JPWO2004085166A1 - Authentic printed material and its creation method - Google Patents

Abstract

Printed matter that has continuous gradation, and the continuous gradation in which the image area ratio per unit area in the printed matter is changed for each unit area forms patterns such as photographs, paintings, textiles, etc. There are a plurality of regions composed of different image lines, the shape of the region has a design different from the pattern, and the total perimeter of the image line per unit area of each image line pattern constituting each region is It is different from each other.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity and a method for producing the printed matter.
Countermeasures against counterfeiting and alteration are important elements in banknotes, stock certificates, securities such as bonds, various printed materials such as certificates and important documents. To prevent forgery and alteration of these printed materials, use a method that uses a geometric pattern mainly composed of thin lines, or an image that cannot be recognized by the naked eye and that appears when some means or action is applied. There are methods.
Typical examples of the geometric pattern composed of the above-mentioned thin lines are a background pattern, a chromatic pattern, a relief pattern, and the like. These geometric patterns are usually composed of a large number of very thin lines, and such geometric patterns are extracted from the printed material with a photoengraving machine or copied without causing moire on a copying machine. It has been used for a long time as an effective counterfeiting and alteration prevention measure. In addition, there is an effect of giving the printed material a design characteristic peculiar to securities, and it is still widely used in the design of securities printed materials. However, there has been a problem that high-performance DTP systems and copying machines that have emerged due to recent technological innovations are not very effective in preventing counterfeiting and alteration.
On the other hand, typical examples of the method of using an image that cannot be recognized by the naked eye and appear when any means and action are applied include a method using a special image line such as an anti-copy image line, and a fluorescent pigment. There is a method using a special material such as a fluorescent ink containing benzene.
Here, the following technique is disclosed as the copy prevention image line. This is because a latent image is formed by density of image lines such as halftone dots or lines, and according to a latent image camouflaging method for copy prevention (see, for example, Patent Document 1), a latent image composed of halftone dots of 150 lines and 10%. Using a latent image plate having an image (an image that is difficult to recognize with the naked eye) and a background consisting of 10 to 10% of 50 to 60 lines on a white ground around the latent image, dark color printing on the surface of the paper Apply. When an overprint plate having a waveform pattern composed of parallel lines that form a moire pattern when interfering with the background lines is applied to the surface of the paper, a light overprint that cannot be reproduced by a copying machine is applied. A moire pattern that makes it difficult to identify the presence of a latent image is formed on the surface. When this is applied to a copying machine, the latent image and waveform pattern are not reproduced, only the background is reproduced, and the latent image is recognized separately from the background.
Printed material on which a latent image is applied due to the density of image lines such as halftone dots or lines tends to have a simple appearance like a monochromatic plane or an irregular pattern due to a camouflage pattern. is there. Therefore, it is impossible to make a monochromatic printed line pattern with a latent image as a design that resembles a chromatic pattern, or to make an artistic print with a decorative effect. There was a problem that it was not suitable for securities such as banknotes, bonds, stock certificates, etc. that wanted to use a lot of crest patterns.
In addition, a latent image formed by an image line, for example, the applicant of the present application, has proposed a printed matter having a copy prevention pattern as being more effective for copying. A regular pattern consisting of a curved line pattern consisting of a continuous line of the image line where the latent image is not applied and an image line of the shape where the image line of the part where the latent image is applied is arranged at regular intervals in the reference line direction. The line area of the portion corresponding to one period consisting of one non-image portion and one non-image portion that is continuous in the reference line direction, among the fixed-cycle break lines of the portion where the latent image has been formed. A method for creating an anti-copying pattern, characterized in that the sum is equal to the image area of a portion corresponding to the same length as one period in the reference line direction among the continuous lines of the portion where no latent image is applied, and The printed matter (see, for example, Patent Document 2) has been filed. This is because it is usually difficult to identify a latent image before copying, and when applied to a copying machine, the pattern with the latent image is not reproduced, and the background portion is reproduced, so that a latent image is formed. .
The above-mentioned anti-copying image lines and patterns have a true / false discrimination effect when copied by a copying machine or the like, but there is a problem that the true / false judgment cannot be made with the naked eye unless copied by a copying machine. In recent years, with the remarkable technological progress of the resolution of color copying machines, it has become difficult to express latent images clearly when copying printed materials having such anti-copying lines and patterns with copying machines. There is a problem that.
In order to solve such a problem, the applicant of the present application has applied for a printed matter (for example, see Patent Document 3) capable of authenticating authenticity. This is a printed material in which a latent image is applied to an image pattern composed of one or a plurality of image lines having a straight line or a curved line as a basic line. In the solid line, the image line of the portion where the latent image is applied branches off from the solid line, and the branched line forms a broken line. The printed matter is printed with an ink containing a fluorescent pigment. When this printed matter is copied by a copying machine, the latent image is not copied and the latent image becomes a visible image as the color of the printing support (paper, etc.). Under ultraviolet irradiation, the latent image is applied. There is a phenomenon that the light emission intensity of the portion is higher than that of the periphery and the latent image becomes a visible image. This printed material can be checked for authenticity only with a simple tool. Furthermore, since forgery or alteration requires both precise image line extraction and reproduction and material procurement, it is excellent as a forgery and alteration prevention measure.
However, the image lines of this printed matter are relatively rough, and complex latent images tend to be unable to express details even if they are visualized. Therefore, it is more effective to raise awareness of anti-counterfeiting and anti-counterfeiting measures, and has meaningful meanings such as high customer needs, such as symbol marks, image characters, logos, or other pictures of local governments, corporations or companies. In order to use the shape of characters, marks, etc. as a latent image, it is necessary to devise an image line that further increases the resolution of the latent image.
In addition, strict line management is required to create this printed material. To create this printed material, fine line measurement, calculation of complex line area ratio, and line width based on the calculation results are required. Adjustment of was indispensable. There are many factors that cause fluctuations in the image line width in each process in printing plate making, and the image line widths of printed matter obtained from the same digital data vary daily. On the other hand, it takes enormous time and cost to adjust the image line width, and there is a demand for a method of creating a printed matter that achieves the same effect by a simpler method.
For the same reason, this printed matter has a problem that gradation cannot be reproduced. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 proposes a printed matter composed of ordinary straight lines or curved lines. The gradation can be reproduced by applying an amplitude to the image line constituting the copy prevention pattern. Gradation reproduction is important in terms of design and latent image camouflage effect. However, this anti-copying pattern is effective only for copying by a copying machine, and authenticity determination cannot be performed only with a simple tool. In addition, strict line management is required to create this printed material. To create this printed material, fine line measurement, calculation of complex line area ratio, and line width based on the calculation results are required. Adjustment of was indispensable.
Further, Patent Document 5 is composed of a collection of halftone dots continuously arranged at a fixed period, and the halftone dots of the latent image portion have different resolutions from the halftone dots around the latent image portion, and the halftone dot area ratio per unit area. Are described in which the halftone dot perimeter (contour length) per unit area is different, and the latent image and the latent image perimeter are printed with colored fluorescent ink. ing. However, the structure of the image line is only a printed expression having a single density, and has not yet been able to give continuous gradation.
In a digital plate making system, in order to attach a continuous tone image to a printed matter, an arithmetic process called screen processing (screening) is required. Screen processing is a process of dividing an image, which is digital data having continuous gradation, into an image area and a non-image area using a screen, and replacing the image gradation with an image area per unit area. That is. Since the image line obtained by the screen processing is fine, it is recognized by the naked eye as shades of color.
The term “screen” is derived from the fact that in a photoengraving system that makes use of conventional optical technology, a film having a continuous tone is exposed by applying a film like a contact screen, and a blackened portion and a transmissive portion are exposed. A binary film (lith film) was obtained.
Here, the screen defines which area is the image area and the other area is the non-image area when the continuous tone pattern is divided into the image area and non-image area by screen processing. Use as attached rule. More specifically, the screen refers to the shape (line pattern) and size (number of screen lines) of the line when reproducing the continuous tone of the pattern using lines such as halftone dots and straight lines. ), Information including a mathematical expression defining an angle (screen angle), and the like. Such information is input to a computer as digital data, and an image having a desired continuous tone pattern is printed out or displayed on a monitor in a state in which the tone is reproduced by an image line defined by the screen. become.
The screen has three elements: a screen shape that determines the shape of an image line, a screen line number that determines the size per unit, and a screen angle that determines the arrangement direction.
Various techniques have been devised for preventing the extraction of image lines during counterfeiting and alteration by complicating the shape of the image lines. Many output devices and software capable of reproducing the gradation of an image using such an image line have been devised and are commercially available. Below, the patent document name mentioned above is described.
: JP-A-60-87380 : JP-A-9-240135 : Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-172866 : Japanese Patent Application No. 10-315380 : Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-62385

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a printed matter with a high effect of preventing forgery and tampering and capable of determining authenticity and a method for producing the same.
The printed matter capable of determining authenticity of the present invention is:
A first region where continuous tone is reproduced by a first image line;
And at least one second region in which continuous tone is reproduced by the second image line,
In the vicinity of the boundary between the first region and the second region, the line area ratio of the first image line and the image line area ratio of the second image line are substantially equal, and the first area The sum L1 of the perimeter of the image line per unit area is different from the sum L2 of the perimeter of the image line per unit area of the second image line,
The first and second regions are printed using colored and monochromatic fluorescent ink.
Here, the size of the first image line and the second image line may be in a range of 30 to 200 μm.
Between the total line perimeter L1 per unit area of the first image line and the total line perimeter L2 per unit area of the second image line, the same image area ratio , L1 / L2 <0.3, or L2 / L1 <0.3 is desirable.
The line area ratio per unit area in the first line varies depending on the thickness of a periodically arranged line or curve,
The image area ratio per unit area in the second image line may vary depending on the thickness of a straight line, a curve, or a broken line arranged with a period smaller than that of the first image line.
Alternatively, the line area ratio per unit area in the first line varies depending on the size of the periodically arranged points,
The image area ratio per unit area in the second image line changes according to the size of a point having the same shape as the first image line, and at a cycle smaller than that of the first image line. This point may be arranged.
The method of creating a printed material capable of authenticating authenticity of the present invention,
The printed matter includes a first region in which continuous gradation is reproduced by a first image line, and
And at least one second region in which continuous tone is reproduced by the second image line,
In the vicinity of the boundary between the first region and the second region, the line area ratio of the first image line and the image area ratio of the second image line are substantially equal, and the first image line. The sum L1 of the perimeter of the image line per unit area is different from the sum L2 of the perimeter of the image line per unit area of the second image line,
A first screen defining the first image line used for reproducing the continuous tone of the first region; and the second image used for reproducing the continuous tone of the second region. Creating a second screen each defining a line;
Creating an image having a continuous tone pattern;
A gradation reproduction is performed on the image using a first image to be reproduced using an image line defined by the first screen and an image line defined using the second screen. Replicating the second image to be power;
By combining the layout of the first image obtained by removing the second area to obtain only the first area and the second image obtained by extracting the second area, Generating the first region consisting of one image and the second region consisting of the second image;
In the layout composite, the first image in the first area is reproduced with gradation using the image line defined by the first screen, and the second image in the second area is reproduced. A step of reproducing the gradation using the image line defined by the second screen, and printing using a colored and monochromatic fluorescent ink to obtain the printed matter;
It is characterized by providing.
In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the first image line and the second image line have a size within a range of 30 to 200 μm. And the second screen may be created.
In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the total perimeter L1 per unit area of the first image line and the perimeter per unit area of the second image line The first screen and the second screen have a relationship of L1 / L2 <0.3 or L2 / L1 <0.3 with the total sum L2 at the same image area ratio. May be created.
In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the line area ratio per unit area in the first line varies depending on the thickness of the periodically arranged straight lines or curves. ,
The first screen is configured such that a line area ratio per unit area in the second line changes according to the thickness of a straight line, a curve, or a broken line arranged with a period smaller than that of the first line. And the second screen may be created.
In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the line area ratio per unit area in the first line varies depending on the size of the periodically arranged points,
The image area ratio per unit area in the second image line changes according to the size of a point having the same shape as the first image line, and at a cycle smaller than that of the first image line. The first screen and the second screen may be created so that this point is arranged.

In the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a printed product P1 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed with the naked eye under visible light, and FIG. 1B is visible with the naked eye when the printed product P1 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. It is the figure which showed the state.
FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the printed matter P1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image line obtained by gradation reproduction on the screen A.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image line obtained by gradation reproduction on the screen B.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image line obtained by gradation reproduction on the screen A.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image line obtained by gradation reproduction on the screen B.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the image line shown in FIG. 5 where the image area ratio is 50%.
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the image line shown in FIG. 6 where the image area ratio is 50%.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printed material P1.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for creating the printed matter P1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an apparatus for creating a printed matter P1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an image of only the region 1 by cutting out and removing the region 2 in the printed material P1, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an image of only the region 2.
1 Area 1
2 Region 2
3 Part 4 of Printed P1 4 Image Line Obtained by Reproducing Grain on Screen A 5 Image Line Obtained by Reproducing Grain on Screen B 10 Input Unit 20 Arithmetic Unit 30 Storage Unit 40 Output Unit
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
<Composition of printed matter>
FIG. 1 shows an example of a printed matter P1 having a gradation composed of a pattern P2 such as a photograph, a picture, or a textile and capable of authenticating authenticity. Here, FIG. 1A shows an image recognized by the naked eye under visible light, and FIG. 1B shows an image recognized by the naked eye when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Moreover, the enlarged view of the part 3 of the printed matter P1 is shown in FIG.
The printed material P1 includes two regions 1 and 2, and each region 1 and 2 has a continuous tone reproduced by an image line having a different shape.
Here, the printed matter P1 includes a region 1 corresponding to the background portion and a region 2 corresponding to any image portion such as a character or a graphic. The region 2 may be at least one, and a plurality of regions 2 may be included. You may prepare.
Note that the shape of the boundary portion between the region 1 and the region 2 has a design different from the overall gradation pattern P2, for example, a design such as a character or a figure different from the background.
The two regions 1 and 2 are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye under normal visible light.
The printed matter P1 is a printed matter using colored and monochromatic fluorescent ink. When this printed matter P1 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, a phenomenon occurs in which light emission appears to be stronger in the region 2 than in the region 1, as shown in FIG. 1B. Such a phenomenon is referred to as an ultraviolet light emission phenomenon, and an image line causing the ultraviolet light emission phenomenon is referred to as an image line having an ultraviolet light emission function.
In the printed matter P1, as described above, the image line forming the region 1 and the image line forming the region 2 have different image line patterns. Here, the image line pattern refers to a certain shape pattern of the image line defined by the screen.
As shown in FIG. 2, the gradation of the area 1 is reproduced by the image line 4 defined by an arbitrary screen (hereinafter referred to as screen A), and the area 2 is another arbitrary screen different from this. The gradation is reproduced from the image line 5 defined by (hereinafter referred to as screen B).
Note that the screens A and B can reproduce continuous gradations with an image area ratio of 0% to 100%. However, in order to obtain a remarkable ultraviolet light emission phenomenon, it is appropriate that the image area ratio is about 30% to 70%.
Further, at the boundary between the region 1 and the region 2, the region 2 defined by the screen B and the total perimeter L1 of the image line constituting the region 1 defined by the screen A is configured. The ratio L1 / L2 to the total perimeter L2 per unit area of the image line is less than 1 (preferably 0.3 or less), or L2 / L1 is less than 1 (preferably 0.3 or less) Further, a remarkable ultraviolet light emission phenomenon can be obtained.
Here, using different screens A and B, the sum ratio L1 / L2 or L2 / L1 of the perimeter per unit area of the image line defined by each is less than 1, preferably 0.3 or less. There are three methods.
The first is a case where screen A and screen B have the same number of screen lines and different screen shapes.
The second case is when screen A and screen B have the same screen shape and different screen line numbers.
The third case is when screen A and screen B have different screen shapes and different screen line numbers.
Further, the size of the minimum image line defined by the screen A or B is suitably about 30 to 200 μm, for example, as a printable range.
However, the gradation, the shape, size, and angle of the image line 4 and the image line 5 that reproduce the gradation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are reproduced as examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
<< Combination of screens with ultraviolet light emission function >>

Several specific examples of the shape of the image line will be described below with respect to the screen A and the screen B that define the image line in which the image line obtained by gradation reproduction has an ultraviolet light emission function.
An example of each image line obtained by performing gradation reproduction so as to have an ultraviolet light emission function using the screens A and B is shown in FIGS. The screen used to define the image line 6 shown in FIG. 3 is referred to as screen A, and the screen used to define the image line 7 shown in FIG. Here, each screen angle is arbitrary.
When the line area ratios in the boundary area between the area 1 and the area 2 are substantially the same, and the perimeter per unit area of the image lines in the areas 1 and 2 in the boundary area is different, ultraviolet rays Luminous phenomenon occurs. For this purpose, as described above, the total perimeter L1 of the image line constituting the area 1 defined by the screen A and the circumference of the image line constituting the area 2 defined by the screen B. The ratio L1 / L2 or L2 / L1 with the total length L2 needs to be less than 1. Preferably, when it is 0.3 or less, a remarkable ultraviolet light emission phenomenon can be obtained. The ratio L1 / L2 of the sum of the perimeters per unit area when the image area ratios of the image line 6 shown in FIG. 3 and the image line 7 shown in FIG. 0.27.
Here, the shape of the image line 6 is a circle as shown in FIG. 3, and the shape of the image line 7 is a triple circle as shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any combination that shows a difference in the sum of the perimeters per unit area in the same line area ratio may be used, and the specific line shape combinations are limited to this. is not.

Examples of the shape of an image line that can easily set the perimeter per unit area of the image line to a desired value include lines based on lines, straight lines, curves, and the like. In the case where such an image line is used, an example of a combination in which the number of image lines is different will be described below.
First, as an example of using an image line based on a line such as a line, a straight line, or a curve, FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of image lines based on a straight line. The screen used to define the linear image line 8 shown in FIG. 5 is called screen A, and the screen used to define the broken line image 9 shown in FIG. Here, the number of screen lines of the screen A and the screen B may be about 150 lines per inch, for example. The screen angle is arbitrary.
FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the image line 8 where the image area ratio is 50%. The screen used to define the image line 8 is a line in which the image line 8 is defined by a straight line having a larger image line width as the image area ratio increases, and is generally called a line screen. A screen that defines a linear drawing line shape, such as a line drawing screen, is connected to the drawing line of an adjacent cell in one cell (unit) in one direction (vertical drawing line in the figure). This defines a shape that tends to shorten the perimeter of the image line. The total L of the perimeter of the image line per unit area a2 whose side is a is 2a when the image area is 50%.
On the other hand, the screen used to use the image line 9 has a broken line shape in which air gaps are alternately arranged, and the period of the broken line is a quarter of the image line 8. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the image line 9 where the image area ratio is 50%. In such an image line 9, the total perimeter L per unit area when the image area ratio is 50% is 8a.
Therefore, the total perimeter L1 per unit area of the image line 8 constituting the region 1 defined using the screen A, and the unit area of the image line 9 constituting the region 2 defined using the screen B. The ratio L1 / L2 to the total perimeter L2 is 0.25 at the same image area ratio. Since the preferable condition (L1 / L2 <0.3) described above is satisfied, it has a remarkable ultraviolet light emission function.
The shape of the image line shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is an example, and is not limited to these. The two image lines may have shapes such as a straight line, a curved line, or a broken line, and the total perimeter per unit area of the image line may be different depending on the combination thereof.
As an example of a combination of two types of image lines having different numbers of lines, a printed matter P1 having an ultraviolet light emission function is shown in FIG. The image lines that reproduce the respective gradations of the region 1 and the region 2 have the same screen shape (dot shape). However, these image lines are obtained by reproducing the gradation using two screens having different screen line numbers, that is, image line cycles. When the image line area ratio is the same, the perimeter per unit area of the image line has a property of increasing as the number of screen lines increases.
The image line 5 in the area 2 shown in FIG. 9 has a quarter cycle with respect to the image line 4 in the area 1. That is, the screen line number of the screen used to obtain the image line 5 of the region 2 is four times the screen line number of the screen used to obtain the image line 4 of the region 1. When a combination of image lines having an ultraviolet light emission function is set based on the number of screen lines, the screen line number of the screen A and the screen line number of the screen B are different. There is a significant difference and an ultraviolet light emission phenomenon is obtained. For example, the screen line number of the screen A defining the image line 4 may be 100 to 150 lines / inch, and the screen line number of the screen B defining the image line 5 may be 400 to 600 lines / inch.
Here, the image lines 4 and 5 shown in FIG. 9 both have a circular shape. However, the shape of the image line is not limited to a circular shape, but may be another point-like shape such as a rhombus, and the screen angle is not limited.
<< Method for creating printed matter P1 >>
A method for creating a printed matter P1 that can be determined as authenticity according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The following symbols S1 to S12 correspond to the steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.
Further, FIG. 11 shows a configuration of a creating apparatus used when creating the printed matter P1. This apparatus includes an input unit 10, a calculation unit 20, a storage unit 30, and an output unit 40.
The input unit 10 inputs various data necessary for processing, sets various conditions, and the like.
The calculation unit 20 performs calculations such as image processing using data and conditions input from the input unit 10 or data read from the storage unit 30.
The storage unit 30 stores the data input by the input unit 10, the output result of the calculation unit 20, and the like.
The output unit 40 outputs the created image data. The image is displayed on a screen of a monitor or the like, or a print output is provided with functions of a printer, a printing machine, or the like.
<< Creation of Screen A and Screen B (S1) >>
First, a screen A and a screen B that define two types of image lines are created (S1). The procedure for creating a screen differs depending on the content and procedure of the process in which the output unit 40 outputs the gradation image I, and there are a plurality of types. Broadly speaking, there are the following two types of processing procedures.
One is a method of using a screen processing means normally provided in an image output apparatus such as a film output machine or a printer. This is a technique in which a screen is inserted into a gradation image, transferred to an output device such as a film output device, and screen processing is performed by the output device to obtain an image line, which is hereinafter referred to as a hardware RIP method. In the hardware RIP method, an image in which a screen, which is information defining an image line, is inserted, is calculated based on this information, an image line is generated, and an image is reproduced using this image line. An output device having an algorithm for outputting is required. For example, there is an output device or the like corresponding to a Postscript (registered trademark) language, which is a general-purpose computer language in printing plate making technology.
For example, in PostScript (registered trademark), a screen is described using a function called a spot function written in the same language or an ASCII data array called a threshold critical array.
Another method is to create a screen using screen processing software (hereinafter referred to as screen processing software) used in a personal computer or the like. This software inputs a screen, performs screen processing on the image, and transfers the obtained monochrome binary image to an output device such as a film output machine or a printer. A method for generating a screen using such software is referred to as a software RIP method.
As screen processing software, various software that is used for the same purpose as the screen processing means of the output device, design software for the purpose of processing the obtained black and white binary image, and the like have been developed and marketed.
For example, as an example of the latter design software, there is JURA Pixel (registered trademark) which is a design software for securities developed and marketed by JURA.
As described above, there are many screen processing means for the gradation image I, and which means is used is not limited. Here, as an example of the hardware RIP method, a case where a postscript (registered trademark) compatible film output device is used as the output unit 40 will be described as an example. In this case, a spot function or a threshold critical array representing the screen A and the screen B is created.
A desired one is selected from the combination of two image lines having an ultraviolet light emission action as described above, and necessary data is input to the input unit 10, and a spot function or a threshold critical array is created by the calculation unit 20. The method of creating the spot function or threshold critical array is not limited. For example, a spot function, which is a three-dimensional function that defines a screen shape, using commercially available text editing software is described in PostScript (registered trademark).
Alternatively, the threshold critical sequence may be obtained by drawing an image using commercially available image processing software and storing it in a predetermined data format. The created control information of the screens A and B is given to the storage unit 30 and stored.
<< Creation of image I (S2) >>
An image I having an arbitrary continuous tone pattern to be obtained as the printed material P1 is created as digital data in the calculation unit 20 using commercially available image processing software or the like (S2). Next, using the created screen A and screen B, calculation is performed so that the image line existing in the region 2 of the image I and the peripheral region 1 of the region 2 has the above-described copy prevention function and ultraviolet light emission function. The density of the image I is adjusted using the unit 20. Specifically, for example, in the printed matter P1 obtained by printing the image I, in the boundary portion between the regions 1 and 2, a portion of the region 1 that is close to the region 2 and a portion of the region 2 that is close to the region 1 When the image area ratio is in the range of approximately 30% to 70% as described above, an image line having a remarkable ultraviolet light emission function can be obtained.
<< Reproduction of Image I (S3) >>
In the case of a postscript-compatible film output machine that is usually marketed, only one type of screen can be inserted for one image. That is, only one type of screen can be used to reproduce the gradation of one image. Therefore, an image area 1 in which gradation reproduction is performed using an image line defined by a screen A and an image area 2 in which gradation reproduction is performed using an image line defined by another screen B are simultaneously performed. It cannot be created.
Therefore, the arithmetic unit 20 is used to duplicate the gradation image I to prepare the same two gradation images IA and IB. Region 1 is a gradation image IA, and region 2 is a gradation image IB.
<< Fine adjustment of density (S4, S6) >>
In general, when image processing is performed, processing called density adjustment is performed. This is because blurring or blurring occurs in the output product due to some optical variation factor. In order to suppress such a phenomenon, density adjustment is performed. Therefore, also in these steps S4 and S6, the density adjustment is performed by the calculation unit 20 in order to suppress such blurring and blurring.
Furthermore, the image IA and the image IB are images having the same gradation, but these images are reproduced using the image lines defined by the different screens A and B, and the regions 1 and 2 are synthesized. In the printed matter P1 obtained in this way, blurring of the outline of the image line called dot gain occurs, and the gradation of the region 1 and the region 2 may be different.
In such a case, when the image IA and the image IB are combined, the calculation unit 20 is used to make the image IA and the image IB the boundary between the region 1 and the region 2 difficult to distinguish with the naked eye under normal visible light. It is necessary to finely adjust the density of the image IB (S4, S6).
Depending on the combination of screens A and B, the area of the image area corresponding to the image area ratio of 50% is set to 45% for the image IA and 55% for the image IB. In some cases, it is necessary to finely adjust the density so that the above density difference is added.
Incidentally, in the steps S4 and S6, the screen processing for reproducing the gradation of the image using the image lines defined by the screens A and B has not been performed yet. However, after the screen processing, it is not possible to perform density fine adjustment processing. For this reason, it is necessary to make a fine adjustment of the density after predicting in advance whether or not blurring of the outline will occur after the screen processing.
<< Cut out mask process (S7) >>
Cutout mask processing is performed on the image IB (S7). For this cut-out mask process, a technique widely used in image processing can be used, and a specific cut-out mask technique is not limited. For example, a clipping mask processing function attached to commercially available image processing software or layout software may be used. Here, the shape of the mask corresponds to the shape of the latent image visualized by copying or ultraviolet irradiation.
<< Screen Insertion (S5, S8) >>
Using the calculation unit 20, the created control information for the screen A is inserted into the image IA, and the created control information for the screen B is inserted into the image IB (S5, S8). At this stage, screen processing for creating image lines using the control information of the screens A and B and reproducing the gradations of the images IA and IB using the created image lines is not performed.
Here, the method of inserting definition data into the image IA and the image IB is not limited. For example, the image is inserted by text editing using software that opens the image in a text format. Alternatively, the spot function may be inserted using software having a function of defining a screen such as Photoshop (registered trademark) or Adobe (registered trademark) of Adobe Corporation.
<< Layout Composition of Image IA and Image IB (S9) >>
The arithmetic unit 20 is used to synthesize the image IA and the image IB (S9). For example, the image IB is masked using commercially available image processing software or the like, and the image IB is placed immediately above the image IA using commercially available layout software or the like. As a result, the image IA and the image IB can be combined.
FIG. 12A shows an image IA in which the area 1 obtained by cutting out the area 2 is reproduced using the screen A in gradation. FIG. 12B shows an image IB in which the cut-out region 2 is reproduced with gradation using the screen B. Here, for the purpose of illustration, the area 1 in FIG. 12A and the area 2 in FIG. 12B are reproduced with gradation using the image lines defined by the screens A and B. At this stage, such a screen is still used. No treatment has been applied.
<< Screen processing (S10) >>
The image synthesized by the computing unit 20 is output by the output unit 40. As the output unit 40, for example, a Postscript (registered trademark) compatible film output device or a plate output device may be used. When receiving the image data from the calculation unit 20, the output unit 40 performs screen processing at the time of output (S10).
For example, when a screen that defines an image line composed of round halftone dots is used, an image that is reproduced with gradation using the image line having such a halftone dot shape is generated and output. Taking the case where an image line having a halftone dot shape is defined as an example, halftone dot processing is performed by developing RIP of image data.
<< Exposure to film, etc. and plate making >>
Distinguish between exposed areas and unexposed areas of films that have translucent and non-translucent areas as products in intermediate processes (or plates for ink application made from films as masters) Then, data composed of the image area ratio is created from the image data composed of continuous gradation.
The output unit 40 performs an exposure process on the film (or plate surface) based on this data (S11). Then, development processing is performed on the exposed film (or plate surface). When the output is a film, a printing plate is created based on the output film, printed, and the printed material is output.
When performing the print output, the output unit 40 performs offset printing using, for example, colored fluorescent ink containing 25 g of fluorescent pigment with respect to 475 g of offset ink. The kind of fluorescent pigment and the content in the ink are not limited. Also, the color of the ink is not particularly limited. Furthermore, printing methods other than offset printing may be used. Alternatively, it may be output using a general-purpose printer or an on-demand printing machine that can obtain the printed matter P1 without creating a printing plate.
According to the present embodiment, a printed matter having a high effect of preventing falsification and forgery can be easily created by one printing plate and one printing process.

Claims (10)

A first region where continuous tone is reproduced by a first image line;
And at least one second region in which continuous tone is reproduced by the second image line,
In the vicinity of the boundary between the first region and the second region, the line area ratio of the first image line and the image line area ratio of the second image line are substantially equal, and the first area The sum L1 of the perimeter of the image line per unit area is different from the sum L2 of the perimeter of the image line per unit area of the second image line,
The first and second regions are printed using colored and single-color fluorescent ink, and the printed matter is capable of authenticating authenticity. 2. The printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity according to claim 1, wherein the sizes of the first image line and the second image line are in a range of 30 to 200 μm. Between the total line perimeter L1 per unit area of the first image line and the total line perimeter L2 per unit area of the second image line, at the same image area ratio 3. The printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity according to claim 1, wherein a relationship of L1 / L2 <0.3 or L2 / L1 <0.3 is established. The line area ratio per unit area in the first line varies depending on the thickness of a periodically arranged line or curve,
The line area ratio per unit area in the second image line varies depending on the thickness of a straight line, a curve, or a broken line arranged with a period smaller than that of the first image line. 4. Printed material capable of authenticating authenticity according to any one of items 1 to 3. The line area ratio per unit area in the first line varies depending on the size of the periodically arranged points,
The image area ratio per unit area in the second image line changes according to the size of a point having the same shape as the first image line, and at a cycle smaller than that of the first image line. 4. The printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity according to claim 1, wherein this point is arranged. In the method of creating a printed material that can be identified as authentic,
The printed matter includes a first region in which continuous gradation is reproduced by a first image line, and
And at least one second region in which continuous tone is reproduced by the second image line,
In the vicinity of the boundary between the first region and the second region, the line area ratio of the first image line and the image area ratio of the second image line are substantially equal, and the first image line. The sum L1 of the perimeter of the image line per unit area is different from the sum L2 of the perimeter of the image line per unit area of the second image line,
A first screen defining the first image line used for reproducing the continuous tone of the first region; and the second image used for reproducing the continuous tone of the second region. Creating a second screen each defining a line;
Creating an image having a continuous tone pattern;
A gradation reproduction is performed on the image using a first image to be reproduced using an image line defined by the first screen and an image line defined using the second screen. Replicating the second image to be power;
By combining the layout of the first image obtained by removing the second area to obtain only the first area and the second image obtained by extracting the second area, Generating the first region consisting of one image and the second region consisting of the second image;
In the layout composite, the first image in the first area is reproduced with gradation using the image line defined by the first screen, and the second image in the second area is reproduced. A step of reproducing the gradation using the image line defined by the second screen, and printing using a colored and monochromatic fluorescent ink to obtain the printed matter;
A method for creating a printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity. In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the first image line and the second image line have a size within a range of 30 to 200 μm. 7. The method for producing a printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity according to claim 6, wherein the screen and the second screen are created. In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the total perimeter L1 per unit area of the first image line and the perimeter per unit area of the second image line The first screen and the second screen have a relationship of L1 / L2 <0.3 or L2 / L1 <0.3 with respect to the total sum L2 at the same image area ratio. The method for creating a printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity according to claim 6 or 7. In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the line area ratio per unit area in the first line varies depending on the thickness of the periodically arranged straight lines or curves. ,
The first screen is configured such that a line area ratio per unit area in the second line changes according to the thickness of a straight line, a curve, or a broken line arranged with a period smaller than that of the first line. The method for creating a printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second screen and the second screen are created. In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the line area ratio per unit area in the first line varies depending on the size of the periodically arranged points,
The image area ratio per unit area in the second image line changes according to the size of a point having the same shape as the first image line, and at a cycle smaller than that of the first image line. The method for producing a printed matter capable of authenticating authenticity according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first screen and the second screen are created so that this point is arranged.

Images