Abstract: A system includes a scanner to convert a packaging sketch into a pixelated image and a convolutional neural network configured to segment the pixelated image into bounded objects including fold lines and cut lines. A controller is configured to transform the fold lines and the cut lines into control commands to a folding machine and a cutting machine. A method includes converting a packaging sketch into a pixelated image using a scanner and segmenting, using a convolutional neural network, the pixelated image into bounded objects including fold lines and cut lines. The method also includes transforming, using a controller, the fold lines and the cut lines into control commands to a folding machine and a cutting machine.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting color conversion problems in a printed image, wherein a region of interest comprising pixels is identified on print job image. A pixel color value for at least one color plane is received for each pixel in each region of interest, as well as pixel color values adjacent to each region of interest. An average pixel color value is calculated for the pixels immediately surrounding each single pixel. This average pixel color value is compared to the pixel color value for the single pixel. A number of instances where the pixel color value and the average pixel color value exceeds a first threshold value is calculated. If the number of instances is less than a second threshold value, a new image is processed. If the number of instances is more than the second threshold value, the print job is flagged for review.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting color conversion problems in a printed image, wherein a region of interest comprising pixels is identified on print job image. A pixel color value for at least one color plane is received for each pixel in each region of interest, as well as pixel color values adjacent to each region of interest. An average pixel color value is calculated for the pixels immediately surrounding each single pixel. This average pixel color value is compared to the pixel color value for the single pixel. A number of instances where the pixel color value and the average pixel color value exceeds a first threshold value is calculated. If the number of instances is less than a second threshold value, a new image is processed. If the number of instances is more than the second threshold value, the print job is flagged for review.

Abstract: A self-organizing, distributed printing system utilizes a plurality of digital front ends coupled to to printers and configured to periodically poll a distributed electronic ledger for a print job. Each digital front end adds a bid block to the distributed electronic ledger requesting a page range of the print job to be allocated to the digital front end for printing; and further adds a vote block to the distributed electronic ledger to approve or deny a bid block for the page range added to the distributed electronic ledger by other of the digital front ends; and further may release all or part of a page range allocated to the digital front end back to the distributed electronic ledger in response to a print failure by a printer associated with the digital front end.

Abstract: A self-organizing, distributed printing system utilizes a plurality of digital front ends coupled to to printers and configured to periodically poll a distributed electronic ledger for a print job. Each digital front end adds a bid block to the distributed electronic ledger requesting a page range of the print job to be allocated to the digital front end for printing; and further adds a vote block to the distributed electronic ledger to approve or deny a bid block for the page range added to the distributed electronic ledger by other of the digital front ends; and further may release all or part of a page range allocated to the digital front end back to the distributed electronic ledger in response to a print failure by a printer associated with the digital front end.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, managing a plurality of variable data templates can comprise cataloging, by a template management system, each of the variable data templates according to a shape criteria. The shape criteria of each variable data template can be based on a size and location of one or more variable data fields defined in the template. The cataloged variable data templates can be classified into one or more shape families based on the shape criteria of each variable data template. The template management system can detect a request to locate a variable data template and search the plurality of variable data templates for one or more suggested variable data templates having the shape criteria matching the template. An indication of the suggested variable data templates can be provided by the template management system.

Abstract: A system includes a scanner to convert a packaging sketch into a pixelated image and a convolutional neural network configured to segment the pixelated image into bounded objects including fold lines and cut lines. A controller is configured to transform the fold lines and the cut lines into control commands to a folding machine and a cutting machine. A method includes converting a packaging sketch into a pixelated image using a scanner and segmenting, using a convolutional neural network, the pixelated image into bounded objects including fold lines and cut lines. The method also includes transforming, using a controller, the fold lines and the cut lines into control commands to a folding machine and a cutting machine.

Abstract: A system and method provide redirection of print jobs from a first printer to a second printer. Aspects of the embodiments may automatically detect when a user is approaching a selected printer and if the print job is not finished, send the remainder of the print job to a second printer on the way to the user's destination. In some embodiments, the user may deviate from an intended route and the system may detect that another printer is more readily available to the user along the deviated route and may redirect the print job to the other printer. The user may pick up portions of the print job at one printer and without having to stop may continue on his or her route picking up other portions of the print job at other printers along the way.

Abstract: A system and method for rapid workflow design utilizing machine learning includes a scanner, a convolutional neural network, a converter, a graph generator, and a controller. The scanner may convert a paper copy of a process flow into a pixelated image. The convolutional neural network is configured to segment the pixelated image into objects including at least one of an action, a decision, a connector, or a combination thereof. The converter is configured to transform the objects into a connectivity matrix. The graph generator is configured to transform the connectivity matrix into a rectilinear graph. The controller is configured to identify automated actions, semi-automatic actions, and actions requiring operator input from graphical icons provided on the paper copy and, based on the rectilinear graph, to serialize the automated actions, the semi-automatic actions, and the actions requiring operator input as control commands to a printing system.

Abstract: A system and method provide incentives for print advertising through the use of a blockchain. Advertisers may leverage spare space on a print job by compensating a print advertiser to print an advertisement in the spare space. Embodiments may use a blockchain network to initiate requests for printed advertisements. A smart contract may include the details to be printed along with print run limits. Print services may receive requests through the blockchain and may print the advertisement on print jobs that are primarily for other information. Once the print run limits are met, confirmation of the printed advertisement may be returned through the blockchain to confirm execution of the smart contract. The print service executing the smart contract may receive authorization for compensation.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, managing a plurality of variable data templates can comprise cataloging, by a template management system, each of the variable data templates according to a shape criteria. The shape criteria of each variable data template can be based on a size and location of one or more variable data fields defined in the template. The cataloged variable data templates can be classified into one or more shape families based on the shape criteria of each variable data template. The template management system can detect a request to locate a variable data template and search the plurality of variable data templates for one or more suggested variable data templates having the shape criteria matching the template. An indication of the suggested variable data templates can be provided by the template management system.

Abstract: A method for generating a print job ticket includes extracting page attribute information from an electronic document, embedding the page attribute information as an object within the document, processing the document to form a print job, automatically reading the object embedded in the processed document to retrieve embedded page attribute information, and generating a job ticket for the print job based on the retrieved embedded page attribute information.

Abstract: A method for generating a print job ticket includes extracting page attribute information from an electronic document, embedding the page attribute information as an object within the document, processing the document to form a print job, automatically reading the object embedded in the processed document to retrieve embedded page attribute information, and generating a job ticket for the print job based on the retrieved embedded page attribute information.

Abstract: A system and method of composing medicine orders is disclosed. Patient dosage information for multiple medications is merged into a personalized medication schedule for the consumer. The schedule is printed on paper divided into sections by lines of perforation. Individual doses of medication are added to each section corresponding to the instructions printed therein.