Latent Image Personalization via Laser Carbonization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for personalizing credit cards or official documents with latent images are either expensive, limit color options, or pose security risks due to the need for individual treatment and online data transmission, and existing solutions do not produce high-quality color images efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of latent images with uniformly distributed primary color sub-pixels, which are then personalized using a laser beam to create dark non-reflecting surfaces through carbonization or thermochromic/photochromic effects under a transparent protective layer, allowing for high-quality color image production at low cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual treatment is applied during credit card manufacture to print custom images, then personalization quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latent image is segmented into multiple sub-layers with different colors (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black) that are printed separately during mass production. These sub-layers are combined to form the complete color image, allowing standard printing processes to be used without individual customization while maintaining high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The complete color latent image is prepared in advance during mass production using standard printing techniques. The image remains hidden (latent) under the transparent protective layer until the moment of use, when the laser beam reveals it by selectively removing the protective layer. This eliminates the need for expensive individual printing while ensuring high personalization quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If online transmission of confidential information is used for image personalization, then customization capability is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The confidential image data is extracted from the digital domain and converted into a physical latent image that is printed directly on the card during mass production. The image exists only in physical form on the card itself, eliminating the need for online transmission of confidential information. The customer can still customize the image by selecting from pre-approved options or providing images through secure offline channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting and storing confidential digital images online, the system uses a copy of the image printed as a latent image on the card. The original digital file never needs to be transmitted securely - only the visual copy appears on the card in latent form, which is revealed only when needed. This eliminates security risks associated with online transmission while maintaining full customization capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser beam processing is used to reveal latent images through transparent protective layers, then image quality is improved, but the protective layer must be specially designed
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent protective layer is designed with specific optical parameters that allow laser beams to selectively interact with it. The layer has controlled transparency at the laser wavelength, enabling the laser to pass through and reveal the latent image by locally modifying or removing the protective layer. This parameter optimization allows standard protective layer materials to be used without complex special designs.
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 mass production of identical latent images on credit cards or documents, which are then personalized with high-quality color images using a laser, maintaining the same manufacturing processes as standard cards, thus avoiding additional costs and security risks while achieving maximum brilliance and detail in the final image.
Implementation Method 1
The non-reflecting surfaces of dark color partially or totally covering the surface of the sub-pixels are obtained by carbonization of the sub-pixels by the laser beam through the transparent protective layer
Implementation Method 2
The non-reflecting surfaces of dark color partially or totally covering the surface of the sub-pixels are obtained by thermochromic effect or by photochromic effect, under the influence of the laser beam through the transparent protective layer
Implementation Method 3
The non-reflecting surfaces of dark color partially or totally covering the surface of the sub-pixels are obtained by thermochromic effect or by photochromic effect, under the influence of the laser beam through the transparent protective layer
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for customizing a latent image (12) embedded under a transparent mechanical protection layer (41), wherein the latent image consists of printed, uniformly distributed so-called sub-pixels which are in the primary colors plus the color white, the surface of each sub-pixel of the latent image being partially or totally transformed into a non-reflecting dark colored surface by means of the impact of a laser beam (51) through the transparent protective layer, thus forming the greyscale of the final customized image. The invention can be used for the customization of credit cards.