Method and system for delivery of a greeting card

• US 6,980,318 B1
• Filed: 05/23/2000
• Issued: 12/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Original Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Limited
• Inventors: Silverbrook, Kia, Lapstun, Paul, Lapstun, Jacqueline Anne
• Primary Examiner(s): Lamb, Twyler
• Application Number:
  US09/575,116
• Time in Patent Office: 2,044 Days
• Field of Search: 358/1.18, 358/1.17, 358/1.15, 358/1.9, 358/1.19, 709/206, 705/14
• US Class Current: 358/1.18
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/103 for the sheet feeding section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 13/106 for the sheet output section
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17503 Ink cartridges
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17513 Inner structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17523 Ink connection
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17526 Electrical contacts to the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17546 electronically
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17553 Outer structure
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17556 Means for regulating the pressure in the cartridge
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/17563 Ink filters
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 2/2114 Ejecting specialized liquids, e.g. transparent or processing liquids B41J2/211 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/02 Framework
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 29/13 Cases or covers
• CPC Class Codes: B41J 3/60 for printing on both faces of the printing material
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 19/02 starting with single sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 9/0006 by applying adhesive to a stack of sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B42C 9/0081 applying adhesive to individual sheets for binding them together by fusing, welding B42C9/0093
• CPC Class Codes: B42P 2261/04 Producing books by printing sheets in following order, e.g. for ordering via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 23/008 Holders comprising finger grips B43K23/004, B43K23/012 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 24/06 operated by turning means
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 25/02 : Clips
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/00 : Combinations of writing implements with other articles
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/003 : with optical equipment, e.g. magnifier, viewer
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/004 : with more than one object
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/08 : with measuring, computing or indicating devices
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/093 : with calculators
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 29/10 : with illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 7/005 : Pen barrels
• CPC Class Codes: B43K 7/02 : Ink reservoirs; Ink cartridges B43K7/01 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 29/34 : from supports slid from under the articles
• CPC Class Codes: B65H 37/04 : for securing together articles or webs, e.g. by adhesive, stitching or stapling adhering replacement to expiring web during change of web roll B65H19/18
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 11/50 : Sympathetic, colour changing or similar inks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/4393 : Multimedia presentations, e.g. slide shows, multimedia albums
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/93 : Document management systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/955 : using information identifiers, e.g. uniform resource locators [URL]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/0337 : Status LEDs integrated in the mouse to provide visual feedback to the user about the status of the input device, the PC, or the user
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0321 : by optically sensing the absolute position with respect to a regularly patterned surface forming a passive digitiser, e.g. pen optically detecting position indicative tags printed on a paper sheet constructional details of pen-shaped pointing devices G06F3/03545, G06F3/03542, G06F3/037
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/03545 : Pens or stylus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04883 : for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1204 : resulting in reduced user or operator actions, e.g. presetting, automatic actions, using hardware token storing data
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1265 : Printing by reference, e.g. retrieving document/image data for a job from a source mentioned in the job
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1285 : Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 40/174 : Form filling; Merging
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 : Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3821 : Electronic credentials
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3829 : involving key management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 : Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 : Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0241 : Advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/19 : by sensing codes defining pattern positions
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 30/1423 : the instrument generating sequences of position coordinates corresponding to handwriting preprocessing or recognising digital ink G06V30/32
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/005 : Testing security markings invisible to the naked eye, e.g. verifying thickened lines or unobtrusive markings or alterations
• CPC Class Codes: G07D 7/128 : Viewing devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 : Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 : with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00206 : Transmitting or receiving computer data via an image communication device, e.g. a facsimile transceiver H04N1/00236 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00244 : with a server, e.g. an internet server fax-servers or the like for store and forward H04N1/324
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00278 : with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00326 : with a data reading, recognizing or recording apparatus, e.g. with a bar-code apparatus arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus G11B31/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00355 : Mark-sheet input sensing record carriers G06K7/00; character recognition G06V30/10; document-oriented image-based pattern recognition G06V30/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00358 : Type of the scanned marks
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00376 : Means for identifying a mark sheet or area
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00567 : Handling of original or reproduction media, e.g. cutting, separating, stacking
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00968 : by scanning marks on a sheet mark-sheet input means H04N1/00355; sensing record carriers G06K7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/107 : with manual scanning
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32101 : Display, printing, storage or transmission of additional information, e.g. ID code, date and time or title
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32122 : in a separate device, e.g. in a memory or on a display separate from image data
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32128 : attached to the image data, e.g. file header, transmitted message header, information on the same page or in the same computer file as the image for information embedded in the image H04N1/32144
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32133 : on the same paper sheet, e.g. a facsimile page header
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32771 : in response to a request, e.g. for a particular document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32776 : using an interactive, user-operated device, e.g. a computer terminal, mobile telephone H04N1/32782, H04N1/32784 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/32778 : using a mark-sheet or machine-readable code request
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/001 : Sharing resources, e.g. processing power or memory, with a connected apparatus or enhancing the capability of the still picture apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 : By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 : Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3205 : of identification information, e.g. name or ID code H04N2201/3209 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3226 : of identification information or the like, e.g. ID code, index, title, part of an image, reduced-size image
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3243 : of type information, e.g. handwritten or text document
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3247 : Data linking a set of images to one another, e.g. sequence, burst or continuous capture mode
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3249 : data relating to a linked page or object, e.g. hyperlink
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3264 : of sound signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3266 : of text or character information, e.g. text accompanying an image H04N2201/3226 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3267 : of motion picture signals, e.g. video clip
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3269 : of machine readable codes or marks, e.g. bar codes or glyphs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/327 : which are undetectable to the naked eye, e.g. embedded codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3278 : Transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/04 : adapted for relaying to or from another terminal or user
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 10/00 : Energy efficient computing, e.g. low power processors, power management or thermal management
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99942 : Manipulating data structure, e.g. compression, compaction, compilation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/1798 : with liquid adhesive or adhesive activator applying means

Abstract

A method of selecting and delivering a greeting card, including: obtaining a document with details of a selection of available greeting cards, the document having at least one user-interactive element with which a user interacts to select a card using a sensing device adapted to transmit interaction data to a computer system; indicating selection of a card using the sensing device; including a message using the sensing device; and sending the card to a recipient address via the computer system.

Claims

1. A method of selecting and delivering a greeting card, including:

obtaining a printed document with details of a selection of available greeting cards, the printed document having coded data coincident with the details and representing at least one user-interactive element, with which a user interacts to sense the coded data and select a card using a sensing device adapted to transmit interaction data to a computer system;

indicating selection of a card using the sensing device by placing the sensing device in an operative position with respect to the details to thereby cause the sensing device to sense the coded data representing the user interactive element;

including a message using the sensing device; and

sending the card to a recipient address via the computer system.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the details are presented as a list of card categories and images of the greeting cards of each category are printed for viewing in a further document by selecting the respective category using the sensing device.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of including a message comprises selecting a message from a list of messages.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the list of messages is provided in a further document which is printed after the card is selected, the further document having associated user-interactive elements for selection of the message.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of including a message comprises recording customised message applied with the device to a message region of the document by capturing associated interaction data transmitted during movement of the device.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of sending the card includes selecting the recipient address, using the device, from an address list provided with user-interactive elements.

7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step of sending the card includes writing the recipient address in an address field of a form using the sensing device end capturing the writing by recording the associated interaction data.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recipient address corresponds to a printer address and the card is delivered by printing at that address.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recipient address corresponds to an electronic mail address and an image of the card is delivered to that address.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the recipient address corresponds to a street address and the card is sent to a proximate mail service for printing and delivery to the street address.

11. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a preview of the card and message is provided in a further document for review prior to sending.

12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the document includes coded data indicative of an identity of the document and of the at least one interactive element, and wherein the method includes receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from the sensing device regarding the identity of the document and a position of the sensing device relative to the document in order to identify the document and determine when the sensing device is used to interact with the element.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12, including receiving, in the computer system, movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the document.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, including the sensing device sensing its movement relative to the document using the coded data, and identifying the request in the computer system from the movement being at least partially within a zone associated with the interactive element.

15. A method as claimed in claim 12 which includes printing the coded data to be substantially invisible in the visible spectrum.

16. A method of enabling selection and delivery of a greeting card, including:

providing a printed document with details of a selection of available greeting cards, the printed document having coded data, at least some of the coded data being coincident with the details and representing at least one user-interactive element with which a user interacts to sense the code data and, select a card using a sensing device by placing the sensing device in an operative position with respect to the details, the sensing device being adapted to transmit interaction data to a computer system;

receiving, in the computer system, data indicating selection of a card including a message in the selected card, the message being user specified using the sensing device; and

sending the card to a recipient address via the computer system.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the details are presented as a list of card categories and images of the greeting cards of each category are printed for viewing in a further document when the user selects the respective category using the sensing device.

18. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the message is one of a number of pre-pared messages provided in a list of messages for selection by the user.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the list of messages is provided in a further document which is printed after the card is selected, the further document having associated user-interactive elements for selection of the message.

20. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the step of including a message comprises recording a customised message applied with the device to a message region of the document by capturing associated interaction data transmitted during movement of the device.

21. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the step of sending the card includes receiving data in the computer system indicating selection of the recipient address by a user using the device to select the address from an address list provided with user-interactive elements.

22. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the step of sending the card includes recording the recipient address by electronically capturing writing in an address field of a form, applied using the sensing device.

23. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the recipient address corresponds to a printer address and the card is delivered by printing at that address.

24. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the recipient address corresponds to an electronic mail address and an image of the card is delivered to that address.

25. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the recipient address corresponds to a street address and the card is sent to a proximate mail service for printing and delivery to the street address.

26. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein a preview of the card and message is provided in a further document for review prior to sending.

27. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the document includes coded data indicative of an identity of the document and of the at least one interactive element, and wherein the method includes receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from the sensing device regarding the identity of the document and a position of the sensing device relative to the document in order to identify the document and determine when the sensing device is used to interact with the element.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, including receiving, in the computer system, movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the document.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, including the sensing device sensing its movement relative to the document using the coded data, and identifying the request in the computer system from the movement being at least partially within a zone associated with the interactive element.

30. A method as claimed in claim 27 which includes printing the coded data to be substantially invisible in the visible spectrum.

31. A system for enabling selection and delivery of a greeting card, including:

a printer for printing a document with coded data and details of available greeting cards, at least some of the coded data representing a user-interactive element and being coincident with the details;

a sensing device for reading the coded data representing the user interactive element when placed in an operative position with respect to the details, and transmitting interaction data, representing interaction of the sensing device with the user interactive element, to allow for selection of a card; and

a computer system for receiving the interaction data from the device and transmitting the card to a recipient address.

32. A system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the computer system is adapted to include the message with the card, the message being user specified using the sensing device.

33. A system as claimed in claim 32, wherein the message is a written message and the computer system is adapted to digitally capture the written message by recording associated interaction data transmitted by the sensing device.

34. A system as claimed in claim 32, wherein the computer system is adapted to receive movement data regarding movement of the sensing device relative to the coded data, in order to capture the message.

35. A system as claimed in claim 34, wherein the sensing device senses its own movement relative to the document using the coded data.

36. A system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the sensing device includes a marking nib.

37. A system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the document is printed on a surface of a surface-defining structure and wherein the printer prints the document on demand.

38. A system as claimed in claim 37, wherein the printer is arranged to print the coded data at the same time as printing the document on a surface-defining structure.

39. A system as claimed in claim 37, wherein the coded data is substantially invisible in the visible spectrum.

40. A system as claimed in claim 31, including a database for keeping a retrievable record of each document generated, each document being retrievable by using its identity, as included in its coded data.