Multi-Layer Correlation Mark Generation via Monochrome Printer Scalar Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monochrome printers, which can only print in a single color channel, are unable to create multi-layer correlation marks used in security printing due to the requirement of multiple color channels for specialty imaging methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize different scalar values of grayscale in each layer of a multi-layer correlation mark, printed at varying angles and frequencies, to generate a multi-layer correlation mark using a monochrome printer, allowing for security printing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monochrome printer with a single color channel is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to create multi-layer correlation marks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from color channel differentiation to grayscale scalar value differentiation. Instead of using multiple color channels (2D color space), the invention uses varying scalar values (0-255 grayscale intensity) along the single monochrome channel dimension to encode multiple layers of correlation marks. This allows a monochrome printer to produce multi-layer correlation marks by printing at different scalar values that can be optically differentiated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter used for layer differentiation from color channel selection to scalar value modulation. By varying the scalar value (grayscale intensity) parameter across different print passes, the system encodes multiple layers of correlation marks that can be decoded through optical filtering, enabling multi-layer functionality on a single-channel monochrome printer.
2Reliability
If specialty hardware and materials are used for security printing, then security printing capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates optical copies of correlation mark layers at different scalar values. By printing multiple layers with the same correlation mark pattern but at different grayscale scalar values, the system creates optically distinguishable copies that can be verified through optical filtering, providing security functionality without specialty hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves security printing capability by changing the scalar value parameter of the print channel rather than introducing specialty hardware. The varying scalar values create optically distinguishable layers that provide security verification, replacing complex specialty imaging hardware with a software-controlled parameter variation approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for generating a multi-layer correlation mark via a monochrome printer are disclosed. For example, the method includes setting a first scalar value of a channel of the monochrome printer, setting a second scalar value of the channel of the monochrome printer, generating a first layer of the multi-layer correlation mark at the first scalar value of the channel, generating a second layer of the multi-layer correlation mark at the second scalar value of the channel and printing the multi-layer correlation mark comprising the first layer at the first scalar value of the channel and the second layer at the second scalar value of the channel.