Facsimile and static presentation processing – Static presentation processing – Data corruption – power interruption – or print prevention
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-11
2001-05-01
Gaffin, Jeffrey (Department: 2841)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Static presentation processing
Data corruption, power interruption, or print prevention
C358S001150, C359S199200, C348S473000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06226098
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a printer appliance for use in conjunction with a wireless system for broadcasting, receiving and selectively printing packets of information such as redeemable coupons, messages or virtually any packet of information or graphics and, more particularly, to such a printer appliance which is adapted to receive and selectively process and print only packets of information intended to for said appliance. The system in which this printer appliance is used is, in essence, a universal delivery system for virtually any type of information packet that is currently delivered using conventional means such as the United States Postal Service or overnight delivery service such as Federal Express, etc. One particularly unique application for such system is the broadcasting and generation of redeemable consumer coupons in printed format that can be redeemed by consumers at retail outlets although it should be appreciated that the system of the present invention has applicability in generating virtually any type of printed message.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The dispatch of packets of printed information to individual households including, for example, the transmittal of consumer coupons is well known. Individuals are accustomed to receiving such printed messages from a variety of different sources including, for example, the mail, overnight delivery services, house to house door-hanger crews, private runner services, the print media and the like. Conventional methods for dispatching and delivering such printed messages to a large number of individual households are limited severely by the need for manually handling and delivering the printed copy. While these vehicles are capable of handling large volumes of messages on a daily basis, the need to manually deliver such messages imposes certain constraints on the system in terms of both cost and delivery time.
Telecommunications systems for conveying and delivering messages have improved rapidly over the past decade. For example, facsimile systems have become a common method for the distribution of printed messages and other communications. The speed and cost of such facsimile systems are quite favorable when compared with the conventional methods described above. Facsimile transmissions are, however, severely limited in terms of reach and, generally speaking are inappropriate for mass, broadcast messaging. The appeal and utility of such transmissions is also somewhat limited by the requirement and expense of telephone line connections.
More recently, the Internet has become a very potent force in delivering printed messages. As with all other forms of delivery systems, however, there are constraints in terms of reach capability, line connection, and the need for a computer and operating software and auxiliary and ancillary systems. Moreover message recipients must have a certain degree of computer literacy and, most importantly, the user must assume an active role if the printed messages are to be received.
With respect to redeemable coupons, the most common form of distribution of such products is through the print media, i.e., either as a freestanding insert or as part of a print advertisement in a newspaper or magazine. In addition, many coupons are distributed by direct mail. Although this distribution method is slow and very costly, it can be targeted at specific recipient groups through the use of selected mailing lists. This contact approach is used extensively by mail-order marketers, telephone companies, magazine publishers, and insurance or financial service providers.
For the aforementioned reasons, none of these forms of message delivery offer particularly fast and inexpensive distribution of such messages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a printer appliance for use in conjunction with a system for delivering printed packets of information to designated recipients.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a printer appliance for use in a system that is capable of delivering such packets at a low cost when compared to manual delivery systems.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a printer appliance for use in conjunction with a system wherein the delivery time of such packets can be controlled and, further, where the packet sequencing and dispatching capability is flexible.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a printer which may be used in conjunction with such a system that has a broad and rapid audience reach and which is able to deliver packets of information virtually simultaneously to pre-determined but widely diverse recipient groups.
It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a printer appliance that is adapted to receive all broadcast packets of information but selectively process and print only those packets intended to be delivered to such appliance.
It is but still another object of the present invention to provide such a printer appliance that permits a packet to be traced to such appliance.
It is but yet another object of the present invention to provide such a system that includes a series of printer appliances that require minimal maintenance and attention.
It is another object of the present invention to provide method and apparatus to effect the objects and advantages of such system.
To the accomplishments of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a new printer appliance that is adapted to be used in conjunction with a system for originating, transmitting, receiving and printing packets of information directly to consumers through a network of such printer appliances. Such information may constitute messages, redeemable coupons, advertisements, warnings, appointment reminders, tickets and the like. Since the techniques are essentially electronic in nature, the system eliminates the need to physically handle or deliver such packets that vastly improves its efficiency in terms of delivery cost and time. The severe reach limitations of the facsimile and Internet systems are eliminated since the system of the present invention can operate in a broadcast mode which is optimal for mass message delivery. With the inclusion of innovative communication filters, the system can limit delivery to a single printer appliance, all printer appliances or a select group of printer appliances.
The system of the present invention does not require the installation of new telephone line connections, requires virtually no technology literacy or any active participation on the part of the recipient in actually receiving and obtaining printed copies of the information packets being transmitted. Using a novel printer appliance, packets can be delivered to the home, office, store, or automobile or virtually anywhere where electrical power is accessible.
The present system is characterized by an ability to inexpensively reach a precise target in the marketplace with minimal recipient involvement. The essential transmission methodology is through established national pager networks such as, for example, those operated by Pagenet or Skytel, which are capable of reaching more than 90% of U.S. households. The majority of the remaining audience can be reached by building relays to operators of local pager networks. In addition, the system may work in conjunction with conventional cellular telephone technology such as, for example, Sprint, MCI, etc. as well as with dedicated satellite transmission systems, or from an RF transmitter from a cable tap, satellite dish tap, remote control or other source. Future versions may employ any current or future wireless broadcast, multicast, or narrowcast technology for transmission.
Since the audience is accessed in a virtual parallel mode by a broadcasting system, the number of required transmission channels is minimal. In addition, access/delivery costs are very low, i.e., in the hundredths of a cent for a ty
Kulakowski Robert T.
Marshall Robert
Rogers George
Gaffin Jeffrey
Grimes & Battersby LLP
NuWorld Marketing, Ltd
Tran Thanh Y.
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