Application Independent Overlay File Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for creating and using overlay files are often application and device dependent, limiting their usability across different applications and printing devices.
Innovation Solution
The development of a method to create and use overlay files that are both application independent and device independent, involving the storage of graphics commands in a format such as enhanced metafile (EMF) or printer metafile (PMF) formats, which are then modified to be operating system independent, allowing for the creation of alternative versions with different formatting characteristics and the merging of printing commands with base document commands for seamless printing across various systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If overlay files are created using specific application formats (e.g., Microsoft Word), then the overlay functionality works correctly within that application, but the overlay file cannot be used with other applications (e.g., Corel WordPerfect)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts application-specific overlay files into a universal format that can be used across multiple applications. The system retrieves overlay content from a source document, converts it to a standardized format with metadata, and stores it in a database. This standardized overlay file can then be applied to base documents created in different applications, eliminating the need for separate overlay files for each application while maintaining reliable overlay functionality.
2Reliability
If overlay files are created for a specific printing device, then the overlay printing works correctly for that device, but the overlay file cannot be used with other printing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized overlay file format as an intermediary between the overlay content and the printing device. The overlay file contains converted content with metadata that is independent of specific printing device characteristics. When printing is required, the system retrieves the appropriate overlay file and applies it to the base document, allowing the same overlay file to work with multiple printing devices without requiring device-specific customization.
3Manufacturing precision
If overlay files are created in application-specific formats, then the overlay content is optimized for that application, but creating and maintaining separate overlay files for different applications increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal overlay file format that can serve multiple applications simultaneously. Instead of maintaining separate overlay files for each application, the system converts overlay content into a standardized format with structured metadata that can be interpreted by different applications. This single universal overlay file replaces multiple application-specific files, reducing management complexity while maintaining optimized overlay content through the standardized conversion process.
Data Source
AI summary
In an exemplary method, a request is received to save an overlay document that comprises content for an overlay. Graphics commands for the overlay document are also received. The graphics commands are stored in an overlay file. The format of the overlay file is both application independent and device independent. A request is received to print a base document. In response to the request, the graphics commands in the overlay file are rendered, thereby creating printing commands for the overlay document. The printing commands for the overlay document are merged with the base document's printing commands, thereby creating a printing command stream. The printing command stream is sent to a printing device.