GB2094112A

GB2094112A - Typesetting system

Info

Publication number: GB2094112A
Application number: GB8130057A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1980-12-31
Filing date: 1981-10-05
Publication date: 1982-09-08
Also published as: CA1183960A; NL8120480A; GB2094112B; FR2497152A1; FR2497152B1; WO1982002362A1; JPS57502081A

Abstract

A typesetting system comprises a plurality of user terminals which are connectible with a remote typesetting bureau through the public telephone system Each terminal has a display screen or VDU (3), an operating keybank (4) and a facsimile printer (9). The bureau has a photo- typesetter installation (22, 23) and a computer proof generator (24). On command by a user the proof generator (24) is operative to transmit over the connected telephone line (6) signals which operate the facsimile printer (9) at the user terminal to produce a hard copy proof of the type character image which has been set into a memory (28) of the typesetter installation (22, 28) by the user. This facsimile proof can be obtained before the typesetter (23) actually sets the type.

Description

SPECIFICATION Typesetting system This invention relates to typesetting systems employing a computerised typesetting installation.

Com puterised typesetting systems are now well established, but many people and organisations who could usefully employ the sophisticated systems which are available are unable to obtain the benefits thereof. Examples are jobbing printers and others who either cannot afford or do not have the workload to justify the expense of ownership of even a direct entry typesetter, or whose type of work does not match the limited facilities of a direct entry machine.

A small number of typesetting bureaux have been established, and although some of these provide for remote input access at the premises of the users the latter are not able to see the results of their efforts before the type is actually set. This is largely due to the lack of a facility for quick local proof reading, and the main object of the invention is to overcome this disadvantage of existing systems.

According to the invention a typesetting system comprises a typesetting user input terminal, with a display screen and operating keybank, connected through a link to a computer typesetting installation which includes a computer proof generator, and a facsimile printer associated with the input terminal, on command from the user the proof generator being operative to transmit over said link to the facsimile printer signals which operate the latter to produce a hard copy proof of the type character image(s) previously set into a memory of the installation by the user, who can then approve the proof or modify or edit the text as required and effect corresponding updating of said memory, before the typesetter actually sets the type. The proof-read text in the memory may be type set in real time or stored in a memory bank for subsequent typesetting.

References herein to "type" and "text" are to be construed broadly within the context employed, and in particular not limited to alpha-numeric characters.

For example, the terms as used are intended to include graphic displays, logos and the like. The term "proof" is hereinafter used in two senses, appropriately qualified; thus, a "facsimile" proof is a true representation of the type actually to be set whereas a "text proof" is merely a readout of the text itself, such as may be provided by a line printer.

Preferably the user terminal is a dual purpose intelligent Viewdata and typesetting terminal, so that when not in typesetting mode it can be used with Prestel, or other established Viewdata system and/or with a Viewdata system provided by the installation.

Desirably the user terminal can also operate off-line as an independent free-standing unit with data and programmes stored locally, and such additional programmes are conveniently obtainable as-required from the central typesetting bureau. The link between the user terminal and the typesetting installation is preferably through the public telephone system, in which case the terminal may incorporate an auto-dial faciltiy.

The user terminal preferably includes or is capable of expansion to incorporate floppy-disc drives and extra memory in order to run "Telesoftware", and further expansion may include an audio cassette for temporary data storage of Viewdata frames and for temporary storage of local text while in preparation.

An audio outlet for connection to the facsimile printer will normally be included, and the terminal may output to a printer (typically a daisywheel printer).

The typesetting installation may include a Viewdata system providing the front end of the installation and having two prime functions; firstly to act as a standard Viewdata system to provide information to the users at the user terminals, and secondly to operate in a "transparent" or so-called gateway mode to allow the user to talk "through" the Viewdata system to the typesetting system behind it.

The Viewdata system may be associated with software which provides self-teach programmes for the user, who may be one of several users sharing the installation and each with his own terminal. This makes the overall system attractive not only to people who already know about typesetting but also to those who are prepared to learn with the help of a self-teach programme.

In addition to enjoying the typesetting service provided by a system in accordance with the invention and based on the use of an intelligent Viewdata terminal, users are able to employ the terminals for a variety of other business functions - such as Prestel access, word processing and business accountancy.

Such facilities render the system a much more attractive proposition to the small printer whose typesetting requirements might not otherwise justify the cost involved, small though this cost will be compared to the purchase of even a direct entry typesetter.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate, in block diagram form and by way of example, one user terminal and the phototypesetting installation of a typical typesetting bureau system in accordance with the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 illustrates the user terminal; and Figure 2illustrates the central typesetting bureau installation.

The system is specifically designed for users such as small commercial printers without their own typesetting capability. Other typical users might be larger printers requiring typesetting back-up, trade typesetters desiring a high degree of sophistication such as can be provided by the typesetting installation used, and advertising agencies wishing to set their own text. Large firms with a drawing office which uses dry transfer lettering could also usefully employ the system.

The user terminal illustrated in Figure lisa dual-purpose typesetting and intelligent Viewdata terminal. It basically comprises a central microprocessor 1, an associated memory 2 (typically 64 Kbytes of memory available, at least 48K of which are contiguous which is a CAP Telesoftware requirement), a CRT display screen or VDU 3, an operating keybank 4, a modem 5 connecting the microprocessor 1 to a GPO telephone line 6 to link the user terminal to the central bureau installation shown in Figure 2, an auto-dial unit 7 and, connected to the telephone line and alternatively operable, a loudspeaker or handset 8 and a facsimile printer 9.

Optionally included, if desired by the user, are two floppy-disc drives 10, a daisywheel printer 11 and an audio cassette unit 12. The VDU 3 will normally provide a monochrome display, but optional extension to a colour display for colour work is available by fitting an adaptor unit 13 as shown in broken lines in Figure 1.

The screen interface with the microprocessor 1 has the capability of driving the CRT on two software selectable standards, which are either British Viewdata standard of 40 characters/line 24 lines including graphics and double-height characters, or 80 characters/line 20-24 lines (possibly with alternative character sets 14) for alternative use when operating in the typesetting mode. The Viewdata section of the terminal incorporates a variety of functions including integral low-speed modem with auto-dial, employing the previously described units 5 and 7. The audio cassette unit 12 for local data storage is driven from this section and the Post Office requirement for an audio output for the loudspeaker or handset 8 is, as already mentioned, utilised to provide alternatively the output to the facsimile printer 9.The auto-dial facility also complies with GPO requirements, including the mandatory remote programming of the terminal number and phone number, with remote interrogation of the terminal number. The disc storage interface at the microprocessor 1 is capable of supporting two 1/4 Mbyte floppy-disc drives 10.

The keybank unit 4 includes a telephone style numeric keypad and a clear and edit key operating through an interlock, thus also complying with Prestel requirements. A QWERTY type keyboard is provided with various additional keys as required for typesetting operations, as will be known to persons skilled in the art without further description herein, providing a layout which embodies the major requirements of both Viewdata and typesetting.

The photo-typesetting installation shown in Figure 2 is connected to the telephone line 6 through a modem 20 and basically comprises a front end Viewdata system 21, a typesetter system 22, 23, and a computer proof generator 24. The modem 20 can be switched, by a switch 25, so that the telephone line 6 is alternatively connected either to the input of the Viewdata system 21 forViewdata reception or interactive typesetting, or to the output of the proof generator 24 when the user requires a facsimile proof of type which has been inputted and has been set in the proof generator memory; The Viewdata system 21 is of generally standard form, the main adaptation to the present system being the capability to operate in transparent or gateway mode when the user switches to the typesetting mode at the user terminal.Other adaptations required will be clear to persons skilled and knowledgeable in the art from the present description, as will the software required for the system and which forms no part of the invention. The Viewdata system 21 has its own disc memory 26 (which may typically be of 10 Mbyte capacity) and is associated with a printer 27. This printer can be employed, under the control of the system 21, for various domestic duties. For example it may print invoices etc., with all charging functions being handled by the system 21, which is programmed to charge at the appropriate rates according to the services provided when the user terminal is in Viewdate mode, as well as for the typesetting service when the user terminal is in typesetting mode and the costs of any proof supplied.Another possible use for the printer 27 is automatically to print address labels for postal or other despatch of the finally set type to the user concerned.

The typesetter system is a Linotype-Paul System V comprising a computer 22, which in the present case is a Prime 100 computer associated, typically, with a 10 or 60 Mbyte disc memory 28, a 'Linoscreen I' direct entry terminal 29 and a printer 30. The terminal 29 and the printer 30 are associated with the computer 22 in the usual manner. The typesetting system also includes the actual typesetter 23, which in the installation at present being described is a Linotype-Paul Type 202 photo-typesetter.

When a user terminal is operating in typesetting mode the computer 22 generates the appropriate input signals for the typesetter 23, these signals being locally stored in the memory 28. When the bureau provides an archiving service the signals can be archived in this memory, with appropriate archiving charge information being generated by the system 21. However, when an archiving service is provided this will normally preferably be done utilising another disc memory (not shown) provided specifically for that purpose, leaving the full capacity of the memory 28 available for short term storage; for example, the typesetting charge may cover free storage in the typesetter memory 28 for say one week.In this case, when the user calls the stored text back on his terminal screen, the latter preferably has a headnotewhich states how much of the free storage time still remains. Users can alter the signals stored in the typesetting system 22,28 at will, and on receipt of a 'set type' or 'proof type' command sent from the user terminal the signals are sent to the typesetter 23.

The signals which are stored in the system 22,28 are inputted to the computer proof generator 24, which is a custom-built unit designed for the present system but is in this case also based on a Prime 100 computer. The signals are routed to the computer 24 through the typesetter 23 on receipt of a 'transmit facsimile proof command from the user terminal, an ON control signal from the computer 22 controlling the appropriate switch 25 to connect the output of the proof generator 24 to the telephone line 6 concerned. The signals to the proof generator 24 are converted into a proof picture in memory and output, through the connected switch 25 and telephone line 6, in a form suitable to operate the facsimile printer at the connected user terminal. The facsimile printer thereupon produces a hard copy of the type character image(s) as actually set by the user, who can then either approve or edit the type before giving the 'set type' command signal. After the facsimile signals have been transmitted, an OFF signal from the proof generator 24 switches the connected switch 25 to disconnect the proof generator output from the telephone line 6.

At any time the user can call for a simple proof, of text or other input matter stored in the memory 28, this also being capable of editing and/or revision before it set (or re-set) by the typesetter 23 or facsimile proofed (or re-proofed) by the proof generator 24. In this case the signals stored in the system 22,28 are transmitted back directly through the Viewdata system 21, switch 25 and telephone line 6.

This text proof can be displayed on the VDU 3 and/or a hard copy produced by the printer 11 (Figure 1.).

As is well known the typesetter 23 unit includes computer/converter circuitry and a CRT/photo section, the former driving the latter and converting the input signals from the computer 22 into appropriate coordinate control signals for the CRT, for control of the display of the type character image. Although the typesetter unit 23 can be used to set the type in real time, it is envisaged that in general the circuit capabilities of this unit will be fully occupied during normal working hours providing the required input for the computer proof generator 24. Thus the approved type will be stored in the memory 28 and queued for typesetting at a more convenient time out of hours, for example during lunchtime and evening periods.

The system which has been described employs a Linotype-Paul photo-typesetting installation which is a good illustrative example of the modern technology presently available for use in a system in accordance with the invention. However, it is to be appreciated that, while in the present state of available technology photo-typesetting is the preferred choice, future embodiments of the invention may well employ different computerised typesetting techniques at present under development and likely to be developed in the future. Furthermore, although the VDU 3 has a full-size display screen, for example displaying a full page of text, this is not essential and a screen displaying say only a single line of text could be used.

Claims

1. A typesetting system comprising a typesetting user input terminal, with a display screen and operating keybank, connected through a linkto a computer typesetting installation which includes a computer proof generator, and a facsimile printer associated with the input terminal, on command from the user the proof generator being operative to transmit over said link to the facsimile printer signals which operate the latter to produce a hard copy proof of the type character image(s) previously set into a memory of the installation by the user, who can then approve the proof or modify or edit the text as required and effect corresponding updating of said memory, before the typesetter actually sets the type.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the user terminal is a dual purpose intelligent Viewdata and typesetting terminal, so that when not in typesetting mode it can be used with Prestel or other established Viewdata system and/or with a Viewdata system provided by the installation.

3. A system according to either one of the preceding claims, wherein the user terminal can operate off-line as an independent free-standing unit with data and programmes stored locally.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein the user terminal can operate off-line as a word processor.

5. A system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the locally stored programmes are obtainable as required from a central bureau where the typesetting installation is installed.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the link between the user terminal and the typesetting installation is through the public telephone system, and the terminal incorporates an auto-dial facility.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user terminal includes or is capable of expansion to incorporate floppy-disc drives and extra memory in order to run Telesoftware.

8. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the typesetting installation includes a Viewdata system providing the front end of the installation and having two prime functions, firstly to act as a standard Viewdata system to provide information to a user at the user terminal and secondly to operate in gateway mode to allow the user to talk through the Viewdata system to the typesetter system behind it.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein the Viewdata system is associated with software which provides self-teach programmes for the user.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the typesetter system of the installation comprises separate computer and typesetter unit sections, the former being associated with disc memory and the latter providing the input signals for the computer proof generator on receipt of a 'transmit proof' command from the user.

11. A system according to claims 8 and 10, wherein the signals from the typesetter unit to the computer proof genrator are converted by the latter into a proof picture in memory and outputted in a form suitable to operate directly the facsimile printer to produce, at the user terminal, a hard copy of the type character image(s).

12. A system according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the link between the user terminal and the typesetting installation is alternatively connected to the input to the installation or to the output of the computer proof generator through a switch which, for facsimile proof signal transmission, receives ON switching signals from the computer section of the typesetter system and OFF switching signals from the proof generator.

13. Atypesetting user terminal, comprising a display screen and operating keybankwith associated facsimile printer for use in a system according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Atypesetting system comprising a user input terminal and remote computer typesetting installation, constructed and arranged substantially as herein particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings.