Metallic Ink Undercoat Layer Diffused Light Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming metallic images using organic coloring agents fail to produce a satisfactory metallic appearance due to muddiness caused by diffused light, which is not effectively reduced.
Innovation Solution
A metallic image forming method that involves applying an ink containing an organic coloring agent onto a recording medium with an undercoat layer, where the undercoat layer is either black or has a color opposite to the diffused light, thereby reducing diffused light and enhancing the metallic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an ink containing an organic coloring agent capable of exhibiting a metallic color is applied directly onto a recording medium, then the process is simple, but the metallic appearance is not satisfactory due to muddiness caused by diffused light
Solution Approach 1:
An undercoat layer is applied to the recording medium before applying the metallic ink. This preliminary action creates a foundation that reduces diffused light and enhances the metallic appearance of the subsequent ink layer, resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and appearance quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of an undercoat layer and a metallic ink layer. The undercoat layer contains specific pigments or dyes that reduce diffused light, while the metallic ink layer provides the metallic color effect. This composite approach improves the metallic appearance without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Manufacturing precision
If an undercoat layer with black color or opposite color is applied before the metallic ink, then the metallic appearance is improved by reducing diffused light, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The undercoat layer is applied only in specific areas where metallic images will be formed, not across the entire recording medium. This localized approach reduces diffused light where needed while minimizing the overall complexity of the process. The undercoat can be applied using the same inkjet printing system without additional equipment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the undercoat layer uses black color, then diffused light is effectively reduced, but the color range of the metallic image is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameter of the undercoat layer color from fixed (black only) to variable (black or opposite color). By selecting the appropriate color based on the desired metallic image color, the system achieves both effective diffused light reduction and a wide color range for metallic images. For example, a cyan undercoat enhances gold metallic images, while a yellow undercoat enhances violet metallic images.
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
The method effectively reduces diffused light, resulting in a naturally metallic-colored image with improved appearance and expanded view angles for the metallic color.
Implementation Method 1
an undercoat layer having a black color or an opposite color to the color of diffused light from the ink
Data Source
AI summary
A metallic image forming method is a method for forming a metallic image with a metallic ink containing an organic coloring agent capable of exhibiting a metallic color on a recording medium provided with an undercoat layer thereon having a black color or an opposite color to the color of diffused light from the metallic ink. The method includes applying the metallic ink onto the recording medium so as to cover at least part of the undercoat layer.