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Business Printing Technologies Report August 2000 |
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ANSI Standard on Check "Image Readiness"
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| Figure 1 • "AOI" - Areas of Interest (and CAR area) |
The new standard applies to the entire face of the check. The new requirements focus on accurate scanning and binary conversion of handwriting from "areas of interest" (AOI), namely the Date, Payee, Legal Amount, and Signature areas. Although these ANSI AOIs, which are shown in Figure 1, relate to the structured personal check format, business checks, with their varied designs, are expected to conform in principle by applying the same criteria. For example, the legal amount area (amount spelled-out in words), wherever it may be on a business check, should conform to assure the expected performance from bank imaging systems. Business checks are also at issue because of their larger physical size causing huge image files if they don't conform to ANSI criteria for background clutter. Background clutter can consist of extraneous ink, offset ink that does not drop out when scanned, or any other unwanted marks. While the ANSI standard is voluntary, most banks are gearing up for conformance to ANSI X9.7 1999 by January 1, 2001, which is the date published in the standard. Many banks have published the date in check specification orders, however, the standard is voluntary, not regulation, so account holders are free to use up existing check stocks after January 1, 2001.
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| Figure 2 • Background Clutter Measurement by Paxel Count |
In order to measure handwriting scanability in these areas and sort out extraneous marks from handwritten characters, a new ANSI measuring tool was developed called a paxel. ANSI defines a paxel as "a group of black pixels in a binary image measuring .010" x .010" square, that is the smallest dark area of background clutter that has been determined to affect the legibility of handwritten data on checks. A related term, "paxel count" refers to the "number of of contiguous paxels that, when joined in any shape, line or combination can create a background clutter problem to affect the legibility of handwritten data on checks" (See Figure 2). These parameters have been specified as means to predict legibility and assure that information will be human readable in databases of stored check images. Reflectance is specified as "not less than 40%", averaging all pixels in all possible 1/8" square areas. The background clutter allowed on the AOI is specified as a "maximum paxel count of 12".
Overall image legibility has been found, in a study by an ANSI sub-group, to be jeopardized by 1) low reflectance of background and by 2) background clutter left in binary images after drop out of portions of the background design. (See the check images in Figure 3.) Low reflectance causes low contrast and unintended dropout of vital information, while high contrast background patterns cause random background clutter to remain in binary images that renders handwriting ambiguous. Background clutter is measured by creating a binary image of the AOI, then converting it from grayscale to black-and-white using an ANSI defined process, and then measuring the clusters of black pixels (paxel count) which remain after conversion. See Figure 2 for an example of paxel strings. The image-based measuring process visually shows which inks are causing low reflectance and background clutter, down to the pixel level, so that the check designer and printer can rearrange graphic features or modify the background for compliance.
Testing Devices
The new standard also specifies, in detail, the design of an image-based test device and the required image processing algorithms to perform these new ANSI measurements. This allows any company interested in testing equipment to manufacture and supply test equipment. Providing this detail results in no unfair advantages of one company over another.
 Original Check  Greyscale Image  Areas of Interest Analysis  Stored Binary Image Figure 3 • Progression of Original Check To Stored Binary Image Check Images Copyright Clarke American Checks, Inc. On A Lark® Design Copyright 2000 Kevin Whitlark |
For testing purposes, a scanner is used to convert a check into a binary image. The test device then tests for ANSI conformance for background reflectance and paxel count in the AOIs. A display shows a binary image like the one in Figure 3, which simulates the bank image equipment, giving an indication of what a bank image of the check will look like. This allows for overall evaluation of the esthetic appeal and general usability of a binary image resulting from a particular check design. More advanced devices will calculate the image file size to indicate the storage requirements of such a design. Electronic storage size has become a major issue as banks want to store as many images as possible on a CD, or transmit them via Internet to clients.
The new standard resulted from considerable research over three years by the ANSI workgroup, which included representatives from all the key players in the check processing industry. Hundreds of check images from current industry reader-sorters were evaluated to determine just where the threshold of human legibility of handwriting lay relative to check background. As we move into the future, ANSI X9.7 (1999) will be the guide to image-ready check design. The electronic age of checks is upon us as financial institutions continue to adopt image processing to automate data entry, truncate checks, convert to image statements, replace microfilm with image archival, and move to image exchange with other banks.
Editors note:
RDM Corp is the primary supplier of equipment for this particular test. The measuring device RDM produces is called the Image Qualifier IQ-X97, and is approved by the ANSI Standard. However, for more information, contact Peter Hanna of RDM at address below.
Peter Hanna
RDM Corporation
519-746-8483 X224
peterh@rdmcorp.com
www.rdmcorp.com
The new ANSI standard can be purchased at http://web.ansi.org/public/std_info.html.
Invisible Bar Codes and Markings
LOOKING AT BAR CODES IN A DIFFERENT LIGHT
Bar codes have become so common over the past decade that it is difficult to find a consumer product without the familiar marking. They have proven to be a reliable and inexpensive solution for applications where items need to be automatically identified. In addition, the proliferation of computers from inexpensive micro-controllers to supercomputers has made it possible to store and manage vast amounts of information quickly, easily and reliably. Today we are capturing all kinds of data-everything from the usage of materials, inventory of stock, to the consumption of personal goods, and bar code technology plays a key role in these.
The first attempts to introduce bar code labels on grocery packages were met with resistance from many product manufacturers. The reason: a substantial impact on product appearance. Even while facing obvious economical benefits, it still took many years for UPC to appear on everything in a retail store. As UPC has evolved, retail package design has defaulted to placing the codes where they are scannable, but also least visible. The issue begs the question-can bar codes become completely unobtrusive? Is it possible to create a bar-coding system that is readable by machine and aesthetically pleasing at the same time? When you consider the possibilities of invisible bar codes, the answer is yes.
While the history of inconspicuous handwriting for concealed communications goes back centuries, research into high-tech methods of printing invisible ink is ongoing. The latest work on invisible bar codes focuses on the use of microscopic particles called near-infrared fluorophores (NIRFs).
NIRFs are invisible to the naked eye but can be seen with a properly tuned scanner. This tuning involves only modest modifications of currently available scanners. This is important because, with simple modification, a laser scanner can read a bar code printed with ink that contains NIRFs. The first attempts at invisible bar code employed fluorescent ink and a customized scanner along with a ultraviolet (UV) light source to read the code. The UV light sources required by these older units were considerably more cumbersome and expensive than the laser light sources in the NIRF scanners. Today, with thousands of scanners in use, the use of the old fluorescent codes is impractical due to the effort and expense it would require to add new equipment and make it work with an existing system. Moreover, NIRFs operate in a light range where there is considerably less interference than there is with ultraviolet light. That is, many label and paper substrates have significant activity in the UV region of the spectrum whereas few have any activity in the near infrared region of the spectrum.
Invisible codes are of particular interest to package printers, but there are many other applications that can also benefit from hidden codes. Components, parts, and materials being assembled in production lines can be marked with invisible bar codes and marks. Parts can be verified, graded, and sorted depending on the information carried by invisible markings. Incoming packages can be inspected for invisible codes to determine authenticity. As pirated and counterfeited products become more of a problem, product authentication grows as a primary application for invisible marks and bar codes.
How Invisible Technology Works
Before we discuss invisible technology, a brief explanation of the visual spectrum is in order. The wavelengths of light that humans see is called the visual spectrum, which is a small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The portions of light in the electromagnetic spectrum we cannot see include other kinds of light you've heard of-namely ultraviolet and infrared light.
Human eyes can see ink on paper because ink absorbs visible light differently than the material (such as paper) the message is printed on. When white light illuminates paper with red ink printed on it, the ink absorbs all wavelengths except those that belong to the red portion of the spectra (from about 600 to 700 nm). The eye picks up the reflected light from the inked image and registers it as being red because it does not have other components of white light absorbed by the ink.
NIRFs are invisible because they operate in the infrared region of the spectrum which is not visible to the human eye. Further, the fluorophores are so sensitive that a very small concentration is very effective. These low concentrations are possible because of the sensitivity of the fluorophores and that this region of the spectrum is less "cluttered." For example, in the UV region of the spectrum, there are numerous interferences from such sources as paper fibers, other ink components, and whiteners which have been added to the paper.
NIRFs aren't just for application to paper. They have been successfully applied to: plastic, metal, rubber, fabric, film, wood, concrete, and laminates. Books, magazines, newspapers, pharmaceutical and cosmetic containers, computer chips, certificates, checks, coupons, compact disks, audio tapes, computer software, designer clothing, and fashion accessories are all potential applications for invisible codes.
Making Invisible Inks and Coatings
The addition of fluorophores makes an invisible ink readable by a scanner. So how are they added to ink?What kinds of inks are they added to? NIRFs can be ordered in liquid or powdered format to suit most print needs and can be mixed in with most inks. For flexography, which uses mostly water-based inks, water based NIRFs are used. For solvent-based systems, like the kind you would find in a high-speed ink jet printer, liquid solvent NIRFs are added to the existing ink. For lithographic, letterpress or gravure, NIRF powders are available that can be mixed into the ink.
For 100% covert printing of invisible markings, NIRFs are added to a clear base that will not produce sheen or gloss the way a varnish or UV coating would. For authentification applications, NIRFs can be used as a "marker" and added to any ink, colored or not, and still be detectable. NIRFs can also be added to any varnish, dull, matte or gloss. Manufacturers can add NIRFs to thermal transfer inks before they are coated on a ribbon. They can even add NIRFs to the inks used in desktop ink jet or bubble jet printers. This is one of the advantages of NIRFs-that they can be detected whether they are printed using clear ink or mixed in with a color. This unique aspect opens a creative door to designers looking for unusual and covert ways of verifying genuine products.
Printed NIRF images can remain stable for 1-2 years under normal office lighting. However, as with most printing, it all depends on the application. If the invisible image is not exposed to much light, it can last a long time. If the image is exposed to sunlight, it is less effective and lasts a shorter amount of time.
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| Figure 4 • Handheld Detector Photo courtesy of VL Engineering |
Reading NIRFs
Once a system is in place for reading and decoding images, any symbology can tap the power of invisible codes. As with any type of bar code, NIRF codes can be read by fixed position or hand-held scanners. Cameras used to track and sort parts by bar code, such as those installed on a production line, can also read NIRF codes. In
addition, handheld detectors, such as the one shown in Figure 4 are available
that show a positive or
negative indicator for the
presence or absence of NIRFs. Some scanners can read codes containing
NIRFs without any modification. However, most scanners will need slight modifications. To find out how
to modifya particular model or
make, contact www.isotag.com or www.vlengineering.com
Applications
The potential applications for invisible coding are great, and the technology has hardly been tapped. The primary engineers of the technology, Isotag and VL Engineering are looking for creative uses for invisible codes. Currently, the following applications are being developed:
- High-speed automation for printing, publishing, sorting, inserting, packaging, or distribution
- In-process control for highly automated manufacturing assembly lines or product use
- Quality control of products and processes during manufacturing and packaging
- Inventory management and control
- Authentication (use of proprietary marking to prevent or deter fraud, counterfeiting, product substitution, or diversion)
- Machine vision for control of robotic processes
The landscape is wide open for new applications. If you would like to discuss ideas or potential applications, contact:
Lal PearceIsotag Technology, Inc.
13899 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 205
North Miami Beach, FL 33181
Phone: 305-341-3540
Fax: 305-341-3542
www.isotag.com
Email: info@isotag.com
Vadim Laser
VL Engineering V.L. Engineering, Inc.
11256 Cornell Park Drive, #512
Cincinnati, OH 45242
Phone: (513) 489-6853
Fax: (513) 489-7988
www.vlengineering.com
Vadim@vlengineering.com
Graphics used in this article courtesy of Isotag Technology, Inc.
Digital Directions
The race is on! Digital Presses for 2000 and Beyond
As an addendum to the extensive Drupa coverage given in the June 2000 issue of BPTR, the following chart shows all digital color presses shown at Drupa, and their specifications.
| MANUFACTURER |
MODEL |
TYPE |
MAXIMUM PAPER SIZE |
MAXIMUM COLORS |
IMAGE RESOLUTION |
RATED SPEED 4 COLORS |
NOTES |
| APRION DIGITAL LTD. www.aprion.com |
DPS-65 | IJ | 65" web | 6 | 600 dpi | 6.2 fpm | A-1 |
| BELCOM NORTH AMERICA LLC www.belcomcorp.com |
BEL 2000 | IJ | 63" x 102" | 6 | 600 dpi | 1-2 spm | B-1 |
| CANON CORPORATION www.usa.canon.com |
CLC 1000 | EP | 12" x 18" | 4 | 400 dpi | 31 ppm | |
| ELCORSY TECHNOLOGY INC. www.elcorsy.com |
ELCO 400 | EC | 18" web | 4 | 400dpi | 400 fpm | |
| INDIGO www.indigonet.com |
e-Print Pro™ + TurboStream™ UltraStream™ UltraStream™ 4000 Publisher™ 4000 Publisher™ 8000 Omnius MultiStream™ Omnius WebStream™ Omnius WebStream™ 100 Omnius WebStream™ 200 Omnius WebStream™ 400 Photo e-Print™ |
EP EP EP |
12.6" x 18.2" 12.6" x 18.2" 12.6" x 18.2" 12.6" x 18.2" 12.6" web 12.6" web 12.6" x 18.2" 12.6" web 12.6" web 12.6" web 12.6" web 12.6" x 18.2" |
4 6 7 7 7 7 6 6 7 7 7 4 |
800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi 800 dpi |
34 ppm 34 ppm 68 ppm 136 ppm 136 ppm 272ppm 34 fpm 25 fpm 52 fpm 105 fpm 210 spm 11 spm |
I-1
I-1 |
| NEXPRESS SOLUTIONS, LLC www.nexpress.com |
NexPress 2100 | EP | 13.8" x 18.5" | 4 | 600 dpi | 70 ppm | N-1 |
| OCE PRINTING SYSTEMS www.oce.com |
3125 C | EP | 12" x 18" | 7 | 600 dpi | 25 ppm | |
| SCITEX DIGITAL PRINTING www.versamark.com |
VersaMark™ | IJ | 20" web | 4/4 | 300 dpi | 325/500 fpm | |
| XEIKON N.V. www.xeikon.com |
CSP 320 D DCP 32D/320D DCP 50D/500D DCP 320S DCP 500SP SCP 500SF |
EP EP EP EP EP EP |
12.6" x 18.5" 12.6" web 20.0 web 13.0 web 20.0 web 20.0 web |
4/4 4/4 4/4 5 4 5 |
600 dpi 600 dpi 600 dpi 600 dpi 600 dpi 600 dpi |
32 ppm 70/130 ppm |
X-1 X-1 X-1 X-2 X-2 X-2 |
| XEROX CORPORATION www.xerox.com |
DocuColor 40 DocuColor 2045 DocuColor 2060 |
EP EP EP |
12" x 18.5" 12.6" x 19.2" 12.6" x 19.2" |
4 4 4 |
400 dpi 600 dpi 600 dpi |
40 ppm 45 ppm 60 ppm |
TYPE:
EP – Electrophotographic
IJ – Ink jet
EC – Elcography ® electrochemical process
RATED SPEED:
ppm – Pages (8" x 11" images) per minute
spm – Sheets per minute (maximum size)
fpm – Lineal feet/minute
NOTES:
A-1 – Web press for wall coverings with Aprion ink jet heads; marketed in U.S. by Digital Printing Systems subsidiary of Polytex Corp. (digitalprintingsystems.com)
B-1 – Flatbed digital carton press with Aprion ink jet heads
I-1 – 2 print engines in line, single side or duplex printing
I-2 – 4 print engines in line, single side or duplex printing
I-3 – Rated speed equals 99 - 4" x 6" prints/minute, 9-up on each sheet
I-4 – Some Indigo digital press models are also sold by the following companies: A.B. Dick, Datacard Wordwide, Koenig & Bauer AG (KBA), Litho Development & Research (LDR) and Gallus
N-1 – NexPress Solutions is a new company formed by Eastman Kodak and Heidelberg
X-1 – 8 color stations printing 4 over 4 colors simultaneously
X-2 – Label and packaging press designed for printing on one side of the web
X-3 – Some Xeikon-engine digital presses are also sold by the following companies: Canopy LLC (Xeikon N.V. and Prime Source Corporation joint venture), IBM, MAN Roland, Nilpeter and Xerox.
TRADEMARKS: All trade names and trademarks used to identify products and models in this chart are the property of the respective suppliers.
iPrint.com and IKON Enter the E-Copy Shop Market
iPrint.com (NASDAQ: IPRT), an online print shop and print infrastructure provider located at www.iPrint.com, has entered the document photocopying market. To support the new online copy shop service across the country, iPrint has teamed up with a major player in the digital printing industry - IKON Office Solutions (NYSE: IKN).
Because of time and freight concerns, having geographical representation in major business centers is critical for success in this market. The IKON partnership gives iPrint access to a major digital printing network. The program will encompass the top 30 business markets, among them New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Boston. However, the initial rollout will focus on nine corporate markets. The advantages to the alliance are clear for iPrint-they are tapping a company that has a wide range of the the latest digital printing equipment. With the alliance, iPrint and IKON are attempting to redefine copying and printing services for corporate customers, joining iPrint's Internet front-end with IKON's digital production and distribution network.
According to iPrint, customers can get price quotes, upload a variety of document types, and proof their job online at the iPrint Web site. iPrint then routes the copy job to the IKON digital printing facility nearest the customer, where their job is printed and delivered. The "print-on-demand" market is the fastest growing area in the printing industry, according to CAP Ventures. Royal Farros, CEO of iPrint.com, points out that their strategy will "focus on the high-volume portion of black & white and color digital copying where we think we can bring the most compelling alternative to the traditional process in terms of convenience and cost." "With the mass proliferation of laser and color inkjet printers, we think people service their own lower-end copy needs rather easily these days."
iPrint also provides private-labeling technology to the commercial and quick printing marketplace, a custom quote service for specialized high-volume print jobs, sign and banner creation and production, and a small office/home office self-service print shop offering standard business printed products.