MXPA99007987A

MXPA99007987A - Fluorescent latent image transfer film, method of transfer of fluorescent latent image using the same and an article formed with pattern of seguri

Info

Publication number: MXPA99007987A
Application number: MXPA/A/1999/007987A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Onishi Jiro; Oshima Katsuyuki
Original assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co Ltd
Priority date: 1998-08-28
Filing date: 1999-08-27
Publication date: 2000-08-01

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent latent image transfer film which makes it possible to form a fluorescent latent image excellent in transfer capacity and gradation property, a fluorescent latent image transfer method using the same, and an article formed with security pattern: to achieve the objective, a fluorescent latent image transfer film is provided, wherein a fluorescent ink layer formed of a resin binder comprising a fluorescent agent represented by the formula (1) is formed on a surface of a heat resistant substrate film, and a fluorescent latent image transfer method, comprising the steps of placing this fluorescent latent image transfer film on a transfer receiving material, heating the resulting layer, in any pattern of the substrate film of the heat-resistant side of the film fluorescent latent image transfer particle by means of a heating element for transferring the fluorescent ink layer of the fluorescent latent image transfer film, corresponding to the pattern of the heating element, onto the transfer receiving material, thus forming a fluorescent latent image formed of the fluorescent agent on the transfer receptor material (See Formula) wherein R1 is (See Formula) n is a positive integer, and R2 and R3 each represent H or an alkyl group

Description

FLUORESCENT LATENT IMAGE TRANSFER FILM. METHOD OF TRANSFER OF FLUORESCENT LATENT IMAGE USING THE SAME AND A FORMED ARTICLE WITH SECURITY PATTERN BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fluorescent latent image transfer film, and a method for forming a fluorescent latent image using this film, and more specifically to a fluorescent latent image transfer film that makes it possible to form any image. fluorescent latent of any photograph, any pattern, any character or the like on a transfer receptor material so that an excellent image is formed in terms of design and ability to prevent counterfeiting; a method for transferring a fluorescent latent image as such; and an article formed with security pattern having a fluorescent latent image. To adequately prevent the adulteration or falsification of a printed article such as a document, a note or a card, methods for forming a fluorescent latent image that can not be recognized by the usual visible rays but fluoresces in the time to receive ultraviolet rays so that it is recognized, in any pattern. To properly form this fluorescent latent image, a method for printing the fluorescent latent image with an ink developing fluorescence is usually used. Up to now, a thermal transfer method has been widely used as a simple printing method. This method makes it possible to form various images in a simple manner, to be used in the preparation of printed articles whose print volume is low, for example, cards such as identification cards. A fluorescent latent image can be recorded on a transfer receiving material, such as a card, by heating a thermal transfer film having a thermal transfer layer containing a fluorescent agent with heating means such as a thermal head or a laser. The thermal transfer method includes the sublimation type thermal transfer recording method and the heat-fusible type thermal recording method. In the sublimation type thermal transfer recording method, a sublimation dye is used and this is sublimated and transferred with the aforementioned heating means. In the heat-fusible heat recording method, a heat-fusible ink containing a colorant such as a pigment in a vehicle such as a wax is used, and the ink in a heat-fusible ink layer is softened with the means of heating and the softened ink is transferred for registration. In the heat-fusible thermal recording method, it is possible to easily and sharply form an image of a character, number or the like. In the recording with thermal transfer by sublimation, the gradation property is excellent, so that an image such as a facial photograph can be formed accurately and beautifully. The respective registration modalities have such characteristics. Japanese Patent Applications Open to the Public Nos. 2-106359, 6-316167, 7-223376, 7-117366 and the like describe a thermal transfer film by sublimation which makes it possible to record and form a fluorescent latent image having continuous gradation. These publications also describe various types of fluorescent compounds to form a fluorescent latent image. However, in the transfer film using the fluorescent compound described in the aforementioned publications, and a method for using this transfer film to form a fluorescent latent image, a problem remains as to the image transfer capacity. Latent fluorescent and gradation property are not enough. In the case that fluorescent ink is used to make a certain pattern of the fluorescent ink by printing, the following problems arise. (1) Because the fluorescent ink pattern is made by printing, a sufficient amount of the applied ink can not be ensured. Therefore, the degree of fluorescence color development is insufficient. (2) If the amount of the applied ink is increased at the time of printing to obtain a sufficient development of color brilliance, the printed reproduction of a minute pattern deteriorates. If the layer of the ink becomes thick, irregularity is generated in the raw materials subjected to the printing process. As a result, if the articles are long leaves, they can be blocked. (3) In the case where the amount of a component of the fluorescent pigment is increased in a fluorescent pigment ink to increase the ratio of the fluorescent pigment to a binder resin which is a carrier (abbreviated as the ratio of P / V hereafter) and raise the luminance intensity of a fluorescent latent image, consequently, the printing layer made of the ink is bleached due to the high concentration of the fluorescent pigment. Therefore, unfavorably, a portion in which an image is printed with the fluorescent ink is easily recognized by the naked eye. Japanese Patent Application No. 4-319918 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 6-166264) discloses a method for using an ink containing an ultraviolet ray absorber to perform printing and form a sheet having an image fluorescent latent, thereby obtaining a fluorescent latent image having a specified pattern. However, in this method it is necessary to originate a support means (a means on which to register) that has in advance a recording layer to contain a fluorescent material. For the formation of the pattern that uses the ultraviolet ray absorber, it is essential to use the special medium on which it is to be registered which contains the fluorescent material. In this way, it is impossible to use plain paper to which this procedure is not applied. Therefore, the medium on which you are going to register is restrictive. This method can not be widely used.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In light of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent latent image transfer film which makes it possible to form a fluorescent latent image excellent in transfer capacity and gradation property; a fluorescent latent image transfer method that uses it; and a printed article on which a fluorescent latent image is formed. Another object of the present invention is to provide an article formed with security pattern that makes it possible to obtain sufficient brightness of a fluorescent latent image pattern, and to recognize the fluorescent image easily without having a negative influence on the raw material during the process of Print. In order to suitably achieve the aforementioned objects, a fluorescent latent image transfer film is provided in the present invention wherein a fluorescent ink layer is formed, formed of a resin binder comprising a fluorescent agent represented by the formula (1), over / above a heat-resistant substrate film. where R1 is v C - C ~ ~ n or (n is a positive integer), and R2 and R3 each represent H or an alkyl group.

In the fluorescent latent image transfer film described above, the resin binder is mainly composed of a polyvinyl acetal resin, a polyvinyl butyral resin or a mixture thereof. In the fluorescent latent image transfer film, one or more selected layers of at least one layer of thermal sublimation dye yellow, magenta, blue-green and black, and a black heat-fusible ink layer are formed on and successively along a transfer surface on which the fluorescent ink layer is formed.

In the fluorescent latent image transfer film, a protective layer is formed on and successively along the transfer surface on which the fluorescent ink layer is formed. In the fluorescent latent image transfer film, an intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer is formed on and successively along the transfer surface on which the fluorescent ink layer is formed. In the fluorescent latent image transfer film, the total area of the magenta, greenish-blue sublimation dye thermal layers, which are formed successively along the transfer surface, is smaller than the area total on / above the same substrate film, from the selected layers of at least one of the black thermal sublimation layer, the black heat-fusible ink layer, the fluorescent ink layer, the protective layer and the Intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer. In order to achieve the aforementioned objects properly, a fluorescent latent image transfer method is provided in the present invention which consists of the steps of placing, on a transfer receptor material, a fluorescent latent image transfer film wherein a layer of fluorescent ink formed of a resin binder composed of a fluorescent agent represented by the following formula (1) is deposited on / top a heat resistant substrate film; heating the resulting material in any pattern from the heat-resistant substrate film side of the fluorescent latent image transfer film by means of a heating element to transfer the fluorescent ink layer of the fluorescent latent image transfer film , correspondingly with the pattern of the heating element, on the transfer receiving material, thereby forming a fluorescent latent image composed of the fluorescent agent on the transfer receiving material. where R1 is CH-C H ~ n 0 (n is a positive integer), and R2 and R3 each represent H or an alkyl group.

In the fluorescent latent image transfer method, the fluorescent latent image is formed after an image composed of a visible ink is formed on the surface of the transfer receiving material. In the fluorescent latent image transfer, an image composed of a visible ink is formed after the fluorescent latent image is formed on the surface of the transfer receiving material.

In the fluorescent latent image transfer method, preferably, the fluorescent latent image is formed in the formation half of an image composed of a visible ink on the surface of the transfer receiving material. In the fluorescent latent image transfer method, preferably, a protective layer is formed on the uppermost surface of the transfer receiving material. In the fluorescent latent image transfer method, in which the fluorescent latent image is formed after an image composed of a visible ink is formed on the surface of the transfer receiving material, a protective layer is preferably formed after that the composite image of the visible ink is formed, and the fluorescent latent image is formed on the surface of the protective layer. In the fluorescent latent image transfer method, preferably an integrated film of fluorescent ink layer is used wherein one or more layers selected from at least one layer or layers of yellow thermal sublimation dyes are formed, magenta, greenish-blue and black, a layer of heat-fusible black ink and the protective layer on and successively along a transfer surface on which the fluorescent ink layer is formed, to successively form the fluorescent latent image , the composite image of the visible ink, the protective layer and the like.

In the fluorescent latent image transfer method, preferably a hologram pattern is formed in the protective layer, and the transfer receiving material is a card, a passport or a license. In the present invention, a printed article having a fluorescent latent image formed by the aforementioned fluorescent latent image transfer method is also provided. In order to achieve the aforementioned objects properly, an article formed with a security pattern is provided in the present invention, which is a printed article in which a receiving layer is formed on which the information is recorded and a security pattern formed from of a fluorescent latent image on at least one surface of a transfer receiving material, the security pattern of a layer of fluorescent material and an ultraviolet absorption pattern deposited in the form of a pattern on / above the layer of fluorescent material, and of an intermediate transfer medium wherein the receptor layer, the ultraviolet ray absorbing pattern, and the fluorescent material layer are formed as a transfer layer which is used so that the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium is transferred onto the surface of the transfer receiving material. In the safety pattern shaped article, preferably, the ultraviolet ray absorbing pattern is formed using an ultraviolet ray absorber transfer film having an ultraviolet ray absorber layer, and heating the transfer film in any pattern by means of a heating element for transferring the ultraviolet ray absorber layer correspondingly with the pattern of the heating means. In the safety pattern formed article, preferably, the fluorescent material layer is a layer that is formed using a fluorescent latent image transfer film having a fluorescent ink layer composed of a resin binder comprising a fluorescent agent . In order to achieve the aforementioned objects properly, a method for forming an article formed with a safety pattern is provided in the present invention, which comprises the steps of using an intermediate transfer medium where a layer of a substrate is formed on a substrate film. transfer comprising a fluorescent latent image composed of an ultraviolet ray absorption pattern and a layer of fluorescent material, and a receiver layer on which the information is recorded, to transfer the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium to the receiving medium of transfer, thus forming a security pattern, the intermediate transfer medium being a medium wherein the fluorescent latent image is formed so that, after transfer, the ultraviolet ray pattern in the transfer layer is placed on / above the fluorescent ink layer. In the present invention, there is also provided a dye transfer film, which is a heat transfer medium wherein a dye layer and an adhesive layer are formed on and successively along a surface of a substrate film comprising the adhesive layer a fluorescent material. The "image" referred to in the present invention means all articles that can be registered as information, for example, an image having continuous gradation, such as a photograph, and monochrome or full-color printed characters that do not have gradation, symbols, patterns or similar. The fluorescent latent image transferred from the fluorescent ink layer that is formed is an image that can not be seen through the normal visible rays but can be seen by ultraviolet ray absorption when the image is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. To properly prevent printed articles from being adulterated or copied, you can use a secret code or an image that can be used for identification. Specific examples thereof include a printed photograph having gradation and abstract characters and patterns that do not have gradation. A composite image of a visible ink, which is different from the fluorescent latent image and which can be referred to as a visible image, means an image that is formed by a common method of printing or transfer and can be seen with the naked eye under normal conditions. The fluorescent latent image transfer film according to the present invention has the fluorescent ink layer. In this way, if the fluorescent latent image transfer film is put on a transfer receiving material and then the fluorescent ink layer is heated with a head of a thermal printer or the like, only the fluorescent agent of the fluorescent ink layer it is transferred to the surface of the transfer receptor material so that a fluorescent image having a continuous gradation can be formed. This fluorescent image can not be seen by visible rays, but can be clearly recognized when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, using this image, one can judge whether the material receiving the transfer is true or not. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the adulteration or falsification, such as copying, of the transfer receiving material. The fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention has the fluorescer which comprises the resin binder containing the aforementioned specific fluorescent compound. Therefore, the film is excellent in terms of its transfer capacity and the property of gradation of a fluorescent latent image. The fluorescent latent image transfer method of the present invention is a method of using the fluorescent latent image transfer film having the fluorescent ink layer containing the specific fluorescent agent to perform the transfer. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily form a fluorescent latent image having a continuous gradation. This fluorescent image can not be seen by visible rays, but can be clearly recognized when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, in accordance with the printed article of the present invention, by using this fluorescent image, one can judge whether the printed article is true or not. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the adulteration or falsification, such as copying, of the printed article. The fluorescent ink comprising the resin binder containing the aforementioned specific fluorescent agent is excellent in its transfer capacity and in the gradation property of a fluorescent latent image. In accordance with the article formed with the security pattern of the present invention, it is possible to obtain sufficient brightness from a fluorescent latent image pattern and easily recognize the fluorescent image without having a negative influence on the raw material during the printing process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a main portion of an example of the fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of a main portion of another example of the fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention. Figures 3 (a) - (h) are plan views of embodiments of the fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention. Figures 4 (a) - (i) are plan views of embodiments of the fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention. Figures 5 (a) - (h) are plan views of embodiments of the fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of one embodiment of the printed article of the present invention. Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of one embodiment of the printed article of the present invention. Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of an example of the intermediate transfer film used in the present invention. Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view of another example of the intermediate transfer film used in the present invention. Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view of yet another example of the intermediate transfer film used in the present invention.

Figure 11 is a schematic sectional view of another example of the intermediate transfer film used in the present invention. Figure 12 is a schematic sectional view of an example of the dye transfer film used in the present invention. Figure 13 is a schematic sectional view of another example of the dye transfer film used in the present invention. Fig. 14 is a schematic sectional view of another example of the dye transfer film used in the present invention. Figures 15 (a) - (c) are schematic sectional views illustrating an example of the method for forming an article formed with security pattern of the present invention. Figures 16 (a) - (d) are schematic section views illustrating another example of the method for forming an article formed with security pattern of the present invention. Figures 17 (a) - (c) are schematic sectional views illustrating yet another example of the method for forming an article formed with security pattern of the present invention. Figures 18 (a) - (c) are schematic sectional views illustrating another example of the method for forming an article formed with security pattern of the present invention.

Figures 19 (a) - (d) are schematic sectional views illustrating another example of the method for forming an article formed with security pattern of the present invention. Figures 20 (a) - (c) are schematic section views illustrating another example of the method for forming an article formed with security pattern of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES Referring to the appended drawings, the present invention will be described in a specific manner hereinafter. A fluorescent latent image transfer film 1 of the present invention comprises a fluorescent ink layer 3 formed of a resin binder containing a fluorescent agent on a surface of a heat resistant substrate film 2. The image transfer method fluorescent latent of the present invention comprises the steps of putting this fluorescent latent image transfer film 1 onto a transfer receiving material in such a manner that the fluorescent ink layer 3 and a surface to be transferred are in contact each; and heating the resultant in any pattern on the side of the heat-resistant substrate film 2 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film 1, with a heating element, for transferring the fluorescent ink layer 3 from the fluorescent latent image transfer film 1, corresponding to the pattern of the heating element, to the transfer receiving material. In this manner, any fluorescent latent image formed with the fluorescent agent is formed in the transfer receptor material. The following will describe the fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention. The heat-resistant substrate film 2 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film 1 can be any if it has a heat resistance against the heat generated at the time of transfer, some degree of strength and good dimensional stability. For example, paper, various types of processed papers, plastic films and the like are used. Examples of raw materials of plastic films include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate; polystyrene; Polypropylene; polysulfone; polyphenylene sulfide; polyethylene naphthalate; 1,4-polycyclohexylene dimethylterephthalate; aramid polycarbonate; polyvinyl alcohol and cellophane. The thickness of the heat-resistant substrate film 2 is preferably 0.5-50 μm, and more preferably 3-10 μm. A preferred material of film 2 is a polyethylene terephthalate film. The heat-resistant substrate film 2 may be in a sheet form or in a continuous film form. The surface of the same can be subjected to a treatment with sizing or the like, to adequately increase the adhesive property of the film 2 to the fluorescent ink layer or other layers deposited on the film 2. The fluorescent latent image transfer film 1 it has a back layer 4 on the side opposite itself. The compounds represented by the formula (1) can be used as the fluorescent agent used in the fluorescent ink layer 3. In the formula (1), the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group of Ci to Cß, and most preferred is a alkyl group Ci to C4. In addition, n in formula (1) preferably ranges from 1 to 6, and most preferred from 1 to 3. Specific examples of the compounds include compounds shown in Table 1. Among these compounds, compounds in which R1 is thiophene , and R2 and R3 are t-butyl groups are especially preferred since they make it possible to form a fluorescent latent image excellent in its transfer capacity and its gradation property.

TABLE I Examples of the binder resins used in the fluorescent ink layer 3 include cellulose resins such as ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxycellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose and cellulose acetate; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal and polyvinyl pyrrolidone; acrylic resins such as poly (meth) acrylate and poly (meth) acrylamide; polyurethane resins; polyamide resins; polyester resins and mixtures thereof. Polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl acetal are preferred as the binder resin, since they have good fluorescent agent transfer ability and good preservation-stability when constituted to the transfer film. The thickness of the fluorescent ink layer 3 is preferably adjusted in a manner that the amount of layer 3 is 0.1-5.0 g / m2. The fluorescent ink layer 3 can be made by applying an ink containing the fluorescer, the binder resin and other additives in a known coating mode such as etch coating. The back layer 4 is formed to prevent the present film from melting and sticking to the heating element such as a thermal head, or to improve the efficiency with which the present film is supplied. The back layer 4 makes it possible to prevent the back surface of the present transfer film from sticking to the uppermost surface layer such as the fluorescent ink layer when the transfer film is rolled into a roll form or stacked in the form of sheet. It is preferred that the back layer 4 has the ability to slide with heat resistance and peel ability. Examples of raw materials of the backing layer include raw materials having the ability to release, such as silicone oil for hardening, silicone wax for hardening, silicone resin, fluorine resin and acrylic resin. The thickness of the backing layer 4 is generally in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 μm. The fluorescent latent image transfer film can be made in any form, such as a sheet, a continuous roll or ribbon. In the fluorescent latent image transfer film shown in Figure 1, the fluorescent ink layer 3 is printed and formed on the entire surface of the transfer layer. However, in the fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention, areas such as a layer 5 of thermal sublimation dye and a layer 6 of heat fusible ink can be formed on the substrate film 2 in addition to the fluorescent ink layer 3, and successively along the supply direction of the film sheet. The areas of a protective layer 7 can be formed. The following will describe such other embodiments of the present invention. In a fluorescent latent image transfer film 1 shown in FIG. 2, the respective areas of the dye layers 5 can be formed on and successively along an individual transfer surface of a heat-resistant substrate film 2. of thermal sublimation, such as a layer 5Y of yellow dye, a layer 5M of magenta dye, a layer 5C of greenish blue dye and a layer BK of black dye, a layer of fluorescent ink and a layer 6B of heat fusible black ink, on which the fluorescent ink layer 3 is formed. The areas having this constituent unit are formed repeatedly along the supply direction of the film 1. A subsequent layer 4 is formed on the other surface of the heat-resistant substrate film 2. In this mode, it is sufficient that at least one of the layers 5Y of yellow coloring is formed, the 5M layer of magenta dye, the blue-green layer 5C and the black dye layer 5BK, and the heat-fusible black ink layer 6 (heat-fusible black dye layer 6BK), as the transfer layer or layers in addition to the fluorescent ink layer 3, on the same transfer surface as the fluorescent ink layer 3. Figures 3 (a) - 3 (h) are plan views illustrating embodiments of the invention. fluorescent latent image transfer film according to the present invention wherein the thermal sublimation dye layers 5 and a heat fusible ink layer 6 are disposed as layers in addition to a fluorescent ink layer 3. As illustrated In these figures, the areas of the fluorescent ink layer 3, the thermal sublimation dye layers 5 (5Y, 5M, 5C and 5BK), the layers 6 of heat fusible ink and the like can be formed in an arbitrary order . (These areas can be referred to as panels). The length of the respective areas is not limited and may be arbitrary. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 (a) - 3 (h), the arrangement orders of the respective areas in a direction along the transfer surface are adjusted as follows. The areas having this basic constituent unit are formed repeatedly along the supply direction of the transfer film. (a) A film composed solely of the fluorescent ink layer 3. (b) Layer 5Y of yellow dye, layer 5M of magenta dye, layer 5C of greenish blue dye and fluorescent ink layer 3. (c) Layer 5Y of yellow dye, the 5M layer of magenta dye, the 5C layer of greenish blue dye, the 5BK layer of black color and the 3 fluorescent ink layer (d) The 5Y layer of yellow color, the 5M layer of magenta dye, layer 5C of greenish-blue dye, fluorescent ink layer 3 and layer 6BK of black heat-fusible ink. (e) The dye back layer 5BK and the fluorescent ink layer 3. (f) The fluorescent ink layer 3 and the black hot-melt ink layer 6BK. (g) Layer 5Y of yellow dye, layer 5M of magenta dye, layer 5C of greenish blue dye, layer 5BK of black dye, layer of fluorescent ink 3 and layer 6BK of black ink fusible with heat. (h) Areas that have the same order as (g). However, the total area of the 5Y layers of yellow dye, 5M of magenta dye and 5C of greenish-blue dye is smaller than the total area of the 5BK layer of black dye, the fluorescent ink 3 and layer 6BK of black heat-fusible ink. The thermal sublimation dye layer 5 can be formed by dissolving any of the dye sublimation yellow, magenta, blue-green and black, a binder resin, a release agent, other additives in a solvent to prepare a coating solution for the colorant layer; applying the prepared coating solution of each color over the areas determined in the heat resistant substrate film in various types of coating modalities such as an etch coating mode; and drying the resulting material. Examples of yellow sublimation dyes include Forran Brilliant Yellow-S-6GL (trade name Disperses Yellow 231 made by Sand AG) and Macrolex Yellow 6G (trade name Disperses Yellow 201 made by Bayer AG). Examples of the magenta sublimation dye include MS-REDG (trade name of Disperses Violet 26 made by Bayer AG). Examples of the greenish-blue sublimation dye include Cayaset Blue 714 (trade name of Solvent-Blue 63 made by Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd.). Forran Brilliant Blue-S-R (commercial name of Disperses Blue 354 developed by Sand AG) and Waksolin AP-FW (commercial name of Solvent Blue 36 prepared by ICI). Examples of the black sublimation dye include a mixture of the aforementioned yellow, magenta and blue-green dyes. Examples of the binder resin of the thermal sublimation dye layer 5 include cellulose resins such as ethylcellulose, ethylhydroxycellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, cellulose acetate; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal and polyvinyl porrolidone; acrylic resins such as poly (meth) acrylate and poly (meth) acrylamide ((meth) means methacryl); polyurethane resins; polyamide resins; polyester resins; and mixtures thereof. As the binder resin, polyvinyl butyral and polyvinyl acetal are preferred since they have good dye transfer capacity, and good preservation-stability when constituted to the transfer film. The heat-fusible ink layer 6 can be formed by applying a heat fusible ink containing a colorant, a vehicle and other additives in a known coating embodiment such as hot melt coating, hot lacquer coating, etching, coating by reverse engraving, or roll coating mode. The thickness of the heat-fusible ink layer 6 usually ranges from 0.2 to 10 μm. As the dye in the heat-fusible ink layer 6, it is preferred to use a black dye to record high density lived characters and symbols.

Examples of the vehicle of the heat-fusible ink layer 6 include wax, and mixtures of wax and dry oil, resins, mineral oils, cellulose, rubber derivatives, and the like. Examples of the waxes include microcrystalline wax, carnauba wax, paraffin wax, Fisher-Tropishe wax, low molecular weight polyethylene, Japanese wax (turbid wax) beeswax, whale sperm wax, insect wax, wool wax, wax shellac, candelilla wax, petrolatum, partially modified waxes, fatty acid esters and fatty acid amides. As illustrated in Figures 4 (a) - 4 (i), in the fluorescent latent image transfer film of the present invention, a protective layer 7 can be formed, as a layer in addition to the fluorescent ink layer. 3, on the same transfer surface as the fluorescent ink layer 3 and successively along the transfer surface. Specifically, in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 (a) - 4 (i), orders for positioning the areas in one direction along the transfer surface are adjusted as follows. The areas having this basic constituent unit are formed repeatedly along the supply direction of the film. (a) The fluorescent ink layer 3 and the protective layer 7. (b) Layer 5Y of yellow dye, layer 5M of magenta dye, layer 5C of greenish blue dye, fluorescent ink layer 3 and protective layer 7. (c) The yellow dye layer 5Y, the magenta dye layer 5M, the blue green dye layer 5C, the black dye layer 5BK, the fluorescent ink layer 3 and the layer 7 protective (d) Layer 5Y of yellow dye, layer 5M of magenta dye, layer 5C of greenish blue dye, layer of fluorescent ink 3, layer 6BK of black ink heat-fusible and the protective layer 7. (e) The black dye layer 5BK, the fluorescent ink layer 3 and the protective layer 7. (f) The fluorescent ink layer 3, the black heat-fusible ink layer 6BK and the protective layer 7. (g) Layer 5Y of yellow dye, layer 5M of magenta dye, layer 5C of greenish blue dye, layer 5 BK of black dye, layer of fluorescent ink 3, layer 6BK of heat-fusible black ink and protective layer 7. (h) Areas that have the same order as (g). However, the total area of the 5Y layers of yellow dye, 5M of magenta dye and 5C of greenish-blue dye is smaller than the total area of the 5BK layer of black dye, the fluorescent ink 3, layer 6BK of heat-fusible black color and protective layer 7. (i) The layer 6BK of heat-fusible black ink, the protective layer 7, the yellow coloring layer 5Y, the magenta-colored dye layer 5M, the blue-green dye layer 5C, the layer of fluorescent ink 3, layer 6BK of black heat-fusible ink and protective layer 7. In Figure 4, the position, that is, the order of the panels except for the protective layers is arbitrary. The placement of the panels of the fluorescent ink layer 3 can be after the protective layer 7. In the case that the images are transferred directly from the transfer film to a transfer receiving material, the following is preferred to place the protective layer 7 on the uppermost surface of the transferred images so that the images are sufficiently protected . That is, it is generally preferred to arrange the protective layer 7 in the last position of the individual constituent unit where the areas are formed on and successively along the transfer surface, as shown in Figures 4 (a) - (i). The number of the protective layers 7 arranged in the individual constituent unit where the areas are formed on and successively along the transfer surface can be one or more, as indicated in Figure 4 (1), where the protective layers 7 are arranged, for example, in two positions, that is, after the layer 6BK of black ink hot-meltable and in the last position of the constituent unit.

The protective layer 7 can be formed by applying a coating composition containing a resin to form the protective layer of such a type of transfer film to the surface of the film substrate with a known coating medium. The protective layer 7 is constituted in a transparent layer which makes it possible to see images below the transparent layer after the transfer, such as a colorless and transparent layer or a transparent layer with color. Examples of the resin to form the protective layer include polyester, polystyrene, acrylic, polyurethane, acrylic urethane resins; mixtures thereof; resins modified with silicone of these resins; mixtures of these modified resins; hardening resins with radiant ionizing rays; and ultraviolet light blocking resins. The thickness of the protective layer 7 usually ranges between 0.5 and 10 μm. The protective layer containing the hardening resin with radiant ionizing ray is especially excellent in terms of its resistance to plasticizer, and its resistance to scratching. As the hardening resin with radiant ionizing ray, those which are known can be used. For example, a resin obtained by crosslinking or curing a radically polymerizable polymer or oligomer by ionizing radiant rays can be used, optionally adding a polymerization initiator with light, and applying electron beams or ultraviolet rays thereto for the polymerization and crosslinking.

The protective layer containing the ultraviolet light blocking resin has a primary purpose of giving the printed article light resistance. It can be used as the ultraviolet light blocking resin, for example a resin obtained by reacting and bonding a reactive ultraviolet absorber with a thermoplastic resin or the aforementioned ionizing radiant ray curing resin. The reactive ultraviolet absorber is a substance which is obtained by introducing a reactive group such as a polymerizable double bond of addition (for example a vinyl group, an acryloyl group, or methacryloyl group), an alcoholic hydroxyl group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, an epoxy group or an isocyanate group in a non-reactive organic ultraviolet ray absorber such as salicylate, benzophenone, benzotriazole, substituted acrylonitrile, nickel chelate or hindered amine. In the protective layer 7, a holographic pattern can be formed. Examples of the holographic pattern include a non-uniform pattern based on relief holography or a diffraction grating. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 (a) - 5 (h), in the fluorescent latent image transfer film according to the present invention, an intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer 8 can be formed, as a further layer. of a fluorescent ink layer 3, on and successively along the same transfer surface as the fluorescent ink layer 3. In the case where an image of the transfer layers including the fluorescent ink layer 3 is transferred to the surface of an intermediate transfer medium and then this image is transferred to the surface of a transfer receiving material, the intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer 8 is used to join the image to the transfer receiving material. Therefore, the intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer 8 is formed in the last area of the constituent unit so that the layer 8 is disposed on the uppermost surface when the image is transferred to the surface of the intermediate transfer medium and is formed Specifically, in the embodiments shown in Figures 5 (a) - 5 (h), the order of arrangement of the areas in one direction along the transfer surface is adjusted as follows. The areas having this basic constituent unit are formed repeatedly along the supply direction of the film. (a) The fluorescent ink layer 3 and the intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer 8. (b) Layer 5Y of yellow dye, the magenta dye layer 5M, the blue green dye layer 5C, the fluorescent ink layer 3, and the intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer 8. (c) The yellow dye layer 5Y, the magenta dye layer 5M, the blue green dye layer 5C, the black dye layer 5BK, the fluorescent ink layer 3 and the black layer 8 Intermediate thermal transfer adhesive. (d) Layer 5Y of yellow dye, layer 5M of magenta dye, layer 5C of greenish blue dye, layer 6BK of black heat-fusible ink, layer of fluorescent ink 3 and the intermediate adhesive thermal transfer layer 8. (e) The black dye layer 5BK, the fluorescent ink layer 3 and the intermediate heat transfer adhesive layer 8. (f) The fluorescent ink layer 3, the black heat-fusible ink layer 6BK and the intermediate heat transfer adhesive layer 8. (g) The yellow dye layer 5Y, the magenta dye layer 5M, the blued dye layer 5C the black dye layer 5BK, the fluorescent ink layer 3, the dye layer 6BK heat-fusible black ink and intermediate heat transfer adhesive layer 8. (h) Areas that have the same order as (g). However, the total area of the 5Y layers of yellow dye, 5M of dye dye and 5C of greenish blue dye is smaller than the total area of the 5BK black dye layer, the fluorescent ink layer 3, the black heat-fusible ink layer 6BK and the intermediate heat transfer adhesive layer 8. The intermediate heat transfer adhesive layer 8 is made of a thermoplastic resin that has good adhesion at the time of heating, such as acrylic, vinyl chloride, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, polyester, and silicone resins. polyamide. The thickness of the intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer 8 usually varies from 0.1 to 5 μm.

In the fluorescent latent image transfer film wherein the plural areas of layers in addition to the fluorescent ink layer are formed as transfer layers on and successively along the transfer surface, the length (or area) of the respective areas can be the same to form a transfer film wherein the respective areas have the same size. However, as shown in the embodiments of Figs. 3 (h), 4 (h), and 5 (H), the length of layers 5 of yellow, magenta, and blue-green sublimation dye (5Y, 5M) and 5C) can be made smaller so that the size, i.e. the area of the dye layers 5 is smaller than the area of the different layers of the dye layers (i.e. the fluorescent ink layer 3, the black dye layer 5BK of thermal sublimation, the black heat-fusible ink layer 6BK and the protective layer 7, the intermediate heat transfer adhesive layer 8 and the like). A method of transferring and recording a fluorescent latent image utilizing the fluorescent latent image transfer film 1 of the present invention comprises the steps of placing the fluorescent latent image transfer film on an image forming surface of a receiving material of a fluorescent latent image. transfer, such as a card substrate, in such a manner that the image forming surface is brought into contact with the transfer surface of the transfer film 1; and heating the resulting material in a predetermined pattern form, on the back side of the transfer film 1, with a heating means such as a thermal head or a laser, so that a desired image is transferred to the surface of the material transfer receiver. In this way, a fluorescent latent image can be formed. In the case of using the fluorescent latent image transfer film having the transfer layers in addition to the fluorescent ink layer 3, a printed image made of the sublimation dye layer, the protective layer, the adhesive layer can be formed. and similar, as well as the fluorescent latent image. Figures 6 and 7 are cross sections illustrating embodiments of printed articles formed by the method of the present invention to form a fluorescent latent image transfer film. In a printed article 9 illustrated in FIG. 5, a fluorescent latent image 11 and visible images such as a transferred color image 12 made of the sublimation dye, an image of a transferring material 10 are formed on a surface of a transfer receiving material 10. processed monochromatic dye of the sublimation dye and a monochromatic transferred image 14 processed from the heat fusible ink. Its surface is covered with a protective layer 15. In a printed article 9 illustrated in FIG. 7, visible images such as an elaborate transferred color image 12 of the sublimation dye are formed on a surface of a transfer receiving material. a transferred monochromatic image 13 made of the sublimation dye and a transferred monochromatic image 14 made of the heat fusible ink. The total of the surface of the images is covered with a protective layer 15. A fluorescent latent image 1 1 is formed on the surface of the protective layer 15. The time of formation of the fluorescent latent image 1 1 in the present invention can be any of the formation times (a) after forming a visible image, (b) before forming a visible image and (c) in the formation half of a visible image. The position where the fluorescent latent image 1 1 is formed can be a position where the image 1 1 does not overlap with a visible image, and a position where the image 1 1 overlaps with a visible image, in the case of subsection (a) mentioned above. The position in which the fluorescent latent image 1 1 is formed can be a position in which the image 1 1 does not overlap with a visible image, in the case of the aforementioned subsection (b). In the event that the protective layer 15 is formed, the preservation of a visible image and a fluorescent latent image 11 on a printed article 9 is better when the protective layer 15 is formed as the uppermost layer to cover the total of the images , as shown in Figure 6. A modality as such is better for cards and the like, for which a resistance such as a resistance to scratching is required. In the case where, as shown in FIGS. 7, the fluorescent latent image 11 is formed on the surface of the protective layer 15, if the fluorescent latent image has a thickness similar to that of the fluorescent ink layer formed on the transfer film, the fluorescent latent image 11 will never prevent an underlying visible image from being seen. In this way, if the fluorescent latent image 11 is above the visible image, no problems arise. In this case, there is an advantage that the position where the fluorescent latent image 11 is formed is not restrictive. In this way, the formation position or the order of the fluorescent latent image, the visible image and the protective layer of the printed article can be appropriately selected in accordance with the use or the like of the printed article. The visible image and the protective layer can be formed by printing methods, coating methods, transfer methods using other transfer sheets or the like. However, the present invention is preferred for the following reason. That is, using a transfer film wherein the aforementioned sublimation dye layer, the heat fusible transfer layer, the protective layer, the fluorescent ink layer or the like are formed on and successively along the surface of transfer, an image made of the sublimation dye layer, the protective layer and the like, as well as a fluorescent latent image can be successfully formed. The sublimation dye layer of a fluorescent latent image transfer film as such is optimally used to form an image that has a continuous gradation, such as an image of a full color or monochrome photograph, but can also be used to form a monochromatic or full-color image that has no gradation. The heat-fusible black ink layer is optimally used to print characters, symbols or the like which have no gradation. Preferably it is used as the transfer receiving material 10, which constitutes the printed article 9, a thermal transfer image receiving sheet. The thermal transfer image receiving sheet is a sheet in which a receiving layer is formed on a surface of a substrate. Examples of the substrate include paper such as plain paper, synthetic paper and paper impregnated with synthetic resin or emulsion; and sheets of plastic or films such as a saturated polyester (for example polyethylene terephthalate), polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, polyesterene, cellulose resin, polysulfone and polyimide. The substrate may be transparent or opaque. The substrate may have reflective characteristics based on the addition of white pigment or similar to it. The substrate can be made in a card form. The receiving layer of the thermal transfer image receiving sheet is made of a resin that can be dyed with a colorant. Examples of this resin include saturated polyester, polyamide, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate co-polymer, vinyl acetate, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene, styrene / acrylate copolymer, copolymer of styrene / butadiene, vinyltoluene / acrylate copolymer, and cellulose resin.

The resins can be used alone or in the form of a mixture of two or more types. Additives, such as a release agent to prevent fusion bonding of the heat transfer sheet and various colorants may be added to the receptor layer. A release layer made of silicone oil, a fluorine compound, waxes can be formed on the back of the thermal transfer image receiving sheet (ie on the surface opposite the receptor layer). The thermal transfer image receiving sheet can be made in a form that has or does not have printed images; a printed form; or a brochure or book where the images are printed in advance. A heating means such as a thermal head or a laser is used as the heating element used to transfer the images of the fluorescent latent image transfer films, other sublimation dye transfer sheets or protective layer transfer sheets. The heating means are made to provide heat corresponding to the image data to be transferred. It can be used as this heating medium, one that is commercially available. The method for transferring a fluorescent latent image of the present invention can be used optimally to form cards, such as an identification card and a credit card; and documents that have a photograph and characters, such as a passport and a license. The aforementioned method for transferring a fluorescent latent image is a method of transferring a fluorescent ink layer, in a pattern, to a transfer receiving material (the recording medium) to form a fluorescent latent image. In the case that a binder capable of transferring in the molten state is used as the fluorescent ink layer in this method, both the binder resin and the specified fluorescent agent mentioned above are transferred to the transfer receiving material, so that form a fluorescent latent image. In the case where a binder that can not be transferred in the molten state is used as the binder resin, only the fluorescent agent is transferred to the transfer receptor material to form a fluorescent latent image because the fluorescent agent of the ink layer Fluorescent mentioned above has the ability to sublimate. Transfer by sublimation is generally excellent in gradation property, but in this transfer the amount of the transferred dye or fluorescer is smaller and the density of images formed is lower than the melt transfer. Therefore, there is a disadvantage against obtaining vivid images. Thus, if the gradation property is considered to be important, the transfer by sublimation is selected from the aforementioned transfer methods. To suitably obtain sufficient brightness from a fluorescent latent image, a method is used to transfer the fluorescent ink layer by the melt transfer method. As described in the Background section of the invention in the specification, even if the melt transfer method is selected, an increase in the concentration of a fluorescent agent is restrictive in the transfer method of an ink layer. fluorescent of a fluorescent latent image transfer film in a pattern form to a transfer receptor material to form a fluorescent latent image. In such a case the following method for forming a fluorescent latent image can be used. Through the steps illustrated in Figures 15 (a) - 15 (c) a security pattern can be formed using, as shown in for example, Figure 8, an intermediate transfer film 30 in which a release layer 32, an ultraviolet ray absorption pattern 33, and a receiving layer 34 are successively formed on a substrate film 31, wherein the data can be recorded with an of dye, using, as shown in Figure 12, a dye transfer film in which a layer 22Y of yellow a layer 22M of magenta a layer 22C of colored are formed greenish blue, a layer 22 BK of black of thermal sublimation (these layers of are referred to as layers of dyes 22), and a release layer 23 on and successively along a surface of a film of substrate and additionally a fluorescent adhesive layer 24 made of an adhesive containing a fluorescent material is formed on the release layer 23. As shown in Figure 15 (a), the dye layer 22 of the dye transfer film is sublimed and transferred in a predetermined pattern to the receiving layer 34 of the intermediate transfer film 30, to form a visible image. In this way, the data is recorded. Next as shown in 15 (b), the fluorescent adhesive layer 24 of the dye transfer film is melted and transferred onto the receptor layer and stacked in its entirety, to form the intermediate transfer medium 30, in which a transfer layer 36 is formed on the substrate film, the release layer 32, the ultraviolet ray absorption pattern 33, the receiving layer 34 and a visible image 41. At last, as shown in FIG. 15 (c), the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium 33 is transferred onto the surface of a transfer receiving material 50 to obtain an article 51 formed with security pattern having the fluorescent adhesive layer 24 and a fluorescent latent image made of the ultraviolet ray absorption pattern 33 and the visible image 41 placed on top of the fluorescent adhesive layer 24. When ultraviolet rays are irradiated on the article formed with n security pattern shown in Figure 15 (c), from a point above its surface, the ultraviolet ray absorption pattern 33 placed above the fluorescent adhesive layer 24 absorbs the ultraviolet rays. As a result, the fluorescent image obtained by the ultraviolet radiation is a negative image of the ultraviolet ray absorption pattern 33. The fluorescent latent image is used as a safety pattern. An article in which a fluorescent latent image is formed on a transfer receiving material is known as an article formed with a security pattern. As for the transfer receiving material, preferably items are used to which security is required, for example, various cards such as a passport, an identification card and a credit card, and licenses. The ultraviolet absorption pattern 33 for forming the fluorescent latent image can be formed in any layer due to the following reason: if the pattern 33 is below the layers of fluorescent material such as the fluorescent adhesive layer 24 in the transfer layer 36 of the intermediate transfer medium 30, the pattern 33 is placed on top of the layers of fluorescent material after transfer thereof to the transfer receiving material. The ultraviolet absorption pattern can be made from, for example, a resin binder to which it is added or reacted with an organic ultraviolet absorber. Examples of the organic ultraviolet absorbers include salicylate, benzophenone, benzotriazole, substituted acrylonitrile, nickel chelate and hindered amine ultraviolet ray absorbers.

The reactive ultraviolet ray absorber which can be used can be obtained by introducing a polymerizable double bond of addition of a vinyl, acryloyl, methacryloyl or similar group, or an alcoholic hydroxyl group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, an epoxy group, an isocyanate group or similar to the aforementioned organic ultraviolet ray absorber, and reacting / immobilizing the resulting product with / on the resin binder. The method for the reaction / immobilization is for example, a radical polymerization method of a known resin component of a monomer, oligomer or polymer reactive with said reactive ultraviolet ray absorber having a polymerizable addition double bond as above, to prepare a copolymer. In case the ultraviolet reactive absorber has a hydroxyl, amino, carboxyl, epoxy or isocyanate group, a thermoplastic resin having reactivity with the aforementioned reactive group and an optional catalyst for reacting / immobilizing the ultraviolet ray absorber is used. reactive with / on the thermoplastic resin. The ultraviolet ray pattern 33 can be formed by any method, for example, a printing method using an ink containing the aforementioned ultraviolet ray absorber or a transfer method. However, as shown in Figure 14, it is preferred to use the dye transfer film 20 wherein the layer 25 and the ultraviolet ray absorber are deposited on the surface of the release layer 23, and the layer 25 to the intermediate transfer medium at the time of forming a visible image to form the pattern 33. The release layer 32 of the intermediate transfer medium 30 is a layer that is removed from the substrate film 31 at the time of transfer to The transfer receiving material is placed as the uppermost surface after the transfer so that it becomes a protective layer. The release layer may be made from a raw material used in the release layer or a known transfer sheet. The release layer can be made from a composition composed of binder resin and a release material. Examples of the binder resin include thermoplastic resins for example, acrylic resins such as methyl polymethacrylate, ethyl polymethacrylate and butyl polyacrylate, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl butyral, cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose, nitrocellulose, nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate; and plastic thermosetting resins, for example unsaturated polyester, polyester, polyurethane, and aminoalkyd resins. Examples of the release material include waxes, silicone wax, silicone resin, melamine resin, fluorine resin, fine particles of talc or silica, a surfactant and lubricants such as metal soap.

The release layer can be formed by dissolving or dispersing the aforementioned resin in a suitable solvent to prepare a coating solution; applying the coating solution to the substrate film by a method such as etching, stencil printing or reverse coating using a gravure; and drying the resulting layer. The thickness of the release layer is usually 0.1 to 5 μm after drying. In the intermediate transfer medium shown in Figure 15 (b), the fluorescent adhesive layer functions as an adhesive layer and a layer of fluorescent material, but the fluorescent material layer and the adhesive layer can be formed as separate layers. As in an intermediate transfer film 30 shown, for example, in Figure 9, a release layer 32, an ultraviolet ray absorption pattern 33, a layer of fluorescent material 37 and an adhesive layer 38 that also functions as a receiving layer, can be successively formed on a surface of a substrate film 31. Data such as visible images are recorded on the adhesive layer 38 of the intermediate transfer film to prepare an intermediate transfer medium, and then the data is transferred to a surface of a transfer receiving material so that an article formed with security pattern. The adhesive layer which also functions as the receiving layer, is made of a resin which can be colored with dye in the same manner as the receiving layer of the thermal transfer image receiving sheet. Examples of this resin include saturated polyester, polyamide, polyacrylate, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetal, polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl acetate, polystyrene, styrene / acrylate copolymer, styrene / butadiene copolymer , vinyl toluene / acrylate copolymer, and cellulose resin. The resins can be used alone or in the form of a mixture of two or more types. Additives, such as a release agent to prevent fusion of the thermal transfer sheet binder and various colorants, can be added to the adhesive layer. For the fluorescent material layer, it is preferred to use a material containing the fluorescent agent represented by the formula (1) used in the fluorescent latent image transfer film shown, for example, in Figure 1, or the fluorescent ink layer of this film, but materials containing the following fluorescent substances may be used, in addition to the above. The fluorescent substance is a substance that emits luminescence, and includes inorganic and organic fluorescent substances. As the inorganic fluorescent substances, a pigment obtained by concreting a crystal of an oxide, sulfide, silicate, phosphate, tungstate or its like of Ca, Ba, Mg, Zn, Cd or the like, as the main component, and an element of metal such as Mn, Zn, Ag, Cu, Sb, Pb or a rare earth element such as a lanthanoid element, as an active agent. Preferred examples of the fluorescent substance include ZnO: Zn, Br (PO) CI: Eu, ZnGEO: Mn, YO: Eu, Y (P, V) O: Bu, YOSi: Eu and ZnGeO: Mn. As the organic fluorescent substance, diaminostilbenedisulfonic acid derivatives, imidazole derivatives, coumarin derivatives, triazole derivatives, carbazole derivatives, pyridine derivatives, naphthalic acid derivatives, imidazolone derivatives, dyes such as fluorescein and eosin, can be used, and compounds having a benzene ring, such as anthracene. Inorganic pigments are excellent in durability and weather resistance. Organic pigments are good at wetting an ink vehicle, and thus can easily be obtained for inking, even when they are not subjected to surface treatment. To improve durability and weather resistance, in particular, light resistance and printing ability, stable inorganic fluorescent substances of stable oxides or salts of oxyacids having a relatively large particle size and high brightness are preferred among the pigments mentioned above. In particular, ZnO: Zn is satisfactory from the point of view of brilliance and resistance to tempering. Examples of the fluorescent substance also include rare earth fluorescent substances.

To improve the fluorescence properties such as the brightness and the printability of the ink containing the fluorescent substance, the particle size of the fluorescent substance, i.e., the pigment, is preferably adjusted. From that point of view, the fluorescent substance used has an average particle size preferably from 0.7 to 4 μm, more preferably from 0.7 to 2 μm, and most preferably from 1 to 2 μm. It is possible to imagine that, in general, the properties of the ink are improved more as the particle size of the pigment is smaller. However, if the particle size is less than 0.7 μm, the brightness of the fluorescence decreases markedly. Therefore, it is preferred to use the fluorescent substance having a particle size of 0.7 μm or more. On the other hand, if the particle size is greater than 4 μm, the transparency of the resulting image that emits fluorescence decreases. The percentage of the fluorescent substance throughout the composition, except the solvent, which constitutes the fluorescent ink, is preferably 15 to 80% by weight, and more preferably 20 to 50% by weight, to improve the brilliance and the transfer (adhesion) of the fluorescent substance to a printing substrate. If the percentage of the fluorescent substance is less than 15%, the fluorescent brightness of the ink composition containing the fluorescent substance decreases markedly in some type of fluorescent substance. If the percentage is about 12%, the fluorescent brightness can be reduced to about one tenth of the brightness of the pigment itself. The thickness 5 of the fluorescence emitting image can be appropriately decided depending on the desired fluorescence brightness, the percentage of the fluorescent substance, and the like. For example, the thickness can be adjusted to approximately 1 to 10 μm. From the point of view to ensure transparency, the fluorescent substance having a relatively small particle size as described above is used in the present invention. However, the fluorescence intensity deficit, based on the small particle size, can be compensated by increasing the thickness of the image that fluoresces. To improve the properties (hiding ability, coloration capacity, oil absorbance, durability and the like) of the fluorescent substances, the fluorescent substance is preferably treated on its surface. In particular, in case of using inorganic pigment, the pigment is treated on its surface to improve its affinity for the polymers that lack oil, since the surface of the pigment is hydrophilic and has reduced affinity for said polymers. The method for the surface treatment may be a method using, for example, a coating agent, a coupling agent or a polymerizable monomer. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, a hologram can be obtained in the article formed with security pattern by the following method. A layer 41 making the hologram is formed on a transfer layer, and the surface of the layer 41 is subjected to fine relief processing, to form a holographic pattern, and then titanium oxide or its like is evaporated onto the pattern for forming the hologram formed in a thin metal layer 42. If a fluorescent latent image is used in this way with other security means such as a hologram, the article formed with security pattern can be made to have greater security. Examples of a substrate resin of the layer making the hologram include unsaturated polyester resins, acrylic urethane resins, acrylic resins modified by epoxies, unsaturated polyester resins modified by epoxies, alkyd resins, phenol resins and thermoplastic resins such as acrylic ester resins, acrylamide resins, nitrocellulose resins and polystyrene resins. One or more of these resins can be mixed with one or more of isocyanate resins, metal soaps such as cobalt naphthenoate and zinc naphthenoate, peroxides such as benzolyl peroxide and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, and lightning resistance agents. thermal or ultraviolet such as benzophenone, acetophenone, anthraquinone, naphthoquinone, azobisisobutyronitrile and diphenyl sulfide. A resin resistant to ionizing radiation can be used. This resin can be obtained by mixing an oligomer of epoxy acrylate, urethane acrylate, acryl-modified polyester, or the like thereof with, for example, a monomer of neopentyl glycol acrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate or the like thereof, for various purposes such as entanglement or adjustment. of viscosity.

To form the intermediate transfer medium, dye transfer films shown in Figures 12 to 14 can be used. These dye transfer films are formed as ink ribbons, wherein several layers of color ink 22 and a layer detachment 21 are formed on and successively along a transfer surface, and additional layers such as an adhesive layer, an ultraviolet ray absorbing layer or a layer of fluorescent material, are deposited on the release layer 21. The other embodiments of the article formed with security pattern are illustrated in figures 16 to 20.

EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 As the substrate film, a polyethylene terephthalate film having a thickness of 6 μm was prepared (trade name: Lumilar, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.). A heat-resistant slip layer (reinforcing layer) of a silicone resin was formed on a surface of the substrate film by etching, so that it had a thickness of 1 μm. A coating solution for a fluorescent ink layer was applied, having the following composition, using a gravure coating method, on the other surface, and dried in such a way that the applied amount thereof was 0.6 g / m2. after drying In this way, a fluorescent latent image transfer film was formed. The number of fluorescent compounds in the respective examples is shown in Table 1.

Coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl acetal resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 1: 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone: 60 parts by weight Toluene: 22 parts by weight Isopropanol: 10 parts by weight EXAMPLE 2 A fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a coating solution 2 for the fluorescent ink layer having the following composition was applied in place of the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer.

Coating solution 2 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl Acetal Resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 2 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone 60 parts by weight Toluene 22 parts by weight Isopropanol 10 parts by weight EXAMPLE 3 A fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a coating solution 3 for the fluorescent ink layer having the following composition was applied in place of the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer.

Coating solution 3 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl acetal resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 3: 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone: 60 parts by weight Toluene: 22 parts by weight Isopropanol: 10 parts by weight EXAMPLE 4 A fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a coating solution 4 for the fluorescent ink layer having the following composition was applied in place of the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer.

Coating solution 4 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl acetal resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 4 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone 60 parts by weight Toluene 22 parts by weight Isopropanol 10 parts by weight EXAMPLE 5 A fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a coating solution 5 for the fluorescent ink layer having the following composition was applied in place of the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer.

Coating solution 5 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl acetal resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 5: 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone: 60 parts by weight Toluene: 22 parts by weight Isopropanol: 10 parts by weight EXAMPLE 6 A fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a coating solution 6 for the fluorescent ink layer having the following composition was applied in place of the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer.

Coating solution 6 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl acetal resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 6: 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone: 60 parts by weight Toluene: 22 parts by weight Isopropanol: 10 parts by weight EXAMPLE 7 A fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a coating solution 7 for the fluorescent ink layer having the following composition was applied in place of the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer.

Coating solution 7 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl acetal resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 7 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone 60 parts by weight Toluene 22 parts by weight Isopropanol 10 parts by weight EXAMPLE 8 A fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a coating solution 8 for the fluorescent ink layer having the following composition was applied in place of the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer.

Coating solution 8 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl acetal resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 8: 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone: 60 parts by weight Toluene: 22 parts by weight Isopropanol 10 parts by weight EXAMPLE 9 A fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a coating solution 9 for the fluorescent ink layer having the following composition was applied in place of the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer.

Coating solution 9 for the fluorescent ink layer Polyvinyl butyral resins (Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): 5 parts by weight Fluorescent compound No. 8: 3 parts by weight Methyl ethyl ketone: 60 parts by weight Toluene: 22 parts by weight Isopropanol: 10 parts by weight COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 A transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the fluorescent compound No. 1 was removed from the coating solution 1 for the fluorescent ink layer. The transfer properties of Examples 1 to 9 and Comparative Example 1 were compared and evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Transfer capacity Gradation property Example 1 O O Example 2 O O Example 3 O O Example 4 O O Example 5 O O Example 6 O O Example 7 O O Example 8 O O Example 9 O O Example X X Comparative 1 Evaluation method A commercially available sublimation transfer image receiving sheet and a card were placed on the transfer film of each of the examples 1 to 9 and the comparative examples, and then a thermal printer was used to print a gradation pattern that It has printing power of 16 gradations.

Fluorescent agent transfer capacity: the printed gradation pattern was irradiated with ultraviolet rays having wavelengths from 300 to 400 nm, and then the degree of gradation pattern was observed. Based on the following criteria, the transfer films were classified as O or X. O: the fluorescent luminescence was clearly recognized. X: the printed pattern was not recognized. Gradation property: the transfer films were classified as O or X. O: The intensity of the fluorescent luminescence increased uniformly as the printing energy of the gradation pattern was higher. X: Other results were obtained apart from the previous ones.

Preparation example 1 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film The same fluorescent latent image transfer film of Example 8 was prepared.

Preparation example 2 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film To the fluorescent latent image layer prepared in the aforementioned preparation example 1, from the fluorescent latent image transfer film, yellow, magenta, blue-green and black sublimation dye layers, a fluorescent ink layer, a layer of The black thermal transfer resin and a protective layer were repeatedly formed on and successively along the substrate film by etching so that the panel length of the respective colors (or the respective layers) was 15 cm. The resulting layer was then dried. In this way, a fluorescent latent image transfer film was formed, where layers of 4-color dye, the black resin layer, the fluorescent ink layer and the protective layer were integrated.

Preparation example 3 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film An integration-type fluorescent latent image transfer film was obtained in the same manner as in Preparation Example 2 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film, except that each of the fluorescent ink layers was placed after each one of the protective layers.

Preparation example 4 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film An integration type fluorescent latent image transfer film, in which a fluorescent ink layer and a hologram protective layer was integrated, was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation example 2 of the latent image transfer film. fluorescent, except that a holographic pattern was formed in the protective layer.

EXAMPLE 10 The next sublimation thermal transfer sheet was placed on the thermal transfer image receiving sheet, and thermal energy was then supplied to it using the thermal head of a printer which can be operated by electrical signals resulting from the decomposition of the thermal transfer. color of a facial photograph, to form a total color image. Then, the image receiving sheet on which the aforementioned total color image was formed was placed on the transfer film of the preparation example 1 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film. According to the electrical signals resulting from a monochromic image rich in gradations, which was different from the facial photograph, the thermal head of the printer mentioned above was used to form a fluorescent latent image. In this way, a printed matter having the fluorescent latent image was obtained.

Sublimation thermal transfer sheet: A sizing layer made of a urethane resin was formed and had a thickness of 0.5 μm on a surface of a 6 μm thick polyethylene terephthalate film (Lumilar: Toray Industries, Inc. ). A heat resistant slip layer 1 μm thick was formed on the other surface (back surface). The following compositions of yellow ink, magenta ink and greenish blue ink were repeatedly formed on the surface of the size layer, and successively along the feed direction of the polyester film by etching, such that the length of the respective panels outside 15 cm. The resulting material was then dried to form 3-color sublimation ink layers. In this way, a sublimation thermal transfer sheet was formed. The applied quantity of each of the 3 color inks was adjusted to 3 grams per square meter (amount of solid). The 3-color inks containing a sublimation dye were prepared as follows: Composition of yellow ink having the following structural formula: Quinophthalone: 3.5 parts by weight Polybutyl butyral (Eslex BX-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.): 4.5 parts by weight methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (1/1) : 90 parts by weight where n represents normal.

Magenta Ink Composition A magenta ink composition was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the aforementioned yellow ink composition, except that the colorant was replaced by dispersed red 60 C.l.

Blue ink composition A blue ink composition was obtained in the same manner as in the preparation of the yellow ink composition, except that the dye was replaced by solvent blue 63 C.l. As the substrate film, a synthetic paper (Yupo FPG-150, manufactured by Oji Yuka Synthetic Paper Co., Ltd., thickness: 150 μm), and a coating solution for a dye-receiving layer having the following composition was used. it was applied to a surface of the film with a bar coater, such that the amount applied after drying was 4 g / m2. The applied layer was dried to form a colorant receiving layer. In this way, a thermal transfer image receiving layer was prepared.

Coating solution for a dye receiving layer Vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer (vinyl 1000A Denka, manufactured by Denki Kagaku Kogyo KK): 20 parts by weight Epoxy resin modified silicon oil (X-22-3000T, manufactured by Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.): 1 part by weight Methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (1/1): 80 parts by weight EXAMPLE 11 In Example 10, the same embodiment of Example 10 was carried out, except that a fluorescent latent image was formed before the full color image was formed, to obtain a printed article having the fluorescent latent image.

EXAMPLE 12 The same embodiment of example 10 was carried out, except that a protective layer was formed on the printed article of example 10, having the total color image and the fluorescent latent image, to obtain a printed article.

EXAMPLE 13 In Example 10, the same embodiment of Example 10 was carried out, except that a protective layer was first formed on the printed article having the total color image, and subsequently a fluorescent latent image was formed on the protective layer, so as to Get a printed article.

EXAMPLE 14 Using the film where the four-color dye layers, the fluorescent latent image layer, the black resin layer, and the protective layer which was prepared in preparation 2 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film were integrated, the total color image described in example 10 was formed on the thermal transfer image receiving sheet with the yellow, magenta and greenish-blue dyes. Then, the black dye layer was used to print a signal and information on a finger print over an area, which was different from the full color image of the facial photo, of the thermal transfer image receiving sheet. Then, the fluorescent ink layer was used to form a fluorescent latent image according to the electrical signals obtained from the monochromic image of Example 10, and then the black ink resin layer was used to print character information on a name, a birthday, an address and the like, and a barcode. Finally, the protective layer was transferred to the thermal transfer image receiving sheet to cover the total of these images on the sheet.

EXAMPLE 15 In example 14, the same embodiment of example 14 was carried out, except that the integration type film of the preparation 3 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film was used to form a fluorescent latent image after the formation of the protective layer, instead of the embodiment in which the integration type film of the preparation 2 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film was used to form the protective layer after the formation of the fluorescent latent image, to obtain a printed article.

EXAMPLE 16 The same embodiment of example 14 was carried out, except that the integration type film of preparation 3 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film was used, instead of the integration type film of preparation 2 of the fluorescent latent image transfer film, and a protective layer having a hologram pattern was transferred to obtain a printed article having said pattern.

EXAMPLE 17 The same embodiment of example 14 was carried out, except that a card was used as the thermal transfer image receiving sheet, to obtain a printed article in the form of a card.

EXAMPLE 18 The same embodiment of example 14 was carried out, except that a passport was used as the thermal transfer image receiving sheet, to obtain a printed article.

EXAMPLE 19 The same embodiment of example 14 was carried out, except that a license was used as the thermal transfer image receiving sheet, to obtain a printed article. With regard to examples 10 to 19, the visibility of the fluorescent latent images thereof was evaluated. The results are shown in table 3. In the evaluation method, the printed articles were irradiated with ultraviolet rays having wavelengths of 300 to 400 nm, and it was observed with the naked eye whether the fluorescent images were clearly recognized or not. The printed articles, whose fluorescent luminescence was clearly recognized, were classified as O, and the printed articles whose fluorescent luminescence (ie, the printed pattern of the fluorescent latent image) was not recognized, were classified as X. As shown in FIG. Table 3, in Examples 10 to 19, the fluorescent luminescence was clearly recognized.

TABLE 3 Intermediate transfer medium (1) A release layer (thickness: 1.5 μm), which also functioned as a protective layer, and an ultraviolet absorption pattern (1.0 μm), were printed by etching onto a surface of a transparent substrate (12 μm) of polyethylene terephthalate, and then a dye receptor layer (2.0 μm) was formed thereon by etch coating.

Intermediate transfer medium (2) A release layer (thickness: 1.5 μm), which also functioned as a protective layer, and an ultraviolet absorption pattern (1.0 μm), were printed by etching onto a surface of a transparent substrate (12 μm) of polyethylene terephthalate, and then a layer of fluorescent material (3.0 μm) and a dye-receiving layer (2.0 μm), were formed successively thereon by etch coating.

Intermediate transfer medium (3) A release layer (thickness: 1.5 μm), which also functioned as a protective layer, and a hologram effect layer (2.0 μm), were formed on a surface of a transparent substrate (12 μm) ) of polyethylene terephthalate by gravure coating. The surface of the hologram effect layer was subjected to fine relief processing to form a hologram pattern. Then, titanium oxide (500 Armstrongs) was evaporated on the surface of the hologram effect layer after relief processing. Then, an ultraviolet ray absorbing pattern (1.0 μm) was printed on it, and then a receptor layer (2.0 μm) was formed on them by etch coating.

Intermediate transfer medium (4) A release layer (thickness: 1.5 μm), which also functioned as a protective layer, and a hologram effect layer (2.0 μm), were formed on a surface of a transparent substrate (12 μm) ) of polyethylene terephthalate by gravure coating. The surface of the hologram effect layer was subjected to fine relief processing to form a hologram pattern. Then, titanium oxide (500 Armstrongs) was evaporated on the surface of the hologram effect layer after relief processing. Then, an ultraviolet ray absorption pattern (1.0 μm) was printed on it, and then a receptor layer (2.0 μm) and a layer of fluorescent material (3.0 μm) were formed thereon by etch coating.

(In the sequential, the terms "part (s)" mean part (s) by weight).

Coating solution for the separation layer (and protective) Acrylic resin: 40 parts Polyester resin: 2 parts Methyl ethyl ketone: 50 parts Toluene: 50 parts Coating solution for the hologram effect layer Acrylic resin: 40 parts Melamine resin: 10 parts Cyclohexanone: 50 parts Methyl ethyl ketone: 50 parts Coating solution for the receiving layer Vinyl chloride / vinyl acetate copolymer: 50 parts Acrylic silicon: 1.5 parts Methyl ethyl ketone: 50 parts Toluene: 50 parts Ink for the fluorescent material Byron 270 (polyester resin): 30 parts Yubitex OB: 1 part Toluene: 35 parts Methyl ethyl ketone: 35 parts Ink 1 of the ultraviolet ray absorber layer Copolymer resin reacted with, and bonded to, an ultraviolet ray absorber (UVA-635L, manufactured by BASF Japan Co., Ltd): 40 parts Zinc antimonate: 40 parts Methyl ethyl ketone: 30 parts Toluene: 30 parts Adhesive layer ink Chlorovinyl acetate resin: 30 parts Toluene: 35 parts Methyl ethyl ketone: 35 parts Dye Film (1) Yellow, magenta, and blue-green inks were deposited on a PET film, and successively along the feed direction of the film by etch coating (coating amount: 3.0 μm). Subsequently, a release layer was formed on and successively along the film. An adhesive layer was deposited on the release layer.

Dye Film (2) Yellow, magenta, and blue-green inks were deposited on a PET film, and successively along the feed direction of the film by etch coating (coating amount: 3.0 μm).

Subsequently, a release layer was formed on and successively along the film. An ink of the adhesive layer and an ink for a fluorescent material were mixed in equivalent amounts to form a layer of adhesive and fluorescent material on the release layer.

Dye Film (3) Yellow, magenta, and blue-green inks were deposited on a PET film, and successively along the feed direction of the film by etch coating (coating amount: 3.0 μm). Subsequently, a release layer was formed on and successively along the film. An ultraviolet ray absorbing layer was then formed on the release layer. Then, an ink of the adhesive layer and an ink for a fluorescent material were mixed in equivalent amounts to form a layer of adhesive and fluorescent material on the release layer. The respective color inks of the dye films have the following compositions: Yellow ink Quinophthalone coloring represented by the following structural formula: (Scattered yellow 58 C.I.): 5.5 parts Polyvinyl butyral: 4.5 parts (Eslex BX-1, manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.) methyl ethyl ketone / toluene (1/1): 90.0 parts Magenta ink In the yellow ink mentioned above, the dye was replaced by dispersed red 60 C.l. , to obtain a magenta ink.

Greenish-blue ink In the yellow ink mentioned above, the dye was replaced by solvent blue 63 C.I., to obtain a blue-green ink.

Article (1) formed with security pattern The intermediate transfer medium (1) and the dye film (2) were used to form a dye image of sublimation on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium (1), and the Fluorescent material and the adhesive layer were transferred in a solid form. Subsequently, the adhesive layer was transferred. Afterwards, the image and these layers were transferred back to a passport, to obtain a registered medium.

Article (2) formed with safety pattern The intermediate transfer medium (1) and the dye film (3) were used to form a dye image of sublimation on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium (1), and the Ultraviolet ray absorbing layer was transferred in the form of a pattern with a thermal head. The fluorescent material and the adhesive layer were transferred in the form of a solid. Afterwards, the image and these layers were transferred back to a passport, to obtain a registered medium.

Article (3) formed with safety pattern The intermediate transfer medium (2) and the dye film (1) were used to form a sublimation dye image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium (2), and the Adhesive layer was transferred. Afterwards, the image and the layer were transferred back to a passport, to obtain a registered medium.

Article (4) formed with safety pattern The intermediate transfer medium (3) and the dye film (2) were used to form a sublimation dye image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium (3). The fluorescent material and the adhesive layer were transferred in solid form, and the adhesive layer was transferred. Afterwards, the image and these layers were transferred back to a passport, to obtain a registered medium.

Article (5) formed with safety pattern The intermediate transfer medium (3) and the dye film (3) were used to form a sublimation dye image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium (3), and the Ultraviolet ray absorbing layer was transferred in the form of a pattern with a thermal head. The fluorescent material and the adhesive layer were transferred in solid form. Afterwards, the image and the layers were transferred back to a passport, to obtain a registered medium.

Article (6) formed with safety pattern The intermediate transfer medium (4) and the dye film (1) were used to form a sublimation dye image on the receiving layer of the intermediate transfer medium (4), and the Adhesive layer was transferred. Afterwards, the image and the layer were transferred back to a passport, to obtain a registered medium.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1 A release layer (thickness: 1.5 μm), which also functioned as a protective layer, was printed by etching onto a surface of a transparent substrate (12 μm) of polyethylene terephthalate, and then a fluorescent luminescence pattern (1.0 μm) It was printed by engraving. A dye receiving layer (2.0 μm) was formed thereon by etch coating.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2 A release layer (thickness: 1.5 μm), which also functioned as a protective layer, and a fluorescent luminescence pattern (3.0 μm), were printed by etching onto a transparent substrate surface (12 μm) of polyethylene terephthalate, and a dye-receiving layer (2.0 μm) was formed thereon by etch coating.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 3 A release layer (thickness: 1.5 μm), which also functioned as a protective layer, and a fluorescent luminescence pattern (1.0 μm), were printed by etching onto a surface of a transparent substrate (12 μm) of polyethylene terephthalate, and then a dye-receiving layer (2.0 μm) was formed thereon by etch coating.

Ink for the coloring material Byron 270 (polyester resin): 30 parts Yubitex OB: 10 parts Toluene: 35 parts Methyl ethyl ketone: 35 parts TABLE 4 Visibility: visibility to the naked eye of fluorescent latent images (O: easy, X: difficult). Alterability of information: alterability of latent fluorescent image patterns (Or: possible, X: impossible). Concealment capacity: visibility to the naked eye of fluorescent latent images under a usual light source (white light or sunlight) (Or: impossible, X: unfavorable, possible). Potential of repetitiveness: potential of repeatability of a tiny pattern (O: good, X: bad). Preservation: occurrence of blockade or its similar when the articles formed with safety pattern were preserved in the form of a roller (O: good, X: bad).

In the present invention, any layered structure is permissible as long as said structure can simultaneously have an ultraviolet ray absorbing pattern and a layer of fluorescent material combining the intermediate transfer medium (1) - (6) with the dye film ( 1) - (3).

Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A fluorescent latent image transfer film, characterized in that a fluorescent ink layer formed of a resin binder comprising a fluorescent agent represented by the formula (I) is formed on / top of a heat resistant substrate film; where R1 is n is a positive integer, and R2 and R3 each represent H or an alkyl group.

2. The fluorescent latent image transfer film according to claim 1, further characterized in that the resin binder is formed mainly of a polyvinyl acetal resin, a polyvinyl butyral resin, or a mixture thereof.

3. The fluorescent latent image transfer film according to claim 1, further characterized in that one or more layers selected from the group consisting of at least one of the sublimation dye layers yellow, magenta, blue-green and black thermal , and a layer of black heat-meltable ink, are deposited on and successively along a transfer surface on which the fluorescent ink layer is formed.

4. The fluorescent latent image transfer film according to claim 1, further characterized in that a protective layer is formed on and successively along the transfer surface on which the fluorescent ink layer is formed.

5. The fluorescent latent image transfer film according to claim 1, further characterized in that an intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer is formed on and successively along the transfer surface on which the fluorescent ink layer is formed. .

6. The fluorescent latent image transfer film according to claim 3, further characterized in that the total area of yellow, magenta and greenish blue sublimation dye layers formed on and successively along the transfer surface, is less than the total area, on / above the same substrate film, of at least one or more layers selected from the group consisting of the black thermal sublimation layer, the black heat-meltable ink layer, the fluorescent ink, the protective layer and the intermediate thermal transfer adhesive layer.

7. - A fluorescent latent image transfer method, characterized in that it comprises the steps of placing, on a transfer receiving material, a fluorescent latent image transfer film, wherein a fluorescent ink layer formed of a resin binder comprising a fluorescent agent represented by formula (I) is deposited on / on top of a heat resistant substrate film; heating the resulting layer in any pattern, on the heat-resistant side, of the fluorescent latent image transfer film by means of a heating element to transfer the fluorescent ink layer of the fluorescent latent image transfer film, correspondingly with the pattern of the heating element, on the transfer receptor material, thus forming a fluorescent latent image formed of the fluorescent agent on the transfer receptor material; wherein R1 is n is a positive integer, and R2 and R3 each represent H or an alkyl group.

8. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7, further characterized in that the fluorescent latent image is formed after an image formed of a visible ink is formed on the surface of the transfer receiving material.

9. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7, further characterized in that an image formed of a visible ink is formed after the fluorescent latent image is formed on the surface of the transfer receiving material.

10. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7, further characterized in that the fluorescent latent image is formed in the middle part by forming an image formed of a visible ink on the surface of the transfer receiving material.

11. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7, further characterized in that a protective layer is formed on the uppermost surface of the transfer receiving material.

12. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 8, further characterized in that a protective layer is formed after the formed image of the visible ink is formed, and the fluorescent latent image is formed on the surface of the protective layer.

13. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7, further characterized in that a film integrated to the fluorescent ink layer is used, wherein one or more layers selected from the group consisting of at least one of the sublimation dye layers yellow, magenta, blue-green and black, a layer of black heat-meltable ink and the protective layer are formed on and successively along a transfer surface on which the fluorescent ink layer to form the fluorescent latent image, the image formed of the visible ink, the protective layer, and the like.

14. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 1, further characterized in that a hologram pattern is formed in the protective layer.

15. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7, further characterized in that the transfer receiving material is a card.

16. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7, further characterized in that the transfer receiving material is a passport.

17. The fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7, further characterized in that the transfer receiving material is a license.

18. A printed article having a fluorescent latent image formed by the fluorescent latent image transfer method according to claim 7.

19. - An article formed with a security pattern which is a printed article, characterized in that a receiving layer on which information is recorded, and a security pattern formed of a fluorescent latent image, are formed on at least one surface of a material transfer receiver, the security pattern being formed of a layer of fluorescent material and an ultraviolet absorption pattern formed in the form of a pattern on / top of the fluorescent material layer, and an intermediate transfer medium, wherein the The receiving layer, the ultraviolet ray absorbing pattern and the fluorescent material layer are formed as a transfer layer that is used, so that the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium is transferred onto the surface of the transfer receiving material.

20. The article formed with security pattern according to claim 19, further characterized in that the ultraviolet ray absorption pattern is formed using an ultraviolet ray absorbing transfer film having an ultraviolet ray absorbing layer, and heating the transfer film in any pattern by means of a heating element that transfers the ultraviolet absorbing layer in a manner corresponding to the pattern of the heating element.

21. The article formed with security pattern according to claim 19, further characterized in that the layer of fluorescent material is a layer that is formed using a fluorescent latent image transfer film having a layer d ^, fluorescent ink formed of a resin binder comprising a fluorescent agent.

22. A method for forming a security pattern, characterized in that it comprises the steps of using an intermediate transfer medium, wherein a transfer layer comprising a fluorescent latent image formed of an ultraviolet ray absorbing pattern and a layer of fluorescent material, and a receiving layer on which information is recorded, are formed on a substrate film to transfer the transfer layer of the intermediate transfer medium onto a transfer receiving medium, thus forming a security pattern, the transfer medium intermediate being a medium wherein the fluorescent latent image is formed in such a manner that the ultraviolet ray pattern in the transfer layer is formed after the transfer medium is placed on / above the fluorescent ink layer.

23. A dye transfer film, characterized in that it is a thermal transfer medium in which a dye layer and an adhesive layer are formed on and successively along a surface of a substrate film, the adhesive layer comprising a fluorescent material. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aim of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent latent image transfer film which makes it possible to form an excellent fluorescent latent image in transfer capacity and gradation property; a fluorescent latent image transfer method using the same; and an article formed with a security pattern; to achieve the objective, a fluorescent latent image transfer film is provided, wherein a fluorescent ink layer formed of a resin binder comprising a fluorescent agent represented by the formula (I) is formed on a surface of a film of heat-resistant substrate; and a fluorescent latent image transfer method, comprising the steps of placing this fluorescent latent image transfer film on a transfer receiving material; heating the resulting layer, in any pattern of the substrate film of the heat-resistant side, of the fluorescent latent image transfer film by means of a heating element to transfer the fluorescent ink layer of the latent image transfer film fluorescent, corresponding to the pattern of the heating element, on the transfer receiving material, thus forming a fluorescent latent image formed of the fluorescent agent on the transfer receiving material; wherein R1 is n is a positive integer, and R > 2 > and / D R3 each represent H or an alkyl group. JT / MG / rgc * eos * ald * jtc * if abg * xal * aom * sff. P99 / 1117