Information recorded body and method for manufacturing information recorded body

Abstract

To provide an information recorded body which enables a user to identify a position of a code, and which prevents copying of a code and unauthorized reading of a code, and a method for manufacturing the information recorded body.SOLUTION: An information recorded body 30 is provide in which a code image 31 formed by first ink including infrared ray absorption material and a pattern image 32 formed by second ink not including infrared ray absorption material are arranged on a sheet of paper 11. In the information recorded body 30, the code image 31 constitutes a specific code, the pattern image 32 is provided in at least a part of a position which does not overlap the code image 31 on the sheet of paper 11, and the pattern image 32 constitutes a pattern which blocks visual confirmation of the specific code.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information recording medium and a method for manufacturing an information recording medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and the like have been used for various purposes. The purposes for which the codes are used are becoming more diverse because the codes can be easily read from images captured by, for example, a camera on a mobile terminal. On the other hand, there is an emerging need to prevent malicious individuals from illegally duplicating or illegally reading the codes.

[0003] As a technology for preventing such fraudulent activities regarding codes, for example, a document with a two-dimensional code is disclosed, which comprises: a two-dimensional code formed on a substrate by thermal printing with a thermal head and readable with light of a specific wavelength; and a concealing solid print layer formed on the two-dimensional code and made of a color material that does not absorb light of the specific wavelength; and as a means for avoiding a state in which the symbol shape of the two-dimensional code becomes visually visible from above the concealing solid print layer due to the influence of thermal abrasion of the thermal head when the two-dimensional code is thermally printed on the substrate with the thermal head, the document has first and second camouflage print layers on the concealing solid print layer, the first camouflage print layer being printed with a color material that does not absorb light of the specific wavelength, and the second camouflage print layer being formed on the first camouflage print layer and printed with a transparent matte color material (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5754848 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The document with a two-dimensional code described in Patent Document 1 is designed to prevent the symbol shape of the two-dimensional code from being visually visible through the concealing solid print layer. In a state where the presence or absence of such a two-dimensional code cannot be visually confirmed, there is a possibility that a user who does not know that the document has a two-dimensional code cannot read the code using a code reader or the like. This structure is particularly problematic when it is desired to have the user read the code.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information recording medium that allows a user to specify the position of a code and prevents duplication of the code and unauthorized reading of the code, and a method for manufacturing the information recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention solves the above problems by the following solving means. The first invention is an information recording medium having a first ink portion formed by a first ink containing an infrared absorbing material and a second ink portion formed by a second ink not containing an infrared absorbing material arranged on a substrate, wherein the first ink portion constitutes a specific code, and the second ink portion is provided in at least a portion of a position on the substrate that does not overlap the first ink portion and constitutes a pattern that obstructs the visibility of the specific code. A second invention is the information recording medium of the first invention, wherein the second ink portion is formed in the same color as or a similar color to the first ink portion. A third invention is an information recording medium according to the second invention, wherein the first ink portion is formed in black, and the second ink portion is formed in black or a color similar to black. A fourth invention is an information recording body which is any of the information recording bodies of the first to third inventions, wherein the pattern of the second ink portion imitates a code which is different from the specific code. The fifth invention is an information recording body which is any of the information recording bodies of the first to third inventions, wherein the pattern of the second ink portion is a character pattern arranged continuously. A sixth invention is an information recording medium according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, wherein the first ink is carbon black ink, and the first ink portion is formed as a halftone dot or solid having a dot area ratio of 60% or more. The seventh invention is an information recording medium according to any one of the first to sixth inventions, wherein the second ink area is formed by a halftone dot or solid having a dot area ratio of 70% or more. An eighth invention is an information recording medium according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the specific code is a two-dimensional code. The ninth invention is a method for manufacturing any of the information recording bodies of the first to eighth inventions, comprising a plate making step in which a printing device creates plate data having the specific code and the pattern on the same plane, and a printing step in which a printing device prints the information recording body on the substrate based on the plate data created by the plate making step. A tenth invention is a manufacturing method according to the ninth invention, in which the printing device is a printer using electrophotographic technology, and the printing step uses the first ink, which is a K (black) colorant, and the second ink, which is a combination of YMC (yellow, magenta, cyan) colorants, to print the inks of each colorant in sequence on top of each other. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information recording medium that allows a user to specify the position of a code and prevents duplication of the code and unauthorized reading of the code, and a method for manufacturing the information recording medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a printed matter according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2]1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of images on an information recording medium according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the density of each image constituting the information recording medium according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating a manufacturing process for the information recording medium according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing examples of how an information recording medium according to the present embodiment appears depending on the environment. [Figure 6] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing other example images of the information recording medium according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this example. (Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a printed matter 10 according to this embodiment. The figures shown below, including FIG. 1, are schematic diagrams, and the size and shape of each part are exaggerated or omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding. In the following description, specific numerical values, shapes, materials, etc. are given, but these can be changed as appropriate.

[0011] <Printed material 10> The printed matter 10 shown in FIG. 1(A) is, for example, a ticket such as an admission ticket. 1(A) shows a plan view of a printed matter 10 viewed downward from above in the vertical direction Z. The printed matter 10 itself has, for example, monetary value, but a copy (duplicate) of the printed matter 10 has no monetary value. The printed matter 10 comprises paper 11 (substrate) and an information recording medium 30.

[0012] The paper 11 is a base material that forms the basis of the printed matter 10, and is, for example, white paper. The paper 11 is not limited to white paper, and may be any paper that has a flat surface that can support a printed image, and may be, for example, fine paper, coated paper, tack paper, plastic card, film, etc. The paper 11 is also not limited to being white. In this example, the printed image on the printed matter 10 is related to the contents of the ticket, and is used to confirm that the ticket is genuine and not a copy.

[0013] The front side of the paper 11, that is, the upper side in the Z direction, has an information recording medium 30. The information recording medium 30 has an image printed thereon that can obtain information such as a code used for authenticity determination, for example, by printing with a printer using electrophotographic technology such as a toner printer. The information recording medium 30 is such that the image that is seen changes depending on whether it is irradiated with visible light or infrared light.

[0014] <Layer structure of information recording medium 30> Fig. 1(B) is a partial schematic diagram of a cross section in the XX direction in Fig. 1(A), showing a cross section of the printed matter 10 as seen from the front in the Y direction. As shown in Fig. 1(B), the information recording body 30 has a printing layer 33 that forms a code image 31 (first ink part) and a pattern image 32 (second ink part) on a paper 11. The printing layer 33 has the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 on the same plane. In other words, the printing layer 33 has a layer configuration formed such that the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 are adjacent to each other but do not overlap. Furthermore, in the printing layer 33, areas that do not have either the code image 31 or the pattern image 32 are not printed.

[0015] <Image example of information recording medium 30> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image on the information recording medium 30 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2(A), a code image 31 that is a part of an information recording medium 30 is an image of a two-dimensional code (specific code) such as a QR code (registered trademark). Moreover, the pattern image 32, which is a part of the information recording medium 30, is a camouflage image that obstructs the visibility of the code image 31 when it is irradiated with visible light, that is, when observed in a normal environment. In this example, the pattern image 32 is an image of a pattern that imitates a two-dimensional code. In this example, both the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 are square, and the size of the pattern image 32 is slightly smaller than the size of the code image 31.

[0016] The code image 31 and the pattern image 32 are on the same plane, but FIG. 2(A) shows them separated vertically so that the image contents of the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 can be easily understood. This example shows a mode in which the code image 31 is formed on the pattern image 32. When manufacturing the information recording body 30, the pattern of the pattern image 32 at the position of the cell of the code image 31 that constitutes black is erased so that the pattern of the pattern image 32 is not present at the position of the cell. In this way, the information recording body 30 has the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 on the same plane without overlapping in the same cell. Here, a cell refers to a quadrangle that is the smallest unit that constitutes a two-dimensional code, and is a different concept from a pixel. 2(A) is merely an example. The pattern image 32 may be formed on the code image 31, and the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 are actually formed at the same time (described later).

[0017] Fig. 2(B) shows the information recording medium 30 in a state where it is irradiated with visible light. In the information recording medium 30 shown in Fig. 2(B), even if the colors of the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 are slightly different, it is difficult to strictly distinguish between the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 when it is irradiated with visible light. Furthermore, when an attempt is made to read the code image 31 from this information recording medium 30 using a code reader, the pattern image 32 prevents the reading of the code image 31, and the code image 31 cannot be read. Note that the code reader in the present invention refers to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code reading system installed as a standard application on a commonly used smartphone, or a reader that does not use infrared light for reading.

[0018] <Configuration of each image on the information recording medium 30> Next, the configuration of each image on the information recording medium 30 will be described. For example, a printer 5 (printing device, described later) using electrophotography is used to manufacture the information recording medium 30. The code image 31 and the pattern image 32 of the information recording medium 30 are formed by, for example, toner. For example, a toner (first ink) of a black (K) color material is used for the code image 31. The toner forming the code image 31 includes an infrared absorbing material, and is, for example, a toner represented by carbon black.

[0019] On the other hand, for example, a combination of toners (second inks) of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) color materials is used for the pattern image 32. The toners forming the pattern image 32 do not contain infrared absorbing materials. The toners forming the pattern image 32 can be created by combining toners (second inks) of YMC (yellow, magenta, cyan) color materials, and are the same color or a similar color to the code image 31. More specifically, the pattern image 32 is black or a color similar to black that can be created using two or more color materials. Here, black is, for example, the range of black defined in the Japanese Industrial Standard "JIS Z8102:2001 Color Names of Object Colors." The toner for forming the pattern image 32 may be other than YMC (yellow, magenta, cyan) toner containing color materials of colors other than black (for example, green, red, blue, etc.).

[0020] Non-metallic gloss toner without metallic gloss is used for both the code image 31 and the pattern image 32. The volume average particle size of the toner used to form the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 is not particularly limited, and may be in a general range (for example, a range of about 3 μm to 8 μm). The toner contains at least a binder resin such as polyester resin or styrene acrylic resin, and a coloring material such as a pigment or dye, and may further contain a release agent as necessary to accommodate oil-less fixing. The toner may also contain various internal and external additives such as a charge control agent. Furthermore, any toner produced by a known production method, such as a dry production method such as a kneading and grinding method or a wet production method such as an emulsion polymerization aggregation method, may be used without any restrictions.

[0021] Next, regarding the printing of the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 which form the information recording medium 30 shown in FIG. 2(B), the printing conditions in which the area that can conceal the background is expressed as a percentage will be referred to as the area rate, and in particular, the case in which the background can be concealed by halftone dots will be described as the dot area rate. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the density of each image constituting the information recording medium 30 according to this embodiment. Image I shown in Fig. 3 is an irregular pattern image in this example, and shows the change in image with respect to the dot area ratio. Fig. 3 also shows enlarged images of image I, image I1 with a dot area ratio of 60%, image I2 with a dot area ratio of 70%, and image I3 with a dot area ratio of 100%.

[0022] Images I suitable for the code image 31 range from image I1 with a dot area ratio of 60% to image I3 with a dot area ratio of 100%. Image I3 with a dot area ratio of 100% is also called a solid image. The code image 31 is a two-dimensional code and needs to be read by a code reader. Therefore, it is desirable for the image I to have a dot area ratio of 60% or more. On the other hand, images I suitable for the pattern image 32 range from image I2 with a dot area ratio of 70% to image I3 with a dot area ratio of 100%. Since the pattern image 32 visually obstructs the code image 31, a low dot area ratio reduces the obstructing effect. Therefore, the obstructing effect is greater when the dot area ratio of the pattern image 32 is higher than that of the code image 31. As will be described later, a code reader cannot read the pattern image 32 when irradiated with infrared light, so there is no problem even if the dot area ratio of the pattern image 32 is high.

[0023] Furthermore, if the difference in dot area rate between the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 exceeds 35%, the difference in color becomes large to the naked eye, making it easy to visually recognize the difference between the code image 31 and the pattern image 32. Therefore, it is preferable that the difference in dot area rate between the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 is in the range of 35% or less. Note that if the difference in dot area rate between the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 is 35% to 55%, the inhibitory effect of the pattern image 32 on the code image 31 can function.

[0024] Incidentally, the printing of the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 has been described using an example of an irregular pattern image such as an FM screen as shown in Fig. 3, but is not limited to this. For example, other irregular pattern images or regular pattern images such as dots may be used.

[0025] <Manufacturing process of information recording medium 30> The process of manufacturing the information recording medium 30 by the printer 5 using electrophotographic technology will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the information recording medium 30 according to this embodiment. The printer 5, in this example, is the internal structure of a toner printer using electrophotographic technology. The printer 5 uses a charging roll 51, a photosensitive drum 52, and a developing roll 53 to align the yellow pattern 42Y, the magenta pattern 42M, and the cyan pattern 42C that constitute the pattern picture 42 with the code pattern 41 on the intermediate transfer belt 54 to form the pattern 43. The code pattern 41 is formed in black (black, K). At this point, the intermediate transfer belt 54, which is circulated by three driving rolls, is aligned with four colors of YMCK, and has a layered pattern 43 with the yellow pattern 42Y in the bottom layer and the code pattern 41 in the top layer. However, there is no overlapping portion between the code pattern 41 and the pattern picture 42. By editing the data during data creation so that there is no overlapping portion between the code pattern 41 and the pattern picture 42, such a pattern 43 can be easily created. Also, when yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) are aligned and layered, the pattern 42 is observed to be black or a color similar to black, which is created using two or more color materials. If you want the pattern 42 to express only the yellow pattern 42Y, you can set it so that magenta (M) and cyan (C) are not printed.

[0026] The printer 5 then transfers the pattern 43 to the paper 11 with the secondary transfer roll 55, thereby forming a pattern 44 (information recording body) on the paper 11. The paper 11 has the code pattern 41 on the front side of the paper 11, and the pattern pattern 42 on top of the code pattern 41, resulting in a pattern 44. However, there is no overlap between the code pattern 41 and the pattern pattern 42. The printer 5 then applies heat to the paper 11 with the pattern 44 on it with the fixing belt 56, and applies pressure with the pressure roll 57, thereby fixing the pattern 44 to the paper 11. Although not shown, the intermediate transfer belt 54 after the transfer of the image 43 has been designed to be washed midway through the process in order to repeatedly form the image 43. By wiping off or removing any dirt left behind after the transfer of the image 43, the intermediate transfer belt 54 can be repeatedly manufactured while being kept clean.

[0027] <Reading the information recording medium 30> As described above, the information recording medium 30 presents a different image when irradiated with visible light and when irradiated with infrared light. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of how the information recording medium 30 according to this embodiment appears depending on the environment. 5(A) shows the information recording medium 30 when viewed in a normal environment where visible light is irradiated. Both the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 are visible in the information recording medium 30. The code image 31 and the pattern image 32 are formed in the same color or in a similar color. When this information recording medium 30 is read by a code reader, the pattern image 32 obstructs the code image 31. Therefore, the code reader cannot read the code from the code image 31.

[0028] 5(B) shows the information recording medium 30 displayed in the finder 79 when the infrared camera 7 is irradiating it with infrared rays. The pattern image 32 is formed from toner that does not contain infrared absorbing material. Therefore, when irradiated with infrared rays, the infrared camera 7 cannot observe the pattern image 32. On the other hand, the code image 31 is formed from toner that contains infrared absorbing material. Therefore, when irradiated with infrared rays, the infrared camera 7 can observe the code image 31. And, since the infrared camera 7 captures only the code image 31, it can read the code from the code image 31. By utilizing this principle, by photographing the information recording medium 30 with an infrared camera 7, it is possible to obtain only the code image 31 from the information recording medium 30, and by reading the code from the code image 31, processing corresponding to the code can be performed.

[0029] <Reproduction of printed matter 10> Next, in order to demonstrate that the information recording medium 30 can be used to determine authenticity, a case in which the printed matter 10 is reproduced will be described. A copy of the printed matter 10 made by a copy machine has a printed matter corresponding to the information recording body 30 at a position (see FIG. 1(A)) corresponding to the information recording body 30 of the printed matter 10. In a copy machine, normal light (visible light) is irradiated onto the information recording body 30 to generate a printed matter. Therefore, the printed matter has a composite image of the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 of the information recording body 30. The printed matter also has a layer containing, for example, a general black ink containing carbon, or a colored ink containing a general black ink containing carbon even in the case of a color copy. And the general black ink containing carbon contains an infrared absorbing material. Therefore, when the printed matter is photographed by the infrared camera 7, a composite image is displayed in the finder 79. Therefore, when the printed matter is photographed by the infrared camera 7, only the code image 31 cannot be observed, and therefore, when the printed matter is used for authenticity judgment, it can be judged to be a fake.

[0030] <Other image examples of the information recording medium 30> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of an image on the information recording medium 30 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining that the information recording medium 30-2 is composed of a code image 31-2 and a pattern image 32-2. The code image 31-2 is an image of a two-dimensional code (specific code) such as a QR code (registered trademark). On the other hand, the pattern image 32-2 is an image of a pattern in which character patterns are arranged consecutively. In this example, the character string "ABCDE" is arranged consecutively. In this example, both the code image 31-2 and the pattern image 32-2 are square-shaped, but the size of the pattern image 32 is larger than the size of the code image 31.

[0031] Fig. 6(B) shows the information recording medium 30-2 in a state where it is irradiated with visible light. In the information recording medium 30-2 shown in Fig. 6(B), even if the code image 31-2 and the pattern image 32-2 are slightly different in color, it is difficult to strictly distinguish between them when irradiated with visible light. Furthermore, when an attempt is made to read the code image 31-2 from this information recording medium 30-2 using a code reader, the pattern image 32-2 prevents the code image 31-2 from being read, and the code image 31-2 cannot be read.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects are obtained. (1) The information recording medium 30 is formed from a toner containing an infrared absorbing material, and a code image 31 constituting a two-dimensional code and a pattern image 32 formed from a toner not containing an infrared absorbing material are arranged on a sheet of paper 11, and the pattern image 32 is provided in at least a portion of a position that does not overlap the code image 31, forming a pattern that obstructs the visibility of the two-dimensional code. Therefore, when irradiated with infrared rays, only the code image 31 formed with the toner containing the infrared absorbing material can be observed. When irradiated with normal visible light, the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 can be observed, but only the code image 31 cannot be observed. Furthermore, the pattern image 32 is configured not to overlap the code image 31, which prevents overpainting and reduces the amount of toner used. Also, since color mixing is suppressed, the printer 5 is less susceptible to restrictions and limitations.

[0033] (2) The pattern image 32 is formed in the same color or a similar color as the code image 31. If the code image 31 is formed in black, the pattern image 32 is formed in black or a color similar to black. Therefore, in a printed copy of the information recording medium 30 made using a copy machine or the like, the code image 31 alone cannot be read even when exposed to infrared light, and therefore the information recording medium 30 can be used to determine its authenticity.

[0034] (3) The pattern image 32 is a pattern that imitates a code different from the code image 31. Therefore, when the information recording medium 30 is observed under irradiation with visible light, both the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 can be seen. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the position where the code is printed. Moreover, since the pattern image 32 obstructs the code image 31 in the information recording medium 30, the code of the code image 31 cannot be mechanically read by a code reader that does not have an infrared camera or infrared illumination. Moreover, since the pattern image 32 is merely a pattern that imitates a code, it can be made unreadable by a code reader regardless of the presence or absence of an infrared camera or infrared illumination. Moreover, compared to an image formed to cover the entire surface of the code image 31, the pattern image 32 can reduce the area that conceals the code image 31, thereby reducing the amount of toner used.

[0035] (4) Pattern image 32-2 is a pattern in which character patterns are arranged continuously. Therefore, when the information recording medium 30-2 is observed under irradiation with visible light, the code of the code image 31-2 can be seen, making it easy for the user to grasp the position where the code is printed. Moreover, in the information recording medium 30-2, the pattern image 32-2 obstructs the code image 31-2, so that the code of the code image 31-2 cannot be mechanically read by a code reader without an infrared camera or infrared illumination. On the other hand, the pattern image 32-2 can further obstruct the visual recognition of the code image 31-2.

[0036] (5) The code image 31 is formed using carbon black toner and is formed as a halftone dot or solid with a halftone dot area ratio of 60% or more. Therefore, when the code image 31 is irradiated with infrared rays, it is possible to read the code image 31 with a code reader.

[0037] (6) The pattern image 32 is formed with halftone dots or solids having a halftone dot area ratio of 70% or more. Therefore, when exposed to visible light, the pattern image 32 can obstruct the code image 31.

[0038] (7) The code image 31 is a two-dimensional code image, so that the code can be easily read using a general code reader.

[0039] (8) The printer 5 creates a pattern 43 having a code pattern 41 and a pattern 42 on the same plane, and transfers the pattern 43 to the paper 11, thereby forming a pattern 44 on the paper 11. The printer 5 uses electrophotographic technology and produces a pattern 43 by overlapping a code pattern 41, which is a K (black) color material, and a pattern pattern 42, which is a combination of YMC (yellow, magenta, cyan) color materials, in that order. Therefore, the information recording medium 30 having the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 on the same plane can be formed on the paper 11 using the printer 5. In addition, since the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 are on the same plane, they can be formed in a single printing process.

[0040] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. The above-mentioned embodiments and the modified forms described below can be used in appropriate combination, but detailed description will be omitted.

[0041] (Variations) (1) In this embodiment, the code image 31 is described as an example of a two-dimensional code image such as a QR code (registered trademark), but is not limited to this. It may be a two-dimensional code other than a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, or any other code. (2) In the present embodiment, the pattern image 32 has been described as an image imitating a two-dimensional code or an image in which character patterns are arranged continuously, but is not limited to these. Any other pattern may be used as long as it is a pattern that obstructs the visibility of the code image when irradiated with visible light and allows the user to recognize the presence of the code image.

[0042] (3) In the present embodiment, the pattern image 32 is slightly smaller than the code image 31, and conversely, the pattern image 32-2 is slightly larger than the code image 31-2, but the present invention is not limited to this. The pattern image may be the same size as the code image, or the code image and the pattern image may protrude from each other as long as they are formed on the same plane in some areas.

[0043] (4) In the present embodiment, the printer 5 using electrophotography is used to form the code image 31 and the pattern image 32 with toner, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a printer such as an inkjet printer may be used to print (form) the code image and the pattern image with ink. Even in this case, the ink for forming the code image must be made of a material that contains an infrared absorbing material, and the ink for forming the pattern image must be made of a material that does not contain an infrared absorbing material.

[0044] (5) In this embodiment, the printed matter 10 having the information recording medium 30 has been described using a ticket such as an admission ticket as an example, but is not limited to this. As long as the printed matter 10 has an information recording medium, it may be, for example, a card used in a game, a sticker-like label, or may be used for a coupon or securities. In addition, the printed matter 10 is not limited to a medium having an information recording medium, and may be a booklet having an information recording medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 5. Printers 7. Infrared Camera 10 Printed matter 11 Paper 30,30-2 Information recording body 31,31-2 Code image 32,32-2 Pattern image 33 Printing layer 41 Code design 42 Pattern design 43,44 Picture 79 Finder

Claims

1. An information recording medium comprising a first ink portion formed by a first ink containing an infrared absorbing material and a second ink portion formed by a second ink not containing an infrared absorbing material, the information recording medium being disposed on a substrate, The first ink portion forms a specific code, The second ink portion is provided in at least a portion of the base material at a position that does not overlap the first ink portion, and forms a pattern that obstructs the visibility of the specific code.

2. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, An information recording medium, wherein the second ink portion is formed in the same color as or a similar color to the first ink portion.

3. 3. The information recording medium according to claim 2, The first ink portion is formed in black, The second ink portion is formed in black or a color similar to black.

4. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, An information recording medium, wherein the pattern of the second ink portion imitates a code different from the specific code.

5. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, The pattern of the second ink portion is an information recording medium in which character patterns are continuously arranged.

6. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, the first ink is a carbon black ink; The first ink portion is formed of a halftone dot or a solid having a halftone dot area ratio of 60% or more.

7. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, The second ink portion is formed of a halftone dot or a solid having a halftone dot area ratio of 70% or more.

8. 2. The information recording medium according to claim 1, The specific code is a two-dimensional code.

9. A method for producing the information recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: The printing device is a plate creating step of creating plate data having the specific code and the pattern on the same plane; a printing step of printing the information recording medium on the base material based on the plate data created in the plate creating step; A manufacturing method comprising:

10. The method according to claim 9, the printing device is a printer using electrophotography; The printing step is a manufacturing method in which the first ink, which is a K (black) colorant, and the second ink, which is a combination of YMC (yellow, magenta, cyan) colorants, are printed in sequence on top of each other.

Images