Obscuring residual images on print ribbons
US10744806B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB41M2205/30
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Techniques are described for obscuring residual images on print ribbons that have been used to print on plastic cards in order to prevent access to sensitive or personalized data appearing in the residual images. An image is printed on a retransfer film using the print ribbon, thereby creating a residual image of the printed image on the print ribbon. The retransfer film is then used to obscure some or all of the residual image on the print ribbon by transferring ink from the section of the print ribbon containing the residual image onto the retransfer film. In some embodiments, obscuring the residual image on the print ribbon occurs before the printed image on the retransfer film is transferred to the plastic card.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.