Gloss effect with improved hiding

Abstract

To provide methods and systems for generating and rendering a gloss effect with improved hiding performance.SOLUTION: A method comprises: determining, among first and second colors, which of the first and second colors is mixed with a black colorant that is furthest from a rich black colorant; selecting a first color with the black colorant; selecting a second color to be sufficiently black and a least rich black colorant; creating an object with the first color and entering data within the object opaquely with the second color; and rendering a document with the object including the data with the object, where the object with the data exhibits a gloss effect based on the first color and the second color.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Embodiments relate to image processing methods, systems and devices. Further, embodiments relate to the field of special imaging used in printing applications. Further, embodiments relate to creating and rendering gloss effects with improved hiding capabilities. [Background technology]

[0002] Specialized imaging techniques are a set of advanced and specialized methods, including the embedding of digital watermarks, used in security printing applications to increase the security and authenticity of printed documents such as banknotes, passports, ID cards and other security materials by making them more difficult to counterfeit or accurately copy.

[0003] Special imaging is useful in the creation of digital watermarks, which are patterns or information embedded in a printed image that are usually invisible to the human eye but can be detected using special equipment or software. Digital watermarks (sometimes simply called "watermarks") serve as a means of authentication and can store information such as the origin of a document, a serial number, or security features.

[0004] Digital watermarks can be visible or invisible. Visible watermarks can contain text or patterns that are discernible to the naked eye and difficult to reproduce exactly. Invisible watermarks are hidden in the content of the document and require specialized tools to detect. Watermarks can be robust, remaining detectable after various printing and scanning processes, or fragile, being easily destroyed if the document is tampered with.

[0005] An example of a special imaging technique is a high-resolution scalable gloss effect, which appears in a single color when viewed head-on (not copied), but when tilted, text or other graphics are easily visible. This special imaging feature can be created by using two similar Lab values ​​while maximizing the difference in toner pile height. This special imaging feature has some problems, including the need for more expensive coated media and the fact that it is currently only available on production devices. Older gloss toners could hide the watermark at an angle, unlike the current emulsion aggregation (EA) toners. So-called registration inks improved the quality of the watermark, but there was a risk that it would slip through the ink limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following summary is provided to facilitate understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the disclosed embodiments and is not intended to be a complete description. A complete understanding of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be obtained by taking a look at the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract together.

[0007] It is therefore an aspect of the embodiments to provide improved image processing methods, systems and devices.

[0008] It is another aspect of the embodiments to provide an improved method and system for rendering gloss effects.

[0009] It is a further aspect of the embodiments to provide a method and system for rendering gloss effects with enhanced concealment.

[0010] The above aspects and other objects and advantages may be achieved as described herein. In one embodiment, a method for rendering a gloss effect may include: determining which of a first color and a second color, the first color or the second color, is mixed with a black colorant that is farthest from a rich black colorant; selecting a first color that includes a black colorant; selecting a second color that is sufficiently black and the least rich black colorant; creating an object in the first color and inputting data in the second color into the object to be opaque; and rendering a document with the object and the data, wherein the object and the data can show a gloss effect based on the first color and the second color.

[0011] In one embodiment, when rendered with an object that may contain the data, the document includes a watermark with a gloss effect that is hidden at some angles and appears at other angles in both coated and uncoated media.

[0012] In one embodiment, the object may include a text box, and the data within the object includes text.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rendered text may include textual content, graphical elements, or a combination thereof.

[0014] In one embodiment, rendering the document may further involve formatting the document in an electronic format that is independent of the software, hardware, or operating system by which the document may be viewed.

[0015] In one embodiment, rendering the document may further involve sending the document in electronic document format to a printer for printing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electronic document format may include a page description language (PDL) document.

[0017] In one embodiment, rendering the document may further involve printing the document via a printing system.

[0018] In one embodiment, a method for generating a print-ready document with optimized color contrast may involve: determining, by a computing device, which single color when mixed with black produces a final color that is furthest from rich black; selecting, by the computing device, the determined single color as a first color; selecting, by the computing device, a second color including 100% black and 100% of a color that when mixed with black makes black the least rich; creating, by the computing device, a text box in the document and filling the text box with the first color; and writing, by the computing device, text in the text box and rendering the text in an opaque manner using the second color.

[0019] An embodiment may further involve sending, by the computing device, the document in the electronic document format to a printer for printing.

[0020] In one embodiment, a system for rendering a gloss effect image on a recording medium can include a processor and a computer readable medium including programming instructions that cause the processor to determine which of a first color and a second color, the first color or the second color, is to be mixed with a black colorant that is furthest from a rich black colorant; select a first color that includes a black colorant; select a second color that is sufficiently black and has the least rich black colorant; create an object in the first color; input data into the object in the second color to be opaque; and render the object, including the data, with the object on a recording medium; The object including the data is configured to be capable of exhibiting a gloss effect based on a first color and a second color. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] The accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, further illustrate the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an image of a sample prescription created based on MicroGloss special imaging technology. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 illustrates an image of a sample sheet at an angle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates an image of the sample sheet at a different angle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the viewing angle relative to an observer of the gloss effect according to one embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 illustrates an image of a document that is easy to read but has a gloss effect that disappears outside of a certain range of angles, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 13 illustrates an example image in which a concealed portion of a watermark becomes visible when zoomed in to a size larger than the printed size of the document, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates an image of a document showing a yellow and black gloss effect according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a high level flow diagram of operations illustrating a method for generating a document having a yellow and black gloss effect according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a high-level flow diagram of operations illustrating a method for rendering a gloss effect with enhanced concealment according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is a high-level operational flow diagram illustrating a method for generating a print-ready document with optimized color contrast according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system suitable for implementing one or more of the disclosed embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital front-end controller useful for implementing one or more of the disclosed embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The specific values ​​and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples may be varied and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0024] The subject matter will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and which show, by way of illustration, certain exemplary embodiments. However, the subject matter may be embodied in a variety of different forms, and therefore, it is intended that the subject matter covered or claimed be construed as not being limited to any exemplary embodiments described herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only. Similarly, a fairly broad scope is intended for the subject matter claimed or referred to. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as a method, device, component, or system. Thus, the embodiments may take the form of, for example, hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof (other than software itself). Thus, the following detailed description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense.

[0025] Throughout this specification and claims, terms may have subtle meanings that are suggested or implied in the context beyond the explicitly stated meaning. Similarly, as used herein, phrases such as "in one embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" and variations thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and as used herein, phrases such as "in another embodiment" or "in another exemplary embodiment" and variations thereof may, but do not necessarily, refer to different embodiments. For example, the claimed subject matter is intended to include combinations of the exemplary embodiments in whole or in part.

[0026] Generally, terms may be understood at least in part from their use in context. For example, terms such as "and", "or", or "and / or" as used herein may include various meanings that may depend at least in part on the context in which such terms are used. Typically, "or", when used to relate a list such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C as used herein in an inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C as used herein in an exclusive sense. In addition, as used herein, the term "one or more" may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or may be used to describe a combination of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense, depending at least in part on the context. Similarly, terms such as "a", "an", or "the" may also be understood to convey a singular use or to convey a plural use, depending at least in part on the context. In addition, the term "based on" is not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors, but may instead be understood as allowing for the presence of additional factors not necessarily explicitly listed, also depending at least in part on the context. Additionally, as used herein, the term "at least one" may refer to "one or more." For example, "at least one widget" may refer to "one or more widgets."

[0027] The term "data" as used herein refers to a physical signal that indicates or contains information. An "image" as a physical light pattern or a collection of data representing physical light may include characters, words, and text, as well as other features such as graphics.

[0028] Broadly speaking, a "digital image" is an image represented by a collection of digital data. An image may be divided into "sections", each of which is an image in itself. A section of an image may be of any size up to and including the entire image. As used herein, the terms "image object" or "object" are generally considered equivalent in the art to the term "section", and are intended to be used interchangeably herein.

[0029] In a digital image, which is composed of data representing physical light, each element of data may be called a "pixel," a term commonly used in the art to refer to a photographic element. Each pixel has a location and a value. Each pixel value is a bit in the image's "binary format," a grayscale value in the image's "grayscale format," or a set of color space coordinates in the image's "color coordinate format," each of which is a two-dimensional array that defines an image. An operation may perform "image processing" when it operates on an item of data that relates to a portion of an image.

[0030] As used herein, the term "metameric" may refer to a metameric pair of pattern inks (also simply referred to as a "metameric pair") in which the print and paper are not visually distinguishable when viewed from one angle, but are visually distinguishable when viewed from another angle (relative to the light source), allowing the creation of a watermark without more expensive spot inks, toners, and / or printers.

[0031] The term L*a*b (also called Lab or LAB), as used herein, refers to the CIELAB color space (L*a*b), a color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). L*a*b, which represents color as three values, where L* is the perceived lightness, and a* and b* are the four inherent colors of human vision: red, green, blue, and yellow. CIELAB is intended as a perceptually uniform space, where a given numerical change corresponds to a similarly perceived change in color. Although the LAB space is not truly perceptually uniform, it is nevertheless useful in industry for detecting small differences in color.

[0032] As utilized herein, the term CMYK refers to the CMYI color model, with CYMK referring to the four ink plates used: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). The CMYK model works by partially or fully masking a color on a lighter, usually white, background. The inks reduce light that would otherwise be reflected. Such a model is considered subtractive because the inks "subtract" red, green, and blue from white light. White light minus red leaves cyan, white light minus green leaves magenta, and white light minus blue leaves yellow. An example of an additive color model is the RGB color model, in which the red, green, and blue primary colors of light are added together to reproduce a wide range of colors. "RGB" refers to the three primary colors: red, green, and blue. RGB (i.e., the RGB color model) can be used to sense, represent, and display images in electronic systems such as televisions and computers.

[0033] As used herein, the term "watermark" may refer to a transparent piece of text, image, logo, or other marking that may be applied to a medium (e.g., a document, paper, photograph, image, etc.) to make the medium (to which the watermark is applied by security printing) more difficult to copy or counterfeit, or to use without authorization. A "watermark" may be special-purpose text or a picture that may be printed over one or more pages. For example, words such as Copy, Draft, or Confidential may be added as a watermark instead of being stamped on a document before distribution.

[0034] In the area of ​​security printing, documents can be protected from duplication, forgery, and counterfeiting using multiple technologies. As mentioned above, specialized imaging processes are one such method of security printing that can use standard materials such as paper inks and toners. Typically, security printing companies in the market require special (expensive) materials. An example document is a prescription where a pharmacist can have a high level of confidence that the document is genuine.

[0035] MicroGloss (known as Artistic Black in VIPP) is an example of a special imaging technology. This special imaging feature does not require special tools (e.g. UV light) to view and is particularly resistant to copy protection. MicroGloss uses a set of colors that appear nearly the same when viewed head-on, but when tilted, the pile height of the toner or ink will cause differences in the gloss displayed.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an implementation of MicroGloss. FIG. 1 illustrates an image 10 of a sample prescription created based on MicroGloss special imaging technology. Note that the entire black rectangle of Micro Gloss is usually visible under office lighting. For the image 10 shown in FIG. 1, a small LED is the light source, and the appearance changes depending on the light source and the viewer's angle. MicroGloss is a current product used in production facilities. As the name suggests, "MicroGloss" is limited to extremely small sizes. The gloss effect works at any size, and is easily readable at any angle unless the size is extremely small. As will be described in more detail below, this is no longer a constraint with the new gloss effect provided by the present embodiment.

[0037] It can also be seen in Figure 1 that some parts of the UPMC logo show the gloss effect (when viewed at certain angles) and others do not (when viewed head on). However, this small lettering is present throughout the UPMC logo and black box in image 10 of Figure 1. Ignoring ink limitations, the pile height of the text box is 4 pixels in CMYK and the pile height of the text is 1 pixel in K, which corresponds to etching the text out of a three dimensional block of CMYK. The actual pile height is closer to about 2.5 pixels.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates an image 20 of the swatch sheet at one angle. FIG. 3 illustrates an image 30 of the swatch sheet at another angle. The MicroGloss swatch sheet may be made in several runs, as different printers are expected to produce different results. From the fourth swatch, the CMYK to K was changed to CMYK to rich / warm / cool K. This is not to improve the gloss effect, but to improve the hiding between the text and the background text box. The hiding was good, but the gloss effect, which had deteriorated, was no longer effective. The next group is equal amounts of CMYK to K. Both the hiding effect and the gloss effect were reduced. The groups from [60 60 60 100][0 0 0 100] to [30 30 30 100][0 0 0 100] are equal amounts of CMY and 100% K to 100% K. These fall under different ink limits, e.g. the first one is 280%. This group is the most promising, but still has issues with hiding and poor gloss. The last group had some swatches that showed promise. Figures 2 and 3 therefore show swatch sheets at different angles.

[0039] To generate a gloss effect with improved hiding power, the following methodological steps or operations can be implemented: 1) Determine which single color you want to mix with black is the furthest from rich black 2) Select Color 1 to be black. 3) Choose color 2 to be 100% black and 100% of the color that makes the black the least rich. 4) Create a text box in a tool such as InDesign and fill it with Color 1. 5) Write opaque text in the text box using color 2. 6) Send the PDF or PostScript to the printer

[0040] Note that steps 3 and 4 have roughly the same effect even if the colors are swapped. Rich black from a graphic artist's point of view is blacker than black. For CMYK printers, Y (yellow) is chosen. Many highlight colors should also work, such as white, fluorescent yellow, and pink. Transparency is also envisioned. This means that for the first time, monochrome + highlight printers can achieve gloss effects.

[0041] 4 illustrates a schematic diagram 40 showing the viewing angles for an observer 42 of the gloss effect, according to one embodiment. Changes in angles A and B between the observer 42 and the light source 44, as well as the range 46 between angles A and B, contribute to the effect of the gloss effect.

[0042] Figure 5 illustrates an image 50 of a document having a gloss effect that is easy to read but disappears outside of a certain range of angles, according to one embodiment. Figure 6 illustrates an image 60 in which the concealed portion of the watermark becomes visible when enlarged to a size larger than the printed size of the document, according to one embodiment. Figure 7 illustrates an image 70 of a document exhibiting a yellow and black gloss effect, according to one embodiment.

[0043] Figures 5-7 show both the hiding and gloss effects at different sizes. Depending on the angle between the observer, the light source, and the sample, there is a range where the gloss effect is easy to read, for example between angles A and B discussed above, but disappears outside that range. Note that when enlarged to a size larger than the print size, the hiding part of the watermark becomes visible.

[0044] It should be noted that the terms "rich black" and "black" as used herein may refer to various variations of the color black, each with its own characteristics. In this context, the color "black" may generally refer to standard or neutral black. This is a simple, pure black without the addition of extra color. In digital print design, black is often expressed with key color values ​​such as: 0% cyan, 0% magenta, 0% yellow, and 100% black (CMYK0,0,0,100). On the other hand, the term "rich black" is a term that can be used to describe a darker, more intense black color that can be achieved by adding other colorants, typically cyan, magenta, and yellow, in addition to the black ink. This can create a deeper, richer black than plain black. Rich black is often used in printing to enhance the depth and vibrancy of black areas of an image or text. A common rich black combination is 60% cyan, 40% magenta, 40% yellow, and 100% black (CMYK 60,40,40,100).

[0045] The choice between using standard or rich black depends on the desired effect and the printing or marking process being used. Rich black is often used where a bolder, more visually striking black is required, such as when creating high quality prints or watermarks and gloss marks with enhanced visual impact. Standard black, on the other hand, is a simpler, more neutral black and may be used where color richness is not a primary concern.

[0046] 8 illustrates a high level flow diagram of operations illustrating a method 200 for generating a document with a yellow, black gloss effect, according to one embodiment. It will be understood that references herein to specific colors, such as yellow, or other colors, are for illustrative purposes only; that is, embodiments are not limited to the use of a particular color. References to a particular color are for illustrative purposes.

[0047] As shown in block 101, a step or operation can be performed to determine which single color to mix with black is the furthest from rich black. Then, as shown in block 102, a step or operation can be performed to select color 1 (first color) to be black. Then, as shown in block 103, a step or operation can be performed to select color 2 (second color) to be 100% black and 100% of the color that makes black the least rich. Then, as shown in block 104, a step or operation can be performed to create a text box and fill it with color 1. It should be noted that this operation can be performed, for example, via a tool such as Adobe® InDesign to create a text box and fill it with color 1. Then, as shown in block 105, a step or operation can be performed to write text in the text box with color 2 to be opaque. This improves the gloss effect with hiding power. Thereafter, a step or operation can be performed of sending the electronic file containing the text boxes / text and the colors indicative of the gloss effect to a printer for printing, as represented by block 106. The electronic file containing the gloss effect may be a page description language (PDL) document, such as, for example, PDF, PostScript, XPS, PCL, etc. The steps or operations represented by blocks 103 and 104 can switch colors and the effects can work in much the same way.

[0048] Note that rich black from a graphic artist's point of view is blacker than black. For CMYK printers, Y (yellow) is the color of choice. Many highlight colors should also work, such as white, fluorescent yellow, and pink. Transparency is also envisioned. This means that for the first time, monochrome+highlight printers can achieve gloss effects.

[0049] 9 is a high level flow diagram of operations illustrating a method 110 for rendering a gloss effect with enhanced hiding, according to one embodiment. Steps or operations can be performed, as represented by block 112, to determine which of a first color and a second color, the first color or the second color, is mixed with a black colorant that is the furthest from a rich black colorant. Then, steps or operations can be performed, as represented by block 114, to select a first color that includes a black colorant. Next, steps or operations can be performed, as illustrated by block 116, to select a second color that is sufficiently black and has the least rich black colorant.

[0050] Then, steps or operations can be performed to create an object in the first color and enter data into the object in the second color to be opaque, as shown at block 118. It should be noted that the term "object" as used herein can relate to a graphical or design element, including text, images, and / or color, that is rendered on or through a recording medium, such as a printed paper or other document. The rendering can be performed using a printing system or printer, such as those discussed herein. The object can include a variety of attributes, such as color, text, shapes, and other visual elements.

[0051] As shown at block 120, a step or operation may be performed to render the document with the object including the data along with the object, the object including the data exhibiting a gloss effect based on a first color and a second color. It should be noted that when rendered with the object including the data, the document may include a watermark with a gloss effect that is hidden at one angle and appears at another angle in both coated and uncoated media. The object in some embodiments may be a text box and the data within the object may include text. In some cases, the rendered text may include text content, graphical elements, or a combination thereof. As shown at block 120, the step of rendering the document may involve document formatting in an electronic format that is independent of the software, hardware, or operating system by which the document can be viewed. The step of rendering illustrated at block 120 may further involve sending the electronic document formatted document to a printer for printing.

[0052] FIG. 10 is a high level flow diagram of operations illustrating a method 130 for generating a print-ready document with optimized color contrast according to one embodiment. As represented by block 132, the computing device may perform steps or operations to determine which single color, when mixed with black, produces a final color that is the furthest from rich black. Then, as illustrated by block 134, the computing device may perform steps or operations to select the determined single color as a first color. Next, as illustrated by block 136, the computing device may perform steps or operations to select a second color including 100% black and 100% of a color that, when mixed with black, makes the black the least rich. Next, as represented by block 138, the computing device may perform steps or operations to create a text box in the document and fill the text box with the first color. Then, as illustrated by block 140, the computing device may perform steps or operations to write text in the text box and render the text in an opaque manner using the second color. The document may then be sent by the computing device in an electronic document format to a printer for printing.

[0053] Figure 11 illustrates a block diagram of a printing system 200 suitable for implementing one or more of the disclosed embodiments. Figure 12 illustrates a block diagram of a digital front-end controller 300 useful for implementing one or more of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the printing system 200 and / or the digital front-end controller 300 can be used to render a document having a yellow and black gloss effect.

[0054] 11, there is shown a printing system (or image rendering system) 200 suitable for implementing various aspects of the example embodiments described herein. The printing system 200 is capable of performing rendering operations, such as scanning a document via a scanner and printing the document via a printer, where the document exhibits the disclosed yellow, black gloss effect.

[0055] It should be noted that the term "scanner" as used herein may refer to an image scanner, which is a device or system that may optically scan an image, printed text, handwriting, or object and convert it into a digital image. One example of a scanner is a flatbed scanner, where a document to be imaged (e.g., a form) may be placed on a glass window for scanning. A scanner may be incorporated into a multi-function device (MFD) in some cases, which may also have printing and photocopying capabilities. A scanner may be incorporated into a printing system, such as the printing system 200 shown in FIG. 11. For example, a scanner 229 is shown in FIG. 9 as part of the printing system 200. Alternatively, or in addition to the scanner 229 included as part of the printing system 100, the scanner may be implemented as a separate scanner 262, also shown in FIG. 11, which may communicate with a network 260.

[0056] As used herein, the words "printer" and "printing system" can include any apparatus and / or system, digital copiers, electrophotographic and photocopy printing systems, bookbinding machines, facsimile machines, multifunction machines, inkjet machines, continuous-fed, sheet-fed printing devices, and the like, which can include a print controller and print engine and perform print output functions for any purpose.

[0057] The printing system 200 may include a user interface 210, a digital front-end (DFE) controller 220, and at least one print engine 230. The print engine 230 may have access to print media 235 of various sizes and costs for a print job. The printing system 200 may include a color printer having multiple color marking materials.

[0058] A "print job" or "document" is typically a set of related sheets, typically an original set of print job sheets from a particular user or one or more collated sets of copies reproduced from page images of an electronic document, or other related set of sheets. Typically, digital data may be sent to the printing system 200 for submission of a print job (or customer job).

[0059] A sorter 240 may operate after a job is printed by print engine 230 to manage the arrangement of the hardcopy output, including cutting functions. A user may access and operate printing system 200 using user interface 210 or through a data processing system, such as workstation 250. Workstation 250 may be in bidirectional communication with printing system 200 via communications network 260.

[0060] User profiles, print work products, media libraries, and various print job parameters may be stored in a database or memory 270 accessible by workstation 250 or printing system 200 over network 260, or such data may be accessed directly via printing system 200. As is known in the art, one or more color sensors (not shown) may be embedded in the printer paper path.

[0061] 12, an exemplary DFE (digital front-end) controller 300 is shown in more detail. The DFE controller 300 can include one or more processors, such as a processor 306 capable of executing machine-executable program instructions. The processor 306 can function as a DFE processor.

[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the processor 306 can be in communication with a bus 302 (e.g., a backplane interface bus, a crossover bar, or a data network). The digital front end 300 can also include a main memory 304 used to store machine-readable instructions. The main memory 304 can also store data. The main memory 304 can alternatively include random access memory (RAM) to support reprogramming and flexible data storage. A buffer 366 can be used to temporarily store data for access by the processor 306.

[0063] The program memory 364 may include, for example, executable programs that may implement the embodiments described herein. The program memory 364 may store at least a subset of the data contained in the buffer. The digital front end 300 may include a display interface 308 that may transfer data from the communication bus 302 (or from a frame buffer, not shown) to a display 310. The digital front end 300 may also include a secondary memory 312 that may include, for example, a hard disk drive 314 and / or a removable storage drive 316, which may read from and write to a removable storage device 318, such as a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., that stores computer software and / or data.

[0064] The secondary memory 312 may alternatively include other similar mechanisms for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system. Such mechanisms may include, for example, a removable storage unit 322 adapted to exchange data over an interface 320. Examples of such mechanisms include program cartridges and cartridge interfaces (such as those found in video game devices), removable memory chips (such as EPROMs or PROMs) and associated sockets, and other removable units and interfaces that allow software and data to be transferred.

[0065] 12 can include a communications interface 324, which can serve as an input and output to allow software and data to be transferred between the digital front-end controller 300 and external devices. Examples of communications interfaces include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, an ExpressCard slot, a SCSI port, etc.

[0066] Computer programs (also called computer control logic) and one or more modules may be stored in main memory 304 and / or secondary memory 312. Computer programs or modules may also be received via communications interface 324. Such computer programs or modules, when executed, enable the computer system to perform the features and capabilities provided herein. The software and data transferred via the communications interface may be in the form of signals, which may be, for example, electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by the communications interface.

[0067] These signals may be provided to the communications interface over a communications path (i.e., channel) that carries the signals and may be implemented using wire, cable, fiber optics, telephone line, cellular link, RF, or other communications channels.

[0068] Part of the data stored in secondary memory 312 for access during DFE operations may be a set of conversion tables that may convert the incoming color signals into physical machine signals.

[0069] The color signals may be expressed as color metric values, usually either in three components such as L*a*b*, RGB, XYZ, or to physical exposure signals for four toners: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. These tables may be created and downloaded outside the DFE, but may also be optionally created within the DFE in a so-called characterization step. Part of the data stored in the secondary memory 312 may also be the aforementioned conversion tables.

[0070] Certain aspects of a data processing system are presented herein with reference to various systems and methods that are described in the following detailed description and may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (which may be collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0071] As an example, the elements, or any portion of the elements, or any combination of the elements, may be implemented with a "processing system" including one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in a processing system may execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or the like. A mobile "app" is one example of such software.

[0072] Thus, in one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or encoded as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer.

[0073] The disclosed exemplary embodiments are described at least in part herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams and / or schematic illustrations of methods, systems, and computer program products and data structures according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the diagrams, and combinations of blocks, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided, for example, to a processor of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, such that the instructions, executing via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the blocks.

[0074] For clarity, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented, for example, in the context of a special purpose computer or a general purpose computer or other programmable data processing device or system. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, a data processing device or system may be implemented as a combination of a special purpose computer and a general purpose computer. A computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform aspects of the embodiments.

[0075] The aforementioned computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions (e.g., steps / operations) stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture that includes instruction means that implement the functions / acts specified in the various blocks, flow diagrams, and other architectures shown and described herein.

[0076] The computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a sequence of operational steps to be executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / operations specified in the blocks.

[0077] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments (e.g., preferred or alternative embodiments). In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams illustrated and described herein may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which may include one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s).

[0078] In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may be executed out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially simultaneously or the blocks may be executed in the reverse order depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or acts, or may perform a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0079] The functionality described herein may be implemented entirely and non-abstractly as physical hardware, entirely as physical non-abstract software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or as a combination of non-abstract software and hardware implementations, which may be referred to herein as "circuits," "modules," "engines," "components," "blocks," "databases," "agents," or "systems." Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more non-transitory computer-readable medium(s) having computer-readable and / or executable program code embodied therein.

[0080] The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the systems and methods may be implemented. Although not required, the disclosed embodiments are described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a single computer. In many cases, the "modules" (also referred to as "engines") may constitute software applications, but may also be implemented as both software and hardware (i.e., a combination of software and hardware).

[0081] Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, subroutines, software applications, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular data types and instructions. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed methods and systems may be practiced with other computer system configurations, such as, for example, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, data networks, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics devices, networked PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, servers, etc.

[0082] It should be noted that the term "module" as used herein may refer to a collection of routines and data structures that perform a particular task or implement a particular data type. A module may consist of two parts: an interface, which lists the constants, data types, variables, and routines that can be accessed by other modules or routines, and an implementation, which may typically be private (e.g., accessible only to that module) and contains the source code that actually implements the routines within the module. The term module may also simply refer to an application, such as a computer program designed to help perform a particular task, such as word processing, accounting, inventory control, etc.

[0083] In some exemplary embodiments, the term "module" may also refer to a modular hardware component or a component that is a combination of hardware and software. It will be appreciated that implementation of such modules and processing according to the approaches described herein can result in improved processing speed, energy savings, and improved efficiency in a data processing system, such as, for example, the printing system 200 shown in FIG. 11 and / or the DFE controller 300 shown in FIG. 12. A "module" may perform various steps, operations, or instructions discussed herein, such as one or more of the steps or operations discussed herein.

[0084] For example, the methods described herein may be partially implemented in a computer program product, including, for example, modules that may be executed by the DFE controller 220. The computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, such as a disk, a hard drive, etc., on which a control program may be recorded (stored). It should be noted that, as used herein, the term "recording medium" may relate to such a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

[0085] Common forms of non-transitory computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic storage medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or any other optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, or other memory chip or cartridge, or any other tangible medium from which a computer can read and use. The computer program product may be integral to the DFE controller 220 (e.g., an internal hard drive in RAM), or separate (e.g., an external hard drive operatively connected to a printer), or separate and accessed over a digital data network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet (e.g., as a redundant array of inexpensive or independent disks (RAID) or other network server storage device that may be indirectly accessed by the DFE controller 220 over a digital network such as network 260 shown in FIG. 8).

[0086] It should be understood that the particular order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or instructions in the disclosed processes or methods is an example of an example approach. For example, the various steps, operations, or instructions discussed herein may be executed in a different order. Similarly, the various steps and operations of the disclosed example pseudocode discussed herein may be modified and processed in a different order. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the particular order or hierarchy of such steps, operations, or instructions in the processes or methods discussed and illustrated herein may be rearranged. For example, the appended claims present elements of the various steps, operations, or instructions in a sample order, and are not intended to be limited to the particular order or hierarchy presented.

[0087] The inventors have realized non-abstract technical solutions to technical problems to improve computer technology by improving the efficiency in such computer technology. The disclosed embodiments provide technical improvements to computer technology such as data processing systems, and further provide non-abstract improvements to computer technology through technical solutions to technical problems identified in the "Background" section of this disclosure. Such improvements may result from the implementation of the embodiments. The claimed solutions may have their roots in computer technology to overcome problems that arise specifically in the fields of computers, computer networks, and printing and scanning. The claimed solutions may also include non-abstract devices, such as security devices that include non-abstract features, such as a print medium (e.g., paper) on which a security device (e.g., a watermark) may be rendered.

[0088] In light of the above, it will be appreciated that many different embodiments are disclosed herein, including preferred and alternative embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, a method for rendering a gloss effect may include steps or operations including: determining which of a first color and a second color, the first color or the second color, is mixed with a black colorant that is farthest from a rich black colorant; selecting a first color that includes a black colorant; selecting a second color that is sufficiently black and the least rich black colorant; creating an object in the first color and inputting data in the object to be opaque in the second color; and rendering a document with the object and the data, where the object and the data show a gloss effect based on the first color and the second color.

[0089] In one embodiment, when rendered with an object that may contain the data, the document includes a watermark with a gloss effect that is hidden at some angles and appears at other angles in both coated and uncoated media.

[0090] In one embodiment, the object may include a text box, and the data within the object includes text.

[0091] In one embodiment, the rendered text may include textual content, graphical elements, or a combination thereof.

[0092] In one embodiment, rendering the document may further involve formatting the document in an electronic format that is independent of the software, hardware, or operating system by which the document may be viewed.

[0093] In one embodiment, rendering the document may further involve sending the document in electronic document format to a printer for printing.

[0094] In one embodiment, the electronic document format may include a page description language (PDL) document.

[0095] In one embodiment, rendering the document may further involve printing the document via a printing system.

[0096] In one embodiment, a method for generating a print-ready document with optimized color contrast may involve: determining, by a computing device, which single color when mixed with black produces a final color that is furthest from rich black; selecting, by the computing device, the determined single color as a first color; selecting, by the computing device, a second color including 100% black and 100% of a color that when mixed with black makes black the least rich; creating, by the computing device, a text box in the document and filling the text box with the first color; and writing, by the computing device, text in the text box and rendering the text in an opaque manner using the second color.

[0097] An embodiment may further involve sending, by the computing device, the document in the electronic document format to a printer for printing.

[0098] In one embodiment, a system for rendering a gloss effect image on a recording medium can include a processor and a computer-readable medium including programming instructions configured to: determine which of a first color and a second color, the first color or the second color, is mixed with a black colorant that is furthest from a rich black colorant; select a first color including a black colorant; select a second color to be sufficiently black and the least rich black colorant; create an object in the first color; input data into the object in the second color to be opaque; render the object including the data together with the object on a recording medium; and the object including the data can exhibit a gloss effect based on the first color and the second color.

[0099] It will be understood that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. It will also be understood that various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements thereon that are presently unforeseen or unanticipated may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art and are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for rendering a gloss effect, comprising: determining which of a first color and a second color, the first color or the second color, is to be mixed with a black colorant furthest from a rich black colorant; selecting a first color comprising the black colorant; selecting the second color to be a fully black, least rich black colorant; creating an object in said first color and inputting data into said object in said second color to be opaque; Rendering a document with the object including the data along with the object, the object including the data exhibiting a gloss effect based on the first color and the second color; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the document comprises a watermark with a gloss effect that, when rendered with the object including the data, is hidden at some angles and appears at other angles in both coated and uncoated media.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the object comprises a text box and the data within the object comprises text.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the rendered text comprises textual content, graphical elements, or a combination thereof.

5. Rendering the document includes: The method of claim 1 , further comprising formatting the document in an electronic format that is independent of the software, hardware, or operating system by which the document can be viewed.

6. Rendering the document includes: The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting the document in electronic document format to a printer for printing.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the electronic document format comprises a page description language (PDL) document.

8. Rendering the document includes: The method of claim 1 , further comprising printing the document via a printing system.

9. 1. A method for generating a print-ready document with optimized color contrast, comprising: determining, by a computing device, which single color when mixed with black produces a final color that is furthest from rich black; selecting, by the computing device, the determined single color as a first color; selecting, by the computing device, a second color including 100% black and 100% of a color that, when mixed with black, makes the black color least rich; creating, by the computing device, a text box in the document and filling the text box with the first color; writing, by the computing device, text within the text box and rendering the text in an opaque manner using the second color; A method comprising:

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising transmitting, by the computing device, the document in an electronic document format to a printer for printing.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the electronic document format comprises a page description language (PDL) document.

12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the rendered text comprises textual content, graphical elements, or a combination thereof.

13. 1. A system for rendering a gloss effect image on a recording medium, comprising: A processor; and a computer readable medium containing programming instructions, the programming instructions causing the processor to: determining which of a first color and a second color, the first color or the second color, is to be mixed with a black colorant furthest from a rich black colorant; selecting a first color that includes the black colorant; Selecting a second color to be the least rich black colorant that is sufficiently black; creating an object in said first color and inputting data into said object in said second color such that said object is opaque; a system configured to cause the object, including the data, together with the object, to be rendered on a recording medium, the object, including the data, exhibiting a gloss effect based on the first color and the second color.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the document, when rendered, comprises the gloss effect watermark that is hidden at some angles and appears at other angles on both coated and uncoated media.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the object comprises a text box and the data within the object comprises text.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the rendered text comprises textual content, graphical elements, or a combination thereof.

17. Rendering the document includes:

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising formatting the document in an electronic format that is independent of the software, hardware, or operating system by which the document can be viewed.

18. Rendering the document includes: The system of claim 13 , further comprising transmitting, by the computing device, the document in an electronic document format to a printer for printing.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the electronic document format comprises a page description language (PDL) document.

20. Rendering the document includes: The system of claim 13 further comprising printing the document via a printing system.

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