Variable Data Printing Imposition Template Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating data for variable data printing do not efficiently manage and process large amounts of page layout data, particularly when dealing with complex page arrangements and varying numbers of pages across records.
Innovation Solution
A data generating apparatus and method that determines a common page count from individual page counts and generates imposition data representing a common single page layout, which includes inserting blank pages to match the common page count, allowing for efficient data handling and processing by treating the data as a single record.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If page layouts for all records are saved and managed altogether to deal with complex page arrangements, then the ability to handle complex page layouts is improved, but the amount of data to be managed becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the page layout data by separating the common page layout template (defined once) from the individual record data (processed separately). The imposition data generator creates a single page layout template that can be applied to multiple records, dividing the data management into template definition and record processing segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal page layout template that serves all records with varying page counts. This single template structure can be applied universally to any record by adjusting the number of pages, eliminating the need to store separate layout data for each record while maintaining the ability to handle complex arrangements.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual page layouts are created for each record to accommodate varying page counts, then the accuracy of page representation is improved, but the processing complexity and data management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic approach where the page layout template adapts to different record requirements. The system determines the maximum page count among all records and configures the template accordingly, allowing the same template structure to dynamically accommodate varying page counts through the insertion of blank pages rather than requiring static individual layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of page count from a fixed per-record value to a unified maximum value across all records. By determining the maximum page count and applying it uniformly to all records through the common template, the system simplifies processing while maintaining accurate representation of each record's actual page content.
3Productivity
If a common page count is determined and imposed on all records, then data management efficiency is improved, but additional blank pages must be inserted for records with fewer pages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the maximum page count across all records before generating imposition data. This advance planning allows the system to configure a single common template that accommodates all records, avoiding the need for complex per-record processing during the actual imposition generation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses blank pages as an intermediary element to bridge the gap between records with different page counts and the unified common template. These blank pages serve as placeholders that allow the common layout structure to remain intact while accommodating varying content lengths without compromising the overall data management efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The numbers of pages making up respective records are acquired as individual page counts by analyzing page description data used for variable data printing. The maximum page count among the acquired individual page counts is determined as a common page count. Imposition data representing a common and single page layout made up of the determined common page count are generated.