Curing lamp shade

Abstract

A DOD printing station has at least one DOD printhead that applies a radiation-curable material to a surface of an identity document. A curing station is adjacent to the DOD printing station. The curing station includes at least one radiation-emitting device, such as a UV light-emitting device, that cures the radiation-curable material applied to the surface. The curing station is configured to prevent stray radiation emitted from the radiation-emitting device from impinging on the DOD printhead and to prevent exposure to an operator of the DOD printing station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technical disclosure relates to on-demand ink drop (DOD) printing on identity documents, such as plastic cards, including but not limited to ID cards, driver's licenses, debit and credit cards and other plastic cards, as well as passports and their pages. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to use DOD printing to print images, patterns, and text on identity documents. To improve the durability of the printing material on the surface of the identity document, the printing material applied to the card surface by the DOD printer can be designed to be cured using radiation (such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation) after the printing material is applied to the document surface. In some cases, during the curing process, stray ultraviolet light may shine on one or more DOD printheads in the DOD printer, causing undesirable curing of the UV-curable material in or on the DOD printhead. DOD printer operators may also be exposed to stray ultraviolet light, posing a potential health hazard to the operators. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document describes an identity document printing system and method using radiation-curable materials for DOD printing. The DOD printing station has at least one DOD printhead that applies a radiation-curable material (e.g., a UV-curable material) to the surface of the identity document. A curing station is adjacent to the DOD printing station. The curing station includes at least one radiation emitting device, such as an ultraviolet light emitting device, which cures the radiation-curable material applied to the surface. The curing station is configured to prevent stray radiation emitted from the radiation emitting device from irradiating the DOD printhead and to prevent exposure to the operator of the DOD printing station.

[0004] Although DOD printing is described in detail herein, the techniques described herein can be used in any identity document printing system where it is desirable to reduce or eliminate stray light emitted from a radiating device reaching other components of the printing system. For example, it is known to print radiation-curable materials (e.g., radiation-curable inks) from a thermal transfer ribbon onto a plastic card. An example is described in U.S. Patent 10,889,129, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This is advantageous in preventing or minimizing stray radiation emitted from a radiating device from illuminating the thermal transfer ribbon or other components of an identity document printing system that might be negatively affected by premature exposure to radiation emitted from the radiating device.

[0005] Identification documents can be plastic cards, including but not limited to ID cards, driver's licenses, debit cards including credit and debit cards, gift cards and other plastic cards, or passport pages or other identification document booklets.

[0006] Radiation-curable materials printed by a DOD printing station can be any material that can be cured by applying radiation (e.g., ultraviolet (UV) radiation) to the printed material after it has been applied to the surface of an identity document. Examples of materials that can be printed by a DOD printing station include, but are not limited to, inks, varnishes, and any other radiation-curable materials that can be applied to identity documents by a DOD printing station.

[0007] DOD printing stations are integrated into the ID card personalization system (i.e., a plastic card personalization system for plastic cards and a passport personalization system for passports). The personalization system includes at least a DOD printing station and a radiation curing station. It may also include a plasma treatment station that performs plasma treatment on the surface of the ID card before DOD printing; an input terminal that can accommodate multiple ID cards and input them one by one for processing in the system; an output terminal that can accommodate multiple processed ID cards; and additional document processing stations.

[0008] This personalization system can be configured as a high-capacity batch document production machine, typically equipped with multiple processing stations or modules, often referred to as a central issuance system. It processes multiple documents simultaneously and is designed to personalize a relatively large number of identity documents, such as hundreds or even thousands per hour. Alternatively, the personalization system can be configured as a desktop document printer, with a relatively small footprint designed to allow placement on a desktop, and is designed to personalize a relatively small number of documents, such as dozens or a few hundred per hour.

[0009] In one embodiment, the radiation emitting device of the curing station is controlled such that the radiation emitting device is actuated from a closed state to an open state after the radiation-curable material is applied to the surface of the ID card and before the leading edge of the ID card reaches the exposure hole in the curing station, and the radiation emitting device is controlled such that the radiation emitting device is actuated to a closed state after the trailing edge of the ID card leaves the hole.

[0010] In one embodiment described herein, a method of printing a radiation-curable material on an identity document includes applying the radiation-curable material to the surface of the identity document in a printing station. After the application of the radiation-curable material, the identity document is conveyed to a curing station to cure the radiation-curable material applied to the surface of the identity document. The curing station includes at least one radiation emitting device controlled to have an on state and a closed state, and when in the on state, emitting radiation suitable for curing the radiation-curable material applied to the surface of the identity document, and an aperture through which the radiation emitted by the at least one radiation emitting device can travel toward the identity document. As the identity document is conveyed through the curing station in a conveying direction, the radiation-curable material applied to the surface of the identity document is subsequently cured. The at least one radiation emitting device is controlled such that it is actuated from a closed state to an open state after the radiation-curable material is applied to the surface of the identity document and before the leading edge of the identity document reaches the aperture, and that it is actuated to a closed state after the trailing edge of the identity document leaves the aperture.

[0011] In another embodiment described herein, the identity document personalization system includes a printing station configured to apply a radiation-curable material to the surface of an identity document. A curing station is adjacent to the printing station and includes at least one radiation emitting device controlled to have an on state and a closed state, emitting radiation suitable for curing the radiation-curable material applied to the surface when on, and an aperture through which the radiation emitted by the at least one radiation emitting device can travel toward the identity document. A conveying mechanism is provided that conveys the identity document from the printing station to and through the curing station in a conveying direction. Furthermore, a controller is connected to the curing station and controls the curing station such that at least one radiation emitting device is actuated from a closed state to an open state after the radiation-curable material is applied to the surface of the identity document and before the leading edge of the identity document reaches the aperture, and that at least one radiation emitting device is actuated to a closed state after the trailing edge of the identity document leaves the aperture. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 The personalization system for identity documents described herein is illustrated schematically.

[0013] Figure 2A An example of an identification document in the form of a passport is shown.

[0014] Figure 2B The illustration shows an example of an identification document in the form of a plastic card.

[0015] Figure 3A , 3B The 3C diagram illustrates the sequence of loading the passport book onto the carrier before printing on demand.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a detailed side view of a part of the curing station described in this article.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A bottom-view 3D view of the curing station.

[0018] Figure 6 It shows the actuation Figure 4-5 An embodiment of the drive system for the first and second light-shielding plates of the light-shielding plate mechanism.

[0019] Figure 7 It shows the actuation Figure 4-5 Another embodiment of the drive system for the first and second light-shielding plates of the light-shielding plate mechanism.

[0020] Figure 8A-8G It shows Figure 4-5 Example operating sequence of the light-shielding mechanism.

[0021] Figure 9 Another embodiment of controlling radiation emission in a curing station is shown.

[0022] Figure 10 It shows something similar to Figure 9 One embodiment has winglets that can be extended and retracted to control radiation emission.

[0023] Figure 11 An embodiment with an additional movable light-shielding sheet is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This article describes a system and methods for personalizing identity documents. (Refer to...) Figure 1 An example of an identity document personalization system 10 that can implement the methods described herein includes a DOD printing station 12 having at least one DOD printhead that applies a radiation-curable material (e.g., a UV-curable material) to the surface of the identity document. A curing station 14 is adjacent to the DOD printing station. The curing station 14 includes at least one radiation emitting device (e.g., a UV light emitting device) that cures the radiation-curable material applied to the surface. The curing station 14 is configured to prevent stray radiation emitted from the radiation emitting device from irradiating the DOD printhead and to prevent exposure to the operator of system 10 and the DOD printing station 12.

[0025] System 10 is configured to personalize ID document 16. During personalization, document 16 typically travels along a linear document travel path in the direction of arrow D. Suitable transport mechanisms known in the art are used to transport document 16 along the card travel path between and through each station. These transport mechanisms include rollers, conveyor belts, tabbed conveyor belts, and combinations thereof. The transport mechanism may be configured to transport document 16 in a single, forward direction, or the transport mechanism may be reversible to transport document 16 in both forward and backward directions. Document transport mechanisms are well known in the art, including those disclosed in U.S. Patents 6,902,107, 5,837,991, 6,131,817, and 4,995,501, and U.S. Publications 2013 / 0220984 and 2018 / 0326763, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the types of document transport mechanisms that can be used, as well as the structure and operation of such mechanisms.

[0026] Print station 12 may be a conventional DOD print station known in the art, comprising at least one, for example, multiple, DOD printheads, one printhead for each ink color and other material (e.g., varnish) to be printed. The ink and other materials printed by print station 12 may be cured by radiation (e.g., ultraviolet (UV) radiation) after being applied to document 16. Print station 12 also includes a document transport mechanism for transporting document 16 within print station 12 along a document transport path. The document transport mechanism of print station 12 may be reversible to allow transport of document 16 in both forward and backward directions within print station 12. Operation of print station 12 may be controlled by a suitable controller 18 capable of controlling the entire system 10, or print station 12 may have its own dedicated controller. A usable DOD print station is a DOD print module available from Entrust Corporation, Shakopee, Minnesota.

[0027] Continue to refer to Figure 1Radiation curing station 14 is located in system 10 to apply radiation to the radiation-curable material applied to the surface of document 16 by DOD printing station 12 to fully cure the radiation-curable material. For example, radiation curing station 14 may be located downstream of printing station 12. Radiation curing station 14 includes a document transport mechanism for transporting document 16 along a transport path within station 14. The document transport mechanism of station 14 may be reversible to allow document 16 to be transported in forward and backward directions within station 14. Station 14 is configured with one or more radiation emitting devices that emit radiation to cure the radiation-curable material. The one or more devices may be one or more light-emitting diodes, and the radiation may be ultraviolet radiation. The one or more radiation emitting devices may be configured to apply radiation to the entire surface of document 16 in a one-way trip of document 16 and radiation emitting devices relative to each other, or to apply radiation only to the portion of document surface containing radiation-curable material. Operation of station 14 may be controlled by controller 18, or station 14 may have its own dedicated controller. A radiation curing station that can be used is described in U.S. Patent 2021 / 0086530, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference or are available from Enturus Ltd., Shacopi, Minnesota.

[0028] Continue to refer to Figure 1 System 10 may optionally include a plasma processing station 20 located within system 10 to enable plasma treatment of the surface of document 16 prior to DOD printing. For example, plasma processing station 20 may be located upstream of printing station 12. Plasma processing station 20 includes a document transport mechanism for transporting document 16 along a document transport path within station 20. The document transport mechanism of station 20 may be reversible to allow document 16 to be transported in forward and backward directions within station 20. Station 20 may be configured to move the plasma processing nozzle (also referred to as a plasma processor) and document 16 relative to each other during plasma treatment of the document surface. In one embodiment, document 16 remains stationary during plasma treatment while the plasma nozzle moves relative to document 16, wherein the document transport mechanism of station 20 moves the document to a processing position and transports document 16 from station 20 after processing. In another embodiment, the plasma nozzle is stationary while document 16 moves relative to the plasma nozzle during plasma treatment. The plasma nozzle of station 20 may be configured to process only a portion of the document surface during a single pass of the document 16 and the nozzle relative to each other, or the plasma nozzle may be configured to process the entire document surface during a single pass of the document 16 and the nozzle relative to each other. Operation of station 20 may be controlled by controller 18, or station 20 may have its own dedicated controller. A plasma processing station that can be used is described in U.S. Patent 10,576,769, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] System 10 may also include a document input terminal 22 and a document output terminal 24. Document input terminal 22 is configured to store multiple documents awaiting processing and to input each document one after another for subsequent processing. Document output terminal 24 is configured to store multiple documents 16 after processing is complete. Input terminal 22 and output terminal 24 can be located anywhere in system 10 suitable for performing their input and output functions. For example, input terminal 22 can be located at the beginning of system 10, while output terminal 24 can be located at the end of system 10, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Alternatively, both input terminal 22 and output terminal 24 can be located at the front end of system 10. Other locations for input terminal 22 and output terminal 24 within system 10 are possible.

[0030] System 10 may also include an optional supplementary document processing station 26 between input station 22 and printing station 12 and / or an optional supplementary document processing station 28 between radiation curing station 14 and output station 24. The optional supplementary document processing stations 26, 28 may be document processing stations known in the art to perform document processing operations known in the art. For example, the optional supplementary processing stations 26, 28 may include a magnetic stripe read / write system configured to read data from and / or write data to a magnetic stripe on a plastic card, and / or an integrated circuit chip programming system configured to program an integrated circuit chip on a card or passport. For example, magnetic stripe read / write systems and integrated circuit chip programming systems are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent 6,902,107 and U.S. Patent 6,695,205, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and can be found in the MX series of central publishing systems available from Enturus Ltd., Shacopi, Minnesota. Optional additional processing stations 26, 28 may also be configured to perform embossing; intaglio printing; lamination; laser marking; topcoat application; quality control stations configured to check the quality of personalization / processing applied to the document; security stations configured to apply security features (e.g., holographic patches) to the document; and one or more other document processing operations.

[0031] System 10 can be configured as a high-capacity batch plastic card production machine, typically equipped with multiple processing stations or modules, often referred to as a central issuance system. It processes multiple documents simultaneously and is designed to personalize a relatively large number of identity documents, such as several hundred or even several thousand documents per hour. Examples of central issuance systems are the MX or MPR series central issuance systems available from Enturus Ltd., Sacopi, Minnesota. Other examples of central issuance systems are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,825,054, 5,266,781, 6,783,067, and 6,902,107, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, System 10 can be configured as a desktop ID printer with a relatively small footprint designed to allow placement on a desktop and designed to personalize a relatively small number of documents, such as several dozen or a few hundred documents per hour. An example of a desktop ID printer is the CD800 card printer available from Enturus Ltd., Sacopi, Minnesota. Additional examples of desktop ID printers are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,434,728 and 7,398,972, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] refer to Figure 2A and 2B Item 16 of the identification document can be a passport ( Figure 2A ) or other identification document booklet or plastic card ( Figure 2B This includes, but is not limited to, identity cards, driver's licenses, debit cards including credit and debit cards, gift cards, and other plastic cards. Passports and plastic cards each include a surface 30, which is intended to be printed by printing station 12 to form personal data. Personal data may include a printed image (i.e., a portrait image) of the intended holder of the passport or plastic card, the holder's name, address, and other personal information, or a document number such as a passport number or account number, wherein the printed image may be a monochrome or multicolor image, for example, printed with cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) inks. Document 16 may also include additional personal data, such as a CVV number, provided on surface 30 or the opposite surface. Additional personal data may be printed onto document 16 using printing station 12 and / or using other known printing technologies, such as those involving thermal printing, re-transfer printing, laser marking, and other printing technologies known in the field of identity document processing. Figure 2B In the case of the plastic card shown, the card may also include a magnetic stripe 32 (typically disposed on the surface opposite to surface 30) that can be magnetically encoded with data. Figure 2A passports and Figure 2BThe plastic card may also include an integrated circuit chip 34 that can be programmed with data. For convenience, document 16 may be described hereinafter as a passport. However, the concepts described herein also apply to plastic cards.

[0033] As described above, one or more document transmission mechanisms are used to transmit document 16 in system 10. Figures 3A-3C An example of a document delivery mechanism in the form of a carrier 40 is illustrated, onto which a passport book is loaded before DOD printing at a DOD printing station 12. The carrier 40 is configured to keep the passport book open in the printing station 12 for printing and to keep the passport book open in a radiation curing station 14 during the curing of the printing material. In the illustrated example, the carrier 40 includes a window plate 42 defining two windows 44a, 44b. Spring-biased paddles 46a, 46b are associated with each window 44a, 44b, and a spine passage 48 for receiving the passport spine is defined between the paddles 46a, 46b. The carrier 40 includes an entrance side 50 having an input / output slot 52 between the window plate 42 and the paddles 46a, 46b through which the passport is inserted into and removed from the carrier 40. When document 16 is a plastic card, the transmission mechanism disclosed in US2018 / 0326763 can be used to transmit the plastic card.

[0034] In order to load the passport onto the carrier 40, the passport book is placed as follows: Figure 3A The passport book is opened as shown. It can be opened mechanically using a mechanical opening mechanism known in the art, or it can be opened manually and then manually inserted into system 10. Reference Figure 3B The opened passport book then slides into slot 52, with its spine facing down and located in spine channel 48. When the passport book is fully inserted into carrier 40 ( Figure 3C One half of the passport book is visible in window 44a, and the other half is visible in window 44b. The passport book is held stationary by carrier 40, wherein the portions of the passport book visible in windows 44a and 44b are available for printing. Carrier 40 then transports the passport book to and through printing station 12. Figure 1 The passport book is transported to and through the curing station 14, and optionally to and through the plasma processing station 20 if present. The passport book may also be held by a carrier in any additional processing station 26, 28. At the end of processing or earlier, the passport book is removed from the carrier 40 and finally closed and guided to the output terminal 24.

[0035] refer to Figure 4-5A portion of the curing station 14 is shown. The curing station 14 includes a radiation emitter assembly 60 mounted on a mounting plate 62. The assembly 60 includes at least one radiation emitter 64, such as one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or an LED array. An aperture 66 is formed in the mounting plate 62, which allows radiation emitted by the radiation emitter 64 to be output to the document 16 carried by the carrier 40. An optional clear lens 68 may be disposed on the aperture 66 to protect the radiation emitter 64. A reflective surface 70 of the curing station 14 is configured to face the aperture 66.

[0036] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2A -B and 5, hole 66 has a length LA extending in a direction perpendicular to the transmission direction of document 16, which is approximately equal to or only slightly greater than the length of document 16 perpendicular to the transmission direction. In Figure 2A and 2B In the case where document 16 is conveyed along a direction where edge 80 is the leading edge and edge 82 is the trailing edge, the length of document 16 can be LD1. Alternatively, if document 16 is conveyed along other edges forming the leading and trailing edges, the length of document 16 can be LD2.

[0037] In addition, continue to refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 As discussed in further detail below, a light-shielding mechanism 72 is provided to control the emission of radiation through the aperture 66. The light-shielding mechanism 72 includes a pair of light-shielding plates, comprising a first movable light-shielding plate 74a and a second movable light-shielding plate 74b. The first movable light-shielding plate 74a can be moved controllably and independently of the second movable light-shielding plate 74b. For example, refer to… Figure 6 In one embodiment, the first movable light-shielding plate 74a can be driven back and forth in the direction of the arrow by a dedicated drive motor 76a and a transmission system 78a, while the second movable light-shielding plate 74b can be driven back and forth in the direction of the arrow by a dedicated drive motor 76b and a transmission system 78b. In another embodiment, refer to... Figure 7 The movable light-shielding plates 74a and 74b can share a common drive motor 76, which drives independent transmission systems 78a and 78b, each independently driving the movable light-shielding plates 74a and 74b. The drive motors 76, 76a, and 76b, and the transmission systems 78a and 78b, can have any structure suitable for driving the movable light-shielding plates 74a and 74b back and forth in the indicated direction. For example, the drive motors 76, 76a, and 76b can be stepper motors, and the transmission systems 78a and 78b can include elements such as pulleys, belts, and gears.

[0038] Figure 11Another embodiment of the light-shielding sheets 74a and 74b is shown. In this embodiment, additional movable light-shielding sheets 92a and 92b are provided, which are movable independently of each other and independently of the light-shielding sheets 74a and 74b. The light-shielding sheets 92a and 92b can be actuated to move in a manner similar to that of the light-shielding sheets 74a and 74b. The light-shielding sheets 92a and 92b can be smaller than, the same as, or larger than the light-shielding sheets 74a and 74b. The use of the additional light-shielding sheets 92a and 92b substantially divides the light-shielding sheets 74a and 74b into two or more segments, thereby allowing selective curing of portions of the document surface by controlling appropriate light-shielding segments to prevent radiation from reaching the document surface in the windows 44a and 44b of the window panel 42.

[0039] refer to Figure 4 To ensure complete curing of the radiation-curable material applied to the document 16, the radiation emitting device 64 of the curing station 14 needs to be activated before the leading edge of the document 16 reaches the aperture 66 and deactivated after the trailing edge of the document 16 leaves the aperture 66. Because the radiation emitting device 64 is activated before the document 16 reaches the aperture 66 and deactivated after the document 16 leaves the aperture 66, without the light-shielding mechanism 72, the radiation emitted by the radiation emitting device 64 will pass through the aperture 66 and irradiate the bottom of the station 14, including the reflective surface 70, for a short period before and after the document 16 passes below the aperture 66. However, the reflection of radiation from the reflective surface 70 and other surfaces in the station 14 can irradiate the printhead in the printing station 12 with sufficient energy to cure the radiation-curable material in the printhead. The closer the curing station 14 and the printing station 12 are to each other, the more severe this problem becomes.

[0040] To prevent the emitted radiation from being reflected, the movable light shields 74a and 74b of the light shield mechanism 72 are controlled to prevent radiation from being emitted into the interior space of the station 14 before the leading edge of the document 16 reaches the hole 66 and after the rear edge of the carrier 40 and the document 16 passes through the hole 66, and before the radiation emitting device 64 is closed.

[0041] Therefore, refer to Figure 4 When the carrier 40, on which the document 16 is mounted, is conveyed through station 14 in the conveying direction indicated by the arrow, the radiation emitting device 64 is controlled such that it is actuated from a closed state to an open state after the radiation-curable material is applied to the surface of the document 16 in the printing station and before the leading edge of the document 16 reaches the hole 66. During this period, the light-shielding plate 74a completely covers the hole 66, as described in further detail below. Once the leading edge of the carrier 40 or the document 16 reaches the hole 66, the light-shielding plate 74a begins to protrude from the hole 66. Finally, the radiation emitting device 64 is actuated to a closed state after the trailing edge of the carrier 40 or the document 16 leaves the hole 66.

[0042] The example operating sequence of the carrier 40, the radiation emitting device 64, and the movable light-shielding plates 74a and 74b will be referred to Figure 8A -G is used for description. Figure 8A The diagram shows the point in time immediately following the completion of printing on document 16 at the printing station, where the carrier 40 carrying document 16 is transported from the printing station to the curing station in the direction of the arrow. As the carrier 40 passes, the radiation emitting device is activated to emit radiation as indicated by the arrow. At this time, the light-shielding plate 74a is stationary and completely covers the aperture 66, and the light-shielding plate 74b is also stationary and spaced apart from the light-shielding plate 74a.

[0043] refer to Figure 8B When the leading edge of the window panel 42 aligns with the upstream edge of the light-shielding plate 74a, the light-shielding plate 74a begins to move to the left as indicated by the arrow, while the carrier 40 continues to move to the left. Figure 8C During this process, the light-shielding plate 74a and the carrier 40 continue to move, and the light-shielding plate 74a begins to protrude from the aperture 66, exposing the surface of the document 16 to the emitted radiation. Simultaneously, the light-shielding plate 74a and the window plate 42 overlap in region 80 to prevent stray radiation. Figure 8D As the carrier 40 continues to move to the left, the light shield 74a stops when the hole 66 is completely uncovered and the surface of the document is fully exposed to the emitted radiation.

[0044] refer to Figure 8E Once the downstream edge of the light-shielding plate 74b is aligned with the trailing edge 82 of the windows 44a and 44b of the window plate 42, the light-shielding plate 74b is actuated as follows: Figure 8E As indicated by the arrow, it begins to move to the left to synchronize with the carrier 40. The light-shielding plate 74b continues to move with the carrier 40 and overlaps with the window panel 42 in region 84. Finally, the light-shielding plate 74b... Figure 8F As shown, it begins to move to cover aperture 66, thereby blocking stray radiation. Finally, when carrier 40... Figure 8G As the device continues to move to the next station to the left, the light-shielding plate 74b completely covers the aperture 66. Once the light-shielding plate 74b completely covers the aperture 66 and the trailing edge 82 of the document 16 leaves the aperture 66, the radiation emitting device is turned off.

[0045] Figure 8A-8G The sequence shown results in the light-shielding mechanism 72 being controlled such that: in the first curing stage, the ID card 16 is conveyed by the carrier 40 and the first movable light-shielding plate 74a moves, while the second movable light-shielding plate 74b remains stationary. Figure 8B and 8C In the second curing section, the first movable light-shielding plate 74a and the second movable light-shielding plate 74b are stationary, while the identification document 16 is being conveyed by the carrier. Figure 8D); and in the third curing stage, the ID card 16 is conveyed by the carrier 40 and the second movable light-shielding plate 74b moves, while the first movable light-shielding plate 74a remains stationary. Figure 8E and 8F ).

[0046] Figure 9 Another embodiment of controlling radiation emission in a curing station is illustrated, wherein the radiation emission device 64 is controlled to be actuated from a closed state to an open state after the radiation-curable material is applied to the surface of the ID card 16 and before the leading edge of the ID card 16 reaches the hole 66, and to be actuated to a closed state after the trailing edge of the ID card 16 leaves the hole 66. In this embodiment, the radiation emission device 64 is movably mounted so that the ID card 16, as Figure 9 The arrow in the diagram indicates that the device moves through the hole 66. During operation, the radiation emitting device 64 is actuated to the open state, and its movement must be controlled such that the radiation emitting device 64 begins to leave the hole 66 simultaneously with the leading edge of the carrier 40 or the leading edge of the document 16, ensuring that the leading edge of the document 16 receives a fully cured dose of emitted radiation without exposing the area below the carrier 40 and / or the document 16 to stray radiation. Once the radiation emitting device 64 completely covers the hole 66, its movement ceases until the trailing edge of the carrier 40 and / or the document 16 approaches the edge of the hole 66, and then it is actuated to leave the hole 66 before the trailing edge of the carrier 40 and / or the document 16 reaches it, ensuring no radiation leakage from the trailing edge. The movement of the radiation emitting device 64 may or may not be coordinated with... Figure 4-8G The movable light-shielding sheets 74a and 74b are used together.

[0047] refer to Figure 10 To further help prevent stray radiation, extendable and retractable wing plates 90a, 90b can be mounted on the carrier 40. Figure 10The wing plates 90a and 90b are shown in an extended or deployed position (solid lines) and a retracted or non-deployed position (dashed lines). The wing plates 90a and 90b are depicted as pivotally attached to the carrier 40 for pivoting movement between the extended and retracted positions. However, the wing plates 90a and 90b can be mounted to the carrier 40 to allow movement between the extended and retracted positions in a manner different from pivoting. When the document 16 is loaded onto the carrier 40, the wing plate 90b actuates to the retracted position to prevent interference with the loading of the document 16 onto the carrier 40. Once the document 16 is loaded, the wing plate 90b actuates to the extended position to help block stray radiation during the curing process of the radiation-curable material on the document 16. When the document 16 is unloaded from the carrier 40, the wing plate 90a actuates to the retracted position to prevent interference with the unloading of the document. In one embodiment, the two winglets 90a, 90b can pivot together simultaneously between extended and retracted positions during loading and unloading. In one embodiment, the upper surfaces of the winglets 90a, 90b can be configured to help trap emitted radiation. For example, the upper surfaces can be configured with hexagonal cavities serving as light traps to prevent reflection of the emitted radiation. Figure 10 As shown, the retractable wing plates 90a and 90b can be connected with... Figure 9 Used together with the embodiments described above, or the wing plates 90a, 90b can be used with Figure 4-8G Used together with the embodiments in the example.

[0048] The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all variations in the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A method for printing a radiation-curable material on an identity document, characterized in that, include: In the printing station, a radiation-curable material is applied to the surface of the identity document; After the radiation-curable material is applied, the ID card is transferred to a curing station to cure the radiation-curable material applied to the surface of the ID card. The curing station includes at least one radiation emitting device, which is controlled to have an on state and an off state, and emits radiation suitable for curing the radiation-curable material applied to the surface of the ID card when it is in the on state. And a hole through which radiation emitted by the at least one radiation emitting device can travel toward the identity document; As the ID card is conveyed along the conveying direction through the curing station, the radiation-curable material applied to the surface of the ID card is cured, and the at least one radiation emitting device is controlled such that the at least one radiation emitting device is actuated from the closed state to the open state after the radiation-curable material is applied to the surface of the ID card and before the leading edge of the ID card reaches the hole, and the at least one radiation emitting device is actuated to the closed state after the trailing edge of the ID card leaves the hole.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The radiation-curable material includes an ultraviolet-curable material, and the at least one radiation emitting device includes at least one light-emitting diode.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The curing station also includes a light-shielding plate mechanism associated with the hole, the light-shielding plate mechanism controlling the emission of radiation emitted by the at least one radiation emitting device through the hole, the light-shielding plate mechanism including a first movable light-shielding plate and a second movable light-shielding plate, the first movable light-shielding plate being independently and controllably movable independent of the second movable light-shielding plate; as well as During the curing process, the light-shielding sheet mechanism is controlled such that: In the first solidification stage, the ID card is being transported and the first movable light-shielding sheet is moving, while the second movable light-shielding sheet remains stationary. In the second curing stage, the ID card is being transported while the first movable light-blocking plate and the second movable light-blocking plate are stationary; In the third curing stage, the ID card is being transported and the second movable light-shielding sheet is moving, while the first movable light-shielding sheet remains stationary.

4. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first curing stage, the second curing stage, and the third curing stage occur sequentially.

5. The method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, include: The first movable light-shielding plate and the second movable light-shielding plate are moved in a direction parallel to the conveying direction.

6. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The identification document includes a passport or a plastic card.

7. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The at least one radiation emitting device is moved relative to the identity document in a direction parallel to the transmission direction.

8. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Before or after applying the radiation-curable material to the surface of the identity document, at least one of the following shall be performed: The identity document is subjected to plasma treatment; Encode the magnetic stripe on the identity document; Program the integrated circuit chip on the identity document; Embossing characters on the identity document; Characters are intaglio printed on the identity document; The identification document is marked with a laser. Apply laminating material to the identity document; Apply the topcoat to the ID card.

9. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The printing station is an on-demand ink-dispensing printing station that includes at least one on-demand ink-dispensing printhead.

10. A personalized identity document system, characterized in that, include: A printing station configured to apply a radiation-curable material to the surface of an identity document; A curing station, the curing station including at least one radiation emitting device, the at least one radiation emitting device being controlled to have an on state and an off state, and emitting radiation suitable for curing the radiation-curable material applied to the surface of the identity document when in the on state, and an aperture through which the radiation emitted by the at least one radiation emitting device can travel toward the identity document; A conveying mechanism that conveys the ID card from the printing station to and through the solidification station along a conveying direction; as well as A controller connected to the curing station controls the curing station such that the at least one radiation emitting device is actuated from the closed state to the open state after the radiation-curable material is applied to the surface of the ID card and before the leading edge of the ID card reaches the hole, and is actuated to the closed state after the trailing edge of the ID card leaves the hole.

11. The personalized identity document system as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The radiation-curable material includes an ultraviolet-curable material, and the at least one radiation emitting device includes at least one light-emitting diode.

12. The personalized identity document system as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The curing station also includes a light-shielding plate mechanism associated with the hole, the light-shielding plate mechanism controlling the emission of radiation emitted by the at least one radiation emitting device through the hole, the light-shielding plate mechanism including a first movable light-shielding plate and a second movable light-shielding plate, the first movable light-shielding plate being independently and controllably movable independent of the second movable light-shielding plate.

13. The personalized identity document system as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The controller controls the curing station so that, during the curing process, it controls the light-shielding mechanism, such that: In the first solidification stage, the ID card is being transported and the first movable light-shielding sheet is moving, while the second movable light-shielding sheet remains stationary. In the second curing stage, the ID card is being transported while the first movable light-blocking plate and the second movable light-blocking plate are stationary; In the third curing stage, the identification document is being transported and the second movable light-shielding plate is moving, while the first movable light-shielding plate remains stationary; and The first curing stage, the second curing stage, and the third curing stage occur sequentially.

14. The personalized identity document system as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The at least one radiation emitting device is mounted so that it can move relative to the identity document in a direction parallel to the transmission direction.

15. The personalized identity document system as described in claim 10, characterized in that, Also includes: Before or after the printing and curing stations, at least one of the following: A plasma processor configured to perform plasma processing on the identity document; An encoder configured to encode a magnetic stripe on an identity document; A chip programmer configured to program an integrated circuit chip on an identity document; An embossing machine, wherein the embossing mechanism causes characters to be embossed on the identity document; An intaglio printer configured to intaglio print characters on the identity document; A laser configured to laser mark an identification document; A laminating machine, the laminating mechanism causing laminating material to be applied to the identity document; A topcoat applicator configured to apply topcoat to the identity document.

16. The personalized identity document system as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The printing station includes an on-demand ink-dispensing printing station, which includes at least one on-demand ink-dispensing printhead.

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