Abstract: A method for automatically generating a color separation at a digital press comprises defining a color ink array of n-color inks. A separation model is constructed at the digital press based on parameters of the digital press and ink parameters of each of the n-color inks. The constructed separation model is applied to an input digital file to enable printing an element of the input digital file using the n-color inks.

Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting color output in a digital press. The method comprises providing a digital press including a output color ink array configured to print a first spot color element on a media and including an input color array including a process color subarray and at least one custom color input. The first spot color element is printed on the media from the digital press via a spot color simulation of the at least one custom color input using the output color ink array. The first spot color element is adjusted by modifying, at the digital press, the at least one custom color input without adjusting the process color subarray of the input color array.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an image forming device, programs and methods are provided. In one representative embodiment an image forming device receives a document for printing and prints at least a portion of the document monochromatically or in color. Whether the portion of the document is printed monochromatically or in color is based upon the print mode setting associated with the document and the state of the print mode actuator of the image forming device.

Abstract: An ink builder to build an ink for a hard copy device. The ink has at least one property that deteriorates in storage. The ink builder comprises an ink tank and apparatus for building ink in the ink tank from a plurality of components and/or an ink maintaining apparatus arranged to inhibit deterioration of the at least one property of the ink in the ink tank. The ink builder may be used in cooperation with a separate hard copy device to which the ink tank can be transferred. Methods of producing hard copies using such a hard copy device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for configuring a printer to automatically print multiple proof prints includes configuring a printer with an adjustable process parameter to a first value, configuring the adjustable process parameter to a second value; generating a single submission event that expresses the first value and the second value of the adjustable process parameter, and configuring the printer with the single submission event such that the printer automatically prints a first proof print with the first value and a second proof print with the second value.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system and method for selectively printing with an extended color gamut are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for managing just-in-time print consumables for a print job can be performed on a computer server. The method includes estimating print consumable requirements for the print job. The method also includes ordering, over a network connection, the estimated print consumable requirements from a print consumable supplier such that the estimated print consumable requirements are received substantially close to a time that the print job is to be performed.

Abstract: A preflight time estimator for a printing workflow is provided. An estimated preflight time is determined by analyzing a plurality of previously measured preflight times. The analysis may include tracking and analyzing at least one preflight attribute of a plurality of print jobs. The preflight time estimator may comprise a computer readable media including computer executable instructions for calculating the estimated preflight time. A printer configured to execute the instructions of the computer readable media is also provided.

Abstract: Various systems and method for obtaining print approval for the printing of a variable data document by a print shop are provided. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a variable data document system employed to create a variable data document, the variable data document system providing for a digital specification of one or more elements of the variable data document. The system also includes a proofing portfolio that is associated with the variable data document system, the proofing portfolio including a physical embodiment of the one or more elements of the variable data document.

Abstract: A preflight time estimator for a printing workflow is provided. An estimated preflight time is determined by analyzing a plurality of previously measured preflight times. The analysis may include tracking and analyzing at least one preflight attribute of a plurality of print jobs. The preflight time estimator may comprise a computer readable media including computer executable instructions for calculating the estimated preflight time. A printer configured to execute the instructions of the computer readable media is also provided.

Abstract: A method for generating a sample print of a document in a printing system is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request for a sample print of the document, incrementing a number of job prints of the document, printing the sample print of the document, and routing the sample print of the document to a sample print tray.

Abstract: A method for managing just-in-time print consumables for a print job can be performed on a computer server. The method includes estimating print consumable requirements for the print job. The method also includes ordering, over a network connection, the estimated print consumable requirements from a print consumable supplier such that the estimated print consumable requirements are received substantially close to a time that the print job is to be performed.

Abstract: Various systems and method for obtaining print approval for the printing of a variable data document by a print shop are provided. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a variable data document system employed to create a variable data document, the variable data document system providing for a digital specification of one or more elements of the variable data document. The system also includes a proofing portfolio that is associated with the variable data document system, the proofing portfolio including a physical embodiment of the one or more elements of the variable data document.

Abstract: A centralized method of collecting and consolidating bills and invoices from unrelated vendors of goods and services takes advantage of the data transfer capabilities of the Internet. Unrelated or disparate vendors of goods and services transfer billing information to a centralized bill consolidation server, which extracts billing information and creates a standardized or predetermined-format billing statement that can be electronically delivered to a customer of the vendors via e-mail or U.S. Postal Service. In an alternate embodiment automatic bill payment can be enabled through the Internet by prior agreement with a financial institution.