Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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IMAGING DOCUMENTS HAVING STATIC CONTENT AND VARIABLE DATA
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The production of variable documents containing static content can often be a
complex undertaking, especially if a manufacturing installation is utilizing
data supplied
by a customer to create the appropriate job files in order to properly image
the variable
documents. While some systems, such as the system used commercially by Moore
North America, Inc. of Bannockburn, Illinois, are capable of performing this
difficult task,
there are a number of limitations. Other systems, such as U.S. patent
5,729,665, store
graphic states (attributes and content) and allow one to replace content. The
states are
taken from static postscript files, stored in an RIP, and let the user merge
in data base
content at selected states. There is no front end software to view or aid in
the
configuration of a variable print job, does not allow notification of a user
configuring a
variable job that something is wrong before it goes to print, and does not
allow different
printers to use the same layout file.
According to the present invention a method and apparatus are provided for
readily producing variable documents containing static content which are
particularly
advantageous, and can contain all sorts of variable components. Particularly
according
to the present invention front end software is utilized which enables a user
to model
data bases, position frames, set properties, store states, combine states with
logic, and
preview merged content. The invention also allows for pages to be positioned
on press
sheets specific to supported print devices, reuse layout files with different
impositions to
get different printed output or reuse the same layout file on a different
printing device,
and to notify the user configuring a variable job that something is wrong
before the job
goes to print. According to the invention variable data is defined with the
PDF format
which enables variable content to be created and stored above static content,
and in an
efficient and versatile manner. The invention also can be implemented
utilizing
combinations of conventional software. Also the conventional engine shown in
U.S.
patent 5,634,064 can be utilized to view documents.
The invention is best described utilizing the following definitions:
--PDF (Portable Document Format) is the native file format of he Adobe Acrobat
family of products. The goal of these products is to enable users to easily
and reliably
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exchange and view electronic documents independent of the environment in which
they
were created. Documents in this format can be distributed electronically
across the
web and on a variety of platforms. PDF is a self-contained format that can be
viewed,
printed or proofed from any major platform and operating system. PDF is
flexible,
editable and predictable. PDF files are extremely portable, and are quickly
become the
de facto standard for document delivery.
--Variable Paragraph. Provides the mechanism to define and place text and
variable tags. Variable paragraphs support multistyled text, as well as a
number of
placement and alignment options. Variable paragraphs can be rotated anywhere
from
0 to 359 degree, without limitation.
--Variable Resource. Provides the mechanism to define and place resources
such as TIFF images, PDF images (graphics) and entire PDF pages. Variable
resources can be rotated in 90 degree increments.
--Variable Tags/Tag Definition. The tag definition defines variable data
information, i.e. record layout. Tags within a variable paragraph mark its
placement for
printing within text/ Tags can also be associated with a variable resource as
a control
for image variability. The use of tags on the whole dictates the construction
of each
page within a document.
--Variable Layers. Defines the relationship between the actual data and the
variable elements. Variable Layers are the key to merging the variable
elements. Each
variable layer determines the combinations of variable components by using tag
definitions and specific conditional criteria defined by the user.
--Imposition. Includes functionality to select layout pages and maps them on
to
press sheets in the correct orientation. It also provides press marks and the
ability to
rotate the entire press sheet to account for gripper direction. Multiple
devices are
deployed to print a finished piece. The imposition module manages which press
sheet
is sent to a given device.
--Device. This plug-in sets state information for each device, including
resolution, bits per component and cutoff information.
--Filters. Provides a mechanism for separating content by color and region to
the
appropriate device. it is also used during make-ready to register all forms on
all
devices.
--The Adobe Acrobat architecture includes a rich application programming
interface that allows software developers to extend its functionality through
custom
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plug-ins. The combination of the popularity of PDF with the extensibility of
Acrobat's
Exchange product provides the ideal environment for the invention.
The invention, which will be provided under the trade name XLO Front End
(XLOFE), comprises or consists of a collection of custom Acrobat Exchange plug-
ins
that provide a way to compose variable documents in both the high speed, black
and
white world, as well as the short run, color printing environment. The XLOFE
extends
PDF by storing private, user defined variable information. XLOFE incorporates
all of
the necessary features to create PDF enhanced files seamlessly and easily. A
series
of configuration tools enables the user to define and identify specific
variable elements -
- and ensures that certain rules and conditions are adhered to during the
process. The
XLOFE also provides typical layout type tools (i.e. grids, guides, and group
move) that
provide assistance to the user during the configuration process for placement
and
overall ease of use.
XLOFE is WYSIWYG, and standard viewing mechanisms (e.g. such as in U.S.
patent 5,634,064) allow the user to preview the variable contents during the
configuration process. Upon completion, the new PDF file is then passed onto
the data
system which is responsible for combining the data, performing the conditional
logic
and generating each customized page based on the front end components stored
directly in the PDF file. The front end defines and constructs each of the
components
required to fully define a variable job.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of
designing, preparing and printing variable documents containing static content
comprising substantially sequentially: (a) Defining variable data in a .pdf
layout so that
variable content is created and stored above the static content. (b) Opening
the .pdf
layout and adding at least one of variable paragraphs, variable tags, and
variable
resources (e.g. graphics). (c) Opening the .pdf layout to create an imposition
file. (d)
Creating a job folder linking the .pdf layout, imposition file, and a run time
association
file. And then (e) imaging the variable documents using the job folder on a
first imaging
device.
The method may further comprise, prior to (a), (a1 ) saving a document layout
as
a .ps file; and in this case typically (a) is practiced by converting the .ps
file to the .pdf
layout.
In the method (c) may be practiced to create different imposition files using
the
same .pdf layout so as to practice (e) on a second imaging device. Also, (e)
may be
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practiced using an MICR printer, MIDAX printer, and/or XEIKON printer as the
imaging
device(s). The method may further comprise displaying the imposition file
prior to (e)
(such as using the engine disclosed in U.S. patent 5,634,064). The imposition
file is
displayed, and subsequently imaged, based upon criteria defined during the
practice of
(a).
Typically (b) is practiced to add all of variable paragraphs, variable tags,
and
variable graphics. That is (b) is typically practiced to add as variable
resources at least
one of TIFF images, PDF images, and entire PDF pages. Also (b) may be further
practiced to rotate variable resources in 90° increments.
While other existing software may be utilized, or specially developed software
created, the desired software that may be utilized in the present preferred
embodiment
(a1 ) is QUARK XPRESS software, and (a) is preferably practiced using Acrobat
Distiller, and (b) and (c) are practiced using Acrobat Exchange.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method
of producing a variable document having static content from a document layout
containing variable data in a .ps file, comprising: (a) Converting the .ps
file to a .pdf
layout. (b) Opening the .pdf layout and adding at least one of variable
paragraphs,
variable tags, and variable images. (c) Opening the .pdf layout to create an
imposition
file. And ultimately (d) imaging the variable documents using the job folder
on a first
imaging device. The details of this method are preferably as described above
with
respect to the first aspect of the invention.
According to another aspect of the present invention a variable document
production system is provided. The system comprises: A first imaging device. A
computer including a monitor and input device. A computer control for the
first imaging
device. And, the computer control comprising front end software accessible by
the
computer for (i) defining variable data in a .pdf layout including variable
content created
and stored above static content; (ii) opening the .pdf layout and adding at
least one of
variable paragraphs, variable tags, and variable images; and (iii) opening the
.pdf layout
to create an imposition file. And, the computer control, or another computer
control
using output from the computer control, operates the first imaging device to
image
documents having static content and variable data.
The system may further comprise a second imaging device of a different type
than the first imaging device, and controllable by the computer control using
a second
imposition file created by the computer control from the same .pdf layout.
Typically the
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first and second imaging devices are selected from an MICR, MIDAX, and/or
XEIKON
printer(s). The variable resources preferably comprise PDF pages, and variable
images
(graphics), such as TIFF images and/or PDF images.
Preferably the front end software for defining variable data in a .pdf layout
5 comprises software for saving a document layout as a .ps file, and
converting the .ps
file to the .pdf layout. For example the front end software comprises QUARK
XPRESS
for saving a document layout as a .ps file, Acrobat Distiller for converting
the .ps file to
the .pdf layout, and Acrobat Exchange for opening the .pdf layout and adding
all of
variable paragraphs, variable tags, and variable images.
The invention also comprises apparatus for practicing the methods as described
above. Further the invention relates to a variable document having static
content,
variable images, variable paragraphs, and variable tags produced by the
methods
described above.
It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a simple and
effective
method and apparatus for producing variable documents in a simple and
effective
manner that has a number of advantages compared to the prior art. This and
other
objects of the invention will become clear from an inspection of the detailed
description
of the invention, and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is a schematic block diagram indicating various components of the
apparatus according to the present invention, for practicing a method
according to the
present invention, in the most simplified format;
FIGURES 2A and 2B provide a high level work flow diagram illustrating an
exemplary method according to the present invention;
FIGURES 3 through 19 are schematic illustrations of exemplary computer
screens that may be displayed on a computer monitor when practicing the method
of
the present invention;
FIGURE 20 is a schematic of a variable resource menu utilized in the practice
of
the method according to the present invention;
FIGURES 21 and 22 are exemplary other screens that are displayed on a
computer monitor in the practice of the method according to the present
invention;
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FIGURES 23 and 24 are exemplary illustrations of the front of a press sheet
(page 1 of an imposition file) and the back of a press sheet (page 2 of an
imposition
file), respectively, for a particular imposition file according to the
invention; and
FIGURE 25 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary variable document,
having static content, produced according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary system according to the
present invention, practicing an exemplary method according to the present
invention.
The system includes at least one imaging device, such as the first imaging
device 10,
and preferably at least one other imaging device 11. While a wide variety of
imaging
devices may be utilized according to the present invention, three commercial
printers
that are particularly suitable for use in the practice of the present
invention are an MICR
printer or a MIDAX printer, both available from Moore North America, Inc., and
a
XEIKON printer, which is a top of the line color printer.
The imaging devices 10, 11 are controlled, according to the present invention,
by
a computer control, shown schematically at 12 in FIGURE 1. The computer
control 12
is shown connected up to a piece of computer hardware 13 which includes a
microprocessor, and on which some or all of the software components that are
utilized
as the computer control 12 may be provided. The computer box 13, as typical,
has a
visual computer monitor 14 operatively connected thereto, as well as one or
more input
devices, such as the keyboard 15 and/or mouse 16 illustrated schematically in
FIGURE
1.
The first method procedure in one aspect of the present invention in providing
the computer control for the imaging devices 10, 11, as represented by box 17
in
FIGURE 1, comprises saving a document layout as a postscript (.ps) file. The
conventional software that is presently considered to be the preferred
embodiment for
accomplishing the procedure 17 is the QUARK XPRESS software, which is probably
the most common application software used by businesses to prepare basic
document
layouts for variable printing. The QUARK XPRESS software, preferably used to
practice the procedure of box 17, is particularly useful with the Macintosh
operating
system, which is presently perhaps the de facto standard in most company
prepress
and art make-up departments. However while the invention is preferably
utilized with a
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Macintosh operating system it is to be understood that it can be readily
adapted to other
operating systems. For example other conventional software that may be
utilized to
practice the procedures of box 17 include the Adobe Pagemaker, Adobe
Illustrator, and
Adobe Framemaker.
The next desirable procedure according to the present invention, and related
software comprising part of the computer control 12, is illustrated by the box
18 in
FIGURE 1, namely converting the .ps file to a portable document format (.pdf).
Software that is commercially available that is preferably utilized to
practice the
procedure 18 is Acrobat Distiller software (such as version 3.02).
The next procedure according to the invention, utilizing software that is part
of
the computer control 12, is schematically illustrated by box 19 in FIGURE 1
and
comprises opening the .pdf layout to add variable paragraphs, variable tags,
and
variable resources. Variable resources typically include TIFF images, PDF
images,
entire PDF pages, and the like. The procedure 19 is preferably practiced
utilizing
Acrobat Exchange software (such as version 3.01 ). That same software is
utilized in
the practice of procedure 20, which is opening the .pdf layout to create the
imposition
file. An imposition file is necessary to place page layouts on a press sheet
or web of
paper in the exact position and orientation in which they will print.
The procedure/software 17-20 provide front end software according to the
present invention forming part of the computer control 14 for producing
variable
documents according to the present invention. After the procedures 17-20, as
illustrated schematically by box 21 in FIGURE 1, a job folder is created
linking the job
layout (pdf), live data (Idf), imposition, and run time association (RTA)
files prior to
production. The procedure 21 is conventional with present variable document
production systems, such as those utilized by Moore North America, Inc. of
Bannockburn, Illinois. Ultimately, then, the job is ready for imaging, the
particular
imaging device 10, or 11 for which the particular job folder is created then
being
operated to produce the desired variable documents, either by the computer
control 13,
or a like control hooked up to control 14 or (e.g. via disc, tape, telenet,
etc.) receiving
the software from 13 necessary to control printers 10, 11.
At any time during the procedure, and utilizing the apparatus, of FIGURE 1,
the
details may be displayed on the monitor 14, such as using the viewing engine
of U.S.
patent 5,634,064. Advantageously according to the present invention, once the
pdf
layout has been produced, as well as any variable paragraphs, tags, or
resources
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added thereto, it can be used to create a second imposition file at stage 20,
which is
specific to the second imaging device 11, so that the same pdf layout may be
utilized to
print with two or more different imaging devices 10, 11.
FIGURES 2A and 2B provide a more detailed high level flow sheet of a method
according to the present invention, utilizing the system of FIGURE 1 according
to the
present invention, for the production of variable documents.
The starting point, illustrated schematically at 23 in FIGURE 2A, is an
initial
layout that has been produced and/or approved by the customer requiring the
variable
documents that are to be produced. A decision is then made, as indicated
schematically at decision box 24, as to whether or not custom fonts are
required to
support the job. If "yes", as indicated schematically at 25, the fonts are
created. If "no",
or after creation of the custom fonts, as indicated at 26 in FIGURE 2, a job
specific font
folder is created and the fonts are loaded. One particularly commercially
available
software package, operable on the Macintosh operating system, that is
particularly
suited for font building or selection is known as "Suitcase" by Symantec. A
screen that
may be displayed on a monitor 14 during font selection is illustrated
schematically at 27
in FIGURE 3, that screen 27 being selected from the Apple menu that appears
for the
Macintosh operating system, and appearing on the monitor 14. Any one of the
conventional options and fonts illustrated on the screen 27 may be selected
(e.g. using
mouse 16 or keyboard 15) depending upon a particular job involved.
The next procedure 29 illustrated in FIGURE 2A corresponds to the procedure
17 of FIGURE 1, namely performing creative composition of a document layout as
a .ps
file, preferably utilizing QUARK XPRESS software, although other software such
as
earlier described may alternatively be used. Exemplary screens that may be
displayed
on the monitor 14 in the execution of this procedure are shown schematically
at 30, 31,
and 32 in FIGURES 4 through 6, respectively. FIGURE 4 is described with
respect to a
new job, the procedures associated with editing an already existing job being
simpler.
The QUARK XPRESS application is opened by selecting the appropriate icon
and the new file menu is selected opening up the new document window
illustrated by
screen 30. (An existing document may instead be opened from the file menu.) In
a
new document window illustrated by screen 30 a user enters the specification
for the
pages of the new document being created including:
.Page (size, width, height, orientation)
.Margin Guides (for all four sides)
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.Facing pages (check this for even and odd facing pages)
.Column Guides (for more than one column)
.Automatic Text Box (check this for an automatic text box on each new page).
If an existing document was opened the document set-up option is selected from
the file menu, which will display the screen 31 (FIGURE 5) on the monitor 14,
allowing
the user to verify or revise some or all of the specifications.
Once the appropriate specifications have been entered onto the screen 30, the
"OK" option 33 is selected, e.g. by clicking on it with mouse 16, and then
conventional
techniques are utilized to create the document by placing text boxes, graphics
boxes,
rules, frames, and other elements onto the page as required for the job. An
exemplary
screen 32 is illustrated in FIGURE 6 that show various text boxes 34, a
graphic box 35,
rules and frames 36, etc. Of course the illustration in screen 32 in FIGURE 6
is only
one of virtually an unlimited number of options that may be provided.
Ultimately the
document is saved as a .ps file, and procedure 29 (and 17) is completed.
The box 37 in FIGURE 2A is to set .ps printing options to generate .ps files
compatible with the system of the invention. That is, this is practiced to
configure an
appropriate printer, that is one of the imaging devices 10, 11, so that it is
properly
controlled by the preferred Acrobat software. Procedure 38 in FIGURE 2A is
also
practiced at this time, and/or contemporaneous with the procedure 29. FIGURES
7, 8,
and 9 show exemplary screens 39, 40, and 41, respectively, that may be
displayed on
the monitor 14 for the implementation of the procedures 37, 38.
On the initial Apple menu one selects the Acrobat printer and from the QUARK
XPRESS package open the document to be converted. Then from the file menu the
document set-up item is selected to record and verify the document size, and
from the
file menu the print icon is selected which contains as tabs document, set-up,
output,
options, and preview. By selecting the set-up tab the screen 39 of FIGURE 7
will be
displayed. From this screen the Acrobat Distiller program, in the preferred
embodiment
of the invention, is selected, as indicated by box 42 in screen 39. Then the
page width
is verified, the page set-up box 43 is selected, and the format for area in
the window
that opens has the Acrobat printer selected. The paper size is chosen, as
illustrated by
the screen 40 in FIGURE 8, which provides a schematic illustration 44 of the
document
size. The document itself is illustrated by the white area 45 within the
colored area 46,
and when viewing the screen 40 on the display 14 care must be taken to ensure
that
the area 45 (corresponding to the document size) is fully within the
background colored
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area 46. Also the page and document should be similarly oriented (portrait or
landscape).
When the document is properly configured, the button 47 (FIGURE 8) is selected
and a window opens allowing the user to configure the settings to create the
.pdf
5 document. In the window 41 of FIGURE 9, when it is displayed, the format is
set to
"postscript job", the postscript level is set to "levels 2 and 3", the data
format to "binary",
and the font inclusion to "all", as illustrated in FIGURE 9, and the
postscript file is
ultimately saved, including by selecting the button 48 in FIGURE 9.
By saving the output of FIGURE 9, one completes the procedure 49 illustrated
in
10 FIGURE 2A, that is the Acrobat Distiller options are set to allow the
generation of
proper .pdf files. The document layout in a .ps file is now converted to a
.pdf file, as
schematically illustrated at 50 in FIGURE 2A. The procedure 50 conversion is
preferably carried out using Adobe's Acrobat Distiller software. This is
accomplished by
opening the Acrobat Distiller application which will illustrate a screen 51 on
the monitor
14, as schematically shown in FIGURE 10, which contains information about the
conversion including status, size, source, percent read in a progression bar,
the page,
and any applicable messages. Once a menu is displayed labeled "Distiller" the
"job"
option is selected, ultimately illustrating the screen 52 of FIGURE 11. The
screen 52
illustrates the components and options that are available when the "general"
tab 53 is
selected. When the "compression" tab 55 is selected, one can check and
compress
text in line art box, color bit map images, gray scale bit map images, and
monochrome
bit map images. The boxes that are checked are "compressed text and line art",
"down
sample set for 72 dpi", and "automatic compression set to medium", and both
"monochrome bit map images" boxes are left unchecked.
When the font imbedding tab 55 is selected, one checks the "embedded all
fonts" box and does not check the "sub-set fonts" below box. When the tab 56
is
selected, the "convert CMYK images to RGB" box is checked, but none of the
other
boxes are checked, and "unchanged" is selected under the "color conversion"
listing.
After all of the selections have been made, the "OK" button 57 is selected,
and the
appropriate postscript file is distilled.
The above procedure is the appropriate one for utilizing a XEIKON color
printer
as the imaging device 10 to be utilized. However if a MIDAX, or MICA printer,
for black
and white printing is to be utilized, then the following changes from the
previously
described settings associated with the screen 52 should be made.
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General Compatability: Acrobat 3.0
Resolution: 300 dpi
Compression Uncheck both boxes in
Monochrome Bitmap Images
Font Embedding Check Embed All Fonts
Uncheck Subset Fonts
Below (always!)
Advanced Choose Remove Transfer
Function s and Remove
Under Color
Removal/Black Generation
If at this point the user wants to display and/or print a hard copy of the
.pdf file,
as indicated by decision box 58 in FIGURE 2A, the Adobe Acrobat reader
application is
opened which allows viewing and/or printing as illustrated schematically at 59
in
FIGURE 2A. The file will look exactly as it was originally created when
displayed or
printed, and printing may be accomplished using any operating system platform
and
any printer.
The next procedure in FIGURE 2A, indicated by decision box 60, is to determine
whether there is an existing job containing images being reused, and if "yes"
then the
conversion takes place as indicated at 61 in FIGURE 2A. After the conversion,
or if no
existing job is being reused, then the .pdf layout will be opened, such as by
utilizing
Acrobat Exchange, to add variable paragraphs, variable tags, variable images,
and
ultimately to create an imposition file. This procedure is initiated, as
indicated by box
62 in FIGURE 2, by launching the Acrobat Exchange program.
After launching Acrobat Exchange, as indicated by decision box 63 in FIGURE
2A, a determination is made as to whether a reusable record layout file exists
for the
jobs. If it does then it is converted as illustrated at 64 in FIGURE 2B, and
record layout
information is imported as illustrated schematically at 65 in FIGURE 2B. After
this
conversion and importation, or upon a "no" decision from box 63, as indicated
by box
66 in FIGURE 2B all the fonts to be used by the job are embedded and then the
job
configuration is performed as indicated at 67.
When a font is embedded in the job file all the information about the font is
added to the .pdf file. This makes manipulation of the file independent of the
fonts
available on the system that is currently manipulating it. The fonts may be
located
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either in the system folder of the Macintosh or in an open folder in the
Suitcase
application.
To embed fonts first one quits all the other applications and then selects the
font
embed application. This allows the user to embed fonts in the .pdf file
instead of having
to retreat all the way back to the original QUIRK XPRESS document.
When the font embed application icon is selected a file menu is displayed, and
"embed" is selected from that menu. Then a screen 68 as illustrated in FIGURE
12 is
displayed on the monitor 14. The screen 68 is navigated through and the user
highlights the pdf file into he or she wants to embed the fonts, once the
appropriate font
has been selected the "embed" button 69 is selected and when embedding is
completed a window will display telling the user that the process is
completed.
The job configuration procedure 67 is then practiced to add the variable tags,
paragraphs, and resources opening of the pdf file in Acrobat Exchange (19 in
FIGURE
1, part of 67 in FIGURE 2) may be accomplished by dragging the postscript file
icon
into the Acrobat Exchange icon in a launching window, or opening an Exchange
application under the file menu selecting "open" which displays a scrolling
list from
which to select the desired file, and selecting the file and clicking on
"open".
One exemplary procedure for adding variable paragraphs is as follows:
1. Choose press sheet size from the Vlmpose menu.
Vlmpose > press sheet size
2. Select MIDAX letter size in the window that opens.
3. Allow this page to remain blank. Do not place anything on this page that
needs to be imaged.
This page will act as a carrier for all the job's variable annotations. This
page will
not be imposed.
4. Under the document menu, select insert page.
Document > insert page
This will allow you to browse and select any of the just-distilled .pdf pages
for
inserting into the layout file.
5. Insert the first page after page one.
6. Continue as in step 4 until all the .pdf pages that will eventually image
have
been inserted into the layout document.
7. Copy any needed .xlf graphic images (logos) or scannable fonts (for
example,
bar codes) to the Macintosh, either through the network or from a floppy disk.
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8. If .xlf logos or scannable fonts are going to be converted for this job,
launch
the xlf2tif utility by clicking in the application icon.
9. Choose open from the file menu and browse to find the specific logos or
fonts.
The xlf2tif software will convert the original xlf image into a .tif in the
necessary
resolution to be placed in the layout or .pdf file.
If additional converted QUARK XPRESS files need to be inserted as additional
pages in the layout file, from the document menu illustrated by screen 70 in
FIGURE
13, select the "insert page" option 71, which displays the screen 72 in FIGURE
14. On
the screen 72 the user scrolls to identify the file and once the file is
highlighted as
indicated schematically at 73 in FIGURE 14, the "open" button 74 is clicked on
opening
the window 75 of FIGURE 15. Then the location where the inserted file should
be
placed is chosen utilizing the options 76, and when appropriate the "OK"
button 77 is
selected.
A similar procedure is provided for inserting variable tags into the .pdf
layout.
Variable tags are placeholders that define the start positions and lengths of
fields in a
data file. Every tag requires a unique tag name to identify it from all the
other tags in a
single record. Tags can have unique or overlapping start positions.
Test data (which can be applied to any tag) represents an example of what will
print in that field. If one defined a tag as "first_name" one can enter "John"
in the test
data filed. When sample data is selected from the VIP display menu, the name
"John"
will appear on the screen instead of the tag "first_name."
To define variable tags, the Adobe Exchange document is opened and from the
plug-in menus the "variable tag definition" option is selected, resulting in
the display of
the screen 78 illustrated in FIGURE 16. All the appropriate tags are created
utilizing the
options selectable from the screen 78 and tags are given names, as indicated
schematically at 79 in FIGURE 16. When all the appropriate tags have been
created
the "done" button 80 is selected using the mouse 16 or keyboard 15.
To place a variable paragraph on a page, with the pdf file open in Adobe
Exchange one clicks on the variable paragraph icon in the top menu bar, clicks
and
holds down the mouse 16 key with the cursor anywhere in the page, and drags
and
release the mouse to delineate a text frame. The window 81 of FIGURE 17 will
open
and be displayed on the monitor 14. The variable paragraph frame attributes
are then
appropriately selected utilizing all of the applicable selections from the
screen 81 with
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respect to the "font" button 82, when that is selected one chooses the font
from the list
which displays. The fonts which were embedded previously in the QUARK XPRESS
file (ps file) are available in this list. If additional fonts are desired
they can be made
available within the .pdf file by using the "font embed" application earlier
described.
One can also select the "rotation" button 83 which allows one to rotate
90°, 180°, 270°,
or some other degree amount. The rotation point is the upper left hand corner
of the
text frame. Ultimately the appropriate text is inserted as indicated by the
selection of
the button 84 in FIGURE 17.
There are other mechanisms for entering text onto a page too including using
the
frame attributes window, by manual entry in the pdf file by typing in the tag
surrounded
by chevrons, or by importing a plain task or ASCII file and then defining the
embedded
tag, by copying plain ASCII text from an existing document with the embedded
tag, or
by using the "get text from file" box 85 in FIGURE 17.
Variable resources, such as images (graphics), may also be added.
Variable images used on the XLOpen system driving MIDAX and MICA print
devices are required to be single-bit TIFF format.
During the document design stage, elements of a document are defined as static
or variable. In addition, images will be printed with flexography,
lithography, or with
Moore's Intelligent Imaging technology (MIDAX and/or MICA). All the images
that will
be printed with MIDAX or MICA will have to be transformed from their current
state to
the single-bit TIFF format. Adobe PhotoShop is the preferred application used
to make
the conversions. This takes place in three steps, and will usually be carried
out in one
PhotoShop session.
A. Convert a color image to grayscale. (Both color images and grayscale
images use multiple bits-per-pixel).
B. Convert a grayscale image to bitmap.
C. Save the image as a TIFF file
One begins by double-clicking on the PhotoShop icon to open the application.
FIGURE 18 shows an exemplary screen 86 which allows one to save the file as
a TIFF file. With a bitmap image loaded select "save" from the file menu, and
from the
screen 86 select "TIFF" from the drop down menu and illustrated schematically
at 87.
Then the "save" button 88 is selected and from the TIFF options that are
displayed
"Macintosh byte Ordering" and "LZW Compression" are selected. Similar
procedures
may be employed to convert .xlf logos to .tif resources.
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To define a variable resource, one starts with a .ps file document that was
saved
as a .pdf file, and clicks on the "variable resources" icon from the plug-in
icons in the
top menu bar. This displays the screen 89 illustrated in FIGURE 19. By
manipulating
the appropriate boxes and making the appropriate selections for the screen 89
in
5 FIGURE 19 one is able to define the appropriate variable resource including,
utilizing
the image reference frame check box 90, specify a tag to associate with a
variable
resource. Also by utilizing the "link image" check box 91 an operator may add
a
reference (file name) of the image that will print at run time. The image need
not be in
the layout file. FIGURE 20 is a schematic representation of the entire
variable
10 resources menu and sub-menus. Variable layers may also be chosen. Similar
to
selectable criteria in PC configuration, the operator sets a condition and
then
associates a specific frame with the condition. The frame can be text or
images (a
variable paragraph or a variable resource) in any of its already-defined
views. The
operator provides a name for this association, which is then considered a
layer.
15 One chooses variable layers from the plug-ins menu that displays the "layer
definition" window, illustrated schematically at 92 in FIGURE 21. The window
of the
screen 92 is divided into three functional areas, conditions, assignments, and
layers.
One selects and manipulates the appropriate options from the screen 92 in
order to
define the appropriate letters for the variable resources.
After the job configuration procedure 67 is completed, as indicated by box 93
in
FIGURE 2B, ORL information is sent to list processing. This may be done
directly as
indicated by line 94 connected to box 95 for the conversion of a live data
file to a
normalized format by a data center, or alternatively by the procedures to the
right of the
box 93 starting with the decision box 96. If the job configuration includes
variable
images, then they are converted to the appropriate format as earlier described
with
respect to FIGURE 18 as indicated by box 97. After conversion or if after a
"no"
decision for decision box 96, it is determined whether the job configuration
includes any
tag driven images, and if "yes" a run time association (RTA) file 99 is
created utilizing
conventional techniques. After the recreation of the RTA file, or a "no"
selection from
decision box 98, pursuant to the decision box 100 of FIGURE 2B it is
determined
whether the job utilizes any non-standard formats. If "yes" then .ps printer
fonts are
converted to UNIX printer fonts utilizing conventional techniques as
illustrated
schematically by box 101 in FIGURE 2, and ultimately via line 102 the data is
further
processed downstream of the box 95.
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As indicated by box 103 in FIGURE 2B (and procedure 20 in FIGURE 1 )
imposition files are then created. It is necessary to create an imposition to
place page
layouts on a press sheet or web of paper in the exact position and orientation
in which
they will print. The Vlmpose menu is displayed, as schematically illustrated
at 104 in
FIGURE 22. The various definitions associated with the "imposition" procedure
are as
follows:
Imposition Imposition is the process of arranging individual layout
pages on a press sheet or web so the pages will be
in proper sequence for printing.
Press Sheet The actual paper being printed on, that is, the
potential image area. (For Xeikon, this is the cut-sheet
size. For MIDAX or MICA, it is the across-the-web
dimension.)
Page A press sheet can have one or many layout pages on it
that can be either the same or different.
Gutters The horizontal or vertical distance between pages on
a press sheet (decimal expression in inches).
Rows Number of pages aligned horizontally.
Columns Number of pages aligned vertically.
Cropmark Offset The distance from the page edge to where the
cropmark starts.
Before starting work to create an imposition file, the .pdf layout file is
closed.
Then the Adobe Acrobat Exchange application is launched by double clicking on
that
icon and choosing the "press sheet size" option 105 from the screen 104
(FIGURE 22).
Then sequentially the "page size", "gutter", "layout", and "cropmarks" options
106 from
FIGURE 22 are selected and the appropriate options are selected and data
entered on
the screens that open up in response thereto.
The method and system according to the invention require that each printing
device must be set up on a separate press sheet. For example, for a one-page
job
which has both MIDAX and MICA printing on the page, two press sheets have to
be set
up in the imposition file. There are two different ways to accomplish this
requirement:
.Insert Press Sheet -- This adds a single, additional press sheet. This may be
the choice when working with individual pages that will be placed on separate
press
sheets.
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.Generate Device Views -- This adds as many duplicates of the original press
sheet as is specified in the Number of Devices field. This may be the choice
when two
or more pages are to be placed on the same press sheet.
An exemplary imposition file is illustrated in FIGURES 23 and 24. FIGURE 23
illustrates the front of a press sheet which is page 1 of the imposition file,
and FIGURE
24 illustrates the back of the press sheet of FIGURE 23, which is page 2 of
the
imposition file. The individual documents in both of the press sheet front and
back of
FIGURES 23 and 24 are provided in this embodiment by using step-and-repeat
procedures.
After the creation of the appropriate imposition file a job file is created as
indicated schematically at 21 in FIGURE 1, and as indicated by box 99 and
other
procedures of FIGURE 2B, and imaging is practiced preferably first as
indicated by
decision box 107 to determine whether the preprint layer contains any
complicated
graphics. If it does, then the complicated preprint layer is replaced with a
plain white
background as indicated at 108 in FIGURE 2B, or with a "no" decision or after
the
replacement, is indicated by box 109 in FIGURE 2B as indicated by box 109,
copied
required resources are sent to the resource manager server. Then, ultimately,
as
indicated by box 110 in FIGURE 2B, an imaging device 10 or 11 is controlled to
produce a color or back and white composite proof, and then imaging is
practiced and
the job run to produce the final variable documents, such as the exemplary
document
111 illustrated in FIGURE 25.
As indicated schematically in FIGURE 25, the document 111 includes static
content 112, that may be provided at various locations in the document, and
may have
one or more of variable paragraphs 113, variable images 114, and variable tags
which
define the locations of the images 113, 114.
Thus it will be seen that according to the present invention a method of
utilizing
front end software, and a system including front end software, employ variable
data
using a pdf format which enables variable content to be created and stored
above the
static content. This also enables the user to model data bases, position
frames, set
properties, store states, combine states with logic, and preview merged
content, and
allows for pages to be positioned on press sheets specific supported print
devices. The
same .pdf file may be utilized to create different imposition files for
running on different
imaging devices 10, 11, and the invention utilizes conventional software in a
simple yet
highly effective manner.
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While the invention has been herein shown and described in what is presently
conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment thereof it will be
apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications may be made
thereof within
the scope of the invention, which scope is to be accorded to the broadest
interpretation
of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent methods and systems
to
produce equivalent documents.
