JP2024017568A - Latent image printed matter and its production method - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] Even if the position of a latent image pattern on a printed matter is not known in advance, it can be easily produced without impairing the design of the printed matter, and there is no trouble when reading the latent image pattern. To provide a latent image printed material that makes it possible to read a latent image pattern, and a method for producing the same. [Solution] The present invention verifies the authenticity of a printed matter in which a printed pattern with a latent image pattern is formed on a base material by causing the latent image pattern to appear at any position on the base material using a discrimination tool. A possible latent image printed matter, the printed pattern is formed by arranging a plurality of units in which at least one latent image element is formed.The latent image pattern formed by the latent image pattern unit is arranged adjacent to or on at least one of the discriminating tools. The present invention relates to a latent image printed matter characterized in that a plurality of the same latent image patterns are formed by arranging a plurality of portions at intervals that allow them to appear. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention makes it possible to easily confirm the authenticity of latent image printed matter using an identification tool, even if the user does not know in advance where on the printed matter the latent image is applied. The present invention relates to a latent image printed material that can be printed with a latent image and a method for producing the same.

Advanced anti-counterfeiting technology is used in security printed materials such as banknotes, passports, stamps, and other securities, important documents and tickets, and various certificates and cards including identification cards. One of these anti-counterfeiting techniques is a technique of applying a latent image to security printed matter. As one of these techniques, a copy control image is generally known that causes a latent image to appear on the copy when a printed matter is copied by a copying machine.

In addition, the applicant has proposed that the latent image printed material is composed of black ink containing an infrared absorbing dye and ink that does not contain an infrared absorbing dye. An application has been filed for a technology for visualizing images (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, the present applicant has developed an anti-counterfeit printed matter that can be used to determine authenticity by a plurality of means, in which a first element that is reproduced by a copying machine and a second element that is not reproduced by a copying machine are formed in different phases. An application has been filed for an anti-counterfeit printed matter in which a latent image pattern is visible when the center of a lenticular lens is placed over the position where the element is formed as a discrimination tool (for example, see Patent Document 2).

In addition, the present applicant has developed a latent image printed matter that can be printed regardless of the type of printing machine or printer, and that the latent image can be read using a reading device with an application installed on a smartphone as a discrimination tool for the singularity of the latent image. An application has been filed for a latent image printed matter that can be visualized and displayed on a screen to easily determine the authenticity of the original (for example, see Patent Document 3).

By the way, with the above-mentioned technology, it is possible to apply a latent image to a printed matter, but since the latent image cannot be recognized with the naked eye, the user must first make a latent image in order to read the latent image applied to a printed matter. It is necessary to know the latent image area or to automatically locate the latent image area by a machine or device. If the user does not know the latent image area in advance, the user needs to use a discrimination tool to find the latent image area. In the case where a latent image area is used, the user has to use a discrimination tool to find the latent image area, which is troublesome. Therefore, it is not possible to make a latent image appear immediately, and the authenticity of the printed matter cannot be confirmed, so that it has not been able to become a widely and generally easy-to-use information discrimination means.

Conventional techniques related to this include a two-dimensional code for preventing forgery and printed matter having the two-dimensional code. This is a printed matter that includes a two-dimensional code with a T-shaped marker for data recognition for cutting out and positioning the data element area in order to provide an audio code that enables counterfeit prevention and authenticity determination (for example, patent (See Reference 4).

In addition, as another technology, in order to eliminate the trouble of searching for the reading code of the cylindrical container when reading the reading code such as a bar code attached to the cylindrical container, an electronic watermark of the reading code is added to the outer surface of the cylindrical container. By printing an image, it is possible to read the image without adjusting the reading range to a specific printed area, and a technology has been disclosed that makes it difficult to see the digital watermark image by providing a blinding layer on the printing layer on the outer surface. (For example, see Patent Document 5).

Patent No. 3544536 Patent No. 6991514 Patent No. 6976527 JP 2019-95953 Publication International Publication No. 2020/067099

However, the printed material described in Patent Document 4 is easy to read because it is provided with a T-shaped marker for data recognition, but the latent image is The problem arises that the anti-counterfeiting effect of the forgery is reduced, and the design required for security printed matter such as passports, stamps, and certificates is impaired.

In addition, the technology described in Patent Document 5 has a configuration in which a digital watermark image of a reading code is printed on the outer surface of a cylindrical container so that it can be easily read. A blinding layer is required to make the digital watermark image difficult to see, and if this is applied to security printed materials, the digital watermark image of the read code alone will be visible, so the function as a latent image is Furthermore, it is difficult to provide a blinding layer to make the read code difficult to see because it complicates the production of security printed matter.

Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that even if the position of the latent image pattern on the printed matter is not known in advance, the design of the printed matter is not impaired by creating a printed matter in which a plurality of latent image pattern units are arranged. To provide a latent image printed material which can be easily produced without any trouble, and which allows the latent image pattern to be easily read without any trouble when reading the latent image pattern, and to provide a method for producing the latent image printed material.

The present invention provides a latent image that allows authenticity to be confirmed by making the latent image pattern appear at any position on the base material using a discrimination tool in printed matter in which a printed pattern with a latent image pattern is formed on the base material. The printed pattern is formed by arranging a plurality of units in which at least one latent image element is formed, and a latent image pattern formed by a latent image pattern unit can appear at least in part adjacently or on a discrimination tool. This is a latent image printed matter characterized in that a plurality of same latent image patterns are formed by arranging a plurality of them at equal intervals.

Further, in the latent image printed matter of the present invention, the latent image pattern unit includes a first latent image element formed corresponding to at least a first color component, a second latent image element formed corresponding to a second color component, and a second latent image element formed corresponding to a second color component. It is formed by arranging a plurality of units each including one of the latent image elements at a predetermined interval, and the first latent image element and the second latent image element have an equal area ratio in all units. , and the angles or shapes at which they are arranged are different from each other.

Further, the latent image pattern unit in the latent image printed matter of the present invention is characterized in that it is formed by units of 400 dots or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions of the latent image pattern unit.

Further, in the latent image printed matter of the present invention, the latent image printed matter further has a visible pattern, and the visible pattern has a visible area formed in the latent image pattern unit with an area ratio corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern. It is characterized by becoming.

The present invention provides a method for creating a latent image printed matter as described above, including a latent image pattern data input step of inputting base pattern data that is the basis of a latent image pattern, and a latent image pattern data input step using the inputted base pattern data. A latent image pattern unit is prepared in which a plurality of units each having at least one latent image element constituting the latent image element are arranged, and at least a part of the latent image pattern unit appears adjacent to or on the discrimination tool in accordance with the dimensions of the base material. It is characterized by comprising the steps of creating a plurality of latent image pattern units arranged at possible intervals, and a forming step of forming on a base material by printing or laser using the data created in the latent image pattern unit creation step. This is a method for creating latent image prints.

Further, in the latent image pattern unit creation step in the latent image printed matter creation method of the present invention, the latent image pattern unit includes a first latent image element formed corresponding to at least a first color component, a second color component, and a second color component. The first latent image element and the second latent image element are formed by arranging a plurality of units each including one of the second latent image elements formed corresponding to It is characterized in that the units have the same area ratio and are arranged at different angles or shapes.

Further, the method for producing a latent image printed matter of the present invention is characterized in that the latent image pattern unit is formed in units of 400 dots or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions.

Further, the method for creating a latent image printed matter of the present invention includes a visible pattern data input step for further forming a visible pattern on the printed pattern, and the latent image pattern unit creation step includes adding visible pattern data into the latent image pattern unit. is used to form a visible region with an area ratio corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern.

According to the present invention, by creating a latent image printed material in which a plurality of latent image pattern units are arranged, the design of the printed material can be improved even if the position of the latent image pattern applied to the printed material is not known in advance. In addition, when reading the latent image pattern using a discrimination tool, the latent image pattern can be easily read without the trouble of searching for the position of the latent image pattern.

The present invention is particularly effective when the latent image print is a security print such as a passport or identification card, and the latent image pattern is personal information such as a facial pattern. In this case, personal identification can be easily performed using a discrimination tool such as an information terminal with a camera, without requiring any special machine or device.

Furthermore, the present invention can further enhance security by adding individual personal information as a latent pattern to each printed matter, such as a passport or identification card that requires variable information.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a latent image printed matter according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first latent image pattern unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another shape of the unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a visual recognition state of a latent image line affected by the dimensions of a unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first latent image pattern unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing verification results regarding the appropriate distance between the latent image printed matter and the discrimination tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the verification target size regarding the appropriate distance between the latent image printed matter and the discrimination tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the number of latent image patterns with respect to the appropriate distance between the latent image printed matter and the discrimination tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating verification conditions regarding an appropriate distance between a latent image printed matter and a discrimination tool according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of units in a first latent image pattern unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of each unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of first latent image pattern units according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the shape of a first latent image line according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a creation method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of each step of the creation method according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a latent image printed matter according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a visible area within a unit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram in which continuous gradation is formed in the visible region according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating density using a template for forming continuous gradations according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of colors of latent image lines according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of each step of the creation method according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the density gradation of a visible pattern according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a latent image printed matter according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a latent image pattern according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing a creation method according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of each step of the creation method according to the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how an invisible area is applied to a latent image pattern unit according to a third embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of a latent image printed matter according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a latent image pattern according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating details of each step of the creation method according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating how an invisible area is applied to a latent image pattern unit according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating density design for forming continuous gradation in an invisible region according to a fourth embodiment.

Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and includes various other embodiments as long as they are within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

As shown in FIG. 1(a), the latent image printed matter (1) of the present invention has a printed pattern (3 ), and the latent image pattern (4) cannot be seen under visible light, but as shown in Figure 1(b), by using the discrimination tool (12), the latent image pattern (4) can be seen. It is a printed matter that can be visualized.

(Base material)
The base material (2) used in the latent image printed material (1) of the present invention is a material that can be printed on the surface of the base material (2), such as paper, resin material, composite material thereof, metal, glass, etc. If so, there are no particular limitations. Further, printing on the base material (2) may be performed by any method such as a printing machine, a digital printing machine, various printers (inkjet type, laser printer), color multifunction printer, etc. Further, in the present invention, a material in which laser marks are formed on the surface of the base material (2) by a laser is also included in the concept of the latent image printed matter (1). Note that there are no particular limitations on the ink used for the latent image print (1), and cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) (hereinafter referred to as "CMY") and black (K) (hereinafter referred to as "K") are used. ) Any ink can be used, such as toner or pigment ink.

(Discrimination tool)
In the present invention, the discrimination tool (12) for visualizing the latent image pattern (4) applied to the latent image printed matter (1) is a smartphone installed with an application capable of visualizing the latent image pattern (4). information terminals with cameras (hereinafter referred to as "information terminals") such as Examples include a lenticular lens that can visualize the latent image pattern (4) by placing it on the image print (1). By visualizing the latent image pattern (4) using these discrimination tools (12), it is possible to easily authenticate the person.

(First embodiment)
In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which an information terminal is used as the determination tool (12).

(latent image print)
The latent image printed material (1) of the first embodiment has a printed pattern (3) formed on a base material (2), as shown in FIG. 1(a). In addition, the latent image printed material (1) is a printed pattern (3) in which monotonous lines are uniformly formed under visible light, and the latent image pattern (4) cannot be visually recognized with the naked eye. However, as shown in FIG. 1(b), when the discrimination tool (12) is used, the facial pattern is visualized and displayed on the screen as a latent image pattern (4), for example.

(latent image pattern)
The latent image pattern (4) applied to the latent image printed matter (1) of the present invention is not particularly limited, and may include letters, numbers, symbols, marks, facial patterns, landscapes, and the like.

(First latent image pattern unit)
As shown in FIG. 2, the latent image printed material (1) includes a plurality of first latent image pattern units (10) formed on a base material (2). In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a total of nine first latent image pattern units (10), 3 vertically x 3 horizontally, are regularly adjacent to each other without gaps over the entire surface of the base material (2). Although a plurality of first latent image pattern units are formed, the adjacent first latent image pattern units do not necessarily have to be adjacent to each other with no gaps. Details regarding the arrangement of the first latent image pattern units will be described later. In addition, in FIG. 2, the boundaries between the first latent image pattern units (10) are shown by dotted lines, but these are provided for the purpose of explaining the structure of the latent image printed matter (1) of the present invention, and the boundaries between the first latent image pattern units (10) are indicated by dotted lines. No dotted lines are formed on the latent image print (1).

The reason why a plurality of first latent image pattern units (10) are regularly formed in the latent image printed matter (1) of the present invention is that when trying to confirm the latent image pattern (4), it is difficult to determine where the latent image pattern (4) is located. This is to ensure that the latent image pattern (4) can be confirmed even when the tool (12) is applied.

As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 2, the first latent image pattern unit (10) includes a first unit (6a), a second unit (6b), and a third unit (6c), which are the smallest units. They are formed by arranging multiple pieces without any gaps. Although the first embodiment will be explained using three types of units: a first unit (6a), a second unit (6b), and a third unit (6c), the minimum unit unit is The types are not limited to this, and may be two or four or more types. The reason why there are two or more types of minimum units is to visualize the latent image pattern (4) of two or more colors using the discrimination tool (12) on the latent image printed material (1), which will be described in detail later.

(unit)
The first unit (6a) is shown in FIG. 3(a), the second unit (6b) is shown in FIG. 3(b), and the third unit (6c) is shown in FIG. 3(c). The first unit (6a), the second unit (6b), and the third unit (6c) all have the same shape and size. Note that the rectangular boxes indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 3 are provided to explain the shapes of the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c), and are No dotted line is formed in each unit. The same applies hereinafter in the present invention.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, it is desirable that the vertical and horizontal dimensions (u) of the unit are in the range of 180 μm to 500 μm. If the unit dimension (u) exceeds 500 μm, the latent image element (26) within the unit will be easily recognized, the concealment of the latent image pattern (4) will be reduced, and the design will be impaired. Furthermore, if the unit dimension (u) is less than 180 μm, it becomes difficult to form the latent image element (26) with a printer or the like. However, the dimensions of this unit are based on the current printer performance, and it goes without saying that this range will change as the printer performance improves in the future. However, this description is merely an example, and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

FIG. 3 describes a case where the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c) have square shapes. However, the shape of each unit (6a, 6b, 6c) in the present invention may be a rectangle in which the vertical dimension (u) and the horizontal dimension (w) are different, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) to (c). Often, it may be a hexagon having a vertical dimension (u) and a horizontal dimension (w) as shown in FIGS. 4(d) to (f), or it may be a rhombus, a parallelogram, or another polygon.

The first latent image pattern unit (10) comprises at least a plurality of latent image elements (26) for forming a latent image pattern (4). The latent image element (26) is not particularly limited as long as it is the smallest unit capable of forming the latent image element (26) in the present invention, such as an image line, halftone dot, or pixel. In the present invention, the image lines, halftone dots, pixels, etc. are collectively referred to as the "latent image image line (7)." In the first embodiment, the latent image element (26) will be described below as a latent image image line (7). As described above, in the first embodiment, a plurality of units each having a latent image element (26) are arranged to form the first latent image pattern unit (10). Furthermore, in the case of forming a visible pattern (5) in the printed pattern (3), the first latent image pattern unit (10) further includes a visible element (9). Details of the visible pattern (5) will be described later.

(latent image line)
When visually confirmed, the latent image printed matter (1) of the first embodiment has a printed pattern (3) in which monotonous latent image lines are uniformly formed. A first latent image line (7a) is placed in the second unit (6b), a second latent image line (7b) is placed in the third unit (6c), and a third latent image line is placed in the third unit (6c). (7c) are formed respectively. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(a), a first latent image line (7a) is formed in the first unit (6a) as a diagonal line from the upper left to the lower right; As shown in b), the second unit (6b) has a second latent image line (7b) formed by a diagonal line from the upper right to the lower left, and the third unit (6c) has a third latent image line (7b) formed by a diagonal line from the upper right to the lower left. An image image line (7c) is formed by a horizontal line from the left center to the right center.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the latent image lines (7a, 7b, 7c) of each unit (6a, 6b, 6c) all have the same area ratio within the unit. In FIG. 3, FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) both show diagonal latent image lines (7a, 7b) arranged from one end of the unit (6a, 6b) to one end of the diagonal line. Therefore, the length and line width (V1, V2) are the same, so the area ratios are the same. Furthermore, since the third latent image line (7c) in FIG. 3(c) is arranged in the lateral (horizontal) direction of the third unit (6c), the length is the same as that of the first unit (6a). ) is shorter than the first latent image line (7a) of the unit (6b) and the second latent image line (7b) of the second unit (6b). However, the image line width (V3) is thicker than the image line width (V1) of the first latent image line (7a) and the image line width (V2) of the second latent image line (7b). The area ratio of the third latent image line (7c) is also equal to that of the first latent image line (7a) and the second latent image line (7b).

Therefore, in the present invention, "the area ratios within the units are equal" means that the latent image images arranged in one unit occupy the same area ratio in the unit. As mentioned above, taking FIG. 3 as an example, the first latent image line (7a) in FIG. 3(a) and the second latent image line (7b) in FIG. 3(b) are one If the proportion of the latent image image (7) in the unit is 20%, the third latent image image (7c) in FIG. 3(c) has a length equal to that of the first latent image. Although it is shorter than the image line (7a) and the second latent image image line (7b), since the image line width (V3) is thicker, the area ratio occupied in the unit is the same, 20%. As described above, by adjusting the length and image line width of each latent image image, it is possible to form the area ratio of the latent image image in all units to be equal.

In FIG. 3, an example was explained in which the area ratio is the same even if the length and width of the latent image images are different, but in FIG. 4, all latent image images are assumed to have the same shape and size, and the arrangement angle is An example is shown in which latent image lines (7a, 7b, 7c) are formed with only different latent image lines. In this way, by making the shapes and sizes of all the latent image images the same, it is possible to make all the area ratios the same without adjusting the length and width of the image lines.

The angles (or shapes) of the first latent image line (7a), the second latent image line (7b) and the third latent image line (7c) are visualized using the discrimination tool (12). The latent image pattern (4) is arranged in correspondence with the color of the latent image pattern (4). For example, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first latent image line (7a) of the first unit (6a) is colored white, and the Black is assigned to the second latent image line (7b), and orange is assigned to the third latent image line (7c) of the third unit (6c). Further, although the details will be described later, the difference in angle or shape of each latent image image (7a, 7b, 7c) is read using the discrimination tool (12), and each latent image image (7a, 7b, 7c) is By visualizing the respective assigned colors as latent image patterns (4), facial patterns etc. can be reproduced as colored latent image patterns (4) using these colors.

The image line width (V) of each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) in the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c) is the size of each unit ( A range of 1/5 to 1/10 of u) is desirable. If the image line width (V) of each latent image image line (7a, 7b, 7c) is within the range of 1/5 to 1/10 of the unit dimension (u), the image will be close as shown in Fig. 5(a). This is desirable because the lines are not recognized with visual acuity and are observed as uniform density. On the other hand, when the image line width (V) exceeds 1/5 of the unit dimension (u), each latent image image line (7a, 7b, 7c) becomes easily visible as shown in FIG. The secrecy of the image pattern (4) will be reduced and the design will be impaired. Moreover, when it is less than 1/10, it is difficult for the discrimination tool (12) to read each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c), and the reproducibility of the latent image pattern (4) becomes low.

A first latent image line (7a) in the first unit (6a), a second latent image line (7b) in the second unit (6b) and a third latent image line in the third unit (6c). It is desirable that the image lines (7c) all have the same color. When the latent image lines (7a, 7b, 7c) have the same color, the concealability of the latent image pattern (4) can be improved. However, even if the colors of the latent image lines (7a, 7b, 7c) are different, it is sufficient that the latent image pattern (4) is not visually recognized on the latent image printed matter (1).

FIG. 6 shows the configuration of the first latent image pattern unit (10). The first latent image pattern unit (10) has a plurality of first units (6a), second units (6b), and third units (6c) arranged in a total of 100 units (10 vertically x 10 horizontally). has been done. For example, each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) can be read as the dimension (u) of the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c). In this case, the first latent image pattern unit (10) has a vertical dimension (s) and a horizontal dimension (s) of 1,800 μm. The number of units (6a, 6b, 6c) constituting the first latent image pattern unit (10) may be, for example, 9 in total, 3 vertically by 3 horizontally. However, it may be configured with 4 vertically x 4 horizontally, a total of 16, or any number.

In the first latent image pattern unit (10) shown in FIG. 6, each unit (6a, 6b, 6c) has the same vertical and horizontal dimensions (u). ) are also the same, but as in the dimensions of the unit shown in Figure 4, the vertical dimension (u) and the horizontal dimension (w) may be different. In that case, the first latent image pattern unit (10) also has different vertical and horizontal dimensions.

Next, the appropriate size of the latent image unit based on the appropriate distance between the latent image printed material (1) and the discrimination tool (12) in the present invention will be explained. Regarding the appropriate distance between the latent image printed matter (1) and the information terminal serving as the discrimination tool (12), the reading distance differs depending on the resolution of the discrimination tool (12). Specifying the specifications of the discrimination tool (12), if the number of units constituting one latent image pattern unit is at least 9 pixels and it is possible to read it as a latent image pattern, the latent image printed matter (1) can be read. Further, the upper limit of this specification is not specified, and the resolution may be as high as possible. However, whether or not the image can be focused and read depends not only on the resolution but also on the distance between the discrimination tool (12) and the latent image printed material (1), which is another issue.

In the first embodiment, since reading is performed using a smartphone camera as the discrimination tool (12), the distance between the smartphone camera used this time and the latent image printed material was verified.

The specifications of the camera installed in the smartphone used this time are 960 x 720, which is the resolution commonly used for smartphones, and it is thought that reading is possible if the resolution is 640 x 480 or higher.

As shown in FIG. 7, the reading distance is assumed to be 5 cm or 50 cm, and as shown in (1) and (2) of FIG. 2) Two patterns were prepared: a card-type paper size that can be used as an identification card, etc., and an A4-size paper pattern that is usually used for important documents, as shown in (3) and (4) of FIG.

Furthermore, regarding the number of latent image patterns (4), the minimum number of latent image patterns (4) is two (see Fig. 9 (2) and (4)), and there is a gap between the size of the card base material or A4 size. Reading was performed by preparing two patterns in which a plurality of three or more elements were arranged (see FIGS. 9(1) and (3)).

Further, the conditions for creating the latent image pattern (4) were set as follows. As shown in FIG. 10(a), the general resolution of printers normally used for home use is 600 dpi, and when this is the condition, the first unit (6a), which is the smallest unit, and the second The vertical and horizontal dimensions (u) of the unit (6b) and the third unit (6c) are 10 pixels. Under these conditions, the minimum number of first latent image pattern units (10) that can visually confirm the facial pattern is 40 vertically x 40 horizontally, as shown in FIG. 10(b). The size is 400 pixels vertically x 400 pixels horizontally. As a result, the number of pixels of the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c), which are the minimum units of the first latent image pattern unit (10), are fixed and set respectively. We verified eight patterns.

Note that "pixel" here is a unit used as an image on data (mainly in bitmap format), and may also be referred to as "pixel/inch". 2) When expressed in terms of output resolution when forming an image using an inkjet printer, it is expressed as "dots/inch," so when viewed as image resolution, "dots" = "pixels." In the following description, the term "pixel" will be used mainly in consideration of the content in image formation, and for the purpose of uniform notation.

The results of this verification are shown in FIG. The specs of the camera installed in the smartphone used this time were able to read and recognize the two patterns at a distance of 5 cm in both layouts and paper size. However, at a distance of 50 cm, it was difficult to focus and reading was impossible. The limit distance for reading is 20 cm when both card size and A4 size have two latent image pattern units, and both card size and A4 size have two latent image pattern units. 10) were arranged without any gaps, the distance was a limit of 15 cm.

Based on the above-mentioned verification results, no matter what position the discrimination tool (12) reads with respect to the base material (2) of the latent image printed material (1), which is a feature of the present invention, the latent image pattern (4) is always detected. The dimensions (size) of the latent image pattern unit (10) in order to enable confirmation of the latent image pattern unit (10) are such that the unit (6) in which the latent image element (26) is formed is formed with 400 pixels or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions. If the number of latent image pattern units is 400 pixels or more, the actual dimensions and number of latent image pattern units may be appropriately set depending on the dimensions (size) of the target base material (2).

Regarding the arrangement of each unit (6a, 6b, 6c), as long as each unit is arranged without any gaps, a plurality of units may be arranged in a matrix without gaps as shown in FIG. 11(a), A plurality of units may be arranged horizontally in a brick shape as shown in FIG. 11(b), or a plurality of units may be arranged vertically in a brick shape as shown in FIG. 11(c). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11(d), the units may have different sizes and be arranged adjacent to each other. The arrangement of the units shown in FIG. 11(d) will be explained in detail in the third embodiment described later. Note that even in the arrangement and size of the units as shown in FIG. 11(d), the area ratio of the latent image lines (7) arranged in the units is the same in all units, as described above. There is.

Further, when the shape of the unit is hexagonal as shown in FIGS. 4(d) to (f), a plurality of units may be arranged in a honeycomb structure (not shown).

In FIGS. 6 and 11, the shape of the first latent image pattern unit (10) is explained as a square example, but like each unit (6a, 6b, 6c) described above, the first latent image pattern unit (10) has a square shape. There is no particular limitation on the shape of the unit (10), and it may be of any shape, such as a rectangle or another polygon.

Further, the arrangement of the first latent image pattern unit (10) is as shown in FIG. may be formed adjacent to each other without any gaps, or the first latent image pattern units (10) may be spaced apart from each other as shown in FIG. 12(b). It is preferable that the first latent image pattern units (10) are adjacent to each other, but even if they are not adjacent and are apart, at least one of the latent image patterns (4) will always be visible when being read by the discrimination tool (12). It suffices if the distance is within the range where a portion of the data can be confirmed. In this case, although it depends on the performance and resolution of the discrimination tool (12), if we take into account the resolution of smartphones, etc. that are currently commonly used, the size of the first latent image pattern unit (10) should be 1/1/2. A spacing of 2 or less is preferable because it becomes possible to confirm the extent of the latent image pattern regardless of where the latent image pattern unit is placed. However, the spacing between the latent image pattern units (10) varies depending on the technological progress of the discrimination tool (12), observation conditions, etc. may be set appropriately. Further, as shown in FIGS. 12(c) and 12(d), the first latent image pattern unit (10) may not be formed at the edge portion of the latent image printed material (1).

Regarding the arrangement of the first latent image pattern units (10), as shown in FIG. 13(a), a plurality of first latent image pattern units (10) may be arranged in a matrix without gaps. However, as shown in FIG. 13(b), a plurality of first latent image pattern units (10) may be arranged horizontally in a brick shape, and as shown in FIG. 13(c), a plurality of first latent image pattern units (10) The pattern units may be arranged vertically in a brick-like manner. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13(d), the first latent image pattern units (10) may have different sizes and be arranged adjacent to each other. Note that the shape of the first latent image pattern unit (10) is not limited to a square, and may be, for example, a rectangle, a diamond as shown in FIG. 13(e), or a hexagon as shown in FIG. 13(f).

Each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) formed in each unit (6a, 6b, 6c) is the first latent image line in the first unit (6a), as shown in FIG. 14(a). The image image line (7a) may be arranged from one corner of the unit to the other corner, or as shown in FIG. 14(b), the first latent image line (7a) They do not have to be arranged from one corner of the unit to the other. The same applies to the second unit (6b) and the third unit (6c) (not shown).

In addition, in the first embodiment, the first latent image line (7a) in the first unit (6a), the second latent image line (7b) in the second unit (6b), and the second latent image line (7b) in the second unit (6b). The third latent image line (7c) in the third unit (6c) is formed by diagonal lines and horizontal lines. However, the shape of each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) is not limited to this, for example, it may be composed of any other arbitrary line such as a vertical line, or it may be composed of two or more lines instead of one line. It may be composed of lines. Furthermore, each latent image image line (7a, 7b, 7c) is not limited to a line, and may be formed using, for example, a symbol such as "◎", "○", or "x". In this case, the information terminal of the discrimination tool (12) determines the characteristics each symbol has, for example, "◎" has two closed shapes, "〇" has one closed shape, and "×" has an intersection point. It can be read based on these characteristics.

In this way, when the obtained latent image printed matter (1) is read by the information terminal of the discrimination tool (12), each latent image image line (7a, 7b, 7c) is detected from each unit (6a, 6b, 6c). At the same time, as shown in FIG. 3, each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) is set to an arbitrary color, for example, the first latent image line (7a) is set to white, and the second latent image line (7a) is set to white. When the image line (7b) is converted to black and the third latent image image (7c) is converted to orange, a latent image appears on the screen of the information terminal of the discrimination tool (12), as shown in FIG. 1(b). A facial pattern is visually recognized as pattern (4).

(Method for creating latent image prints)
Next, a method for creating the latent image print (1) described in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIG. 15. The first embodiment includes a latent image pattern data input step as step 1, a first latent image pattern unit creation step as step 2, a second latent image pattern unit creation step as step 3, and a step 4 as step 4. It has a printing process. Each step will be explained below.

First, in step 1, a latent image pattern data input step, latent image pattern data (13) to be used as the latent image pattern (4) of the latent image printed material (1) is input into a personal computer or the like. Note that the latent image pattern data (13) is not particularly limited to characters, numbers, symbols, marks, facial patterns, scenery, etc.

Next, in the first latent image pattern unit creation step of step 2, as shown in step 2-1 of FIG. 16, the latent image pattern data (13) obtained in the latent image pattern data input step of step 1 is Special color separation is performed into orange component pattern data (14) and black component pattern data (15).

Next, as shown in step 2-2 of FIG. 16, the obtained orange component pattern data (14) and black component pattern data (15) are converted to a resolution of 60 dpi, and further converted into two gradations by error diffusion dither. , orange component gradation pattern data (16) and black component gradation pattern data (17) are generated. Note that although the latent image pattern data (13) is separated into special colors here, it is not limited to special color separation, and RGB (R=red, G=green, and B=blue (hereinafter referred to as "RGB")) It is possible to separate into any number of colors, such as color separation or CMY color separation. Further, although the resolution is set to 60 dpi as an example, it is not limited to 60 dpi, as it is sufficient if the resolution can be converted to a relatively coarse resolution.

In this embodiment, error diffusion dither is used to generate two-level orange component gradation pattern data (71) and black component gradation pattern data (72), which is similar to that shown in FIG. Or, as shown in Figure 2, it is selected as a desirable means to obtain a uniform printed pattern (3) formed on printed matter, and is a method of binarization to create color component gradation pattern data. There is no limitation to this as long as it can be processed.

This binarization process includes simple binarization and halftoning, and halftoning includes dot concentrated halftoning and dot dispersed halftoning. Further, for dot concentrated halftoning, there are AM screens and specially shaped screens, and for dot distributed halftoning, there are pattern dither, error diffusion dither used in the present invention, and the like. Note that, due to recent technological advances, it is also possible to use neural networks (machine learning) in dot concentrated halftoning and dot distributed halftoning. Which means to use may be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose of the creator.

Next, as shown in step 2-3 of FIG. 16, orange coloring data (18) is obtained by coloring the orange component gradation pattern data (16) and the black component gradation pattern data (17) with orange and black, respectively. and black colored data (19). Furthermore, the orange colored data (18) and the black colored data (19) are converted to 600 dpi and combined, resulting in pseudo color pattern data (20).

In the above description, the orange colored data (18) and the black colored data (19) are converted to 600 dpi and then combined, but the two data may be combined and then converted to 600 dpi. Further, the resolution is not limited to 600 dpi, and may be any resolution finer than the resolution in step 2-2.

The reason for converting the resolution once to 60 dpi and converting it to 2 gradations in step 2-2, and then converting it again to 600 dpi in step 2-3, is to create a smooth gradation expression like the face photo shown in Figure 16. This is to obtain from the latent image pattern data (13) a so-called mosaic-like multi-gradation pattern with rough pixel density, like the pseudo color data (20) shown in FIG. 16.

Further, in step 2-4, when the first unit (6a) is applied to the white component pattern data in the pseudo color pattern data (20), white component latent image image data (21a) is generated, and the pseudo color pattern data When the second unit (6b) is applied to the black colored data in (20), black component latent image image data (21b) is generated, and the third unit (6b) is applied to the orange colored data in the pseudo color pattern data (20). When 6c) is applied, orange component latent image image data (21c) is generated. By combining the color component pattern data of these three colors, first pattern data (22), which is a first latent image pattern unit (10), is generated.

In the present invention, the latent image pattern data (13) is color-separated in Step 2 to create the latent image pattern (4). , 7b, 7c), there is no limit to the colors that can be used, and any color can be expressed as the latent image pattern (4) without affecting reading.

In the second latent image pattern unit creation step of step 3, as shown in FIG. 16, the first pattern data (22), which is the first latent image pattern unit (10) obtained in step 2, is multifaceted. , generates second pattern data (23) which is a second latent image pattern unit (11). Note that there is no particular limitation on the multifaceted first pattern data (22), as long as it can be created so that a plurality of patterns can be formed on the base material (2), as shown in FIG.

In the present first embodiment and the second embodiment described later, the step of forming one latent image pattern unit is taken as step 2, and the first latent image pattern unit creation step, the first latent image pattern. The process of arranging a plurality of units to create multiple surfaces will be explained separately as step 3, but since both are processes for creating latent image pattern units, there is no need to separate them, and in the present invention, one latent image The process from creating a pattern unit to arranging a plurality of pattern units to create a multifaceted pattern unit is the process of creating a latent image pattern unit.

In step 4, the second pattern data (23) obtained in step 3 is formed on the base material (2). When forming on the base material (2) by printing, various printing machines, various printers, laser printing by laser irradiation, etc. can be used. By doing so, a latent image line (7) may be formed by laser marks. This laser irradiation is not particularly limited as long as laser marks can be formed on the base material (2), and for example, a general YAG laser can be used. The above is the explanation regarding the first embodiment.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a latent image printed matter (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. When visually checking the latent image printed material (1) in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the latent image pattern (4) cannot be visually recognized under visible light, and the visible pattern ( 5) is a printed matter in which the latent image pattern (4) is visualized by using the discrimination tool (12). In the second embodiment as well, the first latent image pattern unit (10) includes latent image elements (26) for forming the latent image pattern (4) in the form of latent image lines (7). The following description will be made assuming that a plurality of units (6) each having a latent image image (7) are arranged. Therefore, description of the same contents as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

(visible pattern)
In the second embodiment, the visible pattern (5) represented by the latent image printed material (1) shows an example of a phoenix, but the visible pattern (5) also includes letters, numbers, symbols, marks, faces. Patterns, scenery, etc. are not particularly limited.

(visible area)
As shown in FIG. 17(a), the latent image print (1) has a visible phoenix pattern (5) formed by printing. As shown in the enlarged view (circled) in FIG. 17(b), the visible pattern (5) is formed from the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c) described above. Become. Furthermore, each unit has a first visible area (8a), a second visible area (8b), and a third visible area (8a) expressing the visible pattern (5) within the unit, as shown in FIGS. 18(a) to (c). The gradation is expressed by the visible region (8c). Each visible region (8a, 8b, 8c) in each unit (6a, 6b, 6c) has a configuration in which the image area expands below each latent image image (7a, 7b, 7c). is a feature.

This improves the provision of a visible pattern (5) with continuous gradation and the reading efficiency by an information terminal serving as a discrimination tool (12). Specifically, the information terminal reads only each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) of the latent image printed matter (1) and excludes each visible area (8a, 8b, 8c). The image pattern (4) is visualized and displayed on the screen. Note that the method for detecting the latent image pattern (4) by the information terminal is not particularly limited as long as each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) can be extracted and visualized.

As shown in FIG. 19, the visible pattern (5) formed on the latent image printed material (1) is created by the first unit (6a) corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern (5) to be expressed. By changing the area ratio in the visible area (8a) of the second unit (6b) and the third visible area (8c) of the third unit (6c), , a visible pattern (5) with continuous gradations is formed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20(a), when the density of the visible pattern template is 0%, the first visible region (8a) of the first unit (6a), the second visible region of the second unit (6b) Each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c) is not generated in the visible area of , and the third visible area (8c) of the third unit (6c). Alternatively, the density is converted to 10% using a tone curve, so that only each latent image image line (7a, 7b, 7c) of the latent image element corresponding to 10% is formed in the unit.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20(c), when the density of the visible pattern template is 50%, it is converted to a density of 24% by the tone curve, and the first visible area (8a) of the first unit (6a), In the second visible area of the second unit (6b) and the third visible area (8c) of the third unit (6c), each latent image image (7a, 7b, 7c) corresponding to 10% In addition, a visible element corresponding to 14% is formed as each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c).

Further, as shown in FIG. 20(e), when the density of the visible pattern template is 100%, it is converted to a density of 38% by the tone curve, and the first visible region (8a) of the first unit (6a), In the second visible area of the second unit (6b) and the third visible area (8c) of the third unit (6c), each latent image image (7a, 7b, 7c) corresponding to 10% In addition, a visible element corresponding to 28% is formed as each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c).

In the above, an example was explained in which the visible element (9) is formed by performing density conversion using a tone curve. However, depending on the density of the visible pattern template, the first visible element (9a) is ), the second visible element (9b) in the second visible area (8b), and the third visible element (9c) in the third visible area (8c), there are no particular limitations. do not have.

In addition, in the above description, the visible pattern (5) can be formed neatly by making each visible region (8a, 8b, 8c) larger toward the bottom side of the unit, but each unit (6a, 8c) can be formed neatly. There is no particular limitation on the shape of each visible region (8a, 8b, 8c) in 6b, 6c).

In addition, in the above description, as the density of the visible pattern template increases, each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c) spreads toward the lower side of the unit with each latent image image line (7a, 7b, 7c) as a boundary. Although explained in the example, the visible elements (9a, 9b, 9c) may be formed toward the upper side of the unit with each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) as a boundary. However, each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c) may be formed toward the upper side and lower side of the unit with each latent image image line (7a, 7b, 7c) as a boundary.

Furthermore, in the above example, the first visible element (9a), the second visible element (9b), and the third visible element (9c) are in contact with each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c). As described above, the unit can be read without any problem unless each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) and each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c) are separated by more than half the unit dimension.

In this way, the first visible area (8a) of the first unit (6a), the second visible area (8b) of the second unit (6b), and the third visible area of the third unit (6c) In the region (8c), a first visible element (9a), a second visible element (9b), and a third visible element (9c) having different area ratios are formed, thereby creating a visible pattern with gradations. (5) can be formed.

FIG. 21(a) shows a latent image print (1) of the second embodiment printed in green, and FIG. 21(b) shows a latent image print (1) of the second embodiment. is printed in black, and FIG. 21(c) shows the latent image printed matter (1) of the second embodiment printed in purple, and in each case, the first unit (6a) The first latent image line (7a) and the first visible element (9a) of the second unit (6b), the second latent image line (7b) and the second visible element (9b) of the second unit (6b), and the first visible element (9a) of the second unit (6b). It is desirable that the third latent image line (7c) and the third visible element (9c) of the third unit (6c) have the same color. When the colors of each latent image line (7a, 7b, 7c) and each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c) are the same, the concealability of the latent image pattern (4) can be improved. However, even if the latent image lines (7a, 7b, 7c) and the visible elements (9a, 9b, 9c) have different colors, the latent image pattern (4) is not visible on the latent image print (1). It would be nice if it could be configured like this.

Further, in the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which the latent image printed matter (1) was formed in green, black, and purple, respectively, in FIGS. 21(a) to (c), but the present invention There is no particular limitation on the color as long as it has a brightness that can be read by the discrimination tool (12).

In this way, the obtained latent image printed matter (1) has a visible pattern (5) visible to the naked eye, but when read by the information terminal of the discrimination tool (12), it shows that the visible pattern (5) is visible from the first unit (6a) to The first latent image line (7a) is transferred from the second unit (6b) to the second latent image line (7b), and further from the third unit (6c) to the third latent image line (7c). is extracted, and the face pattern is visually recognized as a latent image pattern (4) on the screen of the information terminal, as described above.

Next, a method for creating a latent image printed material (1) having a visible pattern (5) described in the second embodiment of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 15, 16, and 22. Note that the creation method of the second embodiment is the creation method of the first embodiment with the addition of a visible pattern data input step as step 1', and the same content as the first embodiment. The explanation will be omitted.

In the visible pattern data input step of step 1' shown in FIG. 15, visible pattern data (13) to be the visible pattern (5) of the latent image printed matter (1) is input into a personal computer or the like. For example, as shown in step 1' of FIG. 22, visible pattern data (24) of a phoenix having gradation density is input into a personal computer or the like. Although the visible pattern data (24) of a phoenix is used as an example, the visible pattern data (24) is not particularly limited to letters, numbers, symbols, marks, facial patterns, landscapes, etc.

As shown in FIG. 22, the visible pattern data (24) input in step 1' is converted into the second image obtained in the first embodiment according to the gradation density of the visible pattern data (24). The first visible area (8a), the second visible area (8b), and the third visible area (8c) in the second pattern data (23), which is the latent image pattern unit (11), are colored.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23, in the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c) located at 0% gradation density of the visible pattern data (24), each Each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c) is not formed in each visible area (8a, 8b, 8c).

In addition, in the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c) located at 50% gradation density of the visible pattern data (24), each visible region (8a, 8b, Each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c) having an area ratio of 50% is formed in 8c).

Furthermore, in the first unit (6a), second unit (6b), and third unit (6c) located at the highest gradation density of 100% of the visible pattern data (24), each visible region (8a, 8b, 8c), each visible element (9a, 9b, 9c) having an area ratio of 100% is formed, respectively.

In this way, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in addition to the first latent image line (7a), the second latent image line (7b), and the third latent image line (7c), , a first visible element (9a) having an area ratio according to the gradation density in each of the first visible area (8a), second visible area (8b), and third visible area (8c), The first latency by the first unit (6a), the second unit (6b), and the third unit (6c) in which the second visible element (9b) and the third visible element (9c) are formed, respectively. First pattern data (22) consisting of image pattern units (10) is generated. Note that the other steps are the same as those in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted. The above is the explanation regarding the second embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a latent image printed matter (1) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be explained, including a method for producing it. In the third embodiment, the latent image elements (26) constituting the latent image pattern unit (10) will be described below as being formed by halftone dots, but the latent image elements (26) are not limited to halftone dots. It may be a pixel or a drawing line. Contents that overlap with those described in the first embodiment and second embodiment described above will be omitted.

When the latent image printed matter (1) in the third embodiment is visually confirmed, as shown in FIG. 24, the visible region for forming the visible pattern (5) is a visible pattern (5) formed in CMY. As in the first and second embodiments described above, the latent image printed material (1) has a plurality of latent image patterns as shown in FIG. 25(a). Since it is composed of units (10) (nine units in FIG. 25), a plurality of latent image patterns (4) are formed within the visible pattern (5), as shown in FIG. 25(b). .

As shown in the enlarged view of the latent image pattern unit (10) in FIG. 24, the latent image pattern unit (10) includes a plurality of units (6) arranged regularly. By forming the invisible area for forming this latent image pattern (4) with K ink, the carbon contained in K ink can be absorbed by a camera equipped with an infrared absorption function, etc., as shown in Fig. 25(c). It is possible to read and confirm the latent image pattern (4). The visible pattern (5) is formed by changing the area ratio within the visible region corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern (5) to be expressed, thereby forming a visible pattern (5) having continuous gradations. Ru.

A method for creating a latent image print (1) in this third embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 24 to 28.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 26, the method for creating a latent image printed matter (1) in the third embodiment includes a latent image pattern data input step as step 1, a latent image pattern unit creation step as step 2, and step 2 as a latent image pattern data input step. 3 has a printing process. Further, step 3 includes the visible pattern creation step of step 1'. Each step will be explained below.

First, in step 1, a latent image pattern data input step, latent image pattern data (13) that becomes the latent image pattern (4) of the latent image printed matter (1) is input into a personal computer or the like. Note that the latent image pattern data (13) is not particularly limited to characters, numbers, symbols, marks, facial patterns, scenery, etc.

Next, in step 2, the latent image pattern unit creation process, as shown in step 2-1 in FIG. Convert.

Next, as shown in step 2-2 of FIG. 27, the grayscale pattern data (28) obtained in step 2-1 is applied to the invisible area. At this time, as shown in Figure 28 (b-1), generation from positive pattern data is applied to the part corresponding to K (corresponding to latent image element (26)) in the invisible area, and generation from negative pattern data is applied to the part corresponding to K (corresponding to latent image element (26)) in the invisible area. , is applied to the offset pattern portion corresponding to CMY in the invisible area. As a result, first pattern data (22), which is a latent image pattern unit (10), is generated. Note that the CMY offset pattern in the present invention refers to a pattern that camouflages K in an invisible area representing a latent image pattern and makes it less noticeable that a latent image has been applied.

Next, from the first pattern data (22) which is the latent image pattern unit (10) obtained in step 2, as shown in step 2-3 of FIG. Pattern data (23) is generated.

Next, the visible pattern data input step of step 1' for adding the visible pattern (5) will be explained. First, visible pattern data (24), which is to be the visible pattern (5) of the latent image printed matter (1), is input into a personal computer or the like. Note that the visible pattern data (24) is not particularly limited to characters, numbers, symbols, marks, facial patterns, scenery, etc.

As shown in step 1' of FIG. 26 and FIG. 28 (b-2), the visible pattern data (24) input in step 1' is divided into visible areas according to the gradation density of the visible pattern data (24). It is applied to the part corresponding to CMY (corresponding to visible element (9)).

As shown in steps 1 to 3 of FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, all the latent image pattern units ( By applying color components according to the gradation density of the visible pattern data (24) using the visible region 10), second pattern data (23) in which a visible pattern is formed can be generated.

In the latent image printed material (1) created in this way, the latent image pattern (4) can be confirmed no matter which part of the visible pattern (5) is imaged with a camera equipped with an infrared absorption function. It is a feature of the present invention that this is possible.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, the latent image printed matter (1) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is created using FIG. 26 of the creation flow explained in the above-mentioned third embodiment and newly shown in FIGS. 29 to 33. Explain including the method. Note that the same content as that described in the first to third embodiments described above will be omitted.

When visually confirmed, the latent image printed material (1) in the fourth embodiment shows a visible pattern (5) of a phoenix, as shown in FIG. As in the third embodiment, the latent image printed matter (1) is composed of a plurality of latent image pattern units (10) (nine in FIG. 30(a)), so that the visible pattern (5) has , as shown in FIG. 30(b), a plurality of latent image patterns (4) are formed. As shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 29, this latent image printed matter (1) has a plurality of regularly arranged units (6) in which visible elements (9) and latent image elements (26) are arranged. To read this latent image printed matter (1), a discrimination tool (12) such as a lenticular lens as shown in FIG. By generating a latent image, the latent image pattern can be read.

As shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 29, which is an enlarged view of one of the plurality of latent image pattern units (10) constituting the latent image printed matter (1), one latent image pattern unit (10) is further It consists of a plurality of units (6) arranged. In this unit (6), an invisible area (A, A') for forming a latent image pattern (4) and a visible area (C) for forming a visible pattern (5) are arranged.

As for the invisible areas (A, A'), as shown in the enlarged view of unit (6), there are two invisible areas (A) arranged horizontally symmetrically with the center as the border, and two invisible areas (A) arranged vertically symmetrically with the center as the border. The two invisible areas (A') shown in FIG. 1 form a pair and are in an on-off relationship with each other. This on-off relationship means, for example, that when one is black (on), the other is white (off), and when one is colored, the other is uncolored. Basically, both are black or both are white. It means that it is never white.

The invisible area (A) and the invisible area (A') have the same area. Due to the existence of such invisible areas (A, A'), it is not visible under normal visible conditions, and the latent image pattern (4) (negative or positive) and invisible area (A' ), a latent image pattern (4) (positive or negative) is formed respectively. In the present invention, the term "areas are the same" includes those having substantially the same drawing area ratio.

As shown in the enlarged view of the latent image pattern unit (10) in FIG. 29, latent image elements (26) for forming the latent image pattern (4) are arranged in the invisible areas (A, A'). In the visible region (C), visible elements (9) for forming a visible pattern (5) are arranged. In addition, the latent image pattern (4) and the visible pattern (5) are created by changing the area ratio in the visible region and invisible region corresponding to the gradation density of the latent image pattern (4) and visible pattern (5) to be expressed. As a result, a latent image pattern (4) and a visible pattern (5) having continuous gradations are formed.

As shown in FIG. 26, the method for creating a latent image printed matter (1) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a latent image pattern data input step as step 1, a latent image pattern unit creation step as step 2, and steps. 3 has a printing process. Further, step 3 includes the visible pattern creation step of step 1'. Each step will be explained below.

First, in step 1, a latent image pattern data input step, latent image pattern data (13) to be used as the latent image pattern (4) of the latent image printed matter (1) is input into a personal computer or the like. Note that the latent image pattern data (13) is not particularly limited to characters, numbers, symbols, marks, facial patterns, scenery, etc.

In the next step 2, the latent image pattern unit creation process, as shown in step 2-1 of FIG. 31, the RGB latent image pattern data (13) obtained in the latent image pattern data input process of step 1 is color separated Then, by converting to CMY and K, each CMY channel is created. In step 2-2, each color component data obtained in step 2-1 is converted into negative pattern data and positive pattern data.

Next, as shown in step 2-3 of FIG. 31, the negative pattern data and positive pattern data of each CMY channel obtained in step 2-2 are applied to the invisible area (A) and invisible area (A) of FIG. 32. '). At this time, as shown in FIG. 32, the generation from the positive pattern data is applied to the invisible area A, and the generation from the negative pattern data is applied to the offset pattern part corresponding to the invisible area (A'). By combining the negative pattern data and positive pattern data of each CMY channel applied to the invisible area (A, A') for each color, and further combining the pattern data of each channel, a latent image pattern unit (10 ) is generated. Further, as shown in FIG. 33, the invisible area (A) and the invisible area (A') are generated while keeping the image area ratio constant according to the gradation density of the latent image pattern data (13).

Next, as shown in step 2-4 of FIG. 31, second pattern data (23) is created by arranging a plurality of the synthesized first pattern data (22) obtained in step 2-3 to make it multifaceted. generate.

Next, the visible pattern data input step of step 1' for adding a visible pattern (5) to the second pattern data (23) obtained in step 2-4 will be described.

First, visible pattern data (24), which is to be the visible pattern (5) of the latent image printed matter (1), is input into a personal computer or the like. Note that the visible pattern data (24) is not particularly limited to characters, numbers, symbols, marks, facial patterns, scenery, etc.

Next, as shown in FIG. 31, the visible pattern data (24) input in step 1' is multifaceted according to the gradation density of the visible pattern data (24) obtained in step 2-4. This second pattern data (23) is applied to the visible region (C) (see FIG. 32) of all latent image pattern units (10). In this way, as shown in steps 1 to 3 of FIG. 26 and FIG. ) are applied with color components corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern data (24) to generate second pattern data (23) in which a visible pattern is formed.

In the latent image print (1) created in this way, the latent image pattern (4) can be confirmed no matter which part of the visible pattern (5) is checked with a discrimination tool such as a lenticular lens. This is a feature of the present invention.

1 Latent image printed material 2 Base material 3 Printed pattern 4 Latent image pattern 5 Visible pattern 6 Unit 6a First unit 6b Second unit 6c Third unit 7 Latent image line 7a First latent image line 7b Second latent image line 7c third latent image line 8 visible area 8a first visible area 8b second visible area 8c third visible area 9 visible element 9a first visible element 9b second visible element 9c Third visible element 10 First latent image pattern unit 11 Second latent image pattern unit 12 Discrimination tool 13 Latent image pattern data 14 Orange component pattern data 15 Black component pattern data 16 Orange component gradation pattern data 17 Black component gradation Toned pattern data 18 Orange colored data 19 Black colored data 20, 21a, 21b, 21c Pseudo color pattern data 22 First pattern data 23 Second pattern data 24 Visible pattern data 26 Latent image element 28 Gray scale pattern data

Claims (10)

A printed matter in which a printed pattern with a latent image pattern is formed on a base material, the authenticity of which can be confirmed by making the latent image pattern appear at any position on the base material using a discrimination tool. There it is,
The printed pattern is arranged at intervals such that a latent image pattern formed by a plurality of units each having at least one latent image element formed thereon can appear adjacent to each other or at least partially on the discrimination tool. 1. A latent image printed matter, characterized in that a plurality of the same latent image patterns are formed by arranging a plurality of latent image patterns. The latent image pattern unit is at least one of a first latent image element formed corresponding to a first color component and a second latent image element formed corresponding to a second color component. It is formed by arranging multiple units at predetermined intervals, each including
The latent image element according to claim 1, wherein the first latent image element and the second latent image element have the same area ratio in all units, and are arranged at different angles or shapes. Statue print. 3. The latent image printed material according to claim 1, wherein the latent image pattern unit is formed by units each having 400 dots or more in length and width of the latent image pattern unit. the printed pattern further has a visible pattern;
3. The latent image printed material according to claim 1, wherein the visible pattern is formed by forming a visible area in the latent image pattern unit with an area ratio corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern. the printed pattern further has a visible pattern;
4. The latent image printed material according to claim 3, wherein the visible pattern is formed by forming a visible area in the latent image pattern unit with an area ratio corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern. A plurality of latent image patterns formed by latent image pattern units each having a plurality of units each having at least one latent image element formed thereon are arranged adjacent to each other or at intervals such that at least a part thereof can appear on the discrimination tool. , a method for producing a printed matter in which a plurality of the same latent image patterns are formed,
a latent image pattern data input step of inputting base pattern data that is the basis of the latent image pattern;
Using the inputted base pattern data, the latent image pattern unit is manufactured by arranging a plurality of the units each having at least one latent image element constituting the latent image pattern, and the latent image pattern unit is a step of creating a latent image pattern unit in which a plurality of latent image pattern units are arranged adjacently or at intervals such that at least a portion thereof can appear on the discrimination tool according to the dimensions of the base material;
A method for producing a latent image printed matter, comprising a forming step of forming the latent image pattern unit on the base material by printing or laser using the data created in the latent image pattern unit creating step. In the latent image pattern unit creation step, the latent image pattern unit includes a first latent image element formed corresponding to at least a first color component and a second latent image element formed corresponding to a second color component. A plurality of units each including one of the image elements are arranged and formed at a predetermined interval,
6. The first latent image element and the second latent image element have the same area ratio in all the units, and are arranged at different angles or shapes. How to create latent image prints. The latent image printed matter according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the latent image pattern unit in the latent image pattern unit creation step is formed by units of 400 dots or more in each of the vertical and horizontal directions of the latent image pattern unit. How to create. further comprising a visible pattern data input step for forming a visible pattern on the printed pattern,
7. The step of creating a latent image pattern unit includes forming a visible area in the latent image pattern unit using the visible pattern data and having an area ratio corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern. Or the method for producing a latent image print according to 7. further comprising a visible pattern data input step for forming a visible pattern on the printed pattern,
8. The step of creating a latent image pattern unit includes forming a visible area in the latent image pattern unit using the visible pattern data and having an area ratio corresponding to the gradation density of the visible pattern. The method for creating latent image prints described in .

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