Mailpiece Inserter Print Stream Interpreter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of set-up and programming requirements for advanced mailpiece inserters has made it costly and difficult for organizations to modify their systems, necessitating intimate knowledge from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for efficient operation and changes.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that creates an electronic application file for mailpiece content, converts print stream data into object-oriented data, segments it into data sets with an object dictionary for indexing, and processes these data sets to produce mailpiece content material, enhancing efficiency and throughput in mailpiece inserters by allowing flexible manipulation and printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced features are added to mailpiece inserters to increase functionality, then productivity and versatility are improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a print stream interpreter as an intermediary component that sits between the application software and the mailpiece inserter. This interpreter translates complex print stream data into a simplified format that the inserter can process, thereby adding advanced functionality without directly increasing the complexity of the inserter itself. The intermediary handles the complexity of data interpretation while presenting a simple interface to both the user and the inserter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If advanced features are added to mailpiece inserters to increase functionality, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The print stream interpreter operates autonomously to translate and process print stream data without requiring user intervention or specialized knowledge. The system automatically interprets the data, performs necessary transformations, and delivers processed output to the mailpiece inserter. This self-service approach enables advanced functionality while maintaining ease of operation, as users simply need to provide standard print streams without needing to understand the complex processing that occurs behind the scenes.
3Manufacturing precision
If OEM support is required for system modification, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of repair and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mailpiece production system into distinct functional modules: application software, print stream interpreter, and mailpiece inserter. Each module operates independently with well-defined interfaces. The print stream interpreter is designed as a standalone component that can be modified, updated, or replaced without affecting the other modules. This segmentation allows organizations to modify and adapt the system independently while maintaining the precision and reliability of the core inserter functionality, eliminating the need for OEM support for routine modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing mailpiece content material for use in a mailpiece inserter. The method includes the steps of: creating an electronic application file of the mailpiece content material, generating print stream data from the software application and converting the print stream data into object-oriented data. The object-oriented data is then parsed or segmented to form a plurality of data sets. The data sets may be comprised of one or more data packets and include an object dictionary for indexing the data. Each data set may then be processed to produce mailpiece content material for use in the mailpiece inserter. Processing may include the steps of reconstituting the data into a plurality of logical documents in the form of pages, mailpiece documents, mailpieces, or an entire mailpiece data run file.