Facsimile and static presentation processing – Static presentation processing – Emulation or plural modes
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-30
2002-08-13
Garcia, Gabriel (Department: 2624)
Facsimile and static presentation processing
Static presentation processing
Emulation or plural modes
C707S793000, C707S960000, C707S960000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06433881
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The general field of the invention is that of data processing, and, more specifically, print stream processing. In its most specific segmentation, the field is that of optimization of those devices directed to processing a print stream for the purpose of producing a plurality of mailpieces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As the capabilities of data processing systems has grown, so too have the requirements that are tasked to these systems. Greater speed has given rise to more detail oriented applications, greater memory capability has made memory intensive applications more attractive, and detailed applications have lead to more wide-spread use of previously inaccessible data processing abilities. With the spiraling growth in data processing ability, there has grown a need for more efficient ways of programming that promote speed as well as flexibility. Flexibility, in particular, allows applications that have been designed in varied programming languages, or operating on different platforms to be able to communicate without extensive system or file modification.
Once such means of promoting flexibility within a data processing system is in the use of “object-oriented” design (OOD). Object oriented programming languages are useful in removing some of the restrictions that have hampered application design due to the inflexibility of traditional programming languages.
OOD utilizes a basic element or construct known as the “object.,” which combines both a data structure and an intended behavior characteristic within the single element. Thus, software applications become an organized collection of discrete objects in which data is held or moved based on the intended behavior of an object which is inherently unique. Each object knows how to perform some activity. Objects can be specific or conceptual. But, to be of value to a particular application, objects must be able to be referenced.
Referencing is accomplished through indexing, addressing, or through value assignment which can be placed in a table for use as required. Objects can also be arranged by classification. Classification is based on groupings of objects based upon properties or characteristics important to an application or requirement. Each class describes a potentially infinite set of objects that comprise that class.
OOD is known in the software arts and specific discussion of application design based upon OOD is not required for a thorough understanding of the applicant's claimed invention.
In the past several years, significant changes have occurred in the operation of high volume document production centers. These centers have merged traditional printing capabilities with mailroom production facilities. Executives tasked with the management of both print and mail operations are expected to play an ever-growing role in the creation and design of document centers that will deliver effective, high quality, and high integrity output. The current development and emphasis on these centers in corporations or regional centers has lead to the growing use of the term “Automated Document Factory” (hereinafter “ADF”) to describe consolidated printing and mail finishing operations.
In current practice, large mailing companies tend to separate the process of creating documents from the process of manufacturing documents (mailpieces). The print center tasked with finishing the created document receives both scheduled and scheduled print jobs with a wide range of requirements. These print jobs are evaluated, scheduled, and executed in the printfinish center.
Because the print/finish center has traditionally been “information systems poor,” most of the work required to prepare or “condition” the print job for manufacturing was created in the business unit or print service client. Typical conditioning processes include: performing postal address hygiene; adding PostNet™ barcodes; presorting mailings; adding inserter barcode instructions; adjusting printer paper size and orientation; and, adding spot color instructions.
The manager of such a print/finish operation, seeking to maximize efficiency through optimal use of equipment and decision making tools, is faced with a dilemma. First, the decisions about the structure and management of the print/finish center are generally made outside of the center; the decisions are generally made by the Information Systems (IS) group creating the print job and its associated print stream. Document manufacturing requests are also assigned lower priorities, further limiting management control. Second, the hardware systems and their associated peripheral devices are often sourced from different manufacturers so that the printers and inserters being fed by the print stream are relying on differing motivators from the print stream.
To help classify and organize the concept of the emerging print/finish center, an architecture has been developed within the print stream industry that is referred to as the ADF. The Automated Document Factory™ architecture proposed by the Gartner Group of Stamford, Connecticut, provides a model for a set of processes that prepares and positions enterprises to manage the creation and delivery of high-volume digitized documents by using factory production techniques that appropriately and optimally mechanize document production. The raw materials of production (i.e., the document data and preparation instructions), enter the ADF which transforms them into digital documents and prepares them for delivery.
The architecture for the ADF is comprised of four (4) modules; these include: input; transformation; delivery and preparation; and, control and reporting. Each module, or building block, is made up of other modules and each is connected by a series of interfaces, or links.
Each of the building blocks must be linked through effective communication which includes the tracking and measurement of the input and output of the document manufacturing hardware and associated peripherals. To enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness of the overall system, systems managers need to be able to scrutinize every element of the print job process to see where improvements can be made. Thus, each of the modules takes on an increased significance when viewed with respect to their relationship with the overall system.
There is thus a need to provide each of the modules for the ADF so that the structure can be self supporting and viable. The input module is where all of the data and instructions needed to transform the arriving print stream data into documents enters the ADF. The present invention is currently being introduced to the print stream market by the assignee of the present invention, Pitney Bowes Inc. of Stamford, Conn., as the InStream™ server which is designed as the input module for the ADF.
It is an object of the present invention to provide the input module to the conceptual ADF frame by describing herein an open systems, client-server technology for facilitating automated document manufacturing techniques.
The use of object oriented design to facilitate object oriented linking of diverse applications, is a distinct benefit when employed within data processing systems such as print stream client/server systems with diverse device driver applications. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide for an object oriented method and system of interfacing between print stream creation applications that are based on differing program languages or exist on differing operating system platforms and a document manufacturing system.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of optimizing the use of hardware and associated peripheral devices in manufacturing documents that have been digitally delivered through the input module. Additionally, it is further object of the present invention to measure the activities of each of the hardware and peripheral components so that accurate reporting can be made so as to facilitate subsequent job performance decisions and so as to maximize system utility and performance.
SUMMARY OF
Lynch John P.
Williamson Robert P.
Chaclas Angelo
Garcia Gabriel
Levitsky Paul A.
Pitney Bowes Inc.
Poon King Y.
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