WO2001082104A2

WO2001082104A2 - Resource access

Info

Publication number: WO2001082104A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/034762
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick T. Igoe
Original assignee: Moore North America Inc
Current assignee: Moore North America Inc
Priority date: 2000-04-24
Filing date: 2000-12-21
Publication date: 2001-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2002-10-24
Also published as: WO2001082104A3; AU2001225871A1

Abstract

A system and method simplify the interface between the resource manager and data system of a variable document imaging system by uisng standard Internet protocols. Job folders are created having URLs specifying the location of resources within them, and are used in an imaging device (such as high speed color printer) to image variable documents. The job folders may be accessed remotely over the Internet and the documents remotely proofed before imaging.

Description

RESOURCE ACCESS

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system and method for simplifying the interface between the resource manager and data system portion of a variable document imaging system by using a standard interface compatible with a global computer network (e.g. the Internet).

The invention is particularly suited for use with a variable document imaging system used by Moore North America of Bannockburn, Illinois known as the XLO. The characteristics, flexibility, and functionality of that system are disclosed in copending application Serial No. 09/501 ,270 filed February 9, 2000 (Attorney Docket 263-2063), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Basic features of the XLO system include saving documents as Postscript, (.ps), files, converting from (.ps) to Portable Document Format (.pdf), and opening the (.pdf) Layout to add variable paragraphs, and images, and to create an Imposition File. A job folder is created from the Imposition, Run Time Association, job layout, and perhaps other files, prior to production, and then the job is ready for imaging on standard high speed imaging devices (printers), such as a Xeikon Color Printer, or a Moore MIDAX® printer.

The production of variable documents requires the management of many resources, such as image files, font files, and data files. Each production environment has its own procedures, processes, and tools for dealing with this problem. Solutions range from shared file folders with understood access procedures to full Digital Asset Management Systems with workflow automation extensions. The Variable Document Imaging System (VDIS) of the invention provides the flexibility to work in any of these environments. A Job Folder Editor allows the construction of job folders that contain Internet standard Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). These URLs specify the locations of job resources. At production time, the VDIS retrieves the needed resources using standard Internet protocols, such as the Internet standard Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP); with HTTP, the VDIS is able to retrieve documents from most Asset Managers. With appropriate Internet connectivity, this mechanism can even allow sales personnel to access resources and proof product remotely using the XLO Proofing System. The VDIS preferably supports Digital Asset Management Systems, but other systems may be used. In environments without an asset manager, a web server can be run on the resource file server to allow the VDIS access to resources.

Thus, according to the invention by using Standard Internet references, it is possible to manage the large variety of resources required during the production of variable documents. A large variety of management systems and procedures are provided at various production facilities which are difficult to access from one site since the operating systems are not compatible. Using standard Internet prototypes, such as URLs and HTTP, makes it possible to access these various systems.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of producing variable documents including at least one of variable text and variable images, comprising: (a) Managing image files, font files, and data files, including at least one of variable text and variable images, (b) Constructing job folders containing standard Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), and including at least one of variable text and variable images, the URLs specifying the location of resources from (a), (c) Locally or remotely accessing the resources from (a) through the job folders from (b) using standard global computer network (e.g. Internet) protocols. And (d) imaging variable documents with an imaging device using the job folders, the documents including static text and at least one of variable text and variable images.

Preferably the method further comprises locally or remotely proofing the variable documents prior to (d), and preferably (d) is practiced to image variable documents having both variable text and variable images. Also, typically (c) may be practiced remotely over the Internet, and (e) may be practiced remotely over the Internet too.

The invention also relates to a variable document produced by the method described above and containing static text, variable images, and variable text, the text in different fonts on the same document page.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for producing variable documents comprising: A printer. An image, font, and data files manager. A job folder editor which creates job folders containing at least one of variable text and variable images, with URLs specifying the location of images, fonts, and text or data. A computer for accessing the job folders using standard global computer network protocols. And means for controlling the imaging device using a job folder to print variable documents having static text and at least one of variable text and variable images. In the system, preferably the means for controlling the imaging device comprises a computer. Desirably the computer for accessing the job folder and the computer for controlling the imaging device comprises the same computer. The system also is one further comprising a digital asset management system containing document, and means for accessing those documents using HTTP and incorporating those documents into job folders.

The system also is one further comprising means for remotely proofing a variable document before imaging thereof, preferably a plurality of networked computers, and associated software. In a preferred embodiment the means for accessing the digital asset management systems, the means for controlling the imaging device, and the remote proofing means comprise one of (or a plurality of) a plurality of networked computer, interconnected via a global computer network.

It is the primary object of the present invention to effect simplification of high speed variable document imaging using standard Internet protocols. This and other objects of the invention will become clear from the detailed description of the invention and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary system according to the present invention and a schematic illustration of a variable document produced thereby; and

FIGURE 2 is a resource access architecture schematic.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 shows a conventional computer 10 having a monitor 11 , and input means (such as a keyboard 12 and mouse 13), which is networked with a plurality of other computers 10-2, 10-3, through 10-n. The computers 10, 10-2, etc. may have proofing software, or access via HTTP (or the like) communication to proofing software.

The computers 10 through 10-n may be networked through a global computer network.

Any one of the computers 10 through 10-n with appropriate software can perform some or all of the functions described herein. The system illustrated in FIGURE 1 includes Variable Resources, such as image, font and data/text files, 14 conventional perse for a variable document imaging system. A job folder editor 15 is provided which creates job folders 16 with at least one of variable text and variable images from 14, containing standard Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) to specify the location of resources from 14. Communication may be via a standard Internet protocol, such as HTTP. The data system 17 may communicate with one or more digital asset management systems. A computer 10 through 10-n may be used to control the imaging device 18 to print a variable document 19. The device 18 may be a MIDAX® printer, Xeikan color printer, or the like. The document 19 includes static text and/or images 20 with at least one (and preferably both) of variable images 21 and variable text 22, such as described and implemented as disclosed in copending application Serial No. 09/501 ,270 filed February 9, 2000 (Attorney Docket 263-2063). Various fonts may be utilized to image the various indicia on the document 19.

Before imaging the variable document 19 may be proofed from a local or remote location, using a computer 10-10-n and appropriate software. Proofing may also be done as shown in WO98/08176 published February 26, 1998, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIGURE 2 shows an exemplary resource access architecture configuration for the Moore XLO variable imaging system. The digital asset management systems 17 are connected through HTTP Access 23 which interfaces through the XLO Resource Access Layer 24 to a conversion service 25, the job folder editor 15, a variable document system 26, and a PRIP 27. A web server 28 may interface between the resource files 14 and access 23. The file 14 may interface with 24 through a file system access 29.

The system as seen in FIGURE 2 may also include non-HTTP DAMS, schematically illustrated at 30, connected through a custom access 31 with the layer 24. In the system and method described, the details of the job folders 16, and their components which are part of the preferred XLO variable imaging system are described in the copending application Serial No. 09/501 ,270 which has been incorporated by reference herein. The invention also relates to a method of producing variable documents 19 including at least one of variable text 22 and variable images 21 , comprising: (a) Managing image files, font files, and data files 14, including at least one of variable text and variable images, (b) Constructing job folders 16 (e.g. using 15) containing standard Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), and including at least one of variable text and variable images, the URLs specifying the location of resources 14 from (a), (c) Locally or remotely (e.g. over a global computer network) accessing the resources 14 from (a) through the job folders 16 from (b) using standard global computer network protocols; and (d) using the job folders 16 to image variable documents 19 with an imaging device 18, the documents including static text 20 and at least one variable text 22 and variable images 21. The method also further comprises (e) retrieving documents from a digital asset management system 17 using Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP), and integrating the retrieved documents into job folders 16. The invention may also comprise locally or remotely proofing the variable documents prior to (d), and (d) is preferably practiced to image variable documents 19 having both variable text 22 and variable images 21 , and (c) is practiced remotely over a global computer network.

It will thus be seen that according to the present invention a system and method are provided for simplifying the interface between the resource files 14 and data systems 17, 30, in the production of a variable document. The documents 19 may be produced at high speed (over 200 ft/min, e.g. over 460 ft/min.) despite having variable text fonts, and variable images 22, with remote access being provided. Through the networking of the computer 10 through 10n, any computer 10 through 10n having appropriate software may be a means for proofing documents 19, accessing job folders 16, managing editor 15, and/or controlling the imaging device 18. While the invention has been herein described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of producing variable documents including at least one of variable text and variable images, comprising:

(a) managing image files, font files, and data files, including at least one of variable text and variable images;

(b) constructing job folders containing standard Uniform Resource Locators (URLs), and including at least one of variable text and variable images, the URLs specifying the location of resources from (a);

(c) locally or remotely accessing the resources from (a) through the job folders from (b) using standard global computer network protocols; and

(d) imaging variable documents with an imaging device using the job folders, the documents including static text and at least one of variable text and variable images.

2. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising (e) retrieving documents from a digital asset management system using Hypertext Transport Protocol (HTTP), and integrating the retrieved documents into job folders.

3. A method as recited in claim 2 further comprising locally or remotely proofing the variable documents prior to (d).

4. A method as recited in claim 3 wherein (d) is practiced to image variable documents having both variable text and variable images.

5. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein (c) is practiced remotely over a global computer network.

6. A method as recited in claim 5 wherein (c) is practiced remotely over a global computer network.

7. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising locally or remotely proofing the variable documents prior to (d).

8. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein (d) is practiced to image variable documents having both variable text and variable images.

9. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein (c) is practiced remotely over a global computer network.

10. A method as recited in claim 8 wherein (d) is practiced at a speed of at least 200 ft./min.

11. A system for producing variable documents comprising: a printer; an image, font, and data files manager; a job folder editor which creates job folders containing at lest one of variable text and variable images, with URLs specifying the location of images, fonts, and text or data; a computer for accessing the job folders using standard global computer network protocols; and means for controlling said imaging device using a job folder to print variable documents having static text and at lest one of variable text and variable images.

12. A system as recited in claim 11 wherein said means for controlling said imaging device comprises a computer.

13. A system as recited in claim 12 wherein said computer for accessing the job folders and said computer for controlling said imaging device comprises the same computer.

14. A system as recited in claim 11 further comprising a digital asset management system containing document, and means for accessing those documents using HTTP and incorporating those documents into job folders.

15. A system as recited in claim 11 further comprising means for remotely proofing a variable document before imaging thereof.

16. A system as recited in claim 15 wherein said proofing means comprises a plurality of networked computers, and associated software.

17. A system as recited in claim 15 further comprising a digital asset management system containing document, and means for accessing those documents using HTTP and incorporating those documents into job folders; and wherein said means for controlling said imaging device comprises a computer.

18. A system as recited in claim 17 wherein said means for accessing said digital asset management systems, said means for controlling said imaging device and said remote proofing means comprise a plurality of networked computer, interconnected via a global computer network.

19. A system as recited in claim 18 wherein said printer comprises a high speed color printer which prints color variable documents.

20. A variable document produced by practicing the method of claim 1 , and containing static text, variable images, and variable text, and text in different fonts on the same document page.