Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q30/00—Commerce
  • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F40/00—Handling natural language data
  • G06F40/10—Text processing
  • G06F40/166—Editing, e.g. inserting or deleting

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a technique for creating customized documents or other printed materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to a technique for creating customized printed mate ⁇ ats utilizing template formats, stored reference information ana user input data.
• POS point of sale
• Custom promotional materials often change on a weekly (or even more frequent) basis. Additionally, it is common for a user to need the materials in a short time frame or to desire changes at the last minute. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a system for creating customized documents which permits optimal flexibility in design, and which promotes efficiency by allowing a user to easily create, proof and edit custom printed materials in a single session.
• Customized printed materials particularly when ordered in large quantities, can cost substantial sums of money. As a result, it is especially important to ensure that the design of the customized printed materials is satisfactory before large volume print jobs are run and delivered. If the design is not verified p ⁇ or to printing, it may be necessary to incur additional expenses associated with re ⁇ esigning and reprinting the order or, alternatively, a user may be forced to accept a less than optimal finished product. Thus, an accurate and simple technique for proofing customized printed materials prior to confirming p ⁇ nt job orders is desired.
• Variable onnting capabilities utilizing existing XLC printing technology may be demonstrated for response-on-demand applications.
• a user can connect to an Internet WEB site and make a request for a publication by providing some variable or selectable data that would be used to create a form based on the layout instructions.
• the final document would then be assembled for later printing.
• the available selections may be generated from a database which contains the references, possibly some other object specific data, and, if graphic images are required, the low and high resolution images.
• HTML Hypertext Mark-up Language
• the pages may be built on the references selected by the user on the main HTML page.
• the low resolution images of the referenced images could be used in building the dynamic HTML page.
• attempts to mimic the real layout of the document to be ultimately printed are difficult because with the HTML standard there is a limit of how closely the HTML pages match the final printed pages in appearance.
• differences in appearance are usually device dependent and may vary from user to user. If the selections were confirmed, the records with the selections that consisted of the references to the selectable objects (including the images) from the database and the user provided variable data (name, address, etc.) were fed into the XLC system, which uses the template information, high resolution images referenced on the records, and the variable data from the records to do the final printing.
• users are provided with a visual representation of a template for customized printed materials before user data is entered so the user can better understand and visualize how the data will ultimately be placed in the final document.
• the templates may be imaged and then presented on an HTML internet web page in Portable Document Format (PDF).
• PDF Portable Document Format
• the users could see the templates on the HTML page.
• the user still needs a tool to show the documents after entry of the custom data.
• a dynamic PDF solution creates a dynamic PDF file on-the-fly based on the template information, the variable data provided by the users, and the low resolution images based on the references selected.
• the PDF file provides a proofing version of the customized material, and is generated by an application that directly reads and writes a PDF file, by inserting the components and placing them at the right locations.
• the PDF is an accepted Internet standard, very well supported by the major Internet browsers. It is device independent and provides one to one representation of how the final document would look when printed.
• the PDF file may be displayed in the user's internet browser using a conventional PDF reader plug-in.
• the PDF file can be viewed or printed to a local low resolution printer for the final proofing. If changes are required the user moves back to the main HTML page to modify the selection and/or the variable data. Then a new dynamic PDF file is generated that reflects the changes. The process continues until the user is satisfied with the document.
• the same references used to build the dynamic PDF file are sent for printing using the known XLC printing technology.
• the same generated PDF file would be sent for printing using conventional printing technology where the low resolution images would be replaced by the high resolution images by an OPI (Open Pre-press Interface) process before printing.
• OPI Open Pre-press Interface
• FIGURE 1 is a system diagram illustrating an example proofing system in accordance with the present invention
• FIGURE 1 A is a flow chart illustrating an example of steps which may be implemented in connection with the system of FIGURE 1 to custom design printed materials;
• FIGURE 2 is an example of a first level screen display in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGURE 3 is an example of a second level screen display in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
• FIGURE 4 is another example of a second level screen display in accordance with a preferred embodiment oF the present invention
• FIGURE 5 is an example of a closing screen display in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGURE 6 is an example of a point-of-sale display card which may be produced in accordance with the present invention.
• an example proofing system constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a front end 2 which preferably is capable of establishing remote contact with an internet WEB site.
• a reference library, low resolution images, high resolution images, and other data may be stored in a memory 4 at the remote location.
• the front end 2 is typically located at the office of a designer for the customized printed material to be prepared, e.g., at the office of a graphic artist employed by an advertising agency or a direct mail marketer.
• the front end 2 ordinarily includes a personal computer having at least a display screen, keyboard and a mouse, as well as appropriate internet browsing software.
• the memory 4, PDF builder 6, and high resolution color production printing system 10 are present at the remote location, e.g., at the facilities of a commercial printing service, and may be part of a computerized printer device and print driver system.
• the front end 2 may use an internet browser or the like to establish communication with the remote location through an internet connection or other appropriate communication technique.
• a commercial printer may establish a typical HTML-based World Wide Web site on the internet that allows customers password protected access to the services and products of the commercial printer.
• a customer seeking to design custom printed materials would then access the web page of the commercial printer and enter an area reserved for services and products offered by the printer.
• One option in the services and products area of the web page may be custom design of printed materials which, when finalized, would be printed by the commercial printer on a high-speed, high-quality print device, and subsequently delivered to the customer.
• other arrangements are also available.
• a graphic artist or the like working at the front end terminal 2 accesses the internet web page of the commercial printer and enters the area for customized design of printed materials.
• the PDF (portable document format) builder 6 may be implemented in a conventional way as part of a computer system at the remote location. The computer system may also operate as the server for the internet web page.
• the PDF builder-6 is used to create the image of the document to be printed based on reference data images, or other data from the memory 4, as well as user inputs at front end 2.
• a local printer 8 may be provided at the front end for producing hard copy, low resolution proofs of the final document, if desired by the user. Once the user is satisfied with the design, a print order can be confirmed and high quality prints may be produced by a high resolution color production printing system 10.
• FIG. 1A An example operation of the proofing system illustrated in Figure 1 is illustrated in Figure 1A. More particularly, at step 100, a designer working at the front end station 2 utilizes a conventional internet browser and connection to access the commercial printer web page and enter the area in which customers may design their own custom printed materials. Typically, access to this area of the web page may be password protected and restricted to customers having established accounts with the printer.
• the user is prompted to select an available template form (function block 102) and to provide selected or variable information (function block 104) for use by the PDF builder 6 to complete a proof of the custom printed material.
• the particular template forms available to the user may be tailored to the specific user For example, a supermarket chain may have a number of available templates which would not be suitable for a beer distributor or direct mail marketer, and vice versa Accordingly, the available templates may be predetermined for a particular customer and presented to the user in accordance with the sign-on information provided by the user in accessing the web page.
• the templates are preferably imaged in advance and displayed for the user on the HTML web page in PDF. These templates can be seen on the HTML page prior to customization.
• the user may select from a plurality of predetermined options. For example, the user could be prompted to select a specific type of package to appear on the custom printed material (See, e.g., Figure 3, at item 2). Additionally, the user can be given the choice of selecting from a plurality of predetermined options or, if no predetermined option is- suitable, providing the user's own variable information. (See, e.g., Figure 3 at items 3 and 4). The variable user information may be entered, for example, at the keyboard of front end 2.
• the PDF builder 6 then creates a dynamic PDF file on-the-fly based on the selected template information, the selected or variable data provided by the users, and the low resolution images based on the references selected.
• the dynamic PDF file corresponding to the custom printed material is generated by reading the PDF template file, inserting the appropriate image components and placing them in the proper locations, and writing a customized dynamic PDF file.
• the dynamic PDF file is then displayed at the front end terminal 2 for proofing by the designer (function block 106). Once the customized dynamic PDF file is displayed at the front end 2, the designer may choose to print the image at a relatively low resolution local printer 8 for further review (function block 108).
• Such an arrangement may be particularly advantageous, for example, if the printed material is multiple pages or cannot be viewed on a single screen display. Also, the printed version may be circulated to others as needed for approval.
• the designer may either confirm the order, or may return to the main HTML page to modify the selection and/or the variable data.
• the designer is again given the opportunity to select an available template, etc.
• the commercial printer can proceed with printing the materials in the desired quantity (function block 114) and then distributing them as required (function block 116).
• the printed materials could be delivered to a distribution center for a retail chain, or the commercial printer may post the materials through the mail to parties included on a mailing list provided to them by the user
• the same references used to build the dynamic PDF file are sent for printing by the XLC system.
• the dynamic PDF file generated for proofing is sent to the printing system, and low resolution images used in creating the dynamic PDF file are replaced by high resolution images by, for example, an open pre-press interface (OPI) before printing.
• OPI open pre-press interface
• Figure 1A illustrates control returning to function block 102 when the designer is dissatisfied with the appearance of the printed materials, ordinarily it should not be necessary to reselect or again input information that is not to be changed. Additionally, it should be understood that the order of steps illustrated in Figure 1A can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a user might choose to print a low resolution copy of the proofing version of the custom printed material prior to, of even in lieu of, display on a screen at the front end 2.
• FIGURE 2 illustrates a sample first level screen display which may appear at front end 2 after a user initially accesses the proofing system.
• the user is provided, for example, with a number of available templates such as a generic shelf display card (Shelf Talker Generic 1), a vertical banner, or an aisle display card (ELM Chill Aisle).
• Shelf Talker Generic 1 a generic shelf display card
• vertical banner a vertical banner
• ELM Chill Aisle aisle display card
• the user may select a template by clicking on the appropriate choice with a mouse 2A.
• FIGURE 3 illustrates a sample second level screen display menu appropriate for the selection of the shelf display card.
• a PDF version of the template is displayed at the top portion of the screen for reference by the user.
• This template is preferably imaged in advance and stored in memory 4.
• the user is prompted to select a package image to be included in the package area of the template Additionally, the user is prompted to: (a) select a stored description or to enter a different description of the user's choosing; (b) select a stored price or enter a different price; (c) select the number of copies needed from the production printing system; and (d) to identify themselves.
• the identification of the user may be used for billing and/or distribution purposes in accordance with previously determined customer information. Once all the necessary data is entered, the user-may click on a button to indicate completion of data entry.
• FIGURE 4 illustrates another example second level display.
• the screen display of FIGURE 4 may be used with an aisle display card (ELM Chill Aisle).
• ELM Chill Aisle the template is shown at the top portion of the HTML screen as a PDF image.
• the aisle display card template permits prices for a number of different products to be displayed.
• Such a template would be particularly useful, for example, to a supermarket chain or the like.
• the user prompts for data in Figure 4 are different from those in Figure 3 due to the different information to be printed on the customized printed materials. Again, completion of data entry is indicated by clicking a button with the mouse 2A.
• a message may be displayed at front end 2 upon completion of data entry.
• This message screen provides the user the opportunity to view the final document, as customized, prior to confirmation of the order.
• the final document can also be printed on a local low resolution printer 8 ( Figure 1). If the user is not satisfied with the document, the steps employed in creating the document may be repeated as desired.
• FIGURE 6 an example is given of a final printed document produced by the production printing system based on the shelf display template.
• An image of the selected package is displayed at the left hand portion of the shelf display.
• the right hand portion includes the user input description and price.
• the final printed documents would typically be delivered to a distribution center of a retail store or the like for later display in individual stores.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
• Development Economics (AREA)
• Finance (AREA)
• Strategic Management (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
• Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology (AREA)
• General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Economics (AREA)
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
• Marketing (AREA)
• Computational Linguistics (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Processing Or Creating Images (AREA)
• Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
• Record Information Processing For Printing (AREA)
• Information Transfer Between Computers (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=26698138

Family Applications (1)

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• 1997
  • 1997-08-15 NZ NZ334700A patent/NZ334700A/xx unknown
  • 1997-08-15 EP EP97937264A patent/EP0920667A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 1997-08-15 JP JP51083198A patent/JP2002501635A/ja active Pending
  • 1997-08-15 AU AU39820/97A patent/AU722766B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1997-08-15 WO PCT/US1997/014343 patent/WO1998008176A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 1997-08-15 CA CA002264638A patent/CA2264638A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1997-08-15 CN CN97198240A patent/CN1102274C/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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