CMYW Printer Conversion via RIP Cartridge Remapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
CMYW laser or LED printers are unable to be converted to print with black toner due to the lack of appropriate toner and drum cartridges and raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge re-mapping.
Innovation Solution
The method involves replacing one of the standard color or white toner cartridges with a black toner cartridge and using raster image processing (RIP) software to re-map the cartridges, allowing the printer to recognize and incorporate black toner into images, even when the black toner cartridge is placed in the original white slot, and optionally swapping integrated circuits to ensure correct color recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a CMYW printer uses standard color and white toner cartridges, then it can print with cyan, magenta, yellow, and white toners, but it cannot print with black toner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the CMYW printer to perform multiple functions - printing with both the original CMYW toners and black toner. This is achieved through cartridge remapping that allows the printer to recognize and utilize black toner cartridges in place of white toner cartridges, thereby expanding the printer's versatility without requiring hardware modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the logical configuration parameters of the printer through RIP software remapping. Instead of changing physical hardware parameters, the system changes the mapping parameters that define which cartridge goes to which color, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the printer's toner output capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If black toner cartridge is placed in the white slot, then the printer can use black toner, but the printer cannot recognize the correct color without remapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through the RIP software remapping process, which provides a systematic method for tracking and adjusting the mapping between physical cartridge positions and logical color outputs. The remapping configuration acts as feedback information that tells the printer how to interpret signals from cartridges in various positions, ensuring correct color assignment even when cartridges are moved or substituted
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the RIP software remapping configuration - that mediates between the physical cartridge placement and the printer's color output. This intermediary layer translates the physical arrangement of cartridges into the logical color mapping the printer needs, resolving the disconnect between physical position and color identity
3Adaptability or versatility
If RIP software remapping is implemented, then the printer can recognize black toner cartridge, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a virtual copy or representation of the cartridge mapping relationship through RIP software. Instead of modifying the physical cartridges or printer hardware, the system creates a software-based mapping model that replicates the intended color output relationships, allowing the printer to function correctly with remapped cartridges without physical changes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of converting a CMYW toner printer to a CMYK printer that prints with black toner, comprising the steps: providing a CMYW toner printer; wherein the CMYW toner printer has four starting toner printing cartridges; wherein the four starting toner printing cartridges comprise a white toner printing cartridge, a cyan toner printing cartridge, a magenta toner printing cartridge, and a yellow toner printing cartridge; removing one or more of the four starting toner printing cartridges from the CMYW toner printer, such that there are one or more empty toner cartridge slots; providing a black toner printing cartridge that are each filled with black toner; and installing the black toner printing cartridge into the one or more empty toner cartridge slots.