CN101167078A - A system and method for management of the production of printed material - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention ensures that content provided in formatted print pages is current, and can provide a convenient user interface to identify portions of a display screen to monitor for changes in content. Alternatively, the invention can monitor data storage locations for changes in content, or be informed by a contact provider of changes in content. Moreover, the invention preferably registers a flag or other setting when a change is recognized, and can further automatically take action based upon an evaluation of the change. Alternatively, a website (or other course material provided on a communication network) is automatically displayed for a user to determine whether any actions are warranted. Thus, changes in content are, preferably, regularly monitored and registered.

Description

The system and method that is used for the managing printing manufacture of materials

The cross reference of related application

The present invention is based on and require the right of priority of following U.S. Patent application: the 60/659th, No. 627 U.S. Patent application of submitting on March 8th, 2005 that is entitled as " SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODOCUING FORMATTED PRINTPAGES (VIII) "; The 60/664th, No. 159 U.S. Patent application of submitting on March 22nd, 2005 that is entitled as " SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRODOCUING FORMATTED PRINTPAGES (IX) "; In on November 11st, 2005 submit to be entitled as " SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE PRODUCTIONOF PRINTED MATERIAL " the 11/283rd, No. 894 U.S. Patent applications, this application be on August 15th, 2005 submit to be entitled as " SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGINGCOPYRIGHT INFORMATION OF ELECTRONIC CONTENT " the 11/204th, the part continuation application of No. 059 U.S. Patent application, and the 11/204th, No. 059 U.S. Patent application be on August 8th, 2005 submit to be entitled as " SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIRTUAL PRINTDEVICES FOR COMMAND IMPLEMENTATION " the 11/199th, the part continuation application of No. 358 U.S. Patent applications, and the 11/199th, No. 358 U.S. Patent applications be on July 29th, 2005 submit to be entitled as " IMPROVED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDINGFORMATTED PRINT PAGES " the 11/193rd, the part continuation application of No. 716 U.S. Patent applications, and the 11/193rd, No. 716 U.S. Patent applications be on September 25th, 2003 submit to be entitled as " SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING ONLINE CONTENT FROM WEB SITES ONDEMAND " the 10/671st, the part continuation application of No. 194 U.S. Patent applications, the full content of all these applications all is incorporated herein.

Background of invention

The present invention relates generally to the digital content on network, stored, relate in particular to the content of using the electronics storage of storing on the current network and these format of content type faces are provided.

The form of the many websites (hereinafter " website ") of World Wide Web on the Internet resembles magazine, or presents a plurality of parts that resemble magazine.In many situations, website or the specific part that resembles magazine often have the row of simulation or virtual " page or leaf " and/or capable form and comprise photo or fine arts spare.The element of these specific formats of these webpages should be regarded as an integral body.For photo, be provided at by the click of mouse or other pointing device little " thumbnail " image that can show bigger, more visual image when selected usually.In other situation, the website does not resemble magazine but all is made of text.

Well-known people prefer reading on the tangible paper but not document (for example seeing the The Myth of Paperless Office (mythology of paperless office) [MIT Press, 2001] of A.J.Sellen and Richard H.R.Harper) on the graphoscope.The same well-known people of being like watching, collect and have at paper or such as similar art, diagram and the photo on the medium such as book and magazine.Comprise that for example the website " page or leaf " of art, diagram and photo usually produces result unsatisfactory on low speed more, more cheap company's network printer, printing on user's the home printer or even, although very close between in internet website and book or the magazine tangible page.The text based website of printing on home printer or more cheap company's printer is normally not satisfied even, because people prefer the text printed in the bound volume for example.

These results' unsatisfactory typical reason is that webpage is not formatted into usually at standard-sized type face and for example reproduces on 8 1/2 * 11 inches paper.For example, the website of printing usually runs into the follow-up partially filled page.Other problem comprises part or not exclusively prints, and the printing of the content of not expecting such as the expression of the coding of programming code or object etc.Even if the words that internet website has are also seldom adjusted big or smallly for the user prints, so image is printed on the continuous page usually or is abridged.Though the technician usually can find suitably the method for the webpage of formatted print (such as by only printing selected " frame ", only print selected material or change size of images and be fit to paper etc.), most of users do not know how to do like this, or find to do so pretty troublesome, particularly for a large amount of pages.In addition, navigation link and often be included in each webpage the bottom other material usually when it is visibly printed the ending at each several part be repeated.

In addition, many printing device are not allowed duplex printing.Though some printing device has double-sided capability, the user often forgets or does not know how their printing device is arranged to do like this.Some printing device, for example also not colour print of laser printer of many types is though color is used in most of website.In addition, the optimum of art, diagram and photo webpage can only realize by the paper that uses special costliness.In addition, the photographic quality paper seldom is furnished with double-sided capability.

Even the user has that suitable printing device, paper and technology format and printing network page makes them be illustrated in well on the two sides of the page of the suitable quality of a combination, print job is exported on the individual sheets of binding not usually, thereby unsatisfactory equally.

Some website provides several partial contents that can utilize with the Portable Document format (" PDF ") by the ADOBE system development.The PDF version can be printed on user's home computer printer.Yet it usually is not restricted by the loose-leaf paper aspect of high quality graphic appointment that the document of these printings is subjected to above-mentioned.In addition, the PDF document that is provided by various websites provides content rather than is provided at content displayed in the website in conjunction with the website usually.For example, technical manual and periodical, white paper and sale pamphlet comprise the PDF document that typically can obtain on internet website.Person of skill in the art will appreciate that the PDF document that can produce the content that comprises in the website.Yet, print this class PDF and cause many problems referred to above (if not the words of all problems).

Therefore, generally speaking, not " formative type face " for example by " webpage " that uses local web browser function to print.Typical webpage collection or series can not be naturally or are logically easily translated into correct type face sequence, because they appear at such as in the typical publication such as book or magazine.As using in this article, " formative type face " be often referred to comprise with the one side that can be placed on continuous type face or two-sided on continuous type face use the page of text, diagram and/or image that particular color or printing technique print on specific paper size, with specific format and layout.Usually, the resolution of formative type face is higher 70 times than what show in typical webpage.As used herein, " formative type face " speech is often referred to printed contents, wherein at least certain some in internet website, identified and be printed as and comprised characteristic as described herein.Formative type face has than more attractive, more professional form and the outward appearance of aforesaid prior art form basically.In addition, typical webpage can be designed in fact do not have limit for width and length.Typical web browser software provides level and vertical scroll bar automatically at reveal competence and/or when vertically surpassing the website of viewing area of display screen.These and other known parameter influences the layout of webpage, causes the basic difference between webpage and the formative type face.

" the formative type face " of Shi Yonging refers to satisfy above-mentioned some standard at least and makes and can be printed company or to comprise that such as other production entity set-up such as the common print facilities in inside the printed medium that can make up or bind into web site contents such as book, magazine utilizes the type face of web site contents equally in this article.

The shortcoming of prior art is the webpage that the user can not obtain to resemble the printing that book or the mode resemble the magazine bind.The Printer friendly version (so-called " printer close friend " version) that webpage is provided to the user can be claimed in the website, and will not print any special knowledge of the printing device of these pages, causes all above-mentioned defectives of prior art.In other words, the web main frame provides webpage and without any ability and do not comprise and guarantee that the user will obtain any specific software of predetermined page layout and to being standardized into the particular webpage sequencing that is shown.

Exist many kinds to be used to bind the system of page, bind bar, staple etc. such as hard or softcover loose-leaf device and plastics that the left hand edge along one group of page slides.Yet, these systems because several former not as saddle type pin seam or bound book or magazine satisfactory like that.For example, page or leaf is placed the hole possibility overlay text required in the loose-leaf device or the image of page or leaf.The loose-leaf device is also very big usually and can not put in order on the shelf well because they be not usually rectangle but leg-of-mutton solid.In addition, the bookbinding bar usually is the opaque section in text or page-images zone, and this can not set level the paper of collection on such as surface levels such as desks.

The stapling material also can cause above with respect to the described similar defective of bookbinding bar.Unless use heavy stapler (not being that family makes articles for use usually), stapling is only very effective to more a spot of relatively page or leaf usually.Stapling also often damages page or leaf, and impaired page or leaf is easy to be torn.

Referring to accompanying drawing, same in the accompanying drawings mark refers to identical key element, and Fig. 1 illustrates the prior art hardware setting that is used to check, check and export the internet website content.As shown in fig. 1, the message handler 2 with web server provides digital content by communication network 16 to the user terminal 4 of communicating by letter with message handler 2.Preferably, user terminal adopt to make and can and have the software of setting up communication session between the message handler 2 of web server at user terminal 4.Preferably, message handler 2 employings make and can set up for example software of http session of communication session between user terminal 4 and web servers 2.Message handler 2 is providing the content that can be received by user terminal 4 usually on the Internet.Content comprises for example text, figure, picture, Voice ﹠ Video material.

Equally as shown in fig. 1, preferably, output printer 7 is controlled so that the printout of content to be provided by user terminal 4.For example, use after typical web browser software checked content on the user terminal 4 a people, this people selects an option to print this content on printer 7.Unfortunately, the version of being printed for above-mentioned reasons is not gratifying usually.

Need to provide the web site contents of all or part of printing edition as formative type face in the industry.

The system that is used to detect website or other changes in material is known.For example, can obtain to discern and report the execution regression tested business software application program that data and/or content are changed.The defective of prior art is to obtain when the user can not be changed in the content of website the type face of renewal.Therefore, the web site contents that needs to provide printing edition in the sector is current formatted print pages as content wherein.The technical matters that is associated of demand is how to identify important information therewith.This has proposed another technical matters, promptly how to determine whether to change the web site contents mandate and further moves, such as formatted print pages that renewal is provided etc.

The invention brief summary

In the present invention, disclosed function combines to guarantee that in the content that formatted print pages provides be current with the system and method that is used for detecting website and other changes in material in No. the 10/671st, 194, U.S. Patent application and continuation application thereof.The qualified printed hard copy of digital content that many people need or want them to view on such as communication networks such as the Internets.A kind of system and method that is included in the format of content type face of storing on the communication network that is used to provide is provided in the present invention.For example, a people operates known Internet Web browser and comes " visit " internet website, and orders printing and bound copy by visitor's content selected.The present invention includes and be used to get, handle and finish order and make the visitor can receive the module of the formatted print pages of (for example, passing through mail) his content selected.Preferably, the visitor regularly is provided for receiving the option of the content in the formatted print pages when content is updated and/or change (for example subscribing to).

As used herein, " content provider " speech refers generally to make the source that can obtain the electric canned data of content on such as communication networks such as the Internets.For example, provide internet website at ornithological content.Report about various birds is posted on the website continually, and is removed when putting up latest report subsequently.According to the present invention, the variation in the digital content is registered in the database and can notifies these variations to operator of the present invention.Therefore, after being puted up about the latest report of birds, preferably, the present invention registers this variation and the indication code that this variation has taken place is provided.

When the Internet web site page was made variation, for example, because new images is puted up, preferably, the present invention identified the code that changes and expression intensity of variation (for example, the degree of the degree of quantity and quality) is provided.For example, the present invention identifies many pixels in the zone of display image in the website and has changed and determine that new picture is puted up.Perhaps, the present invention identifies and takes place that little variation and the present invention determine and/or indication changes less relatively.Content change is evaluated and can take certain suitable action.For example, can subscribe the new copy of formatted print pages and provide it to visitor (subscriber) based on the type that changes.Preferably, internet website comprises the content that is used to produce formatted print pages.

Can be in response to the content change generation various actions of electronics storage, such as keeping track of content over time and taking place to provide formatted print pages after predetermined quantity (or quality) degree change.Perhaps, if great change has taken place, then can be manually or handle and realize the order of formatted print pages automatically.

The present invention also is used for providing the system that is included in the format of content type face of representing the website at a kind of.This system comprises that the visitor who makes the website can send the interpolation annex software to the available website operation of the electronic request of formatted print pages.System comprises the request receiver module that receives electronic request by communication network, and handles the content of electronic request and supply with the request processing module of the electronics manufacturing information of the instruction that is provided for realizing electronic request.This system also comprises: sending module is used for to can be used for providing the realization facility with the corresponding formatted print pages of electronics manufacturing information to send the electronics manufacturing information; And the formatted print pages delivery module, can be used for providing formatted print pages to the visitor.

From following with reference to accompanying drawing to the explanation of the present invention, other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent.

Brief Description Of Drawings

For the present invention is shown, current preferred form shown in the drawings, yet, should understand accurate setting and the means shown in the invention is not restricted to.From following with reference to accompanying drawing to the explanation of the present invention, other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent.

Fig. 1 illustrates the prior art hardware setting that is used to check, check and export the internet website content;

Fig. 2 illustrates the exemplary hardware setting of the preferred embodiments of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the block diagram that a functional module in the example information processor is shown;

Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram that method of the present invention is shown.

Fig. 5 illustrates the example system of the preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention guarantees that the content that provides is current and can provides one to be used in formatted print pages All parts of identification display screen are to monitor the easily user interface of content change. Provide current content to allow to use The family keeps what be new and reduce workflow when automation or semi-automation. As used herein, Word " visitor " and/or " visitor's terminal " refer generally to the people and/or by setting up with another equipment on network The equipment of people's operation of communication session.

More specifically, the operation information that preferably, is commonly referred to as " production information processor " is here processed The online service supplier of device provides the formatted print pages of wanting to be provided at the content that shows in their website Software or the relative content of site owners. Equally, production information processor can be used as company The main frame of Intranet inside. Except being provided for creating the service of formatted print pages the inner letter of making The breath processor can be used for also monitoring that the web site contents of formatted print pages is to guarantee that content is current. Print and do The source of the information that comprises not only can be from external the Internet but also can be from internal intranet in the industry. Manufacturing information is processed Device can be used for only providing the web site contents of renewal, or only is used for creating formatted print pages or being used for both.

In a preferred embodiment, comprise software of the present invention be included inside or outside in this article Be called in the website of " information content website ". The visitor of information content website can ask with the website at least A part is rendered as one page or multipage formatted print pages. Preferably, production information processor is used in request The middle information that receives provides formatted print pages. Production information processor helps according to predetermined pattern and cloth Office generates formatted print pages.

The software (hereinafter referred to as " Add-ons ") that is provided by production information processor with one or many The use that combines of the software program of individual generation information content website. Preferably, Add-ons allows Accessor Access's information content website with reservation be included in provide in the information content website or with information in The formatted print pages of holding the relevant content in website. Add-ons is used for to one or more manufacturing informations Processor sends the information about the formatted print pages order.

Fig. 2 illustrates an example of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, comprises the hardware setting that is used to control the print job of user's request and is used to provide the system 10 of the formatted print pages that comprises web site contents.System 10 comprises at least one and the production information processor 12 that is coupled such as the Internet 16 available communication network such as the public such as grade 16.System 10 also comprises at least one and corporate production information processor 13 as company's network 15 coupling of Intranet.At least one information content processor 14 and communication network 16 couplings.Preferably, content information processor 14 provides the internet website 15 that comprises the content that is used for the visitor.

Equally as shown in Figure 2, realize that facility 20 communicates by letter with production information processor 12 at least and receive instruction to the request aspect of formatted print pages.Though the realization facility 20 that the sign of the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 is separated with production information processor 12 should realize that facility 20 can be under the possessory direct control of production information processor 12.Preferably, be included in company and realize that the following all component (22,24,28,30 and 26) in the facility 21 is also contained in the realization facility 20.The function of these assemblies realizes in the facility 21 identically with them in realizing facility 20 in company, because these two facilities are substantially the same, one by organizing 21 to administer and safeguard, and the outside commercial facility 20 that to be the seller operate.

In the example shown in Fig. 2, preferably, company realizes that facility 21 comprises formatted print pages output printer 24.Preferably, except this formatted print pages output printer 24, also according to the invention provides and use one or more miscellaneous equipments.For example, company realizes that facility 21 adopts bookbinding machine 28 to make up individual page or leaf.The saddle type pin seam machine 30 that also can comprise in addition, the outward appearance that is used to printout that specialty is provided.In addition, realize that facility 20 can adopt folding machine 26 to prepare signature, i.e. several groups one or more pages or leaves that are used to bind.As shown in Figure 2, comprise that Foldable device 26, bookbinding machine 28 and the output relevant device of saddle type pin seam machine 30 are expressed as separating with formatted print pages output printer 24.Certainly, person of skill in the art will appreciate that to be individual equipment with two or more these equipment integrations.For example, formatted print pages output printer 24 can have a series of annexes that comprise Foldable device and bookbinding machine.Foldable device and bookbinding machine can be used for producing one or more signatures.

Company realizes facility 21 and 8 couplings of company's network.Company realizes that facility is used to support the special printing demand of corporate user 6.Except the local printer 7 and the company of the workstation 6 that attaches to corporate user realizes the printing device included in the facility 16 that a plurality of other network printers 17 are attached to company's network 8.Preferably, user 6 has visit and the printing right to these one or more network printers 17.

Preferably, production information processor 11 and 12 comprises all required databases of support formatted print pages functions of the present invention.Yet conception production information processor 11 and 12 can be by communication network 8 or 16 or any any required databases of communication network access that other can be coupled with production information processor 11 and 12.Preferably, communication network 16 is such as global public telecommunication networks such as the Internets, but also can be that wide area network (WAN), Local Area Network or other make the network that two or more calculating functions are communicated by letter mutually.

In a preferred embodiment, production information processor 11 and 12 and content information processor 14 be to stride any equipment that communication network 8 and 16 transmits and receive data, for example mainframe computer, small-size computer, personal computer, laptop computer, PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) and such as the Internet access devices such as WebTV.In addition, preferably, production information processor 11 and 12 and content information processor 14 be furnished with such as Web browsers such as MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER and NETSCAPENAVIGATOR.Production information processor 11 and 12 and content information processor 14 use any known data communication internetworkings and communication network 8 and 16 to be coupled.

As shown in Figure 3, typical production information processor 11 and 12 is illustrated all functional modules, and comprises one or more central processing units that are used for software code and control the operation of production information processor 11 and 12 (CPU) 32, ROM (read-only memory) (ROM) 34, random-access memory (ram) 36, be used to stride one or more network interfaces 38 that communication network sends data and receives data from other computing equipment to other computing equipment, such as hard disk drive, floppy disk, memory devices such as tape drive 40, the CDROM or the DVD that are used for program code stored database and application data, such as keyboard, mouse, tracking ball, one or more input equipments 42 such as microphone and display 44.

Production information processor 11 and 12 various parts do not need physically to be included in same casing or even are arranged in single position.For example, memory device 40 can be positioned at the place away from other assembly of production information processor 12, and even can stride communication network 16 by network interface 38 and be connected with CPU32.Preferably, production information processor 11 and 12 comprises and is equipped with enough memory storing of being used to provide desired data storehouse, forum and the service of other corporations and with acting on and Web servers such as content information processor 14 intercommunication HTML(Hypertext Markup Languageies, Java Applet, Active-X control program.Production information processor 11 and 12 is provided with for example member of the operating environment of the expection that is suitable for production information processor 11 and 12 shown in Fig. 3.CPU 32, network interface 38 and storer and memory device are selected to the capacity of guaranteeing to be used to hold anticipated demand.

As used herein, speech " link " refers to that with " hyperlink " selecting from one or more literal, picture or out of Memory object to other object is connected, and wherein this can be selected to connect and be present in the web browser.Information object can comprise sound and/or dynamic video.Select generally to carry out chaining " click " by using such as input equipments such as mouse, tracking ball, touch-screens.Certainly, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and anyly can be used to select the method for the object that presents on the screen to be fine.

Production information processor 11 shown in Fig. 3 and 12 functional module are with content information processor 14, corporate user workstation 6 and realize that the type of the functional module that occurs in the facility processor 22 is identical.Yet, be not that all component all must appear in content information processor 14, corporate user workstation 6 and the realization facility processor 22.For example, the capacity of memory device in the situation of PDA and various assemblies is configured to adapt to desired user's request.For example, the CPU 32 in the content information processor 14 can be than the CPU CPU of low capacity more that appears in production information processor 11 and 12.Equally, production information processor 11 and 12 will comprise the much higher memory device of capacity that has than the memory device that occurs probably in content information processor 14.Certainly, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand the ability of regulatory function assembly on demand.

Essence of the present invention is that the technician that writes the field of computer-executable code (being software) can use one or more in the combination of the popular computer programming language that includes but not limited to C, C++, video BASIC, JAVA, HTML, XML, ACTIVESERVER PAGES, JAVA server page, servlet and a plurality of Website development application programs and development environment to realize function as herein described.

Though the example by this paper and according to use web browser and Website server based on the system specialization of Web all parts of the present invention, system 10 is not limited to this configuration.Conception system 10 is configured such that content information processor 14 uses any known communication and display packing for example to use and communicate by letter with production information processor 12 such as the non-the Internet browser WINDOWS viewer of the Internet packet switch (IPX), dialing, third party's dedicated network or the coupling of value-added network LAN protocol such as (VAN) and show from the data of production information processor reception.

Also conception can be used any suitable operating system, for example DOS, WINDOWS 3.x, WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS9 8, WINDOWS NT, WINDOWS 2000, WINDOWS ME, WINDOWS CE, WINDOWS POCKET PC, WINDOWS XP, MAC OS, UNIX, LINUX, PALMOS, POCKET PC and any other suitable operating system on production information processor 11,12 and content information processor 14.

As used herein, be used to show about production information processor 11 and 12 and the list of references of the data of content information processor 14 pay attention to striding communication network 16 and transmit the process of data and deal with data and for example make by using web browser etc. on corporate user workstation 6, to check data.Common as Web-browsing software, the website that corporate user workstation 6 can present in the system 10 makes the user to enter another website from a website by selecting required being linked in the system.

Therefore, each user's the experience to system 10 is based on his order by display screen.Preferably, figure control can obtain in display screen and module with the log-on data processing and the navigation of providing convenience between the display screen of system 10 and module.In other words, because system is not graduate fully in being provided with of its display screen, the user can enter another zone from a zone and not need to come " recalling " by the series of displays screen.Therefore, unless the member that is not intended to represent any continuous operation steps and system 10 is shown is below discussed in clearly explanation separately.

As used herein, " owner " speech is often referred to the owner/operator such as equipment such as message handler 12 or content information processor 14.The owner needn't actually come it is controlled near this equipment.Employed equally in this article, a side that the content that provides on website and/or message handler and feature are controlled is provided the owner.

As mentioned above, preferably, the manufacturing website that production information processor 12 provides the visitor to connect.Making the website can use for anyone that can set up communication session with production information processor 12.In case set up session, the visitor can be provided by the content about the service that is provided by production information processor 12.This class content generally is construed to " public " content in this article, because be hard-core to its visit.Preferably, making the website also comprises and is limited to client's the content of registration that the authorized person for example has been provided by the contract of the service that is provided by the owner who makes website 13.This class content is referred to as " special use " content herein.In one embodiment of the invention, production information processor 12 is settled a bargain to the company with the user and the access right of the special service that customizes to corporate user's (for example using corporate user's terminal 6).

Corporate user can use corporate user's terminal 6 to realize facility 21 and realize that facility 20 checks that the method for order and print format type face and process are in unexamined patented claim the 10/671st from content information processor 14, production information processor 12, corporate production information processor 11, company, carried out comprehensive explanation in No. 194, and will no longer repeat at this.

System and the process that is posted in the current content on the network and the current format of content type face of electronics storage is provided of using will be described now.

Process flow diagram shown in Fig. 4 illustrates the process that current content is provided.In the first order,, provide to comprise that being used for selecting and define a part shows to determine and the graphical user interface of the control of the variation of assessment content at step S100.In a preferred embodiment, perhaps provide this user interface in content information processor (14,18) or on production information processor (11,12).For example, provide a kind of instrument that resembles drawing that when selected, defines such as the zone of the web site contents of demonstrations such as rectangular area.In a preferred embodiment, preferably, user interface allows to comprise with exclusionary zone and makes the user can identify " except that this extra-regional full page " or " only this zone " or even " this zone except this part in this zone ".In addition, the subtree that can get rid of whole webpage, website and hierarchical set.Skilled in the art will recognize that regression test software supports this class to comprise and get rid of usually.The sign in defined zone is stored in any position easily known to those skilled in the art.User interface can provide in the web of custom software application, customization browser application, perhaps can provide by the Add-ons of available existing software operation.

In step S105, process of the present invention makes the user can specify in the importance in the zone that defines among the step S100.Particularly, the user can be with the importance of relative value association with any variation of occurring in the zone that is illustrated in definition.For example, the viewing area of demonstration time and date will change continually and the importance of these variations according to the present invention may be relatively low or inessential fully.Perhaps, any content change that shows in the zone to the position of the price that is defined as display items display is represented very important variation.To the decision-making of taking various forms of actions can be to depend in part on the importance values that is associated with the various predefined zone of display screen at least.The importance in the zone of definition is stored in the known any position easily of those skilled in the art.

As defined herein, at least one side during " user " based on context refers in many ways.For example, a user is website supplier (or representative of website supplier).In this example, user and website itself are associated and with by someone of for example typical web browsing software access websites are not associated.Perhaps, the user refers to the visitor of website.In addition, the user can be the operator of aforesaid production information processor (11,12).

In step S110, in one embodiment of the invention, the zone of the definition of content is monitored determining by termly and preferably automatically (or almost automatically) and monitored that the specific website content rises whether variation has taken place since last time.

In an alternative embodiment of step 110 of the present invention, user (take over party of formatted print pages) sends the order of formatted print pages and initiatively checks the content that takes place at that time.Be not the following one-period of waiting for the site contents of regular monitor request, the present invention checks that initiatively the content of being asked changes determining whether.

Be prompted in the present invention that afterwards, the present invention determines whether to change according to step 110 monitor particular content (no matter automatically still manually) in step S115.By regional evaluated (preferably, regular) of the definition of user's predefined content in step S100 to determine whether content displayed changes in predetermined zone.Preferably, carry out the regression test (for example producing) of certain form at least a portion as assessment by " screen is cliped and pasted ".

For example, in a preferred embodiment, the predefined part (step S100) of demonstration is by the assessment of individual element ground, and the Hash total of the byte of remarked pixel is calculated in mathematical induction.A kind of algorithm is used to current Hash total is compared to determine whether great change has taken place in defined zone with the previous Hash total of calculating.Therefore, preferably, the present invention not store website itself image thereby reduced storage demand of the present invention.Certainly, person of skill in the art will appreciate that in an alternative embodiment instruction that does not deviate from this paper with the degree (step S120) that monitors the variation in (step S110) and the definite content can be made and store to the image of website (or perhaps being its part).

In an alternative embodiment, server or the ad-hoc location on other computer system of wherein having stored content are evaluated.The graphical method of the content change in all parts (individual element) that content change in the memory location in the evaluates calculation machine system (for example path, file and/or directory location) rather than above-mentioned assessment show.Therefore, monitor the variation of the content (for example text, image) of storing in the one or more memory locations that on one or more computer systems, provide, and the present invention's registration when these change generation.For example, can the relatively variation of text on the byte basis of expression text.Preferably, assessment is insensitive to the variation of possibility or unessential printed words of possibility or font.This function is provided for someone that be associated with user website, and this is disposable operation, unless the page that interpolation or removal are associated with printed product in user website, or user website is rebuild in certain mode.

In another is replaced, or with above-mentioned two replace the part combination, set up with content provider's communication session automatically and determine whether content changes (and which kind of variation) such as software robot (" software robot " or " the robot ") automated procedure of etc.ing.In one embodiment, after communication session was established, the assessment of carrying out the database of content stores automatically changed determining whether.In the situation that content has changed, when some thing relevant with changes, this content item is provided with " dirty " sign.This sign is used to determine whether to take other actions such as formatted print pages such as renewal is provided to the user.

In step S120, after changing content, (comprise, for example the page or leaf in new product, the product and the predefine zone of the reformed Website page of content), preferably, " sign " that indication has detected variation is set.In step S125, take suitable action according to the meaning of sign.For example, in a preferred embodiment, the sign of the non-great change in the expression content will not trigger printing the renewal of ready file.Perhaps, the sign of expression great change will trigger printing the renewal of ready file.Preferably, the ready file of existing printing is not used to produce formatted print pages and is generated until sign, and to print ready file be suitably to upgrade according to the meaning of sign.

In step S120, preferably, the present invention recognizes and compensates where necessary content such as animation dynamic changes such as (FLASH animation, animated GIF files).The present invention recognizes whether the importance of this class content and registration need its corresponding some action.

In the discussion formerly, the user in the zone that appointment will monitor and website itself are associated, and promptly he or she is the website user.Perhaps, preferably, check that the user of the content that changes is associated with production information processor 12.In typical workflow, check the people of occurent variation and set up normally that the people of the supervision of disposable operation is not same individual.

In addition, be registered (step 115) changing, and the importance that changes is determined (S120) afterwards, the present invention determines whether to take further action in S125.In other words, the present invention is used for the signaling content and changes, and the method easily of the details of checking this variation is provided, and for example e-file and/or database is upgraded accordingly.For example, after variation had been registered, the website was shown the feasible further action that can determine whether to take automatically.

In a preferred embodiment, change and do not subscribed, will receive the product of printing until website caller.Therefore, if the operator of production information processor 11,12 select to wait for until receive order newer (printing ready) version of notified this item produce, maybe can carry out suitable change in advance.Perhaps, if website caller has and subscribes and be great as determined variation in step S120, then variation itself will indicate necessary generation new product.If whole process is that the file that then prints ready version is held up-to-date automatically,, depend on whether exist the manufacturing of the product of subscribing or printing whether should require, decision is printed and still do not printed then because change.

If the further action request formatted print pages in step 125, then this printing can be at each other personal printer 7 (Fig. 1), at any printer that invests network (for example Lian Wang printer 17), at inner print facility (for example, corporate production information processor 11 and company realize facility 16, Fig. 1), or at commercial print facility (for example, production information processor 11 and realize facility 20).As described in No. the 10/671st, 194, the common co-pending application, corporate production information processor 11 and company realize that facility 16 can generate such as the saddle type pin and stitch or professional quality printed material such as hard-cover output.

Preferably, for example receiving or when being ready to formatted print pages, indication is being received the Email of order of formatted print pages or other electronic affirmation is sent to order from production information processor 11 or 12 people.

The present invention can accomplished in various ways.In one embodiment, the content provider provides the information of the content changing that sign carries out.In this way, the content provider is responsible for monitoring the content timing changing.In an alternative embodiment, the present invention automatically (or basically automatically) determines degree that content has changed and without content provider's help.Back one embodiment can also provide in various manners.For example (as mentioned above), Hash total can be calculated and storage is for future reference.Perhaps, the image of website can be stored in by in the storage vault provided by the invention and be cited (manually or automatically) by equipment or module by the people be used for determining whether content changes.

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a preferred embodiment of system of the present invention, comprises the hardware setting of using the system 100 that is posted in the current content on the network.System 100 comprises the content information processor 14,18 that at least one and communication network 8,16 are coupled.Preferably, content information processor 14,18 provides any internet website that comprises the content that is used for the visitor.Communication network is the network 16 that can use such as the Internet 16 public such as grade or such as corporate information network 8 such as Intranets 8.System 100 also comprises the use message handler 50 that at least one and communication network 8,16 are coupled.Use message handler 50 to support to want to obtain the user's of current site content demand.Realize that facility 20,21 communicates by letter and receive about the instruction to the request of formatted print pages with using message handler 50 and/or production information processor 11,12 at least.

In the preferred embodiment, using message handler 50 is anyly can stride the equipment that communication network 8 and 16 transmits and receive data, for example mainframe computer, small-size computer, personal computer, laptop computer, PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) and such as the Internet access devices such as Web TVs.In addition, preferably, use message handler 50 to be provided with such as Web browsers such as MICROSFT INTENETEXPLORER, NETSCAPE NAVIGATOR.Use message handler 50 to use any known data communication internetworking and communication network 8 and 16 couplings.

In the example shown in Fig. 5, preferably, use message handler 50 to comprise and support all required databases 62 of content update function of the present invention.Yet conception uses the message handler 50 can be by communication network 8,16 or any any required database of communication network access that other can be coupled with use message handler 50.

In addition, use message handler 50 that the one or more modules that preferably provide and use are provided according to the present invention.For example, use message handler 50 to adopt: area definition module 52, significance association module 54, area monitoring module 56, change evaluation module 58 and action determination module 60.

Area definition module 52 provides and comprises that the part that is used for selecting and define web site contents is to determine and the graphical user interface easily of the control of the variation of assessment content.By significance association module 54, the user is associated all relative values and occurs in the importance of any variation in the defined zone with expression.Action determination module 60 takes the decision of various forms of actions can partly depend on significance association module 54 and area definition module 52 at least.

Variation in the content in the defined zone of area monitoring module 56 detections.In one embodiment, according to as herein described, monitor to change (or basically automatically) regularly takes place and/or take place automatically.In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, area monitoring module 56 when the user sends and subscribes formatted print pages and check the variation that takes place in the content at that time by manual triggers.

After the present invention had adopted area monitoring module 56, change evaluation module 58 determined whether the content in the defined any zone of user variation has taken place.Preferably, the regression test of certain form takes place as at least a portion of assessment.In a preferred embodiment, as mentioned above, change evaluation module 58 can compare Hash total.In an alternative embodiment, the variation of having stored on server or other computer system in the ad-hoc location of content is assessed in aforesaid mode.Perhaps, with other embodiment in combination, as mentioned above, automatically set up with content provider's communication session and determine whether to have changed content (and which kind of changes) such as software robot automated procedures such as (" software robot " or " robots ").If content changes, then change evaluation module 58 is provided with a dirty sign for each content item, this sign and then should carry out what action to the indication of action determination module 60.

Action determination module 60 is taked action according to the meaning of the sign that is provided with by change evaluation module 58.For example, the sign of expression great change will trigger such as the renewal of printing e-file such as ready file and/or database.On the contrary, the sign of representing non-great change will not trigger the renewal such as e-file such as the ready file of printing and/or database.In a preferred embodiment, after variation had been registered, the website was shown automatically, makes action determination module 60 can determine whether to take further action.

Therefore, the present invention guarantees that employed content is current and the formatted print pages of having upgraded is provided in the formatted print pages.

For those skilled in the art, provided by the invention other uses and product will be conspicuous.

Though with respect to specific embodiment of the present invention it is illustrated, for a person skilled in the art, many other modification and other use will be conspicuous.Therefore, preferably, the present invention is not subjected to specific disclosed restriction herein and only is subjected to the restriction of the purport and the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (20)

1. a use is posted in the method for the current content on the network, comprising:

The zone of the content that definition will monitor;

The value of importance is associated with described defined zone;

Monitor that defined zone is to detect the variation in the described content;

Assess the detected variation that in defined zone, takes place; And

Determine whether and to take action in response to described assessment.

2. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises the importance of the variation of registering defined zone.

3. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises a plurality of zones of definition, and wherein in described a plurality of zones each is repeated described method.

4. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, the value that depends in part at least changing that determines whether should to take to move is associated with defined zone.

5. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, defined zone of described supervision and the variation that described assessment detected are automatic.

6. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises upgrading the ready file of printing as described action.

7. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprising provides formatted print pages as described action.

8. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, the defined zone of described supervision asks to carry out by the user.

9. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises with regression test and assesses the variation that is detected.

10. method as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, described regression test is that current Hash total is compared with previous Hash total.

11. method as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that, described regression test is to be compared with previous memory location in current memory location.

12. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, described assessment also comprises the comparison of text.

13. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, comprises that also the variation that detects in response to described assessment is provided with a sign.

14. the method for claim 1 is characterized in that, also comprises if detect variation then demonstration automatically.

15. a method of upgrading formatted print pages that is used to provide current electronics memory contents comprises:

The zone of the content that definition will monitor;

The value of importance is associated with described defined zone;

Monitor that defined zone is to detect the variation in the described content;

Assess the detected variation that in defined zone, takes place; And

The formatted print pages of having upgraded is provided in response to described assessment.

16. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, comprises that also the user subscribes described formatted print pages.

17. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, comprises that also the user regularly subscribes to described formatted print pages.

18. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, the described formatted print pages that provides is automatic.

19. the system of the current content that a use is puted up on network comprises:

The area definition module in the zone of the content that definition will monitor;

The significance association module that the value of importance is associated with described defined zone;

Monitor that defined zone is to detect the area monitoring module of the variation in the described content;

Assess the evaluation module of the detected variation that in defined zone, takes place; And

Determine whether and to take the action determination module that moves in response to described assessment.

20. system as claimed in claim 19 is characterized in that, also comprises upgrading the ready file of printing.

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