JP2012224017A - Halftone dot printed matter, and method of preparing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide halftone dot printed matter wherein it is difficult to view a latent image under normal light, and a method of preparing the same.SOLUTION: In this halftone dot printed matter where a plurality of first and second halftone regions 3, 4 are arranged to be adjacent to one another, and a visible image and a latent image are formed, the first halftone region 3 includes a halftone dot 3a formed of a first color material; the second halftone region 4 includes a halftone dot 4a for forming an image part of the latent image, a background part 4b for forming a background part, and a density relaxing part 4c for relaxing density difference, color difference, or the density difference and the color difference among them; the halftone dot 4a is formed of a second color material having functionality visible in a predetermined observation condition; the background part 4b is formed of a third color material without having first functionality or having second functionality different therefrom; and the density relaxing part 4c is formed of a fourth color material in which color obtained by joining the halftone dots 4a of the plurality of the second halftone regions 4 with the background parts 4b thereof becomes isochromatic, or with a blank region.

Description

  The present invention relates to a halftone dot printed material that requires anti-counterfeiting and falsification preventing functions such as banknotes, passports, securities, cards, and valuable printed materials, and a method for producing the same.

  In recent years, with the increase in image quality and functionality of color copiers, counterfeit printed products such as banknotes and securities have become a serious problem. For this reason, in the past, valuable inks have often been used with functional inks that are difficult to reproduce with a copying machine, and with images composed of halftone dots that are difficult to reproduce.

  As a halftone dot configuration that is difficult to duplicate, for example, there is one related to Patent Document 1 filed earlier by the present applicant. This is a halftone printed matter in which two types of halftone areas are evenly arranged on the same plane, and halftone dots representing one continuous tone image are assigned to each type of halftone area.

  This halftone printed matter will be described with reference to FIG. The halftone dot printed matter 100 shown in FIG. 19 includes a first halftone region 103 and a second halftone region 104 as two types of halftone regions on the surface of the substrate 102.

  In the first halftone region 103, a continuous tone image 105 is formed by arranging halftone dots 103a that represent a visible image under normal light. In the second halftone area 104, halftone dots 104a that express a latent image when observed under predetermined conditions are formed with functional ink. Further, the background portion 104b excluding the halftone dot 104a is formed of ink that looks substantially the same color as the halftone dot 104a under normal light but is visually recognized as a color different from the halftone dot 104a under predetermined conditions.

  As a result, the second halftone region 104 is in a flat mesh state with a uniform density under normal light, and only the visible image 105 is observed. On the other hand, under a predetermined condition corresponding to the characteristics of the functional ink, the latent image 106 is visually recognized because the halftone dots 104a forming the latent image and the background portion 104b are visually recognized as different colors.

  Further, the applicant of the present invention relates to Patent Document 2 as a halftone print using two different halftone areas in Patent Document 1 described above. This is a halftone print product in which a visible image and a latent image are generated using basic inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and black (Bk) used in general commercial printing. It is. In this printed matter, cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), which are used in general commercial printing, do not absorb infrared rays. Therefore, these three colors are superimposed on each other (hereinafter referred to as “mixed black”). .) For the background portion of the second halftone area, and the halftone area of the second halftone area forming the latent image has black (Bk) (hereinafter referred to as “black (Bk)”) mainly composed of carbon black. In other words, a latent image that can be observed using an identification device such as an infrared camera is embedded in a visible image that can be viewed under a visible light source.

  Further, as related to Patent Document 3 by the present applicant, two types of ink used for the halftone dot and the background portion of the second halftone region are visually recognized as the same color under normal light, but the type of illumination light source In addition, there is a printed matter that can determine authenticity using metameric pair inks having different colors by interposing a filter that transmits light of a specific wavelength.

  Further, as related to Patent Document 4 by the present applicant, as in Patent Document 3, a thermochromic ink is used as a functional material for forming a latent image, and the first halftone region and the second halftone region are used. A background portion is formed by a thermochromic ink on the background portion to be formed, and a halftone dot of the first halftone region is formed by an ink having substantially the same color as the color when the thermochromic ink is in a low temperature state. The halftone area halftone dots are formed by ink of substantially the same color as the thermochromic ink when it is in a high temperature state. In the low temperature state, only the color formed at the halftone area halftone area is It is visualized as the first image by being different from the color of the other region, and in the high temperature state, only the color formed in the halftone dot of the first halftone region is different from the color of the other region. And filed on the image display body is visualized as a second image.

Japanese Patent No. 4336807 Japanese Patent No. 3544536 Japanese Patent No. 4461234 JP 2008-126474 A

  However, in common with the printed matter according to Patent Document 1 to Patent Document 4, the ink forming the halftone dots representing the latent image and the background portion may be observed as different colors. In a printed matter according to Patent Document 2, halftone dots representing a latent image are formed with black (Bk) ink, and a background portion excluding the halftone dots is formed with mixed color black. In this case, since it is difficult to produce a mixed color black ink of the same color as black (Bk) ink, the latent image pattern may be slightly visually recognized even under normal light.

  Further, when the halftone dot printed matter according to Patent Document 2 is produced using an output device such as a general printer, in order to make the halftone dot halftone area and the background color the same color, the infrared region As for halftone dots that are required to exhibit strong absorption characteristics, only black (Bk) ink is used. However, a general printer receives an output image as red, green, and blue (RGB) information, and a dark color is automatically output using black (Bk) ink, and a light color is automatically output as black (Bk). Since the output mechanism does not use ink, a halftone dot using only black (Bk) ink and a background portion using only mixed color black ink cannot be reproduced as the same color. Therefore, in order to reproduce each color as a uniform color, black (Bk) ink is also mixed in the background portion in the printer, and as a result, the visibility of the latent image is reduced. On the other hand, when a halftone dot is formed based on the mixed color black ink forming the background portion, the black (Bk) ink is mixed with cyan (C), magenta (M) and yellow (Y) in the black (Bk) ink. Therefore, the visibility of the latent image is lowered. Thus, in order to make the latent image clearly visible, it is difficult to form halftone dots and background portions in the same color.

  In addition, in the metameric pair ink used in the halftone printed matter according to Patent Document 3, even under normal light, the color of the pair ink is visualized as a significantly different color due to a different light source that irradiates the printed matter. For this reason, in order to produce a metachromatic pair ink of the same color, it is necessary to have the skill level and high ability of the creator. In addition, the halftone dot representing the latent image formed with the metameric pair ink and the background color may be observed as different colors depending on the environment of the observer observing the printed matter. There is a problem that is slightly visible.

  Furthermore, in the halftone printed matter according to Patent Document 4, each halftone dot representing a visible image or a latent image is formed according to the color before and after the color change of the thermochromic ink. However, when the color change of the thermochromic ink is incomplete, both the background portions to be observed as the same color and the colors of the halftone dots representing the visible image or the latent image are not the same color, The visibility of the latent image is reduced. In addition, when producing ink that forms both halftone dots, the ink design is adapted to the color of the thermochromic ink in the low temperature state and the color in the high temperature state. The problem that it was necessary to have the ability remained.

  The present invention aims to solve the above problems, and even if there is a difference between the ink that forms halftone dots and the ink that forms the background portion, the latent image is not visualized under normal light. It is an object of the present invention to provide a halftone print.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a halftone dot printed matter of the present invention is arranged on a base material so that at least a first halftone region and a second halftone region are adjacent to each other, and a visible image and A halftone dot printed material on which at least one latent image is formed, wherein the first halftone region is formed of a first color material, has a first image element that forms a visible image, The second halftone area includes a second image element that forms an image portion of the latent image, a third image element that forms a background portion of the latent image, a second image element, and a third image element. And a fourth image element that relieves the density difference and the color difference, and the second image element has a first functionality that is visible under predetermined viewing conditions. The third image element is formed of a second color material having a first functionality. Or formed by a third colorant having a second functionality different from the first functionality, and the fourth image element includes a second image element in the plurality of second halftone regions. The second color material and the third color material, or the color difference, or the color difference, or the density difference and the color difference are alleviated so that the respective colors combined with the third image element are visually recognized as equal colors. It is characterized by being formed by a color material of 4 or as a blank area in which the color of the surface of the substrate is exposed.

  Further, the visible image in the halftone dot printed matter of the present invention has gradation because the area of the first image element of each first halftone region is different, and the first color material is the first color material. It is characterized by not having functionality or not having both the first functionality and the second functionality.

  In addition, the latent image in the halftone printed matter of the present invention has a gradation because the area of the second image element of each second halftone region is different, and the area of the fourth image element is The second image element increases as the area of the second image element increases within a range of 0.05 times or more and 3 times or less of the area of the second image element.

  In addition, the latent image in the halftone printed matter of the present invention has a gradation because the area of the second image element of each second halftone region is different, and the area of the fourth image element is In the range of 0.05 times or more and 3 times or less of the area of the third image element, the area decreases as the area of the third image element increases.

  In the halftone print of the present invention, in the second halftone region, the second image element is arranged in the central portion of the second halftone region, and the third image element surrounds the second image element. The fourth image element is arranged between the second image element and the third image element, inside the second image element, or outside the third image element. Features.

  In the halftone dot printed matter of the present invention, the second color material having the first functionality is any one of ink having infrared absorption characteristics, metameric pair ink, thermochromic ink, and metal ink. And

  In the halftone dot printed matter of the present invention, when the second color material having the first functionality is an ink having infrared absorption characteristics, the second image element is made of black ink having infrared absorption characteristics. The third image element is formed by a black ink mixed with cyan, magenta, and yellow that does not have infrared absorption characteristics, and the fourth image element is partially white or base material that does not have infrared absorption characteristics. It is formed as an exposed blank area.

  The halftone dot printed matter of the present invention further has a plurality of Nth halftone areas (N is a natural number of 3 or more), and an Nth latent image is formed by the Nth halftone area. To do.

  The method for producing a halftone print of the present invention includes an input unit for inputting data, a processing unit for processing the input data, a storage unit for storing the input data or processed data, and outputting the data. A method for producing a halftone print using an output unit provided with a printing machine, wherein first image data corresponding to a visible image is input from an input unit or created in a processing unit; First mask data related to the position, shape, and size of each first halftone area of the first image element, or the position, shape, and size of the first image element included in each first halftone area are input from the input unit. Alternatively, the step of creating in the processing unit and the mask processing are performed on the first image data using the first mask data, and the first image element represents the visible image. Generating a first halftone region data in the processing unit and storing the data in the storage unit; inputting second image data corresponding to the latent image from the input unit; or creating in the processing unit; , Second regarding the position, shape and size of each of the plurality of second halftone regions, or the position, shape and size of the second and third image elements included in each second halftone region The mask data is input from the input unit or created in the processing unit, and the second image data is masked using the second mask data, and the second image element represents the latent image. The second halftone area data is created in the processing unit and stored in the storage unit, and the plurality of second halftone areas formed are Regardless of the area of the second image element, the density of the second image element, the third image element, and the fourth image element, or the color difference, or the density and color difference are different from those of the other second halftone regions. Data of the fourth image element as a blank area for setting the position, shape and area of the fourth image element and the fourth color material so as to be the same color or exposing the color of the surface of the substrate Is generated in the processing unit and stored in the storage unit, and the second halftone region data including the fourth image element is used using the second halftone region data and the fourth image element data. Using the step of creating data in the processing unit and storing it in the storage unit, the data of the halftone area using the data of the first halftone area and the data of the second halftone area including the fourth image element, Is created in the processing section and output And a step of outputting from the printing section.

  In the method for producing a halftone print according to the present invention, in the step of creating data of a first halftone area for forming a visible image having a gradation, the processing unit includes a first halftone area having a first halftone area. The gradation of the visible image is expressed by changing the area of the image element.

  In the method for producing a halftone print according to the present invention, in the step of creating data of a second halftone area for forming a visible image having a gradation, the processing unit includes a second halftone area having a second halftone area. In the step of expressing the gradation of the latent image by changing the area of the image element and creating the data of the fourth image element, the processing unit is configured such that the area of the fourth image element is the second image element. In the range of 0.05 times or more and 3 times or less, the second image element is changed so as to increase as the area of the second image element increases.

  In the method for producing a halftone print according to the present invention, in the step of creating data of a second halftone area for forming a visible image having a gradation, the processing unit includes a second halftone area having a second halftone area. In the step of expressing the gradation of the latent image by changing the area of the image element and generating the data of the fourth image element, the processing unit is configured such that the area of the fourth image element is the third image element. In the range of 0.05 times or more and 3 times or less, the third image element is changed so as to decrease as the area of the third image element increases.

  In the method for producing a halftone dot printed matter of the present invention, in the step of creating the data of the fourth image element, the processing unit is configured such that the fourth image element is between the second image element and the third image element. Alternatively, the fourth image element data is created so as to be arranged inside the second image element or outside the third image element.

  The halftone dot printed matter of the present invention has a density relaxation portion formed in the second halftone area for forming the latent image, so that a plurality of second halftone areas formed when viewed with the naked eye under normal light. Since it is visually recognized as the same color, the concealability of the latent image is improved, and even if the color at the time of ink preparation is slightly different, the image can be formed into a latent image, so the width of toning at the time of ink preparation is It has a special effect that it does not require a high degree of skill and ability when making ink.

Explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the halftone dot printed matter by embodiment of this invention. Explanatory drawing which showed the visible image and latent image which are visually recognized in the halftone dot printed matter by the embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the visual recognition effect at the time of juxtaposing the area | region of a different color. Explanatory drawing which shows the visual recognition effect by having provided the density | concentration relaxation part in the halftone dot printed matter by the embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the method of setting the color and area of a density relaxation part. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of arrangement | positioning of a density | concentration relaxation part. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the color of a density relaxation part. The block diagram which shows the structure of the apparatus used for preparation of the halftone dot printed matter by the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the procedure in the method of producing the halftone printed matter by the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the procedure in the method of producing the halftone printed matter by the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the procedure in the method of producing the halftone printed matter by the embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows mask data. The schematic diagram which shows a mask process. The schematic diagram which synthesize | combines each data. Explanatory drawing which shows the original image of the visible image and latent image in the Example which produced the halftone printed matter by the same embodiment, the visible image represented by the halftone printed matter, and the expansion of the halftone dot. Explanatory drawing which shows the visible state of the halftone dot printed matter in the case of not providing the visible state of the halftone printed matter and the density | concentration relaxation part in the Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 1st modification of the halftone dot printed matter by the embodiment. Explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the 2nd modification of the halftone dot printed matter by the embodiment. Explanatory drawing which showed the structure of the halftone dot printed matter by a prior art, and the visible image and latent image which are visually recognized. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a first halftone area 13 and a second halftone area 14 of a halftone print according to a fifth embodiment.

  A halftone print according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The halftone dot printed matter according to the present embodiment has the configuration shown in FIG. This halftone print includes a plurality of first halftone areas 3 and a plurality of second halftone areas 4. The plurality of first halftone areas 3 and the plurality of second halftone areas 4 are fine areas that cannot be distinguished and visually recognized by the naked eye, and are regular without gaps so as to be adjacent to each other. Is arranged.

  The first halftone area 3 includes a halftone dot 3a as a first image element representing a visible image observed under normal light, and the second halftone area 4 is observed under a predetermined condition. A halftone dot 4a as a second image element for forming a latent image, a background portion 4b as a third image element for forming a background, and a density relaxation portion 4c as a fourth image element. .

  Here, the halftone dots 4a are formed using functional inks of different colors when observed under predetermined conditions. The background portion 4b does not have the functionality and is visually recognized as substantially the same color as the halftone dot 4a under normal light, but is visible as a color different from the halftone dot 4a under predetermined conditions. To form.

  According to the halftone dot printed matter 1 according to the present embodiment, when viewed under normal light, the first halftone region 3 formed on the base material 2 is formed as shown in FIG. A visible image is formed by the halftone dots 3a, and the visible image 5 as shown in FIG. In this case, the halftone dots 4a, the background portion 4b, and the density relaxation portion 4c in the second halftone area 4 appear to be substantially the same color as shown in FIG. A flat screen state is obtained, and only the visible image 5 by the halftone dot 3a is visually recognized.

The color matching in the present invention means that the color difference ΔE is less than 6, and the color difference is defined by ΔE of the CIE 1976 L ^* a ^* b ^* color system. The CIE 1976 L ^* a ^* b ^* color system is a color space recommended by the CIE (International Lighting Commission) in 1976, and is defined in JIS Z 8729 in the Japanese Industrial Standards. The color difference is a distance in a color space between two colors, and the color difference in the CIE 1976 L ^* a ^* b ^* color system is the difference between the L ^* difference, the a ^* difference, and the b ^* difference between the two colors. It can be obtained by adding each squared and taking the square root.

  Generally, when the color difference ΔE is around 6, there is a possibility that the color difference ΔE is visually recognized as a different color. However, as described above, in the present invention, the first halftone region 3 and the second halftone region 4 are constituted by fine halftone dots that cannot be visually recognized by the naked eye. . Therefore, as described above, if the color difference ΔE is less than 6, the halftone dot 4a cannot be visually recognized with the naked eye under normal light, and the halftone dot portion 4a, the background portion 4b, and the density relaxation portion 4c. Are visually recognized as the same color.

  On the other hand, under a predetermined condition corresponding to the characteristic of the functional ink, for example, under infrared light corresponding to the characteristic of infrared absorption, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the second halftone The dot 4a, the background portion 4b, and the density relaxation portion 4c in the region 4 are visually recognized as different colors. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 2D, the latent image 6 formed by the halftone dots 4a is visually recognized. The different color in the present invention means that the color difference ΔE is 6 or more, and when the color difference ΔE is less than 6, it is visually recognized as a uniform color as described above.

  Here, the concentration relaxation unit 4c will be described in detail. As described above, the ink forming the halftone dots 4a formed by the latent image 6 is different from the ink forming the background portion 4b. Specifically, for example, the halftone dots 4a are formed of black (Bk) ink having a function of infrared absorption, and the background portion 4b is formed of mixed color black ink. In this case, since it is difficult to reproduce the density of black (Bk) with the mixed color black, it is impossible to form a mixed color black ink having the same color as the black (Bk) ink. For this reason, if the second halftone region 4 is composed of only the halftone dots 4a and the background portions 4b, the halftone dots 4a and the background portions 4b are not visible in the same color under normal light, so that the latent image 6 is a visible image. And may be visually recognized.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the density difference, the color difference, or the density of the halftone dot 4a and the density of the background portion 4b, or the color, or the density and the color, so that the density and the color appear to be equal in normal light. A density relaxation part 4c is provided for reducing the difference and the color difference.

  One region of the second halftone region 4 is composed of a region 11a formed of black (Bk) ink as shown in FIG. 3A and a region 11b formed of white ink, for example. Consider the case. When one side of each of the regions 11a and 11b has a size of about 0.1 mm to 1 mm, for example, when observed with the naked eye under normal light, the regions 11a and 11b are formed as shown in FIG. It is visually recognized as being formed with a gray ink of the same color. In this way, when the regions 11a and 11b of different colors are juxtaposed, the effect that the entire color is visually recognized as a mixed color is obtained.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, in addition to a halftone dot 4a formed of black (Bk) ink and a background portion 4b formed of mixed color black ink, a density relaxation portion 4c is provided. By providing the density relaxation part 4c, as shown in FIG. 4B, the halftone dots 4a, the background part 4b, and the density relaxation part 4c are visually recognized in the same color.

  Here, the color and area of the density relaxation unit 4c will be described. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 5A, the second halftone region 4 includes three elements: a halftone dot 4a, a background portion 4b, and a density relaxation portion 4c.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, a latent image can be formed by changing the area of the halftone dot 4a. For example, when the second halftone area 4 is composed of only the background portion 4b without the halftone dots 4a as in the area 301, black (Bk) ink does not exist in this area 301, and the mixed color black It is formed only with ink. At this time, the density of the region 301 is set as a reference value. In the following description, the density of the region 301 having the lowest density in the plurality of second halftone areas 4 is used as the reference value. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown by the region 306, the area of the halftone dot 4a is the maximum, and the value having the highest density in the plurality of second halftone regions 4 may be set as the reference value.

  When the second halftone area 4 has a small halftone dot 4 a as in the area 302, the density is slightly higher than the reference value of the area 301 because the halftone dot 4 a formed of black (Bk) ink exists. Get higher. Therefore, the density relaxation unit 4c is set such that the total density of the halftone dots 4a, the background portion 4b, and the density relaxation unit 4c, which are all the regions 302, matches the density of the reference region 301 under normal light. Set the color and area.

  However, the above-mentioned added total density refers to a color resulting from the halftone dot 4a, the background part 4b, and the density relaxation part 4c obtained by juxtaposition additive color mixing. In the following, the term “addition” is used as a term indicating a juxtaposed additive color mixture of a plurality of regions. In addition, juxtaposed additive color mixing means that after disposing different colors in a plurality of micro regions, by observing in a state exceeding the resolution of the observer or the observation device, it becomes impossible to distinguish the plurality of micro regions, This is a phenomenon in which the average color of each minute region is observed.

  As the area of the halftone dot 4a increases, as in the second halftone area 4 such as areas 303, 304, and 305, the area of the halftone dot 4a formed of black (Bk) ink increases. For this reason, the density becomes higher than the density reference value of the region 302. In any region 303, 304, or 305, the color and area of each density relaxation unit 4 c are set so that the overall density of each region matches the density reference value of the region 301.

  As an example in which the area of the halftone dot 4a is further increased, in the region 306, the area of the halftone dot 4a formed of black (Bk) ink is maximized. Also in this case, similarly to the other regions 302 to 305, the color and area of the density relaxation unit 4 c are set so that the overall density of the region 306 matches the density reference value of the region 301. As shown in the region 306, the second halftone region 4 may be composed of only the halftone dot 4a and the density relaxation portion 4c, and the background portion 4b may not exist.

  In this way, when the area of the halftone dot 4a is predetermined (here, the area is zero as in the area 301), the area of the halftone dot 4a is set based on the entire area of the second halftone region 4. Regardless, the color and area of the density relaxation unit 4c are set so that the density of the entire second halftone region 4 always matches this reference value.

  Here, since the areas of the halftone dots 4a of the second halftone region 4 are different, the latent image has gradation. The area of the concentration relaxation portion 4c is 0.05 times or more to the area of the halftone dot 4a and may be changed so as to increase as the area of the halftone dot 4a increases within the range of three times or less. Good. In addition, it is possible to grasp that the latent image has gradation because the areas of the background portions 4b of the second halftone region 4 are different. In this case, the area of the density relaxation portion 4c changes within a range not less than 0.05 times and not more than 3 times the area of the background portion 4b so as to decrease as the area of the background portion 4b increases. To do.

  In FIGS. 1 to 5, the density relaxation portion 4 c is formed in an annular shape between the halftone dot 4 a and the background portion 4 b. However, it is only necessary for the density relaxation portion to be present in the second halftone region 4 and is not limited to this arrangement.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the background portion 4b is disposed on the outer side so as to surround the halftone dot 4a and the periphery thereof, and the density relaxation portion 4c is provided in the region outside the background portion 4b. May be. In the figure, the density relaxation portions 4c are provided at the four corners of the second halftone region 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be two corners or a region other than the corners. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the density relaxation portion 4c may be disposed at the center of the second halftone region 4, and the halftone dots 4a and the background portion 4b may be formed outside thereof. . The halftone dot 4a is not limited to a circle, and may be formed in an arbitrary shape such as a triangle, a quadrangle, a polygon, a star, or a character. Accordingly, the concentration relaxation portion 4c has an arbitrary shape, You may form in the circumference | surroundings of the background part 4b arrange | positioned around the inside of the halftone dot 4a or its circumference | surroundings, or the circumference | surroundings of the halftone dot 4a.

  Furthermore, although the density relaxation part 4c in the above-mentioned example is formed with white ink, it is not limited thereto, and may be formed with ink having a color other than white as shown in FIG. Moreover, the density relaxation part 4c may be formed as a blank area in which the color of the surface of the substrate 2 is exposed. In any case, the density, area, and arrangement of the density relaxation portion 4c are always the same as the density or color of the entire second halftone region 4 or the density and color even if the size of the halftone dot 4a changes. What is necessary is just to set so that it may become fixed.

  Next, an apparatus used for producing a halftone print according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This manufacturing apparatus includes an input unit 401, a processing unit 402, a storage unit 403, and an output unit 404. The input unit 401 inputs data necessary for producing a halftone print according to the present embodiment, and provides the data to the processing unit 402. The processing unit 402 stores the given data in the storage unit 403, performs arithmetic processing and image processing necessary for producing a halftone print, and gives the obtained result to the output unit 404. The output unit 404 outputs the data given from the processing unit 402 to an external device such as a printing machine (not shown).

  A method for producing a halftone print according to this embodiment using such a production apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 showing the procedure. As step S11 in FIG. 9, the processing unit 402 creates first image data as an original image corresponding to the visible image formed by the first halftone region 3, or the input unit 401 as first image data from the outside. And is stored in the storage unit 403 via the processing unit 402.

  As step S31 of FIG. 10, the processing unit 402 creates second image data corresponding to the original image of the latent image formed by the second halftone region 4, or the second image data is input from the outside as the second image data. The data is input from 401 and stored in the storage unit 403 via the processing unit 402. In the first image data and the second image data, at least three arbitrary points at a common position are set as reference points in each image data. The details of the reference point setting method are described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-255214, and will not be described.

  As step S32, the positions, shapes, dimensions, etc. of the plurality of second halftone areas 4 and the positions, shapes, dimensions, etc. of the halftone dots 4a and the background portions 4b constituting each second halftone area 4 are shown. The second mask data is created by the processing unit 402 or is input from the input unit 401 as second mask data from the outside, and is stored in the storage unit 403 via the processing unit 402.

  In step S33, the processing unit 402 performs mask processing using the mask data so that the obtained second image data is represented by the halftone dots 4a and the background portions 4b of the plurality of second halftone regions 4. Store in the storage unit 403.

  FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing mask data. The mask data is an image used when the latent image is arranged in the plurality of second halftone areas 4. The mask data is generated using the format data prepared in advance. The format data is the format data by designing how to arrange the plurality of first halftone areas 3 and the plurality of second halftone areas 4 that generate the halftone print in the present invention. Is generated. The format data is composed of a plurality of pixels. In the format data, mask data is generated by setting the pixels where the plurality of first halftone areas 3 are arranged as white pixels and only the pixels where the plurality of second halftone areas 4 are arranged as black pixels. Is done. The mask data has reference points (P1, P2, P3) corresponding to the reference points of each original image data.

  The mask process is a process of replacing all portions corresponding to white pixels of the mask data with white pixels on the second image data, so that a plurality of first halftones in the second image data are processed. All portions corresponding to the region 3 are replaced with white. As a result, the second image data is converted into an image composed only of the halftone dots 4a arranged in the plurality of second halftone regions 4 to form the first image data and the second image data. A plurality of halftone dots can be assigned to the print area without being mixed.

  FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating mask processing for generating a latent image as an example. In the mask process, the mask data reference points (P1, P2, P3) shown in FIG. 13A and the second data corresponding to the mask data shown in FIG. The reference points (P1 ′, P2 ′, P3 ′) of the image data are matched. When the two images are combined, if the pixel constituting the mask data is a black pixel among the two pixels at the same position, the pixel constituting the second image data is left. If the pixel constituting the mask data is a white pixel, the second image data is a white pixel. By performing the masking process, a portion of the second image data that does not correspond to the second halftone region 4, that is, a pixel that forms the first halftone region 3 is a white pixel. Therefore, second image data including a plurality of second halftone areas 4 shown in FIG. 13C is generated.

  In step S34, the processing unit 402 creates data of the density relaxation unit 4c. As described above, the color and area of the density relaxation portion 4c are set so that the density of the entire second halftone region 4 is always constant even if the size of the halftone dot 4a changes. The shape of the density relaxation portion 4c is set according to the shape of the halftone dot 4a, and the arrangement is performed at any position in the second halftone region 4 in consideration of the shape of the halftone dot 4a. The created data of the density relaxation unit 4 c is stored in the storage unit 403.

  In step S41, the data of the second halftone region 4 including the density relaxation unit 4c is generated by the processing unit 402 by combining the obtained data of the second halftone region 4 with the data of the density relaxation unit 4c. I do. The created data is stored in the storage unit 403.

  In step 51, the data are combined. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram for combining the data. The data of the first halftone area 3 obtained in step S21 of FIG. 11 and the data of the second halftone area 4 obtained in step S41 are combined by the processing unit 402 in step S51. Create dot print data.

  Finally, in step S61, a halftone print is completed by outputting from the output unit 404 of an external printing machine or the like.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in order to relieve the density imbalance between the halftone dots 4a forming the latent image and the background part 4b in the second halftone region 4, the density relaxation unit By forming 4c, the halftone dot 4a and the background portion 4b included in the second halftone region 4 are visually recognized as the same color in the observation under normal light, and the concealability of the latent image can be improved. .

  Further, even when the colors of the inks forming the halftone dots 4a and the background portions 4b of the second halftone region 4 are slightly different from each other, the provision of the density relaxation portion 4c makes it possible to reduce the light under normal light. In this case, since the latent image is visualized with the naked eye and is not visually recognized, the range of toning at the time of producing these inks is widened, so that the range of ink selection can be widened.

  The halftone dot printed matter as an example created based on the above embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 15A shows the original image of the visible image used in Example 1, and FIG. 15B shows the original image of the latent image. Image data corresponding to such an original image was obtained, and halftone dot print data was generated according to the procedure of the production method of the above embodiment. Specifically, printing plate data was created as RGB image data with a resolution of 2540 dpi and stored in the storage unit in the tiff format.

  The first halftone region 3 was 40 × 40 pixels, and the second halftone region 4 was 15 × 15 pixels. The halftone dots 3a of the first halftone region 3 have RGB values of 180, 100, and 80 (brown). In the first halftone area 3 excluding the halftone dots 3a, the RGB values are 255, 255, and 255 (white). The halftone dots 4a of the second halftone region 4 have RGB values of 0, 0, 0 (black). The background portion 4b of the second halftone region 4 has RGB values of 128, 128, and 128 (gray). The density relaxation unit 4c of the second halftone region 4 has RGB values of 255, 255, and 255 (white). Further, in the observation under normal light, all the second halftone areas 4 are in the respective areas so that the total density of the halftone dots 4a, the background part 4b, and the density relaxation part 4c is equal to the other areas. The areas of the halftone dot 4a, the background part 4b, and the density relaxation part 4c were set.

  Printing was performed on the obtained printing plate data using a printing function of Photoshop (registered trademark) which is image processing software manufactured by Adobe (registered trademark). Using a color laser printer IPSiO SP C411 (registered trademark) manufactured by RICOH (registered trademark) as a printing machine, printing was performed on color laser copier paper (product number TKCLA3) manufactured by Canon (registered trademark).

  FIG. 15C shows a visible image visually recognized under normal light by the halftone printed matter of Example 1, and FIG. 15D shows an enlarged halftone dot forming the visible image. When observed with the naked eye under normal light, a brown gradation image formed by the first halftone region 3 as shown in FIG. 15C was visually recognized. The latent image formed by the halftone dots 4a in the second halftone region 4 was hardly visually recognized as shown in FIG.

  When this printed matter is observed with the naked eye using an infrared camera, the latent image formed by the halftone dots 4a in the second halftone region 4 is visually recognized, and the visible image formed by the first halftone region 3 is not visually recognized. It was.

  FIG. 16 shows a latent image when the halftone print is not provided with a density relaxation portion and is observed under normal light. When observed with the naked eye under normal light, the latent image is visually recognized to some extent. On the other hand, in the halftone print according to Example 1, the latent image is hardly visually recognized as shown in FIG. 15C, and the anti-counterfeit effect provided by the density relaxation unit 4c can be confirmed. did it. The first embodiment described above is an example of the present invention, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Various modifications can be made within the technical scope of the present invention.

  The halftone print 11 in Example 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The halftone print 11 of Example 2 includes a first halftone region 3 that forms a visible image and a second halftone region 4 that forms a latent image. However, the number of halftone areas is not limited to two and may be three or more. As shown in FIG. 17 (a), the halftone dot print 11 of Example 2 is formed on the surface of the base material 12, and a visible image is enlarged as shown in FIG. 17 (b). In addition to a first halftone region 13 for forming a first latent image and a second halftone region 14 for forming a first latent image, a third halftone region 15 for forming a second latent image is provided. Yes.

  The plurality of first halftone regions 13 and the plurality of second halftone regions 14 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other, and are regularly arranged without a gap. The third halftone area 15 is arranged in an area where the halftone dot 13 a does not exist in the first halftone area 13. In the second embodiment, the third halftone area 15 is described as an example provided in the first halftone area 13. However, the third halftone area 15 is provided in the second halftone area 14 or the second halftone area 14. The first halftone region 13 and the second halftone region 14 may be formed over the first halftone region 13 and the second halftone region 14 so as to be adjacent to the first halftone region 13 and the second halftone region 14 without any gap. May be.

  The first halftone area 13 has halftone dots 13a that form a continuous-tone visible image, like the first halftone area 3 in the foregoing embodiment and example 1. The second halftone region 14 includes a halftone dot 14a, a background portion 14b, and a density relaxation portion 14c that constitute a first latent image of continuous tone. The third halftone region 15 includes a halftone dot 15a and a background portion 15b that constitute a continuous latent second latent image.

  As shown in FIG. 17C, a visible image 21 is formed by the first halftone region 13, and as shown in FIG. A latent image 22 is formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 17E, the second latent image 23 is formed by the third halftone region 15.

  According to the second embodiment, the forgery prevention effect can be enhanced by forming the second latent image 23 in addition to the first latent image 22. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, by providing the density relaxation portion 14c in the second halftone region 14 that forms the first latent image 22, when observed with the naked eye under normal light, Since the first latent image 22 is hardly visible, it is difficult to prevent forgery. Note that the third halftone region 15 may have a density relaxation portion as in the second halftone region 14. Also in this case, similarly to the second halftone region 14, the halftone dots 15a, the background portion 15b, and the density relaxation portion are added in the plurality of third halftone regions 15 regardless of the area of the halftone dots 15a. What is necessary is just to provide a density relaxation part in any area | region in the 3rd halftone area | region 15 so that a density | concentration may become fixed.

  The halftone dot printed matter in Example 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, a first halftone region 13 that forms a visible image included in the printed matter of the second embodiment, a second halftone region 14 that forms a first latent image, and a second latent image are formed. In addition to the third halftone area 15 to be provided, a fourth halftone area 16 for forming a third latent image is further provided.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, the halftone dot print 31 of Example 3 is formed on the surface of the substrate 12, and a visible image is enlarged as shown in FIG. 18B. A first halftone region 13 for forming a first latent image, a second halftone region 14 for forming a first latent image, a third halftone region 15 for forming a second latent image, and a third latent image. A fourth halftone region 16 for forming an image is provided.

  The plurality of first halftone regions 13 and the plurality of second halftone regions 14 are arranged so as to be adjacent to each other, and are regularly arranged without a gap. As in the second embodiment, the third halftone area 15 is arranged in an area where the halftone dot 13a does not exist in the first halftone area 13, and the fourth halftone area 16 includes the first halftone area 15. The halftone area 13 is disposed in an area where the halftone area 13 a and the third halftone area 15 do not exist. In the third embodiment, the third halftone region 15 and the fourth halftone region 16 are described as examples provided in the first halftone region 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. Various halftone dot configurations disclosed in Japanese Patent No. -208705 are also possible. For example, the third halftone region 15 and the fourth halftone region 16 may be formed in the second halftone region 14 or across the first halftone region 13 and the second halftone region 14. Alternatively, it may be formed as a single region without a gap adjacent to the first halftone region 13 and the second halftone region 14.

  The first halftone area 13 has halftone dots 13a constituting a continuous-tone visible image, like the first halftone areas 3 and 13 in the above-described embodiment, Example 1 and Example 2. is doing. The second halftone region 14 includes a halftone dot 14a, a background portion 14b, and a density relaxation portion 14c that constitute a first latent image of continuous tone. The third halftone region 15 has a halftone dot 15a and a background portion 15b that constitute a continuous latent second latent image. Further, the fourth halftone region 16 has a halftone dot 16a and a background portion 16b constituting the third latent image of continuous tone.

  As shown in FIG. 18C, a visible image 21 is formed by the first halftone region 13, and as shown in FIG. Latent image 22 is formed, and as shown in FIG. 18E, a second latent image 23 is formed by the third halftone region 15, and is further shown in FIG. 18F. Thus, the fourth latent image 24 is formed by the fourth halftone region 16.

  According to the third embodiment, the third latent image 24 is formed in addition to the first latent image 22 and the second latent image 23 of the above-described second embodiment. I was able to increase it. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, the density relaxation portion 14c is provided in the second halftone region 14 that forms the first latent image 22, so that the first half of the first latent image 22 can be obtained when observed with the naked eye under normal light. The latent image 22 was hardly visually recognized, making it difficult to prevent forgery.

  The third halftone region 15 or the fourth halftone region 16, or the third halftone region 15 and the fourth halftone region 16 have a density relaxation portion as in the second halftone region 14. You can also. Also in this case, similarly to the second halftone region 14, regardless of the areas of the halftone dots 15a and 16a, the halftone dot 16a is a value obtained by adding the densities of the halftone dots 15a, the background portion 15b, and the density relaxation portion. In addition, it is only necessary to provide density relaxation portions in the third halftone region 15 and the fourth halftone region 16 so that the value obtained by adding the densities of the background portion 16b and the density relaxation portion becomes constant.

  The number of halftone areas is not limited, and four or more such as a fifth halftone area for forming the fourth latent image and a sixth halftone area for forming the fifth latent image. In order to form each of the latent image images, a total of five or more halftone areas may be provided. Further, in the plurality of halftone areas that respectively form the latent image, it is only necessary that the density relaxation portion is formed in at least one halftone area, and in the other halftone areas as necessary, the density relaxation portions are also formed. The anti-counterfeiting effect can be enhanced by forming.

  The halftone printed matter of Example 4 will be described. The halftone dot printed matter described in the above-described embodiments and the like is a black (Bk) ink that absorbs infrared rays using the halftone dot 4a of the second halftone region 4 for forming the latent image 22 as a functional material. It is formed with.

  However, the functional material is not limited to the infrared absorbing ink, and various materials can be used. For example, metameric pair ink, thermochromic ink, metal ink, or the like may be used.

  As Example 4, an example in which a halftone print is formed using a metameric pair ink will be described. For example, as described in Patent Document 3 described above, it is the first ink and the second ink that form the halftone dots 4a and the background portion 4b of the second halftone region 4, and these In the wavelength region A corresponding to all visible wavelengths of 400 to 700 nm, both inks are visually recognized as the same color, and the ink is visually recognized as a different color in the predetermined wavelength region B through which the predetermined filter or the like is transmitted. You may form the 2nd halftone area | region 4 of the said embodiment and each Example using such a metameric pair ink.

  That is, by forming the halftone dots 4a and 14a in the second halftone areas 4 and 14 with the first ink and the background portions 4b and 14b with the second ink, Are visually recognized as the same color, and when they are observed using a predetermined filter, they are visually recognized as different colors, whereby a latent image can be formed. Also in the density relaxation portions 4c and 14c in this case, the halftone dots 4a and 14a, the background portions 4b and 14b, and the density relaxation portion 4c, regardless of the area of the halftone dots 4a and 14a, as in the above-described embodiments and examples. , 14c may be provided in any one of the second halftone areas 4, 14 so that the density obtained by adding each of them is constant.

  Similarly, the third halftone region 15 in the second embodiment, the third halftone region 15 in the third embodiment, or the fourth halftone region 16 may be similarly formed using the metameric pair ink. Good.

  Next, as an example using another functional material, Example 5 using thermochromic ink will be described with reference to FIG. The thermochromic ink is an ink whose color changes in response to a temperature change, and shows a first color at a first temperature and a second color at a second temperature. Using such a thermochromic ink and a normal ink having no such functionality, the halftone dot 13a in the first halftone region 13 is replaced with a normal ink having the same color as the first color. And the halftone dot 14a of the second halftone area 14 is formed of normal ink having the same color as the second color, and the background portion 13b in the first halftone area 3 and the second halftone area 14 The background portion 14b in the halftone region 14 is formed with thermochromic ink. Accordingly, at the second temperature, as shown in FIG. 20A, the background portion 13b in the first halftone region 13 and the halftone dots 14a and the background portion 14b in the second halftone region 14 have the same color. Since it is visually recognized, only the halftone dot 13a in the first halftone region 13 is observed as a different color, whereby the first image composed of a plurality of halftone dots 13a is observed. At the first temperature, as shown in FIG. 20B, the halftone dots 13a in the first halftone region 13, the background portion 13b, and the background portion 14b in the second halftone region 14 have the same color. Since it is visually recognized, only the halftone dot 14a in the second halftone region 14 is observed as a different color, whereby a second image composed of a plurality of halftone dots 14a is observed.

  However, when the ink forming the halftone dot 13a in the first halftone region 13 is different from the first color and / or the ink forming the halftone dot 14a in the second halftone region 14 is different from the second color. In this case, the halftone dots 13a and the background portion 13b in the first halftone area 13 and the halftone dots 14a and the background portion 14b in the second halftone area 14 are observed differently, and two images are mixed. May be observed. In order to avoid these, the density relaxation portions 13c and 14c are formed in one or both of the first halftone region 13 and the second halftone region 14.

  Also in the density relaxation portions 13c and 14c in this case, as in the previous embodiments, the halftone dots 13a in the first halftone region 13 at the first temperature regardless of the areas of the halftone dots 13a and 14a. The density obtained by adding the background portion 13b and the density relaxing portion 13c and the density obtained by adding the halftone dot 14a, the background portion 14b, and the density relaxing portion 14c in the second halftone region 14 at the second temperature are constant. As described above, the density relaxation portions 13 c and / or 14 c may be provided in the first halftone region 13 and / or the second halftone region 14.

  As described above, since the density relaxation portions 13c and 14c are provided in the first halftone region 13 and the second halftone region 14, at the first temperature, as shown in FIG. Even in the case where the first color indicated by the chromic ink does not match the color of the ink forming the halftone area 13a in the first halftone area 13, the halftone dots in all the first halftone areas 13 13a, the background portion 13b, and the density relaxation portion 13c are substantially equal in density, so that all the first halftone regions 13 are observed as the same color, and the second halftone region 14 has two halftone dots 14a. Only the first image was observed.

  At the second temperature, as shown in FIG. 20C, the second color indicated by the thermochromic ink does not match the color of the ink forming the halftone dot 14a in the second halftone region 14. Even in this case, since the density obtained by adding the halftone dots 14a, the background portion 14b, and the density relaxation portion 14c is substantially the same in all the second halftone regions 14, all the second halftone regions 14 are Only the first image by the halftone dot 13a of the first halftone region 13 was observed as the same color.

  With the configuration described above, one of the first halftone region 13 and the second halftone region 14 is used for the ink of the same color as each of the first color and the second color of the thermochromic ink. Alternatively, by forming the density relaxation portions on both sides, it becomes possible to switch between the two images even if the ink colors are slightly different.

  Next, as an example using a metal ink as a functional material, for example, an ink containing a metal powder as described in Japanese Patent No. 4478778 filed by the same applicant as the present application. (Low concentration) and low brightness (high concentration) under infrared irradiation.

  A halftone dot 4a is formed using such a metal ink instead of the black (Bk) ink having infrared absorptivity in the above embodiment, and the background portion 4b is formed using a mixed color black ink. Two halftone regions 4 may be formed.

  As described above, the halftone dots 4a in the second halftone region 4 are formed of metal ink, and the background portion 4b is formed of mixed color black ink. As a result, when visually observed under normal light with the naked eye, the background portion 4b formed of mixed color black was observed to be in a higher density state, but both were visually recognized as substantially the same color. On the other hand, under infrared irradiation, a latent image could be formed by visually recognizing the two as different colors. In this case, the density relaxation portion 4c is provided to relax the density of the background portion 4b that is observed as a high density state under normal light. However, the background portion 4b is similar to the above-described embodiments. What is necessary is just to provide in any area | region in the 2nd halftone area | region 4 so that the density | concentration which added the halftone dot 4a and the background part 4b may become fixed irrespective of the area of.

  Similarly, metal ink and mixed black ink are used for the third halftone region 15 in the second embodiment, the third halftone region 15 in the third embodiment, and the fourth halftone region 16. May be formed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Halftone print 2 Base material 3, 13, 103 1st halftone area | region 3a, 13a, 103a Halftone dot 3b, 13b Background part 13c, Density relaxation part 4, 14, 104 2nd halftone area | region 4a, 14a, 104a Halftone dot 4b, 14b, 104b Background portion 4c, 14c Density mitigating portion 5, 21, 105 Visible image 6, 22, 23, 24, 106 Latent image 15 Third halftone region 15a Halftone dot 15b Background portion 16 4 halftone area 16a halftone dot 16b background portion 401 input portion 402 processing portion 403 storage portion 404 output portion

For example, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), the background portion 4b is disposed on the outer side so as to surround the halftone dot 4a and the periphery thereof, and the density relaxation portion 4c is provided in the region outside the background portion 4b. May be. In the figure, the density relaxation portions 4c are provided at the four corners of the second halftone region 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be two corners or a region other than the corners. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the concentration relieving portion 4c in the central portion of the second halftone region 4 is disposed may be formed halftone dot 4a and the background portion 4b on the outer side Further, the concentration relaxation portion 4 c formed in the center portion may be formed at a position shifted from the center of the second halftone region 4 . Furthermore, in the plurality of second halftone areas 4 in one halftone printed matter 1, the second halftone areas 4 provided with the density relaxation portions 4c at different positions may be mixed. The halftone dot 4a is not limited to a circle, and may be formed in an arbitrary shape such as a triangle, a quadrangle, a polygon, a star, or a character. Accordingly, the concentration relaxation portion 4c has an arbitrary shape, You may form in the circumference | surroundings of the background part 4b arrange | positioned around the inside of the halftone dot 4a or its circumference | surroundings, or the circumference | surroundings of the halftone dot 4a. Further, in the state where the halftone dots 4a and the background portion 4b are formed in the second halftone region 4, the concentration relaxation portion 4a may be formed as a set of fine point groups in the region where both are formed. In addition, the same effect can be obtained even in a configuration in which a plurality of arrangement methods of the concentration relaxation unit 4c described above are mixed.

As step S31 of FIG. 10, the processing unit 402 creates second image data corresponding to the original image of the latent image formed by the second halftone region 4, or the second image data is input from the outside as the second image data. The data is input from 401 and stored in the storage unit 403 via the processing unit 402. In the first image data and the second image data, at least three arbitrary points at a common position are set as reference points in each image data. The details of the reference point setting method are described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-267221 , and are therefore omitted.

Claims (13)

A halftone dot printed matter in which a plurality of images are arranged on a substrate so that at least a first halftone area and a second halftone area are adjacent to each other, and a visible image and at least one latent image are formed. ,
The first halftone region has a first image element that forms the visible image with a first colorant;
The second halftone region includes a second image element that forms an image portion of the latent image, a third image element that forms a background portion of the latent image, and the second image element. A density difference from the third image element, or a color difference, or a fourth image element that relaxes the density difference and the color difference.
The second image element is formed of a second color material having a first functionality that is visible under predetermined observation conditions,
The third image element is formed of a third color material that does not have the first functionality or has a second functionality different from the first functionality,
The fourth image element includes the second image element so that each color of the second image element and the third image element in a plurality of the second halftone regions is visually recognized as the same color. A blank area formed by a density difference between the second color material and the third color material, a color difference, or a fourth color material that alleviates the density difference and the color difference, or exposing the color of the surface of the substrate. A halftone dot print characterized by being formed as The visible image has a gradation by different areas of the first image elements included in the first halftone regions.
The halftone dot according to claim 1, wherein the first color material does not have the first functionality, or does not have both the first functionality and the second functionality. Printed matter.   The latent image has a gradation by different areas of the second image elements included in the second halftone regions, and the area of the fourth image elements is the second image. 3. The mesh according to claim 1, wherein the mesh increases as the area of the second image element increases within a range not less than 0.05 times and not more than 3 times the area of the element. Dot print.   The latent image has a gradation by the area of the second image element included in each of the second halftone regions being different, and the area of the fourth image element is the third image. 3. The net according to claim 1, wherein the area decreases as the area of the third image element increases within a range not less than 0.05 times and not more than 3 times the area of the element. Dot print.   In the second halftone region, the second image element is disposed at a central portion of the second halftone region, and the third image element is disposed so as to surround the second image element. And the fourth image element is disposed between the second image element and the third image element, inside the second image element, or outside the third image element. The halftone dot printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein   6. The second color material having the first functionality is any one of an ink having infrared absorption characteristics, a metameric pair ink, a thermochromic ink, and a metal ink. The halftone dot printed material according to any one of the above.   When the second color material having the first functionality is an ink having infrared absorption characteristics, the second image element is formed of black ink having infrared absorption characteristics, and the third image is formed. The element is formed of black ink with a mixed color of cyan, magenta, and yellow that does not have infrared absorption characteristics, and the fourth image element is white that does not have infrared absorption characteristics or a blank in which the substrate is partially exposed. The halftone dot printed matter according to claim 6, which is formed as a region.   The halftone print has a plurality of Nth halftone areas (N is a natural number of 3 or more), and an Nth latent image is formed by the Nth halftone area. The halftone dot printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Using an input unit that inputs data, a processing unit that processes the input data, a storage unit that receives and stores the input data or processed data, and an output unit that includes a printing machine that outputs the data A method for producing a halftone dot printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
Inputting first image data corresponding to the visible image from the input unit, or creating in the processing unit;
First mask data relating to the position, shape and size of each of the plurality of first halftone regions and the position, shape and size of the first image element included in each of the first halftone regions. Inputting from the input unit or creating in the processing unit;
The first image data is masked using the first mask data, and the first halftone region data is processed by the processing unit so that the first image element represents the visible image. And creating and storing in the storage unit;
Inputting second image data corresponding to the latent image from the input unit, or creating in the processing unit;
The position, shape, and size of each of the plurality of second halftone regions, and the position, shape, and size of the second image element and the third image element included in each of the second halftone regions. Inputting the second mask data relating to the input from the input unit or creating in the processing unit;
The second image data is masked using the second mask data, and the second halftone area data is processed by the processing unit so that the second image element represents the latent image. And creating and storing in the storage unit;
Regardless of the area of the second image element, the second image element, the third image element, and the fourth image element are combined in each of the plurality of formed second halftone regions. The position, shape, and area of the fourth image element and the fourth color material are set so that the density, or the color difference, or the density and the color difference are the same color as the other second halftone region. Or creating data of a fourth image element as a blank area exposing the color of the surface of the substrate in the processing unit, and storing the data in the storage unit;
Using the data of the second halftone area and the data of the fourth image element, data of the second halftone area including the fourth image element is created in the processing unit, and the storage A step of storing in the department;
Using the first halftone area data and the second halftone area data including the fourth image element, the halftone print data is generated in the processing unit and output from the output unit. And steps to
A method for producing a halftone print.   The visible image has a gradation, and in the step of creating data of the first halftone area, the processing unit calculates an area of the first image element included in each of the first halftone areas. The method for producing a halftone print according to claim 9, wherein the gradation of the visible image is expressed by changing the gradation. The latent image has a gradation, and in the step of creating data of the second halftone area, the processing unit is configured to determine an area of the second image element included in each of the second halftone areas. To express the gradation of the latent image,
In the step of creating the data of the fourth image element, the processing unit is configured such that the area of the fourth image element is 0.05 times or more and 3 times the area of the second image element. The method for producing a halftone dot printed material according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the halftone dot printed matter is changed so as to increase as the area of the second image element increases within the following range. The latent image has a gradation, and in the step of creating data of the second halftone area, the processing unit is configured to determine an area of the second image element included in each of the second halftone areas. To express the gradation of the latent image,
In the step of creating data of a fourth image element, the processing unit has a range in which the area of the fourth image element is 0.05 times or more and 3 times or less than the area of the third image element. 11. The method for producing a halftone printed matter according to claim 9, wherein the halftone dot printed matter is changed so as to decrease as the area of the third image element increases.   In the step of creating data of a fourth image element, the processing unit is configured so that the fourth image element is between the second image element and the third image element or the second image element. The halftone dot printed matter according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the data of the fourth image element is created so as to be arranged inside or outside of the third image element. Manufacturing method.

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