How to automatically convert a PPT file that has linked images to one that has these images embedded

We have an application written in Java that exports PNG files. These PNG files are then imported into Powerpoint. This is done using Insert-Picture, Link to file techique. Net, our PPT files have a bunch of dynamic links in them.

We'd like to be able to have these files exported, and then run some sort of utility (via Java) that will automatically convert the Powerpoint PPT file into a file that has the images imbedded. This is necessary so that the PPT file can be emailed to users without having to send out all the PNG files also.

I did find the Powerpoint add-in tool that runs thru your PPT application and embeds the links... I just can't figure out how to automatically do this without manually going into Powerpoint.

Any thoughts? Any other approaches to accomplish the same thing? Thanks in advance..