Patent Description:
In the art of ink-jet printing, it is known to print digital images (e.g. a two-dimensional array of numbers stored in computer-memory) into ink-images. Examples of digital images are binary digital images (e.g. each position in the two-dimensional array has a single bit of data), gray-scale digital images and color digital images.

The simple case of printing a binary digital image is shown in <FIG>. If an "x" appears at a given pixel location of the digital image, a droplet of ink is deposited via an ink-jet nozzle into a corresponding position on target substrate (e.g. fibrous substrate such as white paper). Each droplet of ink produces a dot at the target location. <FIG> shows <NUM> dots of an ink-image on substrate, each dot corresponding to a pixel position of the digital image.

<FIG> shows individual dots and is a simplified example. Typically, for <NUM> dpi or <NUM> dpi the dots have diameter of up to tens of microns, and individual dots can only be viewed under magnification.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> relate to a "first multi-color prior art example" which is discussed below. <FIG> relate to a "second multi-color prior art example," which is discussed below.

Color printing, and color ink-jet printing in particular, is ubiquitous in modern life. <FIG> (PRIOR ART) illustrates a standard color cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black) (CYMK) ink cartridge assembly having four reservoirs of ink, each one having ink of a different respective color - i,e. cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black).

A colour gamut is the range of possible colours that can be displayed or produced/printed. The larger the gamut, the larger the range of colours. For a standard CYMK ink cartridge assembly, it is possible to increase the color gamut beyond these four colors by: (i) layering or overlaying droplets over different colors to 'mixing' between the colors (i.e. primary colors can produce secondary colors); and/or (ii) employing half-toning techniques.

As stated in Wikipedia:
Without halftoning, the three primary process colors could be printed only as solid blocks of color, and therefore could produce only seven colors: the three primaries themselves, plus three secondary colors produced by layering two of the primaries: cyan and yellow produce green, cyan and magenta produce blue, yellow and magenta produce red (these subtractive secondary colors correspond roughly to the additive primary colors), plus layering all three of them resulting in black. With halftoning, a full continuous range of colors can be produced.

(PRIOR ART) respectively illustrates first and second binary digital (i.e. stored in computer memory) to be ink-jet printed according to the "first multi-color prior art example". The binary digital image is an array of pixels, where each pixel corresponds to a dot location in the ink-image to be ink-jet printed (e.g. each pixel may correspond to a different nozzle-location for a two-dimensional array of nozzles of an ink-jet printhead).

In the example of <FIG> (i.e. according to the "first multi-color prior art example"), it is intended to ink-jet print the first digital image using an ink of a first color (e.g. cyan) and to subsequently ink-jet print the second digital image using ink of a second color (e.g. magenta), to produce a multi-color ink image. In <FIG> the first color is schematically represented using a "vertical-lines" shading-scheme and the second color is schematically represented using "horizontal-lines" shading-scheme.

In many ink-jet systems, the multi-color image is printed sequentially, one ink-color at a time - i.e. during a first pass a first digital image is printed from using ink of a first color from a first reservoir (e.g. using a first ink-jet cartridge, or a first compartment of a common cartridge), and during a subsequent second pass a second digital image is printed using ink of a second color from a second reservoir (e.g. using a second ink-jet cartridge, or a second compartment of a common cartridge). Fig. <NUM> shows the multi-color image that is partially formed according to the "first multi-color prior art example" - i.e. after the first pass, a monochrome image of the first color is produced - in the simple example of <FIG>, this image includes <NUM> dots of the first color. <FIG> shows the multi-color ink-image that is complete - i.e. after the second pass.

<FIG> illustrates <NUM> dots according to the "first multi-color prior art example" - (i) in the upper left corner, four dots of the first color (e.g. primary color such as cyan); (ii) in the bottom right corner, four dots of the first color (e.g. primary color such as cyan); and (iii) in the center, four dots of a color mix of the first and second colors (e.g. a secondary color such as blue).

Typically, in order to achieve this color mix (e.g. the four dots in the center), the dots of the second color are layered over the dots of the first color. In this example, four dots of the second color are aimed to the same positions as four dots of the first color, and overlay them. This is one example of "print registration.

<FIG> show individual dots and is a simplified example. Typically, for <NUM> dpi or <NUM> dpi the dots have diameter of up to tens of microns, and individual dots can only be viewed under magnification. Thus, the individual dots of the ink images of <FIG> would typically be only visible as individual dots under magnification.

<FIG> shows the multi-color same ink-image as shown in <FIG>, but without the magnification (assuming that each area has more than four dots) - i.e. as visible to the naked eye.

In the example of <FIG>, the regional colors of the first, second and third regions correspond to the individual dot colors of <FIG> - it might be, however, a respective lighter shade if the density (e.g. derived by relation between dot diameter and distance between neighboring dots) of dots in the first, second or third region is relatively "low.

Thus, in the first multi-color prior-art example of <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> (i.e. where there is no half-toning, only overlay of individual ink-dots), if the first color is cyan, and if the second color is magenta, and then the third color is blue. This refers to the 'dot color' of individual dots in <FIG> (magnified image where individual dots are visible).

If, however, the density of dots is low in the second region, then the 'region color' of a region (i.e. naked-eye visible) is a lighter shade of the 'dot color of the individual dots' in the region. For example, with reference to <FIG> and <FIG> and the example of the previous paragraph, (i) if the dot density of the first region is sparse, then the dot color in the first region is cyan and the region color is 'light cyan'; (ii) if the dot density of the third region is sparse, then the dot color in the third region is magenta and the region color of the third region is 'light magenta'; (iii) if the dot density of the second region is sparse, then the dot color in the second region is blue (i.e. due to the overlay between the cyan and the magenta - this is their secondary color) and the region color is 'light blue.

For the present disclosure, we distinguish between the 'dot color' of individual dots of an ink-jet image (i.e. viewable under magnification), and a 'multi-dot' regional color of a region (ie. make up for many dots) of an ink image where the region is viewable by the naked eye.

<FIG> show a different example - in this case, dots of both the second and third color are present in the 'second region' (i.e. according to any halftoning scheme). The region color (see <FIG>) of the second region (i.e. viewable to the naked eye) is an optical blend dot colors present in the second region. For example, if the first second and third colors are respectively cyan, magenta and blue, then the regional color of the second region of <FIG> might be a bright purple as an optical blend (i.e. due to half-toning) between cyan and blue.

Thus, in simple prior-art example of <FIG>, all individual dots in the second region are either blue (i.e. the third color - due to overlay between droplets or dots of cyan and magenta) or magenta (i.e. the second color) - these individual dots are viewable under magnification. The naked-eye visible second region, however, has a bright purple region color.

The prior art does teach creating new colors by combining multiple colors.

Color wheels illustrate an organized set of color hues around a circle. Isaac Newton, in his <NUM> treatise Optiks, relate to a "color circle" to describe relations between these colors. Since that time, many color wheels and color circles have been presented in the literature. Some color wheels are based on an RYB color model using red, yellow and blue primaries. Some color wheels are based on opponent processes colors (red, yellow blue and green). Some color wheels are based on RGB(red, green , blue) additive primaries.

For the present disclosure, the specific <NUM>-color color wheel show in <FIG> will be used to describe colors and transformations between colors (listed in clockwise order, from <NUM> o'clock): (i) yellow-green, (ii) green, (iii) blue-green, (iv) blue, (v) blue-violet, (vi) violet, (vii) red-violet, (viii) red, (ix) red-orange, (x) orange, (xi) yellow-orange, and (xii) yellow.

<FIG> is a table of RGB values for each of the <NUM> colors. The color yellow-green is given a position value of "<NUM>," the color green is given a position value of "<NUM>," the color blue-green is given a position value of "<NUM>," and so on.

In recent decades, there is a much greater awareness of the benefits of employing natural ingredients, and in avoiding their artificial counterparts. For the case of artificial colorants in foods, the regulatory authorities generally permit the following colorants: (i) FD&C Blue No. <NUM> - Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (blue shade), (ii) FD&C Blue No. <NUM> - Indigotine, E132 (indigo shade), (iii) FD&C Green No. <NUM> - Fast Green FCF, E143 (turquoise shade), (iv) FD&C Red No. <NUM> - Erythrosine, E127 (pink shade, commonly used in glacé cherries), (v) FD&C Red No. <NUM> - Allura Red AC, E129 (red shade) , (vi) FD&C Yellow No. <NUM> - Tartrazine, E102 (yellow shade), (vii) FD&C Yellow No. <NUM> - Sunset Yellow FCF, E110 (orange shade).

In many situations, it is more challenging to produce multi-color edible items (or multi-color surfaces thereof) when employing only natural colorants than when artificial colorants are available.

It is known in the art to print on the upper surface of foamed beverage - see, for example, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses, inter alia, a a drink-printing system for printing on a current drink comprising: a. an ink-jet printer defining a target-location; b. a plurality of colorant reservoirs; c. one or more sensor(s) for sensing property-data of a current drink that is currently at the target location so as to perform at least one of the following drink-distinguishing operations for the current drink: distinguishing between a coffee and beer; distinguishing between multiple types of coffee; distinguishing between multiple types beer; d. control circuitry for: i. causing the ink-jet printer to print, on an upper surface of the current drink, a pre-stored digital image; and ii. response to output of the sensor(s), causing the ink-jet printer to dynamically select a colorant reservoir for the ink-jet printing in accordance with the results of drink-distinguishing operation(s).

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a printing method as set forth in claim <NUM> of the appended claims.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is further provided a system for ink-jet printing as set forth in claim <NUM> of the appended claims.

The formulations, articles of manufacture and methods according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Some embodiments relate to a printing method comprising the following steps:.

One purpose of the "pH adjusting liquid" is to modify pH. In some embodiments, a pH of the pH adjusting liquid differs from that of the first fluid. Alternatively or additionally, a pH of the pH adjusting liquid differs from an upper surface of the substrate. Alternatively or additionally, a pH of the pH adjusting liquid differs from the a combination of the first fluid and upper surface of the substrate (e.g. after contact therebetween).

Before discussing this method in greater details, an overview is now provided.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to printing an edible image using an edible ink (e.g. first fluid <NUM>) comprising an anthocyanin-containing concentrate of anthocyanin-containing plant matter (ACC-ACPM) (or solids of the ACC-ACPM). One example of anthocyanin-containing plant matter (CC-ACPM) is red cabbage. In embodiments of the invention, a primary colorant of the edible ink (e. g first fluid <NUM>) is the ACC-ACPM or solids thereof.

Embodiments of the invention relate to producing, by ink-jet droplet-deposition, a multi-color image using two fluids (e.g. only two fluids), both of which are ink-jettable but only one of which is colored. The first fluid is an acidic edible ink whose specific color depends on pH (e.g. a primary colorant is the first fluid is extract of anthocyanin-containing plant matter - for example, red cabbage extract or solids thereof), while the second fluid is a clear fluid whose purpose is to modify in-situ (i.e. on the surface of the substrate) respective local pH of individuals droplets (or ink-dots formed therefrom) of the first fluid.

For edible inks (i.e. first fluid) whose primary colorant is red cabbage extract (see the section below, entitled "Example First Fluid Formulation Used to Print the Multi-Color Image of <FIG>"), a pH dependence of color of the first ink may be described as follows: (i) at a pH value of around <NUM>, a color of the "first fluid" is red; (ii) at a pH value of around <NUM>, a color of the ink is violet, and (iii) at a pH value of around <NUM> the ink is blue, and for pH values of around <NUM> the ink is green. See, for example, <FIG> discussed below.

In one example, droplets of a first fluid whose primary colorant is red cabbage extract are deposited onto the surface of a target substrate which is of uniform pH (i.e. a pH-homogeneous surface) to form a monochrome image of a first color. Subsequently, droplets of the second fluid (i.e. the base - e.g. a viscosity thereof is at least <NUM> centipoise (cp)) are deposited (e.g. by ink-jet) directly onto only some of the ink-dots of this monochrome image (one droplet of the second fluid, per ink-dot) to convert this pre-existing monochrome image into a multi-color image.

The-ink dots where no second fluid is deposited remain the first color. For the ink-dots where the second fluid is deposited, two things occurs: (i) a pH of each ink-dot is increased in situ (i.e. on the substrate surface) when the droplet of the second fluid (i.e. the base) mixes with each of these ink dots; and (ii) a color of the ink-dot changes in-situ from a first color to a second color.

In one specific case, (i) the first fluid is FORMULATION_A (see below -- "Example First Fluid Formulation Used to Print the Multi-Color Image of <FIG>"); (ii) a local pH of dots of the monochrome image is <NUM>; (iii) the first color is read; (iv) a local pH of the ink-dots where the second fluid is deposited is <NUM>; and (v) the second color is blue.

Thus, it is possible to generate multi-color images (i.e. comprising red and blue dots) not by depositing inks of different colors, but rather by in situ conversion of a proper sub-set of ink-dots already on the substrate from a first color to a second color. This in situ conversation may be performed by converting an acidic form of anthocyanin molecules to neutral or basic forms thereof, or (in other examples) vice versa.

The term in situ conversion by the second fluid refers to one of the following: (i) converting a pH and/or color of a pre-existing ink-dot formed by the first fluid by subsequent mixing of this ink-dot with the second fluid (e.g. subsequent overlay with droplet(s) of the second fluid) - e.g. as discussed above; and (ii) first depositing droplets of the second fluid, so that upon landing on location where the droplet(s) of the second fluid were deposited, a pH (and thus color) of the first fluid changes due to the pre-existing presence of the first fluid.

One salient feature of the multi-color image described above is the following - even though the substrate surface is pH-homogeneous (i.e. the 'background surface' upon which the multi-color image resides), the multi-color image is pH-heterogenous. In this example: in the red-regions of the multi-color image, a local pH is about <NUM>, and in the blue regions of the multi-color image, a local pH of about <NUM>.

<FIG> shows one example of such a multi-color image.

<FIG> show an ink-jet printing comprising multi-reservoirs 198A, 198B for storing of fluid to be ink-jet. In a non-limiting example, the reservoirs are part of a multi-reservoir ink-jet cartridge array where a cartridge array refers to one or more ink cartridges. In one example, reservoir 198A is a reservoir of a first ink-jet cartridge and reservoir 198B is a reservoir of a second ink-jet cartridge. In another example, reservoirs 198A and 198B are different reservoirs of a single ink-jet cartridge.

The ink-jet cartridge may be bubble jet (thermal ink-jet) or piezo.

The ink-jet deposition of droplets <NUM>, <NUM> is controlled, for example, by electronic circuitry <NUM> which prints a digital image <NUM> (e.g. a color digital image) in accordance with a combination of: (A) a pH-color dependency of the first fluid 198A (see, for example, <FIG> discussed below) and (B) a pH:mixing-ratio dependency of pH upon a mixing ratio between the first and second fluids (see, for example, <FIG> discussed below).

The result of the droplet deposition is a multi-color edible ink-image <NUM> disposed on target substrate <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are now discussed in terms of a specific non-limiting use-case, related to that of the previous section.

In this use-case, a multi-color edible ink-image <NUM> having both red and blue regions is formed onto beer foam (i.e. an example of <NUM>) from the first <NUM> and second <NUM> fluids which respectively are disposed in first 198A and second 198B reservoirs. According to this non-limiting use-case, the multi-color edible ink-image <NUM> comprises first and second regions which are respectively red and blue, and the multi-color edible ink-image <NUM> is produced as follows:.

<FIG> is a photograph of an example image produced in accordance with the non-limiting use case described above where the first fluid is FORMULATION_A (see below) and the second fluid is FORMULATION_B (see below). In the example of <FIG> - the multi-color edible ink image <NUM> is printed onto on the beer foam (i.e. which is white or light-brown) has:.

10A-10B and 11A-11D also relate to the example of <FIG> and are discussed below.

Before discussing Figs. 10A-10B and 11A-11D, some potential design goals when producing an edible ink-image on edible substrate are now discussed, and the example formulation used to produce the multi-ink image of <FIG> are discussed.

In different embodiments, the multi-color image may produced on edible substrate (e.g. foam of a foamed beverage, or rice-paper, or yogurt or pudding) in accordance with one or more of the following goals, some of which may compete with each other:.

This formulation is referred to elsewhere in this disclosure as "FORMULATION_A.

The ingredients of this formulation are as follows:.

A mixture is formed from the DI water, red cabbage concentrate, glycerol and apple cider vinegar. The term 'juice' may refer to unfiltered juice or at least partly filtered juice.

The mixture is heated to <NUM> <NUM>C for <NUM> minutes, and subsequently cooled and filtered with <NUM> micron filter paper.

The "first fluid" formulation has the following properties:.

Optionally, a reservoir or chamber 198A of an ink-jet pod (e.g. thermal ink jet pod) is filled with the first fluid <NUM>.

This formulation is referred to elsewhere in this disclosure as "FORMULATION_B.

A first mixture is formed from the DI water and the glycerol. Sodium bicarbonate is added to the mixture to raise the pH to about <NUM>.

The mixture (i.e. an example of second fluid <NUM>) has the following properties:.

There are many numerical representation of color - e.g. LAB values, RGB values, or position on the <NUM>-Color Color Wheel of <FIG>, where the 'position value' is an integer between <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> graphs a color of the first fluid <NUM> (i.e. ink) as a function of pH value. Only integer values appear on the y-axis. This describes a dependence the color of the first fluid (i.e. ink).

When the first <NUM> and second <NUM> fluids are mixed together , a 'mixing ratio' therebetween is a defined as a ratio between : (<NUM>) a mass of the second <NUM> fluid in the mixture and (ii) a mass of the first <NUM> fluid in the mixture.

A value of the 'mixing ratio' for the first <NUM> fluid (i.e. pure fluid without any of the second fluid <NUM> mixed in) is by definition <NUM>.

All of <FIG> relate to mixtures of: (i) the example First Fluid <NUM> Formulation Used to Print the Multi-Color Image of <FIG> (see above); and (ii) the example Second Fluid <NUM> Formulation Used to Print the Multi-Color Image of <FIG> (see above).

In one example, a single droplet of the first fluid <NUM> and a single droplet of the second fluid <NUM> are deposited to a common location (droplets have the same mass) - in this case, the mixing ratio is <NUM>/<NUM> = <NUM>. In another example, a single droplet of the first fluid <NUM> and a two droplets of the second fluid <NUM> are deposited to a common location (all droplets have the same mass) - in this case, the mixing ratio is <NUM>/<NUM> = <NUM>.

As stated above, a pH of the example First Fluid <NUM> Formulation Used to Print the Multi-Color Image of <FIG> is <NUM> - as such, in <FIG>, a value of pH for mixing ratio = <NUM>, is <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a pH: mixing ratio dependency the example First Fluid <NUM> Formulation Used to Print the Multi-Color Image of <FIG> (see above)-FORMULATION_A; and (ii) the example Second Fluid <NUM> Formulation Used to Print the Multi-Color Image of <FIG> (see above) -- FORMULATION_B.

<FIG> relates to mixing the fluids, for example, under 'standard conditions,' where at least <NUM> of each fluid is provided in a small beaker or a test-tube.

When two different fluids are mixed with each other, the pH of the mixture may depend upon the environment where they are mixed with each other.

For example, when droplets of the two different fluids are mixed with each other and the mixing occurs on a substrate (i.e. on a surface of the substrate), the pH of the mixture of droplets may depend on pH of the substrate where the mixing occurs. Furthermore, the pH of the resulting mixture might depend on additional properties of the substrate's - for example, whether or not the surface is solid or liquid or foam (and a type of gas of the foam). Alternatively or additionally, thereof or might depend other the absolute volume of each fluid to be mixed (e.g. small droplets might be subject to greater evaporation than larger droplets, and if the vapor pressure of one fluid whose pH is a first value differs from a vapor pressure of the second fluid).

The present inventor has performed experiments where droplets (e.g. having a volume of about <NUM> pico-liters) of the deposited, by ink-jetting, onto a common location for two types of foamed surfaces - (i) a beer surface whose pH is <NUM> and (ii) a milk surface whose pH is <NUM>.

To obtain a 'mixing ratio' of <NUM>, only a single droplet was deposited (i.e. of the first fluid). To obtain a 'mixing ratio' of <NUM>, a single droplet of the first fluid and a single droplet of the second fluid were deposited to a common location (i.e. droplet overlay) - this common location was the upper surface of a foamed beverage. To obtain a 'mixing ratio' of <NUM>, a single droplet of the first fluid and two droplets of the second fluid were deposited to a common location (i.e. droplet overlay) - this common location was the upper surface of a foamed beverage.

pH was measured using a surface pH meter MRC- MP-<NUM> Flat surface Ph electrode - i.e. an electrode of the surface pH meter was put into contact with the droplet/fluid mixture.

The results (once again, for FORMULATION_A and FORMULATION_B) are shown in <FIG>. Comparing the two graphs, the following may be observed: (i) the pH values are generally higher when the droplets are mixed on an alkaline surface (i.e. foamed milk at pH of <NUM> - see <FIG>) than when the droplets are mixed on an acidic surface (i.e. beer at pH of <NUM>).

One note about <FIG> - for a mixing ratio of <NUM>, a pH value is <NUM>, corresponding to blue-green for FORMULATION_A. This pH value exceeds (i) a pH of FORMULATION_A (about <NUM>), which is acidic; (ii) a pH of the milk surface (around <NUM>) and (iii) a pH of FORMULATION_B (about <NUM>).

Not wishing to be bound by theory, the inventor believes that this surprisingly high pH value is achievable due to a chemical and/or physical process which occurs in the foam disposed on the top of a milk-beverage.

<FIG>, discussed above, is a photograph of a multi-color edible ink image printed onto beer foam. As discussed above, this multi-color edible ink image includes red, violet and blue regions.

These red 360A-360D, violet 364A-364B, and blue 368A-368C regions of the edible ink-image are illustrated in <FIG>.

In order to generate the edible ink-image of <FIG>, fluids <NUM>, <NUM> from reservoirs 198A, 198B are deposited, by ink-jet, onto the target substrate (i.e. foamed surface of beer). In particular, registration between deposition of droplets of the first and second fluids may be performed so that droplets(s) <NUM> of the second fluid <NUM> are deposited (i.e. overlay) onto previously-deposited droplets <NUM> of the first fluid <NUM> (or vice versa).

Referring to the table of <FIG>, in the background locations, only beer foam is present, a pH is <NUM>, and the color is white or light brown.

Within each of the red locations 360A-360D, only droplets of the first fluid are ink-jetted onto the beer foam to form a plurality of ink-dots thereon. The color (i.e. red) of each of the ink-dots within regions 360A-360D (all red) is determined by a combination of: (i) "pH:Mixing-ratio dependency of pH upon a mixing ratio between the first and second fluids on beer foam" of <FIG> for the mixing ratio = <NUM> (i.e. pH of around <NUM>) and (ii) the pH-color dependency of the first fluid of <FIG> (i.e. red based on a pH of <NUM>). It is possible to obtain a lighter shade of red (i.e. to change the shade in the regions 360A-360D without changing the dot-colors) by reducing the density of dots - i.e. so that coverage with the first fluid <NUM> is less than <NUM>%. This is also illustrated in <FIG>.

Within each of the violet locations 364A-364B, droplets of both the first and second fluids are ink-jetted onto the beer foam to form a plurality of ink-dots thereon. The color (i.e. red) of each of the ink-dots within regions 364A-364B (all red) is determined by a combination of: (i) "pH:Mixing-ratio dependency of pH upon a mixing ratio between the first and second fluids on beer foam" of <FIG> for the mixing ratio = <NUM> (i.e. pH of around <NUM>) and (ii) the pH-color dependency of the first fluid of <FIG> (i.e. violet based on a pH of <NUM>). It is possible to obtain a lighter shade of violet (i.e. to change the shade in the regions 364A-364B without changing the dot-colors) by reducing the density of dots - i.e. so that coverage with the first fluid <NUM> is less than <NUM>%. This is also illustrated in <FIG>.

Within each of the blue locations 368A-368C, droplets of both the first and second fluids are ink-jetted onto the beer foam to form a plurality of ink-dots thereon. The color (i.e. red) of each of the ink-dots within regions 364A-364B (all red) is determined by a combination of: (i) "pH:Mixing-ratio dependency of pH upon a mixing ratio between the first and second fluids on beer foam" of <FIG> for the mixing ratio = <NUM> (i.e. pH of around <NUM>) and (ii) the pH-color dependency of the first fluid of <FIG> (i.e. violet blue on a pH of <NUM>). It is possible to obtain a lighter shade of blue (i.e. to change the shade in the regions 368A-368C without changing the dot-colors) by reducing the density of dots - i.e. so that coverage with the first fluid <NUM> is less than <NUM>%. This is also illustrated in <FIG>.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatus for creating specific color patterns where multiple colors of the may be 'targeted' - i.e. to enforce a 'multi-color directive' that requires the targeting of multiple and different colors for appearance in an ink-image. One example of a multi-color directive may relate to a greyscale image of a garden next to a house - the flowers in the garden (e.g. which may be digitally marked or identifiable by image-processing techniques) may be 'targeted' to red, the grass to green, and the sky to blue.

When a color of an ink image is 'targeted' for the ink-image (e.g. in the context of a multi-color directive), this refers to one of (A) printing relative quantities or locations of each fluid of a plurality of fluids (e.g. first <NUM> and second <NUM> fluids) so that the 'targeted' color appears in the ink-image (OPTION A) or (B) regulating droplet-deposition of relative quantities or locations of first and second fluid so as to minimize a color-difference between:.

Briefly, for Option A, this means targeting 'achieves the goal" and for Option B, this means targeting 'gets as close a possible to achieving the goal. ' This may apply to colors of ink-dots or colors of a region (e.g. containing ink-dots).

In the prior art, such a directive (i.e. to achieve specific dot-colors) would be enforced by the right combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black) - i.e. droplets multiple colorants (e.g. dyes) would be delivered to a common pixel-locations (i.e. using overlay to form secondary colorants) and/or enforced using halftoning techniques.

In contrast, in embodiments of the invention, it is possible to produce an ink-image using a single dye-molecule (i.e. anthocyanin - as provided, for example, by red-cabbage extract or extract of any other anthocyanin-containing plant(s)) whose color depends on pH (e.g. red for the acidic form of the dye-molecule, and blue or green of the basic form thereof.

One way of 'targeting a color' is by first generating (e.g. by a digital computer or any other electronic circuitry and/or executing software code) digital images (i.e. stored in computer memory) in accordance with a combination of pH-related factors, and then printing these digital images (e.g. a first digital image is printed in B/W using the first fluid, and a second digital image is printed in B/W, according to registration techniques for droplet-overlay, using the second fluid).

The combination of pH-related factors may be the following combination:.

In one example related to <FIG> and <FIG>, a black-and-white version of the image of <FIG> and <FIG> is received into computer memory for an ink-jet printer, and there is a multi-color directive (e.g. represented as computer data) to "colorize" this black-and-white version as follows: (i) diagonally oriented rectangles (360A-360D) are to be printed in red (i.e. red is targeted); (ii) the <NUM> out of <NUM> squares disposed in a verticle line (368A-368C) are to be printed in blue (i.e. blue is targeted); and (iii) the remaining two squares are to be printed in violet (i.e. violet is targeted).

This multi-color directive may be enforced by generating the two digital images of <FIG> - the first digital image (see <FIG>) is printed by depositing droplets of the first fluid <NUM>, and the second digital image (see <FIG>) is subsequently printed by depositing droplets of the second fluid <NUM>. Collectively, these digital images specify the mixing ratios for achieving the multi-color directive described above.

This set of two digital images (i. e see <FIG> and <FIG>) are generated to enforce the multi-color directive, and are so generated in accordance with the combination of: a pH-color dependency of the first fluid <NUM>; and pH:mixing-ratio dependency of a pH (i.e. a predicted pH) upon mixing ratio between the first and second fluids.

Other non-limiting example of multi-color printing directives include: (i) a directive to reproduce a multi-color digital image (e.g. a photograph received as a digital image) with the best possible color fidelity possible for a color gamut of the plurality of fluids (e.g. <NUM> and <NUM>) where the multi-color digital image includes both red and blue pixels and/or includes both red and green pixels and/or includes both violet and green pixels); and (ii) a directive to print a grayscale image where the upper and left <NUM>% of the digital image is printed only to produce (i.e. in the corresponding ink-image) ink-dots only of a first color (e.g. red), the upper and right <NUM>% of digital image is printed to produce (i.e. in the corresponding ink-image) ink-dots only of a second color (e.g. blue); (iii) and the bottom <NUM>% of the digital image is printed only to produce (i.e. in the corresponding ink-image) ink-dots only of a third color (e.g. green).

<FIG> are methods of printing. <FIG> includes steps S101 and S109 and <FIG> includes steps S101, S109, and S1217. In steps S109 and S117 it is understood that for greater accuracy, a pH:mixing ratio dependency that is "customized" for the target surface (e.g. rice-paper or beer foam or milk foam or foam of cocktails - for example, comprising a mixture of egg-whites and lemon juice).

<FIG> is another example using printing the same first and second fluids, both onto beer surface. In contrast to the image of <FIG> where all of regions 360A-<NUM>, 364A-364B, and 368A-368C are printed at a <NUM>% droplet-pixel coverage (i.e. for the first fluid), in the example of <FIG> it is possible to increase the number of shades available by varying droplet-pixel coverage - e.g. to obtaining lighter shades of red (which might appear pink) with lower coverage.

<FIG> is a photogram of an multi-color ink-image printed on milk foam, whose pH is <NUM>. The image of <FIG> including purple, blue and green sections, and was printed using the arrangement of <FIG>.

NOTE - for the example of <FIG>, the curve of <FIG> (specific for beer foam) was an improvement upon the curve of <FIG>. For the example of <FIG>, the curve of <FIG> (specific for milk foam) in an improvement upon the curve of <FIG>.

In one non-limiting example, the image of <FIG> may be printed on milk-foam as follows:.

Note - this order for which droplets are deposited is provided in some embodiments, but it not limiting overall - in other examples, droplets of the second fluid may be deposited before droplets of the second fluid (e.g. to overlay them), or there is no requirement to print an entire image using one fluid before overlaying using the other fluid.

Not wishing to be bound by theory, it is now disclosed that the embodiments of <FIG> are useful for situations where it is desired to print an edible ink-image on edible substrate (i) that includes specific color-combinations (e.g. an ink-image including both red and blue pixels and/or includes both red and green pixels and/or includes both violet and green pixels) and (ii) in a manner that avoids as much as possible (e.g. completely), the use of artificial colorants and while relying on natural colorants.

The inventor has found that inks based on anthocyanins-containing plant concentrate (e.g. red cabbage concentrate) is useful as a first fluid <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the target substrate is acidic. In order to convert the red color of the anthocyanins-containing plant concentrate into blue or green (e.g. to produce an ink-image including both red and blue and/or both red and green), the inks based on anthocyanins-containing plant concentrate is mixed in situ (i.e. on the surface) with droplets of a base fluid, as the second fluid <NUM>. This is because droplets of the first fluid would not reach the request pH to produce blue and/or green without being mixed with a fluid of higher pH.

When printing on a surface (e.g. milk-foam) that is alkaline, an alternative approach may be adopted (or combined with the previous approach).

Review of <FIG> and <FIG> shows that for a mixing ratio of "zero", a pH of the first fluid is about <NUM> and a color thereof is violet or red-violet. Thus, even though the ink itself is red, it would be challenging or impossible to obtain red-dots on the milk-foam surface using only the arrangements of <FIG>.

<FIG> provide an alternative. Instead (or in addition to) of ink-jetting droplets of a clear base fluid <NUM> (see <FIG>), the purpose of which is to raise the pH of the first fluid and to modify a color thereof (e.g. by modifying, in situ, a pH of droplets of the first fluid or an ink-dot thereof) in a counterclockwise direction in the <NUM>-Color Color-wheel of <FIG> (e.g. from red to violet, or from red to blue, or from red to green), in the example of <FIG>, instead of using a clear base fluid <NUM>, a clear acid fluid <NUM> is used to modify pH instead.

One example formulation for the ink-jettable acid fluid <NUM> is Formulation_F, described below.

This formulation Formulation_F, together with the arrangements of <FIG> was used to print on a milk surface to produce the ink-image whose photograph is shown in <FIG>.

The concepts of <FIG> and <FIG> may be combined - see, for example, <FIG>.

Thus, in some embodiments, the formation of a multi-color image may comprise:.

These (<NUM> or more reservoir) embodiments may be useful for increasing a color-gamut.

In some embodiments, the arrangement of <FIG> may be modified so that second fluid <NUM> is not necessarily clear. For example, riboflavin phosphate may be a colorant or a primary colorant or the sole colorant of the second fluid <NUM> - see, for example, Formulation_E described below.

Similar modifications may be made to second fluid <NUM> (acid).

In some embodiments, even if second fluid <NUM> is not "clear", it may be "clear enough" in a manner that is defined relative to the first fluid.

For example, the first fluid <NUM> and the second fluid <NUM> (or <NUM>) may be such that when mixed together at a X:Y ratio (by mass - i.e. X grams of the first fluid <NUM> mixed with Y grams of the second fluid <NUM> (or <NUM> or the version of the second fluid that is not necessarily clear - e.g. having riboflavin or riboflavin phosphate) - <NUM>:<NUM> ratio may also be written as a <NUM>:<NUM> ratio) of , a primary colorant of the first fluid is also a primary colorant of the X:Y mixture (this may be true for (X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>) and/or for (X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>)). In one example, (i) the first fluid is an acidic edible and aqueous ink, a primary colorant of the first fluid is an extract of plant matter or solids of the extract of the plant matter; and (ii) a primary colorant of the X:Y (e.g. X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM> or X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>) mixture of the first and second fluid <NUM> (or <NUM>) is the extract of plant matter or solids of the extract of the plant matter. In another example, a primary colorant of both the first fluid and the X:Y (e.g. X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>, or X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>) mixture is selected from the group consisting of: i. anthocyanin-containing extract of anthocyanin-containing plant matter (ACE-ACPM), or solids of the ACE-ACPM; ii. Betanin-containing extract of Betanin -containing plant matter, or solids of the ACE-ACPM; and iii. combinations thereof.

In another example, a primary colorant of both the first fluid and the X:Y (e.g. X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>, or X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>) mixture is anthocyanin. In another example, a primary colorant of both the first fluid and the X:Y (e.g. X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>, or X=<NUM>, Y=<NUM>) mixture is the anthocyanin-containing extract of anthocyanin-containing plant matter (ACE-ACPM), or solids of the ACE-ACPM.

<FIG> is a photograph of an ink-image printed on milk foam where the digital images of <FIG> are printed. First digital image of <FIG> is printed using the fluid <NUM> (FORMULATION_A) and then subsequently <FIG> is printed using the fluid of FORMULATION_E.

Note about electronic circuitry <NUM> - 'electronic circuitry' or 'circuitry' -- any hardware (e.g. digital and/or analog electronics), or software or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, 'circuitry' includes a digital computer. "Analysis circuitry" is electronic circuitry configured to perform a data-analysis function. "Memory" or 'storage" (used interchangably) refers to volatile (e.g. RAM) and/or non-volatile (e.g. flash or magnetic medium) computer storage. "Circuitry" or 'memory" may be local to a given device (or locally-coupled devices) or may be non-locally distributed. Although circuitry <NUM> is shown outside of ink-jet cartridge(s), this is not a limitation and in some embodiments at least some of circuitry <NUM> resides in any (e.g. ink-jet and/or removable) cartridge.

Examples of target substrate <NUM>, relevant to any teaching or embodiment disclosed herein, include but are not limited to: any food, any foam (e.g. foam of a beverage), any beverage, yogurt, milkshakes, or solid material. For example, the foamed surface is selected from the group consisting of beer foam, egg-whites foam, milk-foam, and milk-substitute foam, soybean foam, aquafaba foam, chickpea foam, nitro foam (meaning a beverage infused with nitrogen, causing a foam mixture of the beverage and nitrogen bubbles), quillaia extract, yucca extract. For example, the target substrate <NUM> is selected from the group consisting of a cocktail, a beer, a coffee, tea (i.e. chai, matcha), milk shakes, fruit shakes, and vegetable shakes.

The term "extract" of plant matter (i.e. unroasted plant matter) refers to fluids that are obtained from the fruit or vegetable flesh or other plant matter - i.e. fluids separated from the fruit or vegetable flesh. These fluids are optionally filtered to remove particles therefrom.

One example of "extract" is juice - i.e. obtained by mechanically separating out fluid from the fruit or vegetable flesh or other plant matter.

In another example, it is possible to soak obtain the fluid from the fruit or vegetable flesh or other plant matter as follows: (i) the fruit or vegetable flesh or other plant matter is soaked in water (e.g. hot water), so that the fluids of the plant matter migrate into the water, which then contains (i.e. is a diluted form of) the "extract" of plant matter.

Extract of plant matter which is diluted or concentrated or filtered is "extract.

Anthocyanins (also anthocyans; from Greek: <IMG>vθoς (anthos) "flower" and <IMG>uάvεoς/<IMG>uαvo<IMG>ς kyaneos/kyanous "dark blue") are water-soluble vacuolar pigments that, depending on their pH, may appear red, purple, blue or black. Food plants rich in anthocyanins include the blueberry, raspberry, black rice, and black soybean, among many others that are red, blue, purple, or black. Some of the colors of autumn leaves are derived from anthocyanins.

Thus, anthocyanins is not one particular molecule but rather a is a family of molecules or compounds. Typically, plant matter contains multiple types of anthocyanins (i.e. molecules or compounds).

For the present disclosure, anthocyanin is not limited to one specific anthocyanin molecule but also refers to anthocyanins - i.e. multiple types of anthocyanins.

Betanin is a red glycosidic food dye present in beets and in beet juice. anthocyanins is not one particular molecule but rather a family thereof. Typically, plant matter contains multiple types of anthocyanins (i.e. molecules or compounds).

Fluids disclosed herein exhibit optical density at least in visible wavelengths, and this optical density fluctuates as a function of wavelength. For any fluid (or mixture of fluids), a 'visible wavelength of the greatest optical density' is the visible wavelength at which the optical density of the fluid (or mixture of fluids) is the greatest.

The concept of "primary colorant" may relate to a fluid or mixture of fluids.

When a given ingredient, or a given combination of ingredients (e.g. red cabbage concentrate or solids thereof or anthocyanins thereof) of a fluid (or a mixture of fluids) is the 'primary colorant' of the fluid (or mixture of fluids), this means that a presence of the given ingredient (or combination of ingredients) in the fluid (or mixture of fluids) contributes at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>% or at least <NUM>%) of the optical density of the fluid (or mixture of fluids) at the 'visible wavelength of the greatest optical density.

The concept of "primary colorant," defined above for a fluid or mixture of fluids, is also defined mutatis mutandis for an ink dot residing on a substrate surface, which is essentially a small quantity of fluid, or mixture of fluids.

The concept of "primary colorant," defined above for a fluid or mixture of fluids, is also defined mutatis mutandis for a pixel of a photograph of an ink-image, whose color is provided by a fluid, or a mixture of fluids (ink-jetted fluids).

When (I) a given ingredient, or a given combination of ingredients (e.g. red cabbage concentrate or solids thereof or anthocyanins thereof) of a fluid (or a mixture of fluids) is the 'primary colorant' of the fluid (or mixture of fluids) and (II) a primary-colorant-threshold parameter (which relates to all of fluids, mixtures thereof, ink-dots, and pixel colors of a photograph) is set to PC_THRESHOLD_VALUE (PC_THRESHOLD_VALUE is at least <NUM> and less than <NUM>) where , this means that a presence of the given ingredient (or combination of ingredients) in the fluid (or mixture of fluids) contributes at least PC_TRESHOLD_VALUE% <NUM>% of the optical density of the fluid (or mixture of fluids) at the 'visible wavelength of the greatest optical density.

Formulation_C (base) - This formulation is referred to elsewhere in this disclosure as "FORMULATION_C.

FORMULATION_C has the following properties:.

Formulation_D (base) -This formulation is referred to elsewhere in this disclosure as "FORMULATION_D.

A first mixture is formed from the DI water and the glycerol. Sodium hydroxide is added to the mixture to raise the pH to about <NUM>.

FORMULATION_D has the following properties:.

Formulation_E (base) -This formulation is referred to elsewhere in this disclosure as "FORMULATION_E.

A first mixture is formed from all ingredients above except for sodium bicarbonate - a pH of this mixture is <NUM>. Sodium biocarbon is subsequently to the mixture to raise the pH to about <NUM>.

FORMULATION_E has the following properties:.

Formulation_F (acid) -This formulation is referred to elsewhere in this disclosure as "FORMULATION_F.

A first mixture is formed from the DI water and the glycerol. Cirtric acid is added to the mixture to reach a pH of <NUM>.

FORMULATION_F has the following properties:.

Formulation_G (acid) -This formulation is referred to elsewhere in this disclosure as "FORMULATION_F.

FORMULATION_G has the following properties:.

As used herein, a viscosity refers to the viscosity at <NUM>° C. Viscosity data for the any formulation disclosed herein may be determined using a Brookfield DV1 viscometer using a cone and plate spindle at <NUM>° C. (±<NUM>° C. ) at <NUM> rpm after <NUM> seconds or <NUM> rpm after <NUM> seconds.

The methodology used for measuring surface tension of ink is the Wilhelmy plate Method. The Wilhelmy plate method is a universal method especially suited to check surface tension over time intervals. In short, a vertical plate of known perimeter is attached to a balance, and the force due to wetting is measured. The equipment used and corresponding settings are as follows:
Device: Krüss Tensiometer K20, manufactured by Krüss GmbH. Plate Dimensions: Width: <NUM> Thickness: <NUM>, Height: <NUM>.

Measurement Settings: immersion depth <NUM>, Surface Detection Sensitivity <NUM>, Surface Detection Speed <NUM>/min, Values <NUM>, Acquisition linear, Max. Measurement Time <NUM> sec. The liquid to be measured is poured into a clean and dry glass vessel. The sample temperature is controlled at <NUM>° C. The clean and annealed Wilhelmy plate is lowered to the surface of the liquid. The plate is immersed in the fluid to measure and the corresponding value of surface tension is read on the display of the device.

For the present document, 'solids' refers to material which is solid at <NUM> degrees Celsius.

Light absorbance of the solution, is a common measurement technique employed to monitor optical characteristics of samples. The ink samples contain an analyte species dissolved in a solvent at an unknown concentration. The concentration of the analyte in a sample may be determined by using a photometric device to measure the fraction of light absorbed by the sample at a specific wavelength (λ). The value of λ is usually chosen to be near the wavelength of light where the analyte absorbs maximally. According to the Beer-Lambert law. The value of the ink is measured with a photometric apparatus, such as a photometer or spectrophotometer, equipped with a fixed light path sample-retaining device called a cuvette, such as a <NUM> light absorption pathlength cuvette (<NUM> cuvette). The sample-retaining device contains a sample comprised of analyte dissolved in a solvent. The value of IO is ordinarily measured with the same system (photometric apparatus, sample-retaining device and solvent except that no analyte is present in the solvent. Alternatively, IO may be measured in the absence of both the sample and the sample-retaining device (this value of IO is called an "air blank"). When an "air blank" is employed, a separate Aλ measurement of the solvent and sample-retaining device gives a "solvent blank" absorbance value. A "corrected absorbance" value related to absorbance of the analyte is then obtained by subtracting the "solvent blank" from each absorbance measurement made on the samples comprised of analyte dissolved in solvent and contained in the sample-retaining device.

Particle size may be determined according to measurement of particle size distributions. Particle size distribution may be measured using DLS (dynamic light scattering techniques). Dynamic light scattering (DLS), sometimes referred to as Quasi Elastic Light Scattering (QELS), is a non-invasive, well-established technique for measuring the size and size distribution of molecules and particles typically in the submicron region. For example, devices for measuring particle size are available from Malvern Panalytical of Malvern (United Kingdom).

Claim 1:
A printing method comprising:
a. providing first and second fluids, wherein:
i. the first fluid is an acidic, edible and aqueous ink comprising an extract of plant matter or solids of the extract of the plant matter, a color of both (A) the plant matter or the extract thereof or the solids of the extract thereof and (B) the aqueous ink being pH dependent;
ii. the second fluid is an edible pH-adjusting liquid which is clear, or whose primary colorant is riboflavin or riboflavin-phosphate; and
b. in accordance with a relationship between: (i) a pH-color dependency of the first fluid; and (ii) a pH:mixing-ratio dependency of pH upon a mixing ratio between the first and second fluids, ink-jetting droplets of both the first and second fluids to an edible substrate to print a multi-color edible ink-image thereon.