WO1997033752A1 - Procede de transfert d'une image d'ordinateur numerisee - Google Patents

Procede de transfert d'une image d'ordinateur numerisee Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1997033752A1
WO1997033752A1 PCT/US1996/015698 US9615698W WO9733752A1 WO 1997033752 A1 WO1997033752 A1 WO 1997033752A1 US 9615698 W US9615698 W US 9615698W WO 9733752 A1 WO9733752 A1 WO 9733752A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
image
medium
ink
transferring
type printer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/015698
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dennis B. Brooker
Original Assignee
Brooker Dennis B
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Brooker Dennis B filed Critical Brooker Dennis B
Priority to AU73825/96A priority Critical patent/AU7382596A/en
Publication of WO1997033752A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997033752A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/025—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet
    • B41M5/0256—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein by transferring ink from the master sheet the transferable ink pattern being obtained by means of a computer driven printer, e.g. an ink jet or laser printer, or by electrographic means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C1/00—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects
    • B44C1/16—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like
    • B44C1/165—Processes, not specifically provided for elsewhere, for producing decorative surface effects for applying transfer pictures or the like for decalcomanias; sheet material therefor
    • B44C1/17—Dry transfer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the art of applying printed images to objects and specifically to the use of an ink type printer for transferring a computer image onto a target object using an intermediate medium.
  • Printers to be attached to computers generally are either a laser type printer or an ink type printer.
  • the laser type printers use heat to bond a toner to the surface of the medium, typically paper, passing through the printer.
  • the ink type printer selectively spray the inks onto the medium, again typically paper, passing through the printer. Both types of printers are capable of high resolution in the order of 600- 1200 dots per inch or better. Some types of printers, especially laser types, are capable of a resolution which is much higher.
  • the other printing processes In order to print upon a medium which will not pass through a computer printer, one of the other previously mentioned printing processes must be used.
  • the other printing processes also have their own disadvantages which include additional time and cost. This is especially true in the initial stages of the printing process known as the set-up. If the quantity of objects to be printed is sufficiently large, the increased investment of time and resources for set-up may, and most likely will, warrant the use of one of the traditional printing processes. However, if the quantity of objects to be printed is small, the high initial set-up investment may make overall printing cost per object too high.
  • An additional drawback to the traditional printing processes and the high set ⁇ up investment is that it makes it impractical to view how the printed object will look prior to the time when the process is ready for mass production. In other words, the printing processes make it very difficult to make corrections or adjustments after viewing the first printed object because the initial set-up investment already has been made and a significant duplication of that investment would be required to make any changes.
  • the present invention relates generally to the art of applying printed images to objects and specifically to the use of an ink type printer for transferring a computer image onto a target object using an intermediate medium.
  • the present invention consists of a process wherein a digitized image is selected on a computer device for printing on an ink-type printer. The image is printed onto a non-absorbent medium such as transparency film for use with a laser type printer. The side of the first medium which receives the ink image is the front side. The film is then applied to a second medium and pressure is applied to the back of the first medium such that the ink image is substantially transferred to the second medium.
  • the pressure used to transfer the ink image from the first medium to the second medium can be accomplished by burnishing, rollers, stamps or any other means of applying pressure which provides for a substantial vertical pressure applied to the back side of the first medium.
  • a high density transferred image can be accomplished by repeating the process one or more times with care being given to precisely overlay the ink images.
  • the second medium can be comprised of virtually any material such as wood, plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, acrylic, vinyl, self-adhesive vinyl, paint, paper, cardboard.
  • the second medium surface must be suitable for receiving the ink image. If the surface of the second medium is not naturally suitable, it may need to be prepared either by marring or by applying an appropriate substrate. The preparation of the surface need only be in the portion of the surface which is to receive the ink image.
  • a sealant can be applied over the transferred image to protect the ink image.
  • Various types of ink can be used in the ink type printer including water soluble ink, non-water soluble ink, high pigment density ink, and ink with sealant.
  • Sources for images to be selected on the computer include the use of a scanner, the use of a digital camera, downloading an image from a remote source (such as a disk or network), and creating a new image on the computer.
  • a remote source such as a disk or network
  • the image Prior to printing the selected computer image, the image can be manipulated. Manipulation of the image can include adjusting brightness, colors, orientation, size background, foreground, shape and various other visual effects.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide an image transferring process which allows for the use of a computer and ink type printer to print and transfer an image onto virtually any surface.
  • Fig. 1 is a flow chart for a method of image transfer detailing the various steps of the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is a block diagram detailing the steps and methods used in surface preparation
  • Fig. 3 is a block diagram detailing the various methods of selecting a digitized image
  • Fig. 4 is a block diagram detailing the various ways in which the digitized image can be manipulated
  • Fig. 5 is a block diagram detailing the various types of ink which can be used in the printer.
  • Fig. 6 is a block diagram detailing the various methods of transferring the image to a second medium.
  • FIG. 1 a flow chart diagram of the image transferring method (10) of the present invention is shown.
  • a general discussion of the process will be discussed followed by a more detailed discussion of the various steps.
  • the first step of the image transferring method of the present invention is to prepare the surface (12) of the object or item which ultimately is to receive the image. This step (12) may not always be necessary and will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the image to be transferred must be selected on a computer (14).
  • the image is manipulated or modified on the computer (16).
  • the two most common types of image manipulation (16) are reversing the image and adjusting the brightness of the image.
  • the image is printed onto a non-absorbent medium (18), such as a film transparency made for use with a laser type printer, hereinafter referred to as "laser transparency film.”
  • a non-absorbent medium such as a film transparency made for use with a laser type printer, hereinafter referred to as "laser transparency film.”
  • the printing on the laser transparency film is done, however, utilizing an ink type printer connected to the computer. Using a laser type printer will not work with the present invention.
  • the printer must be of the type which essentially sprays the ink or inks onto the medium passing through the printer.
  • the laser transparency film also known as the transfer medium, includes a front side and a back side.
  • the ink image is positioned on the front side of the transparency film.
  • Using a non- absorbent medium allows the ink image to remain on the surface of the transfer medium. It may sound unusual and surprising that a laser transparency film is being used in an ink type printer, but despite warnings not to do this on at least the 3M brand of laser transparency films, that is precisely what is being done in this case. This process will work even if the laser transparency film is made to be opaque.
  • Other smooth non-absorbent mediums (18), besides laser transparency film can also be used.
  • the transparency film made for ink type printers hereinafter called "ink transparency film” having a solution on one surface cannot be used in this process unless the smooth, back side is used, contrary to the instructions on the transparency package which warns against reversing the transparencies. Reversing the ink transparency film may, however, cause the ink type printer to malfunction and that is why the use of laser transparencies are used as a preferred embodiment.
  • the transparency film, or transfer medium, with the ink image on the front side is then placed front side down onto the object or item, also called the target object, which is to receive the image.
  • the image is then substantially transferred (20) from the transfer medium to the target object by applying pressure on the back side of the transparency film.
  • the transparency film is then carefully removed from the target object.
  • the target object is then inspected to see if the image is satisfactory (22). If the image is not satisfactory, then the image may be removed from the target object (24). Removal of the image typically only requires that the target object be washed with water because most of the inks used in ink type printers are water soluble. If the image is acceptable the image is allowed to dry. If it is determined that another image should be applied (26), the steps of printing the image (18) and transferring the image (20) are repeated. Applying another image is essentially just applying another coat of ink which provides for brighter and more defined colors in the image. When all of the images have been transferred and dried, a sealant can be applied (28). The type of sealant is dependent upon the type of material used as the target object.
  • the sealant provides a layer of protection as well as providing the opportunity to select various finished looks such as flat, semi-gloss, gloss and satin.
  • Krylon #1312 spray also referred to as KAMAR Varnish, available from Krylon Products Group, Specialty
  • the surface of the target object may need to be prepared.
  • the surface of the target object In order to properly receive the ink image, the surface of the target object must either be absorbent or porous, or sufficiently abrasive. All target object surfaces must be clean (32) and dry (33). Whether the surface of the target object needs additional preparation depends upon the type material of which the medium is made.
  • the target object, or second medium is made of a material such as wood, paper, cardboard or another similarly absorbent material
  • the surface need not be prepared other than to be clean (32) and dry (22).
  • the target object is made of a material such as plastic, glass, acrylic, metal, vinyl, self-adhesive vinyl, or another similarly non-absorbent, smooth material
  • the surface must be prepared such that it will properly receive the ink image. Obviously, it is only necessary to further prepare the portion of the surface which will actually receive the ink image.
  • One method of preparing the surface is to roughen or mar the surface (34) of the target object. By roughening or marring the surface of the target object, the surface will become abrasive and will then properly receive the ink image.
  • One method of marring the surface is sand blasting (35). In the preferred method of the present invention, the marring occurs using a 150 grit aluminum oxide in the sand blasting process.
  • Another method of marring the surface is to use sand paper (36).
  • Still another method of marring the surface is to use an emery cloth or emery board (37).
  • a still further method is burnishing the surface with a rough roller.
  • a suitable substrate is any substrate that will adhere to the surface of the target object and is sufficiently absorbent, porous, or abrasive such that it will properly receive the ink image.
  • the substrate is transparent and provides for a slightly abrasive surface after applied.
  • Another common but excellent substrate is latex paint. Different colors of latex paint can be utilized to add another visual dimension to the transferred image. Referring now to Fig. 3, the various sources of images to be selected (14) are shown. Prior to printing an image, it must either be acquired or created.
  • An image can be acquired from many sources including the use of a scanner (42), the use of a digital camera (44) or by downloading an image (46) from another source such as a disk, hard drive, cd-rom, application program or network.
  • An image can also be created (48) on the computer using any one of the many word processing, graphics, paint, draw programs available or virtually any other program which allows the user the option of printing. When the image is actually selected, it need not necessarily be viewed.
  • Fig. 4 the various methods of manipulating an image (16) are shown. Many of the programs discussed above are capable of performing the following manipulations. As discussed above, the two most common manipulations are brightness adjustment (50) and reversal of the image (51). Adjusting the brightness of the image (50) can be done for visual effect but is more often used to lighten the image. By lightening the image, less ink is sprayed onto the transfer medium. If too much ink is used on the transfer medium, the risk of having the image smear as it is transferred onto the target object is increased. It is better to apply two thinner coats of ink than to apply one heavy coat. Reversal of the image (51) is used simply so that the image will be correctly oriented after the image is transferred from the transfer medium to the target object. This is absolutely necessary when the image to be transferred includes text.
  • brightness adjustment 50
  • reversal of the image (51) is used simply so that the image will be correctly oriented after the image is transferred from the transfer medium to the target object. This is absolutely necessary when the image to be
  • alignment guides can be added outside of the image which can be used to help align images when multiple coats are applied.
  • Alignment guides can be virtually any shape but in a preferred embodiment comprise to small dots on opposite side of the image.
  • a sampling of the various types of inks which can be used in the printing step (18) of the present invention are shown.
  • the printer used in the printing step (18) mustbe an ink type printer which sprays out the ink such as printers which use Hewlett Packard InkJet Cartridges or Canon BubbleJet Cartridges.
  • the inks used in ink type printers are in liquid form (64) and are water soluble (65).
  • a high pigment density ink (67) could be used. This type of ink would allow for brighter colors without the need of applying a heavy coat or multiple coats.
  • ink with a higher viscosity such as an ink in gel form
  • two other types of ink may be used to reduce the need for applying the sealant coat in the final step.
  • a non-water soluble ink could be used which is less likely to deteriorate without a protective sealant.
  • an ink with an included sealant (68) could be used. These types of inks would self seal as they dry. It is even possible that these inks could be washed off prior to the time they dry but before becoming permanent after drying.
  • These two types of ink greatly enhance the method of the present invention when the material of the target object is cloth which is difficult to seal.
  • Fig. 6 the types of pressure which can be applied during the transfer process (20) are shown.
  • the application of pressure to the back side of the transfer medium greatly assists in the substantial transfer of the image from the transfer medium to the target object, essentially another medium.
  • the important aspect of applying pressure is that it must be substantially vertical or perpendicular to the transfer medium. Applying pressure which tends to slide across the transfer medium will likely cause the ink image to smear.
  • the preferred method of applying pressure (70) is by using a burnishing tool (72). Rollers (75) and stamps (76) can also be used to apply pressure.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un procédé perfectionné de transfert d'une image numérisée d'ordinateur. On sélectionne une image numérisée à imprimer sur une imprimante à jet d'encre, l'image étant stockée sur un ordinateur. Avant d'imprimer l'image, il est possible de la manipuler de diverses manières sur l'ordinateur. On imprime l'image sur un support non absorbant associé à l'imprimante à jet d'encre. On transfert ensuite l'image du support non absorbant sur l'objet où l'on souhaite placer l'image. On applique une pression sur l'arrière du support non absorbant de façon à faciliter le transfert de l'image. Avant de transférer l'image formée par l'encre, on peut préparer la surface de l'objet en la recouvrant d'une couche de laque brillante ou en y appliquant un substrat approprié.
PCT/US1996/015698 1996-03-12 1996-09-30 Procede de transfert d'une image d'ordinateur numerisee WO1997033752A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU73825/96A AU7382596A (en) 1996-03-12 1996-09-30 Method for transferring a digitized computer image

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US61550396A 1996-03-12 1996-03-12
US08/615,503 1996-03-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997033752A1 true WO1997033752A1 (fr) 1997-09-18

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PCT/US1996/015698 WO1997033752A1 (fr) 1996-03-12 1996-09-30 Procede de transfert d'une image d'ordinateur numerisee

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AU (1) AU7382596A (fr)
WO (1) WO1997033752A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999012743A1 (fr) * 1997-09-12 1999-03-18 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Procede de transfert d'image
FR2774943A1 (fr) * 1998-02-18 1999-08-20 Gerard Georges Edouard Albin Procede destine a imprimer a partir d'un ordinateur des copies monochromes ou couleurs en petite ou moyenne serie par duplication par solvant, notamment de l'alcool et systeme mettant en oeuvre un tel procede
US6764725B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2004-07-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Ink fixing materials and methods of fixing ink
US6974609B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2005-12-13 Engle Lori P Media for cold image transfer

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL7809199A (nl) * 1978-09-08 1980-03-11 Stork Brabant Bv Werkwijze en inrichting voor het bedrukken van mate- riaal via het transferprocede.
US4342614A (en) * 1981-03-03 1982-08-03 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Pressure applicator for graphic transfer
US4373984A (en) * 1980-07-16 1983-02-15 Voorwood Company Machine for applying transfer foil to a shaped edge of a substrate
US4380874A (en) * 1978-05-15 1983-04-26 Scott Machine Development Corporation Sign-making method
US4681034A (en) * 1983-03-21 1987-07-21 Herbert Schulzen Process for printing a substrate by the hot-transfer printing method
US4842613A (en) * 1987-11-27 1989-06-27 Terence Brook Purser Technique for printing disperse dyes on glass or ceramic surfaces
EP0509829A1 (fr) * 1991-04-18 1992-10-21 Acushnet Company Encre d'imprimerie pour balles de golf
EP0535718A2 (fr) * 1986-04-11 1993-04-07 Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil pour former des images sur un objet
US5248363A (en) * 1990-07-09 1993-09-28 Nathan Hale Transfer media produced by a thermal transfer printing process
EP0657309A1 (fr) * 1993-12-02 1995-06-14 Cookson Matthey Print Limited Procédé pour la production de feuilles de transfert
US5486228A (en) * 1992-07-31 1996-01-23 Binney & Smith Inc. Washable color changing compositions

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4380874A (en) * 1978-05-15 1983-04-26 Scott Machine Development Corporation Sign-making method
NL7809199A (nl) * 1978-09-08 1980-03-11 Stork Brabant Bv Werkwijze en inrichting voor het bedrukken van mate- riaal via het transferprocede.
US4373984A (en) * 1980-07-16 1983-02-15 Voorwood Company Machine for applying transfer foil to a shaped edge of a substrate
US4342614A (en) * 1981-03-03 1982-08-03 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Pressure applicator for graphic transfer
US4681034A (en) * 1983-03-21 1987-07-21 Herbert Schulzen Process for printing a substrate by the hot-transfer printing method
EP0535718A2 (fr) * 1986-04-11 1993-04-07 Dai Nippon Insatsu Kabushiki Kaisha Appareil pour former des images sur un objet
US4842613A (en) * 1987-11-27 1989-06-27 Terence Brook Purser Technique for printing disperse dyes on glass or ceramic surfaces
US5248363A (en) * 1990-07-09 1993-09-28 Nathan Hale Transfer media produced by a thermal transfer printing process
EP0509829A1 (fr) * 1991-04-18 1992-10-21 Acushnet Company Encre d'imprimerie pour balles de golf
US5486228A (en) * 1992-07-31 1996-01-23 Binney & Smith Inc. Washable color changing compositions
EP0657309A1 (fr) * 1993-12-02 1995-06-14 Cookson Matthey Print Limited Procédé pour la production de feuilles de transfert

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6153038A (en) * 1996-03-12 2000-11-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for transferring an image from a first medium to a second medium at ambient temperature
WO1999012743A1 (fr) * 1997-09-12 1999-03-18 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Procede de transfert d'image
EP1127710A1 (fr) * 1997-09-12 2001-08-29 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Méthode de transfert d'image
FR2774943A1 (fr) * 1998-02-18 1999-08-20 Gerard Georges Edouard Albin Procede destine a imprimer a partir d'un ordinateur des copies monochromes ou couleurs en petite ou moyenne serie par duplication par solvant, notamment de l'alcool et systeme mettant en oeuvre un tel procede
WO1999042297A1 (fr) * 1998-02-18 1999-08-26 Albin Gerard Procede d'impression de copies en serie limitee, et dispositif d'impression mettant en oeuvre ledit procede
US6764725B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2004-07-20 3M Innovative Properties Company Ink fixing materials and methods of fixing ink
US6974609B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2005-12-13 Engle Lori P Media for cold image transfer
US7005162B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2006-02-28 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods of fixing ink

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Publication number Publication date
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