Image Forming Apparatus Non-Color Ink Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses using decolorable inks face challenges in making decolored patterns less visible due to differences in gloss between areas with and without color pigment particles, as the decoloration process can result in visible remnants of the color print layer.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and method that employs a combination of a decolored pattern-invisiblizing ink and a heat-decolorable ink, where the decolored pattern-invisiblizing ink forms a non-color print layer to reduce visibility of the decolored heat-decolorable ink by using non-color particles that match the size and light scattering effect of the color pigment particles, thereby minimizing gloss differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decolorable ink with color pigment particles is used to form images, then image formation capability is improved, but visible remnants appear after decoloration due to light scattering effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-color print layer formed by a decolored pattern-invisiblizing ink as an intermediary between the recording medium and the decolorable ink. This intermediate layer contains light scattering particles that match the optical properties of the color pigment particles, thereby mediating the light scattering effects and making the decolored pattern invisible while preserving image formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the printing system: the decolorable ink contains color pigment particles for image formation, while the decolored pattern-invisiblizing ink contains light scattering particles that match these in size and refractive index. This local differentiation of particle properties in different ink layers resolves the contradiction by making the decolored pattern invisible while maintaining image formation
2Device complexity
If decolorable ink is applied directly to the recording medium, then printing process is simplified, but gloss differences make the decolored pattern visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a preliminary action by forming a non-color print layer with light scattering particles before applying the decolorable ink. This preliminary layer prepares the surface to match the optical properties of the upcoming color layer, preventing gloss differences from making the decolored pattern visible while adding only minimal process complexity
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 effectively renders the decolored pattern less visible by ensuring that the non-color particles in the non-color print layer match the color pigment particles in size and light scattering effect, thus maintaining a uniform appearance after decoloration.
Implementation Method 1
the light scattering effect and the like of color pigment particles included in a decolorable ink
Implementation Method 2
a color print layer on the recording medium, the second ink including color pigment particles that are decolored when heated
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a first supplying device configured to supply a first ink onto a recording medium to form a non-color print layer on the recording medium, the first ink comprising non-color particles; and a second supplying device configured to supply a second ink onto the recording medium having the non-color print layer formed thereon, to form a color print layer on the recording medium, the second ink including color pigment particles that are decolored when heated.