Patent Publication Number: US-2017371603-A1

Title: Method and computer program product for generating output print data for printing multiple copies with at least one variable element on a print sheet

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102016111778.1, filed Jun. 28, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure is directed to printing systems, including methods and computer program products for generating output print data for printing multiple copies with at least one variable element on a print sheet. 
     Conventional, there is what is known as the “serial letter function” to furnish a document with variable data. It is used in common word processing tools (for example MS Word or OpenOffice etc.) to add in the variable contents upon creation of the document. Other software, for example Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign or Adobe Photoshop, use plugins (for example XMPie, http://www.xmpie.com/vdp) for this, which for the most part are designed for a specific task and whose use is relatively inflexible. The software “Design &amp; Print” from the company AVERY Zweckform is also relatively inflexible in application. 
     Although the latter software exhibits the common functions for insertion and editing of variable elements, only a fixed layout of label sheets may be selected from a predefined, company-specific catalog. 
     In a special case of the workflow of the PRISMAproduction system, an Adobe Illustrator plugin is used. However, its handling is complicated and elaborate and requires multiple work steps, especially given many copies to be printed on a print sheet. An expensive Adobe Illustrator license is necessary for this. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a flow diagram of a method to generate output print data for printing multiple copies with at least one variable element on a print sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2 a    illustrates a graphical user interface (GUI) having a workspace for the visualization of a presented print sheet having multiple copies arranged in a predetermined grid according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2 b    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the workspace of the graphical user interface according to  FIG. 2 a    for the visualization of the determination of a basic area in an operation of the method according to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2 c    illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the workspace of the graphical user interface according to  FIG. 2 a    for the visualization of the replication and arrangement of the basic area in an operation of the method according to  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a print sheet having multiple lines of copies arranged in superposition to produce multiple folded boxes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments, including structures, systems, and methods, may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the disclosure. 
     It is the object of the present disclosure to specify a design for generating output print data for printing multiple copies with at least one variable element on a print sheet, which design enables a simple, efficient and precise provision of the print sheet with variable elements. 
     A simple, efficient and precise provision of the print sheet with variable elements is achieved via a method according to an exemplary embodiment described herein. For this, input print data is provided for the printing of multiple copies having at least one variable element. The input print data is processed to present the print sheet with the multiple copies. A presentation of the print sheet is provided in a workspace of a graphical user interface (GUI). The presented print sheet includes multiple copies arranged in a predetermined grid. A basic area is established in which at least one object is arranged for the generation of the variable element. The position of the object is established relative to the basic area. The basic area includes precisely one copy. The basic area with the at least one object is replicated and arranged according to the predetermined grid of copies. The output print data for printing the copies with the at least one variable element are generated in that the replicated objects for generation of the variable element are filled with variable print data. In an exemplary embodiment, the replication of the basic area with the at least one object takes place automatically. A complicated and elaborate distribution of variable elements to the copies of the print sheet may thereby be avoided. A simple, efficient and precise provision of the print sheet with variable elements is thus enabled. 
     It is advantageous if the replication of the basic area with the at least one object takes place with the aid of a repetition rule. In an exemplary embodiment, the repetition rule specifies an individual association of the replicated objects with the individual copies of the print sheet. A simple and efficient distribution of the objects to be filled with variable print data among the copies of the print sheet may thus be realized. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, it is also advantageous if, in the replication of the basic area with the at least one object, each basic region can be individually shifted and/or rotated so that this is respectively arranged according to the predetermined grid of the copies after the shifting and/or rotation. The objects to be filled with variable print data may thus be automatically arranged in a predetermined distribution. Alternatively or additionally, each basic area may be manually shifted and/or rotated after its replication in order to achieve a very flexible arrangement of the objects. The objects may hereby also be arranged in a distribution that deviates from the predetermined distribution. 
     An additional aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program product, comprising commands and data in coded form that—after the loading of the program data—induce a processor to execute the operations of the method according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The computer program product may be stored on a USB stick, a DVD, a CD or another transportable storage medium, or may be provided on a web server for download. 
     The computer program product according to one or more exemplary embodiments enables finalized print data to be supplemented afterwards. With the aid of said computer program product, it is possible in particular to import and process large-format, pre-produced and interleaved print sheets form files (for example PDF). 
     In the printing of packaging, the number of instances of a print product that are located on a print sheet, or the individual instances of a printed product that are printed on a continuous substrate material, are also designated as copies. In order to optimally use the space on the print sheet or on the continuous substrate material, and thereby to print cost-effectively, multiple identical or different copies—for example labels, posters, packaging, business cards etc.—are normally distributed on the available print sheet or continuous substrate material. In particular, multiple printed blanks are then generated from the print sheet or the continuous substrate material to produce folded boxes. 
     Those print sheets that are cut from belt-shaped material after printing may also be intended as print sheets. 
       FIG. 1  shows a method  10  for the generation of output print data for the printing of multiple copies with at least one variable element on a print sheet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the method  10  includes the following operations. In operation S 10 , input print data are provided for the printing of multiple copies with at least one variable element. In operation S 12 , the input print data are processed to present the print sheet with the multiple copies. In operation S 14 , a presentation of the print sheet in a workspace of a graphical user interface is provided. The presented print sheet thereby includes multiple copies arranged in a predetermined grid. In operation S 16 , a basic area is established in which at least one object is arranged for the generation of the variable element. The position of the object relative to the basic area is thereby established. The basic area also includes precisely one copy. In operation S 18 , the basic area with the at least one object is replicated and arranged according to the predetermined grid of the copies. In operation S 20 , the output print data for printing the copies with the at least one variable element are generated in that the replicated objects for generation of the variable elements are filled with variable print data. In an exemplary embodiment, the replication and arrangement of the basic area with the at least one object takes place automatically. More details of the method  10  are explained in the following using  FIGS. 2 a    through  2   c.    
       FIG. 2 a    shows a graphical user interface (GUI)  12  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The GUI  12  can include a workspace  14  for the illustration of a presented print sheet  16  having multiple copies  18   a  through  18   d  arranged in a predetermined grid. The presented print sheet  16  is obtained with the aid of operations S 10  through S 14  of the method  10  according to  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2 b    shows the workspace  14  of the graphical user interface  12  according to  FIG. 2 a    for the illustration of the establishment of a basic area  20   a  in operation S 16  of the method according to  FIG. 1 . The basic area  20   a  is also designated as a master area. Operation S 16  is executed with the aid of the icon  21 . As shown in  FIG. 2 b   , in an exemplary embodiment, the basic area  20   a  includes the copy  18   a  and segments of copy  18   c . In  FIG. 2 b   , it is also shown that the basic area  20   a  is defined by a frame  22   a . The basic area  20   a  can be shifted and/or rotated relative to its copy  18   a.    
       FIG. 2 c    shows the workspace  14  of the graphical user interface  12  according to  FIG. 2 a    for the illustration of the replication and arrangement of the basic area  20   a  in operation S 18  of the method  10  according to  FIG. 1 . Operation S 18  is executed with the aid of a repetition rule. The repetition rule is predetermined with the aid of a menu  24 . This serves to create what is known as the “repetition matrix”. In an exemplary embodiment, the menu  24  includes multiple selectable, preset stored patterns  26   a  through  26   c  for the provision of the repetition rule. In an exemplary embodiment, the repetition rule specifies an individual association of the replicated objects with the individual copies  18   a  through  18   d  of the print sheet  16 . For example, an individual association of a consecutive number  28   a  through  28   d  of the replicated basic areas  20   a  through  20   d  with the copies  18   a  through  18   d  of the print sheet  16  respectively takes place with the aid of the selectable pattern  26   a  through  26   c . In an exemplary embodiment, the selectable patterns  26   a  through  26   c  represent various zigzag patterns with the aid of which the respective incorporation of the consecutive numbers  28   a  through  28   d  is defined in the individual copies  18   a  through  18   d  of the print sheet  16 . Furthermore, the incorporation of the consecutive numbers into the individual copies of multiple consecutive, continuous print sheets may also be defined with the aid of the selectable patterns  26   a  through  26   c.    
     Shown in  FIG. 2 c    is a group  30   a  of objects  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   a  for the generation of variable elements, which group  30   a  is arranged in the basic area  20   a . The positions of the objects  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   a  of the group  30   a  are respectively established relative to the basic area  20   a . This in particular takes place in operation S 16 . The objects  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   a  of the group  30   a  are generated with the aid of corresponding icons  33 ,  35 ,  37 . In particular, the positions of the objects  32   a ,  34   a ,  36   a  of the group  30   a  are respectively defined relative to a coordinate origin O 1  of the basic area  20   a.    
     In operation S 18 , the replicated objects  32   a  through  32   d ,  34   a  through  34   d ,  36   a  through  36   d  of the replicated groups  30   a  through  30   d  are always arranged at an identical position relative to a coordinate origin O 1  through O 4  of the respective associated basic area  20   a  through  20   d . In operation S 18 , the replicated basic areas  20   a  through  20   d  are also generated such that they are arranged in a grid that corresponds to the grid of the copies  18   a  through  18   d . This means that the basic areas  20   a  through  20   d  that are defined by the frames  22   a  through  22   d  respectively include precisely one copy  18   a  through  18   d.    
     In operation S 18 , each basic area  20   a  through  20   d  is respectively individually shifted and/or rotated relative to its copy  18   a  through  18   d . In an embodiment, this takes place automatically. Furthermore, the basic areas  20   a  through  20   d  may also be manually shifted and/or rotated. The basic areas  20   a  through  20   d  may thereby be very precisely brought into agreement with the grid of copies  18   a  through  18   d.    
     With regard to  FIG. 2 c   , upon rotating the basic areas  20   a  through  20   d , the respective coordinate origin O 1  through O 4  rotates as well. This is clarified by way of example using the coordinate origins O 3 , O 4  of the basic areas  20   c ,  20   d.    
     The replicated objects  32   a  through  32   d ,  34   a  through  34   d ,  36   a  through  36   d  of the groups  30   a  through  30   d  respectively serve to generate the variable elements that should be printed on the print sheets  16 . This in particular takes place in operation S 20 . In an exemplary embodiment, the variable elements to be printed respectively include a barcode element, a text element or a graphic element. In an exemplary embodiment, the variable elements are also respectively provided by an external data source and/or taken from an internal counter or a job ticket. 
     Optionally, an icon  39  is provided with the aid of which a marker may be generated as a positioning aid for the arrangement of the objects  32   a  through  32   d ,  34   a  through  34   d ,  36   a  through  36   d  of the groups  30   a  through  30   d  in the basic areas  20   a  through  20   d.    
       FIG. 3  shows an example of a print sheet  16  having multiple lines  40 ,  42 ,  44  of copies arranged in superposition to produce multiple folded boxes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the copies of lines  42  and  44  overlap at least in part in the vertical direction. The copies of lines  42  and  44  are also arranged offset from one another in the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction is depicted by the arrow P 2  in  FIG. 3 , whereas the vertical direction is depicted by the arrow P 2  in  FIG. 3 . In particular, the copies of the middle line  42  in  FIG. 4  are rotated by 180° relative to the copies of the upper and lower line  40 ,  44 . The copies of the lines  40 ,  42 ,  44  of the print sheet  16  may be provided as input print data in operation S 10 . The print sheet  16  shown in  FIG. 3  in particular includes 12 copies for the production of 12 folded boxes. The print sheet  16  shown in  FIG. 3  is also characterized by a comparably high utilization rate. 
     In particular, in method  10  the print sheets may be used for the production of folded boxes as they are sent from the workflow to the PRISMAproduction system. 
     In the present disclosure, print data that are considered to be “finished” (PDF files, for example) may also be provided afterwards—thus still before the actual printing process onto paper—with variable contents in the form of barcode, text or images and graphics, in order to increase the added value of the end products. For particular tasks, multiple copies of the same printed matter may be distributed in a more or less uniform pattern on a large print sheet. The copies hereby do not necessarily need to be arranged end-to-end, but rather may be slid into one another and rotated in order to achieve the maximum number of copies on a print sheet, for example as in the example of folded boxes. In contrast to the prior art, in this instance the present disclosure even enables the targeted and effective placement of individual variable elements on the print sheet. 
     An advantage of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is that elements having variable contents that continue consecutively from copy to copy, further on to the next print sheet, may be placed on any individual copy of the print sheet. The contents may be taken from an external data source (for example an XML, CSV file or database) and/or from an internal counter, job ticket etc. Depending on the data source, many print sheets may be created that show the same motif but differ in variable elements. 
     According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, for this the pattern of the distribution of the copies may be based on the print sheet (layout) to ensure an exact positioning of the variable elements on each copy. 
     Optionally, it is similarly possible to finish analogous print data (i.e. papers that have already been pre-printed) with variable elements. 
     With the aid of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to very efficiently and exactly bring variable print data to a print-ready or already printed print sheet. An exemplary embodiment of the software is essentially comprised of a workspace in which the print sheet to be finished is displayed and tools that enable the creation and placement of the variable elements. 
     The basic principle provides that the individual variable elements (such as barcode, text, images and graphics) are combined into what is known as a Master Content Group  20   a , and this group (which is visually represented by a frame  22   a ) is subsequently distributed or replicated in copies, automatically or manually, corresponding to the grid of copies on the print sheet. Individual shifts and rotations of the frame are possible. Complex and irregular layouts may thus also be realized. The variable contents enter into the grid according to a definable pattern, beginning with the Master Content Group (copy 1). 
     The order of the copies (i.e. the zigzag pattern  26   a  through  26   c ) may thereby be modified. By double-clicking on the numbers  28   a  through  28   d  that are associated with the respective copy, an input row opens in which a different number may be input. Reasonably, only an already existing number may be input on the print sheet. The newly input number and the previous number are then exchanged. Specific contents may thus be applied to specific copies in a targeted manner. 
     The method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes the following operations:
         creation of the “Master Content Group”   creation of the “Repetition Matrix”   placement and positioning of the variable elements   determination of the contents of the variable elements       

     In an exemplary embodiment, as resources, the workspace of the graphical user interface includes, for example, rulers, auxiliary lines, background grids, zoom in, zoom out, marking and displacement of the objects using, for example, a mouse, keyboard and direct input of the values, a tool to align on object edges, and a preview of the print sheet with its new variable contents. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, there can be two creation scenarios. It is thereby a precondition that the document to be processed is automatically loaded at the start of the program or dialog and is displayed in the preview. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the first scenario includes the following operations:
         creation of the “Master Content Group”   creation of the “Repetition Matrix”   placement and positioning of the variable elements   determination of the contents of the variable elements       

     In an exemplary embodiment, the second scenario includes the following operations:
         creation of the “Master Content Group”   placement and positioning of the variable elements   creation of the “Repetition Matrix”   determination of the contents of the variable elements       

     As soon as the “Master Content Group” has been defined, additional creation variations are possible. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure enable a simple, clear and retroactive finishing of print data with variable elements with a few clear operations; a preview of the entire print sheet including the finishing objects; variant-rich creation sequences and modes of operation for the user; a visual, interactive and flexible reworking or modification/adaptation of positions and contents; as well as a visual monitoring of each work operation. The possibility also exists to store the work as a template for a later or automatic reuse. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The aforementioned description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, and without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes, and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the specification is not meant to limit the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 
     Embodiments may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuits), firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Embodiments may also be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, a machine-readable medium may include read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and others. Further, firmware, software, routines, instructions may be described herein as performing certain actions. However, it should be appreciated that such descriptions are merely for convenience and that such actions in fact results from computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices executing the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc. Further, any of the implementation variations may be carried out by a general purpose computer. 
     REFERENCE LIST 
     
         
           10  method 
           12  graphical user interface 
           14  workspace 
           16  print sheet 
           18   a  to  18   d  copies 
           20   a  to  20   d  basic area 
           21 ,  33 ,  35 , 
           37 ,  39  icon 
           22   a  to  22   d  frame of the basic area 
           24  menu 
           26   a  to  26   c  pattern 
           28   a  to  28   d  consecutive number 
           30   a  to  30   d  group of objects 
           32   a  to  32   d,    
           34   a  to  34   d,    
           36   a  to  36   d  object 
         O 1  to O 4  coordinate origin 
         P 1 , P 2  direction 
           40  to  44  line of copies 
         S 10  to S 20  operation