Virtual Press Run Architecture for Print Job Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current content creation applications lack robust visualization, editing, and formatting options for print jobs, leading to inadequate representation of how changes in printing options affect the final output, forcing users to conduct multiple test runs or outsource document creation, resulting in wasted time and resources.

Innovation Solution

A computer architecture integrating publishing modules with visualization engines, editing tools, and printing protocols to provide a graphical user interface that allows users to visualize and modify print jobs accurately, offering advanced customization options and precise previews of the final output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple test runs are conducted to verify print output, then the accuracy of visual representation is improved, but the time consumption and resource waste increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual representation accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the print job that can be visually inspected and manipulated without physical printing. The virtual press run generates a digital representation of the printed output, allowing users to review layout, formatting, and content accuracy on screen, thereby eliminating the need for multiple physical test runs while maintaining visual representation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical printing process with a virtual simulation system. Instead of physically printing test pages to verify output, the system uses software-based visualization engines to render and display the expected print output, substituting mechanical printing actions with digital rendering and display operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If basic printing options are provided in content creation applications, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and customization capabilities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilitiesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal publishing module that can handle multiple document types, printing formats, and customization options within a single integrated system. This module provides access to diverse printing capabilities, layout options, and formatting controls while maintaining a consistent user interface, thereby achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing perceived system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a publishing module as an intermediary layer between the content creation application and the printing system. This module acts as a mediator that manages the complexity of printing options and customization capabilities, presenting a simplified interface to users while handling sophisticated printing operations in the background

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If print preview tools are provided in content creation applications, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and representation accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidpreview accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary visualization of the complete print job before actual printing occurs. The virtual press run generates and displays the final output representation in advance, allowing users to review and make adjustments to layout, formatting, and content arrangement before committing to physical printing, thereby improving both preview accuracy and user convenience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8885181B2Virtual press run
Publication Date: 2014.11.11 FIERY LLC
  • US8885181B2 patent drawing
  • US8885181B2 patent drawing
  • US8885181B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer architecture that integrates desktop productivity applications with various visualization engines and various output engines allowing visualization, modification and formatting of the ultimate output from the application. Methods for accomplishing content visualization, editing and formatting in light of one or more printing option are also provided.