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US 7,127,671 B1Granted
Publishing a customized publication by defining multiple sources and time periods for obtaining article quotable information
OwnerDavid C. McDonaldinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for publishing a customized publication including an article for a customer includes obtaining information from the customer including a topic for the article and the identity of a primary source for quotable information about the topic. The method also includes establishing and following a defined schedule for a three-step process for obtaining information about the topic prior to preparing and printing the publication.
Claims20
A method for publishing a customized publication including an article for a customer, which method comprises the steps of:
- (a) obtaining information from such customer relating to the publication, said information comprising:
- (i) a topic for the article;
- and
- (ii) the identity of a primary source for quotable information about the topic;
- (b) defining a first period of time within which to obtain quotable information about the topic from the primary source;
- (c) defining a second period of time within which to obtain quotable information about the topic from a secondary source;
- (d) defining a third period of time within which to obtain information about the topic from a tertiary source;
- (e) setting a beginning time for the first period, whereby an ending time for the first period is set;
- (f) attempting to obtain quotable information about the topic from the primary source during the first period;
- (g) if successful in obtaining quotable information about the topic from the primary source during the first period, then proceeding directly to step (m);
- (h) if unsuccessful in obtaining quotable information about the topic from the primary source during the first period, setting a beginning time for the second period, whereby an ending time for the second period is set;
- (i) identifying a secondary source for quotable information about the topic and attempting to obtain quotable information about the topic from the secondary source during the second period;
- (j) if successful in obtaining quotable information about the topic from the secondary source during the second period, then proceeding directly to step (m);
- (k) if unsuccessful in obtaining quotable information about the topic from the secondary source during the second period, setting a beginning time for the third period, whereby an ending time for the third period is set;
- (l) identifying a tertiary source for information about the topic and attempting to obtain information about the topic from the tertiary source during the third period;
- (m) preparing a proof for printing;
- (n) printing the publication.
14 more elements
A method for publishing a customized publication including a plurality of articles for a customer, which method comprises the steps of:
- (a) obtaining information from such customer relating to the publication, said information comprising:
- (i) a topic for each of a plurality of articles;
- and
- (ii) the identity of a primary source for quotable information about each topic;
- (b) defining, for each article:
- (1) a first period of time within which to obtain quotable information about the topic from the primary source;
- (2) a second period of time within which to obtain quotable information about the topic from a secondary source;
- (3) a third period of time within which to obtain information about the topic from a tertiary source;
- (c) setting, for each article, a beginning time for the first period, whereby an ending time for the first period is set;
- (d) attempting, for each article, to obtain quotable information about the topic from the primary source during the first period;
- (e) proceeding directly to step (k) for each article for which quotable information about the topic was obtained from the primary source during the first period;
- (f) setting, for each article for which quotable information about the topic was not obtained from the primary source during the first period, a beginning time for the second period, whereby an ending time for the second period is set;
- (g) identifying, for each article for which quotable information about the topic was not obtained from the primary source during the first period, a secondary source for quotable information about the topic and attempting to obtain quotable information about the topic from the secondary source during the second period;
- (h) proceeding directly to step (k) for each article for which quotable information about the topic was obtained from the secondary source during the second period;
- (i) setting, for each article for which quotable information about the topic was not obtained from the secondary source during the second period, a beginning time for the third period, whereby an ending time for the third period is set;
- (j) identifying, for each article for which quotable information about the topic was not obtained from the secondary source during the second period, a tertiary source for information about the topic and attempting to obtain information about the topic from the tertiary source during the third period;
- (k) utilizing a computer to prepare a draft of each article;
- (l) utilizing a computer to compile the draft articles into a proof of the publication;
- (m) printing the publication.
16 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.