Latent image forming body

Abstract

To provide a latent image forming body which can exhibit a high forgery prevention effect and a high visibility of a watermarked pattern by forming the high-resolution watermarked pattern visible under transmitted light in the same region as that of a latent image visible by inclining a base material.SOLUTION: The latent image forming body comprises a latent image forming region in at least a part of a base material. In the latent image forming region, an information pattern formed of a recessed first element higher in transmittance than the base material, a projecting pattern including projected second elements arranged in numerous lines, and a coloring pattern formed by arranging third elements of colors different from those of the second elements in numerous lines are formed. The projecting pattern is formed of a region in which the second elements are arranged and a region in which the second elements are not arranged. A latent image part and a background part of a latent image are divided on the basis of whether phases of the second elements are different or the second elements exist. By stacking the coloring pattern on the projected pattern, the latent image visible by inclining the base material is formed, and the information pattern visible under transmitted light is formed in the region in which the second elements are not arranged.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a latent image forming member that is applied to valuable printed matter such as banknotes, passports, and securities. [Background technology]

[0002] Valuable printed matter such as banknotes, passports, and securities must be difficult to counterfeit or copy by their very nature, and known counterfeit prevention measures for valuable printed matter include printing with special inks, holograms, threads, micro-printing, and perforations.

[0003] Similarly, as an example of a counterfeit prevention measure, there is a technology in which a printed image is formed on a substrate having a textured shape formed by printing or embossing, etc., and a latent image consisting of the textured shape can be seen when observed at an angle under reflected light.

[0004] The present applicant has proposed a printed matter in which a latent image is visible when the substrate is tilted and a perforation pattern is visible when observed under transmitted light (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The printed matter in Patent Document 1 is configured such that printed lines are applied to a plurality of raised elements that represent a pattern by partially varying the phase, and a plurality of fine recessed perforation elements are arranged between adjacent raised elements, and the latent image and perforation pattern that can be viewed by tilting the substrate are formed in the same region.

[0005] Furthermore, as an anti-counterfeiting technology that combines raised elements and printed lines, a printed matter has been proposed in which raised elements are provided partially, so that a latent image can be seen when the substrate is tilted and observed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the printed matter of Patent Document 2, in the areas where raised elements are arranged, the color is seen to change depending on the observation direction, with either the printed lines or the color of the substrate being visible, and in areas where raised elements are not arranged, both the printed lines and the substrate are visible regardless of the observation direction, so an intermediate color between the color of the printed lines and the color of the substrate is seen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5835712 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4596570 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The technology described in Patent Document 1 not only provides a latent image that is visible when the substrate is tilted and observed, but also a perforation pattern that is visible when observed under transmitted light, thereby improving the authenticity discrimination ability and anti-counterfeiting effect compared to a configuration that uses printed lines and a perforation pattern alone. However, because the fine concave perforation elements need to be placed between convex elements, there is a limit to the size of the perforation elements, which poses an issue of low resolution of the formed perforation pattern.

[0008] The technology described in Patent Document 2 is one form of technology in which a latent image is visible when the substrate is tilted and observed. However, this is a standalone technology in which a latent image is visible when the substrate is tilted, and since it can be easily reproduced if the substrate can be embossed, further improvement in counterfeit resistance has been desired.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and provides a latent image forming body that has excellent visibility of the perforation pattern and anti-counterfeiting effect by forming a high-resolution perforation pattern that is visible under transmitted light in the same area as the latent image that can be viewed by tilting the substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The latent image forming body of the present invention is a latent image forming body having, in at least a part of a substrate, a latent image forming area having at least an information pattern visible under transmitted light and a latent image visible by tilting the substrate, wherein the information pattern is formed from concave-shaped first elements having a higher transmittance than the substrate, and the latent image is formed by superimposing a colored pattern consisting of third elements of a different color from the second elements arranged in a second direction at a second pitch on a convex pattern including convex-shaped second elements arranged in a first direction at a first pitch, and the convex pattern is composed of a latent image portion and a background portion formed by different phases of the second elements, and an area where the second elements are not arranged, and the information pattern is formed in the area of ​​the latent image forming area where the second elements are not arranged.

[0011] The latent image forming body of the present invention is a latent image forming body having, in at least a part of a substrate, a latent image forming area having at least an information pattern visible under transmitted light and a latent image visible by tilting the substrate, wherein the information pattern is formed from concave first elements having a higher transmittance than the substrate, and the latent image is formed by superimposing a colored pattern consisting of third elements of a different color from the second elements and arranged in a second direction at a second pitch on a convex pattern including convex second elements arranged in a first direction at a first pitch, and the convex pattern is composed of a latent image portion not having the second elements and a background portion having the second elements, and the information pattern is formed in the area of ​​the latent image forming area where the second elements are not arranged.

[0012] In addition, at least some of the first elements in the latent image forming member of the present invention are characterized in that the width in the first direction is wider than the interval at which the second elements are arranged.

[0013] The latent image forming member of the present invention is characterized in that a composite pattern is formed by the latent image portion and the information pattern. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The latent image forming body of the present invention forms, within the same region, a latent image that can be seen when the substrate is tilted and an information pattern of perforations that can be seen under transmitted light, and by arranging concave elements in regions where convex elements that form the latent image are not arranged, perforations with high resolution can be formed without being restricted by the size and arrangement of the concave elements as compared to conventional technology, and the visibility of the perforation pattern is excellent.

[0015] Furthermore, the latent image forming body of the present invention not only improves counterfeit resistance as a single technology, but also has the effect of providing excellent counterfeit prevention for the latent image forming body itself, since other counterfeit prevention technologies can be provided in other areas of the latent image forming body. Furthermore, by configuring the information pattern on the latent image forming body to be machine-readable, it is possible to perform both visual authentication and machine-read authentication in the same latent image forming area. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a latent image forming member (1) according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the recessed pattern (4), raised pattern (5) and colored pattern (6) that form the latent image forming area (3) of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the observation state of the latent image forming area (3) of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the raised pattern (5) of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] An enlarged view showing an area where the second element (8) is not placed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the second element (8) with the raised pattern (5) enlarged. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a latent image portion (10) and a background portion (11) of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a latent image portion (10) and a background portion (11) of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A plan view showing the colored pattern (6). [Figure 10]4A and 4B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an information pattern (4') formed by arranging a plurality of first elements (7). [Figure 11] Cross section of the first element (7). [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an information pattern (4') formed by one first element (7). [Figure 13] 3A and 3B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating the visual recognition principle of a latent image (18) in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration in which an information pattern (4') is arranged in a background portion (11) in a shape different from that of a latent image (18). [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration in which an information pattern (4') is arranged in a background portion (11) in a shape different from that of a latent image (18). [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a view showing an example of a composite pattern (12) having a new meaning created by a latent image portion (10) and an information pattern (4'), respectively, and a view showing a visually recognized image. [Figure 17] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a view showing an example of a composite pattern (12) having a new meaning created by a latent image portion (10) and an information pattern (4'), respectively, and a view showing a visually recognized image. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a latent image portion (10) and a background portion (11) of a second embodiment. [Figure 19] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the principle of visual recognition of a latent image (18) in a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of a latent image forming area (3) according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a form in which machine reading of an information pattern (4') is performed. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the configuration in which the information pattern (4') is formed for the purpose of distinguishing the denomination of the note by machine reading. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing an example of a configuration in which minute characters (13) are formed in an information pattern (4'). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description will discuss embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various other embodiments are also encompassed within the scope of the technical concept set forth in the claims.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a latent image forming body (1) (hereinafter referred to as "formation body") in the present invention. The formation body (1) has a latent image forming area (3) (hereinafter referred to as "formation area") on at least a portion of a substrate (2). As shown in FIG. 1, necessary information such as price, text, other patterns, etc. may be printed in areas other than the formation area (3) by a known printing method (e.g., offset printing, intaglio printing, etc.) or other methods (e.g., hologram, embossing, watermark, etc.).

[0019] The substrate (2) used in the present invention may be any light-transmitting sheet-like material, such as paper, synthetic fiber paper, nonwoven fabric, film, or card substrate. Specifically, paper made from wood fibers such as conifers and hardwoods, non-wood fibers such as kenaf, bagasse, abaca, hemp, cotton, mitsumata, kozo, straw, and bamboo, recycled fibers such as rayon, and synthetic fiber paper or nonwoven fabric made from synthetic fibers such as polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polystyrene, PET, and polyolefins can be used. However, when using a substrate (2) such as a film or card, the substrate (2) must be made of a material whose light transmittance can be adjusted by its thickness. The thickness of the substrate (2) of the present invention is not particularly limited, but when valuable printed matter such as those described above is used as the formed body (1) of the present invention, the thickness of the substrate (2) is preferably formed in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm from the viewpoint of the strength and handleability of the valuable printed matter. This is because if the substrate (2) is thinner than 20 μm, the strength of the valuable printed matter will be poor, and if it is thicker than 1000 μm, the handling will be poor.

[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the formation region (3) in the formation body (1) of the present invention. The formation region (3) shown in Figure 2(a) is composed of the recessed pattern (4) shown in Figure 2(b), the raised pattern (5) shown in Figure 2(c), and the colored pattern (6) shown in Figure 2(d), and a latent image (18) corresponding to the raised pattern (5) is formed by superimposing the colored pattern (6) on the raised pattern (5).

[0021] Next, changes in the observed image depending on the viewing environment will be explained using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the viewing state when the formation region (3) is observed from different observation points. As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the formation region (3) is observed from directly above (hereinafter referred to as the "first observation point (L1)"), the colored pattern (6) is visible. However, when observed from an oblique angle (hereinafter referred to as the "second observation point (L2)") as shown in FIG. 3(b), a portion of the colored pattern (6) is hidden by the convex pattern (5), and "1000" is visible as the latent image (18). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3(c), when the formation region (3) of the present invention is observed with transmitted light (hereinafter referred to as the "third observation point (L3)"), "000" is visible as a gap pattern in the concave pattern (4). In other words, the formation body (1) has a formation region (3) from which three different images can be viewed depending on the observation method. The principles of viewing each image will be described in detail below. Next, the convex pattern (5), concave pattern (4) and colored pattern (6) formed in the formation region (3) will be described in detail.

[0022] (First embodiment) (Convex pattern) The convex pattern (5) will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4(a) is a plan view of the convex pattern (5), and FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view of the convex pattern (5) taken along line AA'. As shown in FIG. 4(a), the convex pattern (5) is formed by arranging a plurality of convex second elements (8) at a first pitch (P1) in a first direction (S1). In the present invention, the "first direction" refers to the direction in which the second elements (8) are arranged on the substrate (2).

[0023] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by a solid line in the convex pattern (5) in Figure 4(a). The area (S) shown in Figure 5 is an area where the second element (8) is not arranged, and a concave pattern (4) to be described later is formed in the area (S). The detailed configuration of the concave pattern (4) will be described later.

[0024] (Second element) The second element (8) will now be described. The second element (8) shown in FIG. 4(b) has a configuration in which the cross section of the convex shape is formed as a semicircle. However, in the present invention, the cross-sectional shape of the second element (8) is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 4(b). It is sufficient if the entire surface of the concave-convex shape can be observed when observed from the first observation point (L1), and the front surface of the convex shape can be observed when observed from the second observation point (L2), but the rear surface cannot be observed. For example, the convex shape may be a triangle as shown in FIG. 4(c) or a trapezoid as shown in FIG. 4(d). The appearance of the surface of the concave-convex shape when observed from the second observation point (L2) will be described later.

[0025] Examples of methods for forming the second element (8) include embossing the substrate (2), printing (e.g., intaglio printing, screen printing) on ​​the substrate (2), or puncturing during the papermaking process. Another example of a method for forming a convex shape is to remove other parts to leave the convex shape, for example, by removing a part of the substrate (2) with laser light.

[0026] The second element (8) may be composed of an image line, a plurality of pixels, or a combination thereof. In the present invention, an "image line" refers to a straight line, a broken line, a wavy line, etc. Furthermore, in the present invention, a "pixel" refers to a small dot, a group of a plurality of dots forming a circle, a polygon, a star, or other shape, or a letter, number, symbol, etc. having a predetermined shape. However, when forming the second element (8) using a plurality of pixels, the pixels must be arranged in an image line so that the pixel can be recognized as an image line by the naked eye. This embodiment will be described using an example in which the second element (8) formed by a straight line is arranged as shown in Figure 6.

[0027] The first pitch (P1) shown in FIG. 6 is not particularly limited. However, when forming the formation region (3) of the present invention on a valuable printed matter as described above and observing the latent image (18) from the second observation point (L2), considering the design of the valuable printed matter and ease of processing accuracy, the first pitch (P1) is preferably formed in the range of 80 μm to 1000 μm. While the latent image (18) can be viewed even if the first pitch (P1) is wider than 1000 μm, the raised pattern (5) used to form the latent image (18) becomes larger, which is undesirable because it is subject to restrictions on the design of the valuable printed matter, such as other printed drawings. It is also possible to narrow the first pitch (P1) below 80 μm, but this is undesirable due to issues with processing accuracy of the second element (8) and the need for high precision in aligning the second element (8) and the third element (9) described below.

[0028] The width of the second element (8) in the first direction (S1) shown in FIG. 6 (hereinafter referred to as the "width (W2) of the second element") is formed in accordance with the first pitch (P1) so that the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) described later can be separated and a good latent image (18) can be seen. In order to form a latent image (18) with good visibility, the range of the width (W2) of the second element is preferably 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 of the width of the first pitch (P1). For example, when the first pitch (P1) is 80 μm, the width (W2) of the second element is 16 μm to 64 μm, and when the first pitch (P1) is 1000 μm, the width (W2) of the second element is 200 μm to 800 μm. In this way, the width (W2) of the second element relative to the first pitch (P1) can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the visibility of the latent image (18) after printing the third elements (9) described below. Here, an example is described in which the second element (8) is formed with a uniform second element width (W2), but the second element width (W2) may be wider or narrower in at least a portion of the second element (8), or the second element width (W2) may be wider or narrower in stages.

[0029] The height (h2) of the second element shown in FIG. 4(b) is not particularly limited as long as it allows the front surface of the convex shape to be observed but the back surface to be hidden when observed from the second observation point (L2). However, considering the angle at which the latent image (18) can be viewed and processing efficiency, it is preferable to form the second element at a height (h2) in the range of 10 μm to 100 μm. Although the latent image (18) can be formed even if the height (h2) of the second element is less than 10 μm, this is not preferable because the range in which the latent image (18) can be viewed is narrowed. Furthermore, although it is possible to increase the height (h2) of the second element to more than 100 μm, this is not preferable because it results in the substrate (2) becoming thicker than necessary, which reduces processing efficiency.

[0030] In addition, the convex pattern (5) consisting of the second elements (8) is divided into a latent image portion (10) and a background portion (11) by the fact that the phases of the regularly arranged second elements (8) are partially different.

[0031] 7(a) is a plan view showing the raised pattern (5) of the first embodiment in which the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) are separated by partially different phases of the second elements (8). The latent image portion (10) is meaningful information formed by partially different phases of the regularly arranged second elements (8), and the background portion (11) is a background portion arranged around the latent image portion (10). The shape of the latent image portion (10) is not limited to the number "1000" shown in FIG. 7(a), and may be formed by letters, symbols, figures, marks, etc. as long as it is meaningful information.

[0032] Figure 7(b) is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the solid line in Figure 7(a). In Figure 7(b), the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) are separated by shifting the phase of the second elements (8) arranged in the latent image portion (10) upward relative to the second elements (8) arranged in the background portion (11). Note that the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) may also be separated by shifting the phase of the second elements (8) arranged in the latent image portion (10) downward relative to the second elements (8) arranged in the background portion (11).

[0033] Furthermore, although FIG. 7 shows a configuration in which the second elements (8) arranged in the latent image portion (10) and the second elements (8) arranged in the background portion (11) are separated from each other, the second elements (8) arranged in the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) may be connected to each other as shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b).

[0034] (Colored pattern) The colored pattern (6) will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the colored pattern (6). As shown in FIG. 9, the colored pattern (6) is formed by arranging a plurality of third elements (9) of a color different from the second elements (8) at a second pitch (P2) in a second direction (S2). In the present invention, the "second direction" refers to the direction in which the third elements (9) are arranged. Note that the third elements (9) may be formed of an image line, a plurality of pixels, or a combination thereof, similar to the second elements (8) described above. Furthermore, the third elements (9) may be formed of an image line, a plurality of pixels, or a combination thereof different from the second elements (8).

[0035] The second pitch (P2) is formed with approximately the same width as the first pitch (P1). "Approximately the same width" means a range of 4 / 5 to 6 / 5 of the width of the first pitch (P1). Preferably, the pitches are the same. This is because, when the first pitch (P1) and the second pitch (P2) are the same, the second elements (8) and the third elements (9) always overlap at a constant interval, making it easier to view the latent image (18) consisting of the latent image portion (10) and background portion (11) described below.

[0036] The width of the third elements (9) in the second direction (S2) shown in Fig. 9 (hereinafter referred to as "the width (W3) of the third elements") is at least 10 µm wider, with the upper limit being in the range of 9 / 10 of the first pitch (P1). This is because, if the width (W3) of the third elements is wider than 9 / 10 of the first pitch (P1), in a form in which a latent image (18) is formed by phase modulation of the second elements (8), the second elements (8) forming the latent image portion (10) and the second elements (8) forming the background portion (11) will overlap, resulting in no contrast and making the latent image (18) invisible. Here, an example is described in which the third element (9) is formed with a uniform third element width (W3), but the width (W3) of the third element may have at least a portion that is thicker or thinner, or the width (W3) of the third element may become thicker or thinner in stages.

[0037] In the present invention, the "first direction (S1)" refers to the direction in which the second elements (8) are arranged, and the "second direction (S2)" refers to the direction in which the third elements (9) are arranged. In the formed body (1) of the present invention, the first direction (S1) and the second direction (S2) may be the same direction or different directions. An example of a colored pattern (6) consisting of multiple third elements (9) arranged in a second direction (S2) different from the first direction (S1) is shown in Figure 9(b).

[0038] In this case, the third elements (9) are formed at an angle with respect to line AA', which indicates the direction in which the second elements (8) are arranged, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 9(c). At this time, the inclination angle (α) between the second elements (8) and the third elements (9) is formed in the range of ±0.5 degrees to ±3 degrees. The preferred range of the inclination angle (α) between the second elements (8) and the third elements (9) is ±0.5 degrees to ±1.5 degrees. This is because the latent image (18) is easier to view when the inclination angle (α) between the second elements (8) and the third elements (9) is smaller.

[0039] The colored pattern (6) is formed larger than the area consisting of the latent image portion (10) and background portion (11) in the second element (8), and is arranged so as to cover the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11). This is because if there are areas in the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) where the colored pattern (6) does not overlap, the entire latent image (18) cannot be seen.

[0040] (Third element) The color of the third element (9) forming the colored pattern (6) is not particularly limited as long as it is different from the color of the second element (8), and may be the same color as the base material (2). In this embodiment, an example in which the color of the third element (9) is different from the color of the base material (2) will be described.

[0041] The third element (9) can be formed by a known printing method such as offset printing, gravure printing, inkjet printing, etc., or by laser processing, etc. When the forming method is printing, the third element (9) is made of ink, and when the colored pattern (6) is formed by laser processing, the third element (9) is formed by discoloring the base material (2) with a laser.

[0042] (concave pattern) The configuration of the recessed pattern (4) will be described using FIG. 10. In the present invention, when the recessed pattern (4) is observed from a third observation point (L3), the amount of transmitted light differs from that of the substrate (2), and the recessed pattern is therefore visually recognized as a perforated pattern. Hereinafter, the perforated pattern will be described as an information pattern (4'). FIG. 10(a) is a plan view of the recessed pattern (4), FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 10(a), and FIG. 10(e) is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the solid line in FIG. 10(a). Note that in FIG. 10(e), the latent image portion (11) is surrounded by a dotted line for clarity. In the present invention, the information pattern (4') is formed adjacent to a portion of at least one of the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11). However, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the information pattern (4') is adjacent to a portion of the background portion (11), as shown in FIG. 10(e). The information pattern (4') in this embodiment is formed by arranging a plurality of recessed first elements (7) in an area (S) where no second elements (8) are arranged as shown in Fig. 5. When observed from a third observation point (L3), the recessed pattern (4) is visually recognized as an information pattern (4') that is a perforated pattern because the amount of transmitted light differs from that of the substrate (2).

[0043] The design of the information pattern (4') is not particularly limited, and any pattern such as letters, symbols, figures, marks, etc. can be formed. As a forming method, it can be formed by scribing or laser processing.

[0044] (First element) FIG. 10(c) is an enlarged view of the recessed pattern (4) shown in FIG. 10(a), and FIG. 10(d) is an enlarged view of the first element (7) in FIG. 10(c). As shown in FIG. 10(c), the width of the first element (7) in the first direction (S1) is defined as the width (W1) of the first element. The width (W1) of the first element is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of the visibility of the information pattern (4') viewed under transmitted light, it is preferable that the width (W1) of the first element be wider than the interval at which the second elements (8) are arranged. This is because the amount of transmitted light increases as the total area of ​​the first elements (7) in the area of ​​the information pattern (4') increases. Therefore, if the width (W1) of the first element is narrower than the interval at which the second elements (8) are arranged, the amount of transmitted light of the information pattern (4') decreases, resulting in reduced visibility. The interval at which the second elements (8) are arranged is the width obtained by subtracting the width (W2) of the second elements from the second pitch (P2), which is the pitch at which the second elements (8) are arranged.

[0045] Furthermore, in a form in which a plurality of first elements (7) are arranged to form an information pattern (4'), the arrangement of the first elements (7) is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of visibility, it is preferable that the interval at which the first elements (7) are arranged is narrower than the width (W2) of the second elements. The narrower the interval between the first elements (7), the greater the amount of transmitted light and the better the visibility. However, if the first elements (7) are arranged at an interval wider than the width of the second elements (W2), the amount of transmitted light through the information pattern (4') decreases, thereby reducing visibility. The interval at which the first elements (7) are arranged is the width obtained by subtracting the width (W1) of the first elements from the first pitch (P1), which is the pitch at which the first elements (7) are arranged.

[0046] Furthermore, the first element (7) is not limited to a circle as shown in FIG. 10, but may be an ellipse, a line shape, a character, a polygon including a triangle or a rectangle, a star, or any other shape, or a combination of these.

[0047] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in Figure 10(d). There are no particular limitations on the range of the depth (h1) of the first element as long as it does not penetrate the substrate (2). Since the first element (7) has the thinnest thickness in the substrate (2), it appears brightest when observed from the third observation point (L3), and the information pattern (4') can be visually recognized as a perforated pattern.

[0048] FIG. 12 shows an example in which an information pattern (4') is formed using one first element (7), where FIG. 12(a) is a plan view of the information pattern (4') and FIG. 12(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 12(a). As mentioned above, the closer the spacing between the first elements (7), the greater the amount of transmitted light, thereby improving the visibility of the information pattern (4'). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, by forming the information pattern (4') using one first element (7), the area of ​​the first element (7) in the area of ​​the information pattern (4') becomes 100%, further improving visibility.

[0049] By varying the area and depth (h1) of the first element (7), it is possible to give the information pattern (4') a gradation of brightness. In particular, when the information pattern (4') is formed by one first element (7), continuous gradation expression is possible.

[0050] (Arrangement of concave, convex and colored patterns) Next, the arrangement of the recessed pattern (4), raised pattern (5) and colored pattern (6) and the latent image (18) visible from the second observation point (L2) will be described.

[0051] Fig. 13(a) is a plan view showing an example of a state in which a concave first element (7) and a convex second element (8) are overlapped with a third element (9) of a different color from the second element (8). Fig. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view of the latent image portion (10) of Fig. 13(a) taken along line AA', and Fig. 13(c) is a cross-sectional view of the background portion (11) of Fig. 13(a) taken along line BB'.

[0052] In the arrangement shown in FIG. 13(b) and FIG. 13(c), the third element (9) overlaps half of the surface of the convex shape, with the apex of the convex shape as the boundary.

[0053] In Figures 13(b) and 13(c), when observed from directly above the substrate (2), such as at the first observation point (L1), the third element (9) can be seen, and the color of the third element (9) can be seen.

[0054] On the other hand, when the substrate (2) is observed from diagonally above, as at the second observation point (L2), the top surface of the convex shape and the surface on the front side of the convex shape are visible, but the surface on the back side is the back surface of the convex shape and is therefore not visible because it is in a blind spot. Furthermore, the flat portion of the substrate (2) is essentially not visible because it is in a blind spot of the convex shape, but the flat portion of the substrate (2) near the surface of the convex shape on the front side of the top surface of the convex shape may be visible depending on the shape of the second elements (8), the first pitch (P1), and the width (W2) of the second elements. Furthermore, the visible range of the surface on the front side of the convex shape also varies slightly depending on the shape of the second elements (8), the first pitch (P1), and the width (W2) of the second elements.

[0055] Specifically, when the substrate (2) is observed from diagonally above (from the A' and B' sides) as in the second observation point (L2), the third element (9) is visible in the latent image portion (10) because it is colored in front of the convex second element (8) as shown in Fig. 13(b). On the other hand, in the background portion (11), the third element (9) is in the blind spot of the convex second element (8) and cannot be seen as shown in Fig. 13(c). Furthermore, when observed from diagonally above on the opposite side (from sides A and B), the appearance of the third element (9) arranged overlapping the second element (8) in the latent image portion (10) and background portion (11) is reversed, so that when observed from sides A' and B', a positive latent image (18) can be seen, while when observed from sides A and B, a negative latent image (18) can be seen, and so the latent image (18) is reversed between negative and positive depending on the observation direction.

[0056] In this case, as shown in Figure 13(c), when the substrate (2) is observed from above at an angle as at the second observation point (L2), the third element (9) in the area where the recessed pattern (4) is formed appears as an intermediate color between the color of the third element (9) and the color of the substrate (2) because there is no element that conceals the third element (9).

[0057] In the above description of the first embodiment, an example in which the information pattern (4') and the background portion (11) are formed adjacent to each other has been described, but the arrangement of the information pattern (4') is not limited to this configuration. Configurations in which the information pattern (4') is arranged in other positions will be described below.

[0058] First, a configuration in which the information pattern (4') is formed adjacent to the background portion (11) at a position different from that shown in the first embodiment described above will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14(a) is a plan view showing an example of a formation region (3) in which the information pattern (4') is formed adjacent to the background portion (11) at a different position, and FIG. 14(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 14(a). In this configuration, the information pattern (4') can be formed in any shape regardless of the design of the latent image (18), making it possible to add new information to the information pattern (4') or to give it a design element. The principle of visibility is the same as that shown in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0059] Next, the configuration of the formation region (3) in which the information pattern (4') and the latent image portion (10) are formed adjacent to each other will be described with reference to FIG. 15. FIG. 15(a) is a plan view showing an example of the formation region (3) in which the information pattern (4') is formed adjacent to the latent image portion (10), and FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 15(a). The principle of visual recognition of the latent image (18) is the same as that shown in the first embodiment described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the substrate (2) is observed obliquely from above on the A' side as at the second observation point (L2), the color of the third element (9) is not visible in the background portion (11), but the color of the third element (9) is visible in the latent image portion (10), and an intermediate color between the colors of the substrate (2) and the third element (9) is visible in the information pattern (4'). Therefore, when observing, the area where the color of the third element (9) is visible can be distinguished from the area where the color of the third element (9) is not visible, and the latent image portion (10), which is the area where the color of the third element (9) is visible, and the information pattern (4') appear to be integrated, and the latent image (18) can be seen.

[0060] Next, a configuration in which a composite pattern (12) having a new meaning is formed by the latent image portion (10) and the information pattern (4') will be described with reference to Figure 16. Figure 16(a) is a plan view showing an example in which the information pattern (4') is formed adjacent to the background portion (11) to form a composite pattern (12), Figure 16(b) is a diagram showing the image seen when Figure 16(a) is observed obliquely from above on the A' side, and Figure 16(c) is a diagram showing the image seen when Figure 16(a) is observed obliquely from above on the A side. The principle of visibility is the same as that of the configuration described above, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] 16(b), when observed from diagonally above side A', the latent image portion (10) is visually recognized as the color of the third element (9) (not shown), the information pattern (4') is visually recognized as an intermediate color between the color of the third element (9) (not shown) and the color of the substrate (2), and the background portion (11) is visually recognized as the color of the substrate (2). For example, if the color of the third element (9) is black and the color of the substrate (2) is white, the latent image portion (10) is visually recognized as black, the information pattern (4') is visually recognized as gray, and the background portion (11) is visually recognized as white.

[0062] 16(c), when observed from diagonally above on side A, the colors of the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) are reversed compared to when observed from diagonally above on side A', and the latent image portion (10) is perceived as the color of the substrate (2), and the background portion (11) is perceived as the color of the third element (9). The information pattern (4') is perceived as an intermediate color between the color of the third element (9) and the color of the substrate (2), just as when observed from diagonally above on side A'.

[0063] Furthermore, the composite pattern (12) may be configured as shown in Figure 17, in which the information pattern (4') and the latent image portion (10) are adjacent to each other. Figure 17(a) is a plan view showing an example of a composite pattern (12) in which the information pattern (4') is formed adjacent to the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11), Figure 17(b) is a diagram showing an image visible when Figure 17(a) is observed obliquely from above on the A' side, and Figure 17(c) is a diagram showing an image visible when Figure 17(a) is observed obliquely from above on the A side. As shown in Figure 17, in this configuration, the information pattern (4'), the latent image portion (10), and the background portion (11) are formed adjacent to each other. The viewing principle is the same as that of the configuration described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0064] Even if the latent image portion (10) and the information pattern (4') are adjacent to each other as shown in Figure 17, contrast occurs in the visible colors of the background portion (11), the latent image portion (10), and the information pattern (4'), so when observed from diagonally above, it appears as a latent image (18).

[0065] Second Embodiment The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the raised pattern (5), but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, in the explanation of the second embodiment, the configuration and visual recognition principle of the raised pattern (5) will be explained using Figures 18 and 19.

[0066] (Convex pattern) First, the configuration of the raised pattern (5) of the second embodiment will be described using FIG. 18. FIG. 18(a) is a plan view showing the latent image portion (10) and background portion (11) of the second embodiment, and FIG. 18(b) is an enlarged view of the area surrounded by the solid line in FIG. 18(a). In the second embodiment, the formation region (3) is divided into the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) depending on the presence or absence of the second elements (8) by forming the second elements (8) only in a portion of the formation region (3). The background portion (11) is formed by regularly arranged raised second elements (8), and the latent image portion (10) is a plane having the same thickness as the base material (2) on which the second elements (8) are not arranged, thereby forming meaningful information. Note that the latent image portion (10) is not limited to the number "1000" shown in FIG. 18(a) and may be formed by letters, symbols, figures, marks, etc.

[0067] Next, the principle of visibility of the raised pattern (5) of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 19. Figure 19(a) is a plan view showing an example of a state in which a third element (9) of a different color from the second element (8) is superimposed on a latent image portion (10) and a background portion (11). Figure 19(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the background portion (11) of Figure 19(a) taken along line AA', and Figure 19(c) shows a cross-sectional view of the latent image portion (10) of Figure 19(a) taken along line BB'.

[0068] In Figures 19(b) and 19(c), when observed from directly above at the first observation point (L1), the color of the third element (9) can be seen.

[0069] On the other hand, when the substrate (2) is observed from diagonally above, as at the second observation point (L2), in the background portion (11) where the convex second elements (8) are arranged, only the upper surface and the front surface of the convex shape can be seen, and the rear surface cannot be seen because it is the back surface of the convex shape and is in a blind spot. Also, in the latent image portion (10) where the second elements (8) are arranged, all surfaces are visible because it is a flat surface with the same thickness as the substrate (2).

[0070] Specifically, when the substrate (2) is observed from diagonally above (from the A' and B' sides) as at the second observation point (L2), in the background portion (11), as shown in Figure 19(b), the third element (9) is in the blind spot of the convex-shaped second element (8) and cannot be seen, but in the latent image portion (10), as shown in Figure 19(c), the third element (9) is not hidden, and therefore an intermediate color between the color of the substrate (2) and the color of the third element (9) is visible. Furthermore, when observed from diagonally above on the opposite side (from side A and side B), in the background portion (11), as shown in Figure 19(b), the third element (9) can be seen because it is colored in front of the convex-shaped second element (8), but in the latent image portion (10), an intermediate color between the color of the substrate (2) and the color of the third element (9) is seen, just as when observed from side B', so the colors seen in the latent image portion (10) and the background portion (11) are different and can be distinguished.

[0071] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that at least a part of the information pattern (4') is machine-readable, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, in the explanation of the third embodiment, the machine-readable information pattern (4') will be explained using Figures 20 to 22.

[0072] (machine reading of information patterns) Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a formation region (3) of the third embodiment, and Fig. 21 shows an example of a form in which the formation body (1) is read by a machine.

[0073] When the information pattern (4') is formed for the purpose of machine reading, it is preferable to use a pattern with a uniform transmitted light intensity for each information pattern (4') so that even if there is a slight fluctuation in the machine reading accuracy, there will be little fluctuation in the width, position, transmitted light intensity or reflected light intensity of the information pattern (4') in order to ensure stable reading accuracy. "Uniform transmitted light intensity" means that the area to be read has a constant transmitted light intensity, and it is preferable that the information pattern (4') as a whole has a configuration with a constant transmitted light intensity, such as a configuration in which the area to be read has a uniform thickness, even when the information pattern (4') is configured with a gradation as described below.

[0074] As shown in Figure 20, authenticity can be determined by the presence or absence of a simple information pattern (4') or the intensity of transmitted light, but it is also possible to form multiple information patterns (4') for machine reading. In this case, the transmitted light intensity of each information pattern (4') can be made different from each other. Furthermore, a single information pattern (4') can be configured to have multiple gradations by changing the thickness of the base material (2) or the density of the fibers, etc.

[0075] In the present invention, the authenticity of the formed body (1) can be determined by reading the transmitted light intensity in a predetermined area including at least a part of the watermarked information pattern (4') on the substrate (2) under normal light or infrared light and comparing it with the transmitted light intensity data obtained from the genuine formed body (1). In the case where a plurality of information patterns (4') are formed, machine reading may be performed using the difference or ratio of the transmitted light intensity between areas corresponding to each information pattern (4') having a uniform transmitted light intensity.

[0076] To measure the transmitted light intensity in a predetermined area including at least a part of the information pattern 4' on the formation 1, a spot sensor 16 may be used as shown in Fig. 21(a) or an image sensor 17 may be used as shown in Fig. 21(b). The spot sensor 16 and the image sensor 17 are composed of an irradiating unit 14 and a light receiving unit 15. Furthermore, the measurement may be performed while the formation 1 is being transported, or by moving the sensor.

[0077] Furthermore, the information pattern (4') of the third embodiment can also be intended for machine reading by a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, in which case the information pattern (4') may be formed as a one-dimensional code such as a JAN code, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark), or a Hartley pattern. In particular, one-dimensional codes and two-dimensional codes are technologies developed for the purpose of adding information, and have the advantage of accurate reading results and being able to add a large amount of information.

[0078] Furthermore, for valuable printed matter such as banknotes, coupons, and securities having multiple denominations, an information pattern (4') can be added for the purpose of distinguishing the denomination. Fig. 22 is a plan view showing information patterns (4') that can distinguish the denomination. As shown in Fig. 22, the number of information patterns (4') varies for each denomination, but it is also possible to differentiate from other denominations by changing the amount of transmitted light, changing the gradation, or even changing the shape of the information pattern (4') for each denomination.

[0079] As mentioned above, the machine-readable information pattern (4') may be in the form of an arrangement of multiple first elements (7) as shown in Figure 10, or in the form of the information pattern (4') formed by a single first element (7) as shown in Figure 12, but the form in which the information pattern (4') is formed by a single first element (7) is preferable from the standpoint of machine-readability because it has higher transmitted light intensity and reflected light intensity.

[0080] Hereinafter, examples of the formed body (1) specifically produced according to the above-described embodiment of the invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Note that in the examples, the information pattern (4') will be described using a form formed by one first element (7).

[0081] Example 1 The formed body (1) of Example 1 is the formed body (1) having the configuration explained in the first embodiment, and the formed body (1) of Example 1 will be explained using the drawings explained in the embodiment.

[0082] The base material (2) was made of cotton pulp and was made into a sheet with a basis weight of 90 g / m using a hand-made sheet making machine (manufactured by Kumagai Riki Kogyo Co., Ltd.). 2 A white paper substrate with a thickness of 100 μm was prepared. At this time, convex portions for forming the convex pattern (5) and the concave pattern (4) were provided on the wire mesh of the handsheet making machine, and a concave first element (7) and a convex second element (8) were simultaneously formed by a perforation process.

[0083] The line configuration of the recessed pattern (4) formed in Example 1 will be described. FIG. 23(a) is a plan view of the recessed pattern (4) in Example 1, and FIG. 23(b) is a cross-sectional view. As shown in FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b), the recessed pattern (4) forms minute characters (13) by providing minute character forming elements (19) within the information pattern (4') described in the first embodiment. The minute character forming elements (19) have a different transmittance from the information pattern (4') and the substrate (2). The first elements (7) are adjacent to each other to form a single information pattern (4'). The depth (h1) of the first elements (7) shown in FIG. 11 was set to 30 μm, and the minute character forming elements (19), where the substrate (2) was thinner, were formed within the information pattern (4') at a depth of 50 μm from the substrate (2).

[0084] The line configuration of the raised pattern (5) formed in Example 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the width (W2) of the second element was 350 μm, the first pitch (P1) was 500 μm, and the height (h2) of the second element was 30 μm as shown in Figure 4, and linear second elements (8) were formed in a line pattern. In addition, as shown in Figure 7, the second elements (8) in the latent image portion (10) and the second elements (8) in the background portion (11) were arranged with a phase difference of 250 μm, and a raised pattern (5) consisting of the latent image portion (10) of the character "1000" and the background portion (11) was formed.

[0085] The line structure of the colored pattern (6) formed in Example 1 will be described. In the third pattern shown in FIG. 9, the width (W3) of the third element was 250 μm, the second pitch (P2) was 500 μm, and the linear third elements (9) were formed in a line pattern in a second direction (S2) that was the same as the first direction (S1) in which the second elements (8) were arranged. The colored pattern (6) was formed by offset printing using cyan ink (TK High Unity Neo, manufactured by Toyo Ink Co., Ltd.). In FIG. 23(b), the third elements (9) in the information pattern (4') are omitted to clearly show the cross-sectional shape. However, the third elements (9) are arranged in the second direction (S2) at the second pitch (P2) over the entire surface of the formation area (3).

[0086] When the formed body (1) of Example 1 having the above configuration is observed tilted from the second observation point (L2) as shown in Figure 23(b), a latent image (18) of the characters "1000" can be seen, and when observed with transmitted light from the third observation point (L3), the information pattern (4') formed inside the "0" of "1000" and the tiny characters (13) of "1000" formed vertically within the information pattern (4') can be seen.

[0087] The size of the minute characters (13) may be determined appropriately taking into consideration the size of the formation area (3) itself and the overall balance, but from the viewpoints of manufacturing and anti-counterfeiting, it is preferable to form them in the range of 100 μm to 3000 μm, and a more preferable range is 100 μm to 1000 μm. Furthermore, since minute characters (13) formed at approximately 300 μm or less generally need to be observed with a magnifying glass or the like to determine their authenticity, this adds an anti-counterfeiting element that cannot be observed with the naked eye, thereby improving counterfeit resistance. Note that the size of the minute characters (13) refers to at least one of the height and width of the minute characters (13).

[0088] In Figure 23(b), the micro characters (13) are configured to transmit a higher amount of light by making the base material (2) thinner than the information pattern (4'), but the amount of light transmitted may be lower than that of the information pattern (4'), or the amount of light transmitted may be changed depending on the density of the fibers forming the base material (2), as long as the information pattern (4') and the micro characters (13) can be distinguished under transmitted light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Latent image forming body (forming body) 2 Base material 3 Latent image formation area (formation area) 4 Concave pattern 4´ Information Pattern 5 Convex pattern 6 Coloring Pattern 7. First Element 8 Second Element 9 The Third Element 10 Latent Image Section 11 Background section 12 Composite Patterns 13 Small letters 14 Irradiation unit 15 Light receiving part 16 Spot Sensor 17 Image Sensor 18 Latent Image 19 Small letter forming elements S1 First direction S2 Second direction S3 Conveying direction P1 First pitch P2 Second pitch W2 Width of the second element W3 Width of the third element h1 Depth of the first element h2 Height of the second element L1 First observation point L2 Second observation point L3 Third observation point S area

Claims

1. A latent image forming body having a latent image forming area, at least in a part of a substrate, which has at least an information pattern visible under transmitted light and a latent image visible by tilting the substrate, the information pattern is formed from a concave first element having a higher transmittance than the substrate; the latent image is formed by superimposing a colored pattern on a convex pattern including a plurality of convex second elements arranged in a first direction at a first pitch on the substrate, the colored pattern being made up of a plurality of third elements arranged in a second direction at a second pitch and having a color different from that of the second elements; the protruding pattern is composed of a latent image portion and a background portion configured by the second elements having different phases, and an area in which the second elements are not arranged, A latent image forming member, wherein the information pattern is formed in an area where the second element is not arranged in the latent image forming area.

2. 2. The latent image forming member according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the first elements have a width in the first direction that is wider than the interval at which the second elements are arranged.

3. 3. The latent image forming member according to claim 2, wherein a composite pattern is formed by the latent image portion and the information pattern.

4. A latent image forming body having a latent image forming area, at least in a part of a substrate, which has at least an information pattern visible under transmitted light and a latent image visible by tilting the substrate, the information pattern is formed from a concave first element having a higher transmittance than the substrate; the latent image is formed by superimposing a colored pattern on a convex pattern including a plurality of convex second elements arranged in a first direction at a first pitch on the substrate, the colored pattern being made up of a plurality of third elements arranged in a second direction at a second pitch and having a color different from that of the second elements; the raised pattern is composed of a latent image portion not having the second element and a background portion having the second element, A latent image forming member, wherein the information pattern is formed in an area where the second element is not arranged in the latent image forming area.

5. 5. The latent image forming member according to claim 4, wherein at least some of the first elements have a width in the first direction that is wider than the interval at which the second elements are arranged.

6. 6. A latent image forming member according to claim 5, wherein a composite pattern is formed by the latent image portion and the information pattern.

Images