Drawing apparatus and method of forming drawing object

Abstract

A drawing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a light source unit and a scanning unit. The scanning unit irradiates a surface of a recording medium with the plurality of laser beams generated by the light source unit and scans the surface of the recording medium with the plurality of laser beams. The light source unit generates at least one of the plurality of laser beams such that a beam shape of each of the plurality of laser beams at a position of the recording medium satisfies the following relational expression, and a length of the beam shape in a direction parallel to a scanning direction of the laser beam is 0-20 DEG with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam. Ly * 1.1 < = Lx < Ly * 5.0, d * 0.8 < = Ly < = d * 1.3, Lx is the length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam, Ly is the length of the beam shape in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the laser beam, and d is the pixel size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a drawing device and a method for forming a drawn object. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to improve security, consideration has been given to providing a recording medium that allows any image to be drawn in a non-contact manner within various ID cards such as passports or driver's licenses. Currently, the main recording media commercialized for such applications are recording media that allow monochromatic drawing. It should be noted that, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 all disclose techniques for drawing an image on a recording medium using a laser beam.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010 - 192015

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005 - 144952

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. Hei 5 - 292274 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Meanwhile, in order to further improve security, it is desirable to color the recording medium. However, coloring the recording medium has the problem of being inferior to existing inkjet methods or thermal transfer methods in terms of image quality or drawing cycle time. Therefore, it is desired to provide a drawing device and a method for forming a drawn object that allow achieving a balance between high image quality and short cycle time.

[0009] A drawing device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a drawing device that performs drawing on a recording medium in which a plurality of coloring layers are stacked via an intermediate layer, and each of the plurality of coloring layers includes different coloring compounds and different photothermal conversion agents from each other. The drawing device includes a light source unit and a scanning unit. The light source unit generates a plurality of laser beams, each laser beam having a different wavelength from each other, the wavelength corresponding to the absorption wavelength of the photothermal conversion agent. The scanning unit irradiates the surface of the recording medium with the plurality of laser beams generated by the light source unit, and the scanning unit also scans the plurality of laser beams on the surface of the recording medium. The light source unit generates at least one of the plurality of laser beams such that the beam shape of at least one laser beam at a position on the recording medium satisfies the following relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in a direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam:

[0010] Ly×1.1≤Lx<Ly×5.0,

[0011] d×0.8 ≤ Ly ≤ d×1.3,

[0012] Lx: The length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam,

[0013] Ly: The length of the beam shape in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the laser beam,

[0014] d: Pixel size.

[0015] The method of forming a drawn object according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is a method of forming a drawn object by performing drawing on a recording medium, in which a plurality of coloring layers are stacked via an intermediate layer in the recording medium, and each of the plurality of coloring layers includes a coloring compound different from each other and a photothermal conversion agent different from each other. The method includes the following:

[0016] (A1) Generating a plurality of laser beams, each laser beam having a wavelength different from each other, the wavelength corresponding to the absorption wavelength of the photothermal conversion agent;

[0017] (A2) Performing drawing on the recording medium by irradiating the surface of the recording medium with the plurality of laser beams generated by the light source unit and also by scanning the plurality of laser beams on the surface of the recording medium; and

[0018] (A3) Generating a plurality of laser beams includes: generating at least one laser beam among the plurality of laser beams so that the beam shape of at least one laser beam at the position of the recording medium satisfies the following relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam:

[0019] Ly×1.1 ≤ Lx < Ly×5.0,

[0020] d×0.8 ≤ Ly ≤ d×1.3,

[0021] Lx: The length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam,

[0022] Ly: The length of the beam shape in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the laser beam,

[0023] d: Pixel size.

[0024] In the drawing device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and the method of forming a drawn object according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of a plurality of laser beams is generated such that the beam shape of each of the laser beams at the position of the recording medium satisfies the above relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam. Compared with the case where the beam shape is circular or square under the condition of the same beam power density or beam area, this makes it possible to suppress interference (crosstalk) in a plurality of colored layers, ensure a wider color gamut, and further perform efficient drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 An example showing a three-dimensional configuration of a laminate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An example of a cross-sectional configuration of the laminate.

[0027] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An example of a cross-sectional configuration of the recording medium.

[0028] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A modified example of a cross-sectional configuration of the recording medium.

[0029] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A modified example of a cross-sectional configuration of the recording medium.

[0030] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 A modified example of a cross-sectional configuration of the recording medium.

[0031] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 A modified example of a three-dimensional configuration of the laminate.

[0032] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 An example of a cross-sectional configuration of the laminate.

[0033] Figure 9 Shows Figure 7 A modified example of a cross-sectional configuration of the laminate.

[0034] Figure 10 Shows Figure 1 A modified example of a cross-sectional configuration of the laminate.

[0035] Figure 11 Shows Figure 7 A modified example of a cross-sectional configuration of the laminate.

[0036] Figure 12 A is a plan view of the front surface of a smart phone. Figure 12 B is a plan view of the back surface of a smart phone.

[0037] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a notebook personal computer.

[0038] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a cosmetic container.

[0039] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a brochure.

[0040] Figure 16 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a drawing system for performing drawing on a recording medium provided in a laminate such as Figure 1 etc.

[0041] Figure 17 shows Figure 16 an example of a schematic configuration of a drawing unit.

[0042] Figure 18 shows when Figure 17 the laser beam output from the light source unit is a continuous wave, examples of the optical output and the drawing trajectory.

[0043] Figure 19 shows when Figure 17 the laser beam output from the light source unit is a pulsed wave, examples of the light output and the drawing trajectory.

[0044] Figure 20 shows an example of the beam shape of a laser beam.

[0045] Figure 21 shows an appropriate range of the beam shape of a laser beam.

[0046] Figure 22 shows an example of the relationship between the height of the irradiated surface and the minor axis length of the beam shape when the beam rotation angle is 0 degrees.

[0047] Figure 23 shows an example of the beam shape of a laser beam.

[0048] Figure 24 shows an example of the relationship between the height of the irradiated surface and the minor axis length of the beam shape when the beam rotation angle is 3 degrees.

[0049] Figure 25 (A) of shows an example of the drawing trajectory when the beam rotation angle is 0 degrees. Figure 25 (B) of shows an example of the drawing trajectory when the beam rotation angle is 3 degrees.

[0050] Figure 26 An embodiment showing the evaluation results of image quality when tested under each condition from 1 to 24.

[0051] Figure 27 Shows Figure 17 An embodiment of the optical configuration of the light source unit of.

[0052] Figure 28 Shows Figure 27 An embodiment of the optical configuration shown in.

[0053] Figure 29 Shows an embodiment of a rotation mechanism designed to rotate a part of the optical configuration shown in Figure 27 in the Z-axis direction.

[0054] Figure 30 Shows Figure 17 A modified example of the schematic configuration of the drawing unit of.

[0055] Figure 31 Shows an embodiment of a drawing method in a drawing system including a drawing unit including Figure 30 .

[0056] Figure 32 Shows Figure 30 A modified example of the drawing method in a drawing system including a drawing unit including.

[0057] Figure 33 Shows Figure 17 A modified example of the schematic configuration of the drawing unit of.

[0058] Figure 34 Shows Figure 30 A modified example of the schematic configuration of the drawing unit of. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following description is a specific example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0060] <1. Embodiment>

[0061] [Configuration]

[0062] A laminate including a recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described. Figure 1 An embodiment showing the three-dimensional configuration of the laminate 10 including a recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An embodiment of the cross-sectional configuration of the laminate 10 at line A-A.

[0063] The laminate 10 includes a base member 11, an adhesive layer 12, a spacer layer 13, an adhesive layer 14, a cover layer 15, and a recording medium 20. For example, the laminate 10 may be a card such as a security card, a financial payment card, an ID card, or a personal transaction card (hereinafter referred to as "security card, etc."). Examples of financial payment cards include credit cards, cash cards, etc. Examples of ID cards include driver's licenses, employee ID cards, membership cards, student ID cards, etc. Examples of personal transaction cards include prepaid cards, point cards, etc.

[0064] The base member 11 is a support member that supports the recording medium 20 and the spacer layer 13. The base member 11 may have a color such as white. The base member 11 may have a design, picture, photograph, text, or a combination of two or more of them (hereinafter referred to as "design, etc.") printed on one main surface on the side where the spacer layer 13 and the recording medium 20 are provided.

[0065] For example, the base member 11 includes plastic. The base member 11 may appropriately include at least one selected from the group including colorants, antistatic agents, flame retardants, and surface modifiers, etc. At least one main surface of the base member 11 may include a reflective layer (not shown), or the base member 11 itself may also have the function of a reflective layer.

[0066] The plastic used for the base member 11 includes, for example, at least one selected from the group including ester resins, amide resins, olefin resins, vinyl resins, acrylic resins, imide resins, styrene resins, and engineering plastics, etc. In the case where the base member 11 includes two or more types of resins, those two or more types of resins may be mixed, copolymerized, or laminated.

[0067] The above-mentioned ester resins include, for example, at least one selected from the group including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate-isophthalate copolymer, and terephthalic acid-cyclohexanedimethanol-ethylene copolymer, etc. The above-mentioned amide resins include, for example, at least one selected from the group including nylon 6, nylon 66, and nylon 610, etc. For example, the above-mentioned olefin resins include at least one selected from the group including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polymethylpentene (PMP), etc. The above-mentioned vinyl resin includes, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0068] For example, the above-mentioned acrylic resins include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), etc. For example, the above-mentioned imide resins include at least one selected from the group consisting of polyimide (PI), polyamide-imide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), etc. The above-mentioned styrene resins include at least one selected from the group consisting of polystyrene (PS), high impact polystyrene, acrylonitrile-styrene resin (AS resin), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS resin), etc. The above-mentioned engineering plastics include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), polyarylate (PAR), polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene ether (PPE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), and polyether sulfite, etc.

[0069] The base member 11 may include a laser marking layer. The laser marking layer used in the base member 11 may be a known laser marking sheet. For example, the above-mentioned laser marking layer has a configuration that allows laser marking by at least one of the following methods (1) to (5).

[0070] (1) A method of foaming a resin material to make the resin material develop color

[0071] (2) A method of adding an additive that absorbs a laser beam to the resin material and making the additive itself develop color

[0072] (3) A method of adding an additive that absorbs a laser beam to the resin material and generating heat by the additive, so as to carbonize the surrounding resin material to develop color

[0073] (4) A method of engraving the surface of the resin layer by laser irradiation and using the change in the state of the surface

[0074] (5) A method of performing marking by irradiating a black or dark resin material with a laser beam to sublime (decompose) a colorant (carbon black) and decolorize (expose the base color of the resin material).

[0075] For example, the above-mentioned laser marking layer includes a photothermal conversion agent and a resin material. The resin material used in the above laser marking layer includes, for example, polycarbonate resin. The photothermal conversion agent used in the above laser marking layer includes, for example, carbon.

[0076] The spacer layer 13 is provided on one main surface of the base member 11, and the adhesive layer 12 is sandwiched between the base member 11 and the spacer layer 13. The spacer layer 13 includes a receiving portion 13A configured to receive the recording medium 20. The receiving portion 13A is provided within a partial surface of the spacer layer 13. The receiving portion 13A may be a through-hole that penetrates the spacer layer 13 in the thickness direction. When the recording medium 20 is sandwiched between the base member 11 and the cover layer 15, the spacer layer 13 is configured to suppress a planar difference formed by the recording medium 20. The spacer layer 13 has a thickness substantially the same as the thickness of the recording medium 20 and covers a portion of one main surface of the base member 11 other than the region including the recording medium 20.

[0077] The spacer layer 13 is in a film state. The spacer layer 13 may have transparency. The spacer layer 13 includes plastic. As the plastic used in the spacer layer 13, a material similar to the material used in the base member 11 may be given. The spacer layer 13 may include a laser marking layer. For example, the laser marking layer used in the spacer layer 13 may be the same layer as the laser marking layer that can be used in the base member 11.

[0078] The cover layer 15 is provided on the spacer layer 13 and the recording medium 20 and covers the spacer layer 13 and the recording medium 20. The adhesive layer 14 is sandwiched between the spacer layer 13 and the recording medium 20 and the cover layer 15. The cover layer 15 protects the components within the laminate 10 (i.e., the recording medium 20 and the spacer layer 13) and maintains the mechanical reliability of the laminate 10.

[0079] The cover layer 15 is in a film state. The cover layer 15 has transparency. The cover layer 15 includes plastic. As the plastic used in the cover layer 15, a material similar to the material used in the base member 11 may be given. Designs or the like may be printed on at least one main surface of the cover layer 15. The cover layer 15 may include a laser marking layer. For example, the laser marking layer used in the cover layer 15 may be the same layer as the laser marking layer that can be used in the base member 11.

[0080] The adhesive layer 12 is provided between the base member 11 and the spacer layer 13 to bond the base member 11 and the spacer layer 13 to each other. The adhesive layer 14 is provided between the spacer layer 13 and the cover layer 15 to bond the spacer layer 13 and the cover layer 15 to each other. The adhesive layers 12 and 14 have transparency. The adhesive layers 12 and 14 include a hot adhesive. The hot adhesive used in the adhesive layers 12 and 14 includes a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin used in the adhesive layers 12 and 14 includes at least one selected from the group including, for example, epoxy resins and polyurethane resins. In terms of reducing damage to the recording medium 20, it is preferable that the curing temperature of the above hot adhesive is in the range of 100°C or higher and 120°C or lower.

[0081] Figure 3An embodiment showing a cross-sectional configuration of a recording medium 20 is illustrated. The recording medium 20 is configured to allow a coloring state to be changed by an external stimulus. For example, such a change in the coloring state allows designs and the like to be recorded on the recording medium 20. Specifically, the external stimulus is irradiation with a laser beam. In terms of improving anti-counterfeiting properties, preferably, the change in the coloring state is irreversible. In other words, preferably, the recording medium 20 has a write-once system that allows patterns and the like to be written only once. Preferably, the recording medium 20 is fitted into the accommodation portion 13A of the spacer layer 13 so that the recording medium 20 and the spacer layer 13 are integrated. This allows the boundary between the recording medium 20 and the spacer layer 13 to be less visible in the in-plane direction of the laminate 10. Thereby, anti-counterfeiting properties can be improved.

[0082] For example, the recording medium 20 sequentially includes a base member 21, an intermediate layer 22, a coloring layer 23, an intermediate layer 24, a coloring layer 25, an intermediate layer 26, and a coloring layer 27. An adhesive layer may be provided between the base member 21 and the intermediate layer 22, between the intermediate layer 22 and the coloring layer 23, between the coloring layer 23 and the intermediate layer 24, between the intermediate layer 24 and the coloring layer 25, between the coloring layer 25 and the intermediate layer 26, and between the intermediate layer 26 and the coloring layer 27. For example, as Figure 3 shown, a protective layer 28 may be provided on the outermost surface of the recording medium 20, or, for example, as Figure 4 shown, the outermost surface of the recording medium 20 may be the coloring layer 27.

[0083] The base member 21 is a support member intended to support the coloring layers 23, 25, 27, etc. Preferably, the base member 21 includes a material having excellent heat resistance and excellent dimensional stability in the planar direction. The base member 21 may have light transmission characteristics or non-light transmission characteristics. For example, the base member 21 may be a rigid substrate such as a wafer, or a flexible thin glass, thin film, or paper, etc. Using a flexible substrate as the base member 21 enables a flexible (bendable) recording medium to be realized.

[0084] For example, as the constituent material of the base member, an inorganic material, a metal material, or a plastic, etc. may be given. The inorganic materials used in the base member 21 include, for example, at least one selected from the group including silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO X ), silicon nitride (SiN X ), and aluminum oxide (AlO X ), etc. The above-mentioned silicon oxide includes glass and spin-on glass (SOG), etc. The metal materials used in the base member 21 include, for example, at least one selected from the group including aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), and stainless steel, etc. As the plastic used in the base member 21, an example of a material similar to the material of the base member 11 may be given.

[0085] Note that a reflective layer (not shown) may be provided in at least one main surface of the base member 21, or the base member 21 itself may also have a function as a reflective layer. The base member 21 having such a configuration allows for a clearer color display.

[0086] The coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 are each configured to allow a change in the coloring state by an external stimulus (such as a laser beam or heat). The coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 are each configured using a material capable of stably recording and controlling the coloring state. The coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 include a coloring compound having an electron-donating property, a developer having an electron-accepting property and corresponding to the coloring compound, a matrix polymer (binder), and a photothermal conversion agent. In addition to the above materials, the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 may include, as needed, an additive selected from at least one of the group including, for example, a sensitizer and a UV absorber.

[0087] The coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 each include a coloring compound having a coloring tone different from each other. In other words, the coloring compounds included in each of the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 exhibit different colors in the colored state. For example, the coloring compound included in the coloring layer 23 exhibits cyan in the colored state. The coloring compound included in the coloring layer 25 exhibits magenta, for example, in the colored state. The coloring compound included in the coloring layer 27 exhibits yellow, for example, in the colored state. The photothermal conversion agents included in each of the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 absorb laser beams (for example, different near-infrared laser beams) having different wavelength ranges from each other and generate heat.

[0088] Preferably, each of the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 has a thickness of 1 μm or more and 20 μm or less, and more preferably 2 μm or more and 15 μm or less. When the thickness of each of the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 is 1 μm or more, sufficient color density can be obtained. On the other hand, when the thickness of each of the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 is 20 μm or less, it is possible to suppress the heat utilization of each of the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 from becoming excessive. Therefore, deterioration of the colorability can be suppressed.

[0089] For example, the above coloring compound is a colorless dye. The colorless dye may be, for example, an existing dye used for thermal paper. As a specific example, a compound including an electron-donating group in the molecule, such as represented by the following formula (1), can be given.

[0090] [Chemical formula 1]

[0091]

[0092] The above-mentioned coloring compounds are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. As specific coloring compounds, for example, in addition to the compounds represented by the above formula (1), fluoro compounds, triphenylmethane phthalide compounds, azaphthalide compounds, phenothiazine compounds, leucauranamine compounds, and indophenolphthalein compounds can be given. Other examples include 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-diethylamino fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-di(n-butylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-n-propyl-N-methylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-isopropyl-N-methylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-isobutyl-N-methylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-n-pentyl-N-methylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-sec-butyl-N-methylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-n-pentyl-N-ethylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-isopentyl-N-ethylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-n-propyl-N-isopropylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methylamino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluorane, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino) fluorane, 2-(m-trichloromethylanilino)-3-methyl-6-diethylamino fluorane, 2-(m-trifluoromethylanilino)-3-methyl-6-diethylamino fluorane, 2-(m-trichloromethylanilino)-3-methyl-6-(N-cyclohexyl-N-methylamino) fluorane, 2-(2,4-dimethylanilino)-3-methyl-6-diethylamino fluorane, 2-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)-3-methyl-6-(N-ethylanilino) fluorane, 2-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino)-3-methyl-6-(N-propyl-p-toluidino) fluorane, 2-anilino-6-(N-n-hexyl-N-ethylamino) fluorane, 2-(o-chloroanilino)-6-diethylamino fluorane, 2-(o-chloroanilino)-6-dibutylamino fluorane, 2-(m-trifluoromethylanilino)-6-diethylamino fluorane, 2,3-dimethyl-6-dimethylamino fluoran, 3-methyl-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-chloro-6-diethylamino fluoran, 2-bromo-6-diethylamino fluoran, 2-chloro-6-dipropylamino fluoran, 3-chloro-6-cyclohexylamino fluoran, 3-bromo-6-cyclohexylamino fluoran, 2-chloro-6-(N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino) fluoran, 2-chloro-3-methyl-6-diethylamino fluoran, 2-anilino-3-chloro-6-diethylamino fluoran, 2-(o-chloroanilino)-3-chloro-6-cyclohexylamino fluoran, 2-(m-trifluoromethylanilino)-3-chloro-6-diethylamino fluoran, 2-(2,3-dichloroanilino)-3-chloro-6-diethylamino fluoran, 1,2-benzofluoran-6-diethylamino, 3-diethylamino-6-(m-trifluoromethylanilino) fluoran, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-7-azaphthalide, 3-(1-octyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-methyl-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-methyl-4-diethylaminophenyl)-7-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(4-N-n-pentyl-N-methylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(1-methyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-3-(2-hexyloxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3,3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3,3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-7-azaphthalide, 2-(p-acetylanilino)-6-(N-n-pentyl-N-n-butylamino) fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-methyl-2,4-dimethylanilino) fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-ethyl-2,4-dimethylanilino) fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-benzylamino-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-(di-p-methylphenylamino)-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-(α-phenylethylamino)-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-methylamino-6-(N-methylanilino) fluoran, 2-methylamino-6-(N-ethylanilino) fluoran, 2-methylamino-6-(N-propylaniline) fluoran, 2-ethylamino-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-methylamino-6-(N-methyl-2,4-dimethylaniline) fluoran, 2-ethylamino-6-(N-ethyl-2,4-dimethylaniline) fluoran, 2-dimethylamino-6-(N-methylanilino) fluoran, 2-dimethylamino-6-(N-ethylanilino) fluoran, 2-diethylamino-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-diethylamino-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-dipropylamino-6-(N-methylanilino) fluoran, 2-dipropylamino-6-(N-ethylanilino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methylanilino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethylanilino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propylanilino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propyl-p-toluidino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methyl-p-ethylaniline) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethyl-p-ethylaniline) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propyl-p-ethylaniline) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methyl-2,4-dimethylaniline) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethyl-2,4-dimethylaniline) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propyl-2,4-dimethylaniline) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-methyl-p-chloroanilino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-ethyl-p-chloroanilino) fluoran, 2-amino-6-(N-propyl-p-chloroanilino) fluoran, 1,2-benzofluoran-6-(N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino), 1,2-benzofluoran-6-dibutylamino, 1,2-benzofluoran-6-(N-methyl-N-cyclohexylamino) and 1,2-benzofluoran-6-(N-ethyl-N-toluidino), etc. Each of the coloring layers 23, 25 and 27 may independently include one or more types of the above coloring compounds.,

[0093] The above developer may include a compound represented by the following formula (2).

[0094] [Chemical formula 2]

[0095]

[0096] In formula (2), X 0 is a divalent group including at least one benzene ring. Y 01 and Y 02 are each independently a monovalent group. n01 and n02 are each independently any integer from 0 to 5. When n01 is any integer from 2 to 5, Y 01 can be the same as or different from each other. When n02 is any integer from 2 to 5, Y 02 can be the same as or different from each other. Z 01 and Z 02 are each independently a hydrogen bonding group.

[0097] Compared with the case where X 0 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., a normal alkyl chain), including at least one benzene ring in X 0 allows for a high melting point, thereby enabling the improvement of the color retention characteristics (hereinafter referred to as "high-temperature and high-humidity storage characteristics") during storage at high temperature and high humidity. In terms of improving the high-temperature and high-humidity storage characteristics and heat resistance, preferably, X 0 has at least 2 benzene rings. For example, the high-temperature and high-humidity storage characteristics are the storage characteristics in an environment of 80 °C and 60% RH. The improved heat resistance improves the tolerance of the recording medium 20 to harsh processes (e.g., hot pressing or integral molding using a molten resin, etc.). When X 0 includes at least two benzene rings, the at least two benzene rings can be fused together. For example, the at least two benzene rings can be naphthalene, anthracene, etc.

[0098] Since Z 01 and Z 02 are each independently a hydrogen bonding group, the color former can exist in a solid state to a certain extent through hydrogen bonding, and this improves the stability of the color former in the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27. In this specification, the hydrogen bonding group refers to a functional group including an atom that enables hydrogen bonding with another functional group or an atom present in another compound, etc.

[0099] Preferably, the above color former includes a compound represented by the following formula (3).

[0100] [Chemical formula 3]

[0101]

[0102] In formula (3), X 1 is a divalent group including at least one benzene ring. Y 11 , Y 12 , Y 13 and Y 14 are each independently a monovalent group. Z11 and Z 12 are each independently a hydrogen bonding group.

[0103] Since X 1 includes at least one benzene ring, a higher melting point can be obtained compared with the case where X 1 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group (e.g., a normal alkyl chain), thereby making it possible to improve the storage characteristics under high temperature and high humidity. In terms of improving the storage characteristics under high temperature and high humidity and heat resistance, preferably, X 1 includes at least two benzene rings. When X 1 includes at least two benzene rings, the at least two benzene rings may be fused together. For example, the at least two benzene rings may be naphthalene, anthracene, or the like.

[0104] Since Z 11 and Z 12 are each independently a hydrogen bonding group, the color former can exist in a solid state to a certain extent by hydrogen bonding, and this improves the stability of the color former in the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27.

[0105] When the formulas (2) and (3) include a hydrocarbon group, the hydrocarbon group is a general term for a group including carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), and the hydrocarbon group may be a saturated hydrocarbon group or an unsaturated hydrocarbon group. A saturated hydrocarbon group is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having no carbon-carbon multiple bond, while an unsaturated hydrocarbon group is an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having a carbon-carbon multiple bond (a carbon-carbon double bond or a carbon-carbon triple bond).

[0106] When the formulas (2) and (3) include a hydrocarbon group, the hydrocarbon group may be in a chain state or may include one or more rings. The chain may be in a straight-chain state or may be in a branched state having one or more side chains or the like.

[0107] (X 0 and X 1 include one benzene ring)

[0108] For example, X 0 in the formula (2) and X 1 in the formula (3) are each a divalent group including one benzene ring. The divalent group is represented by the following formula (4), for example.

[0109] [Chemical formula 4]

[0110]

[0111] In the formula (4), X 21 may be present or absent, and when X 21 is present, X 21 is a divalent group. X 22 may be present or absent, and when X 22 is present, X22 is a divalent group. R 21 is a monovalent group. n21 is any integer from 0 to 4. When n21 is any integer from 2 to 4, R 21 may be the same as or different from each other. The asterisk (*) indicates the bonding site.

[0112] In formula (4), X 21 and X 22 are not restricted in their bonding positions to the benzene ring. In other words, X 21 and X 22 may be bonded to the benzene ring at any of the ortho, meta, and para positions.

[0113] For improving the storage characteristics at high temperature and high humidity, preferably, the above divalent group including one benzene ring is represented by the following formula (5).

[0114] [Chemical formula 5]

[0115]

[0116] In formula (5), R 22 is a monovalent group. n22 is any integer from 0 to 4. When n22 is any integer from 2 to 4, R 22 may be the same as or different from each other. The asterisk (*) indicates the bonding site.

[0117] When X 0 in formula (2) is a divalent group including one benzene ring, Z 01 and Z 02 are not restricted in their bonding positions to the benzene ring in formula (5). In other words, Z 01 and Z 02 may be bonded to the benzene ring at any of the ortho, meta, and para positions.

[0118] When X 1 in formula (3) is a divalent group including one benzene ring, the bonding positions of Z 11 and Z 12 to the benzene ring are not restricted in formula (5). In other words, Z 11 and Z 12 may be bonded to the benzene ring at any of the ortho, meta, and para positions.

[0119] (X 21 and X 22 )

[0120] X 21 and X 22 in formula (4) each independently being a divalent group is sufficient, and although not particularly limited, for example, X 21 and X22 Each is a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. Preferably, the hydrocarbon group is in a chain state. When the hydrocarbon group is in a chain state, the melting point of the color former can be lowered, so that the color former is melted by laser irradiation and it becomes easier to develop the coloring compound. In terms of lowering the melting point of the color former, a normal alkyl chain is particularly preferred among the chain hydrocarbon groups.

[0121] For example, the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent has a carbon number of 1 or more and 15 or less, 1 or more and 13 or less, 1 or more and 12 or less, 1 or more and 10 or less, 1 or more and 6 or less, or 1 or more and 3 or less.

[0122] In X in formula (4) 21 and X 22 are each a normal alkyl group, in terms of high-temperature storage stability, the carbon number of the normal alkyl group is preferably 8 or less, more preferably 6 or less, still more preferably 5 or less, and particularly preferably 3 or less. When the carbon number of the normal alkyl group is 8 or less, it is considered that the sites that interact with a coloring compound such as a colorless dye during color development are less likely to separate, because the short-length normal alkyl group is less likely to cause thermal disturbance in the color former during storage at high temperature. Therefore, during high-temperature storage, a coloring compound such as a colorless dye is less likely to lose its color, thus improving the high-temperature storage stability.

[0123] Examples of the substituent that may be included in the hydrocarbon group include a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group) or an alkyl group having a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group). In the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, a part of the carbon of the hydrocarbon group (e.g., a part of the carbon included in the main chain of the hydrocarbon group) may be substituted with an element such as oxygen.

[0124] (R 21 )

[0125] R in formula (4) 21 is any monovalent group, and although not particularly limited, for example, R 21 is a hydrocarbon group which may have a halogen group or a substituent. For example, the halogen group is a fluorine group (-F), a chlorine group (-Cl), a bromine group (-Br), or an iodine group (-I).

[0126] For example, the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent has a carbon number of 1 or more and 15 or less, 1 or more and 13 or less, 1 or more and 12 or less, 1 or more and 10 or less, 1 or more and 6 or less, or 1 or more and 3 or less. Examples of the substituent that may be included in the hydrocarbon group include a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group) or an alkyl group having a halogen group (e.g., a fluorine group). In the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, a part of the carbon of the hydrocarbon group (e.g., a part of the carbon included in the main chain of the hydrocarbon group) may be substituted with an element such as oxygen.

[0127] (R 22 )

[0128] R in formula (5) 22 Any monovalent group is sufficient, and although there is no particular limitation, for example, R 22 is a hydrocarbon group which may have a halogen group or a substituent. Each hydrocarbon group which may have a halogen group or a substituent is similar to R in the above formula (2). 21 Similar.

[0129] (X 0 and X 1 (including two benzene rings)

[0130] For example, X in formula (2) 0 and X in formula (3) 1 are each a divalent group including two benzene rings. The divalent group is represented by the following formula (6), for example.

[0131] [Chemical formula 6]

[0132]

[0133] In formula (6), X 31 may or may not be present, and when X 31 is present, X 31 is a divalent group. X 32 may or may not be present, and when X 32 is present, X 32 is a divalent group. X 33 may or may not be present, and when X 33 is present, X 33 is a divalent group. R 31 and R 32 are each independently a monovalent group. n31 and n32 are each independently any integer from 0 to 4. When n31 is any integer from 2 to 4, R 31 may be the same as or different from each other. When n32 is any integer from 2 to 4, R 32 may be the same as or different from each other. The asterisk (*) indicates the bonding site.

[0134] In formula (6), the bonding positions of X 31 and X 32 to the benzene ring are not restricted. In other words, the bonding positions of X 31 and X 32 to the benzene ring can be any of ortho, meta, and para positions. Similarly, in formula (6), the bonding positions of X 32 and X 33 to the benzene ring are not restricted. In other words, the bonding positions of X 32 and X 33The bonding position with the benzene ring can be any one of ortho, meta, and para positions.

[0135] Regarding improving the storage characteristics under high temperature and high humidity, preferably, the divalent group including two benzene rings is represented by the following formula (7).

[0136] [Chemical formula 7]

[0137]

[0138] In formula (7), X 34 is a divalent group. R 33 and R 34 are each independently a monovalent group. n33 and n34 are each independently any integer from 0 to 4. When n33 is any integer from 2 to 4, R 33 can be the same or different from each other. When n34 is any integer from 2 to 4, R 34 can be the same or different from each other. The asterisk (*) indicates the bonding site.

[0139] When X 0 in formula (2) is a divalent group including two benzene rings, in formula (7), Z 01 and X 34 are not restricted in their bonding positions with the benzene ring. In other words, the bonding positions of Z 01 and X 34 with the benzene ring can be any one of ortho, meta, and para positions. Similarly, in formula (7), the bonding positions of Z 02 and X 34 with the benzene ring are not restricted. In other words, the bonding positions of Z 02 and X 34 with the benzene ring can be any one of ortho, meta, and para positions.

[0140] When X 1 in formula (3) is a divalent group including two benzene rings, in formula (7), Z 11 and X 34 are not restricted in their bonding positions with the benzene ring. In other words, the bonding positions of Z 11 and X 34 with the benzene ring can be any one of ortho, meta, and para positions. Similarly, in formula (7), the bonding positions of Z 12 and X 34 with the benzene ring are not restricted. In other words, the bonding positions of Z 12 and X 34 with the benzene ring can be any one of ortho, meta, and para positions.

[0141] (X 31 、X 32 、and X33 )

[0142] X in Chemical Formula (6) 31 、X 32 and X 33 It is sufficient that each of them is independently a divalent group. And although there is no particular limitation, for example, X 31 、X 32 and X 33 are each a hydrocarbon group that may have substituents. The hydrocarbon group is similar to X in the above Formula (4) 21 and X 22 .

[0143] (X 34 )

[0144] X in Formula (7) 34 is any divalent group and it is sufficient. And although there is no particular limitation, for example, X 34 is a hydrocarbon group that may have substituents. The hydrocarbon group is similar to X in the above Formula (4) 21 and X 22 .

[0145] (R 31 and R 32 )

[0146] R in Formula (6) 31 and R 32 are each any monovalent group and it is sufficient. And although there is no particular limitation, for example, R 31 and R 32 are each a hydrocarbon group that may have a halogen group or substituents. Each hydrocarbon group that may have a halogen group or substituents is similar to R in the above Formula (4) 21 .

[0147] (R 33 and R 34 )

[0148] R in Formula (7) 33 and R 34 are each any monovalent group and it is sufficient. And although there is no particular limitation, for example, R 33 and R 34 are each a hydrocarbon group that may have a halogen group or substituents. Each hydrocarbon group that may have a halogen group or substituents is similar to R in the above Formula (4) 21 .

[0149] (Y 01 and Y 02 )

[0150] For example, Y in Formula (2) 01 and Y 02Each independently is a hydrocarbon group which may have a hydrogen group (-H), a hydroxyl group (-OH), a halogen group (-X), a carboxyl group (-COOH), an ester group (-COOR), or a substituent. The halogen group is, for example, a fluorine group (-F), a chlorine group (-Cl), a bromine group (-Br), or an iodine group (-I).

[0151] For example, the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent has a carbon number of 1 or more and 15 or less, 1 or more and 13 or less, 1 or more and 12 or less, 1 or more and 10 or less, 1 or more and 6 or less, or 1 or more and 3 or less. Examples of the substituent which may be included in the hydrocarbon group include a halogen group (for example, a fluorine group) or an alkyl group having a halogen group (for example, a fluorine group). In the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, a part of the carbon of the hydrocarbon group (for example, a part of the carbon included in the main chain of the hydrocarbon group) may be substituted with an element such as oxygen.

[0152] In formula (2), preferably, one of (Y 01 ) n01 and / or one of (Y 02 ) n02 is a hydroxyl group (-OH). Since one of (Y 01 ) n01 and / or one of (Y 02 ) n02 is a hydroxyl group (-OH), the display quality and light resistance can be improved.

[0153] (Y 11 , Y 12 , Y 13 and Y 14 )

[0154] In formula (3), the bonding positions of Y 11 and Y 12 to the benzene ring are not restricted. In other words, the bonding positions of Y 11 and Y 12 to the benzene ring can be any of ortho, meta, and para positions. Similarly, in formula (3), the bonding positions of Y 13 and Y 14 to the benzene ring are not restricted. In other words, the bonding positions of Y 13 and Y 14 to the benzene ring can also be any of ortho, meta, and para positions. In formula (3), the bonding position of Y 11 and Y 12 to one benzene and the bonding position of Y 13 and Y 14 to the other benzene can be the same or different.

[0155] For example, Y 11 , Y 12 , Y 13and Y 14 Each independently is a hydrogen group (-H), a hydroxyl group (-OH), a halogen group, a carboxyl group (-COOH), an ester group (-COOR), or a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent. The halogen group and the hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent are similar to Y in the above formula (2) respectively 01 and Y 02 respectively.

[0156] In formula (3), preferably, Y 11 and / or Y 13 is a hydroxyl group (-OH). Since Y 11 and / or Y 13 is a hydroxyl group (-OH), the display quality and light resistance can be improved.

[0157] (Z 01 and Z 02 )

[0158] For example, Z in formula (2) 01 and Z 02 Each independently is a urea bond (-NHCONH-), an amide bond (-NHCO-, -OCHN-), or a hydrazide bond (-NHCOCONH-). In terms of improving the storage characteristics at high temperature and high humidity, preferably, Z 01 and Z 02 is a urea bond. When Z 01 is an amide bond, the nitrogen included in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene, or the carbon included in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene. When Z 02 is an amide bond, the nitrogen included in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene, or the carbon included in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene.

[0159] (Z 11 and Z 12 )

[0160] In formula (3), Z 11 and Z 12 Each independently is, for example, a urea bond (-NHCONH-), an amide bond (-NHCO-, -OCHN-), or a hydrazide bond (-NHCOCONH-). In terms of improving the storage characteristics at high temperature and high humidity, preferably, Z 11 and Z 12 is a urea bond. When Z 11 is an amide bond, the nitrogen included in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene, or the carbon included in the amide bond may be bonded to benzene.

[0161] (Specific examples of the color former)

[0162] For example, X in formula (2) 0 and X in formula (3) 1The color developers each including a benzene ring specifically include at least one selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the following formulas (8-1) to (8-6).

[0163] [Chemical formula 8]

[0164]

[0165] For example, X in formula (2) 0 and X in formula (3) 1 The color developers each including two benzene rings specifically include at least one selected from the group consisting of the compounds represented by the following formulas (9-1) to (9-8).

[0166] [Chemical formula 9]

[0167]

[0168] Preferably, the matrix polymer (matrix resin) has the function of a binder. Preferably, the matrix polymer allows the uniform dispersion of the coloring compound, the color developer, and the photothermal conversion agent. For example, as the matrix polymer, at least one selected from the group consisting of thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins can be given. Specifically, the examples include one selected from the group consisting of: polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethyl cellulose resin, polystyrene resin, styrene copolymer resin, phenoxy resin, polyester resin, aromatic polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacrylate resin, polymethacrylate resin, acrylic copolymer resin, maleic polymerization resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, modified polyvinyl alcohol resin, hydroxyethyl cellulose resin, carboxymethyl cellulose resin, and starch, etc.

[0169] Preferably, the matrix polymer includes polycarbonate resin. The matrix polymer including polycarbonate resin enables the improvement of the light resistance of the texture of the recording medium 20. Here, the polycarbonate resin is a resin having at least a carbonate group (-O-(C=O)-O-) as a structural unit in the main chain. Therefore, the main chain may include structural units other than the carbonate group.

[0170] For example, the photothermal conversion agents used in the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 absorb light within a predetermined wavelength range in the near-infrared region and generate heat. As the photothermal conversion agent, it is preferably, for example, a near-infrared absorbing dye having an absorption peak within a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 2000 nm or less and having almost no absorption in the visible region. Specifically, for example, at least one selected from the group including compounds having a phthalocyanine skeleton (phthalocyanine dyes), compounds having a squarylium skeleton (squarylium dyes), and inorganic compounds can be given. As the inorganic compound, for example, at least one selected from the group including metal complexes such as dithio complexes, diammonium salts, ammonium salts, and inorganic compounds can be given. Examples of the inorganic compound include at least one selected from the group including the following: graphite, carbon black, metal powder particles, cobalt tetroxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, copper oxide, titanium black, metal oxides such as ITO (indium tin oxide), metal nitrides such as niobium nitride, metal carbides such as tantalum carbide, metal sulfides, and various types of magnetic powders, etc. In addition, compounds having a cyanine skeleton (cyanine dyes) with excellent light resistance and heat resistance can be used. It should be noted that here, excellent light resistance means, for example, that no decomposition occurs when irradiated with fluorescence, etc. in the use environment. Excellent heat resistance means, for example, that when a thin film is formed together with a polymer material and stored at, for example, 150 °C for 30 minutes, the maximum absorption peak value of the absorption spectrum does not change by more than 20%. As the compound having such a cyanine skeleton, for example, compounds having any counterions such as SbF 6 、PF 6 、BF 4 、ClO 4 、CF 3 SO 3 and (CF 3 SO 3 ) 2 N or a compound including a methylene chain having a five-membered ring or a six-membered ring or both can be given. It should be noted that although it is preferred that the compound having a cyanine skeleton used in the recording medium 20 in the present embodiment has one of the above counterions and a ring structure such as a five-membered ring and a six-membered ring in the methylene chain, as long as at least a counterion or a ring structure is provided, sufficient light resistance and heat resistance are ensured.

[0171] It should be noted that as the photothermal conversion agent, preferably, a photothermal conversion agent having a narrow light absorption band within a wavelength range of 700 nm or more and 2000 nm or less and having non-overlapping light absorption bands with each other in the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 is selected. This makes it possible to selectively display the color of the desired layer among the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27.

[0172] The intermediate layer 22 is disposed between the base member 21 and the colored layer 23. The intermediate layer 24 is disposed between the colored layer 23 and the colored layer 25. The intermediate layer 26 is disposed between the colored layer 25 and the colored layer 27. The intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 can allow thermal insulation between each layer and can allow suppression of the diffusion of constituent materials.

[0173] For example, the intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 include a polymeric material having general translucency. As a specific material, for example, one selected from the group consisting of the following can be given: acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyvinyl acetate resin, polyvinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethyl cellulose resin, polystyrene resin, styrene copolymer resin, phenoxy resin type resin, polyester resin, aromatic polyester resin, polyurethane resin, polycarbonate resin, polyacrylate resin, polymethacrylate resin, acrylic copolymer resin, maleic polymerization resin, polyvinyl alcohol resin, modified polyvinyl alcohol resin, hydroxyethyl cellulose resin, carboxymethyl cellulose resin, and starch, etc. It should be noted that the intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 can include, for example, various additives, for example, a UV absorber.

[0174] The intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 can be UV-cured resin layers. The UV-cured resin layer includes a UV-cured resin composition that undergoes a polymerization reaction and cures. More specifically, for example, the UV-cured resin layer includes a polymer of a polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator, and when irradiated with external energy (ultraviolet light), the polymerization initiator generates an active species to cause a structural change. For example, the UV-cured resin composition includes at least one selected from the group including radical polymerization type UV-cured resin compositions and cationic polymerization type UV-cured resin compositions, etc. As needed, the UV-cured resin composition can include at least one selected from the group including sensitizers, fillers, stabilizers, leveling agents, defoaming agents, and viscosity regulators, etc. The UV-cured resin composition can be a UV-cured resin composition for a hard coat. The UV-cured resin composition can be an acrylic UV-cured resin composition.

[0175] The intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 can include an inorganic material having translucency. For example, preferably, porous silica, alumina, titanium dioxide, carbon, or a composite material thereof is used because this allows low thermal conductivity and efficient thermal insulation. For example, the intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 can be formed by a sol-gel method.

[0176] In order to suppress the generation of physical plane differences, the thicknesses of the intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 can be adjusted to allow the recording medium 20 to have the same thickness as the spacer layer 13. Preferably, the intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 have a thickness of 3 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. When the thickness of the intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 is 3 μm or more, a sufficient heat insulation effect can be obtained. On the other hand, when the thickness of the intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 is 100 μm or less, a reduction in translucency can be suppressed. In addition, a reduction in the bending resistance of the recording medium 20 can be suppressed and defects such as cracks can be prevented from occurring.

[0177] The intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 may include an adhesive. For example, the adhesive includes at least one selected from the group including acrylic resins, silicone resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, and elastomer-based materials.

[0178] The protective layer 28 is intended to protect the surface of the recording medium 20 and is formed using, for example, at least one of a UV curable resin or a thermosetting resin. The protective layer 28 may be a hard coat. In order to provide physical resistance, a matrix polymer or a plastic film similar to the base member 21 may be used for the protective layer 28. For a composite protection function, multiple protective layers may be bonded together using, for example, an adhesive. For example, the protective layer 28 has a thickness of 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less.

[0179] It should be noted that, for example, as Figure 5 shown, the recording medium 20 may include a laser marking layer 31 on the outermost surface of the recording medium 20. The laser marking layer 31 may have a configuration common to the laser marking layer described for the base member 11. In addition, as Figure 6 shown, for example, the recording medium 20 may further include a laser marking layer 32 located between the base member 21 and the intermediate layer 22. The laser marking layer 32 may have a configuration common to the laser marking layer described for the base member 11.

[0180] [Method for manufacturing the laminate 10]

[0181] Hereinafter, an example of a method for manufacturing the laminate 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0182] First, a thermosetting resin is applied as a thermal adhesive to one main surface of the base member 11 to form an adhesive layer 12. Then, after arranging the spacer layer 13 on the adhesive layer 12, the recording medium 20 is assembled into the receiving portion 13A of the spacer layer 13. It should be noted that the spacer layer 13 with the recording medium 20 pre-assembled in the receiving portion 13A can be arranged on the adhesive layer 12. In addition, the adhesive layer 12 can be formed by applying a thermosetting resin to the spacer layer 13 with the recording medium 20 pre-assembled in the receiving portion 13A, and then arranging the spacer layer 13 on the main surface of the base member 11 (with a coating film between the spacer layer and the main surface of the base member). Alternatively, the adhesive layer 12 can be formed by bonding a sheet formed by pre-applying a thermosetting resin to a separator or the like to the main surface of the base member 11 or the spacer layer 13 with the recording medium 20 pre-assembled in the receiving portion 13A by a method such as thermal bonding.

[0183] Next, a thermosetting resin is applied as a thermal binder to the spacer layer 13 to form an adhesive layer 14, and then the cover layer 15 is arranged on the adhesive layer 14. Then, the laminate 10 thus obtained is sandwiched between metal plates and pressed while heating to thermoset the adhesive layer 14. In terms of reducing damage to the recording medium 20, preferably, the temperature applied to the laminate 10 during thermosetting is 100 °C or higher and 120 °C or lower. Thus, the desired laminate 10 is obtained. The adhesive layer 14 can be formed by applying a thermosetting resin to the cover layer 15 and then arranging the cover layer 15 on the spacer layer 13 (with a coating film between the cover layer and the spacer layer). In addition, the adhesive layer 14 can also be formed by bonding a sheet formed by pre-applying a thermosetting resin to a separator or the like to the cover layer 15 or the spacer layer 13 by a method such as thermal bonding.

[0184] [Method of Recording on the Laminate 10]

[0185] For example, the laminate 10 according to the present embodiment allows a design or the like to be recorded on the recording medium 20 in the following manner. Here, the case where the coloring layers 23, 25, and 27 exhibit cyan, magenta, and yellow, respectively, is described as an example.

[0186] For example, the recording medium 20 is irradiated with infrared rays having a specified wavelength and a specified output via the cover layer 15 by a semiconductor laser or the like. Here, in the case of developing the coloring layer 23, the coloring layer 23 is irradiated with infrared rays having a wavelength λ 1 sufficient in energy to bring the coloring layer 23 to the coloring temperature. This causes the photothermal conversion material included in the coloring layer 23 to generate heat, and a coloring reaction (chromogenic reaction) occurs between the coloring compound and the developer, resulting in the development of cyan at the irradiated portion.

[0187] Similarly, in the case of developing the coloring layer 25, the coloring layer 25 is irradiated with infrared rays having a wavelength λ that has energy sufficient to raise the coloring layer 25 to the coloring temperature. In the case of developing the coloring layer 27, the coloring layer 27 is irradiated with infrared rays having a wavelength λ that has energy sufficient to raise the coloring layer 27 to the coloring temperature. This causes the photothermal conversion material included in each of the coloring layers 25 and 27 to generate heat, and a coloring reaction occurs between the coloring compound and the developer, resulting in the development of magenta and yellow, respectively, at the irradiated portions. Thus, as a result of irradiating an arbitrary portion with infrared rays having the corresponding wavelength, designs and the like (for example, full-color designs and the like) can be recorded. 2 Similarly, in the case of developing the coloring layer 27, the coloring layer 27 is irradiated with infrared rays having a wavelength λ that has energy sufficient to raise the coloring layer 27 to the coloring temperature. 3 This causes the photothermal conversion material included in each of the coloring layers 25 and 27 to generate heat, and a coloring reaction occurs between the coloring compound and the developer, resulting in the development of magenta and yellow, respectively, at the irradiated portions. Thus, as a result of irradiating an arbitrary portion with infrared rays having the corresponding wavelength, designs and the like (for example, full-color designs and the like) can be recorded.

[0188] [Modification Example A]

[0189] It should be noted that, in the laminate 10 according to the above-described embodiment, for example, as Figure 7 shown, in the plan view, the recording medium 20 can be provided on the entire surface of the laminate 10. At this time, for example, as Figure 8 shown, the spacer layer 13 is omitted in the laminate 10. It should be noted that Figure 7 shows a modification of the three-dimensional configuration of the laminate 10. Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the laminate 10 taken along line A-A.

[0190] [Modification Example B]

[0191] In the laminate 10 according to the above-described embodiment, for example, as Figure 9 shown, the adhesive layers 12 and 14 can be omitted, the base member 11 and the spacer layer 13 can be bonded to each other by fusion bonding, and the spacer layer 13 and the cover layer 15 can be bonded to each other by fusion bonding.

[0192] At this time, preferably, the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 include a thermoplastic resin as the plastic. As a result of the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 including a thermoplastic resin, the interlayer adhesion strength can be increased by fusion bonding. For reducing damage to the recording medium 20, preferably, the thermoplastic resin allows the layers of the laminate 10 to be thermally bonded within a temperature range of 130°C or higher and 200°C or lower.

[0193] The base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 may include the same type of thermoplastic resin, and the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 do not necessarily include the same type of thermoplastic resin. In the case where the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 do not include the same type of thermoplastic resin, one of the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 may include a different type of thermoplastic resin from the other two layers. In the case where the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 do not include the same type of thermoplastic resin, the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 may each include a different type of thermoplastic resin.

[0194] In the case where the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 include the same type of thermoplastic resin, in terms of improving the interlayer adhesion strength by melt bonding, preferably, the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 include at least one selected from the group consisting of semi-crystalline thermoplastic resins and amorphous thermoplastic resins.

[0195] For example, the semi-crystalline thermoplastic resin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), etc.

[0196] For example, the amorphous thermoplastic resin includes at least one selected from the group consisting of ABS resin, polycarbonate (PC), a polymer alloy of ABS resin and PC (hereinafter referred to as "ABS / PC polymer alloy"), AS resin, polystyrene (PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polysulfone (PSU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyethersulfone (PES), etc.

[0197] In the case where the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 do not include the same type of thermoplastic resin, in terms of improving the interlayer adhesion strength by melt bonding, preferably, the base member 11, the spacer layer 13, and the cover layer 15 include amorphous thermoplastic resins.

[0198] As a combination of amorphous thermoplastic resins included in each of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10, the following combinations are preferred. In the case where one of the two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes ABS resin, preferably, the other layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of ABS / PC polymer alloy, polycarbonate (PC), AS resin, polystyrene (PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0199] When one of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes an ABS / PC polymer alloy, preferably, the other layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of an ABS resin, polycarbonate (PC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). When one of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes polycarbonate (PC), preferably, the other layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of an ABS resin, an ABS / PC polymer alloy, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0200] When one of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes an AS resin, preferably, the other layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of an ABS resin, polystyrene (PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyphenylene oxide (PPO). When one of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes polystyrene (PS), preferably, the other layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of an AS resin and polyphenylene oxide (PPO).

[0201] When one of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), preferably, the other layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of an ABS resin, an ABS / PC polymer alloy, an AS resin, and polyphenylene oxide (PPO). When one of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes polyphenylene oxide (PPO), preferably, the other layer includes at least one selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate (PC), an AS resin, polystyrene (PS), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0202] When one of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes polysulfone (PSU), preferably, the other layer includes polycarbonate (PC). When one of two adjacent layers of the laminate 10 includes polyvinyl chloride (PVC), preferably, the other layer includes an ABS resin.

[0203] Next, an embodiment of the method for manufacturing the laminate 10 according to this modified example will be described. First, the recording medium 20 is disposed on one main surface of the base member 11. Then, the cover layer 15 is disposed on the recording medium 20. Then, the laminate including the base member 11, the recording medium 20, and the cover layer 15 is sandwiched between metal plates and pressed while heating to thermally bond the base member 11 and the recording medium 20 and to thermally bond the recording medium 20 and the cover layer 15. In terms of reducing damage to the recording medium 20 and exhibiting sufficient bonding strength, preferably, the temperature applied to the laminate during thermal bonding is 130°C or higher and 200°C or lower. Thus, the laminate 10 according to this modified example is obtained.

[0204] [Modified Example C]

[0205] In the laminate 10, for example, as shown in Figure 10 shown therein, a bottomed recess (accommodating portion 13B) recessed in the thickness direction of the spacer layer 13 may be provided instead of the accommodating portion 13A. In this case, the accommodating portion 13B may be provided on one main surface of the two main surfaces of the spacer layer 13 on the side opposite to the cover layer 15, or may be provided on one main surface on the side opposite to the base member 11.

[0206] [Modification D]

[0207] In the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the recording medium 20 may include a coloring layer capable of multi-color display in a single-layer configuration. Figure 11 An example of a cross-sectional configuration of the recording medium 20 that achieves multi-color display in a single-layer configuration is shown. The recording medium 20 according to this modification sequentially includes a base member 21, a coloring layer 29, and a protective layer 28.

[0208] The coloring layer 29 includes three kinds of microcapsules 29C, 29M, and 29Y each having a coloring tone different from each other. In other words, the coloring layer 29 includes three kinds of microcapsules 29C, 29M, and 29Y, and each microcapsule exhibits a different color in the colored state. The coloring layer 29 may optionally include a first base polymer. For example, the three kinds of microcapsules 29C, 29M, and 29Y each include a coloring compound (e.g., cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)) that exhibits a different color from each other, a developer corresponding to each coloring compound, a photothermal conversion agent that absorbs light having different wavelengths from each other and generates heat, and a second base polymer. As the material for the microcapsule wall for encapsulating the above materials, preferably, a material similar to the materials included in the intermediate layers 22, 24, and 26 in the above-described embodiment is used.

[0209] [Modification E]

[0210] In the above-described embodiment and its modifications, the recording medium 20 may include a plurality of coloring layers capable of displaying in n or more colors (n is an integer of 4 or more). In this case, the first coloring layer to the nth coloring layer may each include a coloring compound having a coloring tone different from each other.

[0211] [Modification F]

[0212] In the above-described embodiments and their modifications, an example in which the laminate 10 is applied to a card has been described. However, in the above-described embodiments and their modifications, the laminate 10 can also be applied to medical supplies, automotive parts, automobiles, toys, foods, cosmetics, clothes, documents (e.g., passports), exterior parts, or housings for electronic devices, etc. Specific examples of exterior parts include interior or exterior finishes of building walls, etc., or exterior finishes of furniture (such as tables, etc.). Specific examples of electronic devices include personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "PCs"), mobile devices, cellular phones (e.g., smartphones), tablet computers, displays, photographic devices, audio devices, game devices, industrial instruments, medical devices, robots, or wearable terminals, etc. Specific examples of wearable terminals include watches (wristwatches), bags, clothes, hats, glasses, or shoes, etc.

[0213] Specific examples of applying the laminate 10 to a smartphone, a notebook personal computer, and a cosmetic container will be described below.

[0214] [Application Example 1]

[0215] Figure 12 A of shows the external appearance configuration of the front surface of the smartphone 30, and Figure 12 B of shows Figure 12 the external appearance configuration of the rear surface of the smartphone 30 shown in A of. The smartphone 30 includes, for example, a display 33 and a housing 34. A recording medium 20 is provided on the rear surface side of the housing 34. The housing 34 includes the laminate 10. Except that the base member 11 has the shape of the housing of the smartphone 30, the laminate 10 has a configuration similar to that of the laminate 10 in any of the above-described embodiments and their modifications. This makes it possible to improve the anti-counterfeiting characteristics, etc., of the smartphone 30.

[0216] [Application Example 2]

[0217] Figure 13 shows the external appearance configuration of the notebook PC 40. The notebook PC 40 includes a computer main body 41 and a display 42. The computer main body 41 includes a housing 41a, a keyboard 41b, a roller / pad control unit 41c, and click buttons 41d and 41e. A recording medium 20 is provided in the housing 41a. The housing 41a includes the laminate 10. Except that the base member 11 has the shape of the housing of the notebook PC 40, the laminate 10 has a configuration similar to that of the laminate 10 in any of the above-described embodiments and their modifications. This makes it possible to improve the anti-counterfeiting characteristics, etc., of the notebook PC 40.

[0218] [Application Example 3]

[0219] Figure 14The appearance of the cosmetic container 50 is shown. The cosmetic container 50 includes a case body 511 and a lid 59 that covers the case body 58. A recording medium 20 is provided on the lid 59. The lid 59 includes a laminate 10. The laminate 10 has a configuration similar to that of the laminate 10 in any of the above-described embodiments and their modified examples, except that the base member 11 has a shape corresponding to the lid 59. This makes it possible to improve the anti-counterfeiting characteristics of the cosmetic container 50 and the like.

[0220] [Application Example 4]

[0221] Figure 15 The appearance of the booklet 60 is shown. The booklet 60 is a passport. The passport is an example of an identity document of the booklet type. The booklet 60 has a plurality of sheets 61. The plurality of sheets 61 are saddle-stitched. At least one surface or both surfaces of the sheet 61 include a recording medium 20 and the like. A portrait or the like is drawn on the recording medium 2 and the like. The sheet 61 has a configuration similar to that of the laminate 10 in any of the above-described embodiments and their modified examples. In this case, the base member 11 can be paper or the like. This makes it possible to improve the anti-counterfeiting characteristics of the booklet 60 and the like.

[0222] [Drawing Device]

[0223] Next, a drawing device, which is a recording device for recording on the laminate 10, will be described. Figure 16 An example of a schematic configuration of a drawing device 100, which is a recording device for recording on the laminate 10, is shown. The drawing device 100 writes (draws) information on the recording medium 20 provided in the laminate 10. For example, the drawing device 100 converts image data (hereinafter referred to as "input image data") that is input from the outside and described in a device-dependent color space into image data (hereinafter referred to as "image data for drawing") that is described in the color space of the recording medium 20. Here, the device-dependent color space is, for example, an RGB color space such as sRGB or Adobe (registered trademark) RGB. The color space of the recording medium 20 is the color space characteristic of the recording medium 20. The drawing device 100 also converts the image data for drawing obtained by the conversion into an output setting value of the drawing unit 150 described below, and inputs the output setting value obtained by the conversion into the drawing unit 150, thereby performing drawing on the recording medium.

[0224] The drawing device 100 includes, for example, a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a storage unit 140, a drawing unit 150, and an information processing unit 160. For example, the drawing device 100 is coupled to a network via the communication unit 110. The network is, for example, a communication line such as a LAN or a WAN. For example, a terminal device is coupled to the network. For example, the drawing device 100 is configured to allow communication with the terminal device via the network. For example, the terminal device is a portable terminal and is configured to allow communication with the drawing device 100 via the network.

[0225] The communication unit 110 communicates with an external device such as a terminal device. For example, the communication unit 110 transmits input image data received from an external device such as a mobile terminal to the information processing unit 160. The input image data is data that describes the proportional values of each drawing coordinate in a device-dependent color space. In the input image data, the proportional values of each drawing coordinate include, for example, an 8-bit red proportional value, an 8-bit green proportional value, and an 8-bit blue proportional value.

[0226] The input unit 120 accepts input from a user (e.g., execution instructions, data input, etc.). The input unit 120 transmits the information input by the user to the information processing unit 160. The display unit 130 performs screen display based on various screen data generated by the information processing unit 160. The display unit 130 includes, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (electroluminescence) panel, etc.

[0227] For example, the storage unit 140 stores various programs. The storage unit 140 stores, for example, a program for converting input image data described in a device-dependent color space into image data for drawing described in the color space of the recording medium 20. For example, the image data for drawing is data that describes the proportional values of each drawing coordinate in the color space of the recording medium 20. In the case where the color space of the recording medium 20 is an achromatic color space, the proportional values of each drawing coordinate in the image data for drawing include, for example, an 8-bit magenta proportional value, an 8-bit cyan proportional value, and an 8-bit yellow proportional value. For example, the storage unit 140 stores a program for deriving the output setting value of the drawing unit 150 for each drawing coordinate based on the proportional values of the image data for drawing obtained by the conversion. Figure 16 These programs are collectively referred to as program 141.

[0228] The information processing unit 160 includes, for example, a CPU (central processing unit) and a GPU (graphics processing unit), and executes various programs (e.g., program 141) stored in the storage unit 140. For example, as a result of loading program 141, the information processing unit 160 executes a series of processes described in program 141.

[0229] Next, the drawing unit 150 is described. Figure 17An embodiment showing a schematic configuration of the drawing unit 150 is shown. For example, the drawing unit 150 includes a signal processing circuit 51, a laser drive circuit 52, a light source unit 53, an X scanner drive circuit 54, an X scanner unit 55, a Y stage drive circuit 56, and a Y stage 57. The drawing unit 150 performs drawing on the recording medium 20 by controlling the output of the light source unit 53 based on a voltage value file (command voltage value list) input from the information processing unit 160.

[0230] The signal processing circuit 51 obtains a voltage value file (command voltage value list) input from the information processing unit 160 as an image signal D 输入 . For example, the signal processing circuit 51 obtains 输入 from the image signal D a pixel signal D corresponding to the scanning operation of the X scanner unit 55 输出 . The pixel signal D 输出 causes the light source unit 53 (for example, each of the following laser elements 53A, 53B, or 53C) to output a laser beam having a power corresponding to the command voltage value. The signal processing circuit 51, together with the laser drive circuit 52, controls the peak value of the current applied to the light source unit 53 (for example, each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, or 53C) according to the pixel signal D 输出 .

[0231] For example, the laser drive circuit 52 drives each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, or 53C of the light source unit 53 according to the pixel signal D 输出 . For example, the laser drive circuit 52 controls the brightness (light / dark) of the laser beam to draw an image according to the pixel signal D 输出 . The laser drive circuit 52 includes, for example, a drive circuit 52A for driving the laser element 53A, a drive circuit 52B for driving the laser element 53B, and a drive circuit 52C for driving the laser element 53C. Each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C performs drawing on the recording medium 20 by outputting a laser beam having a power corresponding to the command voltage value to the recording medium 20. Each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C emits a laser beam in the near-infrared region. For example, the laser element 53A is a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam La having an emission wavelength λ 1 . For example, the laser element 53B is a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam Lb having an emission wavelength λ 2 . For example, the laser element 53C is a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam Lc having an emission wavelength λ 3 .

[0232] The light source unit 53 includes a plurality of laser elements (e.g., three laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C) each having a different emission wavelength in the near-infrared region. Each laser element (e.g., each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C) generates a laser beam including a wavelength corresponding to the light absorption wavelength band of the photothermal conversion agent included in the recording medium 20. The light source unit 53 further includes, for example, an optical system that multiplexes a plurality of laser beams (e.g., three laser beams La, Lb, and Lc) emitted from the plurality of laser elements (e.g., three laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C). For example, this optical system outputs a multiplexed beam (laser beam Lm) of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc to the X scanner unit 55 so that a plurality of irradiation spots Pa, Pb, and Pc generated on the recording medium 20 by the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc overlap each other on the Y stage 57. The X-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the moving direction (Y-axis direction) of the Y stage 57 and parallel to the scanning direction of the uniaxial scanner 55a described below. As such an optical system, the light source unit 53 includes, for example, two mirrors 53a and 53d and two dichroic mirrors 53b and 53c.

[0233] The laser beams La and Lb emitted from the two laser elements 53A and 53B are each made into a substantially parallel beam (collimated beam) by, for example, a collimating lens. Then, for example, the laser beam La is reflected by the mirror 53a and at the same time is reflected by the dichroic mirror 53b, and the laser beam Lb is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 53b. Thereby, the laser beams La and Lb are multiplexed. The multiplexed beam of the laser beam La and the laser beam Lb is transmitted through the dichroic mirror 53c.

[0234] For example, the laser beam Lc emitted by the laser element 53C is made into a substantially parallel beam (collimated beam) by a collimating lens. Then, for example, the laser beam Lc is reflected by the mirror 53d and at the same time is reflected by the dichroic mirror 53c. Thereby, the above-described multiplexed beam transmitted through the dichroic mirror 53c and the laser beam Lc reflected by the dichroic mirror 53c are multiplexed. For example, the light source unit 53 outputs the beam (laser beam Lm) obtained by multiplexing through the above optical system to the X scanner unit 55.

[0235] For example, the X scanner drive circuit 54 drives the X scanner unit 55 based on a control signal input from the signal processing circuit 51. Further, for example, in the case where a signal regarding the irradiation angle of the uniaxial scanner 55a or the like described below is input from the X scanner unit 55, the X scanner drive circuit 54 drives the X scanner unit 55 based on this signal to achieve a desired irradiation angle.

[0236] For example, the X scanner unit 55 scans the laser beam Lm incident from the light source unit 53 in the X-axis direction on the surface of the recording medium 20. For example, the X scanner unit 55 includes a uniaxial scanner 55a and an fθ lens 55b. For example, the uniaxial scanner 55a is a galvanometer mirror or a polygon mirror that scans the laser beam Lm incident from the light source unit 53 in the X-axis direction on the surface of the recording medium 20 based on a drive signal input from the X scanner drive circuit 54. The fθ lens 55b converts the uniform rotational motion of the uniaxial scanner 55a into a uniform linear motion of the light spot moving on the focal plane (the surface of the recording medium 20).

[0237] For example, the Y stage drive circuit 56 drives the Y stage 57 based on a control signal input from the signal processing circuit 51. The Y stage 57 moves the Y stage 57 in the Y-axis direction at a predetermined speed, so that the laminate 10 (recording medium 20) placed on the Y stage 57 moves in the Y-axis direction at a predetermined speed relative to the X scanner unit 55. The X scanner unit 55 and the Y stage 57 perform raster scanning of the laser beam Lm on the surface of the laminate 10 (recording medium 20) in a coordinated motion.

[0238] [Method of forming a drawing object]

[0239] Next, an embodiment of a method of forming a drawing object in the drawing device 100 will be described.

[0240] First, the user prepares the laminate 10 of the recording medium 20 including colors that have not yet been revealed, and places the laminate 10 on the Y stage 57. Next, the user transmits the input image data described in the RGB color space from the terminal device to the drawing device 100 via the network. When receiving the input image data via the network, the drawing device 100 performs the following drawing process.

[0241] First, when receiving the input image data via the communication unit 110, the information processing unit 160 converts the input image data described in the RGB color space into achromatic image data described in the achromatic color space. Next, the information processing unit 160 derives a voltage value file (command voltage value list) based on the proportion value of each color at each drawing coordinate of the achromatic image data obtained by the conversion. The information processing unit 160 transmits the derived voltage value file (command voltage value list) to the drawing unit 150.

[0242] The signal processing circuit 51 of the drawing unit 150 obtains the voltage value file (command voltage value list) input from the information processing unit 160 as the image signal D 输入 . According to the image signal D 输入, the signal processing circuit 51 synchronizes with the scanning operation of the X scanner unit 55 and generates an image signal corresponding to the characteristics such as the wavelength of a laser beam. In the generated image signal, the signal processing circuit 51 converts the image signal of a line corresponding to one scanning operation into a continuous signal that causes the laser beam to be continuously output over time. The signal processing circuit 51 outputs the projected image signal thus generated to the laser drive circuit 52 of the drawing unit 150.

[0243] For example, the projected image signal is a signal that causes each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C to continuously output a line of laser beam over time. For example, the projected image signal can be a signal that causes each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C to intermittently output a line of laser beam over time. However, when driving the laser elements with this projected image signal, the projected image signal at this time is a signal that causes the area corresponding to one line of the recording medium 20 to be continuously irradiated with a plurality of pulsed laser beams corresponding to one line.

[0244] The laser drive circuit 52 drives each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C of the light source unit 53 according to the projected image signal corresponding to each wavelength. At this time, for example, the laser drive circuit 52 causes at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc to be emitted from at least one of the light sources among the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C. Therefore, for example, at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc can be generated from at least one of the light sources among the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C.

[0245] At this time, in the case where the projected image signal is a signal that causes each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C to continuously output a laser beam corresponding to one line over time, for example, as Figure 18 shown in (A), a laser beam corresponding to one line that is continuous over time is output from at least one of the light sources among the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C. As a result, for example, as Figure 18 shown in (B), a linear drawing track can be formed on the recording medium 20.

[0246] Furthermore, in the case where the projected image signal is a signal that causes each of the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C to intermittently output a laser beam corresponding to one line over time, a plurality of pulsed laser beams corresponding to one line are intermittently output from at least one of the light sources among the laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C over time. At this time, as a result, for example, as Figure 19 shown in (B), a linear drawing track can be formed on the recording medium 20.

[0247] For example, in the case of developing the color of the colored layer 23, an emission wavelength λ having energy sufficient to make the layer 23 reach the coloring temperature is used. 1 The colored layer 23 is irradiated with a laser beam La of 100 nm. This causes the photothermal conversion agent included in the colored layer 23 to generate heat, and a coloring reaction (color-forming reaction) occurs between the colored compound and the developer or the reducing agent, resulting in coloring of, for example, yellow at the irradiated portion. Similarly, in the case of developing the color of the colored layer 25, an emission wavelength λ having energy sufficient to cause the colored layer 25 to reach the coloring temperature is used. 2 The colored layer 25 is irradiated with a laser beam Lb, resulting in the development of a color such as magenta in the irradiated area. In the case of coloring the colored layer 27, an emission wavelength λ having energy sufficient to cause the colored layer 27 to reach a coloring temperature is used. 3 The laser beam Lc of the wavelength of the corresponding wavelength irradiates the coloring layer 27, resulting in color development of, for example, cyan at the irradiated portion. Thus, a design or the like (for example, a full-color design or the like) can be recorded as a result of irradiating an arbitrary portion with infrared light of the corresponding wavelength.

[0248] The mechanism including the X scanner driving circuit 54, the X scanner section 55, the Y stage driving circuit 56, and the Y stage 57 functions as a scanning section that projects the laser beam Lm generated by the light source section 53 onto the surface of the recording medium 20. This mechanism allows drawing to be performed on the recording medium 20 by irradiating the surface of the recording medium with at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc generated by the light source section 52 and scanning at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc on the surface of the recording medium 20.

[0249] Preferably, the size and shape of the irradiation spot of the laser beam Lm prevent the high temperature region generated in and around the coloring layer 23 by the laser beam La included in the laser beam Lm from overlapping with the high temperature region generated in and around the coloring layer 25 by the laser beam Lb included in the laser beam Lm. In addition, preferably, the size and shape of the irradiation spot of the laser beam Lm prevent the high temperature region generated in and around the coloring layer 25 by the laser beam Lb included in the laser beam Lm from overlapping with the high temperature region generated in and around the coloring layer 27 by the laser beam Lc included in the laser beam Lm.

[0250] Next, the beam shape BP of each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc output from the drawing section 150 at the position of the recording medium 20 is described.

[0251] The beam shape BP was measured using a profiler “Model: NS2s-Pyro / 9 / 5-PRO” and application software “Nanoscan2 v2.” The conditions for measuring the beam shape BP of each laser beam by the profiler were as follows.

[0252] 1. The single-axis scanner 55a of the X scanner unit 55 is tilted to 45 degrees, and the center of the fθ lens 55b is adjusted to the position where the light beam passes through.

[0253] 2. The X-axis of the profiler is adjusted to match the scanning axis of the single-axis scanner 55a of the X scanner unit 55.

[0254] 3. The detector surface of the profiler is adjusted to record the height position of the recording medium 20.

[0255] 4. In order to stably measure the beam shape BP, when emitting the light beam, the XY position of the beam shape BP on the detector surface is adjusted to X 3000μm and Y 3000μm, and then the beam shape BP is measured.

[0256] The following are the configuration parameters of the application software.

[0257] ○ Parameters in the source tab

[0258] ■ Detection head_Scanning rate_10Hz_Sampling resolution_0.09μm

[0259] ■ Settings_Auto ROI

[0260] ○ Parameters in the profile tab

[0261] ■ Display_Auto ROI

[0262] ■ Scale_Linear_1x

[0263] ■ Horizontal scale_Auto adjust

[0264] ○ Parameters in the 2D / 3D tab

[0265] ■ Ratio_Linear

[0266] ■ Resolution_Medium

[0267] ■ Color palette_CSI Rainbow

[0268] ○ Parameters in the pointing tab

[0269] ■ Display_Cumulative

[0270] ■ Tracking_Centroid

[0271] ■ Indicator_Crosshair

[0272] ○ Parameters in the capture tab

[0273] ■ Capture mode_CW

[0274] ■ Frame average_Average_6_Scroll_3

[0275] ○ Parameters in the calculation tab

[0276] ■Beam width method_13.5%_50% (FWHM)_25%_50

[0277] ■Position_Centroid_Peak

[0278] ■Divergence / Numerical aperture_Divergence / NA_Lens

[0279] ○Parameters in the Power tab

[0280] ■Result_Total power

[0281] ○Parameters in the Chart tab

[0282] ■Time chart_f(x) width 13.5%

[0283] ○Parameters in the Log tab

[0284] ■Log rate_1.3 / sec

[0285] ○Parameters in the M2 tab

[0286] ■None

[0287] Figure 20 An embodiment of the beam shape BP is shown. The light source unit 53 generates each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc such that the beam shape of each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc at the position of the recording medium 20 satisfies the following relational expressions, and the major axis direction of the beam shape BP is parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc.

[0288] Ly×1.1 ≤ Lx < Ly×5.0

[0289] d×0.8 ≤ Ly ≤ d×1.3

[0290] Lx: The length of the beam shape BP in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc

[0291] Ly: The length of the beam shape BP in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc

[0292] d: Pixel size

[0293] Here, Lx indicates the width in the X-axis direction of the irradiation spot of the laser beam La, laser beam Lb, or laser beam Lc at the position of the recording medium 20 within the region having a value equal to or less than half of the peak power value. That is, Lx corresponds to half of the width in the X-axis direction of the irradiation spot of the laser beam La. Ly indicates the width in the Y-axis direction of the irradiation spot of the laser beam La, laser beam Lb, or laser beam Lc at the position of the recording medium 20 within the region having a value equal to or less than half of the peak power value. The size (beam size) of the irradiation spot can be measured using the above-described profiler and the above-described application software. It should be noted that the following beam size values are the values measured by the above-described profiler and the above-described application software. That is, Ly corresponds to half of the width in the Y-axis direction of the irradiation spot.

[0294] In addition, the pixel size d corresponds to the target line width and is expressed as 25400 / R (μm). Here, R is the target resolution (dpi) in the recording medium 20. For example, when the target resolution is 423 dpi, the pixel size d is 60 μm. In addition, for example, when the target resolution is 508 dpi, the pixel size d is 50 μm.

[0295] In order to make the drawn track have the target line width, the beam size (Ly) of the laser beam in the direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) needs to be -20% or more and +30% or less with respect to the pixel size d. When the beam size (Ly) is too small, the width of the drawn track becomes too narrow to achieve the desired optical density, or the laser power density becomes too high, resulting in burning of the coloring layer or causing unintended coloring (crosstalk) of adjacent layers. In addition, when the beam size (Ly) is too large, the laser power density decreases, resulting in a longer drawing cycle time or a thicker line width with respect to the pixel size, thereby causing deterioration of the image quality.

[0296] In addition, the beam size (Lx) of the laser beam in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) needs to be longer than the beam size (Ly) and be +110% or more and +500% or less with respect to the beam size (Lx). When the beam size (Lx) is too small, the laser power density becomes too high, resulting in burning of the coloring layer or causing unintended coloring (crosstalk) of adjacent layers. In addition, when the beam size (Lx) is too large, the laser power density decreases, making it difficult to obtain sufficient coloring without reducing the writing speed. Figure 21 The relationship between the beam size (Lx, Ly) and the drawing characteristics is outlined. When the beam size (Lx, Ly) satisfies the above relationship, drawing is fully achieved, and when the beam size (Lx, Ly) does not satisfy the above relationship, difficulties such as burning of the light-emitting layer, occurrence of crosstalk, or difficulty in obtaining the desired optical density occur.

[0297] Meanwhile, when each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc is generated in the light source unit 53 such that the major axis direction of the beam shape BP is parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc, the following problems occur with respect to the drawing characteristics of each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc. Specifically, for example, as Figure 22 shown, when the height (position in the height direction) of the irradiation surface (the surface of the recording medium 20) of each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc deviates from a predetermined height, the beam size (Ly) of the laser beam in the direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) fluctuates significantly. In terms of reducing fluctuations in image quality, this means that the drawing processing margin with respect to the position of the recording medium 20 is small.

[0298] Therefore, preferably, the light source unit 53 generates each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc to ensure a sufficient drawing processing margin. Specifically preferably, the light source unit 53 generates each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc such that the beam shape of each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc at the position of the recording medium 20 satisfies the above relationship, and the major axis of the beam shape BP is greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 20 degrees with respect to a line segment (X-axis) parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc. Figure 23 An embodiment of the beam shape BP at this time is shown. In Figure 23 it, θ corresponds to the angle between the major axis of the beam shape BP and a line segment (X-axis) parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc (hereinafter referred to as "beam rotation angle").

[0299] Figure 24 An embodiment showing the relationship between the height of the irradiation surface (the surface of the recording medium 20) and the beam size (Ly) when the beam rotation angle θ is 3 degrees is shown. Figure 24 It is shown that even when the height of the irradiation surface (the surface of the recording medium 20) of each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc deviates from a predetermined height, setting the beam rotation angle θ to 3 degrees suppresses significant fluctuations in the beam size (Ly). It should be noted that, for example, when the beam rotation angle θ is 0 degrees, the edge of the drawing locus DL has a semicircular shape, as shown in Figure 25 (A) of. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 25 (B) of, for example, when the beam rotation angle θ is greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 20 degrees, the edge of the drawing locus DL has a partial elliptical shape.

[0300] Figure 26 An embodiment showing the evaluation results of the image quality when tested under conditions 1 to 24 is shown. Figure 26The conditions described as "good" in [reference] show that the maximum OD value is 1.0 or more, crosstalk does not occur, and the DOF (depth of focus) is greater than 100 μm, 200 μm, 300 μm, or 500 μm. Figure 26 It shows that the DOF of the laser beams La, Lb, or Lc is large under "good" conditions. Therefore, it can be considered that the drawing processing margin for the position of the recording medium 20 is large.

[0301] Regarding Figure 26 the magnitude of the DOF in [reference], the conditions of Tests 11 - 15 where the DOF is greater than 200 (i.e., θ is 0.5 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less) are preferred. Additionally, the conditions of Tests 12 - 15 where the DOF is greater than 300 (i.e., θ is 1 degree or more and 20 degrees or less) are more preferred, and the conditions of Tests 12, 13, and 14 where the DOF is greater than 500 (i.e., θ is 1 degree or more and 10 degrees or less) are more preferred.

[0302] Next, a method for adjusting the beam rotation angle θ is described.

[0303] Figure 27 An embodiment of the optical configuration of the light source unit 53 is shown. The light source unit 53 includes a laser element 151, a collimator 152, and cylindrical lenses 153, 154, 155, or 156.

[0304] The laser element 151 is one of the above-described laser elements 53A, 53B, and 53C. The laser element 151 has an imaging relationship with the surface of the recording medium 20 as the irradiation surface. The laser element 151 has an oscillation wavelength of 860 nm, a emitter size of 150 μm, and a beam divergence angle (FWHM) of 36 degrees in the vertical direction (X direction) and 7 degrees in the horizontal direction (Y direction). For the light collection position in the X direction, the distance between the cylindrical lenses 155 and 156 is adjusted, and for the light collection position in the Y direction, the distance between the cylindrical lenses 153 and 154 is adjusted, so that the laser beam emitted from the laser element 151 is focused on the surface of the recording medium 20 as the irradiation surface.

[0305] Figure 28 An embodiment of the rotation angle is shown when the Z - axis is assumed to be the rotation axis in the case where the light source unit 53 includes the laser element 151, the collimator 152, and the cylindrical lenses 153, 154, 155, and 156. In Figure 28 [reference], in Embodiment 1, the laser element 151 is rotated - 2.3 degrees relative to the Z - axis, and in Embodiment 2, the cylindrical lens 154 is rotated + 0.7 degrees relative to the Z - axis and the cylindrical lens 156 is rotated + 0.7 degrees relative to the Z - axis. In Figure 28In Embodiment 3, the cylindrical lens 153 is rotated -3.0 degrees with respect to the Z-axis and the cylindrical lens 155 is rotated -1.0 degrees with respect to the Z-axis, and in Embodiment 4, the laser element 151 is rotated -2.0 degrees with respect to the Z-axis and the cylindrical lens 153 is rotated +1.0 degrees with respect to the Z-axis. In any of the embodiments, the beam rotation angle θ can be adjusted to a desired angle.

[0306] It should be noted that the relationship between the laser element 151 and the surface of the recording medium 20 as the irradiation surface may not be an imaging relationship. Even in such a case, the beam rotation angle θ can be adjusted to a desired angle.

[0307] Figure 29 Embodiments of a mechanism 157 for rotating the laser element 151 with respect to the Z-axis and an embodiment of a mechanism 158 for rotating the cylindrical lens 156 with respect to the Z-axis are shown. Both the mechanisms 157 and 158 are fixed to a base 159.

[0308] The mechanism 157 includes: a support portion 157a that is fixed to the base 159 and supports the laser element 151 via a position adjustment portion 157b described below; and a position adjustment portion 157b that is supported by the support portion 157a and is configured to adjust the position of the laser element 151. The mechanism 157 further includes: a housing fixing portion 157c that is fixed to the position adjustment portion 157b and is configured to fix the metal housing of the laser element 151; and a cap support portion 157d that is fixed to the housing fixing portion 157c and supports the metal cap of the laser element 151. The mechanism 157 further includes: a rotation angle adjuster 157e that is configured to adjust the rotation angle of the housing fixing portion 157c in the Z-axis direction; and a heat sink 157f that is fixed to the position adjuster 157b and is configured to dissipate heat emitted from the laser element 151. The position adjuster 157b has an opening 157g at a position corresponding to the pins of the laser element 151.

[0309] The mechanism 158 includes: a support portion 158a that is fixed to the base 159 and supports the cylindrical lens 156 via a position adjustment portion 158b described below; and a position adjustment portion 158b that is rotatably supported by the support portion 158a and is intended to adjust the position of the cylindrical lens 156. The cylindrical lens 156 is fixed to the position adjustment portion 158b. The mechanism 158 further includes a support portion 158c that is fixed to the support portion 158a while being separately arranged from the position adjuster 158b and supports a rotation angle adjuster 158d described below. The mechanism 158 further includes a rotation angle adjuster 158d that is rotatably supported by the support portion 158c and is intended to adjust the rotation angle of the cylindrical lens 156 in the Z-axis direction. The support portion 158a and the position adjustment portion 158b have an opening 158e at a position where the laser beam from the laser element 151 is projected through.

[0310] [Effect]

[0311] Next, the effects of the drawing system 100 are described.

[0312] In recent years, in order to improve security, it has been considered to provide a recording medium that allows any image to be drawn in a non-contact manner within various ID cards such as passports or driver's licenses. Currently, the main recording media commercialized for such applications are recording media that allow monochromatic drawing. It should be noted that, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 all disclose techniques for drawing an image on a recording medium using a laser beam.

[0313] At the same time, it is desired that the coloring of the recording medium further improves security. However, in the coloring of the recording medium, there are difficulties in low image quality and drawing cycle time compared with existing inkjet methods or thermal transfer methods.

[0314] However, in the present embodiment, at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc is generated so that the beam shape of at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc at the position of the recording medium 20 satisfies the above relational expression, and the major axis direction of the beam shape is parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam. Compared with the case where the beam shape is circular or square under the condition of the same beam power density or beam area, this makes it possible to suppress interference (crosstalk) in multiple coloring layers, ensure a wider color gamut, and further perform efficient drawing. As a result, a balance between high image quality and short cycle time can be achieved.

[0315] In addition, in the present embodiment, at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc is generated such that the beam shape of at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc at the position of the recording medium 20 satisfies the above relational expression, and the major axis direction of the beam shape is greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 20 degrees with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam. Compared with the case where the beam shape is circular or square under the condition of the same beam power density or beam area, this makes it possible to suppress interference (crosstalk) in multiple coloring layers, ensure a wider color gamut, and further perform efficient drawing. As a result, a balance between high image quality and short cycle time can be achieved. In addition, as a result of generating at least one of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc such that the beam shape in the major axis direction is greater than 0 degrees and equal to or less than 20 degrees with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam, the drawing processing margin for the position of the recording medium can also be increased.

[0316] <2. Variation Example>

[0317] Hereinafter, some variation examples of the drawing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0318] [Variation Example α]

[0319] In the drawing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the light source unit 53 can generate at least two of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc such that the beam shape of each of the at least two laser beams at the position of the recording medium 20 satisfies the above relational expression, and the major axis direction of the beam shape BP is parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc. Even in this case, an effect similar to that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0320] In addition, in the drawing device 100 according to the above embodiment, the light source unit 53 can generate each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc such that the beam shape of each of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc at the position of the recording medium 20 satisfies the above relational expression, and the major axis direction of the beam shape BP is parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc. Even in this case, an effect similar to that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0321] [Variation Example β]

[0322] In the drawing device 100 according to the above embodiment, for example, as Figure 30As shown, in a state where the irradiation spots generated by the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc are arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, the light source unit 53 can generate the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc so as to scan the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc on the surface of the recording medium 20. For example, as Figure 31 shown, the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc can be scanned in the X-axis direction at a predetermined interval in a direction orthogonal to the X-axis direction (Y-axis direction). Further, as Figure 32 shown, for example, the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc can be scanned in the X-axis direction at a predetermined interval in a direction obliquely intersecting the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0323] Here, in the dichroic mirror 53b, the spot at which the laser beam La is reflected and the spot that transmits through the laser beam Lb can overlap each other. In this case, the optical system is configured such that the optical axis of the laser beam La reflected by the dichroic mirror 53b and the optical axis of the laser beam Lb that transmits through the dichroic mirror 53b intersect at a predetermined angle.

[0324] Further, in the dichroic mirror 53b, the spot at which the laser beam La is reflected and the spot that transmits through the laser beam Lb can be offset from each other without completely overlapping. Further, in the dichroic mirror 53b, the spot at which the laser beam La is reflected and the spot that transmits through the laser beam Lb can be separated from each other. In these cases, the optical system can be configured such that the optical axis of the laser beam La reflected by the dichroic mirror 53b and the optical axis of the laser beam Lb that transmits through the dichroic mirror 53b intersect at a predetermined angle, or the optical system can be configured such that the optical axes are parallel to each other.

[0325] In the dichroic mirror 53c, the optical system is configured such that the spot that transmits through the laser beam La or the laser beam Lb and the spot at which the laser beam Lc is reflected are offset from each other without completely overlapping. In the dichroic mirror 53c, the spot that transmits through the laser beam La, the spot that transmits through the laser beam Lb, and the spot at which the laser beam Lc is reflected can be arranged to be gradually offset from each other in a predetermined direction. In the dichroic mirror 53c, the spot that transmits through the laser beam La, the spot that transmits through the laser beam Lb, and the spot at which the laser beam Lc is reflected can be arranged via a predetermined interval.

[0326] In these cases, the optical system may be configured such that the optical axes of the laser beams La transmitted through the dichroic mirror 53c, the optical axes of the laser beams Lb transmitted through the dichroic mirror 53c, and the optical axis of the laser beam Lc reflected by the dichroic mirror 53c intersect with each other at a predetermined angle. At this time, the light source unit 53 outputs the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc to the X scanner unit 55 in a state where the optical axes of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc are offset from each other, and at the same time outputs the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc to the X scanner unit 55 such that the optical axes of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc intersect with each other at a predetermined angle.

[0327] In addition, the optical system may be configured such that the optical axes of the laser beams La transmitted through the dichroic mirror 53c, the optical axes of the laser beams Lb transmitted through the dichroic mirror 53c, and the optical axis of the laser beam Lc reflected by the dichroic mirror 53c are parallel to each other. At this time, the light source unit 53 outputs the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc to the X scanner unit 55 in a state where the optical axes of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc are offset from each other, and at the same time outputs the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc to the X scanner unit 55 such that the optical axes of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc are parallel to each other via a predetermined interval.

[0328] In this modification, the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc are scanned on the surface of the recording medium 20 in a state where the irradiation spots generated by the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc are arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc. This makes it possible to achieve raster scanning while reducing the occurrence of thermal crosstalk.

[0329] [Modification γ]

[0330] Figure 33 A modification of the schematic configuration of the drawing system 100 according to the above-described embodiment is shown. In the above-described embodiment, raster scanning is achieved by scanning the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc in the X-axis direction by the X scanner unit 55 while moving the Y platform 57 in the Y-axis direction. However, in the above-described embodiment and its modifications, as Figure 33 and Figure 34 shown, for example, raster scanning can be achieved by using the XY scanner drive circuit 54A, the XY scanner unit 55A, and the fixed platform 57A instead of the X scanner drive circuit 54, the X scanner unit 55, the Y platform drive circuit 56, and the Y platform 57.

[0331] For example, the XY scanner drive circuit 54A drives the XY scanner unit 55A based on the control signal input from the signal processing circuit 51. Further, for example, when a signal regarding the irradiation angle of the following biaxial scanner 55c or the like is input from the XY scanner unit 55A, the XY scanner drive circuit 54A drives the XY scanner unit 55A based on this signal so that the irradiation angle becomes a desired irradiation angle.

[0332] For example, while moving the scan line in the Y-axis direction in a predetermined step, the XY scanner unit 55A scans the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc incident from the light source unit 53 in the X-axis direction on the surface of the recording medium 20. The XY scanner unit 55A includes, for example, a biaxial scanner 55c and an fθ lens 55b. The biaxial scanner 55c is, for example, a galvanometer mirror that scans the laser beams La, Lb, and Lc incident from the light source unit 53 in the X-axis direction on the surface of the recording medium 20 based on the drive signal input from the XY scanner drive circuit 54A, and moves the scan line in the Y-axis direction in a predetermined step. The fθ lens 55b converts the uniform rotational motion of the biaxial scanner 55c into the uniform linear motion of the light spot moving on the focal plane (the surface of the recording medium 20). The fixed platform 57A is a platform that simply supports the recording medium 20.

[0333] In this modification, the XY scanner unit 55A is configured to scan a plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc in the X-axis direction and move the scan lines of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc in the Y-axis direction in a predetermined step. This makes it possible to achieve raster scanning while reducing the occurrence of thermal crosstalk.

[0334] Further, in this modification, raster scanning is performed by scanning a plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc in the X-axis direction and moving the scan lines of the plurality of laser beams La, Lb, and Lc in the Y-axis direction in a predetermined step while the recording medium 20 is stationary. This makes it possible to achieve raster scanning while reducing the occurrence of thermal crosstalk.

[0335] Some embodiments, modifications, and application examples of the present disclosure have been specifically described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, modifications, and application examples, and various modifications are possible based on the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0336] For example, the configurations, methods, processes, shapes, materials, and numerical values mentioned in the above embodiments, modifications, and application examples are merely examples, and configurations, methods, processes, shapes, materials, and numerical values different from these can be used as appropriate. As long as the spirit of the present disclosure is not deviated from, the configurations, methods, processes, shapes, materials, and numerical values of the above embodiments, modifications, and application examples can be combined with each other.

[0337] In the numerical ranges gradually described in the above-described embodiments, modification examples, and application examples, the upper limit or lower limit of the numerical range for one step may be replaced by the upper limit or lower limit of the numerical range for another step. Unless otherwise specified, one of the materials shown in the above-described embodiments, modification examples, and application examples may be used alone or two or more materials may be used in combination.

[0338] Note that the effects described herein are merely examples. The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described herein. The present disclosure may have effects other than those described herein.

[0339] In addition, for example, the present disclosure may have the following configurations. (1)

[0341] A drawing device that performs drawing on a recording medium, in which a plurality of coloring layers are stacked via an intermediate layer in the recording medium, each of the plurality of coloring layers includes a coloring compound different from each other and a photothermal conversion agent different from each other, and the drawing device includes:

[0342] A light source unit that generates a plurality of laser beams, each laser beam having a different wavelength from each other, the wavelength corresponding to the absorption wavelength of the photothermal conversion agent; and

[0343] A scanning unit that irradiates the surface of the recording medium with the plurality of laser beams generated by the light source unit, and the scanning unit also scans the plurality of laser beams on the surface of the recording medium, where

[0344] The light source unit generates at least one laser beam among the plurality of laser beams so that the beam shape of at least one laser beam at the position of the recording medium satisfies the following relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam:

[0345] Ly×1.1≤Lx<Ly×5.0,

[0346] d×0.8≤Ly≤d×1.3,

[0347] Lx: The length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam,

[0348] Ly: The length of the beam shape in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the laser beam,

[0349] d: Pixel size. (2)

[0351] The drawing device according to (1), where

[0352] The light source unit generates at least two of a plurality of laser beams such that the beam shape at the position of the recording medium of the at least two laser beams satisfies a relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in a direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam. (3)

[0354] The drawing device according to (1), wherein

[0355] The light source unit generates each of the laser beams such that the beam shape of each of the laser beams at the position of the recording medium satisfies a relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in a direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam. (4)

[0357] The drawing device according to (1), wherein

[0358] The light source unit generates a plurality of laser beams such that the major axis direction of the beam shape is 0.5 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam. (5)

[0360] The drawing device according to (1), wherein

[0361] The light source unit generates a plurality of laser beams such that the major axis direction of the beam shape is 1 degree or more and 10 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam. (6)

[0363] The drawing device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a rotation mechanism, wherein

[0364] The light source unit includes a plurality of laser elements that generate a plurality of laser beams, and

[0365] The rotation mechanism rotates at least one of the plurality of laser elements, so that the beam shape of the laser beam generated by the at least one rotated laser element can be rotated in the major axis direction. (7)

[0367] The drawing device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0368] The scanning unit includes an optical system and a stage. The optical system scans a plurality of laser beams in a first direction, and the stage moves the recording medium in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. (8)

[0370] The drawing device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0371] The scanning unit includes an optical system that scans a plurality of laser beams in a first direction and moves the scanning lines of the plurality of laser beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction at a predetermined step. (9)

[0373] A drawing device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein

[0374] A light source unit generates a plurality of laser beams to scan the plurality of laser beams on the surface of a recording medium, and the plurality of laser beams are scanned in a state where the irradiation spots generated by the plurality of laser beams are arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the plurality of laser beams. (10)

[0376] A method of forming a drawing object by performing drawing on a recording medium, in which a plurality of colored layers are stacked via an intermediate layer in the recording medium, and each of the plurality of colored layers includes a different coloring compound and a different photothermal conversion agent from each other. The method includes:

[0377] Generating a plurality of laser beams, each having a different wavelength corresponding to the absorption wavelength of the photothermal conversion agent; and

[0378] Performing drawing on the recording medium by irradiating the surface of the recording medium with the plurality of laser beams generated by the light source unit and also by scanning the plurality of laser beams on the surface of the recording medium; wherein,

[0379] Generating the plurality of laser beams includes: generating at least one of the plurality of laser beams such that the beam shape of the at least one laser beam at the position of the recording medium satisfies the following relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam:

[0380] Ly×1.1≤Lx<Ly×5.0,

[0381] d×0.8≤Ly≤d×1.3,

[0382] Lx: The length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam,

[0383] Ly: The length of the beam shape in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the laser beam,

[0384] d: Pixel size.

[0385] In a drawing device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and a method of forming a drawn object according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of a plurality of laser beams is generated such that a beam shape of at least one of the plurality of laser beams at a position of a recording medium satisfies the foregoing relationship, and a length of the beam shape in a direction parallel to a scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam. Compared with a case where the beam shape is circular or square under the condition of the same beam power density or beam area, this makes it possible to suppress interference (crosstalk) in a plurality of colored layers, ensure a wider color gamut, and further perform efficient drawing. As a result, a balance between high quality and short cycle time can be achieved.

[0386] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP2022-171761, filed with the Japan Patent Office on Oct. 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0387] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors, as long as they are within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drawing device that performs drawing on a recording medium, in which a plurality of coloring layers are stacked via an intermediate layer in the recording medium, and each of the plurality of coloring layers includes a coloring compound different from each other and a photothermal conversion agent different from each other. The drawing device comprises: a light source unit that generates a plurality of laser beams, each laser beam having a different wavelength from each other, and the wavelength corresponding to the absorption wavelength of the photothermal conversion agent; and a scanning unit that irradiates the surface of the recording medium with the plurality of laser beams generated by the light source unit, and the scanning unit also scans the plurality of laser beams on the surface of the recording medium, wherein the light source unit generates at least one of the plurality of laser beams such that the beam shape of the at least one laser beam at the position of the recording medium satisfies the following relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam: Ly×1.1≤Lx<Ly×5.0, d×0.8≤Ly≤d×1.3, Lx: the length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam, Ly: the length of the beam shape in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the laser beam, d: the pixel size.

2. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit generates at least two of the plurality of laser beams such that the beam shapes of the at least two laser beams at the position of the recording medium satisfy the relational expression, and the length of the beam shapes in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam.

3. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit generates each of the laser beams such that the beam shape of each of the laser beams at the position of the recording medium satisfies the relational expression, and the length of the beam shape in the direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam.

4. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit generates the plurality of laser beams such that the major axis direction of the beam shape is 0.5 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam.

5. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit generates the plurality of laser beams such that the major axis direction of the beam shape is 1 degree or more and 10 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam.

6. The drawing device according to claim 1, further comprising a rotation mechanism, wherein the light source unit includes a plurality of laser elements that generate the plurality of laser beams, and the rotation mechanism rotates at least one of the plurality of laser elements, so that the beam shape of the laser beam generated by the at least one rotated laser element can be rotated in the major axis direction.

7. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein The scanning unit includes an optical system and a stage. The optical system scans the plurality of laser beams in a first direction, and the stage moves the recording medium in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

8. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein, the scanning unit includes an optical system that scans the plurality of laser beams in a first direction and moves the scanning lines of the plurality of laser beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction by a predetermined step.

9. The drawing device according to claim 1, wherein, the light source unit generates the plurality of laser beams so that the plurality of laser beams are scanned on the surface of the recording medium, and the plurality of laser beams are scanned in a state where the irradiation spots generated by the plurality of laser beams are arranged at a predetermined interval in a direction intersecting the scanning direction of the plurality of laser beams.

10. A method of forming a drawing object by performing drawing on a recording medium, wherein a plurality of colored layers are stacked in the recording medium via an intermediate layer, and each of the plurality of colored layers includes a different coloring compound and a different photothermal conversion agent from each other. The method comprises: generating a plurality of laser beams, each having a different wavelength corresponding to the absorption wavelength of the photothermal conversion agent; and performing drawing on the recording medium by irradiating the surface of the recording medium with the plurality of laser beams generated by the light source unit and also by scanning the plurality of laser beams on the surface of the recording medium; wherein, generating the plurality of laser beams includes: generating at least one of the plurality of laser beams so that the beam shape of the at least one laser beam at the position of the recording medium satisfies the following relational expressions, and the length of the beam shape in a direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam is 0 degrees or more and 20 degrees or less with respect to the scanning direction of the laser beam: Ly×1.1≤Lx<Ly×5.0, d×0.8≤Ly≤d×1.3, Lx: the length of the beam shape in a direction parallel to the scanning direction of the laser beam, Ly: the length of the beam shape in a direction orthogonal to the scanning direction of the laser beam, d: pixel size.

Images