PostScript to bitmap conversion of graphic image files

Abstract

An on-line automated printing system quickly produces consistent printed materials. The system includes front-end customer setup and product setup modules available on a web server. A Print Ready File is produced embodying the product to be printed. The Print Ready File is compiled and all operations on the file can be completed via reference to the information contained therein. A state flag is associated with each element of the file, the flag having states such as preview, print, both, or none. The file is stored on an asset management file server. The file (unchanged) may be previewed or printed using internal flags and logic built-in to the PostScript language. A batcher service batches print jobs. A plater service accepts the Print Ready Files and outputs a plate file to a print vendor's ordering system. Over the Internet the plate file is sent to a vendor computer. The plate file is sent to a raster image processor (RIP) which outputs a bitmap to be printed. Included within the system is a PostScript to bitmap conversion subsystem. A client application requests conversion of a file to bitmap format and pulls conversion parameters from an image logic information database. The client sends the parameters along with input and output-files to a master service. The master service selects a lower-level service for conversion. A PostScript to bitmap conversion module (with hardcoded parameters) executes the software application Alchemy to perform conversion of the file and outputs the result.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A PostScript to bitmap conversion subsystem within an automated printing system for producing printed materials, said conversion subsystem comprising: 
 a server computer in communication with said automated printing system;    a master service hosted on said server computer and being arranged to accept requests for conversion of a file from within said automated printing system, said file including instructions for printing said printed materials;    a database in communication with said automated printing system and storing said file;    a conversion software module arranged to accept said request for conversion and said file; and    a PostScript to bitmap conversion software tool arranged to accept said file and to perform conversion of said file under the control of said conversion software module, whereby conversion of said file to bitmap format is performed automatically.