Patent EP0481784A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0481784A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Form automation system
Assignee: Moore Business Forms Inc
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Filing: 1991-10-17
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2011-10-17
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a system for production of business forms, comprising: first computer means comprising a forms automation platform means; for establishing each of a plurality of business forms in electronic format; for determining print format information for said forms; and for converting said electronic format to appropriate print formats based upon said distribution profile information and print format information, to design a business form in electronic format; second computer means at each of a plurality of end user sites, including means for inputting variable information, if any, to be contained in the business forms to be produced; third computer means comprising a central library means: for processing requests for distribution to effect electronic distribution of forms; and for providing information about print formats and distribution profiles to said second computer means, said means including a display and an inputting means for inputting commands regarding the specific business form or forms requested; and communication means for providing communication between said forms automation platform means and said central library means, and between said central library means and said end user sites. Also provided are methods of producing and distributing business forms using the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Mary Jo Yaksich
- 👤 Darlene R. Sprague
- 👤 Samuel D. Bevilacqua
- 👤 Andrew C. Andersen
- 👤 Susan M. Hoellig
- 👤 Donald S. Carr
- 👤 Donna L. Yarwood
- 👤 Anthony P. Hoholik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:32
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F40/00; G06F40/10; G06F40/12; G06F40/123; G06F40/151; G06F40/166; G06F40/174
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 31
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
1 A system for production of business forms, comprising: first computer means comprising a forms automation platform means; for establishing each of a plurality of business forms in electronic format; for determining print format information for said forms; and for converting said electronic format to appropriate print formats based upon said distribution profile information and print format information, to design a business form in electronic format; second computer means at each of a plurality of end user sites, including means for inputting variable information, if any, to be contained in the business forms to be produced; third computer means comprising a central library means: for processing requests for distribution to effect electronic distribution of forms; and for providing information about print formats and distribution profiles to said second computer means, said means including a display and an inputting means for inputting commands regarding the specific business form or forms requested; and communication means for providing communication between said forms automation platform means and said central library means, and between said central library means and said end user sites.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
1 A system for production of business forms, comprising: first computer means comprising a forms automation platform means; for establishing each of a plurality of business forms in electronic format; for determining print format information for said forms; and for converting said electronic format to appropriate print formats based upon said distribution profile information and print format information, to design a business form in electronic format; second computer means at each of a plurality of end user sites, including means for inputting variable information, if any, to be contained in the business forms to be produced; third computer means comprising a central library means: for processing requests for distribution to effect electronic distribution of forms; and for providing information about print formats and distribution profiles to said second computer means, said means including a display and an inputting means for inputting commands regarding the specific business form or forms requested; and communication means for providing communication between said forms automation platform means and said central library means, and between said central library means and said end user sites.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
2 A system according to claim 1 comprising printing means controlled by one or more of said computer means for printing out paper business forms.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
183 words
3 A system for automating business forms creation, management, and production, comprising: printing means; first computer means, including a business forms automation platform means, comprising: means for designing customer business forms; means for managing display images for existing business forms in electronic format; and means for converting display images into appropriate print formats; second computer means including a central library means comprising an electronic data base of print images for a plurality of different business forms, and of distribution location information for each of said forms; and means for managing said print images; means associated with said computer means for controlling said printing means so that said printing means will print business forms in response to print images from said second computer means; and means for providing two way communication between said first and second computer means; said system optionally further comprising third computer means at end user locations remote from said first and second computer means, and means for providing two way communication between said second and third computer means for transmission of data -- including electronic business forms -- and instructions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
183 words
3 A system for automating business forms creation, management, and production, comprising: printing means; first computer means, including a business forms automation platform means, comprising: means for designing customer business forms; means for managing display images for existing business forms in electronic format; and means for converting display images into appropriate print formats; second computer means including a central library means comprising an electronic data base of print images for a plurality of different business forms, and of distribution location information for each of said forms; and means for managing said print images; means associated with said computer means for controlling said printing means so that said printing means will print business forms in response to print images from said second computer means; and means for providing two way communication between said first and second computer means; said system optionally further comprising third computer means at end user locations remote from said first and second computer means, and means for providing two way communication between said second and third computer means for transmission of data -- including electronic business forms -- and instructions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
174 words
4 A method of electronically developing, producing, managing and distributing a plurality of different business forms for an entity having a plurality of geographically remote use locations with different needs for different business forms, comprising the steps of: (a) at a centralized location, storing the plurality of business forms in electronic format including print images; (b) based on geographic location, volume requirements, form construction, and equipment profile, determining which of the geographically remote use locations will be provided with business forms, and storing that information at said centralized location; and (c) through electronic scheduling or in response to commands input at said centralized location, automatically distributing forms from the centralized location to the geographically remote use locations for that particular form, according to the determinations provided in step (b); said method optionally comprising the further step (d) of providing for electronic storage of the forms at decentralized locations, and subsequent processing; said subsequent processing for example comprising selecting either data entry and production using electronic imaging or traditional production, as determined in step (b).
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
174 words
4 A method of electronically developing, producing, managing and distributing a plurality of different business forms for an entity having a plurality of geographically remote use locations with different needs for different business forms, comprising the steps of: (a) at a centralized location, storing the plurality of business forms in electronic format including print images; (b) based on geographic location, volume requirements, form construction, and equipment profile, determining which of the geographically remote use locations will be provided with business forms, and storing that information at said centralized location; and (c) through electronic scheduling or in response to commands input at said centralized location, automatically distributing forms from the centralized location to the geographically remote use locations for that particular form, according to the determinations provided in step (b); said method optionally comprising the further step (d) of providing for electronic storage of the forms at decentralized locations, and subsequent processing; said subsequent processing for example comprising selecting either data entry and production using electronic imaging or traditional production, as determined in step (b).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
108 words
5 A method of handling business forms, comprising the steps of: (a) creating a plurality of business forms in electronic format using a plurality of different business form creating computer programs; (b) maintaining the business forms created in step (a) in a display image format to which variables may be added for variable image data; (c) converting the display of form image format for each of a plurality of forms to desired printer formats (eg by utilizing the business form creating computer programs themselves); (d) simultaneously transmitting the printer formats to each of a plurality of compatible printers; and (e) printing out the forms on the compatible printers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
108 words
5 A method of handling business forms, comprising the steps of: (a) creating a plurality of business forms in electronic format using a plurality of different business form creating computer programs; (b) maintaining the business forms created in step (a) in a display image format to which variables may be added for variable image data; (c) converting the display of form image format for each of a plurality of forms to desired printer formats (eg by utilizing the business form creating computer programs themselves); (d) simultaneously transmitting the printer formats to each of a plurality of compatible printers; and (e) printing out the forms on the compatible printers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
124 words
6 A method providing a user of a plurality of different business forms at a plurality of geographically remote locations with the business forms in an efficient manner, and without the necessity of warehousing preprinted paper forms, comprising the steps of: (a) storing the business forms in electronic format at a centralized location; (b) producing the business forms in paper form at geographic locations proximate each of the geographically remote use locations in response to an electronic order generated by a centralized or remote command; and (c) delivering the business forms in paper form to each of the geographically remote use locations after production thereof; said steps (b) and (c) optionally being practised simultaneously at at least one of the geographically remote use locations.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
124 words
6 A method providing a user of a plurality of different business forms at a plurality of geographically remote locations with the business forms in an efficient manner, and without the necessity of warehousing preprinted paper forms, comprising the steps of: (a) storing the business forms in electronic format at a centralized location; (b) producing the business forms in paper form at geographic locations proximate each of the geographically remote use locations in response to an electronic order generated by a centralized or remote command; and (c) delivering the business forms in paper form to each of the geographically remote use locations after production thereof; said steps (b) and (c) optionally being practised simultaneously at at least one of the geographically remote use locations.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
105 words
7 A method of distributing business forms to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing in electronic format in a computer a plurality of different business forms; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic business forms; (c) periodically polling (for example once every weekday) the computer to locate applicable date commands; and (d) in response to applicable date commands located in step (c), automatically distributing the electronic business forms to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
105 words
7 A method of distributing business forms to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing in electronic format in a computer a plurality of different business forms; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic business forms; (c) periodically polling (for example once every weekday) the computer to locate applicable date commands; and (d) in response to applicable date commands located in step (c), automatically distributing the electronic business forms to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
97 words
8 A method of distributing electronic images to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing a plurality of different electronic images; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic images; (c) periodically polling (for example once every weekday) the computer to locate applicable date commands; and (d) in response to applicable date commands located in step (c), automatically distributing the electronic images to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
97 words
8 A method of distributing electronic images to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing a plurality of different electronic images; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic images; (c) periodically polling (for example once every weekday) the computer to locate applicable date commands; and (d) in response to applicable date commands located in step (c), automatically distributing the electronic images to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
166 words
9 A method of distributing business forms to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing in electronic format in a computer a plurality of different business forms; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic business forms; (c) periodically polling the computer to locate applicable date commands; (d) in response to applicable date commands located in step (c), readying the electronic business forms for distribution to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands; and (e) manually verifying the distribution of the electronic business forms to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands, and after manual verification, automatically distributing the electronic business forms to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands; said steps (d) and (e) for example being practised at a location remote from said geographically remote end users.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
166 words
9 A method of distributing business forms to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing in electronic format in a computer a plurality of different business forms; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic business forms; (c) periodically polling the computer to locate applicable date commands; (d) in response to applicable date commands located in step (c), readying the electronic business forms for distribution to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands; and (e) manually verifying the distribution of the electronic business forms to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands, and after manual verification, automatically distributing the electronic business forms to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands; said steps (d) and (e) for example being practised at a location remote from said geographically remote end users.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
159 words
10 A method of distributing electronic images to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing a plurality of different electronic images in a computer; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic images; (c) periodically polling the computer to locate applicable date commands; (d) in response to applicable date commands located in step (c), readying the electronic images for distribution to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands; and (e) manually verifying the distribution of the electronic images to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands, and after manual verification, automatically distributing the electronic images to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands; said steps (d) and (e) for example being practised at a location remote from said geographically remote end users.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
159 words
10 A method of distributing electronic images to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing a plurality of different electronic images in a computer; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic images; (c) periodically polling the computer to locate applicable date commands; (d) in response to applicable date commands located in step (c), readying the electronic images for distribution to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands; and (e) manually verifying the distribution of the electronic images to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands, and after manual verification, automatically distributing the electronic images to those of the plurality of end users specified by the distribution commands; said steps (d) and (e) for example being practised at a location remote from said geographically remote end users.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
147 words
11 A system for production of business forms comprising: a first location having a first printer with a first printer format; a second location with a second printer having a second printer format, said second location being geographically remote from said first location; a first computer means for storing electronic business forms in both the first and second printer formats, said first computer means being located geographically remote from said first and second printers; and communication means for interconnecting said first computer means and said first and second printers so that said first computer means transmits commands to said first and second printers to print the same paper form on both; said system optionally further comprising a second computer means comprising means for creating electronic business forms, and second communication means for transmitting created electronic business forms from said second computer means to said first computer means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
147 words
11 A system for production of business forms comprising: a first location having a first printer with a first printer format; a second location with a second printer having a second printer format, said second location being geographically remote from said first location; a first computer means for storing electronic business forms in both the first and second printer formats, said first computer means being located geographically remote from said first and second printers; and communication means for interconnecting said first computer means and said first and second printers so that said first computer means transmits commands to said first and second printers to print the same paper form on both; said system optionally further comprising a second computer means comprising means for creating electronic business forms, and second communication means for transmitting created electronic business forms from said second computer means to said first computer means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
98 words
12 A method of handling business forms, comprising the steps of: (a) creating a plurality of business forms in electronic format; (b) maintaining the business forms created in step (a) in a display image format to which variables may be added for variable image data; (c) electronically transmitting the display image formats; and (d) ultimately converting the display of form image formats to desired printer formats, said method optionally comprising the further steps of: (e) simultaneously transmitting the printer formats to each of a plurality of compatible printers; and (f) printing out the forms on the compatible printers.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
98 words
12 A method of handling business forms, comprising the steps of: (a) creating a plurality of business forms in electronic format; (b) maintaining the business forms created in step (a) in a display image format to which variables may be added for variable image data; (c) electronically transmitting the display image formats; and (d) ultimately converting the display of form image formats to desired printer formats, said method optionally comprising the further steps of: (e) simultaneously transmitting the printer formats to each of a plurality of compatible printers; and (f) printing out the forms on the compatible printers.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
193 words
13 A method of electronically developing, producing, managing and distributing a plurality of different business forms for an entity having a plurality of geographically remote use locations with different needs for different business forms, comprising the steps of: (a) at a centralized location, storing the plurality of business forms in electronic format including by providing each with the following data associated therewith: identification code for the form; verbal description of the form; software package used to design the form; date of form creation and/or last revision; number of parts to the form; whether the form has landscape or portrait mode; length of the form; and width of the form; (b) based upon geographic location, volume requirements, form construction, and equipment profile, determining which of the geographically remote use locations will be provided with business forms in electronic and/or preprinted form, and storing that information at said centralized location; and (c) through electronic scheduling or in response to commands inputted at said centralized location automatically distributing forms in electronic and/or preprinted form from the centralized location to the geographically remote use locations for that particular form, according to the determinations provided in step (b).
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
193 words
13 A method of electronically developing, producing, managing and distributing a plurality of different business forms for an entity having a plurality of geographically remote use locations with different needs for different business forms, comprising the steps of: (a) at a centralized location, storing the plurality of business forms in electronic format including by providing each with the following data associated therewith: identification code for the form; verbal description of the form; software package used to design the form; date of form creation and/or last revision; number of parts to the form; whether the form has landscape or portrait mode; length of the form; and width of the form; (b) based upon geographic location, volume requirements, form construction, and equipment profile, determining which of the geographically remote use locations will be provided with business forms in electronic and/or preprinted form, and storing that information at said centralized location; and (c) through electronic scheduling or in response to commands inputted at said centralized location automatically distributing forms in electronic and/or preprinted form from the centralized location to the geographically remote use locations for that particular form, according to the determinations provided in step (b).
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
107 words
14 A method of electronically creating and managing a plurality of different business forms, utilizing a first computer at a first location, and a second computer at a second location, comprising the steps of: (a) at the first computer, creating a plurality of business form in electronic format, including printer formats; (b) allocating a session with the second computer; (c) designating appropriate business forms for transfer; (d) electronically transferring the designated forms from the first computer to the second computer; (e) confirming that the transfer has taken place; and (f) initiating a table population function at the second computer, and confirming when that function has been completed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
107 words
14 A method of electronically creating and managing a plurality of different business forms, utilizing a first computer at a first location, and a second computer at a second location, comprising the steps of: (a) at the first computer, creating a plurality of business form in electronic format, including printer formats; (b) allocating a session with the second computer; (c) designating appropriate business forms for transfer; (d) electronically transferring the designated forms from the first computer to the second computer; (e) confirming that the transfer has taken place; and (f) initiating a table population function at the second computer, and confirming when that function has been completed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
150 words
15 A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said third computer means comprising a file comprising customer profile information including an identification uniquely identifying each customer, and address information for the customer; a geographic profile including the customer identification and a unique code for each different geographic location of the customer's facilities; a printer profile file including the customer identification, and a code identifying each printer, and the type of printer, at each geographic location of the customer; a distribution data file including the customer identification, a code to uniquely identify each form for a customer, and the code to uniquely identify each printer; a form profile data file including the customer identification, and the code to identify each form for a customer; and a form output file including the customer identification, and a code to uniquely identify the format of each form of the customer.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
117 words
16 A system according to claim 1, said first computer means having: a customer profile file including an identifier uniquely identifying a customer and a customer's address; a form profile file including the unique customer identifier, a unique identifier of a form for a customer, and physical information about the form; a form file name file including the unique customer identifier and unique identifier for the form, and the type of printer the form is designed for; and a distribution information file including the unique customer identifier, an indicator of whether or not a form has been selected for distribution to said third computer means, the unique form identifier, and the date of distribution of the form.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
114 words
17 A method of distributing business forms to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing in electronic format in a computer a plurality of different business forms; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic business forms; (c) periodically polling the computer to locate applicable data commands; (d) identifying forms for distribution in the computer; (e) establishing a session between the computer and an end user; (f) transferring the forms electronically from the computer to the end user; and (g) acknowledging receipt of the forms by the end user from the computer.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
114 words
17 A method of distributing business forms to each of a plurality of geographically remote end users, comprising the steps of: (a) storing in electronic format in a computer a plurality of different business forms; (b) also storing in the computer predefined commands, including date and extent of distribution commands, relating to the distribution of the electronic business forms; (c) periodically polling the computer to locate applicable data commands; (d) identifying forms for distribution in the computer; (e) establishing a session between the computer and an end user; (f) transferring the forms electronically from the computer to the end user; and (g) acknowledging receipt of the forms by the end user from the computer.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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