Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Applicant: Robert J. Mancuso
For: V~riable Color Prin~ and Method of Making Same
FIELD OF INV~NTION
This invention relates to a printJ and method of making
same, having a number of different colors, and more particularly
to such a print including a number of different local image
regions which are oriented difEerently from each othex, each
region having optical variations which selectively prevent
viewing of one or more of the colors at different viewing
angles.
BACRGROUND OF INVENTION
A number of different o~jects display differPnt images, or
different views of an imaget depending on the angle by which the
object is viewed. Some objec~s such as holographs utili~e
diffraction to separate whi~e light into its spectral
components~ A diffraction grating, having 20,000 to 50,000
lines per inch, reflects or transmits different portions of the
incident spectrum. The portions are ~een as a view in color of
an image which changes as the angle of incidence changes. Th
process of manufacturing the di~fraction grating, however,
requires great accuracy and is expensive.
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Rather than utili~e the diffraction principle, some objects
are provided with embo~sed foil having far fewer lines per inch
which reflects white light as light and dark lines. The
reflected lines appear to ~hift as the viewing angle changes,
but changes in color are not produced.
Other embossed objects are printed with different color~.
The arrangement of ~he printecl pigments in relation to embo~sed
linec can establish a mDire palttern which interferes with the
intended image. For some prints the objectionable moire
patterns must be overcome by printing different colors as dots
at a different periodicity than the periodicity of the embossed
pattern.
Yet other objects utilize a lenticular construction in
combination with color pigments. Lenticular films have a number
of tiny semi-cylindrical lenses, known as lenticules, which are
typically formed as parallel ridges embossed on the base side of
the film. The lenticules extend in parallel across the entire
surface of ~he film and alter the manner in which the underlying
emulsion is exposed by the subject and any intervening color
filters. Lenticular films are often used to generate a
stereoscopic effect by revealing left and right images as the
viewing angle changes. A lenticular print can similarly be made
through printing techniques using half-tone dots. However,
individual regions of the image are not oriented differently
from each other so that the colors change differently according
to the viewing angle.
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SUMMARY OF INVE~ION
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It is ~herefore an object of this invention to provide an
i~prvved multicolored print which includes a number of
contrasting regions that read:ily change color with the viewing
angle.
It is a further object of this invention to provide ~uch a
variable color print which carl be formed by printin~ within
standard tolerances.
Yet another object of this invention is to provide such a
variable color print which has a different appearance than
conventional prints.
It is a further objec~ of this invention to provide such a
variable color print which is inexpensive to manufacture.
A still further object of this invention is to provide an
improved method of forming such a variable color print.
The invention results from the realization that a vi~ually
pleasing-and intriguing image having ~Jariable colors can be
achieved by constructing a print having periodic variations in
an optical characteristic, such as variations in transmissivity
or reflective angle, which are generally parallel within ~ach of
a number of local image regions, the local image regions ~eing
differently oriented in relation to each other, and the p~int~
further including periodic variations in color generally aligned
with the periodic optical YariatiOnS within each region so that
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one or more of the color~ are selectively subdued or hidden at
different viewing angle~ while one or more of the remaining
color6 are revealed to generate changes in color of the viewed
image.
This invention features a variable color print of an image
including an image medium having a plurality of differently
oriented local image regions. Each region includes a plurality
of periodic variations in an o~pti~al characteristic of the
medium which extend substantially in a first direction within
that region and are generally parallel to each other in a second
direction transverse to the first direction. Each region
further includes a plurality of periodic variations in color
which extend in the first direction and are generally parallel
to each other in the second direction and are generally aligned
with the periodic optical variations in that region. The
periodic optical variations sPlectively prevent viewing of one
or more of the color variations at different viewing angles to
generate changes in color of the viewed image a~ the viewing
angle changes.
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In one embodiment, local image regions are oriented in
relation to each other ~uch that for each viewing angle at least
two different colors, each in a different local image region,
are visible for the image. The periodic optical variations
prevent viewing of the two different colors at a different
viewing angle and enable viewing of two other colors. ~he
periodic optical variations may include cyclic changes in
transmissivity of the image medium such as a plurality of opa~ue
lines. The periodic color variations may be spaced fr~m the
opaque lines in a third direction normal to the first and second
directions. The opa~ue lines may be disposed on a first surface
of the image medium and the periodic color variations disposed
on a second surface of the image medium which may be translucent
or transparent.
In ~nother emb~diment, the periodic optical variations
include repeated changes in the reflective angle of the image
medium. The image medium may include a substrate and a
reflective material disposed on the substrate, and the repeated
changes may include sinusoidal undulations in a reflective
surface of the image medium. The undulations may include a
number of grooves established in the reflective surface and the
periodic color variations may be spaced from the repeated
changes in reflective angle~ Each local image region includes
at least sixty-five optical ~ariations per inch, prefera~ly one
hundred to four hundred per inch, and different local image
regions represent different intensities of the image.
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This invention further fea~ures a method of formi~g a color
print of an image, in~luding designating different regions of
the image, ~electing a line pa~tern for each region, and
establishing a pattern mask of the image having line patterns
oriented differently for the respecti~e regions. The method
further includes transferring the pattern mask to an image
medium, and forming a number of color images from the pattern
mask, there being one color image for each color selected for
the print. Each selected color is transferred to the image
medium to generally align the colors with the pattern to
selectively prevent viewing of one or more of the colors at
different viewing angles and generate changes in color of the
viewed image as the viewing angle changes. This invention also
features the variable color print formed by this method.
In one embodiment, the transferring includes generating a
die from the pattern mask and impressing the image medium with
the die such as by heat transfer debossing.- In another
embodiment, the image medium is translucent and transferring
includes placing the pattern mask on the translucent image
medium to selectively vary the transmissivity of the image
medium.
In yet another embodiment, forming a plurality of color
images includes ma~ing a printing plate for each color to
represent the respective color image and selecting di~ferent
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densities at which each color is to be printed for different
regions of the image. Different regions of the image may be
designated by identifying different intensities of the image,
selecting a line pattern for each intensity, and establishing a
pattern mask having ~h~ line patterns oriented differently for
the respective intensity regions.
DISCLoSURE OF PREFERRED FMBODIMENT
Other objects, features ar~d advantages will occur from the
following description of a preferred embodiment and the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. lA is a schematic enlarged top plan partial view of a
variable color print according to this invention having a cloud
generated by several adjacent and differently oriented local
regions;
Fig. 1~ is a moxe greatly enlarged schematic axonometric
view along a portion of line B-B showing embossed grooves and
aligned colors selectively subdued and revealed at different
viewing angles;
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an image having three
different intensities;
Figs. 3A-3D are different negative and positive
transparencies of the image of Fig. 2;
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Fig. 4 is a composite pattern mask made from selected
patterns and the transparencies of Figs. 3A-3D;
Fig. 5 is a die made from ~he pattern mask of Fig. 4;
Fig. 6A is an enlarged view of a more c~mplex pattern mask
for a variable color print according to this invention
Fig. 6B is an outline of a portion of the local image
regions shown in Fig. 6A; and
Figs. 7-9 are schematic diagrams of alternative
constructions of variable color prints according to this
invention.
This invention may be accomplished by a variable color
print having a number of differently oriented local regions each
having periodic variations in an optical characteristic. Each
local region further includes periodic variations in color which
are generally aligned with the periodic optical variations. The
periodic optical variations selectively prevent viewing of one
or more of the colors at different viewing angles.
In one construction the periodic optical variations are
repeated changes in reflective angle such as grooves embossed in
a reflective foil. In another construction the periodic optical
variations are cyclic changes in transmissivity such as a number
of opaque lines associated with a transparent substrate.
This invention also encompasses a m~thod of forming-such a
variable color print. Different regions of an image are
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designate~, and a line psttern is sel*cted for each region. A
pattern ma~k i6 established having the line pa~tern oriented
differently for the respective regions. The pattern mask is
transferred to an image medium ~uch as by generating a die from
the pattern mask and impressing the image medium with the die.
In another method the pattern mask is placed, as it~elf or
through a printing process, on a translucent image medium to
selectively vary the transmissivity of the image medium. In all
constructions color masks are formed from the pattern mask and
selected colors ar~ printed on the image medium to generally
align the colors with the pattern to selectively prevent viewing
of one or more of the colors at different viewing angles and
generate changes in color of the viewed image as the viewing
angle changes.
A portion of variable color print 10 according to this
invention is shown in Fig. lA having cloud 12 defined in part by
local image regions 14, 16, 18, 20. ~ach local imaqe region has
lines oriented in different directions. The lines are
established in this construction by periodic yrooves such as
grooves 22, 24, 26, shown greatly enlarged in Fig. lB. Grooves
22, 24, 26 are established in substrate 27 such as by heat
transfer debossing of ~oil 29 onto substrate 27. Periodic
colors 28 are then printed onto foil 29 in general alignment
with grooves 22, 24, 26 which, because of reflective foil 29,
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serve as repeated ~hange~ in refl ctivity that sele~tively hide
or reveal colors 28 BS the viewing angle changes.
In this construction, periodic colors 28 include yellow
strip2s 30, magenta ~tripes 32, and cyan stripes 34. Other
colors including black and white can ~e substituted for or
provided in addition ~o these colors.
The effect of changing the viewing angle is shown by the
position of observers 40, 42 in relation to light rays 44, 46
from light source 48. Groove 24 reflects primarily magenta
light from stripe 32 as illuminated by light ray 44 and
perceived by observer 40. The cyan color from stripes 30 as
illuminated by light ray 46 is reflected at a different angle
which is not perceived by observer 40. However, when the
viewing angle shifts such as when observer 40 moves to the
position occupied by observer 42, the cyan color is perceived
instead of the m~genta color.
A different viewing angle can also be achieved by shifting
the light source to the position occupied by light source 50.
At this viewing angle observer 42 perceives yellow most
stronglyof all the colors 28.
Viewing a color includes perceiving the color in an image
region even if other colors are also visible~ A change in
viewing angle, such as a change in the angle of illumination or
observation, results in a change in the colors perceived as
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generated by grooves 22, 24, 26. Referring to Fig. lA~ at one
~iewing angle regions 14 and 20 appear~ primarily yellow, region
16 appear~ primarily cyan, and region 18 appears primarily
magenta. Depending on the width of the printed color stripes, a
greater or lesser amount of silver foil 29 may al~o be visible
as described below.
One technique of forming a variable color print according
to this invention utilizes a first mask to establi~h the
periodic variations in an optical characteristic and then
defines a number of color masks, one for each color to be
printed, from the first mask. Different local image regions
s-~ch as region 14, 16, 18, 20, Fig. lA, can be established by
hand masking or by negative-positive photographic I~sking. The
different local image regions can be designated by identifying
different image densities, hereinafter referred to as
intensities, in different areas of the image. A simplified
image having three-intensities is shown in Fig. 2 in which image
60 has highlight intensity 62, midtone intensity 64, and shadow
intensity Ç6. The mask for highlight intensity 62 is made in
two stages, first by exposing negative transparency 68 so that
the highlight intensity region 62 appears opaque in area 70
while midtone and shadow-regions 64, 66 appear clear-in area 72.
Positive transparency 74, Fig. 3B, is then made from negative
transparency 68 so that area 70 appears clear and area 72 is
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opaque. A conventional ruling or grid is then selected and
placed betwe~n positive transparency 74 and a film to be
exposed. Once expo~ed by contact duplication, the film then
carries the pattern within area 70 as a negative transparency
while area 72 remains opaque. The negative transparency for
area 70 is then combined with two other masks to make a
composite mask 84, Fig. 4.
The two other masks for midtone intensity region 64 and
shadow inten~ity region 66 are constructed as follows. A second
film is exposed to image 60 for a longer period of time to form
negative transparency 7~ which is darkened in area 78 and clear
in area 80, corresponding to shadow intensity region 66.
Positive transparency 82, Fig. 3D, is then made from negative
transparency 76. Midtone intensity region 64 is delineated by
combining negative transparency 68 and positive transparency 82
s~ that darkened areas 70, 80 mask highlight intensity region 62
and shadow intensity region 66, respectively~ Negative
transparency 7S is used as the mask for shadow intensity region
66. The three separate color masks are then combined to form
composite mask 84, Fig. 4, having different line patterns 86, ~8
and 90. The angles at which the rulings are oriented are
selected to contrast and form a visually appealing image.
In this construction the lines of pattern ~6 extend from ~
the base of that region at 135, the lines of pattern 88 extend
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at 90, and the lines of pattern 90 extend at 45. The lines
orcupy approximately B0~ of each region, leaving 20% clear
space. Further, lines ~re spaced at 100-400 lines per inch to
provide a visually pleasing image. It is desirable to provide
lines spaced at at least 65 lines per inch. Providing fewer
than approximately 6S-100 lines per inch is acceptable but
re~ults in the perception of individual grooves or stripes of
color rather than a general region of color.
Composite mask 84 is then laid over a die carrying a
photosensitive resist which becomes hardened when exposed to
light. After exposure, nask 84 is removed and die 92 is rinsed
to reveal patterns 86, 88 and 90 etched into die 92. When the
photorPsist is light-hardened, die 92 exhibits a positive image
of negative mask 84 so that when a substrate is struck with die
92, the patterns of negative mask 84 are reproduced on the
substrate. When the photoresist is light-~oftened, a positive
pattern is trans~err~d to the substrate~ To fabricate the
reflective construction of Yariable color print 10, Figs. lA-lB,
master die 92 is used in conventional heat foil transfer
debossing in which reflective foil is simultaneously transferred
onto a substrate such as paper while the paper is embossed.
Alternative constructions are discussed below in relation to
Figs. 7-9.
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Once the paper ic em~oss~d, different colors are separately
printed onto the paper using color plate6 derived from embossing
ma~k 84. The density of 80% line to 20~ clear space of patterns
86, 88, 90 can be used to generate for each color a color image
such as represented by a printing plate for that color. Each
color plate carries 2~% color and ~0~ clear space for each
region for variable color print 10, Fig. lA. Alternately,
different color biases can be provided to the different regions
by altering the percentage of black line of the patterns. In
either case, exact registration of each color plate during
printing is not important, especially when the local image
regions contain lines extending at a number of different angles.
The printing may be accomplished by conventional offset
printing or letter press within traditional tolerances.
A positive print 98 of a more complex composite embossing
maæk is shown in Fig. 6A, a portion of which is shown
schematically in Fig. Ç~. Print 98 is magnified 4 times from
the actual size of the embossing mask. Unicorn 100, Fig. 6B,
contains local image regions such as regions 102, 104, 106, 108,
110, 112, 114 and 116. The pattern within each local image
region is generally oriented in a different direction as
indicated by the respective arrows within these regions. The
patterns of local image regions 102, 104...116 are selected from
conventional grids and are angled to enhance details of the
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image and provide a more intriguing image.
While the variable color print~ described above have
periodic variations in a reflective foil with colors printed
directly on the foil, this is not a limitation of the invention.
Periodic variations in an optical characteristic can be
established u~ing sevPral different constructions as shown in
Figs. 7-9. Local image region 121, Fig. 7, is one of a number
of differently oriented local image regions of a variable color
print 120 according to this invention. Variable color print 120
is constructed from transparent substrate 122 having grooves 124
embossed on one surface while periodic variations in color 126
are printed on a ~econd surface of substrate 122. Grooves 124
vary the transmissivity such that different col~rs are perceived
at different viewing angles. ~rooves 124 may further include
reflective material 128, shown in phantom, which reflects light
transmitted from above substrate l22 rather than altering
transmission of light ~rom below. -
Local image region 121a of variable color print l~Oa, Fig.8, achieves a similar result using cyclic opaque lines 130 on
the upper surface of transparent substrate 122a which
selectively block most portions of illuminating light, such as
light rays 132, 134,-while passing the remaining light rays such
as ray 136. Ray-136-passes through magenta color stripe 32a;
yellow stripe 30a a~d ~yan stripe 34a are not perceived
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since rays 132, 134 are blocked by li~es 130. Line~ 130 occupy
approximately 80~ of the upper surface of transparent substrate
122a, le~ving approximately 20% open space. When the viewing
angle changes, ~uch as by the change in illumination angle
represented by dashed arrow 140, yellow color is primarily
perceived rather than magenta or cyan.
Variable color print 120b, Fig. 9, establishes local image
region 121b u~ing transparent substrates 150, 152. Opaque lines
13~b lie on the upper surface of substrate 150 while opposing
lines 154 lie between substratles 150, 152 and are aligned with
the open spaces among lines 130b. Periodic variations in color
~Ob, 32b, 34b are disposed on ~he lower surface of second
substrate 152. In yet ano~her construction, additional opaque
lines, are provided among the open spaces of color stripes 30b,
32b, 34b along the lower surface of substrate 152.
Although specific features of the invention are shown in
some drawings and not others, this is for convenience only as-
each feature may be combined with any or all of the other
features in accordance with the invention.
Other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art
and are within the following claims:
What is claimed is:
~ . . . . . .
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