Toner Cartridge Printer System Single Pass Over Under Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner printers were unable to over print and under print in a single pass, requiring separate machines or multiple passes, which limited their functionality and efficiency in printing on darker media without color washout.
Innovation Solution
A CMYX or CMYKX color toner printer system with a raster image processor software that allows the printer to switch between over printing and under printing in a single pass by using non-standard toner cartridges, such as white or clear fluorescent, and remapping toner cartridge configurations to print layers of toner either beneath or above the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a toner printer is configured to print only standard colors (CMYK), then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the adaptability for printing on darker media without color washout is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a standard CMYK toner printer to perform both overprinting and underprinting functions through software configuration and cartridge remapping. The printer maintains its original four-color cartridge system while the RIP software dynamically reassigns color mappings to achieve underprint (white/clear beneath image) and overprint (white/clear above image) effects, allowing the device to adapt to darker media without requiring additional hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the color mapping parameters in the RIP software. By changing how the printer interprets and applies toner colors—specifically remapping the black cartridge to function as white or clear fluorescent in underprint mode, and reconfiguring color layer sequencing in overprint mode—the system achieves enhanced printing capabilities on darker media while maintaining the same physical hardware configuration.
2Productivity
If separate machines are used for under printing and over printing, then the manufacturing precision and reliability of each function is high, but the productivity decreases due to requiring multiple machines or multiple passes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of underprinting and overprinting into a single toner printer system. By integrating both capabilities through the RIP software's color remapping and layer sequencing controls, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated machines or multiple printing passes. Users can select either underprint or overprint mode within the same device, achieving both functions in a single pass while maintaining printing quality through controlled toner application sequences.
3Loss of time
If multiple passes are used to accomplish under printing and over printing, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the RIP software with remapped color profiles and layer sequencing instructions before the printing operation begins. The system prepares the color mapping transformations and toner application sequences in advance, allowing the printer to execute underprint or overprint functions in a single pass without requiring intermediate processing steps or multiple passes through the media.
Data Source
AI summary
A color toner printer system that is configured to both over print in a single pass and under print in a single pass, and that is configured to switch between over and under printing, the system comprising: a color toner printer comprising at least four toner printing cartridge slots, a front slot, a second slot, a third slot, and a rear slot, which are configured to matingly engage with at least four toner printing cartridges comprising three color toner printing cartridges and a non-standard toner printing cartridge; and a raster image processor software. The color toner printer is configured to over print when the non-standard toner printing cartridge is in said rear slot, and to under print when the non-standard toner printing cartridge is in said front slot. The RIP software is configured to (1) remap the color toner printer to reflect an actual placement of the at least four toner printing cartridges and (2) allows said color toner printer to under print in a single pass or over print in a single pass.