Abstract: A method and system creates a printed substrate suitable for conversion into a three-dimensional object. A template generator identifies a printing template having die line data representing a cutting path and folding position data representing a folding path. Foreground image data representative of a first image is automatically applied the selected printing template to define a target location for the first image, and also to define a second die line around a portion of the target location to form a second cutting path based on the foreground image data. A printer prints the first image onto a substrate at the target location, a cutting device cuts the substrate along the first cutting path and the second cutting path, and a scoring device scores the substrate along the folding path to generate a printed substrate that will fold into a three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A system and method of modeling and evaluating workflows that provides workflow auto generation and Hierarchical Dependence Graphs for workflows. Modeling and evaluation of workflows is accomplished by accessing a knowledge database containing service descriptions, generating valid workflows models, simulating workflow and obtaining customer requirements through a Graphical User Interface. This system and method generate and display workflows that satisfy a users requirements. In addition, Hierarchical Dependence Graphs provide abstract views that provide additional analysis and control of workflow.

Abstract: A system for creating a package includes a processor, a memory, and computer-readable instructions that instruct the processor to receive a package description and generate content, formatting instructions, and a structural design features for a package. The system applies the content and structural design features to a substrate to convert a flat substrate into a three-dimensional package.

Abstract: A system and method of automatically generating workflows. Generating the workflows is accomplished by obtaining customer requirements, providing a knowledge base including at least one service description and selecting at least one combination of service descriptions from the at least one service description based on satisfaction of the customer requirements and satisfaction of determination of connectivity between service descriptions for each combination of the at least one combination. At least one valid workflow model is generated by inference, each workflow model including a combination of the at least one combination.

Abstract: A system and method to automate product life cycle management is disclosed. Product registration is automated by providing a package with automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) media, such as an RFID tag or a barcode, and a point-of-sale terminal that writes a unique product registration key to the AIDC media. Information about the product and customer is maintained by the brand owner's product management system. A global directory service acting as a broker is used as an intermediary to facilitate interactions between point-of-sale or post sale systems and the brand owner's system. Upon product purchase, customer and unique product identifier is sent to the brand owner's product management system via the broker. The brand owner's system creates a unique product registration key that is sent back to the point of sale terminal, which then writes the unique product registration key to the AIDC media annexed to the product.

Abstract: A system and method for the placement and retrieval of embedded data blocks within a document includes converting a document into a bitmap image; calculating a total area required to embed information; analyzing the bitmap image for areas for placement of at least one embedded data block; calculating a total available area in the bitmap image to embed the information; dividing the information to encode into data packets; determining a location on the bitmap image to place at least one embedded data block; storing coordinate information for the location of the at least one embedded data block; creating a decoding protocol for at least one embedded data block; encoding the data packets and the decoding protocol into at least one embedded data block; and creating a bitmap image of at least one embedded data block.

Abstract: An electronic image processing apparatus includes a controller and a plurality of resources in an arbitrary configuration. Each of the resources provides an associated processor storing data related to operational capabilities of the associated resource. The controller is adapted to dynamically configure the image processing apparatus to operate in accordance with the the operational capabilities of each of the processors by defining job requirements as a combination of images defining a set of sheets and specifying compilations of sheets. The job requirement is converted into an assembly tree relationship for merging into additional assembly trees for formulating the job requirement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the distortion of image signals captured by an asynchronous scanning system during a transient period caused by temporarily disabling the scanning operation. Where in during normal operation, the asynchronous scanning system drives a document to be scanned relative to a scanning array which produces image signals representative of the document. Subsequently, the signals are transmitted to a host through an interface at a rate which may exceed the reception rate of the host, the asynchronous operation of the scanning system being regulated by start and stop signals which, respectively, enable and disable the scanning operation.

Abstract: A method for use in a system of the type capable of manipulating digital images represented by a plurality of original image pixels is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the system has a memory for storing images and an image output terminal. Additionally, the method includes a step of deriving an intensity value for a selected output pixel in a set of output pixels from a plurality of input pixels in a set of input pixels, each of the plurality of input pixels having a corresponding intensity value contributing to the intensity value of the selected output pixel. The step of deriving the intensity value of the selected output pixel preferably comprises the steps of mapping, in the memory, the set of output pixels to the set of input pixels so that each of the plurality of input pixels is adjacent the selected output pixel, as well as reading the plurality of input pixels from the memory.