PostScript to PDF 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 PDF conversion subsystem. A client application requests conversion of a file to PDF 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 PDF conversion module (with hardcoded parameters) executes the software application Distiller to perform conversion of the file and outputs the result.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of converting a file from PostScript to PDF within an automated printing system for producing printed materials, said method comprising: 
 storing said file in a database in communication with said automated printing system, said file including instructions for printing said printed materials;    requesting of a master service hosted on a server computer that conversion of said file be performed;    requesting of a conversion software module that conversion of said file be performed;    executing a PostScript to PDF software tool under control of said conversion software module, said software tool inputting said file and performing conversion of said file; and    outputting the resulting file from said software tool, whereby PostScript to PDF conversion of said file is performed automatically.