Print Control Using Contour-Based Protective Ink for Portrait Bokeh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image printing technologies fail to effectively enhance the bokeh effect in portraits by providing different surface properties for the subject and background using transparent protective ink.
Innovation Solution
A print control apparatus and method that differentially transfers transparent protective ink (overcoat) to control surface properties, emphasizing the main subject by varying glossiness through controlled application of heat and ink transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transparent protective ink is applied uniformly across the entire image, then the image is protected with a consistent waterproof finish, but the ability to create different surface properties for subject and background is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different transfer amounts of transparent protective ink to different regions of the image. The subject region receives a first transfer amount that preserves surface properties for clarity, while the background region receives a second transfer amount that creates a different surface property for bokeh effect. This local differentiation allows both protective function and aesthetic effect to coexist.
2Reliability
If the transfer amount of transparent protective ink is increased, then the protective effect and waterproof finish are enhanced, but the surface glossiness increases which may reduce image clarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the transfer amount of transparent protective ink differently in the subject region versus the background region. In the subject region, a controlled transfer amount is applied to maintain surface glossiness and image clarity, while in the background region, the transfer amount is adjusted to create the desired bokeh effect without compromising overall protection.
3Manufacturing precision
If different transfer amounts of transparent protective ink are applied to create bokeh effect, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the complexity of the printing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image into distinct regions (subject region and background region) and applies different transfer amounts of transparent protective ink to each region. This segmentation is achieved through controlled thermal transfer processing that selectively modifies surface properties in different areas, enabling the bokeh effect without requiring complex additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the transfer amount parameter of the transparent protective ink across different regions of the image. By controlling the thermal transfer conditions to achieve different ink transfer amounts in the subject versus background regions, the system creates aesthetic differentiation while using a relatively simple printing process.
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
Achieves a more expressive portrait print with a clearly defined main subject and blurred background by manipulating glossiness differences in the printed image.
Implementation Method 1
The sublimation thermal transfer type refers to a method of pressing a heated thermal head against an ink ribbon to sublimate ink from solid to gas and making the ink adhere to photographic paper.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print control apparatus is configured to transfer transparent protective ink onto an image printed on a substrate. The print control apparatus includes an extraction unit configured to extract a contour of a subject in the image, and a control unit configured to generate print data for transferring the protective ink using a printing apparatus, based on the extracted contour of the subject. The control unit generates the print data by assigning a high gradation value to a contour line corresponding to the extracted contour of the subject, assigning a low gradation value to a region corresponding to the subject, and assigning a mixture of the high gradation value and the low gradation value to an outer peripheral region of the subject.