System for producing latent image printed matter

Abstract

To provide a system for efficiently manufacturing latent image printed matter in which a latent image to be visually recognized changes according to an observation angle under regular reflection light on the basis of order information of a customer.SOLUTION: A system for producing a latent image print in which a base image is visually recognized as a latent image when observed under specular reflection light, and the latent image is visually recognized as being changed when an observation angle is changed, the system comprising: A latent image forming apparatus includes: a latent image structure setting unit which sets latent image structure information to be formed on a base material; a storage unit in which latent image structure design data for producing a latent image printed material on which a desired latent image can be visually recognized when observed under specular reflection light is stored corresponding to the latent image structure information set by the latent image structure setting unit; a latent image structure data creating unit which creates latent image structure data including processed data for a semicylindrical element group constituting the latent image printed material and processed data for a latent image element group based on the latent image structure information and the latent image structure design data; and a developing unit which develops the latent image structure data based on the latent image structure data. This device is composed of a latent image structure working part for working a semicylindrical element group and a latent image element group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for producing latent image printed matter with a latent image in the field of valuable printed matter such as banknotes, passports, securities, identification cards, cards, and travel tickets that require anti-counterfeiting effects. [Background technology]

[0002] Image change effects, where multiple images switch between one another, and video effects, where images appear to move, are eye-catching and difficult to counterfeit, and so in recent years have tended to be widely used as elements for determining the authenticity of security prints. A representative technology that provides these effects is the hologram, which is widely used and affixed to security prints that require a high level of security, such as banknotes and passports.

[0003] Furthermore, although the latent image formed on the printed matter cannot be observed with the naked eye, it can be confirmed by placing a lenticular lens over the printed matter, and there is a technology that changes the visible latent image by changing the observation angle or by moving the position where the lenticular lens overlaps the printed matter, and this technology is also used in the field of security printed matter.

[0004] As a method for producing printed matter with such lenticular lenses laminated thereon, a method has been disclosed in which a stereoscopic image that can be viewed in three dimensions is produced based on order information (a latent image) sent from a customer via a telecommunications line (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] The present applicant has filed applications for latent image prints that overcome the limitation that a print made by laminating lenticular lenses, such as in the method for producing a stereoscopic image body described in Patent Document 1, is thicker by the thickness of the lenses (see, for example, Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4). Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4 disclose latent image prints formed by superimposing latent image elements that have optical characteristics different from those of the kamaboko-shaped image lines under specular reflection on top of kamaboko-shaped image lines that have optical change characteristics that change their lightness (brightness) or saturation (color) under specular reflection, and by changing the angle at which it is observed under specular reflection, the image that is perceived changes, or the image that appears to move.

[0006] Here, the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 2 will be explained using the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 2, where FIG. 1(a) is a plan view of the latent image print (1) and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in FIG. 1(a). As shown in FIG. 1(a), the latent image print (1) comprises a group of kamaboko-shaped elements (3) and a group of latent image elements (4) on a substrate (2), and the group of latent image elements (4) is layered on the group of kamaboko-shaped elements (3) as shown in FIG. 1(b).

[0007] 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating the group of kamaboko-shaped elements (3). Fig. 2A is a plan view of the group of kamaboko-shaped elements (3), and Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Fig. 2A. As shown in the enlarged view of Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the group of kamaboko-shaped elements (3) is an image line having a predetermined width (W1), and is composed of kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) having a cross section shaped like a kamaboko and having protrusions, which are arranged in a line pattern in a first direction (direction S1 in the figure) at a first pitch (P1). The first pitch (P1) may be formed in a range equal to or greater than the width (W1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A). Figure 2 shows an example in which adjacent kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are formed apart, but in order to increase the resolution of the image viewed under specular reflection light, it is preferable to make the first pitch (P1) and the width (W1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) the same size so that adjacent kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are in contact with each other.

[0008] In order for the semi-cylindrical element (3A) to achieve the above-mentioned effect under specular reflection, it is necessary for it to have at least one of the following properties: light-dark flip-flop property or color flip-flop property. Note that the light-dark flip-flop property is the property of increasing lightness upon specular reflection, and the color flip-flop property is the property of changing hue.

[0009] To ensure a certain level of visibility of the latent image that appears, the height (H1) of the raised kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) shown in Figure 2(b) must be 3 μm or more. Methods for efficiently forming the raised kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) include screen printing, intaglio printing, gravure printing, and processing methods using UV-IJP.

[0010] (Latent image element group) FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a latent image element group (4). The latent image element group (4) shown in FIG. 3(a) is an example produced by the method described in Cited Document 2, and includes a first latent image element group (4A) shown in FIG. 3(b) and a second latent image element group (4B) shown in FIG. 3(c). As shown in FIG. 3(b), the first latent image element group (4A) is composed of a plurality of first latent image elements (5A) having a fixed image width (W2) arranged in a first direction (direction S1 in the figure) at a pitch (P2) equal to the pitch (P1) at which the semi-cylindrical elements (3A) are arranged, forming the letter "A." That is, in FIG. 3, each of the first latent image elements (5A) corresponds to an image divided from the base image "A" (not shown) that forms the latent image. 3(c), the second latent image element group (4B) is formed by arranging a plurality of second latent image elements (5B) of a fixed image width (W2) in a first direction (direction S1 in the figure) at the same pitch (P2) as the first latent image elements (5A), forming the letter "B." That is, in FIG. 3, each of the second latent image elements (5B) corresponds to an image line divided from the base image "B" (not shown) that forms the basis of the latent image.

[0011] As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 3(a), the first latent image element group (4A) and the second latent image element group (4B) are alternately arranged with a phase shift in a first direction (direction S1 in the figure), so that the latent image elements (5A, 5B) are arranged without overlapping. Furthermore, in the latent image print (1), the pitch (P1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) shown in Figure 2 is the same as the pitch (P2) of the latent image elements (5A, 5B) shown in Figure 3, and the first latent image element (5A) and the second latent image element (5B) are stacked one on top of one kamaboko-shaped element (3A).

[0012] As shown in Figure 3, the first latent image element (5A) obtained by dividing the base image of the letter "A" and the second latent image element (5B) obtained by dividing the base image of the letter "B" are arranged alternately on the kamaboko-shaped element (3A), and since it is not possible to stack all of the lines obtained by dividing the base image on the kamaboko-shaped element (3A), the first latent image element (5A) is actually divided so as to interpolate the base image, and the second latent image element (5B) is also divided so as to interpolate the base image. Note that in the following explanation, when referring to latent image elements in general rather than specifically referring to individual latent image elements (5A, 5B), the term "latest image element (5)" will be used.

[0013] (effect) The effect of the latent image print (1) in which the latent image element group (4) configured as described above is formed on the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) is that, as shown in Figure 4(a), at a specific observation angle under specular reflection light, the letter "A" represented by the first latent image element group (4A) appears as a latent image (6A). Also, as shown in Figure 4(b), at a specific observation angle different from the angle at which the letter "A" is visible, the letter "B" represented by the second latent image element group (4B) appears as a latent image (6B).

[0014] The principle behind the above effects will be explained below. First, under diffuse reflected light, the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) does not produce strong specularly reflected light, so no color difference occurs between the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4). Therefore, under diffuse reflected light, the latent image element group (4) is completely invisible, or the colored latent image element group (4) is visible as is. On the other hand, under specular reflected light, the color changes significantly due to the light-dark flip-flop or color flip-flop properties that the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) possesses, so a large color difference occurs between the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4A, 4B), and the latent image element group (4A, 4B) becomes visible. However, because the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) is raised, the entire kamaboko-shaped element group (3) does not reflect light all at once, and the entire latent image element group (4A, 4B) does not become visible all at once. Under specular reflection, only the image surface of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) that is perpendicular to the incident light strongly reflects light, resulting in a large color difference in that area between the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) and the latent image element (5). As a result, only the image information of the latent image element (5) superimposed on the image surface of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) that is perpendicular to the incident light is sampled and visualized, and the letters "A" and "B" appear differently depending on the angle at which the latent image print (1) is observed under specular reflection.

[0015] Here, an example has been described in which two latent images (6A, 6B) are visible depending on the angle at which the latent image print (1) is observed under specularly reflected light, but the number of latent images is not limited to two, and more than two latent images can be applied. In that case, similar to the configuration of the first latent image element group (4A) and the second latent image element group (4B), latent image elements obtained by dividing another base image (not shown) can be formed on the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) at the same pitch (P2) as the first latent image elements (5A).

[0016] Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4 disclose methods for processing latent image prints in which a semi-cylindrical image line is formed by screen printing, and a latent image element is formed by offset printing or inkjet printing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-107682 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4682283 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 5200284 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 5131789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0018] However, in the latent image printed matter described in Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4, for example, when kamaboko-shaped elements are formed by screen printing, it is possible to mass-produce them once the latent image elements constituting the latent image design and the width and height of the kamaboko-shaped elements are designed, but there is a problem that it is time-consuming to produce printed matter with latent images of different designs for each product in accordance with customer orders. This is because in the latent image printed matter described in Patent Documents 2, 3, and 4, the visibility of the latent image visible under specular reflected light is affected by the number of latent images, the line width of the latent image elements, the shape of the kamaboko-shaped elements (width, height of the kamaboko-shaped elements), etc., and it is necessary to design and prototype several latent image elements and kamaboko-shaped elements in advance to confirm the conditions for good visibility.

[0019] Here, regarding the configuration of the latent image print of Patent Document 2, an example will be described in which the latent image visible under specular reflection light differs depending on the design of the shape (width, height of protrusion) of the kamaboko-shaped elements and the image width of the latent image elements. Figure 5(a) is a plan view of a latent image print (1) in which a latent image element group (4) consisting of latent image elements (5A, 5B) that represent a "circular" pattern and a "diamond" pattern is layered on top of two kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) on a substrate (2). Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' in Figure 5(a). Figure 5(c) is a diagram showing latent images (6A, 6B) visible when the latent image print (1) configured as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b) is observed under specular reflection light. In the configuration shown in Figure 5, the resolution of the first latent image element (5A) and the second latent image element (5B) stacked on top of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) is low, and when the latent image is observed under specular reflection light, the "circle" and "diamond" patterns cannot be interpolated and viewed.

[0020] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which four kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are formed in the same area as the area in which the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) and latent image element group (4) shown in Figure 5 are formed, and a latent image element group (4) is formed thereon. Figure 6(a) is a plan view of the latent image print (1), Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' in Figure 6(a), and Figure 6(c) is a diagram showing latent images (6A, 6B) visible when the latent image print (1) having the configuration shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b) is observed under specular reflection light. In the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 6(b), for the sake of convenience, the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and latent image elements (5A, 5B) are shown enlarged, but when four kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are formed in the same area as the area where the two kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) shown in Figure 5 are formed, in the configuration shown in Figure 6, the image width (W1') and pitch (P1') of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are actually designed to be half of those in the configuration shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, as the number of kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) increases to four, the numbers of first latent image elements (5A) and second latent image elements (5B) also increase to four, and the image width (W2') and pitch (P2') are designed to be half of those in the configuration shown in Figure 5. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the resolution of the latent image visible under specular reflection light is improved compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 5 by increasing the number of latent image elements (5A, 5B) that make up the "circle" and "diamond."

[0021] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which eight kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are formed in the same area as the area in which the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and latent image elements (5A, 5B) shown in Figure 5 are formed, and latent image elements (5A, 5B) are formed on top of them. Figure 7(a) is a plan view of the latent image print (1), Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' in Figure 7(a), and Figure 7(c) is a diagram showing the latent images (6A, 6B) visible when the latent image print (1) having the configuration shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b) is observed under specular reflection light. In the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 7(b), for the sake of convenience, the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and latent image elements (5A, 5B) are enlarged, and four of the eight kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are also shown. However, when eight kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are formed in the same area as the area where the two kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) shown in Figure 5 are formed, in the configuration shown in Figure 8, the image width (W1'') and pitch (P1'') of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are actually designed to be one-fourth of those in the configuration shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, as the number of kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) increases to eight, the numbers of first latent image elements (5A) and second latent image elements (5B) also increase to eight, and the image width (W2'') and pitch (P2'') are designed to be one-fourth of those in the configuration shown in Figure 5. According to the configuration shown in FIG. 7, the number of latent image elements (5A, 5B) constituting the "circle" and "diamond" is increased, thereby improving the resolution of the latent image viewed under specular light compared to the configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0022] As described above, the resolution of the latent image visible under specular reflection light varies depending on the number of kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) formed in the same area on the substrate (2) and the design of the image width of the latent image elements (5) stacked thereon. Therefore, it is necessary to design the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and the latent image elements (5) so that the latent image visible under specular reflection light has the desired resolution. On the other hand, the contrast of the latent image visible under specular reflection light increases as the shape (image width, height) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) increases. This is because the larger the shape of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A), the larger the reflective area on the surface of the kamaboko-shaped elements. Therefore, as explained in Figures 6 and 7, if the shape of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) is reduced in proportion to the increase in the number of elements, the contrast of the latent image visible under specular reflection light tends to decrease. In consideration of this, it is necessary to design the semi-cylindrical element (3A) and the latent image element (5) taking into consideration not only the resolution of the latent image but also the contrast of the latent image that is visible under specularly reflected light.

[0023] The contrast of the reflected light generated from the surface of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) under specular reflection light depends on the optical properties of the material forming the kamaboko-shaped element (3A). Therefore, the optical properties of the material forming the latent image print (1) must be taken into consideration when designing the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) and the latent image element (5). For example, when a material with high reflectivity is used, the shape of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) can be made smaller, allowing for a high-resolution latent image. On the other hand, when the material forming the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) has low reflectivity, the latent image print (1) can be produced with a lower resolution than the configuration shown in Figure 7, as in the configuration shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the smoother the substrate (2), the higher the reflectivity obtained from the kamaboko-shaped element (3A). Therefore, the shape of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) can be adjusted to produce the latent image print (1).

[0024] As described above, the number of latent images, the line width of the latent image elements, the shape of the kamaboko-shaped elements (width, height of the raised portions), etc. affect the resolution and contrast of the latent image as viewed under specularly reflected light. Therefore, it has been desired to efficiently produce latent image prints in accordance with customer order information.

[0025] Next, we will explain the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 3. Since the configuration of the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) is similar to the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 2, we will explain the configuration of the latent image element group (4), which has a different configuration.

[0026] In the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 3, the latent image element group (4) is a pseudo-reproduction, using image processing software, of an image observed through a vertical slit-type lenticular lens, in which lenticular lenses are arranged continuously at a fixed pitch (P), superimposed on the character "forest" which is the base image (41). As shown in Figure 8, the latent image element group (4) is made up of a plurality of latent image elements (5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-n), and each latent image element (5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-n) is formed by compressing a portion of the character "forest" which is the base image (41) to the left and right by a specific ratio.

[0027] The latent image elements (5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-n) that make up the latent image element group (4) are arranged with a phase shift in the first direction (S1) by a fixed pitch (P2), assuming that they are latent image element (5-1), latent image element (5-2), ..., latent image element (5-n) from the left side of Figure 8(a). The width (W2) of the latent image elements (5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-n) does not exceed the fixed pitch (P), so the latent image elements (5) do not overlap each other.

[0028] Figure 9 shows the configuration of the latent image elements (5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-n) that make up the latent image element group (4). Of the multiple latent image elements (5-1, 5-2, ..., 5-n), the latent image element (5-1) located at the far left of the drawing, the latent image element (5-16) located approximately in the center of the drawing, and the latent image element (5-28) located on the right side of the drawing will be selected and explained. Although not shown, between the latent image element (5-1) and the latent image element (5-16), the latent image elements (5-2) through (5-15) are arranged at a constant pitch (P2), and similarly, between the latent image element (5-16) and the latent image element (5-28), the latent image elements (5-17) through (5-27) are arranged at a constant pitch (P2). The latent image elements (5-1, 5-16, 5-28) are formed by dividing the original image (41) by applying frames (44-1, 44-16, 44-28) of specific sizes to the character "forest" in the original image (41), extracting the divided original image (41) as respective intra-frame images (45-1, 45-16, 45-28), and compressing these intra-frame images (45-1, 45-16, 45-28) to a width (W2).

[0029] The height of the frame fitted to the original image (41) only needs to be equal to or greater than the height of the original image (41), and the width (W3) of the frame shown in Fig. 9 needs to be equal to or less than the width of the original image (41). Therefore, the latent image element (5-1) located at the left end of the latent image element group (4) includes only the image of the left end portion of the original image (41), the latent image element (5-16) located approximately in the center of the latent image element group (4) includes only the image of the central portion of the original image (41), and the latent image element (5-28) located to the right of the latent image element group (4) includes only the image of the right portion of the original image (41).

[0030] An example of a specific procedure for creating a latent image element group (4) will be described using FIG. 10. First, in step 1, the position of the leftmost frame (44-1), indicated by a solid line in the drawing, is determined as the reference for all frame positions. The position of the leftmost frame (44-1) as the reference is the position where the right side of the frame (44-1) slightly overlaps the left edge of the original image (41). Here, "slightly overlapping position" refers to a position where the frame (44-1) and the original image (41) overlap even slightly, excluding positions where there is no overlap at all. The original image (41) contained in this frame (44-1) is defined as an intra-frame image (45-1), and this intra-frame image (45-1) is compressed to a width (W2) to form and arrange the latent image element (5-1).

[0031] Next, in step 2, the position of frame (44-2), shown by a solid line, is determined by shifting it a fixed pitch (P) to the right from the position of the leftmost frame (44-1), shown by a dotted line in the drawing. The original image (41) contained in frame (44-2) is set as the intra-frame image (45-2), and similarly compressed to a width (W2) to create latent image element (5-2), which is then positioned to the right of latent image element (5-1) a fixed pitch (P2). Note that the fixed pitch (P) from the position of frame (44-1) to frame (44-2) is the same as the pitch (P1) at which the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are arranged.

[0032] Next, in step 3, the position of frame (44-3) shown by the solid line is determined by shifting it a fixed pitch (P) to the right from the position of frame (44-2) shown by the dotted line in the drawing. The original image (41) contained in frame (44-3) is set as the in-frame image (45-3), and similarly compressed to a width (W2) to create latent image element (5-3), which is then placed a fixed pitch (P2) to the right of latent image element (5-2). This procedure is repeated up to step n, and creation of latent image element (5) is completed when a position is reached where the original image (41) is no longer contained in the frame. In other words, the same procedure is repeated up to frame (44-n), and finally latent image element (5-n) is placed to complete the latent image element group (4). The in-frame image (45-2) contains a portion of the adjacent in-frame image (45-1), and the in-frame image (45-3) contains a portion of the adjacent in-frame image (45-2). In this way, adjacent in-frame images each contain a portion of the overlapping original image (41). This latent image element group (4) can be created using commercially available image processing software. Note that in the above creation procedure, the reference frame position was created using the left edge of the original image (41) as the reference point, but this is not limited to this, and there is no problem with creating it using the center or right edge of the original image (41) as the reference point.

[0033] In this way, the latent image elements (5) in the latent image element group (4) are elements of different shapes obtained by compressing the image within the frame divided based on the base image (41) horizontally at a predetermined reduction ratio, and each latent image element (5) is compressed at the same reduction ratio.

[0034] The latent image elements (5) produced by the above procedure are stacked on the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) at a pitch (P2) equal to the pitch (1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements to form the latent image print (1). The effect of the latent image print (1) produced by the above procedure will be explained using FIG. 11. When observed under specular reflection light, a portion of the latent image elements (5) stacked on the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) is sampled, and the original image (41) is reproduced, as shown in FIG. 11(a), making the latent image (6A) visible. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c), the position of the latent image can be seen to change by slightly changing the observation viewpoint. This movement of the latent image can be seen to change continuously in response to successive changes in the observation viewpoint.

[0035] In the latent image print (1) having this configuration, the configuration of latent image elements in which the original image is divided and compressed affects the resolution and contrast of the latent image viewed under specular reflection light in the same manner as the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 2. Furthermore, the compression rate of the intra-frame image also affects the amount of movement of the latent image when viewed at an angle under specular reflection light. Specifically, the higher the compression rate when compressing the intra-frame image, the greater the amount of movement of the latent image, but the lower the compression rate when compressing the intra-frame image, the higher the resolution of the latent image, but the smaller the amount of movement of the latent image. For this reason, with regard to the latent image print described in Patent Document 3, it was desirable to efficiently produce latent image prints that match the customer's order information, such as the resolution, contrast, and amount of movement of the latent image.

[0036] Next, we will explain the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 4. Note that the configuration of the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) is similar to the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 2, so we will explain the configuration of the latent image element group (4), which has a different configuration.

[0037] In the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 4, the latent image element group (4) is composed of multiple latent image elements (5) formed by compressing the base image (42) and arranged at a constant pitch in the first direction (S1), and this will be explained using Figure 12. The configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 4 is in the form of a latent image print (1) in which an enlarged moire pattern appears as a latent image by utilizing the moire magnification phenomenon, and by slightly changing the viewpoint of observation under specular reflection light, the enlarged moire pattern appears to move, creating a moving image effect. Here, an example will be explained in which the letter "J" shown in Figure 12(b) is used as the base image (42).

[0038] As shown in Figure 12(a), the latent image element group (4) utilizing the moiré magnification phenomenon is configured by arranging multiple latent image elements (5) formed by compressing the original image (42) in a first direction (S1) to a width (W2) at a second pitch (P2) different from the first pitch (P1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A). The first pitch (P1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) may be larger or smaller than the second pitch (P2) of the latent image elements (5). However, to prevent the moiré magnification phenomenon from occurring, one pitch value must not be divisible by the other pitch value. Note that a value of one pitch between 80% and 120% (excluding 100%) of the other pitch value is preferred, as this results in an enlarged moiré pattern with high visibility and a strong moving image effect. Furthermore, the element configuration utilizing this moire magnification phenomenon is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 12, and the configuration described in Japanese Patent No. 4844894 may also be used.

[0039] When the latent image print (1) in which the latent image element group (4) shown in Figure 12(a) is layered on the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) is observed under specular reflection light as shown in Figure 13(a), an enlarged moire pattern of the letter "J" is visible as a latent image (6A) due to the moire magnification phenomenon. Furthermore, by slightly changing the viewing point, it is possible to see the latent image (6A) moving in a certain direction, as shown in Figures 12(b) and 12(c). Note that the latent image (6A) visible under specular reflection light is one enlarged moire pattern visible at every interval that is the least common multiple of the pitch (P1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and the pitch (P2) of the latent image elements (5). The wider the size of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and the latent image elements (5), the more visible the latent image (6A) is.

[0040] In the latent image print (1) having this configuration, the compression ratio of the original image (42) also affects the amount of movement and resolution of the latent image when observed at an angle under specular light. Specifically, the higher the compression ratio when compressing the original image (42), the greater the amount of movement of the latent image, but the lower the resolution of the latent image. Conversely, the lower the compression ratio when compressing the original image (42), the higher the resolution of the latent image, but the smaller the amount of movement of the latent image. Furthermore, by reducing the number of latent images visible within the same size (reducing the width of the kamaboko-shaped elements and latent image elements), the resolution and contrast of the latent image can be improved. For this reason, even with the configuration of the latent image print described in Patent Document 4, it was desirable to efficiently produce latent image prints based on the resolution, contrast, and amount of movement of the latent image, which are customer order information.

[0041] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a system for efficiently producing latent image prints in which the latent image visible under specular reflection light changes depending on the observation angle, based on customer order information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0042] The manufacturing system for a latent image print of the present invention comprises a group of semi-cylindrical elements having at least one of light-dark flip-flop property and color flip-flop property on at least a part of a substrate, and a group of latent image elements formed by at least dividing or compressing an original image on the group of semi-cylindrical elements, the original image being visible as a latent image when observed under specular reflection light, and the latent image being visible as it changes when the observation angle is changed, and the manufacturing system for a latent image print comprises a latent image structure information setting unit for setting the size of the group of latent image elements formed on the substrate and the latent image structure information including at least the original image. The latent image structure setting unit is characterized by comprising: a structure setting unit; a memory unit in which latent image structure design data is stored, the latent image structure design data including at least design data for a kamaboko-shaped element group and design data for a latent image element group, for producing a latent image print in which a desired latent image is visible when observed under specular reflection light, corresponding to the latent image structure information set by the latent image structure setting unit; and a latent image structure data creation unit that creates, based on the latent image structure information and the latent image structure design data, latent image structure data consisting of processing data for the kamaboko-shaped element group that constitutes the latent image print and processing data for the latent image element group.

[0043] The system for producing a latent image print of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a latent image confirmation unit that performs a simulation of a latent image that is visible under specular reflection light based on the latent image structure data.

[0044] Furthermore, the manufacturing system for latent image prints of the present invention is characterized in that the latent image structure data creation unit recreates latent image structure data that prioritizes either the contrast or resolution of the latent image visible under specular reflection light, based on the results of a simulation of the latent image visible under specular reflection light by the latent image confirmation unit.

[0045] The system for producing a latent image print of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a latent image structure processing unit that processes the semi-cylindrical element group and the latent image element group based on the latent image structure data. [Effects of the Invention]

[0046] According to the system for producing latent image prints of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently produce latent image prints in which the latent image that is visible changes depending on the observation angle under specular reflection light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a latent image print of Patent Document 2. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a group of semi-cylindrical elements in a latent image print of Patent Document 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a latent image element group of a latent image print of Patent Document 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a latent image that is visible when the latent image print of Patent Document 2 is observed under specular reflection light. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of the resolution of latent image elements and latent images visible under specular reflection light. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of the resolution of latent image elements and latent images visible under specular reflection light. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of the resolution of latent image elements and latent images visible under specular reflection light. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a latent image element group of a latent image print of Patent Document 3. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of a latent image element group. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing a procedure for creating latent image elements that make up a latent image element group. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a latent image that is visible when the latent image print of Patent Document 3 is observed under specular reflection light. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a latent image element group of a latent image print of Patent Document 4. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a latent image that is visible when the latent image print of Patent Document 4 is observed under specular reflection light. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for producing latent image prints. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of latent image structure design data stored in a storage unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of latent image structure design data stored in the storage unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the original image of the latent image visible under specular reflection light. [Figure 18] 10 is a diagram showing a structure for a group of semi-cylindrical elements created by a latent image structure data creating unit. FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a structure for a latent image element group created by a latent image structure data creating unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of latent image structure design data stored in a storage unit for producing a latent image print of Patent Document 3. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of latent image structure design data stored in a storage unit for producing a latent image print of Patent Document 4. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a manufacturing system for latent image prints in a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the best mode for carrying out the invention, and various other modes are possible within the scope of the technical concept described in the claims.

[0049] The present invention is a system for producing a latent image print (1) that is formed by stacking a group of kamaboko-shaped elements (3) and a group of latent image elements (4) on the aforementioned substrate (2). In the following explanation, the system for producing the latent image print (1) will be described using the names and symbols used in explaining the configuration of the latent image print (1).

[0050] (First embodiment) 14 is a block diagram of a manufacturing system (S) for a latent image print according to the first embodiment. The manufacturing system (S) for a latent image print comprises a latent image structure setting unit (10), a memory unit (20), a latent image structure data creation unit (30), and a latent image structure processing unit (40), and each unit will be described in detail below. Here, the form for manufacturing the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 2 will be described.

[0051] (Latent image structure setting section) The latent image structure setting unit (10) sets the position, size, and latent image (pattern, number, etc.) of the latent image element group (4) to be formed on the substrate (2). The position and size of the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) to be formed on the substrate (2) are set so that they are formed in at least an area overlapping with the latent image element group (4) (the area of ​​the letters "A" and "B" in Figure 1) according to the size of the latent image element group (4) and the pattern of the latent image, so that a latent image due to the latent image element group (4) appears when observed under specular reflection. The size of the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) formed on the substrate (2) may be set so that there is an area in the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) where the latent image element group (4) does not overlap, as shown in Figure 1. However, since the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) in that area does not affect the visibility of the latent image that appears under specularly reflected light, the following explanation will focus on an example in which the latent image structure setting unit (10) sets the size of the latent image element group (4) to be formed on the substrate (2).

[0052] A specific method for setting the design and number of the latent images (6) is, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, by receiving image data of a base image for forming the latent image element group (4) desired by the customer, the position and size of the latent image to be formed on the substrate (2), and the like, from the customer's information terminal (M) connected via the telecommunications line (I). The received data related to the latent image element group (4) is set as latent image structure information for forming the latent image element group (4). Note that the method for setting the design and number of the latent images (6) is not limited to receiving data using the telecommunications line (I), but may also be a method for receiving data via an information recording medium such as a USB, HDD, or DVD. Furthermore, as another setting method, the data can be directly input to the latent image structure setting unit (10) without obtaining information from an external source such as the information terminal (M).

[0053] The latent image structure setting unit (10) may set one base image as the design of the latent image, and the latent image structure data creation unit (30) may create, based on that base image, images that are visible when the base image is observed from different directions as latent image structure data. Specifically, when one facial photograph is set as the base image, software for converting it into a three-dimensional image (for example, CHARACTER CREATOR4 made by REALLUSION) is used to generate multiple virtual facial images that are visible when the person in the facial photograph is observed from different directions, and each image is divided in the same way as the process shown in Figure 19 to create latent image structure data.

[0054] (Storage part) The memory unit (20) stores optimal conditions for the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4) for forming a latent image print (1) with good visibility of the latent image (6) visible under specular reflection light. Specifically, these are design values ​​for the width (W1) and height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) and the width (W2) of the latent image element (5) according to the size (area) of the latent image element group (4) formed on the substrate (2). These design values ​​can be determined in advance by producing latent image prints (1) with different production conditions for the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4), confirming the relationship between the visibility of the latent image visible under specular reflection light and the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4), and then storing the optimal conditions in the memory unit. In the following explanation, the design values ​​of the width (W1) and height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) and the width (W2) of the latent image element (5), which correspond to the size (area) of the latent image element group (4), will be collectively referred to as "latent image structure design data."

[0055] (Latent image structure design data) Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of latent image structure design data stored in the memory unit (20). In Fig. 15, the optimal image width (W1) and protrusion height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and the image width (W2) of the latent image elements (5) for forming a latent image print (1) with good visibility of the latent image (6) visible under specular reflection light are stored according to the size and number of latent images forming the latent image element group (4). Note that the numerical values ​​of the image width (W1) and protrusion height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and the image width (W2) of the latent image elements (5) according to the size and number of latent images forming the latent image element group (4) shown in Fig. 15 are only an example of the conditions for producing the latent image print (1), and the data stored in the memory unit (20) of the latent image print manufacturing system (S) of the present invention is not limited to these design values.

[0056] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing another example of latent image structure design data stored in the storage unit 20. In the example shown in Fig. 16, an allowable range is set for the size of forming the latent image element group (4), and conditions for forming the optimal semi-cylindrical elements (3A) and latent image elements (5) for forming a latent image print (1) with good visibility of the latent image (6) visible under specular reflection light are stored according to the size of each allowable range.

[0057] 15 and 16 is stored in the storage unit (20), the latent image structure design data for producing the latent image print (1) shown in Figures 15 and 16 can be stored in the storage unit (20) so that the latent image structure data creation unit (30), which will be described later, can create optimal latent image structure data by referring to the latent image structure design data stored in the storage unit (20). Here, the conditions for the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) and the latent image elements (5) according to the size forming the latent image element group (4) have been described for the latent image structure design data stored in the storage unit (20). However, latent image structure design data according to the material forming the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A), for example, a material with high reflectivity under specular reflection light and a material with low reflectivity under specular reflection light, or latent image structure design data according to the smoothness of the substrate (2), or a combination of these may be stored.

[0058] The storage unit (20) is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a non-volatile memory (NVRAM), a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), etc. The storage unit (20) may store the latent image structure information set by the latent image structure setting unit (10).

[0059] (Latent image structure data creation unit) The latent image structure data creation unit (30) performs processing to create latent image structure data based on the latent image structure information set by the latent image structure setting unit (10) and the latent image structure design data stored in the storage unit (20).

[0060] Specifically, since the size for forming the latent image element group (4) is set in the memory unit (10), data is created to form the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4) that can be seen as a latent image (6) with good visibility under specular reflection light.

[0061] At this time, based on the latent image structure information (size and number of latent images) set by the latent image structure setting unit (10), data for forming the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4) is created by referring to the design values ​​of the width (W1) and height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) and the width (W2) of the latent image element (5) that correspond to the size (area) of the latent image element group (4) stored in the memory unit (20).

[0062] (Example of creating latent image structure data) A specific example of creating latent image structure data by the latent image structure data creation unit (30) will be described. In the present invention, latent image structure data refers to design data for forming the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and design data for forming the latent image element group (4). Here, a "circular" base image (hereinafter referred to as "first base image (7A)") shown in FIG. 17(a) and a "diamond" base image (hereinafter referred to as "second base image (7B)") shown in FIG. 17(b) are set as the base images for forming the latent image element group (4), and a process for creating latent image structure data for a latent image print (1) in which two latent images (6) are visible under specular reflection light will be described.

[0063] For example, if the size of the latent image element group (4) set by the latent image structure setting unit (10) is 20 mm x 20 mm and the number of latent images is two, optimal latent image structure data can be created by referring to the data shown in Fig. 15 or the data shown in Fig. 16. Here, an example of creating latent image structure data by referring to the data shown in Fig. 15 will be described.

[0064] From the latent image structure design data shown in Figure 15, when the size is 20 mm x 20 mm and the number of latent images is two, data is obtained for a group of kamaboko-shaped elements in which the width (W1) of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) is 50 μm and the height (H1) of the protrusion is 10 μm, and data is obtained for a group of latent image elements in which the width of the latent image element (5) is 25 μm.

[0065] The data for the kamaboko-shaped element group can be used as processing data for the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) when the latent image print (1) is produced by the latent image structure processing unit (40) described later. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing the structure of the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) created based on the data for the kamaboko-shaped element group, and the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) has a structure in which 40 kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are formed consecutively (adjacent kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are in contact with each other) with a width (W1) of 50 μm and a protrusion height (H1) of 10 μm.

[0066] Figure 19 shows a structure for latent image elements created based on data for latent image element groups. As shown in Figure 19(a), data for a first latent image element group (4A) is created by extracting data at a pitch (P2) of 50 μm from an image obtained by dividing a first original image (7A) by a width (W2) of 25 μm. Similarly, as shown in Figure 19(b), data for a second latent image element group (4B) is created by extracting data at a pitch (P2) of 50 μm from an image obtained by dividing a second original image (7B) by a width (W2) of 25 μm.

[0067] The latent image structure data created by the latent image structure data creation unit (30) described above is used as processing data when the latent image structure processing unit (40) creates the latent image print (1). In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which two different designs, a circle and a diamond, are set as base images for forming the latent image element group (4), but, for example, multiple base images may be set as base images with designs that are in a relationship of movement, rotation, enlargement, reduction, or a combination thereof, and in that case, when the created latent image print (1) is observed under specular reflection light, it is possible to visually recognize the latent image that changes depending on the base images.

[0068] (Latent image structure processing department) The latent image structure processing unit (40) processes the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4) based on the latent image structure data created by the latent image structure data creation unit (30) to create a latent image print (1).

[0069] The group of kamaboko-shaped elements (3) can be processed using, for example, a UV-IJP (inkjet printer), which allows the width (W1) and height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) to be changed for each latent image print (1) according to the latent image structure data. The material forming the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) is an ink that has at least one of light-dark flip-flop properties and color flip-flop properties, and examples of usable materials include UV-curable metallic inks containing gold, silver, and aluminum pigments, and UV-curable pearl inks containing interference pigments.

[0070] The latent image element group (4) can be processed using, for example, an inkjet printer (IJP), a UV-inkjet printer (UV-IJP), a laser printer, etc., and the latent image element (5) can be changed and processed for each latent image print (1) using this device in accordance with the latent image structure data. Materials for forming the latent image element (5) can be process ink, special color ink, transparent ink, etc. If the UV-inkjet printer (UV-IJP) is equipped with the material for forming the kamaboko-shaped element group (3), the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4) can be processed using a single UV-inkjet printer (UV-IJP). Another method for processing the latent image element group (4) is to use a laser processing device to irradiate the kamaboko-shaped element (3A) with a laser and cut the surface of the kamaboko-shaped element (3A), which can also produce a latent image print (1) with the same effect.

[0071] While the example described here is one in which the latent image structure processing unit (40) processes the kamaboko-shaped element group (3), the latent image print manufacturing system (S) of the present invention may be configured such that kamaboko-shaped element groups (3) with different widths (W1), heights (H1), sizes, etc. of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) are formed on a substrate (2) in advance, and the substrate (2) used to produce the latent image print (1) is selected according to the data for the kamaboko-shaped element group. In this case, the memory unit (20) stores multiple patterns of data for the substrate (2) on which the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) is formed, and when creating latent image structure design data, a desired pattern is selected from the multiple patterns in the memory unit (20), and only data for forming the latent image element group (4) is created.

[0072] (effect) According to the manufacturing system (S) for latent image prints described above, the latent image structure data created based on the latent image structure information set in the latent image structure setting unit (10) and the latent image structure design data stored in the memory unit (20) is used to process the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4), thereby making it possible to efficiently produce a latent image print (1) in which a latent image with good visibility can be observed under specularly reflected light.

[0073] The above explanation has been about the form of producing the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 2, but next we will explain the latent image print manufacturing system (S) that produces the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 3.

[0074] The latent image elements (5) described in Patent Document 3 are configured by dividing and compressing the base image (41), and in this case, the latent image structure setting unit (10) sets the position and size of the latent image element group (4) to be formed on the substrate (2), as well as the design, resolution, and amount of movement of the latent image. As mentioned above, information is received from the customer's information terminal (M) as to whether the desired base image (41) or the resolution and amount of movement of the latent image should be prioritized.

[0075] The memory unit (20) stores latent image structure design data for forming the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 3. Figure 20 shows an example in which the line width (W1) and height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A), the width (W2) of the latent image elements (5), and the compression rate of the image within the frame are set according to the amount of movement of the latent image. Based on the latent image structure design data shown in Figure 20 and the latent image structure information set by the latent image structure setting unit (10), the latent image structure data creation unit (30) creates latent image structure data, and the latent image structure processing unit (40) processes the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4), thereby efficiently producing the latent image print (1) desired by the customer.

[0076] The numerical values ​​of the latent image structure design data shown in Fig. 20 are an example of conditions for producing the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 3, and the data stored in the memory unit (20) of the latent image print manufacturing system (S) of the present invention are not limited to these design values. Also, here, latent image structure design data for when priority is given to the amount of movement of the latent image has been described, but by storing in the memory unit (20) latent image structure design data for when priority is given to the resolution of the latent image or latent image structure design data according to the material for forming the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A), it is possible to produce the latent image print (1) desired by the customer.

[0077] Next, a manufacturing system (S) for producing the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 4 will be described.

[0078] The latent image element (5) described in Patent Document 4 is configured by compressing the base image (42), and in this case, the latent image structure setting unit (10) sets the position and size of the latent image element group (4) to be formed on the substrate (2), as well as the design, resolution, amount of movement of the latent image, and the number of latent images visible under specular reflection light. As mentioned above, information on the desired base image (42), the number of latent images visible under specular reflection light, and whether to prioritize the resolution or amount of movement of the latent image is received from the customer's information terminal (M).

[0079] The memory unit (20) stores latent image structure design data for forming the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 4. Figure 21 shows an example in which the line width (W1) and height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A), the width (W2) of the latent image elements (5), and the compression rate of the base image (42) are stored according to the number of latent images. Based on the latent image structure design data shown in Figure 21 and the latent image structure information set by the latent image structure setting unit (10), the latent image structure data creation unit (30) creates latent image structure data, and the latent image structure processing unit (40) processes the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4), thereby efficiently producing the latent image print (1) desired by the customer.

[0080] The numerical values ​​of the latent image structure design data shown in Fig. 21 are an example of conditions for producing the latent image print (1) described in Patent Document 4, and the data stored in the memory unit (20) of the latent image print manufacturing system (S) of the present invention are not limited to these design values. Also, here, latent image structure design data for when priority is given to the number of latent images has been described, but by storing in the memory unit (20) latent image structure design data for when priority is given to the resolution of the latent images or latent image structure design data according to the material for forming the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A), it is possible to produce the latent image print (1) desired by the customer.

[0081] (Second embodiment) 22 is a block diagram of a latent image print manufacturing system (S) according to the second embodiment. The latent image print manufacturing system (S) according to the second embodiment further includes a latent image confirmation unit (50) that simulates a latent image that is visible under specularly reflected light based on the latent image structure data created by the latent image structure data creation unit (30).

[0082] The latent image confirmation unit (50) confirms the resolution and contrast of the "circle" pattern and the "diamond" pattern visible under specular reflection light, for example, based on the processing data for the latent image print created by the latent image structure data creation unit (30) shown in Fig. 19. As shown in Fig. 19(a), a "circle" pattern is created by arranging the first latent image element (5A) extracted from the base image (7A), and as shown in Fig. 19(b), a "diamond" image is created by arranging the second latent image element (5B) extracted from the base image (7B), thereby making it possible to confirm the resolution of the latent image pattern.

[0083] The contrast of the latent image visible under specular reflection can be confirmed by creating an image that simulates the contrast of the latent image according to the reflectivity of the material forming the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A). For example, if the material forming the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) has high reflectivity, the contrast between the latent images (6A, 6B) and the surrounding area shown in FIG. 4 will be expressed highly. Furthermore, if the material forming the kamaboko-shaped elements (3A) has color flip-flop properties, the areas surrounding the latent images (6A, 6B) will be expressed by adding color. Furthermore, if the latent image elements (5) are formed from a transparent material, the latent image visible under specular reflection will be expressed as shades of a single color. However, if the latent image elements (5) are formed from a colored material such as process ink, the latent image elements (5) will be expressed by coloring them.

[0084] By transmitting the image created by the latent image confirmation unit (50) to an information terminal (M) via a transmission unit (not shown), a customer ordering a latent image print (1) can confirm how the latent image appears visually under specular reflected light. Furthermore, as described above, for customers who set latent image structure information based on data stored on an information storage medium such as a USB, HDD, or DVD at the site where the latent image print production system (S) is located, the image created by the latent image confirmation unit (50) can be displayed on a display unit (not shown) to confirm how the latent image appears visually under specular reflected light. If a simulation image is used to confirm how the latent image appears visually under reflected light, the production system of the present invention will have a transmission unit and a display unit.

[0085] The customer checks the image created by the latent image confirmation unit (50), and if it matches the latent image desired by the customer, the latent image structure processing unit (40) produces a latent image print (1) based on the latent image structure data created by the latent image structure data creation unit (30). On the other hand, if it does not match the latent image desired by the customer, the latent image structure data creation unit (30) may re-create latent image structure data by adjusting the width (W1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements, the height (H1) of the raised portions, the width (W2) of the latent image elements, etc., according to the latent image print (1) to be produced, and the process of simulating the latent image viewed under specular reflection light by the latent image confirmation unit (50) and the process of creating the latent image structure data by the latent image structure data creation unit (30) may be repeated.

[0086] When recreating the latent image structure data, for example, when the latent image structure data is created under the condition of two latent images as shown in FIG. 15 and the resolution of the latent image simulated by the latent image confirmation unit (50) is low, the resolution of the latent image can be improved by reducing the width (W1) and height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements and the width (W2) of the latent image elements. Furthermore, when the latent image structure data is created under the condition of two latent images as shown in FIG. 15 and the contrast of the latent image simulated by the latent image confirmation unit (50) is low, the contrast of the latent image can be improved by increasing the width (W1) and height (H1) of the kamaboko-shaped elements and the width (W2) of the latent image elements. In this way, the latent image structure design data stored in the memory unit (20) can be adjusted based on the latent image structure design data so that the desired latent image can be visually recognized, and the latent image structure data can be recreated. The adjustment of the latent image structure design data may be performed by manually inputting the adjustment amount of the latent image structure design data from an input unit (not shown) such as a keyboard or a touch panel, or by automatically adjusting the data, depending on whether priority is given to the resolution or contrast of the latent image. When the latent image structure design data is adjusted automatically, for example, an intermediate value between the two latent image structure design data shown in Figure 15 may be set, or one latent image structure design data may be changed at a fixed rate.

[0087] According to the latent image print manufacturing system (S) of the second embodiment described above, by providing a latent image confirmation unit (50) that simulates the latent image visible under specular reflection light based on the data created by the latent image structure data creation unit (30), it is possible to confirm that the latent image desired by the customer is visible before producing the latent image print (1). Furthermore, if the latent image image confirmed by the latent image confirmation unit (50) is not the desired latent image, the latent image structure data creation unit (30) creates latent image structure data again, and by repeating this process, it is possible to produce a latent image print (1) in which the latent image desired by the customer is visible.

[0088] (Setting the format of latent image prints) In the first and second embodiments, the latent image print manufacturing system (S) for processing the kamaboko-shaped element group (3) and the latent image element group (4) has been described. However, the latent image print manufacturing system (S) may also be configured to process the latent image print (1) according to its product form, such as a resident certificate, passport, identification card, ticket, or coupon. In this case, the storage unit (20) may store the product form of the latent image print (1), such as a resident certificate, passport, identification card, ticket, or coupon (format, including formatting, information, and designs). When the customer accesses the latent image print manufacturing system (S) from their information terminal (M), the system may reference the format stored in the storage unit (20), select the desired format, and set the format according to the product form of the latent image print (1) in conjunction with the setting of the latent image structure information. The set format may then be printed on the substrate (2) using a digital printing machine for processing the latent image element group (4) in the latent image structure processing unit (40). As another method for setting the format of the latent image print (1), the latent image print manufacturing system (S) may receive the format desired by the customer from the customer's information terminal (M) and set it.

[0089] The storage unit (20) may be configured to store image data of base images for forming the latent image element group (4). In this case, when the customer accesses the latent image print production system (S) from their information terminal (M), the image data of the base images stored in the storage unit (20) may be referenced, the customer may select the base image they desire, and set it as latent image structure information.

[0090] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0091] Furthermore, the various components, functions, processing means, etc. constituting the latent image print manufacturing system (S) described above may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Furthermore, the various components, functions, etc. described above may be implemented in software, with a processor interpreting and executing a program that implements each function. Information such as the programs, tables, and files that implement each function can be stored in memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD. Furthermore, various processes (such as setting the base image and creating latent image structure data) may be performed by operating a keyboard or touch panel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Latent image prints 2 Base material 3. Kamaboko-shaped element group 3A Squid-shaped element 4 Latent Image Element Group 5 Latent Image Elements 6 latent image 10 Latent image structure setting section 20 Memory section 30 Latent image structure data creation unit 40 Latent image structure processing section 50 Latent image confirmation section S Latent image print production system

Claims

1. A system for producing a latent image print, comprising: a group of semicircular elements having at least one of light-dark flip-flop property and color flip-flop property on at least a part of a substrate; and a group of latent image elements formed by at least dividing or compressing an original image on the group of semicircular elements, wherein the original image is visible as a latent image when observed under specular reflection light, and the latent image changes and is visible when the observation angle is changed; a latent image structure setting unit that sets latent image structure information including at least the size of the latent image element group to be formed on the substrate and the base image; a storage unit in which latent image structure design data is stored, the latent image structure design data including at least design data for a semi-cylindrical element group for forming the desired latent image and design data for a latent image element group, corresponding to the latent image structure information set by the latent image structure setting unit; and a latent image structure data creation unit that creates latent image structure data consisting of structural data for the kamaboko-shaped element group and structural data for the latent image element group based on the latent image structure information and the latent image structure design data.

2. 2. The system for producing a latent image print according to claim 1, further comprising a latent image confirmation unit that performs a simulation of the latent image based on the latent image structure data.

3. 3. The manufacturing system for latent image prints according to claim 2, wherein the latent image structure data creation unit recreates the latent image structure data by prioritizing either the contrast or the resolution of the latent image based on the results of the simulation of the latent image by the latent image confirmation unit.

4. 3. The system for producing a latent image print according to claim 1, further comprising a latent image structure processing unit that processes the semi-cylindrical element group and the latent image element group on the substrate based on the latent image structure data.

Images