Patent ID: 6483599
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An apparatus for separating print stream data containing a plurality of primary documents and information concerning associated customers for receipt of each primary document, said print stream data to be separated into at least two data paths by said apparatus, one path of which is for electronic delivery of an electronic primary document with N secondary documents inserts, where N is a non-negative integer including 0, said apparatus comprising:a print stream separator having: A) means for receipt of the print stream data and means for receipt of customer preference data regarding at least some of the customers to which said print stream is directed; B) means based upon the customer preference data for determining if a particular primary document in the print stream is intended for electronic delivery to the associated customer and if so, generate an output of the print stream for electronic delivery thereof; and C) means for generating an output for the remaining print stream data for non-electronic delivery thereof; an electronic inserter for receipt of the print stream for electronic delivery and for receiving the second output related to the preferences of the associated customer, for generating an electronic print stream output containing the primary document associated with the customer, as well as information with respect to each secondary document to be associated with the primary document based upon the customer preference data, the electronic inserter having: A) means for receipt of job setup data which contains information concerning links directed to secondary documents that can be associated with a primary document for delivery to a particular customer electronically; and B) means for generating control and status data concerning the electronic print stream output generated by the electronic inserter; wherein the electronic inserter receives customer preference data from a customer preference database, wherein said information is used to assist in notifying customers that at least a primary document is available for viewing, wherein the received customer preference data by the electronic inserter can be used to determine the specific way the customer is notified that at least a primary document is available for viewing, wherein the customer may be notified in more than one way that at least a primary document is available for viewing, and wherein an alternative way of notifying the customer is used if the customer does not view at least the primary document within a predetermined time after initial notification.