Glossmark image simulation with application of background modified gloss effect image

A tangible computer readable program product which includes instructions, which when executed on a computer, perform a method comprising:

• based on a provided background image, forming a mask in which regions of mid-tone gray level are accentuated;
• for a provided gloss effect image configured for controlling the selective application of first and second halftones to the background image for creation of a differential gloss image when the background image is printed, muting the provided gloss effect image to form a muted gloss effect image;
• applying the mask to the muted gloss effect image to generate a background modified muted gloss effect image;
• and
• applying the background modified muted gloss effect image to the background image to generate a representation of the differential gloss image.

A system for simulating a differential gloss image comprising:

• a preview image generator which executes instructions stored in associated memory for:
• reading a background image and a gloss effect image, the gloss effect image being configured for controlling the selective application of first and second halftones to the background image for creation of a differential gloss image when the background image is printed;
• forming a mask based on the background image in which regions of mid-tone gray level are accentuated;
• applying an edge effect filter to the gloss effect image to form a filtered gloss effect image;
• applying the mask to the filtered gloss effect image to generate a background modified filtered gloss effect image;
• and
• applying the background modified filtered gloss effect image to the background image to generate a representation of the differential gloss image.

A method of simulating a differential gloss image comprising:

• providing a background image with a preview image generator;
• forming a mask based on the background image which accentuates regions of mid-tone gray level;
• providing a binary gloss effect image configured for providing a differential gloss watermark in the background image when two different halftone structures are applied in accordance with the binary gloss effect image;
• applying the mask to image data derived from the binary gloss effect image to form a background modified gloss effect image;
• and
• with a preview image generator, applying the background modified gloss effect image to the background image to simulate the differential gloss image which would be generated if the two different halftone structures were to be applied in accordance with the binary gloss effect image, the simulation enabling a viewer to identify regions of the background image in which the differential gloss watermark would be more apparent than in other regions if the halftone structures were to be applied.