3D Print Template Generation for Custom Authentication Cards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing three-dimensional design elements on small-format authentication data carriers, such as payment cards, are inefficient, require significant preparation effort, and are not suitable for custom designs or small order sizes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that derive a 3D printing template from edge detection in print data, allowing for the automated determination of print thicknesses and enabling flexible creation of three-dimensional design elements with minimal effort, suitable for small orders and custom designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If standard 2D printing process is repeatedly performed to create 3D design elements, then three-dimensional design elements can be produced on authentication data carriers, but the production process becomes slow and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the printing process into two distinct stages: a first printing process for creating a base layer with authentication data, and a second printing process for creating the three-dimensional design element. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized independently, with the second process only applying material where 3D effects are needed, thereby improving overall productivity while maintaining the desired three-dimensional shape.
2Shape
If custom designs are produced with three-dimensional effects, then impressive visual results are achieved, but significant preparation effort is required to create custom design templates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the design template for the three-dimensional element based on the authentication data to be printed. The evaluation unit assesses the authentication data and generates the corresponding 3D design template without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing preparation effort while maintaining impressive three-dimensional visual effects.
3Shape
If 3D printing is performed as part of personalization process, then three-dimensional contours can be created on payment cards, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first printing process and the second printing process into a single integrated printing station. The control unit coordinates both processes, and the printing station is designed to perform both two-dimensional authentication data printing and three-dimensional design element creation without requiring separate equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired three-dimensional contours.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method is proposed for producing a print pattern (10) containing a three-dimensional design element (11) on an authentication data carrier (1). For this purpose, individual source images (60) are provided by users (50). By combining them with design specifications and boundary conditions, print data is generated (100) from the individual source images (60), which print data reproduce the source image (60) as a two-dimensional print pattern (102). The source image (60) is applied as a two-dimensional print pattern in a first printing process (106). Edge detection is also carried out on the print data in order to determine dominant edges (20) in the source image (60), which reproduce (110) the contours of the motif (19) contained in the source image (60). A 3D print template is created based on the dominant edges (20). According to the 3D printing template, a three-dimensional print pattern is applied to the flat print pattern in a second printing process (114).