PDF/VT Print Job Metadata Extraction and Modification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In variable and transactional printing systems, users lack the ability to customize or modify production information in a PDF/VT file after submitting a print job, requiring the creation of a new print job for any changes, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize metadata to control printing outcomes by extracting and modifying production information from a PDF/VT file using a graphic user interface, querying an external database, and generating a modified print job without creating a new PDF/VT file, allowing for real-time changes to production information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a user submits a print job with a PDF/VT file, then the print job can be processed and rendered, but the user cannot modify or customize the production information after submission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to modify production informationVSAvoidsystem complexity for modifying print jobs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-extracts production information from the PDF/VT file and displays it in a user-friendly interface before the printing process completes. This allows users to review and modify the information in advance, and the modified information is then used in the final print job without requiring a complete re-submission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the user by displaying the extracted production information in a graphical interface, allowing users to see exactly what information will be printed and make necessary modifications. This feedback loop enables users to customize their print jobs interactively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If a user wants to add extra information to the PDF/VT file after submission, then the production information can be updated, but a new print job must be created from scratch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add production informationVSAvoidtime to create new print job

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the production information from the existing PDF/VT file and separates it from the complete print job structure. This extracted information can then be modified independently without affecting the rest of the print job, allowing users to add or update information quickly without recreating the entire document

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The print job is segmented into distinct components: the original PDF/VT file structure and the extractable production information. This segmentation allows users to modify only the production information portion while maintaining the original document structure, significantly reducing the time needed to create updated print jobs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the user extracts metadata and queries external databases, then production information can be modified and enhanced, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to incorporate external dataVSAvoidcomplexity of metadata extraction and processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the external database. This intermediary extracts, validates, and formats data from external sources before integrating it into the print job, shielding the user from database complexity while enabling rich data integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a copy of the production information metadata that can be independently queried and modified. This copy allows the system to interact with external databases without affecting the original PDF/VT file structure, enabling data enrichment while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10628386B2Methods and systems to customize printable information

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Examples of a printing system are described herein. In an example, the printing system that uses the original print job created for the PDF/VT file for building a modified print job that includes a set of instructions to render the PDF/VT file which is modified on the run, or on the fly. The original print job includes instructions for using a fixed metadata. In one example, the fixed metadata is a Document Part (DPart) Metadata (DPM), and can be expressed in a hierarchical structure expressed in a tree structure called Document Part (DPart). The metadata is extracted from the PDF/VT file, and then used to build the modified print job including alternate instructions based on print conditions corresponding to the metadata.