Infrared Absorbing Toner for Invisible Security Embedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming technologies lack a method to securely embed invisible information in printed documents that can only be visible under specific wavelengths, such as infrared light, without altering the appearance of the document under natural light.

Innovation Solution

The use of an infrared absorbing toner replaces traditional black toner, allowing for the conversion of image data to include a special color material with absorption properties for specific wavelengths, enabling the creation of images that are invisible under natural light but visible under infrared illumination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional black toner is used for printing, then the document is visible and readable under natural light, but invisible security information cannot be embedded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity information embeddingVSAvoidprinting process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the optical absorption parameters of the toner material by using infrared-absorbing toner instead of traditional black toner. This special toner has different absorption characteristics that allow it to be invisible under natural light while absorbing infrared radiation, enabling security information embedding without altering the visible appearance of the document.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite approach by combining infrared-absorbing toner with conventional printing processes. The special toner material is integrated into the printing system to provide both visible document reproduction and invisible security information, creating a multi-functional printing solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If infrared absorbing toner is used to embed security information, then invisible information can be embedded, but the document appearance under natural light may be altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity information embeddingVSAvoiddocument appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully controls the optical parameters of the infrared-absorbing toner to ensure it absorbs infrared radiation while maintaining neutral appearance under visible light. By adjusting the toner composition and concentration, the document appearance remains natural while security information becomes detectable only under infrared illumination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If special color material with specific absorption properties is used, then wavelength-specific visibility is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength-specific visibilityVSAvoidimage processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a lookup table (LUT) to store pre-calculated conversion values that map conventional color values to special color material values. This copying approach allows the complex wavelength-specific visibility functionality to be implemented through simple table lookup during printing, avoiding complex real-time calculations and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the complex material properties into simplified processing parameters by using conversion tables. Instead of directly controlling the complex optical properties of the special color material, the system converts conventional color values into appropriate material values through pre-established lookup tables, simplifying the image processing workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution effectively embeds security information in printed documents that remains undetectable under normal conditions but becomes visible when irradiated with infrared light, enhancing security and authenticity verification.

Implementation Method 1

a special color material with absorption properties for light at a specific wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10675907B2Image processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium with printing using a special color material with specific absorption properties

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image processing apparatus includes a reception unit and a conversion unit. The reception unit receives as a designated color a color of an image desired to be seeable when irradiated with light at a specific wavelength. The conversion unit converts, when converting image data on an image to be printed into print data, a color value of the designated color received by the reception unit into a color value including a value for outputting a special color material that has absorption properties for the light at the specific wavelength.