Thermal Transfer Sheet Identification Mark
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal transfer sheets require additional layers for detection marks, increasing manufacturing costs and potentially affecting color properties in high-resolution printing, while current detection methods can lead to defects and unwanted ink placement.
Innovation Solution
A thermal transfer sheet with an identification mark in the form of a protruding or recessed strip located at the periphery of the protective layer, which is not transferred to the printing paper, and a thermal transfer printing apparatus using invisible light to detect this mark, allowing for accurate sheet identification and optimized printing conditions without additional layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection marks are formed between dye layers by printing, then sheet identification is enabled, but scattered ink is printed at unwanted positions leading to defects in thermal transfer images
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection mark formation process from the dye layer printing process. Instead of printing detection marks on the base film, the identification mark is formed separately on the protective layer using a light-receiving substance, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of scattered ink on the thermal transfer image while maintaining sheet identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the functions of detection and image formation by placing them in separate layers. The identification mark is formed on the protective layer with a light-receiving substance, while the dye layers remain separate and dedicated to image formation, preventing interference between the two functions.
2Measurement precision
If additional detection layers are added to form detection marks, then sheet identification is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the detection function with the existing protective layer by incorporating a light-receiving substance into it. This eliminates the need for separate detection layers, reducing the number of manufacturing steps and lowering production costs while maintaining sheet identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is given dual functionality: it serves both as a protective coating and as a detection layer through the inclusion of a light-receiving substance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated detection layers, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Measurement precision
If dye layer thickness is varied to produce detection marks, then sheet identification is enabled, but color properties in high-resolution printing vary
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detection function from the dye layer structure. Instead of varying dye layer thickness for detection, a separate identification mark is formed on the protective layer using a light-receiving substance, thereby preserving uniform dye layer thickness and consistent color properties while enabling sheet identification.
4Measurement precision
If more layers are added to the thermal transfer sheet structure, then detection capability is improved, but the full length of the sheet increases and substrate usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the detection function into the existing protective layer rather than adding separate detection layers. This integration maintains the sheet's compact structure and prevents increases in sheet length and substrate usage while providing effective detection capability.
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 accurate identification of thermal transfer sheets, prevents color property changes in high-resolution printing, and reduces production costs by eliminating the need for extra detection layers and minimizing defects from unwanted ink placement.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to irradiate infrared light, a sensor configured to receive light and to detect an identification mark based on a change in received light intensity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~7b
Figure 8a~11
AI summary
There is provided a thermal transfer sheet capable of being identified by a thermal transfer printing apparatus, as well as being capable of preventing color property changes in high-resolution printing and reducing production cost. The thermal transfer sheet (5) of an embodiment includes a dye layer (52) and a protective layer (54) on one surface of a substrate (50). The protective layer (54) contains an invisible light absorbing material and is provided with an identification mark (55) having at least one of a recessed portion and a protruding portion.