US6134568A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Previewing an assembled document
Assignee: Kinkos Ventures Inc
•
Filing: 1998-10-30
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Granted: 2000-10-17
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Expires: 2018-10-30
Abstract
Abstract A system which enables a user to preview a document by providing a user interface and inputting, via the user interface, information specifying an arrangement of components to create the document, the components including at least two of: a printed page, a tab page, a blank page, a front cover, a back cover, and a binding. Digital images of at least some of the components specified by the input information are obtained and an image of the document is generated by combining the digital images of at least some of the components in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the input information. The image of the document is then caused to be displayed. Also, a system which enables a user to preview a document by providing a user interface and inputting information, via the user interface, (1) specifying a source file which contains content for the document, (2) specifying an arrangement of components to create the document, the components including pages to be printed and at least one of: a tab page, a front cover, a back cover, and a binding, and (3) defining the pages to be printed, including information specifying content from the source file to be printed on the pages. An image of the document is then generated and displayed by combining digital images of at least some of the components, in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the input information.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Tonkin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:14
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F40/00; G06F40/10; G06F40/103; G06F40/106
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A method to enable a user to preview a document, said method comprising: (a) providing a user interface; (b) inputting, via the user interface, information specifying an arrangement of components to assemble a document, the components including a binding type and at least one of: a printed page, a tab page, a blank page, a front cover, and a back cover; (c) obtaining digital images of at least some of the components specified by the information input in step (b); (d) generating an image of the document by combining the digital images of at least some of the components in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in step (b); and (e) causing the image of the document to be displayed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
A method to enable a user to preview a document, said method comprising: (a) providing a user interface; (b) inputting, via the user interface, information specifying an arrangement of components to assemble a document, the components including a binding type and at least one of: a printed page, a tab page, a blank page, a front cover, and a back cover; (c) obtaining digital images of at least some of the components specified by the information input in step (b); (d) generating an image of the document by combining the digital images of at least some of the components in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in step (b); and (e) causing the image of the document to be displayed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the information input in step (b) specifies a printed page, includes a reference to a source file containing content to be printed on the printed page, and also includes a media type specification for the printed page.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising steps of: (f) estimating document thickness based on the information input in step (b); and (g) selecting a binding based on the binding type specified and based on the document thickness.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein an object is stored for each component, and wherein each object specifies a digital image, as well as other attributes, of its corresponding component.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the image is generated in step (d) based upon stored relative position information and stored overlap information associated with the components.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising steps of verifying whether it is possible to create a document specified by the information input in step (b) and outputting an error message if it is not possible.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of responding to a user command selecting a different portion of the document by obtaining and displaying a new image which simulates an appearance of said different portion of the document.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of responding to an edit command after the document has been displayed, by allowing a user to modify at least some of the information input in step (b).
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of responding to a command to submit an order for the document by transmitting the information input in step (b) to a processing facility.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 9, wherein the information is transmitted via an internet connection.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
139 words
A method to enable a user to preview a document, said method comprising: (a) providing a user interface; (b) inputting information, via the user interface, specifying a source file which contains content for a document; (c) inputting information, via the user interface, specifying an arrangement of components to assemble the document, the components including pages to be printed and a binding type; (d) inputting information, via the user interface, defining the pages to be printed, including information specifying content from the source file to be printed on said pages; and (e) generating and displaying an image of the document by combining digital images of at least some of the components, in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in steps (c) and (d).
Claim 13
Independent Claim
139 words
A method to enable a user to preview a document, said method comprising: (a) providing a user interface; (b) inputting information, via the user interface, specifying a source file which contains content for a document; (c) inputting information, via the user interface, specifying an arrangement of components to assemble the document, the components including pages to be printed and a binding type; (d) inputting information, via the user interface, defining the pages to be printed, including information specifying content from the source file to be printed on said pages; and (e) generating and displaying an image of the document by combining digital images of at least some of the components, in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in steps (c) and (d).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 11, further comprising: (f) in response to a user command selecting a different portion of the document, obtaining and displaying a new image which simulates an appearance of said different portion of the document.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the information input in step (d) also includes a media type specification for the printed pages.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 13, wherein a digital image of a page to be printed is generated by combining image data for the content specified in the information input in step (d) with image data for the media type specified.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the information input in step (c) specifies a tab page and also specifies text to be included on a tab located on the tab page.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the information input in step (c) specifies a front cover and also specifies a media type for the front cover.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein an object is stored for each component, and wherein each object specifies a digital image, as well as other attributes, of its corresponding component.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 11, wherein the image is generated in step (e) based upon stored relative position information associated with the components.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method according to claim 11, further comprising steps of verifying whether it is possible to create a document specified by the information input in steps (c) and (d) and then outputting an error message if it is not possible.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of responding to an edit command after the document has been displayed, by allowing a user to modify at least some of the information input in steps (b)-(d).
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 20, further comprising a step of generating and displaying a new image of the document based on the modified information.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 11, further comprising a step of responding to a command to submit an order for the document by transmitting the information input in steps (c) and (d), together with the source file, to a processing facility.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method according to claim 22, wherein the information is transmitted via an internet connection.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
150 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps to enable a user to preview a document, said process steps comprising steps to: (a) provide a user interface; (b) input, via the user interface, information specifying an arrangement of components to assemble a document, the components including a binding type and at least one of: a printed page, a tab page, a blank page, a front cover, and a back cover; (c) obtain digital images of at least some of the components specified by the information input in step (b); (d) generate an image of a document by combining the digital images of at least some of the components in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in step (b); and (e) cause the image of the document to be displayed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
150 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps to enable a user to preview a document, said process steps comprising steps to: (a) provide a user interface; (b) input, via the user interface, information specifying an arrangement of components to assemble a document, the components including a binding type and at least one of: a printed page, a tab page, a blank page, a front cover, and a back cover; (c) obtain digital images of at least some of the components specified by the information input in step (b); (d) generate an image of a document by combining the digital images of at least some of the components in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in step (b); and (e) cause the image of the document to be displayed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
45 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 24, wherein the information input in step (b) specifies a printed page, includes a reference to a source file containing content to be printed on the printed page, and also includes a media type specification for the printed page.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
40 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 24, further comprising steps of: ()f estimating document thickness based on the information input in step (b); and (g) selecting a binding based on the binding type specified and based on the document thickness.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 24, wherein an object is stored for each component, and wherein each object specifies a digital image, as well as other attributes, of its corresponding component.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
29 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 24, wherein the image is generated in step (d) based upon stored relative position information and stored overlap information associated with the components.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 24, further comprising steps of verifying whether it is possible to create a document specified by the information input in step (b) and outputting an error message if it is not possible.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
43 words
Computer executable process steps according to claim 24, further comprising a step of responding to a user command selecting a different portion of the document by obtaining and displaying a new image which simulates an appearance of said different portion of the document.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 24, further comprising a step of responding to an edit command after the document has been displayed, by allowing a user to modify at least some of the information input in step (b).
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
35 words
Computer-executable process steps according to claim 24, further comprising a step of responding to a command to submit an order for the document by transmitting the information input in step (b) to a processing facility.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
152 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps to enable a user to preview a document, said process steps comprising steps to: (a) provide a user interface; (b) input information, via the user interface, specifying a source file which contains content for a document; (c) input information, via the user interface, specifying an arrangement of components to assemble the document, the components including pages to be printed and a binding type; (d) input information, via the user interface, defining the pages to be printed, including information specifying content from the source file to be printed on said pages; and (e) generate and display an image of the document by combining digital images of at least some of the components, in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information Input in steps (c) and (d).
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
152 words
Computer-executable process steps stored on a computer readable medium, said process steps to enable a user to preview a document, said process steps comprising steps to: (a) provide a user interface; (b) input information, via the user interface, specifying a source file which contains content for a document; (c) input information, via the user interface, specifying an arrangement of components to assemble the document, the components including pages to be printed and a binding type; (d) input information, via the user interface, defining the pages to be printed, including information specifying content from the source file to be printed on said pages; and (e) generate and display an image of the document by combining digital images of at least some of the components, in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information Input in steps (c) and (d).
Claim 38
Independent Claim
164 words
An apparatus to enable a user to preview a document, comprising: a processor for executing stored program instruction steps; and a memory connected to the processor for storing the program instruction steps, wherein the program instruction steps include steps to: (a) provide a user interface; (b) input, via the user interface, information specifying an arrangement of components to assemble a document, the components including a binding type and at least one of: a printed page, a tab page, a blank page, a front cover, and a back cover; (c) obtain digital images of at least some of the components specified by the information input in step (b); (d) generate an image of the document by combining the digital images of at least some of the components in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in step (b); and (e) cause the image of the document to be displayed.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
164 words
An apparatus to enable a user to preview a document, comprising: a processor for executing stored program instruction steps; and a memory connected to the processor for storing the program instruction steps, wherein the program instruction steps include steps to: (a) provide a user interface; (b) input, via the user interface, information specifying an arrangement of components to assemble a document, the components including a binding type and at least one of: a printed page, a tab page, a blank page, a front cover, and a back cover; (c) obtain digital images of at least some of the components specified by the information input in step (b); (d) generate an image of the document by combining the digital images of at least some of the components in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in step (b); and (e) cause the image of the document to be displayed.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus to enable a user to preview a document, comprising: a processor for executing stored program instruction steps; and a memory connected to the processor for storing the program instruction steps, wherein the program instruction steps include steps to: (a) provide a user interface; (b) input information, via the user interface, specifying a source file which contains content for a document; (c) input information, via the user interface, specifying an arrangement of components to assemble the document, the components including pages to be printed and a binding type; (d) input information, via the user interface, defining the pages to be printed, including information specifying content from the source file to be printed on said pages; and (e) generate and display an image of the document by combining digital images of at least some of the components, in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in steps (c) and (d).
Claim 41
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus to enable a user to preview a document, comprising: a processor for executing stored program instruction steps; and a memory connected to the processor for storing the program instruction steps, wherein the program instruction steps include steps to: (a) provide a user interface; (b) input information, via the user interface, specifying a source file which contains content for a document; (c) input information, via the user interface, specifying an arrangement of components to assemble the document, the components including pages to be printed and a binding type; (d) input information, via the user interface, defining the pages to be printed, including information specifying content from the source file to be printed on said pages; and (e) generate and display an image of the document by combining digital images of at least some of the components, in a manner so as to simulate an appearance of the document were the document to be physically assembled according to the information input in steps (c) and (d).
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-10-17 | 2004-04-17 | 2004-10-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-10-17 | 2008-04-17 | 2008-10-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-10-17 | 2012-04-17 | 2012-10-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |