Vector-Based Correlation Marks for Scalable Security Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional specialty imaging techniques for security printing often require special inks or materials and are limited in aesthetics, particularly in rectangular areas, which can conflict with document design and are not scalable or easily replicable by conventional copiers.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a specialty imaging technique that uses standard page description language constructs to create a pattern color space with dynamic, scalable gloss effects and color shifting capabilities without the need for special inks, utilizing a see-saw scalable gloss effect and variable data to enhance security features while maintaining aesthetic value.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional specialty imaging techniques are used for security printing, then security features are provided, but aesthetic value is reduced and document design is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity featuresVSAvoidaesthetic value
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements color shifting ink that appears as one color from a certain angle and another color from another angle, allowing security features to be integrated seamlessly into the document design while maintaining aesthetic appeal. The color change effect provides fraud protection without requiring ugly rectangular security elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single imaging technique that provides both security features and aesthetic design elements. The specialty imaging text can be placed anywhere in the document and serves dual purposes: security verification and visual enhancement, eliminating the need for separate security elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional specialty imaging techniques are used, then security measures are provided, but space in the document is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity measuresVSAvoidspace in document
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges security features with existing document content by implementing specialty imaging text within the document's natural text flow and design elements. Instead of adding separate security elements, the security features are combined with logos, headers, footers, or body text, eliminating additional space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional specialty imaging techniques are used, then security elements are provided, but design freedom is restricted to rectangular areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity elementsVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic specialty imaging that can be placed anywhere in the document and adapts to the document's design requirements. The imaging technique is not restricted to fixed rectangular areas but can be integrated into various document elements such as logos, text, or graphical elements, providing both security and design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If conventional specialty imaging techniques are used, then fraud protection is provided, but the techniques are not scalable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefraud protectionVSAvoidscalability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements scalable specialty imaging that can be rendered at any size while maintaining security effectiveness. The imaging technique uses parameter-based definitions that allow it to be scaled up or down without losing its security properties, unlike conventional fixed-resolution security elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

5Reliability

If conventional specialty imaging techniques are used, then security features are provided, but special inks or materials are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity featuresVSAvoiduse of special materials
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements color shifting ink that can be viewed differently at various angles, providing security features through optical properties rather than requiring rare or expensive special materials. The color change effect is achieved through standard printing techniques combined with clever optical design, making the security features easier to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 approach provides enhanced security features that are difficult to replicate, scalable, and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring document integrity and authenticity without the use of special materials, while maintaining the ability to be viewed differently at various angles.

Implementation Method 1

rendered with marking materials to create a see-saw scalable gloss effect based on one region having a relatively smooth surface while the second region has a relatively rougher surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelective Deposition: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The first electronic image region, when rendered with marking materials, has a smooth surface where the first image is located and a rough surface where the second image does not intersect the first image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9614995B1System and method for generating vector based correlation marks and vector based gloss effect image patterns for rendering on a recording medium
Publication Date: 2017.04.04 XEROX CORP
  • US9614995B1 patent drawing
  • US9614995B1 patent drawing
  • US9614995B1 patent drawing

AI summary

Correlation marks and gloss effect image patterns are created with vector-based electronic pattern inks. In creating a correlation mark, which is only visible by viewing the image through a reference screen, two vector-based electronic pattern inks are utilized to create the correlation mark, wherein the vector pattern in one electronic pattern ink is parallel, but out of phase, to the vector pattern in the other electronic pattern ink and the vectors of both electronic pattern inks are painted as thin lines. In creating a gloss effect, which is only visible by viewing the image at a predetermined angle, two vector-based electronic pattern inks are utilized to create the gloss effect, wherein the vector pattern in one electronic pattern ink is orthogonal to the vector pattern in the other electronic pattern ink and the vectors of both electronic pattern inks are painted as thick lines.