Label with release substrate and method for manufacturing label with release substrate

Abstract

To provide a label with a release substrate that can prevent reading of an information code before use, and a method for manufacturing the label with a release substrate.SOLUTION: A label with a release substrate 10 comprises a sheet-like release substrate 2 that has a first principal surface 2a, and one or more labels 1 that are pasted to the first principal surface 2a in a peelable manner. An information code 3 that can be optically read by a reader 20 is formed on the label 1. The label 1 can transmit, from one surface to the other surface, light for reading emitted by the reader 20. The release substrate 2 is formed with an obstruction part 5 that overlaps at least part of the information code 3 in plan view to obstruct the reading of the information code 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a label with a release substrate and a method for producing a label with a release substrate. [Background technology]

[0002] A label having an information code such as a QR code (registered trademark) formed thereon is used by being affixed to a product, etc. The information code includes, for example, information regarding security, information regarding benefits, etc. (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5790068 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Information codes are sometimes used for sales promotions and the like. For example, a label having an information code including information about an access destination offering some kind of special benefit is attached to a product. Sales promotion can be achieved by having the user access this access destination. For purposes such as sales promotions, restrictions may be imposed on the number of accesses. For example, restrictions may be imposed so that a user (product purchaser) can only access the access destination once.

[0005] Since the above-mentioned labels have a limited number of accesses, it is necessary to prevent unauthorized (or unintentional) reading of the information code from the time of manufacture to the time of use.

[0006] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a label with a release substrate that can prevent the reading of an information code before use, and a method for producing a label with a release substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a label with a peelable substrate, comprising a sheet-like peelable substrate having a first main surface, and one or more labels peelably attached to the first main surface, wherein an information code that can be optically read by a reader is formed on the label, the label is transparent to light for reading by the reader from one side to the other side, and the peelable substrate is formed with an inhibiting portion that overlaps at least a portion of the information code in a planar view and thereby inhibits reading of the information code.

[0008] It is preferable that the release substrate is formed of a paper material, a release layer that covers the inhibition portion is formed on the release substrate, and the label is attached to the release layer.

[0009] The release substrate is preferably capable of transmitting the light from one surface to the other surface.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a label with a peelable substrate, the method comprising the steps of removably attaching one or more labels to a first main surface of a sheet-like peelable substrate having an inhibitory portion formed thereon, and forming an information code on the label that is optically readable by a reader, wherein the label is transparent to light for reading by the reader from one side to the other side, and the inhibitory portion inhibits reading of the information code by overlapping at least a portion of the information code in a planar view. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a label with a release substrate that can prevent the reading of an information code before use, and a method for producing a label with a release substrate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a reading system having a label with a peel-off substrate according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a label with a release substrate according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a label with a release substrate according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a label with a release substrate according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a label with a release substrate according to a first embodiment is wound into a roll. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a label with a release substrate according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a label with a release substrate according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a label with a release substrate according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a label with a release substrate according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] [Label with peel-off backing] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a reading system 100 having a label 10 with a peelable substrate according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the label 10 with a peelable substrate. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the label 10 with a peelable substrate. Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the label 10 with a peelable substrate. Fig. 5 is a schematic view showing the label 10 with a peelable substrate wound in a roll.

[0014] The top-bottom positional relationship of a label 10 with a release substrate may be explained with reference to Figure 1. In Figure 1, label 1 is on top of release substrate 2. "Planar view" refers to viewing label 10 with a release substrate from above. The positional relationship defined here does not limit the posture of the label with a release substrate when in use.

[0015] In the following description, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system may be used. As shown in FIG. 1, the X direction is the length direction of the release substrate 2. The Y direction is the width direction of the release substrate 2. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction in a plane along the first main surface 2a. +Y is one direction of the Y direction. -Y is the direction opposite to +Y. The +Y end is the end on the +Y side. The -Y end is the end on the -Y side. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the reading system 100 includes a label 10 with a peel-off substrate and a reader 20 . The label 10 with a release substrate comprises a release substrate 2 and a plurality of labels 1.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the label 1 is formed in a film or sheet shape. The label 1 is, for example, rectangular in plan view. The label 1 is, for example, rectangular in shape having a length in the Y direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of labels 1 are arranged side by side at intervals in the length direction (X direction) of the release substrate 2.

[0018] The label 1 is formed to be transparent. The label 1 is capable of transmitting light for reading by the reader 20 from one side to the other side. When viewed from above, the label 1 has a degree of light transparency that allows the first main surface 2a of the release substrate 2 to be seen through. For example, the visible light transmittance (see JIS K 7375:2008) in the thickness direction of the label 1 may be 50% or more in the entire wavelength range of visible light (380 nm to 780 nm). For example, the label 1 may have a transmittance of the reading light in the thickness direction of 50% or more.

[0019] The label 1 is made of, for example, a resin. Examples of the resin that constitutes the label 1 include polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and polystyrene-based resins.

[0020] An information code 3 is formed on one surface (e.g., the top surface) of the label 1. The information code 3 can be read by a reader. The information code 3 is, for example, a two-dimensional code (QR Code (registered trademark), Data Matrix Code, Maxicode, etc.). The information code 3 may be a one-dimensional code such as a barcode. The information code 3 can be decoded by a known method. For example, the information code 3 is formed at a position closer to the +Y end than the center of the label 1 in the Y direction.

[0021] The information code 3 is formed, for example, by ink. The information code 3 can be formed by printing, for example, by an inkjet or ribbon printer. The information code 3 may be formed by laser processing (laser printing) or the like. The color of the information code 3 can be selected, for example, so that the information code 3 can be identified when the background is white. The color of the information code 3 is, for example, black. The information code 3 includes, for example, information of a predetermined access destination (such as URL information). There may be a limit on the number of times that the access destination can be accessed.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 4, an adhesive layer 4 is formed on the lower surface of the label 1 (the surface facing the release substrate 2). The adhesive layer 4 adheres the label 1 to a target object when the label 1 is used. The adhesive layer 4 is formed of an adhesive. Examples of the adhesive that can be used include rubber-based, acrylic-based, silicone-based, and polyvinyl ether-based adhesives. The label 1 is adhered to the first main surface 2a of the release substrate 2 by the adhesive layer 4.

[0023] The release substrate 2 is in the form of a sheet. The shape of the release substrate 2 in plan view is not particularly limited, and is formed, for example, in the form of a ribbon (strip). The release substrate 2 may be in the form of a rectangle in plan view. The release substrate 2 may be a continuously formed long sheet or a single sheet. It is desirable that the release substrate 2 has flexibility. The release substrate 2 may be transparent or opaque. In this embodiment, the release substrate 2 is opaque. The upper surface (one surface) of the release substrate 2 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 is the first main surface 2a.

[0024] The release substrate 2 is formed of, for example, paper, resin, etc. Examples of the paper material constituting the release substrate 2 include fine paper, craft paper, copying paper, glassine paper, rayon paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, etc. Paper materials are advantageous in terms of production costs, etc.

[0025] Examples of the resin constituting the release substrate 2 include polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), polyethylene fluoride-based resins such as polyvinyl fluoride, polyamide-based resins such as nylon 6, vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. The release substrate 2 may be a composite in which a paper material and a resin film are laminated together.

[0026] The release substrate 2 is releasable from the label 1. The release substrate 2 protects the adhesive layer 4 when the label 1 is unused (i.e., before the label 1 is attached to an article). The release substrate 2 allows the label 1 to be peeled off without impairing the adhesiveness of the adhesive layer 4. The release substrate 2 is also called release paper or release sheet. The release substrate 2 also functions as a support for supporting the label 1.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4, an inhibition portion 5 and a release layer 6 are formed on a first main surface 2a of the release substrate 2.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the inhibition portion 5 inhibits reading of the information code 3 by overlapping at least a portion of the information code 3 in a plan view. In this embodiment, the inhibition portion 5 is formed over the entire area of ​​the first main surface 2a. Therefore, the inhibition portion 5 encompasses the entire information code 3 in a plan view. The inhibition portion 5 overlaps the entire information code 3 in a plan view.

[0029] The inhibition portion 5, for example, has a color that is the same as or close to the color of the information code 3, making it difficult for the reader 20 to identify the information code 3. For example, if the information code 3 is black and the inhibition portion 5 is also black, the information code 3 and the inhibition portion 5 are the same color. Therefore, the optical difference between the reflected light from the information code 3 and the reflected light from the inhibition portion 5 becomes small, making it difficult for the reader 20 to identify the information code 3. Therefore, reading of the information code 3 by the reader 20 is inhibited.

[0030] It is desirable that the inhibition portion 5 exhibits a similar color to the color of the information code 3. "Similar colors" means, for example, that in the Munsell color system (20 hues) (for example, in accordance with JIS Z 8721), the hue is within a range of 3 on the hue wheel, the brightness is within a range of 3, and the saturation is within a range of 3. In other words, on the iso-hue surface of the Munsell color system (20 hues), the ranges on both sides of the hue, brightness, and saturation may be considered to be similar colors.

[0031] The inhibition portion 5 can be formed with ink by a known printing method. The inhibition portion 5 may also be formed by a known coating method. The inhibition portion 5 can also be formed by laminating a sheet having the inhibition portion 5 on the release substrate 2.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, the release layer 6 is formed on the inhibition portion 5. The release layer 6 covers the inhibition portion 5. The label 1 is attached to the release layer 6. The release layer 6 makes it easier for the label 1 to be peeled off from the release substrate 2. The release layer 6 is formed of, for example, a silicone-based material or a fluorine-based material. The release layer 6 is transparent. The release layer 6 is capable of transmitting light for reading by the reader 20 from one side to the other side. The release layer 6 may have a transmittance of 50% or more for light for reading in the thickness direction.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 1, the reader 20 can capture and read an information code such as a QR code (registered trademark). The reader 20 includes, for example, a light source, an imaging unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. The light source irradiates light of a predetermined wavelength (light for reading) toward an object. The imaging unit includes a light receiving unit (for example, a C-MOS sensor). The light receiving unit receives reflected light from the object. The control unit controls the operation of the light source and the imaging unit.

[0034] The reader 20 irradiates the object with light from a light source and scans it in a predetermined direction. The light receiving unit detects the reflected light. The control unit obtains a light and dark pattern based on the reflected light. The memory unit stores the light and dark pattern.

[0035] [Manufacturing method of labels with peel-off substrate] A method for producing the label 10 with a release substrate will be described.

[0036] (First step: attaching the label) The label 1, on which the information code 3 has not yet been formed, is attached to the first main surface 2a of the release substrate 2 on which the inhibition portion 5 has been formed in advance.

[0037] (Second step: Formation of information code) An information code 3 is formed on the label 1 by printing or the like. As a result, the label 10 with a release substrate shown in FIG. 1 is obtained.

[0038] [How to use peel-off labels] As shown in Fig. 5, the label 10 with a release substrate (see Fig. 1) can be wound into a roll with the first main surface 2a of the release substrate 2 facing outward. The label 10 with a release substrate can be used by being continuously unwound from the roll.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 3, when the label 1 is attached to the release substrate 2, when light is irradiated by the reader 20 (see Fig. 1), the optical difference between the light reflected from the information code 3 and the light reflected from the inhibition portion 5 becomes small. This makes it difficult for the reader 20 to identify the information code 3. Therefore, reading of the information code 3 is inhibited by the inhibition portion 5.

[0040] The user peels the label 1 from the release substrate 2. The user attaches the label 1 to a target item (such as a product). If the item has a color that makes the information code 3 identifiable, the information code 3 can be read by a reader 20.

[0041] [Effects of the embodiment of the label with release substrate and the manufacturing method thereof] In the label 10 with a peelable substrate, an inhibition portion 5 is formed on the peelable substrate 2, which overlaps with the information code 3 in a plan view to inhibit reading of the information code 3. Therefore, reading of the information code 3 before use can be inhibited.

[0042] In the label 10 with a peel-off substrate, the information code 3 is not covered by a coating, but is made difficult to read by the peel-off substrate 2 on the back side. This allows the structure of the label 10 with a peel-off substrate to be simplified compared to when a coating is provided, which is advantageous in terms of ease of manufacture and manufacturing costs.

[0043] In the label 10 with a peelable substrate, it is difficult to read the information code 3 unless the label 1 is peeled off from the peelable substrate 2, so it is unlikely that the label 1 having the information code 3 that has already been read will remain attached to the peelable substrate 2. Therefore, it is possible to avoid reading the information code 3 before use.

[0044] Since the release substrate 2 has the release layer 6, the label 1 can be easily peeled off from the release substrate 2 during use. This makes it possible to improve the usability of the label 1.

[0045] When the label 10 with a release substrate is wound in a roll, it can be continuously unwound, making it easier to use a large number of labels 1. The label 10 with a release substrate in a roll form can hold a large number of labels 1 compactly, making it easy to handle.

[0046] According to the above-mentioned manufacturing method, the information code 3 is formed after the label 1 is attached to the release substrate 2 having the inhibition portion 5, so that the information code 3 becomes difficult to read at the time when the information code 3 is formed on the label 1. Therefore, reading of the information code 3 can be avoided throughout the entire process from the formation of the information code 3 to immediately before the use of the label 1. Therefore, this is advantageous in terms of preventing reading of the information code 3 before use.

[0047] [Label with peel-off backing] (Second embodiment) Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a label 110 with a peel-off substrate according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the label 110 with a peel-off substrate. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the label 110 with a peel-off substrate. Configurations common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0048] As shown in Figures 6 to 8, label 110 with a peel-off substrate differs from label 10 with a peel-off substrate (see Figures 1 to 3) in that inhibitory portion 105 is formed on peel-off substrate 2 instead of inhibitory portion 5 (see Figure 2).

[0049] The inhibition portion 105 is formed in a band shape along the length direction (X direction) of the release substrate 2. The width (dimension in the Y direction) of the inhibition portion 105 is smaller than the width (dimension in the Y direction) of the information code 3. Therefore, the inhibition portion 105 overlaps only a portion of the information code 3 in a plan view. The inhibition portion 105 inhibits reading of the information code 3 by the reader 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0050] As shown in Fig. 8, the inhibition portion 105 is located on the -Y side of the +Y end of the information code 3, and on the +Y side of the -Y end. Therefore, the inhibition portion 105 is in the shape of a band passing through the middle part of the information code 3 in the Y direction. Only the middle part of the information code 3 cannot be identified. The part of the information code 3 including the +Y end and the part including the -Y end are identifiable.

[0051] [Effects of the label with release substrate according to the embodiment] In the label 110 with a peelable substrate, an inhibition portion 105 is formed on the peelable substrate 2, which overlaps with the information code 3 in a plan view to inhibit reading of the information code 3. Therefore, reading of the information code 3 before use can be inhibited.

[0052] The inhibition portion 105 is formed so as to overlap a part of the information code 3. Since the area of ​​the inhibition portion 105 is small, the label 1 is easily visible. Therefore, the operation of peeling the label 1 from the peeling substrate 2 becomes easy.

[0053] [Label with peel-off backing] (Third embodiment) FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a label 210 with a release substrate according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, the label with a peel-off substrate 210 differs from the label with a peel-off substrate 10 (see Fig. 4) in that the peel-off substrate 202 is transparent. The label with a peel-off substrate 210 differs from the label with a peel-off substrate 10 (see Fig. 4) in that the inhibition portion 205 is formed on the second main surface 202b (the surface opposite to the first main surface 202a) of the peel-off substrate 202.

[0054] The release substrate 202 is formed to be transparent. The release substrate 202 is capable of transmitting light for reading by the reader 20 from one surface to the other surface. The release substrate 202 may have a transmittance of 50% or more in the thickness direction of the reading light. For example, the transmittance of visible light in the thickness direction of the release substrate 202 (see JIS K 7375:2008) may be 50% or more in the entire wavelength range of visible light (380 nm to 780 nm).

[0055] Examples of resins constituting the release substrate 202 include polyester-based resins such as PET; polyolefin-based resins such as PE and PP; polyethylene fluoride-based resins; polyamide-based resins; vinyl polymers, and the like.

[0056] The inhibition portion 205 is formed, for example, over the entire area of ​​the second main surface 202b. Therefore, the inhibition portion 205 encompasses the entire information code 3 in a planar view. The inhibition portion 205 may be formed on the second main surface 202b so as to overlap only a portion of the information code 3 in a planar view, similar to the inhibition portion 105 (see FIG. 6).

[0057] [Effects of the label with release substrate according to the embodiment] In the label 210 with a peelable substrate, an inhibition portion 205 is formed on the peelable substrate 2, which overlaps with the information code 3 in a plan view and inhibits reading of the information code 3. Therefore, reading of the information code 3 before use can be inhibited.

[0058] In the label 210 with a peel-off substrate, the inhibition portion 205 is formed on the second main surface 202b of the peel-off substrate 202. Since the second main surface 202b does not require peel processing, the inhibition portion 205 can be easily formed on the second main surface 202b by printing or the like.

[0059] The release base material 202 is transparent, which is excellent in terms of design. If the release base material 202 is made of resin, the smoothness of the first main surface 202a can be improved.

[0060] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention. However, each configuration and combination thereof in the embodiment is merely an example, and addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0061] For example, in the label 10 with peel-off substrate shown in Figure 1, the inhibitory portion 5 is of a similar color to the information code 3 and thereby inhibits the reading of the information code 3, but the inhibitory portion does not have to be of a similar color to the information code as long as it is able to optically inhibit the reading of the information code.

[0062] In the label 10 with a release substrate shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of labels 1 are arranged in a line at intervals in the length direction of the release substrate 2, but the number of labels attached to the release substrate is not particularly limited. The number of labels may be one or more (any number equal to or greater than two). The arrangement of the labels on the release substrate is also not particularly limited. For example, the labels may be arranged in a matrix (rectangular lattice) in the length and width directions of the release substrate.

[0063] In the label 10 with release substrate shown in Fig. 4, the release layer 6 is formed on the inhibition portion 5, but the inhibition portion may be formed on the release layer. If the surface of the inhibition portion has high releasability, it is not necessary to form a release layer. In a label with a release substrate, the label may be fused to the release substrate if it is removable, but in consideration of attachment to an article, attachment via an adhesive layer is preferred. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1... label, 2,202... release substrate, 2a,202a... first main surface, 3... information code, 5,105,205... inhibition portion, 6... release layer, 10,110,210... label with release substrate, 20... reader

Claims

1. A sheet-like release substrate having a first main surface; one or more labels releasably attached to the first major surface; An information code that can be optically read by a reader is formed on the label, The label is transmissible from one side to the other side for light to be read by the reader, The release substrate has an obstruction portion formed thereon, the obstruction portion overlapping at least a portion of the information code in a plan view to obstruct reading of the information code. Label with peel-off backing.

2. The release substrate is made of a paper material; A release layer that covers the inhibition portion is formed on the release substrate, The label is attached to the release layer. The label with a release substrate according to claim 1.

3. The release substrate is capable of transmitting the light from one surface to the other surface. The label with a release substrate according to claim 1.

4. a step of releasably attaching one or a plurality of labels to a first main surface of the sheet-like release base on which the inhibition portion is formed; forming an information code on the label that is optically readable by a reader; The label is transmissible from one side to the other side for light to be read by the reader, the obstruction portion obstructs reading of the information code by overlapping at least a portion of the information code in a plan view. A method for manufacturing labels with a peel-off substrate.

Images