MXPA99001669A - Proofing system utilizing dynamic pdf technology for the interface for templated printing - Google Patents

Abstract

A technique for easily creating and proofing customized printed material before printing on a production printing system. A user may connect with an internet web site provided by a commercial printing service and select from a plurality of available templates for the printed material. The user can then select additional stored information to be included in the customized printed material, or can input variable information through a keyboard or the like. A portable document format (PDF) builder generates a dynamic PDF file from the selected template and the selected or variable data from the user. The dynamic file can then be displayed at the front end to provide an accurate view of how the printed material would look. Additionally, a hard copy proofing version of the printed material may be printed at the front end. Once the layout of the printed material is confirmed, a production printing system is used to print multiple copies of the customized printed material.

Description

SYSTEM OF TESTS THAT USES THE TECHNOLOGY OF THE PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT, DYNAMIC. FOR THE TEMPLATE PRINT INTERFACE BACKGROUND AND COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method for remotely creating and operating personalized documents or other printed materials, for printing in a central setting, based on the displayed editing images, and an apparatus which can be used to perform the method. More particularly, the present invention relates to the technique of creating customized printed materials with the use of template formats, stored reference information and user input data. It is convenient in modern printing systems allows the user to easily personalize printed materials for a particular need. For example, a user can select printed images and combine them with the input text of a specified field and stored references, to produce a display at the point of sale (POS) or similar. Such a "demand response" system increases production flexibility and simplifies the design process. With the importance and increasing availability of Internet interlaced networks), the possibilities of such a response system on demand greatly increases. Retail chains, national or regional, for example, often require large numbers of display devices at the point of sale for use in their stores. These point-of-sale display devices are typically printed upon request by a commercial printing service and distributed to the various warehouses for use. Other types of businesses or organizations, which frequently use display devices at the point of sale, include soft drink bottles or primary ready-made beverages, which provide promotional materials to distributor networks, cell phone service providers, associations commercial and others. The need for custom printed materials, of course, extends beyond the point of sale displays. For example, markets through direct mail continually develop advertising flyers and coupons, which are sent by mail to prospective customers. Planners and event promoters may need printed materials for use in promoting concerts, sporting events and live theater performances, etc. Similarly, several organizers sometimes use printed materials for clients to announce seminars, annual meetings, and the like. In other words, the possible applications for custom printed materials are virtually unlimited. Customer promotion 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 period of time or to want changes at the last minute. Therefore, it is convenient to provide a system to create customized documents that allows optimal flexibility in the design and that promotes efficiency by allowing users to create, test and easily edit personalized printed materials in a single session. Custom 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 custom printed materials is satisfactory, before large-volume print jobs are executed and delivered. If the design is not verified before printing, it may be necessary to incur additional costs associated with redesigning and reprinting the order or, alternatively, a user may be forced to accept a finished product of less than optimal quality. Thus, it is convenient an exact and simple technique to test custom printed materials, before confirming orders for print jobs. Various printing capabilities, using existing XLC printing technology, can be demonstrated for demand response applications. In such systems, a user can make contact to an Internet WEB site and make a request for a publication for the provision of variable or selectable data that will be used to create a form based on the instructions provided. The final document will then be assembled for further printing. The available selections can be generated from a database containing the references, possibly some other object specific data and, when graphic images are required, the high and low resolution images. After supplying the data, this system can form HTML pages (Hypertext Markup Language), to make the quick review and test of the Internet. The pages can be formed in the references selected by the user in the main HTML page. The low resolution images of the reference images can be used in forming the dynamic HTML page. However, attempts to match the actual layout of the document to be finally printed are difficult, because with the HTML standard there is a limit to how closely the HTML pages match the final printed pages in appearance. Also, differences in appearance are usually dependent on the device and may vary from one user to another. If the selections are confirmed, the records with the selections consisting of the references to the selectable objects (which include the images) of 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 with reference to the records, and variable data from the records to make the final impression. One problem with this system is that printed pages do not always look at the way users through them are based on a view of the HTML page. As a result, the finished product may prove not suitable for its intended purpose, and the client will need to redesign the printed materials - which costs time, money and effort. Therefore, a test system that shows exactly to the users how their selections will be looked at in the printing, before sending the print orders will be highly advantageous. A virtual image editing system is illustrated in the bulletin IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 38, No. 8 (August 1998). In short, the system of the developed image process consists of an image server and an image client. The image server provides a scanning function, storage of image data, a data conversion capability, which creates a reduced image and a test image printing function, which uses original image data. The image client can access the reduced image and interact with a user to edit the image. The image client never has access to the original image of high quality and exhibits a reduced image, obtained from the image server through an image conversion program. The original high-quality image, stored on the server, is used by the image server once printing has been requested.

BRIEF SUMMARY The present invention provides a method for remotely creating and editing high quality custom material, for printing at a customer establishment, based on the displayed editing images. A user establishes the remote connection and selects from a plurality of available templates. An interactive menu screen is used to obtain specific user information for incorporation into the customized material. A portable document format file ("PDF") dynamic then created and displayed. If changes are desired, the dynamic PDF file can be modified at the request of the user. Additionally, the present invention provides an apparatus which can be used in the creation and editing, remotely, of customized, high quality printing material.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, users are provided with a visual representation of a template for personalized printed materials, before the user's data enters, so that the user can better understand and visualize how the data will be subsequently placed. in the final document. The templates can be images and then presented on the HTLM Internet band page in the Portable Document Format (PDF). Users can see the templates in the HTML page. However, the user still needs a tool to display the documents, after entering the customer's data. According to another aspect of the present invention, a dynamic PDF solution creates a dynamic PDF file instantly based on the template information, the variable data provided by the users and the low resolution images, based on the selected references . The PDF file provides a trial version of the custom material and is generated by an application that directly reads and writes a PDF file, by inserting the components and placing them in the correct locations. PDF is an accepted Internet standard, very well supported by the main fast Internet reviews. It is an independent device and supplies a with a representation of how the final document will look when printed. The PDF file can be displayed with the user's fast internet reviewer, with the use of conventional PDF reader plug. The PDF file can be viewed or printed to a local low resolution printer for the final test. If changes are required, the user will move back to the main HTML page to modify the selection and / or the variable data. Then a new dynamic PDF file is generated, which reflects the changes. The process continues until the user is satisfied with the document. After the same references used to form the dynamic PDF file are sent for printing, using the known XLC printing technology. Alternatively, the same generated PDF file will be sent for printing, using conventional printing technology, where low resolution images will be replaced by high resolution images by an OPI (Open Pre-press Interface) process, before the impression. Although developed for the front end of the Internet, the technology can similarly be used by front ends in addition to fast Internet checkers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to skilled artisans from a reading of the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which : Figure 1 is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary test system, in accordance with the present invention; Figure IA is a flow chart illustrating an example of the steps that can be performed in relation to the system of Figure 1 for printed customer design materials; Figure 2 is an example of a first level screen display device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is an example of a second level screen display device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is another example of a second level screen display device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is an example of a closure screen display device, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is an example of a point of sale display device card, which can be produced in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY MODALITY The following detailed description indicates a preferred exemplary embodiment, in accordance with the present invention. However, it should be noted by ordinary experts in the field that changes and modifications can be made. For example, although the exemplary mode is described in the context of an example system, in which a user uses the Internet to access the information of the template at a remote location and enters the information specified by the user, they are possible. other arrangements. Referring now to Figure 1, an example test system, constructed in accordance with the present invention, includes a front end 2, which is preferably capable of establishing remote contact with an Internet WEB site. A reference collection, low resolution images, high resolution images and other data can be stored in a memory 4 at the remote location. The front end 2 is typically located in a designer's office, to prepare customized printed material, for example in the office of a graphic artist employed by an advertising agency or a direct seller by mail. The front end 2 ordinarily includes a personal computer that has at least one display screen, a keyboard and a mouse, as well as the appropriate software (program) for quick Internet review. The memory 4, the PDF trainer 6 and the high resolution color production printing system 10 are presented at a remote location, for example, in commercial printing service establishments, and can be part of a computerized printing device and a printing unit system. The front end 2 can use a fast internet checker or the like, to establish communication with the remote location through an Internet connection or other appropriate communication technique. For example, a commercial printer can establish a World Wide Band site, based on HTML on the Internet, that allows protected access by a word of pass to customers to the services and products of the commercial printer. A searches for the printed materials with the personal design, which will then have access to the WEB page of the commercial printer and will enter an area reserved for services and products offered by the printer. An option in the services and products area of the WEB page will be the appropriate design of the printed materials that, when finalized, will be printed by the commercial printer in a high speed printing device., high quality, and then delivered to the customer. Of course, other arrangements are also available. In the operation of such an example system, a graphic artist or the like, working the terminal 2 of the front end has access to the Internet WEB page of the commercial printer and enters the area for the personalized design of the printed materials. The PDF trainer 6 (document laptop format) can be realized in a conventional manner as part of a computer system at the remote location. The computer system can also operate as the server for the Internet WEB page. The PDF trainer 6 is used to create the image of the document to be printed, based on the reference data images, or other data of the memory 4, as well as user inputs on the front end 2. A Local printer 8 may be provided at the front end to produce a paper 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 can be produced by a color production printing system 10, with high resolution. An example operation of the test system,. illustrated in Figure 1, is illustrated in Figure IA. More particularly, in step 100, a designer working on the front end station 2 uses a conventional fast internet checker and the access to the web page of the commercial printer and enters the area in which customers can design their own customized printed materials. Typically, access to this area of a WEB page may be a pass word protected and restricted to customers who have accounts established with the printer.

As illustrated more particularly below, in conjunction with Figures 2 to 5, the user can select an available template form (function block 102) and supply selected or variable information (function block 104) for use by the trainer of the PDF 6 to complete a test of the personalized printed material. The particular template forms available to the user can be adapted to the specific user. For example, a supermarket chain may have a number of templates available that would not be suitable for a beer distributor or a direct seller by mail, or vice versa. Therefore, the available templates can be predetermined for a particular client and presented to the user in accordance with the signal information provided by the user in accessing the WEB page. The templates preferably form human images and are displayed to the user on the HTML WEB page in the PDF: These templates can be on the HTML page before personalization. With respect to the function block 104, the user can select from a plurality of predetermined options. For example, the user may be suggested to select a specific type of package that appears on the customer's printed material. (See, for example, Figure 3, line 2). Additionally, the user can be given the opportunity to select from a plurality of predetermined options, if no option is adequate, variable user-specific information is provided. (See, for example, Figure 3, in lines 3 and 4). Variable information of the user can enter, for example, on the keyboard of the front end 2. The PDF trainer 6 then creates an immediate dynamic PDF file, based on the selected information of the template, the selected data or variables provided by users and low resolution images based on the selected references. The dynamic PDF file that corresponds to the personalized printed material is generated by reading the PDF template file, inserting the appropriate image components and placing them in the appropriate locations, and writing a customized dynamic PDF file. The dynamic PDF file is then displayed in terminal 2 of the front end, for testing 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 on a relatively low resolution local printer 8, for further review (function block 108). Such an arrangement can be particularly advantageous, for example, if the printed material is multi-page or can not be seen in a simple display and display device. Likewise, the printed version may be circulated to others, as necessary, for approval. Next, the designer can either confirm the order or return to the main HTML page to modify the selection and / or the variable data. Thus, if the designer is not satisfied with the appearance of the printed material, this designer has again the opportunity to select an available template, etc. If the designer is satisfied, the commercial printer can proceed with printing the materials in the desired quantity (function block 114) and then distribute them as required (function block 116). For example, printed materials can be delivered to a distribution center for a retail chain, or the commercial printer can send materials to parts included in the mailing list provided by the user.

If the commercial printer uses the known XLC printing technology, the same references used to form the dynamic PDF file are sent for printing by the XLC system. Alternatively, when the commercial printer uses conventional printing technology, the dynamic PDF file generated for the test is sent to the printing system, and the low resolution images used in creating the dynamic PDF file are replaced by high resolution images, for example, by the open pre-press interface (OPI) before printing. It should be noted that although Figure IA illustrates the return of control to function block 102, when the designer is not satisfied with the printed materials, ordinarily it should not be necessary to reselect or again the input information will not be changed. Additionally it should be noted that the order of the steps illustrated in Figure IA can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, a user may select to print a low resolution copy of the trial version of the personalized printed material to, or even instead, display it on a screen at the front end 2.

Figure 2 illustrates a first level screen display sample, which may appear at the front end 2, after a user initially accesses the test system. In brief, 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 header or a hall display card (ELM Chill Aisle). It should be noted that these templates are merely for illustrative purposes, and other templates, of course, may be presented, depending on the particular needs and wishes of the user. The user can select a template by indicating the appropriate selection with a 2A mouse. Once the template is selected, a second level screen display device appears at the front end 2. Figure 3 illustrates a sample screen display menu of the second level, appropriate for the selection of the display card of the second level. shelf. A PDF version of the template is displayed in the upper portion of the screen for reference by the user. This template has pre-formed images stored in memory 4. The user can select an image of the package to be included in the template package area. Additionally, the user can: (a) select a stored description or enter a different description of the user's selection; (b) select a stored price or enter a different price; (c) select the necessary number of copies of the production printing system; and (d) identify these. The identification of the user can be used for billing and / or distribution purposes, according to the customer information previously determined. Once all the necessary data has been entered, the user can press a button to indicate the data entry termination. Although the above describes a screen display page for data entry, multiple screens can be used similarly. Figure 4 illustrates another example of a second level display device. In particular, the screen display device of Figure 4 can be used with a hallway display card (ELM Chill Aisle). As with the example in Figure 3, the template is displayed in the upper portion of the HTML screen as an image of the PDF. As shown, the template of the hall display device card allows you to display the prices for a number of different products. Such a template will be particularly useful, for example, in a supermarket chain or similar. The user suggests that the data in Figure 4 be different from those in Figure 3, due to the different information that will be printed on the custom printed materials. Again, when completing the data entry, it is indicated by pressing ("clicking") a button with the mouse 2A. Turning now to Figure 5, a message may be displayed at the front end 2 upon completion of the data entry. This message screen provides the user with the opportunity to view the final document, as a personalized document, before the order confirmation. The final document can also be printed on a low resolution local printer 8 (Figure 1). If the user is not satisfied with the document, the steps used to create the document can be repeated, as desired. Turning now to Figure 6, an example is provided of the final printed document, produced by the production printing system, based on the shelf display template. An image of the selected package is displayed on the left portion of the shelf display device. The right portion includes the user's input description and price. After printing by a commercial printer, the final printed documents will typically be delivered to a retail store distribution center or the like, for later display in individual stores. While the invention has been described in relation to what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred modalities, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described modalities, but, on the contrary, attempts are made to cover several modifications and equivalent arrangements. , that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method to create and edit, remotely, high quality custom material for printing in a central printing establishment, based on displayed editing images, this method includes the steps of: establishing an Internet connection ( interlaced networks) with a user in a remote location and displaying to the remote user a plurality of templates stored in the central printing establishment in the Portable Document Format, for selection by the user; select a template, according to a selection of the user; use an interactive menu screen to obtain information determined by the user for incorporation into the personalized material, based on the selected template; create a file of the Portable Document Format, dynamic, based on the selected template and the user's specific information; display the Portable Document Format file, dynamic, from the remote location, to provide a trial version of the customized material; and modify the selected template or user's selected information, if changes are desired in the trial version of the customized material.
2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of obtaining the user's determined information includes receiving a selection of a plurality of predetermined options.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of providing the user's determined information includes receiving the information entered directly by a user.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of creating a Portable Document Format file, Dynamic, based on the selected template and user-determined information, includes reading a Portable Format file of the stored Document, which corresponds to the selected template, inserting in the appropriate locations the Portable Document Format file corresponding to the components of the selected template with the information determined by the user, to create the trial version of the customized material.
5. 5. The method of claims 1 to 4, which includes the further step of printing one or more copies of the customized material on a production printer, following the approval of the trial version of the customized material.
6. 6. The method of claim 5, which includes the further step of printing the test version of the custom material for the review before performing the step of printing one or more copies of the custom material on the production printer.
7. 7. An apparatus for creating and editing, remotely, high-quality personalized material for printing in a central printing establishment, based on displayed editing images, this apparatus comprises: an interface for a front end, which has a display screen and a user input device, this interface is operable to establish an Internet connection between the central establishment and the front end; a memory, which stores information and reference images; and a Portable Document Format builder, sensitive to user information received through the interface, with the use of interactive menu screens, based on a template selected for the customized print material and the selected reference information, and memory images to generate a Dynamic Document Document Format file, which represents a test version of the customized material, for printing and display through the front end interface.
8. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the interface is a connection of the Internet WEB page.
9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, which further includes a production printer, to which the customized material prints, following approval by a user.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the production printer operates on the same user information and selected reference information and images from the memory, used to generate the dynamic, Portable Document Format file.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the low resolution images are replaced with high resolution images by an Open Pre-press Interface, before printing.
12. 12. The apparatus of claim 8, further including a front end, which comprises a display screen and a user input device, which communicates with the Portable Document Format builder, through the interface.
13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the front end further includes a printer that can be operated to supply a paper copy of the test version of the custom material.