JP2013123850A - Printed material with color changeable pattern thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing pattern to be given on valuable printed materials such as banknotes, passports, and valuable securities as preventive measures for counterfeit and replica thereof.SOLUTION: In a printed material, a plurality of first elements in a convex shape or a concave shape are positioned in a first direction on a substrate, and furthermore a plurality of second elements are positioned on the first elements at a different pitch from the first elements. Thus, when the angle of observation against the substrate is gradually changed in a continuous manner and the substrate with the elements is observed, the color changeable pattern renders gradation color change.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed matter having a color-variable pattern, which is applied to valuable printed matter such as banknotes, passports, and securities for preventing counterfeiting and duplication.

  Valuable printed materials such as banknotes, passports, and securities are required to be difficult to counterfeit due to their nature. As a countermeasure, after printing optical change ink (OVI) that changes gloss and color on precious printed matter, the true / false judgment can be made by changing the observation angle for the printed matter and visually recognizing the color change. Anti-counterfeiting techniques to perform are known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optically variable pigment that undergoes a color shift to two different colors according to a change in observation angle. The optically variable pigment can be provided with an opaque total reflection layer by being manufactured by physical vapor deposition using an aluminum alloy as a raw material. The optically variable ink produced using this optically variable pigment has a color shift effect due to the appearance of color due to the interference and reflection of light incident on the total reflection layer. Discrimination can be performed.

Japanese translation of PCT publication No. 2002-523606

  However, the optically variable ink using the optically variable pigment disclosed in Patent Document 1 is very expensive and has poor transfer characteristics. Therefore, in order to efficiently print using the optically changing ink, it is preferable to print using a rotary screen printer capable of supplying ink to a predetermined pattern on the plate surface by a certain amount.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, and specifically, an optically changeable ink that is cheaper than the conventional ink using a normal ink and that changes its color simply by changing the observation angle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printed matter provided with a printing region having the same anti-counterfeit effect.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention described in claim 1 is provided with a color variable pattern having a continuous tone in at least a part of the region on the base material, and the color variable pattern has a concave shape or a convex shape. A first element group in which a plurality of first elements are arranged at a first pitch in a first direction, and a second element made of a color material having a color different from that of the first element on the first element group. Are arranged in a second direction that is the same as or different from the first direction, and a second element group that is arranged at a second pitch, and a pitch that is twice the second pitch is The second element group is different from the first colorant in that the two second elements adjacent to each other are at least the second a element formed of the first colorant. A plurality of element sets each including a second b element formed of at least a second color material of the color, the first pitch and the second The first observation angle that is directly above the base material from the second observation angle or the third observation angle that is oblique to the base material by setting the pitch twice the pitch to a different pitch. When the observation angle is gradually changed, the printed matter having the color variable pattern is characterized in that the continuous tone in the color variable pattern is gradually changed as the observation angle is changed.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the printed matter having the color variable pattern according to claim 1, wherein the elements of the second a and the elements of the second b are regularly and alternately arranged in the second element group. And

  The invention according to claim 3 is the printed matter having the color variable pattern according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the element set, the element 2a and the element 2b are i) the element 2a is the first color. The second element is composed only of the second color material, or ii) the second element is composed only of the first color material, and the second element is composed of the first color material and the second color material. Or iii) the 2a element consists of only the second color material, the 2b element consists of the first color material and the second color material, or iv) the 2a The element and the 2b element are both composed of the first color material and the second color material.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printed matter having the color variable pattern according to the third aspect, in the case of iv), the second element a and the second element b are divided elements composed of the first color material, It consists of a segment element composed of a second color material, and a segment element composed of a first color material in one element and a segment element composed of a second color material in the other element are arranged adjacent to each other To do.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printed matter having the color variable pattern according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first direction and the second direction are different from the first direction and the first direction. The angle formed by the two directions is 1 degree or more and less than 3 degrees.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printed matter having the color variable pattern according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the color variable pattern has a first color material and a second color on the second element group. The third element composed of the third color material that conceals the color material in the third direction is the same as or different from the second direction, and has a third pitch that is different from twice the second pitch. A plurality of third element groups are arranged, and when observed from the first observation angle, the second observation angle, and the third observation angle, the region having the third element group in the color variable pattern is another It is characterized by being visually recognized with a continuous tone of a color different from that of the region.

  Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 7, in the printed matter having the color variable pattern according to claim 6, the direction in which the second direction and the third direction are different is the angle formed by the second direction and the third direction. It is 1 degree or more and less than 3 degrees.

  The printed matter according to the present invention having the above-described configuration is the second print made of normal ink on the first element group in which a plurality of the first elements made of the concave shape or the convex shape formed on the base material are arranged. By providing the second element group in which a plurality of elements are arranged, a color variable pattern in which the color of the continuous tone changes according to the change in the observation angle is obtained. Therefore, the printed matter having the color variable pattern can have the same anti-counterfeit effect as that of the optically changing ink using only normal ink.

  In addition, since it is formed using normal ink, it can be produced using a known printing machine such as an ink jet printer, an intaglio printing machine, and an offset printing machine as well as a rotary screen printing machine.

The top view and schematic diagram which show the printed matter (S) concerning this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the area | region (Z) which is the principal part of printed matter (S) concerning this invention. The top view and sectional drawing which show the base material (1) in which multiple 1st elements (3a, 3b, 3c ...) concerning this invention were formed. Sectional drawing which shows the shape of the 1st element (3a, 3b, 3c ...) concerning this invention. The schematic diagram explaining the 2nd element group (9) concerning this invention. The figure which shows an example of the element concerning this invention. The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the base material (1) concerning this invention from the 1st observation angle (E1). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the base material (1) concerning this invention from the 2nd observation angle (E2). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the base material (1) concerning this invention from the 3rd observation angle (E3). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing printed matter (S) concerning this invention from each observation angle (E1, E2, E3). The schematic diagram which shows the other form of the 2nd element (4a, 4b) concerning this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the other form of the 2nd element (4a, 4b) concerning this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the printed matter (S1) of the 1st modification concerning this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the 2nd element group (9a) in the 1st modification concerning this invention. The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing printed matter (1) in the 1st modification concerning the present invention from the 1st observation angle (E1). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the base material (1) in the 1st modification concerning this invention from the 2nd observation angle (E2). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the base material (1) in the 1st modification concerning this invention from the 3rd observation angle (E3). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the printed matter (S1) in the 1st modification concerning this invention from the 3rd observation angle (E3). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the printed matter (S1) in the 1st modification concerning this invention from each observation angle (E1, E2, E3). The schematic diagram which shows the printed matter (S2) of the 2nd modification concerning this invention. The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the printed matter (S2) in the 2nd modification concerning this invention from each observation angle (E1, E2, E3). The schematic diagram which shows the printed matter (S3) of the 3rd modification concerning this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the area | region (Z3) which is the principal part of printed matter (S3) in the 3rd modification concerning this invention. The schematic diagram explaining the 3rd element group (12) concerning this invention. The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the base material (1) in the 3rd modification concerning this invention from the 1st observation angle (E1). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the base material (1) in the 3rd modification concerning this invention from the 2nd observation angle (E2). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the base material (1) in the 3rd modification concerning this invention from the 3rd observation angle (E3). The schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the printed matter (S3) in the 3rd modification concerning this invention from each observation angle (E1, E2, E3). The schematic diagram which shows the other form of the 3rd element group (12) concerning this invention

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments to be described below, and various other embodiments can be implemented within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

  FIG. 1 is an example of a plan view and a schematic view showing a printed matter (S) in the present invention. As shown to Fig.1 (a), printed matter (S) is valuable printed matter, such as a banknote, a passport, a securities, for example. The printed matter (S) includes a color variable pattern (2) having continuous gradation in at least a part of the region (Z) on the base material (1) such as paper or a plastic card.

  FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C are schematic views in which the region (Z) of the printed matter (S) shown in FIG. The color variable pattern (2) given to the printed matter (S) shown in FIG. 1B is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone as shown in FIG. 1C by changing the observation angle.

  FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram in which a region (Z) that is a main part of the printed matter (S) shown in FIG. 1A is enlarged, and FIG. It is sectional drawing of -A '. As shown in FIG.2 (b), on the 1st element (3a, 3b ...) formed in multiple at least one part area | region (Z) on a base material (1), a 1st element ( 3a, 3b,...), A plurality of second elements (4) are arranged at a pitch different from that of the second element (4). The element (4) is randomly behind the plurality of first elements (3a, 3b...). Thereby, the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone. Hereinafter, the structure of the base material (1) and each element constituting the printed matter (S) will be described in detail.

(First element group)
FIG. 3A is a plan view for explaining the first element group (3). As shown to Fig.3 (a), it has a 1st element group (3) in at least one part area | region (Z) on a base material (1). In the first element group (3), the first element (3a, 3b, 3c,..., Hereinafter all referred to as “3N”) having a concave shape / or a convex shape is the first direction. It is formed by arranging a plurality of (X1) at the first pitch (P1).

  The first pitch (P1) is 300 to 1000 μm in consideration of the printing method, the substrate (1) to be used, and the line width of the second element (4) printed on the first element (3N) described later. It is set as appropriate within the range.

  When the first pitch (P1) is less than 300 μm, a sufficient area can be obtained when printing the plurality of second elements (4) on the first element group (3). Absent. Conversely, when the first pitch (P1) is 1000 μm or more, each of the second elements (4) to be printed on the first element group (3) is identified with the naked eye. Therefore, the color variable pattern (2) cannot be visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone.

  In FIG. 3 (a), the first pitch (P1) is shown at a constant pitch, but it is also possible to use a partially different pitch within the range of 300 to 1000 μm. However, locations having different pitches are not preferable because the continuous tone of the color variable pattern (2) is missing and viewed.

  In FIG. 3A, the shape of the first element (3N) is a straight line. However, the shape is not limited to this, and a plurality of second elements (4) are printed on the first element group (3). The shape may be a shape such as a shape or a broken line.

  Further, the lengths of the first elements (3N) are all the same length, but the length is not limited thereto, and the length of each of the first elements (3N) can be appropriately changed within the region (Z). . In FIG. 3, since all the first elements (3N) have the same length, the first element group (3) is formed in a rectangular shape on the substrate (1). By making the length of the first element (3N) different one by one, the shape of the first element group (3) can be an arbitrary shape such as a circular shape, a character shape, or a pattern shape. It becomes possible.

  FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ′ in FIG. As shown in FIG.3 (b), the 1st element (3N) has the 1st side part (5), the 2nd side part (6), and the top part (7). Moreover, it has a bottom part (8) between two adjacent 1st elements (3N).

  The line width (W1) and height (h) of the first element (3N) are the first pitch (P1) and the lines of the second element (4) and the third element (11) described later. In consideration of the width, the line width (W1) is suitably set within a range of 0.1 to 1.0 mm and the height (h) is within a range of 0.03 to 0.10 mm. When the line width (W1) of the first element (3N) is less than 0.1 mm, the second element (4) and the third element (11) are visually observed on the first element group (3). In order to print with an image line width that can be visually recognized with (1), it is necessary to set the height (h) high, which is not preferable. When the height (h) is set higher than 0.1 mm and the image line width (W1) is set less than 0.1 mm, the color variable pattern (2) when the printed matter (S) is tilted. It is difficult to clearly see the image.

  The first element group (3) is formed on the substrate (1) by intaglio printing, screen printing, embossing, squeezing or laser processing. The formation of the first element group (3) by intaglio printing or screen printing is performed on the base material (1) by using a known intaglio printing method or a printing plate and ink suitable for the known screen printing method. Then, it is formed by a pile of ink.

  The formation of the first element group (3) by embossing is a known embossing process using a concave shape and a convex shape that match the line width (W1) and height (h) of the first element (3N). Form by machine. The first element group (3) is formed by using a well-known paper machine that can be used when the substrate (1) is paper.

  When the first element group (3) is formed by embossing and squeezing, the first element (3N) having a trapezoidal cross section as shown in FIG. 3B can be easily formed. By making the cross-sectional shape of the first element (3N) trapezoidal, the second element (4) and a third element (11) to be described later can be connected to each side portion (1) in the first element group (3) ( 5, 6) It becomes easy to give on. Therefore, the first element group (3) is preferably formed by embossing or penetration.

  Formation of the 1st element group (3) by laser processing is formed by removing a part of base material (1) using a publicly known laser processing device.

  In addition, it is not preferable to form the first element group (3) with a material having high transparency that allows the second element (4) to be visually recognized. When the printed matter (S) on which the first element group (3) with high transparency is formed is tilted and observed, the first element group (3) is located behind the plurality of second elements (4). However, the first element group (3) is visually recognized through the plurality of second elements (4). Therefore, the effect of the present invention that the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone is generated by the plurality of second elements (4) being behind the first element group (3). Disappear. When forming the first element group (3) using a material with high transparency, it is necessary to previously apply a material for decreasing the transparency onto the first element group (3). The highly transparent material in the present invention refers to a material having an opacity (%) of 90% or more by a Hunter reflectometer.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the shape of the first element (3N). FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the base material (1) cut perpendicularly to the first direction (X1), as in FIG. 3 (b). The cross-sectional shape of the first element group (3N) is not limited to the trapezoidal shape shown in FIG. 3B, and can be various shapes shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cross-sectional shape is the same as that in FIG. 3B, but the distance (P1) between two adjacent first elements (3N) of the first element group (3). ) Is made narrower, the bottom (8) can be made linear (in the cross-sectional view, dotted) instead of planar.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E, it may be triangular or semicircular. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4 (f), FIG. 4 (g) and FIG. 4 (h), each may have an asymmetrical shape or a different cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 4 (i). Is possible. In addition, when it is set as asymmetrical shape, as shown in FIG.4 (f), the top part (7) is not necessarily located in the center of a 1st element (3N).

(Second element group)
Next, the second element group (9) arranged on the first element group (3) will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the second element group (9) of the present invention. In the second element group (9), the second element (4) made of a color material having a color different from that of the first element (3N) is the same as the first direction (X1) shown in FIG. It is formed by arranging a plurality in different second directions (X2).

  In the present invention, an element is at least one of an image line, a point, and a pixel, or a combination thereof. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of elements. The image line is a straight line, a broken line, a wavy line or a broken wavy line as shown in FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b), 6 (c) and 6 (d). When the element is an image line, the image line width (W2a, W2b) shown in FIG. 5 is set to 60 to 200 μm. A point is a point formed on a printed material by a mesh screen, a contact screen, or the like. A plurality of dots and pixels to be described later are arranged in a straight line or a wavy line to form a point group or a pixel group. The element is configured as a line by forming a point group or a line group. The dot shape is not limited to a circular dot, but a random dot or a special halftone dot generation method proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-268228 previously filed by the applicant of the present application is taken into consideration. A special halftone dot shape having a degree of freedom obtained by converting an input image into a continuous tone halftone dot composed of a halftone screen may be used.

  A pixel is a minimum unit obtained by dividing a two-dimensional image such as a figure or a character by vertical and horizontal lines. The pixel shape is circular, elliptical, as shown in FIGS. 6 (e), 6 (f), 6 (g), 6 (h), 6 (i) and 6 (j). Polygonal shape and character shape. The character shape shown in FIG. 6H is generally called a minute character or a special halftone dot, but is a pixel in the present invention. Further, as shown in FIGS. 6 (i) and 6 (j), the elements may be combined with image lines, dots, and pixels, respectively. In addition, about this embodiment, an element is demonstrated as a linear drawing line shown to Fig.6 (a).

  When the second element group (9) and the first element group (3) are the same color, the second element group (9) printed on the first element group (3) is distinguished with the naked eye. It cannot be visually recognized. Therefore, the second element group (9) is formed of a color material having a color different from that of the first element group (3).

  The different colors in the present invention may be colors having the same hue and different densities. For example, the color material forming the second element group (9) is light red to form the first element group (3). It is also possible to make the color material dark red.

  In the present invention, for the color material forming each element described later, the definition when the colors of the respective color materials are visually recognized as the same color or different colors is as follows. Since it is the same as the color relationship of the second element group (9), the description is omitted below.

  A plurality of second elements (4) are arranged at the second pitch (P2) to form a second element group (9). The pitch twice the second pitch (P2) is a different pitch from the first pitch (P1). By making the pitch twice the second pitch (P2) and the first pitch (P1) different from each other, when the printed matter (S) is observed from an oblique direction, a plurality of second elements (4 ) Is randomly shaded by the first element group (3), and the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone.

  The second pitch (P2) is appropriately set within a range of 150 to 500 μm in consideration of the printing method, the base material (1) to be used, and the line width (W2a, W2b) of the second element (4). . Note that the second pitch (P2) can be set as appropriate as long as the adjacent second element (4) does not overlap in addition to the same precautions as those of the first pitch (P1) described above. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  In the second element group (9), the two adjacent second elements (4) are different from the first color material and the second a element (4a) formed of at least the first color material. There are a plurality of element sets (10) consisting of second b elements (4b) formed of at least a second color material of color. A color variable pattern (2) is formed by arranging a plurality of element sets (10) overlapping on the first element group (3).

  In the element set (10), the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are such that the 2a element (4a) is composed of only the first color material, and the 2b element (4b) is the first element. Consists of only two colorants.

  The 2a elements (4a) are arranged at the 2a pitch (P2a), and the 2b elements (4b) are arranged at the 2b pitch (P2b) (when referring to P2a and P2b, “ P2N ")

  The second pitch (P2N) takes into account the printing method, the substrate (1), the line width (W2a) of the 2a element (4a) and the line width (W2b) of the 2b element (4b). , Within a range of 300 to 1000 μm.

  In FIG. 5, the adjacent 2a element (4a) and 2b element (4b) are adjacent to each other with a gap, but may be adjacent to each other without a gap. However, it is not preferable that the adjacent 2a element (4a) and 2b element (4b) are partially overlapped. When the adjacent 2a element (4a) and 2b element (4b) are arranged in an overlapping manner, the overlapping part forms the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b). ) And the color of the color material forming the color are visually recognized. Thereby, when the observation angle with respect to the printed matter (S) is changed and the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone, there is a problem that the overlapping portion becomes noise and the visibility is lowered.

  The line width (W2a) of the 2a element (4a) and the line width (W2b) of the 2b can be different from each other as long as the above-mentioned line width (W2b) is 60 to 200 μm. Further, different image line widths may be used for the plurality of 2a elements (4a) or 2b elements (4b).

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the second element group (9), it is preferable to arrange the 2a elements (4a) and the 2b elements (4b) alternately and regularly. Arranging the second a elements (4a) and the second b elements (4b) alternately and regularly means that in the second element group (9), the second a elements (4a) and the second b elements (4b) Are alternately arranged one by one without changing each other. The second element group (9) is formed by regularly and alternately arranging the second element (4a) and the second element (4b), thereby forming noise when the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized. It is possible to visually recognize as a pattern having a continuous tone without causing any.

  In the second element group (9), the 2a elements (4a) and the 2b elements (4b) can be arranged irregularly and alternately. Arranging the second a elements (4a) and the second b elements (4b) alternately and irregularly means that in the second element group (9), one element, for example, the second a element (4a) is continuous. Is to arrange. In the color variable pattern (2), at the place where the 2a elements (4a) and the 2b elements (2b) are irregularly arranged alternately, the color of the color material forming one element is visually recognized. As described above, since both the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are fine, when the number of elements arranged continuously is small, the color variable pattern (2) is continuous. The gradation does not decrease. However, when the number of continuously arranged elements is large, a solid area that is noise is generated in a part of the continuous tone of the color variable pattern (2), which is not preferable.

  The second element group (9) is formed on the first element group (3) by a known printing method. The printing method of the second element group (9) may be an offset printing method, a gravure printing method, a screen printing method, a flexographic printing method, an ink jet printer, a laser printer, or the like as long as printing is possible on the first element (3N). It is not particularly limited. When producing a printed material (S), in most printing methods, an increase in the image area ratio or the dot area ratio due to dot gain is expected between the printed material and the plate surface. Needless to say, the image area ratio or the dot area ratio is required.

  The first color material forming the 2a element (4a) and the second color material forming the 2b element (4b) can use various inks suitable for the printing method described above. For example, offset ink, gravure ink, screen ink, flexographic ink, toner, and the like can be used. Further, the ink is not limited to a single color ink, and it is also possible to prepare inks of respective colors by mixing a plurality of inks and use the inks.

  Although a detailed configuration will be described later, in the printed matter (S), the second element (4a) and the second element (4b) are arranged on the top (7) of the first element (3N). There is a case. At that time, when the second element group (9) is formed by using printing ink having an engraved image line such as intaglio ink, foaming ink, screen ink, etc., the printed material (S) is inclined to change the color variable pattern (2 ) Other 2a elements (4a) and 2b elements (4b) printed on the first element (3N) other than the top (7) are placed on the top (7). There are cases where a part of the second 2a element (4a) and the second 2b element (4b) becomes a shadow and cannot be visually recognized, so that the color variable pattern (2) is partially missing. Therefore, when printing the second element group (9), it is necessary to select a printing method and printing ink as appropriate in consideration of the visibility of the color variable pattern (2).

(Visual recognition principle of the second element group)
Next, the visual recognition principle of the second element group (9) will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram when the printed matter (S) shown in FIG. 2 is viewed from the first observation angle (E1) that is directly above the base material (1). FIG. 9 is a schematic view when the printed matter (S) shown in FIG. 2 is viewed from a second observation angle (E2) that is oblique upward with respect to the substrate (1), and FIG. 9 is a printed matter shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing (S) from the 3rd observation angle (E3) which is a downward diagonal direction with respect to a base material (1). In addition, the observation angle when this printed matter (S) is visually recognized from the first observation angle (E1) and the observation angle when the substrate (1) is visually recognized from the first observation angle (E1) are: Since it was visually recognized from the same observation angle, hereinafter, the base material (1) is omitted, and it is said that the printed matter (S) is visually recognized from the first observation angle (E1). The same applies to other observation angles. Therefore, the description is omitted.

  Each observation angle (E1, E2, E3) varies depending on the height (h) of the first element group (3). In the present invention, the first observation angle (E1) is the same as that shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the angle at which the first side (5), second side (6), top (7) and bottom (8) of the first element group (3) are visible. is there. The second observation angle (E2) is, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the second side (6) of the first element group (3) becomes the first blind spot (G1). It is the angle at which it cannot be seen. Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the third observation angle (E3) is a visual recognition that the first side (5) of the first element group (3) becomes the second blind spot (G2). An angle that is impossible.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the printed matter (S) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1), the first side (5) and the second side of the plurality of first elements (3N) The side part (6), the top part (7) and the bottom part (8) are all visible without being a shadow of the adjacent first elements (3b, 3c). Therefore, the plurality of second elements (4) formed on the plurality of first elements (3N) are visually recognized.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the printed matter (S) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2), the first side portion (5) has the first element (3c) adjacent thereto. Visible without shadow. On the other hand, the second side portion (6) becomes the first blind spot (G1) and cannot be visually recognized. As described above, the printed matter (S) in the present invention has the first element (3N), the second a element (4a), and the second b element (4b) formed at different pitches. Deviation occurs. Therefore, when viewed from the second observation angle (E2) as shown in FIG. 8B, the second element group (9) that cannot be viewed by the first blind spot (G1) It gradually shifts in the direction 2 (X2). Thereby, the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone from the first color to the second color in the second direction (X2).

  Note that there may be a pattern having a continuous tone changed from the first color to the second color or a continuous tone changed from the second color to the first color due to a phase shift. is there. For example, when the first pitch (P1) in the first element (3N) is 300 μm, the second pitch (P2) is 200 μm, and the second pitch (P2) is 250 μm. Then, when the second pitch (P2) is set to 250 μm, the difference from the first pitch (P1) becomes smaller. When the pitch difference is smaller, the position of the second element group (9) that becomes invisible due to the above-described blind spot is gradually shifted, thereby reducing the period of continuous tone. On the other hand, when the difference between the different pitches is large, the location of the second element group (9) that becomes invisible due to the above-described blind spot shifts suddenly. Therefore, the period of continuous gradation increases.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the printed matter (S) is viewed from the third observation angle (E3), the second side portion (6) has the adjacent first element (3b). Visible without shadow. On the other hand, the first side (5) becomes the second blind spot (G2) and cannot be visually recognized. As described above, the printed matter (S) in the present invention has the first element (3N), the second a element (4a), and the second b element (4b) formed at different pitches. Deviation occurs. Therefore, when viewed from the third observation angle (E3) as shown in FIG. 9B, the portion of the second element group (9) that becomes invisible due to the second blind spot (G2) gradually increases. It will shift to.

  Thereby, the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone in the second direction (X2). Since the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3) are different observation angles, the second-a element (4a) and the second-b element (4b), which are different in blind spots and cannot be visually recognized. ) Is also different. Therefore, at the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3), the continuous tone of the visually recognized color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as different colors.

(Principle of visual recognition of color variable pattern)
Next, the visual recognition principle of the color variable pattern (2) when the printed matter (S) is visually recognized while changing the observation angle will be described.

(Visible from the first observation angle (E1))
FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram when the printed matter (S) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1). When the printed matter (S) is visually recognized from the first observation angle (E1), the second element group (9) is all visually recognized without being positioned at the aforementioned blind spot. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 10A, the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a color in which the first color and the second color are mixed. In the present invention, since the pitch (P1) of the first element (3N) is as narrow as 300 to 1000 μm, the color variable pattern (2) is solid with a color material in which the first color and the second color are mixed. It looks like a printed pattern.

(Visible from the second observation angle (E2))
FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram when the printed matter (S) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2). When the printed matter (S) is visually recognized from the second observation angle (E2), as described above, the second element group (9) positioned at the first blind spot (G1) is not visible. Therefore, the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone from the first color to the second color in the second direction (X2).

(Visible from the third observation angle (E3))
FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram when the printed matter (S) is viewed from the third observation angle (E3). When the printed matter (S) is viewed from the third observation angle (E3), as described above, the second element group located at the second blind spot (G2) in the second element group (9). (9) becomes invisible. Therefore, the color variable pattern (2) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous gradation of a color different from the continuous gradation when visually recognized at the second observation angle (E2).

  In addition, by gradually changing the observation angle of the printed matter (S) from the first observation angle (E1) to the second observation angle (E2) or the third observation angle (E3), Along with the change, the second element group (9) that cannot be visually recognized by the first element group (3) also gradually changes. Therefore, by changing the observation angle gradually from the first observation angle (E1) to the second observation angle (E2) or the third observation angle (E3), the color variable pattern ( The continuous tone color in 2) gradually changes like a pattern printed with optically changing ink.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the color variable pattern (2) can be further provided with information by whitening a part of the second element group (9). FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram showing the second element group (9) to which the information (J1) is given. A part of the second element group (9) is white with the outline of the information “A”. The information “A” was formed by removing.

  FIG.11 (b) is a schematic diagram when the color variable pattern (2) which has the 2nd element group (9) shown to Fig.11 (a) is visually recognized from the 2nd observation angle (E2). The portions other than the white portions forming the information “A” are visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone by the above-described visual recognition principle. On the other hand, since the second element group (9) is not printed, the portion forming the information “A” is visually recognized as the color of the base material (1) regardless of the viewing angle.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to give information by printing a color material having a color different from that of the second element group (9) on the second element group (9). . FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram showing the second element group (9) to which the information (J2) is given, and the second element group (9) is placed on the second element group (9). A color material having a color different from that of the sample was printed to form information “A”.

  FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram when the color variable pattern (2) shown in FIG. 12A is viewed from the second observation angle (E2). Information other than the information “A” is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone according to the above-described visual recognition principle. On the other hand, since the second element group (9) is concealed by the color material having a color different from that of the second element group (9), the outline of the information “A” is visible from any observation angle. Is visually recognized as a color different from the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b). The ink for printing the information (J2) is not particularly limited as long as it is different from the color material used for the second element group (9) and is not a transparent ink.

(First modification)
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a region (Z1) which is a main part of the printed matter (S1) of the first modified example. Note that a part of the description overlapped with the printed matter (S) described above is partially omitted. The printed matter (S) shown in FIG. 2 has a color variable pattern (2) by arranging a plurality of first elements (3N), 2a elements (4a), and 2b elements (4b) in the same direction. Was forming. In the first modification, a color variable pattern (2a) is formed by arranging a plurality of first elements (3N), 2a elements (4a), and 2b elements (4b) in different directions. To do. In addition, about the coloring material which forms a base material (1), 1st element group (3), and 2nd element group (9a), since it is the same as that of printed matter (S) mentioned above, it demonstrates below. Omitted.

(Second element group in the first modification)
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the second element group (9a) in the first modification. The second element group (9a) includes a second a element (4a) and a second b element (4b) arranged in a second direction (X2) different from the first direction (X1). Note that the pitch (P2a, P2b) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) is the same as the pitch described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The different directions in the present invention are the directions of the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2) when the first direction (X1) is set as a reference (0 degree) as indicated by θX in FIG. The angle formed is greater than 0 degrees and less than 3 degrees. The angle formed by the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2) depends on the period of the continuous tone generated within the area (vertical × horizontal) of the second element group (9a). Although it sets suitably, it is preferable to set it as an angle of 1-3 degrees. When the angle is less than 1 degree, the period of continuous tone generated in a direction different from the first direction (X1) becomes too gentle, which is not preferable because the visual recognition effect is inferior. When the angle exceeds 3 degrees, the period of continuous tone generated in a direction different from the first direction (X1) is shortened, and the continuous tone generated in the first direction (X1) is inhibited. This is not preferable.

(Visual recognition principle of the second element group in the first modification)
Next, the visual recognition principle of the second element group (9a) will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram when the printed matter (S1) shown in FIG. 14 is viewed from the first observation angle (E1). FIG. 16 shows the printed matter (S1) shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing from angle (E2), and FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing printed matter (S1) shown in FIG. 14 from 3rd observation angle (E3).

  As shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, when the printed matter (S1) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1), the second element group (9a) is visually recognized as described above. .

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, when the printed matter (S1) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2), the first blind spot (G1) causes the first blind spot (G1) as described above. Since the second element group (9a) becomes invisible, the color variable pattern (2a) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone in the first direction (X1).

  Further, when viewed from the second observation angle (E2), the color variable pattern (2a) has a fourth direction (Y1) orthogonal to the first direction (X1) in which the first element (3N) is arranged. ) As a pattern having a continuous tone. Therefore, the color variable pattern (2a) is visually recognized as a pattern having continuous gradations in both the second direction (X2) and the fourth direction (Y1).

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, when the printed matter (S1) is viewed from the third observation angle (E3), the second blind spot (G2) causes the second blind spot (G2) as described above. Since the second element group (9a) becomes invisible, the color variable pattern (2a) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone in the first direction (X1).

  Further, when viewed from the third observation angle (E3), the color variable pattern (2a) is in the fourth direction orthogonal to the first direction (X1), similarly to the second observation angle (E2). The color tone also changes continuously in the direction of (Y1). Therefore, the color variable pattern (2a) is visually recognized as a pattern having continuous gradations in both the second direction (X2) and the fourth direction (Y1).

(Principle of visual recognition of color variable pattern in first modification)
Next, regarding the visual recognition principle when the pattern is visually recognized as a pattern having continuous gradation in both the second direction (X2) and the fourth direction (Y2), when viewed from the third observation angle (E3) This will be described with reference to a schematic diagram. 18A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA ′ shown in FIG. 17B, FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB ′ shown in FIG. 17B, and FIG. FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ shown in FIG. Both are schematic diagrams when the printed matter (S1) shown in FIG. 13 is viewed from the third observation angle (E3).

  As described above, the first direction (X1) in which the first element group (3) is arranged and the second direction (X2) in which the second element group (9) is arranged have an angle θX. Therefore, the position where the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) shown in FIG. 18 (b) are printed is the first position of the first element (3N) shown in FIG. 18 (a). The positions printed on the side (5), the second side (6), the top (7) and the bottom (8) are different. Further, the positions where the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) shown in FIG. 18 (c) are printed are printed at positions different from those shown in FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b). Will be.

  That is, there is a positional relationship between the plurality of first elements (3N) and the plurality of second a elements (4a) and the second b elements (4b) printed on the plurality of first elements (3N). It changes in the fourth direction (Y1) with a certain period. As a result, continuous tone is generated in both the first direction (X1) and the fourth direction (Y1).

  Next, the visual recognition principle of the color variable pattern (2a) when the printed matter (S1) is visually recognized while changing the observation angle will be described.

(Visible from the first observation angle (E1))
FIG. 19A is a schematic diagram showing a region (Z1) when the printed matter (S1) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1). When the printed matter (S1) is visually recognized from the first observation angle (E1), the second element group (9a) is visually recognized. Therefore, the color variable pattern (2a) is visually recognized as a color obtained by mixing the first color and the second color.

(Visible from the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3))
FIG. 19B is a schematic diagram showing a region (Z1) when the printed matter (S1) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2), and FIG. 19C shows the printed matter (S1), It is a schematic diagram which shows the area | region (Z1) at the time of visually recognizing from the 3rd observation angle (E3). When the printed matter (S1) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3), as described above, the second element group located at each blind spot (G1, G2). (9a) becomes invisible and the second element group (9a) located in the blind spot (G1, G2) gradually shifts in the second direction (X2). Thereby, the color variable pattern (2a) is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone in the fourth direction (Y1) orthogonal to the first direction (X1).

  Also in the first modification, the observation angle with respect to the printed matter (S1) is gradually changed from the second observation angle (E2) or the third observation angle (E3) to the first observation angle (E1). As a result, the continuous tone color in the color variable pattern (2a) changes and is visually recognized in accordance with the change in the observation angle.

(Second modification)
In the embodiment and the first modification described above, the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are both formed of a single color material. In the second modification, the color variable pattern (2b) is formed using the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) formed of two color materials. In addition, about the base material (1) and the 1st element group (3), since it is the same as that of the above-mentioned (printed material S, S1), description is abbreviate | omitted and a different location is demonstrated below about a 2nd modification. .

  FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram in which a region (Z2) that is a main part of the printed matter (S2) in the second modification is enlarged. The color variable pattern (2b) includes a first partitioned region (13a) and a second partitioned region (13b). FIG.20 (b) is an enlarged view which shows the element set (10a) in a 2nd modification. As shown in FIG. 20 (b), in the element set (10a), both the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are made of two color materials.

  As shown in FIG. 20 (b), the 2a-th element (4a) includes a 1a-segmented element (4a1) made of the first color material and a 2a-classified element (4a2) made of the second color material. ). The 2b element (4b) includes a 1b section element (4b1) made of the second color material and a 2b section element (4b2) made of the first color material.

  In addition, when the division element in one element is formed on the 1st element group (3) using a different printing plate, for example, in one 2a element (4a), the 1a division element (4a1 ) And the 2a section element (4a2) are formed using different printing plates, the respective printing elements in one element may be slightly separated or overlapped due to printing of the printing plates. Those cases are also included in the scope of the present invention and will not be described below.

  The first segment area (13a) in the color variable pattern (2b) includes a plurality of second-a segment elements (4a2) and a plurality of second-b segment elements (4b2). The second partition region (13b) includes a plurality of 1a partition elements (4a1) and a plurality of 1b partition elements (4b1). When the second (a) element (4a) and the second (b) element (4b) are formed of two color materials, the printed matter (S2) is observed from each observation angle (E1, E2, E3) to form each division element. The color of the color material thus obtained is visually recognized as a mixed color in the first segmented area (13a) and the second segmented area (13b). Therefore, in the color variable pattern (2b), continuous gradations of different tones are visually recognized in the first segment area (13a) and the second segment area (13b).

  In addition, when formed with two color materials, the divisional elements formed with different color materials in the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) may not be arranged correspondingly. Although possible, as shown in FIG. 20 (b), the respective divided elements formed of the different color materials in the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are arranged correspondingly. It is also possible.

  Corresponding arrangement in the present invention means that, as shown in FIG. 20 (b), the first a made of the first coloring material in the second a element (4a) which is one element of one element set (10a). And the 1b section element (4b1) made of the second color material in the 2b element (4b), which is the other element, are arranged adjacent to each other.

  The first observation described above is made by forming both the second a element (4a) and the second b element (4b) from the first color material and the second color material and arranging them correspondingly. When viewed from the angle (E1), the first segmented region (13a) and the second segmented region (13b) are viewed as solid regions of the same color, but the second observation angle (E2) and the third segmented region (13) When viewed from the observation angle (E3), the first segmented region (13a) and the second segmented region (13b) are visually recognized as regions having continuous gradations of different colors. Therefore, although printing is performed with the same two-color ink as in the above-described embodiment, the visual effect similar to that of a printed matter printed with two types of optically variable ink is obtained by adopting the image line configuration of the second modification. to be born.

  In FIG. 20, the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are each composed of three segment elements. The number of elements is not limited. It goes without saying that the number of segment areas in the color variable pattern (2b) increases with the number of segment elements.

  In addition, in FIG. 20, the shapes of the first segmented region (13a) and the second segmented region (13b) are both rectangular, but the shape is not limited to this, and any shape such as a character or a pattern can be used. is there. When the first segmented region (13a) and the second segmented region (13b) have arbitrary shapes, the length of each segmented element is appropriately set corresponding to the arbitrary shape.

  Furthermore, although both the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are formed in two colors, it is also possible to form one with two colors and the other with a single color. Further, even in the case of the second modification, it is also possible to arrange the first element group (3) and the second element group (9) in different directions as in the first modification.

(Principle of visual recognition of color variable pattern in the second modification)
Next, the visual recognition principle of the color variable pattern (2b) when the printed matter (S2) is visually recognized while changing the observation angle will be described.

(Visible from the first observation angle (E1))
FIG. 21A is a schematic diagram showing a region (Z2) when the printed matter (S2) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1). When the printed matter (S2) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1), the second element group (9) is viewed. 1a partition element (4a1) and 1b partition element (4b1), 2a partition element (4a2) and 2b partition element (4b2), all arranged correspondingly by the same position and the same length Are visually recognized as a mixed color of the first color material and the second color material. Therefore, as described above, the color variable pattern (2b) is visually recognized as a color obtained by mixing the first color and the second color.

(Visible from the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3))
FIG. 21B is a schematic diagram showing a region (Z2) when the printed matter (S2) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2). FIG. 21C shows the printed matter (S2). It is a schematic diagram which shows the area | region (Z2) at the time of visually recognizing from 3 observation angles (E3). When the printed material (S2) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3), as described above, the second element group located at each blind spot (G1, G2). (9) becomes invisible, and each of the plurality of segment elements (4a1, 4a2, 4b1, 4b2) located in the blind spots (G1, G2) gradually shifts in the second direction (X2). Thereby, the first segmented area (13a) and the second segmented area (13b) of the color variable pattern (2b) are each visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone in the second direction (X2). The colors of the first segmented area (13a) and the second segmented area (13b) are viewed differently.

(Third Modification)
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating a region (Z3) that is a main part of the printed matter (S3) of the third modified example. Note that a part of the description overlapping with the above-described embodiment and modification is partially omitted. FIG. 22A is a schematic diagram showing the region (Z3).

  In the third modification, the information section (14) is formed in the color variable pattern (2c). The color variable pattern (2c) having the information part (14) is visually recognized from the first observation angle (E1) and the second observation angle (E2) shown in FIG. 22 (c) as shown in FIG. 22 (b). In this case, in the color variable pattern (2c), continuous gradations of different colors are visually recognized in the information part (14) and the other area (15). In addition, since it is the same as that of embodiment mentioned above about the base material (1), the 1st element group (3), and the 2nd element group (9), description is abbreviate | omitted below.

  FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram in which a region (Z3) that is a main part of the printed matter (S3) is enlarged. In the third modification, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 23, the second element group (9) arranged on the first element group (3) is composed of a plurality of third elements (11). It has a third element group (12).

  FIG. 23B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A ′ in FIG. In FIG. 23 (b), there is a portion where the third element (11) arranged on the second element (4) is shown in a floating state. In practice, they are arranged in a superimposed manner.

(Third element group)
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining the third element group (12). The third element (11) composed of the third color material that conceals the color of the first color material and the color of the second color material is different from the pitch twice the second pitch (P2). A plurality of elements are arranged in the third direction (X3) at a pitch (P3) of 3, thereby forming a third element group (12). The third direction (X3) is the same as or different from the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2).

  The relationship between the third direction (X3) and the other directions (X1, X2) is the same as the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2) described above. When X2) is a reference (0 degree), it means that the angle formed by the other direction (X1, X2) and the third direction (X3) is more than 0 degree and less than 3 degrees. The angle formed by the third direction (X3) and the other directions (X1, X2) is that of the third element (11) arranged on the second element group (9) constituting the color variable pattern (2c). Number, area occupancy ratio of the third element group (12) in the second element group (9), the first element (3N), the second a element (4a), and the second b element (4b) It is set as appropriate depending on the pitch, line width, etc.

  A plurality of third elements (11) are arranged on the second element group (9) at a third pitch (P3) different from a pitch twice the second pitch (P2). The second element (4a) and the second element (4b) are randomly concealed in the third element (11). Thereby, when observed from each observation angle (E1, E2, E3), the continuous tone of the color in which the region having the third element group (12) in the color variable pattern (2c) is different from the other regions. Visible at.

  The line width (W3) of the third element (11) is preferably equal to or slightly narrower than the line widths (W2a, W2b) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b). . If it is too thin, the effect of concealing the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) is inferior, so that it is difficult to visually recognize the continuous tone of different colors. Further, if the line width (W2a, W2b) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) is larger, both the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are hidden. It becomes difficult to visually recognize continuous gradation.

  Further, since the third element group (12) needs to partially hide the second element group (9), the first color material and the second color forming the second element group (9) are required. The third color material is used to conceal the color material. When the third color material is a light color such as white, yellow, yellowish green, or a highly transparent color such as transparent or translucent, it is difficult to hide the second element group (9). Therefore, the third color material is most preferably black. However, if the line width (W3) of the third element (11) is larger than the line widths (W2a, W2b) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b), The color variable pattern (2c) has a dark continuous tone as a whole because it is mainly visually recognized from the color of the second element group (9). Therefore, the third color material is appropriately set according to the line width (W2a, W2b) and the color material of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b).

(Visual principle of the third element group in the third modification)
Next, the visual recognition principle of the third element group (12) will be described. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram when the printed matter (S3) in the third modified example is viewed from the first observation angle (E1), and FIG. 26 shows the printed matter (S3) in the third modified example in the second observation. It is a schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing from an angle (E2), and FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing the printed matter (S3) in a 3rd modification from a 3rd observation angle (E3).

  As shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, when the printed matter (S3) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1), the second printed on the first element group (3) is displayed. The third element group (12) is visually recognized on the element group (9).

  In the third modification, unlike the above-described embodiment, the third element (11) is different from the pitch twice the second pitch (P2) on the second element group (9). Since there are a plurality of elements at the third pitch (P3), a phase shift occurs between the elements 2a (4a) and 2b (4b) and the elements (11). . Therefore, the second element group (9) is concealed randomly by the plurality of third elements (11) while causing a phase shift.

  The portion concealed by the third element group (12) has the same effect as the blind spot (G1, G2) generated when viewed from the second observation angle (E2) or the third observation angle (E3) described above. Produce. That is, in the second element group (9), the portion concealed by the third element group (12) (the portion that cannot be visually recognized) gradually shifts in the first direction (X1). Therefore, the region having the third element group (12) in the color variable pattern (2c) at the first observation angle (E1) has a color different from that of the region not having the third element group (12). It is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B, when the printed matter (S3) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2), the plurality of the second a elements (4a) and the second b described above are used. In addition to the phase shift between the element (4b) and the plurality of third elements (11), as described above, the plurality of second a elements (4a) and The 2b element (4b) gradually shifts in the first direction (X1). Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 27 (a) and 27 (b), when the printed matter (S3) is viewed from the third observation angle (E3), the plurality of the second 2a elements (4a) and the first In addition to the phase shift between the 2b element (4b) and the plurality of third elements (11), as described above, the plurality of second a elements (4a) that are invisible due to the second blind spot (G2) And the 2b element (4b) gradually shifts in the first direction (X1). Therefore, in the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3), the region having the third element group (12) in the color variable pattern (2c) is the third element group (12). It is visually recognized as a pattern having a continuous tone of a color different from that of the region not having the, and the continuous tone is different from the continuous tone visually recognized at the first observation angle (E1).

(Principle of visual recognition of color variable pattern in the third modification)
Next, the visual recognition principle of the color variable pattern (2c) when the printed matter (S3) is visually recognized while changing the observation angle will be described.

(Visible from the first observation angle (E1))
FIG. 28A is a schematic diagram showing a region (Z3) when the printed matter (S3) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1). When the printed matter (S1) is viewed from the first observation angle (E1), the second element group (9) hidden by the third element group (12) is in the first direction (X1). It will shift. Accordingly, in the color variable pattern (2c), the region having the third element group (12) is visually recognized with a continuous tone different from the other regions.

(Visible from the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3))
FIG. 28B is a schematic diagram when the printed matter (S3) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2). FIG. 28C shows the printed matter (S3) at the third observation angle ( It is a schematic diagram at the time of visually recognizing from E3). When the printed matter (S3) is viewed from the second observation angle (E2) and the third observation angle (E3), the second element group (G1, G2) located at the respective blind spots (G1, G2) as described above ( 9) and the third element group (12) become invisible, and the second element group (9) located at the blind spot is in a second direction (X2) different from the first direction (X1). It gradually shifts. Further, in the color variable pattern (2c), the third element group (12) randomly hides the second element group (9). Accordingly, in the color variable pattern (2c), the region having the third element group (12) and the other region are visually recognized with continuous tones of different colors in the first direction (X1).

  FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing another form of the third element (11). As shown to Fig.29 (a), the 3rd direction (X3) which arrange | positions the 3rd element (11) can be made into a different direction from a 2nd direction (X2). In the case of different directions, the continuous tone in the information section (14) is in the first direction (X1) as in the case of the 2a element (4a) and 2b element (4b) of the first modification described above. ) And the fourth direction (Y1). In FIG. 28, the character “H” as the meaningful information is shown as a positive image by the information unit (14). However, as shown in FIG. 29 (b), the meaningful information may be shown as a negative image. Is possible. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29 (c), the information section (14) may have an outline as in the second element group (9) described above.

  In each embodiment described above, the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) are printed on the continuous first element (3N) in the area (Z). There is not necessarily a 2a element (4a) and / or a 2b element (4b) on every first element (3N) in. In addition, since it is not the essence of the present invention to continuously print on all the first elements (3N), the description is omitted here.

  In addition, the color material forming the 2a element (4a), the 2b element (4b), and the third element (11) can contain a functional material. The functional material is not particularly limited, and a known functional material such as an infrared absorber, an ultraviolet-excited visible light emitting agent, or a cholesteric liquid crystal used for a temperature indicating ink can be used.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Example 1
As Example 1, a color variable pattern (2) shown in FIG. In the color variable pattern (2), high-quality paper (NPI high-quality paper 81.4 g / m ² manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) was used as the base material (1). A plurality of first elements (3N) are arranged in a first direction (X1) on a base material (1) using a UV curable ink for screen printing using a screen printer (MF-250 made by RANAS). Thus, the first element group (3) was formed. The line width (W1) of the first element (3N) shown in FIG. 3B is 250 μm, and the first pitch (P1) is a constant pitch of 500 μm.

  The second element group (9) was printed by arranging a plurality of 2a elements (4a) and 2b elements (4b) shown in FIG. 5 in the second direction (X2). The first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2) were the same direction. The line widths (W2a, W2b) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) were each 120 μm. The second element (4) was formed with the second pitch (P2) as a constant pitch of 257.5 μm. Further, the pitch (P2N) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) were both set to a constant pitch of 515 μm. Element 2a (4a) was printed using offset ink (T & K TOKA Best Cure Indigo), and element 2b (4b) was printed using offset ink (T & K TOKA Best Cure Red). The 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) were each formed on the substrate (1) by an offset printing machine (EP-60 manufactured by Shimogaki Iron Works).

  When the color variable pattern (2) produced in Example 1 was observed with the naked eye from the first observation angle (E1), it was visually recognized as a uniform color in which cyan and magenta colors were mixed. Next, when the color variable pattern (2) is observed from the second observation angle (E2), an area in which the cyan color and the magenta color are mixed is visually recognized at the center of the cyan area and the magenta color area. As the magenta color area approaches, the ratio of cyan color decreases and gradually becomes magenta, and the mixed color area decreases as the cyan color area approaches and the magenta color ratio decreases gradually and becomes cyan.

  Next, when the color variable pattern (2) is observed from the third observation angle (E3), an area in which the cyan color and the magenta color are mixed can be visually recognized at the center of the cyan color area and the magenta color area. As the magenta color area approaches, the ratio of cyan color decreases and gradually becomes magenta, and the mixed color area decreases as the cyan color area approaches and the magenta color ratio decreases gradually and becomes cyan. Furthermore, when the color variable pattern (2) was observed by sequentially tilting from the second observation angle (E2) to the third observation angle (E3), a continuous tone in which the color mixture region changed gradually could be visually recognized. .

(Example 2)
As Example 2, the color variable pattern (2a) shown in FIG. In the color variable pattern (2a), high-quality paper (NPI high-quality paper 81.4 g / m ² manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) was used as the base material (1). A plurality of first elements (3N) are arranged in a first direction (X1) on a base material (1) using a UV curable ink for screen printing using a screen printer (MF-250 made by RANAS). Thus, the first element group (3) was formed. The line width (W1) of the first element (3N) was 250 μm, and the first pitch (P1) was 500 μm.

  The second element group (9a) was printed by arranging a plurality of 2a elements (4a) and 2b elements (4b) shown in FIG. 14 in the second direction (X2). The line widths (W2a, W2b) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) were each 120 μm. The second element (4) was formed with the second pitch (P2) as a constant pitch of 257.5 μm. The pitch (P2N) of the 2a-th element (4a) and the 2b-th element (4b) were both set to a constant pitch of 515 μm. Printing was performed by setting the angle formed by the first direction (X1) and the second direction (X2) to 1 degree. The 2a element (4a) is printed using offset ink (T & K TOKA's best cure indigo), and the 2b element (4b) is printed using offset ink (T & K TOKA's best cure red). did. The 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) were each formed on the substrate (1) by an offset printing machine (EP-60 manufactured by Shimogaki Iron Works).

  When the color variable pattern (2a) produced in Example 2 was observed with the naked eye from the first observation angle (E1), it was visually recognized as a uniform color in which cyan and magenta colors were mixed. Next, when the color variable pattern (2) is observed from the second observation angle (E2), in the first direction (X1), the cyan color and the magenta color are mixed in the center of the cyan color region and the magenta color region. As the color area approaches the magenta color area, the proportion of cyan color decreases and gradually becomes magenta. In the color mixture area, the proportion of magenta color decreases as it approaches the cyan color area and gradually becomes cyan. It was visually recognized that Furthermore, the gentle continuous tone generated in the first direction (X1) can be visually recognized in the fourth direction (Y1) different from the first direction (X1). .

  Next, when the color variable pattern (2a) is observed from the third observation angle (E3), an area in which the cyan color and the magenta color are mixed can be visually recognized at the center of the cyan color area and the magenta color area. As the magenta color area approaches, the ratio of cyan color decreases and gradually becomes magenta, and in the mixed color area, the magenta color ratio decreases and the color gradually becomes cyan as it approaches the cyan color area. Furthermore, the gentle continuous tone generated in the first direction (X1) can be visually recognized in the fourth direction (Y1) different from the first direction (E1). . Further, when the color variable pattern (2a) is observed by sequentially tilting from the second observation angle (E2) to the third observation angle (E3), the color mixture region is in the first direction (X1) and the fourth direction (Y1). ), A continuous tone gradually changing in two directions could be visually recognized.

(Example 3)
As Example 3, a color variable pattern (2c) shown in FIG. In the color variable pattern (2c), a high-quality paper (NPI high-quality paper 81.4 g / m ² manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) was used as the base material (1). A plurality of first elements (3N) are arranged in a first direction (X1) on a base material (1) using a UV curable ink for screen printing using a screen printer (MF-250 made by RANAS). Thus, the first pattern (3) was formed. The line width (W1) of the first element (3N) was 250 μm, and the pitch (P1) was 500 μm.

  The second element group (9) was printed by arranging a plurality of 2a elements (4a) and 2b elements (4b) shown in FIG. 5 in the second direction (X2). The line widths (W2a, W2b) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) were each 80 μm. The second element (4) was formed with the second pitch (P2) as a constant pitch of 257.5 μm. The pitch (P2N) of the 2a element (4a) and the 2b element (4b) were both set to a constant pitch of 515 μm. The 2a element (4a) is printed using offset ink (T & K TOKA's best cure indigo), and the 2b element (4b) is printed using offset ink (T & K TOKA's best cure red). did.

  Further, the third element group (12) was printed by arranging a plurality of third elements (11) in the third direction (X3). The first direction (X1), the second direction (X2), and the third direction (X3) were the same direction. The line width (W3) of the third element (11) was 80 μm, and printing was performed using an offset ink (Best Cure Black, manufactured by T & K TOKA). In addition, 2a element (4a), 2b element (4b), and 3rd element (11) were each formed on the base material (1) with the offset printing machine (EP-60 by Shimogaki Iron Works). .

  When the color variable pattern (2c) produced in Example 3 is observed with the naked eye from the first observation angle (E1), it can be visually recognized as a uniform color in which cyan and magenta are mixed, and the information section (14 ), The third element (14) partially hides the plurality of second-a elements (4a) and second-b elements (4b), so that the cyan color and the magenta color area are in the center. And the magenta color mixture area can be visually recognized, and the cyan color area gradually decreases as the color mixture area approaches the magenta color area, and the magenta color area gradually decreases as the color mixture area approaches the cyan color area. It was visually recognized that the color gradually became cyan. Note that the third element (11) was printed with black ink having an image line width (W3) of 80 μm, so that the third element (11) was hardly visible with the naked eye.

  Next, when the color variable pattern (2c) is observed from the second observation angle (E2), the color variable pattern (2c) can be visually recognized in cyan, and the information unit (14) has a mixed color area in which the cyan area and cyan and black are mixed. Visible, and the color mixture area decreased in black as it approached the cyan area. Next, when the color variable pattern (2c) is observed from the third observation angle (E3), the color variable pattern (2c) can be visually recognized in magenta color, and the information unit (14) has a magenta color region and a mixed color region in which magenta and black are mixed. Visible, and the color mixture area decreased in black as it approached the magenta color area. Further, when the color variable pattern (2c) is observed by sequentially tilting from the second observation angle (E2) to the third observation angle (E3), it is possible to visually recognize a continuous tone color in which the color mixture region changes gradually. It was.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment was described based on the Example which concerns on this invention, it is not limited to the said Example, In the range of the technical thought of a claim, there are many other Examples. Needless to say.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Base material 2, 2a, 2b, 2c Color variable pattern 3 1st element group 3a, 3b, 3c, 3N 1st element 4 2nd element 4a 2a element 4b 2b element 4a1 1a division Element 4a2 2a partitioning element 4b1 1b partitioning element 4b2 2b partitioning element 5 1st side 6 2nd side 7 top 8 bottom 9 9a 2nd element group 10, 10a element set 11 3rd element 12 3rd element group 13a 1st division area 13b 2nd division area 14 Information part E1 1st observation angle E2 2nd observation angle E3 3rd observation angle h Height P1 1st Pitch P2 2nd pitch P2a 2a pitch P2b 2b pitch S, S1, S2, S3 Printed material W1, W2, W2a, W2b Line width X1 1st direction X2 2nd direction X3 3rd direction Y1 4th Direction Z area

Claims (7)

A color variable pattern having a continuous tone is provided in at least a part of the region on the substrate,
The color variable pattern includes a first element group in which a plurality of first elements each having a concave shape or a convex shape are arranged at a first pitch in a first direction;
On the first element group, a plurality of second elements made of a color material having a color different from that of the first element are arranged at a second pitch in a second direction that is the same as or different from the first direction. A second group of elements arranged,
The pitch twice the second pitch is a pitch different from the first pitch,
In the second element group, two adjacent second elements are at least a second color element formed of a first color material, and a second color different from the first color material. A plurality of element sets consisting of at least elements 2b formed of a material;
By making the pitch twice the first pitch and the second pitch different from each other, the base material can be obtained from the second observation angle or the third observation angle that is oblique with respect to the base material. When the observation angle is gradually changed to the first observation angle that is directly above, the continuous gradation in the color variable pattern is also gradually changed with the change of the observation angle and is visually recognized. Printed matter having a characteristic color variable pattern.   2. The printed matter having a color variable pattern according to claim 1, wherein in the second group of elements, the elements of the 2a and the elements of the 2b are regularly and alternately arranged. In the element set, elements 2a and 2b are:
i) the element 2a is composed of only the first color material, and the element 2b is composed of only the second color material, or
ii) The element 2a is composed of only the first color material, and the element 2b is composed of the first color material and the second color material, or
iii) the element 2a is composed of only the second color material, the element 2b is composed of the first color material and the second color material, or
(iv) The printed matter having a color variable pattern according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the element 2a and the element 2b is composed of the first color material and the second color material. . In the case of iv), the 2a element and the 2b element are:
Comprising a segment element composed of the first color material and a segment element composed of the second color material,
4. The color variable pattern according to claim 3, wherein the division element made of the first color material in one element and the division element made of the second color material in the other element are arranged adjacent to each other. Having printed matter.   5. The direction in which the first direction and the second direction are different is an angle formed by the first direction and the second direction being 1 degree or more and less than 3 degrees. Printed matter having the color variable pattern according to any one of the above. The color variable pattern is formed on the second element group.
A third element composed of a third color material concealing the first color material and the second color material has a second pitch of 2 in a third direction that is the same as or different from the second direction. A plurality of third element groups arranged at a third pitch different from the double pitch;
When observing from the first observation angle, the second observation angle, and the third observation angle, in the color variable pattern, the region having the third element group is a continuous color different from other regions. The printed matter having a color variable pattern according to claim 1, wherein the printed matter is visually recognized with gradation.   The direction in which the second direction and the third direction are different from each other is that the angle formed by the second direction and the third direction is 1 degree or more and less than 3 degrees. Printed material with a variable color pattern.

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