Patent Description:
Security documents such as ID cards and the like may be personalized with the information of a user and often contain a color photograph or monochrome photograph in the case of laser engraving. Extra security features may be used when producing ID documents and other documents of value. The merits of a security feature may be viewed in terms of a balance of four desirable properties: cost, durability, security and quality.

A range of security features exist for inclusion in the body of a card but these are not personalized to the individual owner of the card or document.

Security features may be added at point of issuance by using security ribbons containing such things as mass transferrable optically variable pigments, UV fluorescing pigments, dyes or the like. These types of security materials may be in the form of continuous ribbons in a multi-head, modular type printer or they may be added as a panel to a paneled color ribbon (e.g. YMCKUv) for use in a single-head desktop type printer. However, these types of security features may be restricted by their high material cost (i.e., they do not meet the cost criteria in the above list).

Printing, such as dye diffusion thermal transfer printing (also known as D2T2 or "dye-sublimation" printing) may be used to produce color images, such as photographic images of a person on identification documents. D2T2 may be used to provide high quality, full color photographs of a document owner. D2T2 media may be in the form of ribbons of different color for use in separate printing units in a multi-head modular printer, or may be in a paneled format for use in a single-head desktop printer.

In addition to photographic images, security features may be provided with identification documents or other documents. For example, pre-designed security laminates, such as holographic patches, may be used for security features. However, such security features are typically manufactured in large batches and are not personalized or individualized for an individual document holder.

Some security features may be added to a document using security ribbons using various printing materials. However, such security ribbons and/or associated materials may have a relatively high cost.

<CIT> discloses an identification document comprising a document layer and a first indicium. The document layer comprises a material capable of being printed by a thermally transferable optically variable ink. The first indicium is printed on the document layer and comprises personalized data and printed to the document layer by a thermally transferred optically variable ink. The first indicium may be printed to the document layer by disposing a thermally transferable optically variable ink in a mass transfer panel of a printer ribbon adapted for use in a dye diffusion thermal transfer printer, and printing the first indicium as part of a mass transfer printing process. The thermally transferred optically variable ink can be selected and printed such that the first indicium has at least one of a luster, shine, sheen, pearlescent appearance, iridescent appearance, and mirror-like appearance. <CIT> discloses a method in which Haptic security features, which are generally not visually perceptible or reproducible, are applied on a surface of a substrate according to a predetermined scheme. The haptic security features are complemented by visual features that bear a relationship to the haptic security features, and/or otherwise to features of an underlying image that is already printed on the substrate. One or more colored ink layers that includes characters or other features that bear a relationship to the haptic security features is embedded into the haptic security features on the surface of the substrate to form a composite security feature that has visual information as well as haptic response. <CIT> relates to a method providing for the replacement of the traditional back coat of thermal transfer ribbons or dye sublimation ribbons uses a plasma treatment to chemically modify the print head side surface of a PET substrate of the ribbons. <CIT> relates to a method for enabling D2T2 printing onto non-D2T2 printable substrates uses a diffusible primer material provided on a dye-sheet or ribbon.

In particular, the invention is defined in claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are defined in claims <NUM> and <NUM> to <NUM>. Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a substantially clear mass transfer panel, used for image wise printing to a target followed by transfer of a protective top coat, to produce a visual effect. As used herein, a "target" may be understood as an object that is printed upon (e.g., an object upon which a security feature as discussed herein is printed upon).

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a visual security feature disposed on a target. The visual security feature includes two substantially transparent layers. At least one of the two substantially transparent layers is present in an image-wise pattern. As the feature is disposed on the target, in some embodiments the feature may be understood as a portion of the target after being disposed on the target.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a thermal transfer sheet for printing to a target. The thermal transfer sheet includes a substrate, a substantially clear mass transfer panel capable of being printed image-wise, and a protective mass transfer panel. This thermal transfer sheet may optionally include plural dye diffusion panels, and a black mass transfer panel. The various panels mentioned above are disposed above the substrate.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a method of producing a security feature. The method includes printing a security feature image-wise to the target with a clear material transferred from a mass transfer panel of the dye sheet. Further, the method includes applying a uniform top coat above at least the image.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a card that includes a base, an image, an image-wise security feature, and a protective top coat. The image is printed on the base. The image-wise security feature includes a clear material printed on the base. The protective top coat is uniformly applied over the base.

Further, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property.

Various examples will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various examples, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between physical components. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks may be implemented in a single component or unit or multiple components or units. Similarly, a given block may be implemented using two or more distinct physical components. It should be understood that the various examples are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

The exemplary teachings herein pertain, for example, to methods and techniques for better utilizing existing overlay media and improved overlay media to produce security features at point of issuance on identification (ID) documents at low cost. Various examples disclosed herein may be used in combination with any imaging technique. As one example, dye diffusion thermal transfer (D2T2) printing may be beneficially employed. Security features using various examples as discussed herein may be introduced at very low extra cost and utilize existing hardware used in standard, readily available printing systems (e.g., D2T2 printing systems).

Various examples provide, for example, methods or techniques for using thermal transfer media to produce security features at a point of issuance for an object to be printed. For example, the object to be printed may include identification documents, such as cards. Various examples may be used in conjunction with dye diffusion thermal transfer (D2T2) printing; however, it may be noted that other techniques of providing images or printing may be utilized alternatively or additionally in other examples. For example, other techniques that may be employed in various examples include one or more of mass transfer, laser engraving, or UV ink-jet printing.

Various examples provide printing methods and/or media for creating a security feature including an image visible in reflected light by printing an essentially transparent plastic material in an image-wise fashion followed by transfer of a transparent top coat. The top coat may be made of a similar material as the security feature in some examples, whereas different materials for the top coat and security feature may be used in other examples. In various examples, filler material may be used with the layer printed image-wise, for example, to enhance the visibility of the security feature. Transfer of two thermally transferrable polymeric materials, one of which is printed image-wise (which may be referred to as being from an image-wise mass transfer panel) as a security feature, while the other is printed as continuous panel (e.g., over virtually the entire surface of the card) (which may be referred to as a top coat) in various examples provides excellent protection while adding a security effect at point of issuance. It may be noted that in some examples the top coat may be provided before the security feature.

Various examples utilize a single layer polymer for use as the top coat and/or the image-wise mass transfer panel. The use of a single polymer layer in either or both of the image-wise mass transfer panel and protective layer panel provides various benefits. For example, adhesion between the printed security image and the protective topcoat may be good (e.g., if the image and topcoat are both a single polymer layer), and any plane of failure for tampering of the document will not be between the security feature and the topcoat, thus improving the durability of the security feature (addressing the durability requirement in the list above). Further, any potential problems of adhesion between the image-wise transferred material and the whole panel topcoat are removed or reduced.

The image-wise mass transfer layers and/or protective top-coat layers may be transferred from a releasing sub-coat, for example a cross-linked or UV cured releasing sub-coat on a polyester carrier. The material is released from a carrier (e.g., a cross-linked or UV cured coating on a base film), which may or may not include waxes, silicones, or the like to aid release of the top coat from the carrier. It may be noted that cross-linked or UV cured release coatings may not be required in various examples.

As noted above, in some examples, different formulations may be used for the material used for the image-wise security feature and the material used for the top coat, with the different materials having different adhesive properties. Accordingly, the materials may be chosen such that the image-wise layer material has lower adhesion to the card surface than the top coat, and/or reduced adhesion to the top coat. Such an arrangement provides image-wise areas of altered card to top coat adhesion thus resulting in image-wise planes of failure, which could be used advantageously to create a tamper evident point of issuance security feature.

Further, in various examples, additional layers may be employed to differentiate between the image-wise mass transfer material and the mass transferred top coat. As one non-limiting example, a coating may be applied on to either the top coat or the image-wise layer. For instance, the extra coating may contain filler particles and/or additives to enhance the visibility of a security feature of the image-wise layer.

Further, in various examples, by way of example and not limitation, a filler material may be included, for improved visibility, directly in to the image-wise mass transfer layer. Different polymers or polymers with additives such as fillers may be used in various examples. The polymers and/or additives may be selected such that adhesion between the two layers is good, and/or other beneficial attributes of the single polymer as discussed herein are maintained.

One example of additives that can be used to enhance the visibility of the security feature is provided by UV fluorescent materials. Such materials may be applied directly to either the imaging layer (e.g., a layer including a color photograph) or the top coat layer, or to both. Such materials may be used in various examples to provide a security feature for which the visibility in reflected light coincides with the fluorescence, thereby enhancing the perceived security. When the fluorescent material is present in both the top coat and the image layers, the fluorescence of the printed image is enhanced and appears brighter than a standard fluorescent feature. Optionally, multiple UV fluorescent additives may be used, with a first added to the imaging layer and a second, of a different color than the first, added to the top coat layer. Where differently colored fluorescent additives are used, the visibility of the initial fluorescence may be affected to produce an alternate color.

In examples where a release layer (e.g., a release layer or subcoat disposed beneath a mass transfer panel of a dye sheet) is employed, a UV fluorescent material may be added to the release layer. For example, UV materials that are solvent soluble and of similar molecular weight and size as dyes used in D2T2 printing may be employed. When these dye-like UV fluorescent additives are present in the release coat, they may transfer to the mass transfer image-wise and/or protective layer even though not initially contained with the imaging or protective layer prior to the printing process. A diffusion process is induced of the dye-like fluorescent material from the release layer to the imaging and/or top coat layer during the intended mass transfer process of printing the imaging and top coat polymer layers.

It may be noted that use of the same polymer in both a top coat mass transfer panel and an image-wise mass transfer panel may provide a relatively visually subtle security feature. If a more visually obvious effect is desired, materials may be used to affect the glossiness and/or transparency of the material to be printed image-wise, for example. In some examples, a filler may be added to the polymeric material to be printed image-wise, or the coating method may be altered to alter gloss levels. Additionally or alternatively, an undercoat or release coat underneath the image-wise mass transfer panel may be altered to change the gloss level (e.g., reduce the gloss level). For example, a non-transferable filler material may be added, with the filler material not transferring with the image-wise polymer layer but instead remaining with the release layer. Such a release layer with filler may provide a matte effect to the image-wise transferred polymer, thereby providing an alteration in gloss between the image-wise layer (transferred from above the filled material) and the top coat layer (transferred from above a non-filled material). The below charts provide example visual effects of different combinations of different combinations of materials for a top coat layer and an image-wise layer.

While various examples discussed herein may be discussed in the context of card printing, it may be noted that the present disclosure need not be limited to card printing. Other targets may be utilized in other examples. For example, various examples may be used to provide point-of-issuance security features to retransfer media as well. Various examples may be used with clear re-transfer film or holographic re-transfer film. As used herein, the term "re-transfer" refers to a thermal transfer printing process in which an image is printed onto a transparent coating on a carrier film rather than directly into or onto a card. The printed image on the carrier film may then be transferred onto a card or other substrate. The transfer to the card or other substrate may be accomplished, for example, with either a hot roller or a thermal print head.

The chart below describes visual effects for direct to card printing in various example examples:.

The chart below describes visual effects for printing to re-transfer media in various examples:.

Examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for providing printed security features. Various examples provide low cost printing of security features at a point of issuance. Various examples provide improved security and/or convenience of verifying an identity using a printed document such as a card or license. Various examples provide for use of uniquely tailored, customized, or individualized security features.

<FIG> provides a schematic view of a thermal transfer sheet (or ribbon) <NUM> in accordance with various examples. A dye sheet provides an example of a thermal transfer sheet. As discussed herein, the thermal transfer sheet <NUM> is adapted for providing point of issuance security features (e.g., security features that are individually tailored or customized for a particular card or other target for printing). The thermal transfer sheet <NUM> may be sized, shaped, and otherwise configured to be compatible with readily available printers, allowing the thermal transfer sheet <NUM> to be used with existing printers. Generally, the thermal transfer sheet <NUM> is configured for thermal printing, or the diffusion of dye and/or transfer of material to a target via heating. It may be noted that the particular arrangement of panels or other aspects of the thermal transfer sheet <NUM> shown in <FIG> are by way of example for illustrative purposes, and that other combinations or arrangements of panels or layers may be used in other examples (e.g., additional layers or panels added, a panel or layer shown in <FIG> removed, panels or layers positioned differently with respect to each other than as shown in <FIG> ). In some examples, the target to be printed on may be a card, such as a credit card or identification card or license. In other examples, the target is a re-transferable film that is subsequently applied to another object.

As seen in <FIG> , the depicted thermal transfer sheet <NUM> includes a substrate <NUM>, a back coat <NUM>, plural dye diffusion panels <NUM>, a black mass transfer panel <NUM>, an image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>, a protective mass transfer panel <NUM>, and a releasing sub-coat <NUM>. Generally, the various panels or other aspects of the thermal transfer sheet <NUM> are configured to allow for printing of an image on a target alone with a customized or tailored printed security feature, and a uniform protective coating.

The substrate <NUM> provides a base onto which other layers or panels may be disposed directly or indirectly. For example, in the illustrated example, the plural dye diffusion panels <NUM> and the releasing sub-coat <NUM> are directly mounted to a first surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, and the back coat <NUM> is directly mounted to a second surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM>, with the second surface <NUM> opposite the first surface <NUM>. The black mass transfer panel <NUM>, the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>, and the protective mass transfer panel <NUM> are mounted indirectly to the first surface <NUM> of the substrate <NUM> (e.g., mounted directly to the releasing sub-coat <NUM> which is in turn mounted directly to the substrate <NUM>).

The back coat <NUM> in the illustrated example is disposed farther away from a target for printing than the substrate <NUM>. The back coat <NUM>, for example, may be configured to aid transport across a thermal print head. Heat from a thermal print head may be transferred through the back coat <NUM> to the plural dye diffusion panels <NUM>.

The plural dye diffusion panels <NUM>, as seen in <FIG> , are disposed above the substrate <NUM> (or closer to a target for printing than the substrate <NUM>). It may be noted that panels of a thermal transfer sheet may be in contact with a target (e.g., mass transfer panels may be in contact with a target), or not in contact with a target (e.g., in examples employing ink jet printing or laser engraving). It may be noted that examples that use ink jet printing or laser engraving may not use thermal transfer sheets for a color image, but a security feature may be applied via thermal transfer sheet over the ink jet image, for example, which would result in contact with a thermal transfer sheet. Generally, under the influence of heat, dyes are diffused from the dye diffusion panels <NUM> into or on to a target to be printed upon, while an associated polymer remains on the thermal transfer sheet <NUM>. In the illustrated example, three different dye diffusion panels <NUM> are shown, namely a first dye panel <NUM> with yellow dye (or a yellow panel), a second dye panel <NUM> with magenta dye (or a magenta panel), and a third dye panel <NUM> with cyan dye (or a cyan panel). By mixing or arranging the amount and location of various different dyes, an image such as a photograph may be printed on the target using the dye diffusion panels <NUM>.

While the illustrated example shows dye diffusion panels for the formation of a color image prior to formation of the security feature as disclosed herein, it may be noted that the use of the security feature in combination with other personalization techniques is not limited to dye diffusion. Other methods of creation of a color image for use in combination with the security feature may be utilized, for example mass transfer printing. Further, other techniques used for creation of a primary personalized image, such as laser engraving, may be used in combination with the providing of a security image as discussed herein.

The black mass transfer panel <NUM>, in the illustrated example, is positioned after the dye diffusion panels <NUM> (to the right of the dye diffusion panels <NUM> in the illustrated example), and above the releasing sub-coat <NUM> (which is in turn above the substrate <NUM>). The black mass transfer panel <NUM> in the illustrated example includes a black resin material configured to be transferred to the target for printing barcodes and text, for example.

The image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>, for the example depicted in <FIG> , is positioned immediately after the black mass transfer panel <NUM> (to the right of the black mass transfer panel in the illustrated example), and above the releasing sub-coat <NUM> (which is in turn above the substrate <NUM>). The depicted image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> is configured to provide a clear material for printing on the target. As used herein, image-wise printing may be understood as printing of a material in a visually recognizable pattern that is not uniform over the target (e.g., the entire target). The image may be, for example, a representation of a human face; a word, number, or alphanumeric code; or a signature, as examples. The image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> is configured to provide a security feature that is printed image-wise, in contrast to a security feature that is provided at the time of manufacture of a card or other target and which is uniform for all similarly manufactured cards or targets. The depicted image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> is used in various examples to provide a security feature that is tailored, customized, or otherwise unique to a particular image or target. Generally, the clear material provided by the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> provides a readable image via changes in the reflection of light off the target where a security feature has been printed using the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>.

Various different types of images may be provided as part of a security feature added to the target via the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>. For example, an image of a person may be provided as a security feature. As another example, a word or number may be provided as a security feature. As one more example, a representation of a signature may be provided as a security feature. The particular configuration of the security feature, in contrast to existing security features that are similar for a number of cards or targets, may in various examples be tailored or customized at the time of printing, and unique to a particular individual card or target being printed. For example, for a particular identification card, a photograph of a person may be taken, and printed as an image on the identification card with dye diffusion layers <NUM>. Then, a clear printed line representation of the photograph (or portion thereof) may be provided on the identification card using the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>. While the line representation may be at a lower resolution than the photograph, the line representation may have sufficient resolution such that visual inspection of the line representation and the photograph image may be used to confirm that they match. As another example, a signature may be provided and scanned to be used on a printed portion using dye diffusion panels <NUM> and/or black mass transfer panel <NUM>. Additionally, a copy or representation of the signature in clear material provided by image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> (same or different size) may be printed on the card.

Accordingly, a user of a card (e.g., a card produced using a dye-sheet <NUM> that includes the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>) may compare an aspect of a color and/or black portion (provided by the dye diffusion panels <NUM> and/or the black mass transfer panel <NUM>) with a clear portion (provided via the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>) for an individually tailored, unique security feature determined and/or provided at the point of printing or issuance. It may be noted that in various examples, a security feature provided via the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> may not match or correspond to a feature printed using the dye diffusion panels <NUM> and/or the black mass transfer panel <NUM>, but instead may be independent of any images or features printed using the dye diffusion panels <NUM> and/or the black mass transfer panel <NUM>, and/or any other printing or personalizing technique used prior to use of the disclosed security feature.

The material used for the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> may be the same as or different from the material used for the protective mass transfer panel <NUM>. In some examples, the material used for the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> may include additives and/or fillers, while in other examples, the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> may use a material that is free of additives or fillers. In the example depicted in <FIG> , the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> uses a material <NUM> that is different from a material <NUM> used by the protective mass transfer panel <NUM>. In <FIG> , the material <NUM> includes an additive <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG> , the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM> uses a material <NUM> that is additive-free (e.g., unlike material <NUM>, the material <NUM> does not include the additive <NUM>). The material <NUM> in various examples is the same as the material <NUM> used by the protective mass transfer panel <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG> , the protective mass transfer panel <NUM>, for the example depicted in <FIG> , is positioned immediately after the image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>, and above the releasing sub-coat <NUM> (which is in turn above the substrate <NUM>). The protective mass transfer panel <NUM> is configured to provide a uniform, protective coating, at or near a top surface of the target (e.g., over an image printed by the dye diffusion layers <NUM> and/or the black mass transfer panel <NUM> (and/or any other printing or personalizing technique used prior to use of the disclosed security feature). The uniform protective coating provided by the protective mass transfer panel <NUM> may in various examples cover all or substantially all of a top surface of the target, and may be understood as a protective overlay. Generally, the protective mass transfer panel <NUM> provides a clear, durable, protective coat or layer to the target. The protective mass transfer panel <NUM>, for example, may transfer the same material, or a common material, as is provided by the image-wise transfer panel <NUM>; however, the material provided by the protective mass transfer panel <NUM> is in a uniform covering in contrast to a visually recognizable image. Use of the same material (e.g., the same clear polymer) for both the protective mass transfer panel <NUM> and the image-wise mass transfer panel in various examples provides for reliable adhesion between portions of the target provided by the respect mass transfer panels. In some examples, the protective mass transfer panel <NUM>, for example, may transfer a different material than is provided by the image-wise transfer panel <NUM>. For example, one of the materials may provide a different level of glossiness than the other material. Use of different materials in various examples provides for more pronounced visual effects (whereas use of the same material in the protective mass transfer panel <NUM> and the image-wise mass transfer panel may provide more subtle visual effects).

One benefit of a security feature formed with essentially clear image-wise mass transfer panels in combination with a top coating is that the underlying colored image or personalized information is not obscured by the security feature covering the image. The personal information printed on the target prior to addition of the security feature is clearly legible and identifiable when viewed at any angle despite use of the visual security feature on top of some or all of the pre-printed personal information.

The releasing sub-coat <NUM> is depicted in the illustrated example as being positioned after the dye diffusion layers <NUM>, above the substrate <NUM>, and beneath the black mass transfer panel <NUM>, image-wise mass transfer panel <NUM>, and protective mass transfer panel <NUM> (or interposed between the substrate <NUM> and the mass transfer panels). The releasing sub-coat <NUM> may be interposed between the substrate and coating layers, and is configured to aid release of coating materials during a printing process. For example, the releasing sub-coat <NUM> may include a cross-linked acrylic coating.

Generally, the releasing sub-coat is configured to aid release of mass transfer panel material(s) from the substrate to the target. It may be noted that in some examples, for example as depicted in <FIG> , the releasing sub-coat <NUM> is generally uniformly constructed beneath all of the mass transfer panels. However, in some examples, an altered sub-coat portion may be disposed beneath one or more mass transfer panels. For example, as seen in <FIG> , the releasing sub-coat <NUM> comprises an altered sub-coat portion <NUM> disposed underneath the image-wise mass transfer layer <NUM> but not beneath the black mass transfer layer <NUM> or the protective mass transfer layer <NUM>. The altered sub-coat portion <NUM> in the illustrated example differs from the other portions of the releasing sub-coat <NUM> in that the altered sub-coat portion <NUM> contains a material such as a filler configured to create a matte effect on material released from the mass transfer layer disposed above it, which is the image-wise mass transfer portion <NUM> in the illustrated example. Accordingly, an image-wise security feature provided using the image-wise mass transfer portion <NUM> may have a more matte-like appearance than a uniform coat provided by the protective mass transfer portion <NUM>, even if the image-wise mass transfer portion <NUM> and the protective mass transfer portion <NUM> utilize the same material. It may be noted that the above discussed example is provided for illustrative purposes and not by way of limitations, as other variations in the releasing sub-coat <NUM> and/or altered sub-coat portion <NUM> may be used to provide other visual effects in various examples.

With continued reference to <FIG> , it may be noted that the portions of the thermal transfer sheet <NUM> used to diffuse dye and/or transfer mass for printing to the target may be arranged in a particular order corresponding to an order of printing. For example, in the example illustrated in <FIG> , printing from the thermal transfer sheet <NUM> may be accomplished in a series of passes, progressing from left to right as seen in <FIG>. For example, a first printing pass may be performed using the first dye panel <NUM> (e.g., heating the first dye diffusion portion <NUM> to diffuse dye to the target), a second printing pass may be performed using the second dye panel <NUM>, a third printing pass may be performed using the third dye panel <NUM>, a fourth printing pass may be performed using the black mass transfer portion <NUM>, a fifth printing pass may be performed using the image-wise mass transfer portion <NUM> (e.g., to provide an image-wise security feature), and a sixth printing pass may be performed using the protective mass transfer portion <NUM> (e.g., to provide a protective top coat). Accordingly, in such a printing order, the uniform protective top coat provided via the protective mass transfer portion <NUM> is disposed above all of the printed portions, providing reliability and durability.

It may be noted that other printing orders may be employed in other examples. For example, in the example depicted in <FIG> , the positions of the image-wise mass transfer portion <NUM> and the protective mass transfer portion <NUM> have been switched relative to the example depicted in <FIG>. In the example illustrated in <FIG> , printing from the thermal transfer sheet <NUM> may be accomplished in a series of passes, progressing from left to right as seen in <FIG>. For example, a first printing pass may be performed using the first dye panel <NUM> (e.g., heating the first dye diffusion portion <NUM> to diffuse dye to the target), a second printing pass may be performed using the second dye panel <NUM>, a third printing pass may be performed using the third dye panel <NUM>, a fourth printing pass may be performed using the black mass transfer portion <NUM>, a fifth printing pass may be performed using the protective mass transfer portion <NUM>, and a sixth printing pass may be performed using the image-wise mass transfer portion <NUM> (e.g., to provide an image-wise security feature). Accordingly, for the example of <FIG> , the image-wise mass transfer portion <NUM> is positioned to the right of the protective mass transfer portion <NUM>, with printing from the protective mass transfer portion <NUM> being performed before printing from the image-wise mass transfer portion <NUM>, resulting in a security feature from the images-wise mass transfer portion <NUM> being disposed above a uniform protective top coat provided via the protective mass transfer portion <NUM>. While durability for such a printing may be reduced relative to the example of <FIG> , more pronounced visual effects for the security feature may be accomplished using the arrangement of <FIG>.

<FIG> provides a flowchart of a method <NUM> for printing an object (e.g., printing on a target and providing an image-wise security feature), in accordance with various examples. The method <NUM>, for example, may employ or be performed by structures or aspects of various examples (e.g., systems and/or methods) discussed herein. In various examples, certain steps may be omitted or added, certain steps may be combined, certain steps may be performed simultaneously, certain steps may be performed concurrently, certain steps may be split into multiple steps, certain steps may be performed in a different order, or certain steps or series of steps may be re-performed in an iterative fashion. In various examples, portions, aspects, and/or variations of the method <NUM> may be able to be used as one or more algorithms to direct hardware to perform one or more operations described herein.

At <NUM>, an image is printed to a target. The personalized image may be added to a target substrate with techniques such as mass transfer printing, UV ink jet printing, laser engraving, or dye diffusion thermal transfer printing. The image in the depicted example may be printed using dye diffusion printing using one or more dye diffusion panels. For example, three dye diffusion panels (yellow, magenta, cyan) may be used in some examples. The image may include, for example, one or more of a photograph (e.g., a photograph or portrait of a person), a logo, a signature, a drawing or figure, a background pattern, or the like. The target may be, for example, a card (e.g., credit card, debit card, identification card, driver's license). As another example, the target is a re-transferable film to which the security feature is added, with the re-transferable film configured for subsequent application to an object. As another example of the use of the disclosed technique, the target to be printed is a re-transferable film to which the security feature is added for subsequent application to an object.

At <NUM>, a security feature is determined. In the illustrated example, the security feature is determined based upon the image (e.g., an image printed at <NUM>). The security feature may be determined either before or after the printing of an image. In some examples, the image printed at <NUM> may include a photograph of a person. The security feature may be a lower resolution version or representation of the photograph, for example a line drawing corresponding to the photograph (e.g., a line drawing that represents a photograph, with the photograph in color and the line drawing not in color). As another example, the image may include a signature, and the security feature may include a copy of the signature. Accordingly, the security feature may be understood as corresponding to the content of the image, as the security feature either shares or represents content of the image. Further, the security feature may be uniquely tailored for a particular card based on an image unique to that card (e.g., a photograph and/or signature unique to the holder of a printed card or license). In various examples, the security feature may be autonomously or automatically determined, selected, and/or configured. For example, responsive to identification or provision of a photograph for a portion of an image of a card, a processing system associated with printing the card may automatically generate a line image representation of the content of the photograph, and print the line image representation on the card using a clear material from the image-wise mass transfer panel of the dye sheet.

At <NUM>, an image-wise security feature (e.g., a security feature determined at <NUM>) is printed to the target. In the illustrated example, the image-wise security feature is printed to the target using a clear material transferred from an image-wise mass transfer panel of the dye sheet. The clear security feature may reflect light differently than a surrounding aspect of the target, providing a visual effect and allowing the security feature to be analyzed. Various examples accordingly provide for a security feature that may be determined and applied at a point of issuance (e.g., of a card or license), which may be uniquely tailored or customized for each individual card (e.g., including a representation of the holder of the card and/or a representation of a signature of the holder of the card). Because the security feature is provided with a separate printing technique than an image on the card itself (e.g., the security feature provided via a mass transfer of a clear material and the image provided via dye diffusion of various colors), the security feature provides a visual effect that is distinct and distinguishable from the image itself, or a feature of the card that is provided using the same technique as the image itself.

For an example , in which the security feature is provided to a re-transferable film, at <NUM>, a re-transferable film is provided, with the uniform top coat pre-applied to the re-transferable film. For example, the top coat may form all or a part of a substrate of a target which will be printed upon. Then, at <NUM>, the image and image-wise security feature are printed to the re-transferable film.

Another example of providing a uniform top coat, which may be used in examples in which the security feature is printed to a target such as a card without the use of a re-transferable film, is printing a uniform top coat to the target after printing an image and image-wise security feature. In contrast to the image-wise security feature (which is printed in a visually recognizable pattern over only a portion of the target), the uniform top coat is applied, in some examples, in a uniform coat over all or substantially all of the target. Generally, the uniform top coat is configured to provide protection to portions of the printed target disposed beneath the uniform top coat, thereby increasing the reliability, durability, and/or lifespan of the target. In some examples, both the uniform top coat and the image-wise security feature may be clear, but one may be more or less glossy, for example, due to an additive or a filler in a material transferred to the target and/or disposed in releasing sub-coat beneath the material transferred to the target. In some examples, the material mass transferred to the target for the uniform top coat and the image-wise security feature are the same (improving adhesion, for example), whereas in other examples the materials are different (providing a more striking or visible visual effect, for example). The substantially transparent mass transfer image-wise panel and protective top-coat do not substantially impact on the visibility of the printed image such that the color image is clearly visible in direct and reflected light and the security image is visible in reflected light. As discussed herein, in some examples, the uniform top coat is printed (e.g., via a mass transfer from a dye sheet under the influence of heat), while in other examples, the uniform top coat is part of a target (e.g., re-transferable film) onto which an image and image-wise security feature are printed.

For example, the top coat may be printed to a target during a printing process (e.g., a series of passes) in which the image and image-wise security feature are also printed to the target. For an example in which the security feature is printed to a target without the use of a re-transferable film, at <NUM>, the uniform top coat is printed to the target (e.g., a card or license) from a protective mass transfer panel of a thermal transfer film. It may be noted that, as discussed herein, the order in which the uniform top coat is applied relative to other printed layers may vary in different examples. For example, the image may be printed first, followed by printing of the image-wise security feature, which is then followed by printing of the uniform top coat. As another example, the image may be printed first, followed by printing of the uniform top coat, which is then followed by printing of the image-wise security feature.

Accordingly, as discussed herein, a card, license, or other printing target may be produced by various examples having an image-wise security feature, which may be individually or uniquely tailored or customized for the particular target, and/or which matches or otherwise corresponds to a unique image (e.g., photograph or signature, among others) displayed by an image of the particular target. <FIG> provides a schematic view of a card <NUM> in accordance with various examples, that includes a point-of-issuance security feature, or security feature that may be determined and provided at the point-of-issuance of the card <NUM>. It may be noted that the card <NUM> may be produced, for example, using thermal transfer sheet <NUM> and/or method <NUM> discussed herein.

As seen in <FIG> , the card <NUM> includes a base <NUM>, an image <NUM>, an image-wise security feature <NUM>, and a protective top coat <NUM>. The base <NUM>, for example, may be a blank card or similar structure configured to receive printing.

The image <NUM> is printed on the base <NUM>. For example, the image <NUM> in various examples is a color image printed using multiple dye diffusion panels (e.g., yellow, magenta, cyan) during a thermal printing process. The image <NUM> may include one or more of a photograph (e.g., of a card holder); a signature; a name, identification number, or other alphanumeric code; informational text (e.g., information describing or corresponding to a card holder); a background pattern or scene; a solid color background; or a logo or mark.

In the illustrated example, the image-wise security feature <NUM> includes a clear material and is printed on the base. For example, the image-wise security feature may be printed on the base using an image-wise mass transfer panel of a dye sheet as discussed herein. A number of image-wise security features <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. For example, one image-wise security feature <NUM> is shown to a side of the image <NUM> in the illustrated portion. Also, two image-wise security features <NUM> are shown printed at least partially on top of the image <NUM>. It may be noted that while one image <NUM> and three image-wise security features <NUM> are shown in <FIG> , other numbers of images (e.g., more than one) <NUM> and/or other numbers of image-wise security features <NUM> (e.g., one, two, or four, among others) may be employed in various examples. The image <NUM> and/or the image-wise security feature <NUM> in various examples is selected, determined or configured at a point-of-issuance of the card <NUM> shortly before printing of the card <NUM>. For example, a photograph, signature, or other distinguishing pattern or mark associated with the card holder may be obtained at the point-of-issuance, and used to generate all or a portion of the image <NUM> and/or the image-wise security feature <NUM>. Accordingly, the image <NUM> and/or the image-wise security feature <NUM> are unique to an individual card and card holder in various examples. Use of an image-wise security feature that is unique to the card holder and visually recognizable as associated with the card holder (e.g., a photograph or representation thereof, a signature or representation thereof) provides enhanced security in various examples. The image-wise security feature <NUM> in the illustrated example is printed with a clear material that reflects light differently (e.g., due to its positioning on top of and/or below other printed layers or portions) than other parts of the card <NUM>.

In some examples, the image-wise security feature <NUM> corresponds to the image <NUM>. The image-wise security feature <NUM> (or a portion thereof) may match or represent all or a portion of the image <NUM>. In one example , the content of the image <NUM> includes a photograph, and the image-wise security feature <NUM> includes a representation of the photograph. For instance, the image-wise security feature <NUM> may include a line drawing representing the photograph in a clear material. In another example , the content of the image <NUM> includes a signature, and the image-wise security feature <NUM> includes a representation of the signature. It may be noted that in some examples, the image-wise security feature <NUM> corresponds to content of the image <NUM>, with the image-wise security feature <NUM> at a lower resolution than the content of the image <NUM> to which the image-wise security feature <NUM> corresponds. For example, a line drawing representing the appearance of the card holder that is included in the image-wise security <NUM> feature may be at a lower resolution than a photograph representing the appearance of the card holder that is included in the image <NUM>.

The protective top coat <NUM> is uniformly applied over the base <NUM>. The protective top coat <NUM>, for example, may be made of a clear polymer that is transferred from a mass transfer portion of a dye sheet during a thermal printing process. For instance, the image <NUM> may be produced using dye that is diffused into the base <NUM>, while the image-wise security feature <NUM> and the protective top coat <NUM> are produced using material (e.g., clear polymer(s)) mass transferred onto a surface of the base <NUM> (or onto a previous printed portion or portions transferred onto the surface of the base <NUM>). In some examples, the protective top coat <NUM> is disposed above both the image <NUM> and the image-wise security feature <NUM>, while in other examples the protective top coat <NUM> is disposed above the image <NUM> but beneath the image-wise security feature.

It may be noted that the image-wise security feature <NUM>, in combination with the protective top coat <NUM>, provide an example of a visual security feature disposed on a target, with the visual security feature including two substantially transparent layers, wherein at least one of the two substantially transparent layers is present in an image-wise pattern.

Different examples of the apparatus(es) and method(s) disclosed herein include a variety of components, features, and functionalities. It should be understood that the various examples of the apparatus(es) and method(s) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, and functionalities of any of the other examples of the apparatus(es) and method(s) disclosed herein in any combination.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe examples of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like (e.g., before and after may be inverted).

It should be noted that the particular arrangement of components (e.g., the number, types, placement, or the like) of the illustrated examples may be modified in various alternate examples.

Instead, the use of "configured to" as used herein denotes structural adaptations or characteristics, and denotes structural requirements of any structure, limitation, or element that is described as being "configured to" perform the task or operation.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various examples, the examples are by no means limiting and are exemplary examples. Many other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various examples should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims.

In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. " Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

Claim 1:
A method comprising:
printing an image to a target;
printing an image-wise security feature to said target with a clear material transferred from a mass transfer panel (<NUM>) of a thermal transfer sheet (<NUM>); and
providing a uniform top coat above at least the image,
characterised in that the target is a re-transferable film, the image and image-wise security features are printed to the re-transferable film, and in that the re-transferable film comprises the uniform top coat.