Patent Publication Number: US-6342899-B1

Title: Method and system of displaying database contents in envelope data fields

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Reference is made to application Ser. No. 09/119,183, entitled A METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PRINT STREAM ADDRESS EXTRACTION, assigned to the assignee of this application and filed on even date herewith. 
     Reference is made to application Ser. No. 09/119,464, entitled A METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PRINTING POSTAGE INDICIA FROM AN ENVELOPE DESIGN APPLICATION, assigned to the assignee of this application and filed on even date herewith. 
     Reference is made to application Ser. No. 09/119,462, entitled A METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING DESTINATION ADDRESSES FROM LABEL DATA, assigned to the assignee of this application and filed on even date herewith. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Graphics and design programs which allow a system user to create representations that can in turn be modified before printing are especially useful in creating finished documents. One such program is the Envelope Designer™ Plus graphics program from Pitney Bowes Inc. of Stamford, Conn. This program allows the user to create envelope and label designs that can be tailored to specific needs. 
     An envelope typically has two major design elements; these are the destination address block and the return address block. To these major elements, there can be added: a Postnet barcode; one or more message lines; and, one or more graphic images. The Envelope Designer™ Plus graphics program allows the system user to create the address, return address, attention line and message blocks, assign text attributes and position the blocks within a selected layout. The system user can also specify whether or not to include an optional Postnet™ bar code (Postnet is a trademark of the United States Postal Service). and its corresponding location on the envelope or label. The graphics program also allows the system operator to place a non-printing overlay on the envelope to ensure that the design and placement conforms to postal guidelines. The program can be further linked with the SmartMailer™ program from Pitney Bowes Inc. to attach address fields to the print field of the envelope or label. The resulting layout brings efficiency and cost benefit to the production of an envelope face; efficiency from the use of existing data and graphics files, and cost savings from the possible postal automation discounts that attach to certain categories of batch mailing and correctly zip-coded business mail. 
     The ability of an envelope/label designer program to be flexible, while giving its users the ability to link with databases that provide address files, is of great practical as well as commercial importance. The prior art has been limited in its ability to be flexible enough to be adapted to envelope/label design that can actually link with databases that are capable of being introduced to address hygiene routines. 
     Thus, it is an object of the present invention to overcome the limitations of the prior art by disclosing an envelope design program that is capable of linking with one or more databases for address sourcing. Additionally, it is a further object of the present invention to provide for a program that is capable of interfacing with address hygiene routines for performing address correction. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The limitations of the prior art are overcome by a method and system for establishing and printing a medium print field in a data processing system for manipulating data. 
     The method begins with the initiation of a medium (such as an envelope/label) design software application within the data processing system. The design application utilizes display means, such as a monitor, for displaying one of a plurality of user interface screens available from a set of user interface screens at a point in time. The step of displaying the screens comprises the further steps of displaying a representation of the medium on the display and displaying one or more fields from among the plurality of component print fields on the medium representation. Each of the component print fields can be modified by the design application through utilization of a preferences input routine. The preferences input routine further comprises: a printer selection option; a measurement scaling option; and, a default return address option. The measurement scaling option is utilized to adjust the medium&#39;s layout when visually displayed to a system operator. The system operator then selects a printer option and a measurement scaling option wherein the medium&#39;s layout can be adjusted when visually displayed to the system operator. The initiation further includes an opportunity for the system operator to select a medium tape and a set of characteristics for the medium. 
     Once the medium has been established as a representation on the display, the medium&#39;s return address can then be entered to the application or a default return address can be selected. The initiation of the design application additionally comprises the steps of selecting a format type from among a set of formats and assigning a set of measurements defining the selected format. The formats generally comprise an envelope format or a label format, wherein a customized set of measurements is assigned to the selected format. 
     The representation displayed on the screen to the system operator can be modified to the extent of its component print fields which are selected from among a plurality of component print fields. These fields comprise: a return address block; a postal indicia; a destination address block; and a message block. The modification of the component print fields begins with the selection of a component print field for modification, then selecting a database to attach to the selected component print field. A field of the database is then matched, or related, to the selected component print field before assigning a first file from the related field of the database to the component print field. Once the field has been established, the system operator can begin scrolling through the viewable component print field by utilizing directional selection means to scroll from the first assigned file to any subsequent assigned file. The scrolling continues until selection of the component print field for modification has been made. 
     Certain fields can be attached to the print field which are representative of component print fields. The system operator determines whether or not to attach an attachable component print field selected from among one or more attachable component print fields. The attachable component fields comprise a Postnet bar code and a graphic image. 
     The method then confirms the modification and the attachment, if any, to establish a finished print field. The finished print field is then printed to the selected medium. The confirmation comprises the further step of, saving to a memory as a file, the confirmed modifications together with the format type. The memory may be a component of the data processing system or may be remote to the data processing system. 
     The system disclosed herein comprises a data processing system further comprising a monitor for viewing screens generated by the software application. The system includes storage means for storing one or more data retrieval sites said data retrieval site is one of a group of data formats which includes: database format; spreadsheet file format; and formatted text.; and, the software application itself for envelope or label design and data file manipulation. 
     The system&#39;s internal data handling includes data retrieval site selection means for selecting, through the software application, a data retrieval site from among the set of one or more data retrieval sites. The data retrieval site is stored in table format and further comprises operator prompting means for prompting a system user for a specific table name contained in a field of one or more names; and selection means for selecting the specific table from the field of one or more names. 
     The system utilizes cycling means for cycling through the data retrieval site to locate a particular data file within the data retrieval means. The cycling means comprises selection means for selecting an appropriate Move command wherein the command is indicative of a location for placement of a selected data file and execution means for executing the Move command and placing the selected data file. 
     The selection of the data file is accomplished through selection means for selecting a data file from a set of one or more data files at the data retrieval site. Then, placement means are utilized for placing the selected data file in a desired location in a field for printing to the selected medium. The envelope printing field is defined in accordance with a definition profile which in turn comprises a set of selected data files wherein the selected data files contain data to be printed to the selected medium. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system within which the method of the present invention could reside and be utilized. 
     FIG. 2 is a drawing of the face of an envelope, and its component parts, which is representative of the medium that the subject invention is directed toward preparing. 
     FIG. 3 is an upper level flowchart of the method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4A is a detailed flowchart of the method of the present invention wherein the design application is initiated and then presents a flow path that concludes with the saving of the print field. 
     FIG. 4B is a continuation of the detailed flowchart of FIG.  4 A. 
     FIG. 4C is a continuation of the detailed flowcharts of FIGS. 4A and 4B. 
     FIG. 4D is a continuation and conclusion of the flowcharts of FIGS. 4A,  4 B, and  4 C. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a system within which the method of the present invention could reside and be utilized. 
     System  10  comprises a microprocessor  12  interoperatively connected to monitor  14  for viewing the representation of the medium (such as an envelope or label) to be acted upon by the design application  22 . The viewing of the media representation on monitor  14  promotes ease of use in selecting the various options available to the system user while formatting the medium, and provides an example of the human interface that can be brought to system  10 . The monitor  14 , under control of the design application  22 , is able to show the system user: the medium representation; available menus from which option selections may be made; the medium&#39;s indicia; the amount of postage that will be incorporated into the indicia; and varied print fields available for printing to the selected medium. Microprocessor  12  is interoperatively connected to scanner  16 . Scanner  16  provides system  10  with the ability to scan address field data, barcodes, or other scannable data sources as an input to design application  22 . Printer  26  is also interoperatively connected to microprocessor  12  and serves as the output device by which the print fields are printed to the selected medium. Additionally, keyboard  20  is interoperatively connected to microprocessor  12  and serves as an input device for the input of data. Modem  18  gives system  10  the ability to communicate with other systems via communications means of varied types or to download print fields for remote storage; and, memory  24  allows the system to retain data for use in maintaining records or for storing data for future use. 
     Turning to FIG. 2 there is shown a drawing of the face of an envelope  30 , and its component parts, which is representative of the medium that the subject invention is directed toward preparing. 
     Envelope  30  is shown comprising address block  32  which can be input by direct entry from the keyboard  20  or can be derived from access to a database introduced to the design application through the microprocessor  12  in connection with modem  18 , or by accessing memory  24 . The address indicated by the address block  32  can be subject to address hygiene routines prior to being saved within the print field represented by the face of envelope  30 . Envelope  30  further comprises: return address block  34 ; Postnet barcode  36 ; single-line message  38 ; graphic image  40 ; and, indicia  42 . 
     Bearing in mind the environment suggested by FIGS. 1 and 2, we now turn to FIG. 3 where there is shown an upper level flowchart of the method of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 begins with the initialization of the design application at step  100 . From step  100 , the method advances to step  102  where the first of the application&#39;s user screens is displayed to the system user on a monitor. The user screens will present menus, lists, and queries to the system user as the application routines are utilized; this will provide the step-by-step building of the medium print field for printing. 
     The system and method will guide the system user in the selection of a medium format beginning with the query at step  104 . At step  104 , the method queries as to whether or not an envelope design routine is required. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method displays a label routine for the system operator at step  106 . Step  106  advances to step  110  where the characteristics of the selected medium are defined. If the response to the query at step  104  is “YES,” however, then the method displays an envelope routine for the system operator at step  108 . Step  108  advances to step  110  where the characteristics of the selected medium are defined. 
     The method advances from step  110  to step  112  where the selection of a printer type is made. Printer characteristics may limit the characteristics available for designing the envelope or label media. The face of the envelope or label to be designed through the application is the print field for that medium. The print field is in turn comprised of component print field that, taken together, form the print field. From step  112 , the method advances to step  114  where the component print fields can be modified. After modification, the method queries, at step  116 , as to whether or not a component such as graphics, Postnet barcodes, postal indicia, or single-line messages are to be attached at the request of the system operator. If the response to the query is “YES,” then the method advances to step  118  where the appropriate component is attached to the print field. From step  118 , the method advances to step  120  where confirmation of the modification and attachment, if any, is made. If, however, the response to the query, at step  116 , is “NO,” then the method advances directly to step  120 . 
     The modification, together with any attachments, define the design field to be printed to the medium. From step  120 , the method advances to step  122  where the design field is printed to the medium. The method then queries, at step  124 , as to whether or not another envelope or label is to be prepared. If the response to the query is “YES,” then the method returns to enter the method flow at step  104 . If the response to the query is “NO,” however, then the method concludes its flow and the application is exited at step  126 . 
     Turning to FIG. 4A, there is shown a detailed flow of the method as it occurs in a preferred embodiment of the claimed invention. 
     The flow begins at step  150  with the initiation of the design procedure. From step  150 , the method advances to step  152  where the establishment of default design preferences is made. Preferences are selected from the application&#39;s Preferences routine as selected from the Edit menu. The system operator can select from a listing of printers for printing of the selected medium. Additionally, the program scale can be selected as well as an envelope or label description and a default return address. The scale can be directed to inches or millimeters. The method then advances to a query at step  154 . 
     At step  154 , the method queries as to whether or not a new document is to be opened. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances along path A to re-enter the method flow at step  200  as is shown in FIG.  4 B. If a new document is to be opened, then the response to the query at step  154  should be “YES,” and the method will advance on to step  156  where the medium (envelope or label) is selected. The method queries, at step  158 , as to the medium choice. 
     The design path will shift depending upon the medium selected for action. Labels can take on differing print characteristics from those of envelopes and therefore must be accounted for in a different fashion. At step  158 , the method queries as to whether or not an envelope has been selected. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances along path B to re-enter the method flow at step  250  as is shown in FIG.  4 C. However, if the response to the query at step  158  is “YES,” then the method advances to the query at step  160 . 
     When a document file is created, the program will ask the system operator to accept or reject the default envelope displayed on the system monitor. This acceptance or rejection is represented by the query at step  1610  which queries as to whether or not a standard size field is required. If the response to the query is “YES,” then the method advances to step  162  where the default medium is represented to the system user in the system display before advancing to the query at step  164 . At step  164 , the method queries as to whether or not the default parameters are acceptable for the action desired. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances to step  166  where default dimensions are selected from a list of standard settings before advancing to step  168 . If the response to the query at step  164  is“YES,” then the method advances directly to step  168 . 
     At step  168 , the default parameters are applied to the application and the representation of the medium in the display is shifted accordingly. The printer type is then selected at step  174 . 
     Returning to step  160 , if the response to the query is “NO,” then the method requires that custom dimensions be selected. To specify a custom size, the dimensions are entered, at step  170 , in the appropriate field of the application in inches or millimeters depending upon the preferences established in step  152 . The method then advances to step  172  where the custom dimensions are applied to the application and the representation of the medium in the display is shifted accordingly. The printer type is then selected at step  174 . 
     From step  174 , the method advances to a query at step  176 . At step  176 , the method queries as to whether or not a Postnet barcode is to be applied to the print field. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances along path C to re-enter the method flow at step  276  as is shown in FIG. 4D; otherwise, if the response is “YES,” then the method advances to step  178  where the positioning of the barcode on the envelope is determined before advancing along path C. 
     Turning to FIG. 4B, there is shown path A which originated in FIG. 4A, re-entering the system flow at step  200  where an existing file is opened for action. The method advances from step  200  to step  202 . At step  202 , the method queries as to whether or not the medium of the existing file is an envelope. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances along path B to reenter the method flow at step  250  as is shown in FIG.  4 C. If, however, the response to the query at step  202  is “YES,” then the method advances along path D to re-enter the system flow at step  160  as is shown in FIG.  4 A. 
     Turning to FIG. 4C, there is shown path B re-entering the system flow at step  250  where the label format is selected. Upon choosing the label format, the method advances to step  252  where the printer type is selected by the system itself. In establishing the label routines, the method prompts the system user at step  254  to select a label feed type. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the label feed type choices are either continuous or sheet feed. The method then advances to step  256  where the label stock is selected. The choice of stock can be either standard or custom. 
     When the document file for a label design is established, the method requires the determination of the label stock; this is accomplished at step  258  which queries as to whether or not a standard size field is required. If the response to the query is “YES,” then the method advances to step  260  where the default medium is represented to the system user in the system display before advancing to the query at step  262 . At step  262 , the method queries as to whether or not the default parameters are acceptable for the action desired. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances to step  264  where default dimensions are selected from a list of standard settings before advancing to step  266 . If the response to the query at step  262  is“YES,” then the method advances directly to step  266 . 
     At step  266 , the default parameters are applied to the application and the representation of the medium in the display is shifted accordingly before advancing to the query at step  272  to determine the need for a Postnet barcode. 
     Returning to step  258 , if the response to the query is “NO,” then the method requires that custom dimensions be selected. To specify a custom size, the dimensions are entered, at step  268 , in the appropriate field of the application in inches or millimeters depending upon the preferences established in step  152 . The method then advances to step  270  where the custom dimensions are applied to the application and the representation of the medium in the display is shifted accordingly before advancing to the query at step  272  to determine the need for a Postnet barcode. 
     At step  272 , the method queries as to whether or not a Postnet barcode is to be applied to the print field. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances along path C to re-enter the method flow at step  276  as is shown in FIG. 4D; otherwise, if the response is “YES,” then the method advances to step  274  where the positioning of the barcode on the envelope is determined before advancing along path C. 
     Turning to FIG. 4D, there is shown path C re-entering the method flow at step  276 . At step  276  the return address is entered into the print field and the method then advances to step  278  where the destination address field is prepared for acceptance of a destination address. The destination address can be entered into the print field directly by the system operator utilizing a keyboard, or can be entered by applying a database or data retrieval site and scrolling through the database or data retrieval site until an address is selected. A field of the database or data retrieval site is then matched, or related, to the selected component print field before assigning a first file from the related field of the database or data retrieval site to the component print field. Once the field has been established, the system operator can begin scrolling through the viewable component print field by utilizing directional selection means to scroll from the first assigned file to any subsequent assigned file. The scrolling continues until selection of the component print field for modification has been made. 
     The system utilizes cycling means for cycling through the data retrieval site to locate a particular data file within the data retrieval means. The cycling means comprises selection means for selecting an appropriate Move command wherein the command is indicative of a location for placement of a selected data file and execution means for executing the Move command and placing the selected data file. 
     The selection of the data file is accomplished through selection means for selecting a data file from a set of one or more data files at the database or data retrieval site. Then, placement means are utilized for placing the selected data file in a desired location in a field for printing to the selected medium. The envelope printing field is defined in accordance with a definition profile which in turn comprises a set of selected data files wherein the selected data files contain data to be printed to the selected medium. 
     Once the address destination field has been prepared, the method advances to a query at step  280  which queries as to whether or not a database or data retrieval site is to be applied to the field. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances to step  286  where the destination address is entered directly into the component field by the system operator. If, however, the response to the query at step  280  is “YES,” then the possible destination addresses within a database or data retrieval site are selected by cycling through the databases available to be applied and then selecting, at step  282 , an appropriate field for application. The design application will insert the selected field in place of the address in the envelope or label design as selected. 
     After the field has been selected for insertion into the destination address field, the method advances to a query at step  284  which inquires as to whether or not there is a next address to be applied. This query is of particular importance if there are multiple destinations to be printed of a particular design type. If the response to the query is “YES,” then the method returns to step  282  for selection of another address to be applied to a subsequent envelope. If the response to the query at step  284  is “NO,” then the method advances to step  2816  where the address is entered directly into the field for printing. 
     The method advances from step  286  to a query at step  288 . At step  283 , the method queries as to whether or not the print field design sequence has been completed. If the response to the query is “NO,” then the method advances to step  290  where the system operator can return the method flow back to any element of the design print field that needs to be altered or modified. If the response to the query at step  288  is “YES,” then the design is saved to memory, at step  292 , for future use or for linking with an indicia control. The design task is then completed at step  294 . 
     While certain embodiments have been described above in terms of the system within which the address object methods may reside, the invention is not limited to such a context. The system shown in FIG. 1 is an example of a host system for the invention, and the system elements are intended merely to exemplify the type of peripherals and software components that can be used with the invention. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.