ES2948771T3 - Convert an underprint color toner printer with non-standard toner to an overprint color toner printer - Google Patents

Abstract

A method to convert single pass printing with a CMYX printer to single pass printing with a CMYX printer. The method comprises printing under printing a layer of non-standard toner under an image in a single pass, removing the non-standard toner print cartridge from said first toner cartridge position; remove the cyan toner print cartridge from a fourth toner cartridge position and install it in the position of the first toner cartridge; install the non-standard toner print cartridge into the fourth position of the toner cartridge; reassigning with raster image processor software the four toner print cartridges of said color toner printer; and overprinting by printing a layer of non-standard toner over an image in a single pass. Furthermore, a single-pass under-printing CMYX printer system convertible to a single-pass over-printing CMYX printer system is described. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Convert an underprint color toner printer with non-standard toner to an overprint color toner printer

field of invention

The present disclosure relates generally to toner cartridge printers that are capable of both underprinting and overprinting and, more specifically, to devices, systems and methods for providing a toner printer that can overprint and underprint in a single pass, and/or convert a standard toner cartridge printer to a printer that prints with white toner with underprinting or overprinting in a single pass.

Background of the invention

Prior to the present disclosure, toner printers could not overprint or underprint in a single pass. This is desirable because in order to achieve both underprinting and overprinting, a user would have to purchase two different machines or systems. Subprinting is beneficial because it allows you to print on darker media without the colors of the print job fading on the darker media. Overprinting is beneficial because it allows a heat transfer printing operation to a darker media without the colors of the print job fading on the darker media.

On the other hand, before the present disclosure, there were toner printers that could underprint in a single pass and toner printers that could overprint in a single pass, but there were no machines that could overprint or underprint in a single pass. Typically, overprinting must be done after placing the color print job, which is two passes. Subprinting must be done before placing the color print job, which is also done in two passes.

Therefore, there is a need for a device, system and method for providing or converting a toner cartridge printer that can overprint or underprint in a single pass. Preferably, the device, system and method allows a single machine or system to be capable of switching from overprinting to underprinting and vice versa.

US 9383684 B1 relates to a method and system for converting a toner cartridge printer to a white toner printer.

US 2014/037307 A1 relates to determining the toner colors to be combined to form a target color at a location in a receiver.

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 devices, systems and methods of a toner cartridge printer disclosed herein preferably allow the user to convert a standard printer into one that prints using white, metallic gold, metallic silver, light magenta, or light cyan toner.

An object of the present system and method is to convert a standard CMYK toner cartridge printer to a CMYX toner cartridge printer, where the X is a non-standard color, such as white, clear, metallic, security, ceramic and/or transparent fluorescent.

An object of the present system is to overcome the limitations of the prior art. The invention is defined by the attached claims.

An object not according to the claims is a device, system and method for converting a standard CMYK toner cartridge printer to CMYW. This conversion can be done with or without raster image processor (RIP) software. When used in conjunction with raster image processing software, the CMYW printer may be able to underprint in white, spot print in white, and print in black using CMY colors.

An example not according to the claims may be a method for converting a CMYK color toner printer to a CMYX color toner printer for single-pass underprint printing, comprising the steps: providing a color toner printer with four toner print cartridges; one cyan toner print cartridge, one magenta toner print cartridge, one yellow toner print cartridge, and one black toner print cartridge; wherein the black toner print cartridge is in a first toner cartridge position; removing the black toner print cartridge from the first toner cartridge position; provide non-standard toner print cartridge; install non-standard toner print cartridge in the first toner cartridge position; provide raster image processing software; wherein the raster image processor software is configured to remap the four toner print cartridges of the color toner printer and allow the color toner printer to print a non-standard toner layer beneath 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 print cartridge may comprise a chip that allows the color toner printer to recognize the non-standard toner print cartridge. The non-standard toner print cartridge can be selected from the non-standard toner print cartridge group consisting of: white; transparent; and transparent fluorescent. The raster image processing software can further be configured to allow the color toner printer to spot print with the non-standard toner print cartridge. The raster image processing software can further be configured to allow the color toner printer to print in black using, in combination, cyan toner, magenta toner, and 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; change one or more colors of the image; reduce an amount of toner used to print the image; reduce a non-standard amount of toner used for printing under the image; increase the amount of toner used to print the image; increase the amount of non-standard toner used to print below the image; rasterize the image; and provide a cost estimate for printing the image. The method may further comprise the step: printing the image, so that the image can be printed on the non-standard toner layer in a single pass. The method may further comprise the steps: removing the non-standard toner print cartridge from the first toner cartridge position; removing the cyan toner print cartridge from a fourth toner cartridge position; install the cyan toner print cartridge into the first toner cartridge position; Install the non-standard toner print cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position; reassign with the raster image processor software the four toner print cartridges of the color toner printer, so 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, so that the image is printed under the layer of the non-standard toner in a single pass.

Another example not according to the claims may be a method for converting a CMYK color toner printer to a CMYX color toner printer for single pass overprint printing, comprising the steps: providing a color toner printer, comprising four toner print cartridges: a cyan toner print cartridge, a magenta toner print cartridge, a yellow toner print cartridge and a black toner print cartridge; removing the black toner print cartridge from a first toner cartridge position; removing the cyan toner print cartridge from a fourth toner cartridge position; provide non-standard toner print cartridge; install the cyan toner print cartridge into the first toner cartridge position; Install the non-standard toner print cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position; provide raster image processing software; wherein the raster image processor software is configured to remap the four toner print cartridges of the color toner printer and allow 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 print cartridge may comprise a chip that allows the color toner printer to recognize the non-standard toner print cartridge. The non-standard toner print cartridge can be selected from the non-standard toner print cartridge group consisting of: white; transparent; and transparent fluorescent. The raster image processing software can further be configured to allow the color toner printer to spot print with the non-standard toner print cartridge. The raster image processing software can further be configured to allow the color toner printer to print in black using, in combination, cyan toner, magenta toner, and yellow toner. The raster image processor software may further be 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; change one or more colors in the image; reduce an amount of toner used to print the image; reduce a non-standard amount of toner used for printing under the image; increase the amount of toner used to print the image; increase the amount of non-standard toner used to print on the image; rasterize the image; and provide a cost estimate for printing the image. The method may further comprise the step: printing the second image, such that the second image is printed under the new layer of non-standard toner in a single pass. The method may further comprise the steps: removing the non-standard toner print cartridge from the fourth toner cartridge position; removing the cyan toner print cartridge from the first toner cartridge position; install the non-standard toner print cartridge into the first toner cartridge position; Install the cyan toner print cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position; Reassign with the raster image processor software the four toner print cartridges of the color toner printer, so 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, so that the second image is printed on the new layer of non-standard toner in a single pass.

Another aspect not according to the claims may be a method of converting a standard CMYK color toner printer into a CMYW toner printer, comprising the steps: providing a standard CMYK color toner printer, comprising four toner printing cartridges ; one cyan toner print cartridge, one magenta toner print cartridge, one yellow toner print cartridge, and one black toner print cartridge; wherein the black toner print cartridge is in a first toner print cartridge position; remove the black toner print cartridge from the standard CMYK color toner printer, so that the first toner print cartridge position is empty; provide a white toner print cartridge; install the white toner print cartridge into the first toner print cartridge position, so that the standard CMYK color toner printer is now a CMYW toner printer, and where the standard CMYK color toner printer lacks of a raster image processor software, so the CMYW toner printer does not distinguish the white toner print cartridge from the black toner print cartridge, so the CMYW toner printer prints white instead of black. The white toner print cartridge may comprise a print cartridge chip that allows the CMYK color toner printer to recognize the white toner print cartridge as an acceptable toner print cartridge when the white toner print cartridge is installs CMYK color toner on the printer.

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

The drawings are illustrative embodiments. They do not illustrate all embodiments. Other embodiments may be used in addition or instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omitted to save space or for more effective illustration. Some embodiments may be implemented with additional components or steps and/or without all of the components or steps illustrated. When the same number appears in different drawings, it refers to the same or similar components or steps.

FIG. 1 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYK printer to a CMYW printer.

FIG. 2 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYK printer to a CMYX printer for subprinting in one pass.

FIG. 3 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYK printer to a CMYX printer for overprinting in one pass.

FIG. 4 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYX printer configured for underprinting to a CMYX printer configured for overprinting.

FIG. 5 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYX printer configured for overprinting to a CMYX printer configured for underprinting.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a screenshot of the RIP software and shows the user selecting between the overprint and underprint settings.

FIG. 7 shows the color management screen of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where the image has been loaded.

FIG. 8 shows the color management screen of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where a color correction is being performed.

FIG. 9 shows the color management screen of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where a color correction has been performed.

FIG. 10 shows the color management screen of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where toner printing by underprinting or overprinting can be manipulated.

FIG. 11 shows the color management screen of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where there is a large amount of underfill.

FIG. 13 shows the rasterization zoom screen.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a cost calculation screen.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a cost calculation summary screen.

Detailed description

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

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. As will be understood, these implementations are susceptible to modifications in various obvious aspects, all without deviating from the spirit and scope of the protection. Consequently, screenshots, figures and detailed descriptions thereof should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in nature. Likewise, reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be construed as a limitation of the scope of protection.

This specification discloses systems and methods for converting a toner cartridge printer to a white, metallic, fluorescent or clear toner printer. Methods and systems for converting a toner cartridge printer to a white, metallic, fluorescent or clear toner printer preferably do not require special or dedicated printer drivers.

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

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 printed text and images on the media being printed. printing. Generally, toner particles are melted by the heat of a fuser and bonded to the media.

With respect to a CMYW printer, the letter “W” preferably means white, but may also refer to a non-standard toner or toner color, such as white, transparent, transparent fluorescent, metallic, ceramic and/or security.

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

FIG. 1 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYK printer to a CMYW printer. As shown in FIG. 1, the first stage of method 100 may provide a standard CMYK color toner printer, which may comprise four toner printing cartridges: cyan, magenta, yellow and black 105 . This method is generally applicable to printers that (1) have print cartridges that are dual drums and toner cartridges or (2) have separate drums and toner cartridges for each color. If used with printers that have separate cartridges, then both cartridges can be removed and/or replaced. Typically, the black toner print cartridge may be in the first position 110 , and then may be removed 112 . The black toner print cartridge can be (1) reserved to be put back into the printer later, (2) refilled for later use, (3) recycled (if completely empty), and/or (4) cleaned and fill with a different color and then use. The next step 115 may provide a white toner print cartridge. This cartridge may comprise a cartridge chip that allows the printer to recognize the white toner print cartridge as an acceptable cartridge after installing it in the first cartridge position 120 . Preferably, the printer recognizes the white toner print cartridge as black. Therefore, because no raster image processing software is used when printing, the converted CMYK toner printer now preferentially prints white in areas where it should print black.

FIG. 2 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYK printer to a CMYX printer for subprinting in one pass. The first step of method 200 may be to provide a CMYK toner printer with four toner print cartridges: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black 205 , where black may be in a first toner cartridge position 210 ; remove the black toner print cartridge 215 ; providing a non-standard toner print cartridge (X) with an appropriate chip, wherein the chip allows the CMYK toner printer 220 to recognize the non-standard toner print cartridge; install the non-standard toner print cartridge into the first toner cartridge position on the printer 225 ; and providing raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge remapping and layered printing capability 230 , wherein, the combination of the non-standard toner print cartridge being in the first position and the programming of the RIP software can allow the user to print a layer of non-standard toner beneath the other colors of the image in a single pass 235 . The RIP software may: (1) allow the printer to recognize non-standard toner print cartridge and may specifically incorporate that toner into the image; (2) allow it to print in black using 1/3 cyan, 1/3 magenta, and 1/3 yellow; (3) remove colors from the image so that the colors do not print; (4) change one or more colors in the image so that another color is print instead; (5) eliminate, reduce or increase subprinting of non-standard color; (6) rasterization; (7) cost calculations; (8) 240 customization of the image layout. Non-standard toner print cartridges can be selected from the non-standard toner print cartridge group consisting of: white; transparent; transparent fluorescent; metallic, ceramic and security 240 .

FIG. 3 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYK printer to a CMYX printer for overprinting in a single pass. The method 300 may comprise the following steps: providing a CMYK printer with four print cartridges: cyan, magenta, yellow and black 305 ; remove the black (or first) toner print cartridge from the printer (the first toner cartridge position) and remove the (or fourth) cyan toner print cartridge from the printer (the fourth toner cartridge position) 310 ; provide a non-standard toner print cartridge with the appropriate chip 315 ; Install the non-standard toner print cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position on the 320 printer; install the cyan toner print cartridge in the first toner cartridge position in the printer where the black toner print cartridge was originally installed (it can be the same removed cyan toner print cartridge or a new one 325 ); and provide raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge remapping and layered printing capability 330 . Preferably, the combination of the non-standard toner print cartridge being in the fourth position and programming of the RIP software can allow the user to print a layer of non-standard toner over the other colors of the image in a single pass 335 . The RIP software may: (1) allow the printer to recognize non-standard toner print cartridge and may specifically incorporate that toner into the image; (2) allow it to print in black using 1/3 cyan, 1/3 magenta, and 1/3 yellow; (3) remove colors from the image so that they do not print; (4) change one or more colors in the image so that another color is printed in its place; (5) eliminate, reduce or increase non-standard color overprint; (6) rasterization; (7) cost calculations; (8) 340 customization of the image layout. Preferably, the non-standard toner print cartridges are selected from the group of non-standard toner print cartridges consisting of: white; transparent; transparent fluorescent; metallic, ceramic and security 345 . Using the Overprint Print Job as Part of a Heat Transfer 355 .

FIG. 4 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYX printer configured for underprinting to a CMYX printer configured for overprinting. Method 400 may begin with the first step of converting a CMYK toner printer to a CMYX printer for single pass sub-printing according to the method detailed in FIG. 2 401 . To show that the printer is correctly converted, the method 400 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 405 . The remainder of the steps may comprise: removing the non-standard toner print cartridge from the first toner cartridge position and removing the cyan toner print cartridge from the fourth toner cartridge position 407 ; installing the cyan toner print cartridge into the first toner cartridge position and installing the non-standard toner print cartridge into the fourth toner cartridge position 409 ; provide raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge remapping and layered printing capability 411 ; and printing a print job comprising a layer of non-standard toner over the other colors of the image in a single pass 413 .

FIG. 5 is a flow block diagram of one embodiment of the method for converting a CMYX printer configured for overprinting to a CMYX printer configured for underprinting. Method 500 may comprise the steps of: converting a CMYK toner printer to a CMYX printer for overprinting in a single pass according to the method detailed in FIG. 3 501 ; print a print job comprising a layer of non-standard toner over the other colors of the image in a single pass 505 ; remove the non-standard toner print cartridge from the fourth toner cartridge position and remove the cyan toner print cartridge from the first toner cartridge position 507 ; install the cyan toner print cartridge into the fourth position of the toner cartridge and install the non-standard toner print cartridge into the fourth position of the 509 toner cartridge; provide raster image processor (RIP) software for cartridge remapping and layered printing capability 511 ; and printing a print job, comprising a layer of non-standard toner beneath the other colors of the image in a single pass.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a screenshot of the RIP software and shows the user selecting between overprint and underprint settings. Preferably, the user first physically has the toner print cartridges in the printer to be able to overprint or underprint with non-standard toner. As shown in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the screen RIP software comprises a selection screen 600 , which may allow the user to select overprint or underprint settings. FIG. 6 shows that the non-standard toner can be white or transparent, and if there is underprint printing (or underprint), the white toner can be in the first position of the toner cartridge 601. In case of overprint printing (or overprint) , the white or clear toner may be in the fourth or last position of toner cartridge 602 . The RIP software can be configured to run on a computer that interacts with the toner printer via a wired or wireless connection. Once the user selects overprint 602 or underprint 601 , the RIP software 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 the printer to spot print with the non-standard color installed in the first or fourth position. Selecting a white subprint may be beneficial if the media being printed is transparent or if white would improve contrast.

When white or non-standard toner is in the first toner cartridge position, the white toner is printed first on the substrate, paper, or other media to which the printer connects and prints. The RIP software controls the printer and allows the printer to place a layer of white first, on which the other colors can be printed at the same time. In this way, the image to be printed is printed with an undercoat of white, all in a single pass of the printer.

When white or non-standard toner is in the fourth toner cartridge position, the white toner is printed last on the substrate, paper, or other media to which the printer connects and prints. RIP software can allow the printer to first place the color image and at the same time then place a layer of white on top of the color layer, all in a single pass of the printer.

FIG. 6 also shows how the printer, after the first underprint, can then be reconfigured to overprint with a non-standard toner. FIG. 6 also shows how the printer, after the first overprint, can then be reconfigured to underprint 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, configured to print an overprint or underprint, does not have a black toner cartridge, the RIP software can allow it to print in black using 1/3 cyan, 1/3 magenta, and 1/3 yellow . This way, the user preferably does not lose the functionality of printing in black. In fact, the RIP software is programmed with standard color profiles from the International Color Consortium, allowing the printer to use standard and non-standard toner print cartridges to make any color required for the print job.

Other features of RIP software may include: removing colors from the image so that they are not printed; change one or more colors in the image so that another color is printed in its place (swap); eliminate, reduce or increase overprinting/underprinting of non-standard color; rasterization; cost calculations; and image layout customization.

FIG. 7 shows the color management screen 700 of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where the image 705 has been loaded. The user can use the controls 710 to manipulate the colors and toner usage of the image.

FIG. 8 shows the color management screen 700 of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where a color correction is being performed. The user can open the color correction screen 720 to change the yellow parts of the image 705 from yellow to blue. The correction screen 720 may allow the user to precisely manipulate which colors to change, what the new color will be, and preview the color change.

FIG. 9 shows the color management screen 700 of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where a color correction has been performed. FIG. 9 shows that the beak and share of the bird image 705 are neither blue nor yellow. Chart 740 shows the colors that have been changed in image 705 . When printed, those parts will now preferably print in blue. Any color can be exchanged for another color and colors can be exchanged again. RIP software can also allow simple changes to brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, CMYK levels, remove unwanted colors, and change the background color to see how images look on a particular substrate. This also makes it easier to see what the image will look like after the transfer.

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

FIG. 10 shows the color management screen 700 of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where toner printing by underprinting or overprinting can be manipulated. FIG. 10 shows that the localized channel fill screen 1000 can allow the user to set the amount of underprint or overprint of non-standard toner. FIG. 10 shows a low amount of underfill 1002 .

FIG. 11 shows the color management screen 700 of the graphical user interface of the RIP software, where there is a large amount of underfill. The channel fill screen 1000 may allow the user to set a large amount of underfill 1003 . The greater the amount of non-standard toner used, the larger the footprint and the more visible the non-standard toner will be. A large amount of white subprint can create a halo of white around the image, while a low amount of white underfill may cause the underfill not to be visible in the image.

FIG. 12 shows the final print configuration screen 1200 of the RIP software. The dithering portion 1202 of the screen 1200 allows the user to rasterize the image, which allows the user to print the image with a plurality of holes that cover a specific percentage of the image.

FIG. 13 shows the rasterization zoom screen 1300 . FIG. 13 shows an enlarged image that allows the user to see how the gaps 1301 will print on the image. FIG. 13 also shows that black 1302 pupils will not be printed because black was removed as a color. The pupils 1302 , however, may be shown because the substrate will be black. RIP software may also have a mass screening feature that removes dark colors when printing on a dark garment. Screening and rasterization features can save money, soften the substrate, and improve washability and durability.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a cost calculation screen. In this case, the user can enter the costs of each part of the printing process on screen 1400 , configure the print job, and obtain a summary 1500 of the cost calculation.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a cost calculation summary screen 1500 . FIG. 15 shows that the cost calculation summary screen provides the user with a cost per print for the print job that was configured.

RIP software can have other layout functions, including combining multiple print jobs to optimize the use of a particular substrate and reduce the amount of substrate leftover after the print job. This is important to reduce print job costs, 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, a white overprint may be printed. This way, when the heat transfer process is complete, the final image has a white underlayer on the substrate to which the image has been transferred. When performing a heat transfer print job, the final print setup screen 1200 may have a mirror image selection option. In this way, the image remains as desired after being transferred.

Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, classifications, positions, magnitudes, sizes, locations and other specifications set forth in this specification, including the claims set forth below, are approximate, not exact. It is intended that they have a reasonable range, which is consistent with the functions to which they refer and with what is usual in the technique to which they belong.

The above description of the preferred embodiment has been presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes. Although multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description above, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. As will be understood, these embodiments are susceptible to modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the scope of the claims. Consequently, the detailed description should be considered illustrative and not restrictive. Likewise, although not explicitly mentioned, one or more additional embodiments may be implemented in combination or together with each other. Furthermore, reference or non-reference to a particular embodiment shall not be construed as a limitation of the scope of protection. It is intended that the scope of protection is not limited by this detailed description, but by the claims attached thereto.

Except as stated above, nothing that has been said or illustrated is intended or should be construed to cause a dedication of any component, stage, feature, object, benefit, advantage or equivalent to the public, regardless of whether or not It is not mentioned in the claims.

Claims (12)

1. A method of converting a CMYX color toner printer configured for single-pass underprint printing to a CMYX color toner printer configured for single-pass overprint printing, where X is a non-standard color, wherein said CMYX color toner printer configured for single pass subprinting comprises a color toner printer with four toner print cartridges; one cyan toner print cartridge, one magenta toner print cartridge, one yellow toner print cartridge, and one non-standard toner print cartridge; wherein said non-standard toner print cartridge is in a first toner cartridge position; and a raster image processor software configured to remap said four toner print cartridges of said color toner printer and allow said color toner printer to print a layer of non-standard toner under an image in a single pass, in wherein said image is printed from at least one of a cyan toner, a yellow toner and a magenta toner; where the method includes the stages: printing said image, such that said image is printed on top of said non-standard toner layer in a single pass; removing said non-standard toner print cartridge from said first toner cartridge position; removing said cyan toner print cartridge from a fourth toner cartridge position; installing said cyan toner print cartridge in said first toner cartridge position; installing said non-standard toner print cartridge in said fourth toner cartridge position; reassigning with said raster image processor software said four toner print cartridges of said color toner printer, so that said color toner printer is configured to print a new layer of non-standard toner on a second image in a single pass; wherein said second image is printed from at least one of: a cyan toner, a yellow toner and a magenta toner; printing said second image, such that said second image is printed under said new layer of non-standard toner in a single pass. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said non-standard toner print cartridge comprises a chip that allows said CMYX color toner printer to recognize said non-standard toner print cartridge. 3. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein said non-standard toner print cartridge is selected from the group of non-standard toner print cartridges consisting of: white, transparent, transparent fluorescent, metallic, ceramic and security . 4. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein said raster image processor software is further configured to allow said color toner printer to print in black using, in combination, said cyan toner, said magenta toner and said toner. yellow. 5. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein said raster image processor software is further configured to comprise at least one of the features selected from the group of features consisting of: eliminate one or more colors from said image to be printed; change one or more colors in said image; reducing an amount of toner used to print said image; reduce a non-standard amount of toner used to print below said image; increasing said amount of toner used to print said image; increasing said amount of non-standard toner used to print on said image; rasterize said image; and provide a cost estimate for printing said image. 6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein said raster image processing software comprises a selection screen (600) arranged to allow the user to select overprint or underprint settings. 7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein said raster image processing software comprises a graphical user interface color management screen (700) arranged to allow the user to manipulate the colors and toner usage of the image. 8. A CMYX color toner printer system configured for single pass subprinting, wherein X is a non-standard color, said CMYX color toner printer comprising four toner print cartridges; one cyan toner print cartridge, one magenta toner print cartridge, one yellow toner print cartridge, and one non-standard toner print cartridge; wherein said non-standard toner print cartridge is in a first toner cartridge position; and a raster image processor software configured to remap said four toner print cartridges of said color toner printer and allow said color toner printer to print a layer of non-standard toner under an image in a single pass, in wherein said image is printed from at least one of a cyan toner, a yellow toner and a magenta toner; wherein said CMYX color toner printer system is configured to be convertible into a CMYX color toner printer system configured for single-pass overprint printing by being configured to allow removal of said toner print cartridge. non-standard of said first toner cartridge position; removing said cyan toner print cartridge from a fourth toner cartridge position; installing said cyan toner print cartridge in said first toner cartridge position; installations of said non-standard toner print cartridge in said fourth toner cartridge position; and remapping with said raster image processor software of said four toner print cartridges of said color toner printer, such that said color toner printer is configured to print a new layer of non-standard toner over a second image in a single pass, wherein said second image is printed from at least one of: a cyan toner, a yellow toner and a magenta toner. 9. The CMYX color toner printer system of claim 8, wherein said non-standard toner print cartridge comprises a chip that allows said CMYX color toner printer system configured for subprinting or subprinting. by overprint recognize such non-standard toner print cartridge. 10. The CMYX color toner printer system of claim 8 or 9, wherein said non-standard toner print cartridge is selected from the group of non-standard toner print cartridges consisting of: white, transparent, fluorescent transparent , metallic, ceramic and security. 11. The CMYX color toner printer system of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein said raster image processor software is further configured to allow said color toner printer to print in black using, in combination, said cyan toner, said magenta toner and said yellow toner. 12. The CMYX color toner printer system of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein said raster image processor software comprises a selection screen (600) arranged to allow the user to select overprint or underprint settings.