Single-Laser Color Imaging via Encapsulated Pigment Bursting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing high-quality color images on identification cards and similar documents using laser technology face challenges such as limited color gamut, complexity, high costs, and reduced image quality due to spectral crosstalk and the need for multiple laser devices, making it difficult to achieve vivid, full-color images with high resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method using encapsulated color capsules with a single irradiation frequency, where the location and color of capsules are precisely determined and opened using an excitation beam, allowing for the production of high-quality color images by releasing pigment particles, which are then distributed and blended to create a full-color effect, with optional bleaching to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple laser devices with different wavelengths are used to irradiate different colored components, then color reproduction is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser device with adjustable wavelength is used to irradiate different colored components (cyan, magenta, yellow) sequentially, allowing one device to perform the function previously requiring multiple specialized laser devices. The laser wavelength is adapted to match the absorption spectrum of the current color being processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser wavelength parameter is dynamically changed to correspond to the absorption maximum of the currently irradiated color. This parameter adaptation enables a single laser device to efficiently process multiple color components without spectral crosstalk, as each color is irradiated at its optimal wavelength.
2Productivity
If multiple laser devices are used to irradiate different colored components simultaneously, then processing speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simultaneous multi-laser irradiation, the patent employs periodic sequential irradiation where a single laser device cycles through different wavelengths to process different color components in sequence. This periodic wavelength switching achieves complete color processing while using only one laser device.
3Loss of time
If the laser beam irradiates all color components at once, then processing time is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to spectral crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by matching the laser wavelength specifically to the absorption characteristics of each color component being processed. This localized spectral matching ensures that only the intended color absorbs the laser energy, preventing spectral crosstalk and maintaining high image quality even during sequential processing.
4Ease of manufacture
If colored components are arranged in the effective cross section of the laser beam, then color mixing is achieved, but non-ideal interaction between different colors reduces image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color processing into distinct sequential steps, where one color component is irradiated at a time at its optimal wavelength. This segmentation prevents non-ideal interactions between different colored components during irradiation, as only one color is present in the laser beam's effective cross section at any given moment.
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 approach enables the production of high-resolution, full-color images with improved color neutrality and dynamic range, reducing costs and complexity while providing a high level of protection against forgery, as the random distribution of capsules adds an additional security feature.
Implementation Method 1
The colour capsules are irradiated with a laser beam, in particular with an excitation beam, for example of a laser, of which the diameter has to be collimated to a value that must be smaller than the diameter of a colour capsule, wherein the thermal effects causing the application of energy in the capsule casing initiate a cavitation dynamic, at the end of which the capsule casing ruptures
Implementation Method 2
the thermal effects causing the application of energy in the capsule casing initiate a cavitation dynamic
Implementation Method 3
The colour capsules are distributed uniformly over the substrate, in particular also in a manner lying one above the other
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing images (8) on a substrate (2) with colour bodies thereon, the colour bodies losing a colour effect due to a laser (23) and consisting of dyes or pigments contained in capsules (1). Different colour bodies having at least three different colour effects are on or in the substrate (2). The method includes: (a) producing a colour chart (14), with individual colour effect of individual colour bodies contained as a function of the spatial coordinates thereof on or in the substrate; and (b) spatially resolving radiation, which opens the colour effect of colour bodies of individual capsules and releases dyes by a laser (23) at a single frequency on the basis of the colour chart (14) in order to produce a resultant colour effect. Substrates, like security documents, can be produced this method.