Information identification method and printed matter

Abstract

To provide an information identification method and printed matter capable of efficiently performing information identification by increasing the degree of difficulty in duplication without impairing the design property of a symbol mark.SOLUTION: In an information identification method for reading information of an information identification code from a printed matter on which the information identification code and a symbol mark are printed, the information identification code is expressed by an aggregate of dots with a dot housed in a square of 50 μm square as a minimum unit, and the information identification code exists inside the symbol mark or in an area within a 10mm part from the outermost edge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information identification method and a printed matter. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been an increase in trade in counterfeit and imitation goods, among other illicit products. Many counterfeit and imitation products involve the unauthorized use of company or product logos that represent the manufacturer, and counterfeit products are distributed in a wide range of fields, including food, toys, automobile parts, medical supplies, cosmetics, and electrical appliances, raising concerns that the overall health and safety of consumers may be at risk (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, as a means of guaranteeing that a product meets or exceeds certain quality standards, product manufacturers generally obtain certification from an external organization in accordance with the nature and purpose of the product, and then display a certification mark on the product or its packaging to inform consumers of the certification. However, even in this case, there is a risk of fraudulent use or counterfeiting of the certification mark, which can lead to misinformation being given to consumers (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] Yoshinori Doi, "Ruby Roman, Ishikawa Prefecture Premium Grape Logo, Unauthorized Use in Korea," December 29, 2023, 10:00 AM, Asahi Shimbun Digital, [Retrieved June 12, 2024], Internet<http: / / www.asahi.com / articles / ASRDX7H83RDWPISC00S.html> [Non-patent document 2] “Products illegally using Halal marks seized”, Weekly M town, March 14, 2024 issue, p5 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To prevent counterfeiting, efforts are being made to add holograms and digital watermarks to such symbol marks, such as logos and certification marks. However, while holograms and digital watermarks are effective in preventing counterfeiting, they have the problem of damaging the design of the symbol mark.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information identification method and printed matter that can increase the difficulty of duplication without impairing the design of a symbol mark and enable efficient information identification. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 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 an information identification code and a symbol mark 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 is located inside the symbol mark or within 10 mm from its outermost edge. (2) The information identification method according to (1), wherein the symbol mark is a product logo, a company logo, or a certification mark. (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 20 times or more and 200 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) A printed matter on which an information identification code and a symbol mark 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 is located inside the symbol mark or within 10 mm of its outermost edge. (10) The printed matter described in (9), wherein the symbol mark is a product logo, a company logo, or a certification mark. (11) The printed matter according to (9) or (10), wherein the printed matter is a packaging material. (12) The printed matter according to (9) or (10), wherein the printed matter is a resin molded body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information identification method and printed matter that can increase the difficulty of duplication without impairing the design of a symbol mark and can efficiently identify information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [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 illustrating an example of an information identification method of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of a printed matter of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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 symbol mark are printed. Here, the symbol mark refers to a design symbolizing a company, organization, individual, brand, quality, idea, etc., and examples include logos such as company logos and product logos, and certification marks. 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 is located inside the symbol mark or within 10 mm from its outermost edge. Information identification codes formed from a collection of dots, the smallest unit of which is a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, are difficult to see with the naked eye because the dots are tiny, thereby preventing the information identification code from detracting from the design of the symbol mark and enhancing its design. Furthermore, since the information identification code requires a high resolution that makes it difficult to reproduce using a copier, it can be made more difficult to reproduce. Furthermore, since the information identification code is located inside the symbol mark or within 10 mm from its outermost edge, it can be efficiently read using the symbol mark as a landmark.

[0011] 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.

[0012] (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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] In the present invention, by setting the dot size of the information identification code to 50 μm or less, it is possible to increase the difficulty of duplication and improve the design of the symbol mark. Here, the dot size is defined as the smallest side length of a square when the dots fit within the square without protruding. From the viewpoint of increasing the difficulty of duplication by a copier and improving 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.

[0015] It is possible to have multiple dots in a grid pattern of 50 μm or less, 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. If the dot size is 50 μm or less, it may be a matrix-type two-dimensional code such as the well-known "QR Code (registered trademark)," Data Matrix, MaxiCode, or Digital Paper, or a stack-type two-dimensional code such as PDF417, Code39, RSS Composite, or AztecMesa.

[0017] By printing the minute information identification code multiple times as necessary inside the symbol mark or within 10 mm of the outermost edge, the information identification code can be embedded without compromising the design of the symbol mark. Here, the symbol mark is formed with ink such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white, or a special color. The minute information identification code may be printed over a part of the symbol mark design, or may be printed in a part other than the symbol mark design. In the former case, the minute information identification code may be printed above or below the symbol mark.

[0018] By providing the minute information identification code inside the symbol mark or in an area within 10 mm from the outermost edge, the identification device can be placed using the symbol mark as a landmark when reading information, thereby improving the reading efficiency of the minute information identification code. From the viewpoint of further improving reading efficiency, it is preferable to provide the minute information identification code inside the symbol mark or on the outermost edge. On the other hand, if the minute information identification code is provided in an area more than 10 mm from the outermost edge of the symbol mark, it will be far outside the reading field of the identification device, requiring the identification device to be positioned, thereby reducing reading efficiency.

[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 for forming the symbol mark. 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] (Symbol mark) The design, ink, and printing method of the symbol mark in the present invention are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to select inks that do not form the symbol mark and inks that form the micro-information identification code described above so that they are not the same color.

[0024] A symbol mark refers to a design that symbolizes a company, organization, individual, brand, quality, idea, etc. In the present invention, a product logo, company logo, or certification mark is preferred, which require high levels of difficulty in reproduction due to the seriousness of damage caused by counterfeit goods. Examples of certification marks include halal certification marks, kosher certification marks, vegan certification marks, and ethical certification marks.

[0025] (Information Identification Method) In the information identification method of the present invention, the information of the minute information identification code is read from a printed matter on which the above-mentioned minute information identification code and symbol mark are printed. It is preferable to read the information using an identification device that can optically recognize the contrast difference between the minute information identification code and other areas. For example, an infrared camera or an image recognition camera can be used as the identification device.

[0026] The identification device preferably has an image enlargement function. Enlarging the minute information identification code can improve image recognition accuracy and reading efficiency. From the viewpoint of improving image recognition accuracy and reading efficiency, the minute information identification code is preferably enlarged and read using optical zoom. The magnification of the optical zoom is preferably 20x or more, and more preferably 40x or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of ensuring an appropriate field of view and reducing the effects of vibration and camera shake, the magnification of the optical zoom is preferably 200x or less, and more preferably 100x or less.

[0027] 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 commercially available inks. When reading in the visible light region, it is preferable to selectively recognize and read information only within the 100 nm wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm, which includes the maximum reflection wavelength of the ink forming the information identification code, in order to increase the contrast difference between the ink used in the symbol mark and the ink forming the information identification code. Increasing the contrast difference allows for accurate reading of the information identification code and reduces errors in information identification.

[0028] A schematic diagram of an example of the information identification method of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. A symbol mark 6 having a minute information identification code printed on packaging material 5 is read by optionally passing it through a magnifying lens 7 and using an identification device 8 to read the minute information identification code, and identification information 9 is displayed.

[0029] In the present invention, the identification device preferably has a location information function, and it is preferable that the identified information is linked to the location information. Examples of the identification device having the location information function include commercially available smartphones.

[0030] The identification information may include information necessary for authenticity determination, such as the manufacturer, manufacturing plant, retailer, lot number, serial number, etc. Other information may include, for example, product information, contact information, URL to a web page, and link to a file server.

[0031] (Printed material) A second aspect of the present invention is a printed matter having an information identification code and a symbol mark 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 is located inside the symbol mark or within 10 mm from its outermost edge. That is, the printed matter of the second aspect of the present invention has a minute information identification code. As with the information identification method of the first aspect, the inclusion of a minute information identification code prevents the design of the symbol mark from being impaired by the information identification code, thereby enhancing its design. Furthermore, since a high resolution is required that makes duplication by a copier difficult, duplication becomes more difficult. Furthermore, since the information identification code is located inside the symbol mark or within 10 mm from its outermost edge, the symbol mark can be used as a landmark for efficient reading of information. Preferred aspects of the minute information identification code and the symbol mark are the same as those of the first aspect.

[0032] Examples of printed materials include packaging materials and resin molded products. By using the printed material of the present invention as packaging material for Halal-certified foods, for example, authenticity can be efficiently determined using an identification device without compromising the design of the well-known Halal certification mark. Furthermore, when the printed material of the present invention is a resin molded product, product information can be easily conveyed to users without compromising the design. For example, product handling instructions, warranty information, website links, and the like can be embedded in the microinformation identification code.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a printed matter of the present invention. The printed matter 10 having a minute information identification code has a symbol mark 11, and the minute information identification code is located inside the symbol mark or in an area within 10 mm of the outermost edge of the symbol mark at a distance 14. Examples of minute information identification codes include minute information identification codes 12 located inside the symbol mark and minute information identification codes 13 located within 10 mm of the outermost edge of the symbol mark.

[0034] (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, as 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. Waterless lithographic printing is more preferred, as 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. It is also preferable to directly print the micro-information identification code on a resin molded product bearing a symbol mark by pad printing.

[0035] 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 symbol mark and the minute information identification code at the same time. For example, with a five-color press, the symbol mark can be printed on cylinders 1 to 4, and the information identification code can be printed on cylinder 5, allowing printed materials with minute information identification codes to be produced at the same time. [Example]

[0036] 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.

[0037] (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 41 cells vertically and horizontally. The number and relative positions of the dots were kept the same, but the dot sizes were changed to 340, 80, 65, 55, 45, 35, 25, and 15 μm to create the print data for the information identification code. Of these, dots with sizes of 45, 35, 25, and 15 μm fit within a 50 μm square.

[0038] (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 Eight types of flexographic printing plates were produced by post-exposing the plates to a desired value.

[0039] [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 PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) brush, and eight types of resin relief printing plates were produced.

[0040] [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 eight types of water-based lithographic printing plates.

[0041] [Waterless planographic 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. 2 Exposure was carried out under conditions of (drum rotation speed: 210 rpm). Print data for the information identification code described above (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 eight types of waterless lithographic printing plates were produced.

[0042] (3) Printing of the symbol mark Using a gel jet printer "IPSiO (registered trademark)" GX5000 (manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.), green ink was ejected onto OK Topcoat (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 halal certification mark, which is a circular symbol mark with a diameter of 20 mm.

[0043] (4) Printing of information identification code [Inkjet printing] Using a gel jet printer "IPSiO (registered trademark)" GX5000 (manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.), an information identification code was printed on the printed material on which the symbol mark of (3) above had been printed, by ejecting a water-based ink, GX5000 compatible black ink or yellow ink, according to the printing data for the information identification code of (1) above, 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. The information identification code was adjusted so that it was printed inside the symbol mark of (3) above, on the outermost edge, in an area 5 mm outward from the outermost edge, and in an area 50 mm outward from the outermost edge.

[0044] 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.

[0045] [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 on which the symbol mark of (3) above had been printed at a speed of 70 m / min. The information identification code was adjusted so that it was printed inside the symbol mark of (3) above, on the outermost edge, in an area 5 mm outward from the outermost edge, and in an area 50 mm outward from the outermost edge.

[0046] [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 on which the symbol mark of (3) above had been printed, under conditions of a printing pressure adjustment handle scale of 5.05 and a printing speed of 100 shots / minute. The information identification code was adjusted so that it was printed inside the symbol mark of (3) above, on the outermost edge, in an area 5 mm outward from the outermost edge, and in an area 50 mm outward from the outermost edge.

[0047] [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. 2The printer was attached to a printing test machine connected to a printer with a 150 mm focal length. Using the UV-curable ink used in the resin letterpress printing, "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 on which the symbol mark described in (3) above had been printed at a speed of 5,000 sheets per hour. The information identification code was adjusted so that it was printed inside the symbol mark described in (3) above, on the outermost edge, in an area 5 mm outward from the outermost edge, and in an area 50 mm outward from the outermost edge.

[0048] [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. Using the UV-curable inks used in the resin letterpress printing, "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), an information identification code was printed on the printed matter on which the symbol mark described in (3) above had been printed at a speed of 5,000 sheets per hour. The information identification code was adjusted so that it was printed inside the symbol mark described in (3) above, on the outermost edge, in an area 5 mm outward from the outermost edge, and in an area 50 mm outward from the outermost edge.

[0049] The evaluations in each of the examples and comparative examples were carried out by the following methods.

[0050] (5) Dot size evaluation From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code above (4), we selected prints in which the information identification code was printed inside the symbol mark using black ink. The code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device, and only when the dot size was 15 μm, the high-resolution attachment SR-XHR was used in combination.

[0051] Among the dot sizes of the information identification code, 340, 80, 65, 55, 45, 35, 25, and 15 μm, the smallest dot size that allowed the information identification code to be identified without being crushed was confirmed to be 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. Printed materials with information identification codes of these dot sizes were used to evaluate the readability and difficulty of duplication in each example and comparative example.

[0052] (6) Evaluation of the symbol mark 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.

[0053] (7) Evaluation of reading efficiency In each example and comparative example, the efficiency of reading the information identification code from the printed matter to be identified was evaluated using an identification device.

[0054] The identification device was a combination of the code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation), the SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) and the high-resolution attachment SR-XHR (manufactured by Keyence Corporation), and the smartphone iPhone 12 mini was used as a general-purpose identification device. When using the smartphone iPhone 12 mini, a commercially available microscope lens for smartphones (15x, 20x, 40x, 100x, 200x, 250x) was used in combination as a magnifying lens to read the information identification code.

[0055] Those that could not identify information or took an extremely long time to identify information due to vibration, camera shake, or position adjustment were rated as 1, meaning they were not practical; those that were practically acceptable but took more than one minute to adjust the position were rated as 2; those that could quickly identify information with position adjustment of more than 30 seconds but less than one minute were rated as 3; those that could quickly identify information with position adjustment of more than 10 seconds but less than 30 seconds were rated as 4; and those that could quickly identify information with position adjustment of less than 10 seconds were rated as 5.

[0056] (8) Evaluation of the difficulty of duplication The printed matter identified in each example and comparative example was reproduced using copiers with various different reading resolutions, and the difficulty of reproduction was evaluated using the reading resolution of the copier at which the information identification code on the reproduced product was blurred and made unidentifiable as an index.

[0057] The copier used was a flatbed scanner WideTEK25 (manufactured by ImageAccess). If the copies were made at a general reading resolution of 300 x 300 dpi and were distinguishable, they were rated as 1 (unusable); if they were undistinguishable, they were rated as 2 (usable); if they were made at 600 x 600 dpi and were undistinguishable, they were rated as 3; if they were made at 800 x 800 dpi and were undistinguishable, they were rated as 4; and if they were made at 1,200 x 1,200 dpi and were undistinguishable, they were rated as 5.

[0058] [Example 1] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints were selected in which the information identification code was inkjet printed using black ink in an area 5 mm outward from the outermost edge of the symbol mark. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device for evaluating the reading efficiency.

[0059] [Examples 2 to 3] The information identification code was read in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the printed matter was changed to one having the information identification code on the outermost edge of the symbol mark and inside the symbol mark, from an area 5 mm outward from the outermost edge of the symbol mark, and the symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and difficulty of duplication were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device to evaluate the reading efficiency.

[0060] [Example 4] From the printed materials obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, printed materials in which the information identification code was flexographically printed using black ink inside the symbol mark were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device for evaluating the reading efficiency.

[0061] [Example 5] From the printed materials obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, printed materials in which the information identification code was resin-relief printed using black ink inside the symbol mark were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device for evaluating the reading efficiency.

[0062] [Example 6] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints in which the information identification code was printed inside the symbol mark using black ink with water lithography were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device for evaluating the reading efficiency.

[0063] [Example 7] From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints in which the information identification code was printed in black ink using a waterless lithographic printing method inside the symbol mark were selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. Note that for the evaluation of reading efficiency, a combination of a code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) and a high-resolution attachment SR-XHR (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device.

[0064] [Examples 8 to 13] The identification device used to evaluate the reading efficiency was changed from a combination of a code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) and a high-resolution attachment SR-XHR (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) to a combination of a smartphone iPhone 12 mini and a commercially available smartphone microscope lens as a magnifying lens, and the magnification of the magnifying lens was changed to 15x, 20x, 40x, 100x, 200x, and 250x, respectively. Except for this, the information identification code was read in the same manner as in Example 7, and the symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and difficulty of duplication were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0065] [Example 14] From the printed materials obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, a printed material in which the information identification code was inkjet printed using yellow ink inside the symbol mark was selected. The information identification code was read using the method described in (5) above for evaluating dot size, and the symbol mark design, readability, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The readability evaluation used an identification device that combined an iPhone 12 mini smartphone with a 40x magnification microscope lens for smartphones.

[0066] [Examples 15 to 18] The information identification codes were read in the same manner as in Example 14, except that flexographically printed, resin letterpress printed, water-based lithographic printed, and waterless lithographic printed materials were selected from the inkjet-printed materials, and the symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and difficulty of duplication were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above.

[0067] [Comparative Example 1] From the printed materials obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, a printed material was selected in which an information identification code with a dot size of 340 μm, equivalent to the general-purpose "QR Code (registered trademark)," was inkjet-printed using black ink in an area 50 mm outward from the outermost edge of the symbol mark. The symbol mark design, reading efficiency, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The iPhone 12 mini smartphone was used as the identification device for evaluating reading efficiency.

[0068] Comparative Example 2 Among the printed materials obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, a printed material was selected in which an information identification code with a dot size of 80 μm was inkjet printed using black ink inside the symbol mark. The symbol mark design, readability, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device to evaluate the readability.

[0069] Comparative Example 3 From the prints obtained by printing the information identification code in (4) above, prints were selected in which an information identification code with a dot size of 45 μm was inkjet-printed using black ink in an area 50 mm outward from the outermost edge of the symbol mark. The symbol mark design, readability, and duplication difficulty were evaluated using the methods described in (6) to (8) above. The code reader SR-X300 (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) was used as the identification device to evaluate the readability.

[0070] Table 1 shows the main configurations and evaluation results of each of the examples and comparative examples.

[0071] [Table 1] [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1: Dot size 2: Code size 3: Dot 4: Micro information identification code 5: Packaging material 6: Symbol mark with minute information identification code 7: Magnifying lens 8: Identification device 9: Identification information 10: Printed matter with minute information identification code 11: Symbol mark 12: Micro information identification code inside the symbol mark 13: Micro information identification code located within 10 mm from the outermost edge of the symbol mark 14: Distance from the outermost edge of the symbol mark

Claims

1. This information identification method reads information from an information identification code from a printed matter on which the information identification code and a symbol mark are printed, and 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 is located inside the symbol mark or in a region within 10 mm from the outermost edge.

2. The information identification method according to claim 1 , wherein the symbol mark is a product logo, a company logo, or a certification mark.

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 20 times or more and 200 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 printed matter has an information identification code and a symbol mark printed thereon, the information identification code being represented by a collection of dots with the smallest unit being a dot that fits within a 50 μm square, and the information identification code being located inside the symbol mark or within a region within 10 mm from the outermost edge.

10. The printed matter according to claim 9, wherein the symbol mark is a product logo, a company logo, or a certification mark.

11. The printed matter according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the printed matter is a packaging material.

12. The printed matter according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the printed matter is a resin molded product.

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