Printing-optimized security elements color space conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating security elements with hidden images face challenges in color stability and readability when converting between different color spaces, particularly in digital printing machines, leading to unsaleable products and compromised security.
Innovation Solution
A method involving two separate computer-supported systems: one for preparing and converting image data into the output color space of the printing machine and another for generating and replacing placeholders with security elements, using security keys and ICC profiles to ensure accurate color reproduction and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If security elements are generated in CMYK color space using neutral ICC profile, then color separations can be obtained, but color deviations occur when converting to different color spaces like CMYKOGV
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by converting the image data into the output color space of the printing machine before generating the security elements. This preliminary color space conversion ensures that the security elements are generated with the correct color values for the specific printing machine's color space, preventing color deviations when the printing machine uses different color spaces like CMYKOGV instead of standard CMYK.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the color space parameter from a neutral ICC profile (ISO coated v3) to the specific output color space of the printing machine. By detecting the printing machine's color space and adapting the security element generation to match this parameter, the system maintains color accuracy across different printing technologies while preserving security element integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If color conversion is performed from CMYK to CMYKOGV, then digital printing machines can be supported, but security elements become unreadable and protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary color space conversion before security element generation, ensuring that the security elements are created in the correct color space for the printing machine. This prevents the security elements from becoming unreadable during printing while maintaining full compatibility with digital printing machines using color spaces like CMYKOGV.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the printing machine's color space characteristics and using this information to guide the security element generation process. The system receives information about the printing machine's color space and adjusts the security element creation accordingly, ensuring both compatibility and security integrity.
3Reliability
If only planned color separations are used for security elements, then security integrity is maintained, but all existing color separations cannot be utilized in deviating color systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from using fixed planned color separations to dynamically adapting to the printing machine's color space. By detecting the actual color space parameters of the printing machine and adjusting the security element generation accordingly, the system can utilize all available color separations while maintaining security integrity across different color systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing documents with security elements carried out by two separate, computer-supported systems. The computer-supported systems each have a printing system with a printing machine and a security system that perform steps of preparing a document with placeholders for the security elements in the image data by the computer of the security system, and transmitting the document to the printing system. The image data is converted into an output color space of the printing machine by the computer of the printing system, and the document is transmitted to the security system. The security elements are generated, and replacement of the placeholders with the security elements by the computer of the security system is performed. The document is transmitted to the printing system. The finished document is printed with the security elements by the printing machine of the printing system.