Abstract: A method for collecting information useable in creating a Web form through which data for variable portions of a printable document is entered is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving layout information relating to a template document having one or more fields. The method further includes receiving form definition information relating to a design of a Web form for the template document, wherein the Web form includes one or more entries corresponding to the one or more fields. The layout information and the form definition information are then collected for storage within a file, and the file is transmitted to a server capable of generating the Web form using the file.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing downgraded fonts for VDP printing application are described. A server system may be configured to generate and/or select a set of downgraded rasterized fonts for delivery to a client system in order to provide limited client-side WYSIWIG display functionality using the downgraded fonts. A client side application may use the downgraded fonts to provide a display-only or draft print only rendering of a VDP print job.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing downgraded fonts for VDP printing application are described. A server system may be configured to generate and/or select a set of downgraded rasterized fonts for delivery to a client system in order to provide limited client-side WYSIWIG display functionality using the downgraded fonts. A client side application may use the downgraded fonts to provide a display-only or draft print only rendering of a VDP print job.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a pre-rasterized print job for variable data printing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a set of printer characteristics may be determined and then transferred to a typesetting system. The typesetting system may then pre-rasterize objects of the print job based in part on the received printer characteristics. A pre-rasterized print job, including the pre-rasterized objects and print layout instructions may then be generated, such as in the form of a PostScript file, which may then be transferred to a raster image processor (RIP) for generation of printed output. In another embodiment, a printer characterization file may be used for execution on a printing system to determine the set of printer characteristics that may include native resolution, rotation angle, compression data and/or other data or information characterizing the printing system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a pre-rasterized print job for variable data printing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a set of printer characteristics may be determined and then transferred to a typesetting system. The typesetting system may then pre-rasterize objects of the print job based in part on the received printer characteristics. A pre-rasterized print job, including the pre-rasterized objects and print layout instructions may then be generated, such as in the form of a PostScript file, which may then be transferred to a raster image processor (RIP) for generation of printed output. In another embodiment, a printer characterization file may be used for execution on a printing system to determine the set of printer characteristics, that may include native resolution, rotation angle, compression data and/or other data or information characterizing the printing system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method which includes receiving an indication of the presence of a first message from a first client device, the first message including a first specification file and a first network address associated with a first print data file. The method includes retrieving the first print data file from the first network address. The method includes processing the first specification file and the first print data file by a raster image processor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing downgraded fonts for VDP printing application are described. A server system may be configured to generate and/or select a set of downgraded rasterized fonts for delivery to a client system in order to provide limited client-side WYSIWIG display functionality using the downgraded fonts. A client side application may use the downgraded fonts to provide a display-only or draft print only rendering of a VDP print job.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a pre-rasterized print job for variable data printing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a set of printer characteristics may be determined and then transferred to a typesetting system. The typesetting system may then pre-rasterize objects of the print job based in part on the received printer characteristics. A pre-rasterized print job, including the pre-rasterized objects and print layout instructions may then be generated, such as in the form of a PostScript file, which may then be transferred to a raster image processor (RIP) for generation of printed output. In another embodiment, a printer characterization file may be used for execution on a printing system to determine the set of printer characteristics, that may include native resolution, rotation angle, compression data and/or other data or information characterizing the printing system.

Abstract: A projected management server coupled with a computer network, such as the Internet. A spec server may also be incorporated into the project management environment for completing specs, generating requests for price quotations, purchase orders and the like. A project tree represents project management objects, which can be of any type. Object types are defined for each particular implementation of the system. Typical examples of project management object types include organizational entities, work-groups, people, projects, budgets, tasks, costs, timesheets, specs, requisitions, purchase orders, and to-do lists. The objects are generally organized in a hierarchical data structure referred to as a project management tree or project tree. Each object in a project tree comprises a number of methods that describe the way the object behaves. Such methods include, for example, methods that describe the way the object is added to the tree, edited, deleted from the tree, and archived.

Abstract: An automated system and method for defining, creating, presenting, completing and processing generic specs. A spec server is coupled with a data base management system. The spec server comprises a content editor, a page builder, a content reader, a rule processor, a template generator and a compatibility engine. An industry expert creates a domain tree comprising information associated with a particular domain. Each domain tree includes questions, options and rules pertaining the generation of specs in the domain. The content editor is used to create, modify and maintain the domain trees. Once a domain tree is constructed, the industry expert uses the content editor to define a plurality of components. Components are constructed by selecting a subset of the domain tree in accordance with the requirements of the associated component. This subset is referred to as a component tree. A spec template is created for each product spec.