XPS Technology for XPS Preflight

The first release of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista has now hit the street. XPS (Microsoft's XML Paper Specification format), is part of Windows Vista, and it is estimated that XPS will eventually be used on 90% of all desktops.

Business firms, which account for a full half of all print volume, will soon be creating XPS files from their desktop publishing and word processing applications. Printers will need the ability to process these files, but how will they address the problems that inevitably arise?

• Invalid and/or inefficient XPS markup resulting from poor XPS producer implementations
• Corrupt or missing resource files (e.g., images)
• Missing information in the Print Ticket (a component of the XPS file)
• Markup or resources calling for equipment that is unavailable at the print production site
• Workflow and imaging systems that are only PDF capable

The problem becomes an opportunity

XPREF Technology is a Software Development Kit designed to handle all these problems and more. XPREF supports preflight of XPS files, but it doesn't stop there — XPREF optimizes the code inside the files, streamlining it to eliminate ambiguities that might impact the fidelity of the imaged output results. Future releases of XPREF will provide workflow automation with the ability to generate JDF files, while allowing for conversion to specified PDF standards, the predominant file format processed by workflow and imaging systems.

Anticipating the imminent need for preflighting, optimization and integration of XPS files with existing print production systems will position OEMs of XPREF as leaders in the race to develop new workflow tools for XPS.

QualityLogic makes it happen

QualityLogic is a recognized industry leader in testing and analysis, with over 20 years experience in test tools, test suites and content testing. We started developing test suites for XPS in 2005 and offer the only complete set of XPS test tools for printer OEMs. QualityLogic XPS test tools are used by Microsoft and the Windows WDK includes test files custom-designed by QualityLogic for Microsoft. QualityLogic's expertise with XPS makes us uniquely qualified to develop comprehensive tools and related services for preflight analysis, workflow preparation and file optimization.

The development of XPREF is a joint venture with Apago, a leading developer of publishing workflow technologies known for its numerous PDF utilities and workflow tools.  XPREF combines the unique skills and positions of QualityLogic and Apago to bring state-of-the-art XPS workflow technology to the market.

XPREF Key Features*

Setup

• Store, load and transport setups.
• Set logical conditions (and/or/not).
• Select corrective actions and/or reporting.
• Select a set of conditions for: image size, resolution, color space, linework, optional parts presence, gradient stops, etc.
• Select standard version(s) (e.g., XPS 1.0 or PDF/X 1.3).
• Choose metadata collection and reporting.

Read

• Drag and drop single or multiple XPS files from Publishing/Creative applications.
• Preflight multiple packages in a session.
• View, check, and edit Print Tickets.

Analyze

• XAML and Print Ticket markup and the schema validity.
• OPC parts to ensure valid relationship parts.
• Relationship in-line references and implicit references between parts.
• Content against setup rules, e.g., minimum font sets, line stroke thickness, etc.
• Fonts, images, profiles and parts.
• Intellectual property restrictions against usage.
• Digital signature restrictions on printing.

Correct

• Automatic and manual correction of pages.
• Syntax errors in markup and missing relationships.
• User-friendly detailed description of the problem and how to fix when possible.
• Display of the offending element highlighted in context or in isolation.
• Placement and/or cropping of pages.
• Text, page numbering, fonts, and definitions.
• Move, rotate, scale and clip objects.
• Color: change line art color, include Pantone color libraries, add or edit spot colors, ­
  correct color spaces.
• Images: resample and interpolate images.
• Add page and trim marks.

Optimize

• Improves code stream sequence by correcting part order to improve efficiency.
• Utilizes XPS Abbreviated Geometry capability to reduce code size.
• Reassembles XPS pieces and parts to ensure part is available when needed.
• Includes a complexity trigger to reduce processing time.
• Removal of redundant linear gradient fills and obscured objects.
• Optimizes images in package by resampling or interpolating images.
• Sub-setting of fonts in package to reduce code size, using only required glyphs.
• Unifies color management and colorspaces within pages to reduce the number
  of transformations.
• Optimizes package for specific RIPs.
• Ensures Print Ticket available for all pages.

Report

• Generates a customizable report on errors, warnings, and corrections made.
• Information report on list of parts in package, number of fixed documents and pages, number and types of resource parts.

Certify

• Certifies the state of the file.
• Any modifications made after certification invalidate the signature.
• Certificate contains software version, rule sets used, user’s name, and time stamp.

Export

• Export an XPS file with a Print Ticket to be consumed by an XPS-capable RIP.
• Convert the XPS file to certified PDF and/or PDF/X standard formats.
• Create a JDF for JDF-enabled workflow and/or equipment.

* Not all features may be available.  Please check with QualityLogic sales to get an update of the latest features implemented for the XPREF Libraries.

For more information on these and our other testing products and services, contact us at tools@qualitylogic.com, or call (800) 436-6292 ext. 107 (US toll free) or +1(805) 531-9030 ext. 107.

XPREF Deliverables

OEM Library
The XPREF OEM Library is for OEMs wishing to integrate XPREF functionality into their own applications

Command-Line-Interface (CLI)
The XPREF Command-Line-Interface is for OEMs wishing to integrate XPREF functionality into their own workflows