Latent Image Embedding in Solid-Color Backgrounds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding hidden information or security images in print media, particularly in solid-color backgrounds, often alter the perceived color of the background, which is undesirable for maintaining customer associations and brand recognition.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves printing latent images over modified solid-color backgrounds using line-screen patterns that match the original color and print density, differing only in less obvious characteristics like line frequency or orientation, allowing the images to be invisible to the naked eye but detectable with an optical aid, while maintaining the intended color of the background.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If line-screen patterns are printed over solid-color backgrounds to embed hidden information, then security images can be embedded, but the perceived color of the background changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the line frequency and print density of the line-screen patterns to specific ranges (line frequency of 120-200 lines per inch, print density of 10-50%) so that the patterns become visually imperceptible while still providing security functionality. This allows the background color to remain substantially unchanged while embedding hidden information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different line-screen patterns with different characteristics (e.g., different line frequencies or orientations) in different regions or layers, where one pattern provides the security latent image while another provides the visually integrated setting, both maintaining the same overall appearance
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If line-screen patterns are printed at high density to improve security, then hidden information becomes more detectable, but the background color perception is altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges (line frequency of 120-200 lines per inch, print density of 10-50%) that balance security detectability with background color consistency. These parameters are optimized to make the line-screen patterns imperceptible to the naked eye while still allowing detection with optical aids
3Reliability
If the background color is modified to embed security features, then authentication capability is improved, but customer associations and brand recognition are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes with specific line frequency (120-200 lines per inch) and print density (10-50%) ranges that ensure the line-screen patterns remain visually imperceptible, thus preserving the original background color and customer associations while enabling authentication through optical aids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visually integrated setting that copies the appearance of the solid-color background using line-screen patterns, making the security features invisible to the naked eye while preserving brand recognition. The patterns are designed to replicate the background color and texture so accurately that no visual distortion is perceived
Data Source
AI summary
A latent image is incorporated into an apparent solid-color background for representing a desired solid-color background having a target color. An underlying solid-color background is printed on a print medium using a first color composition that differs from the target color. Line-screen patterns embedding a latent image in a visually integrated setting are printed over the solid-color background using a second color composition that differs from both the first color composition and the target color. The visual characteristics of the line-screen patterns forming the latent image and the visually integrated setting are matched for rendering the latent image practically indistinguishable from the visually integrated setting without a visual aid. The print densities of the line-screen patterns and the first and second color compositions are interrelated so that the line-screen patterns in combination with the underlying solid-color background produce the apparent solid-color background in the target color.