Toner cartridge printer devices, systems, and methods for over printing and under printing

Field of the invention

The present disclosure relates generally to toner cartridge printers that are able to both under print and over print, and more specifically, to devices, systems, and methods of providing a toner printer that can over print and under print in a single pass, and/or converting a standard toner cartridge printer to a printer that prints with white toner on under or over printing in a single pass.

Background of the invention

Before the present disclosure, toner printers were unable to over print and under print in a single pass. This is desirable because in order to accomplish both under printing and overprinting, a user would have to purchase two different machines or systems. Under printing is beneficial because it allows printing on a darker media without having the colors of the print job be washed out by the darker media. Over printing is beneficial because it allows for a heat transfer print operation to a darker media without having the colors of the print job be washed out by the darker media.

Furthermore, before the present disclosure, there existed toner printers that could under print in a single pass, and toner printers that could over print in a single pass, but there existed no machines that could over or under print in a single pass. Typically, the over print must be done after laying down the color print job, which is two passes. The under print must be done before laying down the color print job, which is also in two passes.

Thus, there is a need for device, system, and method for providing or converting a toner cartridge printer that can over or under print in a single pass. Preferably, the device, system, and method allows for a single machine or system be capable to interchange from over printing to under printing and vice-versa.

Summary of the invention

To minimize the limitations in the cited references, and to minimize other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the toner cartridge printer devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein preferably allow a user to convert a standard printer into one that prints using white, metallic gold, metallic silver, light magenta, or light cyan toner.

It is an object of the present system and method for converting a standard CMYK toner cartridge printer into a CMYX toner cartridge printer, where the X is a non-standard color, such as white, clear, metallic, security, ceramic, and/or clear fluorescent.

It is an object of the present system to overcome the limitations of the prior art.

It is an object of the present device, system, and method for converting a standard CMYK toner cartridge printer into CMYW. This conversion can be done with or without raster image processor (RIP) software. When used in conjunction with raster image processor software, the CMYW printer may be able to under print in white, print spot white, and print in black by using the CMY colors.

One embodiment may be a method of converting a standard CMYK color toner printer to a CMYW toner printer, comprising the steps: providing a standard CMYK color toner printer, comprising four toner printing cartridges: a cyan toner printing cartridge, a magenta toner printing cartridge, a yellow toner printing cartridge, and a black toner printing cartridge; wherein the black toner printing cartridge is in a first toner printing cartridge position; removing the black toner printing cartridge from the standard CMYK color toner printer, such that the first toner printing cartridge position is empty; providing a white toner printing cartridge; installing the white toner printing cartridge into the first toner printing cartridge position, such that the standard CMYK color toner printer is now a CMYW toner printer; and wherein the standard CMYK color toner printer lacks a raster imaging processor software, such that the CMYW toner printer does not distinguish the white toner printing cartridge from the black toner printing cartridge, such that the CMYW toner printer prints white rather than black. The white toner printing cartridge may comprise a printing cartridge chip that allows the CMYK color toner printer to recognize the white toner printing cartridge as an acceptable toner printing cartridge when the white toner printing cartridge is installed into the CMYK color toner printer.

Another embodiment may be a method of converting a CMYK color toner printer to a CMYX color toner printer for under print printing in a single pass, comprising the steps: providing a color toner printer with four toner printing cartridges: a cyan toner printing cartridge, a magenta toner printing cartridge, a yellow toner printing cartridge, and a black toner printing cartridge; wherein the black toner printing cartridge is in a first toner cartridge position; removing the back toner printing cartridge from the first toner cartridge position; providing a non-standard toner printing cartridge; installing the non-standard toner printing cartridge into the first toner cartridge position; providing a raster image processor software; wherein the raster image processor software is configured to remap the four toner printing cartridges of the color toner printer and allows the color toner printer to print a layer of non-standard toner under an image in a single pass; and wherein the image is printed from at least one of a cyan toner, a yellow toner, and a magenta toner. The non-standard toner printing cartridge may comprise a chip that allows the non-standard toner printing cartridge to be recognized by the color toner printer. The non-standard toner printing cartridge may be selected from the group of non-standard toner printing cartridges consisting of: white; clear; and clear fluorescent. The raster image processor software may be further configured to allow the color toner printer to spot print with the non-standard toner printing cartridge. The raster image processor software may be further configured to allow the color toner printer to print black by using, in combination, the cyan toner, the magenta toner, and the yellow toner. The raster image processor software may comprise at least one feature selected from the group of features consisting of: removing one or more colors from the image to be printed; changing one or more colors of the image; reducing an amount of toner used to print the image; reducing an amount of non-standard toner used to print under the image; increasing the amount of toner used to print the image; increasing the amount of non-standard toner used to print under the image; rasterizing the image; and providing a cost calculation for printing the image. The method may further comprise the step: printing the image, such that the image may be printed above the layer of non-standard toner in a single pass. The method may further comprise the steps: removing the non-standard toner printing cartridge from the first toner cartridge position; removing the cyan toner printing cartridge from a fourth toner cartridge position; installing the cyan toner printing cartridge into the first toner cartridge position; installing the non-standard toner printing cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position; remapping with the raster image processor software the four toner printing cartridges of the color toner printer, such that the color toner printer is configured to print a new layer of non-standard toner over a second image in a single pass; wherein the second image is printed from at least one of: a cyan toner, a yellow toner, and a magenta toner. The method may further comprise the step: printing the image, such that the image is printed beneath the layer of the non-standard toner in a single pass.

Another embodiment may be a method of converting a CMYK color toner printer to a CMYX color toner printer for over print printing in a single pass, comprising the steps: providing a color toner printer, comprising four toner printing cartridges: a cyan toner printing cartridge, a magenta toner printing cartridge, a yellow toner printing cartridge, and a black toner printing cartridge; removing the black toner printing cartridge from a first toner cartridge position; removing the cyan toner printing cartridge from a fourth toner cartridge position; providing a non-standard toner printing cartridge; installing the cyan toner printing cartridge into the first toner cartridge position; installing the non-standard toner printing cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position; providing a raster image processor software; wherein the raster image processor software is configured to remap the four toner printing cartridges of the color toner printer and allows the color toner printer to print a layer of non-standard toner over an image in a single pass; wherein the image is printed from at least one of: a cyan toner, a yellow toner, and a magenta toner. The non-standard toner printing cartridge may comprise a chip that allows the color toner printer to recognize the non-standard toner printing cartridge. The non-standard toner printing cartridge may be selected from the group of non-standard toner printing cartridges consisting of: white; clear; and clear fluorescent. The raster image processor software may be further configured to allow the color toner printer to spot print with the non-standard toner printing cartridge. The raster image processor software may be further configured to allow the color toner printer to print black by using, in combination, the cyan toner, the magenta toner, and the yellow toner. The raster image processor software may be further configured to comprise at least one of the features selected from the group of features consisting of: removing one or more colors from the image to be printed; changing one or more colors in the image; reducing an amount of toner used to print the image; reducing an amount of non-standard toner used to print under the image; increasing the amount of toner used to print the image; increasing the amount of non-standard toner used to print over the image; rasterizing the image; and providing a cost calculation for printing the image. The method may further comprise the step: printing the second image, such that the second image is printed beneath the new layer of non-standard toner in a single pass. The method may further comprise the steps: removing the non-standard toner printing cartridge from the fourth toner cartridge position; removing the cyan toner printing cartridge from the first toner cartridge position; installing the non-standard toner printing cartridge into the first toner cartridge position; installing the cyan toner printing cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position; remapping with the raster image processor software the four toner printing cartridges of the color toner printer, such that the color toner printer is configured to print a new layer of non-standard toner under a second image in a single pass; wherein the second image is printed from at least one of: a cyan toner, a yellow toner, and a magenta toner. The method may further comprise the step: printing the second image, such that the second image is printed above of the new layer of non-standard toner in a single pass.

Other features and advantages inherent in the system and method for converting a standard toner cartridge printer into white, metallic, fluorescent, or light toner printer claimed and disclosed will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

The drawings

The drawings are of illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details which may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be practiced with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps, which are illustrated. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or like components or steps. <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li><figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYK printer to a CMYW printer.</li><li><figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYK printer to a CMYX printer for under printing in one pass.</li><li><figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYK printer to a CMYX printer for over printing in one pass.</li><li><figref idref="f0004">FIG. 4</figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYX printer configured to under print to a CMYX printer configured to over print.</li><li><figref idref="f0005">FIG. 5</figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYX printer configured to over print to a CMYX printer configured to under print.</li><li><figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> is an illustration of a screen capture of the RIP software and shows the user selecting the user selecting between the over print printing and under print printing configurations.</li><li><figref idref="f0007">FIG. 7</figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen of the RIP software, wherein image has been loaded.</li><li><figref idref="f0008">FIG. 8</figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen of the RIP software, wherein a color correction is being made.</li><li><figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen of the RIP software, wherein a color correction has been made.</li><li><figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen of the RIP software, wherein the under or over print toner printing may be manipulated.</li><li><figref idref="f0011">FIG. 11</figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen of the RIP software, wherein there is a high amount of under filing.</li><li><figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref> shows the rasterization zoom screen.</li><li><figref idref="f0014">FIG. 14</figref> is an illustration of a cost calculation screen.</li><li><figref idref="f0015">FIG. 15</figref> is an illustration of a cost calculation summary screen.</li></ul>

Detailed description

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of one or more embodiments. However, these embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of protection. Accordingly, the screen shots, figures, and the detailed descriptions thereof, are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection.

The present specification discloses systems and methods for converting a toner cartridge printer to a white, metallic, fluorescent, or light toner printer. The methods and systems for converting a toner cartridge printer to a white, metallic, fluorescent, or light toner printer preferably require no special or dedicated printer drivers.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments. For purposes of the specification, unless otherwise specified, the term "printing cartridge(s)" generally refers to a toner cartridge, a laser toner cartridge, a LED toner cartridge, a drum cartridge, and/or a combined toner and drum cartridge.

As used herein, the term "toner" generally refers to a powder, particulate, or dry ink that is used in laser printers, printers, and printing machines to form the printed text and images on the medium being printed. Generally, toner particles are melted by the heat of a fuser, and bound to the media.

Regarding a CMYW printer, the letter "W" preferably stands for white but may also be refer to a non-standard toner or toner color, such as white, clear, clear fluorescent, metallic, ceramic, and/or security.

Regarding a CMYX printer, the letter "X" may refer to a non-standard color, such as white, clear, clear fluorescent, metallic, ceramic, and/or security.

<figref idref="f0001"><b>FIG. 1</b></figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYK printer to a CMYW printer. As shown in <figref idref="f0001">FIG. 1</figref>, the first step of the method <b>100</b> may be providing a standard CMYK color toner printer, which may comprise four toner printing cartridges: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black <b>105.</b> This method is generally applicable with printers that (1) have printing cartridges that are dual drums and toner cartridges or (2) have separate drum and toner cartridges for each color. If used with printers having separate cartridges, then both cartridges may be removed and/or replaced. Typically, the black toner printing cartridge may be in the first position <b>110,</b> and may later be removed <b>112.</b> The black toner printing cartridge may be (1) reserved for later swapping back into the printer, (2) refilled for later use, (3) recycled (if completely empty), and/or (4) cleaned and filled with a different color and then used. The next step <b>115</b> may be providing a white toner printing cartridge. This cartridge may comprise a cartridge chip that allows the printer to recognize the white toner printing cartridge as an acceptable cartridge after installed into the first cartridge position <b>120.</b> Preferably, the printer recognizes the white toner printing cartridge as black. Thus, because no raster image processor software is used when printing, the now converted CMYK toner printer preferably prints white in areas where black is to be printed.

<figref idref="f0002"><b>FIG. 2</b></figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYK printer to a CMYX printer for under printing in one pass. The first step of method <b>200</b> may be providing a CMYK toner printer with four toner printing cartridges: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black <b>205,</b> wherein black may be in a first toner cartridge position <b>210;</b> removing the back toner printing cartridge <b>215;</b> providing a non-standard (X) toner printing cartridge with an appropriate chip, wherein the chip allows the non-standard toner printing cartridge to be recognized by the CMYK toner printer <b>220;</b> installing the non-standard toner printing cartridge into the first toner cartridge position in the printer <b>225;</b> and providing raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge remapping and layered printing ability <b>230,</b> wherein, the combination of the non-standard toner printing cartridge being in the first position and the programming of the RIP software may allow the user to print a layer of non-standard toner under the other colors of the image in a single pass <b>235.</b> The RIP software may: (1) allow the printer to recognize the non-standard toner printing cartridge and may specifically incorporate that toner into the image; (2) allow black to be printed using 1/3 cyan, 1/3 magenta, and 1/3 yellow; (3) remove colors from the image so that the colors are not printed; (4) change one or more colors in the image so that another color prints in its place; (5) removing, reducing, or increasing the non-standard color under print; (6) rasterization; (7) cost calculations; (8) image layout customization <b>240.</b> The non-standard toner printing cartridges may be selected from the group of non-standard toner printing cartridges consisting of: white; clear; clear fluorescent; metallic, ceramic, and security <b>240.</b>

<figref idref="f0003"><b>FIG. 3</b></figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYK printer to a CMYX printer for over printing in a single pass. The method <b>300</b> may comprise the steps: providing a CMYK printer with four printing cartridges: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black <b>305;</b> removing the black (or first) toner printing cartridge from the printer (the first toner cartridge position) and removing the cyan (or fourth) toner printing cartridge from the printer (the fourth toner cartridge position) <b>310;</b> providing a non-standard toner printing cartridge with the appropriate chip <b>315;</b> installing the non-standard toner printing cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position in the printer <b>320;</b> installing the cyan toner printing cartridge into the first toner cartridge position in the printer where the black toner printing cartridge was originally installed (this may be the same removed cyan toner printing cartridge or a new one <b>325</b>); and providing raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge remapping and layered printing ability <b>330.</b> Preferably, the combination of the non-standard toner printing cartridge being in the fourth position and the programming of the RIP software may allow the user to print a layer of non-standard toner over the other colors of the image in a single pass <b>335.</b> The RIP software may: (1) allow the printer to recognize the non-standard toner printing cartridge and may specifically incorporate that toner into the image; (2) allow black to be printed using 1/3 cyan, 1/3 magenta, and 1/3 yellow; (3) remove colors from the image so they are not printed; (4) change one or more colors in the image so that another color prints in its place; (5) removing, reducing, or increasing the non-standard color over print; (6) rasterization; (7) cost calculations; (8) image layout customization <b>340.</b> Preferably, the non-standard toner printing cartridges are selected from the group of non-standard toner printing cartridges consisting of: white; clear; clear fluorescent; metallic, ceramic, and security <b>345.</b> Using the over print printing job as part of a heat transfer <b>355.</b>

<figref idref="f0004"><b>FIG. 4</b></figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYX printer configured to under print to a CMYX printer configured to over print. The method <b>400</b> may begin with the first step of converting a CMYK toner printer to a CMYX printer for under printing in a single pass in accordance with method detailed in <figref idref="f0002">FIG. 2</figref><b>401.</b> To show that the printer is appropriately converted, the method <b>400</b> may comprise the step of printing a print job comprising a layer of non-standard toner beneath the other colors of the image in a single pass <b>405.</b> The remainder of the steps may comprise: removing the non-standard toner printing cartridge from the first toner cartridge position and removing the cyan toner printing cartridge from the fourth toner cartridge position <b>407;</b> installing the cyan toner printing cartridge into the first toner cartridge position and installing the non-standard toner printing cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position <b>409;</b> providing raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge remapping and layered printing ability <b>411;</b> and printing a print job comprising a layer of non-standard toner over the other colors of the image in a single pass <b>413.</b>

<figref idref="f0005"><b>FIG. 5</b></figref> is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method of converting a CMYX printer configured to over print to a CMYX printer configured to under print. The method <b>500</b> may comprise the steps of: converting a CMYK toner printer to a CMYX printer for over printing in a single pass in accordance with method detailed in <figref idref="f0003">FIG. 3</figref><b>501;</b> printing a print job comprising a layer of non-standard toner over the other colors of the image in a single pass <b>505;</b> removing the non-standard toner printing cartridge from the fourth toner cartridge position and removing the cyan toner printing cartridge from the first toner cartridge position <b>507;</b> installing the cyan toner printing cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position and installing the non-standard toner printing cartridge into the first toner cartridge position <b>509;</b> providing raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge remapping and layered printing ability <b>511;</b> and printing a print job, comprising a layer of non-standard toner beneath the other colors of the image in a single pass.

<figref idref="f0006"><b>FIG. 6</b></figref> is an illustration of a screen capture of the RIP software and shows the user selecting between the over print printing and under print printing configurations. Preferably, the user first physically arranges the toner printing cartridges in the printer for the ability to over print or under print in a non-standard toner. As shown in <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref>, one embodiment of the screen RIP software may comprise a selection screen <b>600,</b> which may allow the user to select the over or under print configurations. <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> shows that the non-standard toner may be white or clear, and if under print printing (or underprinting), the white toner may be in the first toner cartridge position <b>601.</b> If over print printing (or overprinting), the white or clear toner may be in the fourth or last toner cartridge position <b>602.</b> The RIP software may be configured to run on a computer that interfaces with the toner printer via wire or wireless connection. Once the user selects over printing <b>602</b> or under printing <b>601,</b> the RIP software has effectively remapped the printer so that the printer recognizes that the user has installed a non-standard toner cartridge and the printer can print using this non-standard color.

The RIP software may allow printer to spot print with the non-standard color installed in either the first or fourth position. Selecting a white under print may be beneficial if the media being printed on is clear or if white would improve the contrast.

When the white or non-standard toner is in the first toner cartridge position the white toner prints first on the substrate, paper, or other media with which the printer engages and prints on. The RIP software controls the printer and allows the printer to first put down a layer of white, upon which the other colors may print on top of contemporaneously. In this manner the image to be printed is printed with an under layer of white all in only a single pass of the printer.

When the white or non-standard toner is in the fourth toner cartridge position, the white toner may print last on the substrate, paper, or other media with which the printer engages and prints on. The RIP software may allow the printer to first put down the color image and then contemporaneously put a layer of white on top of the color layer all in a single pass of the printer.

<figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> also shows how the printer, after first under print printing, may then be reconfigured to over print with a non-standard toner. <figref idref="f0006">FIG. 6</figref> also shows how the printer, after first over print printing, may then be reconfigured to under print with a non-standard toner. Prior to the present disclosure, no printer has ever been able to be configured to print using both methods.

Although the printer, as configured to print for over print or under print printing, does not have a black toner cartridge, the RIP software may allow black to be printed by using 1/3 cyan, 1/3 magenta, and 1/3 yellow. In this manner, the user preferably does not lose functionality of printing black. Indeed, the RIP software is programed with standard color profiles of the International Color Consortium, which allows the printer to utilize the standard and non-standard toner printing cartridges to make any color required for the printing job.

Other features that of the RIP software may include: removing colors from the image so they are not printed; changing or one or more colors in the image so that another color prints in its place (swapping); removing, reducing, or increasing the non-standard color over/under print; rasterization; cost calculations; and image layout customization.

<figref idref="f0007"><b>FIG. 7</b></figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen <b>700</b> of the RIP software, wherein image <b>705</b> has been loaded. The user may use the controls <b>710</b> to manipulate the colors and toner usage of the image.

<figref idref="f0008"><b>FIG. 8</b></figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen <b>700</b> of the RIP software, wherein a color correction is being made. The user may bring up color correction screen <b>720</b> in order to change the yellow parts of image <b>705</b> from yellow to blue. The correction screen <b>720</b> may allow the user to manipulate precisely which colors to change, what the new color will be, and preview the color change.

<figref idref="f0009"><b>FIG. 9</b></figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen <b>700</b> of the RIP software, wherein a color correction has been made. <figref idref="f0009">FIG. 9</figref> shows that the beak and fee of bird image <b>705</b> are not blue, not yellow. The chart <b>740</b> shows the colors that have been changed on the image <b>705.</b> When printed, those parts will now preferably print in blue. Any color may be swapped for another color and the colors may be switched back. The RIP software may also allow for simple changes in brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, CMYK levels, remove unwanted colors, and to change the background color to see what images looks like on a particular substrate. This also makes it easier to visualize what the image will look like after transference.

An unwanted color might be one that is the same color as the substrate to be printed on. For example, if the printing of image <b>705</b> was on a black background, the black pupils of the bird's eye can be removed, so that the pupils do not print at all. The pupils may remain black and visible on the final printout because the substrate on which the image is printed on is black.

<figref idref="f0010"><b>FIG. 10</b></figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen <b>700</b> of the RIP software, wherein the under or over print toner printing may be manipulated. <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> shows that the spot channel fill-up screen <b>1000</b> may allow the user to set the amount of under or over printing of the non-standard toner. <figref idref="f0010">FIG. 10</figref> shows a low amount of underfilling <b>1002.</b>

<figref idref="f0011"><b>FIG. 11</b></figref> shows the graphical user interface color management screen <b>700</b> of the RIP software, wherein there is a high amount of underfilling. The channel fill-up screen <b>1000</b> may allow the user to set a high amount of underfilling <b>1003.</b> The higher the amount of non-standard toner used, the greater the foot print and the more visible the non-standard toner will be. A lot of white under print may create a halo of white around the image, whereas a low amount of white under print may make the under file not visible on the image.

<figref idref="f0012"><b>FIG. 12</b></figref> shows the final print set-up screen <b>1200</b> of the RIP software. The screening portion <b>1202</b> of the screen <b>1200</b> allows the user to Rasterize the image, which allows the user to print the image with a plurality of holes covering a specific percentage of the image.

<figref idref="f0013"><b>FIG. 13</b></figref> shows the rasterization zoom screen <b>1300.</b><figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref> shows a magnified image that allows the user to see how the holes <b>1301</b> will print on the image. <figref idref="f0013">FIG. 13</figref> also shows that the black pupils <b>1302</b> will not print because black was removed as a color. The pupils <b>1302,</b> however, may be shown because the substrate will be black. The RIP Software may also have a mass screening function that removes dark colors when printing on a dark garment. The screening and rasterization functions may save money, soften the substrate, and improve washability and durability.

<figref idref="f0014"><b>FIG. 14</b></figref> is an illustration of a cost calculation screen. Here, the user may input the costs of each part of the printing process in screen <b>1400,</b> set the print job, and get a cost calculation summary <b>1500.</b>

<figref idref="f0015"><b>FIG. 15</b></figref> is an illustration of a cost calculation summary screen <b>1500.</b><figref idref="f0015">FIG. 15</figref> shows that the cost calculation summary screen provides the user with a cost per print for the print job that was set up.

The RIP Software may have other layout functions, including combining multiple print jobs to optimize the use of a particular substrate and reduce the amount of remnants of substrate after the print job. This is important for lowering the costs of the print job, especially when using a transfer substrate.

One type of transfer substrate is a plastic heat transfer plastic. When an image is printed on the heat transfer substrate an over print of white may be printed. In this manner, when the heat transfer process is completed the final image has an under layer of white on the substrate to which the image has been transferred. When a heat transfer print job is done, the final print set-up screen <b>1200</b> may have a mirror image selection option. This way the image is as desired after being transferred.

Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations, and other specifications, which set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range, which is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above detailed description, which shows and describes the illustrative embodiments. As will be realized, these embodiments are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Also, although not explicitly recited, one or more additional embodiments may be practiced in combination or conjunction with one another. Furthermore, the reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims that are appended hereto.

Except as stated immediately above, nothing which has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to cause a dedication of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether it is or is not recited in the claims.