JPH04257491A - Method for formation of image for long-term preservation - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an image characterized most principally by a long-term preservation thereof without deterioration when it is left unprotected from the weather with the additional feature of an easy and rapid formation of a reduced image on a base material from the image information consisting of pictures or letters. CONSTITUTION:A method for forming an image for a long-term preservation which is characterized by supplying the image information consisting of pictures or letters by an optical or electronic image information input means, converting the image information supplied by the input means into a predetermined size of a reduced image information by a predetermined image processing means and thereafter forming a reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information thus obtained on a small-sized base material by a predetermined method.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention is capable of forming an image by simply reducing image information, such as a picture or text drawn by an individual, on a substrate in a short time, and exposing the image to wind and rain. The present invention relates to a method for producing a long-term storage image forming body that can be stored for a long period of time without causing image deterioration in a stored state.

0002

[Prior Art] In recent years, as entertainment has become more diversified, the desire for self-actualization and self-expression has also increased, so personal mementos and messages can be stored for a long period of time and can be viewed whenever desired. There is also a growing demand for a system that can be viewed.

[0003] However, until now, no method has been found for forming images of such personal information quickly and in a state that can be stored for a long period of time.

[0004] For example, photographs and the like relatively easily provide personal information images, but when exposed to wind and rain for a long period of time, the formed images fade. Furthermore, although the method of writing designs on ceramics or the like by oneself is suitable for long-term preservation, it requires a lot of time including baking time. Furthermore, with methods such as etching and plating, processing of each individual item is complicated and requires a lot of time and cost.

[0005]

As described above, the conventional methods have many problems in terms of ease and speed of image formation and long-term storage stability of images.

The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to easily and quickly reduce image information such as pictures or characters onto a base material. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing an extremely reliable long-term storage image-forming body, which can form an image and store the image for a long period of time without causing image deterioration when exposed to wind and rain.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides image information consisting of pictures, characters, etc.
Input by optical or electronic image information input means,
Next, the image information input by the image information input means is converted into reduced image information of a predetermined size by a predetermined image processing means, and then a reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information obtained by the image processing means is An image forming body is obtained by forming the image on a small-sized base material by a predetermined method.

In particular, image information such as pictures or letters drawn on paper, film, or boards is read by optical image information input means such as a scanner or a video camera.

[0009] Also, keyboards, input boards, mice,
Image information consisting of pictures, characters, etc. is formed on the display by electronic image information input means such as an electronic pen.

On the other hand, a reduced image is formed by forming grooves with a depth of 10 μm or more on a small-sized substrate using laser light or mechanical engraving.

[0011] Furthermore, on a small-sized base material that has been smoothed,
A reduced image is formed using a highly durable resin-type transfer recording material (transfer ribbon).

[0012] Furthermore, small-sized smooth substrates are coated or laminated with resin so as to have a surface smoothness of 60 seconds or more as measured by a flatness meter.

Furthermore, a reduced image is formed on a small-sized base material made of ceramic, metal, or glass using a material made of a sinterable substance such as glass frit and a pigment, and the material is sintered. I have to.

[0014]

[Operation] In the method for manufacturing a long-term storage image forming body according to the present invention, first, image information consisting of pictures or characters is inputted by an optical or electronic image information input means,
Next, the image information inputted by the image information input means is converted into reduced image information of a predetermined size, and then the reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information obtained by the image processing means is converted into ceramic, metal, or on small-sized substrates made of glass, for example by laser light or mechanical engraving, or by highly resistant resin-type transfer recording materials.
Alternatively, an image-forming body is obtained by forming it from a material made of a sinterable substance such as glass frit and a pigment.

[0015] This makes it possible to form an image very easily and quickly, and also to preserve the image for a long period of time without causing image deterioration when exposed to wind and rain.

[0016]

[Embodiment] In the present invention, image information consisting of pictures, characters, etc. is inputted by an optical or electronic image information input means, and then the image information inputted by the image information input means is processed by a predetermined image processing means. is converted into reduced image information of a predetermined size by the image processing means, and then a reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information obtained by the image processing means is formed on a small-sized base material by a predetermined method to form an image forming body. It's something you get.

An embodiment of the present invention based on the above concept will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration for realizing the method of manufacturing a long-term storage image forming body according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, this system includes an art material 1 for drawing an image, a scanner 2 which is an optical image information input means, a computer 3 which performs image processing of the input image, and an image output means. It consists of a laser engraving machine 4 and a base material 5 for forming long-term storage images.

In this example, a long-term storage image forming body is obtained in the following manner. That is, first, image information consisting of pictures, letters, etc. drawn on an art material 1 consisting of paper, film, or board is optically read by the scanner 2. Next, this input image information is processed by known predetermined image processing means using the computer 3.
It is converted into reduced image information having an area of a predetermined size, for example, 2 cm square or less. Thereafter, a reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information obtained by this image processing means is placed on a small base material 5 with a small size, for example, 2 cm square or less, by controlling a laser engraving machine 4 with a computer 3 to engrave it with a laser beam. The image-forming body is obtained by forming the image-forming body by

In this case, the reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information is stored on a small base material 5 made of, for example, ceramic, metal, glass, plastic, mineral, etc., for the purpose of long-term preservation while exposed to wind and rain. , draw as a reduced image,
Enables long-term storage outdoors. However, the material of the base material 5 at this time is not limited to those listed above.

In this embodiment, the drawing method on the base material is a drawing method using laser light. That is, in this method, a laser beam is irradiated onto the base material 5, and the heat energy is used to vaporize the components of the laser beam irradiated portion of the board surface, forming a relatively shallow groove of 10 μm or more, and forming a reduced image. The idea is to do so.

Although this method requires a relatively high-output laser light source, it is easy to use as a drawing method and the drawing speed is extremely fast.
It can be said that this is an extremely effective method.

In this case, as the laser, a YAG laser, a carbon dioxide laser, an Ar laser, etc. can be used, but the laser is not limited to these in any way.

Alternatively, as a method using an excimer laser or the like, a pattern is formed with metal foil on a quartz plate, the entire surface of the quartz plate is irradiated with excimer laser light, and a ceramic substrate of 2 cm square or less is formed using a lens. Light can be focused onto the material to form a reduced image on the ceramic substrate. At this time, the main wavelength of the light emitted from the excimer laser is
248 nm and 198 nm, and it is desirable to use a quartz plate as a base material that transmits light of these wavelengths.

[0026] The metal used to form the pattern on the quartz base material may include Cr, Fe, etc., but is not limited to these.

Furthermore, as a method for forming a pattern on a quartz substrate, a transfer ribbon is used, in which a release layer is provided on a PET film, a metal vapor deposited film is provided on top of the release layer, and a wax layer is provided on this. A reduced image is formed on a quartz base material while being heated with a thermal head.

As described above, in this embodiment, image information consisting of pictures, letters, etc. drawn on the art material 1 consisting of paper, film, or board is input by the scanner 2, which is an optical image information input means. The image information inputted by the scanner 2 is processed into a predetermined size (
For example, reduce the image information to an area of 2 cm square or less),
Thereafter, a reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information obtained by this image processing means is engraved with a laser engraving machine using the computer 3 onto a small base material 5 made of ceramic, metal, glass, plastic, mineral, etc., for example, 2 cm square or less. 4
By controlling this, an image forming body can be obtained by forming with laser light.

Therefore, it is possible to form a reduced image by drawing image information such as pictures or characters on the base material 5 easily and in a short time, and it is also possible to form a reduced image without exposing the base material 5 to wind and rain. It is possible to obtain an extremely reliable image forming body in which the reduced image drawn on the base material 5 does not deteriorate even if it is stored for a long period of time. As described above, many excellent effects can be obtained in terms of ease and speed of image formation and long-term storage stability of images.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can also be implemented in the following manner.

(a) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another system configuration example for realizing the method for manufacturing a long-term storage image forming body according to the present invention, and the same elements as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals. It shows.

In FIG. 2, this system includes an art material 1 for drawing an image, a scanner 2 as an optical image information input means, a computer 3 for performing image processing on the input image, and an image output means. It is composed of a thermal head 7, a highly durable resin-type transfer recording material (hereinafter referred to as a resin-type transfer ribbon) 8, and a base material 5 for forming a long-term storage image.

In this example, a long-term storage image forming body is obtained in the following manner. That is, first, image information consisting of pictures, letters, etc. drawn on an art material 1 made of paper, film, or board is read by a scanner 2, which is an optical image information input means. Next, the image information input by this scanner 2 is transferred to a computer 3.
The image is converted into reduced image information of a predetermined size (for example, an area of 2 cm square or less) by a known predetermined image processing means. Thereafter, the reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information obtained by this image processing means is
By controlling the thermal head 7 with the computer 3, a resin-type transfer ribbon 8 is placed on a small base material 5 of m square or less.
The image-forming body is obtained by forming the image-forming body by

In this case, the drawing method on the base material 5 is a drawing method using a resin type transfer ribbon method in this embodiment. That is, this method attempts to form an image on a base material 5 using a resin-type transfer ribbon 8 with a thermal head 7 (or a laser beam, etc.), and has the following advantages: miniaturization of the device, ease of operation, It has extremely excellent features such as ease of maintenance.

Further, as the resin used for the resin-type transfer ribbon 8, it is desirable to use, for example, a thermoplastic resin having a glass transition temperature of 50 to 100°C. in particular,
Polyester resin, acrylic resin, polyamide resin, etc. can be used.

Furthermore, as the pigment, organic or inorganic pigments can be used. Specifically, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, Hansa Yellow, Oil Yellow 2
G, carbon black, oil black, pyrazolone orange, oil red, red iron, anthraquinone violet, phthalocyanine blue, aluminum powder, bronze powder, pearl essence, magnetic powder, etc. can be used.

However, if the base material 5 used is a simple ceramic, metal, glass, etc., there will be a problem with the adhesion of the transfer ink, so it is recommended that the base material 5 be treated in advance to improve its adhesion. desirable.

As a method for such pretreatment, the surface of the base material 5 is coated with a resin or laminated with a resin film, and the surface smoothness is measured using a Beck flatness meter for 60 seconds or more. It is desirable to have a degree of

[0039] Such resins include polyester,
Use resins such as acrylic, cellulose resin, urethane, epoxy, vinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinylidene chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polystyrene, polycarbonate, alkyd resin, etc. Can be done. However, it is not necessarily limited to these.

[0040] By coating the board surface with these resins or laminating these resin films onto the base material, the adhesion of the resin-type transfer ribbon can be improved and a stable image can be provided for a long period of time. Can be done. Moreover, whereas the aforementioned methods, namely the "drawing method using laser light" and the "drawing method by cutting" described later, only provide a simple line drawing (single color), pigments with high weather resistance are used. By selecting , it becomes possible to form a multicolor reduced image.

Furthermore, even if an ultraviolet absorber or a resin stabilizer is added to the resin provided on the base material, the resin of the resin-type transfer ribbon, or both, this will not affect the present invention in any way. .

(b) As a method for drawing an image on the base material 5, in addition to the above-mentioned "drawing method using laser light" and "resin type transfer ribbon method", the following methods may be applied. be able to.

(1) “Drawing method by cutting” This method uses a sword (or needle) made of diamond, metal, ceramic, etc.
In this method, the surface of the base material is directly cut.

(2) "Fired transfer ribbon method" In this method, a reduced image is formed on a ceramic or metal base material using a transfer ribbon containing pigments, glass frit, etc., and then fired. It can be said to be an excellent drawing method in that it has extremely high weather resistance and can provide multicolor images.

However, this method requires a step of forming a reduced image using a transfer ribbon and then firing it in a kiln, so it is somewhat difficult to use as a method for quickly providing a highly weather-resistant image. There is a problem.

As the glass frit used in such a transfer ribbon, any known glass frit such as lead glass, soda glass, silicate glass, etc. can be used. However, it is not necessarily limited to these.

[0047] Any known pigment can be used, such as black pigments, red pigments, natural mineral pigments, etc., but they are not necessarily limited to these. do not have.

(3) "Laser firing method" This method is
This method has the potential to compensate for the problems of the above-mentioned ``sintered transfer ribbon method,'' in which powder containing glass frit and pigments is layered on a ceramic or metal base material. A relatively high-energy laser beam is irradiated from above, or a glass frit or a transfer ribbon containing pigment, etc. is closely attached to a ceramic base material, and a relatively high-energy laser beam is irradiated from above. By doing so, the glass frit and the like are fired to form a reduced image.

By this method, it is possible to perform image formation and firing operations at the same time, it is possible to form multicolor images, and it has high weather resistance, so it can be said to be an extremely effective means.

Further, as a method for providing such a transfer ribbon, the following means can be used.

Any known glass frit can be used, including black pigments, yellow pigments, red pigments, and natural mineral pigments. Specifically, cobalt compounds, nickel compounds, copper compounds, manganese compounds, chromium compounds, uranium compounds, iron compounds, antimony oxide, tin oxide, zirconium compounds, titanium compounds, nitric acid compounds, zinc compounds, cerium compounds, calcium compounds, Colorants such as magnesium compounds, lithium compounds, potash and soda compounds, aluminum compounds, beryllium compounds, bismuth compounds, boron compounds, molybdenum compounds, tungsten compounds, vanadine compounds, fluorine compounds, carbon, gold, etc. can be used, but Needless to say, it is not limited to these.

[0052] As the binder for coating these on the base material of the transfer ribbon, known binders can be used, such as holamide resin, petroleum resin, styrene resin, cellulose resin, paraffin wax,
Examples include carnauba wax, but are not necessarily limited to these.

Ink is prepared by dissolving or dispersing each of the above components in a solvent. Any known solvent can be used at this time.
Examples include toluene, isopropanol, butyl cellosolp, solvent naphtha, etc., but are not necessarily limited to these.

The ink thus prepared is desirably applied onto the base material of the transfer ribbon to a coating thickness of at least 2 μm or more when dry.

By combining each of the above methods with an image input method, it is possible to provide an image forming body that is simple, quick, and can be stored for a long period of time in a state where it is exposed to wind and rain.

(c) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 above,
We have explained the case where image information consisting of pictures or letters drawn on paper, film, or boards is read by a scanner, which is an optical image information input means.
The invention is not limited to this, and image information may be input by forming image information consisting of pictures or characters on a display using electronic image information input means such as a keyboard, input board, mouse, electronic pen, etc. Needless to say, it's a good thing.

(d) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 above,
We have explained the case where image information consisting of pictures or characters drawn on paper, film, or board is input using a scanner, which is an optical image information input means.
It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this, and image information may be input using a video camera as an optical image information input means.

[0058]

As explained above, according to the present invention, image information consisting of pictures or characters can be inputted using optical image information input means such as a scanner or a video camera, or a keyboard, input board, mouse, electronic pen, etc. The image information inputted by the image information input means is then converted into reduced image information of a predetermined size by a predetermined image processing means, and then the image information obtained by the image processing means is inputted by an electronic image information input means. A reduced image corresponding to the obtained reduced image information is transferred onto a small-sized substrate made of ceramic, metal, glass, etc. by a predetermined method (laser light, mechanical engraving, or highly resistant resin mold transfer). Since the image forming body is obtained by forming an image using a recording material (transfer ribbon) or a material consisting of a sinterable substance such as glass frit and a pigment, image information consisting of pictures or letters can be easily and easily transferred. An extremely reliable long-term storage image that can be reduced and formed on a substrate in a short time, and can be stored for a long period of time without image deterioration even when exposed to wind and rain. A method for manufacturing a formed body can be provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment for realizing a method for manufacturing a long-term storage image forming body according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another embodiment for realizing the method for manufacturing a long-term storage image forming body according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1...Art materials, 2...Scanner, 3...Computer, 4...Laser engraving machine, 5...Base material, 7...Thermal head, 8...Resin type transfer recording material (resin type transfer ribbon).

Claims (7)

[Claims] [Claim 1] Image information consisting of pictures or characters, etc.
Input by optical or electronic image information input means,
Next, a predetermined image processing means converts the image information inputted by the image information input means into reduced image information of a predetermined size, and then a reduced image corresponding to the reduced image information obtained by the image processing means. 1. A method for producing an image-forming body for long-term storage, characterized in that the image-forming body is obtained by forming the following on a small-sized substrate by a predetermined method. 2. A claim characterized in that image information consisting of pictures or characters drawn on paper, film, or a board is read by optical image information input means using a scanner or a video camera. 1. The method for producing a long-term storage image forming body according to 1. 3. Claim 1, characterized in that image information consisting of pictures, characters, etc. is formed on the display by electronic image information input means such as a keyboard, input board, mouse, electronic pen, etc. A method for producing a long-term storage image forming body according to . 4. Laser light,
2. The method of manufacturing a long-term storage image forming body according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image is formed by forming grooves with a depth of 10 μm or more by mechanical engraving. 5. The reduced image according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image is formed using a highly resistant resin-type transfer recording material (transfer ribbon) on a small-sized smooth substrate. A method for producing a long-term storage image forming body. 6. The small-sized base material having smoothness is coated or laminated with a resin so as to have a surface smoothness of 60 seconds or more as measured by a flatness meter. The method for producing a long-term storage image forming body according to claim 5. 7. Forming a reduced image on a small-sized base material made of ceramic, metal, or glass using a material made of a sinterable substance such as glass frit and pigment, and sintering the material. The method for producing a long-term storage image forming body according to claim 1.