Image Inspection Device Using Decolorable Composition for Latent Image Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image inspection devices struggle to effectively read and decode latent images embedded on image carrying media, as these images are not visible under natural light and require specialized infrared readers, limiting their application and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An image inspection device and apparatus that uses an image forming material containing an infrared absorbent with an optical absorption peak in the infrared region and a decolorable composition with an optical absorption peak in the visible region, allowing a superimposed image to be read as a visible image during inspection and then decolored to leave a latent image, which can only be read with infrared radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a latent image is formed on an image carrying medium, then the image can be encoded with information, but the image cannot be read by standard image readers because it is not visible under natural light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using a decolorable composition that transitions from a colored state (visible image) to a decolored state (latent image). During inspection, the composition appears colored and visible to standard readers. After inspection, the composition is decolored to leave the latent image, which can then be read by infrared readers. This dynamic color change enables the same medium to serve multiple reading purposes without requiring separate markers or complex system configurations.
2Loss of information
If infrared radiation is used to read latent images, then the latent image can be decoded, but the inspection process becomes more complex and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection process into two distinct stages: a first inspection stage using visible light to read the visible image (formed by the colored decolorable composition), and a second inspection stage using infrared radiation to read the latent image (formed after decoloration). This segmentation allows standard image readers to perform initial inspection without specialized equipment, while infrared readers handle the latent image decoding in a separate phase, thereby reducing the complexity requirement for the overall inspection system.
3Ease of operation
If a visible image marker is added to indicate latent image position, then the latent image can be located, but the functionality and application of image inspection systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by making the decolorable composition serve multiple functions: (1) it forms the visible image for initial inspection by standard readers, (2) it acts as the latent image carrier after decoloration for infrared reading, and (3) it dynamically transitions between visible and invisible states without requiring separate markers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional visible image markers and expands the versatility of image inspection systems to handle both visible and latent images using the same medium.
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
Enables the inspection and decoding of latent images without the need for separate visible image markers, improving the functionality and application of image inspection systems by allowing standard image readers to detect the visible image during inspection and ensuring the latent image remains hidden until decoded.
Implementation Method 1
the image forming material contains the infrared absorbent having an optical absorption peak in an infrared region
Implementation Method 2
the image forming material contains the decolorable composition having an optical absorption peak in a visible region in a color-developed state and being decolored by physical treatment or chemical treatment
Data Source
AI summary
An image inspection device includes an acquiring section that reads an image formed on an image carrying medium using an image forming material and acquires first inspection image information; and a decoloring section that leaves an infrared absorbent on the image carrying medium, and decolors a decolorable composition on the image carrying medium by physical treatment or chemical treatment, wherein the image forming material contains the infrared absorbent having an optical absorption peak in an infrared region, and the image forming material contains the decolorable composition having an optical absorption peak in a visible region in a color-developed state and being decolored by physical treatment or chemical treatment.