Ganged Imposition Sort System for Pre-Sorted Postal Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for digital printing face inefficiencies in sorting and combining different print jobs of varying data sets, leading to higher costs for smaller print orders and a lack of optimization for postal sorting, which can result in additional expenses due to the need for manual sorting and separate processing of each data set.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing an imposed, intermingled output in a pre-sorted postal order is implemented, where data files from multiple templates are merged and sorted, allowing for the creation of a single output file that preserves the postal sort order, reducing duplicate data storage, and enabling the use of advanced rules for frame positioning and resizing, thus optimizing the printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate processing of each data set is performed, then postal sorting requirements are met, but manual sorting and additional expenses are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate data sets into a single intermingled output file that maintains postal sort order. Instead of processing each data set separately, the system merges them while preserving the required sorting sequence, thereby eliminating manual sorting requirements and reducing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary sorting and intermingling of data sets before the actual printing process. By pre-sorting the combined data according to postal requirements, the system ensures compliance is built into the output file structure, eliminating the need for subsequent manual sorting operations.
2Reliability
If multiple print jobs are processed separately, then data integrity is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple print jobs into a single output file while maintaining data integrity through structured intermingling. The system combines data from different sources into one cohesive file that preserves the unique characteristics of each original data set while enabling unified processing, thus improving efficiency without compromising data integrity.
3Productivity
If data from different print jobs is intermingled, then processing efficiency improves, but postal sort order may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by ensuring that specific portions of the intermingled output file maintain the required postal sort order. Rather than requiring uniform sorting throughout, the system strategically positions data from different print jobs to preserve sort order accuracy in critical sections while allowing flexibility in other areas, thus maintaining both efficiency and precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If duplicate data is stored for multiple templates, then template flexibility is maintained, but storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data from multiple templates into a single intermingled output file, eliminating the need to store separate duplicate data sets. By merging the data while preserving template-specific characteristics, the system maintains template flexibility while significantly reducing the total storage volume required.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus for composing an imposed, intermingled output in pre-sorted postal order from an intermediate file are disclosed. A composition engine populates a template with variable printing data from a data file and generates an intermediate file. The composition engine repeats the process and generates a second intermediate file from a second data file and template. The intermediate files are merged and intermingled to generate a third intermediate file. The third intermediate file is converted to a renderable format and transmitted to a printing system to produce a ganged, imposed output.