Multi-Layer Printed Matter Gloss and Texture Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for expressing gloss in printed images only change specular reflectivity, failing to fully convey the texture of the image.

Innovation Solution

A printed matter structure comprising a lower layer with concavities and convexities, an image layer that transmits light, and a surface layer with varying concavities and convexities, where the inclination of these features matches the observation direction to enhance gloss appearance, allowing for adjustable gloss levels across regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If only specular reflectivity is changed to express gloss, then the gloss appearance is improved, but the texture expression is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegloss appearanceVSAvoidtexture expression
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the printed matter into multiple layers (lower layer, image layer, surface layer), where each layer contributes differently to the overall effect. The lower layer provides base texture through concavities and convexities, while the surface layer enhances gloss through its own surface features, allowing both texture and gloss to be expressed simultaneously without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-layer approach to a multi-layer three-dimensional structure. By adding depth through stacked layers with different surface characteristics, the solution simultaneously achieves gloss expression (through specular reflection control) and texture expression (through surface topography variations) that cannot be achieved in a single plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If concavities and convexities are added to express texture, then the texture expression is improved, but the gloss control becomes less precise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture expressionVSAvoidgloss control
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By separating texture expression (lower layer with concavities and convexities) from gloss control (surface layer with controlled inclination), the invention allows each layer to optimize its function independently. The lower layer can have complex surface features for texture without compromising the gloss control capability of the upper surface layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different layers are designed with different local qualities: the lower layer has varied concavities and convexities for texture expression, while the surface layer has controlled inclination for gloss control. This local differentiation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If the surface is made uniform for better gloss, then the gloss appearance is improved, but the texture expression is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegloss appearanceVSAvoidtexture expression
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the surface structure into two functional layers: the lower layer retains concavities and convexities for texture expression, while the surface layer provides a more uniform interface for gloss control. This segmentation allows the glossy appearance to be maintained while the underlying texture is preserved through light interaction with the lower layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables more effective expression of texture and gloss in printed images by adjusting the concavities and convexities in the lower and surface layers to match the observation direction, providing a more nuanced and realistic visual experience.

Implementation Method 1

causes a reflection direction of specular reflection of the light that irradiates the printed matter to substantially match the observation direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpecular reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the image layer forming an image and transmitting part of incident light towards the lower layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8672363B2Printed matter forming method
Publication Date: 2014.03.18 FUJIFILM CORP
  • US8672363B2 patent drawing
  • US8672363B2 patent drawing
  • US8672363B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a printed matter, a printed matter forming apparatus, and a printed matter forming method, which improve the expression of the texture. A lower layer having an upper surface provided with concavities and convexities different for each region; an image layer provided above the lower layer, the image layer forming an image and transmitting part of incident light towards the lower layer; and a surface layer provided above the image layer, the surface layer having an upper surface provided with concavities and convexities different for each region, the surface layer transmitting part of incident light towards the image layer are included. This allows various textures to be expressed fully.