Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided of assessing the quality of a database mapping. Fields of a source file are mapped to fields of a target database using a database mapping. A sampled subset of the records in the source file are converted to records in the target database using the field mappings, wherein the quality of the records in the source file is presumed to be high. A data validator is selected from a plurality of different data validators, wherein the selection is made based at least in part on the purpose of the target database. A sampled subset of the converted records are tested with the selected data validator to determine the quality of the database mapping.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided of assessing the quality of a database mapping. Fields of a source file are mapped to fields of a target database using a database mapping. A sampled subset of the records in the source file are converted to records in the target database using the field mappings, wherein the quality of the records in the source file is presumed to be high. A data validator is selected from a plurality of different data validators, wherein the selection is made based at least in part on the purpose of the target database. A sampled subset of the converted records are tested with the selected data validator to determine the quality of the database mapping.

Abstract: A computerized stored library of a plurality of database mappings is provided. Each database mapping represents the manner in which fields of a source database maps to fields of a target database. When a source database needs to be mapped to a target database, one or more of the database mappings are selected from the library and used to perform a mapping. Data transformations may be performed on one or more of the fields of the source database during the mapping.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for preparing a document for editing. The document includes a first graphical object and at least one variable field or property in a second graphical object that is associated with a property of the first graphical object. The first graphical object has a plurality of properties. A user interface display screen is provided that allows a user to design a document that includes a plurality of graphical objects. Then, a document is created on the user interface display screen. A first graphical object and a second graphical object are added to the document. At least one variable field or property in the second graphical object is identified. The identified field or property in the second graphical object is associated with a property of the first graphical object. In this manner, a document is prepared for editing.

Abstract: Messages are automatically sent on behalf of dead persons to live recipients. An administration computer receives and stores message information from a plurality of live customers. The message information for each customer includes identity data of the customer, identity data of one or more recipients who are to receive one or more messages from the customer after the customer dies, message data to be sent to the one or more recipients, wherein the message data is the one or more messages, and message sending instructions including timing information regarding when to send the one or more messages after the customer dies. A life/death customer status file is maintained in the administration computer regarding the plurality of customers who previously stored message information in the administration computer. The life/death customer status file is periodically updated by comparing its entries to a current decedent file.

Abstract: An automated method is provided for preparing a document for editing. The document includes a first graphical object and at least one variable field or property in a second graphical object that is associated with a property of the first graphical object. The first graphical object has a plurality of properties. A user interface display screen is provided that allows a user to design a document that includes a plurality of graphical objects. Then, a document is created on the user interface display screen. A first graphical object and a second graphical object are added to the document. At least one variable field or property in the second graphical object is identified. The identified field or property in the second graphical object is associated with a property of the first graphical object. In this manner, a document is prepared for editing.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for preparing a document for editing. The document includes a first graphical object and at least one variable field or property in a second graphical object that is associated with a property of the first graphical object. The first graphical object has a plurality of properties. A user interface display screen is provided that allows a user to design a document that includes a plurality of graphical objects. Then, a document is created on the user interface display screen. A first graphical object and a second graphical object are added to the document. At least one variable field or property in the second graphical object is identified. The identified field or property in the second graphical object is associated with a property of the first graphical object. In this manner, a document is prepared for editing.

Abstract: Production data is prepared for a print job wherein the production data includes an electronic document defined by a page description language (PDL). The electronic document is stored in a PDL image file. First, a still image proxy of the PDL image file is created, Next, one or more graphical objects are inserted into an image display of the still image proxy and properties of the inserted graphical objects are recorded. The recorded properties of the inserted graphical objects are then used to revise or rebuild the PDL image file so as to match the PDL image file to the inserted graphical objects.

Abstract: A computerized stored library of a plurality of database mappings is provided. Each database mapping represents the manner in which fields of a source database maps to fields of a target database. When a source database needs to be mapped to a target database, one or more of the database mappings are selected from the library and used to perform a mapping. Data transformations may be performed on one or more of the fields of the source database during the mapping.

Abstract: Proofing paper has a first blank region for subsequent printing of a content image portion, and a second region outside of the first blank region having one or more standard color bars pre-printed thereon.

Abstract: An automated computer-implemented scheme is provided to compare a job quote for a print job with production data for a print job that is related to the job quote. The job quote is stored in an electronic file and contains a plurality of estimate-related specifications. The production data is stored in an electronic document. In the scheme, estimate-related specifications of the job quote file are entered into a comparison engine. The estimate-related specifications include the type of printing production equipment being used for the print job. The production data file is analyzed to determine its actual print job specifications, and the actual print job specifications are then entered into the comparison engine. Then, the comparison engine compares the estimate-related specifications to the actual print job specifications, and outputs any discrepancies therebetween. Each type of printing production equipment includes a set of optimum performance parameters.

Abstract: A hard proof is created that can be visually inspected to determine if it meets industry standards. The proof has a content image portion and color bar image data. To create the hard proof, a sheet of proofing paper is provided that has one or more known good first color bars pre-printed thereon, but no content image portion printed thereon. The content image portion of the proof and one or more second color bars are then printed on the sheet of proofing paper. The one or more second color bars are printed on the proofing paper in a pre-defined relationship to the one or more first color bars so as to allow for visual inspection directly on the proofing paper using only the color bar image data of the first and second color bars, and without using any external color reference materials. A visually discernable color match indicates that a proof which meets industry standards has been made and a visually discernable color mismatch indicates that a proof which meets industry standards has not been made.

Abstract: A hard proof is created that can be visually inspected to determine if it meets industry standards. The proof has a content image portion and color bar image data. To create the hard proof, a sheet of proofing paper is provided that has one or more known good first color bars pre-printed thereon, but no content image portion printed thereon. The content image portion of the proof and one or more second color bars are then printed on the sheet of proofing paper. The one or more second color bars are printed on the proofing paper in a pre-defined relationship to the one or more first color bars so as to allow for visual inspection directly on the proofing paper using only the color bar image data of the first and second color bars, and without using any external color reference materials. A visually discernable color match indicates that a proof which meets industry standards has been made and a visually discernable color mismatch indicates that a proof which meets industry standards has not been made.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for accurately estimating the concentration of residual fumigant in a commodity in a fumigation chamber from the rate of decline in concentration of fumigant in the exhaust air stream during the aeration period following fumigation. Because the method is nondestructive and lends itself to automation, it us useful for commercial application.

Abstract: Bleaching compositions consisting of an N-halo compound with a coating comprising a silicate bound, hydrated, soluble inorganic salt and an alkali metal salt of boric acid. The compositions exhibit decreased localized dye attack on colored fabrics and decreased fabric attack and are useful in fabric laundering either alone or when formulated with a laundry detergent.