U.S. patent application number 10/853810 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-28 for method and apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and article.
Invention is credited to Dennis, Scott Matthew, Escobedo, Sergio.
Application Number | 20040211520 10/853810 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27658651 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040211520 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Escobedo, Sergio ; et
al. |
October 28, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for applying a matte finish to photographs and
article
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.
Inventors: |
Escobedo, Sergio; (San
Diego, CA) ; Dennis, Scott Matthew; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Pamela R. Crocker
Patent Legal Staff
Eastman Kodak Company
343 State Street
Rochester
NY
14650-2201
US
|
Family ID: |
27658651 |
Appl. No.: |
10/853810 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10853810 |
May 26, 2004 |
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10066235 |
Feb 2, 2002 |
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6769467 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
156/368 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J 11/46 20130101;
B41J 15/005 20130101; B65H 35/0006 20130101; B41J 11/70 20130101;
Y10T 156/1737 20150115; G03D 15/06 20130101; B65H 2220/01 20130101;
Y10T 156/1023 20150115; Y10T 156/1039 20150115; B65H 2511/10
20130101; B65H 2511/10 20130101; B41J 11/68 20130101; Y10T 156/1741
20150115; Y10T 428/24355 20150115; B41J 11/663 20130101; B65H
2555/30 20130101; Y10T 156/1734 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
156/368 |
International
Class: |
G03G 015/20; G05B
001/00; B32B 031/00 |
Claims
Having described the invention in detail, what is claimed as new
is:
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.degree. 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.degree. 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.degree. 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.degree. reflectivity scale and the matte finish formed in situ
generates values of below about 40 on a 20.degree. reflectivity
scale.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
10/066,235 filed Feb. 2, 2002.
REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING"
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] 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
[0005] 2. Description of Related Art
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] Another object is to provide an apparatus and method for
converting a glossy photograph to one having a matte finish.
[0011] 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.
[0012] Yet another object is to provide photograph inkjet printed
on glossy paper yet having a matte finish.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] 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.
[0014] Accordingly, the present invention may be characterized in
one aspect thereof by an apparatus for producing a matte finish
photographic print comprising:
[0015] 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;
[0016] 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
[0017] 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.
[0018] In another aspect the present invention may be characterized
by a method for producing a matte finish photographic print
comprising:
[0019] a) providing a photographic image having a glossy finish
surface;
[0020] b) laminating a clear protecting laminate to the glossy
finish surface to produce a laminated glossy finish photograph;
and
[0021] c) selectively embossing a textured pattern into the clear
protective laminate to produce a laminated matte finish
photograph.
[0022] In still another aspect, the present invention may be
characterized by a matte finish photograph comprising:
[0023] 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;
[0024] b) a second layer comprising a clear protective laminate
applied to and extending over the printed image; and
[0025] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0026] FIG. 1 shows a sequence of steps for producing a inkjet
printed photograph according to the present invention;
[0027] FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic illustrations of the apparatus
for embossing a laminated photographic image in different operative
positions; and
[0028] FIG. 4 is a view showing, in cross section, a portion of a
matte finish photograph in accordance with the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] 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 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] From the coater/laminator, 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.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, 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.
[0033] Arranged along the path of travel and preferably between the
roller pairs 30 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 the outer 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 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. Preferably the heater
is a heating lamp incorporated into the embosser roller. A motor
(not shown) drives the embossing roller.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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
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. It also maintains contact of the free end 52
of the lever arm with a mechanical cam 58. 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.
[0036] 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. 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 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.
[0037] 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 the exit 34. Consequently, a glossy
finish photograph moves through the embosser exit 34.
[0038] If a matte finish photograph is desired, 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. Now, when a laminated print reaches the
embossing roller, 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] It is generally understood that a glossy image is one that
generates values of between 60 and 70 on a 20.degree. 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.
[0041] 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.degree. 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.degree. C. appears to be too cold to accept texturing form the
roller. Accordingly a temperature range of between 50.degree. C.
and 75.degree. C. is considered an operable range.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
* * * * *