Variable Color Laser Image Formation via Carbonized Subpixel Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming color laser images do not enable images with variable colors, and previous solutions require complex and expensive structures in relief or do not provide secure, deletable black or gray components.
Innovation Solution
A method using a matrix of color subpixels, a laserable layer sensitive to laser radiation, and a protective layer laminated on a reflective white medium, where the laserable layer is carbonized to form non-reflective black volumes that mask adjacent pixels at different angles, creating variable colors in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser carbonization is used to form gray levels in the protective layer, then image security and reflectivity are improved, but the ability to display variable colors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image formation process into two independent components: a printed color image layer and a laser-carbonized gray level layer. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific function - the printed layer provides color information while the laser layer provides security features and gray levels, enabling both variable color display and image security simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the laserable layer beneath the printed color image layer, creating a nested structure where the laser carbonization process forms gray levels within the protective layer without affecting the printed color image above it. This nested arrangement allows the color image to remain visible while the laser layer provides security features
2Adaptability or versatility
If structures in relief are added to the protective layer to create variable color patterns, then color variability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical relief structures with an optical solution - using the laser beam itself to carbonize specific areas of the protective layer. This substitution eliminates the need for physical relief structures while achieving variable color display through controlled laser energy application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls color variability by changing the parameters of laser energy application (intensity, duration, position) rather than changing physical structures. By varying these parameters, different gray levels and color patterns are achieved without adding mechanical complexity
3Reliability
If the laserable layer is carbonized to form black volumes, then image security is improved, but the ability to mask adjacent pixels at different angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates dynamic masking behavior by forming black volumes at different depths within the protective layer. These volumes dynamically mask adjacent pixels depending on the viewing angle, providing both security features and angular-dependent color changes without compromising image security
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
Enables the creation of color laser images with variable colors by adjusting the degree of blackening with laser energy, providing a secure and aesthetically appealing image that changes color when viewed at different angles without altering the underlying image.
Implementation Method 1
a layer which is sensitive to laser radiation and which serves to form gray levels of a personalized color laser image by being carbonized in part by the effect of a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
The layer of laserable material is then carbonized in part by the effect of a laser beam so as to form non-reflective, black volumes
Implementation Method 3
the non-reflective, black volumes mask adjacent subpixels, thereby causing changing colors to appear to the observer in the personalized image
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to forming color laser images that are observable with variable colors. The gray levels are produced by non-reflective, black volumes in a laserable layer that mask the adjacent subpixels and that cause variable colors to appear depending on the angle of observation of the document. The invention is applicable to official documents.