US20040211520A1 - Method and apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040211520A1 US20040211520A1 US10/853,810 US85381004A US2004211520A1 US 20040211520 A1 US20040211520 A1 US 20040211520A1 US 85381004 A US85381004 A US 85381004A US 2004211520 A1 US2004211520 A1 US 2004211520A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- photograph
- finish
- glossy
- matte finish
- roller
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03D—APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIALS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03D15/00—Apparatus for treating processed material
- G03D15/06—Applying varnish or other coating
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/36—Blanking or long feeds; Feeding to a particular line, e.g. by rotation of platen or feed roller
- B41J11/42—Controlling printing material conveyance for accurate alignment of the printing material with the printhead; Print registering
- B41J11/46—Controlling printing material conveyance for accurate alignment of the printing material with the printhead; Print registering by marks or formations on the paper being fed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/66—Applications of cutting devices
- B41J11/663—Controlling cutting, cutting resulting in special shapes of the cutting line, e.g. controlling cutting positions, e.g. for cutting in the immediate vicinity of a printed image
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/66—Applications of cutting devices
- B41J11/68—Applications of cutting devices cutting parallel to the direction of paper feed
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J11/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web form
- B41J11/66—Applications of cutting devices
- B41J11/70—Applications of cutting devices cutting perpendicular to the direction of paper feed
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J15/00—Devices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, specially adapted for supporting or handling copy material in continuous form, e.g. webs
- B41J15/005—Forming loops or sags in webs, e.g. for slackening a web or for compensating variations of the amount of conveyed web material (by arranging a "dancing roller" in a sag of the web material)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H35/00—Delivering articles from cutting or line-perforating machines; Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices, e.g. adhesive tape dispensers
- B65H35/0006—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating cutting or line-perforating devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2511/00—Dimensions; Position; Numbers; Identification; Occurrences
- B65H2511/10—Size; Dimensions
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2555/00—Actuating means
- B65H2555/30—Multi-axis
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
- Y10T156/1007—Running or continuous length work
- Y10T156/1023—Surface deformation only [e.g., embossing]
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/10—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
- Y10T156/1002—Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
- Y10T156/1039—Surface deformation only of sandwich or lamina [e.g., embossed panels]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/17—Surface bonding means and/or assemblymeans with work feeding or handling means
- Y10T156/1702—For plural parts or plural areas of single part
- Y10T156/1712—Indefinite or running length work
- Y10T156/1734—Means bringing articles into association with web
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/17—Surface bonding means and/or assemblymeans with work feeding or handling means
- Y10T156/1702—For plural parts or plural areas of single part
- Y10T156/1712—Indefinite or running length work
- Y10T156/1737—Discontinuous, spaced area, and/or patterned pressing
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T156/00—Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
- Y10T156/17—Surface bonding means and/or assemblymeans with work feeding or handling means
- Y10T156/1702—For plural parts or plural areas of single part
- Y10T156/1712—Indefinite or running length work
- Y10T156/1741—Progressive continuous bonding press [e.g., roll couples]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
- Y10T428/24355—Continuous and nonuniform or irregular surface on layer or component [e.g., roofing, etc.]
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a photofinishing operation. More particularly the invention relates to a photofinishing operation that is capable of producing either glossy or matte finished photographs
- a draw back of using an inkjet printer or the like in a photofinishing operation is that the resulting photographic images are subject to durability and fading problems.
- the printed image can be eroded by abrasion.
- the resulting laminated photograph tends to take on the characteristics of the paper stock on which the image is printed.
- the paper stock may have either a glossy or a matte finish and the laminated product will have a like finish.
- Another object is to provide an apparatus and method for converting a glossy photograph to one having a matte finish.
- Yet another object is to provide an apparatus and method for providing an inkjet printed image having a protective laminate in either a glossy or matte finish.
- Yet another object is to provide photograph inkjet printed on glossy paper yet having a matte finish.
- a photofinishing system wherein an inkjet printer generates the photographic images.
- the print medium preferably is a conventional glossy finish photographic paper.
- the printed sheet is fed to a laminator that applies a clear protective lamination over the printed image.
- the lamination then is selectively treated to provide it with a matte finish. This is accomplished by heating the lamination and embossing the heated laminate surface to apply texture. Light reflecting off of the embossed surface at different rates provides the appearance of a matte finish. In this fashion a photographic paper normally having a glossy finish is converted to a matte finish. If a glossy finish is desired, the laminated product is simply ejected from the laminator without embossing. Thus, at the option of the operator, the operation can produce photographs from the same glossy photographic stock that selectively has either a glossy or matte finish.
- the present invention may be characterized in one aspect thereof by an apparatus for producing a matte finish photographic print comprising:
- an embosser arranged to receive the laminated photograph and including means for moving the laminated photograph along a path of travel from an inlet to an exit;
- the present invention may be characterized by a method for producing a matte finish photographic print comprising:
- the present invention may be characterized by a matte finish photograph comprising:
- FIG. 1 shows a sequence of steps for producing a inkjet printed photograph according to the present invention
- FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic illustrations of the apparatus for embossing a laminated photographic image in different operative positions.
- FIG. 4 is a view showing, in cross section, a portion of a matte finish photograph in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 shows generally the sequence of steps for producing an inkjet printed photograph.
- the apparatus generally indicated at 10 includes an inkjet printer 12 .
- the printer is fed from a continuous roll of photographic paper 14 that preferably is a conventional paper used in inkjet printing to produce glossy photographs.
- a computer 16 that has been loaded with a digital representation of the image or images to be printed controls the printer.
- the printed output passes from the inkjet printer and into a coater/laminator 20 .
- the printer and laminator generally have different operational speeds so a buffer 18 is disposed between the two.
- the buffer 18 serves to operatively connect the printer to the laminator by first accommodating the output from the printer and then handing the printer output off to the laminator.
- a protective laminate is applied to the printed surface of the photographic paper.
- the laminate is any suitable clear plastic 0.5 to 1.0 mil film that is applied to the printed surface of the paper.
- the paper and laminate then pass through a nip (not shown) that presses the two together, preferably with heat so the laminate is adhered to the image surface. Since the photograph is on glossy paper and both surfaces of the laminate are smooth, the result is a laminated, glossy finish photograph.
- the laminated structure passes into an embosser 22 . While not shown, there may be a buffer between the laminator 20 and the embosser 22 in cases where the two have different operational speeds.
- the embosser is selectively operated either to produce a glossy finish photograph or a photograph having a matte finish. Information as to whether to produce either finish of photograph is inputted to the computer 16 . The computer then controls the embosser as set out hereinbelow to produce the desired finish.
- the embosser 22 has an inlet 24 for receiving the laminated glossy finish print output 26 of the laminator.
- the print 26 includes a section of the photographic paper 14 including the inkjet-printed image and a section of laminate 15 disposed over the printed image and affixed to the paper.
- the inlet of the embosser connects to a guide track 28 .
- the guide track and pairs of spaced drive rollers 30 , 32 define a path of travel (indicated by a dotted line) through the embosser to an exit 34 .
- Other drive rollers 36 may be located adjacent the track to facilitate the transport of a laminated photograph from the embosser inlet 24 to the exit 34 .
- the spacing between pairs of drive rollers is small enough to accommodate the shortest photographic print delivered to the embosser.
- the embossing mechanism includes an embossing roller 40 located at one side of the path of travel.
- the roller or at least the outer surface 42 of the roller is made of metal or other material that can be heated and retains heat.
- the embossing roller is hollow and has a heating element 44 disposed in the hollow for heating the roller and more particularly, for heating the outer surface 42 .
- Any suitable heating device can be used including resistance or radiant heaters.
- the heater is a heating lamp incorporated into the embosser roller.
- a motor (not shown) drives the embossing roller.
- the outer surface 42 of the embossing roller is textured by any suitable means such as by chemical etching or mechanical operation that will provide the roller with a degree of roughness.
- the roughness preferably is greater than 100 micro inches and sufficient, given various factors as set out hereinbelow, to provide the print out put 26 of the laminator with a matte finish.
- the texture of the outer surface should be as random as possible with no sharp points.
- a pressure roller 46 having a resilient outer surface formed of a rubber or the like.
- the pressure roller is journaled to a lever arm 48 .
- the lever arm has a pivotally supported end 50 and a free end 52 wherein the pressure roller is journaled to the arm intermediate the supported and free ends 50 , 52 respectively.
- the lever arm is biased by a spring 54 or the like that urges the free end of the arm about its pivoted end 50 to the left or to a first position as viewed in FIG. 2. This creates a space 56 between the pressure roll 46 and the embossing roller 40 so as to maintain an open path of travel.
- the cam is selectively operated to drive the lever arm free end 52 to the right and to a second position as viewed in FIG. 2. This closes the space 56 and causes the pressure roll 46 to bear against and form a nip with the embossing roller 40 . Operation of the cam is under the control of the computer 16 so that the selective actuation of the cam to allow movement of the pressure roller between its first and second positions determines whether a glossy or matte finish photograph is produced as further set out hereinbelow.
- the operation of the embosser 22 begins by heating the embossing roller 40 .
- a proper operating temperature may vary depending upon the material of the laminate, the roughness of the surface 42 of the embossing roller and the pressure exerted at by the pressure roller.
- the embosser is in condition to receive an image from the coater/laminator 20 .
- the laminated glossy finish photograph 26 oriented with its laminated side positioned on the same side of the path of travel as the textured embossing roller 40 , enters the inlet 24 .
- the photograph is moved forward through a series of driven rollers, such as shown at 36 , 30 along the path of travel toward the embossing roller 40 .
- the path of travel is kept open by maintaining the pressure roller in the position as shown in FIG. 2. This keeps the path of travel open so the laminated glossy finish photograph is transported through the space 56 without contacting the embossing roller. In this fashion the glossy finish is not disturbed as the laminated glossy finish photograph passes through the exit 34 . Consequently, a glossy finish photograph moves through the embosser exit 34 .
- the computer 16 causes the operation of cam 58 .
- Operation of the cam causes the lever arm 48 to pivot to the right as shown in FIG. 2, which in turn causes the pressure roll 46 to create a nip between it and the heated embossing roller 40 .
- the print passes through the nip so the laminate side 15 is contacted and pressed against the heated embossing roller.
- the heat of the embossing roller softens the laminate 15 and this allows the textured surface of the embossing roller to modify the surface of the laminate by embossing the texture of the roller surface 42 into the laminate.
- the result of this operation is that light now will reflect off the laminate surface at a different rate giving it the appearance of a matte finish.
- the photograph passes to the exit 34 and a matte finish photograph is produced from the glossy print.
- FIG. 4 The resulting matte finish photograph is shown in FIG. 4.
- the glossy paper substrate 14 is overlaid with the laminate 15 and the laminate has its outer surface embossed.
- This provides the photograph with a matte finish wherein the matte finish is applied in situ to the photograph as opposed to an initial printing of the photograph on a matte finish paper.
- a glossy image is one that generates values of between 60 and 70 on a 20° reflectivity scale.
- an image having a matte finish is one considered to have reflectivity values generally below about 40 and preferably below about 10-26.
- the pressure at the nip and surface roughness of the embosser roller also are related in that the amount of force pressing on the laminated surface is directly proportional to the surface roughness of the embosser roll. Given the operational factors of the particular material used as the laminate, an acceptable range of parameters for the degree of surface roughness, the temperature of the embossing roll and the pressure applied are matters of design within the skill of the art.
- the present invention accomplishes its intended objects in providing a method and apparatus for producing either a glossy finish or a matte finish photograph from the same glossy print stock.
- the apparatus allows the photofinishing operator to selectively make either glossy or matte prints without the need to inventory both glossy and matte finish print paper.
Abstract
Disclosed is an embosser for producing matte finish photographs from a glossy finish photograph. The embosser receives a sheet of glossy prints as generated by an inkjet printer with a clear laminate over the print to protect the inkjet generated photographic image. Pressure and embossing rollers biased to spaced apart positions within the embosser are selectively operable to move one against the other to create a nip through which the laminated print passes. At the option of an operator the laminated print may be allowed to pass between the spaced apart rollers undisturbed thereby generating a glossy photograph. At the option of the operator the rollers are moved one against the other to create the nip so that passage of the print now results in an embossment of the lamination thereby producing a matte finish photograph. Also disclosed is a method for alternatively generating a glossy or matte finish print and a matte finished print wherein the matte finish is formed in situ.
Description
- This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/066,235 filed Feb. 2, 2002.
- Not applicable.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to a photofinishing operation. More particularly the invention relates to a photofinishing operation that is capable of producing either glossy or matte finished photographs
- 2. Description of Related Art
- In photofinishing operations it is conventional to develop and print photographs on roll stock photographic paper having a width that generally accommodates one size of print. After printing out a roll of photos on a strip of the roll stock, the strip is cut to provide the individual prints. Advancements in photofinishing allow for the production of photographs by inkjet printers, laser printers and other photofinishing printers including silver-halide systems that receive a digital input and employ conventional wet chemistry output. The use of computers in connection with these advancements allows for further improvement. For example, it is not necessary to use roll stock having the width of a desired finished photo. A photofinishing printer now can generate photos of various sizes on a single sheet of print media. Also the images can be manipulated to nest various image sizes on a single larger sheet. Accordingly, a sheet or roll stock of a single width can be used to generate prints of various sizes for a single customer order.
- However, a draw back of using an inkjet printer or the like in a photofinishing operation is that the resulting photographic images are subject to durability and fading problems. For example, the printed image can be eroded by abrasion. In order to improve print durability, of any inkjet printed image, it is known to apply a laminate to the printed surface. The resulting laminated photograph tends to take on the characteristics of the paper stock on which the image is printed. For example, the paper stock may have either a glossy or a matte finish and the laminated product will have a like finish.
- For a photofinisher to provide a customer with a choice of finishes (either matte or glossy), it has been necessary for the photofinishing operation to stock photographic papers of each finish and to switch papers as needed for a given customer order. Larger photofinishing operations may have several photofinishing machines wherein one of the machines is dedicated to producing photographs of a matte finish. However, rather than carry an inventory of various sizes of paper in each of the two finishes and taking the time to change the paper supply in response to a customer request for one type of finish or another, photofinishing operations generally do not offer the customer a choice of finishes. If a choice of finishes is offered, it generally is in connection with a special promotion.
- Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for producing both glossy and matte finished photographs from the same photographic paper stock.
- Another object is to provide an apparatus and method for converting a glossy photograph to one having a matte finish.
- Yet another object is to provide an apparatus and method for providing an inkjet printed image having a protective laminate in either a glossy or matte finish.
- Yet another object is to provide photograph inkjet printed on glossy paper yet having a matte finish.
- In the present invention a photofinishing system is provided wherein an inkjet printer generates the photographic images. The print medium preferably is a conventional glossy finish photographic paper. To protect the inkjet printed image, the printed sheet is fed to a laminator that applies a clear protective lamination over the printed image. In accordance with the present invention, the lamination then is selectively treated to provide it with a matte finish. This is accomplished by heating the lamination and embossing the heated laminate surface to apply texture. Light reflecting off of the embossed surface at different rates provides the appearance of a matte finish. In this fashion a photographic paper normally having a glossy finish is converted to a matte finish. If a glossy finish is desired, the laminated product is simply ejected from the laminator without embossing. Thus, at the option of the operator, the operation can produce photographs from the same glossy photographic stock that selectively has either a glossy or matte finish.
- Accordingly, the present invention may be characterized in one aspect thereof by an apparatus for producing a matte finish photographic print comprising:
- a) a laminator for applying a clear protective laminate over a photographic image having a glossy finish surface to produce a laminated glossy finish photograph;
- b) an embosser arranged to receive the laminated photograph and including means for moving the laminated photograph along a path of travel from an inlet to an exit; and
- c) an embossing roller arranged at one side of the path of travel, the roller having a textured outer surface and the clear protective laminate being selectively engaged against the embossing roller for embossing the laminate with a texture that produces a matte finish thereby selectively converting the glossy finish photograph to a matte finish.
- In another aspect the present invention may be characterized by a method for producing a matte finish photographic print comprising:
- a) providing a photographic image having a glossy finish surface;
- b) laminating a clear protecting laminate to the glossy finish surface to produce a laminated glossy finish photograph; and
- c) selectively embossing a textured pattern into the clear protective laminate to produce a laminated matte finish photograph.
- In still another aspect, the present invention may be characterized by a matte finish photograph comprising:
- a) a first layer comprising a sheet of photographic paper having a glossy finish surface and a printed image on the glossy finish surface to provide a glossy finish photograph;
- b) a second layer comprising a clear protective laminate applied to and extending over the printed image; and
- c) the laminate having a textured outer surface and the textured surface being formed in situ to provide the glossy finish photograph with a matte finish appearance.
- FIG. 1 shows a sequence of steps for producing a inkjet printed photograph according to the present invention;
- FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic illustrations of the apparatus for embossing a laminated photographic image in different operative positions; and
- FIG. 4 is a view showing, in cross section, a portion of a matte finish photograph in accordance with the present invention.
- Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows generally the sequence of steps for producing an inkjet printed photograph. In this respect the apparatus generally indicated at10 includes an
inkjet printer 12. The printer is fed from a continuous roll ofphotographic paper 14 that preferably is a conventional paper used in inkjet printing to produce glossy photographs. Acomputer 16 that has been loaded with a digital representation of the image or images to be printed controls the printer. The printed output passes from the inkjet printer and into a coater/laminator 20. The printer and laminator generally have different operational speeds so abuffer 18 is disposed between the two. Thebuffer 18 serves to operatively connect the printer to the laminator by first accommodating the output from the printer and then handing the printer output off to the laminator. - In the laminator, a protective laminate is applied to the printed surface of the photographic paper. The laminate is any suitable clear plastic 0.5 to 1.0 mil film that is applied to the printed surface of the paper. The paper and laminate then pass through a nip (not shown) that presses the two together, preferably with heat so the laminate is adhered to the image surface. Since the photograph is on glossy paper and both surfaces of the laminate are smooth, the result is a laminated, glossy finish photograph.
- From the coater/laminator, the laminated structure passes into an embosser22. While not shown, there may be a buffer between the laminator 20 and the embosser 22 in cases where the two have different operational speeds. The embosser is selectively operated either to produce a glossy finish photograph or a photograph having a matte finish. Information as to whether to produce either finish of photograph is inputted to the
computer 16. The computer then controls the embosser as set out hereinbelow to produce the desired finish. - As shown in FIG. 2, the embosser22 has an
inlet 24 for receiving the laminated glossyfinish print output 26 of the laminator. Theprint 26 includes a section of thephotographic paper 14 including the inkjet-printed image and a section oflaminate 15 disposed over the printed image and affixed to the paper. The inlet of the embosser connects to aguide track 28. The guide track and pairs of spaceddrive rollers exit 34.Other drive rollers 36 may be located adjacent the track to facilitate the transport of a laminated photograph from theembosser inlet 24 to theexit 34. The spacing between pairs of drive rollers is small enough to accommodate the shortest photographic print delivered to the embosser. - Arranged along the path of travel and preferably between the roller pairs30 and 32 is an embossing mechanism generally indicated at 38. The embossing mechanism includes an
embossing roller 40 located at one side of the path of travel. The roller or at least theouter surface 42 of the roller is made of metal or other material that can be heated and retains heat. Preferably the embossing roller is hollow and has aheating element 44 disposed in the hollow for heating the roller and more particularly, for heating theouter surface 42. Any suitable heating device can be used including resistance or radiant heaters. Preferably the heater is a heating lamp incorporated into the embosser roller. A motor (not shown) drives the embossing roller. - The
outer surface 42 of the embossing roller is textured by any suitable means such as by chemical etching or mechanical operation that will provide the roller with a degree of roughness. The roughness preferably is greater than 100 micro inches and sufficient, given various factors as set out hereinbelow, to provide the print out put 26 of the laminator with a matte finish. The texture of the outer surface should be as random as possible with no sharp points. - Located across the path of travel opposite the embossing roller is a
pressure roller 46 having a resilient outer surface formed of a rubber or the like. The pressure roller is journaled to alever arm 48. The lever arm has a pivotally supportedend 50 and afree end 52 wherein the pressure roller is journaled to the arm intermediate the supported and free ends 50, 52 respectively. The lever arm is biased by aspring 54 or the like that urges the free end of the arm about its pivotedend 50 to the left or to a first position as viewed in FIG. 2. This creates aspace 56 between thepressure roll 46 and theembossing roller 40 so as to maintain an open path of travel. It also maintains contact of thefree end 52 of the lever arm with amechanical cam 58. The cam is selectively operated to drive the lever armfree end 52 to the right and to a second position as viewed in FIG. 2. This closes thespace 56 and causes thepressure roll 46 to bear against and form a nip with theembossing roller 40. Operation of the cam is under the control of thecomputer 16 so that the selective actuation of the cam to allow movement of the pressure roller between its first and second positions determines whether a glossy or matte finish photograph is produced as further set out hereinbelow. - The operation of the embosser22 begins by heating the
embossing roller 40. A proper operating temperature may vary depending upon the material of the laminate, the roughness of thesurface 42 of the embossing roller and the pressure exerted at by the pressure roller. In any event when temperature is reached, the embosser is in condition to receive an image from the coater/laminator 20. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, the laminatedglossy finish photograph 26 oriented with its laminated side positioned on the same side of the path of travel as thetextured embossing roller 40, enters theinlet 24. The photograph is moved forward through a series of driven rollers, such as shown at 36, 30 along the path of travel toward theembossing roller 40. - If a glossy finish photograph is desired, the path of travel is kept open by maintaining the pressure roller in the position as shown in FIG. 2. This keeps the path of travel open so the laminated glossy finish photograph is transported through the
space 56 without contacting the embossing roller. In this fashion the glossy finish is not disturbed as the laminated glossy finish photograph passes through theexit 34. Consequently, a glossy finish photograph moves through theembosser exit 34. - If a matte finish photograph is desired, the
computer 16 causes the operation ofcam 58. Operation of the cam causes thelever arm 48 to pivot to the right as shown in FIG. 2, which in turn causes thepressure roll 46 to create a nip between it and theheated embossing roller 40. Now, when a laminated print reaches the embossing roller, the print passes through the nip so thelaminate side 15 is contacted and pressed against the heated embossing roller. The heat of the embossing roller softens the laminate 15 and this allows the textured surface of the embossing roller to modify the surface of the laminate by embossing the texture of theroller surface 42 into the laminate. The result of this operation is that light now will reflect off the laminate surface at a different rate giving it the appearance of a matte finish. The photograph passes to theexit 34 and a matte finish photograph is produced from the glossy print. - The resulting matte finish photograph is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the
glossy paper substrate 14 is overlaid with the laminate 15 and the laminate has its outer surface embossed. This provides the photograph with a matte finish wherein the matte finish is applied in situ to the photograph as opposed to an initial printing of the photograph on a matte finish paper. - It is generally understood that a glossy image is one that generates values of between 60 and 70 on a 20° reflectivity scale. In contrast, an image having a matte finish is one considered to have reflectivity values generally below about 40 and preferably below about 10-26.
- As noted above the various factors of temperature, pressure, the finish of the embossing surface and the particular material and thickness of the laminate are factors contributing to the production of a matte finish. For conventional plastic films used as photographic laminates as described herein, a temperature of the textured surface above 75° C. is too extreme as at this temperature, the laminate tends to delaminate from the print rather than be embossed. Conversely, a surface temperature of below about 50° C. appears to be too cold to accept texturing form the roller. Accordingly a temperature range of between 50° C. and 75° C. is considered an operable range.
- The pressure at the nip and surface roughness of the embosser roller also are related in that the amount of force pressing on the laminated surface is directly proportional to the surface roughness of the embosser roll. Given the operational factors of the particular material used as the laminate, an acceptable range of parameters for the degree of surface roughness, the temperature of the embossing roll and the pressure applied are matters of design within the skill of the art.
- Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the present invention accomplishes its intended objects in providing a method and apparatus for producing either a glossy finish or a matte finish photograph from the same glossy print stock. The apparatus allows the photofinishing operator to selectively make either glossy or matte prints without the need to inventory both glossy and matte finish print paper.
Claims (9)
1. A method for producing a matte finish photographic print comprising:
a) providing a photographic image having a glossy finish surface;
b) laminating a clear protecting laminate having smooth surfaces to the glossy finish surface to produce a laminated glossy finish photograph; and
c) selectively embossing a textured pattern into the clear protective laminate to produce a laminated matte finish photograph.
2. A method as in claim 1 comprising:
a) passing the laminated glossy finish photograph along a path of travel extending between a pressure roller and an embossing roller having a textured surface;
b) maintaining a space between the pressure roller and the embossing roller to prevent engagement of the embossing roller with the laminate so as not to disturb the glossy finish of the laminated glossy finish photograph;
c) selectively closing the pressure roller and the embossing roller one against the other so as to create a nip; and
d) passing the laminated glossy finish photograph through the nip to emboss a texture in the laminate and create a laminated matte finish photograph.
3. A method as in claim 2 comprising:
a) maintaining a space between the pressure roller and the embossing roller with a bias means urging the pressure roller in a direction away from the embossing roller; and
b) selectively moving the pressure roller against the bias and towards the embossing roller to create the nip between the pressure roller and the embossing roller.
4. A method as in claim 1 comprising providing the embossing roller with a textured surface having surface features at least 0.1 inches high.
5. A method as in claim 1 comprising heating the embossing roller.
6. A method as in claim 1 comprising maintaining the space between the pressure roller and the embossing roller to provide a photograph having a glossy finish that generates between 60 and 70 on a 20° reflectivity scale and selectively closing the pressure roller and the embossing roller one against the other to provide a photograph having a matte finish that generates values below about 40 on a 20° reflectivity scale.
7. A matte finish photograph comprising:
a) a first layer comprising a sheet of photographic paper having a glossy finish surface and a printed image on the glossy finish surface to provide a glossy finish photograph;
b) a second layer comprising a clear protective laminate applied to and extending over the printed image; and
c) the laminate having a textured outer surface and the textured surface being formed in situ to provide the glossy finish photograph with a matte finish appearance.
8. A matte finish photograph as in claim 7 wherein the matte finish generates values below about 40 on a 20° reflectivity scale.
9. A matte finish photograph as in claim 7 wherein the glossy finish photograph generates values of between 60 and 70 on a 20° reflectivity scale and the matte finish formed in situ generates values of below about 40 on a 20° reflectivity scale.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/853,810 US20040211520A1 (en) | 2002-02-02 | 2004-05-26 | Method and apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/066,235 US6769467B2 (en) | 2002-02-02 | 2002-02-02 | Apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article |
US10/853,810 US20040211520A1 (en) | 2002-02-02 | 2004-05-26 | Method and apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/066,235 Division US6769467B2 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2002-02-02 | Apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20040211520A1 true US20040211520A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 |
Family
ID=27658651
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/066,235 Expired - Lifetime US6769467B2 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2002-02-02 | Apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article |
US10/853,810 Abandoned US20040211520A1 (en) | 2002-02-02 | 2004-05-26 | Method and apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US10/066,235 Expired - Lifetime US6769467B2 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2002-02-02 | Apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article |
Country Status (4)
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US (2) | US6769467B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1487724B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4256784B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003066479A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080066632A1 (en) * | 2006-09-19 | 2008-03-20 | Reinhard Raueiser | Device for cutting and/or embossing a pre-cut blank or a material web |
US20130343792A1 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2013-12-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming device |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030126962A1 (en) * | 2002-01-04 | 2003-07-10 | Bland William E. | Digital photofinishing mehtod and apparatus |
US6912040B2 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2005-06-28 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp. | Photofinishers |
US20050236097A1 (en) * | 2004-01-21 | 2005-10-27 | Seiko Epson Corporation And Noritsu Kori Co., Ltd. | Method for protecting printed image and apparatus therefor |
US20100229738A1 (en) * | 2006-03-30 | 2010-09-16 | Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. | Emboss device |
EP2150407A4 (en) | 2007-05-08 | 2013-03-06 | Hunter Douglas Ind Switzerland | Multivariate color system with texture application |
US8827439B2 (en) * | 2012-08-20 | 2014-09-09 | Xerox Corporation | Self-cleaning media perforator |
US8814314B2 (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2014-08-26 | Xerox Corporation | Method and apparatus for control of gloss level in printed images |
CN111406027A (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2020-07-10 | 伊利诺斯工具制品有限公司 | Printing matte decorative surface bearing body |
US11787218B1 (en) * | 2023-02-14 | 2023-10-17 | Lightning Source LLC | Book cover embossing system and method |
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JPH0613193B2 (en) * | 1987-03-16 | 1994-02-23 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Method for laminating thermoplastic resin member |
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- 2003-01-27 EP EP03704038.3A patent/EP1487724B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-01-27 WO PCT/US2003/002433 patent/WO2003066479A1/en active Application Filing
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US3758970A (en) * | 1971-06-08 | 1973-09-18 | Maran Plastic Co | Photograph bearing identification card structure and method of manufacture |
US3871947A (en) * | 1973-01-15 | 1975-03-18 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate film having a surface suitable for writing thereon |
US4305768A (en) * | 1978-04-10 | 1981-12-15 | John F. Lontz Associates, Inc. | Laminating process for producing high fidelity color prints |
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US20080066632A1 (en) * | 2006-09-19 | 2008-03-20 | Reinhard Raueiser | Device for cutting and/or embossing a pre-cut blank or a material web |
US20130343792A1 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2013-12-26 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image forming device |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP1487724B1 (en) | 2016-07-06 |
JP4256784B2 (en) | 2009-04-22 |
WO2003066479A1 (en) | 2003-08-14 |
JP2005516807A (en) | 2005-06-09 |
US6769467B2 (en) | 2004-08-03 |
EP1487724A4 (en) | 2007-01-03 |
EP1487724A1 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
US20030148067A1 (en) | 2003-08-07 |
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Legal Events
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |