Inline Duplex Printing of Color Filters on Transparency Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mass production of combined media with colored transparencies requires separate printing and manual incorporation into bound works, which is labor-intensive and expensive, missing out on inline finishing benefits like stapling and binding.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for inline duplex mix-media printing that allows colored transparent media to be printed in duplex mode, enabling color filters to be integrated directly into print jobs without additional finishing or page insertion, using a modified printing device with computer code to account for front-to-back registration and print filters on both sides of transparency sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If colored transparencies are separately printed and manually incorporated into bound work, then color filtering capability is achieved, but labor cost and production time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printing of colored transparencies with the printing of regular pages into a single duplex printing process. The transparency sheet is printed on both sides within the same printing cycle, eliminating the need for separate printing operations and manual incorporation steps, thereby significantly improving production efficiency while maintaining color filtering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color filters to the transparency sheet during the printing process itself, before the sheet is inserted into the bound work. By pre-applying the color filters in advance during the printing operation, the system eliminates subsequent manual finishing steps and integrates the color filtering function into the primary production workflow
2Reliability
If colored transparencies are separately printed and manually incorporated, then color filtering is achieved, but additional finishing steps and manual labor are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the color filter application process with the regular printing process by using a duplex printing system that prints on both sides of the transparency sheet in one operation. This integration eliminates separate finishing steps such as manual color filter application, stapling, and binding, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining color filtering functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The printing device is configured to perform multiple functions within a single operation: it prints the transparency sheet, applies color filters on both sides, and prepares the sheet for insertion into bound work. This multi-functional capability reduces the number of separate operations needed and simplifies manufacturing by consolidating multiple steps into one universal printing process
3Productivity
If inline duplex printing is implemented, then production efficiency and inline finishing are improved, but device complexity and programming requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the printing device by changing operational parameters and adding computer code that enables duplex printing with color filters. The system adjusts printing parameters to accommodate transparency media, applies different color filter patterns on front and back sides, and manages registration between sides. These parameter changes enable inline duplex printing while containing complexity through programmed control rather than hardware complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the inclusion of color filters in printed output without additional labor or expense, enhancing color filtering capabilities and simplifying the integration of transparent media into mixed media print jobs, such as books.
Implementation Method 1
Color filters work the same way, absorbing certain wavelengths of color and transmitting the other wavelengths. For example, a high quality magenta filter will absorb 100% of green light while allowing other aspect of white light (i.e., the majority of red, blue) to pass.
Implementation Method 2
Printing systems known in the document reproduction arts can apply a marking material, such as ink or toner, onto a substrate such as a sheet of paper
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for inline rendering of a color filter within a print job. A program associated with a printing system can select an overhead transparency media to serve as a color filter during inline print job finishing. A duplex path and finishing for the transparency media can be enabled on the printing system by the program. A first side of the overhead transparency media can be printed on with one or more colors by the printing system by the program. A transform can be used on a second side of the overhead transparency media to correct for front to back registration and includes one or more colors printed directly underneath colors printed on the first side by the program. The transparency medium including color filters can be inserted into pages of the print job, which can be rendered in the form of a bound book.