Internet-based custom package-printing process
First Claim
1. A method of producing packages with custom images printed on the packages, the method comprising hosting a website configured for entry of custom printing orders by customers, receiving a custom printing order via the website from a customer, the custom printing order including package data indicative of a package type desired by the customer, quantity data indicative of a quantity of packages desired by the customer, and image data indicative of an image to be printed on the packages, processing the custom printing order received via the website and transmitting the image data to a controller configured to control print heads of a printing machine that is operable to print images on packages, loading the quantity and type of packages ordered by the customer onto a transport portion of the printing machine, and operating the printing machine so that the printer heads automatically print on each package the image indicated by the image data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A process is provided to enable package customers to control package selection, design, shipping, and payment decisions via the Internet so that customized package orders may be placed and filled electronically.
200 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method of producing packages with custom images printed on the packages, the method comprising
hosting a website configured for entry of custom printing orders by customers, receiving a custom printing order via the website from a customer, the custom printing order including package data indicative of a package type desired by the customer, quantity data indicative of a quantity of packages desired by the customer, and image data indicative of an image to be printed on the packages, processing the custom printing order received via the website and transmitting the image data to a controller configured to control print heads of a printing machine that is operable to print images on packages, loading the quantity and type of packages ordered by the customer onto a transport portion of the printing machine, and operating the printing machine so that the printer heads automatically print on each package the image indicated by the image data.
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17. A method of producing packages with custom images printed on the packages, the method comprising
hosting a website configured to permit a customer to upload an image to be printed on the packages, receiving via the website an uploaded image from the customer, and printing the uploaded image on the packages.
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23. A method of printing images on packaging materials, the method comprising
receiving via a website a customer order for packaging materials having custom graphics printed on the packaging materials, processing the customer order via a computer into machine-readable instructions and human-readable instructions for processing the packaging materials, communicating the machine-readable instructions to a printing press to configure the printing press for printing the custom graphics on the packaging materials, and operating the printing press to print custom images on the packaging materials.
Specification