Method, System & Services for Electronic & Physical Business Card Design, Procurement, Printing, Billing, Electronic

Storage; And Contact Administration, Management, Exchange & Tracking, for both Individuals & Organizations

1. Description

1.1. FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments in accordance to the present invention provides a "One-Stop" Solution in relation to methods, systems and services to design, procure, print Business or Name Cards and store electronically, as well as, administer, synchronize, track and exchange Contact information over Intranet, Internet, telecommunication, smart, wireless, portable and mobile devices.

1.2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATEDART

[0002] In today's context where all of us meet different people throughout the different phases of our life, very often we lose contact with most of our old friends or contacts due to changes in our contact details such as change in telephone or mobile numbers, change in address, relocation to other countries, change in companies they are working at, just to name a few examples. Sometimes, it is difficult or some may find it a hassle to update all our contacts or friends on these changes. The development of technology has given us an opportunity to communicate with one another using the advance method through the Internet, mobile and wireless communications. The Internet was first invented as a mean of communication tool by the military force. When the Internet was opened for public use, it was the largest ever communication channel where people can get in touch using the electronic mail or better known as email. Through the development of information and communications technology, the communication channel through the Internet, wireless and mobile devices have evolved into another stage where instant messenger, SMS, MMS and blue-tooth were introduced. Instant messenger tool such as ICQ, AOL and MSN were the popular communication tool in the Internet world. As of today, the emergence of the social networking sites has given a major impact on the world's communication method. These social networking sites such as Linkedin, Facebook, mySpace and Friendster are pretty much like a combined version of both the instant messenger and email where we can communicate instantly through the webpage chat channel and also store contacts into the database. Blogs and Twitter have also brought mass updates and communication to the next level.

[0003] As one grow and progresses, contacts get increasingly important especially when he/she steps into the corporate world where business or name cards are simple common medium to help us get connected with one another, hi the past, business or name cards are normally used in corporate environments and institutions, however as time progresses, we now commonly see individuals or even students printing their own business or name cards or name cards as a form of contact medium exchange. Very often when we attend an event or a meeting or meet up with our corporate counterparts, we will come across the following familiar scenarios: "Oh, I have run out of business cards!", "My business cards are not ready yet!" or even "I have forgotten to bring my business cards!". These scenarios happen to almost every one of us and it is an awkward situation to be in.

However, to come to think of it, what are the contributing factors to these problems. Very frequently, a key factor is due to the delay in the printing of business or name cards as the office administrators are simply too busy or there are just too many procedures to follow in order to print the business or name cards timely. Further to the current practice of physical business or name card exchange, we also envisage that people will exchange business card or contacts through electronic means, such as using mobile and smart devices like Mobile or Hand-phone, Smart-phone, smartcard, as well as, via wireless and Internet channel.

[0004] Though the two problems stated above are considered not major to many people, they are very common problems that many people and companies tend to overlook.

Imagine how important contacts are, when you happen to require just a particular lost contact to bridge you with someone he/she knows for a business opportunity or emergency needs. Thus, a team of inspiring and dynamic researchers and developers is formed with a belief to resolve these commonly ignored problems and this is where the system, method and services are developed with one goal in mind— To Enable Everyone To Stay Connected Again Without Hassel and To ease Business or Name Card Printing and Exchange! 1.3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for design, procure or order, print physical Business or Name Cards and store electronically, as well as, administer, synchronize, track and exchange Contact information over Intranet, Internet, telecommunication, smart, portable, mobile and wireless devices in a seamless manner. This is an N-tier application.

[0006] hi the first embodiment of the present invention, a method and services of allowing a registered user or users or authorized company or organization users to Design, Procure or Order, Track the order status or log and receive the physical Business or Name Cards. In addition, it allows a Company administrator to Quality Check, Approve, Track the order status or logs and makes payment to the service provider printing the business or name card. Further to that, the service provider will be able to Review the business or name card Design, obtain user approval, Bill and update the supply or delivery status.

[0007] hi the second embodiment of the present invention, a method of allowing a registered user or group of users or authorized company or organization users and service provider(s) to Data Entry and Store electronically the Business or Name Card and the related Contact Information. It provides a systematic Contact tracking function with a "proprietary database engine" to ensure the availability of old contacts or history of each individual user by storing and linking all their old, current and new information, such as contacts like mobile phone number, address, company name, etc as when the user updates or amends their own profile. The business or name card and contact information will be stored in computer databases, such as a Server or Centralized database hosted either by the user company or a service provider, a Distributed database hosted at multiple sites, a Personal database by the user on his or her computer or laptop, a Mobile database by the user on his or her Mobile or Hand-phone, Smart-phone, portable or wireless storage device. The system allows the databases to be synchronized automatically or manually by the user based on the system's setting or configuration.

[0008] A user creates his or her contact profile online. The system running on Internet or Intranet network will store, track and update the user's groups of contacts automatically based on the group settings. These groups of contacts may also manually request for information update from the system, on their list of contacts.

[0009] In the third embodiment of the present invention, a method of allowing a registered user or group of users or authorized company or organization users to utilize commercial scanner(s) to scan business or name cards and perform data entry or input contact information into their email address book (such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Lotus Notes Address Book, Web Address Book, etc) and synchronize these information into the database of the system.

[0010] In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a method and services of allowing a registered user or group of users or authorized company or organization users to subscribe or engage by way of services that is chargeable, where a Service Provider scans the business or name cards and perform data entry or input contact information into the respective user's profile database in the system. The respective user is able to download these information manually or select automatic settings in the system to synchronize with his/her personal computer database, Mobile or Hand-phone, Smart- phone, portable or wireless storage device.

1.4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1.1.01: Overview of the Overall Network Diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0012] Figure 1.1.02: Another overview of the Overall Network Block Diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0013] Figure 1.2.01: Two key modules according to the embodiment of the present invention

[0014] Figure 1.2.02: One of the two key modules for Organization users (corporate usage) according to the embodiment of the present invention [0015] Figure 1.2.03: The second key module for Public users (consumer usage) according to the embodiment of the present invention

[0016] Figure 1.2.04: Overview of the Block Diagram for Organization users (corporate usage) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0017] Figure 1.2.05: Overview of the Block Diagram for Public users (consumer usage) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0018] Figure 1.2.06: Overview of the Mobile Application Controller Block Diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0019] Figure 13.01: Registration Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0020] Figure 1.3.02: is a representative screen illustration of "Account (user)

Registration" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0021] Figure 1.4.01: Business or Name Card Flowchart for Organization users (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0022] Figure 1.4.02: Business or Name Card Flowchart for Public users (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0023] Figure 1.4.03: Business or Name Card Design by User Flowchart for Public users (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0024] Figure 1.4.04: Business or Name Card Design by Designer Flowchart for Public users according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0025] Figure 1.4.05: Business or Name Card Template Upload Flowchart for

Organization users according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0026] Figure 1.4.06: Business or Name Card Template Upload Flowchart for Public users according to an embodiment of the present invention [0027] Figure 1.4.07: is a representative screen illustration of "View Business or Name Card Template" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0028] Figure 1.4.08: is a representative screen illustration of "Upload Business or Name Card Template" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0029] Figure 1.4.09: is a representative screen illustration of "Business or Name Card Setting" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0030] Figure 1.4.10: Business or Name Card Template Design Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0031] Figure 1.4.11: is a representative screen illustration of "Business or Name Card Template Designer (Front side)" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0032] Figure 1.4.12: is a representative screen illustration of "Business or Name Card Template Designer (Reverse side or Back)" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0033] Figure 1.4.13: Business or Name Card Preview Flowchart for Organization users according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0034] Figure 1.4.14: Business or Name Card Preview Flowchart for Public users according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0035] Figure 1.4.15: Business or Name Card Order Module for Organization users according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0036] Figure 1.4.16: Business or Name Card Order Module for Public users according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0037] Figure 1.4.17: is a representative screen illustration of "Business or Name Card Order" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0038] Figure 1.5.01: Business or Name Card Scanning Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention [0039] Figure 1.5.02: Business or Name Card Scanning Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0040] Figure 1.6.01: Electronic Business or Name Card and/or Contact Information Sharing Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0041] Figure 1.6.02: Response to Electronic Business or Name Card and/or Contact Information Sharing Request Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0042] Figure 1.7.01: Searching or Finding a Contact Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0043] Figure 1.7.02: is a representative screen illustration of "Search or Find a Contact" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0044] Figure 1.7.03: Response by Recipient User to Originating User for Business or Name and/or Contact Information Sharing Request Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0045] Figure 1.8.01: User Invitation Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0046] Figure 1.8.02: is a representative screen illustration of "Invite Users" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0047] Figure 1.9.01: Contact Management Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0048] Figure 1.9.02: Contact Information (Details) Update Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0049] Figure 1.9.03: Contact's Business or Name Card and Contact Information Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention [0050] Figure 1.10.01: User Management Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0051] Figure 1.10.02: is a representative screen illustration of "Group Detail Setting" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0052] Figure 1.10.03: is a representative screen illustration of "User Group Setting" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0053] Figure 1.10.04: Organization User's Invitation Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0054] Figure 1.11.01: User Notification Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0055] Figure 1.12.01: Order Approval for Business or Name Card Printing Request Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0056] Figure 1.13.01: Vendor (or Service Provider) Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0057] Figure 1.14.01: Mobile or Portable Device (such as Hand-phone, Smartphone, PDA or Wireless Device) Application Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0058] Figure 1.14.02: Mobile or Portable Device (such as Hand-phone, Smartphone, PDA or Wireless Device) Database Synchronization Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0059] Figure 1.14.03: Mobile or Portable Device (such as Hand-phone, Smartphone, PDA or Wireless Device) Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information Exchange Diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0060] Figure 1.14.04: Mobile or Portable Device (such as Hand-phone, Smartphone, PDA or Wireless Device) Bluetooth Technology vCard Exchange Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention [0061] Figure 1.14.05: Mobile (such as Hand-phone, Smartphone or PDA) MMS Technology Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information (in .vcf format) Exchange Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0062] Figure 1.14.06: Mobile (such as Hand-phone, Smartphone or PDA) Email vCard Exchange Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0063] Figure 1.15.01: Business or Name Card Ordering Flowchart (Module) for Organization users according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0064] Figure 1.15.02: Business or Name Card Ordering Flowchart (Module) for Public users according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0065] Figure 1.15.03: is a representative screen illustration of "Organization

Administrator— To Approve/Reject Printing Order requests" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0066] Figure 1.15.04: is a representative screen illustration of "Organization

Administrator - To Receive Electronic Business or Name Card from Vendor" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0067] Figure 1.15.05: is a representative screen illustration of "Administrator - To monitor the Business or Name Card printing ordering status" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0068] Figure 1.15.06: is a representative screen illustration of "Organization user - To manage Business or Name card printing order requests" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0069] Figure 1.15.07: is a representative screen illustration of "Vendor - To manage Business or Name Card printing order requests" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0070] Figure 1.16.01: Billing Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention [0071] Figure 1.16.02: A representative screen illustration of "Administrator- To generate Bills" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0072] Figure 1.16.03: A representative screen illustration of "Administrator - To print Bills" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0073] Figure 1.16.04: A representative screen illustration of an "Invoice" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0074] Figure 1.16.05: A representative screen illustration of "Administrator - To view Bills" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0075] Figure 1.16.06: A representative screen illustration of "Administrator- To view billing details" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0076] Figure 1.17.01: User Profile Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0077] Figure 1.17.02: A representative screen illustration of "Basic User Information" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0078] Figure 1.17.03: A representative screen illustration of "Business Information" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0079] Figure 1.17.04: A representative screen illustration of "Personal Information" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0080] Figure 1.17.05: A representative screen illustration of "User Profile History" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0081] Figure 1.18.01: Email Software's Address Book (or Contact) Synchronization Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0082] Figure 1.18.02: A representative screen illustration of "Synchronization Toolbar" used in embodiments of the present invention [0083] Figure 1.18.03: A representative screen illustration of "Synchronization Progress Bar" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0084] Figure 1.19.01: Organization Information Creation and Maintenance Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0085] Figure 1.20.01: New User Registration by Administrator Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0086] Figure 1.20.02: A representative screen illustration of "New User Registration by Administrator" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0087] Figure 1.21.01: Report Generation Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0088] Figure 1.21.02: A representative screen illustration of "Business or Name Card Printing Order Status Report Selection" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0089] Figure 1.21.03: A representative screen illustration of "Printing Order Status Report" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0090] Figure 1.21.04: A representative screen illustration of "Billing Information Report" used in embodiments of the present invention

[0091] Figure 1.22.01: Electronic Business or Name Card Database Pool Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0092] Figure 1.23.01: Web based Email (or Contact) Address Book Synchronization Flowchart (Module) according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0093] Figure 1.24.01 Business or Name Card Scanning Services Flowchart according to an embodiment of the present invention 1.5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONS

[0094] The illustrative embodiments of the present invention described below are related to methods, systems and services for enhancing business or name card design, procurement, electronic storage, contact management and exchange on a centralized, distributed and personal database. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the business or name card procurement and contact management, and will cover the manner the users will exchange and manage these information in their daily life (whether as an organization or individual user).

[0095] Figure 1.1.01 shows the user using a computer system (such as personal computer, laptop, notebook, netbook, office network computer) 1030, 1055 to access the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This is further illustrated in Figure 1.1.02. Figures 1.2.02, 1.2.03, 1.2.04, 1.2.05 shows the overview of the system and methods according to the embodiment of the present invention. Another user also uses a separate computer system 1025, 1050 to access the Business or Name Card and Contact Information system. These computer systems connect to the Internet 1005 through copper broadband, wireless technologies such as WiMAX, fibre optic, modem through telephone network, company local area network (or LAN) to access the server systems 1100, 1105, 1110. The server systems constitute the Internet or web server 1100; database server 1105 and file server 1110. As an embodiment of the present invention, the users will through the computer systems and the server uniform resource locator (URL) be able to register and join the Business or Name Card and Contact Information system as an authorized user, while creating their own profiles (with personal, company, interest, professional groups, etc) and storing their information and electronic business or name card on the database server. Either users can invite and exchange their Contact Information, including the electronic business or name card via the servers through the Internet connection 1005. Further to that, the user synchronize his/her profile information between the database server 1105 with his/her standalone database on the computer system 1030, 1055 (such as outlook, outlook express, Lotus Notes and Lotus Domino address book), which is one

embodiment of the present invention. The user also synchronizes his/her Web address books (such as those on gmail, yahoo, hotmail accounts, etc) with the contact information of the database server 1105, another embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Secondly, the user using a computer system (such as personal computer, laptop, notebook, netbook, office network computer) 1030, 1055 to access the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The user also connects his/her mobile or portable device (such as PDA, Mobile or Hand-phone, Smartphone, USB device, wireless or other smart device) 1040, 1065 to the computer system 1030, 1055. The user synchronizes his/her address book or contact information with the computer system.

[0097] Thirdly, the user using a mobile or portable device (such as PDA, Mobile or Hand-phone, Smartphone, USB device, wireless or other smart device) 1015 to access the Business or Name Card and Contact Information system 1100, 1105, 1110 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Another user also use a separate mobile device 1018 to access the Business or Name Card and Contact Information system. These mobile or portable devices connect to the telecommunication or wireless network 1010 through telecommunication exchanges or satellites, which connects to the Internet 1005 through a telecommunication-Internet communication translation system, to access the server systems 1100, 1105, 1110. The server systems constitute the Internet or web server 1100; database server 1105 and file server 1110. As an embodiment of the present invention, the users will through the mobile or portable devices and the server 1815 (of Figure 1.2.06) web link or URL to access their Business or Name Card and Contract Information System as an authorized user. The user synchronize their on-line database server profile 1105 with their mobile or portable device 1015, as well as, download the electronic business or name card onto their mobile or portable device 1015. Another user also performs the same. Either user can exchange their Contact Information, including the electronic business or name card via the server through the Internet connection to the other user's email account. Either user can exchange their electronic business or name card sending it through SMS or MMS 1825 (of Figure 1.2.06) to the other party. Further to that, the user send through Bluetooth or other wireless connection (such as Infra Red) his/her profile electronic business or name card on the mobile or portable device to the other user's mobile or portable device, which is one embodiment of the present invention. The user then synchronizes 1830 (of Figure 1.2.06) this information on his/her mobile or portable device with the Web address books (such as those in gmail, yahoo, hotmail, Facebook, Linkedln accounts, etc) and the contact information of the database server 1105, another embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The next embodiments of the present invention as per Figure 1.1.01 described below are related to methods, systems and services for enhancing business or name card design, procurement and electronic storage by organization users and individual users.

[0099] An organization's (such as company, corporation, public and civil service, institution, club, etc) administrator or authorized personnel uses the computer system 1028, or service provider personnel uses the computer system 1098 to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. He/she uploads the business or name card background template using the computer system 1028 or 1098 respectively, onto the application server 1100 and stored in the database server 1105. He/she creates the business or name card fields such as name, job title or designation, department, address, telephone, facsimile, direct line, email, web URL, logo, motto on the front or back page of the business or name card. The attributes of these fields such as font size, font type and length of each field will be standardized and fixed by him/her. He/she sends invitation to the organization's respective users who are using computer systems 1025, 1030. Users invited to use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system registers and create their respective profile with their personal name, job title or designation, office contact number, mobile number, email account, etc using the computer system 1025, 1030 as an embodiment of the present invention. Corporate users will use the computer system 1025, 1030 to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system to order or procure their business or name card as when required, especially new employees. This embodiment of the present invention speeds up the business or name card procurement process with a centralized and distributed storage and workflow.

[0100] Further to above, a sub-contractor or Printing Service Provider of the Application Service Provider uses the computer system 1080 to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The sub-contractor or Printing Service Provider reviews and edit if necessary the business or name card background template using the computer system 1080 and update via the application server 1100 and stores in the database server 1105 for the specific organization which made the procurement or order request. The sub-contractor or Printing Service Provider prints the confirmed business or name card requested by an organization's user which have approved the order or procurement with a printer 1085 and makes delivery to the user or organization

concerned, as well as, update the order request status to the user or the organization concerned with the computer system 1080. The Printing or an Application Service Provider will bill or invoice using the computer system 1080 or 1098 respectively the user or organization upon delivering the business or name card to the user or the organization concerned.

[0101] The next embodiments of the present invention as per Figure 1.1.01 described below are related to methods, systems and services for scanning of business or name card, electronic storage and synchronizing with the contact information database on standalone, mobile or portable, web and centralized database.

[0102] A user from an organization 1025, 1030 or individual user 1015, 1018, 1055, 1060 engages or signs-up with the Application Service Provider to scan, organize and store the scanned business or name card electronically at a fee (as a paid subscriber). The main- contractor's personnel uses scanner 1120 connected to computer system 1128 to scan the hard copy business or name cards. The computer system 1128 connect the server systems 1100, 1105, 1110 via Internet or LAN to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information system 1100, 1105, 1110 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The electronic business or name cards are stored into the user profile based on the authorization given by the user or organization. The user synchronizes his/her contract information or electronic business or name card with his/her standalone contact database 1025, 1030, 1055, 1060 or mobile or portable database 1015, 1040, 1065 as per descriptions stated earlier.

[0103] Another embodiment of the present invention as per Figure 1.1.01 described below is related to methods and systems for contact information tracking and

management.

[0104] The application server 1100 and database server 1105 tracks and keeps the history of all contact or profile changes of each user automatically, as well as, notify the network of contacts of the user who has changed or updated his/her contact on such changes automatically. With this history log and tracking method, users will be able to use computer system 1025, 1030, 1055, 1060 and mobile or portable devices 1015, 1018, 1040, 1065 to still find lost contact(s) using previous contact information such as mobile phone number, contact name, address, telephone number, company name, etc on the database server 1105.

[0105] Figure 1.1.02 shows the overview of the network block diagram (another overview of Figure 1.1.01) according to the embodiment of the present invention. User equipment (such as a Personal Computer, Laptop, Notebook, Laptop, Network workstation) 1255 connects through the Communication and Network interface (such as Wireless Router, Broadband or ADSL Router, Wired Router and Modem) 1250 to the Internet or Intranet or Local Area Network (LAN) 1205. This is directed to the

Communication and Network interface 1225 to the server equipment (such as web server, application server, database server) 1230. The user computer graphics interface on User Equipment 1255 displays the Home Page or Main menu of the Business or Name Card and Contact Information System, through the Internet browser such as Microsoft IIS and other browsers (such as Firefox). The user profile, electronic business or name card and Contact information of the user are stored in the Server Equipment 1230 database. These information are also stored in the standalone database on the User Equipment 1255, based on user selection or setting. [0106] As an embodiment of the present invention, User Equipment 1255 sends or updates or exchanges the electronic business or name card and Contact Information through the Communication and Network Interface, which is then directed to the Internet 1205, followed by the Communication and Network Interface 1225 and finally connects to server equipment 1230. The server equipment 1230 automatically sends an email message or SMS to respective contacts of User Equipment 1255 to notify them about the updates or changes. User Mobile Equipment 1260 connects to User Equipment 1255 via wireless connection (Bluetooth, Infra Red) or wired connection (USB) to update, synchronize or exchange the business or name card and Contact Information.

[0107] As an embodiment of the present invention, User Equipment 1255 connects to Server equipment 1230 through the Communication and Network Interface and LAN, Intranet or Internet to send business or name card order request to sub-contractor or Printing Service Provider using User Equipment 1240. Sub-contractor or Printing or Application Service Provider's User Equipment 1240 connects to the server equipment 1230 to view, edit the business or name card and process the order and respond to User Equipment 1255 through the same connection.

[0108] Yet another embodiment of the present invention, User Mobile Equipment 1270 connects through the Telco Network 1210 and Internet 1205 to access the Server Equipment 1230 to access, view or update the electronic business or name cards and Contact Information. User Mobile Equipment 1270 connects to User Mobile Equipment 1280 via telecommunication (SMS, MMS) or wireless connection (Bluetooth, Infra Red) to exchange the electronic business or name card and Contact Information with the Mobile Controller (of Figure 1.2.06) installed in the respective User Mobile Equipment. Additionally, User Mobile Equipment 1270 accesses Server Equipment 1230 through mobile browsers to search, synchronize and/or update the electronic business or name cards and contact information stored in Server Equipment 1230.

[0109] Figure 1.2.01 represents the two key modules according to the embodiment of the present invention. The Organization User Module 1310 is further illustrated in detail in Figure 1.2.02 and the Public User Module 1315 is further illustrated in detail in Figure 1.2.03.

[0110] Figure 1.2.06 represents the Mobile Application Controller Block Diagram, the methods and system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The

Communication Interface 1805 will receive and transmit the data and image of the electronic business or name card and Contact Information to the Mobile Controller 1810 application. The Mobile Controller Application 1810 obtains and checks the User Manager 1815 for unique user identifier (such as PIN, SIM or User Login code). Upon confirmation and acceptance of the unique identifier, the Mobile Controller 1810 will obtain and update the Mobile Storage and Database Manager 1820 via the Mobile Exchange Manager 1825 for the electronic business or name card exchange; or via the Mobile Contact Synchronization Manager 1830 to synchronize the electronic business or name card and Contact Information between the Mobile Storage and Database Manager 1820 and the User Equipment 1255 database (Figure 1.1.02) or the Server Equipment 1230 database (Figure 1.1.02).

[0111] Figure 1.3.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2000 of registration according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the initial screen 2005, the user who receives an invitation link 2010 in his/ her email clicks on the invitation link (Uniform Resource Locator or URL) or a sms with a web link to access the registration module of the system. The organization user inputs the information 2020 during the registration and he/she is linked to his/her respective organization and department. On the other hand, the public user inputs the information 2025 during the registration and he/she is added into the inviter's contact list and vice versa. For new users who do not receive the invitation, he/she can register as a user directly through the system. This user inputs the information 2030 during the registration process. Upon successful registration 2045, the user receives notification 2050 from the system to confirm the registration, or the system displays an error message 2055 for any error during the registration process.

[0112] Figure 1.3.02 represents the screen illustration of "Account (user) Registration" used in the embodiments of the present invention. The user inputs the relevant information of all the fields 2110, 2115, 2120, 2125, 2130, 2135, 2140 and 2145 and clicks the check box 2160 to accept the the Terms of Use 2165 and Privacy Policy 2170 of the system. The user then clicks on the "Finish" button 2175 to complete the registration. For users who are already a member of the system, they click the "Sign in now" hyperlink 2105 to login to the system.

[0113] Figure 1.4.01 is a flow chart illustrating a method 3000 of creating a business or name card template process and uploading the completed template 3040 according to an embodiment of the invention (block 1633, 1636 of Figure 1.2.04). On the initial screen 3005, the Company Administrator or a designated user selects a list of business or name card template background 3010 earlier created by a business or name card designer or service provider. This user creates and edits the fields of the template such as name, job title or designation, department, address, telephone, facsimile, direct line, email, web URL, logo, motto on the front or back page of the business or name card. The attributes of these fields such as font size, font type and length of each field will be standardized and fixed by him/her.

[0114] An organization (such as company, corporation, public and civil service, institution, club, university, statutory board, etc) administrator or authorized personnel uses the computer system 1028 (of Figure 1.1.01), or service provider personnel uses the computer system 1098 to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 (of Figure 1.1.01) system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. He/she uploads the business or name card background template using the computer system 1028 or 1098 respectively, onto the application server 1100 and stored in the database server 1105. He/she creates the business or name card fields such as name, job title or designation, department, address, telephone, facsimile, direct line, email, web URL, logo, motto on the front or back page of the business or name card. The attributes of these fields such as font size, font type and length of each field will be standardized and fixed by him/her. He/she sends email or sms invitation to the organization's respective users who are using computer systems 1025, 1030. Users invited to use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system registers and create their respective profile with their personal name, job title or designation, office contact number, mobile number, email account, etc using the computer system 1025, 1030 as an embodiment of the present invention. Organization users (such as those from a company, institution, club, university statutory board, etc) will use the computer system 1025, 1030 to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system to order or procure their business or name card as when required, especially new employees, staffs or members. This embodiment of the present invention speeds up the business or name card procurement process with a centralized and distributed storage, through the created workflow.

[0115] Figure 1.4.02 is a flow chart illustrating a method 3100 for a public user to select 3110 whether to create the business or name card template on his/her own 3210 based on the templates available in the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 (of Figure 1.1.01) system or to select to engage a designer of a Printing Service Provider 3115 to create, design and upload the business or name card template according to an embodiment of the invention (block 1730, 1733 of Figure 1.2.05).

[0116] Figure 1.4.03 is a flow chart illustrating a method 3200 of creating a business or name card template process and uploading the completed template for viewing 3225 by public user according to an embodiment of the invention (block 1730, 1733 of Figure 1.2.05).

[0117] Upon a public user selecting to design his/her own business or name card 3120 (of Figure 1.4.02), the user will be prompted the initial screen 3205 (of Figure 1.4.03). The user uploads the background of the business or name card 3210.

[0118] The public user uses the computer system 1050 (of Figure 1.1.01) or service provider personnel uses the computer system 1098 to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 (of Figure 1.1.01) system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. He/she uploads the business or name card background template using the computer system 1050 or 1098 respectively, onto the application server 1100 and stored in the database server 1105. He/she creates the business or name card fields such as name, job title or designation, department, address, telephone, facsimile, direct line, email, web URL, logo, motto on the front or back page of the business or name card 3215 (of Figure 1.4.03). The attributes of these fields such as font size, font type and length of each field will be standardized and fixed by him/her. The public user will use the computer system 1050 to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system to order or procure their business or name card as when required. This embodiment of the present invention speeds up the business or name card procurement process with a centralized and distributed storage, as well as, workflow.

[0119] Figure 1.4.04 is a flow chart illustrating a method 3300 of creating a business or name card template process and uploading the completed template for viewing 3335 according to an embodiment of the invention (block 1730, 1733 of Figure 1.2.05).

[0120] Upon a public user selecting to engage a Designer of the Printing Service Provider to design his/her business or name card 3115 (of Figure 1.4.02), the user will either upload a ready business or name card background 3310 or request the Designer to design and create a new business or name card background 3315. Once the background of the business or name card has been approved and uploaded 3325, 3330, the Designer proceeds to create the business or name card template 3335 with relevant fields or information required by the said public user.

[0121] The Designer of the Printing or Service Provider, uses the computer system 1080 or 1098 respectively (of Figure 1.1.01) to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 (of Figure 1.1.01) system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. He/she creates the business or name card fields such as name, job title or designation, department, address, telephone, facsimile, direct line, email, web URL, logo, motto on the front or back page of the business or name card 3350 (of Figure 1.4.04). The attributes of these fields such as font size, font type and length of each field will be standardized and fixed by him/her. Upon the completion of the business or name card design and creation, the Designer sends the business or name card image to the Public user for review and confirmation 3350. Upon confirmation and saved 3360, the Public user can make an order 3370 of the business or name cards according to the quantity required

[0122] The public user uses the computer system 1050 to access and use the Business or Name Card and Contact Information 1100, 1105, 1110 system to order or procure their business or name card as when required. This embodiment of the present invention speeds up the business or name card procurement process with a centralized and distributed storage, as well as, workflow. For the printing orders, the public user makes online pre-payment to the Printing Service Provider or Application Service Provider.

[0123] Figure 1.4.05 is a flow chart illustrating a method 4000 of uploading the background template of business or name card of Organizations according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon an Organization's Administrator or a designated user or a Service Provider user selecting to upload the business or name card background template 3010 (of Figure 1.4.01), the user will be prompted the initial screen 4005 (of Figure 1.4.05). The said user uploads the front template of the business or name card background 4010. If the user has the back template of the business or name card background 4015, the said user can upload the back template of the business or name card background 4015 onto the system. After uploading the template of the business or name card background, the said user configures the setting of the uploaded template 4025. The said user sets the paper type, paper thickness, template width, template height and etc of the template. If the uploaded template is applied to a department or a group or a division of the Organization 4030, the user can select that particular department or group or division and set the template to be the default template for the department or group or division 4035. One template can applied to more than one department or group or division of the Organization. The said user is also able to set the template applied to individual Organization user 4045. The said user is able to select an Organization user in the Organization and set the template to be the default template for that Organization user. Further, the said user is able to apply the standard template for the whole Organization regardless of department or group or division 4050. The said user is able to edit the settings of the template 4065 before he/she completes the uploading process 4070, or as when necessary.

[0124] Figure 1.4.06 is a flow chart illustrating a method 4100 of uploading template of business or name card background template for public users (or consumers) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon a public user selecting to upload the business or name card background template 3210 (of Figure 1.4.03) or 3310 (of Figure 1.4.04), the user will be prompted the initial screen 4105 (of Figure 1.4.06). The user uploads the front template of the business or name card background 4110. If the user has the back template of the business or name card background 4115, the user can upload the back template of the business or name card background 4120 to the system. After uploading the template of the business or name card background(s), the user configures the setting of the uploaded template 4125. The user is able to set the paper type, paper thickness, template width, template height and etc of the template. The said user is able to edit the settings of the template 4130 before he/she completes the uploading process 4135, or as when necessary.

[0125] Figure 1.4.10 is a flow chart illustrating a method 5000 of designing the business or name card template according to the embodiment of the present invention. Upon the Service Provider 3015 (of Figure 1.4.01) or a Public user 3215 (of Figure 1.4.03) or a Designated Designer 3315 (of Figure 1.4.04) selecting to design the business or name card template, the said user will be prompted the initial screen 5005 (of Figure 1.4.10). The said user selects the available business or name card template from the list 5010, the business or name card designer tool will be displayed. The said user can select the language to be populated into the fields of the business or name card template 5015 either in English 5020 and/or other languages 5025 (Chinese, Japanese, Malay, etc). The said user can add a template field into the business or name card template 5030. A template field is a field that link to the information of the user profile. The said user is able to set the attributes of the field (font size, font type, length etc) and/or set the position of each field in the business or name card template 5035. The said user is also able to remove the added template field 5050. Upon completion of adding or editing the field, the said user proceeds to add other fields in the same manner. Further, the said user is able to add a custom field into the business or name card template 5055. The said user is able to input information into the custom field such as the Vision or Missions of an Organization and/or edit the attributes of the custom field (such as font size, font type, font color etc) and/or set the position of each field in the business or name card template 5060. The said user is able to remove the added custom field 5075. Upon completion of adding or editing the field, the said user will proceed to add other fields in the same manner. The business or name card designer tool enables the said user to add an image into the business or name card template 5080. The said user is able to edit the attributes of the image (such as image size, etc) and the position of the image in the business or name card template 5080. The said user is also able to remove the added image 5100. Upon completion of designing the business or name card template 5105, the said user will save the template design into the database of the system and the said user exits from the business or name card design tool 5110 module.

[0126] Figure 1.4.13 is a flow chart illustrating a method 6000 of previewing the designed business or name card template for Organization users according to the embodiment of the present invention. Upon an Organization Administrator or a designated user or Service Provider user 3055 (of Figure 1.4.01) or an Organization user selecting to preview the business or name card design after the completion of the business or name card design, the said user will be prompted the initial screen 6005 (of Figure 1.4.13). The system will retrieve the design data (attributes) of the respective business or name card, such as the template fields, custom fields and images 6010. The system will then retrieve the information from the user profile or Organization profile based on the template fields 6015. The system will populate the information into the business or name card template and display the business or name card with the relevant contents for the said user to preview 6020 for confirmation.

[0127] Figure 1.4.14 is a flow chart illustrating a method 6100 of previewing the business or name card for Public users according to the embodiment of the present invention. Upon a Public user 3230 (of Figure 1.4.03) or the said user 3355 (of Figure 1.4.04) selecting to preview the business or name card after the completion of the business card design, the said user will be prompted the initial screen 6105 (of Figure 1.4.14). The system will retrieve the design data (attributes) of the said user's business or name card such as template fields, custom fields and images 6110. The system will then retrieve the information from the said user's profile based on the template fields 6115. The system will populate the information into the business or name card template and display the business or name card with the relevant contents for the said user to preview 6120 for confirmation.

[0128] Figure 1.4.15 is a flow chart illustrating a method 7000 of ordering business or name card for Organization users according to the embodiment of the present invention. Upon an Organization user selecting to order the business or name card 27010 (of Figure 1.15.01), the said user will be prompted the initial screen 7005 (of Figure 1.4.15). The said user inputs the order quantity by typing the number of boxes of business or name card 7010 to be ordered, and for urgent order, the said user indicates this during the ordering process 7020. The said user then indicates the delivery address or the collection location 7030. By default, the printed business or name cards are delivered to the

Organization address specified in the Organization profile. When the said user submits the order 7035, the system retrieves the design data (attributes) of the business or name card template or the said Organization such as template fields, custom fields and images 7040. The system then retrieves the information from the said user's profile and

Organization's profile based on the template fields 7045 and generates the electronic image of the business or name card (JPEG format or other supported image formats) 7050. Upon completion of the order request, the order will be channeled to the relevant or authorized personnel of the said Organization by the system, for approval purpose. Upon approval, the order request will be channeled by the system to the Printing Service Provider to print the physical business or name card based on the electronic business or name card image of the said order requestor.

[0129] Figure 1.4.16 is a flow chart illustrating a method 7100 of ordering business or name card for Public users according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon a public user selecting to order the business or name card 27310 (of Figure 1.15.02), the said user will be prompted the initial screen 7105 (of Figure 1.4.16). The said user inputs the order quantity by typing the number of boxes of business or name card 7110 to be ordered, and for urgent order, the said user indicates this during the ordering process 7120. The said user then indicates the delivery address or the collection location 7130.

[0130] When the said user submits the order 7135, the system retrieves the design data (attributes) of the business or name card template such as template fields, custom fields and images 7140. The system then retrieves the information from the said user's profile based on the template fields 7145 and generates the electronic image of the business or name card (JPEG format or other supported image formats) 7150. Upon the order completion, the said user proceeds to the payment process 27315 (of Figure 1.15.02) and makes online pre-payment to the Printing Service Provider or Application Service Provider.

[0131] Figure 1.5.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 8000 of scanning business or name card Module for both Organization users and Public users according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the initial screen 8005, the said user executes a commercially available scanning program installed in the said user's computer system 8010 or loads JoinThatz website to use the online scanning system (module) 8015. For business or name card belonging to a particular contact or friend which is available in the contact list of the said user, the said user selects the record of this particular contact or friend from the respective group contact list 8035. The said user then selects to scan either the front or reverse (or back) side of the business or name card 8040. If the contact record of this particular contact or friend 8045 already exists in the group contact list of the said user, the said user then chooses whether to replace the existing contact records with the contact information (details) with the new details retrieved from the present scanning 8050 process. If the said user intends to replace the existing information, the said user then proceeds to the scan the business or name card 8055. Otherwise, the said user skips the scanning process. In cases where there is no contact record of that particular contact or friend 8045 in the said user's group of contact lists, the said user then proceeds to scan the business or name card 8055. Upon scanning the first side of the business or name card, the said user then proceeds to selecting to scan the reverse side of the business or name card 8060.

[0132] On the other hand, if the contact record of this particular contract of friend is not available in the said user's group of contact lists, the said user then proceeds with the business or name card scanning 8025 and the system creates a new contact record and populate the contact information (details) from the business or name card scanning process into the respective field of this particular contact or friend's contact record. The said user then selects to scan the reverse side of the business or name card 8030. Upon completion of the scanning process, the said user saves the contact record of this particular contact or friend 8065, and proceeds to scan other business or name card 8070 in the same manner or exit from the scanning program or the online scanning system 8075.

[0133] Figure 1.5.02 is a flow chart further illustrating a method 9000 of scanning the business or name card for both Organization users and Public users according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon the said user proceeds to scan the business or name card 8055 (of Figure 1.5.01), the said user then inserts the business or name card into a commercially available business or name card scanner 9010. If the said user configures the commercially available scanning program to scan 9015 with default and auto scanning settings, the scanner auto detects the business or name card once the said user inserts the business or name card onto the scanner for scanning 9025 purpose. If the said user did not set the scanning program to auto scan 9015, the said user has to click the scan button 9020 of the scanning program and the scanner will start to scan the business or name card 9025. After scanning, the scanning program will process the business or name card image 9030 and perform character recognitions 9035 and populate the data into the contact fields. The program then displays the scanned business or name card image with the contact information (details) 9040. For any incorrect contact information 9045, the said user can edit any incorrect contact information accordingly 9050. Upon completion of the scanning 9055, the said user can continue to scan the reverse side of the business or name card 8060 (of Figure 1.5.01) or save the contact information 8065 (of Figure 1.5.01).

[0134] Figure 1.6.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 10000 of sharing business or name card and/or contact information according to an embodiment of the present invention. The said user can share the business or name cards and/or contact information in his/her respective group contact list with his/her contacts or friends. When the said user receives request for sharing business or name card and/or contact information from his/her contacts or friends 10010 through the system, the said user responds to the business or name card sharing and/or contact information request accordingly. The said user is able to create a new sharing group for the business or name card and/or contact information 10035. After creating a group, the said user invites his/her contacts in the contact lists to join this sharing group 10045. A sharing request with the invitation message will be sent to his/ her contacts 10055 through email and/or sms by the system, and the said user can share the business or name cards and/or contact information in his/ her contact list 10065. The said user selects the business or name card and/or contact information to be shared with this sharing group 10065 where all the users in this sharing group are able to view the business or name card and/or contact information shared by the said user 10075. On the other hand, the said user can select the sharing groups he/she joins 10020 and view the business or name cards and/or contact information shared among all the users in the sharing group 10030. The said user is also able to invite his/her contacts to join the existing sharing group 10040.

[0135] Figure 1.6.02 is a flow chart illustrating a method 11000 of the business or name card and/or contact information sharing request response according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon the recipient user receiving a new business or name card and/or contact information sharing request 10010 (of Figure 1.6.01), the recipient user will be prompted the initial screen 11005. The recipient user is able to view the business or name card and/or contact information sharing requests from the requesting users 11015 to join the business or name card and/or contact information sharing group created by the requesting user. The recipient user is able to accept and approve the request 11025 to enable the requester to join the business or name card and/or contact information sharing group or the recipient user can reject the request 11035 and remove the request from the request list 11040. The same user is also able to view his/her request to join a business or name card and/or contact information sharing group 11045. If his/her request is approved 11050, the system allows this user to join the respective business or name card sharing and/or contact information group 11055. For request(s) which is/are pending acceptance, the said user is able to send reminders) 11065 to the respective user for acceptance to join the group.

[0136]Figure 1.7.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 12000 of finding contact according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the initial screen 12005, the user is able to search the system's database for a contact or person. The said user is able to search the contact using a single search criterion 12010. The said user searches by using search criteria such as a person's name, organization name, email address, telephone or mobile phone number, location or address, etc. The said user selects the type of criteria 12015 and inputs the keyword 12020 accordingly. The said user is also able search a contact using multiple search criteria 12025. The said user inputs the keyword for each search criteria 12030 and the system performs the search based on the said user's inputs. For advanced search function, the system searches the profile, as well as, the profile history in the database based on the search criteria 12045. Otherwise, the system searches only the profile in the database based on the search criteria 12040. The system then displays the search result for the said user 12050. For any contact or person that the said user searches that is found and not in the said user's contact list, the said user is able to add the contact information into his/her contact list 12055. A request will be send through they system to the contact or person 12060 for his/her acceptance as an authorized user. The said user is also able to view the responses or acceptance from other users to respond 12070 to the said user's requests. The said user is able to send reminders to other users 12080 for their pending responses or acceptance. The said user is also able to view the requests in his/her request queue from other users who have made the requests to add the said user's contact information into their contact list 12085. The said user is able to respond to these requests accordingly 12090. [0137] Figure 1.7.03 is a flowchart illustrating a method 13000 of responding to a contact's request according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon a recipient user responds to the contact request 12090 (of Figure 1.7.01), the recipient user will be prompted the initial screen 13005. After the recipient user approves the request 13015 from the respective originating user, the system retrieves the business or name card and contact information from the system's database and the business or name card and contact information will be added into the originating user's contact list 13020. The originating user then proceeds to the contact's business or name card and contact information management method 17000 (of Figure 1.9.03) to obtain or add the business or name card for the newly added contact person. On the other hand, if the recipient user rejects the request 13030, the recipient user then removes the contact request from the request list 13035.

[0138] Figure 1.8.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 14000 of inviting users according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the initial screen, the user selects the invite user method 14010 or selects the invitation history 14090 to view the invitation which has been sent by him/her. The said user can manually input the email addresses and/or mobile phone number of the contacts or persons that the said user intends to invite, to join the system 14055, 14070 and the said user inputs the message in the invitation 14085 email and/or sms. The system then generates an invitation email and/or sms and sends the invitation 14110 to the said user's contacts or persons input by the said user. The said user is also able to invite his/her contacts in his/her web mail address book 14015. The said user has to select the respective web mail provider such as Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail, etc 14020 and inputs his/her login name and password 14025 of his/her respective web mail account. The system then retrieves the contacts stored in the web mail address book 14030 of the respective web mail system. The said user then selects the contacts from the web mail address book 14035. The said user is able to add additional contacts from different web mail provider 14040 or he/she proceeds to input the message in the invitation 14085 email and/or sms. The system then sends the invitation 14110 to the said user's contacts or persons selected and/or input by the said user. The said user is able to view the invitations sent by him/her that are pending confirmation of his/her recipient contacts or persons 14090. The said user is able to resend the invitation to those recipient contacts or persons that have not joined the system 14100. The said user also is also able to view the recipient contacts or persons that have already accepted his/her invitation to join the system 14105 and the recipient contacts or persons will then be listed in the user's contact list.

[0139] Figure 1.9.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 15000 of managing contact information according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the initial screen, the user views the contact list 15010. The user is able to search a contact in the list 15015. The user selects a particular contact group 15025 and inputs the contact name 15030 to search the contact 15035 or he/she inputs the contact name 15030 to search from the database directly. The system returns the search result to the user. The user then selects the contact 15040 to view the contact details 15045. The user is able to update the contact details 15055 or delete the contact from his/her contact list 15065. The User is able to create a new contact group 15070 to group his/her contacts in the contact list. The user selects the contacts from the list 15080 and assigns the respective contacts into a particular group 15090.

[0140] Figure 1.9.02 is a flowchart illustrating a method 16000 of updating the contact details according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon the user updating the contact details 15055 (of figure 1.9.01), the user will be prompted the initial screen 16005. The user is able to request the latest details of a contact if the said contact has an account in the system 16015. This contact details of the said contact will be updated onto the user's profile database upon once the request is done 16020. The user is able to manually edit the contact details 16030 of the said contact. Any change of the contact details will be saved into the history 16035 information of the said contact. The user is also able to update the contact information with the Electronic Business or Name Card of the said contact 16040.

[0141] Figure 1.9.03 is a flowchart illustrating a method 17000 of managing a contact's business or name card according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon the user updating the contact's business or name card 16040 (of figure 1.9.02), the user will be prompted the initial screen 17005. The system retrieves the business or name card of the contact 17010. If the business or name card for a particular contact is not available, the user is able to retrieve the business or name card of the contact that has uploaded his/her business or name card into the system 17020. The user has the option to scan the business or name card of a contact 17030, where the system will perform the initial screen 8005 (of figure 1.5.01) of the business or name card scanning module. The user is able to organize and manage the business or name cards of the contacts by group, date, event, etc.

[0142] Figure 1.10.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 18000 of managing of organization users according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the initial screen 18005, the user (such as organization administrator or designated user) is able to select to either manage 18010 the organization's group(s) or to manage the organization's user(s) 18035 or to invite the organization's user(s) 18065 to create an account in the system. In the group management, the said user creates a new group for the organization 18020 and assigns the respective organization users to the created group 18030. The said user is able to select multiple organization users 18035 and assign the selected organization users to the existing group 18060 or create a new group 18050 and assign the selected organization users to the newly created group 18060.

[0143] Figure 1.10.04 is a flowchart illustrating a method 18100 of inviting organization user(s) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon the user inviting the respective organization users 18065 (of figure 1.10.01), the user will be prompted the initial screen 18105. The user selects the group 18115 of the organization to invite as registered user. The user then input the email address of the respective organization users that he/she wants to invite 18120 and sends the invitation 18125 to these organization users. Once these organization users receive the invitation and register as a user of the system, these organization users will be linked to the said group of the organization.

[0144] Figure 1.11.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 19000 of notifications according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the user starts and login to the system 19010, the system displays the notifications to the user. For any new requests 19015, the system will show the new request 19020 accordingly and the user is able to respond to the respective contact request 19025 (method 13000). If the user's contact (such as a friend) updates their profile 19030, the system shows the contact that has an updated profile 19035 and the user is able to update the contact details 19045 (method 16000) of this contact into his/her own profile. For business or name card order status, the system also notifies 19055 the user accordingly. If there is new business or name card template available for the user 19060, the system shows the new business or name card template 19065. The user is able to preview the business or name card 19075 (method 6000) and proceed to order the business or name card 19085 (method 7000). The system also notifies the user if there is a new business or name card group 19095. The user is able to request to join the business or name card group 19105 (method 11000). In addition, the user is able to view other notifications 19110 where applicable.

[0145] Figure 1.12.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 20000 of order approval according to an embodiment of the present invention. The administration user is able to set the order approval of the respective groups of the organization. The administration user selects the groups from the list 20015 and he/she is able to exclude any particular users for each group 20030. The administration user has the option to set the order approval by certain users of the organization. The administration user selects the organization users from the list 20045. The administration user is able to select the order approvers for the selected users or groups 20055 accordingly. The administration user is able to arrange the approval sequence 20065 and save this order approval sequence for the selected users or groups 20070.

[0146] Figure 1.13.01 is a flowchart illustrating the Vendor (or Service Provider) module 21000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The Vendor (or Service Provider) is able to input the company details 21010 and the business or name card delivery options. The Vendor (or Service Provider) is involved in the business or name card ordering process 21020, which is further illustrated in detail in figure 1.15.01 and figure 1.15.02. [0147] Figure 1.14.01 is a flowchart illustrating the mobile application module 22000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user installs the proprietary mobile application in his/her mobile device (such as Mobile or Hand-phone, Smart-phone, PDA and portable device) and runs this application 22010. The user has the option to perform mobile database synchronization 22020 (such as profile details, business or name card, contact details, etc). The mobile database synchronization process will be further illustrated in method 23000. The user is able to view his/her electronic business or name card 22030 and send the electronic business or name card to another user's mobile 22035 device (such as a Mobile or Hand-phone or portable device). The user is able to send the electronic business or name card via Bluetooth 22040, MMS 22045 or an Email 22050. These processes will be further illustrated in method 24000 (of figure 1.14.03), method 25000 (of figure 1.14.04) and method 26000 (of figure 1.14.05). When the user intends to update his/her personal profile details 22050, the user inputs the username and password 22060 to connect the proprietary mobile application with the system through a web service 22065. The user is able to edit his/her profile details 22070 and save the updated profile details 22080 into the server database 1105 (of Figure 1.1.01). The system then creates a new electronic business or name card based on the updated profile details 22085 and applies a watermark on the electronic business or name card 22090. When the user has completed updating the profile details, the user is able to disconnect the mobile application system from the web service 22095 of the system.

[0148] Figure 1.14.02 is a flowchart illustrating a method 23000 for mobile and portable device's database (address book or contact) synchronization with the system's database server via telecommunication or wireless network, or via a computer system's network connection to the system by connecting directly to the said computer system, as well as, mobile and portable device's database (address book or contact) synchronization with a computer system via direct cable or wireless connection according to an embodiment of the present invention. Firstly, upon the user activating the mobile or portable device's database (address book or contract) synchronization 22020 (of figure 1.14.01) feature, the user will be prompted the initial screen 23005. After inputting the username and password for authentication 23015 on the web browser (link) on the mobile or portable device to access to through telecommunication (such as 3G) or wireless (such as WiFi or WiMax) network, the mobile or portable device's proprietary application web

synchronization module 23010 will synchronize the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information database in the user's mobile or portable device (such as Hand- phone, Smartphone, PDA or wireless device) 1015, 1018 (of Figure 1.1.01) with the system's database server 1105 (of Figure 1.1.01). When the mobile or portable device's database synchronization starts, the user has the option to download 23045 the profile details from the system and create the latest Electronic Business or Name Card on the mobile or portable device. The system applies the watermark on the Electronic Business or Name Card 23060 and stores in the Electronic Business or Name Card in the mobile or portable device. The user is able to download 23065 all the contact information from the system into the mobile or portable device's database 1040, 1065 (of Figure 1.1.01), as well as, upload 23075 the contact information from the mobile or portable device 1015, 1018, 1040, 1065 (of Figure 1.1.01) into the system's database server 1105 (of Figure 1.1.01). Secondly, the user is also able to synchronize 23020 his/her mobile or portable device's database (Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information) with the system's database server by directly connecting to a computer system to access the system through the computer system's network connection. When the system is loaded 23025, the user is able to select the mobile or portable device's database to be

synchronized with the systems database server 23030. Thirdly, the user is also able to synchronize 23035 his/her mobile or portable device's database (Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information) with his/her computer system's (or a personal computer) database (such as Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail and Lotus Notes address book). The user is able to select the type of address book (such as Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail and Lotus Notes address book) to be synchronized 23040.

[0149] Figure 1.14.03 is a flowchart illustrating a method 24000 of sending Electronic Business or Name Card and Contract Information using a mobile or portable device's Bluetooth (such as Mobile or Hand-phone, Smart-phone, PDA and wireless device) technology according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon the user sending the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information using the mobile or portable device's Bluetooth technology 22040 (of figure 1.14.01), the proprietary mobile or portable device's application retrieves the Electronic Business or Name Card (or image) 24010 and creates an Electronic Business or Name Card in vCard format 24015. The mobile or portable device's application scans for other Bluetooth devices 24020. When no other Bluetooth device is detected 24025, the user is able to rescan for other Bluetooth devices 24030. Upon detecting 24025 other Bluetooth device(s), the user is able to select the Bluetooth device 24035 to send 24040 the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information (in vCard format) to the selected Bluetooth device.

[0150] Figure 1.14.04 is a flowchart illustrating a method 25000 of sending Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information (in .vcf format) using a mobile phone's (or Hand-phone, Smart-phone or PDA) Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS)

Technology according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon the user sending the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information (in .vcf format) using the mobile phone's MMS 22045 (of figure 1.14.01) technology, the mobile application retrieves the Electronic Business or Name Card image and Contact Information (in .vcf format) in the mobile phone 25010 and inserts the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information (in .vcf format) into the MMS content 25015. The user is able to edit the MMS message 25025 and select the mobile recipient(s) 25030. Upon selections, the user sends the MMS message with the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information (in .vcf format) attached, to the recipient's or recipients' mobile phone 25035.

[0151] Figure 1.14.05 is a flowchart illustrating a method 26000 of sending Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information with an Email using a mobile or portable device (such as Mobile or Hand-phone, Smart-phone and PDA) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Upon the user sending the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information with an Email 22050 (of figure 1.14.01) using a mobile or portable device, the mobile application retrieves the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information from the mobile or portable device 26010 and creates an electronic business or name card in vCard format 26015. The mobile application creates an email with the electronic business or name card as an attachment 26020. The user is able to edit the email message 26030 and insert the recipient's or recipients' email address 26035. The user then sends the email with the Electronic Business or Name Card and Contact Information attached 26040.

[0152] Figure 1.15.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 27000 of ordering of business or name card by organization users according to an embodiment of the present invention. The organization user places an order for his/her business or name card 27010. The process of business or name card ordering is further illustrated in method 7000 (of figure 1.4.15). After the organization user orders his/her business or name card, an approver (such as Department Head or Department Approver) will receive the order 27020 sent by the system. The order status will state 'Pending for approval' 27015. If the approver rejects the order 27025 request, the approver updates the order status as 'Rejected' 27030 and the said organization user will be notified of the order status as 'Rejected' 27035. If the approver approves the order 27025 request, the approver updates the order status as 'Approved' 27040 and the said organization user will be notified of the order status as 'Approved' 27045. The organization's administrator will then be notified of the new order 27050 and the said order will be sent by the system to a service provider (such as Printing Service Provider) 27055 for printing of the business or name card in physical medium. If the Printing Service Provider accepts the order 27060 request, the Printing Service Provider updates the order status as 'Order Received' 27080, and this will be shown as 'Order received' to the organization's administrator 27085 under the order status, and as 'Processing' to the said organization user 27090. If the Printing Service Provider rejects the order 27060 request, the Printing Service Provider updates the order status to 'Order rejected' 27065, and this will be shown as 'Order Rejected' to the organization administrator 27070 under the order status, and as 'Unprocessed' to the said organization user 27075. After receiving the order request, the Printing Service Provider is able to proceed with the printing of the business or name card 27095 and updates the order status to 'Processing' 27100, and this will be shown as 'Processing' to the organization's administrator under the order status. During the printing process stage 27115, the system will send out alerts to the main service provider (such as the Application Service Provider or the said Printing Service Provider itself) 27130 if the printing process is still incomplete 27125 one day prior to the dateline or on the day of the dateline and later 27120 dates. If the deadline is extended 27135, the main service provider updates the new deadline 27140 and the system will send a notification (such as an email, SMS and/or an alert to the said organization user when said user login to the system) to the organization's administrator 27145. After the printing process is completed 27125, the Printing Service Provider updates the order status to 'Process Completed' 27150 and the organization's administrator will be notified 27155 by the system (through an email, SMS and/or an alert to the said organization user when said organization user login to the system). The Printing Service Provider then delivers the physical business or name card to the organization 27160 and updates the order status to 'Delivered' 27165. The organization administrator receives the physical business or name card 27175 and updates the order status to 'Received' 27180 and the said organization user will then be notified 27185 by the system (through an email, SMS and/or an alert to the said organization user when said organization user login to the system).

[0153] Figure 1.15.02 is a flowchart illustrating a method 27300 of ordering of business or name card by public users according to an embodiment of the present invention. The public user places an order for his/her business or name card 27310. The process of business or name card ordering is further illustrated in method 7000 (of figure 1.4.15). After placing the order, the said public user makes the on-line pre-payment 27315, the order request will be sent by the system to a service provider (such as a Printing Service Provider) 27320 for printing of the business or name card in physical medium. If the Printing Service Provider accepts the order 27325 request, the Printing Service Provider updates the order status to 'Order Received' 27340, which will be shown as 'Order received' to the said public user 27345 under the order status. If the Printing Service Provider rejects the order 27325 request, the Printing Service Provider updates the order status to 'Order rejected' 27330, which will be shown as 'Order Rejected' to the said public user 27335 under order status. After receiving the order, the Printing Service Provider is able to proceed with the printing of the business or name card 27350 and updates the order status to 'Processing' 27355, and this will be shown as 'Processing' to the public user under the order status. During the printing process stage 27365, the system will send out alerts to the main service provider (such as the Application Service Provider or the said Printing Service Provider itself) 27380 if the printing process is still incomplete 27375 one day prior to the dateline or on the day of the dateline and later dates 27370. If the deadline is extended 27385, the main service provider inserts the new deadline 27390 and the system will send a notification (such as an email, SMS and/or an alert to the said public user when said public user login to the system) to the said public user 27395. After the printing process is completed 27375, the Printing Service Provider updates the order status to 'Process Completed' 27400 and the public user will be notified 27405 by the system (through an email, SMS and/or an alert to the said public user when said public user login to the system). The Printing Service Provider then delivers the physical business or name card to the said public user 27410 and updates the order status to 'Delivered' 27415. After the said public user receives the physical business or name card 27425 and updates the order status to 'Received' 27430, the Printing Service Provider will then be notified 27435 by the system (through an email, SMS and/or an alert to the said public user when said public user login to the system).

[0154] Figure 1.16.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 28000 of billing organization(s) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system checks the payment period 28010 (such as monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly, etc) for each organization user. If the different between the current date and last bill date is greater than the payment term (or period) 28015, the system calculates the billing amount for the orders of the respective organization user. If discount is applicable for the bill amount 28025, the system calculates the bill amount by taking into account of the discount 28030. The system then generates the billing information 28030 of the respective organization user, and inserts the billing information into the database 28040. The service provider (such as Application Service Provider and Printing Service Provider) is able to print out the bill (or Tax Invoice) 28045 and send the bill to the respective organization user 28050. After the said organization user makes the payment 28055 for the said bill and the service provider then updates the billing status in the system 28060 to close the said bill. [0155] Figure 1.17.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 29000 of editing the user profile according to an embodiment of the present invention. When a user needs to edit his/her basic user information 29010, the said user is able to upload an image (such as a photograph) to his/her profile 29020. The said user edits the basic user information 29025 (such as first name, last name and date of birth, etc) and sets the privacy setting for the respective field 29030. Any changes to the basic user information will be logged (or added) into the said user's profile history for tracking 29035. The said user is able to edit his/her business information 29040. The said user has the option to upload an image (such as a photograph) that will be used for business or name card printing 29050. The said user edits the business information 29055 (such as Company, Job Title, Phone number for work, etc) and sets the privacy setting for the respective business information 29060. Any changes to the business information will be logged into the said user's profile history for tracking 29065. The said user is also able to edit his/her personal information 29075 (such as personal email, personal phone number, personal address, etc) and set the privacy settings for the respective personal information 29080. Any changes to the personal information will be logged into the said user's profile history for tracking 29085.

[0156] Figure 1.18.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 30000 of email software's address book synchronization according to an embodiment of the present invention. The user is able to install a proprietary toolbar into his/her email software (such as Outlook, Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail, Lotus Notes, etc). When the user needs to synchronize the contact information in the email software's address book with the system, the user first login to the system with his/her username and password 30010. The web service validates the user login 30015. When the login is invalid (or

unsuccessful) 30020, an error message will be displayed 30025, otherwise the web service retrieves the group information from the server 30035. The server returns the group information 30040 and the proprietary toolbar with the synchronization software will attempt to synchronize the contact folder in the email software with the group information 30045 retrieved from the server of the system. When the synchronization of the contact folder with the group of the system is successful 30050, the web service retrieves the contact information from the server 30065, otherwise, an error message will be displayed 30055 if the synchronization is unsuccessful. The server returns the contact information 30070 to the web services to synchronize the contacts in the email software address book with the contact information 30075 in the system. Upon successful synchronization of the contacts 30080 the synchronization will be completed, otherwise, an error message will be displayed 30090 if the synchronization is unsuccessful.

[0157] Figure 1.19.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 31000 of creating and managing of organization information according to an embodiment of the present invention. A vendor (such as an Application Service Provider) creates a new organization 31010 and inserts the organization information into the system 31015. The vendor then selects the Printing Service Provider for the organization 31020 and set the billing preferences 31025 (such as payment period, payment currency, price, etc). The said organization's administrator or designated user is able to then update the organization's information 31035 and upload the organization's logo image (softcopy) 31045 which will be used on the business or name card.

[0158] Figure 1.20.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 32000 of new user registration by a vendor (such as an Application Service Provider) according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the initial screen 32005, if the vendor registers an organization user account 32010, he/she selects the registered organization 32015. The vendor is able to select the department or division for the said organization user 32025 if the said organization user belongs to a department or group of the said organization 32020. The vendor then input the relevant information for the said organization user 32030 (such as username, email address, first name, etc). For a successful registration 32035, the system will send an email notification to the said organization user 32045, otherwise, an error message will be displayed 32040. For a public user registration 32010, the vendor inputs the relevant information for the said public user 32030. For a successful registration 32035, the system will send an email notification the said public user 32045, otherwise, an error message will be displayed 32040.

[0159] Figure 1.21.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 33000 of report generation according to an embodiment of the present invention. The organization's administrator or designated user is able to select the type of report to be generated 33010 (such as Business or Name Card order status report, billing information report, etc). He/She then inputs the date range and he/she has the option to generate reports for all departments or groups, or for one department or group 33015. The system generates the report based on the criteria 33020.

[0160] Figure 1.22.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 34000 of creating and maintaining of Electronic Business or Name Card database pool according to an embodiment of the present invention. For an organization user 34010 with the Electronic Business or Name Card in the system 34015, the said organization user is able to add information to his/her Electronic Business or Name Card 34025 in the system. When the said organization user publishes the Electronic Business or Name Card 34030, it will be published into the Electronic Business or Name Card database pool 34035. These Electronic Business or Name Cards will then be available to any users of the system 34040. When other user selects the Electronic Business or Name Card in the Electronic Business or Name Card database pool 34045, the system displays the Electronic Business or Name Card information 34050 to the requestor. For a public 34010 with an Electronic Business or Name Card in the system 34020, he/she is able to add information to his/her Electronic Business or Name Card 34025 in the system. When the said public user publishes the Electronic business or Name Card 34030, it will be published into the Electronic Business or Name Card database pool 34035. The Electronic Business or Name Card will then be available to any users of the system 34040. When other user selects the Electronic Business or Name Card in the Electronic Business or Name Card database pool 34045, the system displays the electronic business or name card information 34050 to the requestor. For a public user without an Electronic Business or Name Card in the system 34020, he/she has the option to create and design the Electronic Business or Name Card 34060. The process of Electronic Business or Name Card creation and design 34065 is further illustrated in the method 3100 (of figure 1.4.02). The said public user is then able to upload his/her Electronic Business or Name Card 34075 into the system. [0161] Figure 1.23.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 35000 of web address book synchronization according to an embodiment of the present invention. On the initial screen 35005, the user is able to select the web address book of the respective web mail provider (such as Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, etc). The user then inputs the username and password to access the said web mail system. Upon successful login 35020, the system retrieves the contact categories from the web address book of the said web mail 35025 and synchronizes the contact categories or folder in the said web address book with the contact groups in the system 35030. For any contact category or folder which does not exist as a contact group 35035 in the system, the system creates a corresponding group 35040. When the synchronization of the contact categories and groups is successful 5045, the system retrieves the contact information from the said web mail's address book 35055, otherwise, an error message will be displayed 35050 if the synchronization is

unsuccessful. The contact information retrieved from the said web mail's address book will then be synchronized with the respective contacts in the system 35060. For contact(s) that exist in the system 35065, the system is able to update the contact details with the contact information from the said web mail's address book 35075, otherwise, the system creates a new contact for the user 35070 into the system automatically. Upon successful synchronization of the contacts 35080, the web address book synchronization will be completed 35090, otherwise, an error message will be displayed 35085 if the

synchronization is unsuccessful.

[0162] Figure 1.24.01 is a flowchart illustrating a method 36000 of business or name card scanning service according to an embodiment of the present invention. For organization which have subscribed to a Vendor (such as a Scanning Service Provider), the Vendor is able to arrange to collect 36050 the business or name cards of the said organization's users from a pre-fixed schedule or on ad-hoc basis at a specific location. The said organization's user will submit his/her contact's (such as business contacts) in an envelope or package with his/her name to the collection point of the said organization or through a courier to the vendor. Upon collection from the collection point or receiving the business or name cards of the said organization's users, the vendor's user or scanning operator will perform the scanning 36055 of the physical business or name cards of the respective organization's user either directly into the system's database server or into the computer system's (such as personal computer) database, as per method 8000 (of Figure 1.5.01) and method 9000 (of Figure 1.5.02). The scanning operator will also input the contact information of the business or name card accordingly. For scanning outside the system (ie. scanning and data entry into the said computer system's database), the scanning operator is able to synchronize the computer system's database information with the system's database server into the respective organization user's profile, as per method 30000 (of Figure 1.18.01) after the completion of scanning the business or name card and data entry of the contact information. Thereafter, the scanning operator is able to return 36065 the business or name cards to the organization's users by delivering back (through courier or dispatch) to the organization's delivery point (likely the same spot as the collection point). The vendor is able to bill the organization accordingly (based on credit term or upon fulfillment of the scanning service) 36085.

[0163] Further to method 36000 of business or name card scanning service according to an embodiment of the present invention, a public user is able to engage the Vendor to perform the business or name card scanning and data entry service either on ad-hoc or on subscription basis. The said public user is able to make the request 36010 through the system and select the delivery (such as by mail, courier or dispatch) or collection (from a specific collection point) mode 36015 for the business or name cards. Upon selecting the delivery or collection date and time 36020, the said public user 36035 is able to make online pre-payment for the scanning and data entry service for ad-hoc request or the vendor will bill 36080 the said public user based on a fix billing cycle (such as monthly) if the said public user subscribes to the scanning service package. When the vendor collected or received the business or name cards of the said public user, the vendor's user or scanning operator will perform the scanning 36055 of the physical business or name cards of the said public user either directly into the system's database server or into the computer system's (such as personal computer) database, as per method 8000 (of Figure 1.5.01) and method 9000 (of Figure 1.5.02). The scanning operator will also input the contact information of the business or name card accordingly. For scanning outside the system (ie. scanning and data entry into the said computer system's database), the scanning operator is able to synchronize the computer system's database information with the system's database server into the said public user's profile, as per method 30000 (of Figure 1.18.01) after the completion of scanning the business or name card and data entry of the contact information. Thereafter, the scanning operator is able to return 36065 the business or name cards to the said public users either through delivery (such as dispatch or courier) or mail.