WO2001057707A1

WO2001057707A1 - Method for compiling information

Info

Publication number: WO2001057707A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/002918
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sanjay Khetrapal
Original assignee: Fcb Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-02-04
Filing date: 2001-01-30
Publication date: 2001-08-09
Also published as: AU2001234638A1

Abstract

A method of compiling preexisting non-web advertising information developed in a non-web format and used in a non-web advertising application, the preexisting information being compiled on computer readable storage media using a computer. The method includes establishing a database (72), receiving non-web advertising information (74), converting the information into a web format (75), and compiling the information in the web format (76) into the database. The database is in communication with a web server connected to a network. The database allows access to the advertising information through the web server from the network so that users within reach of the network may send queries (80) to access the stored information and receive search results (84).

Description

METHOD FOR COMPILING INFORMATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to databases and database management systems.

BACKGROUND ART

A database is a collection of elements, that are stored in accordance with a particular data structure. The use of databases to hold information has become widespread, particularly, with the growth of computer networks including local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), corporate intranets and the Internet. Databases are used for traditional data such as budgets and payroll, in addition to being used for help systems and other applications. In addition to databases being used to store various types of data, there are various types of database formats available. Examples include a relational database, a hierarchical database, a network database, and an object-oriented database. Further, many traditional database applications use a file processing approach, while more recently developed databases may employ a database management system (DBMS). A database management system (DBMS) performs transaction processing and manages the database, and sits between the end user and the actual data.

Although there are many traditional applications of databases and database management systems (DBMS), it is believed that the widespread use of database and database management systems for various applications is still in its infancy. As such, it is believed that database systems are not yet being used to their full potential, and that there are many applications for database systems that are yet to be developed. For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a system and method of compiling information that utilizes database and database management system technology in ways that are not yet realized in the prior art. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is, therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method of compiling preexisting non-web advertising information developed in a non-web format and used in a non-web advertising application, the preexisting information being compiled on a computer readable storage medium using a computer, and a library system, in which non-web advertising information in a web format is compiled into a database to allow network access to the information.

In carrying out the above object, a method of compiling preexisting non-web advertising information on a computer readable storage medium using a computer is provided. The non-web advertising information is developed in a non- web format and used in a non-web advertising application. The method comprises establishing a database on the medium, and receiving the preexisting non-web advertising information in the non-web format. The database is in communication with a web server connected to a network. The method further comprises converting the non-web advertising information into a web format, and compiling the non-web advertising information, in the web format, into the database to allow access to the advertising information through the web server from the network.

The non-web advertising information, in a preferred embodiment, includes moving images associated with non-web broadcast advertisements, text and corresponding images associated with non-web printed advertisements, and a collection of images. Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention, for the very first time, pool together advertising information that is used for traditional non-web type advertisements, such as printed advertisements and television broadcast advertisements, and put that information into a database accessible over a network through a web server. As such, different users over a large area within the reach of the network can connect to the web server and access non-web advertising information to facilitate the development of non-web advertisements by the user.

It is to be appreciated that the information in the database is not being presented to the user as an actual advertisement, but rather as advertising content that the user may use in other non-web advertising applications. In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises receiving business information including at least one text document. The business information is compiled into the database to allow access to the business information through the web server from the network, in addition to access to the non-web advertising information. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises receiving product information. The product information is compiled into the database to allow access to the product information through the web server from the network.

Although the database may be implemented in many ways, in a preferred embodiment, the database is a relational database and database management system (DBMS). Further, a preferred method further comprises establishing an application at the web server that interfaces with the database such that the application allows access to the non-web advertising information.

Further, in carrying out the present invention, a method of compiling preexisting non-web advertising information on a computer readable storage medium using a computer is provided. The method comprises establishing a database on the medium in communication with a server connected to a global network, and receiving the preexisting non-web advertising information in a plurality of non-web formats including print-advertising information in a first non-web format and television-advertising information in a second non-web format. The method further comprises converting the non-web advertising information into a web format, and compiling the print-advertising information and the television-advertising information, in the web format, into the database to allow access to the advertising information through the server from the global network.

Preferably, business information and product information are also received and compiled into the database. Further, in a preferred implementation, the method further comprises establishing an application at the web server that interfaces with the database such that the application allows access to the non-web advertising information. Still further, in carrying out the present invention, a library system for storing and managing preexisting non-web advertising information on a computer readable storage medium using a computer, and for processing a query received from an application that interfaces with the knowledge system, is provided. The library system comprises control logic, a database on the medium, and a database management system in communication with the database. The control logic is arranged to receive the preexisting non-web advertising information in a non-web format used in a non-web advertising application, and to convert the non-web advertising information into a web format. The database stores information including the non-web advertising information in the web format. The database management system is in communication with the database, and is configured to process the query and determine the search result for the query based on information in the database.

In a preferred embodiment, the library system further comprises an application that interfaces with the database management system. The application is configured to construct a database query. Further, preferably, the database management system further comprises a security system for controlling access to the information in the database. The security system may include a multidimensional access control scheme that controls access based on a plurality of factors including, for example, the user identity and/or the user access point geographic location. In a preferred embodiment, the library system database holds moving images, text and corresponding images, and a still image collection, in addition to business information and product information, with the database preferably being implemented as a relational database.

The advantages associated with embodiments of the present invention are numerous. For example, embodiments of the present invention allow, for the very first time, network access to a database with the database including non-web advertising information that is traditionally used in non-web advertising applications such as printed ads and television. Although advertising on the Internet is quite common, there is not any existing system that uses a network database to store advertising information with the advertising information being meant for other audiences. Advantageously, when the network is a global network such as the Internet, a user from anywhere within the reach of the network may access the database of the present invention to view non-web advertising information used by other users elsewhere on the network. Advantageously, users, because of the present invention, no longer have to duplicate efforts since they can instantly find out what (non-web advertising information) is available for use. Further, embodiments of the present invention facilitate communication among offices and ease difficulties imposed by time-zone differences.

The above object and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 illustrates a network with a web server connected to a database management system (DBMS) and database, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the DBMS and database;

FIGURE 3 is a block diagram illustrating a method of the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a block diagram illustrating another method of the present invention;

FIGURE 5 illustrates a group of links on a web page for a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the database is accessed over the World Wide Web (WWW); FIGURE 6 is a screen shot depicting a search application in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 7 depicts an exemplary search definition;

FIGURE 8 depicts exemplary search results for the search definition of Figure 7;

FIGURE 9 illustrates the details of one of the matches from the search results of Figure 8;

FIGURE 10 depicts an exemplary search definition;

FIGURE 11 depicts exemplary search results for the search definition of Figure 10;

FIGURE 12 illustrates the details of one of the matches from the search results of Figure 11 ;

FIGURE 13 depicts an exemplary search definition;

FIGURE 14 depicts exemplary search results for the search definition of Figure 13;

FIGURE 15 illustrates the details of one of the matches from the search results of Figure 14;

FIGURE 16 illustrates a search application for searching the business and product areas of the database;

FIGURE 17 illustrates search results for the business and product database; and FIGURE 18 depicts product information that is accessible through a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 1 , a network environment for an implementation of the present invention is generally indicated at 10. Network cloud 12 may represent, for example, the Internet or a local or wide area network. Network 12 allows various users from different locations such as computers 14, 16, 18 to access information stored on various servers which are connected to network cloud 12. In accordance with the present invention, a database including non-web advertising information is accessible through network 12 from remote computers 14, 16, 18. In the preferred implementation, a secure server 20 controls access to the database management system (DBMS). The DBMS may be designed specifically for the application at hand, or may use any of a number of different commercially available DBMS software packages, such as, for example, Microsoft SQL Server available from Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington. A preferred embodiment implements the DBMS using Microsoft SQL Server, while implementing the application interface using Microsoft Visual Studios (also available from Microsoft Corporation). Of course, the DBMS and application may be implemented in any of a number of various available commercial software packages.

DBMS 20, after appropriate authentication such as password authentication, allows access to a pool of data in database 22. In preferred embodiments, security at secure server 20 is multidimensional. This means that in addition to password equivalent authentication, server 20 uses additional factors to determine what data is accessible to a particular user. For example, the subset of data that is accessible to a particular user, may be based on both a user group and a user geographic location, so that the actual data accessible to a user is limited to data accessible to users of that user's group, further limited by any access restrictions for users in a particular geographic area. In accordance with the present invention, advertising information that is used in non-web advertising applications is made available to users over network cloud 12. The non-web advertising information may take many forms, but preferably includes moving images that represent broadcast (television) advertisements (block 24), text and images that represent printed advertisements (block 26), in addition to a general collection of still images (block 28). With the present invention, advertising information used for advertising over various different forms of media are received and compiled together in a database to allow access thereto over network cloud 12.

For example, in a global network implementation such as an Internet implementation, printed and television advertising information used in one region of the world is made available to users connected to the network in other regions of the world. Advantageously, creative workers for an advertising agency in different regions of the world do not have to duplicate efforts because they can instantly find out what is available for use, and what has been done in the past by the creative workers of the same agency in other regions of the world. Further, compiling the information in the database helps facilitate communication among offices and eases difficulties imposed by time-zone differences. Materials can be previewed and ordered online, cutting the time from start to finish for preparing international advertisements. Further, preferred embodiments of the present invention also receive and compile other information into database 22, including business information (block 30) and product information (block 32) in addition to traditional data (block 34) such as payroll and budget information. As such, in accordance with the present invention, database 22 provides a single source of information that includes any information that an advertising agency may need access to.

In Figure 2, the logical structure of a DBMS and database is generally indicated at 50. Application 52 interfaces the user to provide a search query entry screen in a preferred embodiment, the application is written with Microsoft Visual Studios). Various systems and engines of the DBMS are indicated at 54. Of course, different DBMS implementations may vary, and the present invention is not limited to a particular type of software design. In a preferred embodiment, a security system 56 uses multidimensional security based on, for example, a user identity /user group 64 and geographic location of access 62. Further, a relational engine 58 performs query processing, while a storage engine 60 interfaces with the database

22.

In Figure 3, a method of the present invention is generally indicated at 70. At block 72, a database is established. The database is established so as to be in communication with a web server connected to a network (for example, the Internet or a different global network). At block 74, advertising information is received. The advertising information includes preexisting non-web advertising information developed in a non-web format and used in a non-web advertising application. The non-web advertising information is converted into a web format (block 75). At block 76, the non-web advertising information such as printed advertisement and broadcast advertisement material, in addition to any business and product material, is compiled, in the web format, into the database. It is to be appreciated that the control logic for receiving and the control logic for converting may take many forms including, for example, computer hardware, firmware, and software. Further, receiving and converting may be performed sequentially or simultaneously.

In Figure 4, a method for accessing compiled information in a database, in accordance with the present invention, is generally indicated at 80. At block 82, a query is sent to the database over the network. The database stores information including non-web advertising information associated with a non-web advertising application. At block 84, the user receives search results for the query. The query, is processed by the DBMS to return results based on information stored in the database that meet the criteria specified in the network query (and limited by any access restrictions) .

It is appreciated that in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a user may access, via the network (upon authentication and with the appropriate permissions), non-web based advertising information, over a network such that the non-web advertising material may be shared by users in a global environment. The information may include printed advertising and television materials, as well as important business and product information such that everything that is needed by an advertising agency employee is available through a single database in the preferred embodiment.

Further, in some embodiments, that same database and DBMS may be used for traditional data processing such as payroll, budgeting, etc. With a single source of information available over a large network, the entire system including digital still and moving images and business information may be continuously updated and modified. The remaining figures, described below, show screen shots and portions of screen shots in an exemplary implementation of the present invention. It is appreciated that the particular graphical user interface (GUI) used in the implementation is exemplary and that the invention is to be construed broadly in light of the description above, and not limited by the particular embodiments illustrated in Figures 5-18 for the GUI.

In Figure 5, after password authentication, the user is presented with several links, generally indicated at 100. Link 102 allows the user to query the digital image archive portion of the database, which includes broadcast advertisements, printed advertisements, and an image collection. Link 104 directs the user to the business library, which includes text documents such as company memos, etc (and may also include some of the product information). Link 106 directs the user to product information, which includes product descriptions, product pricing, and so on, for the advertised products.

In Figure 6, a query entry screen for the digital image archive is generally indicated at 110. In the example, various query elements may be used to limit the search. For example, image category 112 allows the user to select from the broadcast advertisement collection, printed advertisement collection, or image collection. Further, in addition to selecting the type of material to be located, some embodiments of the present invention allow the user to enter various product description limitations to limit the results of the search query. In the example, the user may select any of the following: product brand 114, product model 116, region 118, country 120, image contents 122, and model year 124. Of course, the particular descriptive variations depend on the products advertised by the information in the database. In the example, button 126 starts the search, while button 128 clears the selection.

Figures 7-9 illustrate a sample search of the images in the broadcast advertisement category. In Figure 7, a portion of the search query is generally indicated at 130. In Figure 8, search results are generally indicated at 140, with individual data elements indicated at 142 and 144. In a preferred embodiment, for each item found in the search, links allow the user to download the image (link 146) or view additional details (link 148). Clicking link 148 causes the asset details to be displayed, as shown in Figure 9, generally indicated at 150. The element 152 is shown again, along with a download link 154 and an order link 156 (download allows access to a low resolution image, while ordering provides a high resolution image).

Figures 10-12 illustrate a sample search of the images in the print advertisement category. In Figure 10, a portion of the search query is generally indicated at 160. In Figure 11, search results are generally indicated at 170, with individual data elements indicated at 172 and 174. In a preferred embodiment, for each item found in the search, links allow the user to download the image (link 176) or view additional details (link 178). Clicking link 178 causes the asset details to be displayed, as shown in Figure 12, generally indicated at 180. The element 182 is shown again, along with a download link 184 and an order link 186 (download along access to a low resolution image, while ordering provides a high resolution image).

Figures 13-15 illustrate a sample search of the images in the image category. In Figure 13, a portion of the search query is generally indicated at 190. Figure 14, search results are generally indicated at 200, with individual data elements indicated at 202 and 204. In a preferred embodiment, for each item found in the search, links allow the user to download the image (link 206) or view additional details (link 208). Clicking link 208 causes the asset details to be displayed, as shown in Figure 15, generally indicated at 210. The element 212 is shown again, along with a download link 214 and an order link 216 (download along access to a low resolution image, while ordering provides a high resolution image).

As shown in Figure 16, preferred embodiments of the present invention also include business information in the database. The business information includes text documents, such as memos and other internal company documents or external company documents such as press releases, etc. Generally indicated at 220 is an exemplary search query entry screen. The search query entry application allows the user to enter search criteria, which in turn, is sent to the DBMS to be processed based on data in the database. Similar to the text used in the example to search the digital image library, the business library allows the search to be limited by different information such as region 222, country 224, brand 226, model 228, category 230, and subcategory 232. Of course, there are many different application interfaces that may be used to search any of the portions of the database, and the applications shown herein are exemplary. Further, in the example application, button 234 starts the search, while button 236 clears the form.

In Figure 17, search results for a search of the business information portion of the database are generally indicated at 240. Individual data items found in the search are designated by links 242 and 244. Each link brings up a detailed view of the found document.

As shown in Figure 18, the preferred embodiments of the present invention also include product information in the database. That is, the advertising information includes various broadcast and print advertisements for products, while the product information portion of the database includes information about the actual products. In the example, an introduction screen to the product information portion of the database is generally indicated at 250, with exemplary individual products being indicated at 252 and 254. Still further, although not specifically shown, the database may further include information used in traditional data processing applications such as budget and payroll information so that all information needed by anyone in an advertising agency is available in a single database, and searchable (although with controlled access) from anywhere on a global network such as the Internet.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of compiling preexisting non-web advertising information developed in a non-web format and used in a non-web advertising application, the preexisting information being compiled on a computer readable storage medium using a computer, the method of compiling comprising: establishing a database on the medium and in communication with a web server connected to a network; receiving the preexisting non-web advertising information in the non- web format used in the non-web advertising application; converting the non-web advertising information into a web format; and compiling the non-web advertising information, in the web format, into the database to allow access to the non-web advertising information through the web server from the network.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the non-web advertising information includes a moving image associated with a non-web broadcast advertisement.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the non-web advertising information includes text and at least one corresponding image associated with a non- web printed advertisement.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the non-web advertising information includes at least one image associated with a non-web advertisement.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving business information including at least one text document, wherein compiling includes compiling the business information including the at least one text document into the database to allow access to the business information through the web server from the network.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving product information, wherein compiling includes compiling the product information into the database to allow access to the product information through the web server from the network.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein establishing the database further comprises: establishing the database as a relational database.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising: establishing an application at the web server that interfaces with the database such that the application allows access to the non-web advertising information.

9. A method of compiling preexisting non-web advertising information developed in a non-web format and used in a non-web advertising application, the preexisting information being compiled on a computer readable storage medium using a computer, the method of compiling comprising: establishing a database on the medium and in communication with a server connected to a global network; receiving the preexisting non-web advertising information in a plurality of non-web formats, including receiving print-advertising information in a first non-web format and television-advertising information in a second non-web format; converting the print-advertising information and the television- advertising information into a web format; and compiling the print-advertising information and the television- advertising information, in the web format, into the database to allow access to the advertising information through the server from the global network.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising: receiving business information including at least one text document, wherein compiling includes compiling the business information including the at least one text document into the database to allow access to the business information through the server from the global network.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising: receiving product information, wherein compiling includes compiling the product information into the database to allow access to the product information through the server from the global network.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising: establishing an application at the web server that interfaces with the database such that the application allows access to the non-web advertising information.

13. A library system for storing and managing preexisting non- web advertising information developed in a non-web format and used in a non-web advertising application, the preexisting information being compiled on a computer readable storage medium using a computer, and the system being configured for processing a query received from an application that interfaces with the library system, the library system comprising: control logic arranged to receive the preexisting non-web advertising information in the non-web format used in the non-web advertising application, and arranged to convert the non-web advertising information into a web format; a database on the medium, the database storing information including the non-web advertising information in the web format, the non-web advertising information being converted from the non-web format to the web format; and a database management system in communication with the database, the database management system being configured to process the query and determine a search result for the query based on information in the database.

14. The library system of claim 13 further comprising: an application that interfaces with the database management system, the application being configured to construct a database query.

15. The library system of claim 13 wherein the database management system further comprises: a security system for controlling access to information in the database.

16. The library system of claim 15 wherein a user accessing the database has a user identity, and wherein the security system controls access based on a plurality of factors including the user identity.

17. The library system of claim 15 wherein a user accessing the database has a user geographic location, and wherein the security system controls access based on a plurality of factors including the user geographic location.

18. The library system of claim 13 wherein the non-web advertising information includes a moving image associated with a non-web broadcast advertisement.

19. The library system of claim 13 wherein the non-web advertising information includes text and at least one corresponding image associated with a non-web printed advertisement.

20. The library system of claim 13 wherein the non-web advertising information includes at least one image associated with a non-web advertisement.

21. The library system of claim 13 the database is a relational database.