Decorative Paper and Foil Copy Protection with Resolution-Selective Marks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for protecting decorative papers and films from unauthorized reproduction are becoming ineffective due to advancements in scanning and printing technology, as they rely on human-imperceptible patterns or hidden characters that can be circumvented by high-resolution scanners and printers.

Innovation Solution

Embedding a visible but imperceptible character in the decorative image information, which can be detected using a software app, ensuring the character is visible only when printed with specific resolution scanners and printers, allowing quick identification of unauthorized copies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hidden characters or moiré patterns are embedded in the decoration to prevent counterfeiting, then copy protection is provided, but high-resolution scanners and printers can circumvent this protection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecopy protection effectivenessVSAvoidcounterfeiting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of character visibility from completely hidden to conditionally visible based on printing resolution. The embedded character remains invisible at standard printing resolutions but becomes visible when printed with high-resolution devices, thereby maintaining protection against ordinary counterfeiting while enabling detection by authorized parties using specific detection equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the embedded character is made visible to human eye, then detection becomes easier, but the aesthetic quality of the decoration is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacter detection easeVSAvoiddecoration aesthetic quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the embedded character selectively visible only under specific conditions (high-resolution printing). The character is embedded in a way that it remains invisible to the human eye during normal viewing and standard printing, but becomes detectable when processed by high-resolution scanning or printing devices, thus maintaining aesthetic quality while enabling detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If standard scanners and printers are used for copying, then reproduction quality is high, but unauthorized copying becomes easier

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereproduction qualityVSAvoidanti-counterfeiting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the high reproduction capability of standard scanners and printers into a benefit for detection. The embedded character is designed to be reproduced faithfully by these devices, which then allows the detection system to identify the character in the copied image and determine whether the copy was made from an authentic source containing the embedded character.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3681729B1Method for producing and for protecting against unauthorized reproduction of decorative paper or foil
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SCHATTDECOR SE
  • EP3681729B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3681729B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for producing decorative paper or decorative films as a surface of furniture surfaces, walls, floors and room ceilings and for protecting against impermissible reproduction. According to the invention, digital image information of the desired decoration is produced, and a mark is embedded in the image information, by means of which mark the image information is changed. The changes are invisible in the printout, but the changes can be copied. The embedded mark is visible on a monitor by means of a software app.