U.S. patent application number 10/746891 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-07 for apparatus, system, and method for printing on variable form media.
Invention is credited to Moroney, Brian William, Palmer, Dwight Ross.
Application Number | 20050146750 10/746891 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34710754 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050146750 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moroney, Brian William ; et
al. |
July 7, 2005 |
Apparatus, system, and method for printing on variable form
media
Abstract
An apparatus, system, and process for printing on variable form
media are provided. Variable form media has a variety of physical
configurations. Each physical configuration may have a unique print
target for receiving printing. The apparatus, system, and process
include a computer configured to receive text information. The
computer organizes the text information as relocatable print data.
The relocatable print data may be printed at one or more print
targets on one or more variable form medias. Each print target has
a distinct position, orientation, and dimensions. The computer
further calculates spatial print data directed to a specific
variable form media from the relocatable print data. The spatial
print data specifies the position, orientation, and dimension of
the relocatable print data. The apparatus, system, and process
print the spatial print data on the variable form media. In
addition, the apparatus, system, and process may render the spatial
print data and the variable form media on a display.
Inventors: |
Moroney, Brian William;
(Longmont, CO) ; Palmer, Dwight Ross; (Longmont,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KUNZLER & ASSOCIATES
8 EAST BROADWAY
SUITE 600
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Family ID: |
34710754 |
Appl. No.: |
10/746891 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
358/1.18 ;
358/1.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06K 15/02 20130101;
G06K 15/021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
358/001.18 ;
358/001.12 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for printing upon variable form media, the
apparatus comprising: a print interface module configured to
receive relocatable print data; a print processor module configured
to calculate spatial print data directed to a physical
configuration of a variable form media from the relocatable print
data; and a print engine configured to print the spatial print data
upon the variable form media.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein calculating the spatial print
data comprises calculating the position, orientation, and
dimensions of the relocatable print data.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a paper feed module
configured to communicate the physical configuration of the
variable form media to the print processor.
4. A data processing device for creating relocatable print data for
a variable form media, the device comprising: an I/O module
configured to receive text information directed to a variable form
media; and an processor module configured to organize the text
information as a relocatable print data.
5. The data processing device of claim 4, wherein the relocatable
print data describes the text information independent of the
position, orientation, and dimensions of the text information.
6. A data processing device for rendering relocatable print data on
a variable form media, the device comprising: a processor module
configured to calculate spatial print data directed to a physical
configuration of a variable form media from relocatable print data;
and an interface module configured to communicate the spatial print
data to a rendering device.
7. The data processing device of claim 6, wherein calculating the
spatial print data comprises calculating the position, orientation,
and dimensions of the relocatable print data.
8. A system for printing variable form media, the system
comprising: a computer configured to calculate spatial print data
directed to the physical configuration of a variable form media
from relocatable print data; a network configured to communicate
the spatial print data; and a printer configured to print the
spatial print data on the variable form media.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein calculating the spatial print
data comprises calculating the position, orientation, and
dimensions of the relocatable print data.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the computer is configured to
receive text information direct to a variable form media, the
computer further configured to organize relocatable print data from
the text information, the relocatable print data describing the
text information independent of position, orientation, and
dimension of the variable form media.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the variable form media is
specified by a user.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein computer directs the spatial
print data to the variable form media selected from a set of
variable form media specified by the relocatable print data.
13. A process for creating relocatable print data, the process
comprising: receiving text information directed to a variable form
media; organizing the text information as relocatable print data;
and appending the relocatable print data to a document.
14. The process of claim 13, wherein the relocatable print data
describes the text information independent of the position,
orientation, and dimensions of the text information.
15. The process of claim 13, wherein the relocatable print data is
appended to the document as a job ticket.
16. A process for printing to a variable form media, the process
comprising receiving relocatable print data; calculating spatial
print data directed to a variable form media from the relocatable
print data; and rendering the spatial print data.
17. The process of claim 16, wherein calculating the spatial print
data comprises specifying the position, orientation, and dimensions
of the relocatable print data.
18. The process of claim 16, wherein the relocatable print data is
included in a job ticket.
19. The process of claim 16, wherein the variable form media is
selected from a set of variable form media specified by the
relocatable print data.
20. The process of claim 16, wherein the variable form media is
printed out of the specified order of the set of variable form
media.
21. A computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable
code configured to carry out a process for creating relocatable
print data, the process comprising: receiving text information
directed to a variable form media; organizing the text information
as relocatable print data; and appending the relocatable print data
to a document.
22. The computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further
comprising computer readable code configured to organization the
relocatable print data as the text information independent of
position, orientation, and dimensions.
23. The computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further
comprising computer readable code configured to determine the
physical configuration of the variable form media from an
identification code.
24. The computer readable storage medium of claim 21, further
comprising computer readable code configured to determine the
physical configuration of the variable form media from a
printer.
25. A computer readable storage medium comprising computer readable
code configured to carry out a process for printing to a variable
form media, the process comprising: receiving relocatable print
data; calculating spatial print data directed to a variable form
media from the relocatable print data; and rendering the spatial
print data.
26. The computer readable storage medium of claim 25, further
comprising computer readable code configured to calculate the
spatial print data as the relocatable print data directed to the
position, orientation, and dimensions of a print target of the
variable form media.
27. The computer readable storage medium of claim 25, further
comprising computer readable code configured to render the spatial
print data with a display.
28. The computer readable storage medium of claim 25, further
comprising computer readable code configured to render the spatial
print data as a web page.
29. The computer readable storage medium of claim 25, further
comprising computer readable code configured to render the spatial
print data as a file.
30. An apparatus for print to variable form media, the apparatus
comprising: means for receiving relocatable print data; means for
calculating spatial print data directed to a variable form media
from the relocatable print data; and means for rendering the
spatial print data on the variable form media.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to printing on a variable form media
and more particularly relates to printing relocatable print data on
the variable form media.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Many printed documents include variable form media ("VFM")
such as tab pages or page dividers in addition to standard printed
pages. VFM has a variety of physical configurations, many with a
tab extending beyond the dimensions of a document's standard
printed pages. Text information printed on the tab may identify the
tab section to a reader without the reader opening the document.
VFM is effective for organizing and demarking the sections of a
printed document. A document will often have multiple VFMs, each
with a unique physical configuration. The unique physical
configuration of each VFM often requires that the text information
be printed in a unique print target location that is different from
one or more other VFM in the document.
[0005] Many printers include feed mechanisms that support the
printing of the VFM along with the standard printed pages of a
document, automatically printing and collating VFM into a document
as the rest of the document is printed. Unfortunately, setting up
the source document to print on VFM is often inconvenient. The
print targets for text information differ among the different
physical configurations of VFM. For example, each tab in a set of
tab pages typically has a unique print target location. To print on
a tab page VFM, a user must create a tab page within the document
for each tab and specify the tab text and format at the print
target position and orientation of the tab. Thus the user must
determine the appropriate tab location and enter specific spatial
print data in order to print the VFM in sequence with standard
printed pages.
[0006] FIG. 1a illustrates a set of VFM 100 of the current
practice. The set of VFM 100 includes one or more VFM 105, one or
more tabs 110, and one or more print targets 115. The set of VFM
100 demarks one or more sections of a document with page stock,
text, and images that are visible without opening the document.
[0007] The set of VFM 100 typically includes one or more VFM 105,
each with a unique physical configuration. Each VFM 105 may include
one or more tabs 110 and one or more print areas 115. Although the
set of VFM 100 is shown with three VFM 105 with one tab 110 and one
print target 115 each, any number of VFM 105, tabs 110, and print
targets 115 may be included in the set of VRM 100. Text information
such as text and images are typically printed in the print target
115 of each VFM 105 to identify the section of the document
demarked by the VFM 105.
[0008] FIG. 1b illustrates print data 125 of the current practice.
Text information 135 specifies the text and images to be printed,
as well as the fonts and the relationships of text and images of
the text information 135. The text information 135 does not specify
the position, orientation, or dimensions the text and images will
occupy on a printed page. Information specifying the position of
the text information 135 may be added to create positioned print
data 140. Orientation information may also be added to the text
information 135 to create oriented print data 145. In addition,
dimension information may be added to the text information 135 to
create dimensioned print data 150. Spatial print data 155 combines
text information 135, position information, orientation
information, and dimension information to specify the printing of
the text information 135 on the VFM 105.
[0009] FIG. 1c is a flow chart illustrating a VFM printing method
160 of the current practice. The VFM printing method 160 prints
text information 135 to a VFM 105 such as a tab page. The VFM
printing method 160 creates 165 a source page. The source page
describes the VFM 105 text information 135 as spatial print data
155 within a print target 115 on the VFM 105. The VFM printing
method 160 inserts 170 the correct VFM 105 into a printer. The VFM
105 is typically placed in a separate paper feed distinct from the
paper feed used for standard printing paper.
[0010] The VFM printing method 160 subsequently prints 175 the
source page on the VFM 105. The printer feeds the VFM 105 from the
paper feed into a print engine and prints the source page onto the
VFM 105. If the print target 115 of the VFM 105 does not match the
spatial print data 155 of the source page, the VFM 105 will be
incorrectly printed and may be useless for organizing the
document.
[0011] The VFM 105 printing method 160 requires a user to create a
source page that describes the position, orientation, and
dimensions of text information 135 at a print target 115 on the VFM
105. Unfortunately, the VFM 105 printing method 160 cannot properly
describe text information 135 if the user does not know the
physical configuration of each VFM 105 in a final document. For
example, a source page may be created by placing text in the print
target 115b of the tab 10b positioned five centimeters (5 cm) below
the top of the VFM 105b. Yet if the printer prints the source page
on the VFM 105c with the print target 115c of the tab 110c
positioned ten centimeters (10 cm) below the top of the VFM 105c,
the text information 135 of the source page will not be printed
within the print target 115c because there will be no media in the
tab 110b to print upon. The text information 135 can only be
printed on the VFM 105b with the tab 110b positioned five
centimeters (5 cm) below the top of the VFM 105b.
[0012] The document in the VFM printing method 160 would also not
print correctly if the user created the source document directed to
one or more VFM 105 with a first type of physical configuration,
such as a set of VFM 100 with six-centimeter (6 cm) tabs, then
attempted to print the source document on one or more VFM 105 with
an alternate physical configuration, such as a set of VFM 100 with
five-centimeter (5 cm) tabs. The printer would attempt to print the
spatial print data 155 of the source pages in the print targets 115
for the six-centimeter (6 cm) tabs, printing the spatial print data
155 in areas inappropriate for five-centimeter (5 cm) tabs.
[0013] Consequently, a need exists for a process, apparatus, and
system that create relocatable print data from text information 135
directed to a VFM 105. What is further needed are a process,
apparatus, and system that calculate spatial print data 155
directed to a print target 115 of the VFM 105. Beneficially, such a
process, apparatus, and system would allow a user to define the
printed content of the VFM 105 independent of any proceeding or
succeeding VFM 105, or the physical configuration of the VFM
105.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available printing methods. Accordingly, the present
invention has been developed to provide a process, apparatus, and
system for creating and printing relocatable print data on variable
form media ("VFM") that overcome many or all of the above-discussed
shortcomings in the art.
[0015] The apparatus for printing is provided with a logic unit
containing a plurality of modules configured to functionally
execute the necessary steps of rendering text information 135 on
VFM 105. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a print-processing
device such as a print server and a printer. These modules in the
described embodiments include a print interface module, a print
processor module, a paper feed module, and a print engine
module.
[0016] The print interface module, in one embodiment, is configured
to receive relocatable print data. The relocatable print data may
include text information 135 such as text, image, and formatting
information organized independently of position, orientation, and
dimensions. In one embodiment, the relocatable print data is
included in a job ticket. In an alternate embodiment, the
relocatable print data is included in a document.
[0017] In one embodiment, the print processor module calculates
spatial print data 155 directed to a VFM 105 from the relocatable
print data. The spatial print data 155 specifies the dimensions,
location, and orientation of the text information 135 as it is to
be printed in the print target 115 of the VFM 105. The paper feed
module positions the VFM 105 to the print engine module. The print
engine module prints the spatial print data 155 upon the VFM 105.
The apparatus is further configured, in one embodiment, to
communicate the physical configuration of the VFM 105 to the print
processor. The print processor may calculate the spatial print data
155 in response to the physical configuration of the VFM 105.
[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for
creating relocatable print data is presented. In one embodiment,
the apparatus is a data processing device such as a computer, a
server, a personal digital assistant, a print server, and a
printer. The apparatus includes an I/O module and a processor
module. The I/O module receives text information 135 directed to a
VFM 105. In one embodiment, a set of VFM 100 is specified. In an
alternate embodiment, a general functional description of the VFM
105 is specified. The processor module organizes the relocatable
print data from the text information 135.
[0019] In an alternate aspect of the present invention, an
apparatus is presented for rendering relocatable print data. In one
embodiment, the apparatus is a data processing device such as a
computer, a server, a personal digital assistant, a print server,
and a printer. The apparatus includes a processor module and
interface module. The processor module calculates spatial print
data 155 directed to a VFM 105 from relocatable print data. The
interface module communicates the spatial print data 155 to a
rendering device. In one embodiment, the rendering device is a
printer.
[0020] A system of the present invention is also presented for
printing. The system may be embodied in a data processing network.
In particular, the system, in one embodiment, includes a computer,
a network, and a printer. The computer calculates spatial print
data 155 directed to a VFM 105 from relocatable print data. The
network communicates the spatial print data 155 to the printer. The
printer prints the spatial print con data 155 upon the VFM 105.
[0021] In one embodiment, the computer organizes the relocatable
print data from text information 135 directed to a VFM 105. The
system may further include a display. In one embodiment, the
computer renders an image of the spatial print data 155 and the VFM
105 on the display. In an alternate embodiment, the computer
renders the image of the spatial print data 155 and the VFM 105 as
a web page.
[0022] A process of the present invention is also presented for
creating relocatable print data. The process in the disclosed
embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out
the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the
described apparatus and system. In one embodiment, the process
includes receiving text information 135, organizing the text
information 135 as relocatable print data, appending the
relocatable print data to a document, receiving the relocatable
print data from the document, calculating spatial print data 155,
and rendering the spatial print data 155.
[0023] The process receives text information 135 directed to a VFM
105. In one embodiment, text information 135 is directed to a set
of VFM 100 with one or more specific physical configurations. In an
alternate embodiment, the text information is directed to a VFM 105
with a general functional description, such as a tab sheet. The
process organizes the text information 135 as relocatable print
data independent of position, orientation, and dimensions.
[0024] In one embodiment, the relocatable print data defines the
rendering of the text information within a print target 115. The
process appends the relocatable print data to a document. In
addition, the process receives the relocatable print data from the
document. The process calculates spatial print data 155 directed to
a VFM 105, and renders the spatial print data 155 on the VFM 105.
In one embodiment, the process prints the spatial print data 155 on
the VFM 105. In an alternate embodiment, the process displays the
spatial print data 155 and the VFM 105 on a display.
[0025] The present invention organizes relocatable print data from
text information 135. The relocatable print data specifies the text
information 135 independent of position, orientation, and
dimensions. The present invention further calculates spatial print
data 155 directed to a VFM 105 from the relocatable print data. The
spatial print data 155 specifies the position, orientation, and
dimensions of the text information 135. The present invention
prints the spatial print data 155 on the VFM 105. Alternately, the
present invention may render the spatial print data 155 and the VFM
105 on a display. These features and advantages of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice
of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] In order that the advantages of the invention will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0027] FIG. 1a is an illustration of variable form media of the
current practice;
[0028] FIG. 1b is an illustration of print data of the current
practice;
[0029] FIG. 1c is a flow chart illustrating a variable form media
printing method of the current practice;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
printing system of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
printer of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a
computer of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment
of a relocatable print data process of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment
of a printing process of the present invention; and
[0035] FIG. 7 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment
of a display process of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Many of the functional units described in this specification
have been labeled as modules, in order to more particularly
emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module
may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI
circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic
chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also
be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field
programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable
logic devices or the like.
[0037] Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by
various types of processors. An identified module of executable
code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical
blocks of computer instructions, which may, for instance, be
organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the
executables of an identified module need not be physically located
together, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in
different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise
the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
[0038] Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single
instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over
several different code segments, among different programs, and
across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be
identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be
embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable
type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a
single data set, or may be distributed over different locations
including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least
partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a block diagram illustrating one embodiment
of a printing system 200 of the present invention. The printing
system 200 includes a data processor i.e. a computer 205, one or
more printers 210, and a network 215. Although the printing system
200 is depicted with one computer 205, one network 215, and two
printers 215, any number of computers 205, networks 215, and
printers 210 may be employed. Although for simplicity the data
processor is depicted as a computer 205, the data processor may be
a computer, a server, a print server, or a personal digital
assistant.
[0040] In one embodiment, the computer 205 receives text
information 135 directed to a variable form media ("VFM") 105. In
one embodiment, the text information is input by a user. In an
alternate embodiment, the text information is created by a software
application such as a data base application, order entry
application, and identification application. The VFM 10S may
include tab pages and page dividers. In one embodiment, the VFM 105
is a set of VFM 100 with one or more specified physical
configurations. In a certain embodiment, the VFM 105 specifies one
or more physical dimensions. In an alternate embodiment, the VFM
105 has a general functional description such as a tab page.
[0041] The computer 205 organizes relocatable print data from the
text information 135. In one embodiment, the relocatable print data
describes the rendering of the text information 135 within a print
target 115 independent of the position, orientation, and dimensions
of the print target 115. In a certain embodiment, the relocatable
print data specifies a set of VFM 100 that the text information 135
is directed to. In an alternate embodiment, the relocatable print
data specifies a general description of the VFM 105 that the text
information 135 is directed to. The computer 205 appends the
relocatable print data to a document. In one embodiment, the
relocatable print data is included as part of a job ticket. The job
ticket contains the finishing information for the document
including binding, special media requirements, and collating
instructions. In an alternate embodiment, the relocatable print
data is integrated with the document.
[0042] The computer 205 calculates spatial print data 155 directed
to a VFM 105 from the relocatable print data. The spatial print
data 155 specifies the position, orientation, and dimensions of the
relocatable print data. In one embodiment, the spatial print data
155 is directed to a print target 115. The print target 115 may be
one or more print targets 115 of the VFM 105 capable of receiving
printing.
[0043] In one embodiment, the computer 205 calculates the spatial
print data 155 directed to an alternate VFM 105 as the number,
physical configuration, and sequential position of the VFM 105 in
the document changes. For example, if the relocatable print data
directed to a second VFM 105 in a set of VFM 100 is deleted, the
computer 205 may calculate the spatial print data 155 of
relocatable print data initially associated with the third
sequential position of the document as directed to the second VFM
105 of the document. Alternatively, if new relocatable print data
directed to a fourth VFM 105 in the set of VFM 100 is appended to
the document, the computer 205 calculates the spatial print data
155 for the existing relocatable print data initially directed to
the fourth VFM 105 of the document as directed to a fifth VFM 105
of the document.
[0044] In one embodiment, the spatial print data 155 is directed to
a VFM 105 from a set of VFM 100. In a certain embodiment, a user
selects the VFM 105. In an alternate embodiment, the computer 205
queries one or more printers 210 to determine the physical
configuration of the VFM 105 residing in each printer 210.
[0045] The computer 205 communicates the spatial print data 155 to
the printer 210. In one embodiment, the computer 205 communicates
the spatial print data 155 to the printer 210a containing the VFM
105 specified by the spatial print data 155. In an alternate
embodiment, the computer 205 directs a user to load the VFM 105
into the printer 210. The printer 210 prints the spatial print data
155 on the VFM 105. The printing system 200 c, organizes
relocatable print data independent of the physical configuration of
VFM 105. The printing system 200 further prints the relocatable
print data as spatial print data 155 on the VFM 105.
[0046] FIG. 3 depicts a block diagram illustrating one embodiment
of a printer 210 of the present invention. The printer 210 includes
a print processor module 305, a paper feed module 310, a print
interface module 315, and a print engine module 320. The printer
210 prints relocatable print data on a VFM 105.
[0047] The print interface module 315 receives relocatable print
data. The print processor module 305 calculates spatial print data
155 from the relocatable print data. The spatial print data 155 is
directed to a VFM 105. In one embodiment, the VFM 105 may be
selected responsive to a previously printed VFM 105, such as
directing the spatial print data 155 to the third VFM 105c of a set
of VFM 100 subsequent to printing the second VFM 105b of a set of
VFM 100. In an alternate embodiment, VFM 105 may be selected by the
user. In a certain embodiment, the print processor module 305
selects the VFM 105 positioned for printing in the paper feed
module 310.
[0048] The paper feed module 310 positions the VFM 105 relative to
the print engine 320. The print engine 320 prints the spatial print
data 155 on the VFM 105. In one embodiment, the spatial print data
155 is printed within a print target 115. The printer 210
calculates the spatial print data 155 from relocatable print data
and prints the spatial print data 155 on a specified VFM 105.
[0049] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram illustrating one embodiment
of a computer 205 of the present invention. The computer 205
includes a processor module 405, an I/O module 410, and an
interface module 415. The computer 205 organizes relocatable print
data from text information 135 and calculates spatial print data
155 directed to a VFM 105 from the relocatable print data.
[0050] In one embodiment, the I/O module 410 receives text
information 135. The I/O module may be a keyboard, a screen, a
mouse, a touch screen, an input pad, a scanner with optical
character recognition software, and a microphone with voice
recognition software. In an alternate embodiment, the I/O module
receives text information from a software application such as a
data base application, an order entry application, or an
identification application. In a certain embodiment, the text
information 135 is directed to a set of VFM 100 with one or more
specified physical configurations. In an alternate embodiment, the
VFM 105 has a general functional description. The processor module
405 organizes the relocatable print data from the text information
135.
[0051] In one embodiment, the processor module 405 calculates
spatial print data 155 from the relocatable print data. The spatial
print data 155 is directed to a VFM 105. In one embodiment, the VFM
105 is selected from a set of VFM 100 with one or more physical
configurations specified by the relocatable print data. In an
alternate embodiment, the spatial print data 155 is directed to the
VFM 105 specified by the user. In a certain embodiment, the spatial
print data 155 is directed to the VFM 105 residing in the printer
210. The interface module 415 communicates the spatial print data
155 to the printer 210. The computer 205 organizes relocatable
print data from text information 135. In addition, the computer 205
calculates spatial print data 155 directed to the VFM 105.
[0052] FIG. 5 depicts a flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a relocatable print data process 500 of the present
invention. The relocatable print data process 500 organizes
relocatable print data from text information 135. Although for
purposes of clarity the relocatable print process 500 is depicted
in a certain sequential order, execution may be conducted in
parallel and not necessarily in the depicted order.
[0053] The relocatable print process 500 receives 505 the text
information 135. In one embodiment, the text information 135 is
received from an application program. In an alternate embodiment,
the text information 135 is received from a software application
such as a data base application, an order entry application, and an
identification application. The relocatable print process 500
organizes 510 the text information 135 as the relocatable print
data. The relocatable print data specifies the text information 135
independent of position, orientation, and dimensions. The
relocatable print process 500 further attaches 515 the relocatable
print data to a document. In one embodiment, the relocatable print
process 500 integrates the relocatable print data within the
document. In an alternate embodiment, the relocatable print process
500 associates the relocatable print data with the document. The
relocatable print data associated with the document may be
communicated to a rendering device such as a printer 210 with the
document. In a certain embodiment, the relocatable print data is
attached to one or more documents. The relocatable print process
500 organizes relocatable print data from text information that may
be directed to a VFM 105.
[0054] FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a printing process 600 of the present invention. The
printing process 600 prints relocatable print data on a VFM 105.
Although for purposes of clarity the printing process 600 is
depicted in a certain sequential order, execution may be conducted
in parallel and not necessarily in the depicted order.
[0055] The printing process 600 receives 605 relocatable print
data. In one embodiment, the relocatable print data specifies a set
of VFM 105 with one or more specified physical dimensions. A
specified physical dimension may be a two-centimeter (2 cm) by
five-centimeter (5 cm) tab. In an alternate embodiment, the
relocatable print data specifies a VFM 105 with a general
functional description. The printing process 600 calculates 610
spatial print data 155 directed to one or more print targets 115 of
the VFM 105. The spatial print data 155 specifies the position,
orientation, and dimensions of the relocatable print data.
[0056] In one embodiment, the printing process 600 calculates 610
the spatial print data 155 for a VFM 105 from the set of VFM 100
specified by the relocatable print data. In an alternate
embodiment, the print process 600 calculates 610 the spatial print
data 155 directed to the VFM 105 residing in a printer 210. In a
certain, embodiment, the print process 600 calculates 610 the
spatial print data 155 directed to the VFM 105 selected by the cod
user.
[0057] The printing process 600 renders 615 the spatial print data
155. In one embodiment, the printing process 600 renders 615 the
spatial print data 155 as printing on the VFM 105. In an alternate
embodiment, the printing process 600 renders 615 an image of the
spatial print data 155 and the VFM 105 on a display. In a certain
embodiment, the printing process 600 renders the spatial print data
155 as a web page. The printing process 600 renders relocatable
print data as spatial print data 155 on a VFM 105.
[0058] FIG. 7 depicts a flow chart diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a display process 700 in accordance with the present
invention. The display process 700 displays one or more sets of
relocatable print data rendered upon a set of VFM 100. Although for
purposes of clarity the display process 700 is depicted in a
certain sequential order, execution may be conducted in parallel
and not necessarily in the depicted order.
[0059] The display process 700 identifies 705 relocatable print
data. In one embodiment, the relocatable print data is included in
a job ticket appended to a document. In an alternate embodiment,
the relocatable print data is integrated in the document. The
display process 700 receives 605 the relocatable print data and
calculates 610 spatial print data 155 as described for FIG. 6.
[0060] The display process 700 determines 710 if all the
relocatable print data associated with the document has been
processed. In one embodiment, if portions of the document that may
contain relocatable print data remain to be processed, the display
process 700 loops to identify 705 relocatable print data. In an
alternate embodiment, if a job ticket appended to the document
remains to be processed, the display process 700 loops to identify
705 relocatable print data.
[0061] If the display process 700 determines 710 that all
relocatable print data associated with the document has been
processed, the display process 700 proceeds to display 715 the VFM
105. In one embodiment, each VFM 105 is displayed 715 in a separate
area of a display. In an alternate embodiment, the VFM 105 are
displayed as stacked media. A first VFM 105a may be designated as
forward relative to a second rearward VFM 105b. The display image
of the forward VFM 105a may occlude portions of the second rearward
VFM 105b. In a certain embodiment, VFM 105 displayed as stacked
media may be offset horizontally. VFM 105 displayed as stacked
media may also be offset vertically.
[0062] The display process 700 further displays 720 spatial print
data 155 for each VFM 105. In one embodiment, the forward VFM 105a
may occlude the spatial print data 155 on the rearward VFM 105b.
The display process 700 displays one or more VFM 105 with the
spatial print data 155 as the spatial print data 155 would appear
printed on each VFM 105.
[0063] The present invention organizes relocatable print data from
text information 135. The relocatable print data specifies the text
information 135 independent of position, orientation, and
dimensions. The present invention further calculates spatial print
data 155 directed to a VFM 105 from the relocatable print data. The
spatial print data 155 specifies the position, orientation, and
dimensions of the text information 135. The present invention
prints the spatial print data 155 on the VFM 105. Alternately, the
present invention may render the spatial print data 155 and the VFM
105 on a display. The present invention may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
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