Global Graphics Software Limited

Martin Bailey

Angus Duggan

Nigel Wild

A method for preparing a variable data print file for printing includes receiving a variable data print file that includes at least one repeating portion and at least one repeat length embedded in at least one data structure in the variable data print file, each repeat length is associated with a different repeating portion of the variable data print file, wherein either a) the at least one repeat length is a plurality of repeat lengths with at least two of the repeat lengths being different in length or b) the variable data print file further includes at least one non-repeating portion; reading the at least one repeat length from the data structure in the variable data print file; and using the at least one repeat length to determine an order in which pages from the at least one repeating portion are submitted for processing in preparation for printing.

Methods and systems for encoding information about variable data print files

A method for modifying a printable file includes receiving the printable file; identifying an element representing one or more text characters in the printable file; tagging the element; and incorporating metadata in the printable file, wherein the metadata is associated in the printable file with the tagged element and includes the one or more text characters. A method for using a printable file including at least one tagged graphics object that represents one or more characters and associated metadata includes receiving the printable file; and performing an activity using the printable file and the metadata within the printable file.

Methods and systems for identifying and tagging outlined or converted text

A method for printing a product that includes a graphic that is tessellated includes receiving or generating the graphic and a tessellation pattern for the graphic; determining a first repeated swath using at least the graphic and the tessellation pattern, wherein the product to be printed includes at least two instances of the first repeated swath, wherein the first repeated swath includes i) at least two full copies of the graphic, ii) at least two partial copies of the graphic; or iii) at least one full copy and at least one partial copy of the graphic; generating raster data of the first repeated swath; and printing the product using the raster data of the first repeated swath to print the first repeated swath at least twice.

Methods and systems for processing tessellated graphics for digital printing

A method for printing a document includes receiving the document, the document including at least one element to be printed using a combination of a spot color and a print effect; receiving a spot color emulation definition for the spot color and the print effect, the spot color emulation definition including a spot color name, an indication of a device-independent color space, values for the spot color in the device-independent color space, and an additional ink parameter indicating at least one additional ink to produce the print effect; and printing the document using the spot color emulation definition.

Methods and systems for emulating spot inks or other colorants

A method for preparing a select graphic for printing using a digital printing device includes receiving the select graphic, at least one position for printing the select graphic, and a select spot color name for the select graphic, wherein the select spot color name represents a tone printable using at least one colorant of the digital printing device; generating a select spot color separation for the select graphic using a halftone screen to produce the tone represented by the security spot name, wherein the halftone screen is selected for printing the select graphic without a discernible dot pattern upon unmagnified viewing; and preparing raster data incorporating the select spot color separation for printing the select graphic at the at least one position on the item.

Methods and systems for using halftone screening for security markings and other graphics

A method for processing a print job file using a printing system includes receiving, by the printing system, the print job file, the print job file including at least one placeholder element designated in the document using a pattern, a spot color, or a set of color values; receiving, by the printing system, missing content for the print job file; replacing, by the printing system, the at least one placeholder element with the missing content; and printing, by the printing system, the print job file including the missing content.

Methods and systems for indicating and replacing missing element(s) in print job files prior to printing

A method for printing a variable data document includes receiving the variable data document which has a specified or estimated repeat length L; receiving or selecting a designated queue size (DQS) and a parameter Q representing a number of repeated pages to be provided in a chunk; arranging at least a portion of the variable data document into at least one cycle of chunks for processing using raster image processors (RIPs), wherein each of the at least one cycle of chunks contains R chunks and each chunk of a first cycle of the at least one cycle of chunks has a size C determined using DQS, Q, and L; and processing, using the RIPs, the portion of the variable data document into rasters for printing by providing at least one chunk of the at least one cycle of chunks to each of the RIPs.

Methods and systems for organizing variable data documents including those with long repeat lengths

A method for using a page description language to electronically express colored patches on the border of contract proofs, such that a user can quickly and easily evaluate whether the color of prints produced using a color printer are correct. The verification is performed by visually comparing the test patches added to a print with color patches in publicly available standard color sample swatches.

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Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Martin Bailey