Abstract: A method of adjusting a document configuration includes the steps of generating a set of document configuration constraints that define an acceptable range of change in the look and feel of a document, the configuration of which is to be adjusted. The method includes modifying the document configuration while satisfying the set of document configuration constraints to minimize the change in the look and feel of the document.

Abstract: A system for the transaction of transactional amounts when using merchantable content on a medium includes a clearinghouse, an apparatus having a medium handler, a merchantable content receiver, a medium identifier, a content identifier, a medium use mechanism, and a transmitter. The medium handler accepts the medium and the merchantable content receiver accepts the merchantable content. The medium identifier reads a first identifier from the medium. The content identifier reads a second identifier from the merchantable content. The medium use mechanism incorporates and uses the merchantable content with the medium. The transmitter sends the first and second identifiers to the clearinghouse. The clearinghouse has a first account for a medium provider referenced by the first identifier and a second account for the content provider referenced by the second identifier.

Abstract: A consumable article includes a consumable item and a memory device. The memory device is organized to represent currency. Use of the consumable item causes the memory device to be reorganized. The consumable article is used in an apparatus that has a control circuit that can update the memory device to modify the amount of currency when the apparatus consumes the consumable item. The apparatus optionally includes a network interface coupled to the control circuit that interfaces to a clearinghouse for reconciling the amount of currency and use of the consumable item.

Abstract: A method of extracting a section of a page from a portable document format file (“pdf”): The method includes receiving indication of a user-defined region on a pdf file page, designating an extraction region including all elements determined to be within the user-defined region, and placing the extraction region into a new file. The method may also include determining if one or more elements on the pdf page are within the user-defined region by applying inclusion rules based on whether an element's bounding box is within or intersects the user-defined region. The method may also include verifying the accuracy of the extraction by converting the user-defined region in the original pdf document and the extracted region to bitmap images and comparing the two bitmap images, bit by bit.

Abstract: A method of extracting a section of a page from a portable document format file (“pdf”): The method includes receiving indication of a user-defined region on a pdf file page, designating an extraction region including all elements determined to be within the user-defined region, and placing the extraction region into a new file. The method may also include determining if one or more elements on the pdf page are within the user-defined region by applying inclusion rules based on whether an element's bounding box is within or intersects the user-defined region. The method may also include verifying the accuracy of the extraction by converting the user-defined region in the original pdf document and the extracted region to bitmap images and comparing the two bitmap images, bit by bit.