GlossmarkTM technology:: Digital printing beyond color

Glossmark(TM) image is a high contrast optical variable differential gloss image. Glossmark(TM) technology is the printing process that enables the simultaneous creation of high quality color graphics and striking Glossmark(TM) images in a single printing step. Its digital implementation has been demonstrated with electrostatic printing without the need of a special paper or toner. Glossmark(TM) technology utilizes the angular dependence of image gloss to create a differential-gloss image through the modulation of halftone structures. Both the primary and the embedded Glossmark(TM) image can be distinctively viewed from different perspectives with little interference. With its optical variable appearance, the Glossmark(TM) image breaks the limitation of current color reproduction systems. It naturally enables a print to reproduce/simulate the look and feel of many objects whose appearances strongly depend on the illumination and observation directions. The highly decorative visual effect of Glossmark(TM) images can be used to add significant appeal to an ordinary document. This implies better attentions to marketing materials, which in return would attract and more audiences. Creative combination of the primary images and the embedded Glossmark(TM) images can make a print quite entertaining. New applications and market segments can emerge from this new capability. Well-designed quality Glossmark(TM) images are also very difficult to copy making it ideal for document authentication.