Information identification method, packaging material and resin molded article

Abstract

To provide an information identification method, a packaging material, and a resin molded body which do not impair the designability of a product, do not require positioning for information reading, and enable high-speed information identification.SOLUTION: In an information identification method of reading information of an information identification code from a packaging material 12 having a fine information identification code, which is a printed matter on which the information identification code and a pattern are printed, by an identification device 8 having position information, the information identification code is represented by an aggregate of dots with a dot accommodated in a square of 50 μm square as a minimum unit, and the information identification code and the pattern overlap in a region of 60 area% or more of the pattern.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information identification method, a packaging material, and a resin molded article. [Background technology]

[0002] For purposes such as distribution and management, identification codes such as one-dimensional codes (barcodes, etc.) and two-dimensional codes (QR Code (registered trademark), Data Matrix, etc.), which can be read by image recognition, are widely used on a variety of products. However, one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes have the problem of impairing the design layout of products due to their large size.

[0003] Therefore, for example, an information reading method has been proposed that includes an imaging step of optically reading a two-dimensional code formed as a collection of multiple approximately circular dots using a dot marking method, a two-dimensional code conversion step of converting the read two-dimensional code into a two-dimensional code for decoding composed of square cells by trimming the area marked with the read two-dimensional code into a square, separating each unit figure that makes up the two-dimensional code, and converting the unit figures into squares inscribed with the unit figures, an information conversion step of decoding the information represented in the two-dimensional code for decoding, and a processing execution step of performing processing using the decoded information (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and a multimedia notebook configuration incorporating a mobile phone, characterized in that the mobile phone camera is connected to a microlens that faces a dot pattern printed on the notebook's printing medium (see, for example, Patent Document 2). However, because these codes and dot patterns are printed in specific areas of a product, positioning is required to read the information, making high-speed identification difficult.

[0004] Also proposed is a recyclable packaging material having a substrate and a detachable layer to which identification information is applied, the identification information including at least information for identifying whether the substrate is recyclable or not, and the identification information is applied in the form of an electronic watermark and is arranged over the entire surface of the picture layer (see, for example, Patent Document 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-189976 [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3184862 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-182777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the packaging material described in Patent Document 3 has a conventional barcode or "QR Code (registered trademark)" attached in the form of a digital watermark, so the digital watermark of a certain color density is superimposed on the design to enhance the contrast and make it easier to identify, which still leaves issues with design.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an information identification method, packaging material, and resin molded article that enable information identification at high speed without compromising the design of the product and without requiring positioning for reading information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention mainly has the following configuration. (1) An information identification method for reading information from an information identification code from a printed matter on which the information identification code and a picture are printed, wherein the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, and the information identification code and the picture overlap in an area that accounts for 60% or more of the area of ​​the picture. (2) The information identification method according to (1), wherein the information identification code includes two or more types of information identification codes each having different information. (3) The information identification method according to (1) or (2), wherein the information identification code is formed using offset ink, resin letterpress ink, pad printing ink and / or flexographic ink. (4) An information identification method according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the information identification code is formed using ink having a ratio ((A) / (B)) of the reflection intensity (A) in the wavelength range of 500 nm to 780 nm to the total reflection intensity (B) in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm of 0.8 or more. (5) The information identification method according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the information identification code is read by enlarging it by 10 times or more and 50 times or less using optical zoom. (6) The information identification method according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein information is read by selectively recognizing only an arbitrary wavelength range of 100 nm from the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm from the information identification code. (7) The information identification method according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the identification information of the information identification code is read by an identification device having location information, and the identified information is linked to the location information. (8) The information identification method according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the printed matter is a packaging material. (9) Packaging material on which an information identification code and a picture are printed, in which the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, and the information identification code and the picture overlap over an area of ​​60% or more of the picture. (10) A method for recycling packaging materials, which comprises classifying the packaging materials according to (9) based on information read from the information identification code. (11) A resin molded body having an information identification code and a picture printed thereon, wherein the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, and the information identification code and the picture overlap over an area of ​​60% or more of the picture. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information identification method, a packaging material, and a resin molded article that enable information to be identified at high speed without impairing the design of the product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of an information identification code used in the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a printed matter having an information identification code used in the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an information identification method of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the information identification method of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention is an information identification method for reading information from an information identification code from a printed material on which the information identification code and a picture are printed. In the information identification method of the present invention, the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, and the information identification code and the picture overlap over at least 60% of the area of ​​the picture. The information identification code formed by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, is tiny and difficult to see with the naked eye, eliminating the need for special invisible ink and allowing the information identification code to be made invisible using general-purpose ink. This prevents the information identification code from detracting from the design and enhances its appeal. Furthermore, by overlapping the information identification code and the picture over at least 60% of the area of ​​the picture, it is not necessary to identify the position of the information identification code and read it, enabling high-speed information identification.

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the information identification method of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be carried out with various modifications depending on the purpose and application.

[0013] (Information Identification Code) In the present invention, the information identification code is formed by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square (hereinafter, this may be referred to as a "micro information identification code"). By using such a micro information identification code, it is possible to make it invisible. There are no particular limitations on the shape of the dots, as long as they fit within a 50 μm square. Examples of dot shapes include square, rectangular, circular, and elliptical shapes. Two or more of these may be combined.

[0014] A schematic diagram of an example of a minute information identification code used in the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The minute information identification code 4 has a grid pattern of 50 μm or less combined with a code size 2 and has a plurality of square dots 3 with a dot size 1.

[0015] In the present invention, the dot size is set to 50 μm or less to enhance the design of the product. Here, the dot size is defined as the smallest side length of a square when the dots are contained within the square without protruding. From the viewpoint of further enhancing the design, the dot size is preferably 40 μm or less, more preferably 30 μm or less, and even more preferably 20 μm or less. Note that a grid pattern of 50 μm or less may have multiple dots, but the grid pattern in which the dots are arranged shall not be continuous.

[0016] The code size of a minute information identification code is defined as the length of the smallest side of a square that can contain the cluster of dots required to identify the information. There are no particular restrictions on the code size of a minute information identification code as long as it is within the reading range of the identification device, but from the viewpoint of being able to identify even irregularly shaped products that are folded or bent, it is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 2 mm or less.

[0017] By printing the micro-information identification code multiple times as needed, overlapping it with the image in an area covering 60% or more of the image, the information identification code can be embedded without compromising the design of the printed material. The image is formed using inks such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white, and special colors. The micro-information identification code may be printed on top of or underneath the image.

[0018] If the percentage of the area where the picture and the minute information identification code overlap (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "overlap area rate") is less than 60% of the picture area, positioning is required to read the information, and therefore the identification device or the printed material on which the information identification code is printed must be moved significantly to identify the information, making it difficult to identify the information at high speed.From the perspective of identifying information at higher speeds, the overlap area rate is preferably 70% or more, and more preferably 80% or more.The overlap area between the picture and the minute information identification code here refers to the area of ​​the code formed by a collection of dots, not the area of ​​the dots in the information identification code.

[0019] Furthermore, two or more types of minute information identification codes each having different information may be provided. For example, by changing the reading wavelength of an identification device described below, two or more types of information can be identified.

[0020] The minute information identification code is preferably formed using ink such as inkjet ink, gravure ink, screen ink, flexographic ink, resin letterpress ink, offset ink, or pad printing ink. Two or more of these may be used. Among these, offset ink, resin letterpress ink, pad printing ink, and flexographic ink are preferred because they have high ink viscosity and can suppress leveling, thereby reducing the dot size of the minute information identification code, and offset ink and pad printing ink are more preferred. Examples of offset ink include water-based lithographic ink and waterless lithographic ink, but waterless lithographic ink is more preferred because it has high ink viscosity and can further reduce the dot size of the information identification code.

[0021] Curing methods for ink include solvent-based or water-based (thermal drying), oil-based (oxidative polymerization), UV (ultraviolet) curing, EB (electron beam) curing, etc. Among these, UV-curable ink and EB-curable ink are preferred due to their fast curing speed and high productivity.

[0022] Examples of ink colors for forming the microinformation identification code include cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white, green, orange, and violet. However, it is preferable to select a color that is different from the color of the ink forming the image. Among these, black ink containing carbon black is preferred because it allows for the use of commercially available identification devices such as infrared cameras. Furthermore, in order to further enhance invisibility and improve design, inks with a ratio ((A) / (B)) of the reflection intensity (A) in the wavelength range of 500 nm to the total reflection intensity (B) in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm are preferred to have a ratio of 0.8 or more. In the present invention, we focused on the ratio of the reflection intensity (A) in the wavelength range that is difficult to see to the reflection intensity (B) in the entire visible light wavelength range as an indicator of invisibility. Here, (A) / (B) can be calculated by measuring the reflection spectrum of the ink using a spectrophotometer (e.g., the reflectance graph mode of the eXact Advance (manufactured by X-Rite)). An example of an ink having a ratio ((A) / (B)) of 0.8 or more is a commercially available yellow ink.

[0023] (pictorial pattern) The design, ink, and printing method of the pattern in the present invention are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to select inks that form the pattern and inks that form the minute information identification code so that they are not the same color.

[0024] (Printed material) The printed matter of the present invention has the above-mentioned minute information identification code and the above-mentioned image printed thereon. By using such printed matter as packaging material, for example, it can be utilized for POS (Point of Sale) and information can be identified at high speed using an identification device, thereby enabling high-speed processing at cash registers.

[0025] An example of a printed matter having a minute information identification code used in the present invention is shown in Figure 2. The printed matter 7 having a minute information identification code has a pattern 5 and has a minute information identification code 4 superimposed on the pattern in an area 6 where the pattern and the minute information identification code overlap.

[0026] (Manufacturing method of printed matter) Printed materials can be produced by any printing method, such as inkjet printing, gravure printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, resin letterpress printing, offset printing, and pad printing. Two or more of these methods may be combined. Among these, offset printing, resin letterpress printing, pad printing, and flexographic printing are preferred, with offset printing and pad printing being more preferred, because they have high ink viscosity and can suppress leveling, thereby reducing the dot size of the micro-information identification code. Offset printing includes water-based lithographic printing and waterless lithographic printing, but waterless lithographic printing is more preferred because it does not use dampening water and the ink is less likely to bleed, allowing for a smaller dot size of the micro-information identification code.

[0027] Examples of printing devices include flatbed printing presses, sheet-fed printing presses, rotary printing presses, and intermittent printing presses. Multicolor printing presses are preferred because they can print the image and the minute information identification code at the same time. For example, in the case of a five-color press, the image can be printed on cylinders 1 to 4 and the information identification code on cylinder 5, thereby making it possible to produce printed materials with minute information identification codes at the same time.

[0028] (Information Identification Method) In the information identification method of the present invention, the information of the fine information identification code is read from a printed matter on which the above-mentioned fine information identification code and picture are printed. It is preferable to read the information using an identification device that can optically recognize the contrast difference between the fine information identification code and other areas. For example, an infrared camera or an image recognition camera can be used as the identification device.

[0029] The identification device preferably has an image magnification function. By magnifying the fine information identification code, the image recognition accuracy can be improved and the reading distance can be increased. It is preferable that the fine information identification code is read by magnifying it by 10 times or more and 50 times or less using optical zoom.

[0030] Examples of wavelength ranges used by the identification device include the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared regions. Among these, the visible and infrared regions are preferred for reading the reflected light of the pigments used in commercially available inks. Furthermore, when reading in the visible light region, it is preferable to selectively recognize and read only the 100-nm wavelength range, which includes the maximum reflection wavelength of the pigments in the ink that forms the information identification code, from the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm, in order to increase the contrast difference between the pigments in the ink used in the image and the ink that forms the information identification code. Increasing the contrast difference allows the information identification code to be read accurately, thereby reducing errors in information identification.

[0031] A schematic diagram of an example of the information identification method of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. A printed matter 7 having a fine information identification code is read, optionally through a magnifying lens 9, using an identification device 8 to read the fine information identification code within a circle with a reading diameter 10 at a reading distance 11.

[0032] The reading distance of an identification device is the distance between the intersection of the surface of a printed material bearing a fine information identification code and the optical axis of the identification device, and the apex of the lens of the identification device. This varies depending on the dot size of the fine information identification code; the smaller the dot size, the shorter the reading distance must be. The reading diameter of an identification device also varies depending on the dot size of the fine information identification code; the smaller the dot size, the shorter the reading distance must be, and therefore the reading diameter becomes smaller. On the other hand, the reading distance can be increased by using the image magnification function or magnifying lens of the identification device itself.

[0033] In the present invention, the fine information identification code can be identified by moving the identification device in a direction parallel to the surface of the printed material bearing the fine information identification code. In the present invention, the ratio of the maximum distance the identification device is moved to identify the fine information identification code to the length of the printed material bearing the fine information identification code is defined as the movement rate. The greater the overlap area rate of the fine information identification code and the larger the reading diameter of the identification device, the lower the movement rate can be, allowing for faster information identification.

[0034] In the present invention, the reading distance and movement rate are not limited, but for example, when used for authenticity determination or POS, it is expected that the identification device will be used at a short distance without moving it much, so the reading distance is preferably 10 mm or more and 200 mm or less. Furthermore, the movement rate is preferably 30% or less, more preferably 20% or less, and even more preferably 10% or less.

[0035] For example, when used for traceability purposes such as inventory management, distribution, and sorting, it is expected that the identification device will be used over long distances, so a reading distance of 1,000 mm or more is preferable, and 2,000 mm or more is more preferable. To achieve such a reading distance, the image magnification function or magnification lens of the identification device itself should preferably be 10x or more, and more preferably 30x or more. On the other hand, a magnification of 50x or less is preferable in order to suppress blurring of the reading range when the identification device vibrates. Furthermore, a movement rate of 20% or less is preferable, and 10% or less is more preferable.

[0036] In the present invention, it is preferable that the identification device has a location information function, and that the identified information is linked to the location information.

[0037] (packaging material) A second aspect of the present invention is a packaging material printed with an information identification code and a design, wherein the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, and the information identification code and the design overlap over 60% or more of the design area. That is, the packaging material of the second aspect of the present invention has a minute information identification code, and the overlapping area ratio is 60% or more of the design area. As with the information identification method of the first aspect, the inclusion of a minute information identification code can suppress degradation of design quality due to the information identification code and enhance design quality. Furthermore, by setting the overlapping area ratio to 60% or more of the design area, positioning to identify and read the information identification code is not required when reading information, enabling high-speed information identification. The overlapping area ratio is more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more. Preferred aspects of the minute information identification code and the design are the same as those of the first aspect.

[0038] 4 shows a schematic diagram of another example of the information identification method of the present invention. The minute information identification code is read from packaging material 12 having the minute information identification code through a magnifying lens 9 and using an identification device 8, in the same manner as in FIG.

[0039] Such packaging materials can be produced, for example, from the printed matter described above.

[0040] (Recycling method) For example, in the packaging material of the present invention described above, by recording material information of the packaging material in the micro-information identification code, it can be classified based on the information identified from the micro-information identification code and used for recycling mono-material packaging materials.

[0041] (Resin molded body) A third aspect of the present invention is a resin molded product printed with an information identification code and a design, wherein the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, and the information identification code and the design overlap over 60% or more of the area of ​​the design. That is, the resin molded product of the third aspect of the present invention has a micro-information identification code, and the overlapping area ratio is 60% or more of the area of ​​the design. Because the micro-information identification code is invisible, the security level can be improved and it can be used for authenticity determination. Furthermore, by adding a micro-information identification code to a resin molded product without compromising the design, it is possible to easily convey information about the product to the user. For example, product handling instructions, warranty information, website links, etc. can be embedded in the micro-information identification code. The overlapping area ratio is more preferably 70% or more, and even more preferably 80% or more. Preferred aspects of the micro-information identification code and the design are the same as those of the first aspect.

[0042] Such a resin molded article can be produced, for example, by directly printing a fine information identification code onto a resin molded article having a pattern by pad printing. [Example]

[0043] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. First, the materials and methods used in each example and comparative example are shown below.

[0044] (1) Creation of information identification code An information identification code was created by placing multiple square dots in predetermined positions in a grid pattern of 80 cells vertically and horizontally. The number and relative positions of the dots were kept the same, but the dot size was changed to 80, 65, 55, 45, 35, 25, and 15 μm. Of these, dots with sizes of 45, 35, 25, and 15 μm fit within a 50 μm square.

[0045] Each information identification code with a different dot size was repeatedly arranged to create print data with areas of 100 x 57 mm, 100 x 62 mm, 100 x 72 mm, and 100 x 82 mm, and print data for 28 types of information identification codes was created.

[0046] (2) Manufacturing of printing plates [Flexographic printing plate] A high-intensity chemical lamp TL 80W / 10R (manufactured by Philips) was used to illuminate the flexographic printing plate precursor "RESOLUCIA (registered trademark)" (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) from the support side, with an integrated light intensity of 800 mJ / cm. 2 Next, the cover film of the flexographic printing plate precursor was peeled off, and the plate was attached to an external drum type plate setter CDI SPARK 2530 (manufactured by Esco Graphics Co., Ltd.) equipped with a fiber laser having an infrared light emitting region, with the support side in contact with the drum, and the printing data of the information identification code described above in (1) was output at 2.4 J / cm at the center of the flexographic printing plate precursor measuring 200 mm in length x 200 mm in width. 2 The image was then drawn using a laser with a total cumulative light intensity of 12,000 mJ / cm 2 under atmospheric pressure using a high-intensity chemical lamp TL 80W / 10R, the same as for the back exposure. 2 The main exposure was performed from the image mask side so that the exposure was about 1000 mJ / cm 2. The film was then developed for 80 seconds using a batch exposure developer Inglese W43 (manufactured by Inglese, srl) with tap water adjusted to 25°C as the developer, dried in an oven at 60°C for 10 minutes, and then exposed to a high-intensity chemical lamp TL 80W / 10R with an integrated light intensity of 12,000 mJ / cm 2. 2 Post-exposure was carried out to obtain a flexographic printing plate of about 28 types.

[0047] [Resin letterpress printing plate] After peeling off the protective film from a resin letterpress printing plate precursor "TORELIEF (registered trademark)" (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.), the plate was mounted on an external drum-type plate setter CDI SPARK 2530 (manufactured by Esco Graphics Co., Ltd.) equipped with a fiber laser emitting in the infrared region, with the substrate side in contact with the drum. The printing data for the information identification code described above in (1) was written in the center of the resin letterpress printing plate precursor, measuring 200 mm long x 200 mm wide, at a laser output of 9 W and a drum rotation speed of 700 rpm, forming an image mask from the heat-sensitive mask layer. Subsequently, the entire surface was exposed from the image mask side to an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp (manufactured by Oak Corporation) with a light source in the ultraviolet region (exposure amount: 1000 mJ / cm). 2 Next, development was carried out for 1.5 minutes with tap water at 35°C using a brush-type developing machine FTW500II (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) equipped with a brush made of PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), and 28 types of resin relief printing plates were produced.

[0048] [Waterless planographic printing plate] The water-based lithographic printing plate precursor "SUPERIA (registered trademark)" XP-F (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) was exposed to light using a CTP exposure machine PlateRite 8900N-E (manufactured by SCREEN Co., Ltd.) at an exposure energy of 125 mJ / cm. 2 The exposure was carried out under the condition of (drum rotation speed: 210 rpm), and the printing data of the information identification code (1) was provided in the center of a lithographic printing plate precursor measuring 550 mm long x 650 mm wide. The exposed plate precursor was passed through an automatic developing machine XP-940R (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation) at a speed of 140 cm / min and processed with developer XP-D (manufactured by Fujifilm Corporation), to produce 28 types of water-based lithographic printing plates.

[0049] [Waterless lithographic printing plate] The waterless lithographic printing plate precursor "IMPRIMA (registered trademark)" FR (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) was exposed to light using a CTP exposure machine PlateRite 8900N-E (manufactured by SCREEN Co., Ltd.) at an exposure energy of 125 mJ / cm. 2Exposure was carried out under conditions of (drum rotation speed: 210 rpm). Printing data for the information identification code described above in (1) was provided in the center of a lithographic printing plate precursor measuring 550 mm long x 650 mm wide. The exposed plate precursor was passed through an automatic developing machine TWL-1160F (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) at a speed of 40 cm / min, and the plate surface was pretreated with pretreatment liquid DP-1 (manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.). After that, the plate surface was scrubbed with a rotating brush while showering with tap water, and 28 types of waterless lithographic printing plates were produced.

[0050] (3) Printing of designs Using a gel jet printer "IPSiO (registered trademark)" GX5000 (manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.), cyan ink was ejected and applied to OK top coat (manufactured by Oji Paper Co., Ltd.) under ejection conditions of a resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 dpi, a droplet volume of 2.4 pL, and a stage speed of 38 m / min, to print a 100 x 100 mm solid pattern.

[0051] (4) Printing of information identification code [Inkjet printing] Using a GelJet printer "IPSiO (registered trademark)" GX5000 (manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.), an information identification code was printed on the printed material on which the image (3) above had been printed. The printing conditions were a resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 dpi, a droplet volume of 2.4 pL, and a stage speed of 38 m / min. According to the print data for the information identification code (1) above, a GX5000-compatible water-based ink was ejected to print the information identification code. The printing was performed so that the long side of the print data for the information identification code coincided with the side of the image (3) above. That is, when the overlap area ratio was 62%, a 100 mm x 100 mm solid image was printed with an overlapping area of ​​100 mm x 62 mm where the information identification code was printed, and a 100 mm x 38 mm area where the information identification code was not printed.

[0052] The reflectance spectrum of the ink used to print the information identification code was measured using the reflectance graph mode of an eXact Advance spectrophotometer (manufactured by X-Rite). The ratio ((A) / (B)) of the reflectance intensity (A) in the wavelength range of 500nm to 780nm to the total reflectance intensity (B) in the wavelength range of 380nm to 780nm was 0.70 for the black ink and 0.95 for the yellow ink.

[0053] [Flexographic printing] The flexographic printing plate obtained in (2) above was attached to the plate cylinder of a flexographic printing press equipped with a 1,000-line anilox roll using 0.38 μm thick tesa "softprint®" 52017 (manufactured by TESA) cushion tape. Using UV-curable inks, UV flexographic ink PHA-LO3 (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation) or UV flexographic yellow PHA-LO3 (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation), an information identification code was printed on the printed material with the image of (3) above at a speed of 70 m / min. The printing was performed so that the long side of the printing data for the information identification code coincided with the side of the image of (3) above.

[0054] The reflectance spectrum of the ink used to print the information identification code was measured using the reflectance graph mode of an eXact Advance spectrophotometer (manufactured by X-Rite Corporation). The ratio ((A) / (B)) of the reflectance intensity in the wavelength range of 500 nm to 780 nm (A) to the total reflectance intensity in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm (B) was 0.70 for UV flexographic ink PHA-LO3 (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation) and 0.95 for UV flexographic yellow PHA-LO3 (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation).

[0055] [Resin Letterpress Printing] The resin letterpress printing plate obtained in (2) above was mounted on an intermittent rotary printing press LR3 (manufactured by Iwasaki Iron Works Co., Ltd.). Using UV-curable ink "BEST CURE (registered trademark)" UV161 Black S (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation) or "BEST CURE (registered trademark)" UV161 Yellow S (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation), an information identification code was printed on the printed matter having the image of (3) above under the conditions of a printing pressure adjustment handle scale of 5.05 and a printing speed of 100 shots / minute. At this time, the printing was performed so that the long side of the printing data for the information identification code coincided with the side of the image of (3) above.

[0056] The reflectance spectra of the inks used to print the information identification code were measured using the reflectance graph mode of an eXact Advance spectrophotometer (manufactured by X-Rite). The ratio ((A) / (B)) of the reflectance intensity (A) in the wavelength range of 500 nm to the total reflectance intensity (B) in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm was 0.70 for "BEST CURE (registered trademark)" UV161 Black S (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation) and 0.95 for "BEST CURE (registered trademark)" UV161 Yellow S (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation).

[0057] [Waterless lithographic printing] The water-based lithographic printing plate obtained in (2) above was placed on the sheet-fed offset printing press Oliver 266EPZ (manufactured by Sakurai Graphic Systems Co., Ltd.) at the paper discharge section, using an ultraviolet irradiation device (output: 120 W / cm ) with a built-in speed-variable conveyor. 2 The printer was attached to a connected printing test machine with a 150 mm focal length. An information identification code was printed on the printed matter having the above-mentioned (3) design at a speed of 5,000 sheets per hour using the UV-curable ink "BEST CURE (registered trademark)" UV161 Black S (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation) or "BEST CURE (registered trademark)" UV161 Yellow S (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation) used in the above-mentioned [Resin Letterpress Printing]. At this time, the printing was performed so that the long side of the printing data for the information identification code and the side of the above-mentioned (3) design were aligned.

[0058] [Waterless lithographic printing] The waterless lithographic printing plate obtained in (2) above was placed on an ultraviolet irradiation device (output: 120 W / cm) with a built-in speed-variable conveyor at the paper discharge section of a sheet-fed offset printing press Oliver 266EPZ (manufactured by Sakurai Graphic Systems Co., Ltd.) with the dampening water supply device turned off. 2 The printer was attached to a printing test machine connected to a printer with a 150 mm focal length. An information identification code was printed on the printed matter having the above-mentioned (3) design at a speed of 5,000 sheets per hour using the UV-curable ink "BEST CURE (registered trademark)" UV171 Black (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation) or "BEST CURE (registered trademark)" UV171 Yellow (manufactured by T&K TOKA Corporation) used in the above-mentioned [Resin Letterpress Printing]. At this time, the printing was performed so that the long side of the printing data for the information identification code and the side of the above-mentioned (3) design were aligned.

[0059] The evaluations in each of the examples and comparative examples were carried out by the following methods.

[0060] (5) Dot size evaluation Among the prints obtained by printing the information identification code (4), we selected prints printed with black ink under the condition of an overlap area ratio of 62%. An SR-X300 code reader (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device, and the SR-XHR high-resolution attachment was used only when the dot size was 15 μm. A telescopic magnifying lens was attached externally as shown in Figure 3, and the identification device was positioned so that its optical axis was perpendicular to the surface of the print to read the information identification code. Magnifying lenses with magnifications of 10x, 30x, and 50x were prepared. Among the dot sizes of the information identification code (80, 65, 55, 45, 35, 25, and 15 μm), we confirmed the smallest dot size that allowed identification without blurring the information identification code. The results were 45 μm for inkjet printing, 35 μm for flexographic printing, 35 μm for resin letterpress printing, 25 μm for water-based lithographic printing, and 15 μm for waterless lithographic printing. The printed matter having the information identification code of these dot sizes was subjected to evaluation of the maximum reading distance and movement rate in each of the examples and comparative examples.

[0061] (6) Evaluation of print design The printed matter identified in each example and comparative example was visually observed and evaluated for design. The design is affected by the dot size of the information identification code, with smaller dot sizes resulting in better design. A rating of 1 was given for a design that clearly impaired the design, a rating of 2 for practically acceptable design, a rating of 3 for good design, a rating of 4 for better design, and a rating of 5 for even better design.

[0062] (7) Evaluation of maximum reading distance In each example and comparative example, the identification device was moved away from the printed matter to be identified, and the maximum distance at which the information identification code could be identified was determined as the maximum reading distance.

[0063] (8) Evaluation of high-speed identification In each example and comparative example, the identification device was installed at the maximum reading distance and moved parallel to the surface of the printed material to be identified, from an area where the minute information identification code was not printed to an area where the minute information identification code was printed overlappingly, and the ratio of the distance moved until the minute information identification code could be identified to the length of the printed material was calculated as the movement rate to evaluate high-speed identification. The lower the movement rate, the faster the information can be identified.

[0064] For example, if a printed material with an information identification code size of 3.6 mm and an overlap area rate of 62% is identified under the condition that the reading diameter of the identification device is 29 mm, there will be an area where a 100 mm x 100 mm solid image is printed with a 100 mm x 62 mm information identification code superimposed thereon, and an area of ​​100 mm x 38 mm where no information identification code is printed. Therefore, if the intersection with the optical axis of the identification device is on the long side (100 mm) of the area where no information identification code is printed, and the identification device is moved parallel to the short side (38 mm), and the information identification code enters the circle of the reading diameter and can be identified, and the distance moved until it is 27 mm, the movement rate will be 27%.

[0065] [Example 1] Among the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints inkjet printed using black ink with an overlap area rate of 62% were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0066] [Examples 2 to 3] The information identification codes were read in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the overlap area rate was changed from 62% to 72% and 82% respectively, and the design of the printed matter, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0067] [Example 4] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints that were flexographically printed using black ink under the condition of an overlap area rate of 82% were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0068] [Example 5] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints printed using black ink with a resin letterpress printing method under the condition of an overlap area rate of 82% were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for the evaluation of dot size, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0069] [Example 6] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints that were printed using black ink with water lithography under the condition of an overlap area ratio of 82% were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0070] [Example 7] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints that were printed using black ink with a waterless lithographic printing method under the condition of an overlap area ratio of 82% were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for the evaluation of dot size, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0071] [Examples 8 to 10] The information identification codes were read in the same manner as in Examples 4, 6 to 7, except that the magnification of the information identification codes was set to 10 times, and the design of the printed matter, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described above in (6) to (8).

[0072] [Examples 11 to 13] The information identification codes were read in the same manner as in Examples 8 to 10, except that the magnification of the information identification codes was set to 30 times, and the design of the printed matter, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0073] [Examples 14 to 16] The information identification codes were read in the same manner as in Examples 8 to 10, except that the magnification of the information identification codes was set to 50 times, and the design of the printed matter, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0074] [Example 17] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints inkjet printed using yellow ink with an overlap area rate of 82% were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) Evaluation of Dot Size above, except that a Smart Camera VS-S1500 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0075] [Example 18] Among the prints obtained by printing the information identification code (4) above, a print that was flexographically printed using yellow ink under the condition of an overlap area ratio of 82% was selected. The information identification code was read in the same manner as in Example 17, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0076] [Example 19] Among the prints obtained by printing the information identification code (4) above, prints printed by resin letterpress printing using yellow ink with an overlap area ratio of 82% were selected. The information identification code was read in the same manner as in Example 17, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0077] [Example 20] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code (4) above, prints that were printed using a water-based lithographic printing method with a yellow ink and an overlap area ratio of 82% were selected. The information identification code was read in the same manner as in Example 17, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0078] [Example 21] Among the prints obtained by printing the information identification code (4) above, prints that were waterless lithographically printed using yellow ink with an overlap area ratio of 82% were selected. The information identification code was read in the same manner as in Example 17, and the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0079] [Examples 22 to 24] The information identification codes were read in the same manner as in Example 21, except that the magnification of the information identification codes was set to 10x, 30x, and 50x, and the design of the printed matter, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0080] [Comparative Example 1] Using a gel jet printer "IPSiO (registered trademark)" GX5000 (manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) and black ink compatible with the GX5000, the information identification code with a dot size of 80 μm described above in (1) was printed alone adjacent to but not overlapping with the image on a printed matter having the image described in (3) above, under the following ejection conditions: resolution: 1,200 x 1,200 dpi, droplet volume: 2.4 pL, stage speed: 38 m / min. The information identification code on the resulting printed matter having the information identification code was read using the method described in (5) Dot Size Evaluation above, and the design of the printed matter, maximum read distance, and high-speed identification ability (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0081] Comparative Example 2 Among the prints obtained by printing the information identification code (4) above, prints that were printed using black ink with a water-based lithographic printing method under the condition of an overlap area ratio of 57% were selected. An SR-X300 code reader (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device, and an external microlens (magnification: 5x, reading diameter: 5mm) was attached. The identification device was placed in contact with the surface of the print to read the information code. Among the information identification code dot sizes of 80, 65, 55, 45, 35, 25, and 15 μm, the smallest dot size that allowed identification without crushing the information identification code was confirmed to be 25 μm. Furthermore, the design of the print, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0082] Comparative Example 3 Using a cassette inkjet printer WS1 (manufactured by Forest Tech Co., Ltd.) and solvent-based Stealth Ink WTC-IVS01 Green Invisible (manufactured by Union Chemi-Car Co., Ltd.), 81 "QR Codes (registered trademark)" with a dot size of 360 μm and a code size of 10.4 mm were printed as information identification codes so that they overlapped the image (3) above. The overlap area rate of the information identification codes was 88%.

[0083] Stealth Ink WTC-IVS01 Green Invisible (manufactured by Union Chemical Co., Ltd.) can be detected by an identification device when irradiated with fluorescent X-rays or ultraviolet light. While it appears slightly bluish to the naked eye, it emits a strong light when irradiated with ultraviolet light, making it possible to identify information using an identification device. Furthermore, when the reflectance spectrum was measured using the reflectance graph mode of an eXact Advance spectrophotometer (manufactured by X-Rite), the ratio ((A) / (B)) of the reflectance intensity (A) in the wavelength range of 500nm to 780nm to the total reflectance intensity (B) in the wavelength range of 380nm to 780nm was found to be 0.

[0084] The information code was read under a commercially available ultraviolet light using a gun-type two-dimensional scanner PDC-040 (manufactured by System Gear Co., Ltd.) as an identification device, and the design of the printed matter, maximum reading distance, and high-speed identification (movement rate) were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0085] Table 1 shows the main configurations and evaluation results of each of the examples and comparative examples.

[0086] [Table 1] [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1: Dot size 2: Code size 3: Dot 4: Micro information identification code 5: Picture 6: Area where the picture and the micro information identification code overlap 7: Printed matter with fine information identification code 8: Identification device 9: Magnifying lens 10: Reading diameter 11: Reading distance 12: Packaging material with fine information identification code

Claims

1. This information identification method reads information of an information identification code from a printed matter on which the information identification code and a picture are printed, and the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits into a square of 50 μm on each side, and the information identification code and the picture overlap in an area of ​​60% or more of the area of ​​the picture.

2. 2. The information identification method according to claim 1, wherein the information identification code includes two or more types of information identification codes each having different information.

3. 3. The information identification method according to claim 1, wherein the information identification code is formed using offset ink, resin letterpress ink, pad printing ink and / or flexographic ink.

4. 3. The information identification method according to claim 1, wherein the information identification code is formed using ink having a ratio ((A) / (B)) of the reflection intensity (A) in the wavelength range of 500 nm to 780 nm to the total reflection intensity (B) in the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm of 0.8 or more.

5. 3. The information identification method according to claim 1, wherein the information identification code is read by enlarging it by 10 times or more and 50 times or less using optical zoom.

6. 3. The information identification method according to claim 1, wherein the information is read by selectively recognizing only an arbitrary wavelength range of 100 nm from the wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm from the information identification code.

7. 3. The information identification method according to claim 1, further comprising reading the identification information of the information identification code by an identification device having location information, and linking the identified information with the location information.

8. 3. The information identification method according to claim 1, wherein the printed matter is packaging material.

9. This packaging material is printed with an information identification code and a picture, and the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits into a square of 50 μm on each side, and the information identification code and the picture overlap in an area of ​​60% or more of the area of ​​the picture.

10. A method for recycling packaging materials, comprising: sorting the packaging materials according to claim 9 based on information read from the information identification code.

11. This resin molded body is printed with an information identification code and a picture, and the information identification code is represented by a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits into a square of 50 μm on each side, and the information identification code and the picture overlap in an area of ​​60% or more of the area of ​​the picture.

Images