Emulating 3D Texture Patterns via Luminance Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Challenges exist in printing embossed substrates, especially with contact printing methods, which are costly and less viable for smaller volumes, as they require heavy machinery and specific tooling for large volumes.

Innovation Solution

An image processing system that emulates 3D texture patterns by adjusting luminance of image pixels based on height maps, allowing for printing on standard substrates to create the appearance of embossing or debossing, using a 3D texture emulation engine and luminance change engine within a digital printing press.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If contact printing methods with embossing equipment are used, then 3D texture patterns can be achieved, but the cost increases and commercial viability for smaller volumes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D texture pattern qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the embossed appearance by manipulating image pixel luminance values to simulate shadows and highlights that would be produced by physical embossing. This digital copy eliminates the need for expensive physical embossing equipment while maintaining the visual effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical embossing system with a digital image processing system. Instead of using heavy machinery to physically raise or lower substrate portions, the invention uses software to adjust luminance values of image pixels, substituting mechanical action with computational processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Shape

If physical embossing is used, then tactile 3D texture is achieved, but the equipment complexity and heavy machinery requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D texture appearanceVSAvoidembossing equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy of the embossed appearance by manipulating image pixel luminance values to simulate shadows and highlights that would be produced by physical embossing. This digital copy eliminates the need for expensive physical embossing equipment while maintaining the visual effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical embossing system with a digital image processing system. Instead of using heavy machinery to physically raise or lower substrate portions, the invention uses software to adjust luminance values of image pixels, substituting mechanical action with computational processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If standard non-embossed substrates are used, then printing fluid adhesion and cost are improved, but the visual 3D texture effect is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting cost and adhesionVSAvoidvisual 3D texture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses luminance value adjustments to create visual depth perception. By making certain areas darker or lighter, the invention simulates the appearance of raised or recessed surfaces, creating a 3D texture effect through optical illusion rather than physical deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a visual copy of the embossed appearance by manipulating image pixel luminance values to simulate shadows and highlights that would be produced by physical embossing. This digital copy eliminates the need for expensive physical embossing equipment while maintaining the visual effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11801699B2Emulating 3D textual patterns

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Example implementations relate to emulating 3D texture patterns in a printer system. One example implementation receives an image having a number of image pixels and selects from a plurality of digital substrates which each correspond to a physical substrate. Each digital substrate has luminance change data corresponding to heights of a 3D texture pattern at respective locations of the physical substrate. An image having emulated 3D texture is generated by adjusting the luminance of the image pixels corresponding to respective locations of the physical substrate and according to the corresponding luminance change data.