WO2004085166A1

WO2004085166A1 - Authenticatable printed paper and its making method

Info

Publication number: WO2004085166A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/003648
Authority: WO
Inventors: Masato Kiuchi; Rie Fujii
Original assignee: National Printing Bureau Incorporated Administrative Agency
Priority date: 2003-03-25
Filing date: 2004-03-18
Publication date: 2004-10-07
Also published as: JP4389086B2; JPWO2004085166A1

Abstract

A printed paper exhibiting a continuous tone. The printed paper is characterized in that the continuous tone is produced by varying the printing element area ratio per unit area of the printed paper for each unit area, constitutes a pattern of a photograph, a picture, or a textile, there are regions each composed of different printing elements in the pattern, the shape of each region has a design different from the pattern, and the sums of the lengths of the perimeters of the printing elements per unit area of printing element patterns constituting the regions are different from one another.

Description

Authenticated printed matter and its preparation method

Artistic background

The present invention relates to a printed matter that can be authenticated and a method for producing the same.

Counterfeiting and falsification prevention are important factors in printed materials such as banknotes, stock certificates, bonds, and other securities, various certificates, and important documents. For countermeasures against forgery or falsification of these printed materials, use methods that use geometric patterns mainly composed of thin objects, or images that cannot be recognized by the naked eye and that appear when some means or action is applied. There are methods.

Representative examples of the geometric pattern composed of the thin strokes described above include a tint block, a colorful pattern, and a relief pattern. These geometric patterns are usually composed of a large number of very fine objects. These geometric patterns are extracted from printed matter by photoengraving equipment, and moire is generated by a copying machine. It has long been used as an effective counterfeit and forgery prevention measure because it is difficult to copy without it. In addition, it has the effect of imparting the unique design of securities to printed matter, and is still widely used in the design of securities printed matter. However, there has been a problem in that high-performance DTP systems and copiers that have emerged due to recent technological innovations are not so effective as countermeasures against counterfeiting and alteration.

On the other hand, typical examples of the method of using an image that cannot be recognized by the naked eye and appear when some means or action is applied include a method using a special image such as a copy protection image, and a fluorescent pigment. For example, there is a method using a special material such as a fluorescent ink containing the same.

Here, the following technology is disclosed as a copy protection image. In this method, a latent image is formed by the density of image lines such as halftone dots or lines, and according to the latent image camouflage method for copy prevention (for example, refer to Patent Document 1), halftone dots of 150 lines are 10%. Using a latent image composed of a latent image (an image that is difficult to recognize with the naked eye) and a background consisting of 50% to 60% lines and about 10% lines on a white ground around the latent image. Prints a dark color on the surface of the paper. This is reproduced by a copier on the paper surface using an overprint plate with a wave pattern consisting of parallel lines that form a moiré pattern when it interferes with the background lines. When overprinting is performed without light color, a moiré pattern is formed on the surface of the printed material, making it difficult to identify the presence of a latent image. When this is applied to a copier, the latent image and the waveform pattern are not reproduced but only the background is reproduced, and the latent image is recognized separately from the background.

A printed matter on which a latent image is formed by the density of objects such as halftone dots or lines is formed in a simple appearance such as a monochromatic plane, or formed in an irregular pattern by a camouflage pattern. Tend to be. Therefore, it is impossible to make the monochromatic printed image pattern itself with the latent image into a design that is designed like a colorful pattern or an artistic printed matter with a decorative effect. There was a problem that it was not suitable for banknotes, bonds, stocks, and other securities that often use colorful patterns.

In addition, a latent image formed by an object, for example, the applicant of the present application has proposed a printed matter provided with a copy protection pattern as a more effective copy. A periodic pattern consisting of a curvilinear aggregate pattern, a continuous line of the image where the latent image is not applied, and an image of the image where the image of the latent image is arranged at regular intervals in the reference line direction. The image area of the part corresponding to one cycle consisting of one continuous image area and non-image area in the reference line direction among the fixed-period discontinuities of the part where the latent image is applied A method for creating a copy protection pattern, characterized in that the sum is equal to the image area of a portion corresponding to the same length as one cycle in the reference line direction among continuous lines of a portion where a latent image is not applied. And its printed matter (for example, see Patent Document 2). This is because it is usually difficult to identify the latent image before copying, and when a copy machine is used, the pattern with the latent image is not reproduced, and the background is reproduced, so the latent image is formed. is there.

The above-described copy-preventing streaks and patterns have a discrimination effect when copied by a copying machine or the like, but cannot be discriminated by the naked eye unless they are copied by a copying machine. In recent years, along with the remarkable technological progress of the resolution of the color copier, it has become difficult to clearly express a latent image when the printed matter having such a copy-preventing image or pattern is copied by the copier. Problem.

In order to solve such a problem, the applicant of the present application has filed a printed matter (see, for example, Patent Document 3) capable of determining the authenticity. This is a printed matter in which a latent image is applied to an object pattern consisting of one or more objects with a straight line or a curved line as the basic line, and the object portion of the object pattern where no latent image is applied Is a solid line, and the image of the part where the latent image is The forked and branched lines form dashed lines. This printed matter was printed with an ink containing a fluorescent pigment. When this printed matter is copied by a copier, the latent image is not copied, and the latent image becomes a visible color as the color of the print support (paper, etc.). There is a phenomenon that the latent image becomes a visible image when the light emission intensity of the part where the light is emitted becomes higher than the surrounding area. This printed matter can be authenticated with only simple tools. Furthermore, forgery or falsification requires both precise image extraction and reproduction and material procurement, which is an excellent countermeasure against forgery and falsification.o

However, the image of the printed matter is relatively coarse, and even if a complex latent image is visualized, the details cannot be easily expressed. Therefore, meaningful shapes that are more effective at raising awareness of counterfeiting and counterfeiting prevention measures and that have high customer needs, such as logos of local governments, corporations or companies, image characters, logos, or other drawings In order to use shapes such as characters, marks, etc. as latent images, it is necessary to devise objects that increase the resolution of the latent images.

In addition, strict object management is required to create this printed matter, and in order to create this printed matter, detailed object measurements, complicated image area ratio calculations, and image objects based on the calculation results are required. Adjusting the width was essential. There are many factors that cause the line width to fluctuate in each process of printing plate making, and the line width of the printed matter obtained from the same digital image fluctuates every day. On the other hand, adjusting the image width requires a great deal of time and cost, and there is a need for a simpler method for producing a printed material that achieves the same effect. For the same reason, there is a problem that the gradation cannot be reproduced in this printed matter. Patent Document 4 proposes an ordinary printed material consisting of a straight line or a curved line. By applying an amplitude to the image forming the copy protection pattern, gradation can be reproduced. Gradation reproduction is important in terms of design and camouflage effects of latent images. However, this copy protection pattern is effective only for copying by a copying machine, and it is not possible to make a true / false determination using only simple tools. In addition, strict object management is required to create this printed matter, and in order to create this printed matter, detailed object measurements, complicated image area ratio calculations, and image objects based on the calculation results are required. Adjusting the width was essential. Further, Patent Document 5 discloses a configuration in which a set of halftone dots continuously arranged at a constant period is formed, The halftone dots in the latent image portion have a different resolution from the halftone dots in the peripheral portion of the latent image, have the same dot area ratio per unit area, and have a different dot perimeter (contour length) per unit area. Also, a printed matter in which the latent image portion and the peripheral portion of the latent image are printed with colored fluorescent ink and which can be distinguished from authenticity is described. However, the structure of the object is only a print expression with a single density, and has not been able to provide continuous gradation.

In a digital plate making system, an arithmetic process called a screening process (screening) is required to attach a continuous tone image to a printed matter. Screen processing is the process of dividing an image, which is digital data with continuous gradation, into an image area and a non-image area using a screen, and expressing the image by replacing the image gradation with the image area per unit area. Processing. Since the image obtained by the screen processing is fine, it is perceived by the naked eye as shades of color.

The word “screen” comes from a photoengraving system that makes full use of conventional optical technology. A film with continuous gradation is exposed to a gauze-like film called a contact screen, and the blackened and transmissive areas are exposed. And a binary film (lith film).

Here, the screen is used to define which area is to be the image area and the other area is to be the non-image area when the continuous tone pattern is divided into the image area and the non-image area by screen processing. Use as attached rules. More specifically, a screen refers to the shape (image pattern) and size (screen ruling) of an object when reproducing the continuous tone of a pattern using objects such as halftone dots and straight lines. ) It is assumed that the information includes mathematical formulas and the like that define an angle (screen angle) and the like. Such information is input as digital data at a convenience store, and an image having a desired continuous tone pattern is reproduced or printed on a monitor while the tone is reproduced by the image line defined by the screen. Will be displayed.

The screen has three elements: the screen shape, which determines the shape of the object, the number of screen lines, which determines the size per unit, and the screen angle, which determines the arrangement direction.

Various technologies have been devised for preventing the extraction of object lines during forgery or alteration by complicating the object shape. Use these objects to create images Many output devices and software capable of reproducing the gradation of an image have been devised and are commercially available. The names of the above-mentioned patent documents are described below.

Patent Document 1: JP-A-60-87380

Patent Document 2: JP-A-9-1240135

Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-172866

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application No. 10-315380

Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-62385 Summary of the Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printed matter having a high anti-counterfeit and tampering prevention effect and a method of creating the same.

The printed matter of the present invention, which can be determined as authenticity,

A first area in which the continuous tone is reproduced by the first object, and

At least one second area in which continuous tone is reproduced by a second object, and an image of the first object near a boundary between the first area and the second area. The area ratio is substantially equal to the object area ratio of the second object, and the sum L1 of object perimeters per unit area of the first object, and the unit of the second object The sum of the image perimeters per area is different from L2,

The first and second areas are printed using a colored and monochromatic fluorescent light.

Here, the size of the first object and the second object may be in a range of 30 to 200 zm.

The same image area ratio is defined between the sum L 1 of the object circumferences per unit area of the first object and the sum L of the object circumferences per unit area of the second object. In this case, it is desirable that the relationship of L1 / L2 is 0.3 or L2 / L1 is 0.3. The image area ratio per unit area in the first image varies depending on the thickness of the periodically arranged straight line or curve,

The image area ratio per unit area in the second object varies depending on the thickness of a straight line, a curve, or a broken line arranged at a smaller cycle than the first object. You may use it.

Alternatively, the image area ratio per unit area in the first image changes depending on the size of periodically arranged points,

The image area ratio per unit area in the second object varies depending on the size of a point having the same shape as the first object, and in a cycle smaller than that of the first object. Lever points may be arranged.

The method for producing a printed matter capable of determining whether the authenticity is true or false according to the present invention includes:

The printed matter includes a first region in which continuous tone is reproduced by a first image, and at least one second region in which continuous tone is reproduced by a second image. In the vicinity of the boundary between the first object and the second object, the object area ratio of the first object and the object area ratio of the second object are substantially equal, and the unit surface of the first object is The sum L 1 of the object circumferences per product is different from the sum L 2 of the object circumferences per unit area of the second object,

A first screen defining the first object used to reproduce the continuous tone of the first area; and a second screen used to reproduce the continuous tone of the second area. Creating a second screen defining each line, and

Creating an image having a continuous tone pattern;

For the image, a first image to be reproduced using an image defined by the first screen, and a gradation reproduced using an image defined using the second screen. Duplicating a second image to be processed;

By performing late synthesis on the first image in which the second region has been removed and only the first region has been removed, and in the second image, the second region has been extracted, and Generating the first region consisting of the first image and the second region consisting of the second image;

In the layout synthesized, the first image in the first area is reproduced in gradation using an object defined by the first screen, and the second image in the second area is reproduced. A step of obtaining the printed matter by reproducing the gradation using an image defined by the second screen and printing using a colored and monochromatic fluorescent ink; It is characterized by having.

In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the sizes of the first object and the second object are in a range of 30 to 200 zm. The first screen and the second screen may be created.

In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the sum of the perimeters of the first object per unit area L1 and the perimeter of the second object per unit area Between the first screen and the first screen so that there is a relationship of L 1 ZL 2 0.3 or L 2 / L 1 0.3 at the same image area ratio between the total length L 2 and the same image area ratio. The second screen may be created.

In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the image area ratio per unit area in the first image varies depending on the thickness of a periodically arranged straight line or curve. ,

The first screen is such that an image area ratio per unit area in the second image is changed by a thickness of a straight line, a curve or a dashed line arranged at a period smaller than that of the first image. And the second screen may be created.

In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the image area ratio per unit area in the first image varies depending on the size of periodically arranged points,

The image area ratio per unit area in the second object varies depending on the size of a point having the same shape as the first object, and in a cycle smaller than that of the first object. The first screen and the second screen may be created such that a lever is arranged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the attached drawing

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing a state in which printed matter P1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is visually recognized under visible light, and FIG. 1B is a view in which this printed matter P1 is visually observed in a state irradiated with ultraviolet light. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the printed matter P1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by reproducing the gradation on the screen A. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by reproducing the gradation on the screen B. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by reproducing the gradation on the screen A. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an image obtained by reproducing the gradation on the screen B. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the image shown in FIG. 5 where the image area ratio is 50%.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion where the image area ratio is 50% among the objects shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the printed matter P1.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing a printed matter P1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an apparatus for creating a printed matter P1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an image of only region 1 by cutting out and removing region 2 in printed matter P1, and FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an image of region 2 only.

1 area 1

2 Area 2

3 Part of printed matter P 1

Image lines obtained by reproducing gradation using screen A

5 Image lines obtained by reproducing gradation using screen B

1 0 Input section

2 0 Operation unit

3 0 Storage unit

40 Output unit Detailed description of the invention

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 《Composition of printed matter》

FIG. 1 shows an example of a printed matter P1 having a gradation composed of a pattern P2 of a photograph, a painting, a textile, and the like, which can be distinguished from authenticity. Here, FIG. 1A shows an image recognized by the naked eye under visible light, and FIG. 1B shows an image recognized by the naked eye when irradiated with ultraviolet light. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part 3 of the printed matter P1.

The printed matter P1 has two areas 1 and 2, and each area 1 and 2 has a different shape, and continuous gradation is reproduced by an image having a different shape.

Here, the printed matter P 1 includes an area 1 corresponding to a background part and an area 2 corresponding to some image part such as a character or a figure. At least one area 2 is sufficient. Two or more may be provided.

The shape of the boundary between the region 1 and the region 2 has a design different from that of the entire gradation pattern P2, for example, a design such as a character or a figure different from the background.

The two regions 1 and 2 are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye under normal visible light. Printed matter P1 is a printed matter using a colored and monochromatic fluorescent ink. When the printed matter P1 is irradiated with ultraviolet light, a phenomenon occurs in which the light emission appears to be stronger in the area 2 than in the area 1, as shown in FIG. 1B. Such a phenomenon is referred to as an ultraviolet light emission phenomenon, and an object causing the ultraviolet light emission phenomenon is referred to as an object having an ultraviolet light emission function.

In the printed matter P1, the object forming the area 1 and the object forming the area 2 have different object patterns from each other as described above. Here, the object pattern refers to a pattern of a fixed shape of the object defined by the screen.

As shown in Fig. 2, area 1 has a gray scale reproduced by an object 4 defined by an arbitrary screen (hereinafter referred to as screen A), and area 2 has another different arbitrary The gradation is reproduced from the object 5 defined by the screen (hereinafter referred to as screen B).

Screens A and B can reproduce continuous tones with an image area ratio of 0% to 100%. However, in order to obtain a remarkable ultraviolet light emission phenomenon, an image area ratio of about 30% to about 70% is appropriate.

Furthermore, at the boundary between region 1 and region 2, the sum of the perimeters of the perimeters of the objects constituting region 1 defined by screen A at screen B and screen B Thus, the ratio L 1 / L 2 of the perimeter of the object constituting the area 2 to the total perimeter L 2 is less than 1 (preferably 0.3 or less), or L 2 L 1 If it is less than 1 (preferably 0.3 or less), a more remarkable ultraviolet light emission phenomenon can be obtained.

Here, using different screens A and B, the total ratio L 1 1 ^ 2 or L 2 / L 1 of the perimeters of the image lines defined by each is less than 1, preferably 0. There are three ways to get 3 or less.

First, screen A and screen B have the same screen ruling and different screen shapes.

Second, screens A and B have the same screen shape and different screen rulings.

Third, screen A and screen B have different screen shapes and screen rulings.

The minimum object size of the object defined by the screen A or B is appropriate as a printable range, for example, about 30 to 20.

However, the shapes, sizes, and angles of the objects 4 and 5 that reproduce the gradation and the gradation reproduced in the printed matter P1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are all examples. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

<< Combination of screens with ultraviolet light emission function >>

(Example 1)

The screen A and the screen B that define an object in which an image obtained by reproducing a gradation has an ultraviolet light emitting function will be described below with reference to some examples of specific image shapes.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show examples of respective image lines obtained by reproducing gradation so as to have an ultraviolet light emitting function using screens A and B. FIG. The screen used to define object 6 shown in FIG. 3 is screen A, and the screen used to define object 7 shown in FIG. Here, each screen angle is arbitrary.

The respective image area ratios in the boundary region between the region 1 and the region 2 are substantially the same, In addition, when the perimeters of the image areas in the boundary areas 1 and 2 per unit area are different, an ultraviolet light emission phenomenon occurs. To do this, as described above, the sum of the perimeters of the objects per unit area, L1, defined by screen A, defined by screen A, and the objects, defined by screen B, defined by screen 2, The ratio of the perimeter to the total sum L 2 L 1 / L 2 or L 2 ZL 1 must be less than 1. Preferably, when it is less than 0.3, a remarkable ultraviolet light emission phenomenon can be obtained. The ratio of the sum of the perimeters per unit area when the object area ratio of both the object 6 shown in Fig. 3 and the object 7 shown in Fig. 4 is 50% L1 / L 2 is approximately 0.27. Here, the shape of the object 6 is a circle as shown in FIG. 3, and the shape of the object 7 is a triple circle as shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any combination may be used as long as there is a difference in the sum of the perimeters per unit area at the same image area ratio. is not.

(Example 2)

As an example of an object shape in which the perimeter per unit area of the object can be easily set to a desired value, there is one based on a line such as a line, a straight line, or a curve. In the case where such an object is used, examples of combinations having different numbers of lines of the object will be described below.

First, as an example of using an object based on a line such as a line, a straight line, or a curve, FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of an object based on a line. The screen used to define the linear object 8 shown in FIG. 5 is screen A, and the screen used to define the dashed object 9 shown in FIG. Here, the screen line number of each of the screen A, the screen; and the screen B may be, for example, approximately 150 lines per inch. The screen angle is optional.

FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the object 8 where the object area ratio is 50%. The screen used to define object 8 defines object 8 as a straight line whose image width increases as the image area ratio increases, and is generally called a line screen. . Screens that define linear object shapes, such as line screens, have one-directional objects (vertical objects in the figure) in one cell (unit) connected to objects in adjacent cells. It defines a shape that tends to shorten the perimeter of the object. The total sum L of the perimeter of the object per unit area a2 where one side is a is the object area 5 It is 2a at 0%.

On the other hand, the screen used to use the object 9 has a dashed shape in which the gaps are alternately arranged, and the period of the dashed line is one quarter of that of the object 8. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the image 9 where the image area ratio is 50%. In such an object 9, the sum L of the perimeters per unit area when the object area ratio is 50% is 8a.

Thus, the sum of the perimeters L 1 per unit area of the object 8 constituting the area 1 defined using the screen A and the unit of the object 9 constituting the area 2 defined using the screen B The ratio L 1 / L 2 of the perimeter to the sum of the perimeters L 2 is 0.25 at the same image area ratio. Since the above-mentioned preferable condition (L 1 ZL 2 0.3) is satisfied, a remarkable ultraviolet light emitting function is provided.

The shapes of the objects shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these shapes. It suffices that the two objects have a shape such as a straight line, a curve, or a broken line, and the sum of the perimeters per unit area of the object differs depending on the combination thereof.

As an example of a combination of two types of objects having different numbers of lines, FIG. 9 shows a printed matter P1 having an ultraviolet light emitting function. Objects that reproduce the respective gradations in region 1 and region 2 have the same screen shape (dot shape). However, these objects are obtained by reproducing gradation using two screens with different numbers of screen lines, that is, different image periods. When the image area ratio is the highest, the perimeter of the image per unit area has the property of increasing as the number of screen lines increases.

The object 5 in the area 2 shown in FIG. 9 has a quarter of the cycle of the object 4 in the area 1. That is, the screen ruling of the screen used to obtain the image 5 in the area 2 is four times the screen ruling of the screen used to obtain the image 4 in the area 1. Based on such a screen ruling, when setting a combination of objects having an ultraviolet light emission function, the screen ruling of the screen A and the screen ruling of the screen B differ. And an ultraviolet light emission phenomenon is obtained. For example, the screen ruling of screen A that defines object 4 is 100 to 150 lines / inch, and the screen ruling of screen B that defines object 5 is 400 to 600 lines / inch. It may be. Here, the objects 4 and 5 shown in FIG. 9 both have a circular shape. However, the shape of the object is not limited to a circular shape, but may be another point-like shape such as a rhombus, and the screen angle is not limited.

《How to create printed matter P 1》

A method of creating a printed matter P1 that can be determined as authenticity according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The following symbols S1 to S12 correspond to the respective steps in the flowchart shown in FIG.

Fig. 11 shows the configuration of the creation device used to create the printed matter P1. This device includes an input unit 10, an arithmetic unit 20, a storage unit 30, and an output unit 40.

The input unit 10 inputs various data necessary for processing, sets various conditions, and the like. The operation unit 20 performs an operation such as image processing using data and conditions input from the input unit 10 or data read from the storage unit 30.

The storage unit 30 stores the data input by the input unit 10, the output result of the calculation unit 20, and the like.

The output unit 40 outputs the created image data. It is displayed on the screen of a monitor or the like, or has a function such as a printer and a printing machine, and prints out.

<< Creating Screen A and Screen B (S1) >>

First, a screen A and a screen B for defining two types of objects are created (S1). The procedure for creating a screen differs depending on the content and procedure of the process of outputting the gradation image I by the output unit 40, and there are a plurality of types. Broadly speaking, there are two types of processing procedures.

One is a method that uses a screen processing means normally provided in a film output device or an image output device such as a printing device. This is a method in which a screen is inserted into a gradation image, transferred to an output device such as a film output device, and screen processing is performed by the output device to obtain an image. This is hereinafter referred to as a hardware RIP method. In the hardware RIP method, an image with a screen inserted, which is information that defines an object, is given, an image is generated based on this information, and an image is generated, and the gradation is reproduced using this image. An output device having an algorithm for outputting an image is required. For example, PostScript (registered trademark) is a general-purpose computer language in printing platemaking technology. There are output devices and the like corresponding to languages.

For example, in PostScript (registered trademark), a screen is described using a function called a spot function written in the same language or an ASCII array called a threshold critical array.

Another method is to create a screen using screen processing software (hereinafter referred to as screen processing software) used in personal computers and the like. This software inputs a screen, performs screen processing on the image, and transfers the obtained black-and-white binary image to an output device such as a film output device or a printer. A method of generating a screen using such software is referred to as a software RIP method.

As the screen processing software, software used for the same purpose as the screen processing means of the output device, design software for processing the obtained black and white binary image, and the like are variously developed and marketed. ing.

For example, as an example of the latter design software, there is JURA Pixel (registered trademark), which is a security design software developed and marketed by JURA.

As described above, there are many screen processing means for the gradation image I, and there is no limitation on which method is used. Here, as an example of the hardware RIP method, a case where a film output device compatible with PostScript (registered trademark) is used as the output unit 40 will be described. In this case, a spot function or threshold critical array representing screen A and screen B is created.

A desired one is selected from a combination of the two objects having the above-mentioned ultraviolet light emitting action, and necessary data is input to the input unit 10 and the arithmetic unit 20 determines the number of spots or the threshold critical array. create. The method for creating the spot function or the threshold critical array is not limited. For example, a spot function, which is a three-dimensional function that defines a screen shape using commercially available text editing software, is described in BossScript (registered trademark).

Alternatively, an image may be drawn using commercially available image processing software and stored in a predetermined format to obtain a threshold critical array. Screen A created And the control information of B are given to the storage unit 30 for storage.

<< Creation of Image I (S2) >>

An image I having an arbitrary continuous tone pattern to be obtained as a printed matter P1 is created as digital data in the arithmetic unit 20 using commercially available image processing software or the like.

(S2). Next, using the created screens A and B, arithmetic operations are performed so that the image existing in the area 2 and the peripheral area 1 of the area 2 in the image I has the above-described copy protection function and ultraviolet light emission function. Adjust the density of Image I using Part 20. Specifically, for example, in printed matter P1 obtained by printing image I, at the boundary between regions 1 and 2, a portion of region 1 close to region 2 and a region of region 2 close to region 1 When the area ratio of the image to the portion to be exposed is in the range of about 30% to 70% as described above, an image having a remarkable ultraviolet light emitting function can be obtained.

《Reproduction of Image I (S 3)》

In the case of a film output machine compatible with Bostscript which is usually available on the market, only one type of screen can be inserted for one image. That is, to reproduce the gradation of one image, only one type of screen can be used. Therefore, image area 1 where the gradation was reproduced using the image defined by screen A and image area 2 where the gradation was reproduced using the image defined by the other screen B. Cannot be created at the same time.

Therefore, the gradation image I is duplicated by using the arithmetic unit 20, and the same two gradation images IA and IB are prepared. Region 1 is a gradation image IA, and region 2 is a gradation image IB.

<< Fine adjustment of density (S4, S6) >>

Generally, when performing image processing, a process called density adjustment is performed. This is due to blurring or blurring of the output due to some optical fluctuation factors. In order to suppress such a phenomenon, concentration adjustment is performed. Therefore, in these steps S4 and S6, the density adjustment is performed by the calculation unit 20 in order to suppress such blurring and blurring.

Further, although the images IA and IB are images having the same gradation, In the printed matter P1 obtained by reproducing these images using the image lines defined by the different screens A and B and combining areas 1 and 2, the outline of the image line called the dot gain was obtained. Blurring may occur, and the gradation of the region 1 and the gradation of the region 2 may be different.

In such a case, when the image IA and the image IB are combined, the image IA is calculated using the arithmetic unit 20 so that the boundary between the region 1 and the region 2 is difficult to be visually distinguished under normal visible light. And fine adjustment of the density of the image IB (S4, S6).

Depending on the combination of screens A and B, the image area where the image area ratio corresponding to 50% in image I is equivalent to 45% in image IA and 55% in image IB, etc. In some cases, fine adjustment processing of the density is required so that a density difference of 10% or more is obtained.

In the steps S4 and S6, the screen processing for reproducing the gradation of the image using the object defined by the screens A and B has not been performed yet. However, fine adjustment of the density cannot be performed after the screen processing. For this reason, it is necessary to fine-adjust the density after estimating beforehand whether or not the contour blur occurs after the screen processing.

<< Cutout mask processing (S7) >>

The clipping mask processing is performed on the image IB (S7). For this cutout mask processing, a method widely used in image processing can be used, and the specific cutout mask method is not limited. For example, a clipping mask processing function attached to commercially available image processing software or layout software may be used. Here, the shape of the mask corresponds to the shape of the latent image visualized by copying or irradiation with ultraviolet light.

《Inserting the screen (S5, S8)》

Using the calculation unit 20, the created control information of the screen A is inserted into the image IA, and the created control information of the screen B is inserted into the image IB (S5, S8). At this stage, screen processing is not performed in which objects are created using the control information of screens A and B, respectively, and the images IA and IB are reproduced using the created objects. Here, the method of inserting the definition data into the image IA and the image IB is not limited. example For example, it is inserted by text editing using software that opens an image in a text format. Alternatively, the spot function may be imported using software having a screen defining function, such as Adobe Photoshop (registered trademark) or I11 ustrator (registered trademark).

<< Layout composition of image IA and image IB (S9) >>

The image IA and the image IB are synthesized using the arithmetic unit 20 (S9). For example, mask processing of the image IB is performed by using a version of image processing software or the like, and the image IB is arranged immediately above the image IA by using commercially available layout software or the like. As a result, the composition processing of the image IA and the image IB can be performed.

FIG. 12A shows an image IA in which the gradation of the area 1 obtained by cutting out the area 2 is reproduced using the screen A. FIG. 12B shows an image IB in which the cut-out area 2 is reproduced using a screen B in gradation. Here, for the sake of illustration, the area 1 in Fig. 12A and the area 2 in Fig. 12B are reproduced using the image lines defined by screens A and B, but at this stage No such screening has yet been performed.

《Screening (S 10)》

The image synthesized by the calculation unit 20 is output by the output unit 40. As the output unit 40, for example, a film output device compatible with PostScript (registered trademark) or a plate output device may be used. When receiving the image data from the arithmetic unit 20, the output unit 40 performs screen processing upon output (S10).

For example, when a screen that defines an object composed of round halftone dots is used, an image whose tone is reproduced by an object having such a halftone dot shape is generated and output. Taking the case where the screen defines an object having a halftone dot shape as an example, halftone processing is performed by RIP-expanding the image data.

《Exposure to film etc. and plate making》

The exposed and unexposed areas of the film (or the plate for ink application that is made from the film as an original) having a light-transmitting area and a non-light-transmitting area as a product in the intermediate process. Judgment is made, and data composed of the image area ratio is created from the data of the image composed of the continuous gradation. The output unit 40 performs an exposure process on the film (or plate) based on the data (S11). Then, the exposed film (or plate surface) is developed. If the output is a film, create a printing plate based on the output film, print, and output the print.

When performing print output, the output unit 40 performs offset printing using, for example, a colored fluorescent ink containing 25 g of fluorescent pigment with respect to 4775 g of offset ink. The type of the fluorescent pigment and the content in the ink are not limited. Also, the color of the ink is not particularly limited. Further, a printing method other than offset printing may be used. Alternatively, the output may be performed using a general-purpose printer on demand printer that can obtain a printed matter P without creating a printing plate.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily produce a printed matter having a high effect of preventing falsification and forgery by using one printing plate and one printing process.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. The first area where continuous tone is reproduced by the first object,

The first and second areas are printed using a colored and single-colored fluorescent light, and the printed matter is identifiable.

2. The printed matter according to claim 1, wherein the sizes of the first object and the second object are in a range of 30 to 200 zm.

3.The sum of the object circumference per unit area L1 of the first object and the sum of the object perimeter L2 per unit area of the second object is L2. The true / false discrimination according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, for the same image area ratio, there is a relationship of L1 / L2 0.3 or L2 / L1 0.3. Possible prints.

4. The image area ratio per unit area in the first image varies depending on the thickness of a line or a curve arranged periodically.

The image area ratio per unit area in the second object may vary depending on the thickness of a straight line, a curve, or a broken line arranged at a smaller cycle than the first object. 4. A printed matter according to any one of 1 to 3, wherein the printed matter can be identified.

5. The image area ratio per unit area in the first image varies depending on the size of the periodically arranged points,

The object area ratio per unit area in the second object varies depending on the size of a point having the same shape as the first object, and is smaller than the first object. The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dots are arranged in a cycle.

6. In the method of creating a printed matter that can be identified as true or false,

Creating an image having a continuous tone pattern;

For the image, a first image to be reproduced using an image defined by the first screen, and a gradation reproduced using an image defined using the second screen. Duplicating the second image;

In the layout synthesized, the first image in the first area is reproduced in gradation using an object defined by the first screen, and the second image in the second area is reproduced. A step of obtaining the printed matter by reproducing the gradation using an image defined by the second screen and printing using a colored and monochromatic fluorescent ink;

A method for producing a printed matter capable of determining whether the printed matter is true or false.

7. In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, The first screen and the second screen are created such that the sizes of the first object and the second object are within a range of 30 to 200 01. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the printed matter is identifiable.

8. In the step of creating the first screen and the second screen, the sum of the perimeters of the first object per unit area L 1 and the second object per unit area The first screen has a relationship of L1ZL2 <0.3 or L2ZL1 <0.3 at the same image area ratio with the total length L2 of the perimeters. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the method further comprises: creating a screen and the second screen.

9. In the step of forming the first screen and the second screen, the image area ratio per unit area in the first image is a thickness of a line or a curve arranged periodically. Changes by

The first screen is such that an image area ratio per unit area in the second image is changed by a thickness of a straight line, a curve or a dashed line arranged at a period smaller than that of the first image. 9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the method further comprises creating the second screen and the second screen.

10. In the step of forming the first screen and the second screen, the image area ratio per unit area in the first image varies depending on the size of periodically arranged points. And

The object area ratio per unit area in the second object varies depending on the size of a point having the same shape as the first object, and has a smaller period than the first object. 9. The printed matter according to claim 6, wherein the first screen and the second screen are created so that this point is arranged in the first screen and the second screen. How to create