METHOD FOR PRODUCING AND PROTECTING DECORATIVE PAPER OR FILMS AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED COPYING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for producing decorative paper or decorative film which forms the surface of a decorative part and for protecting them against unauthorized reproduction.

[0002] For furniture surfaces, walls, floors, and ceilings, increasingly high-quality decors are being printed onto decorative base paper or foil to create the decorative paper or foil, and then applied over the entire surface of a carrier material, for example by lamination. Such decors include, for example, wood imitations, stone replications, photorealistic images, but also graphic elements, textiles, and fantasy patterns. Creating replicas of natural materials such as wood or stone of such high quality that the viewer has difficulty or is unable to distinguish a genuine natural surface from a printed decorative surface is extremely complex. Accordingly, it is popular among counterfeiters to use standard scanners to scan the original decors that are successful on the market and thus obtain the digital image file required for high-quality counterfeits.

[0003] Decorative base papers are high-tech specialty papers that are printed with aqueous or solvent-based ink systems, or processed unprinted in a single color. Further processing is essentially divided into impregnation, varnishing for furniture applications and pre-impregnated decorative base papers, pressing onto wood-based materials, or lamination onto wood-based materials or other board-like materials. DE 10 2013 007 602 A1 describes an example of the production of such a decorative part.

[0004] Wood-based materials include particleboard, fiberboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and high-density fiberboard. However, boards made from a variety of materials, including minerals, plastics, and metals, can also be coated or laminated.

[0005] A further processing of these papers is the production of decorative laminates, which are pressed from impregnated, printed and / or dyed coating base papers and core papers to form a homogeneous board or are produced in a continuous process (see CPL).

[0006] Various options have been considered or used to identify counterfeits of decorative parts or decorative papers and foils, or at least to make counterfeiting more difficult.

[0007] One of these possibilities is to embed patterns invisible to the human eye, so-called moiré patterns, similar to those found on banknotes. These patterns are then not captured by a scanner but distort the areas, resulting in them being reproduced in black. One method used to prevent counterfeiting in the past was to incorporate such patterns into the decoration, which are then reproduced as black spots in the image file and appear as black spots in a corresponding printout. However, it is entirely possible for a skilled copier to cover these black spots with other copied sections of the overall decoration, possibly by adjusting the transition edges. This process is therefore not only very expensive but also does not offer optimal protection. Furthermore, such protective measures are becoming increasingly ineffective as scanners become more detailed.

[0008] Another method that has been used in the past is to digitally embed hidden characters in the decoration. These characters are printed but cannot be perceived by the human eye. When the decoration is then scanned, software translates the hidden pixels and compares them with underlying pixels. If there is a match, the decoration is referred to as the original. This process relies on the fact that the hidden information cannot be reproduced on the copy when scanning and printing. Unlike the black spots mentioned above, the illegally copied decoration remains unchanged to the viewer and is similar or almost identical to the original. However, this process also relies on this copy protection not being circumvented by more powerful scanners and printers in the future.Thus, new copy protection measures are constantly being developed, based in particular on the fact that the number of pixels per square inch is increasing and that ever smaller pixels can be used for encryption.

[0009] US 2008 / 0002882 A1 describes a security procedure in which a code is hidden on the product. The product is scanned via a smartphone, and data is exchanged with a central computer, where the data is compared. The central computer then sends back to the smartphone whether the product is an original or a counterfeit. Alternatively, the data can also be stored on the smartphone, eliminating the need for data exchange with a central computer.

[0010] US 2013 / 0311329 A1 discloses a method used for targeted advertising. To give a socially known networker a broader product base for purchasing, they can photograph an item they like, which is then used by a cloud computing device to identify similar products that the user might like. The user can then select one or more of these products on their smartphone, which are then automatically linked to their social network account.

[0011] Finally, US 2007 / 286472 A1 describes a process for checking watermarks in a paper web. These watermarks may no longer be present or may be faulty due to a defective roller that imprints the watermarks. The position where watermarks are expected on the paper web is determined using lines on the web. Cameras are used to determine whether a watermark is present and whether it is correct.

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a method by which decorative paper or decorative film is produced which forms the surface of a decorative part and by which the decorative paper or decorative film is protected against unauthorized reproduction.

[0013] The method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps: a) Creating digital image information that defines a desired decoration, b) Embedding a character in the image information of the desired decoration to create modified image information, wherein when the modified image information is printed out, the changes are not perceptible to the human eye and thus the embedded character is not perceptible to the human eye, c) Printing the decorative paper or decorative film to create the desired decoration including the embedded character using the modified image information, d) Providing a software app that is stored on a computer coupled to a camera, e) Providing a monitor that is coupled to the computer, f) wherein the software app is designed such that it filters out the embedded character from the image recorded by the camera and displays it on the monitor.

[0014] The method according to the invention differs fundamentally from the previously mentioned known methods. The data embedded in the original image information for the desired decoration, which alters the image information, is invisible to the human eye, but is visible with a software app. Unlike the prior art, however, the embedded image information can be copied using commercially available scanners and printers, in particular with scanners that have a resolution of 300, 600, or 1,200 dpi and printers with a print resolution of only 600 dpi, preferably 1,200 dpi, or printing cylinders engraved with rasterized data for the gravure printing process. Printing the decoration using the modified image information thus produces a decoration that is very close to the original decoration.However, because the product pirate prints the mark without their knowledge, the original manufacturer can quickly and clearly identify that his design has been copied and not a similar design.

[0015] In particular, the mark is a registered, protected trademark and / or a registered, protected design, whereby the unauthorized product pirate, without realizing it, prints the protected trademark and / or the protected design, which is then immediately visible via the distributed software app. Another special feature arises from the fact that the app does not recognize the decoration based on a few embedded characters and then display a stored trademark / design or, as in the prior art, the reference "Original," but rather that the mark (in the preferred embodiment, the trademark or the registered design) itself is contained in the decoration and is only displayed via the software app.

[0016] There are various possibilities, which are well known in the prior art, for embedding the character in the image information of the desired decoration and which can be used in the present invention. Firstly, it is possible to superimpose the character on the original decoration, similar to a so-called granular image, also known as a noise image, which is described in connection with Figure 13 of DE 696 20 751 T2. The relevant technique described in this document is expressly incorporated into the present application as a possibility for embedding the character and for filtering it out after printing as an option for carrying out some steps of the inventive method.

[0017] Further similar processes for the same purpose, which can also be applied in the process according to the invention, are described in EP 1 019 868 B1 and EP 1 923 830 A2.

[0018] A simplified process for embedding and filtering out the character can be roughly explained as follows: The image information for the desired original decoration is divided into pixels, which form a certain signal that is then recorded by the scanner. For example, in the first surface sections with several pixels, minimal color value shifts of the decoration can occur in this area, which also shifts the signal. The color value shifts are so minor that they cannot be perceived by the human eye, but can be perceived by appropriate software. This results, for example, in larger pixels consisting of numerous individual pixels that represent a field with a color value shift. A neighboring field (second surface section), for example, can have no color value shift or a color value shift in the opposite direction, resulting in a kind of black and a kind of white field (at the first and second pixels).second surface sections) in the form of oversized pixels. The determination of these color value shifts can be carried out, for example, as mentioned in the previously cited publications. For example, the decoration can be stored with unchanged color values. This decoration represents a field of individual signals, which is then subtracted from the determined image information, or more precisely, from its signals, so that the value remaining is, for example, a field of black and white pixels, which represents the invisible sign in the form of the protected trademark and / or the protected design.If the pirate's illegal print results in an overall color shift due to the different printer or a mediocre scan, this color shift is first detected by the software app and, if the app knows the correct color values, shifted toward the correct color values. This way, the correct color values ​​are available as a starting point for subsequent analysis. Based on these values, the stored data and signals can be subtracted, thus revealing the previously invisible character. It is also possible to view the color shift as merely gradual gray values, and here, too, the color shift present in the original data can be recognized as a pattern.

[0019] The visible character preferably consists of pixels that are at least 2 x 2 mm in size. This means that these pixels are composed of many individual pixels. This not only facilitates the embedding of the character but also its detection.

[0020] The decorative paper or decorative film is preferably a coating material for furniture surfaces, furniture foils, walls, floors or ceilings.

[0021] The printed decorative paper or the printed decorative film is applied flatly to a carrier part, whereby this carrier part is, for example, a plate.

[0022] The support part is optionally made of wood, fiber material or plastic.

[0023] The decorative paper or foil is printed using continuous printing, particularly gravure or digital printing. These processes ensure the high required quality.

[0024] Preferably, the decor is a wood imitation, a stone imitation, or a textile pattern, with the embedded character being designed differently. This means that the embedded character is not a wood imitation if the decor is a wood imitation, not a stone imitation if the decor is a stone imitation, and not a textile pattern if the decor is a textile pattern.

[0025] As mentioned above, the mark is preferably composed of pixels and forms a pattern. Alternatively, a word, a word / image mark, or a registered and protected design can also be used as a mark.

[0026] Preferably, the character has a size of at least 20 x 20 mm and / or consists of at least 8 x 8 oversized pixels, each of which is in particular, as mentioned, 2 x 2 mm in size.

[0027] Additional decor recognition patterns that are unique to the specific decor and invisible to the human eye can also be embedded and printed into the decor. These separate decor recognition patterns serve as a unique signal specific to the respective decor, which the app can capture. This means that, for example, after photographing the decor with their mobile phone, the user can not only recognize the aforementioned symbol on the app, but can also select the app to obtain specific information about the decor, such as the name of the decor, the manufacturer, properties of the decor, or even prices. If necessary, this can also provide information about whether the decor just photographed is probably or even definitely a counterfeit. For this purpose, an arrangement of individual, extremely small pixels can optionally also represent a code that cannot be reproduced with conventional scanners and printers.The noise generated by scanning can also be used to compare with the original data and identify a copy.

[0028] As already mentioned, data on the specific decor can be stored in the app or on a server via an internet connection, which can be queried via the app as soon as the specific decor recognition pattern has been identified.

[0029] At the edges, such as the corners of the sign, invisible codes can be embedded into the decoration, which are unique to the type of decoration itself. Users can then query the decoration type via an app and an external database.

[0030] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the following drawings, to which reference is made.

[0031] The drawings show: Figure 1a decoration which can be produced by the method according to the invention with a superimposed, visible symbol, Figure 2 the sign after Figure 1 , without the decor, Figure 3 individual process steps in the process according to the invention, and Figure 4 a process step for producing a decorative part provided with the decorative paper or decorative film according to the invention.

[0032] A method for producing and protecting against unauthorized reproduction of printed decorative paper or printed decorative film 10 is explained below, by means of which a decorative part is produced.

[0033] Such a decorative element can be designed as a furniture surface, a wall, a floor, or a ceiling. Such decorative elements usually consist of a carrier part, in particular a plate 12, and the aforementioned decorative paper or decorative film 10, which are bonded together over their entire surface, as shown in Figure 4is represented stylized by means of the roller 14.

[0034] Such a decorative paper comprises a so-called base paper in the form of a high-tech specialty paper, which is printed with aqueous or solvent-based ink systems. After printing, the decorative paper is impregnated, possibly varnished in the case of pre-impregnated paper, and pressed onto the carrier part 12. Alternatively, the carrier part can be laminated with the printed, varnished pre-impregnated paper.

[0035] As an alternative to paper, printed decorative films are also used for the same purpose and through the same or similar manufacturing steps. Such films are typically made of thermoplastics, such as PVC, PP, PET, and the like.

[0036] The supporting parts are typically made of wood, fiberglass, or plastic. Of course, other materials can also be used, such as mineral materials, metals, or hybrids of all of the above materials, onto which the decorative paper or foil is laminated.

[0037] A decoration is applied to the decorative paper or decorative film using gravure or digital printing, which can be, for example, a wood imitation, a stone replication, photorealistic images, but also graphic elements or textile and fantasy patterns.

[0038] In Figure 1A decor, in this case a wood replica, is depicted that was created on a computer. This can be achieved, for example, by photographing individual sections of a piece of wood and then digitally processing them to create a perfect wood decor that, on the one hand, looks natural, i.e., real, but, on the other hand, is not so obviously perfect in terms of its decorative structure that it would be considered too perfect and artificial at first glance. Accordingly, digital image information is created on the computer for this desired decor, which can then be used to produce the decor using gravure or digital printing.

[0039] A character 18 is embedded in this decoration on the computer, which is Figure 2 is shown again separately and which represents a protected, registered trademark and / or a registered, protected design.

[0040] The embedding of the character 18 is carried out in such a way that the image information previously generated for the desired decoration is minimally modified so that the human eye does not see this change when the modified image information is subsequently printed out.

[0041] Figure 1This shows a representation that does not actually exist, since character 18 is visible here in addition to the wood reproduction. However, it should be made clear that character 18 is relatively large, measuring at least 20 x 20 mm, and in this case consists of individual oversized pixels, namely fields of at least 8 x 8 pixels, in this case 10 x 10 pixels. Some of the fields are shown in black, the others are transparent. Each pixel—a pixel 20 is provided with a reference symbol for identification—naturally consists of many individual pixels for printing and image information, depending on the respective software, possibly the scanner, or the printing device.

[0042] Embedding the character modifies the original image information for the desired decoration. This modified image information would result in a decoration that, to the human eye, appears indistinguishable from the original.

[0043] How the symbol is embedded has been explained in this introduction to the description, with reference to three patent applications / patents. These procedures also apply to the example described.

[0044] The change in the image information and thus also the change in the printed decoration is designed in such a way that it would be captured by a scanner (including cameras, especially smartphones or tablets) and reproduced accordingly when the scanned image is printed out.

[0045] Normally, after the decorative paper or decorative film has been printed to create the desired decoration using the modified image information, this original is captured by pirates using cameras or high-performance scanners and corresponding copies are printed.

[0046] A software app is stored on a computer 22, which includes not only conventional computers but also smartphones, tablets and the like, whereby this also means that the app accesses a server and the software or part of the software of the app runs there.

[0047] A camera 21 is coupled to the computer 22 (in the case of smartphones or tablets, this is the integrated camera), by means of which the Figure 1 shown decor can be included.

[0048] A monitor 24 is also coupled to the computer 22, which in the case of a smartphone or a tablet is the monitor integrated therein.

[0049] The software app is designed to use the information received via camera 21, as shown in Figure 3 indicated, captured image of the decoration 10, the embedded sign 18 and thus the protected trademark and / or the registered, protected design is filtered out and displayed on the monitor 24, as shown in Figure 3 is indicated.

[0050] For example, the individual black pixels 20 are areas in which a slight color shift has been made, and the white areas in the square field of 10 x 10 pixels are areas in which no color shift, or another distinguishable color shift, has been made.

[0051] For example, the character 18 is stored in the computer or in a server 30 connected via an internet connection and can therefore be queried. For example, and this is not intended to be limiting, the background of the captured photo can be examined to quickly find a match between some pixels and the stored pattern, and then the adjacent areas can be checked in detail for a match with the character, thus speeding up processing.

[0052] The image information obtained from the photo (a scan should also be considered a "photo") generates signal values ​​from which the predefined signal values ​​of the wood decor, which are also stored either on the computer or on server 30, are subtracted, so that the areas are displayed with a color shift, in this case the black areas. Thus, no stored character is reproduced, which presumably represents the character hidden in the image, but rather, only the character on the photographed decor is actually reproduced. Since the unlawful reproduction of this character constitutes a trademark and / or design infringement, the pirate is a trademark and / or design infringer.

[0053] The characters 18 are applied multiple times to a decoration, preferably spaced apart from each other. This means that the entire decoration is not completely "plastered" with this character; rather, numerous characters 18 are scattered throughout, either evenly or irregularly incorporated into the decoration.

[0054] The size of character 18 is at least 20 x 20 mm, so large that it can be captured with sufficient accuracy by a smartphone if the entire decoration is photographed.

[0055] Such decorations are printed using continuous printing, which means that the paper or film is pulled off a roll to create wide and endlessly long strips.

[0056] The decorative pattern itself repeats itself after at least a few meters.

[0057] In addition, information can also be embedded in the decor by steganography, via which the computer 22 or the server 30 can then recognize the decor itself and display information on the monitor 24, which contains, for example, information about the special decor, the manufacturer, the order number, the properties, etc.

[0058] This information can be stored either on the computer 22 or on the server 30. When using a server 30, an Internet connection 32 between the server 30 and the computer 22 is of course necessary.

[0059] Steganography is used to create corresponding decor recognition patterns, which consist of individual, very small pixels that are Figure 1These decorative recognition patterns may, but do not necessarily, be reproduced on the counterfeit during printing and the preceding scan by a pirate. In some cases, the steganography technique used may make scanning or printing using conventional devices impossible.

Claims

1. A method of, on the one hand, manufacturing decorative paper or decorative film for creating a surface of a decorative part and, on the other hand, of protecting against inadmissible duplication, comprising the following steps: (a) preparing digital image information defining a desired decorative design (10); (b) embedding a mark (18) into the image information of the desired decorative design while creating modified image information, wherein when the modified image information is printed out, the modifications are not perceptible to the human eye and thus the embedded mark is not perceptible to the human eye; (c) printing on the decorative paper or the decorative film to form the desired decorative design inclusive of the embedded mark by means of the modified image information; (d) providing a software app which is stored on a computer (22) coupled to a camera (21); (e) providing a monitor (24) which is coupled to the computer (22); (f) wherein the software app is configured to filter out the embedded mark (18) from the image taken by means of the camera and to reproduce it by means of the monitor (24).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the decorative paper or the decorative film is a coating material for furniture surfaces, walls, floors or room ceilings.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the printed decorative paper or the printed decorative film is adapted for planar application to a carrier part (12).

4. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing is effected in a continuous printing process, in particular in gravure or digital printing.

5. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mark (18) is a pattern composed of oversized pixels (20), each having a pixel size of at least 2 x 2 mm.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embedded mark (18) is a registered protected trademark and / or a registered protected design.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative design is an imitation wood, a stone replica or a textile pattern and in that the embedded mark is formed to differ therefrom.

8. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mark (18) has a size of at least 20 x 20 mm.

9. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mark (18) consists of at least 8 x 8 pixels.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that each pixel has a size of at least 2 x 2 mm.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a decorative design recognition pattern which is specific to the particular decorative design and is not visible to the human eye is embedded and printed into the decorative design.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that data on the particular decorative design is stored in the software app or on a server (30) via an Internet connection, which data can be retrieved using the software app as soon as the particular decorative design recognition pattern is recognized.

13. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mark is optically superimposed on the original decorative design.