WO2001093083A2

WO2001093083A2 - Computer-implemented method and apparatus for creating advertising media

Info

Publication number: WO2001093083A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/040813
Authority: WO
Inventors: Troy Wayne Tatum; Rudy Johns Mandish; Avis Smith; Larry Peebles; Donna Mcgahee
Original assignee: NAYLOR Inc
Current assignee: NAYLOR Inc
Priority date: 2000-05-26
Filing date: 2001-05-25
Publication date: 2001-12-06
Anticipated expiration: 2002-11-26
Also published as: AU2001265405A1; WO2001093083A8

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé et un dispositif informatique de création de supports publicitaires visuels. L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un système comprenant une interface utilisateur graphique servant à l'exécution d'un logiciel de conception de scripts intégrant et coordonnant la fonctionnalité d'un logiciel de dessin graphique, d'un logiciel de base de données et de logiciel de gestion du stock de supports pour la production d'imprimés et d'autres supports publicitaires publiés. L'invention permet ainsi l'automatisation de fonctions anciennement manuelle et une augmentation de productivité pour la création de maquettes et d'épreuves de travail pour des supports publicitaires. L'invention permet également de nouvelles caractéristiques se rapportant au suivi de la mise en place d'un produit dans un support publicitaire en fonction de données du plan promotionnel, ainsi que l'approbation électronique des maquettes et des épreuves par les clients.The present invention relates to a method and a computer device for creating visual advertising media. The invention relates more particularly to a system comprising a graphical user interface used for executing script design software integrating and coordinating the functionality of graphical drawing software, database software and software. management of the stock of media for the production of printed matter and other published advertising media. The invention thus allows the automation of formerly manual functions and an increase in productivity for the creation of models and proofs of work for advertising media. The invention also allows new features relating to the monitoring of the implementation of a product in an advertising medium according to data from the promotional plan, as well as the electronic approval of models and proofs by customers.

Description

COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING ADVERTISING MEDIA

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to computer software and computer systems for designing and creating advertising media. More particularly, the present invention relates to computer software and computer systems that automate the design, creation, and layout processes for advertising media for print and other forms of visual media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many businesses utilize print and other visual media for the purpose of advertising their goods and services for sale. Such media include sales brochures and sales fliers (or circulars) that are often included as inserts in newspapers and other periodicals. For many years, this type of print media was produced by a painstaking process which involved designing and creating the necessary stylized text and art by hand. For example, a graphic artist had to hand letter and number product information such as the brand name, product description, and pricing information, as well as hand draw background shapes and templates to accompany product photographs. This hand drawn media was usually then combined with photographic media, all of which was "cut and pasted" onto backing media to produce a "proof." Once approved by a customer, the proof was then photographed and developed into a final photographic form suitable for use with commercial printing equipment for mass production of the print media.

In addition to the "by hand" efforts associated with the graphic elements, photographs, and artwork, the accompanying text and numerical information, such as brand name, product description, and product pricing information (commonly referred to as "sales plan data"), was stored in document form and kept in a manual filing system for later retrieval. Systems of this sort required large amounts of clerical time and storage space for proper organization and maintenance and were prone to loss and/or misplacement of the relevant artwork and sales plan data.

Because all of the design and layout functions of print media were done by hand, "last minute" changes to such things as pricing or product packaging required graphic designers to completely recreate the advertising proof. As a result, such changes were extremely time intensive and very expensive. Quite often, when faced with a deadline based on, for example, newspaper circulation, a change would be impossible to effect in a timely fashion.

With the advent of computers, the processes of graphic design and creation have changed dramatically and have become somewhat automated. There are numerous software applications available for use with personal computers ("PCs") for creating or "drawing" visual media (commonly referred to as "graphic design software"), for recording and tracking text and numerical data (commonly referred to as "database software"), for tracking digital media (commonly referred to as "media asset management software"), and for manipulating and editing digital media (commonly referred to as "image-editing software").

With respect to graphic design software, a large number of software applications are commercially available with capabilities ranging from simple drawing or "paint" programs to highly sophisticated publishing programs such as QuarkXPress™. With publishing software such as QuarkXPress , a graphic designer can easily and quickly utilize precision typography, layout, and color control functions to produce visual media for brochures, sales flyers, and the like. This type of software has virtually eliminated the need for hand drawing and lettering in commercial publishing and printing. Indeed, with the advent of the Internet, large amounts of publishing are created using hyper text markup language ("html") or similar electronic formats for direct use on web pages and advertising on the Internet.

With respect to database software, a large number of software applications are also available for recording and tracking text and numerical data. As with graphic design software, database software is available with a wide range of functionality and productivity. The database application most widely used in the printing and publishing fields, in which PCs are widely used, is known as Filemaker^® Pro. With this type of database software, the need for retaining a hard copy of product name, product description, and product pricing information is virtually nonexistent. Database software also allows for quick updates to such information and for easier transmission of such information from a customer to a publishing and printing company.

With respect to media asset management software, a large number of software applications are also available for tracking, locating, and managing digital media items. As with graphic design and database software, media asset management software is available with a wide range of functionality and productivity. The media asset management software most widely used in the printing, photography, and publishing fields is known as Cumulus^®. This type of software is used for tracking and locating digital media items. By assigning identifying information to each digital media item, media asset management software allows a user to track large numbers of such items. Media asset management software also allows a user to quickly locate particular items in digital, computer-based format through the use of text searches and convenient visual display devices such as reduced-pixel size (or "thumbnail") representations of the graphic and visual elements. With media asset management software, the need to create and maintain hard copy indices or hard copies of graphic and visual media is virtually nonexistent. Accordingly, media asset management software works with digital media to allow a user to use a database application to track this type of media, without the need to also maintain a hard copy index for the actual digital media items.

With respect to image-editing software, a large number of software applications are also available for the manipulation and editing of digital media items. As with graphic design, database, and media asset management software, image- editing software is available with a wide range of functionality and productivity. The image-editing software most widely used in the printing, photography, and publishing fields is known as Adobe^® Photoshop^®. This type of software is used for such tasks as manipulating and editing digital media by, for example, increasing and decreasing image resolution and size and/or by changing the digital format or printing format. With image-editing software, the need to create and/or enlarge additional hard copy photographic images is virtually nonexistent.

Despite the revolution in the publishing and printing fields brought about by computer software, a large number of time-consuming, manual tasks remain in creating the design and layout of advertising media. For example, a graphic designer must use a graphic design software program to create a "layout" for the overall design of a piece of visual media. Creating such a layout involves configuring a software file with a series of formatting decisions such as margins, sizing, and "x-y" coordinates for the placement of text and numerical information and for digital media. Once the layout is created, the designer must manually transfer each piece of text and numerical information from the database application into the graphic design software. In addition, the graphic designer must manually transfer each piece of digital media into the graphic design software from the location at which it is normally stored. This effort is not only time-consuming, but prone to human error due to the tedious nature of the tasks involved. Because each text, numerical, and digital media item must be placed into the layout manually, last minute changes to such elements, although easier to make than during the pre-computer software era, are still somewhat difficult and time-consuming and, therefore, expensive.

Accordingly, there is a need in the graphic arts community for a method and system for further automating the integration of text and numerical data and digital media items with the design specifications of an item of print or other forms of advertising media. There is a further need in the graphic arts community for a technology that prevents the repetitive, inefficient nature of such tasks. A further need exists for a technology that requires less man-hours for completing such tasks, thereby reducing the amount of human error often associated with those tasks . A further need exists for a technology that allows for last minute changes to the individual data elements to be integrated into visual advertising media, such as last minute pricing changes and/or product description information. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the aforementioned problems existing in the prior art. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a computer system is assembled consisting of a personal computer with an operating system, a graphic design software application, a database software application, a media asset management software application, and a software application that automates, coordinates, and integrates the functionality of the other three software applications for the creation of advertising media. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, a method is practiced through the use of the aforementioned computer system to automate, coordinate, and integrate the creation of advertising media.

After being engaged by a client to produce advertising media, a graphic designer practices the present invention by configuring various software applications and files to serve as an advertising design "template" and as storage locations for the client's advertising data. In providing service to a client, the present invention can be configured and practiced to accept advertising data in electronic format, or to allow for the importing of advertising data taken from hard copy.

After setting up the required template and storage files, the present invention allows a graphic designer to review and edit the pertinent text and numerical data associated with the advertised products and to make necessary corrections and changes at any time during the design and layout process. This aspect of the invention is made feasible by the use of a software application for the integration and coordination of the functionality of three "off-the-shelf software applications. By automating the coordination and integration of the three primary software applications, the present invention overcomes the "total manual entry" aspects of the prior art and allows for fast, repeated layout creation based upon the initial creation of master templates and storage locations for customer sales plan data. This software integration enables a graphic designer to create and build new elements of an item of advertising media and to make numerous changes to the advertising media, including "last minute" changes. Another aspect of the present invention provides novel functionality that allows the user to seek and receive customer review and verified approval of the advertising sales plan data and the advertising layout prior to producing a proof and/or final printed or published advertising product. In addition, another aspect of the present invention provides novel functionality that allows the user to track, record, and compare product placement and product sales plan data. A further aspect of the present invention provides the user with three novel graphical user interfaces for control and manipulation of three separate types of "off- the-shelf software applications that are used in the creation of advertising media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the system architecture of a system of computer software that is suitable for practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary display screen of a first graphical user interface for using the automation and integration functions and data entry and manipulation functions of the method and system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a logic flow diagram illustrating a first portion of an exemplary process for automating and integrating the design and layout of advertising media.

FIG. 4 is a logic flow diagram illustrating a second portion of an exemplary process for automating and integrating the design and layout of advertising media. FIG. 5 is a logic flow diagram illustrating a third portion of an exemplary process for automating and integrating the design and layout of advertising media.

FIG. 6 is a logic flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process for obtaining and integrating a newly produced item of graphic and/or visual media into the overall method and system of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an exemplary display screen of a second graphical user interface for utilizing the sales plan verification functions of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an exemplary display screen of a third graphical user interface for utilizing the merchandise tracking functions of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed toward a method and system for automating the creation of advertising media through the integration and coordination of existing software applications and using a computer system. This method and system allow a user to avoid time-consuming, repetitive tasks involved in creating advertising media and allow for increased flexibility for last minute design changes and corrections.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer system that is suitable for practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 4 and an operating system 6 for controlling operation of software applications utilized in the creation of advertising media. The system 2 further includes a number of peripheral devices for user control and data entry, such as a keyboard and a mouse 12, a video display 14, and secondary storage devices 16 such as a hard drive or an external data storage system such as a tape or CD backup. System 2 may also be connected to the Internet 8. The system 2 further comprises a graphic design software application 18, such as QuarkXPress™. Such an application allows a user to utilize precision typography, layout and color control functions to produce visual media for brochures, sales flyers, and the like. The system 2 further comprises a database software application 20, such as Filemaker^® Pro. Such an application allows a user to store and retrieve text and numerical information regarding advertised products and services for inclusion in advertising media. The system 2 further comprises a media asset management software application 22, such as Cumulus^®. Such an application allows a user to track the location of and easily retrieve elements of digital media such as graphics and digitized photographs for inclusion in advertising media. The system 2 also can be used in conjunction with an image-editing software application (not shown), such as Adobe^® Photoshop^®. Finally, the present invention includes a software scripting application 26 for integrating and coordinating the functionality of the three aforementioned software applications 18, 20, 22. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention utilizing an Apple^® Macintosh^® personal computer, scripting application 26 comprises a language interface application produced by a programming language such as AppleScript^®. A user interacts with system 2 through a graphical user interface 36.

As further seen in FIG. 1, the present invention utilizes customized data storage files for use with the aforementioned software applications. These data files include a "graphic map" file 28 for use with graphic design software application 18. A user creates an advertising template file for each type of advertising media product desired by a client. This embodiment also includes a database storage file 30 for storing text, numerical, and media data and a media asset management storage file 32 for storing the related digital media to be used in association with database application 20 and media asset management application 22. These data storage files 30, 32 contain the client's sales plan information and digital media associated with the client's advertising sales plan(s). This embodiment also includes digital media storage files, or "hot folders," 34 that are routinely reviewed by the scripting program on either the basis of preset time intervals or the transfer of an item of digital media into a hot folder 34. Once scripting application 26 detects an item of digital media within a hot folder 34, scripting application 26 interacts with the digital media item to edit the digital media item to conform to the specifications required for a particular client's template contained within graphic map file 28. Thereafter, scripting application 26 transfers a copy of the edited digital media item into the appropriate graphic map file 28 for the client's template and transfers at least one additional copy onto secondary storage device 16.

Although the illustrative embodiments herein will be generally described in the context of a series of applications running on an Apple^® Macintosh^® personal computer, those skilled in the graphic arts would recognize that the invention may be implemented in conjunction with a variety of operating system platforms and a variety of computer types. Moreover, the system block diagram of FIG. 1 is intended to be merely illustrative such that the present invention may also be practiced in other operating environments, such as Microsoft^® Windows^®, and with other commercially available software applications. As seen in FIG. 2, the present invention also comprises an exemplary graphical user interface (GUI) 102 through which a user is able to design and create advertising media. GUI 102 comprises a particular structure and contains a number of visual and text elements. The structure is created by executing commands contained within scripting application 26 and by utilizing the functionality and features of the other three applications 18, 20, 22. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, GUI 102 is displayed from within a "window" 104 of database application 20. However, due to the customized structure and visual elements, the user perceives that the interface constitutes a separate and distinct software application interface.

As further seen in FIG. 2, GUI 102 provides a digital media display box 106 for displaying a thumbnail image 108 of a digital media file for a user-selected product and a display box 110 for displaying stylized text and numerical information reflecting brand name, description, and pricing information relating to the chosen product. GUI 102 further provides a display box 112 for displaying tracking and identifying information 114 regarding thumbnail image 108 displayed in digital media display box 106. The digital media file for thumbnail image 108 and accompanying tracking and identifying information 114 are imported into GUI 102 by scripting application 26 via the media asset management application 22.

GUI 102 also provides a series of text input/display blocks 116 for accepting and displaying data elements 118 reflecting the product's SKU number (UPC Code), pricing information, product and brand name, category of product, and product keywords for conducting product searches. These text and numerical data elements 118 are displayed within GUI 102 by scripting application 26 via database application 20.

GUI 102 also provides layout input/display blocks 120 for accepting and displaying data 122 reflecting the coordinates for positioning the digital media file for a chosen product within the pre-selected advertising template layout. In addition, GUI 102 contains a display box 124 for a job number which may be assigned to each advertising media project. These data elements 122, 124 are displayed within GUT 102 by scripting application 26 via graphic design application 18.

GUI 102 also provides a series of user-selectable buttons 126 for the purpose of activating scripting application 26 and the corresponding features and functionality of graphic design application 18, database application 20, media asset management application 22, and the image editing software application. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2, GUI 102 comprises buttons 126 for building a virtual proof (i.e., an electronic format such as html), checking for product layout conflicts, pagination functions, insertion of product records (both graphics and text/numerical data), modifying a product record, and searching for digital images. This exemplary embodiment further comprises buttons for searching, browsing, previewing, and sorting product records with database application 20.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are exemplary logic flow diagrams of a computer-implemented method for creating advertising media. FIGS. 3 and 4 provide an overview of the entire process where step 302 is the first step of the process. In step 302, the user creates the client-specific advertising design template based upon layout specifications chosen by a client. This advertising design template consists of multiple master pages, each of which can have a different layout and structure and each of which are linked together by a language interface application, such as AppleScript®. Also during step 302, the user creates the client-specific image storage file for use with the media asset management application and the client-specific data file for the database application. During step 304, the user then conforms the scripting software to interact with the client-specific advertising template. In step 306, the user (or the user's supervisor) reviews the conformed scripting code for errors. If errors are detected, then the process returns to step 304. If no errors are detected, the conformed script code is backed up to a secondary storage device(s) in step 308, and the user proceeds to step 310.

After the user has configured the invention for a particular customer and customer order, the user utilizes the scripting application in step 310 to create the order-specific data file for retaining the final advertising media. Thereafter, in step 312, the user solicits and/or receives the advertising sales plan data from the client. Such data may be received in electronic form, such as a database file or in other electronic text formats, or it may be received in hard copy. If the data is received in electronic format, the client (or the user) may directly import the data into the database and/or image storage data files in step 314. If the data is received in hard copy format in step 316, the user would normally arrange for manual entry of the data via user input devices in step 318. In either case, the user would review all digital media items in step 320 to ensure that such items were formatted properly for the particular client. If any such digital media items were improperly formatted, the user would place such improperly formatted digital media items into the appropriate hot folders in step 322 where they would be properly formatted.

In step 326, the user imports the electronically formatted sales plan data into the new sales plan file. In step 328, the user manually reviews the sales plan data to determine whether it contains all the necessary digital media items. If the sales plan data does not contain all required digital media items in step 328 the user may proceed to undertake the detailed process flow for obtaining the required digital media in step 330, as reflected in FIGS. 5-6 to be discussed later herein. If, however, the sales plan data contains all required digital media items, the user proceeds, in step 332 to follow the detailed process flow reflected in FIG. 4.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the user then activates the scripting application in step 402. In step 404, the scripting application then opens the graphic design application, including the client's advertising template and graphic design order-specific data file; the database application and the client's sales plan data file; and the media asset management application and the digital media storage file. The operator then interacts with GUI 102 to insert all the text, numeric, and digital media into the advertising template in step 406. The scripting program then presents the user with a screen display of an initial layout of the advertising media.

At this point, the user (or a supervisor) visually reviews the initial layout for errors with positioning and other inaccuracies in step 408. If there are any scaling errors with respect to digital media, the user proceeds to step 410 where an inspection and determination are made as to whether the digital media is usable with the specifications contained within the advertising template. If the image is usable, the user proceeds to step 412 and manually searches for, recopies, and reinserts the digital media item into the advertising template. The user (or a supervisor) then reinspects the initial layout for accuracy in a repeat of step 408. If any digital media items are unusable with the specifications contained in the advertising template, the user creates a list of digital media items for original production as reflected in step 414 and proceeds to the steps in the flow diagram shown in FIG. 6 discussed later herein.

Once the initial layout is determined to be accurate, it is produced in "proof form in step 416, which can be either an electronic or "virtual" proof in html or similar file format or a hard copy printout of the advertising layout. Once the proof is produced, it is delivered to the client in step 418. Thereafter, the client reviews the proof for accuracy and returns the proof to the user with a list of desired changes or corrections in step 420. In step 422, the user determines whether the proof requires changes or corrections. If changes or corrections are necessary, the user manually enters the necessary typesetting and image changes into either the client template or through GUI 102 in step 424. If the changes are entered through GUI 102, the user may then return to step 406 and reexecute the sales plan data insertion process. If the proof does not require changes or correction, or following the completion of such changes and corrections, then the process proceeds to step 426 where the user delivers the final advertising media to a commercial printer for mass production of the advertising media.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary logic flow diagram of a process for obtaining digital media required by a client's advertising sales plan in connection with the present invention. In step 502, the user conducts a SKU number (UPC Code) search of the client's image storage file to locate existing digital media items. If the necessary digital media items are located, the user imports the necessary digital media item(s)' identifying information into the new sales plan data file in step 504. The process then returns to step 402 in FIG 4. If the items are not present in the client's image storage file, the user searches his/her master digital media database for the necessary digital media in step 506. If the necessary digital media are not present therein, the user compiles a list of needed digital media elements for original production in step 508. Then, in step 509, the user proceeds to step 602 in FIG. 6.

If the digital media elements are located in the master digital media database, the user presents the client with the opportunity to license or purchase the image for inclusion in the client's advertising media and the digital media item is sent to the client in step 510. If the client chooses to license or purchase the digital media item, the user creates a digital media data file for tracking such digital media within the database application in step 512. In step 514, the user imports the digital media item(s) into the new sales plan data file and the digital media file. Thereafter, in step 516, the user returns to step 402 of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is an exemplary logic flow diagram of a process for identifying and obtaining original digital media items for use in the present invention. In step 602, the user compiles a list of all needed digital media items and their corresponding SKU numbers (UPC codes). In step 604, the user procures original photographic material (either analog or digital) reflecting the needed digital media items. In step 606, the user digitizes the media item if its original source is analog. The SKU number (UPC code) of the associated product may be used as the name or identifier for the digital media item. In step 608, the digital media item is copied into the master digital media database. This digital media may then be backed up to multiple secondary storage devices for daily and long-term archival purposes in steps 610 through 616. Once the needed digital media item is imported into the master digital media database, it is reformatted (if necessary) in step 618 into a digital file format and size that is supported by both the media asset management application and the graphic design application and that meets the client's needs. Once the needed digital media item has been properly formatted and sized, the user (or a supervisor) visually inspects the image for quality control purposes in step 624. If the digital media item is satisfactory, the user imports it into the client's digital image storage data file and links the item to the client's database application data file in step 626. The new digital media item is now ready for use with the client's advertising template in step 628. FIG. 7 reflects an exemplary display screen of a second graphical user interface 702 for utilizing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that comprises customer sales plan verification functions. In this embodiment, the second GUI 702 includes a series 704 of authorization "check-off boxes and comment input lines. If the present invention is configured to operate over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the Internet, the user and client may both access the second GUI 702 so that the client may review the individual product records 706, including the text, numerical, and digital media elements. The client may then provide rapid, electronic approval of each of the individual records 706 by using an input device to "check-off the relevant portions of each record or to directly input required changes or corrections into the comment input lines. Thereafter, the user may also access the second GUI 702 and manually enter the required changes or corrections.

FIG. 8 reflects an exemplary display screen of a third graphical user interface 802 for utilizing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that comprises tracking of product sales data. Market research has shown a direct link between sales volumes of particular products and their physical placement and prominence within advertising media. In this embodiment, the third GUI 802 comprises a series 804 of data reporting lines of a product's sales data over a time period chosen by the client. Through the database application, the third GUI 802 then links this sales data to the selected product's positioning data. If the present invention is configured to operate over a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or the Internet, the user and client may both access the third GUI 802 so that the client may review the individual product sales records and make future product placement decisions based upon this information and directly enter those placement decisions into the third GUI 802. If the present invention is not configured for direct customer access, such information may still be transmitted and shared with the client indirectly to inform product placement decisions.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. In a computer environment having a processing unit, a memory storage device, a video display, and computer programs, wherein the computer programs include a database application, a graphic design application, a media asset management application, and an executable application that coordinates the functions and features of the other applications, a method comprising the steps of: creating a template for the creation of visual advertising media utilizing the computer programs; obtaining sales plan data and visual media; entering the sales plan data and visual media into the database and media asset management applications, respectively; and executing the executable application to import the sales plan data and visual media into the template.

2. A method according to Claim 1, further comprising the step of submitting the sales plan data to a customer for review and approval via a computer network.

3. A method according to Claim 1, further comprising the steps of: tracking product placement information of products contained within the sales plan data within the database application; tracking sales performance data of the products within the database application; linking the product placement information to the sales performance data within the database application; and submitting the linked information to a customer for review via a computer network.

4. A computer system for creating visual advertising media, comprising: a processing unit; a memory storage device; a video display; and a plurality of computer programs comprising a database application; a media asset management application; a graphic design application; and a scripting application that coordinates and integrates the functionality of the other applications, wherein said processing unit is responsive to the instructions of said programs and is operable to implement the steps comprising: creating a template for the creation of visual advertising media utilizing the computer programs; obtaining sales plan data and visual media; entering the sales plan data and visual media into the database and media asset management applications, respectively; and executing the scripting application to import the sales plan data and visual media into the template.

5. The system of Claim 4, wherein said processing unit is further operable to implement the step of submitting the sales plan data to a customer for review and approval via a computer network.

6. The system of Claim 5, wherein said processing unit is further operable to implement the steps of: displaying, on said display device, the sales plan data and the visual media; and displaying, on said display device, data capture blocks for a user to indicate approval of and input comments directed to the displayed sales plan data and visual media.

7. The system of Claim 4, wherein said processing unit is further operable to implement the steps of: tracking product placement information of products contained within the sales plan data within the database application; tracking sales performance data of the products within the database application; linking the product placement information to the sales performance data within the database application; and submitting the linked information to a customer for review via a computer network.

8. In a computer system having a graphical user interface including a display and a user interface selection device, a method of providing and selecting from a menu on the display, comprising the steps of: inputting and editing sales plan data in computer applications, the sales plan data comprising text and numerical data and visual media; exporting and importing the sales plan data from and to the applications; and displaying the sales plan data on the display.

9. In a computer system having a graphical user interface including a display and a user interface selection device, a method of providing and selecting from a menu on the display, comprising the steps of: inputting and editing product placement data regarding products contained within sales plan data within a database application; inputting and editing sales performance data regarding the products; linking the product placement data to the sales performance data within the database application; and displaying simultaneously the product placement data and the sales performance data for review by a user.

10. A method of creating advertising media, comprising the steps of: storing data of a database application; storing a digital media of a media asset management application; storing a graphic design template of a graphic design application; and coordinating and integrating the functions and features of the database application, the media asset management application, and the graphic design application to produce an advertising medium.

11. A method according to Claim 10, wherein said coordinating and integrating step comprises: displaying a graphical user interface on a computer display device; and retrieving data for display on the graphical user interface from one of the database application, the media asset management application, and the graphic design application.

12. A method according to Claim 11, wherein said coordinating and integrating step further comprises: inputting and editing, through the graphical user interface, data for one of the database application, the media asset management application, and the graphic design application.

13. A method according to Claim 11, further comprising the step of: producing a proof of the advertising medium by integrating data associated with the database application, the media asset management application, and the graphic design application.

14. A method according to Claim 13, further comprising the step of: submitting the proof to a customer for review and approval via a computer network.

15. A method according to Claim 11, wherein, in said retrieving step, data is retrieved from one of the database application, the media asset management application, the graphic design application, and an image-editing application, and wherein, in said coordinating and integrating step, the functions and features of the database application, the media asset management application, the graphic design application, and the image-editing application are integrated to produce the advertising medium.

16. A method according to Claim 11 , further comprising: creating the graphic design template for the advertising medium; inputting sales plan data into a database storage file of the database application; importing the sales plan data into the template; and importing the digital media from the media asset management application into the template.

17. A method of creating advertising media, comprising the steps of: creating a database storage file that stores data from a database application; creating a media asset management storage file that stores digital media from a media asset management application; creating a graphic map storage file that stores an advertising template from a graphic design application; and coordinating and integrating the functions and features of the graphic design application, the database application, and the media asset management application to produce an advertising medium.

18. A method according to Claim 17, wherein said coordinating and integrating step comprises: displaying a graphical user interface that allows inputting and retrieving data and digital media from the database storage file of the database application, the media asset management storage file of the media asset management application, and the graphic map storage file of the graphic design application.

19. A method according to Claim 18, further comprising the steps of: storing sales plan data in the database file of the database application; storing digital media in the media asset management storage file of the media asset management application; importing the sales plan data into the template; importing the digital media into the template; and producing a proof of the advertising medium based on the template.

20. A method according to Claim 19, further comprising the step of: editing the sales plan data stored in the database file to produce a final version of the advertising medium.

21. A method according to Claim 20, wherein said editing step comprises interacting with the graphical user interface to change the sales plan data stored in the database file.

22. A computer system for creating advertising media, comprising: a processing unit that controls the operation of said system; a memory storage device that stores data and applications processed by said processing unit; and a video display that displays a graphical user interface through which an operator interacts with said system; wherein said processing unit is operable to implement a method comprising the steps of: storing data of a database application; storing digital media of a media asset management application; storing a graphic design template of graphic design application; and coordinating and integrating the functions and features of the database application, the media asset management application, and the graphic design application to produce an advertising medium by retrieving data for display on the graphical user interface from one of the database application, the media asset management application, and the graphic design application.

23. A system according to Claim 22, wherein the method further comprises the step of: inputting and editing, through the graphical user interface, data for one of the database application, the media asset management application, and the graphic design application.

24. A system according to Claim 23, wherein the method further comprises the step of: producing a proof of the advertising medium by integrating data associated with the database application, the media asset management application, and the graphic design application.

25. A system according to Claim 24, wherein the method further comprises the step of: submitting the proof to a customer for review and approval via a computer network.

26. A system according to Claim 22, wherein, in the coordinating step, data is retrieved from one of the database application, the media asset management application, the graphic design application, and an image-editing application, and wherein the functions and features of the database application, the media asset management application, the graphic design application, and the image-editing application are integrated to produce the advertising medium.

27. A system according to Claim 22, wherein the method further comprises: creating the graphic design template for the advertising medium; inputting sales plan data into the database application; importing the sales plan data into the template; and importing the digital media from the media asset management application into the template.

28. A system according to Claim 27, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: creating a database storage file in which the sales plan data of the database application is stored; creating a media asset management storage file in which the digital media of the media asset management application is stored; and creating a graphic map storage file in which the graphic design template of the graphic design application is stored.

29. A system according to Claim 28, wherein the method further comprises the step of: producing a proof of the advertising medium based on the graphic design template.

30. A system according to Claim 29, wherein the method further comprises the step of: editing the sales plan data stored in the database file to produce a final version of the advertising medium.

31. A system according to Claim 30, wherein the editing step comprises interacting with the graphical user interface to change the sales plan data stored in the database file.