Abstract: Embodiments herein include a method that receives a previously created variable data print file. The method iterates through pages of the variable data print file to identify reused objects and decomposes the variable data print file into a decomposed document template, comprising the reused objects, and into a decomposed (factored) variable data file, comprising objects other than the reused objects. In some embodiments the method can further decompose the reused object into image and graphic objects, and into non-image and non-graphic objects. This allows the image and graphic objects, the non-image and non-graphic objects, and/or the decomposed variable data file to be edited without needing to go back to the application that-originally generated the variable print data file.

Abstract: In an electrophotographic marking system a guard is provided to prevent fingerprint smears or markings on a platen glass. When fingerprint images are made, oil and other debris from the fingers mark the platen and cause subsequent images to reproduce these markings. This guard protects the platen from said marks via a convenient and economical expedient.

Abstract: A print job management method and system receive variable information print instructions in a container file. The container file includes print files and resource files. The method/system decomposes the container file into multiple sub-container files and processes the sub-container files through at least two print engines. In additional embodiments, the method/system can reprocess less than all of the print files if there is a need to reprint any portion of the original print job. In one embodiment, the sub-container files each comprise a subset of the print files and all of the resource files. In a different embodiment, the resource files are stored on a shared resource and the sub-container files only comprise a subset of the print files.

Abstract: A printing system includes a memory that stores information including at least metadata, a printer and a controller that controls the printing system to embed the metadata into a data stream for the print job. After the controller controls the printer to print the print job, the controller controls the printer to reprint a portion of the print job based on the embedded metadata if the printing of the print job is not acceptable. A method of using a printing system includes a storing information including metadata, controlling the printing system to embed the metadata into a data stream for the print job and reprinting a portion of the print job based on the embedded metadata if the printing of the print job is not acceptable.