Scalable Gloss Effect Imaging Using Pattern Color Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specialty imaging techniques in printing processes often require special inks or materials and are limited in aesthetics, particularly in non-rectangular areas, and struggle to provide dynamic security features that cannot be replicated by conventional copiers or scanners.
Innovation Solution
The development of a specialty imaging technique using a pattern color space created with standard page description language constructs, such as PostScript, which allows for dynamic creation of pattern inks that can incorporate variable data and provide security features like color shifting and scalable gloss effects without the need for special inks, and can be rendered in real-time within a digital front end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional specialty imaging techniques are used to provide security features, then security protection is improved, but device complexity and material requirements worsen due to the need for special inks and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive special security inks with standard printing inks combined with dynamically generated pattern overlays. The security effect is achieved through software-generated patterns rather than specialized materials, eliminating the need for costly, proprietary ink formulations while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes physical/chemical security mechanisms (special inks with unique optical properties) with a digital/mechanical system. Security patterns are generated algorithmically using standard page description language constructs and applied as overlays during normal printing, replacing the need for specialized material science approaches.
2Reliability
If conventional specialty imaging techniques are used, then security features are provided, but ease of operation worsens due to restrictions on design freedom and rectangular area limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic pattern generation where security elements are created algorithmically rather than being static pre-defined graphics. The patterns can adapt to different document layouts, positions, and designs, allowing security features to be placed anywhere on the page rather than being confined to rectangular zones, thus providing both security and design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of pattern generation from fixed rectangular boundaries to flexible coordinate-based positioning. By using variable parameters in the page description language, the system can generate security patterns of any shape and position, transforming the rigid constraints of conventional approaches into adaptable design elements.
3Reliability
If conventional specialty imaging techniques are used, then fraud protection is provided, but productivity worsens due to space consumption and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the security pattern generation with the normal printing workflow by using standard page description language constructs. Instead of separate security printing passes or special processing, the security patterns are generated and applied during the regular print job processing, combining security functionality with standard document reproduction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal pattern generation system that serves multiple functions: it provides security features, maintains document layout integrity, and works with standard printing infrastructure. The same page description language constructs used for normal text and graphics are also used to generate security patterns, eliminating the need for separate security processing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method render see-saw scalable gloss effect image patterns on a recording medium by using to two colors to provide one region with a relatively smooth surface, while a second region has a relatively rougher surface. A third region is added composed of a color different than the first two, wherein the third region has a relatively smooth surface where it intersects with the first region and a relatively rougher surface where it intersects with the second region. As the rendered recording medium is tilted at different angles, the image patterns thereon toggle to create a see-saw effect.