Anti-counterfeiting medium

Abstract

To provide an anti-counterfeiting medium intended to improve distinguishability from counterfeit products and counterfeit resistance.SOLUTION: The anti-counterfeiting medium is formed with a first image applied by perforation, a second image applied by intaglio printing, and a third image applied by hologram. When the medium is observed from a predetermined direction, the third image rotates, and the part of the rotation direction is the same as the direction of the first image and the second image. When the medium is observed from another direction, the background color of the third image changes, and the part of the changing color is the same as the color of the second image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a counterfeit prevention medium in which multiple counterfeit prevention technologies are formed in the same image on the same face of a banknote, passport, securities, gift certificate, various certificates, etc., in fields where it is necessary to prevent counterfeiting, duplication, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, valuable products such as banknotes, passports, gift certificates, and various certificates have been required to be provided with anti-counterfeiting technology. Commonly known anti-counterfeiting technologies include watermarks and threads in the papermaking process, intaglio printing and pearl printing in the printing process, and holograms in the pasting process.

[0003] These anti-counterfeiting technologies are used in multiple locations on the face of a bill, but ideally, the images should all be identical. For example, if the first anti-counterfeiting technology were a building printed by perforation, the second anti-counterfeiting technology a portrait printed by intaglio printing, and the third anti-counterfeiting technology a number printed by a hologram, each anti-counterfeiting technology would have different images. The user would first need to learn and memorize the image, effect, and position of each anti-counterfeiting technology. Therefore, if the images for each anti-counterfeiting technology were all identical, the user would no longer need to learn and memorize, further improving convenience and making it easier to distinguish counterfeits. Note that, in this invention, "image" refers to portraits, buildings, animals, numbers, letters, symbols, marks, etc.

[0004] As a prior invention based on the above background, a data carrier has been applied for in which the watermark created in the papermaking process, the additional element created in the printing process, and the halftone embossed pattern created in the pasting process, etc., form the same image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] In addition, as another prior invention, a patent application has been filed for a printed matter proposed by the applicant, which includes a first image applied by perforation, a second image applied by intaglio printing, and a third image applied by hologram, with the first to third images being identical and the third holographic image being visible as it rotates like an animation (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2004-508226 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6590347 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the invention of Patent Document 1, the three anti-counterfeiting techniques - the watermark, the additional printed element, and the embossed pattern - are all composed of the same image, making it easy to identify and convenient. However, because the embossed pattern is used as the third anti-counterfeiting technique, there are the following issues in terms of authenticity and technical aspects.

[0008] First, the embossed pattern is a technology that allows an image to be seen when the substrate is tilted at a certain angle, but because it can only be seen at that angle, the image is not always visible. Therefore, even if the same image is composed of three elements - a watermark, an additional printed element, and a embossed pattern - there are many angles from which the embossed pattern cannot be seen, resulting in low discernibility.

[0009] The second problem is that creating a embossed pattern requires two steps: first, a step of applying the lower background layer to the substrate by selecting from screen printing, offset printing, or hot stamping, and then a step of preparing an intaglio printing surface that will become the image of the upper embossed pattern and embossing it. This requires two steps, which poses a problem of high cost.

[0010] Next, the invention of Patent Document 2 is composed of a first image applied by perforation, a second image applied by intaglio printing, and a third image applied by hologram, and the third image is rotated like an animation, but there were the following technical issues.

[0011] The first issue is that when creating a pseudo-third image of a hologram, printing the third image on silver foil such as aluminum results in an image that appears to be similar at first glance.

[0012] The second point is that the direction of truth discrimination was limited to one direction.

[0013] The third point is that the method for determining authenticity relies solely on the identity of the three images and their orientation, so multiple elements for determining authenticity were required.

[0014] The present invention was created to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the ability to distinguish from counterfeits and to resist counterfeiting by using other configurations in addition to the three images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The present invention is an anti-counterfeiting medium having, on at least a portion of a substrate, a first image consisting of a perforation, a second image consisting of a printed line, and a third image consisting of a hologram, the first to third images being identical and being portraits, and having a background consisting of a hologram around the third image, characterized in that when viewed in a first observation direction, the third image rotates, and the direction of the rotating part is the same as the direction of the first image and the second image, and when viewed in a second observation direction, the background color of the third image changes, and the changing color of the part is the same as the color of the second image.

[0016] The present invention is characterized in that the background color of the third image is set by the spacing of the diffraction grating in the hologram, and the spacing of the diffraction grating is calculated from the wavelength of the background color, the zeroth-order diffracted light, and the first-order diffracted light. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The anti-counterfeiting medium of the present invention includes, as an anti-counterfeiting technology, a first image applied by perforation, a second image applied by intaglio printing lines, and a third image applied by hologram, and adds a new effect to the effect that the first to third images are the same and the third holographic image can be rotated and viewed like an animation.

[0018] Specifically, in addition to the first authenticity determination element of the prior art, which is the commonality and directionality of the first to third images, the present invention provides a second authenticity determination element of the commonality between the background color of the third image and the color of the second image when viewed from a second observation direction.

[0019] In this way, by setting a first authenticity discrimination element and a second authenticity discrimination element and making the first observation direction and the second observation direction 90 degrees apart, it is possible to provide an authenticity discrimination method from two directions, thereby further increasing authenticity.

[0020] Furthermore, in counterfeiting in which a third image is printed on silver foil such as aluminum, the background color of the third image appears white regardless of the observation method, but the present invention changes the background color of the third image, thereby improving the distinguishability of counterfeits.

[0021] Furthermore, the first and second authenticity discriminating elements can be provided without enlarging the face area of ​​the base material of the gift certificate or the like, while maintaining the conventional configuration.

[0022] In addition, the hologram of the present invention has a more complex structure by setting a predetermined color scheme in the background of the third image, in addition to the rotation and three-dimensional effect of the third image, making it extremely difficult to copy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the gift certificate S in Figure 1 along the X-X' direction [Figure 3] Portrait H viewed from the first observation direction [Figure 4] Diagram showing the orientation of Portrait H [Figure 5] Diagram showing the rotation angle of portrait H [Figure 6] Portrait H viewed from the second observation direction [Figure 7] Portrait H viewed from the second observation direction [Figure 8] Diagram showing the orientation of Portrait H [Figure 9] Supplementary figure for Eq. (1) [Figure 10] Diagram showing the perimeter of portrait H [Figure 11] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 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.

[0025] (First embodiment) The anti-counterfeiting medium of the present invention is configured to include anti-counterfeiting technology for at least a first image formed by perforation, a second image formed by printed lines, and a third image formed by a hologram, in which each image is identical, and the third image formed by a hologram has the effect of rotating when viewed from a first observation direction, and the direction of a portion of the rotation can be viewed as coinciding with the direction of the first and second images.

[0026] On the other hand, when viewed from the second observation direction, the background color of the third image changes, and part of the changing color is the same as the color of the second image, further enhancing the distinguishability.

[0027] Furthermore, when viewed from the second observation direction, the third image does not rotate and always maintains the same orientation, thereby enhancing the identity with the second image.

[0028] The following explains what "the images are the same" means in the present invention. For example, a single photographic image is used as a base image, and the base image is adjusted to create the first to third images. Therefore, although the size, color, gradation, and details of each image are different, the composition and contour shape of the images are the same. This is what is referred to as "the images are the same" in the present invention. Furthermore, "rotation" means that when viewed from a viewpoint such as that shown in Figure 3, the images can be viewed in different orientations within the same area, as shown in Figure 4.

[0029] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows an example of a gift certificate S, which is a counterfeit prevention medium. The gift certificate S has a paper substrate, and includes a perforated portrait W created by a paper machine, a printed image I created by an intaglio printing machine, and a portrait H within a patch-like hologram area created by an adhesive machine. Note that, throughout this specification, printed images created by an intaglio printing machine will be referred to as intaglio images. Therefore, the term "printed image" includes not only intaglio images but also offset images, screen images, relief images, and other images that can be created by a printing machine. In this case, portraits W, I, and H are all portraits of the same person created based on an original image such as a photograph, painting, or data. Note that portrait I is printed with blue intaglio ink.

[0030] The arrangement of portraits W, I, and H in Figure 1 is arbitrary and may be appropriately designed while arranging other elements. Also, Figure 1 shows an example of portrait images, but buildings, animals, numbers, letters, symbols, marks, etc. may be appropriately selected and used. Note that the "portrait" in this invention refers to a face including hair.

[0031] The effects of each portrait are that the intaglio portrait W can be seen by transmitting visible light through the substrate S, and that the intaglio line portrait I can be seen by reflecting visible light off the substrate S, and the unevenness can be sensed by touch. Furthermore, the hologram portrait H can be seen by reflecting visible light off the substrate S, and by changing the viewpoint, the portrait rotates like an animation. Note that in the drawings, the rotation of portrait H is shown frame by frame for convenience, but in reality it moves like a moving animation. The direction of the rotating portrait of portrait H can be designed as appropriate.

[0032] Furthermore, if the portrait H is configured to be visible in three dimensions in addition to the rotational effect, the visibility of the portrait will be further improved, making it even more effective. Specific methods for creating the rotating portrait H and the portrait H with a three-dimensional effect include creating the necessary images using photography or computer software, and then layering the images to create a Lippmann hologram, or creating an embossed hologram by arranging the images two-dimensionally. However, any known technology may be selected and used as appropriate. The three-dimensional effect may be selected and set as appropriate.

[0033] In the present invention, "three-dimensional" refers to an image in which an image in front of the image appears to pop out relative to a predetermined position in the image, or a sense of depth can be perceived from an image behind the image. Specifically, in the case of portrait H of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 4, there are various methods, such as a method in which the nose, cheeks, etc. appear to pop out relative to the position of the eyes, or a method in which the ears, hair, etc. appear to have a sense of depth relative to the position of the eyes, and the portrait can be produced by appropriately setting the method. With this configuration, portrait H can be rotated and viewed three-dimensionally, making the production method more advanced and complex, thereby further strengthening counterfeit resistance.

[0034] Next, we will explain how to view the hologram portrait H. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the gift certificate S in Figure 1 taken in the X-X' direction, and Figure 3 shows a method for viewing portrait H by cutting out only portrait H from Figure 2 and tilting the base material.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the light source is placed above and to the left of portrait H (45 degrees), and the portrait is viewed from viewpoint K1 with specular reflection (90 degrees). If the substrate is tilted downward and to the right as shown in FIG. 3(a), portrait H will be oriented as shown in FIG. 4(a). Next, if the substrate is parallel as shown in FIG. 3(b), portrait H will be oriented as shown in FIG. 4(b). Furthermore, if the substrate is tilted downward and to the left as shown in FIG. 3(c), portrait H will be oriented as shown in FIG. 4(c). Furthermore, since a large tilt angle of the substrate requires time for authenticity determination, it is preferable that the tilt angle be within ±30 degrees. In this specification, "viewing from a first observation direction" refers to a viewing method in which the substrate is tilted left or right from the X-X' direction as the starting point, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] Furthermore, the specific rotation angles of portrait H are as shown in Figure 5(a) for Figure 4(a), Figure 5(b) for Figure 4(b), and Figure 5(c) for Figure 4(c). If the orientation in Figure 5(b) is the basic orientation, the orientation in Figures 5(a) and 5(c) is changed by θ degrees. In this case, the orientation of portrait H in Figure 4(b) is the same as portraits W and I. As an example, θ is -15 degrees in Figure 5(a) and +15 degrees in Figure 5(c), with ±θ set to 30 degrees. Note that ±θ of 30 degrees or more is preferable, because if it is less than 30 degrees, the range of rotation of portrait H is small, making it difficult to perceive the visual change.

[0037] Next, a method for visually recognizing the color of background B of portrait H will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. As shown in FIG. 6, a light source is placed at the upper left (45 degrees) of portrait H, and viewpoint K2 is viewed from directly above portrait H. At this time, if the substrate is tilted toward the front as shown in FIG. 7(a), the color of background B can be perceived as a color other than blue. Next, if the substrate is made parallel as shown in FIG. 7(b), the color of background B can be perceived as blue. Furthermore, if the substrate is tilted toward the back as shown in FIG. 7(c), the color of background B can be perceived as a color other than blue. Therefore, the color of background B can also be perceived as blue at the timing shown in FIG. 7(b), and is the same as the color of portrait I. Note that there are no color restrictions on the background color in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(c) as long as it is not blue, and green, yellow, orange, red, etc. can be selected as appropriate.

[0038] Furthermore, by keeping the orientation of portrait H in the same direction without rotating it in any direction in all of Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c), only the background color of portrait H changes when viewed in the second observation direction, making it easier to see the color change. Note that a tilt angle of the base material within ±30 degrees is preferable, since a large tilt can make authenticity determination take time. Furthermore, "when viewed in the second observation direction" in this invention refers to a viewing method in which the base material is tilted toward the front and back with respect to the Y-Y' direction, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0039] This ensures the identity of the three portraits when viewed from the first observation direction, as well as the identity of the color of background B for portrait I and portrait H when viewed from the second observation direction, ensuring a high level of authenticity. In addition to the blue color of portrait I, by applying a background pattern of blue or a similar color to blue to the entire gift certificate S, the overall impression of the certificate will be blue, further improving its distinguishability.

[0040] Furthermore, in contrast to the aforementioned counterfeit holograms using silver foil, in the present invention, the color change of background B can be seen when viewed from the second observation direction, making it easy to distinguish from counterfeits that are always visible as white. Note that "the same color" in this invention includes similar colors and refers to colors that are adjacent or nearby on the color wheel.

[0041] Next, we will explain the diffraction grating that forms the background B of the portrait H. The configuration of the diffraction grating can be expressed in FIG. 9 and formula (1). d=λ / (sinα-sinβ)...Equation (1) In this case, the variables are: d is the spacing of the diffraction grating, λ is the wavelength at which color can be seen, α is the zeroth-order diffracted light (specular reflection angle), and β is the first-order diffracted light (visible angle).

[0042] For example, if the background color of portrait H is blue, calculation using equation (1) under the viewing conditions of Figure 9 reveals that, when the wavelength λ of blue is 430 nm, α is 45 degrees and β is 0 degrees, so the diffraction grating spacing d is calculated to be approximately 600 nm. In this way, the spacing can be appropriately set according to the desired color.

[0043] Furthermore, if the background color of portrait H is to be set to a color other than the three primary colors such as RGB (red, green, blue), it may be set using a known method. For example, by dividing the image into minute regions and varying the spacing of the diffraction grating in each region, a variety of colors can be seen due to additive color mixing of light, so this can be designed appropriately.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows the application form of a patch-like hologram, which is partially applied to a substrate in a circular, rectangular, or other shape. The size of the application area is preferably 15 mm or more in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and as shown in FIG. 10, the perimeter P of the portrait H within the application area is preferably 20 mm or more. This is because a perimeter of 20 mm or less reduces the visibility of the portrait H. Note that the "perimeter" in this specification refers to the length of the outline of the rotating image of the hologram, and in the case of portrait H, refers to the length of the outline of the face, including hair. The hologram of this embodiment is formed by laminating a protective layer, an optical diffraction layer, a light-reflecting layer, and an adhesive layer, in that order.

[0045] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the differences will be described. As shown in Fig. 11, the second embodiment is in the form of a stripe hologram that is attached in a stripe shape along the short side of the substrate, and it is desirable that the width of the attachment area along the long side (horizontal direction) of the substrate be 10 mm or more. [Example]

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, Example 1 is composed of a paper substrate for a gift certificate S, a perforated portrait W, an intaglio line portrait I, and a holographic portrait H. Portrait I is blue. The size of the patch-like hologram is a rectangle measuring 20 × 20 mm. The rotation angle ±θ of portrait H is set to 60 degrees, and the perimeter P is set to 40 mm. When viewed from the first observation direction, the orientation of the rotated portion of portrait H is the same as the orientation of portrait W and portrait I. When viewed from the second observation direction, the background color of portrait H appears blue, with some of the changing colors being the same as the color of portrait I. Specifically, this corresponds to the timing shown in FIG. 7(b). Meanwhile, at the timings shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(c), the background color of portrait H appears to change to green, yellow, orange, and other colors. The orientation of portrait H remains the same. [Example]

[0047] Next, Example 2 is shown in FIG. 11. A description of the same configuration as in Example 1 will be omitted, and only the different configurations will be described. Portrait I is purple. The stripe hologram is attached in a strip shape at a distance of 15 mm from the short side (horizontal) of the substrate. The portrait also includes the upper body, including clothing, shoulders, and arms, and the rotation angle ±θ is set to 60 degrees, with a perimeter P of 20 mm. When viewed from the second observation direction, the background color of Portrait H appears purple, with some of the changing colors being the same as those of Portrait I. Specifically, this is the timing shown in FIG. 7(b). Meanwhile, at the timings shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 7(c), the background color of Portrait H appears to change to blue, green, yellow, and other colors. The orientation of Portrait H remains the same. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] S gift certificate Image by W Sukiire I. Intaglio line images H Hologram image P perimeter B. Holographic image background K1 First observation direction viewpoint K2 Second observation direction viewpoint

Claims

1. At least a portion of the substrate has a first image consisting of perforations, a second image consisting of printed lines, and a third image consisting of a hologram, A counterfeit prevention medium in which the first to third images are identical and are portraits, and a background made of a hologram is provided around the third image, When viewed in a first observation direction, the third image rotates, and the orientation of a part of the rotated image is the same as the orientation of the first image and the second image; A counterfeit prevention medium, characterized in that when viewed in a second observation direction, the background color of the third image changes, and a part of the changed color is the same as the color of the second image.

2. The anti-counterfeiting medium according to claim 1, characterized in that the background color of the third image is set by the spacing of the diffraction grating in the hologram, and the spacing of the diffraction grating is calculated from the wavelength of the background color, the zeroth-order diffracted light, and the first-order diffracted light.

Images