Image-forming body

Abstract

To provide an image-forming body that exhibits a video effect using a moire method and an IP method and can clearly reproduce complex, high-resolution images without reducing the video effect, even when formed by printing or laser processing with a low drawing resolution.SOLUTION: The image-forming body has, on its substrate, a group of divided and compressed elements of a base image arranged in a plurality at a second pitch in a predetermined direction, and has a group of sampling elements, in which sampling elements are arranged in a plurality at a first pitch different from the second pitch in a predetermined direction, reproducing a latent image. When the first pitch is P1 and the second pitch is P2, the second pitch P2 satisfies the equation (2): P2=P1×n (in equation (2), n is an integer of 2 or greater).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image-forming body that exhibits a moving image visual effect on security media such as banknotes, passports, securities, identification cards, and cards that require anti-counterfeiting effects. [Background technology]

[0002] The moving image effect, in which an image formed on a substrate appears to move depending on the viewing angle, is highly eye-catching and difficult to counterfeit, and therefore tends to be widely used as an element for determining the authenticity of security prints and the like.

[0003] Known technologies for creating a moving image effect on a flat surface depending on the viewing angle include holograms, parallax barriers, and lenticular lenses. For example, holograms, which create a moving image effect by switching between multiple images, are widely used and affixed to security-related printed materials that require the highest level of security, such as banknotes and passports.

[0004] Furthermore, methods for obtaining a moving image effect in an image forming body mainly include the following (i) to (iii): (i) Flip book format, (ii) Moire method, and (iii) Integral photography method; is known.

[0005] The flip book method is, for example, the method shown in Figure 20. As the base images to create the animation effect, a plurality of base images (18) are prepared, each of which has a continuous correlation and whose position is changed slightly, and these images are then divided and combined to form an image formation body (20).

[0006] The moiré method, for example, is shown in Figure 21(a). A base image (18) for creating a moving image effect is first set, and the base image (18) is compressed in one direction to create compressed elements. The compressed elements are then arranged in sequence at a pitch (P2m) slightly different from the sampling pitch (P1) of the lines or pixels (dots) of the sampling elements to create a compressed element group (19). These compressed elements are then combined with the sampling elements to create a moving image effect. The compressed element group arranged at the pitch (P2m) is sampled at the sampling pitch (P1) of the sampling element group, thereby magnifying the compressed elements through "Moiré Magnification" (a moiré magnification phenomenon) and reproducing multiple images. The pitch (P2m) of the compressed element group is between 80% and 100% of the sampling pitch (P1), or between 100% and 120%. The closer it is to 100%, the fewer latent images there are and the larger they are.

[0007] Image forming bodies that use lines as sampling elements and create a moving image effect using a moire method are disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 4427796) and Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent No. 5131789).

[0008] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 (JP 2007-223308 A) discloses a technique for realizing a special three-dimensional visual effect and a moving image visual effect using a moiré method. This technique arranges minute letters or symbols at a slightly shifted pitch continuously on the raised lines of a printed matter, so that when the raised lines are specularly reflected, the letters or symbols appear enlarged, with the effect that the letters or symbols appear to move left and right with a three-dimensional effect depending on the angle of incident light and the observer's viewing position.

[0009] The integral photography method (hereinafter referred to as the "IP method" in this specification) is, for example, a method shown in FIG. 21(b). This method creates a moving image effect by dividing an original image (18) into fixed widths in a specific direction, compressing them to form divided compressed elements (latent images), and arranging the divided compressed elements in a regular order at a pitch (P2i) that is the same as the sampling pitch (P1) of the lines that make up the sampling elements to form a divided compressed element group (19). The IP method is an application of images obtained by integral photography, a stereoscopic image capturing method invented by Lippmann in 1907, and is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent No. 5200284).

[0010] Patent Document 5 (Japanese Patent No. 7240678) discloses an image forming body that can move more smoothly than conventional moving image effects, can express higher brightness, and can freely change hue by setting a base image that produces a moving image effect, and compressing the base image in one direction to produce compressed elements (latent images), or by dividing the base image in at least one direction by a certain width and then compressing it to produce divided compressed elements (latent images), and using a diffraction grating as a means for sampling the latent image obtained by compression. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4427796 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5131789 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-223308 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 5200284 [Patent Document 5] Patent No. 7240678 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The flip book method can produce a certain degree of video-like visual effect, but because the base images are discontinuous, there are limitations to producing a smooth, uninterrupted video effect.

[0013] The Moire and IP methods are specialized technologies for creating moving and three-dimensional visual effects, and the movement of the images that appear is continuous and uninterrupted, making it possible to create a natural, three-dimensional visual effect.However, when using elements obtained by compressing or dividing an original image in the Moire and IP methods, the pitch (P2m or P2i) of the compressed image group made up of the compressed elements or divided compressed elements of the original image must be set to the same width as the sampling pitch (P1), which creates a problem in that the images that can be reproduced (original images) are limited to simple shapes.

[0014] To give a specific example, if the sampling pitch (P1), which is the distance between sampling elements, is 0.5 mm or less, the compressed elements must be "strongly compressed" to a size that fits within the sampling pitch (P1) of 0.5 mm or less. However, considering the reproducibility of images produced by printing or laser processing, the resolution is extremely low when fine or complex figures such as letters or symbols are compressed into a compressed image (latent image) due to the low processing accuracy. For example, as shown in Figure 22(a), if the original image (18) is a simple figure such as a circle, even when compressed at a high magnification, the compressed elements can be accurately formed, allowing the compressed elements to be accurately reproduced. On the other hand, if the original image (18) is a complex figure such as a floral pattern, when compressed at a high magnification, the compressed elements cannot be accurately formed, resulting in a blurred reproduced image.

[0015] When the compression element group is formed by printing, the width of each image line must be at least about 50 μm, taking image reproducibility into consideration. Therefore, for simple shapes such as circles, as shown in Figure 22(a), a sampling pitch (P1) of about 200 μm is sufficient for reproduction. However, for complex shapes such as floral patterns, as shown in Figure 22(b), the sampling pitch (P1) must be 400 μm or greater, otherwise it becomes difficult to reproduce the compression elements (latent images).

[0016] Furthermore, in the moiré method, the pitch (P2m) of the group of compressed elements made up of compressed elements obtained by compressing the entire base image must be compressed to the width of the sampling pitch (P1), so there is a particularly strong tendency for the reproducible image (base image) to be limited to simple shapes.

[0017] In the case of the IP method, the compression rate can be reduced by narrowing the frame width when dividing the base image, so there is relatively little risk of problems with the resolution of the compressed elements (latent images) that are obtained by compressing the base image.However, narrowing the frame width when dividing the base image has the problem of reducing the video effect.

[0018] Furthermore, OVDs (holograms), which have a moving image effect and can display three-dimensional images, can be processed at the nano-order level using electron beam lithography equipment, and even complex shapes can be reproduced to a certain extent. However, compared to general printed materials, OVDs (holograms) have complex manufacturing and processing processes, which could be disadvantageous in terms of cost.

[0019] Therefore, the present applicant discovered a phenomenon in which, in an image forming body that reproduces compressed elements using a moiré method to create a moving image effect, when the pitch (P2) of a compressed image group composed of compressed elements obtained by compressing an original image is n x a times the sampling pitch (P1) (n is an integer of 2 or more, and a is 0.8 to less than 1.0, or greater than 1.0 and 1.2 or less), the number of reproduced compressed elements is n times larger. The present applicant also discovered a phenomenon in which, in an image forming body that reproduces compressed elements using an IP method to create a moving image effect, when the pitch (P2) of a compressed image group composed of divided compressed elements obtained by dividing and compressing an original image is n times the sampling pitch (P1) (n is an integer of 2 or more), the number of divided compressed elements is n times larger. The present applicant then discovered that by utilizing this phenomenon, it is possible to reduce the compression rate from the original image to the compressed elements (latent images) when creating a moving image effect using the moiré method and the IP method.

[0020] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image forming body that produces a moving image effect using the moiré method and the IP method, and that can relax the compression ratio from the original image to the compressed elements or divided compressed elements, thereby enabling the image forming body to clearly reproduce complex, high-resolution images without reducing the moving image effect, even when the image is formed by printing or laser processing, etc., which does not have a high drawing resolution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] As a result of investigations aimed at solving the above problems, the applicant of the present invention found that the above problems can be solved by an image forming member having a specific configuration, and thus completed the present invention. Specifically, the details are as follows.

[0022] The image-forming body of the present invention comprises, on a substrate, a compression element group in which a plurality of compression elements, each of which is a compressed base image, are arranged at a second pitch in a predetermined direction, or a divided compression element group in which a plurality of compression elements, each of which is a divided and compressed base image, are arranged at a second pitch in a predetermined direction; An image forming body in which a latent image is reproduced by a sampling element group in which a plurality of sampling elements are arranged in a predetermined direction at a first pitch different from a second pitch, and when the first pitch is P1 and the second pitch is P2, the second pitch P2 is: i) When a compression element is formed on a substrate, the formula (1); P2=P1×n×a (In formula (1), n ​​is an integer of 2 or more, a is 0.8≦a<1, 1 <a≦1.2) ii) When a segmented compression element is formed on the substrate, Eq. (2); P2=P1×n (wherein formula (2) n is an integer of 2 or more) is satisfied.

[0023] The image forming body of the present invention is characterized in that a compression element group or a divided compression element group and a sampling element group are formed overlapping each other on one surface of a substrate, or a compression element group or a divided compression element group are formed on one surface of a substrate, and a sampling element group is formed overlapping the compression element group or the divided compression element group on the other surface via the substrate.

[0024] The image forming body of the present invention is also characterized in that the sampling element group is composed of a diffraction grating in which a plurality of grating lines are arranged, each of which is formed by a combination of curves or straight lines with different angles, and the compression element group or divided compression element group and the sampling element group are formed in combination or integrally on the substrate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, in an image forming body that produces a moving image effect using the moiré method and the IP method, the compression rate from the original image to the compressed elements or divided compressed elements can be significantly relaxed, making it possible to provide an image forming body that can clearly reproduce complex, high-resolution images without reducing the moving image effect, even when the image is formed by printing or laser processing, etc., which does not have a high drawing resolution. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional technique in which a second element (compressed element) is reproduced using a first element (image line) (Moire method). [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of the compression element (6) of the second element (compression element) in the image forming member according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in comparison with the prior art. [Figure 3] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the reduction of the compression rate of an original image in an image forming body according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of a case where a compressed element made up of a second element is reproduced (moire method) using a first element (image line) in the image forming body according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of the reproduction of a second element (a horizontally inverted moire-type compressed element) using a first element (a line image). [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of a case where a second element (a moiré-type compressed element) is reproduced using a first element (a pixel). [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of the case where a divided compressed element made up of a second element is reproduced (IP method) using a first element (line). [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of a case where a second element (a divided compressed element in the IP method) is reproduced using a first element (a line). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram of a case where a second element (a divided compressed element in the IP method) is reproduced using a first element (a line). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the formation of a second element (a divided compression element of the IP method). [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of a case where a second element (a divided compressed element in the IP method) is reproduced using a first element (pixel). [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is another schematic diagram showing the formation of the second element (IP-type divided compressed image). [Figure 13] Schematic diagram showing the separate operation of a sampling device provided with a first element (image lines) and a substrate provided with a second element (a group of compressed images in a Moire system). [Figure 14]Schematic diagram of the first element (image line) and the second element (moiré compression element) integrated using the parallax barrier method. [Figure 15] Schematic diagram of a first element (image) and a second element (moiré-type compression element) integrated using a raised element. [Figure 16] Schematic diagram of a first element (image) and a second element (moiré-type compression element) integrated using a raised element. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging member with a prior art diffraction grating and a second element (compression element). [Figure 18] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an image forming member having a diffraction grating and a second element (compression element) in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a diffraction grating. [Figure 20] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a flip book method according to the prior art; [Figure 21] 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging member using a compression element according to the prior art; [Figure 22] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a problem in an image forming member of the prior art; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The image forming body of the present invention will be described below. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various other embodiments are included within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims.

[0028] An example of the image-formed body (A) of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the image-formed body (A) of the present invention includes a first element (1) and a second element (4), and the first element (1) is arranged in a first direction (T1) at a first pitch (P1). The second element (4) includes a compressed element (6) obtained by compressing a base image (5) in the same direction as the first direction (T1) or a divided compressed element (8) obtained by dividing and compressing the base image (5). The second element (4) is arranged in a plurality of pieces in the same direction as the first direction (T1) at a second pitch (P2) on a substrate or another substrate. At least a portion of the first element (1) and at least a portion of the second element (4) are formed on the same substrate or on a substrate in such a manner that they overlap each other. The second pitch (P2) is given by formula (1) in the Moire method; i) If the second element (4) is a compression element (6), then Eq. (1); P2=P1×n×a (In formula (1), n ​​is an integer of 2 or more, a is 0.8≦a<1, 1 <a≦1.2) is. In addition, the second pitch (P2) is expressed by the formula (2) in the IP method; ii) If the second element (4) is a split compression element (8), then Eq. (2); P2=P1×n (In formula (2), n is an integer of 2 or more.) The image-formed body (A) is as follows: First to eleventh aspects of the image-formed body (A) according to the present invention will be described below.

[0029] [Image forming member according to the first embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a moiré-type image forming body (A) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the image forming body (A) according to the first embodiment, the first elements (1) are sampling elements (2) of an image having an image width (Wx), and a plurality of sampling elements (2) are arranged at a first pitch (P1) in a first direction (T1) to form a sampling element group (3). The second elements (4) are compression elements (6) of a width (W2) obtained by compressing the original image (5), which uses a complex star shape as an example of the original image (5), and a plurality of compression elements (6) are arranged at a second pitch (P2) in the same direction as the first direction (T1) to form a compression element group (7). The first pitch (P1) and the second pitch (P2) are slightly different, and a star-shaped reproduction image (10) is reproduced from the compression element group (7) due to the moiré caused by the difference in pitch.

[0030] Fig. 2(a) is a schematic diagram of a case where a compression element group (7) is reproduced using a first element (1) and a second element (4) in the prior art, and Fig. 2(b) is a schematic diagram of a case where a compression element group (7) is reproduced using a first element (1) and a second element (4) in an image forming body (A) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 2, the first element (1) is shown with an outline to make the explanation easier to understand. As shown in Figure 2(a), in the case of conventional technology, the pitch (P2) of the compression element group (7) consisting of the compression elements (6) obtained by compressing the base image (5) must be compressed to the width of the first pitch (P1) of the sampling element group (3) consisting of the first elements (1). Therefore, when forming the compression element (6) having a complex shape such as a star by printing, even if the printing line width is precisely formed to 0.05 mm (50 μm), the reproduced image (10) reproduced from the compression element group (7) will be a blurred image as shown in Figure 2(a).

[0031] In contrast, the image forming body (A) of the present invention is characterized by the compression rate of the base image (5) and the arrangement of the compression elements (6). As shown in FIG. 2(b), in the first aspect of the present invention, the pitch (P2) of the compression element group (7) composed of the compression elements (6) obtained by compressing the base image (5) is the first pitch (P1) of the sampling element group (3) composed of the first elements (1) × n × a (n is an integer of 2 or more, 0.8 ≦ a < 1, 1 < a ≦ 1.2).

[0032] FIG. 2(b) shows an example where n is 2. For example, when the first pitch (P1) is 0.5 mm, the second pitch (P2) is 0.5 mm × 2 × a (0.8 ≦ a < 1 or 1 < a ≦ 1.2), that is, the compression elements (6) may be accommodated in a range of 0.8 mm or more and less than 1.0 mm or more than 1.0 mm and 1.2 mm or less. Thereby, even when the star-shaped compression element (6) is formed with a printing line width of 0.05 mm (50 μm), as shown in FIG. 2(b), it is possible to relax the compression rate from the base image (5) to the compression element (6), and a clear reproduced image (10) can be reproduced. n may be any integer of 2 or more, and the upper limit value is not particularly limited. However, as a condition for reproducing a clear reproduced image (10), for example, it is 10 or less, preferably 8 or less, more preferably 6 or less.

[0033] With such a configuration, as shown in FIG. 2(b), one compression element (6) is formed across a plurality of sampling elements (2), and compared with the configuration in the prior art shown in FIG. 2(a) where one compression element (6) is formed only on one sampling element (2), the compression rate of the compression element (6) can be relaxed.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the first pitch (P1) of the first element (1) and the second pitch (P2) of the second element (4). FIG. 3(a) shows an example where n is 2, FIG. 3(b) shows an example where n is 3, and FIG. 3(c) shows an example where n is 4. Thus, by setting the second pitch (P2) to n times the first pitch (P1), the compression rate of the base image (5) can be relaxed.

[0035] Also, the reason for "0.8 ≦ a < 1 or 1 < a ≦ 1.2" above is that when the value of one pitch is about 0.8 times to 1.2 times (excluding 1 times) the value of the other pitch, a moiré reproduced image (10) with high visibility and high video effect appears. If it is outside this range, the reproduced compressed image (latent image) will be unclear or unrecognizable. Also, in the above, when a is close to 1, the number of latent images that are reproduced and appear increases. Therefore, in order for the observer to clearly confirm the reproduced image (10), when a is less than 1, it is 0.8 or more, preferably 0.9 or more, more preferably 0.95 or more. Also, when a is greater than 1, a is 1.2 or less, preferably 1.1 or less, more preferably 1.05 or less. When a is 1, it is not preferable because the "Moire Magnification" (moiré magnification phenomenon) cannot be effectively utilized and it is difficult to reproduce the compressed image (latent image).

[0036] The compression ratio, which is the ratio of the base image (5) to the compression element (6), can be appropriately adjusted according to the complexity of the base image (5), the size of the second pitch (P2), the magnitude of the video effect, the resolution of the reproduced image (10), etc. For example, when the first element (1) is a scan line, it is preferable that the width (W0) of the base image (5) and the width (Wm) of the compression element (6) satisfy Wm / W0 = 1 / 100 to 1 / 2. If Wm / W0 exceeds 1 / 2, there is a possibility that the video effect and the three-dimensional visual effect will be reduced. If Wm / W0 is less than 1 / 100, the printing reproducibility of the compression element (6) will decrease, and there is a possibility that the compression element (6) cannot be appropriately formed. When the first element (1) is a pixel, in addition to the width direction, the compression ratio in the height direction also needs to be considered, but the same compression ratio can be used.

[0037] Next, we will explain how to reduce the compression rate of the original image (5). Figure 4 explains the reproduced image (10) of the image-formed body (A) according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4(a), the first elements (1) are arranged regularly in a first direction (T1) at a first pitch (P1) of 1.0 mm, which is the sampling period, to form a sampling element group (3). For ease of explanation, the second elements (4) are compression elements (6) obtained by compressing the original image (5) into a circle in the horizontal direction so that the width (W2) of the compression element is 0.65 mm. The second elements (4) are arranged regularly in a first direction (T1) at a pitch (P2) of 0.91 mm, to form a moiré compression element group (7). 4(a) is a moire system, the second pitch (P2) is "approximately equal to" the first pitch (P1), which is 0.8 times or more but less than 1 time (0.91 times) the first pitch (P1), and the relationship between P2:P1 is approximately 1:1. When the compressed element (6) is reproduced in the image forming body shown in FIG. 4(a), three reproduced images (10) are reproduced, for example.

[0038] In Figure 4(b), a plurality of first elements (1) are regularly arranged along a first direction (T1) so that a first pitch (P1), which is the sampling period, is 0.5 mm, forming a sampling element group (3). The second elements (4) form a compression element group (7) with the same compression element width (W2) and arrangement pitch (P2) as those described in Figure 4(a). Because Figure 4(b) uses a moiré method, compared to Figure 4(a), the second pitch (P2) is approximately twice the first pitch (P1), but is further increased to 0.8 times but less than 1 time (0.91 times), meaning that "P2 is approximately equal to twice P1," and the relationship between P2:P1 is approximately 2:1. Furthermore, when the compressed elements (6) are reproduced using the moire method in the image forming body (A) shown in Figure 3(b), as an example, the number of reproduced images (10) that are twice the number of elements that appear in Figure 4(a) (3 elements x 2 times = 6 elements in Figure 4(b)) is reproduced.

[0039] In Figure 4(c), a plurality of first elements (1) are regularly arranged along a first direction (T1) so that a first pitch (P1), which is the sampling period, is 0.25 mm, forming a sampling element group (3). The second elements (4) form a compression element group (7) with the same compression element width (W2) and arrangement pitch (P2) as those described in Figure 4(a). In Figure 4(c), the second pitch (P2) is approximately four times the first pitch (P1), and the moiré method is used. P2 is 0.8 times or more but less than 1 time (0.91 times) of four times P1, which means "P2 is approximately equal to four times P1," and the relationship between P2:P1 is approximately 4:1. In the image forming body (A) shown in Figure 4(c), when the compressed elements (6) are reproduced using the moire method, for example, four times the number of reproduced images (10) that appear in Figure 4(a) (3 x 4 = 12 in Figure 2(c)) are reproduced.

[0040] By utilizing this phenomenon, it is possible to produce a reproduced image (10) that is n times larger than that of conventional techniques. Therefore, by arranging the compression elements (6) within a second pitch (P2) that is n times wider than the first pitch (P1), the compression ratio from the original image (5) to the compression elements (6) can be reduced, resulting in a clear image-formed body (A) with excellent moving image effects. Furthermore, images reproduced using the moiré method have a three-dimensional effect, and even when tilted to create a moving image effect, the reproduced moving image movement is smooth. Furthermore, in many cases, it is sufficient to repeatedly arrange the same image at a fixed pitch, making image production relatively easy. Furthermore, the same image appears relatively consistently even without strict print registration management, making this method suitable for mass production.

[0041] In the image-forming body (A) according to the first embodiment, an "element" is either an image line or a pixel. An "image line" is one or more of a dotted line, a broken line, a straight line, a curved line, and a wavy line, and may be configured in any image line shape. A "image line group" is formed by regularly arranging a plurality of image lines. A "pixel" is one or more halftone dot shapes that express changes in shade by area ratio (dot size), such as a circle, a polygon, a figure, or a character, and may be configured in any element shape. A "pixel group" is formed by regularly arranging a plurality of pixels. The shape of a pixel may be, for example, a polygon such as a square, a rectangle, or a pentagon, or a circle.

[0042] In the image forming body (A) according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when the first elements (1) are lines, the first pitch (P1) is expressed as the sum of the line width (Wx) and the slit width (Sx) formed between adjacent lines, i.e., "P1 = Wx + Sx." When the first elements (1) are pixels, the first pitch (P1) is expressed as the sum of the pixel width (Wy) and the slit width (Sy) formed between adjacent pixels, i.e., "P1 = Wy + Sy" (not shown). When the first elements (1) are pixels, the first pitch (P1) is applied to both the first direction (T1) and a second direction (T2) perpendicular to each other. As shown in FIG. 1, the second pitch (P2) of the second elements (4) is expressed as the sum of the compressed element (6) width (Wz) and the slit width (Sz) formed between adjacent compressed images, i.e., "P2 = Wz + Sz."

[0043] In the image-formed body (A) according to the first embodiment, at least one of the first pitch (P1) between the first elements (1) and the second pitch (P2) between the second elements (4) may be a constant pitch, or may vary at a constant rate within the region in which each element is formed. The pitch varying at a constant rate may be, for example, a pitch that can be expressed as a numerical progression. For example, the first pitch (P1) may be gradually increased or decreased at a constant rate. For example, the first pitch (P1) may be configured such that the first pitch (P1) increases at a constant rate in the first cycle, remains unchanged in the second cycle, and decreases at a constant rate in the third cycle. This allows the latent image to be reproduced as images with multiple different perspectives, thereby producing a visual effect with excellent three-dimensionality and a sense of depth.

[0044] In the image forming body (A) according to the first embodiment, the image width constituting the compression element (6), which is the second element (4), is preferably 50 μm or more when formed by printing. If the image width is 50 μm or more, it is possible to form the compression element group (7) by printing. However, if the image width is less than 50 μm, it becomes difficult to form the compression element group (7) by printing, and the means for forming the compression element group (7) are limited, which may be disadvantageous in terms of cost, etc.

[0045] For example, in the case of a simple figure such as a circle shown in FIG. 22(a), even if the width of the lines constituting the compression elements (6) is 50 μm, it is possible to reproduce the compression element group (7) by, for example, setting the second pitch (P2) to 200 μm (the first pitch (P1) to 200 μm). However, in the case of a complex figure such as a floral pattern shown in FIG. 22(b), if the width of the lines constituting the compression elements (6) is 50 μm, it will be difficult to reproduce the compression element group (7) unless the second pitch (P2) is set to 400 μm (the first pitch (P1) to 400 μm). However, when forming using an electron beam lithography device used in OVD (hologram), it is possible to make the line width 50 μm or less, making it possible to form complex figures, but this may be disadvantageous in terms of cost.

[0046] Various types of base images (5) can be used to form the second element (4). For example, any image such as a letter, symbol, number, mark, picture, or photograph can be used as the base image (5).

[0047] 1, the star-shaped base image (5) is compressed in the first direction (T1), but in the image forming body (A) according to the first embodiment, the base image (5) can be compressed in one direction, such as the vertical direction, horizontal direction, or diagonal direction, or in both the vertical and horizontal directions (simple reduction). When compressing in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the vertical reduction ratio and the horizontal reduction ratio can be different, but it is preferable that the multiple compressed images (latent images) forming one compression element group all have the same compression ratio.

[0048] In the image-formed body (A) according to the first embodiment, the center of the first element (1) and the center of the second element (4) may or may not coincide. Furthermore, in the image-formed body (A) according to the first embodiment, the width of the first element (1) and the width of the second element (4) may be the same or different. In the image-formed body (A) according to the first embodiment, the area of ​​the first element (1) and the area of ​​the second element (4) may be the same or different. In the image-formed body (A) according to the first embodiment, the first element (1) and the second element (4) may be parallel or approximately parallel to each other. The range of approximately parallelism refers to an angle of 5 degrees or less with respect to the first direction (T1). An angle of 5 degrees or less does not affect the dynamic effect or the three-dimensional visual effect.

[0049] The first element (1) and the second element (4) are formed on any substrate (11). Examples of the substrate (11) include one or more materials selected from the group consisting of paper, transparent plastic materials, translucent plastic materials, opaque plastic materials, metals, glass, ceramics, and composites thereof (e.g., paper or plastic materials on which a metal vapor deposition layer is formed).

[0050] The method for forming the first element (1) and the second element (4) is not particularly limited. Examples include printing, laser processing, electron beam processing, etching, molding, grinding, watermarking, and machining. The printing method is not particularly limited, and examples include offset printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, relief printing, intaglio printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, laser printer printing, dye-sublimation printer printing, and laser marker printing. For example, it is possible to form raised elements by printing using transparent ink by screen printing or intaglio printing. Furthermore, when laser printer printing, dye-sublimation printer printing, or laser marker printing is used, it is possible to impart different information, so-called variable information, to each printed item.

[0051] In the image-formed body (A) according to the first embodiment, either the first element (1) or the second element (4) can have various properties. The first element (1) can be, for example, one or more of a raised element (a convex-shaped element), an element with light-dark flip-flop or color flip-flop properties, an element with a desired color tone, an element with the same or different color tone as the second element (4), a (semi)transparent element, or an element with a diffraction grating. Note that the light-dark flip-flop property refers to a property in which lightness changes when light is reflected. For example, the light-dark flip-flop property can be imparted to an element by using a general gloss ink, a component containing a metallic pigment, or a component containing a general coloring pigment. Furthermore, color flip-flop property, unlike the light-dark flip-flop property, refers to a property in which not only lightness but also hue and saturation change significantly when light is reflected. For example, a color flip-flop property can be imparted to either the first element (1) or the second element (4) by using a component containing a pearl pigment or a liquid crystal material. When either the first element (1) or the second element (4) has a light-dark flip-flop property or a color flip-flop property, it is preferable that either the first element (1) or the second element (4) is a raised element (14) and that one element is stacked on top of the other. By using a raised element (13), the degree of reflection of incident light varies depending on the angle, resulting in different visual effects, making it possible to achieve visual and optical effects such as visibility or invisibility. This allows for the construction of an image-formed body (A) with excellent three-dimensionality and moving image effects.

[0052] In the image-forming body (A) according to the first embodiment, either the first element (1) or the second element (4) can have information visible under diffuse reflected light. For example, by using the first element (1) or the second element (4) as a raised element (13) and setting the difference in area of ​​the raised element (13) within an appropriate range, it becomes possible to express or erase information visible under diffuse reflected light.

[0053] In the first embodiment, since various effects can be achieved by using the configuration described in Patent No. 5131789, which is the application of the present applicant, the configuration described in Patent No. 5131789 may also be used in the image forming body of the present invention.

[0054] [Image forming member according to the second embodiment] As an application example of the first embodiment, an image-formed body (A) according to a second embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. While the image-formed body (A) according to the first embodiment uses a bilaterally symmetrical figure as the base image (5), the second embodiment uses, as an example, a base image (5) that is an inverted version of the letter "P" as a directional character. This is because, in the moiré method, when the second pitch (P2) between the second elements (4) is greater than the first pitch (P1) between the first elements (1), as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the compressed element (6) that is the second element (4) is sampled in a state inverted from the letter "P." In this case, since the latent image element (6) reproduced by the moiré method is bilaterally inverted (mirrored), if the base image (5) has an asymmetrical shape, it must be compressed using an image that has been bilaterally inverted (mirrored) about the compression axis of the base image (5) in order to reproduce the reproduced image (10) with the appropriate shape.

[0055] Other points can be the same as those of the image-forming body (A) according to the first embodiment.

[0056] [Image forming member according to the third embodiment] As an application example of the first aspect, the image forming body (A) according to the third aspect will be described. The third aspect uses a pixel (dot) as the first element (1), and the second element (4) is a compressed element (6) obtained by compressing the base image (5), and is a mode of obtaining a moving image effect by the moiré method. When using a pixel (dot) as the first element (1), since the first pitch (P1) is applied in the width direction and the height direction, compared with the case of using a scan line as the first element (1), it is possible to relax the compression rate of the base image (5) not only in the width direction but also in the height direction, which is particularly useful when using a complex image as the base image (5).

[0057] The image forming body (A) of the third aspect is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the first element (1) is a pixel (dot), and the second element (4) uses a compressed element (6) formed by compressing a star-shaped base image (5) with a complex shape in the width direction and the height direction. In FIG. 6, the pixels, which are the first elements (1), are elements (14) having a plurality of regularly arranged bulges along the first direction (T1) and the second direction (T2), which is a direction perpendicular to the first direction (T1), such that the first pitch (P1), which is the sampling period, is, for example, 0.3 mm, thereby forming the sampling element (2).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6(b), in the case of an image forming body (A) by the moiré method using pixels (dots) in the prior art, it is necessary to accommodate the compressed element (6) in a region having an area of (P2 × a) × (P2 × a) (0.8 ≦ a < 1 or 1 < a ≦ 1.2), which is approximately the same area as the region having an area of P1 × P1. However, when forming the star-shaped compressed element (6) by printing, even when the width of the compressed element is 0.05 mm (50 μm), as shown in FIG. 6(b), the compressed element (6) will be crushed, and thus the reproduced image (10) will be blurred.

[0059] In the case of the image forming body (A) by the moire method using the pixel (dot) in the present invention shown in Fig. 6(c), since the compression element (6) may be accommodated in a region having an area substantially the same as a region having an area of n times the first pitch (P1) × n times the first pitch (P1), that is, a region having an area of (P2 × n × a) × (P2 × n × a) (0.8 ≤ a < 1 or 1 < a ≤ 1.2), the compression rate from the base image (5) to the compression element (6) can be relaxed. Note that Fig. 6(c) is an example in which n is 2. When the first pitch (P1) is, for example, 0.3 mm, the compression element (6) may be accommodated in a region having an area of the second pitch (P2) (more than 0.48 mm and less than 0.6 mm or more than 0.6 mm and less than or equal to 0.72 mm) × the second pitch (P2) (more than 0.48 mm and less than 0.6 mm or more than 0.6 mm and less than or equal to 0.72 mm). Therefore, when forming the compression element (6) by printing, even when the printing line width is 0.05 mm (50 μm), the compression element (6) can be accurately formed as shown in Fig. 6(c), and a clear reproduced image (10) can be obtained. The number of reproduced images (10) is, for example, when the number of reproduced images (10) in the case where the first pitch (P1) and the second pitch (P2) are substantially the same as shown in Fig. 6(b) is 4, the number of reproduced images (10) reproduced when the second pitch (P2) is twice the first pitch (P1) as shown in Fig. 6(c) is 16, which is 4 × n × n times (n = 2).

[0060] Regarding the remaining points, it can be the same as the image forming body (A) according to the first aspect and the second aspect. In the image forming body (A) according to the third aspect, the first element (1) and the second element (4) may have a substantially parallel relationship. The range of substantially parallel is an angle within 5 degrees with respect to the first direction (T1) and the second direction (T2) in which one of the first element (1) and the second element (4) is arranged. If it is within 5 degrees, it will not affect the dynamic effect and the three-dimensional visual effect.

[0061] [Image Forming Body According to the Fourth Aspect] An image forming body (A) according to a fourth embodiment will now be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case in which a first element (1) is used to reproduce a second element (4), an IP-type divided compression element (8). The first element (1) is a sampling element (2) of an image having an image width (W1), and a plurality of such elements are arranged at a first pitch (P1) along a first direction (T1) to form a sampling element group (3). The second element (4) is formed by sequentially dividing a floral original image (5) into frames of width (F0), compressing the divided image in the first direction (T1) to form a divided compression element group (9), with a plurality of divided compression elements (8) of width (W2). The divided compression elements are arranged at a second pitch (P2) in the same direction as the first direction (T1) in which the first element (1) is arranged. A reproduced floral image (10) is reproduced from the divided compression element group (9) of the image forming body (A).

[0062] In the image-formed body (A) according to the fourth embodiment, the second pitch (P2) can be expressed as the first pitch (P1) × n (n is an integer of 2 or greater). When the second pitch (P2) between the divided compression elements (8), which are the second elements (4), is n times (n is an integer of 2 or greater) the first pitch (P1) of the first elements (1), the number of reproduced images (10) is reproduced n times (n is an integer of 2 or greater). This phenomenon can be used to reduce the compression ratio when compressing the original image (5). The upper limit of n is not particularly limited as long as it is 2 or greater, but a condition for reproducing a clear reproduced image (10) is, for example, 10 or less, preferably 8 or less, and more preferably 6 or less. This allows the divided compression elements (8) to be reproduced accurately, allowing the viewer to clearly and sharply recognize the reproduced image (10).

[0063] In the fourth aspect, the width (F0) of the frame used to divide the base image (5) must be equal to or less than the width of the base image (5), as shown in FIG. 7 . Furthermore, the compression ratio (W2 / F0) between the frame width (F0) and the width (W2) of the divided compression elements (8) can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the complexity of the base image (5), the size of the second pitch (P2), the magnitude of the moving image effect, the resolution of the reproduced image (10), and other factors. For example, when the first elements (1) are lines, the ratio W2 / F0 between the frame width (F0) and the width (W2) of the divided compression elements (8) is preferably 1 / 100 to 1 / 2. If W2 / F0 exceeds 1 / 2, the moving image effect and the three-dimensional visual effect may be reduced. If W2 / F0 is less than 1 / 100, the print reproducibility of the divided compression elements (8) may be reduced, and the divided compression elements (8) may not be properly formed. When the first element (1) is a pixel, the height direction as well as the width direction must be taken into consideration, but the same compression ratio can be used.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reproduced image (10) of an image-forming body (A) in a fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8(a), a plurality of first elements (1) are regularly arranged along a first direction (T1) with a first pitch (P1) of 1.0 mm to form a sampling element group (3). For ease of explanation, a circular base image (5) is used as the second element (4). The base image (5) is divided into frames of an arbitrary width, and the divided images are compressed in the first direction (T1). Divided compression elements (8) with a width (W2) of 0.8 mm are regularly arranged in the order of division. A plurality of divided compression elements (8) are regularly arranged along the first direction (T1) with a pitch (P2) of 1.0 mm to form a divided compression element group (9). In FIG. 8(a), P2 is set to an "equal value" that is 1 times P1, and the relationship between P2:P1 is 1:1. When the divided compressed element (8) is reproduced, for example, one circle is reproduced as a reproduced image (10).

[0065] In FIG. 8(b), a plurality of first elements (1), each consisting of a line, are regularly arranged along a first direction (T1) at a first pitch (P1) of 0.5 mm to form a sampling element group (3). The second elements (4) are divided compression element groups (7) with a width (W2) and arrangement pitch (P2) of divided compression elements (8) similar to those described in FIG. 8(a). In FIG. 8(b), P2 is twice as large as P1 compared to FIG. 8(a), resulting in a P2:P1=2:1 relationship. Furthermore, when the divided compression elements (8) are reproduced, twice the number of circles (1 x 2 = 2 in FIG. 8(b)) that appear in FIG. 8(a) are reproduced as a reproduced image (10).

[0066] In FIG. 8(c), a plurality of first elements (1), each consisting of a line, are regularly arranged along a first direction (T1) at a first pitch (P1) of 0.25 mm to form a sampling element group (3). The second elements (4) are divided compression element groups (7) with a width (W2) and arrangement pitch (P2) of divided compression elements (8) similar to those described in FIG. 8(a). In FIG. 8(c), P2 is four times larger than P1 compared to FIG. 8(a), resulting in a P2:P1=4:1 relationship. Furthermore, when the divided compression elements (8) are reproduced, four times the number of circles (1 x 4 = 4 in FIG. 8(c)) that appear in FIG. 8(a) are reproduced as a reproduced image (10).

[0067] By utilizing this phenomenon, it is possible to produce a reproduced image (10) that is n times larger than that of conventional technology. Therefore, by accommodating the divided compression elements (8) within the width of a second pitch (P2) that is wider (n times larger) than the first pitch (P1), the compression ratio from the original image to the divided compression elements (8) can be relaxed, and an image-forming body (A) that is clear and has excellent moving image effects can be obtained.

[0068] In the fourth embodiment, since various effects can be achieved by using the configuration described in Patent No. 5200284, which is an application filed by the present applicant, the configuration described in Patent No. 5200284 may also be used in the image forming body of the present invention.

[0069] Other points can be the same as those of the image-forming body (A) according to the first embodiment.

[0070] [Image forming member according to the fifth embodiment] An image forming body (A) in which the base image (5) used in the fourth embodiment is configured as a more complex shape will be described as the fifth embodiment. The image forming body (A) according to the fifth embodiment is another example in which the first element (1) uses an image line and the second element (4) uses an IP type divided compression element (8).

[0071] 9(a) shows an image forming body according to the prior art, in which a first element (1) is a sampling element (2) with a width (W1), and a plurality of sampling elements (2) are arranged in a first direction (T1) at a first pitch (P1) to form a sampling element group (3). The second element (4) is a divided compression element (8) obtained by compressing a base image (5) horizontally in a predetermined frame, using the kanji character "mori" (forest), and compressing the base image (5) in the divided frames in the first direction (T1) so that the width of the divided compression element (8) becomes W2. Each divided compression element (8) is formed by continuously moving a predetermined frame in the horizontal direction at a second pitch (P2), and a plurality of the resulting divided compression elements (8) are regularly arranged in that order along the first direction (T1) at the arrangement pitch (P2), forming an IP-type divided compression element group (9). In FIG. 9(a), since the IP system is used, P2 is set to 1 times P1, and the relationship is P2:P1=1:1.

[0072] FIG. 9(b) shows an image forming body (A) according to a fifth embodiment, which differs from the conventional technology described in FIG. 9(a) only in the second pitch (P2) of each divided compression element (8) constituting the divided compression element group (9). In FIG. 9(b), P2 is twice P1 compared to FIG. 9(a), resulting in a P2:P1=2:1 relationship. As a result, when the divided compression elements (8) are reproduced, twice the number of reproduced images (10) that appear in FIG. 9(a) is reproduced. Furthermore, because the divided compression elements (8) are arranged consecutively in the order in which they were divided to form the divided compression element group (9), the reproduced image (10) obtained has a smooth, moving-image-like visual effect and a natural, three-dimensional visual effect.

[0073] FIG. 10 shows an example of a procedure for producing a divided compression element group (9) composed of divided compression elements (8) in an image forming body (A) according to the fifth embodiment. As a first step, the leftmost frame position is determined. This determines the reference for dividing the original image (5). The leftmost frame position, which serves as the reference, is the position where the right edge of the frame slightly overlaps the left edge of the original image (5). The "slightly overlapping position" refers to the position where the frame and the original image (5) slightly overlap, resulting in a state where a portion of the original image (5) is included within the frame. The original image (5) included within this frame is defined as an intra-frame image, and the intra-frame image is compressed to a predetermined image width to form a divided compression element (8). The compression ratio of the intra-frame image is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to adjust the ratio of the intra-frame image:divided compression element (8) to be within the range of 2:1 to 100:1. If the ratio of the intra-frame image to the divided compression element (8) is less than 2, the dynamic effect and the three-dimensional visual effect may be reduced. On the other hand, if the number of images in a frame exceeds 100 for the divided compression element (8), the print reproducibility of the divided compression element (8) decreases, and there is a risk that the divided compression element (8) cannot be reproduced appropriately.

[0074] In the second step, the next frame position is determined to be a position shifted a second pitch (P2) to the right from the leftmost frame position. The original image (5) contained in the frame is used as the intra-frame image. The intra-frame image is compressed to a predetermined line width to form a divided compression element (8). The divided compression element (8) is then positioned to the right, spaced a second pitch (P2) from the previously formed divided compression element (8). Subsequently, the divided compression elements (8) are formed in the same manner, and the arrangement is repeated in sequence along the first direction (T1) at the second pitch (P2). The creation of the divided compression element (8) is completed when the frame reaches a position where the original image (5) is no longer included. This completes the divided compression element group (9). Commercially available image processing software can also be used to create the divided compression element group (9). In the method shown in FIG. 9, the base frame position is created using the left edge of the original image (5) as the base point. However, the base frame position may also be created using the center or right edge of the original image (5) as the base point.

[0075] In the IP method, the divided compression elements (8) are images within a frame divided based on the original image (5) that are compressed at a predetermined reduction rate in at least one direction, resulting in different shapes of lines. The divided compression elements (8) are arranged at a predetermined pitch so as to be in the same order as the original image (5), and the compression rates for all divided compression elements (8) are the same. The direction in which the divided intra-frame images are compressed is not particularly limited. The image may be compressed in one direction, such as the vertical, horizontal, or diagonal direction, or it may be compressed in both the vertical and horizontal directions (simple reduction). When compressing in both the vertical and horizontal directions, the vertical and horizontal reduction rates may be different. However, even in this case, it is preferable that all divided compression elements (8) constituting one divided compression element group (9) have the same compression conditions.

[0076] In the divided compression element (8) of the image forming body (A) according to the fifth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, an image in a frame contains a part of the image in the previous adjacent frame, and the image in a frame also contains a part of the image in the next adjacent frame. In this way, the adjacent images in the frames each contain a part of the overlapping original image (5).

[0077] In other respects, it can be the same as the image-formed body (A) according to the first and fourth embodiments.

[0078] [Image forming member according to the sixth embodiment] The sixth aspect of the present invention is an aspect in which the first element (1) is a pixel (dot), and the second element (4) is a divided and compressed element (8) obtained by dividing and compressing the original image (5), as shown in FIG.

[0079] Fig. 11(a) shows a conventional image forming body configured by an IP method using pixels (dots). In Fig. 11(a), pixels (dots) that are first elements (1) are regularly arranged at a first pitch (P1) in a first direction (T1) with a width (R1) and a height (H1), and also regularly arranged at a first pitch (P1) in a second direction (T2) perpendicular to the first direction (T1) to form a sampling element group (3). The second element (4) is a divided compression element (8) obtained by dividing the original image (5) into a first direction (T1) and a second direction (T2) perpendicular to the first direction in a predetermined frame, and compressing the original image (5) in the divided frames in the first direction (T1) which is the horizontal direction and the second direction (T2) which is the vertical direction so that the divided compression element (8) has a width (R2) and a height (H2). Each divided compression element (8) is formed by compressing the predetermined frame by continuously moving it in the first direction (T1) and the second direction (T2) perpendicular to the first direction (T1) so as to have a second pitch (P2). A plurality of the obtained divided compression elements (8) are regularly arranged in the first direction (T1) and the second direction (T2) in that order so as to have the second pitch (P2), thereby forming an IP-type divided compression element group (9). FIG. 11(a) shows the IP system, and in the prior art, the relationship is P2:P1=1:1.

[0080] FIG. 11(b) shows an image forming body (A) according to a sixth embodiment, in which the first pitch (P1) of the sampling elements (2) arranged in the first direction (T1) and the second direction (T2) is different from the first pitch (P1) of the prior art described in FIG. 11(a). In FIG. 11(b), P2 is twice P1 compared to FIG. 11(a), resulting in a P2:P1=2:1 relationship. When the divided compression elements (8) are reproduced, 2 × 2 times the number of original images (5) as in FIG. 11(a) is reproduced. Furthermore, the resulting reproduced image (10) has divided compressed elements (8) arranged consecutively in the first direction (T1) and the second direction (T2) in the order in which they were divided to form divided compressed element groups (9). This allows for a smooth, moving-image-like visual effect and a natural, three-dimensional visual effect.

[0081] FIG. 12 shows an example of a procedure for creating a divided compression element group (9) composed of divided compression elements (8) in an image forming body (A) according to the fifth embodiment. As a first step, a reference frame position is determined, which serves as a reference for all frames. This determines the reference for dividing the original image (5). In FIG. 12, the reference frame is set to the leftmost and uppermost end, where the right side of the reference frame slightly overlaps the left edge of the original image (5), and the bottom edge of the reference frame slightly overlaps the top edge of the original image (5). The "slightly overlapping position" refers to a position where the frame and the original image (5) slightly overlap, thereby including a portion of the original image (5) within the frame. The original image (5) included in this frame is defined as an intra-frame image, and the intra-frame image is compressed to a predetermined image width to form a divided compression element (8). The compression ratio of the intra-frame image is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to adjust it so that the ratio of the intra-frame image to the divided compression element (8) is within the range of 2:1 to 100:1.

[0082] In the second step, the next frame is placed at a position shifted in the first direction (T1) by a second pitch (P2) from the reference frame position, and the original image (5) contained in the frame is used as the intra-frame image. The intra-frame image is compressed to a predetermined image width to form divided compressed elements (8), which are then arranged in the first direction (T1) at a second pitch (P2) from the previously formed divided compressed elements (8). Thereafter, divided compressed elements (8) are formed in the same manner, and the arrangement in the first direction (T1) at the second pitch (P2) is repeated. When a position is reached where the original image (5) is no longer included in the frame, the creation of the first row of divided compressed elements (8) in the first direction (T1) is completed.

[0083] In the third step, a frame is provided at a position shifted in the second direction (T2) by a second pitch (P2) from the reference frame position, the original image (5) contained in the frame is used as the intra-frame image, the intra-frame image is compressed to a predetermined image width to form divided compressed elements (8), and these are arranged in the second direction (T2) at a distance of the second pitch (P2) from the divided compressed elements (8) formed from the reference frame. Thereafter, similar to the second step, the divided compressed elements (8) are arranged in the first direction (T1), and when the frame reaches a position where the original image (5) is not included, a second row of divided compressed elements (8) in the first direction (T1) is created.

[0084] The same operations as in the third stage are repeated until finally, when the bottom right corner of the original image (5) is no longer included in the frame, the divided compressed element group (9) is completed. Commercially available image processing software can also be used to create the divided compressed element group (9). In the method shown in Figure 12, the base frame position is created using the top left corner of the original image (5) as the base point, but it can also be created using the center or bottom right corner of the original image (5) as the base point.

[0085] In the case of a complex image such as a floral image as shown in Figure 12, the base frame may not contain any base image (5) at all, leaving it completely blank, and there may be no meaningful image in the image within the frame. In this case, the same processing as when the base image (5) is included in the frame may be performed, or the frame may be shifted in phase by the second pitch (P2) in the horizontal direction so that the base image (5) is included in the frame, and the creation of the divided compression elements (8) may be omitted.

[0086] In the divided compression element group (9) created by the method shown in Figure 12, the divided compression elements (8) are images within a frame divided based on the original image (5) that are compressed at a predetermined reduction rate in at least one direction, resulting in different image shapes. They are arranged at a predetermined pitch so as to be in the same order as the original image (5), and the compression rates of the divided compression elements (8) are all the same. The direction of compression is not particularly limited, and the image may be compressed in two directions, such as a first horizontal direction (T1), a second vertical direction (T2), or a diagonal direction. For example, the compression rate in the first direction (T1) and the compression rate in the second direction (T2) may be different, but it is preferable that all of the divided compression elements (8) constituting one divided compression element group (9) have the same compression rate.

[0087] This configuration uses pixels (dots) as the first element (1), making it possible to reduce the compression rate not only in the width direction but also in the height direction, which is useful when using a complex image as the base image (5).

[0088] In other respects, it can be the same as the image-formed body (A) according to the first, fourth and fifth embodiments.

[0089] [Image forming member according to the seventh embodiment] The image-forming body (A) according to the seventh embodiment is formed by separately forming a first element (1) and a second element (4), one of which serves as a sampling tool, and then combining the separately formed first element (1) and second element (4) by superposing them together to form the image-forming body (A). The image-forming body (A) according to the seventh embodiment can be used for the image-forming bodies (A) according to the first to sixth embodiments.

[0090] FIG. 13 shows an example of the seventh embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), a sampling element group (3) consisting of a first element (1) is formed on a substrate (11). A compression element group (7) or a divided compression element group (9) consisting of a second element (4) is formed on another substrate (11). The two substrates are then stacked together to form an image forming body (A). The moving image effect of the image forming body (A) can be observed by moving either the first element (1) or the second element (4) or tilting the image forming body (A). The constructed image forming body (A) can be observed using reflected light, or by holding the constructed image forming body (A) over a light source and observing it using transmitted light. Examples of light sources include a light table, lighting, a portable light source, and sunlight.

[0091] In addition, methods for forming the first element (1) and the second element (4) on separate substrates (11) include, for example, printing, laser processing, electron beam irradiation, etc. The substrate (11) may be transparent, translucent, or opaque, but the substrate (11) on which either element is formed is preferably transparent or translucent. The material of the substrate (11) is not particularly limited, and may be one or more selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic, metal, glass, ceramics, inorganic materials, and combinations thereof.

[0092] In the seventh aspect, for example, the compressed element group (7) or the divided compressed element group (9) is printed on paper as the substrate (11), and when authenticity discrimination becomes necessary, a sampling tool is placed over the printed material to check whether the image is reproduced. For example, if the moving image effect is visible, the product is determined to be genuine, and if the moving image effect is not visible, the product is determined to be counterfeit.

[0093] Alternatively, for example, a printed matter having either the first element (1) or the second element (4) formed on the substrate (11) and distributed to the marketplace may have an element B, the first element (1) or the second element (4) not formed on the printed matter, distributed only to authenticity discriminators (e.g., store cash registers, entrance / exit gates, security checkpoints, exchange offices, event counters, etc.) or authenticity discriminators. When authenticity discrimination is performed at an authenticity discrimination center or authenticity discriminator, the element A formed on the printed matter and the element B held by the authenticity discriminator are integrated to form an image-formed body (A) according to the seventh embodiment, enabling authenticity discrimination. Authentication of the image-formed body (A) according to the seventh embodiment can only be performed by an authenticity discrimination center or authenticity discriminator possessing element B. For example, by forming multiple types of element A on the substrate (11) and distributing different elements B to each authenticity discrimination center or authenticity discriminator, it is possible to select or guide visitors and set the authenticity discrimination level (security level).

[0094] In other respects, it can be the same as the image-forming body (A) according to the first to sixth embodiments.

[0095] [Image forming body according to eighth embodiment] The eighth embodiment is an embodiment that utilizes a parallax barrier system. As shown in Fig. 14, the image forming body (A) according to the eighth embodiment is the image forming body (A) according to the first to sixth embodiments, in which a sampling element group (3) composed of first elements (1) is formed on one surface of a transparent or translucent substrate (12), a compression element group (7) composed of second elements (4) or a divided compression element group (9) is formed on the other surface of the transparent or translucent substrate (12), and at least a part of the first element (1) and at least a part of the second element (4) overlap with each other via the substrate (12).

[0096] Plastic or glass is preferably used as the transparent or translucent substrate (12), and the first element (1) and the second element (4) can be easily printed to obtain an image-formed body (A). The image-formed body (A) is useful, for example, as a security element for various types of plastic cards having a certain thickness.

[0097] Furthermore, in the image-formed body (A) according to the eighth embodiment, although both the first element (1) and the second element (4) are formed on a plane, a moving image effect is produced in which the image appears to move depending on the angle at which the image-formed body (A) is observed, and a three-dimensional visual effect is produced. Furthermore, the latent image can be easily reproduced by tilting the image-formed body (A), and a moving image effect and a three-dimensional visual effect can be obtained.

[0098] In other respects, it can be the same as the image-formed body (A) according to the first to sixth embodiments.

[0099] [Image forming body according to ninth embodiment] The ninth aspect is an aspect that utilizes a lenticular system, and is an image forming body (A) according to the first to sixth aspects, in which, as shown in FIG. 15, a compression element group (7) or a divided compression element group (9) consisting of second elements (4) is formed on a substrate (11), and a sampling element group (3) consisting of first elements (1) is formed on at least a part of the second elements (4) with raised elements (14).

[0100] The image forming body (A) according to the ninth embodiment utilizes the refraction of light by raised elements (14), such as lenticular lenses (13), to enlarge and sample compressed elements from the compressed element group (7) or the divided compressed element group (9), thereby reproducing a reproduced image (10). The shape of the "raised elements" (14) has a portion that is convex upward when cut perpendicular to the bottom surface of the element, and the portion of the element that is not in contact with the substrate (11) (the outer surface) has a curved shape, for example. When the element is cut perpendicular to the bottom surface of the element, the cross section has an upward convex shape (such as a semicircular shape, semi-elliptical shape, trapezoidal shape, or columnar shape).

[0101] The raised elements (14) may be either lines or pixels (dots). In the case of lines, the motion effect is limited to appearing only in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the lines, but in the case of pixels (dots), the motion effect can be appeared in any direction 360 degrees. Compared to the image-forming body (A) according to the ninth embodiment, the reproduced image is brighter and clearer, and it can be formed thinner.

[0102] In other respects, it can be the same as the image-formed body (A) according to the first to sixth embodiments.

[0103] [Image forming body according to the tenth embodiment] The tenth embodiment is an embodiment in which the reflectance of the first element (1) and the second element (4) are made different. The image-forming body (A) according to the tenth embodiment is the image-forming body (A) according to the first to sixth embodiments, except that, as shown in FIG. 16, the sampling element group (3) made of the first element (1) is formed on the substrate (11) with a raised element (14), and at least a portion of the second element (4) is present on at least a portion of the first element (1). In the image-forming body (A) according to the tenth embodiment, the first element (1) may be a raised element (14) that exhibits a light-dark flip-flop or color flip-flop property. Furthermore, the color tone of the first element (1) upon specular reflection may be different from the color tone of the second element (4) upon specular reflection.

[0104] In the image-forming body (A) according to the tenth embodiment, the raised elements (14) have the same configuration as the raised elements (14) in the image-forming body (A) according to the ninth embodiment. The raised elements (14) may be either lines or pixels (dots). In the case of lines, the motion effect is limited to appearing only in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the lines, but in the case of pixels (dots), the motion effect can be appeared in any direction 360 degrees.

[0105] A preferred image-forming body (A) according to the tenth aspect of the present invention has a first element (1) that is a raised element (14) with lenticular-like raised features and glossy, e.g., kamaboko-shaped image lines, and a compression element group (7) or a divided compression element group (9) formed from a second element (4) with a reflectance different from that of the first element (1) is superimposed on the first element (1) that is the raised element (14) with kamaboko-shaped image lines, and the compression element group (8) or the divided compression element group (9) is sampled using light reflection to produce a moving image effect. This method is a technology proposed by the present applicant in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5200284, and the configuration described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5200284 may also be used.

[0106] In the tenth aspect, for example, a technology is used that utilizes the phenomenon that when light is incident on a raised element (14) formed with optically variable ink or the like, only the surface normal to the incident light strongly reflects the light. This makes it possible to smoothly display moving image effects and three-dimensional visual effects, and to provide an image-forming body (A) capable of displaying high-resolution images at low cost and at a very low cost, without requiring a special substrate (11) such as a transparent layer or lens.

[0107] In the image-formed body (A) according to the tenth embodiment, the color of the raised elements (14) and the substrate (11) can be any color, including colorless. The color tone is highly selectable, and is not limited to metallic tones like holograms. Therefore, even when the image-formed body (A) is formed by printing, it can be arranged without any sense of incongruity. Furthermore, the reproduced image (10) appears to move very smoothly in response to changes in the angle of light incident on the compression elements (6) or the divided compression elements (8), and has a very natural three-dimensional effect. Furthermore, the width of symbols, characters, images, etc. that create movement does not need to be within the width equivalent to one pitch of the raised image line, and the high degree of freedom in image line configuration allows for the formation of high-resolution images.

[0108] In other respects, it can be the same as the image-formed body (A) according to the first to sixth embodiments.

[0109] [Image forming body according to the eleventh embodiment] The eleventh aspect is an image forming body (A) according to the first to sixth aspects, in which the image forming body (A) includes a diffraction grating (15) in which a plurality of grating lines (16) are arranged, each of which is formed by a combination of curves and straight lines with different angles, the first element (1) and the second element (4) have different optical properties, and at least a part of the first element (1) and at least a part of the second element (4) are combined or integrated.

[0110] FIG. 17(a) shows an example of an image forming element including a diffraction grating (15) and a compression element (6) according to the prior art, in which a first element (1)—a diffraction grating (15) with a plurality of curved grating lines (16)—is integrated with a second element (4)—a compression element (6) formed by compressing a star pattern. The diffraction grating (15) has the same function as the first element (1) of the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 17(b), by providing the diffraction grating (15) within the star pattern, which is the area where the diffraction grating (15) and the compression element (6) overlap, a configuration in which the diffraction grating (15) and the compression element (6) are integrated can be obtained. Note that a configuration in which the diffraction grating (15) and the compression element (6) are integrated may also be one in which the diffraction grating (15) is provided only on the outline of the star pattern.

[0111] FIG. 17(c) shows another example of an image forming element including a diffraction grating (15) and a compression element (6) according to the prior art. The first element (1) is a diffraction grating (15) with a plurality of curved grating lines (16) arranged thereon, and the second element (4) is a compression element (6) with a compressed star pattern. As shown in FIG. 17(d), by providing a diffraction grating in an area where the compression element (6) does not overlap with the diffraction grating (15), a configuration in which the diffraction grating (15) and the compression element (6) are combined can be obtained. The integrated and combined configurations of the diffraction grating (15) and the compression element (6) shown in FIGS. 17(a) and 17(c) are technologies proposed by the present applicant in JP 2021-081705 A.

[0112] For the configuration shown in Figure 17, if the relationship between the first pitch (P1) of the sampling elements and the pitch (P2) of the compression elements (6) of the present invention is such that n is 2, the diffraction gratings (15) and compression elements (6) are arranged as shown in Figure 18(a), with one compression element (6) arranged between two sampling elements (2) that are diffraction gratings (15). In this case, an image forming body (A) according to an eleventh embodiment can be obtained by having a configuration in which the diffraction gratings (15) and compression elements (6) are integrated as shown in Figure 18(b) or a configuration in which the diffraction gratings (15) and compression elements (6) are combined as shown in Figure 18(c). As mentioned above, the diffraction gratings (15) can be provided on the outline of the star shape, and the value of n can be an integer of 2 or greater.

[0113] In the "diffraction grating in which a plurality of grating lines composed of a combination of curves or straight lines with different angles are arranged" in the eleventh aspect, the curves may be arcs, or may be pseudo-arcs composed of a collection of straight grating lines with slightly different angles. Figures 19(a) and 19(b) are diagrams showing an example of a diffraction grating (15) in which a plurality of grating lines (16) composed of arcs are arranged, Figure 19(c) is an example of a diffraction grating (15) in which the arrangement angles of the straight grating lines (16) are different, and Figure 19(d) is a diagram showing an example of a diffraction grating (15) in which the grating lines (16) composed of straight lines are arranged at different angles in a curved manner. In addition to the diffraction grating (15) shown in Figure 19, the present applicant proposed a diffraction grating in JP 2021-081705 A. It may also be used in the present invention. In addition, in order to make the center of the first element (1) having brilliance more likely to reflect light regardless of the direction of incident light, the diffraction grating may not have grating lines (15) in the center.

[0114] In the eleventh embodiment, the diffraction grating (15) may have different densities of the grating lines (16) for different arrangement angles of the grating lines (16) or different angles of the diffraction surface of the grating lines (16). When the density of the grating lines (16) constituting the diffraction grating (15) exceeds a certain percentage, the color can change to various hues from red to purple when the viewing angle is changed. Furthermore, by changing the density of the "grating lines formed by a combination of curves or straight lines at different angles" constituting the diffraction grating (15), it is possible to intentionally control the hue of the light generated from the diffraction grating (15) depending on the angle of the incident light, thereby further enhancing the color change effect.

[0115] In the eleventh embodiment, in order to obtain a color-changing effect, it is preferable that the diffraction grating has 500 or more grating lines (16) per mm. In order to enhance the color-changing effect, it is preferable that the diffraction grating has 1000 or more grating lines (16) per mm.

[0116] The image-formed body (A) according to the eleventh embodiment does not produce a moving image under diffuse reflected light, but is visually recognized as an image with uniform density. However, when light is incident from any direction, two points of the first elements (1) that form an angle perpendicular to the angle of the incident light reflect the light, and several pairs of reproduced images (10) corresponding to the original images (5) appear. The number of pairs that appear can be changed by varying the ratio between the pitch of the first elements (1) and the pitch of the second elements (4). When the pitch ratio is close to 1, the number of pairs that appear decreases. When the angle of each pair of reproduced images (10) that appear under specular reflected light is changed with respect to the incident light, the positions of the pairs move in opposite directions, forming a moving image.

[0117] While the above describes an example in which two locations on the first element (1) reflect light, in the eleventh embodiment, the diffraction grating (14) may be a blazed diffraction grating or a Fresnel lens-type diffraction grating. When the diffraction grating (14) has an inclination angle on the grooves of the diffraction grating (15) so that incident light is diffracted from only one location on the first element (1), as in the case of a blazed diffraction grating or a Fresnel lens-type diffraction grating, the reproduced image (10) can be a single unit. Fresnel lens-type diffraction gratings and blazed diffraction gratings (15) are more difficult to manufacture than general diffraction gratings (15) and have greater technical limitations, which enhances the anti-counterfeiting effect. Furthermore, by limiting the angular range of the grating lines (16) in the diffraction grating to an angle range of 180 degrees or less, a configuration can be achieved in which diffracted light appears in only one location for incident light at any angle, similar to a Fresnel lens-type diffraction grating or a blazed diffraction grating. In the eleventh embodiment, other than the above, the first element (1) may have a structure that reflects light in stages, as long as the first element (1) does not have a structure that reflects light as a whole.

[0118] 18, an example has been described in which the second element (4) is a compression element (6), but it may also be configured as a divided compression element (8) that is integrated with or combined with a diffraction grating (15). In this case, when n is set to 2 in the relationship between the first pitch (P1) of the sampling elements and the pitch (P2) of the compression elements (6), two diffraction gratings (15) and one divided compression element (8) are set, and the integrated or combined divided compression elements (8) and diffraction grating (15) are arranged at constant pitches (P1, P2) (not shown).

[0119] The image-forming body (A) according to the eleventh embodiment does not have a structure in which a moving image is created using multiple discontinuous images like a flip book, but rather creates a moving image (10) by partially sampling the compression elements (6) or the divided compression elements (8) using a diffraction grating (15). Therefore, the moving image (10) can be a completely continuous image without any gaps. Compared to conventional techniques, the image movement is smoother, the brightness of the reproduced moving image is high, the visibility is excellent, the color expression is excellent, and it can be formed at a high density. Furthermore, compared to conventional holograms, the unique structure makes it difficult to imitate a similar moving image effect, resulting in a high level of anti-counterfeiting effect.

[0120] The image forming body (A) according to the eleventh aspect is a technology proposed by the present applicant in JP 2021-081705 A. The image forming body (A) according to the present invention may also use the configuration described in JP 2021-081705 A.

[0121] In other respects, it can be the same as the image-formed body (A) according to the first to sixth embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] A. Image forming body 1. First Element 2. Sampling Elements 3 Sampling elements 4. Second Element 5 base images 6 Compression Factor 7 Compression Elements 8-division compression element 9-division compression element group 10 Playback image 11 Base material 12 Transparent or translucent substrate 13 Lenticular lens 14 Elements with Excitement 15 Diffraction Grating 16 Grid Lines 18 Base image of prior art 19 Prior Art Compression Elements 20 Prior art image forming bodies

Claims

1. a compressed element group on a base material, in which a plurality of compressed elements formed by compressing a base image are arranged at a second pitch in a predetermined direction, or a divided compressed element group on which a plurality of compressed elements formed by dividing and compressing the base image are arranged at a second pitch in a predetermined direction; an image forming body in which a latent image is reproduced by a sampling element group in which a plurality of sampling elements are arranged in a predetermined direction at a first pitch different from the second pitch, When the first pitch is P1 and the second pitch is P2, the second pitch P2 is i) when the compression element is formed on the substrate, the formula (1); P2 = P1 × n × a (In formula (1), n ​​is an integer of 2 or more, and a is 0.8≦a<1, 1<a≦1.2) ii) when the divided compression element is formed on the substrate, formula (2); P2 = P1 × n (In formula (2), n is an integer of 2 or more) An image forming element that satisfies the above requirements.

2. The compression element group or the divided compression element group and the sampling element group are formed to overlap on one surface of the base material, or 2. The image forming body according to claim 1, wherein the compression element group or the divided compression element group is formed on one surface of the base material, and the sampling element group is formed on the other surface of the base material, overlapping with the compression element group or the divided compression element group.

3. the sampling element group is configured by a diffraction grating on which a plurality of grating lines are arranged, each of which is configured by a combination of curved lines or straight lines with different angles; 2. The image forming body according to claim 1, wherein the compression element group or the divided compression element group and the sampling element group are formed in combination or integrally on the substrate.

Images