JP2008040366A - Image recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording medium having a simple structure, capable of high contrast display with low power consumption, and capable of repeating image recording and erasing. <P>SOLUTION: The image recording medium 1 has a plurality of pixels 3 arranged in a matrix shape on a transparent substrate 2. One side of a light shielding photo-bendable film 5 is fixed on the top of a supporter 4 vertically disposed in a grid shape along the periphery of each pixel 3. Until an image is recorded on the image recording medium 1, the photo-bendable film 5 extends parallel to the transparent substrate 2 and each pixel 3 is in the initial state in which it cannot transmit light. When predetermined pixels 3 in the initial state are irradiated with light of a first wavelength which bends the photo-bendable film 5, the photo-bendable films 5 in the irradiated pixels 3 bend and transmission of light is allowed to record an image. When the image is erased, the pixels 3 are irradiated with light of a second wavelength which restores the photo-bendable film 5 to the original state, whereby all the pixels 3 are restored to the initial state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording medium such as electronic paper that can repeatedly record and erase images.

  In recent years, image recording media such as so-called electronic paper capable of recording and erasing information have been actively developed as flexible image display devices having non-volatility. Such electronic paper is bistable in two states, a particle moving type that switches the display color by moving white and black particles in the front and back direction of the substrate by an electric field, and a light transmission or reflection state. A cholesteric liquid crystal type utilizing the properties of special liquid crystal molecules has entered the practical stage.

  However, in the particle movement type or cholesteric liquid crystal type electronic paper, electric energy such as voltage is used for recording and erasing information as described above. Therefore, an active element such as an electrode and a TFT (thin film transistor), a circuit for supplying power to the element, and a power source are required on the substrate side, and the structure of the recording medium becomes complicated. In addition, since some medium such as particles or liquid crystal is present in the light transmitting portion, there is a problem that the contrast with the non-transmitting portion is lowered.

  Thus, a method for recording and erasing information with low power consumption and a simple structure has been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optical functional element using a photochromic material whose refractive index reversibly changes by light irradiation. Patent Document 2 discloses a recording apparatus and a recording method in which a photochromic sheet having different absorption spectra is used as a recording medium between an irradiated portion irradiated with light and a non-irradiated portion not irradiated with light. Patent Documents 3 and 4 disclose a photoresponsive film that is reversibly bent and restored by light irradiation, and describes that it can be used for an optical element and a display element.

However, even in the methods of Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a limit to increasing the display contrast because the display portion (image) and the non-display portion (background portion) are distinguished by the difference in refractive index. Patent Documents 3 and 4 did not describe any specific usage method or usage example of the photoresponsive film.
JP 2000-47270 A JP 2003-186142 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-256031 JP 2005-255805 A

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording medium having a simple structure, low power consumption, and capable of high contrast display.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a flexible transparent substrate, and light-shielding columns are formed in a grid along the periphery of the pixels. Each of the pixels has a light-shielding light-flexible film partially fixed to the tip of the film, and a transparent flexible protective layer covering the surface of the light-flexible film is provided. By irradiating a predetermined pixel with light having a first wavelength that causes the film to bend along the support column, a light transmission region and a light shielding region are formed, and an image is recorded. This is an image recording medium that can be restored to an initial state in which image recording has been erased by irradiating light of a second wavelength that is expanded to a state.

  Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate, grid-like pillars are formed along the periphery of the pixels, and a light-shielding property in which a part is fixed to the tip of the pillars. An image recording medium is provided with a light flexible film for each pixel, and the image can be recorded and erased by reversibly bending and restoring the light flexible film in accordance with the wavelength of the irradiated light.

  According to the present invention, in the image recording medium configured as described above, the light-flexible film is bent downward along the support column.

  According to the present invention, in the image recording medium configured as described above, the support column is formed of a light shielding material.

  In the image recording medium having the above-described structure, the present invention is characterized in that a transparent protective layer covering the surface of the light-flexible film is provided.

  According to the present invention, in the image recording medium having the above-described configuration, the transparent substrate, the support column, and the protective layer are formed of a flexible material.

  According to the present invention, in the image recording medium configured as described above, the light-flexible film is formed by mixing another resin material into a photochromic material.

  According to the present invention, in the image recording medium having the above structure, the light-flexible film is formed by laminating a film formed of a photochromic material and a film formed of another resin material.

  According to the first configuration of the present invention, a flexible image recording medium capable of repeatedly recording and erasing an image by reversibly bending and restoring the light-flexible film along the support column. In addition, a high-contrast image is recorded only by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength only during image recording and erasing, and electric energy is not required for image display. Further, the light-shielding column prevents light leakage to adjacent pixels and enables accurate display. Since the light-flexible film is covered with a transparent protective layer, the surface of the medium can be smoothed, and adhesion of dust and dirt to the light-flexible film and the pixels can be prevented.

  Further, according to the second configuration of the present invention, it is possible to repeatedly record and erase an image by using reversible bending and restoration of the light flexible film by light energy. In addition, a high-contrast image is recorded only by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength only at the time of recording and erasing the image, and electric energy is not required for maintaining the recorded image.

  Further, according to the third configuration of the present invention, in the image recording medium of the second configuration, the light-flexible film is bent downward along the support so that the light-flexible film after being bent is a pixel. There is no risk of blocking the light path that passes through the light.

  According to the fourth configuration of the present invention, in the image recording medium having the second or third configuration, the support column is formed of a light-shielding material, thereby preventing leakage of irradiation light to adjacent pixels. Thus, high-definition images can be recorded.

  According to the fifth configuration of the present invention, in the image recording medium having any one of the second to fourth configurations, the medium surface is provided by providing a transparent protective layer that covers the surface of the light-flexible film. Smooth and effectively protect the light flexible film from dust and dirt. In addition, the entry of dust and dirt into the pixel is prevented, and a decrease in light transmittance of the pixel is suppressed.

  Further, according to the sixth configuration of the present invention, in the image recording medium of the fifth configuration, the transparent substrate, the support column and the protective layer are formed of a flexible material, so that it can be folded and curved. This is a flexible image recording medium that can be installed along the line.

  Further, according to the seventh configuration of the present invention, in the image recording medium having any one of the first to sixth configurations, the photochromic material is mixed with another resin material to form a light-flexible film. Further, it is possible to prevent deterioration of the recorded image by adjusting the reactivity of the light-flexible film due to room light.

  According to the eighth configuration of the present invention, in the image recording medium having any one of the first to sixth configurations, a film formed of another resin material is bonded to a film formed of a photochromic material. By forming the light bendable film, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of the recorded image by room light by adjusting the reactivity of the light bendable film.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a partial plan view of the image recording medium of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a partial sectional view of the image recording medium (cross section AA ′ in FIG. 1A). In the image recording medium 1, a plurality of rectangular pixels 3 are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate 2. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 1 shows only five pixels in the row direction or column direction of the matrix.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the support columns 4 are erected in a lattice pattern along the periphery of each pixel 3, and one side of the light-shielding light-flexible film 5 is fixed to the tip of the support column 4. Reference numeral 6 denotes a transparent protective layer for protecting the surface of the image recording medium 1, and is laminated on the light-flexible film 5. This protective layer 6 is not fixed to the surface of the light flexible film 5, and the light flexible film 5 can be freely bent downward. In FIG. 1A, the protective layer 6 is not shown.

  Before the image is recorded on the image recording medium 1, the light-flexible film 5 extends in parallel with the transparent substrate 2 as shown in FIG. 1, and each pixel 3 is in a state where it cannot transmit light (initial state). ing. When light of a predetermined wavelength (hereinafter referred to as a first wavelength) for bending the light flexible film 5 to the predetermined pixel 3 is irradiated from this initial state, the light flexible film 5 in the irradiated pixel 3 is bent. Thus, a light transmission region 9 (see FIG. 3) is formed, and an image can be recorded in combination with the light shielding region 10 (see FIG. 3) where no light is irradiated. When erasing the recorded image, all pixels 3 are initialized by irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength (hereinafter referred to as a second wavelength) that restores the light flexible film 5 to its original state. Return to the state.

  The material of the support 4 is not particularly limited, and a material such as metal or resin can be used as appropriate. However, when the support 4 is formed of a transparent material, the first wavelength from the adjacent pixel 3 is recorded when an image is recorded. May leak and bend up to the light-flexible film 5 of the pixel 3 to be a light-shielding region. Therefore, it is preferable to form the support column 4 with a light shielding material.

  As the material of the photoflexible film 5, a photochromic material that can be trans-cis photoisomerized or ring-opened-closed photoisomerized in response to light having a predetermined wavelength is used. A compound having an azobenzene structure with a long wavelength and a large change in molecular shape due to isomerization is preferably used. When the photoflexible film 5 is formed using a material having an azobenzene structure, the first wavelength is about 300 to 400 nm, and the second wavelength is about 500 to 650 nm on the longer wavelength side than the first wavelength.

  As the transparent substrate 2 and the protective layer 6, a glass plate, a transparent resin plate such as acrylic, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, polyethylene terephthalate, a transparent resin sheet, or the like is used, but a flexible transparent resin sheet is used. Further, it is preferable that the support column 4 is also formed of a flexible material because it is a flexible image recording medium that can be folded and bent, which improves portability and allows the image recording medium to be mounted on a curved surface. In addition, the transparent substrate 2 and the protective layer 6 on the light-irradiated side are made of a material that does not absorb light of the first and second wavelengths so as not to affect the bending and restoring properties of the light-flexible film 5. It is preferable to do.

  Next, a method for recording and erasing an image on the image recording medium of the present invention will be described. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a method of recording an image on an image recording medium, FIG. 3 is a partial plan view and partial cross-sectional view of the image recording medium showing a state in which an image is recorded, and FIG. 4 is recorded on the image recording medium. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows the method of erasing the acquired image. When recording an image on the image recording medium 1, first, a masking sheet (original) 7 in which the light transmitting portion 7 a and the non-transmitting portion 7 b are patterned according to the image to be recorded is created. As the masking sheet 7, for example, a desired image printed on a transparent sheet such as an OHP sheet with a light-shielding ink or toner is used.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the image recording medium 1 is irradiated from the transparent substrate 2 side with the light 8 having the first wavelength for bending the light-flexible film 5 through the masking sheet 7. Thereby, in the pixel 3 overlapping the light transmitting portion 7a of the masking sheet 7, the light flexible film as shown in FIG. 3 by the light 8 of the first wavelength sequentially transmitted through the light transmitting portion 7a and the transparent substrate 2. 5 is bent inward along the support column 4 so that light can be transmitted.

  On the other hand, in the pixel 3 overlapping the non-transmissive portion 7b, the light 8 having the first wavelength does not reach the light bendable film 5, and the light bendable film 5 remains stretched. Is done. Therefore, the image recording medium 1 is divided into the light transmitting area 9 and the light shielding area 10 according to the pattern of the light transmitting portion 7a and the non-transmitting portion 7b, and a predetermined image is recorded on the image recording medium 1.

  Even when the light-flexible film 5 is bent to form the light transmission region 9, the light-flexible film 5 remains as a part of the outline of the pixel 3 for the thickness of the support column 4. When the color difference between the support 4 and the light-flexible film 5 is large, the support 4 is preferably thinner because the light transmission region 9 is conspicuous as vertical or horizontal stripes. Further, when the tip of the light flexible film 5 reaches the transparent substrate 2 when the light flexible film 5 is bent, the light transmittance of the pixel 3 is lowered, so that the height of the support 4 is the amount of protrusion of the light flexible film 5 from the support 4. It is preferable that it is more than the above, that is, the interval between the columns 4.

  When it is desired to erase the image recorded on the image recording medium 1, as shown in FIG. 4, the second wavelength light 11 for restoring the light-flexible film 5 is emitted from the transparent substrate 2 side to the image recording medium 1. Irradiate. As a result, the light-flexible film 5 that has been bent along the support column 4 is again expanded to the original state, and the light-transmitting area 9 becomes all the light-shielding area 10 so that the image recording medium 1 can record a new image. Return to the initial state.

  With the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to record and erase images using reversible bending and restoration of the light flexible film 5 by light energy. Therefore, only the electric energy for irradiating light of a predetermined wavelength is consumed only at the time of recording and erasing the image, and no electric energy is required to maintain the recorded image. Therefore, the image recording medium can be repeatedly recorded and erased.

  In addition, since an image is recorded by a combination of a light transmission region 9 capable of transmitting almost 100% of light and a light shielding region 10 capable of completely blocking light, high contrast can be achieved without using a light source for image display such as a backlight. A clear image with a wide viewing angle can be recorded. 2 and 4, the first wavelength light 8 and the second wavelength light 11 are irradiated from the transparent substrate 2 side, but may be irradiated from the protective layer 6 side.

  As a light source for irradiating light of the first and second wavelengths, a semiconductor laser (LD) or a light emitting diode (LED) that emits light of a desired wavelength may be used, or a light source that emits visible light and visible light. Among them, a combination of a color filter that transmits only light having a desired wavelength may be used. In the case of a combination of visible light and a color filter, it is preferable that the color filter can be switched because light of the first and second wavelengths can be selectively irradiated with one light source.

  Specifically, the image recording medium 1 is placed on a light emitting surface formed in the size of the image recording medium 1 via a masking sheet 7, and the light emitting surface is turned on to record and erase an image. A type light, a scanner type light that moves along the image recording medium 1, a hand light that is manually scanned by the user, and the like are conceivable.

  FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing another method for recording an image on the image recording medium of the present invention. In FIG. 5, a light transmission part and a non-transmission part are formed using a transmission type liquid crystal panel 12 instead of the masking sheet 7. The liquid crystal panel 12 has a liquid crystal 12b sealed between two glass substrates 12a facing each other. Here, when no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecule major axis is aligned perpendicularly to the substrate surface to display black. A so-called vertical alignment type normally black method is used in which the liquid crystal major axis is tilted in a direction parallel to the substrate surface and white display 13b is obtained by applying a voltage. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the transparent electrode, TFT, etc. which are arrange | positioned at the glass substrate 12a.

  That is, in the pixel 3 overlapping the black display 13 a of the liquid crystal panel 12, the light 8 having the first wavelength does not reach the light flexible film 5 and the light flexible film 5 remains stretched. Sex is preserved. On the other hand, in the pixel 3 overlapping the white display 13b, the light-flexible film 5 is bent in the direction of the arrow along the column 4 by the light 8 having the first wavelength sequentially transmitted through the liquid crystal panel 12 and the transparent substrate 2. As a result, light can be transmitted.

  Therefore, by applying a voltage only to a predetermined liquid crystal cell in the liquid crystal panel 12, a black display 13a and a white display 13b are formed in a predetermined pattern on the liquid crystal panel 12, and the image recording medium 1 has a black display 13a and a white display. According to the pattern of the display 13b, it is divided into a light transmission region 9 and a light shielding region 10, and a predetermined image is recorded as shown in FIG. The method for erasing the image is the same as that shown in FIG.

  In this case, since the pattern of the black display 13a and the white display 13b can be freely changed by controlling the image signal transmitted to the liquid crystal panel 12, it is possible to quickly switch images without preparing a separate masking sheet 7. Therefore, it is particularly suitable when used for an advertisement display medium or the like whose display is switched every predetermined time. Further, as the light source, a panel type light or a scanner type light as described above can be used, and a liquid crystal module provided with a light source capable of irradiating the first and second wavelengths as a backlight of the liquid crystal panel 12 can also be used.

  Furthermore, by using a color liquid crystal module capable of color display, the wavelength of light to be irradiated can be controlled for each pixel, so that image erasure and new image recording can be performed simultaneously, and the display switching time Can be further shortened.

  In the above embodiment, the light bendable film 5 is bent along the support column 4, but the operation of the light bendable film 5 is not limited to this as long as the light transmission region 9 can be formed. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the light-flexible film 5 may be designed so as to be wound up, or by overlapping a plurality of resins having opposite bending directions, as shown in FIG. In this way, it may be designed to shrink in the direction of the column 4.

  However, in the case of FIGS. 6A and 6B, a part of the light flexible film 5 may block the light transmission region 9, and the light flexible film 5 may be in the surface direction of the image recording medium 1. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a gap between the light flexible film 5 and the protective layer 6. Therefore, it is more preferable that the light bendable film 5 is bent along the support column 4.

  Moreover, there is no restriction | limiting in particular in the light intensity at the time of irradiating the light of the 1st wavelength and the 2nd wavelength, What is necessary is just to set suitably according to the photoresponsiveness of the photoflexible film 5, but a photoflexible film If the photoresponsiveness of 5 is too high, the image recorded by the light of the first and second wavelengths contained in the normal room light may be altered or erased. Therefore, by reducing the reactivity of the light-flexible film 5, an image recording medium that holds an image for a long period of time is obtained.

  As a method for reducing the reactivity of the light bendable film 5, a method for increasing the thickness of the light bendable film 5 or a general-purpose plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene is added to the photochromic material forming the light bendable film 5. As a method, or as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a method using a photoflexible film 5 in which a photochromic film 14 and a general-purpose plastic film 15 are bonded to each other can be used.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the image recording medium of this invention is demonstrated. 8A to 8E are partial cross-sectional views showing the manufacturing process of the image recording medium of the present invention. An example of the manufacturing process of the image recording medium of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), a light shielding layer 16 made of metal or resin is formed on the transparent substrate 2, and then the light shielding layer 16 is patterned to form a lattice shape as shown in FIG. 8 (b). The support column 4 is formed. As the patterning method, for example, etching or the like is used when the light shielding layer 16 is a metal layer formed by sputtering, and photolithography is used when the light shielding layer 16 is formed of an ultraviolet curable resin.

  Next, as shown in FIG.8 (c), the transparent substrate 2 in which the support | pillar 4 was formed was turned upside down, and it affixed on the light-flexible film 5 with an adhesive agent or heat melting. Then, as shown in FIG. 8D, lattice-shaped slits 17 along the outline of each pixel 3 are put in the light flexible film 5, and the light flexible film 5 is divided into pieces for each pixel 3. As a method for inserting the slit 17, for example, cutting with a laser beam is used. Finally, as shown in FIG. 8 (e), the image recording medium 1 is manufactured by laminating the protective layer 6 on the light flexible film 5 side.

  9A to 9C are partial cross-sectional views showing other manufacturing steps of the image recording medium of the present invention. In this manufacturing process, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), first, a photochromic material is poured into a mold to form a light-flexible film 5, and a lattice is formed at a predetermined position on the light-flexible film 5 by a light shielding material. A column-shaped support 4 is formed integrally. At this time, if a rib for forming a slit is provided in the mold, the slit 17 can be formed simultaneously.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9B, the transparent substrate 2 is pasted to the tip of the support column 4 formed on the photoflexible film 5 by an adhesive or heat melting. Finally, as shown in FIG. 9C, the image recording medium 1 is manufactured by laminating the protective layer 6 on the light-flexible film 5 with the transparent substrate 2 side down.

  When the manufacturing process of FIG. 9 is used, the number of steps can be reduced as compared with the method of FIG. 8 and a cutting facility using a laser beam is not required. Therefore, the image recording medium 1 can be manufactured easily and at low cost. Can do.

  The image recording medium of the present invention is suitably used as electronic paper capable of repeatedly recording characters and images. Specific uses include, for example, personal electronic paper for carrying e-mails and electronic newspapers that do not need to be printed on paper, and advertisement display media provided on trains, station platforms, and store walls. Can do. In particular, when used as an advertisement display medium, if a light source for image recording / erasing and a liquid crystal panel serving as a masking sheet are installed on the back side of the image recording medium, the display can be rewritten every predetermined time, Since power is consumed only during rewriting, the advertisement display medium has high contrast and low power consumption.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, the size of the pixels 3 arranged in a matrix is appropriately set according to the use of the image recording medium 1. When used for displaying large advertisements installed in stores and stations, one side of the pixel 3 may be about 1 to several centimeters. When used as high-resolution electronic paper, one side is 1 to several mm. It should be a degree.

  In addition, the manufacturing process of the image recording medium 1 is not limited to the exemplified method, and the support 4, the light bendable film 5, the protective layer 6, and the like are formed by appropriately combining conventionally known film forming techniques and patterning methods. can do. For example, in the case where one side of the pixel 3 is about several centimeters, an image recording medium can be manufactured by attaching the light-flexible film 5 cut into a predetermined size one by one to each column 4.

  In the present invention, a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a transparent substrate, lattice-like pillars are formed along the peripheral edges of the pixels, and light-shielding light bending is partially fixed on the upper surface of the pillars. Low power consumption and high contrast, which can be repeatedly recorded and erased using reversible bending and restoration of a light flexible film according to the wavelength of the irradiated light. Is used for electronic paper for recording and carrying information such as e-mails and drawings, and for advertisement display media provided on the train, on the train platform, on the outer wall of the store, etc. be able to.

  Further, since the support columns are formed of a light shielding material, unnecessary light does not leak to adjacent pixels, and an image recording medium capable of precise recording is obtained. Furthermore, by providing a transparent protective layer that covers the surface of the light flexible film, the light flexible film is effectively protected from dust and dirt, and the entry of dust and dirt into the pixel is prevented. An image recording medium excellent in durability capable of maintaining a high light transmittance is obtained.

  Further, since the transparent substrate, the support column, and the protective layer are formed of a flexible material, the image recording medium is improved in portability and flexibly deformed so that it can be mounted on a curved surface.

  Also, it is formed by mixing other resin materials into the photochromic material, or by forming a photoflexible film by bonding a film of another resin material to the photochromic material film, so that the response to light can be adjusted. Thus, the recorded image can be an image recording medium excellent in handling property that does not deteriorate due to room light.

These are the partial top view and partial sectional drawing which show the structure of the image recording medium of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the method of recording an image on an image recording medium. These are the fragmentary sectional views of the image recording medium which show the state where the image was recorded. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the method of erasing the image recorded on the image recording medium. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the other method of recording an image on the image recording medium of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the other operation example of the light-flexible film used for the image recording medium of this invention. These are sectional drawings which show the structural example of the light-flexible film used for the image recording medium of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the manufacturing process of the image recording medium of this invention. These are the fragmentary sectional views which show the other manufacturing process of the image recording medium of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image recording medium 2 Transparent substrate 3 Pixel 4 Prop 5 Light-flexible film 6 Protective layer 7 Masking sheet 7a Light transmission part 7b Non-transmission part 8 First wavelength light 9 Light transmission area 10 Light-shielding area 11 Second wavelength Light 12 Liquid crystal panel 13a Black display 13b White display 14 Photochromic film 15 General-purpose plastic film 16 Light shielding layer 17 Slit

Claims (8)

In an image recording medium in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a substrate,
The substrate is a flexible transparent substrate, and on the transparent substrate, light-shielding pillars are formed in a lattice shape along the periphery of the pixel, and the light-shielding property is partially fixed to the ends of the pillars. And a transparent flexible protective layer that covers the surface of the light flexible film is provided for each pixel.
By irradiating a predetermined pixel with light having a first wavelength that bends the light-flexible film along the support column, a light-transmitting area and a light-shielding area are formed, and an image is recorded. An image recording medium characterized in that it can be restored to an initial state in which image recording has been erased by irradiating with light of a second wavelength that stretches the film to its original state. In an image recording medium in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix on a substrate,
The substrate is a transparent substrate, and a grid-like column is formed on the transparent substrate along the periphery of the pixel, and a light-blocking light-flexible film partially fixed to the tip of the column is used as the pixel. An image recording medium provided for each image recording and erasing by reversibly bending and restoring the light-flexible film in accordance with the wavelength of irradiated light.   The image recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the light-flexible film is bent along the support column.   The image recording medium according to claim 2, wherein the support column is formed of a light-shielding material.   The image recording medium according to claim 2, further comprising a transparent protective layer that covers a surface of the light-flexible film.   The image recording medium according to claim 5, wherein the transparent substrate, the support column, and the protective layer are formed of a flexible material.   The image recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the light-flexible film is formed by mixing another resin material with a photochromic material.   The image recording medium according to claim 1, wherein the light-flexible film is formed by bonding a film formed of another resin material to a film formed of a photochromic material.

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