Innovation, bright idea from Xerox improves document security
Published July 3, 2007 at 3:22 pm · Filed under Fax / MFP
Xerox scientists have invented a way of making fluorescent marks using conventional toner that will enable users of its colour production printers to embed documents with marks that remain invisible until exposed to ultra-violet light.
Xerox scientist Reiner Eschbach demonstrates how an ultraviolet light can reveal hidden words and figures
The solution is based on a special combination of toners and the fluorescent brightening agents used in the manufacture of paper. Xerox colour scientists discovered certain combinations of toner that would selectively allow the paper’s inherent fluorescence to shine through when exposed to ultraviolet light. Based on this insight, they developed a technology that uses the contrast to ‘write’ fluorescent letters and numbers.
Because the marks can be made without fluorescent ink, there are no extra costs for special inks and no additional steps required during printing. Users can embed the security feature as a normal part of their printing process.
“What amazes people about the new technology is that we can create fluorescent writing on a digital printer without using fluorescent ink,” said Reiner Eschbach, a research fellow in the Xerox www.xerox.com/innovation
