JP6305043B2 - Printed matter with identification code - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed matter with an identification code that prevents duplication of an identification code by a copying machine and has high reading accuracy by an identification code reader.

  As a printed matter with an identification code, a printed matter to which a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is attached is widely known. The printed matter to which the QR code is attached is formed by using a QR code symbol on a substrate such as paper by a method such as toner printing, thermal printing, or ink printing (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). reference).

  However, the QR code formed by such a method can be easily duplicated by copying with a copier. For this reason, if the copier is used, it is the same as the printed matter with the regular QR code attached. There was a problem that could be easily replicated. For this reason, such QR codes have been difficult to use in fields where copying of train tickets and the like is not allowed.

  As a countermeasure, in Patent Document 2, a black concealed solid layer for concealing the two-dimensional code is provided on the thermal paper on which the two-dimensional code is printed, and a protective layer is further provided thereon. When this printed matter including the two-dimensional code is reproduced by a copying machine, the two-dimensional code is not copied, and the concealed solid layer is copied and a black solid is printed. In addition, since the concealing solid layer is formed of a mixed color black ink that transmits infrared light, the concealing solid layer transmits infrared light used in the reader, and the leader is two-dimensional even if the concealing solid layer exists. The code can be read.

  Further, in Patent Document 3, a black concealing solid layer for concealing a two-dimensional code is provided on a thermal paper forming a two-dimensional code, and a black first camouflage layer and a transparent second camouflage layer are further formed thereon. A camouflage layer composed of This printed matter cannot be duplicated by a copying machine, and the concealed solid layer and the first camouflage layer are formed of a mixed color black ink, and therefore transmit infrared light used in a reader.

JP 2001-307154 A JP 2013-1077 A JP 2013-1078 A

  However, since the printed matter described in Patent Document 2 has at least two layers of a concealed solid layer and a protective layer formed on the thermal layer for printing a two-dimensional code, the thermal layer is heated. When printing a two-dimensional code, there is a problem that heat is not easily transmitted to the thermal layer. Moreover, since the printed matter described in Patent Document 3 has at least two layers of a concealed solid layer and a camouflage layer formed on the thermal layer, heat is not easily transmitted to the thermal layer. In such a case, for example, in an application where a two-dimensional code is thermally printed on the spot such as an automatic ticketing machine, the printing of the two-dimensional code may become insufficient, and the two-dimensional code may become incompatible. I understood.

  In addition, although the printed matter described in Patent Document 2 cannot be read by a copying machine, since the two-dimensional code is thermally printed from above the solid layer, only the portion where the two-dimensional code is printed changes in gloss. . Although the protective layer is also provided to reduce the change in gloss, it still has a problem that it can be reproduced by hand because the two-dimensional code can be read to some extent by visual inspection.

  In the printed matter described in Patent Literature 3, the camouflage layer is formed on the black concealed solid layer to reduce visual discrimination. However, in one aspect, the first camouflage layer and the second camouflage layer Therefore, three layers are formed on the thermal layer, making it difficult for heat to be transmitted. In another aspect, since the 2nd camouflage layer is formed by the printing which fills the gap | interval of a 1st camouflage layer, there exists a problem that manufacture is not easy.

  Furthermore, in these printed matter, since the part including the two-dimensional code is entirely black, there is a problem that the printed matter gives a dark impression.

  Therefore, in the present invention, it is possible to easily read with an identification code reader, to prevent duplication by a copying machine, to make a printed matter with an identification code that is not easy to reproduce visually, does not give a dark impression, and is easy to manufacture. For the purpose.

As a result of intensive studies, the present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by the following means. That is, the present invention is as follows:
[1] A printed matter having a base material, an identification code including a blank portion and a code portion printed on the base material, and a part on the identification code and a concealing portion printed on the base material. ,
The code part of the identification code is infrared light absorbing and visible light absorbing; and the concealing part is infrared transmissive and visible light absorbing;
Printed matter.
[2] The code portion of the identification code has an average reflectance of 20% or less with respect to light having a wavelength of 880 nm to 930 nm when measured by placing only a white base material under the code portion. Prints.
[3] The concealing unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the concealing part has an average reflectance of 65% or more with respect to light having a wavelength of 880 nm to 930 nm when measured by arranging only a white base material thereunder. Printed matter.
[4] The concealing part and the code part of the identification code each have an average reflectance of 30% or less with respect to light having a wavelength of 460 nm to 650 nm when measured by placing only a white base material thereunder. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
[5] The difference between the average reflectance of the concealing portion and the average reflectance of the code portion of the identification code with respect to light having a wavelength of 460 nm to 650 nm when measured by placing only a white base material thereunder. The printed matter according to claim 1, wherein is 10% or less.
[6] The printed matter according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the base material is thermal paper, and the identification code is thermally printed on the thermal paper.
[7] The printed matter according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein a difference between a margin rate of the identification code and a non-existence rate of the concealing unit is 0.4 or less.
[8] The printed matter according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the concealing portion is an irregular linear shape.
[9] The identification code is a two-dimensional code, and a ratio of a diameter of a line or a point of the concealing portion to a side length of one cell of the two-dimensional code is in a range of 0.5 to 2.0. [8] The printed matter.
[10] The printed material according to any one of [1] to [9], further having a protective layer on the surface thereof.

  The printed matter with an identification code of the present invention can be easily read by a reader, can be prevented from being duplicated by a copying machine, is not easily duplicated visually, does not give a dark impression, and is easy to manufacture. Such a printed matter with an identification code is extremely useful because it can be used for a ticket or the like for which a printed matter with an identification code has not been used. In addition, the printed matter with an identification code according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention using thermal paper is more useful because thermal printing of the identification code is easy.

It is the schematic of how it looks when the printed matter of the present invention is viewed visually (visible light) and when it is read by a reader (infrared light). It is the schematic which shows the layer structure of one embodiment of the printed matter of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the layer structure of the printed matter of a prior art (patent document 3). 2 is a photograph of a printed material of Example 1. 2 is a photograph of printed materials of Examples 3 and 4.

<Printed matter>
The printed matter of the present invention has a base material, an identification code including a blank portion and a code portion printed on the base material, and a concealing portion on a part of the identification code. Since both the code part and the concealing part of the identification code absorb visible light, they are visually the same color, and the presence of the concealing part can prevent duplication of the identification code by a copying machine and visual duplication. . On the other hand, in the infrared light near 850 nm mainly used by the identification code reader, the code portion of the identification code absorbs light while the concealing portion transmits light. The reader can read the code.

  FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views of how a printed product 10 is viewed when viewed visually (visible light) and when read by a reader (infrared light). Although the identification code (QR code) 2 is concealed, the concealing unit 3 does not conceal the identification code 2 by transmitting infrared light when the reader reads it.

  FIG. 2 (a) shows the layer structure of one embodiment of the printed matter of the present invention. Here, the printed matter 10 of the present invention has a substrate 1 on which an identification code 2 is thermally printed, on which The concealing unit 3 is printed. FIG. 2B shows the layer structure of the printed material 10 of Patent Document 3, in which the identification code 2 is thermally printed on the base material 1, and the concealed solid layer 4 is formed thereon. Further thereon, a black first camouflage layer 5 and a transparent second camouflage layer 6 are formed.

(Base material)
The substrate reflects infrared light having a wavelength used by the identification code reader. When measured using light having a wavelength of 880 nm to 930 nm with only the base material, the average reflectance is preferably 60% or more, 70% or more, or 80% or more.

  The substrate may be white or may have other colors, but when measured using light having a wavelength of 460 nm to 650 nm, the average reflectance is 50% or more and 60%. As mentioned above, it is preferable that it is 70% or more or 80% or more. Here, in this specification, the average reflectance between wavelengths of 880 nm to 930 nm refers to a value measured using a D filter with a print contrast meter MR-12 manufactured by Sakata Inx Engineering Co., Ltd., which is an optical densitometer. . Moreover, the average reflectance between wavelengths of 460 nm to 650 nm is a value measured using an A filter with the same model.

  Such a substrate is not particularly limited as long as it can print an identification code. For example, paper such as high-quality paper, recycled paper, thermal paper, coated paper for thermal transfer, and labels, polyester film, polypropylene film, etc. A resin film can be used. However, when thermal paper is used, it is preferable because the identification code can be printed with a ticket machine after the concealing portion is formed. The thermal paper is not particularly limited as long as the thermally printed information has a characteristic of absorbing infrared light. For example, the thermal layer of the substrate 1 on which the identification code 2 is thermally printed may be a leuco that emits infrared light. A material in which a dye (electron donor) and an acidic substance (electron acceptor) are dispersed as solid fine particles in a resin binder can be used. When the substrate 1 having the thermal layer formed on at least one side of the paper is heated with a thermal head, the amount component of the leuco dye and the acidic substance react with each other to produce infrared color and absorb light in a specific wavelength range. Will have.

(Identifying code)
The identification code includes a blank portion and a code portion, and the code portion absorbs infrared light having a wavelength used by the reader of the identification code and reflects it only slightly. Specifically, the code part of the identification code has an average reflectance between wavelengths of 880 nm to 930 nm of 20% or less, 15% or less, 10% when measured by placing only a white base material thereunder. % Or less, or 8% or less. Here, the white base material has an average reflectance between wavelengths of 460 nm to 650 nm of 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, or 80% or more, and an average between wavelengths of 880 nm to 930 nm. A white substrate having a reflectance of 50% or more, 60% or more, 70% or more, or 80% or more.

  The PCS value of the code part of the identification code between wavelengths of 880 nm to 930 nm is preferably 0.75 or more, 0.80 or more, 0.85 or more, or 0.90 or more. Here, in this specification, the PCS value between wavelengths of 880 nm to 930 nm is a print contrast manufactured by Sakata Inx Engineering Co., Ltd., which is an optical densitometer. The PCS value measured with a meter MR-12 using a D filter. Further, this measurement is performed so that the measurement value is not affected by the thickness of the base material, and for example, the measurement is performed in accordance with a sufficient backing method defined in JIS-X9004.

  Further, the code portion of the identification code absorbs visible light, and is preferably black visually. Specifically, when the code portion of the identification code is measured by placing only a white base material underneath, the average reflectance for light having a wavelength of 460 nm to 650 nm is 30% or less, 20% or less, 15 % Or less, 10% or less, or 8% or less.

  The PCS value of the code portion of the identification code between wavelengths of 460 nm to 650 nm is preferably 0.75 or more, 0.80 or more, 0.85 or more, or 0.90 or more. Here, in this specification, the PCS value between wavelengths of 460 nm to 650 nm is a print contrast manufactured by Sakata Inx Engineering Co., Ltd., which is an optical densitometer. PCS value measured using meter A-12 with A filter.

  Examples of the printer that prints the code portion of the identification code include various types of printers such as an ink jet printer, a laser printer, a thermal printer, and a thermal transfer printer. However, it is preferable to use a thermal printer because the identification code can be printed with a ticket machine after the concealing portion is formed.

  Examples of the identification code include a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code. Specific examples of the one-dimensional code include barcodes such as CODE39, CODE128, JAN, and ITF. Specific examples of the two-dimensional code include QR code, PDF417, data matrix, CP code, MaxiCode. Etc. The identification code applicable to the present invention includes a blank portion and a code portion. However, when the identification code is formed on a substrate by printing, printing, or the like, only the code portion may be formed. That is, in this case, the base material itself becomes a blank portion.

(Hiding part)
The concealing part is printed with, for example, mixed color black ink and transmits infrared light having a wavelength used by the reader of the identification code. A mixed color black ink is usually prepared by mixing three colors of cyan, magenta, and yellow dyes or pigments. These dyes or pigments of each color do not absorb infrared light in the wavelength range used by the identification code reader, and therefore, when mixed, do not absorb infrared light, but exhibit black in the visible light range. Specifically, when the concealing part is measured by placing only a white base material underneath, the average reflectance between wavelengths of 880 nm to 930 nm is 65% or more, 70% or more, 80% or more, 85 % Or more.

  The PCS value of the concealing part between wavelengths of 880 nm to 930 nm is preferably 0.20 or less, 0.15 or less, 0.10 or less, or 0.05 or less.

  Each concealing portion is preferably visually black. Specifically, when the printed matter of the present invention is measured using light having a wavelength of 460 nm to 650 nm on a concealing portion where no identification code exists, the average reflectance is 30% or less, 20% or less, 15 % Or less, 10% or less, or 8% or less.

  The PCS value of the concealing part between wavelengths of 460 nm to 650 nm is preferably 0.75 or more, 0.80 or more, 0.85 or more, or 0.90 or more.

  If the difference in brightness between the black identification code and the black color of the concealing portion formed by the mixed color ink is large, it can be easily identified visually. Specifically, the difference in average reflectance for light having a wavelength of 460 nm to 650 nm between the concealment part and the code part of the identification code on which the concealment part is not present is 10% or less, 8% or less, It is preferably 5% or less, 3% or less, or 1% or less. Moreover, the difference between the PCS value of the code part of the identification code and the PCS value of the concealing part between wavelengths of 460 nm to 650 nm is preferably 0.12 or less, 0.10 or less, 0.08 or less,. 05 or less, 0.03 or less, or 0.02 or less.

  In order to obtain such a concealing part, after the concealing part is printed once, it can be printed twice or three times or more, or the concentration of the colorant of the ink can be increased.

  The ink for printing the concealing portion preferably contains a matting agent for reducing the gloss after printing. In the concealment portion printed with the ink containing the matting agent, the change in gloss is small before and after the identification code is thermally printed, and the identification performance of the identification code can be reduced.

  The concealing part exists on a part of the identification code and the base material. When the base material is thermal paper, if a solid layer is used to conceal all of the identification code, it is difficult for heat to be transmitted to the lower layer during thermal printing. In addition, even after heat is transmitted, the surface where the heat is transmitted (that is, the shape portion of the identification code) is uneven, and the gloss changes, so that the identification code can be identified visually.

  The ratio of the area of the blank portion of the identification code to the area of the entire identification code (the area of the blank portion of the identification code / the area of the identification code: the blank ratio of the identification code) and the portion of the identification code where there is no concealment portion The difference between the ratio of the entire identification code to the area (the area of the portion where the concealment portion does not exist on the identification code / the area of the identification code: the nonexistence ratio of the concealment portion) is preferably about the same. Specifically, the difference (the margin ratio of the identification code−the nonexistence ratio of the concealment portion) is preferably 0.4 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.2 or less, or 0.1 or less.

  The concealing part is not particularly limited as long as it is a print that makes it difficult to visually read the identification code, such as a polygon, a circle or an ellipse, a character, or a pattern drawn with regular or irregular lines or dots.

  The side length of one cell of the code part of the two-dimensional code and the diameter of the line or the minimum diameter of the dots constituting the concealing part are preferably approximately the same in order to make it difficult to read visually. Specifically, the ratio of the diameter of the line constituting the concealing part or the minimum diameter of the points to the side length of one cell of the code part of the two-dimensional code (the diameter of the concealment part / the side length of the two-dimensional code) is 0. 0.5 or more, 0.7 or more, or 0.9 or more, and preferably 2.0 or less, 1.5 or less, or 1.2 or less.

(Other layers)
Although another layer may be included between the base material and the concealing portion, preferably the concealing portion is in contact with the base material. Even when other layers are included, a solid layer preferably formed of mixed color black ink is not included. Furthermore, it is preferable to form a protective layer on the surface of the printing portion for protecting the printed matter from rubbing and / or the like and / or making the printed marks inconspicuous when thermal printing is performed.

<Sample preparation>
As a base material, white thermal paper that exhibits black color that absorbs infrared light when colored (Oji Imaging Media Co., Ltd .; average reflectance between wavelengths of 460 nm and 650 nm is 50% or more, and 880 nm to 930 nm. A white base material having an average reflectance between wavelengths of 50% or more was used. On this base material, a concealing portion was printed with an ink having the composition shown in Table 1 below using a flexo test printing machine (Flexiproof 100 UV, manufactured by RK Print Coat Instruments, UK).

  In Examples 1 to 9, concealing portions having different patterns were printed. The details of the pattern of each example are shown in Table 2. Also, photographs of the samples of Examples 1, 3, and 4 are shown in FIGS. In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, a concealing solid layer was formed in place of the concealing part. In Comparative Example 2, crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate fine particles (Techpolymer MBX-5, An ink to which 4 parts by weight of Sekisui Plastics Co., Ltd.) was added was used. In these samples, the concealing part was formed by printing twice.

  On the other hand, using a thermal printer (PX430, manufactured by Phoenix Corporation), with a printing energy of 20, a QR code as an identification code (data: 56789, version 1, correction level: standard M, 6 dots / cell, 300 dpi) ) Was thermal printed.

<Evaluation method>
The average reflectivity and PCS value of the QR code portion where the concealment portion is not on the upper portion and the concealment portion where the QR code portion is not below are printed using the optical densitometer ( The measurement was performed with MR-12, manufactured by Sakata Inx Engineering Co., Ltd., using an A filter (wavelength range of 460 to 650 nm) and a D filter (wavelength range of 880 to 930 nm). Here, the PCS value was measured in accordance with a sufficient backing method defined in JIS-X9004. In addition, for the measured average reflectance and PCS value using the A filter, the measured value of the code part of the QR code where the concealment part is not on the upper side, and the measured value of the concealment part where the code part of the QR code is not lower side The difference was calculated. When these differences are small, the difference in brightness between the code part and the concealment part is small, and the visual discrimination becomes high.

  For the measurement of the margin area, Area Measurement (Ver. 2.00, release date December 14, 2001, file name AM20000.exe) of MYKA Laboratory was used. Here, first, the two-dimensional code is printed on the base material without the concealment portion, the blank area of the QR code is measured, and the absence of the concealment portion of each sample before the QR code is printed with the same area as the QR code. The area of the part was measured. As a result, the margin ratio between the margin ratio of the QR code and the non-existence ratio of the concealment portion was calculated, and the difference was obtained.

  The diameter of the line of the concealing portion or the square diameter of the check pattern and the side length of one cell of the two-dimensional code were measured with a film gauge, and the ratio (diameter / cell side length) was obtained.

  The visual visibility of the two-dimensional code was evaluated as concealment. The concealability was evaluated as ◯ when the two-dimensional code was extremely difficult to see, and Δ when the two-dimensional code was difficult to see, and x when it was clearly visible.

  Whether or not copying by a copying machine was possible was evaluated as copy protection, and it was not possible to read a two-dimensional code from a copy in all samples.

<Evaluation results>
The evaluation results are shown in Table 2 below.

  Note that the two-dimensional codes of all samples could be read with a reader (BHT-845QW, manufactured by Denso Wave Co., Ltd.).

  The printed matter with an identification code of the present invention can be easily read by a reader, can be prevented from being duplicated by a copying machine, is not easily duplicated visually, does not give a dark impression, and is easy to manufacture. Useful for tickets. Moreover, when reading a boarding ticket with the printed matter with the identification code of this invention, since the large sized contact type automatic ticket gate currently used is unnecessary, it is very useful.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Base material 2 Identification code 3 Concealment part 4 Concealment solid layer 5 1st camouflage layer 6 2nd camouflage layer 10 Printed matter

Claims (13)

A printed matter having a base material, an identification code including a blank portion and a code portion printed on the base material, and a concealing portion printed on a part of the identification code and the base material,
The code part of the identification code is infrared light-absorbing and visible-light-absorbing when the leuco dye that emits infrared color and the acidic substance react with each other upon heating to develop color ; and the concealing part Is infrared transmissive and visible light absorbing,
Printed matter. A printed matter having a base material, an identification code including a blank portion and a code portion printed on the base material, and a concealing portion printed on a part of the identification code and the base material,
The code portion of the identification code is infrared light absorbing and visible light absorbing ;
A difference between a margin ratio of the identification code and a non-existence ratio of the concealing portion is 0.4 or less; and the concealing portion is infrared transmissive and visible light absorbing.
Printed matter. A printed matter having a base material, an identification code including a blank portion and a code portion printed on the base material, and a concealing portion printed on a part of the identification code and the base material,
The code portion of the identification code is infrared light absorbing and visible light absorbing ;
The concealment unit, Ri infrared permeable and visible light absorbent der;
The concealing portion is irregularly linear; and
The identification code is a two-dimensional code, and a ratio of a diameter of a line or a point of the concealing portion to a side length of one cell of the two-dimensional code is in a range of 0.5 to 2.0.
Printed matter. The printed matter according to claim 1 or 3 , wherein a difference between a margin rate of the identification code and a non-existence rate of the concealing unit is 0.4 or less. The concealer is irregular linear, printed matter according to claim 1 or 2. The identification code is a two-dimensional code, and a ratio of a diameter of a line or a point of the concealing portion to a side length of one cell of the two-dimensional code is in a range of 0.5 to 2.0. Printed matter according to 1, 2 or 5 .   The code part of the identification code is infrared light absorptive and visible light absorptive when the leuco dye that develops infrared color and the acidic substance react with each other upon heating to develop color. 3. Printed matter according to 3. The code part of the identification code has an average reflectance of 20% or less with respect to light having a wavelength of 880 nm to 930 nm when only a white base material is disposed under the code part . The printed matter according to one item . The said concealing part has an average reflectance of 65% or more with respect to light having a wavelength of 880 nm to 930 nm, when only a white base material is placed under the concealment part, and measuring according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The printed matter described. The said concealing part and the code | cord | chord part of the said identification code have an average reflectance with respect to the light of a wavelength of 460 nm-650 nm of 30% or less, respectively when it measures by arrange | positioning only a white base material under it, respectively. printed matter according to any one of 1-9. When measured by placing only a white base material under each of them, the difference between the average reflectance of the concealing part and the average reflectance of the code part of the identification code with respect to light having a wavelength of 460 nm to 650 nm is 10%. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , which is the following. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the base material is thermal paper, and the identification code is thermally printed on the thermal paper. Further comprising a protective layer on top, the printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 12.