Fluorescent Watermark Ink Blending for Consistent UV Blocking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescent watermarks in printing systems, particularly inkjet printers, face issues with inconsistent UV light blocking due to insufficient UV light absorption by CMYK inks, leading to unwanted paper fluorescence and compromised security features.
Innovation Solution
A method to modify non-partially reflecting/absorbing UV inks by blending minimal amounts of partially reflecting/absorbing inks to maintain a single color appearance under office lighting while enabling UV fluorescence, using a systematic approach to determine and blend reflecting/absorbing colors based on spectral properties and compatibility with the original pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorescent materials are added to toner/inks to create UV watermarks, then the watermark becomes visible under UV illumination, but the CMYK inks do not sufficiently block UV light causing unwanted paper fluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink composition by adding specific UV-absorbing compounds to the CMYK formulation, changing the optical parameters of the ink to achieve sufficient UV blocking while maintaining normal printing properties and color appearance under visible light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite ink formulation that combines standard CMYK pigments with specialized UV-absorbing compounds, resulting in an ink that provides both normal printing functionality and enhanced UV blocking properties to prevent paper fluorescence
2Ease of manufacture
If standard CMYK inks are used in inkjet systems, then the printing system can operate normally, but the inks do not block UV light consistently leading to fluorescence issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink composition by adding specific UV-absorbing compounds to the CMYK formulation, changing the optical parameters of the ink to achieve sufficient UV blocking while maintaining normal printing properties and color appearance under visible light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal ink formulation that can be used across different inkjet printing systems while providing consistent UV blocking properties, making the solution broadly applicable without requiring system-specific modifications
3Reliability
If UV-absorbing compounds are added to inks to prevent paper fluorescence, then UV blocking is improved, but the ink formulation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ink composition by adding specific UV-absorbing compounds to the CMYK formulation, changing the optical parameters of the ink to achieve sufficient UV blocking while maintaining normal printing properties and color appearance under visible light
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies UV-absorbing compounds selectively to specific ink formulations where needed, rather than universally to all printing applications, allowing for targeted complexity only where UV blocking is required
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures that fluorescent watermarks are rendered effectively across various printing systems, maintaining visual consistency and enhancing document security by preventing unwanted fluorescence under standard lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
modifying a non-partially reflecting/absorbing ultraviolet ink from an original ultraviolet pattern by blending a minimal amount of a partially reflecting ink
Implementation Method 2
UV watermarks/effects rely on adding fluorescent materials to their toner/inks. That is, in some security features, liquid ink or toner with fluorescent properties has been used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Methods and systems for configuring and rendering a fluorescent watermark can involve modifying a non-partially reflecting/absorbing ultraviolet ink from an original ultraviolet pattern by blending a minimal amount of a partially reflecting ink, and ensuring that the modification of the non-partially reflecting/absorbing ultraviolet ink maintains an appearance of two or more pattern inks as a single color/pattern under office lighting when rendered as a part of a fluorescent watermark based on the non-partially reflecting/absorbing ultraviolet ink. The fluorescent watermark can be then rendered on a substrate (e.g., paper or other material).