PCT
`WORLD INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION
`International Bureau
`INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(51) International Patent Classification 6 :
`G06F 17/60
`
`At
`
`(11) International Publication Number:
`
`WO 98/08176
`
`(43) International Publication Date:
`
`26 February 1998 (26.02.98)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`
`PCT/US97114343
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`15 August 1997 (15.08.97)
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`60/024,179
`08/909,075
`
`20 August 1996 (20.08.96)
`14 August 1997 (14.08.97)
`
`us
`us
`
`(71) Applicant: MOORE BUSINESS FORMS, INC. [US/US]; 300
`Lang Boulevard, Grand Island, NY 14072-1697 (US).
`
`(72) Inventors: DORFMAN, Alexander; 66 Deumant Terrance,
`Tonawanda, NY 14223 (US). WELLER, Kim, K.; 989 Cain
`Road, Angola, NY 14006 (US).
`
`(74) Agent: V ANDERHYE, Robert, A.; Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.,
`8th floor, 1100 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201-
`4714 (US).
`
`(81) Designated States: AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR,
`BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE,
`GH, HU, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR,
`LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ,
`PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR,
`TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW, ARIPO patent (GH, KE,
`LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), Eurasian patent (AM, AZ, BY,
`KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), European patent (AT, BE, CH,
`DE, DK, ES, Fl, FR, GB, GR, lE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT,
`SE). OAPI patent (BF, BJ, CF, CG, Cl, CM, GA, GN, ML,
`MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published
`With international search report.
`Before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of the receipt of
`amendments.
`
`(54) Title: PROOFING SYSTEM UTILIZING DYNAMIC PDF TECHNOLOGY FOR THE INTERFACE FOR TEMPLA TED PRINTING
`
`(57) Abstract
`
`..---------,..-100
`
`A technique for easily creating and proofing customized printed material
`before printing on a production printing system. A user may connect with an
`internet web site provided by a commercial printing service and select from a
`plurality of available templates for the printed material. The user can then select
`additional stored information to be included in the customized printed material,
`or can input variable information through a keyboard or the like. A portable
`document format (PDF) builder generates a dynamic PDF file from the selected
`template and the selected or variable data from the user. The dynamic file can
`then be displayed at the front end to provide an accurate view of how the printed
`material would look. Additionally, a hard copy proofing version of the printed
`material may be printed at the front end. Once the layout of the printed material
`is confirmed, a production printing system is used to print multiple copies of the
`customized printed material.
`
`,...-----------t'\ 104
`
`110
`
`PRINT ON LOCAL
`PRINTER
`
`114
`
`NO
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 1
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`

`

`Codes used to identify States party to the Per on the front pages of pamphlets publishing international applications under the PCT.
`
`FOR THE PURPOSES OF INFORMATION ONLY
`
`AL
`AM
`AT
`AU
`AZ
`BA
`BB
`BE
`BF
`BG
`BJ
`BR
`BY
`CA
`CF
`CG
`CH
`Cl
`CM
`CN
`cu
`cz
`DE
`DK
`EE
`
`Albania
`Am1enia
`Austria
`Australia
`Azerbaijan
`Bosnia and Herzegovina
`Barbados
`Belgium
`Burkina Faso
`Bulgaria
`Benin
`Brazil
`Belarus
`Canada
`Central African Republic
`Congo
`Switzerland
`COte d'Ivoire
`Cameroon
`China
`Cuba
`Czech Republic
`GellTlany
`Denmark
`Estonia
`
`ES
`Fl
`FR
`GA
`GB
`GE
`GH
`GN
`GR
`HU
`lE
`IL
`IS
`IT
`JP
`KE
`KG
`KP
`
`KR
`KZ
`LC
`Ll
`LK
`LR
`
`Spain
`Finland
`!'ranee
`Gabon
`United Kingdom
`Georgia
`Ghana
`Guinea
`Greece
`Hungary
`Ireland
`Israel
`Iceland
`Italy
`Japan
`Kenya
`Kyrgyzstan
`Democratic People's
`Republic of Korea
`Republic of Korea
`Kazakstan
`Saint Lucia
`Liechtenstein
`Sri Lanka
`Liberia
`
`LS
`LT
`LU
`LV
`MC
`MD
`MG
`MK
`
`ML
`MN
`MR
`MW
`MX
`NE
`NL
`NO
`NZ
`PL
`PT
`RO
`RU
`SD
`SE
`SG
`
`Lesotho
`Lithuania
`Luxembourg
`Latvia
`Monaco
`Republic of Moldova
`Madagascar
`The fonner Yugoslav
`Republic of Macedonia
`Mali
`Mongolia
`Mauritania
`Malawi
`Mexico
`Niger
`Netherlands
`Norway
`New 7..ealand
`Poland
`Portugal
`Romania
`Russian Federation
`Sudan
`Sweden
`Singapore
`
`SI
`SK
`SN
`sz
`TD
`TG
`TJ
`TM
`TR
`TI
`UA
`UG
`us
`uz
`VN
`vu
`zw
`
`Slovenia
`Slovakia
`Senegal
`Swaziland
`Chad
`Togo
`Tajikistan
`Turkmenistan
`Turkey
`Trinidad and Tobago
`Ukraine
`Uganda
`United States of America
`Uzbekistan
`VietNam
`Yugoslavia
`Zimbabwe
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 2
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`

`

`W098/08176
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`PCT/US97/14343
`
`PROOFING SYSTEM UTILIZING DYNAMIC PDF
`TeCHNOLOGY FOR THE INTERFACE FOR TEMPLATED PRINTING
`
`s CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICA TJON
`
`This appUcation claims the benefit of United States provisional patent application
`No. 60/024,179, filed August 20, 1996, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
`entirety.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a technique for creating customized documents
`or other printed materials. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
`
`1 <
`
`technique for creating customiZed printed materials utiiizing template formats. stored
`
`reference informatton anc user mput data.
`
`lt is desirable in modern printing systems to allow a user to readily customize
`printed materials for a particular need. For example. a user may select stored images
`and combine them with user specified input text and stored references to produce a
`point of sale (POS) display or the like. Such a "response on demand" system increases
`
`20
`
`production flexibility and simplifies the design process. Wtth the growing importance
`
`and availability of the Internet. the possibilities of such a response on demand system
`increase greatly.
`
`National or regional retail chams. for exampre. often reauire large numbers of
`
`:!5
`
`potnt of sale dispiays for use in their stores. These oomt of sale displays are typicahy
`
`printed to order by a commercial printing service and distributed to the various stores
`
`for use. Other types of businesses or organizations which frequently utilize point of
`
`sale displays include soft drink bottlers or major brewenes that provide promotional
`
`materials to networks of distributors. cellular telephone service providers, trade
`associations, and others.
`
`30
`
`The need for customized printed materials. of course, extends beyond point of
`
`sate displays. For example, direct mait marketers continually develop advertising flyers
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 3
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`PCT/US97/14343
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`and coupons which are sent through the mail to prospective customers. Event ptanners
`
`and promoters may need printed materials for use in promoting concerts, sporting
`
`events, live theatrical performances, etcetera. Similarly, various organizations
`
`sometimes utilize custom printed materials to announce seminars, annual meetings,
`s and the like. In other words, the possible applications for customized printed materials
`are virtually unlimited.
`
`Custom promotional materials often change on a weekly (or even more frequent)
`
`basis. Additionally, it is common for a user to need the materials in a short time frame
`
`or to desire changes at the last minute. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a system
`
`1 o
`
`for creating customized documents which permits optimal flexibility in design, and which
`
`promotes efficiency by allowing a user to easily create. proof and edit custom printed
`
`materials in a s1ngie sessaon.
`
`Customized printed materials, particularly when ordered in large quantities, can
`
`cost substantial sums of money. As a result, it is especially important to ensure that the
`
`15
`
`design of the customized printed materials is satisfactory before large volume print jobs
`
`are run and delrvered. If the design is not verified prior to printing, it may be necessary
`
`to incur additionai expenses associated with redes1gmng and reprinting the order or.
`
`attematively, a user may be forced to accept a less than optimal finished product.
`
`Thus, an accurate and simple technique for proofmg customrzed printed materials prior
`
`20
`
`to confirming print job orders is desired.
`
`Variable crinting capabilities utilizing existing XLC onntmg technology may be
`
`demonstrated for response-on-demand applications. In such a system a user can
`
`connect to an Internet VVEB site and make a request for a publication by providing
`
`some variabte or selectable data that would be used to create a form based on the
`
`25
`
`layout instructions. The final document would then be assembled for later printing. The
`
`available selections may be generated from a database which contains the references,
`
`possibly some other object specific data. and, if graphic images are required. the tow
`
`and high resolution images.
`
`2
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 4
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`After the data was provided, such a system could then build dynamic HTML
`
`(Hypertext Mark-up Language) pages for viewing in the intemet browser and proofing.
`
`The pages may be built on the references selected by the user on the main HTML
`
`page. The low resolution images of the referenced images could be used in building
`
`5
`
`the dynamic HTML page. However, attempts to mimic the real layout of the document
`
`to be ultimately printed are difficult because with the HTML standard there is a limit of
`
`how closely the HTML pages match the final printed pages in appearance. Moreover,
`
`differences in appearance are usually device dependent and may vary from user to
`
`user.
`
`10
`
`If the selections were confirmed, the records with the selections that consisted of
`
`the references to the selectable objects (including the images) from the database and
`
`the user provided variable data (name, address, etc.) were fed into the XLC system,
`
`which uses the template information, high resolution images referenced on the records,
`
`and the variable data from the records to do the final printing.
`
`15
`
`One problem with this system is that the printed pages do not always look the
`
`way the users thought they would based on a viewing of the HTML page. As a result,
`
`the finished product may prove unsuited for its intended purpose, and the customer
`
`would need to redesign the printed materials - costing time. money and effort.
`
`Accordingly, a proofing system that would accurately show the users how their
`
`20
`
`selections would look in print before the orders were sent for printing is highly
`
`advantageous.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY
`
`In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, users are provided with
`
`25
`
`a visual representation of a template for customized printed materials before user data
`
`is entered so the user can better understand and visualize how the data will ultimately
`
`be placed in the final document. The templates may be imaged and then presented on
`
`an HTML internet web page in Portable Document Format (PDF). The users could see
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`3
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`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 5
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`the templates on the HTML page. However, the user still needs a tool to show the
`
`documents after entry of the custom data.
`
`In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a dynamic PDF
`
`solution creates a dynamic PDF file on-the-fly based on the template information, the
`
`5
`
`variable data provided by the users, and the low resolution images based on the
`
`references selected. The PDF file provides a proofing version of the customized
`
`material, and is generated by an application that directly reads and writes a PDF file, by
`
`inserting the components and placing them at the right locations. The PDF is an
`
`accepted Internet standard, very well supported by the major Internet browsers. lt is
`
`1 o device independent and provides one to one representation of how the final document
`
`would took when printed. The PDF file may be displayed in the user's intemet browser
`
`using a conventional PDF reader plug-in. The PDF file can be viewed or printed to a
`
`local low resolution printer for the final proofing. If changes are required the user
`
`moves back to the main HTML page to modify the selection and/or the variable data.
`
`15
`
`Then a new dynamic PDF file is generated that reflects the changes. The process
`
`continues until the user is satisfied with the document. After that the same references
`
`used to build the dynamic PDF file are sent for printing using the known XLC printing
`
`technology. Alternatively, the same generated PDF file would be sent for printing using
`
`conventional printing technology where the low resolution images would be replaced by
`
`::w
`
`the high resolution images by an OPI (Open Pre-press Interface) process before
`
`printing.
`
`Although developed for the Internet front end, the technology can similarly be
`
`used by front ends other than Internet browsers.
`
`25
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The various features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will
`
`become apparent to the skilled artisan from a reading of the following detailed
`
`description of an exemplary embodiment, when it is read in view of the accompanying
`
`drawings, in which:
`
`4
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`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 6
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`FIGURE 1 is a system diagram illustrating an example proofing system in
`
`accordance with the present invention;
`
`FIGURE 1 A is a flow chart illustrating an example of steps which may be
`
`implemented in connection with the system of FIGURE 1 to custom design printed
`
`5 materials;
`
`FIGURE 2 is an example of a first level screen display in accordance with a
`
`preferred embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIGURE 3 is an example of a second level screen display in accordance with a
`
`preferred embodiment of the present invention;
`
`10
`
`FIGURE 4 is another example of a second level screen display in accordance
`
`with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIGURE 5 is an example of a closing screen display in accordance with a
`
`preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`FIGURE 6 is an example of a point-of-sale display card which may be produced
`
`15
`
`in accordance with the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT
`
`The following detailed description sets forth a preferred exemplary embodiment
`
`in accordance with the present invention. lt should be noted, however, that those
`
`20
`
`having ordinary skill in the art will recognize modifications and changes that may be
`
`made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although the
`
`example embodiment is described in the context of an example system wherein a user
`
`utilizes the internet to access template information at a remote location and input user
`
`specified information, other arrangements are possible.
`
`25
`
`Referring now to FIGURE 1, an example proofing system constructed in
`
`accordance with the present invention includes a front end 2 which preferably is
`
`capable of establishing remote contact with an internet WEB site. A reference library,
`
`low resolution images, high resolution images, and other data may be stored in a
`
`memory 4 at the remote location. The front end 2 is typically located at the office of a
`
`5
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`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 7
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`designer for the customized printed material to be prepared, e.g., at the office of a
`
`graphic artist employed by an advertising agency or a direct mail marketer. The front
`
`end 2 ordinarily includes a personal computer having at least a display screen,
`
`keyboard and a mouse, as well as appropriate internet browsing software. The memory
`
`5
`
`4, PDF builder 6, and high resolution calor production printing system 10 are present at
`
`the remote location, e.g., at the facilities of a commercial printing service, and may be
`
`part of a computerized printer device and print driver system.
`
`The front end 2 may use an internet browser or the like to establish
`
`communication with the remote location through an internet connection or other
`
`to
`
`appropriate communication technique. For example, a commercial printer may
`
`establish a typical HTML-based World Wide Web site on the intemet that allows
`
`customers password protected access to the services and products of the commercial
`
`printer. A customer seeking to design custom printed materials would then access the
`
`web page of the commercial printer and enter an area reserved for services and
`
`15
`
`products offered by the printer. One option in the services and products area of the
`
`web page may be custom design of printed materials which, when finalized, would be
`
`printed by the commercial printer on a high-speed, high-quality print device, and
`
`subsequently delivered to the customer. Of course, other arrangements are also
`
`available.
`
`20
`
`In operation of such an example system, a graphic artist or the like working at
`
`the front end terminal 2 accesses the internet web page of the commercial printer and
`
`enters the area for customized design of printed materials. The PDF (portable
`
`document format) builder 6 may be implemented in a conventional way as part of a
`
`computer system at the remote location. The computer system may also operate as
`
`25
`
`the server for the internet web page. The PDF builder-S is used to create the image of
`
`the document to be printed based on reference data images, or other data from the
`
`memory 4, as well as user inputs at front end 2. A local printer 8 may be provided at
`
`the front end for producing hard copy, low resolution proofs of the final document, if
`
`desired by the user. Once the user is satisfied with the design, a print order can be
`
`6
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`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 8
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`confirmed and high quality prints may be produced by a high resolution calor production
`
`printing system 1 0.
`An example operation of the proofing system illustrated in Figure 1 is illustrated
`
`in Figure 1A. More particularly, at step 100, a designer working at the front end station
`
`5
`
`2 utilizes a conventional internet browser and connection to access the commercial
`
`printer web page and enter the area in which customers may design their own custom
`
`printed materials. Typically, access to this area of the web page may be password
`
`protected and restricted to customers having established accounts with the printer.
`
`As illustrated more particularly below in conjunction with Figures 2 through 5, the
`
`10
`
`user is prompted to select an available template form (function block 102) and to
`
`provide selected or variable information (function block 1 04) for use by the PDF builder
`
`6 to complete a proof of the custom printed material. The particular template forms
`
`available to the user may be tailored to the specific user. For example, a supermarket
`
`chain may have a number of available templates which would not be suitable for a beer
`
`15
`
`distributor or direct mail marketer, and vice versa. Accordingly, the available templates
`
`may be predetermined for a particular customer and presented to the user in
`
`accordance with the sign-on information provided by the user in accessing the web
`
`page. The templates are preferably imaged in advance and displayed for the user on
`
`the HTML web page in PDF. These templates can be seen on the HTML page prior to
`
`20
`
`customization.
`
`With regard to function block 104, the user may select from a plurality of
`
`predetermined options. For example, the user could be prompted to select a specific
`
`type of package to appear on the custom printed material. (See, e.g., Figure 3, at item
`2). Additionally, the user can be given the choice of selecting from a plurality ot
`predetermined options or, if no predetermined option is- suitable, providing the user's
`
`25
`
`own variable information. (See, e.g., Figure 3 at items 3 and 4). The variable user
`
`information may be entered, for example, at the keyboard of front end 2.
`
`The PDF builder 6 then creates a dynamic PDF file on-the-fly based on the
`
`selected template information, the selected or variable data provided by the users, and
`
`7
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`the low resolution images based on the references selected. The dynamic PDF file
`
`corresponding to the custom printed material is generated by reading the PDF template
`
`file, inserting the appropriate image components and placing them in the proper
`
`locations, and writing a customized dynamic PDF file. The dynamic PDF file is then
`
`5
`
`displayed at the front end terminal 2 for proofing by the designer (function block 1 06).
`
`Once the customized dynamic PDF file is displayed at the front end 2, the
`
`designer may choose to print the image at a relatively low resolution local printer 8 for
`
`further review {function block 1 08). Such an arrangement may be particularly
`
`advantageous, for example, if the printed material is multiple pages or cannot be
`
`10
`
`viewed on a single screen display. Also, the printed version may be circulated to others
`
`as needed for approval.
`
`Next, the designer may either confirm the order, or may return to the main HTML
`
`page to modify the selection and/or the variable data. Thus, if the designer is not
`
`satisfied with the appearance of the printed material, the designer is again given the
`
`15
`
`opportunity to select an available template, etc. If the designer is satisfied, the
`
`commercial printer can proceed with printing the materials in the desired quantity
`
`(function block 114) and then distributing them as requ1red (function block 116). For
`
`example, the printed materials could be delivered to a distribution center for a retail
`
`chain, or the commercial printer may post the materials through the mail to parties
`
`20
`
`included on a mailing list provided to them by the user.
`
`If the commercial printer utilizes known XLC print1ng technology the same
`
`references used to build the dynamic PDF file are sent for printing by the XLC system.
`
`Alternatively, where the commercial printer uses conventional printing technology, the
`
`dynamic PDF file generated for proofing is sent to the printing system, and low
`
`25
`
`resolution images used in creating the dynamic PDF file are replaced by high resolution
`
`images by, for example, an open pre-press interface (OPI) before printing.
`
`lt should be noted that although Figure 1A illustrates control returning to function
`
`block 102 when the designer is dissatisfied with the appearance of the printed
`
`materials, ordinarily it should not be necessary to reselect or again input information
`
`8
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`that is not to be changed. Additionally, it should be understood that the order of steps
`
`illustrated in Figure 1A can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present
`
`invention. For example, a user might choose to print a low resolution copy of the
`
`proofing version of the custom printed material prior to, of even in lieu of, display on a
`
`s
`
`screen at the front end 2.
`
`FIGURE 2 illustrates a sample first level screen display which may appear at
`
`front end 2 after a user initially accesses the proofing system. Briefly, the user is
`
`provided, for example, with a number of available templates such as a generic shelf
`
`display card (Shelf Talker Generic 1), a vertical banner, or an aisle display card (ELM
`
`10 Chill Aisle). lt should be understood that these templates are merely for the sake of
`
`illustration, and other templates, of course, may be presented depending on the
`
`particular needs and desires of the user. The user may select a template by clicking on
`
`the appropriate choice with a mouse 2A.
`
`Once the template is selected, a second level screen display appears at front
`
`1s
`
`end 2. FIGURE 3 illustrates a sample second level screen display menu appropriate for
`
`the selection of the shelf display card. A PDF version of the template is displayed at
`
`the top portion of the screen for reference by the user. This template is preferably
`
`imaged in advance and stored in memory 4. The user is prompted to select a package
`
`image to be included in the package area of the template. Additionally, the user is
`
`20
`
`prompted to: (a) select a stored description or to enter a different description of the
`
`user's choosing; (b) select a stored price or enter a different price; (c) select the number
`
`of copies needed from the production printing system; and (d) to identify themselves.
`
`The identification of the user may be used for billing and/or distribution purposes in
`
`accordance with previously determined customer information.
`
`25
`
`Once all the necessary data is entered, the user111ay click on a button to indicate
`
`completion of data entry. Although the foregoing describes a single screen display
`
`page for entry of data, multiple screens could likewise be employed.
`
`FIGURE 4 illustrates another example second level display. In particular, the
`
`screen display of FIGURE 4 may be used with an aisle display card (ELM Chill Aisle).
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`9
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`As with the example of FIGURE 3, the template is shown at the top portion of the HTML
`
`screen as a PDF image. As shown, the aisle display card template permits prices for a
`
`number of different products to be displayed. Such a template would be particularly
`
`useful, for example, to a supermarket chain or the like. The user prompts for data in
`
`5
`
`Figure 4 are different from those in Figure 3 due to the different information to be
`
`printed on the customized printed materials. Again, completion of data entry is
`
`indicated by clicking a button with the mouse 2A.
`
`Turning now to FIGURE 5, a message may be displayed at front end 2 upon
`
`completion of data entry. This message screen provides the user the opportunity to
`
`10
`
`view the final document, as customized, prior to confirmation of the order. The final
`
`document can also be printed on a local low resolution printer 8 (Figure 1 ). If the user
`
`is not satisfied with the document, the steps employed in creating the document may be
`
`repeated as desired.
`
`Turning now to FIGURE 6, an example is given of a final printed document
`
`15
`
`produced by the production printing system based on the shelf display template. An
`
`image of the selected package is displayed at the left hand portion of the shelf display.
`
`The right hand portion includes the user input description and price. After printing by
`
`the commercial printer, the final printed documents would typically be delivered to a
`
`distribution center of a retail store or the like for later display in individual stores.
`
`20
`
`While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently
`
`considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood
`
`that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary,
`
`is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
`
`the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
`
`10
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 12
`
`

`

`WO 98/08176
`
`PCTIUS97/14343
`
`WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
`
`1.
`
`A method for creating customized material for printing, comprising
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`
`5
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`9
`
`10
`
`11
`
`the steps of:
`
`selecting a template;
`
`obtaining a user-determined information for incorporation in said
`
`customized material;
`
`creating a dynamic portable document format (PDF) file based on the
`
`selected template and said user-determined information;
`
`displaying said dynamic PDF file to provide a proofing version of said
`
`customized material; and
`
`modifying the selected template or said user-selected information if
`
`changes are desired in the proofing version of said customized material.
`
`2.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein said step of obtaining user-determined
`
`2
`
`information includes receiving a selection from a plurality of predetermined options.
`
`3.
`
`The method of claim 1, wherein said step of providing user-determined
`
`2
`
`information includes receiving information input directly by a user.
`
`4.
`
`The method of claim 1, including the further step of printing one or more
`
`copies of said customized material on a production printer following approval of the
`
`proofing version of the customized material.
`
`5.
`
`The method of claim 4, including the further step of printing said proofing
`
`version of said customized material for review prior to performing said step of printing
`
`one or more copies of said customized material on saicf production printer.
`
`6.
`
`The method of claim 1, including the preliminary steps of establishing an
`
`internet connection with a user at a remote location and displaying to said remote user
`
`a plurality of templates in portable document format for selection by said user.
`
`2
`
`3
`
`2
`
`3
`
`2
`
`3
`
`11
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 13
`
`

`

`WO 98/08176
`
`PCTIUS97/l4343
`
`7.
`
`The method of claim 6, wherein said step of creating a dynamic portable
`
`document format file based on the selected template and said user-determined
`
`information includes reading a stored PDF file corresponding to the selected template,
`
`inserting at the proper locations in the PDF file corresponding to the selected template
`
`components corresponding to said user-determined information to create said proofing
`
`version of said customized material.
`
`8.
`
`The method of claim 7, including the further step of printing one or more
`
`copies of said customized material on a production printer following approval of the
`
`proofing version of the customized material.
`
`9.
`
`The method of claim 8, including the further step of printing said proofing
`
`version of said customized material for review prior to performing said step of printing
`
`one or more copies of said customized material on said production printer.
`
`10.
`
`An apparatus for creating customized material for printing, comprising
`
`an interface for a front end having a display screen and a user input device;
`
`a memory which stores reference information and images; and
`
`a portable document format (PDF) builder responsive to user information
`
`received through said interface and selected reference information and images from
`
`said memory to generate a dynamic PDF file representing a proofing version of said
`
`customized material for printing and for displaying through said interface at the front
`
`end.
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`s
`
`6
`
`1
`
`3
`
`:2
`
`3
`
`2
`
`3
`
`4
`s
`
`6
`
`7
`
`8
`
`11.
`
`The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said interface is an internet web page
`
`1
`
`connection.
`
`12.
`
`The apparatus of claim 11, further including a production printer which
`
`2
`
`prints said customized material following approval by a user.
`
`12
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 14
`
`

`

`WO 98/08176
`
`PCTIUS97114343
`
`13.
`
`The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said production printer utilizes XLC
`
`technology and operates on the same user information and selected reference
`
`information and images from said memory used to generate said dynamic PDF file.
`
`14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said production printer utilizes
`
`conventional printing technology and operates on said dynamic PDF file to replace low
`
`resolution images used in generating the dynamic PDF file with high resolution images.
`
`2
`
`3
`
`2
`
`3
`
`15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the low resolution images are replaced
`
`2 with high resolution images by an open pre-press interface before printing.
`
`16. The apparatus of claim 11, further including a front end which includes a
`
`display screen and a user input device which communicates with said PDF builder
`
`through said interface.
`
`2
`
`3
`
`17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said front end further includes a printer
`
`2
`
`operable to provide a hard copy of said proofing version of the customized material.
`
`13
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 15
`
`

`

`FIG. 1
`
`4
`
`/
`
`REFERENCE
`CRC
`
`LOW
`RESOLUTION
`IMAGES
`
`OTHER
`DATA
`
`HIGH
`RESOLUTION
`IMAGES
`
`114
`
`~
`~
`
`I = ~
`
`1--.::1
`
`2
`
`" ' I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`I
`
`SELECTED
`(REFERENCES)
`AND VARIABLE 1
`OAT A
`
`-.2A
`FRONT END·
`R
`I I DOCUMENT OPTiONS
`Lj
`FORM
`@ " , ,, / :Es6~~TION
`
`LOCAL PRINTER
`
`PDF
`BUILDER
`
`§
`
`DYNAMIC
`PDF FILE
`
`I
`
`I I
`
`IF APPROVED,
`SELECTED(REFERENCES)
`AND VARIABLE DATA,
`OF THE PDF FILE
`
`10
`
`/
`
`PRODUCTION PRINTING
`SYSTEM
`
`__.. -.......
`
`~
`ID i ....
`
`~
`
`~
`~
`~ -""'
`~
`
`to~ ""' to~
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 16
`
`

`

`W098/08176
`
`PCTIUS97/14343
`
`2/7
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`,....----------,.....-1 00
`
`ACCESS WEB PAGE
`AND ENTER AREA FOR
`CUSTOM DESIGN
`
`102
`
`SELECT
`AVAilABLE
`TEMPLA.TE
`
`104
`
`ENTER USER
`INFORMATION AND
`GENERATE DYNAMIC
`PDF FILE
`
`.-----..~------:C 1 06
`VIEW
`DYNAMIC
`PDF VERSION
`OF CUSTOM
`MATERIAL
`
`110
`
`SUBSTITUTE SIEH (RULE 28)
`
`PETITIONERS Ex. 1006, p. 17
`
`

`