CN101405722A - Defining virtual shapes to position text and graphics - Google Patents

Abstract

Virtual shapes are defined that are referenced to one or more actual, printable sheets for printing. The virtual shapes are referenced to the actual sheet using a rotation and x-axis (left-to-right) and y-axis (top-down) coordinates. The coordinates are typically specified with respect to the top-left corner of the sheet. In one example, an end-user views a shape on a display, such as a computer monitor, a kiosk screen, the screen of a personal data assistant or other digital device. The shape may correspond, for example, to a complex label shape. After the user has input customized and/or personalized text, graphics or other information to be printed, the software may apply a rotation to the virtual shape as it is referenced onto the actual page to be printed. A product identification table may be provided in order to correlate proper rotations and/or coordinates to particular types of commercial sheets. A single virtual shape may be referenced multiple times onto a single sheet. The virtual shape may be complex, such as a complex polygon and/or ellipse, and may include such features as cut-outs, blank areas to be kept free of text and/or graphics, multiple areas for printing text and/or graphics, as well as other complex features.

Description

The defining virtual shape is to settle text and figure

The cross reference of related application

[0001] the application is based on that the sequence number of submitting on March 29th, 2006 is 60/787083, title is the non-interim application for a patent for invention of the provisional application of " DEFINING VIRTUAL SHAPES TO POSITION TEXT ANDGRAPHICS (the defining virtual shape is to settle text and figure) ", and require the right of priority of above-mentioned provisional application at this, the full content of this provisional application is by being incorporated herein by reference.

Background technology

[0002] for many years, the definition popular approach of thin slice that is used for Print Label, label, card and other relevant printable media has been used form (row and row) and in conjunction with pitch (pitch) (along the horizontal and vertical process that progressively repeats of form).Form and pitch method show with figure in Fig. 1.Thin slice 10 can show with following term: side distance 12, top margin 14, normal pitch 16, horizontal pitch 18, tag width 20, label height 22, line number (number across) 24 and columns (number down) 26.

[0003] for example, printable media is the thin slice of measuring, and it can define according to row and row.In simple application, target is to place text in the simple label shape simply.Form and pitch method can be competent in these simple products and be placed text.

[0004] yet, the shortcoming of this method is with to place figure in thin slice relevant.Form and pitch method are unsuitable for defining figure and where will be placed on, and how to place figure in thin slice.In addition, need more complicated shape now.These shapes may comprise curve, otch, hole, and have various sizes.Usually, required shape is more complicated than simple square or circle.Shape can be that for example star is radial, oval or have a complicated label shape of otch.Other complicated shape can comprise the folding of paper folding and handicraft.

[0005] also often wishes on these complicated shapes, to specify zone of wanting print text and the zone of wanting printing curve etc.For example, when the article of design were complicated shape rather than simple circle or rectangle, form and pitch method may be cumbersome and be unsuitable for defining predefined zone.Form and pitch method also are unsuitable for printing difform application on a thin slice, such as the label thin slice that difform label is arranged on it.Another problem relates to " creep (creep) " and " (crawl) creeps " error, and wherein when mistake occurring repeatedly in one page, the inaccurate meeting that utilizes form and pitch method to be introduced is doubled.

[0006] another challenge is that new form and existing software are adapted.For example, existing software can be encoded with design and print the greeting card with particular topology, so that text, figure etc. are with the ad hoc fashion rotation and be placed on the fixed position of the greeting card of being printed.Yet when having developed the novel card with different layouts, existing software can not adapt to new card.Usually, must issue new edition software, it will new relatively by rights card rotation or formatted text and/or figure.A system is preferably arranged, and the design of wherein new thin slice can be supported by the software of operating existing version, and need not software is carried out great rewriting.

[0007] at present required is the method that is used to prepare to be printed in one way text on the thin slice, figure etc., and the method can overcome these and/or disadvantages associated.The present invention disclosed herein satisfies these and other needs.

Summary of the invention

[0008] the invention provides the demarcate set of instruction of the page that is independent of application program, it is more sane than above-mentioned form and pitch method.Different with the pitch method with form, these new instruction definitions are independent of the virtual shape of thin slice.These virtual shapes also can be called " panel (panel) ", can utilize x axle (from left to right) and y axle (from top to bottom) coordinate system and rotation separately that these virtual shapes are filled into one or more than on the actual thin slice with respect to the upper left corner of thin slice.Virtual shape is generally unactual to be printed on the thin slice, but a conception of species, and it is used for being printed on and is placed in the appropriate location of special sheet product such as out of Memory such as text and/or figure and/or out of Memory on the thin slice.

[0009] an aspect of of the present present invention relates to the method for settling text and/or figure on thin slice.In the method, defining virtual shape.Utilize coordinate system and rotation that this virtual shape is filled on the actual thin slice then.

[0010] this method can also be included in the step that shows this virtual shape on the first direction to the terminal user.Then, after the user imports arbitrarily and/or selects text, figure etc., on the second direction this virtual shape is being filled on the actual thin slice.This direction is different from the direction when shape when the user shows usually.

[0011] this virtual shape is not limited to simple rectangle and circle.Virtual shape can be complicated polygon, ellipse or other shape.This shape can comprise special area, such as nonprinting region and/or otch, and even can comprise various inner patterns.

[0012] can define multiple virtual shape, utilize separately coordinate system and rotation that these shapes are filled on the thin slice.For example, first virtual shape can have first rotation, and second virtual shape can have second rotation, and first rotation is different with second rotation.Virtual shape can be repeated more than once annotate and/or be filled on the thin slice that to print with other pattern.

[0013] in one embodiment, can provide product to tabulate and identify printable medium product separately.This system can get up the entry association in virtual shape, coordinate system and rotation and the product tabulation.In a kind of operator scheme, the terminal user can identify the specialities of product tabulation.The user also can import arbitrarily and/or select to be comprised in text and/or the figure that will print on the thin slice.This system is filled on the selected product with one and/or a plurality of virtual shape and from terminal user's input then.By this way, for example, the user can specify the type of the thin slice that will print, and will be on thin slice printed contents, and this system is filled into suitable one or more virtual shapes on the special thin slice that the user selects with suitable manner.

[0014] the present invention can allow to upgrade this system by new thin slice type, and these thin slice types comprise new thin slice layout, size and/or other variation.This can finish under the situation that need not the update software coding, but can be for example by provide thin slice geometric configuration new and/or that upgrade to replace finishing for existing software.

[0015] should understand and the invention is not restricted to concrete example described here.In addition, should understand many features described here and a variation formation part of the present invention.Therefore, the present invention can understand by reference following detailed, accompanying drawing and claim, and is not subject to the description of this summary or any one specific embodiment.

Description of drawings

[0016] Fig. 1 illustrates a kind of method, and wherein form and pitch define the thin slice that is used to print;

[0017] Fig. 2 illustrates a conception of species according to the present invention, and wherein virtual shape and coordinate system provide page description instruction;

[0018] Fig. 3 illustrates the example of virtual shape;

[0019] Fig. 4 illustrates the notion of rotation;

[0020] Fig. 5 illustrates different panel-shaped, comprises the interior shape of specifying nonprinting region;

[0021] Fig. 6 illustrates the panel bigger than single thin slice;

[0022] Fig. 7 illustrates two panels of specified order on the page;

[0023] Fig. 8 is the organization chart of the assembly of the embodiment of display system according to the present invention;

[0024] Fig. 9 illustrate when be demonstrated be used for format (without spin) and after be used for printing forward and backward, the inboard, a left side of (rotation) duration greeting card, the rotation of Right Inboard;

[0025] Figure 10 illustrates the alternative exemplary to the template of Fig. 9, and wherein print needle is to " wide " greeting card;

[0026] Figure 11 illustrates the example of the audiotape label thin slice with a plurality of zones that are used for text input and otch;

[0027] Figure 12 illustrates the example of radial label;

[0028] Figure 13 illustrates the example of CD/DVD label, backbone label and fringing label;

[0029] Figure 14 illustrates the example of the miniature media label with multiple virtual shape, and it is SD card label and compact flash label that these virtual shapes are used for flash memory label, memory stick label, safe digital card;

[0030] Figure 15 illustrates the thin slice of circle label skew in each row; And

[0031] Figure 16 illustrates the example that the printing of special printer requires.

Embodiment

[0032] as mentioned above, the page that the present invention relates to the to be independent of application program set of instruction of demarcating, it is more sane than above-mentioned form and pitch method.Different with the pitch method with form, these new instruction definitions are independent of the virtual shape of thin slice.These virtual shapes also can be called " panel ", can utilize x axle (from left to right) and y axle (from top to bottom) coordinate system that these virtual shapes are filled into one or more than on the actual thin slice with respect to the upper left corner of thin slice.

[0033] in one embodiment of the invention, the terminal user can check shape on display, and described display comprises the screen of graphoscope, information kiosk screen, personal digital assistant or other digital device.This shape can be for example corresponding with the label shape of complexity.After the user had made the out of Memory customization and/or personalization that text, figure maybe will print, software can apply rotation to it when this shape is filled on the page that will print.

[0034], can provide thin slice and formatting system to print CD (CD) backbone (spine) and box fringing as a non-restrictive example of application of the present invention.For making this backbone and box fringing customization and/or personalized terminal user, described backbone can be across display screen when being checked by the terminal user, and described terminal user generally can add text and/or figure on backbone.But, in order to print, the shape of system's rotation backbone in case backbone with respect to the thin slice of printing vertically longer, and text is towards the side.That is to say that system is rotation shape and/or text, figure etc. before printing, so that information suitably is mapped on the product that will be printed.

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates the page description of defining virtual shape, and described virtual shape and thin slice separate itself.In this example, virtual shape is corresponding to the rectangular label 28 with high by 30, wide 32.According to x axial coordinate 36 and y axial coordinate 38 virtual shape is filled on the thin slice 34 with respect to the thin slice upper left corner 40.Reference point can be the position of other except the upper left corner on the thin slice, and such as the upper right corner or another position, coordinate system changes along with the variation of reference point.In addition, not rotation of virtual shape in this concrete example, but if desired, can specify rotation.

[0036] compare with the pitch method with form, the method provides more flexibility.For example, different panels (or " virtual shape ") can be filled into one or more than on the thin slice.Different with the pitch method with the form of prior art, these panels can be the Any shape that is limited in the rectangle.Fig. 3 illustrates first shape 42 and second shape 44 that is filled on the thin slice 46.

[0037], also use rotation that panel is filled on the thin slice except x axle and y axle.Yet, shape localization is not changed on the page.On the contrary, rotation is adjusted by exchange width and height and is applied in, and this is influential to the coordinate points of reorientating on the virtual shape.Simultaneously, the reference point on the page then moves to another angle of square boundary frame clockwise from an angle of the square boundary frame of virtual shape.This makes the content on the thin slice produce rotation phenomenon.Fig. 4 illustrates the virtual shape 48 with coordinate points 50.Virtual shape 48 turns clockwise 90 ° on being filled into thin slice 52 time.The panel rotation in one embodiment, only applies the panel rotation, so can be finished together with page reference point by the width and the height of exchange virtual shape with 90 ° increment.

[0038] also can apply 180 ° rotation.Yet, do not exchange in the case virtual shape width and the height.Reference point on the page is moved to the diagonal angle of virtual shape bounding box.With 90 ° similar, 270 ° of rotations then need be along with page reference point continues to move and the width and the height of exchange virtual shape clockwise around the bounding box of virtual shape.Also can follow the similar intersection face direction (portrait or view) of skipping.The page or leaf angle that reference point is used can be moved simply.Can implement more complicated panel spinning solution, such as, known rotation algorithm used based on matrix.Under the situation that does not occur rotating, rotation also can be 0 °.Template can define 0 ° of rotation clearly, perhaps as an alternative, if do not specify the rotation value in template, then can suppose 0 ° default rotation value (or other value that is suitable for using).

[0039] panel can be more complicated than simple rectangular shape.For example, panel can be ellipse and polygon, and can also comprise that in panel extra shape is to specify nonprinting region.These panels repeatedly can be filled on the thin slice.Fig. 5 illustrates the shape of two this complexity: complicated star shape 54 and round-shaped 56 of the complexity with nonprinting region 58.These shapes can be repeated to be filled on the thin slice 60.

[0040] these new description instructions also can be used for the page (the similar paste block of arranging in length and breadth) is merged into the panel bigger than single thin slice.Virtual shape can be divided into paste block, and wherein each paste block carries the feature of printable thin slice.Fig. 6 illustrates the thin slice 62 of the bigger panel 64 of being annotated.By this way, can make the object of various signs, billboard, banner, placard and other printing bigger by the single thin slice that merges a plurality of printings than single thin slice.For example, this notion is generally implemented in the sign external member product of AVERY DENNISON (Avery Dennison) company.When being assembled to form bigger file, thin slice can be overlapping in edge or any suitable edge known in the art.Suitable software program known in the art can be used on independent thin slice suitably print image to solve the overlapping of chip edge.

[0041] panel that other can be provided is as extra virtual shape.Other panel that can have any panel-shaped then can be endowed priority.Separate one of filling or can be endowed an order on the page more than the coordinate system of a panel with priority.Fig. 7 illustrates first virtual shape 70 with first priority and second virtual shape 72 with second priority.Content is at first added to first virtual shape 70 then, and first virtual shape 70 at first is filled on the thin slice 74.Right of priority that merges and order make application program know at first to which panel to add content and what passes the different shape that is filled on the thin slice in proper order with, and no matter their filling positions on thin slice how.

[0042] these and other options formerly form and the pitch method in be impossible.Form and pitch method be unsuitable for describing multiple uniqueness panel, complicated shape, rotation, page orientation, piece together, priority or the order.Want to have this functional programs and must carry out the interior detailed complicated algorithm of coding.

[0043] according to one embodiment of present invention, by this new method, this function is described in the instruction of demarcating, and can be performed by a cover standard rule.Different with the pitch method with the form of prior art, this method is complete and independently.Its specification comprises and is used for multipage face, multiaspect plate, polygon, rotation page orientation, pieces together, the instruction of priority and order.This method is also supported more complicated function, and such as copy-paste rule, format instruction, arrangement pattern, conversion guide with is connected database, the while constantly provides back compatible.

[0044] Fig. 8 has summarized an embodiment of this method.The printable media product (A-1) that product tabulation (with reference to the A among the figure 8) sign is independent.This is used to be provided for to select, the tabulation of evaluation or conversion.It comprises the not only information of pin thin slice description, as title (A-1-1), explanation (A-1-2), outward appearance (A-1-3) and classification (A-1-4) etc.Template ID (A-1-5) and design ID (A-1-6) refer to the template of the suitable description instruction that comprises this product.

[0045] template (with reference to the B among the figure 8) has two basic functions.First provides the blank template with the complete description instruction of a cover.Second provides the object in interpolation text, figure and other field with the method as the sample that designs in advance.Template can comprise such as information such as the size of actual thin slice and/or out of Memory, and virtual shape position that will be placed on thin slice and default text attribute such as text direction.In a specific embodiment, use XML (extend markup language) to write template, though also can use other Languages known in the art.The non-limiting example of the out of Memory that can provide in template comprises the size of text font, point size, adjustment, alignment, text block, the rotation and the paper size of text block.Can comprise out of Memory as required.The sample template is added as appendix A to be used for non-limitative illustration.

[0046] virtual shape is called as main panel (B-3), is called as pages panel (B-4-1) and utilize panel coordinate system (B-4-1-2) that this shape is distributed to thin plate.

[0047] template ID (B-1) is the numbering of blank template.Template ID can be provided as the title of blank template file or as inner ID.Each blank template comprises clear and definite description instruction.

[0048] design ID (B-2) is the numbering of the template that designs in advance.Design ID can be provided as the coding of similar products grouping or other the inner ID in the template file.Design template provides the identical description that comprises in blank template instruction in advance, but has added sample text, figure and based on other content of product usage and design esthetics.

[0049] combined diagram (C-1) sign blank template or in advance the lines in the design template arrange or object distributes.Merge the blank template that figure line (C-1-1) can be applied to the concrete combined diagram title of filling, perhaps merge figure line ID (C-1-1-1) and can be assigned to line ID in the design template in advance.Combined diagram can allow data source with reference to being included as the content allocation instruction.

[0050] in operation, and in one embodiment of the invention, provide a product tabulation, listing the Related product identification code thereon, the terminal user can therefrom select.Key field connects template and product mark coding.When the terminal user selected product from the product tabulation, concrete product group code was relevant with product.The product group code refers to the one group of concrete template that is designed to accurately mate selected product thin slice.

[0051] operation example of system:

The world wide Specifications Database

Consider now an operation example according to the system of the embodiment of the invention, it is that the definition at center is merged into single storage vault that the virtual shape and the instruction of demarcating can be used for various independent specifications with the application program.

[0052] this comprises and sets up center product specification database, and this center product specification database comprises the specification of all manufacturers' printable thin slice.This generally is not the database that obtains the mechanical processing technique be used to make, but at this form output template so that at the software application inediting with print necessary demand and feature.

[0053] this database can be used for storing and exporting the template specification of company.This database can comprise following data:

Stock keeping unit (SKU): the alphanumeric identifier of expression actual store unit (SKU), Universial Product Code (UPC) or other products code

The description of product: title, classification and/or other explanatory information

Product layout: geometric configuration and definition and/or influence other attribute of layout

Output rule: the guide that output template is required

[0054] can use this information in many ways.For example, this information can be used for product tabulation and the template used in the software application of the company that is created in oneself.This information can provide product information and layout for the third party co-worker.This information can also provide " being equal to " classification for all SKU that use same template.This database can significantly reduce the internal maintenance and the managerial cost of company.

[0055] advantage of this database can further be recognized in context, and wherein the printable sheet product of company can expand to various language and/or paper size and type.Can cross over language and various paper size, for the layout that relates to the printable thin slice of used company in format and the printing world wide provides single common definition, this definition comprises: for example, and North America, international standard (ISO 216/DIN 476) and expansion, custom size and continuous feed.

[0056] example of user's advantage:

Text and figure are applied to virtual shape

The present invention can be implemented to provide consistent method that text and figure are applied on the printable thin slice of many uniquenesses, makes the user be easy to edit complicated shape simultaneously.With regard to the user, the many different virtual shapes of format that it can be checked easily with height consistance ground fit together it then and are used for printing.

[0057] for example, in one embodiment of the invention, (1) front, (2) back, inboard and (4) Right Inboard in (3) left side of greeting card checked and formatd to shape one by one.When printing, follow the rule of demarcating then, by applying user version and shape is assembled thin slice.When editor, remove rotation, and when printing, apply rotation.The terminal user does not see the complicacy of system.Fig. 9 illustrates the shape of front 80, back 82, a left side inboard 84 and the Right Inboard 86 of greeting card.When ready-to-print, shape is rotated as shown in the figure.Usually should be appreciated that Fig. 9 illustrates the front and back of single thin slice, described thin slice generally will pass through printer twice, so that print each side.

[0058] extra template can be provided for identical printable thin slice.For example, have with Fig. 9 in the greeting card in these corresponding cross sections, cross section of embodiment also can represent with " wide " version.Figure 10 illustrates the shape of front 90, back 92, a left side inboard 94 and Right Inboard 96.In this " wide " version, when presentation format, the width of virtual shape and highly overturning.Different rotations also can be used to print.

[0059] by these templates, the terminal user can select the version of " height " or " wide ", and needn't worry rotation, page assembling and other complicacy.Other application program that can carry out this task will be generally by will being that the logic at center is applied in its coding and/or the configuration and realizes this function with the application program.In order to support new product, each application program must be expanded or reconfigure.So the user need wait for the issue of software upgrading.

[0060] this new method is to use unknowable (application-agnostic).Support needed all logics of these features to be comprised in the external declaration.When introducing the printable thin slice of novel and innovation, the application program of reading this explanation can benefit immediately.Therefore, the user can use identical software to format many different products and not need to learn any new method or the redaction of wait software.

[0061] as discussed previously, this method is supported the printable thin slice of various complexity.This realizes by various layouts, format and printing being required to merge in the template specification based on single external text.This can comprise unique layout and other printable thin slice feature of finding in product, described product comprises the audio tape label, banner, the bonding agent backbone, handbook, radial label, business card, the CD/DVD label, the color coding label, the computer format floppy label, paster, display board, divider tabulation label, the divider fringing, the filing label, greeting card, I.D., index card, the jewel box fringing, mailing label, the mail strip of paper used for sealing, famous brand, the notarization seal, the notes card, printing paper, pin feedback (pin-fed) label, pin feedback name badge, postcard, placard, revotating card, the circle label, shipping label, sign, Sticker, catalogue listing, the tape reel label, the tent label, film, the T-shirt offset medium, video-tape label and many other cards and label product.

[0062] previous method can not format and print with the consistance and the accuracy of this method.In the unknowable specification of single application program, describe the format details of printable thin slice now in detail.

[0063] below several examples of demarcating the user is benefited about the virtual shape and the page when utilizing software application to add text and figure.

[0064] tape label: Figure 11 illustrates a kind of form of tape label 98 in the zone with expression otch 100, and wherein otch 100 is a plurality of zones of showing the position of tape strip in tape cassete and being provided for the text input as 102 and 104 open area.Use the software application of this standard can show the preview versions of final products.The terminal user can check whether text and/or image are fit to label, whether any text cut (because in the zone of otch is arranged) etc. is arranged.For example, the terminal user also can add image, and knows whether a part of image is cut because of tape label border and internal incision.

[0065] radial label: Figure 12 illustrates the polygonal shape 110 that is positioned on the printable thin slice.The user can the application of shape background, and finds out playing up of location and waste from any polygonal abnormal shape.The optimum position of text 112 also is proposed.The zone of text can be limited in the sub-shape.This guarantees that text can not exceed shape.

[0066] CD/DVD label and fringing:

Shape and size with various fillets or corner of otch and different rotary can all be played up in single printable thin slice, so that be provided for adding text and figure and guarantee the accurately simple guide of printing to the user.For example, illustrate illustrated in Figure 13 that the method can be used for defining CD/DVD label 120, backbone label 122 and jewel box fringing label 124.

[0067] miniature media label:

Can utilize another thin slice example of this method definition that the printable thin slice that comprises a plurality of virtual shapes can be provided, described virtual shape is corresponding to flash memory label, memory stick label, SD card label and compact flash label.Concrete example among Figure 14 is the form of " microsheet ", and wherein thin slice 130 has two and half sheets 132 and 134, and this two and half sheet by an eleven punch 11 136 separately.Shape can define flash memory label 135, memory stick label 138, SD card label 140 and compact flash label 142.Figure 14 illustrates many different shapes and all can be incorporated on the single printable thin slice.The order of these shapes is configured to be convenient to the user and formats.

[0068] justify label: Figure 15 and illustrate 4 " * 6 " index size thin slice, this index size thin slice comprises round label skew in every row.Text box is provided, and the terminal user can be positioned over text and/or figure wherein.Text box is provided to the feature or the permission of the printable area of best-fit shape and prints placement variation.Square among Figure 15 can be a text box for example.As can be seen, in fact the present invention provides unlimited multiple shape and location, but the more important thing is ordering and show these shapes and location so that format.

[0069] extensibility example:

The present invention can be expanded so that along with service software is handled from a version updating to another version and for high-level data " prompting " is provided.Information except that the geometric configuration of printable thin slice can be used for strengthening user's experience.Prompting can be supported the alternative device with indication format virtual shape.Prompting can be used for adding or expanded function, but concrete prompting value generally is not the part of base specification.Can add and not change virtual shape with removing different promptings and the instruction of demarcating.

[0070] can support six (6) the individual prime reasons of pointing out to be:

1. the crossover tool with conversion guide is provided;

2. in the transition period, provide filling and extra processing instruction;

3. enable in the known application program of specification feature based on product;

4. enable to be used to format the function of application of dissimilar products;

5. enable the outer extra architectural schemes of removing template geometric configuration; And

6. when template is used to that the data of a part of software are transferred to another part software, keep ephemeral data.

[0071] the conversion prompting may be provided in instruction, and these instructions are converted instrument and are used for covering its inner transformation rule.

[0072] converter is carried out the one group of business rule of himself at its destination application.For example, except as otherwise noted, an application program only can be supported the single page template, and only uses first page.When business rule was employed or cover, these conversion promptings can be used for identifying.For example, prompting may advise using the page 2.

[0073] except conversion, prompting can also be used in the known application program of specification.For example, printable thin slice can have the format requirement of some uniquenesses.May be based on the prompting of product, so that carry out the function relevant with product.In some cases, this function is more at the concrete application program with respect to printable thin slice.Can add function prompt and change the flow process of application program.The virtual shape and the instruction of demarcating are that application is unknowable, but the prompting value can not be.That is to say that indicated value can be special-purpose.By this way, prompting becomes the part of bigger architectural schemes.These framework promptings are not whole proposal, but are used to activate the switch of bigger architectural schemes.Though the virtual shape of place discussion does not combine therewith, the notion of " prompting " is normally known in the art.

[0074] supports duplex printing

Many products are designed to print in more than one side.This comprise some greeting card for example, business card, handbook, and other may print the application of one side incessantly.Compare with the product of only printing in one side, formaing this series products may be complicated a little.

[0075] the present invention allows to introduce new two-sided product, and does not need the coding of software-rewritten self.The thin slice specification that to implement the thin slice of duplex printing thereon can offer software by the mode of template now, and does not need the coding of software-rewritten self.That is to say that this method is supported single sided board or multiaspect plate suitable rotation and the layout with respect to the new terminal product, and also can define suitable rotation, and needn't update software itself.

[0076] consider this aspect in more detail, virtual shape and description are instructed in the consistent method of supporting print command, the two sides that shows printable thin slice exactly.This comprises supports three different views:

1. shape view: how shape seems (for example, wide or high) when adding text or figure.

2. default view direction: how by the thin slice of preview.

3. printer is presented: how thin slice begins is admitted to, and under two-sided thin slice situation, how two-sided thin slice is inserted printer again then.

[0077] two-sided printable thin slice generally comprises the difformity that is in various rotations, and must correctly insert printer again to print second.No matter the direction of design how, always these printable thin slices are admitted to and insert again printer in the mode of vertical thin slice.Each different printer has its own unique printing requirement.As shown in figure 16, this is included as and inserts the correct page side of identification again and send into side.

[0078] sending into again of page side depends on printer, specifically do not set forth at this.Provide print command can unexpectedly not be printed on the content of guaranteeing second on first the content.Yet, send into side at the description instruction and the arrangements that are applied to second of printable thin slice.Therefore most of two-sided product need some special instructions so that insertion is printed second again.

[0079] under the situation that does not depart from the scope of the invention, can additionally make further modification and improvement to apparatus and method disclosed herein.In addition, the present invention and being not intended to is subjected to other restriction except that appended claims.

Appendix A

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<avery:sku?description＝″none″>5881</avery:sku>

<avery:productGroup>U-0168-01</avery:productGroup>

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<avery:textStyle?typeface＝″FIRSTHOME?Bold″pointSize＝″15.0″justification

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<avery:text>Business?Consultants</avery:text>

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promptOrder＝″4.0″zOrder＝″4.0″contentId＝″PF2″styleId＝″PF2″>

<avery:description?index＝″9″>Contact?Information</avery:desciption>

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<avery:textStyle?typeface＝″FIRSTHOME″pointSize＝″8.0″justification

＝″center″valign＝″middle″overflow＝″wrapshrink″/>

<avery:text>Telephone:515-555-1515</avery:text>

<avery:text>Edison?Blvd?at?Lumiere?Street</avery:text>

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promptOrder＝″5.0″zOrder＝″5.0″contentId＝″PF61″styleId＝″PF61″>

<avery:description?index＝″39″>Name?and?Title</avery:desciption>

<avery:position?x＝″128.0″y＝″1485.0″/>

<avery:textStyle?typeface＝″FIRSTHOME?Bold″pointSize＝″13.0″justification

＝″center″valign＝″middle″styles＝″bold″overflow＝″wrapshrink″/>

<avery:text>Daniel?James</avery:text>

</avery:textBlock>

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promptOrder＝″7.0″zOrder＝″7.0″contentId＝″PF89″styleId＝″PF89″>

<avery:description?index＝″65″>Title</avery:description>

<avery:position?x＝″113.0″y＝″1800.0″/>

<avery:textStyle?typeface＝″FIRSTHOME″pointSize＝″8.0″justification

＝″center″valign＝″middle″overflow＝″wrapshrink″/>

<avery:text>Senior?Consultant</avery:text>

<avery:text/>

</avery:textBlock>

</avery:masterpanel>

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viewOrientation＝″preferPortrait″>

<avery:description?index＝″16″>Sheet</avery:description>

<avery:grid?Layout?master＝″MP1″x＝″720″y＝″1080″hpitch＝″5760″vpitch＝″3600″

numberAcross＝″2″numberDown＝″4″reorient＝″false″/>

-<avery:panel?master＝″MP1″position＝″720.0，1080.0″>

<avery:description?index＝″3″>Business?Card</avery:description>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF90″contentId＝″PF1″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF91″contentId＝″PF2″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF92″contentId＝″PF61″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF93″contentId＝″PF89″/>

</avery:panel>

-<avery:panel?master＝″MP1″position＝″6480.0，1080.0″>

<avery:description?index＝″3″>Business?Card</avery:description>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF94″contentId＝″PF90″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF95″contentId＝″PF91″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF96″contentId＝″PF92″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF97″contentId＝″PF93″/>

</avery:panel>

-<avery:panel?master＝″MP1″position＝″720.0，4680.0″>

<avery:description?index＝″3″>Business?Card</avery:description>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF98″contentId＝″PF94″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF99″contentId＝″PF95″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF100″contentId＝″PF96″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF101″contentId＝″PF97″/>

</avery:panel>

-<avery:panel?master＝″MP1″position＝″6480.0，4680.0″>

<avery:description?index＝″3″>Business?Card</avery:description>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF102″contentId＝″PF98″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF103″contentId＝″PF99″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF104″contentId＝″PF100″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF105″contentId＝″PF101″/>

</avery:panel>

-<avery:panel?master＝″MP1″position＝″720.0，8280.0″>

<avery:description?index＝″3″>Business?Card</avery:description>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF106″contentId＝″PF102″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF107″contentId＝″PF103″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF108″contentId＝″PF104″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF109″contentId＝″PF105″/>

</avery:panel>

-<avery:panel?master＝″MP1″position＝″6480.0，8280.0″>

<avery:description?index＝″3″>Business?Card</avery:description>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF110″contentId＝″PF106″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF111″contentId＝″PF107″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF112″contentId＝″PF108″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF113″contentId＝″PF109″/>

</avery:panel>

-<avery:panel?master＝″MP1″position＝″720.0，11880.0″>

<avery:description?index＝″3″>Business?Card</avery:description>

<avery:fieidRef?id＝″PF114″contentId＝″PF110″/>

<avery?fieldRefid＝″PF115″contentId＝″PF111″/>

<avery?fieldRef?id＝″PF116″contentId＝″PF112″/>

<avery?fieldRef?id＝″PF117″contentId＝″PF113″/>

</avery:panel>

-<avery:panel?master＝″MP1″position＝″6480.0，11880.0″>

<avery:description?index＝″3″>Business?Card</avery:description>

<avery:fieidRefid＝″PF118″contentId＝″PF114″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF119″contentId＝″PF115″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF120″contentId＝″PF116″/>

<avery:fieldRef?id＝″PF121″contentId＝″PF117″/>

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Claims (32)

1. computer implemented method that is used on thin slice settling text and/or figure, its step comprises:

The defining virtual shape; And

Use coordinate system and rotation that described virtual shape is filled on the thin slice.

2. computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said method further may further comprise the steps:

On first direction, show described virtual shape to the terminal user; And

Described virtual shape is filled on the thin slice being different from the second direction of described first direction.

3. computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said shape comprise complicated polygon.

4. computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said shape comprises ellipse.

5. computer implemented method according to claim 1, the step of described virtual shape of wherein annotating comprises: with respect in the upper left corner of the upper right corner of the lower left corner of the upper left corner of described thin slice, described thin slice, described thin slice, described thin slice at least one, and the described virtual shape of annotating.

6. computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said method further comprises:

Define a plurality of virtual shapes; And

Use coordinate system and rotation that described a plurality of virtual shapes are filled on the thin slice.

7. computer implemented method according to claim 6, wherein each virtual shape is distributed coordinate system and rotation respectively.

8. computer implemented method according to claim 6, wherein said a plurality of virtual shapes comprise different virtual shapes.

9. computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said virtual shape is bigger than the actual thin slice of printing.

10. computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein said virtual shape comprise a plurality of virtual subnet shapes.

11. computer implemented method according to claim 7, wherein first virtual shape has first rotation, and second virtual shape has second rotation, and described first rotation is different with described second rotation.

12. computer implemented method according to claim 1, wherein the step of defining virtual shape is included at least one nonprinting region of definition on the described virtual shape.

13. computer implemented method according to claim 1 wherein uses coordinate system and rotation that described virtual shape is filled into step on the thin slice and comprises and reorientate coordinate points.

14. computer implemented method according to claim 2, wherein said method further may further comprise the steps:

Reception is from terminal user's input, and this input comprises at least one in text and the figure;

On display, show described input;

Virtual shape and described input are filled on the thin slice together.

15. computer implemented method according to claim 14, wherein said method further comprises the step of printing described thin slice.

16. computer implemented method according to claim 15, wherein said method further comprise a plurality of virtual shapes of definition, and described virtual shape and input are filled on the thin slice.

17. computer implemented method according to claim 16, wherein said a plurality of virtual shapes comprise different virtual shapes.

18. computer implemented method according to claim 14, wherein said virtual shape is bigger than the actual thin slice of printing.

19. computer implemented method according to claim 14, wherein said virtual shape comprise a plurality of virtual subnet shapes.

20. computer implemented method according to claim 14, wherein said method further comprise a plurality of virtual shapes of definition, and described virtual shape and input are filled on a plurality of thin slices.

21. computer implemented method according to claim 14, wherein said method further may further comprise the steps:

The tabulation of definition product, the independent printable media product of this product tabulation sign, and

Make in virtual shape, coordinate system and the rotation at least one relevant with at least one clauses and subclauses in the tabulation of described product.

22. computer implemented method according to claim 21, wherein said method further comprises:

Receive the sign of the product of tabulating from product from the terminal user;

Reception is from described terminal user's input, and this input comprises at least one in text and the figure; And

Virtual shape and described input are filled on the described product that described terminal user selectes.

23. computer implemented method according to claim 22, wherein said method comprise described virtual shape repeatedly is filled on the described thin slice.

24. computer implemented method according to claim 22, wherein said virtual shape comprise open area and are used for a plurality of zones of text input.

25. computer implemented method according to claim 22, wherein said method comprises:

In a plurality of positions on the single thin slice described virtual shape is filled on the described thin slice, each filling is at the diverse location place of described thin slice; And

Print described thin slice.

26. computer implemented method according to claim 21, wherein first virtual shape is corresponding to the backbone label, and second virtual shape is corresponding to jewel box fringing label, and the 3rd virtual shape is corresponding to the CD/DVD label.

27. computer implemented method according to claim 20, wherein said a plurality of shapes comprise that corresponding to flash memory label, memory stick label, safe digital card be in the shape of SD card label and compact flash label at least two.

28. a computer-readable medium, it can make multi-purpose computer carry out the method for claim 1.

29. will be printed in the computer system of virtual shape, text and/or figure on the thin slice in arrangement, described computer system comprises: the device that defines the attribute of printable thin slice; The device of the position that virtual shape will be placed on the definition thin slice; Definition will be placed in the device of the rotation of the virtual shape on the described thin slice; And the device of printing printable thin slice, wherein according to defined position be rotated at least one that print on the described thin slice in virtual shape, text and the figure.

Want typescripts 30. a computer-readable medium, storage computation machine executable instruction on it, described executable instruction are used for format, described executable instruction comprises:

On display, show the instruction of virtual shape to the user;

Reception is from the instruction of described user's input;

The instruction of Query Information, on the printable thin slice of this information definition, the described printable thin slice corresponding to the position of described virtual shape and the rotation of the virtual shape on the described printable thin slice; And

Print the instruction of printable thin slice, described printable thin slice is at least in part based on from described user's input with define the information of described printable thin slice, described positional information and described rotation information and formatted.

31. a computer system, it comprises:

Be connected the digital processing unit on the computer memory, described computer memory comprises software, and described software comprises:

On display, show the instruction of virtual shape to the user;

Reception is from the instruction of described user's input;

The instruction of Query Information, on the printable thin slice of this information definition, the described printable thin slice corresponding to the position of described virtual shape and the rotation of the virtual shape on the described printable thin slice; And

Print the instruction of printable thin slice, described printable thin slice is at least in part based on from described user's input with define the information of described printable thin slice, described positional information and described rotation information and formatted.

32. a computer implemented method of settling text and/or figure on thin slice, it may further comprise the steps:

The defining virtual shape;

Use coordinate system and rotation that described virtual shape is filled on the thin slice;

On first direction, show described virtual shape to the terminal user; And

Described virtual shape is filled on the thin slice being different from the second direction of described first direction;

Wherein said shape comprises complicated polygon;

The step of described virtual shape of wherein annotating comprises: with respect in the upper left corner of the upper right corner of the lower left corner of the upper left corner of described thin slice, described thin slice, described thin slice, described thin slice at least one, and the described virtual shape of annotating;

Wherein the step of defining virtual shape is included at least one nonprinting region of definition on the described virtual shape;

Wherein using coordinate system and rotation that described virtual shape is filled into step on the thin slice comprises and reorientates coordinate points;

Wherein said method further may further comprise the steps:

Reception is from terminal user's input, and this input comprises at least one in text and the figure;

On display, show described input; And

Virtual shape and described input are filled on the thin slice together.

Images