Design and production of print advertising and commercial display materials over the Internet

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TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to the general field of print advertising and commercial display signage and their design and production, and more specifically to an integrated system using an Internet site and networked computer systems for the storage of pre-designed formats and images, the assembly of them into electronic files ready for production, and the ordering of all design, assembly, production, and distribution (and, if required, placement in a publication, including purchasing of space) from a single entry point in the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typically, the development, production, and distribution of print advertising and commercial display materials require at a minimum the following steps.

Formatting. A format is established defining materials, dimensions, number of colors, etc., that will be compatible with where the advertising or display is to appear.

Copy Development. Copy is written to fit the format.

Design. The advertising or display materials are laid out, colors chosen, and graphics planned.

Typesetting. Copy is set in type.

Graphics Development. Any required illustration or photography is prepared.

Preparation of Finished Artwork. The type and illustration or photography are assembled into artwork from which the advertising or display materials will be produced.

Delivery for Production. The artwork is delivered to a production vendor or facility, typically a printer; or, in many cases, the artwork may be distributed to more than one production vendor or facility for production in more than one locale.

Production. The production vendor or facility produces the material from the artwork.

Distribution (may include Finishing Steps). The finished material is then distributed to end users, customers, or prospects in any of several possible ways (for example, as an ad or free-standing insert in a publication such as a newspaper or magazine; to a lettershop or other processor to be packaged and mailed in a direct-mail package; to commercial enterprises to be displayed (as signage), handed out (as flyers), or used for sales presentations (as sales literature); and so forth.)

Ordering and Approvals. These are steps that, typically, must be taken at several stages in the process (for example, many commercial enterprises order most of this work done through agencies or vendors such as printers; orders for delivery or distribution may need to be placed with outside services; advertising placement must be booked with publications in which advertising matter may appear; and so forth).

Today, many steps in the development process--design, typesetting, preparation of artwork, delivery for production--may be performed electronically, using computers, where once they were done on paper.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an integrated advertising piece design and production system that allows a user (or "client") to (a) place a comprehensive order, at a dedicated Internet site, for images and templates used for the design, assembly, production, and distribution of print advertising and/or commercial display materials; and (b) create an assembled image of the final product on the computer screen using pre-designed formats and images stored on a server in the system. Upon final approval by the client to proceed, the system can also transmit an electronic file of the product to a production vendor or facility for production and transmit all orders or notifications necessary for distribution, insertion in publications and other fulfillment tasks, etc.

Advantages to the client include greatly reduced time to develop print advertising and/or commercial display materials, since choosing from an existing menu of formats and images eliminates many time-consuming steps (creation of original art and copy and setting type, for example), and reduced cost, through elimination of the many people, steps, and agencies normally involved in developing materials of this type, which traditionally include typesetters, illustrators and/or photographers, agencies and representatives.

By minimizing or eliminating the need to create new copy and artwork every time new signage or advertising is needed, and bringing all steps in the process under the immediate control of a single computer operator, the invention can reduce the time usually required for advertising and display development from several weeks to a few days or even hours.

The present invention enables even modest business organizations to create their own high-quality advertising and display materials at a minimum in time and cost.

The key to the cost and time savings with the disclosed system is its stored, pre-created library of images and templates that can be quickly and efficiently assembled by a client or user of the system.

The client accesses the system through a World Wide Web site and places an initial order describing the advertising or display material (the "product") that the client wishes to develop and any other details relevant to the product's production, distribution, and/or insertion in a publication, such as how and by which vendor(s) the product is to be produced, how and where distributed, when and where it will appear, and any special instructions for the purchase of advertising space. Once connection is made to the system, all orders which had been placed through the system are also transmitted, either electronically or through a manual system, for distribution and billing purposes to an order-entry system that is integrated with the entire accounting system of the system provider.

From the Web site, the client's order is routed to an image manager software application (such as Open Progress Interface (OPI.TM.), residing on an image manager server, for the management of low- and high-resolution images. The low resolution images have the advantage of being relatively small files, easily transmissible over conventional modems and telephone lines, and are used to assemble composite advertising pieces. The high-resolution images each correspond to a respective low resolution image and are used to produce the product once finally designed. From the image management server, the client selects low resolution templates and images (text and graphics) and assembles them, using an image assembler application such as Desknet.TM., into the image that will ultimately be produced as the finished product. Within limits set by the system, the client can also create custom text specific to the client's needs, such as prices, and store locations and site-specific information. At all times when working in the image assembler application, the client is able to preview the assembled components as they will appear in position in the finished product.

When the client has created the assembled image of the product as it is to appear, the client saves the final image as a low-resolution assembled image to a memory (the "low resolution repository"), which in one embodiment is a discrete memory space on the image manager server. From the image manager server, a medium-resolution image of the product is transmitted to a color-corrected color printer and printed out. The printed image is sent by a delivery service to the client for approval, and the client contacts the system proprietor by either electronic mail or telephone to confirm approval to execute the order in full or request changes. As an alternative to reviewing a medium-resolution printout of the assembled image, to save time the client may request that a lower-resolution representation transmitted from the image manager server directly to the client's computer by electronic mail or electronic file transfer.

Once the system proprietor has received client confirmation of the assembled image and approval to execute the order in full, the proprietor uses the client-selected image and template data in high-resolution form, which is available from a high-resolution repository on the image manager server of high-resolution images and templates, to create a high-resolution copy of the low-resolution assembled image. The high-resolution assembled image file is submitted to a color correction application such as Color Profiles.TM. through the image manager server to assure color correctness and consistency with other materials produced using the system. The color-corrected high-resolution assembled image file is then transmitted from the image manager server to a production vendor or facility for final production and distribution as described in the client's order.

Production and distribution will take different forms, depending on the type of product created for the client and the requirements specified in the client's order. Two types of end products are free standing inserts (FSI's) and point-of-purchase displays (POP's).

For freestanding inserts, an order to purchase space in the publications where the inserts will appear is transmitted from the order-entry system at the time that the system proprietor receives the final client approval to execute. Concomitantly, the high-resolution assembled image file is transmitted (normally via a Virtual Private Network to facilitate large-volume transmission with a high level of security) to a commercial printer for printing and distribution to publications.

For point-of-purchase displays, the high-resolution assembled image file is transmitted electronically to a commercial production facility or vendor (via a Virtual Private Network for security purposes if a vendor other than the system proprietor is used). Here it will be produced and all further arrangements executed for distribution of the product either to end users (e.g., merchants) or to their agents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the invention and their advantages will be discerned in the following Detailed Description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like characters identify like parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a high-level schematic diagram of an advertising piece design and ordering system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a procedure for ordering images a using the system of the invention;

FIGS. 3-10 are views of sequential image order screens used by a client in selecting and ordering images later to be assembled into advertising pieces;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the internal organization of a representative shell used according to the invention;

FIGS. 12a and 12b are a client procedure for assembling a marketing piece from preselected images according to the invention;

FIGS. 13-29 are the record formats used by the system in providing a finished advertising piece;

FIGS. 30-38 are successive screen shots of a marketing piece image ordering and design system according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, particularly focusing on image retrieval;

FIGS. 39-53 are successive computer screens presented to a client in a marketing piece design methodology according to the invention; and

FIGS. 54-62 are successive screens presented to a client during the process of designing a free-standing insert according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, an automated marketing piece design and production system is indicated generally at 10. The system shows the interrelationship between a system proprietor, such as an advertising agency, and a client of that system proprietor. The client has a personal computer 12 which can be of a conventional type. The personal computer 12 has a modem connection and a browser such that the client can access a web site 14 which is mounted on a host computer. In the illustrated embodiment, the link is performed by a conventional telecommunication line 16. The web site 14 has associated with it all of the customer order logic (a processor and a stored computer program having executable instructions for the processor) necessary for a client to order a series of images for assembly into a marketing piece, and also has a design logic application which permits the client to assemble these images into such marketing piece and then to order its production by the system proprietor.

Through the web site 14, in a procedure which will be later detailed, the client places orders 18, first for images and later for an assembled marketing piece, which orders are passed to an image assembler 20. The image assembler 20 can be image assembler software, such as Desknet.TM., as installed on an appropriate server. The image assembler 20 has a link 22 to a memory or repository 24 that stores a series of low-resolution images and templates. Some of these low-resolution images and templates will be available to the client, depending upon the identity of the client and the organization to which the client belongs; the memory space 24 may be partitioned among several different organizations, such that the client would have access only to those images which the organization has authorized in advance.

The image assembler 20, which is linked to a high-resolution image database and image processing program such as QUARK.TM., produces an assembled image file 26 which is sent via a link 28 to an OPI server 30. The OPI server 30 has mounted thereon further image processing software which receives the high-resolution file on link 28. The high-resolution file is color-corrected with the use of color profiles stored at a memory 32. The high-resolution file may be sent to a color laser printer 34 to generate proofs, which are transmitted back to the client via pathway 36. While in the present embodiment insufficient bandwidth exists for the transmission of high-resolution image files back to the client computer 12, it is contemplated that such bandwidth will eventually become available, as by the use of optical fibers, television cable links or the like. In that instance, pathway 36 would become optical or electronic and would allow for the rapid transmission of the high-resolution file of the finished product back to the client computer 12 for the client's review and approval.

Once the client has approved of the finished product, the work order is fulfilled. In the instance where the system proprietor has its own production facilities, this can be by pathway 38 to a production facility 40. The production facility 40 may be localized or may be made up of a geographically dispersed network of printers which simultaneously publish the piece at each of their locations.

Alternatively, a virtual private network 42, such as Wam!Net.TM., may be used to submit the file to an outside vendor 44 for fulfillment of the marketing piece in this fashion.

FIG. 2 is an overview of the procedure used by client in designing and ordering an advertising or marketing piece. The client first logs onto the system at step 50 and is presented with various web objects at 52. At step 54, the client selects the search criteria for retrieving low-resolution images, executes the search, reviews the low-resolution images and their high-resolution hardcopies, and selects from a number of different marketing piece shells. The client reviews the shell results at step 56. Once the individual shell(s) has been ascertained, at step 58 the client selects the particular slots in the shell which the client would like to customize. Image and text elements are retrieved and inserted into the shell slots at step 60 until a low-resolution assembled image of the product is reviewed at step 62. Once the assembled marketing piece is approved, the client determines distribution information at step 64. The order is confirmed by the client at step 66. An order 18 is placed through email to the system proprietor and, responsive to receiving the order, is produced and fulfilled by the system proprietor or its agent.

The sequence by which a client orders images is more particularly described by FIGS. 3-10, which are successive screens used by the client in searching for and selecting different images that are a part of the low-resolution image database.

FIG. 3 in particular shows an introductory screen 69 in which the client signs on by giving his or her username 70, group password at 72 and user password 74. The client has several options he or she can take: searching for shells, templates and images, by clicking on button 76 with a mouse; browsing through retrieved shells, templates and images, by clicking on button 78; placing retrieved images in a "shopping cart" for purchase, by clicking on button 80; completing the image retrieval transaction by clicking on checkout button 82; or going into a tutorial by activating button 84. The introductory screen 69 also includes links to pages on news, help, contacts, registration, and the web site index at 86. The "sign up" icon 88 is also a link, and brings up a new user request page 90 (FIG. 4) by which certain client data are entered, including shipping information of requested images.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a search request page 92. At 94, the user name and session number are displayed, so that the client has a reference to this particular session. The session number permits the client to determine the status of an order after a session, and also permits the system proprietor to keep track of the delivery of the order. At 96 are links to other areas of the site.

The search page 92 shows three ways to search for images: by keyword at 98, by category at 100, or by icon at 102. Using the keyword method, the client can type in the words which describe the image(s) sought to be retrieved, such as "chicken". It is also possible to type in an image ID number in this field, which is uniquely assigned to a particular image stored in the image database of the system. In the category method 100, one of a plurality of image categories, e.g., images which depict chicken are chosen from a drop down menu. Finally, using the icon method 102, the client can point to and click on any of series of image icons 104 which are miniature and representative views of the type of image placed in each category.

At location 108 of the search screen 92 is a menu which permits the client to determine how many images should be retrieved in response to the query. Selecting fewer images might be an advantage because then there are less retrieved image descriptions to review. Selecting more images may be faster if the image desired has particular and uncommon characteristics. After determining amount of returned potential images, the client clicks on "search" at either location 110. The system then goes to a results page 112, which is shown in FIG. 6.

It is possible that the search argument submitted will produce more than the desired number of results and that the search needs to be narrowed. The client may modify the search to narrow the criteria at location 114. For example, a broad search for "chicken" may be narrowed by adding "sandwich" to the search.

The search returns a number of image descriptions responding to the search criteria. Each of the image descriptions includes (1) a "thumbnail" image 116 of limited size and resolution, an image ID number 118 which uniquely identifies this image as opposed to the others stored in the image database, and (3) a set 120 of keywords which can be used by the client to more quickly access the image in future searches. For each of the retrieved image descriptions, a "see details" link 122 is provided which will transfer the client to a page that gives more details about the image.

The screen 112 once again displays the search icon 76, the browse icon 78, the "cart" icon 80 and the "checkout" icon 82. The search icon 76 permits the client to start a new search and links the client back to search page 92 (FIG. 5). By clicking on the browse icon 78, the client can review the image descriptions that he or she has retrieved. The "cart" icon 80 links to a shopping cart page and permits the client to review the images that he or she has already selected for purchase. The checkout icon 82 links the client to a checkout page to finalize the image order.

FIG. 7 shows a "details" screen 124 in which a bigger and more detailed image 126 is displayed for the client's review. The client may also ascertain the size of the image as it would appear in, e.g., printed materials at field 130, and the price of the image at field 132. The screen 124 has an "add to cart" icon 133 in case the client decides to purchase the image and a "back" link 134 which returns the client to the search results screen 112 (FIG. 6).

FIG. 8 is a shopping cart screen accessed by icon 80 in, e.g., FIG. 6. The "cart" screen 136 includes a link 138 which sends the client back to the search screen 92 for the retrieval of other images. A "check-out" field 140 may be clicked on, which will link the client to a check-out page.

Certain items of information need to be filled in by the client before check out may proceed. The first criterion to be decided by the client is how the image should be received, with downloading, disk and transparencies all being options. This is done at 142. Other information needed for check-out includes the quantity of images desired, which shipping address to use, what specific country the image is for, what type of media the image will be placed in, the color profile, and a file format (Mac or Windows). At location 144 on the screen, the client may click on a "modify order" link to modify any of the above information, remove the item from the cart, or see more details about the item. Pressing on the check-out icon 82 in screen 136 links the client to a confirmation page 146, which is illustrated in FIG. 9. This confirmation page details the image and ordering information which the client has entered. If the information is correct, the client can proceed to order the images. If the information is incorrect and the client wishes to add or subtract from his or her order, this screen presents a last opportunity to do.

The order may be placed by clicking on the "final confirmation" button 148. Clicking on the "back" button 150 permits the client to change the order or to cancel it altogether.

Clicking on the "final confirmation" button 148 links the client to a "complete" screen 152 (FIG. 10). The screen 152 sets forth all of the final details of what the client has ordered; the client may print this page out and keep it. If an image has been ordered by a download method, at this time the client can click on a "download" button 154 to receive the image over the Internet. Once the "complete" screen 152 is reached, an image is available within the next twelve hours for the client to download via file transfer protocol (FTP).

The Image Catalog is the dynamic, digital version of the "decision tree" compiled by the inventors. The contents of the Image Catalog are taken from an Image Database (IDB) which makes the catalog "dynamic." The Image Catalog is the software for interpreting that data and presenting it in a structured and logical way.

The Image Catalog is meant to be a catalog in the true sense: presenting the entire range of choices and options for selecting and configuring a marketing piece. An individual marketing piece is represented as a composite as it is built. A composite contains one client's set of selections and the single resultant marketing piece. The Catalog contains the options of what is available when building a composite.

Every record from the database is represented as an object in the Catalog. The database contains images, text, templates, the objects used to relate these, and other objects.

A content object is one of image, template, or text. A content object is designed to be contained within a slot. Since a template both contains slots and may be contained in a slot, nesting of content is allowed. Note, however, that no template may occur more than once in a shell: circular nesting is not allowed.

Content (images, templates, or text) may be associated with any number of slots. An image, for example, may be valid on a page of both a regular and an Oil-Alliance FSI as well as in a POP Kit.

Since a template without content chosen for its slots is not complete, the most deeply nested template must only have images or text contained in its slots. I.e., the "leaf" content of the tree of objects must be either an image or text. A template is always a branch in a tree and branches always end in one or more "leaves." (For the purposes of the above, a template that has no slots--and hence no dynamic content--is the same as an image and is a "leaf" in a tree.)

Since an image or text object can be associated with any number of slots in any number of templates in any number of page-slots in any number of shells in the Image Catalog, it is the archivist's responsibility to keep track of these associations and be efficient about re-using objects so that, as much as is practicable, only a single rep