
matrix was used, the resulting dithered image would have
one twenty-fifth the spatial resolution of the indexed color
image. By overlapping the dither matrices, the color value of 35
each 4 bit pixel is averaged between all overlapping pixels.
This overlapping gives the completed dithered print image a
blended appearance that is visually pleasing. The details of
image dithering are well documented (J. D. Foley & A. Van 40
Dam, Fundamentals of Interactive Computer Graphics,
Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1984, pages 593-602). In
conventional systems, dithering is done by the color printer
after the image data has been downloaded from the computer to the printer and before the image is printed. In the 45
present system, the print image is pre-dithered before the
print image file is stored. This results in more rapid printing
and also reduces the size of the print image file.
Dithered print image files are identified with the image
name followed by the extension .PCD ("dithered print image 50
file name"). For example DMF01051.PCD is the dithered
print image file name for the first dithered print image on
card number 150 published by David Mekelburg and
Friends. Dithered print image files are then compressed
using the LZW compression algorithm and saved in a 55
proprietary format as shown in FIG. 9. To provide rapid
retrieval from a large number of dithered print image files,
dithered print image files are moved from the dithered
images directory to a number of nested directories using a
software program which automatically relocates the files 60
("image file placement program"). This can be accomplished by using a program such as Putimage (Onkor, Ltd.).
FIG. 7 is a diagram of the structure of the display palette
color TIFF file generated from the image file shown in FIG.
5. The display image file shown in FIG. 8 is created from this 65
display image. The displayed size of display images is
determined by their resolution, therefore, the display image
10
resolution must be adjusted to provide a displayed image
which may be easily viewed on a range of monitor and
television screen sizes. For example, the resolution available
on a typical television set is 512 lines by 768 pixels. At this
resolution on a thirteen inch television screen, for a display
image to appear at approximately the same size as a printed
image created with a dithered print image file, the display
image must have a resolution of 80 dpi. An 80 dpi display
image can be created from the 300 dpi print image in Aldus
Photostyler by selecting "Res ample" from the Transform
menu and entering the resolution desired.
When the display image is saved it is processed by a
palette normalization program, such as Fiximage (Onkor,
Ltd.), which analyzes the color palette associated with each
display image and transforms it, as shown in FIG. 8, into a
palette having certain colors in specific palette locations
("standard color palette"). For example, red, green, blue,
cyan, magenta, yellow, black and white are located in the
first through eighth palette locations. The resulting file is
then compressed using the LZW compression algorithm and
saved in a proprietary format ("standard display image file")
as shown in FIG. 8. The file is identified with the image
name followed by the extension .DSC ("standard display
image file name"). For example DMF01501.DSC is the
standard display image file name for the first display image
on card number 150 published by David Mekelburg and
Friends. To provide rapid retrieval from a large number of
display image files, display image files are moved from the
display images directory to a number of separate directories
using a software program which automatically relocates the
files ("image file placement program"). This can be accomplished by using a program such as Putimage (Onkor, Ltd.).
Two additional types of files which are created are print
font files and display font files. A font is defined as a set size
bitmap of a particular typeface. The resolution of print fonts
must match the resolution of a particular printer (e.g. 300 dpi
for the Tektronix Phaser ill color printer). The displayed size
of display fonts is determined by their resolution, therefore,
the display font resolution must be adjusted to provide a
displayed font which may be easily viewed on a range of
monitor and television screen sizes. For example, the resolution of a typical television set is 512 lines by 768 pixels.
At this resolution on a thirteen inch television screen, for a
display font to appear at approximately the same size as a
print font, the display font must have a resolution of 80 dpi.
A six letter code is assigned the font ("font code"). For
example, the font code for Howard Thin is HOWLSS. Each
point size of the font is named by the font code followed by
two numerals ("font name"). For example, the font name for
14 point Howard Thin is HOWLSS14. Print font files are
identified with the font name followed by the extension
0.300 ("print font file name"). For example,
HOWLSS14.300 is the print font file name for 14 point
Howard Thin. Display font files are identified with the font
name followed by the extension 0.085 ("display font file
name"). For example, HOWLSS14.085 is the display font
file name for 14 point Howard Thin.
Print fonts and display fonts can be created using a
scalable font library, such as the Digi-Fonts, Inc. Typeface
Library and a font conversion program, such as Digi-Duit!
(Digi-Fonts, Inc., 528 Commons Drive, Golden, Colo.
80401). Both print font files and display font files are saved
to a directory named "Fonts" on the hard disk.
To provide rapid retrieval from a large number of font
files, both display and print font files are moved from the
fonts directory to a number of nested directories using a
5,552,994
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12
software program which automatically relocates the files
quarter of an inch below a text area or personalized text area
("font file placement program"). This can be accomplished
on the inside panel (or page) of all cards.
by using a program such as PutFonts (Onkor, Ltd.). For
The front, inside, and back card panels (or pages) are
example, when the font file placement program is run, the
individually viewed on the monitor display 8 to assure that
print font File HOWLSSI4.300 and the display font file 5 images and text are properly positioned. If modifications are
HOWLSSI4.085 are automatically transferred from the
required, the appropriate steps are repeated. Card formats
fonts directory to a separate subdirectory.
created by the card layout program are automatically saved
Print images, display images and text used in a social
under the card name to a database ("card description database") as shown in FIG. 10. Each card in the card description
expression card format must be positioned on the front,
inside, or back panels (or pages) of the social expression 10 database is defined in terms of its components, such as
card using a software program with this capability ("card
images, text, and personalization fields for either text or
images. FIG. 12(a)-12(f) show how each type of component
layout program"). This can be accomplished with a program
such as Cardmaker (Onkor, Ltd.). For example, card number
is defined within the card description database.
150 published by David Mekelburg and Friends would be
One preferred method of retrieving card images for disformatted using the Cardmaker software program by (I) 15 play and selection by prospective card purchasers is through
selecting "image" from a menu. (2) The card name
a series of card parameter screen displays that allow the
DMFOl50 is entered. (3) The Cardmaker program assumes
prospective card purchaser, in response to a displayed or
the social expression card is rectangular, for example four
otherwise presented question or prompt, to describe in a
and one-half inches by six and one-half inches, so the card
progressive manner, through selection or input of a series of
format must be designated as horizontal or vertical. (4) The
words, phrases or icons ("card parameters"), the type of
desired panel (or page) for image placement is selected ("F' 20 social expression card desired. For example, the prospective
card purchaser may first be asked to select or input a general
for front panel, "I" for inside panel or "B" for back panel).
class of cards, such as "Birthday", "Anniversary", "Get
(5) The image name DMFOl501 is entered (the first image
Well", etc. If "Birthday" is selected or input, the prospective
on the front panel). (6) The image position is entered ("C"
card purchaser is then prompted to select in at a subclassifor center of panel, "T" for top of panel, "B" for bottom of
panel, "L" for left side of panel, "R" for right side of panel, 25 fication of birthday cards, such as "Relative", "Children", or
"Humorous". This process continues to prompt the prospecor specific x and y coordinates are entered). Positioning of
tive card purchaser to select or input card parameters until a
the first image would be completed at this point. Additional
single end category of cards is reached. Upon selection of a
images are positioned by repeating steps four thorugh six.
single end category, one or more card images associated
Text is entered and positioned on the social expression 30 with the single end category are retrieved and displayed on
card format by (1) selecting "Text" from a menu. (2)
the display device. Such card displays may take a variety of
Selecting the panel (or page) on which the text is to be
formats, for example, card images may be displayed sequenplaced. (3) Entering the text position by selecting "c" for
tially or in sequential groups of two or more card images.
center of panel, "T" top of panel, "B" bottom of panel, "L"
These card image displays may optionally include card
left side of panel, "R" right side of panel, or by entering 35 identification names (or codes) associated with individual
specific x and y coordinates. (4) Selecting the text font and
card images.
point size from a list of fonts and point sizes. For example,
In one embodiment, a menu is created that allows rapid
1035 Avon Book, 16 point. (5) Selecting the text color from
retrieval of social expression card images using a software
a list of available colors. For example, black, white, red,
program ("menu layout program") capable of constructing a
blue, magenta, green, or cyan. (6) Entering the text, for 40 menu display ("primary menu screen") and sub-menu disexample "Happy Birthday", using the keyboard 17.
plays ("secondary menu screens"). One or more card parameters displayed on the primary menu screen are linked to
If an area for personalized text 72 to be retrieved from an
card parameters displayed on secondary menu screens. Ultiorder information database constructed from data received
through a fax or other modem or other telecommunications
mately, the last card parameter ("single end category") in a
means, is to be specified, this is accomplished by (1) 45 series of menu screens ("menu path") is linked to a group of
choosing "Personalized Text" from a menu. (2) Selecting the
card names that can be used to retrieve card designs to be
panel where personalized text is to be placed. (3) Entering
displayed to the prospective card purchaser. The structure of
the text position by selecting "c" for center of panel, "T" for
a typical card parameter database is shown in FIG. 11. The
top of panel, "B" for bottom of panel, "L" for left side of
program also allows the entry of text which appears at the
panel, "R" for right side of panel, or by entering specific x 50 top of each screen ("screen title") to instruct the prospective
and y coordinates. (4) Selecting the text font and point size
card purchaser, (for example, "Choose a Category") or
from a list of fonts and point sizes (e.g. 1318 Howard Thin,
inform the prospective card purchaser of their present loca14 point). (5) Selecting the text color from a list of available
tion in the menu path (for example, "Birthday/Relative/
colors (e.g. black, white, red, blue, magenta, green, or cyan).
Son"). Cardmaker is such a program (Onkor, Ltd.). In the
(6) Entering the number of lines of personalized text to be 55 Cardmaker program menu screens are created in a menu
allowed (e.g. six lines). The card printing system control
creation mode where a card parameter's text is entered and
program determines, at the time user text is retrieved from
then displayed in a white rectangle or button (menu creation
the order information database, how many characters can be
screen). Rectangles containing card parameter text are displaced on each line given the font specified in the card
played in rows each containing a maximum of four rectdescription database.
60 angles. A maximum of six rows may be entered on a menu
creation screen. If more than three rows are entered, a
An area or field for a personalized image 73, such as a
second primary menu screen will be created, and the two
signature or a picture of the card purchaser, retrieved from
screens are inter-linked. The prospective card purchaser can
an order information database constructed from data
view the primary menu screens alternately by selecting a
received through a fax or other modem or other telecommunications means, may be automatically positioned in a 65 "More Choices" button.
specified relationship to other card components, for
Before any card parameter is entered, text for the screen
example, a personalized image 73 may be positioned onetitle on the menu screen must be entered on a keyboard (e.g.
5,552,994
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"Choose a Category"). The first card parameter is then (1)
selected from card parameters which have previously been
entered and are displayed on the menu creation screen (e.g.
"Birthday", "Anniversary", or "Wedding") or (2) if no card
parameters have been previously entered or none of those 5
previously entered are suitable, a new card parameter is
entered using a keyboard (e.g. "Blank").
Card parameters may be displayed on menu screens in a
variety of formats. For example, the Cardmaker program
may display card parameters as blue text in white rectangles 10
(or buttons) two inches wide by one inch high against a blue
background. Menu screens may contain from one to twelve
buttons. The arrangement of buttons on the menu screen
depends on the number of buttons present. For example, if
twelve buttons are present they may be displayed in three 15
rows each containing four buttons. If three buttons are
present, they may be displayed in a single column in the
center of the menu screen.
The relative position of card parameters on menu screens
can be arranged with the menu layout program. For 20
example, if two card parameters had been entered for display
on the first menu creation screen and one other card parameter was already present, the three card parameters would be
displayed on the primary menu screen in a column of three
buttons with the top button containing the card parameter 25
which was already present and the middle button containing
the first new card parameter entered. The second new card
parameter would appear as the bottom button. Any time after
a card parameter is entered, its relative position on the
buttons which appear on a menu screen can be changed by 30
(1) entering the menu creation mode, (2) selecting a rectangle containing a card parameter whose position is to be
altered, (3) holding down the "ALT" key on the keyboard
and pressing the "M" key, (4) then selecting the card
.
35
parameter which the previously selected card parameter IS to
appear before or after and (5) then selecting either "Before"
or "After" from a menu display.
After the primary menu screen has been completed, a
secondary menu screen can be created in the menu creation 40
mode by selecting a card parameter which appears on the
first menu screen and entering "Return" on the keyboard. A
second menu creation screen is then displayed. A secondary
menu screen is always linked to a card parameter displayed
on another screen. Screen titles and card parameters are 45
entered on secondary menu screens in the same manner as
on the primary menu screen.
After one or more secondary menu screens linked by card
parameters have been created, a card list screen is created.
This is accomplished in the Cardmaker program when a 50
menu creation screen is displayed which has no card parameters displayed. The menu creation. screen is changed to a
card list screen by holding down the "ALT" key on the
keyboard and pressing the "c" key. Card names of cards to
be displayed in association with a specific menu path are ss
entered on one or more screens listing the names of cards in
the order in which they are to be displayed (card list screen).
For example, the menu path for card number 150 published
by David Mekelburg and Friends is Birthday\Relative\Son.
The card name to be entered is DMF0l50. A card name is 60
entered by (1) holding down the "ALT" key on the keyboard
and pressing the "L" key, and (2) selecting the desired card
name from a list of available card names (card name list).
Only card names found in the card description database
appear in the card name list.
65
Any time after card names are entered, the order in which
they will be displayed can be changed by (1) entering the
14
menu creation mode, (2) displaying the appropriate card list
screen (3) selecting a card name whose position is to be
altered, (4) holding down the "ALT" key on the keyboard
and pressing the "M" key, (5) then selecting the card name
which the previously selected card name is to appear before
or after (6) pressing the "Return" key on the keyboard and
(7) then selecting either "Before" or "After" from a menu
display.
Card parameters can be deleted from menu creation
screens and card names from the card list screens by: (1)
selecting the card parameter or card name; (2) holding down
the "ALT" key on the keyboard; and (3) pressing the "D"
key. The file created using the menu layout program (card
parameter database) is automatically saved to the hard disk.
After these databases have been prepared by the computer
system, this data (possibly excluding the card parameter
database) must be transferred to either a memory storage
means which may be accessed directly, for example, through
a network as shown in FlG. 13, by one or more card printing
systems or to a large capacity removable memory means,
such as a CD-ROM, which can be distributed to an individual card printing system as shown in FlG. 3. Certain of
the databases (the standard display image files, display font
files, card description database, and card parameter database) may also be distributed on removable memory means,
for example, a CD-ROM, directly to potential card purchasers, retail stores, cable television control centers, or other
sites for use with a variety of card image display means, such
as personal computers, interactive video systems, for
example, a Memorex MD-25oo Video Information System
(Tandy Corporation, 700 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth,
Tex.), video game systems, interactive cable television systems, and other systems and devices capable of allowing
users to interact with displayed information. While a variety
of removable media might be used, an optical compact disc
read only memory (CD-ROM) is the preferred means
because (1) it will store approximately 640 megabytes of
data, (2) can be produced in quantity at a low cost, (3) the
data on the compact disc cannot be altered, (4) compact
discs can be easily replaced and (5) CD-ROM drive devices
are relatively inexpensive compared to other drive devices.
Techniques for producing a CD-ROM are well known and
need not be explained here. Alternatively, other types of
optical or magnetic disks or similar media can be used.
In one preferred embodiment, shown in FlG. 3, each card
printing system 40 comprises a computer system which, for
example, includes (1) an IBM PC or compatible computer
35 (CPU) with a large quantity of RAM, for example, eight
megabytes, (2) a hard disk 36, for example a Seagate Model
ST1239A 211 megabyte hard drive (Seagate, 920 Disc
Drive, Scotts Valley, Calif. 95066), (3) a CD-ROM drive 34
and a CD-ROM drive controller card, for example a Sony
CD-ROM Drive, Model CDU-5350l (Sony Corporation of
America, P.O. Box 60590, Los Angeles, Calif. 90060), (4) a
graphics adapter card, for example, a VGA Integra graphics
adapter (AT! Technologies, Inc.), (5) a color monitor 38, for
example, a Goldstar Model 1460 Plus (Goldstar. Co., Ltd.),
(6) an input means 37, for example, a Maxitouch Keyboard
(Maxi Switch, Tucson, Ariz.) and/or other input means such
as a mouse, for example, a Logitech Pilot Mouse (Logitech
Inc., 6505 Kaiser Drive, Fremont, Calif. 94555), (7) a color
printer 39, for example a Tektronix Phaser ill Color Printer,
Model 4698RX (Tektronix, Graphics Printing and Imaging
Division, 26600 S.w. Parkway, Wilsonville, Oreg. 97070),
(8) a direct memory access printer interface card, for
example, a SuperVend DMA card (SuperVend, Inc., 228
Barberry Court, Loveland, Colo. 80538) (9) one or more
5,552,994
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16
dithered print images are present ("good images file"), (2) a
modems 41, for example, a SupraFAXModem Y.32bis
file indicating which print font files are present ("good font
(Supra Corporation, 101 Supra Drive S.w., Albany, Oreg.
files"), (3) a file indicating which card formats in the card
97321), (10) an envelope printer 46, for example, a CoStar
description database have all the files present that are
Address Express printer (CoStar Corporation, 22 Bridge St.,
Greenwich, Conn., 06830-5238) and (11) a bar code reader, 5 necessary to print cards ("good card file"). The card printing
system is then operational.
for example, a ScanWedge bar code reader (Barcode Industries, Ammendale Technology Park, 12240 Indian Creek
Card purchasers may originate card orders at card display/
Court, Beltsville, Md. 20705). A floppy disk controller, IDE
order sites 66 using card display/order systems 50. In one
drive interface adapter card, and a floppy disk drive may also
preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the card display/
be included. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, 10 order system 50 requires a customer to select a card design
the computer system hard drive 36 in the card printing
from a card display 69, enter order information on an order
system contains (1) an operating system program, for
form 51 and then transmit the order information over a
example, DOS 5.0 (Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft
telecommunication line 52 to a card printing system site 54,
Way, Redmond, Wash. 98052), (2) a CD-ROM driver proshown in FIG. 13, from a card order site 65 using, for
gram, (3) a printer driver program, (4) a card printing system 15 example, a fax machine 53.
control program, for example, Cardfinder (Onkor, Ltd.), (5)
Customers may view card images using, for example, a
a fax/communication program to transmit and receive
TV information system 56 attached to a television set 55,
orders, for example, FaxTalk (Thought Communications,
shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a personal computer system 62,
Inc., 275 Saratoga Avenue, Santa Clara, Calif. 95050), (6) an
shown in FIG. 16, or other interactive information display
order information database, (7) an order processing pro- 20 systems, for example a cable television card display/order
gram, for example, CFXorder (Onkor, Ltd.), (8) a print list
system ("CATV card display/order system") 67 consisting of
creation program, for example, CFXlist (Onkor, Ltd.) (9)
a television set 55 connected to a digital cable television
one or more print list files, (10) an order information
converter which includes an integrated computer with
retrieval program, for example, CFXprint (Onkor, Ltd.), (11)
decompression means ("smart CATV converter") 58, for
a card/envelope registration program which registers suc- 25 example, a Jerrold DigiCable converter with interactive TV
cessfully printed cards and the date on which the cards were
capability (General Instrument Corporation, Jerrold Commailed, for example, CFXship (Onkor, Ltd.), (12) a mail
munications Division, 2200 Byberry Road, Hatboro, Pa.
management program, for example, Postware Address Cor19040) and a modem 41 as shown in FIG. 17. In one such
rection and Encoding software (postal soft, 4439 Mormon
system, compressed card display image files are transmitted
Coulee Road, La Crosse, Wis. 54601-8231), (13) a bar code 30 from a control computer 63 at the cable TV control center 60
printing program, for example, CardFinder (Onkor, Ltd.),
over conventional cable TV line 59 to the CATV card
(14) a card description database, (15) a good images file,
display/order system 67, where they are decompressed by
(16) a good fonts file, (17) a good cards file, and (18) an
the smart CATV converter 58 and displayed on the television
available cards file.
set 55. Card image files to be displayed are, for example,
FIG. 13 shows, alternatively, a number of card printing 35 transmitted to a specific CATV card display/order system
systems in a networked configuration. The card printing
over a cable TV channel dedicated to transmitting digital
systems in this configuration need not have CD-ROM drives
information which has been encoded for reception, decomas part of each system, but each system does require a
pression, and display by a specific smart CATV converter
network card, for example, a Novell NEIOOO Interface
with decompression means. Transmissions are made in
Board (Novell, Inc.,. 122 East 1700 South, Provo, Utah 40 response to commands input by the consumer, using an input
84606) attached over a network interconnection means 64
means 37, for example, a wireless handheld controller. The
and through a second network card, for example, a Novell
input commands are transmitted from CATV card display/
NE2000 Interface Board (Novell, Inc.) to a network server
order systems 67 to the cable TV control center 60, for
system 61, consisting of a computer 49 which is attached to
example, through modems 41 and telecommunication lines
one or more large capacity memory devices 36, such as a 45 52 linking the smart CATV converter 58, which is part of the
Micropolis 668 megabyte model 1624 hard drive (MicropoCATV card display/order system 67, to the control computer
lis, Chatsworth, Calif.). Optionally, one or more CD-ROM
63 in the cable TV control center 60. When a displayed card
drives 34 or other large capacity read only memory devices
is selected by the consumer for purchase, information necmay also be attached to the server computer. Modems in
essary to complete an order ("order information") may be
each card printing system 40 receive order information for 50 requested from the consumer by the control computer 63 or
processing from card display/order systems 50 over teleby the computer contained in the smart CATV converter 58.
communications means 52, for example, telephone lines.
Such requests can take a variety of forms, for example, an
Other networked configurations are possible, for example,
order formcan be displayed on a television set 55 and the
a configuration which contains one or more card printing
consumer then enters order information using an input
systems each with a CD-ROM drive and a network card. The 55 means 37, such as a wireless handheld controller. Order
card printing systems in this configuration are in tum
information entered by the consumer may be transmitted
attached to a server computer system which includes one or
through a modem 41 to the control computer 63 and from the
more large capacity memory devices, such as a hard drive.
control computer 63 at the cable TV control center 60 to a
card printing system site 54 over telecommunications lines
As shown in FIG. 4, when a CD-ROM 33 is installed in
a card printing system's CD-ROM drive 34, or a CD-ROM 60 52, or order information entered by the consumer may be
transmitted through the modem 41, after disconnecting from
drive attached to a network server, the card printing system
the control computer 63, directly to a card printing system
control program on the card printing system's hard disk
site 54 over telecommunications lines 52.
drive 36 or a hard drive which is part of a network server
system 61, analyzes the card descriptions contained in the
Card images may be selected for display by customers
card description database and the dithered print image files 65 using, for example, a displayed menu which allows the
and print font files present on the CD-ROM or on a hard
prospective card purchaser to describe the type of social
drive and creates three files: (1) a file indicating which
expression card desired. Methods other than the use of a
5,552,994
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18
menu to select a desired type of card from available card
munications software program, for example, FaxTalk
images, may also be used.
(Thought Communications, Inc., 275 Saratoga Avenue,
Suite 200c, Santa Clara, Calif. 95050). In the case of an
Order information, to be transmitted to a card printing
order transmitted by means of a fax machine, the fax!
location, may be entered by customers in a variety of ways.
Using one preferred method, a card identification name (or 5 communications software program receives the orders in a
standard facsimile transmission format and converts them
code) is entered by a customer on a printed order form 51
into PCX image format files. The PCX image of the order
along with personalization information, mailing addresses,
form ("PCX order image") is stored in an order image file
preferred card delivery date, and other order information.
and is used by an order processing program such as CFXThe order information is then transmitted by use of a fax
machine 53, for example, a Brother IntelliFAX model 600 10 order (Onkor, Ltd., P.O. Box 240, Masonville, Colo. 80541)
or TELEform for Windows (Cardiff Software, Inc., 531
(Brother International Corporation, 200 Cottontail Lane,
Stevens Avenue, Solana Beach, Calif. 92075), to (1) analyze
Somerset, N.J. 08875-6714), over telecommunication lines
the order information contained in the PCX order image,
52 to a card printing system site 54.
such as card identification information, personalized text,
Alternatively, a card display/order system may include a
modem 41 which allows a customer to place an order by 15 mailing addresses, and personalized images, and (2) store
the order information in the order information database. The
using a keyboard or other .input means connected to a
CFXorder program displays a split screen with a fax image
computing means to enter order information by, for
on one side of the screen and order information fields on the
example, responding to displayed prompts which request
other side. The CFXorder program (1) automatically comthat various items of order information be entered by the
customer. The computing means may include, for example, 20 pares card identification information ("card name") entered
in the card name order information field with a database of
a TV information system 56, as shown in FIG. 15 or a
card names ("printable card file" 77), representing cards
personal computer 57, as shown in FIG. 16. After order
available for printing, to confirm that an available card name
information is entered by a customer, the customer initiates
78 has been ordered. CFXorder also checks and corrects
the order transmission process by, for example, responding
to a displayed prompt. Once the order transmission process 25 address information entered in order information fields by
reference to a mail management program, for example,
is initiated, the computing means determines if a dial tone is
Postware Address Correction and Encoding software (Postpresent on the telecommunication line connected to the
alsoft, 4439 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, Wis. 54601computing means modem. If a dial tone is present, the
8231). The processed order information for each order 71 is
computing means dials a preprogrammed telephone number
then automatically stored in the order information database
associated with a card printing system site and upon receiv- 30
70 in the format shown in FIGS. 19 and 20(a), and 20(b).
ing a standard confirming transmission code from the called
Alternatively, a program, such as TELEform for Windows
site the computing means transmits the order information in
(Cardiff Software, Inc.), which includes a hand print and
a standard data communication format, for example ASCII
machine print character recognition program, may be used to
code, through the modem 41 over telecommunication lines
52 to the card printing facility 54. If the calling computing 35 analyze the PCX order image. The resulting order information is automatically stored in the order information database
means receives a busy signal, it disconnects from the tele70.
communication line, waits a pre-programmed interval, for
When order information is transmitted in the form of
example two minutes, and then repeats the calling sequence.
ASCII or other data communication formats directly from a
The computing means will continue such calling attempts
until the order information has been successfully transmit- 40 card display/order system 50 to the card printing system site
54, the information received is processed by an order
ted.
processing program, such as CFXorder (Onkor, Ltd.). Each
FIG. 22 shows one alternative embodiment in which the
processed order is stored by the order processing program in
card display/order facility is separated into a card order
the order information database 70 for subsequent processing
transmission system 65 and a number of satellite card
display systems 76. This embodiment is intended for use, for 45 as generally outlined in FIG. 21.
Methods of processing orders may vary depending on the
example, in a greeting card store located in an airport. The
- order processing program used, for example, the program
card order transmission system 65 is centrally located in the
CFXorder, processes orders received as PCX files from fax
store and a number of the card display system 76 can be
located within the store as well as elsewhere within the
machines by displaying a bit-mapped image of the fax on a
airport, such as in various concourses. Each card display 50 monitor along with blank data entry fields. The user visually
examines the fax image and enters the displayed order
system 76 includes a local CD-ROM 33 that contains copies
information in appropriate data entry fields. After all order
of the card description database, card parameter database,
information is entered, the user selects the "save" function
and other files necessary to prompt a customer to input or
which causes the program to save the order information
select card parameter and view card images. The specific
embodiment of the card display system 76 depicted in FIG. 55 entered in the data entry fields to the order information
database. In addition, a properly sized and formatted per22 uses a television set 55 and a TV information system 56
sonalized image ("signature image") is also saved from the
to display the card images. The customer's order informaoriginal fax and is logically connected to the correct card
tion is temporarily recorded on removable memory means
order number 74 in the order information database 70. The
88, such as a floppy diskette or a PCMCIA memory card. At
the end of each day (or on some other period basis) the 60 saved signature image may be saved in any number of
standard image file formats, such as PCX or TIFF, as well as
removable memory means 88 is manually transferred to the
proprietary image file formats, such as PCD used by the
card order transmission system 65 where the order informaprogram CFXorder (Onkor, Ltd.)
tion can be reviewed and is then forwarded by modem 41 to
a card printing facility.
Optionally, if the card destination address 75 zip code
At the card printing facility, order information is received 65 stored in the order information database 70 matches a zip
code stored on a hard drive 36 in a file which lists zip codes
through a fax or other modem 41 connected to a card
in association with remote card printing system sites ("printprinting system computer processor 35 running a fax!com-
5,552,994
19
20
ments, not precisely set forth, could be practiced under the
ing site zip code list"), the order information may be
teachings of the present invention and as set forth in the
automatically transmitted by the card printing system comfollowing claims.
puter 35 at the site which received the original card order,
We claim:
using a modem 41 attached to telecommunications means
1. A system for printing social expression cards compris52, to a card printing system site listed on the printing site 5
ing:
zip code list.
a card printing facility having:
Order information indicating when an ordered card is to
(a) means for electronically receiving order data for a
be delivered 82 is retrieved from the order information
selected card;
database 70 and lists of cards (or orders) to be printed on
(b) data storage means for storing said order data and
specific dates ("print list files") 79 are automatically created 10
a database describing each card, including images
by a program such as CFXIist (Onkor, Ltd.). The CFXlist
and text for each card;
program determines a printing date based on a card delivery
(c) a printer; and
date specified by a customer in an order. If no date is
(d) processor means for selectively retrieving order
specified, the current date is used. The card order code (or
data and card description data for said selected card
number) of any card order that has not been printed and has 15
from said database stored in said data storage means,
a customer specified delivery date which is on or before the
and printing said images and text for said selected
current date is automatically listed by CFXlist in a daily
card on said printer; and
print file named CFXLlST.OUT ("print list file"). At a
at least one card display/order facility separate and remote
specified time each day, active card printing systems run a
from said card printing facility having:
program, such as CFXprint (Onkor, Ltd.), which retrieves 20
(a) means for accessing said card description database
order information 71 from the order information database 70
at said card printing facility;
for those card orders 80 listed in the current date print list file
(b) means for inputting card parameters;
79. CFXprint then calls a program such as CardFinder
(c) means for retrieving and visually displaying cards
(Onkor, Ltd.) which prints each ordered card on blank card
associated with said card parameters from said card
paper 47, as shown in FIG. 3, including a bar code 44 on the 25
description database;
back card panel (or page). The bar code, which is generated
(d) means for selecting one of said displayed cards;
by a bar code program such as Quick Bar (American
(e) means for inputting order information; and
Microsystems,23190 Regal Parkway, Euless, Tex. 76040),
(f) means for electronically transmitting an order for
represents the unique card order number (or code) for the
said selected card and said order information to said
card printed.
30
card printing facility.
When a card is successfully printed this is recorded in the
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said card printing
card's order information in the order information database
facility data storage means further comprises a card param("registered"). Registration can be accomplished several
eter database for prompting a customer to select a series of
ways. One method is to run a program such as CFXship
card parameters for displaying cards associated with said
(Onkor, Ltd.) on a computer 35 with a bar code reader 42, 35 card parameters in said card description database.
for example, a ScanWedge bar code reader (Barcode Indus3. The system of claim 1 wherein said card printing
tries, Ammendale Technology Park, 12240 Indian Creek
facility and said card display/order facility comprise comCourt, Beltsville, Md. 20705) attached to the computer's
puters communicating over a network, and said card
input means 37, for example a keyboard. The bar code
description database is accessed by said card display/order
reader 42 may be used to read the bar code 44 on the back 40 facility over said network, and said orders are transmitted
panel (or page) of a printed card 43, the card's order
over said network from said card display/order facility to
information 81 in the order information database 70 is
said card printing facility.
updated to indicate the ordered card corresponding to the
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said display means at
card order code has been successfully printed. Successful
said card display/order facility comprise a television set, and
registration automatically causes CFXship to query the 45 said access means comprise a cable television converter
portion of the card's order information 71 in the order
communicating with said card printing facility over a cable
information database 70 for envelope color 87 and envelope
television system.
addressing information 75, 83, 84. Address information
5. The system of claim 1 wherein said order information
retrieved is printed on a blank envelope 45 of the specified
comprises the name and address of the intended recipient of
color 87, along with a code 44, for example a bar code, 50 the card.
representing the card order code, using a printer 46, for
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said order information
example, a CoStar Address Express printer (CoStar Corpocomprises a card identifier.
ration, 22 Bridge St., Greenwich, Conn., 06830-5238). A
7. The system of claim 1 wherein said order information
printed card 43 may then be matched with the correct printed
comprises a card delivery date.
envelope 48 by using, for example, either a single bar code 55
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said order information
reader 42 to sequentially read the bar code on the rear card
comprises the name and address of the card purchaser.
panel and the bar code on the envelope or by using two bar
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said order information
code readers to simultaneously read both bar codes. If the
comprises information for personalization of the card, and
bar codes on the printed card and printed envelope are
wherein said card printing facility further comprises means
identical, a signal, for example a distinctive audible tone, is 60 to incorporate said personalization information into the card
output by the computer 35 indicating that the card should be
printed by said printer.
inserted in the envelope and the card's order information 71
10. The system of claim 9 wherein said personalization
in the order information database 70 is updated to indicate
information comprises text.
the card order has been successfully processed 85 and the
11. The system of claim 9 wherein said personalization
date the processing was completed 86.
65 information comprises handwriting.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein said personalization
The above disclosure sets forth a number of embodiments
of the present invention. Other arrangements or embodiinformation comprises images.
5,552,994
21
13. The system of claim 1 wherein said orders are
transmitted by means of a modem over telephone lines.
14. A system for vending and printing social expression
cards comprising:
a database preparation system having:
(a) means for inputting images and text for each of said
cards;
(b) means for creating a high-resolution print image for
each of said images;
(c) means for creating a lower-resolution display image
for each of said images;
(d) means for creating a card description database defining the layout of each card in terms of its images, text,
and other components and their locations on the card;
and
(e) means for creating a card parameter database for
enabling input of a series of card parameters associated
with certain of said cards in said card description
database;
at least one card printing facility having:
(a) means for electronically receiving orders for a selected
card;
(b) a printer; and
(c) means for retrieving said high-resolution print images
for said selected card using said card description database, and printing said print images and text on said
printer; and
at least one card display/order facility separate and remote
from said card printing facility having:
(a) means for accessing said card description database and
card parameter database;
(b) means for enabling input of card parameters prompted
by said card parameter database;
(c) means for retrieving and visually displaying said
display images and text for cards associated with said
card parameters;
(d) means for selecting one of said displayed cards;
(e) means for inputting order information; and
(f) means for electronically transmitting an order for a
selected card to said card printing facility.
22
15. The system of claim 14, wherein said card description
database further comprises information for each card concerning the location, size, font and color of text on the card.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein said card description
5 database further comprises information on fields that can be
personalized for each card.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein said order information comprises the name and address of the intended recipient of the card.
10
18. The system of claim 14 wherein said order information comprises a card identifier.
19. The system of claim 14 wherein said order information comprises a card delivery date.
20. The system of claim 14 wherein said order information comprises the name and address of the card purchaser.
15
21. The system of claim 14 wherein said order information comprises information for personalization of the card,
and wherein said card printing facility further comprises
means to incorporate said personalization information into
the card printed by said printer.
20
22. The system of claim 21 wherein said personalization
information comprises text.
23. The system of claim 21 wherein said personalization
information comprises handwriting.
24. The system of claim 21 wherein said personalization
25 information comprises images.
25. The system of claim 14 wherein said orders are
transmitted by means of a modem over telephone lines.
26. The system of claim 14 wherein said card printing
facility and said card display/order facility comprise computers communicating over a network, and said card
30 description database and card parameter database are
accessed by said card display/order facility over said network, and said orders are transmitted over said network from
said card display/order facility to said card printing facility.
27. The system of claim 14, wherein said card display/
35 order facility display means comprise a television set, and
said access means comprise a cable television converter
communicating with said card printing facility over a cable
television system.
28. The system of claim 14, wherein copies of said card
40 description database and said card parameter database are
distributed to said card display/order facilities on CD-ROM.
* * * * *
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