Patent Description:
Colored printers have traditionally been used to print images on paper. Modern laser-toner printers can now produce images to be applied onto a variety of items including, t-shirts, mugs, binders, and almost anything with a flat surface. These printers often use toners which are available in two formats: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) toners or cyan, magenta, yellow, and white (CMYW) toners. Printers utilizing CMYW toner systems are frequently used to apply graphics and logos on dark items or clothing. When used with dark tone items, the white toner enhances the image, while darker colors may use the dark pigments of the surface instead of printing out more color. However, standard printing systems, and the underlying software, are unable to adequately modify the white layer. The white toner is often over applied or needs further alterations. Too much white toner can cause the image to appear distorted and can leave t-shirts feeling stiff or rigid and can leave an undesired sheen on the final image. Additionally, when not adjusted, white toner is often overapplied in standard images, which, when printed, results in the white toner bleeding onto the non-white toners.

Thus, there is a need in the art to provide users with the ability to customize the white layer independently of the color layer. This customization would help reduce white and non-white toner bleeding, allow users to fade the white portions, rasterize the white layer, and adjust how much of the color layer should be converted to the white layer. As such, there is a need for systems, devices, and methods to split an image into a color layer and white layer, which can then be printed in two passes.

The user manual (<NPL>. ) discloses a software allowing colors to be put down in layers. The software allows a user to separately control each layer, thus giving the user the ability to control not only what is seen, but also what is behind the top layer (typically the white layer).

<CIT> discloses a computer implemented method for automatic color separation with a white ink for a colored substrate comprising generating a half-toned white layer to compensate for a low contrast image when the image is printed on a non-white substrate.

<CIT> discloses a method of converting a CMYK color toner printer to a CMYX color toner printer for under print printing in a single pass.

<CIT> discloses a print data generating apparatus to generate print data which is to be used in a printing apparatus to form an image in a plurality of colorants, based on originally inputted image data representing the image.

Throughout the present disclosure the abbreviations C, M, Y, K, and W are used. By "C" is understood "cyan", by "M" is understood "magenta", by "Y" is understood "yellow", by "K" is understood "black", and by "W" is understood "white". Furthermore, throughout the present disclosure the abbreviation "CMY" is understood as a combination of cyan, magenta and yellow, the abbreviation "CMYK" is understood as a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and black, in the same way that "CMYW" is understood as a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow and white. Accordingly, a "C color plane" may be understood as a color plane comprising the color cyan, an "M color plane" may be understood as a color plane comprising the color magenta, a "Y color plane" may be understood as a color plane comprising the color yellow, a "K color plane" may be understood as a color plane comprising black", a "W color plane" may be understood as a color plane comprising white, and a "CMY color plane" may thus be understood as a color plane comprising the colors cyan, magenta and yellow. Furthermore, a "W to K color plane" may be understood as a "white to black color plane", e.g., color plane that once had black color plane data, but now has the white color plane data.

One embodiment may be method of splitting an image into a white layer and a color layer, comprising; providing an electronic application; receiving, by the electronic application, an image file; wherein the image file comprises a cyan (C) color plane, a magenta (M) color plane, a yellow (Y) color plane, a black (K) color plane, and a white (W) color plane; splitting, by the electronic application, the image file to create a white layer and a color layer; wherein the splitting of the image file comprises: loading the C color plane, the M color plane, the Y color plane, the K color plane, and the W color plane into the electronic application; erasing the K color plane; generating a CMY color plane; and outputting the CMY color plane to a first storage location, such that the color layer is generated; copying, in the electronic application, the W color plane into the K color plane; erasing the C color plane, the M color plane, and the Y color plane, such that a W to K color plane is generated; and outputting the W to K color plane to a second storage location, such that the white layer is generated. The color layer and the white layer may be configured to print in two passes, such that a printed image is created. The color layer may be printed first. The white layer may be printed first. Creating of the white layer may comprise: converting a white toner data of the W to K color plane to grayscale, such that a grayscale data is created; converting the grayscale data to final white toner data by one or more of the following: removing any grayscale data that reads as black, based on a variable black sensitivity; adjusting a white under the black via a variable scale; choking the final white toner data; and feathering, based on sharpness and intensity. The method may further comprise: rasterizing the CMY color plane; and rasterizing the W to K color plane. The electronic application may be configured to receive one or more rasterization parameters for the rasterizing of the CMY color plane and the W to K color plane. The one or more rasterization parameters may be selected from the group of parameters consisting of: spot-shape; angle of the spot-shape; and/or frequency of the spot-shape. The method may further comprise: previewing the CMY color plane or the W to K color plane being rasterized in a pixel preview window. The method may further comprise selecting, via a preview area selector window, which portion of the CMY color plane or the W to K color plane displays in the pixel preview window. The electronic application may be configured to run on one or more computing devices; wherein the one or more computing devices may be configured to be in communication with one or more printers that are configured to print the color layer and the white layer in two passes. In other embodiments, the electronic application may be configured to run on one or more computing devices; wherein the one or more computing devices are one or more printers that are configured to print the color layer and the white layer in two passes. The method may further comprise: registering the electronic application; providing the electronic application with serial information; verifying that a serial information of the electronic application is valid; if the serial information is not valid, then a watermark is added to at least one of the white layer and the color layer. The method may further comprise: verifying that a maximum page count has not been exceeded; if the maximum page count has been exceeded, then a watermark is added to at least one of the white layer and the color layer. The method may further comprise: exporting the white layer and the color layer to a canvas area for formatting, such that a preview image is created; and creating an output image file. The output image file may be saved as a PDF or PNG. The output image file may be configured to be saved in one or more sizes. The output image file may comprise all data on the canvas area or may comprise only image data on the canvas area. The method may further comprise: formatting the canvas area via a plurality of design parameters; wherein the plurality of design parameters may be selected from the group of design parameters consisting of: expanding the preview image to fill the canvas area; rotating the preview image; flipping the preview image; centering the preview image within the canvas area; setting a size of the canvas area; altering the size of the canvas area; and/or combinations thereof.

In the context of the present disclosure, an "electronic application" may also be understood as a computer-implemented program. The electronic application (or computer-implemented program) may be executed (or configured to run) on one or more computing devices, such as one or more computing devices configured to be in communication with one or more printers. Alternatively, the electronic application (or computer-implemented program) may be executed (or configured to run) on one or more computing devices, which one or more computing devices are one or more printers.

Another embodiment may be a method of splitting an image into a white layer and a color layer, comprising: providing an electronic application; receiving, by the electronic application, an image file; wherein the image file comprises a cyan (C) color plane, a magenta (M) color plane, a yellow (Y) color plane, a black (K) color plane, and a white (W) color plane; splitting, by the electronic application, the image file to create a white layer and a color layer; wherein the splitting of the image file comprises: loading the C color plane, the M color plane, the Y color plane, the K color plane, and the W color plane into the electronic application; erasing the K color plane; generating a CMY color plane; outputting the CMY color plane to a first storage location, such that the color layer is generated; copying, in the electronic application, the W color plane into the K color plane; erasing the C color plane, the M color plane, and the Y color plane, such that a W to K color plane is generated; converting a white toner data of the W to K color plane to grayscale, such that a grayscale data is created; converting the grayscale data to final white toner data by one or more of the following: removing any grayscale data that reads as black, based on a variable black sensitivity; adjusting a white under the black via a variable scale; choking the final white toner data; feathering, based on sharpness and intensity; rasterizing the CMY color plane; rasterizing the W to K color plane; and outputting the W to K color plane to a second storage location, such that the white layer is generated. The color layer and the white layer may be configured to print in two passes, such that a printed image is created. The color layer may be printed first. In other embodiments, the white layer may be printed first. The electronic application may be configured to run on one or more computing devices; wherein the one or more computing devices are configured to be in communication with one or more printers that are configured to print the color layer and the white layer in two passes. In other embodiments, the electronic application may be configured to run on one or more computing devices; wherein the one or more computing devices are one or more printers that are configured to print the color layer and the white layer in two passes. The method may further comprise: exporting the white layer and the color layer to a canvas area for formatting; and creating an output image file.

Another embodiment may be a method of splitting an image into a white layer and a color layer, comprising: providing an electronic application; receiving, by the electronic application, an image file; wherein the image file comprises a cyan (C) color plane, a magenta (M) color plane, a yellow (Y) color plane, a black (K) color plane, and a white (W) color plane; splitting, by the electronic application, the image file to create a white layer and a color layer; wherein the splitting of the image file comprises: loading the C color plane, the M color plane, the Y color plane, the K color plane, and the W color plane into the electronic application; erasing the K color plane; generating a CMY color plane; outputting the CMY color plane to a first storage location, such that the color layer is generated; copying, in the electronic application, the W color plane into the K color plane; erasing the C color plane, the M color plane, and the Y color plane, such that a W to K color plane is generated; converting a white toner data of the W to K color plane to grayscale, such that a grayscale data is created; converting the grayscale data to final white toner data by one or more of the following: removing any grayscale data that reads as black, based on a variable black sensitivity; adjusting a white under the black via a variable scale; choking the final white toner data; feathering, based on sharpness and intensity; rasterizing the CMY color plane; rasterizing the W to K color plane; wherein the electronic application is configured to receive one or more rasterization parameters for the rasterizing of the CMY color plane and the W to K color plane; wherein the one or more rasterization parameters is selected from the group of parameters consisting of: spot-shape; angle of the spot-shape; and frequency of the spot-shape; previewing the CMY color plane or the W to K color plane being rasterized in a pixel preview window; selecting, via a preview area selector window, which portion of the CMY color plane or the W to K color plane displays in the pixel preview window; outputting the W to K color plane to a second storage location, such that the white layer is generated; exporting the white layer and the color layer to a canvas area for formatting, such that a preview image is created; formatting the canvas area via a plurality of design parameters; wherein the plurality of design parameters are selected from the group of design parameters consisting of: expanding the preview image to fill the canvas area; rotating the preview image; flipping the preview image; centering the preview image within the canvas area; setting a size of the canvas area; altering the size of the canvas area; and combinations thereof; creating an output image file; wherein the output image file is configured to be saved in one or more sizes; wherein the output image file is saved as a PDF; and wherein the color layer and the white layer are configured to print in two passes, such that a printed image is created. The electronic application may be configured to run on one or more computing devices; wherein the one or more computing devices are configured to be in communication with one or more printers that are configured to print the color layer and the white layer in two passes. In other embodiments, the electronic application may be configured to run on one or more computing devices; wherein the one or more computing devices are one or more printers that are configured to print the color layer and the white layer in two passes.

While in another embodiment, the white layer creation parameter comprises one or more of: black sensitivity sliding scale, white under black, remove black, choke, and feathering. The digital files may be configured to be saved in one or more sizes. Digital files may include data from the entire canvas area or may include only date form the edited version of the image file. In another embodiment, the design parameters of the device may comprise of one or more of: expanding the image file to fill the canvas area, rotating the image file, flipping the image file about both vertical and horizontal axes, and centering the image file within the canvas area. In another embodiment, canvas area sizes are created, deleted, or selected, by the users.

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.

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 are bound to the media.

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

The raster image processing (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.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods and systems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware embodiments. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methods and systems may take the form of web implemented computer software. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including, but not limited to, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices. Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate describing these embodiments.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of the embodiments disclosed herein. For instance, the terms "computer", "computer system", "computing device", mobile computing device", "electronic data processing unit", or "server" refer to any device that processes information with an integrated circuit chip, including without limitation, personal computers, mainframe computers, workstations, servers, desktop computers, portable computers, laptop computers, embedded computers, wireless devices, including cellular phones, personal digital assistants, tablets, tablet computers, smart phones, portable game players, wearables, smart devices and hand-held computers.

As used herein, the term "Internet" refers to any collection of networks that utilizes standard protocols, whether Ethernet, Token ring, Wi-Fi, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), code division multiple access (CDMA), global systems for mobile communications (GSM), long term evolution (LTE), other related communication protocols, or any combination thereof.

As used herein, the term "website" refers to any document written in a mark-up language including, but not limited to, hypertext mark-up language (HTML) or virtual reality modeling language (VRML), dynamic HTML, extended mark-up language (XML), wireless markup language (WML), or any other computer languages related thereto, as well as to any collection of such documents reachable through one specific Internet Protocol Address or at one specific World Wide Web site, or any document obtainable through any particular Uniform Resource Locator (URL). Furthermore, the terms "webpage," "page," "website," or "site" refers to any of the various documents and resources on the World Wide Web, in HTML/XHTML format with hypertext links to enable navigation from one page or section to another, or similar such resources used on the Internet.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure preferably allow a white toner cartridge to be used in a CMYW printer and create a white layer for printing. An image is provided, in any format, such as PNG, JPG, TIF, BMP, PSD, PDF, and the like. After desired parameters are entered by the user, the image is split into two data files. One contains the white layer of the image, and the other includes the color layer which may composed of CMY data. Preferably the output files are PDF or PNG, but they can be any format that is required by the printer that will print both images/layers in two passes. Once an image is uploaded into the software, the image will preferably be assessed to determine whether a transparency layer has been encoded. Because the disclosure relies on a transparency layer, any image without transparency information will be rejected. Should a file not have a transparency layer, the software will preferably abort further operations, and a message may display informing the user that a file formats require transparency data. Preferably, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may rely on there being a transparency layer to generate the white, which is why any file without a transparency layer is rejected. Although GIF, PCX and BMP do not support transparency information currently, future iterations of these programs may, so they may then be used with the methods and systems of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods may keep track of total pages created and cease to function at some preset number of pages. More pages can be added if needed.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of a computer connected to a printer via wireless or physical connection. <FIG> shows a computer <NUM> connected to a printer <NUM>. Computer <NUM> may be a personal computer, business computer, or server, including, but not limited to: a laptop, desktop, mobile device, or tablet. The computer <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as being connected to printer <NUM> by a physical hardwire <NUM> or wireless connectivity <NUM>, such as by Wifi®.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of a printer with a touch screen graphical user interface (GUI). <FIG> is that printer <NUM> may have a display <NUM>, which may be a touch screen graphical user interface (GUI) <NUM>. Preferably, the GUI <NUM> on display <NUM> may allow the user to interact with the printer and set certain parameters, including for image splitting in accordance with the systems and methods of the present disclosure. Display <NUM> may also be a non-touch screen display that is connected to an input device, such as a keypad. In various embodiments, the system and methods of the present disclosure may allow the user to import files into the electronic platform via the GUI using the following formats: Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG, JPG), Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), PhotoShop® document (PSD), Graphics Interchange Format (GIF), Encapsulated PostScript (EPS), PostScript (PS), Windows Graphics (BMP), or Picture Exchange (PCX).

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for manipulating the images to be printed in two passes. <FIG> shows that the user interface for manipulating images that are to be printed on a printer in two passes may comprise graphical user interfaces (GUI) <NUM>, which may be displayed on computer <NUM>. In other embodiments the GUI <NUM> may be displayed on the printer itself, such as printer <NUM>, or a mobile device. The GUI <NUM> may be interfaced with via touch screen, mouse movement and clicks, a keyboard or keypad, or other digital and/or tactile interface devices.

The GUI <NUM> may preferably be an interactive display of an image provided by the image splitting software-based system that is operating on the computer <NUM> or the printer <NUM>. The GUI <NUM> may comprise a canvas area <NUM>, which allows the user to upload artwork files, including by dragging and dropping the artwork. In other embodiments, the user may utilize the import graphic command <NUM> to access the artwork file and transfer the image of the artwork file into the canvas area <NUM>. The canvas area <NUM> preferably allows the user to view and manipulate a preview image <NUM> of the artwork, including, but not limited to sizing and positioning the artwork. Preferably, the image splitting software-based system determines if the uploaded artwork file contains a transparency layer. Because the system relies on the transparency layer to generate the white layer, any file without transparency information may be rejected. An error message may be displayed, and the import/upload operation may not be completed.

Preferably, the system provides various functions or design parameters that allow a user to alter the preview image <NUM> displayed on the GUI <NUM>. These functions may be displayed as graphical icons that act as selectable commands or buttons. The commands may be selected via touch screen, point and click via a mouse, or through tab-and-select via a keyboard. Although a specific graphical icon is shown in <FIG>, it should be understood that any graphic identifier may be used.

An original graphic radio command <NUM> may be available to switch to a view of the unmodified, original version of the artwork. A preview function command <NUM> may allow the user to preview the artwork as it will print, including any and all changes made to the preview image <NUM> of the artwork. The preview image <NUM> may preferably be the combination of the edited color layer and white layer. The user may preferably view and then edit just the white layer by selecting the white layer command <NUM>. The user may preferably view and then edit just the color layer by selecting the color layer command <NUM>. The design parameters allow a user to format or manipulate the preview image <NUM> that is being displayed on the canvas area <NUM> and/or manipulate the canvas area <NUM> itself. The system may preferably include a canvas area Select/Define command <NUM>, which may allow users to alter the size of the of the canvas area <NUM>. In various embodiments, the size of the canvas area <NUM> may be set. An enlarge/fit-to-canvas command <NUM> may preferably be included that may expand the preview image <NUM> (and thus the artwork) to fill the canvas area <NUM>. One embodiment of the system may allow the user to rotate the preview image <NUM> via a rotate clockwise command <NUM>, a rotate counterclockwise command <NUM>, and an upright command <NUM>. There may preferably be functions that allow the user to flip the graphic with respect to the X axis or Y axis using the X axis rotation command <NUM> or the Y axis rotation command <NUM>. Users may have the option to center the graphic in the canvas area <NUM> using the vertical centering command <NUM> or the horizontal center command <NUM>. Users may preferably extract the image using the export image command <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the user may adjust the white-layer creation parameters through the white-layer creation parameters command <NUM>. Rasterization may be manipulated using the activate/configure image rasterization command <NUM>. Additionally, the user may access and amend the settings of the image splitting software-based system through the settings command <NUM>. To exit and save, the user may select the exit/close command <NUM>. The recycle <NUM> command allows the user to dispose of the image.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for manipulating the images to be printed in two passes and showing canvas sizing options. As shown in <FIG>, the canvas <NUM> displays on the GUI <NUM> an image uploaded to the system. <FIG> shows the select/define canvas area window <NUM>, which allows users to select <NUM> one of the several pre-defined or previously created canvas sizes. The select/define canvas area window <NUM> may preferably be accessed by selecting canvas area select/define command <NUM>. The user may also create a new canvas size <NUM> or delete a previously saved canvas size <NUM>. The select/define canvas area window <NUM> may preferably be accessed by selecting canvas area select/define command <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for the output PDF showing the settings functions. As shown in <FIG>, when the settings command <NUM> is selected the output PDF setup configurations window <NUM> is displayed. The output PDF setup configurations window <NUM> may allow the user to select the graphics output resolution of the image <NUM>. The Output Display PDF <NUM> may specify to open the output PDF(s) using the default Windows PDF viewer selected. The white toner volume <NUM> may select the max toner limit <NUM> with a range <NUM> to <NUM>. The toner configuration <NUM> for the color page may not use K when CMYW is selected, the page count server <NUM> may indicate if the page number/validation server was found upon startup, the register a new serial number <NUM> may register a serial number (supplied with each white toner cartridge), which sets a number of page creations. The server connect <NUM> may, if the validation server is not connected, try to find and connect to the validation server, and may be disabled if or when the validation server is connected. The unlimited prints <NUM> may enable an "unlimited prints mode" option, which may not have a page-creation limitation. The Save And Exit command <NUM> may exit the settings dialog and save the updates and changes. To close the output PDF setup configurations window <NUM> the user may select the exit/close command <NUM>.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for manipulating the images to be printed in two passes showing the white layer generation parameters. When the user selects the white-layer creation parameters command <NUM>, the white layer creation parameters window <NUM> is displayed on GUI <NUM>. The white layer creation parameters window <NUM> may allow the user to set up and configure the white layer to conform with printing and product needs. A user may select the create white layer command <NUM> to re-generate the white layer after changing the parameters or settings. A black sensitivity sliding scale <NUM> may preferably be included that allows the user to select the threshold used to determine if a color in the artwork is black. A remove black box <NUM> may allow users to selectively remove all colorants determined by the system to be black. A color may be deemed to be black based on a raster image processing (RIP) based algorithm that compares color layer data to the black sensitivity sliding scale. If black components within the color layer are considered to be more black or equal to the level indicated by the black sensitivity sliding scale <NUM>, the color layer data is deleted and replaced with white data. A white toner volume sliding scale <NUM> may allow users to add a certain amount of white underneath black colors. If a colorant of the artwork is determined to be a shade of black, based on the set level of the black sensitivity sliding scale <NUM>, a certain percentage of white can be added underneath the colorant via the white toner volume sliding scale <NUM>. The white toner volume sliding scale <NUM> may allow the user to adjust the percentage of added white.

The white layer often includes a call for large amounts of white to be used. When too much white is used, the white toner may bleed into other colors on the printed image. A white choke option <NUM> may be included to allow the user to shrink back the edges of the white layer to alleviate color bleeding. Feathering may be another parameter available for users to adjust. Feathering <NUM> modifies the behavior of the white colorant as the white color fades in and/or out. As shown in <FIG>, the feathering <NUM> may be set by the user via an intensity sliding scale and a sharpness sliding scale.

In various embodiments, generation or creation of the white layer may comprise creating white colorant values from transparency layer values, and may take into account, not only the transparency information, but also the "darkness" of a color value. The white layer creation may also allow for the introduction of white colorant under a certain color value, such as "black".

The system may have various memory storage areas where image information is located:.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for manipulating the images to be printed in two passes showing coverage reduction/rasterization. <FIG> shows one embodiment of the GUI <NUM> for manipulating the images to be printed in two passes showing the toner reduction rasterization window <NUM>. The toner reduction rasterization window <NUM> may be brought up by the user selecting the activate/configure image rasterization command <NUM>. The toner reduction rasterization window <NUM> may comprise a main preview, zoomed in to the pixel-level window <NUM>. Rasterization may be the feature that may allow for the reduction of colorant/toner used. The main preview window <NUM>, may be a zoomed in view to the pixel-level, shows a close-up view of part of an image, in this case a raster image that is a series of pixels, dots, and/or lines, that when displayed together create an image that appears as shapes (when not in a close-up view). Using too much colorant can leave clothing that has a graphic printed on it feeling stiff where the graphic has been printed, rasterization by manipulating and removing certain pixels, dots, and/or lines may soften the feel of the shirt covered by a graphic. One embodiment of the toner reduction rasterization window <NUM> may allow users to adjust white choke <NUM>, hole size <NUM>, hole shape <NUM>, and transparency hole size select <NUM>, mesh size of hole <NUM>. One embodiment of the hole size <NUM> parameter may determine the size of the holes that will be created in the artwork. The hole shape <NUM> option may select the shape of the holes that will be created. One embodiment of the transparency hole size select <NUM> may determine whether to use the artwork's transparency (Alpha channel) value to determine the size of the hole. One embodiment the mesh size of hole <NUM> may select the "mesh size" of the hole pattern created with the "transparency-based rasterization" mechanism. Users may toggle the rasterization by toggle switch <NUM>, doing so will change the display within the toner reduction rasterization window <NUM> to show either the rasterized image or the non-rasterized image. A user may preview the entire image while editing portions with a full-page preview thumbnail <NUM>. A user may preferably preview the image using image regenerate command <NUM>, which applies all user settings entered within the toner reduction rasterization window <NUM>. In one embodiment, the display CMYK <NUM> may indicate whether or not to display the color data in the main preview window <NUM>. One embodiment of the display white <NUM> may indicate whether or not to display the white data in the main preview window <NUM>. Vertical and horizontal scroll bars <NUM>, <NUM> may allow the user to view the image in the pixel preview window <NUM>. A preview area selector window <NUM> may preferably allow the user to select the portion of the image to display in close up in the rasterization image preview window <NUM>. The save and exit <NUM> selector/command may allow a user to save adjustments made and exit the toner reduction rasterization window <NUM> settings window.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for manipulating the images to be printed in two passes showing the output file creation and formatting. <FIG> shows one embodiment of the output file creation and formatting window <NUM>. This interface may preferably be accessed by selecting the export image command <NUM>. In the creation and formatting window <NUM>, a user may select to save the final image in one or more formats. The final image saved in one or more formats may be referred to as the output image file, final output image file, or final image file. There may be two different formats to choose from, but more and different formats may be integrated in the system of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the user may either save the entire canvas area <NUM>, including the image, or just the image itself. The user selects browse button <NUM> which may allow the user to navigate to a desired destination folder. The output file creation and formatting window <NUM> may also provide the user with an output destination bar <NUM>, which may provide a destination/electronic file pathway to which to save either the image or canvas graphic. The overprint mode <NUM> may allow the CMYK to print first and the white to print second. The under print <NUM> may allow the white to print first and CMYK to print second. The white layer shift left arrow <NUM> may shift the white layer left and the white layer shift right arrow <NUM> may shift the white layer right, by pixel. The white layer shift up arrow <NUM> may shift white layer up and the white layer shift down arrow <NUM> may shift the white layer down, by pixel. The Create PDF command <NUM> may create and save the PDF to the output destination identified in the output destination bar <NUM>. The Cancel command <NUM> may exit dialog without creating PDF.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for previewing the final image after white layer processing. <FIG> shows one embodiment of the GUI <NUM> for manipulating the images to be printed in two passes showing an example of a print preview window <NUM> displaying an image after white layer processing. This print preview window <NUM> may preferably display the image after the user has finished adjusting rasterization and white layer processing. The final image may display on the canvas area <NUM> over a grided background with dimensions so that users may know the size of the image prior to printing.

<FIG> is a flow block diagram showing serialization and verification. To ensure system integrity and to prevent unauthorized use, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may preferably include one or more computer-based verification processes. Should the verification process fail, the system may only allow printing of a user's image with a watermark over it. For purposes of control, security, and monetization of the system, some embodiments of the system may require a serial number and a validation code. If either is missing, all output will contain a watermark. At the time of start up, the computer-based software program may: (<NUM>) get the encrypted serialization information from the registry; (<NUM>) decrypt it; and (<NUM>) check its validity. The system may then acquire a page count from a web server. If either the page count is depleted or the serialization information is not valid, a watermark is added to any graphic that is imported. This prevents fraud and illicit use.

In one embodiment <NUM>, the verification check may preferably be commenced during system launch <NUM>. During program launch <NUM>, the software running some of the steps of the methods and system of the present disclosure may preferably recall computer-specific variables generated from product registry <NUM>. The product registry comes from when the electronic application was purchased by a user and is only valid with that single copy of the electronic application that belongs to that user. Illicit copies made of the electronic application will not be properly registered and thus, will not work. The registry may preferably be accessed by the electronic application upon startup. The system may then decrypt and check the serial information of the software <NUM>. If the serial information <NUM> is deemed invalid <NUM>, the system may set a watermark-add variable to <NUM> (one) <NUM>, which means a watermark should be added. If the serial information <NUM> is valid <NUM>, the watermark-add variable may be set to <NUM> (zero) <NUM>, which means a watermark should not be added. In addition to verifying encrypted serialization information, the system, via the computer-based software of the system, may verify a page count from a web server <NUM>. If the maximum page count <NUM> is exceeded <NUM>, the software may set the watermark-add variable to <NUM> (one) <NUM>, if not <NUM>, the software may set the watermark-add variable to <NUM> (zero). Once the user imports the graphic and creates layers, a watermark may preferably be applied to the image if watermark-add variable is set to <NUM>. The watermark may preferably be applied to all layers and the print job may continue <NUM>. In other embodiments, the watermark may be added only one of the two layers.

<FIG> is a flow block diagram showing final file creation. <FIG> shows the systems and methods for creating a white layer and color layer for an image file, preferably in a PDF format. The computer-based software of the system may preferably perform PDF file creation <NUM> by creating postscript setup information <NUM> and verifying if rasterization has been selected <NUM>. If yes <NUM>, then the screening parameters are sent to and/or received by the rasterizer <NUM>. After rasterization confirmation of no <NUM> or after the screening parameters are sent to and/or received by the rasterizer <NUM>, the final files may be loaded into memory, which may consist of C, M, Y, K, and W data <NUM>. The rasterization screening parameters may be pre-set parameters that are automatically applied to the image file OR, The rasterization screening parameters allow the resulting layers to be rasterized later. The image postscript code may be sent, preferably specifying the PNG output format from the rasterizer <NUM>. Another step may be to load the resulting PNG file into memory, which, in some embodiments may preferably be used for preview within the user software <NUM>. Preferably the data within the CMYK channels are converted to the CMY channels <NUM>, after which, the K channel may be erased/deleted <NUM>. The CMYK data (K is preferably empty) may then be sent to the rasterizer where the user may preferably specify the PDF output format <NUM>. After rasterization, the resulting pdf file will preferably be copied to the user-specificized file name <NUM>. The user may preferably save the white layer in PDF format, if desired, the software may then copy the W channel to the K channel <NUM> and may subsequently erase the CMY channels <NUM>. The CMYK data may then be sent to the rasterizer where the user may preferably specify the PDF output format <NUM>. As a result, the K channel contains W data and CMY channels are empty. The resulting copy may preferably be saved to the user-specified file name <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing the steps of one embodiment for generating a white layer and a color layer for an image. Providing a computer-based software application <NUM>. The method may also comprise providing at least one user device and at least one user printer connected (wirelessly or by wire) to the user device. Preferably the application <NUM> is run on at least one user device and the user device is connected via the internet to a server that may provide certification, verification, and software updates. The application is sent and/or receives one or more image files <NUM>. The image files may be uploaded from a stored location on the user device or may be transmitted to the user device by a third party. Typically, the user uploads the image file to the application. Preferably, the image file comprises a cyan (C) color plane, a magenta (M) color plane, a yellow (Y) color plane, and a black (K) color plane <NUM>. The electronic application may process the image file to create a white layer corresponding to the image file and a color layer corresponding to the image file <NUM>. Preferably, the processing of the image file may comprise loading one or more of the C color plane, the M color plane, the Y color plane, the K color plane, and the white (W) color plane into the electronic application. The processing or splitting may also comprise generating a CMY color plane by erasing (or emptying) the K color plane <NUM>. Preferably, the W color plane is generated by first copying the CMY color plane (layer) to the W color plane. The pixels/information/data copied to the W color plane may be converted to grayscale and then converted to white on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Preferably, this may take into consideration black handling, which is the gray pixels that might read as black. This handling is shown in <FIG>, and may comprise removing the gray that reads as black, based on a variable black sensitivity, whether there is white under the black, whether the resulting white pixels are choked, and feathering based on sharpness and/or intensity. Once all of the grayscale pixels are processed and converted to white pixels, the white layer has been generated and can be saved. In some embodiments, the white layer, or W color plane, may be updated in the display and/or rasterized. Preferably the CMY color plane is outputted to a specified file or storage location <NUM>. Because the K is empty, this becomes the color layer. Preferably, the W color plane may be copied to the empty K color plane and then erasing (or emptying the contents (but not deleting) the C color plane, M color plane, and Y color plane to generate a W to K color plane <NUM> (that is, a color plane that once had black data, but now has the W color plane data). The W to K color plane <NUM> is outputted to a second specified file or storage location <NUM>. The saved W to K color plane, once saved is the generated white layer. The finalized, outputted, and saved color layer and white layer may now be printed in two passes. Which layer is printed first depends on whether the print job is an over print or an under print. If printing directly on the final media, the white layer may be printed first and then the color layer is printed. If printing onto a transfer media, such as a sublimation print job, the color layer may be printed first and the white layer is printed second.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for selecting color profiles. As shown in <FIG> one embodiment of the GUI <NUM> for manipulating the images to be printed in two passes showing a color profiles <NUM> menu displaying an RGB input profile <NUM> and a CMYK output profile <NUM>. This print preview window <NUM> may preferably display the image after the user has finished adjusting rasterization and white layer processing. The final image may display on the canvas area over a grided background with dimensions so that users may know the size of the image prior to printing.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for selecting the RGB profile. As shown in <FIG> one embodiment of the GUI <NUM> showing the RGB input profile <NUM> locations. The RGB input profile <NUM> locations may include the system ICCs <NUM> list (Windows ICSSs stored in system folder), local ICCs <NUM> list, currently selected ICC <NUM> (RGB or CMYK) depending on the dialog, list of ICC/ICMs color profiles <NUM>, and location/name <NUM> of ICC selected.

<FIG> is an illustration of one embodiment of the user interface for selecting a CMYK profile. As shown in <FIG> one embodiment of the GUI <NUM> showing the CMYK output profile <NUM> locations. The CMYK output profile <NUM> locations may include the system ICCs <NUM> list (Windows ICSSs stored in system folder), local ICCs <NUM> list, currently selected ICC <NUM> (RGB or CMYK) depending on the dialog, list of ICC/ICMs color profiles <NUM>, and location/name <NUM> of ICC selected.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the above discussion, it should be appreciated that throughout the present disclosure, discussions utilizing terms such as those set forth in the claims below, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system's memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

The processes or methods depicted in the figures may be performed by processing logic that comprises hardware (e.g., circuitry, dedicated logic, etc.), firmware, software (e.g., embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium), or a combination thereof. Although the processes or methods are described above in terms of some sequential operations, it should be appreciated that some of the operations described may be performed in a different order. Moreover, some operations may be performed in parallel rather than sequentially.

Claim 1:
A method (<NUM>) of splitting an image into a white layer and a color layer, wherein said method comprises the steps of:
providing (<NUM>) an electronic application;
receiving (<NUM>), by said electronic application, an image file;
wherein said image file comprises a cyan color plane, a magenta color plane, a yellow color plane, a black color plane, and a white color plane;
splitting (<NUM>), by said electronic application, said image file to create a white layer and a color layer;
wherein said splitting of said image file comprises:
loading (<NUM>) said cyan color plane, said magenta color plane, said yellow color plane, said black color plane, and said white color plane into said electronic application;
generating (<NUM>) a CMY color plane based on said cyan color plane, said magenta color plane, said yellow color plane and said black color plane;
emptying (<NUM>) said black color plane;
outputting (<NUM>) said CMY color plane to a first storage location, such that said color layer is generated;
copying (<NUM>), in said electronic application, said white color plane into said black color plane;
erasing (<NUM>) said cyan color plane, said magenta color plane, and said yellow color plane, such that a white to black color plane is generated, said white to black color plane being a color plane that once had black color plane data, but now has white color plane data; and
outputting (<NUM>) said white to black color plane to a second storage location, such that said white layer is generated.