WO2013062535A1

WO2013062535A1 - Simulated model for a print order

Info

Publication number: WO2013062535A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/057823
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zachi KAMI; Mani Fischer; Don SHAKED; Randall Edward Grohs; Adriane de Quevedo CARDOZO
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2011-10-26
Filing date: 2011-10-26
Publication date: 2013-05-02

Abstract

One example discloses a system (2) comprising a memory (8) for storing machine readable instructions and a processing unit (10) for accessing the memory (8) and executing the machine readable instructions. The machine readable instructions can comprise a print order hub (12) to generate a simulated model of material for a print order based on data identifying print features of a plurality of print service providers (PSPs) (14) and data characterizing details of the print features of the plurality of PSPs (14). The simulated model can correspond to data representing a virtual image (116) of material preparable for the print order at a given PSP of the plurality of PSPs (14).

Description

SIMULATED MODEL FOR A PRINT ORDER

BACKGROUND

[0001] Print on demand (POD), sometimes referred to as publish on demand, is a printing technology and business process in which new copies of a document (e.g., a book, booklet, a magazine, a pamphlet or the like) are printed after an order has been received. A print service provider (PSP) is a factory (e.g., business) that can process and fulfill POD orders. In one example, the PSP can receive a POD order, and print a document requested in the POD order. The PSP can include capabilities to print in color, bind printed documents, print in multiple languages, print on different types of paper or the like. Moreover, the PSP can ship a completed print job of a POD order to another entity (e.g., a customer).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system for simulating material for a print order over a network.

[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of data that could be included with a print order.

[0004] FIGS. 3-8 illustrate an example of a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0005] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a print order system.

[0006] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method for simulating material for a print order.

[0007] FIG. 1 1 illustrates another example of a flowchart of a method for simulating material for a print order.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a system 2 for simulating material preparable for a print order over a network 4. The print order can be a request for a relatively large and/or complex print job, such as book and/or magazine printing and/or shipping. The print order can be implemented, for example as a print on demand request. The network 4 could be implemented, for example as a network 4 that employs the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) or the like. In some examples, the network 4 could be implemented as the Internet, and/or a mobile network. A print order system 6 can be coupled to the network 4 and can communicate with other nodes on the network 4.

[0009] The print order system 6 can include a memory 8 for storing machine readable instructions and a processing unit 10 for accessing the memory 8 and executing the machine readable instructions stored in the memory. The memory 8 could be implemented, for example, as volatile memory (e.g., random access memory) or nonvolatile memory (e.g., a hard drive, flash memory or the like). The processing unit 10 can include a processor core.

[0010] In one example, the machine readable instructions can include a print order hub 12. The print order hub 12 can communicate with N number of print service providers (PSPs) 14 that can receive and fulfill print orders, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to two. In some examples, the print order hub 12 can include functionality to operate as a receiver and director of a print job, based on efficient routing.

[0011] Each PSP 14 can include a print order client 1 6 that communicates with the print order hub 12 over the network 4. For purposes of simplification of explanation, only the print order client 16 included in PSP 1 of the PSPs 14 is shown and described herein, but it is to be understood that PSPs 2-N of the PSPs 14 can also include a print order client 16. Each PSP 14 can provide certain printing features and/or finishing features. For instance, in one example, PSP 1 of the PSPs 14 can include printing and/or finishing features of printing in color, multiple substrates (e.g., types of paper), multiple types of bindings, folding or the like, which printing and/or finishing features can be referred to as print features. The PSP 1 of the PSPs 14 can have details of operation associated with the different print features, wherein such details of operation characterize how each of the print features is implemented. PSP 1 of the PSPs 14 can provide the print order client 16 with features data (e.g., a features table) that identifies these print features and characterizes the associated details of operation. In response, the print order client 16 can provide the features table to the print order hub 12. [0012] In one example, a first print feature in the features table for PSP 1 could be a saddle binding. In some implementations of saddle binding, the PSP 1 could be limited to preparing material for a print order with saddle binding to situations where the print order is associated with a document having a number of pages equal to a multiple of four (e.g., 8, 16, 20, 24 or the like). In such an implementation, the details of operation for saddle binding could characterize a course of action implemented by the PSP 1 in the event that the document associated with the print order has a number of pages that is not equal to a multiple of four. For instance, in some examples, PSP 1 could simply be

configured/programmed to refuse to print (e.g. reject) a document that has a number of pages not equal to a multiple of four. In other examples, PSP 1 could be configured/programmed to add a number of blank pages to the document associated with the print order, such that the total number of pages printed is equal to a multiple of four. In still other examples, PSP 1 could be configured/programmed to adjust a font/picture size (or other characteristics) of the document associated with the print order to reformat the document associated with the print order, such that the number of pages printed is equal to a multiple of four.

[0013] In another example, a second given print feature in the features table for PSP 1 could be a spiral binding. In such a situation, the details of operation for the spiral binding could be locations of perforations (holes) needed to accommodate the spiral binding and/or a location of the spiral binding relative to a variety of types and/or sizes of paper (or other substrate). In yet other examples, a third given print feature in the features table for PSP 1 could be color printing. In such a situation, the details of operation for color printing could be related to a type/size of paper employable at PSP 1 for color printing and/or a number of ink colors used in color printing. The features table for each PSP 14 of the plurality of PSPs 14 can be stored in a PSP record associated with each of the PSPs 14. The PSP records can be stored in data storage 18, which could be implemented, for example, as volatile or non-volatile memory. In some examples, the data storage can include a database.

[0014] The print order can be provided to the print order system 6 from a client computer 20 employed by a user 22. In one example, the client computer 20 can communicate with the print order system 6 via a browser 24 (e.g., a web browser) over the network 4. In such a situation, a graphical user interface (GUI) generator 26 of the print order hub 12 can provide the client computer 20 with a GUI that provides graphical elements to provide/alter specifications of material to be prepared for the print order. The print order specifications can include for example a product type (e.g., booklet, folded document, book, flyer, loose leaf or the like), paper type (e.g., size, whiteness, weight, gloss or the like), ink type, (e.g., 4 color, 6 color, black and white or the like) binding (e.g., book binding, magazine binding, loose leaf or the like), printing style (e.g., single-sided, duplex or the like), finishing (e.g., varnish, laminate) or the like. In some examples, a document to be printed can be included with the print order.

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of data 50 that can be included with a print order. The data 50 can characterize specification of the print order. In FIG. 2, a plurality of print order fields have corresponding values. One print order field can include a print order identifier (labeled in FIG. 2 as "PRINT ORDER ID") that identifies the print order. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the print order can request 325 copies of a 215 page booklet printed in duplex in black and white on medium quality, letter sized (e.g., 8.5 by 1 1 inch) paper. Additionally, the print order can request that the booklet be printed with a twin loop wire binding of a black color, with no hole punch. Moreover, the print order can request that the booklet be printed with a transparent plastic cover and back. In other examples, additional or alternative data fields such as a bleed option could be employed.

[0016] Referring back to FIG. 1 , in response to receipt of the print order, a print order analyzer 28 of the print order hub 12 can communicate with the GUI generator 26 and process the print order to select a PSP 14 from the plurality of PSPs 14 to fulfill the print order, which PSP 14 can be referred to a selected PSP 14. To determine the selected PSP 14, the print order analyzer 28 can access the data storage 1 8 and retrieve a PSP record for each of the PSPs 14. As noted, each PSP record includes a features table for a given PSP 14. In one example, to determine the selected PSP 14, the print order analyzer 28 can examine a features table for each PSP 14 to select a PSP of the PSPs 14 (the selected PSP 14) that is best suited to fulfill the print order based on the print features of each PSP 14. In some examples, the selection of the selected PSP 14 can be based on other factors, such as geographic locations, prices or the like.

[0017] A print order simulator 30 of the print order hub 12 can employ the print order, the document associated with the print order, the selected PSP 14 and the features table associated with the selected PSP 14 to generate a simulated model of material preparable by the selected PSP 14 for the print order. The simulated model could be implemented, for example, as data corresponding to a virtual image (e.g., a three-dimensional representation) of a final product (e.g., material) that is preparable (e.g., printed, bound and finished) for the print order by the selected PSP 14. The term "preparable" can indicate that the final product with similar physical

characteristics to those included in the virtual image could be prepared (e.g., printed, bound and finished) by the selected PSP 14 upon request. The simulated model can represent a close approximation of the material preparable by the selected PSP 14 for the print order. Stated differently, the simulated model can provide a look and feel of the material preparable by the selected PSP 14 (e.g., a finished product). For instance, the simulated model can account for page real estate lost due to

perforations (e.g., holes) in paper to accommodate a binding selected for the print order as well as page real estate lost due to obstruction by the binding selected for the print order. In other examples, the simulated model can account for page real estate distorted due to a bleed option and/or a folded document being selected in the print order. Moreover, such alterations in page real estate can vary based on which of the PSPs 14 is the selected PSP 14. For instance, different PSPs 14 can have different details of operation for the same print feature. As one example, a given PSP 14 be associated with a spiral binding that has a given gutter depth and/or a given spiral radius, while another PSP 14 can be associated with a spiral binding that has another gutter depth and/or another spiral radius.

[0018] The print order simulator 30 can provide the simulated model to the GUI generator 26 such that a graphical element can be provided at the GUI depicting the simulated model. Such a GUI could provide, for example, a three-dimensional rotatable view (e.g., a graphical representation and/or image) of the simulated model. Moreover, in some examples, the GUI could provide a graphical element for changing the specifications of the print order. Further, in some examples, the GUI can provide multiple views (e.g., images) of the simulated model. For instance, in a first view, the GUI could provide a view of the cover (including an inside cover) of the simulated model. Moreover, in a second view, the GUI could provide a view of the inside (e.g., a body) of the simulated model. In such a situation, the second view can include a graphical element (e.g., a virtual button) for simulating a turning of a page in the simulated model. The second view can account, for example for lost, distorted, obscured (or a combination thereof) page real estate due to the selected binding.

[0019] The user could employ the GUI to browse the contents of the simulated model. In this manner, the user could decide whether the simulated model meets the needs of the print order. For instance, in some examples, the user may decide that a particular binding loses too much page real estate to produce material acceptable for the print order. In such a situation, the user could change the specifications of the print order, such that the simulated model can be updated, and/or a new simulated model could be generated for a different PSP 14. In some examples, the view of the simulated model in the GUI can be updated in real-time relative to changing the specifications of the print order.

[0020] In some examples, the GUI could provide a graphical element for executing the print order. Upon such an execution of the print order, the print order hub 12 can provide the print order to the selected PSP 14. In some examples, the print order can be provided to the selected PSP 14 in a standard print job description format, such as the Job Definition Format (JDF). The selected PSP 14 can fulfill the print order by printing and finishing (e.g., binding, hole punch and cover and back type) material for the print order. By employment of the network system 2, the need for reprinting the material for the print order can be reduced and/or eliminated, thereby increasing efficiency. Moreover, employment of the network system 2 can reduce and/or eliminate the need for preparing and shipping a prototype of the material for the print order before fulfilling the print order. [0021] FIGS. 3-8 depict examples of screenshots of a GUI 100 (such as provided by the GUI generator 26 of FIG. 1 ) for providing a print order (e.g., the print order described with respect to FIG. 1 ) and viewing a simulated model (e.g., the simulated model described with respect to FIG. 1 ). For purposes of simplification of explanation, the same reference numbers are used throughout FIGS. 3-8 to indicate similar features.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a first page 102 of the GUI 100 for providing the print order with specifications and viewing the simulated model. The first page 102 of the GUI 100 can include a product selection section 104 that provides a graphical element for selecting a type of product. In the present example, a user of the GUI 100 can select either a booklet or a flyer, for example, by "clicking" on a particular type of product, which can be referred to as a selected type of product. In other examples, more or less types of product could be provided.

[0023] The first page 102 can also include a color selection section 106 and a duplexing section 108 that provides graphical elements that allow the user to select whether the selected product is to be printed in color or black-and-white and whether the selected product is to be printed on a single side of paper or both sides of paper. Moreover, the first page 1 02 of the GUI 100 can provide graphical elements 1 10 and 1 12 that allow the user to select a paper size and paper stock type for the selected product. Additionally, the first page 102 of the GUI 100 can provide a graphical element 1 14 that allows the user to proceed to a next page of the GUI 100.

[0024] The first page 102 the GUI 100 can provide a view of the simulated model 1 16. The view of the simulated model 1 1 6 can be based, for example, on the specifications selected by the user for the selected product. In some examples, the view of the simulated model 1 16 can be implemented as a graphical representation (e.g., image) depicting a first page 102 the document associated with the print order.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a second page 1 1 8 of the GUI 100. The second page 1 18 of the GUI 100 can include a binding selection specification. The binding selection specification can include a graphical element 1 20 that provides a user of the GUI 100 with the option of selecting a binding type for the selected product which binding can be referred to as a selected binding. The second page 1 1 8 of the GUI 100 can also provide a graphical element 122 that allows the user to select a binding color for the selected binding. The second page 1 1 8 of the GUI 100 can also provide graphical elements 124 and 126 that allow the user to select a hole punch and a cover and back type for the selected product. Additionally, the second page 1 18 the GUI 100 can provide a graphical element 128 that allows the user to proceed to a next page of the GUI 100.

[0026] The second page 1 18 of the GUI 100 can provide a view of the simulated model 130. The view of the simulated model 130 can be based, for example, on the specifications selected by the user in the first and second pages 102 and 1 18 of the GUI 100. For instance, in the present example, the view of the simulated model 130 is depicted as a product type "booklet" as the selected product with a "spiral" binding type as the selected binding. The user can interact with the view of the simulated model by employing a zoom bar 132 and a rotational graphical element 134. In this manner, the user can rotate the view of the simulated model 130 in three orthogonal axes to preview all three dimensions of material that is preparable for the print order by a PSP based on the currently selected

specifications and the print features and associated details of the PSP.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a third page 136 of the GUI 100. The third page 136 of the GUI 100 depicts a content view of the simulated model 138 based on specifications selected by the user. The content view of the simulated model 138 can be implemented as a two-dimensional view of the simulated model. The third page 1 36 of the GUI 100 depicts an instance where the selected product type is a "booklet" and the selected binding type is "spiral." As illustrated in the third page 136 of the GUI 100, page real estate is lost to perforations (e.g., holes) included to accommodate the spiral binding. Additionally, a portion of the page real estate is obstructed by the spiral binding. The third page 136 of the GUI 100 can include a zoom bar 1 39 for adjusting a size of the simulated model. The third page 1 36 of the GUI 100 can include graphical elements 140 for switching between a three- dimensional view (e.g., the view of the simulated model 130 illustrated in FIG. 4) and a content view of the simulated model. Additionally, the third page 136 of the GUI 100 can include graphical elements 142 and 144 that allow the user to advance or reverse pages viewed. Still further, the third page 1 36 of the GUI 100 can include a graphical element 146 that allows the user to proceed to a next page of the GUI 100.

[0028] FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth page 148 of the GUI 100. The fourth page 148 of the GUI 100 depicts the content view simulated model 138 illustrated in the third page 136 of the GUI 100, wherein an advance (or reverse) graphical element 142 or 144 has been actuated.

[0029] FIG. 7 and 8 illustrate other examples of third and fourth pages 150 and 152 of the GUI 100. FIGS. 7 and 8 are similar to FIGS. 5 and 6, except that the third and fourth pages of the GUI 100 in FIGS. 7 and 8 include the content view of the simulated model 138 depicting a "saddle stitch" type binding in the simulated model. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, page real estate is not lost.

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a print order system 200 that can be utilized to implement, for example, the print order system 6 illustrated in FIG. 1 . The print order system 200 can include a memory 202 for storing machine readable instructions. The memory 202 could be implemented, for example, as random access memory, flash memory, a hard disk, a combination thereof or the like. The print order system 200 can also include a processing unit 204 that can access the memory 202 and executes machine readable instructions. The processing unit 204 can be implemented, for example, as a processor core.

[0031] The print order system 200 can be coupled to a network 206 (e.g., the Internet) via a network interface 208, which could be implemented as a network interface card. The memory 202 can include a print order hub 210 that can manage a print order.

[0032] The print order hub 210 can include a PSP record manager 212 that can receive and process a features table from a plurality of PSPs. Accordingly, the features table can identify print features (e.g., printing and finishing features) for a given PSP, as well as details as to how particular print features are implemented. The PSP record manager 212 can store the features table for each PSP and a corresponding PSP record which can in turn be stored in a data storage 214. The data storage 214 can include, for example, a database and/or a table that can store the PSP record for each PSP. The data storage 214 can be implemented, for example as volatile memory (e.g., RAM) or non-volatile memory (e.g. a hard disk and/or a flash drive).

[0033] The print order hub 210 can include a GUI generator 215 that can provide a GUI to a client computer. The GUI can provide an interface for providing and changing specifications of a print order. The specifications for the print order can include, for example, product type, binding type, print color or the like. In some examples, the print order could include data similar to the print order data 50 shown and described with respect to FIG. 2. The GUI for receiving the print order can, for example, be implemented in a manner similar to the GUI illustrated in FIGS. 3-8. The print order hub 210 can include a print order analyzer 21 6 that can receive the print order along with a document to be printed in the print order from the GUI generator 215. The print order analyzer 21 6 can evaluate the print order and retrieve a PSP record from the data storage 214 for each of the plurality of PSPs. Each PSP record can include, for example, a features table for a given PSP. The print order hub 21 0 can parse the print order and each PSP record to select a PSP of the plurality of PSPs to prepare (e.g., print and finish) material for the print order, which PSP can be referred to as a selected PSP.

[0034] The print order analyzer 216 can provide the selected PSP, the document associated with the print order, and the print order to a print order simulator 218. The print order simulator 218 can generate a simulated model of material preparable for the print order by the selected PSP. The simulated model could be implemented, for example, as data corresponding to a virtual image of the material preparable for the print order by the selected PSP. The print order simulator 218 can provide the simulated model to the GUI generator 215. The simulated model can be output to the client computer via the GUI. The simulated model could be viewed, for example, in a three-dimensional mode or a two-dimensional mode. The simulated model can reflect each specification included in the print order, or some portion thereof. For instance, in some examples, the view of simulated model could be implemented in a manner similar to the views of the simulated model illustrated in FIG. 3-8. [0035] The user of the GUI can view the simulated model in a two-dimensional and/or a three-dimensional format to determine whether the simulated model meets the needs of the print order. If the user is unsatisfied with the simulated model, the user can alter the specifications of the print order, and the simulated model can be altered accordingly (e.g., in real-time). Upon determination that the simulated model is satisfactory, the user of the GUI can request that the selected PSP execute the print order. In such a situation, the print order hub 210 can communicate with a print order client of the selected PSP and forward the print order and the associated document to the selected PSP. In response, the selected PSP can prepare (e.g., print and finish) material for the print order.

[0036] In view of the foregoing structural and functional features described above, example methods will be better appreciated with reference to FIGS. 10-1 1 . While, for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the example methods of FIGS. 10-1 1 are shown and described as executing serially, it is to be understood and

appreciated that the present examples are not limited by the illustrated order, as some actions could in other examples occur in different orders and/or concurrently from that shown and described herein. Moreover, it is not necessary that all described actions be performed to implement a method.

[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of an example method 300 for simulating material for a print order. The method 300 could be executed, for example, by a print order system (e.g., the network system 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or the print order system 200 illustrated in FIG. 9). At 310, a features table can be received from each of a plurality of PSPs that comprises an identification of print features (e.g., printing and finishing features) available at a given PSP as well as details of operation characterizing how those print features are implemented.

[0038] At 320, a print order analyzer (e.g., the print order analyzer 28 illustrated in FIG. 1 ) of the print order hub can receive a print order from a client computer (e.g., the client computer 20 illustrated in FIG. 1 ). In one example, the print order analyzer can receive the print order via a GUI, which could be provided by a GUI generator (e.g., the GUI generator 26 illustrated in FIG. 1 ). The GUI can be implemented, for example, in a manner similar to the GUI 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3- 8. The print order can include, for example, specifications for preparing a document. The specifications can include, but are not limited to, paper type and/or size, a number of copies to be printed, binding type or the like. As one example, the print order can include the data 50 for a print order shown and described with respect to FIG. 2. Moreover, a document can be included with the print order.

[0039] At 330, a PSP from the plurality of PSPs can be selected by the print order analyzer, which can be referred to as a selected PSP. The selected PSP can be implemented, for example, as the PSP that can best prepare material for the print order. Selection of the selected PSP can be based, for example, on the print order and a features table for each of the plurality of PSPs.

[0040] At 340, a simulated model of material preparable by the selected PSP can be generated by a print order simulator (e.g., the print order simulator 30 illustrated in FIG. 1 ). The simulated model can be displayed in the GUI, such as in a manner shown and described with respect to FIGS. 3-8.

[0041] At 350, a determination can be made as to whether to execute the print order. The determination can be based, for example, on user input into the GUI. For instance, the user can view the simulated model in a three-dimensional and/or a two- dimensional format. Upon review of the simulated model, the user can decide whether to proceed with the print order. If the determination at 350 is negative (e.g., NO), the method 300 can return to 320, such that the user can change specifications of the print order. If the determination at 350 is positive (e.g., YES) the method 300 can proceed to 360.

[0042] At 360, the print order can be fulfilled by the selected PSP. To fulfill the print order, the print order hub can communicate with a print order client at the selected PSP to provide the print order and the associated document. The selected PSP can prepare (e.g., print and finish) the material for the print order.

[0043] FIG. 1 1 illustrates another flowchart of an example method 400 for simulating material for a print order. The method 400 could be executed, for example, by a print order system (e.g., the network system 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 and/or the print order system 200 illustrated in FIG. 9). At 410, features data (e.g., a features table) from each of a plurality of PSPs can be received (e.g., by the PSP record manager 212 illustrated in FIG. 9) that comprises a plurality of print features for a given PSP of the plurality of PSPs and details of operation for a subset of the print features for the given PSP. At 420, a simulated model can be generated (e.g., by the print order simulator 30 of FIG. 1 or the print order simulator 218 of FIG. 9) of material preparable at the given PSP of the plurality of PSPs based on a print order and the features data of the given PSP.

[0044] Where the disclosure or claims recite "a," "an," "a first," or "another" element, or the equivalent thereof, it should be interpreted to include one or more than one such element, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Furthermore, what have been described above are examples. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods, but one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of this application, including the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A system comprising:

a memory for storing machine readable instructions; and

a processing unit for accessing the memory and executing the machine readable instructions, the machine readable instructions comprising:

a print order hub to generate a simulated model of material for a print order based on data identifying print features of a plurality of print service providers (PSPs) and data characterizing details of the print features of the plurality of PSPs, wherein the simulated model corresponds to data representing a virtual image of material preparable for the print order at a given PSP of the plurality of PSPs.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the virtual image corresponds to a three- dimensional virtual image of the material for the print order.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the simulated model identifies and includes data representing a binding of the material for the print order, wherein the binding is identified in the print order.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the print order hub comprises a print order analyzer to select the given PSP from the plurality of PSPs based on specifications of the print order and on the data characterizing the print features of the given PSP.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the print order hub comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) generator to provide a GUI that includes a graphical element for controlling specifications of the print order.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the GUI is to provide a graphical

representation of the simulated model based on the data corresponding to the virtual image.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the GUI is further to provide a graphical element for switching between a three-dimensional view of the simulated model and a two-dimensional view of the simulated model;

wherein the GUI provides a graphical element to rotate the three-dimensional view of the simulated model about an axis; and

wherein the two-dimensional view of the simulated model provides a graphic element for browsing through each of the pages in the material for the print order.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the virtual image of the simulated model characterizes at least one of lost and distorted paper real estate based on a selected option for the print order and based on the details of operation corresponding to the selected option for the given PSP.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the selected option comprises a finishing for the material preparable for the print order at the given PSP of the plurality of PSPs, wherein the finishing comprises one of a binding and a hole punch.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the graphical representation of the simulated model changes in real time based on changes to specifications in the print order.

1 1 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the given PSP of the plurality of PSPs is associated with a given print feature and a given set of details for the given print feature and another PSP of the plurality of PSPs is associated with the given print feature and another set of details for the given print feature different from the given set of details for the given print feature.

12. A method comprising:

receiving features data from each of a plurality of print service providers (PSPs) that comprises a plurality of print features for a given PSP of the plurality of PSPs and details of operation for a subset of the print features for the given PSP; and

generate a simulated model of material preparable at the given PSP of the plurality of PSPs based on a print order and the features data of the given PSP.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the details of operation characterize a position of a plurality of bindings on a printing substrate.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the simulated model is output as a three- dimensional graphical representation in a graphical user interface.

15. A computer readable medium having machine readable instructions comprising:

a printer order hub to manage a print order, the printer order hub comprising: a print service provider (PSP) record manager to receive a features table from a plurality of PSPs, wherein each features table identifies print features of a respective PSP and details of operation for a subset of the print features for the respective PSP;

a graphical user interface (GUI) generator to provide a GUI for a client computer that provides graphical elements for providing specifications for the print order;

a print order analyzer to select a PSP from the plurality of PSPs to fulfill the print order based on the specifications of the print order and the features table of the selected PSP of the plurality of PSPs; and

a print order simulator to generate a simulated model of material preparable by the selected PSP for the print order;

wherein the GUI generator is further to provide a three-dimensional and two-dimensional view of the simulated model at the GUI.