Print Preview Insert Integration via Placeholder Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print previews generated for printing systems often vary significantly across different printers and display devices due to differences in color schemes, resolutions, and processing algorithms, leading to inconsistencies in the final printed product, which can result in costly errors for high-volume or expensive print jobs.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sheet images of pre-printed inserts within print previews, allowing users to visualize how inserts such as cover pages and divider pages will be integrated into the print job, enabling detection and correction of errors before printing, by rasterizing logical pages and identifying insert locations based on job tickets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If print previews are generated using device-specific Raster Image Processors (RIPs) to accurately reflect device output, then the preview reliability is improved, but the consistency across different devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses placeholder images as copies of actual insert pages to be printed. These placeholder images are pre-prepared digital representations that match the appearance and dimensions of the physical insert pages. By using these copies in the print preview, the system can show accurate representations of inserts without requiring device-specific rendering, thereby maintaining both preview reliability and cross-device consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a print job data structure with placeholder images as an intermediary between the insert pages and the print preview generation process. These placeholders serve as mediators that carry information about insert page appearance and placement without being device-specific. The processing logic uses these intermediaries to integrate insert information into previews generated by different device RIPs, resolving the contradiction between device-specific accuracy and cross-device consistency.
2Loss of information
If print previews include integrated images of pre-printed inserts, then the completeness of job preview is improved, but the processing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print job data into distinct components: main print pages, insert pages, and placeholder images. Each component is processed separately through dedicated processing logic that identifies insert locations and integrates corresponding placeholder images. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex insert integration tasks through modular, manageable steps rather than attempting to process all elements simultaneously, thereby reducing overall processing complexity while maintaining preview completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-preparing placeholder images that represent insert pages before the actual printing process. These placeholders are created in advance with the correct dimensions, orientation, and visual characteristics of the physical inserts. During preview generation, the system simply integrates these pre-prepared placeholders rather than generating insert representations from scratch, significantly reducing processing complexity while ensuring complete and accurate preview information.
3Manufacturing precision
If users review print previews to detect errors before printing, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the time consumption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to self-review print previews that automatically include integrated placeholder images of all insert pages at their correct locations. This self-service capability allows users to independently verify insert placement, orientation, and appearance without requiring additional manual checks or external verification processes. The comprehensive preview provides all necessary information in one view, allowing users to quickly detect and correct errors themselves, thereby improving print accuracy while minimizing additional time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for including sheet images of pre-printed inserts in a print preview for a print job. The system is operable to receive a print job, to receive a request for a print preview of the print job, and to rasterize logical pages of the print job to generate sheet images. The system is further operable to identify inserts to be integrated with printed versions of the sheet images of the logical pages, and to include sheet images of the inserts with the sheet images of the logical pages for the print preview.