WO2001063451A2

WO2001063451A2 - Remote advertising order/placement system

Info

Publication number: WO2001063451A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/005485
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norine Lozon; Scott Lozon; George A. Cyrene; Craig W. Wilson
Original assignee: Classified Advertiser.Com, Inc.
Priority date: 2000-02-22
Filing date: 2001-02-21
Publication date: 2001-08-30
Also published as: AU2001238577A1; WO2001063451A8

Abstract

A method and system for receiving and transmitting orders for classified advertisements to a preselected location for placement and/or dissemination to the purchasing public. The steps of the ordering process include providing a computer for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the computer receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection; comparing customer identifier with customer profile information stored on a computer readable medium associated with the computer; retrieving an existing customer profile or creating a new customer profile if no existing file is available; transmitting a signal representative of a visual display of advertisement items; and transmitting customer order data to an operation center for placement. The system includes an order center (12) for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the order center receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection; an operation center (814) in data communication with the order center for preparing the customer selected advertisement selections; and a communications network (22) for providing data communication between the order center and one or more customer operated devices.

Description

REMOTE ADVERTISING ORDER/PLACEMENT SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a remote advertising order/placement system and method using a global computer network or an interactive cable television system. More particularly, the invention relates to the ordering and placement of classified advertisements for various goods and services by individuals, merchants, and businesses via an electronic medium.

Telephone ordering is one method used to place classifieds advertisement orders with local newspapers and other publications used to advertise goods and services for sale to the public. Typically, the customer attempts to locate the nearest publication's telephone number using a local telephone book or directory assistance. While this method is simple and easy to use, the customer is burdened with the task of identifying the location of the closest publication and as no assurance that the publication maintains the necessary circulation, readership, or demographic profile to actually sell the item placed for sale by the customer.

Other existing ordering systems utilize a call center. This method uses a one- number approach. That is, the customer calls a central location, places the order and advertisement, and the call center transfers the order to the newspaper or publication serving the customer's area. Although this system eliminates the burden on the customer in locating the nearest publication, the system introduces additional expenses into the restaurant operation such as the cost of maintaining and supporting the call center.

Interactive ordering systems also exist in the market place. These systems utilize a computer controlled system that includes a database containing fields of advertisement segments for various types of goods and services. The interactive system permits customers to access a publication's classified advertisement items locally or remotely to select desired advertisement items for purchase. Typically, these systems require the customer to select, and be limited to, the particular newspaper or publication serving the customer's geographic region. Consequently, there is needed a reliable, low cost remote advertising order/placement system that assigns and services the order to a facility serving the location from which the order is placed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for receiving and transmitting orders for classified advertisements to a preselected location for placement and dissemination to the consuming public. The steps of the ordering process include providing a computer for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the computer receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection' comparing customer identifier with customer profile information stored on a computer readable medium associated with the computer; retrieving an existing customer profile or creating a new customer profile if no existing file is available; transmitting a signal representative of a visual display of advertisement items; and transmitting customer order data to an operation center for placement.

The computer controlling the ordering process is associated with a server for permitting data communication between the computer and one or more customer operated devices. The computer readable medium associated with the computer is programmed with software instructions for retrieving an existing customer profile or creating a new customer profile, which is stored on the computer readable medium. The visual display generated by the computer includes alphanumeric as well as graphic representations of advertisement items. The visual display of advertisement items may also include a display of the customer's prior advertisement selections as well as the specific items placed for sale by the customer. Once the customer has indicated completion of the ordering process, the computer generates and transmits via the server a signal confirming the customer's order information. Next, the customer is prompted to place the selected advertisement items by choosing among displayed payment options such as cash or credit at time of delivery, credit card or debit card via an on-line electronic payment system. The customer's order is automatically associated with a specific operation center for processing. The computer activates a search algorithm that cross-references the customer's profile data with geographic information stored on the computer readable medium for each operation center. The search algorithm executes a function that locates the operation center serving the customer's area based on selected geographic proximity parameters such as telephone number exchange, area code and/or address. In a preferred embodiment, each operation center is assigned a unique code, and each is assigned a unique identifier. The customer's code is associated with an operation center code, wherein the selected operation center prepares, and in some instances places for dissemination, the selected advertisement.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement. The system includes an order center for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the order center receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection; an operation center in data communication with the order center for preparing the customer selected advertisement selections; and a communications network for providing a data communication between the order center and one or more customer operated devices. The order center includes a computer having a computer readable medium programmed with computer program instructions for processing customer order data. The computer readable medium includes program instructions for displaying advertisement items and processing customer order information. The computer readable medium also includes program instructions for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, comparing customer identifier with customer profile information stored on the computer readable medium, retrieving an existing customer profile from a database stored on the computer readable medium or creating a new customer profile if no existing file is available, transmitting a signal representative of a visual display of advertisement items, transmitting a visual display including a graphic representation of advertisement items, transmitting a visual display including an alphanumeric representation of advertisement items, transmitting customer order data to an operation center for placement, assigning the customer a unique identifier, selecting and assigning the customer order to an operation center, assigning the operation center a unique code, confirming the customer order, confirming the customer order by electronic messaging, accepting payment of the customer order, assigning the operation center a unique code, permitting customer tracking of an order, and automatically transmitting an electronic message to a customer advising the customer of advertisement items or specials.

Communications between the customer and the order center and the order center and the operation center can be over a wide area network, local area network, cable television cable network or an Internet connection, virtual private network or any other communication system permitting communication with remote devices. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an advertising order/placement system formed in accordance with the teachings of this invention.

FIG. 2 show a typical customer flow chart depicting many of the features of the advertising order/placement system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with the teachings of this invention.

FIG. 3 shows the advertising order/placement system of FIG. 1 as configured for use over a cable television network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a remote advertising order/placement system and method using a global computer network. In its most general form, the advertising order/placement system includes an order center; a communications network, which is in data communication with the order center; and an operation center in data communication with the order center via the communications network for placing and/or disseminating the advertisement material through standard search parameters which are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an advertising order/placement system 10 formed in accordance with the teachings of the invention. The advertising order/placement system 10 as shown in FIG. 1 includes an order center 12, a communications network 22, and an operation center 14.

The order center 12 is the central processing center for customer requests for placement of classified advertisements for customer goods and services. The order center 12 includes a database server 18, which can function as a router, permitting data communication between the customer and the order center 12.

The database server 18 can include a computer readable memory device for storing customer profile and product information. The computer readable memory can also be programmed with computer program instructions for controlling the advertising order/placement system 10. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the database server 18 is of the type well known in the industry. For example, the Dell PowerEdge® server available from Dell Computer Corporation, the Microsoft® Internet Server 4.0™ available from Microsoft Corporation, or any other similar device can be used as the server 18. The size of the server selected will depend on the desired access capabilities (i.e., simultaneous. users) and information storage requirements of the system being configured.

The database server 18 can also include a computer 16 configured to read and execute computer programs stored on the computer readable memory. The computer readable memory can be any suitable computer readable medium such as a magnetic disk, magnetic tape, a compact disk or other similar device. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the computer 16 can be any type of computing device, including but not limited to a personal computer or a laptop, desktop, or a mainframe computer. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the computer 16 may be a separate element that is electrically coupled to the server as shown in FIG. 1. The specific type of computer selected will depend on the operating parameters, e.g., speed, desired for the system being configured.

The computer 16 includes an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or other data inputting device, an output device, for example a visual display, an input/output adapter for uploading and downloading data and programming information from any suitable computer readable medium, and a data input output adapter for receiving and processing input output signals. The computer 16 also includes a memory device, i.e., a computer readable medium. The memory device stores the computer operating system for the computer 16 and can also store any additional applications used by the computer 16 or the server 18. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the memory device can comprise a random access memory and a read only memory formed as part thereof, a read only memory, a combination of RAM and non-volatile memory such as a magnetic floppy disk, a magnetic hard disk drive, a magnetic/digital tape, and/or a CD-ROM. Those of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the computer 16 uses an operating system appropriate for the computer being used. For instance, the operating system can be Microsoft Windows®, Microsoft WindowsNT®, or other similar operating systems.

Each of the above-described components of the computer 16 communicate with one another through conventional means, for example a data bus bar.

The input/output adapter of the computer 16 is equipped to receive data and graphics as well as computer programming instructions from any one, or a combination of storage devices, which may include a magnetic floppy disk, a magnetic hard disk drive, a magnetic/digital tape, and/or a CD-ROM, or any other suitable storage device. The data input output adapter includes any necessary analog to digital and digital to analog converters needed to process input/output signals. The computer 16, by way of the database server 18, is in data communication with the communications network 22. The term data communications as used herein includes, but is not limited to, alphanumeric data, images, graphics, video, sound and voice data.

The communications network 22 permits a customer to access the advertising order/placement system 10 via a wire or wireless network. The communications network 22 uses known networking hardware and software, and can include a local area network, a wide area network, cable television cable networks, or any other network system capable of routing data communications between the customer and the server 18. In a preferred embodiment, the communications network 22 includes a wide area network 28 that permits access to the order center 12 via a global computer network such as the Internet. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the customer accesses the Internet using known techniques and software.

The communications network 22 also permits data communication between the database server 18, via computer 16, and the operation center 14. The term operation center 14 as used here means a newspaper, publication, electronic bulletin board, electronic posting, or any other business that prepares and places advertisements for goods and services. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the communication link between the server 18 and the operation center 14 can be a wide area network, local area network, virtual private network, or any other network system capable of transmitting data and/or graphics between the server 18 and the operation center 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation center 14 can include a communications device such as a facsimile machine, computer or telephone for receiving communication from the order center 12.

The communications network 22 can also include a communications processor that acts as an intermediary between the customers and the server 18. This arrangement helps prevent unauthorized access to the server 18.

DESCRIPTION OF SOFWARE FUNCTION The components of the advertisements order/deliver system are computer software controlled. Generally, the software includes instructions for accessing a global computer network, receiving and processing signals from one or more remote devices 20, locating the operation center 14 serving the customer's area, processing the order information, confirming the order, and accepting and processing payment for the order. One of skill in the art will appreciate that in the embodiment being described herein, the computer 16 is programmed with software instructions for controlling the advertising order/placement system 10 and that data communications from the order center 12 are routed through the server 18 using known software and hardware. The server 18 is coupled to a global computer network via the communications link 28 using known techniques and software.

In one embodiment, the software instructions support the following method for using and constructing the advertisements order delivery system 10: providing a computer for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the computer receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection; comparing customer identifier with customer profile information stored on a computer readable medium associated wi_th the computer; retrieving an existing customer profile or creating a new customer profile if no existing file is available; transmitting a signal representative of a visual display of advertisement items; and transmitting customer order data to an operation center for placement and dissemination.

DESCRIPTION OF ORDERING PROCESS In one embodiment, the order center 12 is established on the Internet and, in accordance with known practices, is assigned a unique address or telephone number. To begin an ordering sequence, a remote device 20 accesses the Internet using known techniques, and the signal from the remote device is routed via a router 24 to the order center 12 at the assigned address or telephone number. This initial contact causes the computer 16 to perform an initialization function in accordance with principles well known in the art. Once the initialization function is complete, the computer 16 transmits an appropriate greeting via the server 18, and prompts the customer to enter identifying information such as a name, address, password, or good/service type to facilitate locating the customer's file. If the customer has a file stored in the computer's 16 memory database, the customer enters an assigned password to gain access to the system. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the computer 16 may prompt the customer to enter appropriate identifying information to locate the customer's file if the customer has forgotten his or her password. Upon retrieval of the customer's file, the computer 16 generates a personal greeting welcoming the customer to the order center 12.

If the customer has an established file on the system but is gaining access from a different location or is specifically attempting to place a classified advertisement for a good or service from a different location, the customer updates the address field with the temporary address. The computer 16 executes a street map algorithm to locate the operation center 14 serving the temporary address entered. If the customer does not have an established file stored on the server 18 database memory, the computer 16 prompts the customer to input identifying data such as name, address, telephone number, or good/service type in appropriate data fields in order to build a customer profile to be stored on the server 18 memory. It will be appreciated that the customer profile can be stored on the computer 16 memory device rather than the memory device of the server 18. The customer may be asked to create a password to facilitate locating his or her file during subsequent visits to the order center 12. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the computer 16 may prompt the customer for other data such as date of birth, information relating to buying selling habits, etc. in order to build a customer profile. Once the customer enters his or her street address corresponding to the item to be advertised, the computer 16 activates a search algorithm that cross-references the customer's address with a street map stored on either the computer 16 memory device or the server 18 memory device. In one embodiment, the computer 16 software program includes a street map containing each street in a specified geographic region. United States Patent Nos. 4,797,818 and RE36,111, both incorporated herein by reference, describe methods of mapping a customer's address to a particular operation center 14 based on selected geographic information, including but not limited to geographic information such as address and telephone number. For instance, the search algorithm can include a type of street map directory wherein each entry in the street map directory contains a range of street names and addresses divided into quadrants, each quadrant representing a region served by a particular operation center 14. The quadrants can be of any size and shape. Each operation center 14 is assigned a unique code that represents the quadrant served by that particular operation center. The unique code assigned each operation center 14 is thus associated with a particular customer's file based on the selected geographic information entered for that customer. In one embodiment, the search algorithm searches for the operation center 14 representing the closest operation center 14 to the customer's street address and postal zip code. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the street map directory and any telephone numbers or postal zip codes associated with the street addresses can be updated as required. In this embodiment, it is contemplated that each operation center 14 could be administered by a specific territorial licensee responsible for the particular geographic area, assigned telephone number area code, or postal zip code assigned by the U.S. Postal Service comprising the customer's street address. In this regard, it is contemplated that the unique code assigned each operation center 14 is associated with a particular customer's file based on the postal zip code entered for that customer.

If the customer's street address is not found in the directory, the computer 16 sends an appropriate message to the remote device 20. If the customer's street or postal zip code is found, the server 18 database memory assigns the customer's file a unique code, which associates the customer with an operation center 14 serving the customer's area.

Once the customer's file has been established or retrieved, the computer 16 transmits order indicia such as a classified advertisement listing and/or a visual display of advertisement items to the remote device. A typical customer flow chart depicting many of the features of the advertising order/placement system in accordance with the teachings of this invention is shown in FIG. 2. In addition to placing classified advertisement items, the order indicia include information concerning special advertisement items, displays, and promotions such as advertisements comprised of photographs and video material as well as standard links to major newspapers or other publications that may be of interest to the customer. If the customer has an order history, the computer 16 transmits that order history to the remote device 20 along with the order indicia. FIG. 2 shows a typical flow chart relating to the logon area and input of user name and password for an established customer. The customer may choose to accept the displayed order or modify the displayed order by selecting items from the order indicia.

When the customer has completed the advertisement item selection process, he or she may enter a view or preview order command that prompts the computer 16 to send a signal to the remote device representative of the selected advertisement items. As illustrated by FIG. 2, it is contemplated that this step of the flow chart would also allow the signal sent to the remote device can also be simultaneously displayed by the computer's 16 visual display. In addition, the sent signal can also include cost information for the selected advertisement items. Thus, selection of the view command activates a price list that associates a specific price with the selected advertisement items selected by the customer and calculates a total cost for the order. The computer 16 then prompts the customer to continue and confirm the ordering process or place an additional advertisement as shown in FIG. 2.

If the customer chooses to continue, the computer 16 activates an order payment file. The customer is offered a variety of payment options. In the preferred embodiment, the payment options include payment upon placement of the classified advertisement, e.g., cash or credit/debit card; on-line electronic payment by credit or debit card; or other form of electronic payment. After the customer has entered the payment option, and if necessary completed payment, the computer 16 generates a receipt confirming the order and an approximate time of placement of the classified advertisement for dissemination to the public.

Finally, the computer 16 assigns the customer an order number. The customer may use the order number to track the status of the order through the order center 12. In tracking an order, the order center 12 communicates with the operation center 14 by electronic or voice communication via telephone, facsimile or computer. In a preferred embodiment, the computer 16 can communicate with a computer located in the operation center 14 via electronic messaging to request and receive order status information. The computer 16 then transmits an appropriate response to the customer.

The computer 16 is programmed with instructions that will permit the customer to terminate the ordering process or to return to the main advertisement page at any time during the ordering process. Additionally, if the user fails to input an appropriate response to inquires from the order center 12 via computer 16 within a predetermined time, the customer's connection to the computer 16 will be terminated.

Should the customer choose to continue the order, the computer 16 transmits the order to the assigned operating center 14 over a global or local communications network. In one embodiment, the computer 16 communicates with the operation center 14 using a global computer network, wherein the communications link can be established using a wire or wireless network such as a local area network, a wide area network or a combination network. In a preferred embodiment, the communication link between the order center 12 and the operation center 14 is an Internet connection. The operation center 14 is adapted to receive the signal from the order 12 via an electronic device 26 such as computer, fax machine, printer or any similar device adapted to receive data transferred from a remote source. In the preferred embodiment, the order is transmitted to the appropriate operating center 14 by electronic mail. The operation center 14 places the advertisement items identified in the order and can arrange for dissemination of the prepared classified advertisement to the purchasing public at large.

ORDERING VIA INTERACTIVE TELEVISION

To place an order with the order center 12 using an interactive television system coupled to a global computer network, as shown by the solid line path of FIG. 3, the user pushes the "more" button on the remote control. The television system displays a menu of interactive prompts. The customer scrolls through interactive prompts to establish a connection to the global computer network via a cable television company 30. The customer enters his or her identification information, e.g., name, password, or good/service type to activate the customer's file. FIG. 2 shows a customer flow chart which would also be applicable to the placement of orders for advertisements for an interactive television system. As shown, the order advertisement includes special advertisement items, a new order screen, and an order history, if available. The manner of controlling the advertising order/placement system 10 and configuring the customer file is virtually identical to that previously described. One of skill in the art will appreciate that certain modifications known in the field will be necessary to adapt the advertisements order/deliver system for operation over an interactive television system in lieu of a computer.

The computer 16 prompts the customer to select the desired advertisement items using the television remote control or other data input device. Once the customer signals completion of the order entry task, the computer 16 transmits a signal confirming the content of the order, by either e-mail confirmation or transmission of an invoice as shown in the flow chart of FIG. 2. In the disclosed embodiment the computer 16 can transmit the confirmation signal via an electronic or digital messaging system. In the disclosed embodiment, electronic messaging is used. Next, the customer selects a payment option. The computer 16 again confirms the order, the identification of the person buying the items, and the payment option. The customer confirms the order and exits the order advertisement.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 2, the computer 16 software generates a final confirmation of the order along with an approximate delivery time once the customer exits the order advertisement. The final confirmation can be sent using an electronic messaging system or a television messaging system and can further include the submission of a standard invoice to the customer.

In another embodiment, the interactive television system is coupled to a cable system or other device establishing a connection to a preselected operation center 14, as shown by path 32 of FIG. 3. To initiate an order, the customer upon viewing a menu of prompts for the particular advertisement item activates the order process using the television remote control. To place an order, the customer follows the procedure previously discussed for an interactive television system coupled to a global computer network, except in this instance the customer is connected to the operation center 14 serving his or her geographic area via a cabling system that routes the data communication over a cable television cable network 32. It will be appreciated that the cabling system can include digital or fiber optic networks. AUTOMATIC ORDER REMINDERS In another embodiment, the advertising order/placement system 10 includes an automatic reminder function that communicates with an established customer via an electronic messaging system. In one embodiment, after a predetermined time period has elapsed since the customer last visited the order center 12, the automatic reminder function sends an electronic message to the customer, advising the customer of advertisement selections, specials and/or inquiring whether the customer wishes to place an order. The reminder function can also be programmed to send a reminder to a customer at any time to inform the customer of advertisement specials, length of time remaining in the placement of existing orders, or other products or services available through the order center 12. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. For instance, the order center 12 can use the computer 16 to route communications between a customer and the order center 12 and between the order center 12 and the operation center 14. This arrangement would eliminate the need for the server 18 or a router. Thus, it is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that the methods and apparatus within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Claims

CLAIM

What is claimed:

1. A method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements to a preselected location for placement, comprising: providing a computer for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the computer receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection; comparing customer identifier with customer profile information stored on a computer readable medium associated with the computer; retrieving an existing customer profile or creating a new customer profile if no existing file is available; transmitting a signal representative of a visual display of advertisement items; and transmitting customer order data to an operation center for placement.

2. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the computer is associated with a server for permitting data communication between the computer and one or more customer operated devices.

3. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the computer readable medium is programmed with software instructions for retrieving an existing customer profile or creating a customer profile.

4. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 3, wherein the customer profile information is stored on the computer readable medium.

5. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the computer readable medium is a random access memory, read only memory, floppy disk, magnetic hard disk drive, a magnetic/digital tape or a CD-ROM.

6. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the customer operated devices include a computer, personal data assistants, telephones, pagers, television systems, or a household appliance.

7. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the visual display includes graphic representations of advertisement items.

8. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the visual display includes alphanumeric representations of advertisement items.

9. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 1 , wherein the signals representative of a visual display of advertisement items includes a display of the customer's prior advertisement selections.

10. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 1 , wherein the signals representative of a visual display of advertisement items includes a display of special advertisement items.

11. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the method further includes the step of transmitting a signal confirming the customer's order information.

12. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the method further includes the step of prompting the customer to place the selected advertisement items by choosing among displayed payment options.

13. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 12, wherein the displayed payment options include cash at time of placement, credit card, or debit card.

14. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein the computer activates a search algorithm that cross- references customer profile data with geographic information stored on the computer readable medium for each operation center.

15. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 1, wherein each operation center is assigned a unique code.

16. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 1 , wherein each customer is assigned a unique identifier.

17. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 1 further including the step of placing the selected advertisement items for the customer.

18. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement, comprising: an order center for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the order center receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection; an operation center in data communication with the order center for preparing the customer selected advertisement selections; and a communications network for providing a data communication between the order center and one or more customer operated devices.

19. The system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 18, wherein the order center includes a computer having a computer readable medium programmed with computer program instructions for processing customer order data.

20. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for displaying advertisement items and processing customer order information.

21. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices;

22. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 21, wherein the customer operated devices include a computer, personal data assistants, telephones, pagers, television systems, or a household appliance.

23. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for comparing customer identifier with customer profile information stored on the computer readable medium.

24. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for retrieving an existing customer profile from a database stored on the computer readable medium or creating a new customer profile if no existing file is available.

25. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting a signal representative of a visual display of advertisement items.

26. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 25, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting a visual display including a graphic representation of advertisement items.

27. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 25, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting a visual display including an alphanumeric representation of advertisement items.

28. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting customer order data to an operation center for placement.

29. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for assigning the customer a unique identifier.

30. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium further includes computer program instructions for selecting and assigning the customer order to an operation center.

31. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting customer orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for assigning the operation center a unique code.

32. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, the computer readable medium includes program instructions for confirming the customer order.

33. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 31, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for confirming the customer order by electronic messaging.

34. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for accepting payment of the customer order.

35. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for assigning the operation center a unique code.

36. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for permitting customer tracking of an order.

37. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 19, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for automatically transmitting an electronic message to a customer advising the customer of advertisement items or specials.

38. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 18, wherein the communications network includes a wide area network, local area network, cable television cable network or an Internet connection.

39. A method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements to a global computer network for dissemination, comprising: providing a computer for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the computer receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection; comparing customer identifier with customer profile information stored on a computer readable medium associated with the computer; retrieving an existing customer profile or creating a new customer profile if no existing file is available; transmitting a signal representative of a visual display of advertisement items; transmitting customer order data to an operation center for placement; and disseminating said visual display of advertisement items whereby said visual display of advertisement items can be retrieved by a global computer network.

40. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the computer is associated with a server for permitting data communication between the computer and one or more customer operated devices.

41. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the computer readable medium is programmed with software instructions for retrieving an existing customer profile or creating a customer profile.

42. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the customer profile information is stored on the computer readable medium.

43. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the computer readable medium is a random access memory, read only memory, floppy disk, magnetic hard disk drive, a magnetic/digital tape or a CD-ROM.

44. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the customer operated devices include a computer, personal data assistants, telephones, pagers, television systems, or a household appliance.

45. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the visual display includes graphic representations of advertisement items.

46. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the visual display includes alphanumeric representations of advertisement items.

47. The method for receiving and transmitting orders for advertisements as defined in claim 39, further comprising the step of providing a searchable index of terms whereby advertisements can be selected by keywords.

48. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the method further includes the step of transmitting a signal confirming the customer's order information.

49. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the method further includes the step of prompting the customer to place the selected advertisement items by choosing among displayed payment options.

50. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 39, wherein the computer activates a search algorithm that cross- references customer profile data with geographic information stored on the computer readable medium for each operation center.

51. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 50, wherein each operation center is assigned a unique code.

52. The method for receiving and transmitting order for advertisements as defined in claim 50, wherein each operation center is administered by a licensee assigned to said geographic information stored on the computer readable medium for each operation center. ό. the metnod tor receiving and transmuting order tor advertisements as defined in claim 50 further including the step of placing the selected advertisement items for the customer.

54. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement, comprising: an order center for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices, wherein the order center receives customer order information in the form of a customer identifier and advertisement selection; at least one operation center in data communication with the order center for preparing the customer selected advertisement selections; and a communications network for providing a data communication between the order center and one or more customer operated devices.

55. The system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders to a preselected location for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the order center includes a computer having a computer readable medium programmed with computer program instructions for processing customer order data.

56. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for displaying advertisement items and processing customer order information.

57. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from customer operated devices.

58. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein said at least one operation center is comprised of distinct geographic locations defined by postal zip codes.

59. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for comparing customer identifier with customer profile information stored on the computer readable medium.

60. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for retrieving an existing customer profile from a database stored on the computer readable medium or creating a new customer profile if no existing file is available.

61. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting a signal representative of a visual display of advertisement items.

62. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting a visual display including a graphic representation of advertisement items.

63. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting a visual display including an alphanumeric representation of advertisement items.

64. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for transmitting customer order data to an operation center for placement.

65. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium further includes computer program instructions for selecting and assigning the customer order to an operation center.

66. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 65, wherein the computer readable medium further includes computer program instructions for selecting and assigning the customer order to an operation center administered by a geographic territory specific licensee.

67. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting customer orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for assigning the operation center a unique code.

68. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for assigning the operation center a unique code.

69. A system for receiving orders for advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the computer readable medium includes program instructions for permitting customer tracking of an order.

70. A system tor receiving orders tor advertisements and transmitting said orders for placement as defined in claim 54, wherein the communications network includes a wide area network, local area network, cable television cable network or an Internet connection.