Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
  • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
  • B42D1/00—Books or other bound products
  • B42D1/06—Books or other bound products in which the fillings and covers are united by other means

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method for processing and creating electronic publication documents and the suitable device for this.
• publication documents There are no restrictions on the publication documents for their later use.
• print templates such as. B.
• the object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages described in the prior art and to propose a method, a device, and an “intelligent” document format and a computer program for the remote-controlled creation and processing of publication documents.
• Content adjustments, through the rules contained in these intelligent publication documents ensures that no unwanted design changes can occur.
• the economic purpose of the invention is the cost and time-saving, economic benefit compared to the processes comparable with the current state of the art. If the invention is used consistently, it can be expected that the production process in the classic publication creation will be greatly simplified and will create new, more effective working conditions.
• the invention can be implemented as a software system for controlling the underlying template technology, the software system comprising: a device for creating and editing the templates on a remote computer system (server), with the template creation / processing taking place on the server and being remotely controlled via a local web browser, as used today as standard on the Internet; a facility for creating and editing the templates on a local computer is an additional possibility to create and edit these templates without a server; a device that enables remote control of content changes in publication documents on a server computer system and then recombine design and content in the templates, whereby the remote control input dialog can take place on the one hand via a standard web browser, for input control a preview of the changed publication document is provided to the initiating browser dialog and is also automatically supplied with new content via so-called batch interfaces to external processes.
• a remote computer system server
• the template creation / processing taking place on the server and being remotely controlled via a local web browser, as used today as standard on the Internet
• a facility for creating and editing the templates on a local computer is an additional
• the invention allows, for example, the difficult task of creating an appealing advertisement within the framework of the corporate design guidelines of a brand or campaign, Reduced to the much simpler task for the end user to choose between variants, the overall task has not become easier, but allows the complex part to be done once for all subsequent processes. It is not the kernel that decides exactly how the division is made, but rather the "intelligent" templates used with the kernel.
• the invention can be used so that local advertisers (eg trading partners, branches, any person) can make changes to the content via the Internet with centrally specified design templates while maintaining a specified quality standard without destroying the design.
• local advertisers eg trading partners, branches, any person
• An agency commissioned by the trademark owner creates e.g. B. an advertisement that corresponds to its defined corporate design.
• This display serves as a sample display.
• the invention enables the local advertiser to modify or exchange individual "approved" text and image elements while maintaining all the features relevant to the corporate design via the Internet.
• the local advertisers can adjust the sample display independently in a user-friendly browser window Regional agencies are no longer involved.
• the centrally created sample display and the display elements to be adapted are read into a computer program for further processing.
• This sample display and its replacement elements are such.
• B. produced by layout experts of an advertising agency with standard publishing programs and e.g. provided as an EPS file. This ensures problem-free adaptation to the existing software environment.
• Both the ad template and the ad elements that are available to the contracting parties for the modification of their local business ad can be created in the usual way.
• the brand owner and the commissioned agency use the corporate design specifications to centrally determine which ad elements and which ad elements should be variable.
• the replacement elements are also defined.
• the contractual partners adjust the display in a browser window.
• the template technology is based on fundamental mechanisms of computer science, which are combined in a new way. These mechanisms include variables and the binding of variables to values, partial evaluation, formal parameters etc.
• Template objects are defined. Like normal objects in object-oriented programming, these template objects have a state that is defined by the assignment of their variables and "behavior" that is influenced by this assignment.
• variables in template objects can also (still) be unoccupied [template currying]; they behave like the parameters of procedures.
• the unassigned (free) variables are parameters of the template.
• a template Objects "knows" which of its parameters are free and which are bound. Only free parameters can be influenced externally.
• Template currying and defaults allow this to be made possible without the complexity for the end user.
• a template object only becomes complete when it is combined with an assignment of all of its free variables.
• An assignment is an assignment of variables (names) to values. They bind the free parameter variables of a template to specific values. Once they are bound, they are no longer available as parameters.
• Template objects can also be combined with incomplete assignments, i.e. those in which not all free variables of the template object are bound to a value. This combination of template + bindings creates a new template object with the remaining free variables as parameters. This new object continues to refer to its constituents.
• Bindings can also contain templates as values, these templates are then "sub-templates" of the template to which they are bound. This enables a hierarchy of templates to be built.
• variable can also be bound to another variable. So their value depends on the value of this other variable.
• Structural inheritance is a special type of dependent binding.
• the value of a parameter variable is not linked to a specific other variable, but the value of a variable with the same name of a higher-level template is adopted.
• Structural inheritance can also be defined differently: as a dependent binding with multiple outputs (i.e. push vs. pull). This avoids undefined states.
• the value of a variable can also be bound to any procedure that calculates this value. (This results from (a) the fact that procedures are a special case of templates and (b) values can also be templates. Furthermore, it follows that parameters of the procedure may be inserted into the template / binding system again).
• Relationships between variables can also be defined. These can be used to calculate valid variable bindings by the system or to determine that there is no valid assignment. These relationships can e.g. B. be arithmetic, logical, contain inequalities, etc. B. just a special case of relationships.
• new templates with additional behavior and additional free variables can be generated from refinement.
• Templates can be (again) created from concrete objects by replacing fixed attributes / objects with a parameter variable (the current value is thereby used) usually accepted as default). This is possible both for sub-objects and for attributes.
• structures To enable data from unstructured file formats to be included in the template concept, structures must be recognized automatically or assisted.
• the kernel together with the associated template technology, allows the complexity of problems in the creation of publication documents to be divided and parts to be treated separately.
• the separation into the design objects and their processing is of great importance here.
• the design objects are completely described by their respective templates and can be edited or evaluated via the kernel.
• the templates are available for the different design variants for controlled variant modification.
• the parameter binding described is only restricted to the permissible "wanted” design variations. Additional design rules can automatically generate “wanted” design variants as additional information.
• All design variants are in the form of templates as electronic representation on a digital storage medium and can be processed, varied, duplicated and converted as direct electronic templates for downstream processes via the kernel. Suitable formats for downstream processes are currently z. B. EPS, TIFF, PDF, SVG, HTML and XML, but there is no limitation to this exemplary selection.
• the kernel is an always expandable virtual machine for processing templates into template variants, ie derived templates. Expandable here means that the kernel can grow in thickness as required. Only the kernel contains the knowledge of how the templates and the rules contained therein are to be executed or implemented. It is the central device for creating and editing templates. Procedure for creating templates and template variants
• the method for creating templates is preferably based on a computer program and can be carried out on both a local and a remote computer.
• the execution can be remotely controlled by a natural person or by another computer program.
• the remote-controlled process of creation and editing currently uses standard technologies such as B. Internet, Intranet and World Wide Web or WAP, however, is not limited to this.
• the method for generating design variants is preferably also based on a computer program that can be executed on a local and a remote computer.
• the execution can be remotely controlled by a natural person or by another computer program.
• FIG. 1 shows a flow chart to explain the phases for creating a template according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 2 shows a foot diagram for explaining the method steps for creating a design variant via the Internet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a template according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a completed design variant as a parameterized printable template
• FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a preferred hardware configuration according to the invention.
• a logically unstructured print template describes a document held in electronic form on a storage medium, which was created with a standard publishing program and structured graphically.
• the unstructured print template contains all electronically coded information that is required for the visualization of the underlying document. There is no systematic
• Distribution of logical visualization components such as B. columns of text, headings, images, logos etc., from which the document is composed. Rather, the pixels are individually controlled when displaying unstructured print templates.
• Visualization components derived from coded visualization processes via their underlying program code are derived from coded visualization processes via their underlying program code.
• a component structure denotes a systematic subdivision of the logical visualization components, such as B. columns of text, headings, images, logos etc., from which the document is composed mensite.
• Parameterizable substitution elements denote logical visualization components, such as B. text columns, headings, images, logos etc., which by free or restricted parameter value ranges by z.
• B. external, program-controlled intervention in content and form can be changed.
• a parameterized template refers to a structured template, which is kept in electronic form on a storage medium, in addition to the printable template, its systematic division of the logical visualization components, such as. B. contains text columns, headings, images, logos etc.
• the printable template is also available in electronic form in a known standard format such as. B. EPS, TIFF, PDF, SVG, HTML and XML, kept on a storage medium.
• the storage location of the printable template does not necessarily have to match the storage location of the associated template. It is sufficient if there is a reference in the template, e.g. B. a URL common on the Internet, via which the exact location can be localized over the Internet.
• a design variant refers to a parameterized template (template), which, for. B. was changed by external program-controlled intervention in content and form and keeps all components, including the printable template, in a data package (bundle) on an electronic memory.
• template a parameterized template
• B. was changed by external program-controlled intervention in content and form and keeps all components, including the printable template, in a data package (bundle) on an electronic memory.
• Each completed design variant designates a template derived from the invention on the basis of the unstructured template, any number of design variants being able to be generated from each template.
• This is preferably in electronic form and serves z. B. as advertising material, such as advertisements of all kinds, brochures, magazines, but also so-called commercial printed matter such as: letterheads, business cards, congratulation cards, mourning cards.
• advertising material such as advertisements of all kinds, brochures, magazines, but also so-called commercial printed matter such as: letterheads, business cards, congratulation cards, mourning cards.
• personalized publication documents are becoming increasingly important. These are particularly suitable for direct electronic output on digital printers, CTP systems and monitors via the Internet.
• a completed design variant can be delivered to the customer as a shop product.
• a shop product can also contain additional information such as: B. Include prices for certain quantities.
• Figure 1 shows schematically the essential steps for creating a template according to the invention by the designer or template creator.
• a logically unstructured print template is read into the computer program MetaAd Creator according to the invention for the creation of templates.
• This unstructured print template was created e.g. B. created with a standard program and is in a print-ready format such. B. EPS, PS, PDF, SVG etc. and is then analyzed in method step 12 by the computer program MetaAd Creator according to the invention and examined for graphic structural features.
• a logical component structure is built up from the essential structural features found.
• the component structure may include fixed and / or variable logical components.
• Parameterizable substitution elements that match the variable components are displayed to the designer or template creator as bound parameter names via the user interface in the MetaAd Creator.
• the variable components of interest are assigned to substitution elements that can be parameterized as desired.
• the designer or template creator can restrict the parameters to a set of values in their value range. It can e.g. B. a certain color palette or a defined group of advertising texts can be assigned as substitution elements. Sometimes, however, it makes sense not to restrict the stock of values. An example of this is if future users should be able to replace text components with any of their own texts.
• the parameterized print or design template is created, which contains all variable or replacement Tongue components and / or rules contains. This design template is saved on a digital data carrier such as B.
• MetaAd template Hard drive called MetaAd template and is immediately available as a template for generating any number of design or design variants.
• a suitable archive system can also be connected in a program-controlled manner via a configurable archiving interface. This could be used to archive and manage MetaAd templates, design variants and also substitution elements.
• Figure 2 shows schematically the essential steps for creating a design variant according to the invention by the customer or user.
• step 21 the ordering party or user is dialed in. His authorization is then carried out in FIG. 22 by checking an individual password by the computer program MetaAd Web-Deploy according to the invention. After confirming his access authorization, he can remotely edit his MetaAd templates using MetaAd WebDeploy.
• step 23 a design variant or template is selected by the customer or user.
• design variants of the MetaAd templates are created by assigning the substitution elements to the variable parameters or components.
• Design variants refer to all of the MetaAd templates that are created in this way from the original template originally created by the designer or template creator.
• the original template has the same structure, but is not overwritten by the changes made.
• substitution elements such.
• B. Pictures or text elements of a fixed range of values can be replaced by customer or user selection.
• the range of values for substitution elements does not necessarily have to be restricted, but can also be opened by the creator or designer for unrestricted change of parameter values. For example, this can be useful if you want to enable free text entry or the assignment of colors to texts or geometries.
• substitution elements can also be provided as results of program calls.
• the MetaAd Batch-Deploy module is used for automatic parameter binding by program generated values used.
• MetaAd Batch-Deploy the entire customer or user dialog can also be omitted and all design variants can be determined through the program-controlled provision of substitution elements.
• step 25 the print templates embedded in the MetaAd template are adapted to the current parameter position of the substitution elements. This completes the temporary design variant. If required, a preview image for review is generated in step 26, which is sent to the web browser of the customer or user for the visualization of the design variant. This enables an interactive way of working with immediate control through the visualization of all changes made to content and design in a design variant or the respective MetaAd original template.
• this design variant is stored for archiving in the customer or user directory for the one design variant.
• a suitable archive system can also be connected in a program-controlled manner via a configurable archiving interface. This could be used to archive and manage MetaAd templates, design variants and also substitution elements.
• an ordering process is optionally initiated.
• the customer has the option of starting a shopping cart function or other purchase and payment processes and placing a print order.
• a print job is generated in a print shop facility using the MetaAd template.
• the print job data can also be contained in the MetaAd template.
• the complete processing of the placed print job including payment can be done via MetaAd Web-Deploy.
• step 29 the printable template from the design variant is printed taking into account the print job data.
• FIG. 3 shows a MetaAd template with fixed or static and variable or dynamic visualization components, the dynamic visualization components in the MetaAd Creater being linked as default values to parameters, which are then combined into one later replaced by substitution elements.
• This replacement process takes place by using the programs MetaAd Web-Deploy, MetaAd Batch-Deploy, MetaAd GUI-Deploy or again MetaAd Creater on the MetaAd template.
• the logol can e.g. B. be replaced by other logos that are suitable as substitution elements.
• the static visualization components 32 and 33 are firmly bound to parameters and are not released for later replacement.
• MetaAd application can be replaced by any text.
• the font selection and font size are fixed in this example and only one change of content can be made.
• other free parameters for this substitution element could also be used here, e.g. B. the font color, type, size, etc. can be kept variable.
• Components 35 and 36 are dynamic visualization components of the type image.
• the free parameters are initially assigned default values, which can then be replaced by a MetaAd application.
• FIG. 4 shows a design variant which is structurally identical to the MetaAd original template from FIG. 3. It is essential with this figure that it represents a concrete design variant, which was created by the replacement mechanism of a MetaAd application on a MetaAd original template.
• FIG. 5 shows a preferred hardware configuration for carrying out the invention.
• Reference numeral 51 denotes the customer or user who is using a client computer in one
• Reference numeral 52 denotes one or more designers or template creators who create templates on their local computer and transfer them to a central server via the Internet or intranet. However, you can also generate these directly on the Internet or intranet using a client computer in a standard web browser.
• Reference numeral 53 denotes the connection between the customer, user, designer or template creator and application server via the Internet or intranet.
• Reference numeral 54 denotes the application server on which the web application executes the instructions of the ordering party, user and designer or template creator, as was explained with reference to FIG. 2.
• the print templates, substitution elements, etc. are provided in a suitable data storage 55.
• the hardware configuration is not limited to a specific type of computer.

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• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Educational Administration (AREA)
• Educational Technology (AREA)
• Document Processing Apparatus (AREA)
• Record Information Processing For Printing (AREA)
• Processing Or Creating Images (AREA)
• Printing Methods (AREA)
• Manufacturing Of Printed Wiring (AREA)
• Preparing Plates And Mask In Photomechanical Process (AREA)
• Projection-Type Copiers In General (AREA)
• Light Sources And Details Of Projection-Printing Devices (AREA)

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• 2000
  • 2000-03-17 DE DE10013096A patent/DE10013096A1/de not_active Withdrawn
• 2001
  • 2001-03-19 JP JP2001566901A patent/JP2003526862A/ja active Pending
  • 2001-03-19 AU AU2001250280A patent/AU2001250280A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2001-03-19 EP EP01923521A patent/EP1265751B1/fr not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2001-03-19 AT AT01923521T patent/ATE252252T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 2001-03-19 WO PCT/DE2001/001051 patent/WO2001068368A2/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2001-03-19 DE DE50100802T patent/DE50100802D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 2002
  • 2002-08-14 US US10/219,678 patent/US20030090723A1/en not_active Abandoned

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