Fluorescent watermark for partially reflecting / absorbing ink in UV spectrum
By modifying UV inks to create fluorescent watermarks that appear uniform under office lighting and fluoresce under UV, the method addresses inconsistent UV rendering in printing systems, ensuring document security and authenticity through hidden patterns revealed only under UV light.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025020654
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-02-26
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing printing systems, particularly inkjet printers, struggle with inconsistent UV watermark rendering due to insufficient ink components that fail to block UV light, causing paper fluorescence in undesirable places, which compromises the security and authenticity of documents.
A method and system for creating and rendering fluorescent watermarks by modifying non-partially reflective/absorbing ultraviolet inks with a minimum amount of partially reflective ink, ensuring the watermark appears as a single color under office lighting and fluoresces under UV light, using a process that determines the required amounts of reflective and absorbing colors based on spectral characteristics and optical properties.
The solution enables fluorescent watermarks to be rendered by various printing systems, maintaining visual consistency under normal lighting while enhancing document security by revealing hidden patterns only under UV illumination, thus protecting against counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] Embodiments relate to image processing methods, systems, and devices. Embodiments also relate to the field of special imaging techniques. Embodiments further relate to creating and rendering special effects that can be incorporated within rendered documents. Embodiments further relate to digital watermarking, including fluorescent watermarking. [Background technology]
[0002] Specialized imaging techniques are a set of sophisticated and specialized methods used in printing applications, including the incorporation of digital watermarks. These techniques can be designed to enhance the security and authenticity of printed documents such as banknotes, passports, ID cards, and other security materials by making them difficult to counterfeit or accurately reproduce. These specialized imaging techniques can also be used in non-security applications, such as incorporating special effects in greeting cards and advertising materials.
[0003] In the area of security printing, documents can be protected from duplication, forgery, and counterfeiting using several technologies. Specialized imaging is one such security printing method that uses standard materials such as paper inks and toners. Typically, security printing companies in the market require specialized (expensive) materials. An exemplary document is a prescription, where a pharmacist can have a high level of confidence that the document is authentic.
[0004] Specialized imaging can use infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) mark text to create metameric pairs of inks that look similar under office lighting and can be visible to an IR camera or UV lighting. Other UV watermarks / effects rely on adding fluorescent materials to their toners / inks. That is, some security features have used liquid inks or toners with fluorescent properties. This ink can be visible, in which case it fluoresces a different color, or in some cases, it can be transparent / invisible, in which case it can fluoresce. In addition, modern papers used to render documents typically contain optical brighteners, which can cause the paper to glow under UV light. That is, many / most modern papers fluoresce under UV irradiation due to chemical optical brighteners added to make the paper appear "whiter."
[0005] Spectral watermarks such as IR watermarks and UV watermarks appear uniform under office lighting and visible under UV light, but in some printing systems, such as inkjet systems, UV does not work consistently due to insufficient ink components to block UV light, which can cause paper fluorescence in undesirable places.
[0006] Given these challenges, there is a need for improved fluorescent watermarks that can partially reflect / absorb inks in the UV spectrum. This advancement would enable fluorescent watermarks to be rendered by a variety of printing systems, including inkjet printers. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The following summary is provided to facilitate an 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 considering the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract together.
[0008] It is therefore an aspect of the embodiments to provide improved image processing methods, systems and devices.
[0009] Another aspect of the embodiments is to provide improved methods and systems for rendering watermarks for use in printing applications, including security and non-security type applications.
[0010] A further aspect of the embodiments is to provide a method and system for creating and rendering fluorescent watermarks.
[0011] Also, an aspect of the embodiments is to provide a fluorescent watermark that can partially reflect / absorb ink in the UV spectrum, allowing the fluorescent watermark to be rendered by a variety of printing systems.
[0012] The above-mentioned aspects and other objects and advantages may now be achieved as described herein. In one embodiment, a method for constructing a watermark may include modifying a non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink from an original ultraviolet pattern by mixing in a minimum amount of partially reflective ink, and ensuring that the modification of the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink maintains the appearance of the at least two pattern inks as a single color / pattern under office lighting when rendered as part of a watermark based on the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink. The watermark may include a fluorescent watermark.
[0013] An embodiment may further include rendering the watermark on the substrate.
[0014] In one embodiment, the substrate may comprise paper.
[0015] In one embodiment, ensuring that modification of the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink maintains the appearance of the at least two pattern inks as a single color / pattern under office lighting when rendered as part of a non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink-based watermark can include determining the amount of reflective color / absorbing color needed to prevent fluorescence.
[0016] In one embodiment, ensuring that the modification of the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink maintains the appearance of the at least two pattern inks as a single color / pattern under office lighting when rendered as part of a non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink-based watermark can further include determining the amount of each reflective color / absorbing color required to maintain the original ultraviolet pattern under office lighting.
[0017] In one embodiment, a method for creating and rendering a fluorescent watermark includes starting with an existing pattern ink, and for each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, determining the amount of reflective / absorbent color needed to prevent fluorescence and the amount of each reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original color / pattern under office lighting, and mixing the determined reflective / absorbent colors in specific proportions to create the fluorescent watermark.
[0018] In one embodiment, the existing pattern inks can be based on a predetermined color scheme.
[0019] In one embodiment, the determining step may further include analyzing the spectral characteristics of each color to identify reflection / absorption colors that may be required for anti-fluorescence.
[0020] In one embodiment, the mixing step may further include adjusting the ratio of the reflected color / absorbed color.
[0021] In one embodiment, the ratio of the reflected / absorbed colors can be adjusted based on the optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors.
[0022] In one embodiment, the proportion of reflected / absorbed colors can be adjusted based on compatibility with the original color / pattern.
[0023] In one embodiment, the blending step may include adjusting the proportions of the reflected / absorbed colors based on the optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors and their compatibility with the original color / pattern.
[0024] In one embodiment, a system for creating and rendering a fluorescent watermark can include at least one processor and a memory storing instructions that cause the at least one processor to start with an existing pattern ink, and for each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, determine the amount of reflective / absorbent color needed to prevent fluorescence and the amount of each reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original color / pattern under office lighting, and create a fluorescent watermark by mixing the determined reflective / absorbent colors in specific proportions.
[0025] In one embodiment of the system, the existing pattern inks can be based on a predetermined color scheme.
[0026] In one embodiment of the system, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to analyze the spectral characteristics of each color to identify reflection / absorption colors that may be required for anti-fluorescence.
[0027] In one embodiment of the system, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to adjust the ratio of the reflected / absorbed colors based on the optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors and their compatibility with the original color / pattern.
[0028] In an embodiment of the system, the instructions may further cause the at least one processor to render the fluorescent watermark on the substrate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0029] 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. [Figure 1] 1 shows an image of an exemplary concert ticket under office lighting using UV light. [Figure 2] 1 shows a graph of data illustrating that CMY partially absorbs in the UV spectrum while black toner absorbs across the entire spectrum, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 shows an enlarged image of pattern ink, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 shows an image of a representative sheet under office lighting where most patches are not accurately readable, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 shows an image of the right side of the exemplar sheet shown in FIG. 4 under UV illumination, with most patches readable, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 depicts a high-level operational flowchart illustrating a method for creating a fluorescent watermark, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows a block diagram of a printing system suitable for implementing one or more of the disclosed embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a digital front-end controller useful for implementing one or more of the disclosed embodiments.
[0030] It is important to note that while the drawings and figures presented herein are shown in black and white, they may originally have been created and displayed in color. Consequently, those skilled in the art will understand that even if the images and figures do not display color, they may in fact depict features in color. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0031] The specific values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples may vary and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments and are not intended to limit their scope.
[0032] The subject matter will now be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and which show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. However, the subject matter can be embodied in a variety of different forms, and therefore, the subject matter as targeted or claimed should not be construed as limited to any exemplary embodiments set forth herein, which exemplary embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only. Likewise, a correspondingly broad scope is intended with respect to the subject matter as targeted or targeted. Among other things, for example, the subject matter can be embodied as a method, device, component, or system. Thus, embodiments can take the form of, for example, hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof (other than software itself). Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0033] Throughout this specification and claims, terms may have subtly different meanings suggested or implied in context beyond the meaning explicitly stated. Similarly, phrases such as "in one embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment," and variations thereof, when used herein, do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and phrases such as "in another embodiment" or "in another exemplary embodiment," and variations thereof, when used herein, may, but do not necessarily, refer to different embodiments. For example, claimed subject matter is intended to include, in whole or in part, a combination of exemplary embodiments.
[0034] Generally, terminology can be understood, at least in part, from its use in context. For example, terms such as "and," "or," or "and / or," as used herein, can include a variety of 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, in this case used in an inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, in this case used in an exclusive sense. Furthermore, the term "one or more," as used herein, can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense, or can 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" can also be understood to convey a singular use or to convey a plural use, depending, at least in part, on the context. Furthermore, the term "based on" is not intended to convey a necessarily exclusive set of factors, but instead can be understood to allow for the existence of additional factors not necessarily explicitly described, also depending at least in part on the context. Furthermore, the term "at least one," as used herein, may refer to "one or more." For example, "at least one widget" may refer to "one or more widgets."
[0035] The term "data" is used herein to refer to a physical signal that indicates or contains information. An "image" as a pattern of physical light or a collection of data representing physical light may include characters, words, and text, as well as other features such as graphics.
[0036] The term "metameric" as used herein may refer to a metameric pair of pattern inks (also simply referred to as a "metameric pair") in which the print and paper are visually indistinguishable when viewed from one angle, but visually distinguishable when viewed from another angle (relative to the light source), which allows for the creation of watermarks without the use of more expensive spot inks, toners, and / or printers.
[0037] L * a * The term Lab (also referred to as Lab or LAB) as used herein refers to the CIELAB color space (Lab), a color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE). * a * Related to b). L * a * b, which represents color as three values: L * is the perceived lightness, a * and b * are the four native colors of human vision: red, green, blue, and yellow. CIELAB is intended as a uniform perceptual space, where a given numerical change corresponds to a similar perceived change in color. While LAB space is not truly perceptually uniform, it is nevertheless useful in industry for detecting slight differences in color.
[0038] The term CMYK, as used herein, refers to the CMYI color model, where CYMK refers to the four ink plates used: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black). The CMYK model works by partially or fully masking a color onto a lighter, usually white, background. The inks reduce light that would normally be reflected. Such a model is considered subtractive because the inks "subtract" red, green, and blue from white light. When red is subtracted from white light, the remainder is cyan; when green is subtracted from white light, the remainder is magenta; and when blue is subtracted from white light, the remainder is yellow. An example of an additive color model is the RGB color model, in which the primary colors of red, green, and blue light are added together to reproduce a wide range of colors. "RGB" refers to the three primary colors: red, green, and blue. RGB (ie, the RGB color model) can be used for the perception, representation, and display of images in electronic systems such as televisions and computers.
[0039] The term "watermark," as used herein, can refer to a transparent portion of text, image, logo, or other marking that can be applied to a medium (e.g., a document, paper, photograph, image, etc.) to make the medium (to which the watermark is applied via security printing) more difficult to copy or counterfeit, or to use without authorization. A "watermark" can be special-purpose text or a picture that can be printed across one or more pages. For example, instead of stamping words like Copy, Draft, or Confidential onto a document before distribution, those words can be added as a watermark.
[0040] Figure 1 shows an image 100 of an exemplary concert ticket 102 under office lighting using a UV light 104. In the image 100 shown in Figure 1, a user 106 (the user's hand is shown) can hold and manipulate the UV light 104 to reveal a watermark on the printed concert ticket 102. As shown in Figure 1, the watermark rendered on the relevant ticket 102 is nearly invisible under office lighting, but is nearly visible under the UV illumination provided by the UV light 104.
[0041] Concert ticket 102 may be held and manipulated by user 106, whose hand is visible in image 100, as the user points UV light 104 onto the surface of concert ticket 102. At the bottom of image 100, an inset displays the complete concert ticket 102 for reference.
[0042] Under typical office lighting conditions, the watermark on concert ticket 102 remains nearly imperceptible to the naked eye. However, when subjected to UV illumination provided by UV light 104, the watermark becomes significantly more visible. This contrast in visibility clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of fluorescent watermarks in enhancing the security features of concert ticket 102.
[0043] By incorporating a fluorescent watermark, the concert ticket 102 gains an additional measure of protection against counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication. The ability to reveal the watermark only under specific UV light conditions adds an element of authentication that is difficult to duplicate, thus strengthening the integrity of the ticket and ensuring its authenticity.
[0044] 2 shows a graph 120 of data illustrating that CMY partially absorbs in the UV spectrum (e.g., typically wavelengths between 365 and 395 nm) while black toner absorbs across the entire spectrum, according to one embodiment. The y-axis of graph 120 plots reflectance data, and the x-axis plots wavelength (WL) in nanometers (nm). Note in graph 120 that the reflectance of CMY is approximately 0.3 to 0.4 at that wavelength.
[0045] Thus, graph 120 visually represents data regarding the absorption characteristics of different toners across the electromagnetic spectrum. The graph's y-axis represents reflectance data, which essentially measures the amount of light reflected by a surface, while the x-axis represents the wavelength of light (WL) in nanometers (nm). Graph 120 shows a clear pattern in which black toner exhibits consistent absorption across the spectrum, indicated by relatively low reflectance levels throughout. Conversely, the data for cyan, magenta, and yellow (CMY) toners shows a significant deviation in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, typically in the 365-395 nanometer range. Here, the reflectance values for CMY toners rise to approximately 0.3-0.4, suggesting partial absorption of UV light within this wavelength range.
[0046] This different behavior in absorption properties represents an important distinction between black and CMY toners, particularly in their response to UV light. While black toners absorb light uniformly across the spectrum, CMY toners exhibit unique behavior, exhibiting partial absorption of UV light within specific wavelength ranges. This partial absorption property is important in the context of rendering fluorescent watermarks, as it influences the selection and modification of toners to achieve the desired fluorescent effect.
[0047] Understanding these absorption patterns is important for optimizing fluorescent ink and toner formulations, as it allows for the development of materials that selectively interact with UV light to produce visible fluorescence. By leveraging this knowledge, manufacturers can tailor printing processes to enhance the security features of printed documents such as banknotes, passports, and tickets, thereby improving their resistance to counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication.
[0048] It should be noted that the terms "fluorescence" and "fluorescent" as used herein can refer to paper fluorescence or pattern ink fluorescence. Paper fluorescence relates to the phenomenon where certain papers emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. In paper fluorescence, fibers in paper can react differently to UV light due to varying densities. Pattern ink fluorescence involves inks that emit light when exposed to UV radiation. Paper fluorescence can relate to the entire sheet, while pattern ink fluorescence can highlight ink patterns or features. Thus, paper fluorescence can affect the entire paper, while pattern ink fluorescence can target specific ink elements.
[0049] Graph 120 of FIG. 2 is compatible with current CMYK fluorescent watermarks because these watermarks can prevent the paper from fluorescing excessively. However, if there is a cyan shift on graph 120, for example, this can cause the paper to fluoresce enough to damage the watermark. In either case, the color may only partially reflect or absorb light. To be clear, only colors that do not meet a certain threshold of reflectance or absorption may require modification.
[0050] Thus, the following steps or acts may be implemented as part of a method for constructing and rendering a fluorescent watermark. 1) Start with an existing pattern ink based on Figure 2. 2) For each color that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, 3) Determine the amount of reflection / absorption color needed to prevent fluorescence. 4) Determine the amount of each reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original color / pattern under office lighting. 5)x * (Reflected color / Absorbed color 1)+y * Mix (reflection color / absorption color 2)...
[0051] The original ink used in step 1 can be designed using a color toolkit (e.g., Xerox CTK) so that pattern 1 and pattern 2 appear as the same color / pattern at print size under office lighting, but only one pattern allows UV light to make the paper fluorescent. A specific example of when the original ink will not work is, for example, with a Xerox® Baltoro™ HF inkjet printer, inks containing cyan will not be able to make the paper fluorescent, and the watermark will not work.
[0052] For example, cyan may be mixed with small amounts of yellow and magenta to prevent the pattern from becoming fluorescent and maintain the overall color of each pattern. CTK can be used to optimize pattern color matching. Since judgment is required as to how strong a UV signal is considered acceptable, swatch sheets of various colors may be used.
[0053] The above-described approach to constructing and rendering fluorescent watermarks involves a systematic approach to modifying existing pattern inks to achieve the desired fluorescent effect while preserving the integrity of the original color and pattern under different lighting conditions. The process begins by utilizing existing pattern inks that exhibit varying degrees of reflectance and absorption across the electromagnetic spectrum, as depicted in the example shown in Figure 2. For each color that does not reach the reflection / absorption threshold in the UV spectrum, an evaluation can be performed to determine the amount of reflection or absorption color that may be required to prevent fluorescence. Next, the amount of each reflection or absorption color required to maintain the original color and pattern under standard office lighting conditions can be determined. These reflection or absorption colors are then modified, e.g., x * (Reflected color / Absorbed color 1)+y * (Reflected color / Absorbed color 2)+z * The colors can be mixed in specific proportions, represented by color 3, to achieve the desired fluorescent watermark effect while retaining the visual consistency of the original pattern.
[0054] In some embodiments, the original inks utilized in this process can be created using a Color Tool Kit (CTK), such as the Xerox CTK (or another suitable CTK), as described above, to ensure that Pattern 1 and Pattern 2 appear nearly identical (or similar) in color and pattern at print size under office lighting. However, only one pattern can be made to allow UV light to induce fluorescence, enhancing the security features of the document. For example, for cyan, small amounts of yellow and magenta can be mixed in to prevent the pattern from fluorescing while maintaining overall color fidelity. CTK can facilitate optimization of pattern color matching, ensuring the effectiveness of the fluorescent watermark.
[0055] Determining what UV signal strength is considered acceptable is subjective and may involve the use of swatch sheets with various color compositions to make informed decisions during the blending process. By following these systematic steps and utilizing advanced color management tools, manufacturers can effectively configure and render fluorescent watermarks that enhance document security while maintaining visual consistency and integrity.
[0056] As previously discussed in the Background section of this disclosure, many / most modern papers fluoresce under UV illumination due to chemical optical brighteners added to make the paper appear "whiter." This can therefore be exploited for the disclosed UV effects. Thus, systems and methods are disclosed in which there are "pattern ink pairs," each "pattern ink" being a digital array of colored pixels that can result in different amounts of standard C, M, Y, K inks / toners in a printed geometric pixel pattern. For one "pattern ink" of the pair, the goal is to block the paper's fluorescence (due to the optical brighteners in the paper) under UV illumination, and for the other "pattern ink" of the pair, the goal is to make the paper's fluorescence visible under UV illumination.
[0057] These steps or operations can be performed such that under office lighting, the covert message is not revealed because the two pattern inks are a metameric pair under that lighting (i.e., they appear to have the same color / density because the paper does not fluoresce under office lighting), but under UV lighting, the covert message is revealed or visible because the two pattern inks are not a metameric pair under UV light (i.e., they appear to have different colors / densities because the paper fluoresces under UV light and this paper fluorescence is selectively blocked and allowed by the "pattern inks" to create the covert message).
[0058] The problem that the embodiments solve is the effect of the system's native CMYK inks / toners only partially blocking UV light, which weakens the UV blocking capability of pattern inks designed for the system with better blocking CMYK inks / toners. The embodiments can help users more quickly and easily combine CMYK inks / toners at specific concentrations in a pattern ink pixel design to provide better blocking, thereby making the effect stronger.
[0059] It should be understood that the term "pattern ink" and variations thereof as used herein should not be confused with regular CMYK ink / toner. "Pattern ink" is not ink. Instead, "pattern ink" is an array of pixels, each pixel having a CMYK recipe (e.g., 0-100 or 0-255, depending on how it is counted) that drives the printing system to deliver that many (which may be zero) CMYK liquid inks or toners onto that pixel during printing. Furthermore, it is always the paper that fluoresces in the disclosed enhanced special effects.
[0060] 3 shows a magnified image 130 of the pattern ink, according to one embodiment. Image 130 shows a close-up of the pattern ink, providing a detailed examination of the pattern ink's composition and placement. This magnified depiction allows for a complete analysis of the intricate patterns and colors used in the printing process, providing insight into the complexity and precision that may be required to create an effective security feature.
[0061] Figure 4 shows an image 140 of a specimen sheet under office lighting, where most patches are not accurately readable, according to one embodiment. In Figure 4, most patches on the specimen sheet appear indistinguishable or unreadable to the naked eye. This visual uniformity highlights the subtlety of the security measures built into the printing process and ensures that the presence of the security features remains unobtrusive and unobtrusive under normal lighting conditions. The center column 141 of Figure 4 on the specimen sheet shows the various UV color types as one scans from top to bottom across the specimen sheet.
[0062] For example, the first color type may be labeled UV_BLAZE_ORANGE_301_A, the next color type may be labeled UV_PINEBARK_302_A, and so on. Such labels may provide a unique identifier for each color variation present on the swatch sheet. For example, the name UV_BLAZE_ORANGE_301_A may relate to a particular shade or hue of orange that fluoresces under UV light. The term "blaze orange" refers to a bright, highly visible shade of orange typically used in safety clothing or safety signs. The suffix "_301_A" may indicate a particular variation or iteration of this color within a color classification system. Similarly, "UV_PINEBARK_302_A" may indicate a particular shade or hue that resembles the color of pine bark that fluoresces under UV light. Pine bark is typically a color ranging from dark brown to reddish-brown, and this name may represent a particular variant optimized for UV watermarking applications.
[0063] These exemplary UV color types can be selected and calibrated to achieve optimal performance in security printing applications. By incorporating fluorescent properties into specific color variants, such as blaze orange and pine bark, these color types enable the creation of unobtrusive yet effective security features. When applied to documents, these UV colors remain unobtrusive under standard office lighting but become easily visible when exposed to UV lighting, thereby enhancing the security and authenticity of the document. The use of separate labels for each color type facilitates accurate color matching and reproduction during the printing process, ensuring consistency and accuracy across a variety of printing systems and applications.
[0064] Figure 5 shows an image 150 of the right side of the specimen sheet shown in Figure 4 under UV illumination, with most patches readable, according to one embodiment. In Figure 5, the right side of the same specimen sheet shown in Figure 4 can be observed under UV illumination. Here, a significant contrast emerges, as most patches on the specimen sheet become clearly readable under UV illumination. This transformation highlights the effectiveness of fluorescent watermarking techniques used in the printing process, as they selectively reveal hidden patterns and features only under certain lighting conditions, thereby enhancing the security and authenticity of the document.
[0065] Collectively, these images demonstrate the complex interplay between standard and UV lighting conditions, demonstrating how sophisticated printing techniques can create visually imperceptible security features that become readily apparent when exposed to specialized lighting. Thus, strategic integration of covert security measures can reliably protect documents from counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication, increasing confidence in their authenticity and integrity.
[0066] Figure 6 shows a high-level operational flowchart illustrating a method 160 for creating a fluorescent watermark, according to one embodiment. As indicated in block 161, steps or operations can be implemented by utilizing existing pattern inks that can exhibit varying degrees of reflectance and absorption across the electromagnetic spectrum, an example of which is shown in Figure 2. This initial step can include leveraging existing pattern inks that have diverse reflectance and absorption characteristics across the electromagnetic spectrum, as exemplified by Figure 2. These inks can serve as building blocks upon which a fluorescent watermark can be constructed.
[0067] For colors that are not partially reflective or absorbing in the UV spectrum, a series of operations are performed to optimize their properties for fluorescent watermark creation. Next, as shown in block 162, a step or operation can be performed, and for each color that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, subsequent operations can be performed, as shown in blocks 163, 164, and 165. That is, as shown in block 163, a step or operation can be performed to determine the amount of reflective / absorbent color needed to prevent fluorescence. Next, as shown in block 164, a step or operation can be performed to determine the amount of each reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original color / pattern under office lighting. Finally, as shown in block 165, x * (Reflected color / Absorbed color 1)+y * A step or operation of blending (reflected color / absorbed color 2) can be performed, which results in a fluorescent watermark that can be rendered by a wide range of printing systems.
[0068] The steps or operations shown in block 163 may include determining the amount of reflective or absorbing color needed to prevent fluorescence and ensure the resulting watermark remains hidden under standard lighting conditions. The steps or operations shown in block 164 may involve determining the exact amount of each reflective or absorbing color that may be needed to preserve the integrity of the original color and pattern under typical office lighting. The steps or operations shown in block 165 may include a blending process, where the identified reflective or absorbing colors are blended in a specific ratio (e.g., x * (Reflected color / Absorbed color 1)+y * The fluorescent watermarks can be combined in a way that is expressed as (reflection color / absorption color). This careful blending technique can therefore ensure the creation of a fluorescent watermark that seamlessly integrates with the original design while increasing the security of the document.
[0069] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a printing system 200 suitable for implementing one or more of the disclosed embodiments. Figure 8 shows 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 with a yellow and black gloss effect.
[0070] 7, there is shown a printing system (or image rendering system) 200 suitable for implementing various aspects of the exemplary embodiments described herein. The printing system 200 can perform rendering operations such as scanning a document via a scanner and printing a document via a printer, where the document can exhibit the disclosed fluorescent watermarks.
[0071] It should be noted that the term "scanner," as used herein, may refer to an image scanner, which is a device or system capable of optically scanning an image, printed text, handwriting, or object and converting it into a digital image. One example of a scanner is a flatbed scanner, in which a document to be imaged (e.g., a sheet of paper) can be placed on a glass window for scanning. Scanners can also be incorporated into multi-function devices (MFDs), which may also have printing and photocopying capabilities. Scanners can also be incorporated into printing systems, such as printing system 200 shown in FIG. 7. For example, scanner 229 is shown in FIG. 7 as part of printing system 200. Alternatively, or in addition to scanner 229 included as part of printing system 100, a scanner can be implemented as a separate scanner 262, also shown in FIG. 7, capable of communicating with network 260.
[0072] The terms "printer" and "printing system," as used herein, may encompass any device and / or system, such as digital copiers, electrophotographic and reproduction printing systems, bookbinding machines, facsimile machines, multi-function machines, inkjet machines, continuous feed sheet-fed printing devices, etc., which may include a print controller and print engine and which may perform print output functions for any purpose.
[0073] 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 accesses print media 235 of various sizes and costs for print jobs. The printing system 200 may include a color printer having multiple color marking materials.
[0074] A "print job" or "document" is typically a set of related sheets, typically a set of one or more collated copies copied from an original print job sheet set or page images of an electronic document from a particular user or other related source. Digital data can be sent to printing system 200 for submission of a typical print job (or customer job).
[0075] After a job is printed by print engine 230, a sorter 240 may operate 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 computer 250. Computer 250 may be in bidirectional communication with printing system 200 via communications network 260. As shown in Fig. 87, computer 250 includes a screen (display screen) on which digital images can be displayed for viewing by a user.
[0076] User profiles, print work products, media libraries, and various print job parameters may be stored in a database or memory 270 accessible by computer 250 or printing system 200 via 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.
[0077] 8, 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.
[0078] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the processor 306 can communicate 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.
[0079] Program memory 364 may include, for example, an executable program capable of implementing embodiments described herein. Program memory 364 may store at least a subset of the data contained in the buffer. Digital front end 300 may include a display interface 308 capable of transferring data from communication bus 302 (or from a frame buffer, not shown) to display 310. Digital front end 300 may also include secondary memory 312, which may include, for example, a hard disk drive 314 and / or a removable storage drive 316, which may read from and write to removable storage device 318, such as a floppy disk, magnetic tape, or optical disk, that stores computer software and / or data.
[0080] 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 via 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.
[0081] 8 may include a communications interface 324 that may function as an input and an 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 a card.
[0082] Computer programs (also called computer control logic), including 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 functions and capabilities provided herein. 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.
[0083] These signals may be provided to the communications interface via communications paths (i.e., channels) that carry the signals and may be implemented using wires, cables, and optical fibers, telephone lines, cellular links, RF, or other communications channels. Part of the data stored in the secondary memory 312 for access during operation of the DFE may be a set of translation tables that can convert the incoming color signals into physical machine signals.
[0084] This color signal is expressed as a colorimetric value, i.e., usually L * a * b * , RGB, XYZ, etc., and can be converted into physical exposure signals for four toners: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. These tables can be created externally to the DFE and downloaded, but can also optionally be created within the DFE in a so-called characterization step. Part of the data stored in secondary memory 312 can also be the conversion tables mentioned above.
[0085] Fluorescent watermarks created and rendered by the methods described above can be implemented in a printing system (or image rendering system) 200, shown in FIG. 7, and managed by a digital front end (DFE) controller 300, shown in FIG. 8. The printing system 200 and DFE controller 300 can facilitate rendering of documents with fluorescent watermarks. The printing system 200 includes components such as a user interface 210, a DFE controller 220, and at least one print engine 230. The printing system 200 also features a sorter 240 that organizes printed output and manages cutting functions.
[0086] The print engine 230 may be responsible for applying a fluorescent watermark onto print media 235, which may include various types and sizes of paper to accommodate different print jobs. The user interface 210 may allow a user to interact with the printing system 200 to provide options for initiating print jobs, adjusting settings, and monitoring the printing process. The printing system 200 may support creating and printing documents with special effects, including the yellow and black gloss effect described herein.
[0087] 8 can function as a processing hub for managing print jobs and ensuring accurate rendering of documents. Processor 306 can execute machine-readable instructions stored in main memory 304 and program memory 364. DFE controller 300 can communicate bidirectionally with external devices, such as computer 250, via communications interface 324 and network 260, facilitate the conversion of digital data into printable output, and can coordinate the conversion of color signals into physical machine signals for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black toners.
[0088] The DFE controller 300 shown in FIG. 8 can also utilize conversion tables stored in secondary memory 312 to convert incoming color signals into appropriate toner exposure signals, ensuring accurate color reproduction and effective implementation of the fluorescent watermark. By integrating the fluorescent watermark creation process into the printing system workflow and leveraging the capabilities of the DFE controller, documents can be rendered with desired security features. The utilized printing system can effectively apply the fluorescent watermark to the print media, while the DFE controller coordinates the conversion of the digital data into printable output, ensuring fidelity to the original design and enhancing document security. This seamless integration can enable the printing system to produce documents with advanced security features, including the disclosed fluorescent watermarks, across a variety of printing applications and media types.
[0089] Several aspects of data processing systems will now be presented with reference to various systems and methods. These systems and methods are described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (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.
[0090] As an example, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements, may be implemented using 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, gate logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functionality 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 an example of such software.
[0091] 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 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.
[0092] 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 these illustrations, and combinations of blocks, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of, for example, a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to create a machine, whereby the instructions, executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions / acts specified in the blocks.
[0093] 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 apparatus or system. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, a data processing apparatus 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 having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to perform aspects of the embodiments.
[0094] The computer program instructions described above 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 those computer-readable memories produce an article of manufacture that includes instruction means that implement the functions / acts specified in the various blocks, flowcharts, and other architectures shown and described herein.
[0095] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide the steps for performing the functions / acts specified in the blocks.
[0096] 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 shown 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).
[0097] In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes 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 be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.
[0098] The functionality described herein may be implemented entirely as non-abstract physical hardware, entirely as non-abstract physical software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or 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.
[0099] The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the present 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 most 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).
[0100] 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 can be practiced using other computer system configurations, such as, for example, handheld devices, multiprocessor systems, data networks, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, networked PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, servers, etc.
[0101] Note 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 in that 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.
[0102] 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 should be understood that the implementation and processing of such modules in accordance with the techniques described herein may 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. 7 and / or the DFE controller 300 shown in FIG. 8. A "module" may perform various steps, operations, or instructions discussed herein, such as one or more of the steps or operations discussed herein.
[0103] For example, the methods described herein may be implemented in part in a computer program product including modules executable by, for example, DFE controller 220. The computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium, such as a disk, hard drive, or the like, capable of recording (e.g., storing) a control program. It should be noted that the term "recording medium" as used herein may relate to such a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.
[0104] Common forms of non-transitory computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a 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 non-transitory medium that can be read by and used by a computer. The computer program product may be integrated with DFE controller 220 (e.g., an internal hard drive in RAM), or may be separate (e.g., an external hard drive operatively connected to a printer), or may be 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 can be indirectly accessed by DFE controller 220 over a digital network such as network 260 shown in FIG. 8).
[0105] It will be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or instructions in the disclosed processes or methods is an example of an exemplary approach. For example, the various steps, operations, or instructions discussed herein may be executed in differing orders. Similarly, the various steps and operations of the disclosed exemplary pseudocode discussed herein may be processed in different orders. It will be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of such steps, operations, or instructions in the processes or methods discussed and illustrated herein may be rearranged based on design preferences. For example, the appended claims present elements of the various steps, operations, or instructions in a sample order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
[0106] The inventors have realized non-abstract technical solutions to technical problems for improving computer technology by improving 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 can be obtained by implementing the embodiments. The claimed solutions may be rooted in computer technology to overcome problems that arise particularly in the fields of computers, computer networks, and printing and scanning. The claimed solutions may also involve non-abstract devices, such as security devices that include non-abstract features, such as print media (e.g., paper) capable of rendering a security device (e.g., a watermark).
[0107] Based on the above, it can be appreciated that several different embodiments are disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, a method for constructing a watermark can include modifying a non-partially reflective / absorbing UV ink from an original UV pattern by mixing in a minimal amount of partially reflective ink, and ensuring that the modification of the non-partially reflective / absorbing UV ink maintains the appearance of the at least two pattern inks as a single color / pattern under office lighting when rendered as part of a watermark based on the non-partially reflective / absorbing UV ink.
[0108] In one embodiment, the watermark may include a fluorescent watermark.
[0109] An embodiment of the method may further include rendering the watermark on the substrate.
[0110] In one embodiment, the substrate comprises paper.
[0111] An embodiment may further include determining the amount of reflection / absorption color needed to prevent fluorescence.
[0112] An embodiment may also include determining the amount of each reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original UV pattern under office lighting.
[0113] In one embodiment, a method for creating and rendering a fluorescent watermark may further include starting with an existing pattern ink, and for each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, determining the amount of reflective / absorbent color needed to prevent fluorescence and the amount of each reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original color / pattern under office lighting, and mixing the determined reflective / absorbent colors in specific proportions to create the fluorescent watermark.
[0114] In one embodiment, the existing pattern inks can be based on a predetermined color scheme.
[0115] In one embodiment, the determining step may further include analyzing the spectral characteristics of each color to identify reflection / absorption colors for anti-fluorescence.
[0116] In one embodiment, the mixing step may include adjusting the ratio of the reflected color / absorbed color.
[0117] In one embodiment, the ratio of the reflected / absorbed colors can be adjusted based on the optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors.
[0118] In one embodiment, the proportion of reflected / absorbed colors can be adjusted based on compatibility with the original color / pattern.
[0119] In one embodiment, the blending step may include adjusting the proportions of the reflected / absorbed colors based on the optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors and their compatibility with the original color / pattern.
[0120] In one embodiment, a system for creating and rendering a fluorescent watermark may include at least one processor and a memory, where the memory stores instructions that cause the at least one processor to start with an existing pattern ink, and for each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, determine a reflective / absorbent color to prevent fluorescence and an individual reflective / absorbent color to maintain the original color / pattern associated with the existing pattern ink under office lighting, and mix the determined reflective / absorbent colors in specific proportions to create a fluorescent watermark.
[0121] In one embodiment of the system, the existing pattern inks can be based on a predetermined color scheme.
[0122] In one embodiment of the system, the instructions may further cause the at least one processor to analyze the spectral characteristics of each color to identify reflection / absorption colors for anti-fluorescence.
[0123] In one embodiment of the system, the instructions further cause the at least one processor to adjust the ratio of the reflected / absorbed colors based on the optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors and their compatibility with the original color / pattern.
[0124] In one embodiment of the system, the instructions may further cause the at least one processor to render the fluorescent watermark on the substrate.
[0125] In one embodiment, the substrate may comprise paper.
[0126] In one embodiment, determining, for each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, the reflective / absorbent colors to prevent fluorescence and the individual reflective / absorbent colors to maintain the original color / pattern associated with the existing pattern ink under office lighting can further include determining, for each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, the amount of reflective / absorbent color needed to prevent fluorescence and the amount of individual reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original color / pattern under office lighting.
[0127] It will be appreciated that the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternative variations thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. It will also be appreciated that various alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements thereon, presently unforeseen or unanticipated, may subsequently be implemented by those skilled in the art, and that these are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
Claims
1. 1. A method for constructing a watermark, comprising: modifying the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink from the original ultraviolet pattern by mixing in a minimum amount of partially reflective ink; ensuring that said modification of said non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink maintains the appearance of at least two pattern inks as a single color / pattern under office lighting when rendered as part of said non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink based watermark; A method comprising:
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the watermark comprises a fluorescent watermark.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising rendering the watermark on a substrate.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the substrate comprises paper.
5. ensuring that the modification of the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink maintains the appearance of the at least two pattern inks as a single color / pattern under office lighting when rendered as part of the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink-based watermark; Determining the amount of reflection / absorption color needed to prevent fluorescence; The method of claim 1 further comprising:
6. ensuring that the modification of the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink maintains the appearance of the at least two pattern inks as a single color / pattern under office lighting when rendered as part of the non-partially reflective / absorbing ultraviolet ink-based watermark; determining the amount of each reflection / absorption color needed to maintain the original UV pattern under office lighting; The method of claim 1 further comprising:
7. 1. A method for creating and rendering a fluorescent watermark, comprising: Starting with an existing pattern ink and For each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, determine the amount of reflective / absorbent color needed to prevent fluorescence and the amount of each reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original color / pattern under office lighting; mixing the determined reflection / absorption colors in a specific ratio to create the fluorescent watermark; A method comprising:
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the pre-existing pattern ink is based on a predetermined color scheme.
9. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the determining step further comprises analyzing the spectral characteristics of each color to identify reflection / absorption colors for anti-fluorescence.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the mixing step includes adjusting the ratio of reflected color / absorbed color.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the ratio of reflected / absorbed colors is adjusted based on optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the ratio of reflected / absorbed colors is adjusted based on compatibility with an original color / pattern.
13. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the mixing step includes adjusting the proportions of the reflected / absorbed colors based on optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors and compatibility with the original color / pattern.
14. 1. A system for creating and rendering fluorescent watermarks, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory, wherein the memory causes the at least one processor to: Starting with an existing pattern ink and For each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, determining a reflection / absorption color to prevent fluorescence and an individual reflection / absorption color to maintain the original color / pattern associated with the existing pattern ink under office lighting; mixing the determined reflection / absorption colors in a specific ratio to create the fluorescent watermark; and storing instructions to execute the system.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the pre-existing pattern ink is based on a predetermined color scheme.
16. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one processor to analyze the spectral characteristics of each color to identify a reflection / absorption color for anti-fluorescence.
17. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the instructions further cause the at least one processor to adjust the ratio of reflected / absorbed colors based on optical properties of the reflected / absorbed colors and compatibility with an original color / pattern.
18. The system of claim 14 , wherein the instructions further cause the at least one processor to render the fluorescent watermark on a substrate.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the substrate comprises paper.
20. determining, for each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, a reflection / absorption color to prevent fluorescence and an individual reflection / absorption color to maintain the original color / pattern associated with the existing pattern ink under office lighting; For each color in the existing pattern ink that is not partially reflective / absorbent in the UV spectrum, determine the amount of the reflective / absorbent color needed to prevent fluorescence and the amount of the individual reflective / absorbent color needed to maintain the original color / pattern under office lighting; Further comprising: The system of claim 14.