Air-filled body, performance toy with air-filled body, and method of manufacturing air-filled body
By using a transparent elastic substrate and a light-shielding underlayer to protect the identification information layer inside the air inclusion body, the challenges of accurately reading identification information on air-enclosed bodies are addressed, enhancing reading accuracy and preventing deformation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023145391
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-07
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies face challenges in accurately reading identification information on air-enclosed bodies, particularly when the information is printed on stretchable sheets that deform when air is sealed inside, leading to potential erroneous recognition by optical reading devices.
The air inclusion body is formed from a sheet with identification information, featuring a transparent elastic substrate, an identification information layer, and a light-shielding underlayer. The configuration ensures that the identification information layer is protected from deformation and wear by being positioned inside the transparent substrate, while the underlayer covers it from the inside, maintaining accuracy even when the sheet extends.
This configuration significantly improves the accuracy of reading identification information on air-enclosed bodies, preventing deformation and wear, and ensuring precise recognition even with high-density, ultra-small dot patterns.
Smart Images

Figure 2025038651000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an air-inclusion body, a performance toy including an air-inclusion body, and a method for manufacturing an air-inclusion body, and in particular to an air-inclusion body formed from a sheet on which identification information is provided, the identification information being readable by an optical reading device when air is enclosed inside, an air-inclusion body, and a method for manufacturing an air-inclusion body. [Background technology]
[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a technique for reading identification information printed on the surface of a medium to be read, such as a picture book, and outputting data corresponding to the identification information. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic system that uses an optical reader to read an invisible dot pattern provided on the surface of a picture book, which serves as a reading medium, and outputs a sound corresponding to the dot pattern. In the picture book, which serves as a reading medium, a dot pattern is printed in ink that absorbs infrared rays, along with illustrations printed in ink that does not absorb infrared rays. The dot pattern is printed with dots of very fine particle size so as not to interfere with the illustrations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-166177 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In Patent Document 1, identification information is formed on a flat reading medium such as a picture book. However, when a vinyl body made of a stretchable sheet and having a three-dimensional shape due to the inclusion of air is used as the reading medium, the sheet surface stretches when air is inflated into the vinyl body. Therefore, by sealing air in the vinyl body, the identification information formed on the surface of the sheet may be deformed, and there is a risk that the identification information may not be accurately recognized by an optical reader. In particular, when identification information such as a very small dot pattern that can be arranged at high density due to the high precision of printing technology is formed on the vinyl body, there is a risk of erroneous recognition of the identification information.
[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide an air-inclusion body that can improve the reading accuracy of identification information provided on a reading medium containing air, a performance toy that includes an air-inclusion body, and a method for manufacturing an air-inclusion body. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The above problem is solved by the air inclusion of the present invention, which is formed from a sheet on which identification information is provided, and which can be read by an optical reading device when air is enclosed inside, the sheet having a transparent base material having elasticity, an identification information layer provided on the transparent base material and on which the identification information is formed, and a base layer provided on the identification information layer, formed from a light-blocking ink, and covering at least the area on which the identification information is formed, and the air inclusion is formed so that the transparent base material forms an outer surface and the base layer forms an inner surface.
[0007] According to the above-mentioned configuration, by covering the identification information layer from the inside with the base layer, it is possible to suppress deformation of the identification information due to stretching of the sheet. In addition, by providing the identification information layer on the inside of the transparent base material, it is possible to suppress scratches and wear of the identification information. Therefore, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the identification information.
[0008] The identification information may be an invisible dot pattern printed with ink that absorbs infrared rays. According to the above configuration, even in the case of an invisible dot pattern that requires a high degree of reading accuracy, deformation of the identification information due to stretching of the sheet is suppressed, and the identification information can be read with high accuracy.
[0009] In addition, the dot pattern is composed of a combination of multiple one-unit graphic marks, and the difference in length of the graphic mark before air is sealed and the length of the graphic mark after air is sealed in the direction in which the graphic marks extend is preferably smaller than the minimum dot particle size in the dot pattern. According to the above configuration, even if the dot pattern is deformed due to stretching of the sheet, the difference in length of the graphical mark in the stretching direction is smaller than the minimum dot particle size of the dot pattern, so that the identification information can be read with high accuracy.
[0010] In addition, the graphic mark of the dot pattern is a square with sides of 1 mm, the dot particle size of the dot pattern is 0.03 mm or more and 0.05 mm or less, and the difference in length of the graphic mark before air is sealed and the length of the graphic mark after air is sealed in the direction in which the graphic mark extends is preferably less than 0.03 mm. According to the above configuration, even if the extremely small dot pattern is deformed due to stretching of the sheet, the difference in length of the graphic mark in the direction in which the graphic mark stretches is smaller than the minimum dot particle size of the dot pattern, so the identification information can be read with high accuracy.
[0011] The transparent substrate is preferably made of polyvinyl chloride. According to the above configuration, even if the transparent base material is polyvinyl chloride, which is easily stretched, deformation of the identification information is suppressed, and the identification information can be read with high accuracy.
[0012] Also, there is provided a performance toy comprising an air inclusion and an optical reading device that reads the identification information and performs a predetermined performance, wherein the optical reading device comprises a reading unit that reads the identification information, a performance unit that outputs a performance, and a control unit that controls the performance unit, and when the reading unit reads the identification information provided in a predetermined portion of the air inclusion, the control unit controls the performance unit to output a performance corresponding to the predetermined portion. According to the above configuration, erroneous recognition of identification information by the optical reading device can be suppressed, and a performance corresponding to a specified part can be appropriately output.
[0013] The above-mentioned problem is solved by a method for manufacturing an air-enclosed body of the present invention, which is formed from a sheet provided with identification information, and the identification information can be read by an optical reader when air is enclosed inside, and includes a sheet forming process for forming the sheet, and a sheet joining process for joining one or more of the sheets, and the sheet forming process includes a substrate preparing process for preparing a transparent substrate having elasticity, an identification information forming process for printing the identification information on the transparent substrate to form an identification information layer, and a base forming process for printing with a light-blocking ink on the identification information layer so as to cover at least the area in which the identification information is formed, to form a base layer, and in the identification information forming process, it is preferable that the identification information is printed inverted on the transparent substrate. According to the above configuration, the identification information is printed inverted and the identification information layer is covered from the inside with a base layer, so that deformation of the identification information due to stretching of the sheet can be suppressed. In addition, by providing the identification information layer on the inside of the transparent substrate, scratches and wear of the identification information can be suppressed. Therefore, the reading accuracy of the identification information can be improved. Effect of the Invention
[0014] According to the air inclusion body, the presentation toy including the air inclusion body, and the method for manufacturing the air inclusion body of the present invention, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the identification information provided on the reading medium containing air. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the air enclosure, illustrating identification information formed on the inner surface. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet forming an air inclusion body, showing the state before air is enclosed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet forming an air inclusion body, showing the state after air is enclosed. [Diagram 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing a manufacturing process of an air enclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a presentation toy. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet and an optical reader, showing a state in which the identification information is read by the optical reader after air is sealed in. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet of a comparative example, showing the state after air is sealed in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Hereinafter, a presentation toy according to one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. However, the embodiment described below is merely an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. In other words, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention naturally includes equivalents thereof.
[0017] <Performance toys> First, an overview of the presentation toy 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. The performance toy 1 is mainly composed of an air inclusion body 2, which is a reading medium, and an optical reader 3 that performs a predetermined performance. The air inclusion body 2 is formed from a sheet S on which identification information M is provided. The optical reader 3 reads the identification information M provided on the air inclusion body 2 by irradiating it with infrared rays, and performs a predetermined performance corresponding to the identification information M. The identification information M can be read by the optical reader 3 when air is enclosed inside the air inclusion body 2. The performance toy 1 reads the identification information M provided in the air inclusion body 2 by the optical reader 3, and performs various performances corresponding to the air inclusion body 2.
[0018] <Air inclusion> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the air-enclosed object 2 is a figurative body imitating a living thing such as a doll or a character. The air-enclosed object 2 is formed into a bag shape by joining one or more sheets S, and forms a three-dimensional shape by sealing air inside. The air-enclosed object 2 has a main body part 2a that becomes the main body of the figurative body, and an air inlet 2b for sealing air inside the main body part 2a.
[0019] The air enclosed body 2 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping two sheets S and joining the two sheets S together. Specifically, the air enclosed body 2 is formed by overlapping a front sheet Sa that becomes the front part of the main body part 2a and a rear sheet Sb that becomes the rear part of the main body part 2a. The peripheral parts 2c of the front sheet Sa and the rear sheet Sb are heat-sealed to each other, so that the air enclosed body 2 is formed into a bag shape. The front sheet Sa and the rear sheet Sb constitute the main body 2 a of the air enclosure 2 .
[0020] 1, the air inlet 2b is a check valve for sealing air in the main body 2a. The air inlet 2b is made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride, and is provided in the rear sheet Sb. The air inlet 2b may be formed by heat welding a check valve to a part of the peripheral edge 2c of the overlapping sheets S. When air is injected into the main body 2a through the air inlet 2b, the main body 2a becomes inflated. After the main body 2a expands, the air inlet 2b is pushed into the main body 2a and is stored in the main body 2a. The main body 2a can be folded into a small, flat shape by releasing the air through the air inlet 2b.
[0021] 2, the front sheet Sa is a sheet S on which identification information M is provided, and has a shape imitating, for example, an animal. The front sheet Sa is provided with a predetermined pattern such as the eyes, nose, and body of a figurative object. The rear sheet Sb is a sheet S on which identification information M is provided, and has, for example, a shape resembling an animal. A predetermined pattern such as a tail or a body of a figurative body is provided on the rear sheet Sb. The identification information M may be provided on at least one of the front sheet Sa and the rear sheet Sb, or may be provided on only one of them.
[0022] The shape of the air enclosed body 2 is not limited to a living thing such as a doll or a character. The number and shape of the sheets S are also not limited to those described above. The air enclosed body 2 may be formed by joining one sheet S, or may be formed by joining three or more sheets S. For example, the air enclosed body 2 may be formed into a cube shape by joining together the peripheral portions 2c of six square sheets S. The air enclosed body 2 may also be formed into a ball shape by joining together the peripheral portions 2c of six roughly elliptical sheets S.
[0023] <Identification information> 2, the identification information M is provided on the sheet S, and can be read by the optical reader 3 when air is enclosed inside the air enclosure 2. More specifically, the identification information M is an information code that can be read so that each piece of information can be distinguished by infrared rays irradiated from the optical reader 3. The identification information M is provided at a predetermined portion of the air-enclosed body 2 (for example, the eyes 2d, nose 2e, mouth 2f, hands 2g, and abdomen 2h). The identification information M is provided so as to be superimposed on a predetermined pattern of the eyes, nose, torso, etc. of the figurative body. Note that the predetermined portion where the identification information M is provided is not limited to this.
[0024] The identification information M is, for example, an invisible dot pattern printed with an ink that absorbs infrared rays. The dot pattern is printed with carbon black and is an extremely small information code that is difficult to see with the naked eye or is formed with low visibility. As a result, the air-enclosed body 2 is configured so that, from the user's perspective, there is almost no difference between it and a normal vinyl body in which air is enclosed.
[0025] The identification information M may be formed with ink other than carbon black, for example, with a color ink that absorbs infrared rays. The identification information M may be formed by a method other than printing. For example, the identification information M may be formed by embossing.
[0026] The dot pattern, which is the identification information M, is composed of multiple one-unit graphic marks C, as shown in Fig. 2. A graphic mark C is a matrix composed of a specific area (e.g., 6 x 6) as one unit. Multiple dots are arranged in one unit of the graphic mark C, and the information can be identified by the presence or absence of dots in each area. It should be noted that the graphic mark C of one unit is not limited to a 6×6 matrix, and can be set appropriately according to the information to be identified.
[0027] The dimensions of the graphic mark C of the dot pattern are, for example, a square with one side measuring 1 mm. The dot particle size of the dot pattern is preferably in the range of 0.01 mm to 0.07 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.02 mm to 0.06 mm, and most preferably in the range of 0.03 mm to 0.05 mm. The minimum dot particle size of the dot pattern is preferably 0.01 mm or more and 0.05 mm or less, more preferably 0.02 mm or more and 0.04 mm or less, and most preferably 0.03 mm.
[0028] When the dot diameter of the dot pattern is within the above range, the dot pattern is invisible even when the user looks closely at the air inclusion body 2, and the dot pattern does not interfere with the user's vision of the predetermined pattern while coexisting with the predetermined pattern as the main information of the air inclusion body 2. Furthermore, when the minimum dot diameter of the dot pattern is within the above range, a dot pattern corresponding to a large amount of information can be printed in a specific area.
[0029] The identification information M is not limited to a dot pattern, and it is preferable that the identification information M be an information pattern that can be arranged at high density. By making the identification information M into a very small information pattern that can be arranged at high density, the amount of information can be increased, making it possible to output a variety of effects.
[0030] Furthermore, the identification information M is made invisible (not visible to the naked eye, difficult to see with the naked eye, or has low visibility) by being made extremely small, but this is not limiting. For example, the identification information M may be covered with ink that does not absorb infrared rays. Also, the identification information M may be formed with colorless and transparent stealth ink that absorbs infrared rays.
[0031] <Sheet> Next, an overview of the seat S will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figure 3, the sheet S has an elastic transparent substrate 10, an identification information layer 11 provided on the transparent substrate 10 and on which identification information M is formed, a pattern layer 12 provided on the identification information layer 11 and on which a predetermined pattern is formed, and a base layer 13 provided on the pattern layer 12 and covering the area on which the identification information M is formed.
[0032] The sheet S is formed by laminating in this order a transparent substrate 10, an identification information layer 11, a design layer 12, and a base layer 13. The thickness of the laminated sheet S is preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm, and more preferably 0.3 mm. The air-enclosed body 2 is formed by overlapping and bonding the sheets S so that the transparent base material 10 is the outer surface and the undercoat layer 13 is the inner surface. The air-enclosed body 2 is bonded by heat welding the peripheral edge portions 2c of the sheets S, for example, by high-frequency welding or the like, and is formed into a bag shape. The bonding method of the sheets S may be ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, or other bonding methods other than high-frequency welding.
[0033] The transparent base material 10 is a transparent sheet base material having elasticity. The material of the transparent base material 10 is, for example, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheet, and a heat-weldable synthetic resin is used. The material of the transparent substrate 10 is not limited to this, and it may be any transparent substrate having elasticity, such as a sheet or film made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or the like.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the identification information layer 11 is provided on one surface of the transparent substrate 10, and identification information M is formed thereon. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, when the sheets S are joined to form the air inclusion body 2 in a bag shape, the identification information layer 11 is provided on the inside of the transparent base material 10 in the air inclusion body 2.
[0035] The identification information layer 11 is formed on the transparent substrate 10 so that the identification information M can be read from the outer surface side of the air enclosure 2. More specifically, the identification information layer 11 is a layer formed by printing a very small dot pattern in infrared absorbing ink in reverse on one surface of the transparent base material 10. By printing the dot pattern in reverse on the transparent base material 10, the identification information layer 11 can be read from the outer surface side of the air enclosure 2 when the sheet S is joined to form the air enclosure 2 into a bag shape.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the design layer 12 is provided on one surface of the transparent substrate 10, and a predetermined design is formed on the design layer 12 so as to overlap the identification information layer 11. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, when the sheets S are joined to form the air inclusion body 2 in a bag shape, the pattern layer 12 is provided inside the air inclusion body 2 relative to the transparent base material 10 and the identification information layer 11.
[0037] The pattern layer 12 is formed on the transparent substrate 10 and the identification information layer 11 so that a predetermined pattern can be visually recognized from the outer surface side of the air enclosure 2. More specifically, the pattern layer 12 is a layer formed by printing a predetermined pattern in reverse with an ink that does not absorb infrared light on one side of the transparent base material 10 on which the identification information layer 11 is formed. By printing the predetermined pattern in reverse on the transparent base material 10, the predetermined pattern can be visually recognized from the outer surface side of the air inclusion body 2 when the sheet S is joined to form the air inclusion body 2 into a bag shape.
[0038] Here, the predetermined pattern refers to objects such as visible pictures, diagrams, and characters printed with ink that does not absorb infrared rays. The predetermined pattern is printed, for example, with color inks of basic colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, etc.), and constitutes the color and pattern of the air enclosure 2. In this embodiment, the color of the animal's face and body, and objects such as the eyes and mouth correspond to the predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern does not have to be provided in the area where the identification information M is formed. In this case, the base layer 13 may express the color of the animal's face and body, and objects such as the eyes and mouth.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the undercoat layer 13 is provided on one surface of the transparent substrate 10 so as to overlap the identification information layer 11 and the design layer 12. In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, when the sheets S are joined to form the air inclusion body 2 in a bag shape, the undercoat layer 13 is provided inside the air inclusion body 2 relative to the transparent substrate 10, the identification information layer 11, and the picture layer 12.
[0040] The base layer 13 is provided on the identification information layer 11 and is made of ink having light-blocking properties. The base layer 13 is formed so as to cover at least the area in which the identification information M is formed. More specifically, the base layer 13 is formed by printing a light-blocking ink over the entire surface of one side of the transparent substrate 10 on which the identification information layer 11 and the picture layer 12 are formed. The light-blocking ink for forming the base layer 13 is, for example, a white ink containing a light-blocking material. Note that the ink is not limited to white, and may be any ink that reflects infrared rays and makes it easy to read the identification information M.
[0041] 4, the air enclosed body 2 expands when air is enclosed inside through the air inlet 2b, and typically causes elongation in the sheet S. In particular, the vicinity of the thermocompression-bonded peripheral edge 2c has a higher elongation rate than the central portion of the sheet S due to heating. In other words, the identification information M provided in the vicinity of the peripheral edge 2c is particularly susceptible to deformation. Here, in order to suppress the stretching of the sheet S, it is preferable that the difference in length of the graphic mark C before air is sealed and the length of the graphic mark C after air is sealed in the direction in which the graphic mark C stretches be configured to be smaller than the minimum dot particle size in the dot pattern.
[0042] Specifically, when the graphic mark C is a square with sides of 1 mm and the dot particle size is 0.03 mm or more and 0.05 mm or less, it is preferable that the difference in length of the graphic mark C before air is sealed and the length of the graphic mark C after air is sealed in the direction in which the graphic mark C extends be less than 0.03 mm. In the air inclusion body 2, the base layer 13 is provided inside the identification information layer 11, so that the difference in length of the graphic mark C becomes smaller than the minimum dot particle size in the dot pattern. In this way, the air inclusions 2 can suppress the stretching of the sheet S and the deformation of the identification information M.
[0043] As configured above, in the air enclosure 2, the light-shielding base layer 13 is printed on the inner surface side of the transparent substrate 10. The base layer 13 is formed so as to cover the area in which the identification information M is formed from the inside. Therefore, when the air enclosure 2 is formed into a bag shape by joining the sheets S and the identification information layer 11 is read from the outer surface side, the reading accuracy of the identification information M is improved.
[0044] <Method of manufacturing air-filled body> 5, the air enclosed object 2 of this embodiment is formed by the following manufacturing method for the air enclosed object 2. Specifically, the air enclosed object 2 is formed from a sheet S having identification information M thereon, and the identification information M can be read by an optical reader 3 when air is enclosed inside. The manufacturing method includes a "sheet forming step (S1)" for forming the sheet S, and a "sheet joining step (S2)" for joining the sheets S. The "sheet forming process (S1)" includes a "substrate preparing process (S10)", an "identification information forming process (S11)", a "design forming process (S12)", and a "base forming process (S13)".
[0045] In the "sheet formation step (S1)", a sheet S having identification information M is formed. The sheet S is formed by laminating a transparent substrate 10, an identification information layer 11, a design layer 12, and a base layer 13 in this order. The details will be described below.
[0046] In the "substrate preparation step (S10)", a stretchable transparent substrate 10 is prepared. The transparent substrate 10 is arranged so that one surface of the transparent substrate 10, which will become the inner surface of the air enclosed body 2 when the air enclosed body 2 is completed, faces upward. An identification information layer 11, a design layer 12, and a base layer 13 are printed on one surface (printed surface) of the transparent substrate 10.
[0047] In the "identification information forming step (S11)", identification information M is printed on the transparent substrate 10 to form the identification information layer 11. At this time, the identification information M is printed on the transparent substrate 10 in a reversed state. More specifically, a very small dot pattern is printed in reverse on the printing surface of the transparent substrate 10 using an ink that absorbs infrared rays (carbon black). The dot pattern is printed in reverse so that the dot pattern has a regular layout when viewed from the outer surface side of the air enclosure 2 when the air enclosure 2 is completed. In other words, the transparent substrate 10 is printed in reverse so that the identification information layer 11 faces the inner surface side of the air enclosure 2.
[0048] In this way, by performing reverse printing, the air inclusion body 2 can be formed so that the transparent base material 10 is on the outer surface side of the air inclusion body 2 and the identification information layer 11 is on the inner surface side. Therefore, the identification information M is not exposed on the outer surface of the air inclusion body 2, and scratches and wear of the identification information M can be suppressed.
[0049] In the "design forming step (S12)", a predetermined design is printed on the identification information layer 11 printed on the transparent substrate 10 to form the design layer 12. At this time, the predetermined design is printed in reverse on the identification information layer 11. More specifically, a predetermined pattern is printed in reverse with color ink that does not absorb infrared rays on the printing surface of the transparent substrate 10. The predetermined pattern is printed in reverse so that the predetermined pattern will be in the correct layout when viewed from the outer surface side of the air enclosure 2 when the air enclosure 2 is completed.
[0050] In this way, the air enclosed body 2 can be formed so that the transparent base material 10 becomes the outer surface of the air enclosed body 2 and the specified pattern becomes the inner surface. Therefore, the specified pattern is not exposed on the outer surface of the air enclosed body 2, and scratches and wear of the specified pattern can be suppressed. Furthermore, the identification information M and the specified pattern are formed by superimposing them on each other, but by making the identification information M an invisible information pattern, it is possible to configure it so as not to obstruct the user's vision of the specified pattern when viewed from the outer surface side of the air enclosure 2.
[0051] In the "undercoat forming step (S13)", the undercoat layer 13 is formed by printing with ink having light-blocking properties so as to cover at least the area on the identification information layer 11 where the identification information M is formed. More specifically, the printing surface of the transparent substrate 10 on which the identification information layer 11 and the design layer 12 are formed is printed entirely with white ink having light-shielding properties to form the undercoat layer 13 .
[0052] In this way, the air inclusions 2 can be formed so that the undercoat layer 13 is closer to the inner surface than the identification information layer 11. This allows the infrared rays irradiated from the optical reader 3 to be reflected, improving the reading accuracy of the identification information layer 11. In addition, the stretching of the transparent substrate 10 in the area where the identification information M is formed can be suppressed.
[0053] Next, in the "sheet joining step (S2)", the peripheral portions 2c of one or more sheets S are joined. More specifically, the sheet S formed in the sheet forming step (S1) is cut into the shape of the shaped body. At this time, an air inlet 2b is attached to the rear sheet Sb which becomes the rear part of the shaped body. Then, two of the cut sheets S are stacked together so that the transparent base material 10 is the outer surface and the undercoat layer 13 is the inner surface. The peripheral edges 2c of the two stacked sheets S are heat-sealed and joined to form a bag-shaped air enclosure 2. The cutting of the sheet S may be performed simultaneously with the heat-sealing.
[0054] The air-enclosed body 2 is not limited to a structure in which the sheets S formed in the sheet forming step (S1) are joined together. The air-enclosed body 2 may be a structure in which the sheet S formed in the sheet forming step (S1) is joined to a sheet on which no identification information is provided.
[0055] In this manner, the sheet S is joined so that the transparent substrate 10 forms an outer surface and the undercoat layer 13 forms an inner surface, forming the air inclusion 2. Therefore, the undercoat layer 13 covers the identification information layer 11 from the inside, which can suppress deformation of the identification information M due to elongation of the transparent substrate 10. Furthermore, by providing the identification information layer 11 on the inside of the transparent substrate 10, scratches and wear of the identification information M can be suppressed.
[0056] <Optical reading device> The optical reader 3 is a pen-shaped device as shown in Fig. 1. The optical reader 3 reads the identification information M provided in the air inclusion 2, which is a reading medium, by irradiating it with infrared rays, and performs a predetermined performance corresponding to the identification information M.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, the optical reader 3 has a plurality of operation buttons 3a, a light emitting unit 3b, and a speaker 3c. When the tip 3d of the optical reader 3 touches the identification information M provided at a predetermined portion of the air inclusion body 2, the optical reader 3 reads the identification information M. Then, based on the read identification information M, the light emitting unit 3b and the speaker 3c output a performance corresponding to the predetermined portion.
[0058] The operation button 3a is an operation unit that allows the user to operate the optical reader 3, and is attached to the outer surface of the optical reader 3. By pressing the operation button 3a, the user can turn the power on / off or adjust the volume of the sound output from the speaker 3c.
[0059] The light emitting unit 3 b is, for example, an LED, and is attached to the outer surface of the optical reader 3 . The speaker 3c is an audio output unit that outputs voice, sound effects, music, and the like, and is attached to the outer surface of the optical reader 3.
[0060] As shown in Figure 6, the optical reading device 3 includes a control unit 30 that controls the entire optical reading device 3, a reading unit 31 that reads identification information M, a performance unit 32 that outputs a performance, and a memory unit 33 that stores various programs and various data. 6, the light-emitting unit 3b and the speaker 3c, which are the performance unit 32, are connected to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 controls the light-emitting unit 3b and the speaker 3c based on a performance pattern stored in the storage unit 33.
[0061] (Control unit) 6, the control unit 30 is connected to a power source P and controls the entire optical reader 3. The control unit 30 has a control circuit and is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which is a central processing unit, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc. as storage devices.
[0062] The CPU executes various programs and controls each part. That is, the CPU reads programs from the ROM or HDD and executes the programs using the RAM as a working area. The CPU controls each component and executes various calculation processes according to the programs stored in the ROM or HDD.
[0063] The ROM stores various programs and various data. The RAM serves as a working area to temporarily store programs or data. The HDD may be a solid state drive (SSD) and stores various programs including an operating system and various data.
[0064] The functional units of the control unit 30 are realized by the hardware devices (specifically, the MPU and the memory) constituting the control unit 30 working in cooperation with the software devices (control circuits).
[0065] (Reading unit) 7, the reading unit 31 is provided at the tip 3d of the optical reader 3. The reading unit 31 has a light source 31a that irradiates infrared rays, a sensor 31b that detects the infrared rays, and an image processing circuit 31c. The infrared rays emitted from the light source 31a are reflected by the area of the air enclosure 2 where the identification information M is provided. The infrared rays reflected or scattered by the identification information M are detected by the sensor 31b and converted into each piece of information by the image processing circuit 31c.
[0066] (Storage part) A plurality of effect patterns are stored in the storage unit 33. Specifically, a light emission pattern for causing the light emitting unit 3b to emit light and a sound pattern for sounding from the speaker 3c are stored. When the reading unit 31 reads the identification information M provided at a predetermined portion of the air inclusion body 2, the control unit 30 controls the performance unit 32 to output a performance corresponding to the predetermined portion stored in the memory unit 33.
[0067] Next, a description will be given of the effect patterns of the effect toy 1. Note that the effect patterns are merely examples, and various effects can be performed without being limited to these. The user touches the tip 3d of the optical reader 3 to a predetermined portion of the air enclosure 2 on which the identification information M is provided. Then, the light emitting portion 3b and the speaker 3c emit light and sound corresponding to the predetermined portion.
[0068] Specifically, when the user touches the tip 3d to the eye portion 2d of the air inclusion body 2, a voice message saying "That's the eye" is output from the speaker 3c. When the user touches the tip 3d to the nose portion 2e of the air inclusion body 2, a voice message saying "That's the nose" is output from the speaker 3c. When the user touches the tip 3d to the mouth 2f of the air inclusion body 2, a voice message saying "The food is delicious" is output from the speaker 3c. When the user touches the tip 3d to the hand 2g of the air inclusion body 2, a voice message saying "Nice to meet you" is output from the speaker 3c. When the user touches the tip 3d to the abdomen 2h of the air inclusion body 2, a voice message saying "I'm hungry" is output from the speaker 3c.
[0069] With the above configuration, the user can enjoy a presentation that corresponds to a predetermined part of the air inclusion object 2 by touching the optical reader 3 to the air inclusion object 2. In this embodiment, when the optical reader 3 reads the identification information M, a performance is output by the performance unit 32 provided in the optical reader 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured such that a signal is output by wire or wireless from the optical reader 3 to a performance device (e.g., a computer or a tablet terminal) provided separately from the optical reader 3, and a performance is output from the performance device. EXAMPLES
[0070] Examples of the present invention will be described below, although the present invention is not limited to these.
[0071] <Production of air-filled bodies> (Example) First, a transparent PVC sheet having a thickness of 0.3 mm was prepared as the transparent substrate 10. A pattern of very small dots was printed in reverse on one side of this PVC sheet using carbon black ink to form an identification information layer 11. Then, the object was reversed and offset printed from above the dot pattern using color inks of basic colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to form a picture layer 12. Furthermore, the dot pattern and the object were printed over the entire surface of the PVC sheet using white ink having light blocking properties, thereby forming a base layer 13 .
[0072] Next, the two sheets S of the embodiment formed were cut into the shape of a figural body. Then, two sheets S of the embodiment were overlapped and heat-sealed so that the PVC sheet was the outer surface and the entire surface printed with white ink was the inner surface, thereby forming the air enclosure 2 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, air was enclosed inside the air enclosure 2 of the example, and the dot pattern was read and evaluated.
[0073] (Comparative Example) First, a white PVC sheet having a thickness of 0.3 mm was prepared as the substrate 10', and an object was offset printed on one side of this PVC sheet using basic color inks (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to form an identification information layer 11'. A very small dot pattern was then printed from above the object using carbon black ink to form a design layer 12', thus forming a sheet S' of the comparative example.
[0074] Next, the two comparative sheets S' thus formed were cut into the shape of a figural body. Then, two comparative sheets S' were stacked and heat-sealed together so that the PVC sheet was the inner surface and the dot pattern was the outer surface, forming the comparative air inclusion body 2'. As shown in FIG. 8, air was enclosed inside the air enclosure 2' of the comparative example, and the dot pattern was evaluated.
[0075] <Identification information evaluation> In the embodiment, the measurement values (length x width) of one unit of the graphic mark before (a) and after (b) the air was filled were (a) = 150 mm x 150 mm, (b) = 151.5 mm x 151.5 mm. Therefore, the difference (α) between (a) and (b) on the inner surface of the sheet S was (α) = 1.5 mm (elongation rate 1.010). If this is substituted for one unit of the graphic mark C of 1 mm x 1 mm (length x width), the theoretical difference (β) between the length of the graphic mark C before the air was filled and the length of the graphic mark C after the air was filled was (β) = 0.01 mm, which was significantly smaller than the minimum dot particle size of 0.03 mm. When the dot pattern was read by the optical reader 3 after air was added to the air inclusion body 2 of the embodiment, it was correctly recognized in all areas. In addition, no misrecognition occurred in the area near the thermocompression bonding process, and an effect corresponding to the dot pattern was output.
[0076] In the comparative example, (a) = 150 mm × 150 mm, (b) = 154.5 mm × 154.5 mm. Therefore, the difference (α) between (a) and (b) on the outer surface of the sheet S' was (α) = 4.5 mm (elongation rate 1.030). The theoretical value of the difference (β) between the length of the graphic mark C before and after air is sealed is (β) = 0.03 mm. When the dot pattern of the air-filled body 2' of the comparative example was read by the optical reader 3 after air was injected, the central part away from the peripheral part was correctly recognized, but the closer it got to the thermocompression-bonded peripheral part, the more erroneous the recognition became.
[0077] As described above, the air enclosure 2 of the embodiment was able to suppress the elongation of the sheet S in both the central portion and the peripheral portion. Therefore, it was revealed that by covering the identification information layer 11 with the underlayer 13, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the identification information M due to the elongation of the transparent base material 10, and to improve the reading accuracy of the identification information M. It was also revealed that the condition for recognizing the dot pattern of the optical reading device 3 in the air-enclosed body 2 is "the difference in length of the graphic mark before air is enclosed and the length of the graphic mark after air is enclosed in the direction in which the graphic mark extends (the length to which the graphic mark is extended) < the particle size of the smallest dot." [Explanation of symbols]
[0078] 1 Performance toys 2. Air Inclusions 2a Main body 2b Air inlet 2c Periphery 2d eye area 2e Nose 2f Mouth 2g hand part 2h abdomen 3 Optical reading device 3a Operation button 3b Light emitting part 3c Speaker 3d tip 10 Transparent base material 11 Identity Layer 12 Picture layer 13 Base layer 30 Control section 31 Reading unit 31a light source 31b Sensor 31c Image processing circuit 32 Production Department 33 Storage section M Identification Information C Graphic indicator S Seat Sa Front seat Sb Rear seat P power supply
Claims
1. An air-enclosed body formed from a sheet having identification information thereon, the identification information being readable by an optical reader when air is enclosed therein, The sheet is A transparent substrate having elasticity; an identification information layer provided on the transparent substrate and on which the identification information is formed; a base layer provided on the identification information layer, formed of an ink having a light-shielding property, and covering at least an area where the identification information is formed; The air inclusion is characterized in that the transparent base material is an outer surface and the undercoat layer is an inner surface.
2. 2. The air enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the identification information is an invisible dot pattern printed with infrared absorbing ink.
3. The dot pattern is configured by combining a plurality of one-unit graphic symbols, 3. The air-filled body according to claim 2, wherein the difference in length of the graphic mark before air is filled and the length of the graphic mark after air is filled in the extending direction of the graphic mark is smaller than the minimum dot particle size in the dot pattern.
4. The graphic mark of the dot pattern is a square having a side length of 1 mm, The dot diameter of the dot pattern is 0.03 mm or more and 0.05 mm or less, 4. The air-filled body according to claim 3, wherein the difference in length between the graphic mark before air is filled and the graphic mark after air is filled in the extending direction is less than 0.03 mm.
5. 3. The air enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the transparent base material is made of polyvinyl chloride.
6. A performance toy comprising the air inclusion body according to claim 1 or 2 and the optical reader that reads the identification information and performs a predetermined performance, The optical reading device includes a reading unit that reads the identification information, a performance unit that outputs a performance, and a control unit that controls the performance unit. The control unit controls the presentation unit to output a presentation corresponding to a predetermined portion of the air inclusion when the reading unit reads the identification information provided in the predetermined portion of the air inclusion.
7. A method for manufacturing an air-enclosed body, which is formed from a sheet having identification information thereon, and in which the identification information can be read by an optical reader when air is enclosed therein, comprising the steps of: A sheet forming step of forming the sheet; A sheet joining step of joining one or more of the sheets, The sheet forming step includes: A substrate preparation step of preparing a transparent substrate having elasticity; an identification information forming step of printing the identification information on the transparent substrate to form an identification information layer; a base forming step of forming a base layer on the identification information layer by printing with a light-blocking ink so as to cover at least an area in which the identification information is formed, The method for producing an air enclosure, wherein the identification information forming step includes printing the identification information in a reversed state on the transparent base material.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Method for generating mark, processor and system using mark
JP2004166177A