Image assembler

Abstract

By creating a moiré pattern that moves across the surface of a three-dimensional figure, this invention enables more advanced anti-counterfeiting and authenticity detection, and provides an image-forming material that is also aesthetically superior. [Solution] In a moiré pattern comprising a 1-1 moiré element group to a 1-n moiré element group (where n is an integer of 2 or more), in which a plurality of moiré elements compressed from the base image are arranged in a first direction, the moiré elements constituting each moiré element group are arranged according to a first rule such that the pitch, when positioned toward at least one end with respect to a moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group, gradually narrows or gradually widens, and the degree of pitch change of the moiré elements constituting the 1-n moiré element group is greater or less than the degree of pitch change of the moiré elements constituting the 1-(n-1) moiré element group.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of security printed matter such as banknotes, passports, securities, identity certificates, cards, tickets, etc. that require anti-counterfeiting effects. In particular, an image that is visually hidden in a printed image appears by overlaying a predetermined discriminator or the like, or moiré is visually recognized by being formed integrally with a discriminator or the like. The present invention relates to an image forming body for anti-counterfeiting or authenticity discrimination.

Background Art

[0002] Moiré occurring on printed matter is generally part of quality abnormalities to be suppressed, but there is a technique that uses such moiré as an authenticity discrimination element. Generally, moiré is an interference fringe that appears when two sets of ruled lines, pixels, patterns, etc. with different pitches interfere with each other, and thus is often a simple pattern such as a striped pattern in which straight lines or curves are repeated, a square, a circle, or the like.

[0003] Among the conventional techniques for generating moiré, as filed by the present applicant, there is proposed an image forming body in which a first image element group in which n image elements obtained by compressing a first base image are regularly arranged and a second image element group in which n image elements obtained by compressing a second base image are regularly arranged are formed, and the pitch and height of the image elements gradually change (see Patent Document 1). When such an image forming body is observed while overlaying and tilting a lenticular, for example, as a discriminator, a phenomenon in which moiré moves can be visually recognized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 could only realize moiré patterns moving across the surface of planar figures, and could not realize moiré patterns that appeared to be moving across the surface of three-dimensional figures, such as a sphere. Furthermore, since the technology for creating moiré patterns that simply move across the surface of planar figures is publicly known, there was a risk that image-forming materials created as security prints could be forged.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an image forming body that enables more advanced anti-counterfeiting and authenticity discrimination, and is also superior in terms of design, by realizing a moiré pattern that appears to be moving across the surface of a three-dimensional figure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides an image forming body having, on at least a part of a substrate, a first-1 moiré element group, a first-2 moiré element group, ..., a first-n moiré element group (n is an integer of 2 or more), wherein a plurality of moiré elements in which the base image is compressed are arranged in a first direction, and a moiré pattern is formed by arranging the first-n moiré element groups from the first-1 moiré element group in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the moiré is visualized by periodically sampling the moiré elements, wherein the moiré elements constituting each moiré element group are arranged according to a first rule such that the pitch arranged toward at least one end becomes gradually narrower or gradually wider, with reference to the moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group, and the difference in the pitch of the moiré elements constituting each moiré element group according to the first rule becomes progressively larger or smaller from the first-1 moiré element group toward the first-n moiré element group.

[0008] Furthermore, the image forming body of the present invention is characterized in that, when a moiré element at a predetermined position is not placed at one end, the moiré elements constituting each group of moiré elements are arranged according to a first rule in which the pitch of the moiré elements arranged toward the other end opposite to the one end, relative to the moiré element at the predetermined position constituting each group of moiré elements, gradually narrows or gradually widens.

[0009] Furthermore, the image forming body of the present invention is characterized in that the moiré pattern further comprises a 1'-1 moiré element group, a 1'-2 moiré element group, ..., a 1'-m moiré element group (where m is an integer of 2 or more), wherein a plurality of moiré elements formed by the compression of the base image are arranged in a first direction, and the 1'-1 to 1'-m moiré element groups are arranged in a second direction opposite to the second direction, and the moiré elements constituting the 1'-1 to 1'-m moiré element groups are arranged according to a first rule in which the pitch arranged toward one end gradually narrows or gradually widens, with reference to the moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group, and the difference in pitch in the second rule constituting each moiré element group is sequentially larger or smaller from the 1'-1 moiré element group to the 1'-m moiré element group.

[0010] Furthermore, the image forming body of the present invention is characterized in that, when a moiré element at a predetermined position is not placed at one end, the moiré elements constituting the moiré element group from the 1'-1 group to the 1'-m group are arranged according to a first rule in which the pitch of the moiré elements arranged toward the other end opposite to the one end, relative to the moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each group of moiré elements, gradually narrows or gradually widens.

[0011] Furthermore, the image forming body of the present invention is characterized in that the moiré pattern further comprises a 2-1 moiré element group, a 2-2 moiré element group, ..., a 2-j moiré element group (where j is an integer of 2 or more), wherein a plurality of moiré elements formed by the compression of the base image are arranged in a first direction, and the moiré elements constituting the 2-1 to 2-j moiré element groups are arranged in a second direction, and the pitch of the moiré elements constituting the 2-1 to 2-j moiré element groups is arranged according to a second rule different from the first rule for the arrangement of the moiré elements constituting the 1-1 to 1-n moiré element groups, with respect to the moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group, toward one end, and the difference in the pitch of the moiré elements constituting each moiré element group according to the second rule is sequentially larger or smaller from the 2-1 to the 2-j moiré element group.

[0012] Furthermore, the image forming body of the present invention has a moiré pattern that further comprises a 2-1 moiré element group, a 2-2 moiré element group, ..., a 2-j moiré element group (where j is an integer of 2 or more), in which a plurality of moiré elements formed by compressing the base image are arranged in a first direction, and the 2-1 to 2-j moiré element groups are arranged in a second direction, and the moiré elements constituting the 2-1 to 2-j moiré element groups are based on the moiré elements at predetermined positions constituting each moiré element group. As a rule, the pitches arranged toward one end and the pitches arranged toward the other end opposite to the one end are arranged according to a second rule different from the first rule which arranges the moiré elements constituting the moiré element groups from the 1-1 to the 1-n, and the difference in pitches according to the second rule for the moiré elements constituting each moiré element group is progressively larger or smaller from the 2-1 to the 2-j moiré element group.

[0013] Furthermore, the image forming body of the present invention is characterized in that the moiré pattern further comprises a 2'-1 moiré element group, a 2'-2 moiré element group, ..., a 2'-k moiré element group (where k is an integer of 2 or more), wherein a plurality of moiré elements formed by the compression of the base image are arranged in the first direction, and the moiré elements from the 2'-1 moiré element group to the 2'-k moiré element group are arranged in the 2' direction opposite to the second direction, and the moiré elements constituting the 2'-1 moiré element group to the 2'-k moiré element group are arranged according to a second rule, with respect to a moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group, and the difference in pitch in the second rule constituting each moiré element group is progressively larger or smaller from the 2'-1 moiré element group to the 2'-k moiré element group.

[0014] Furthermore, in the present invention, when a moiré element at a predetermined position is not positioned at one end, the moiré elements constituting the moiré element group 2'-1 to the moiré element group 2'-k are arranged according to a second rule, with a pitch that, relative to the moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group, is arranged toward the other end opposite to the one end.

[0015] Furthermore, the image forming body of the present invention is characterized in that the moiré elements constituting each moiré element group have gradually different angles of arrangement toward at least one end, with reference to the moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group, and the degree of angle change of the moiré elements constituting the 1-n moiré element group is greater than the degree of angle change of the moiré elements constituting the 1-(n-1) moiré element group.

[0016] Furthermore, the image forming body of the present invention is characterized in that the moiré pattern is formed by moiré elements arranged in a curved shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the image forming body of the present invention, moiré that moves on the surface of a three-dimensional figure is realized, enabling higher-level anti-counterfeiting and authenticity discrimination, and providing an image forming body that is also excellent as a design.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming body according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged view of a moiré pattern formed on the image forming body. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of moiré elements constituting the moiré pattern. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining a first rule for arranging moiré elements. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing another example of the first rule for arranging moiré elements. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the relationship between a first-1 moiré element group and a first-2 moiré element group constituting the moiré pattern. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a moiré pattern in which a moiré element group is arranged in the second' direction. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining an example of a sampling element group for visually recognizing moiré from the image forming body. [Figure 9] As an example of a sampling element group formed integrally with the image forming body, an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a 10,000-line filter. [Figure 10] As an example of a sampling element group formed integrally with the image forming body, an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a lenticular. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a configuration in which a moiré pattern is formed on one surface of a base material and a sampling element group is formed on the other surface of the base material in the image forming body. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a configuration in which a sampling element group formed in a bellows shape with optical change characteristics is integrated with the moiré pattern in the image forming body. [Figure 13]This figure shows an example in an image forming apparatus where the sampling elements are composed of a diffraction grating in which multiple grid lines, each composed of a combination of curves or straight lines with different angles, are arranged. [Figure 14] This figure shows another example of a diffraction grating in a configuration where the sampling elements are composed of diffraction gratings. [Figure 15] This figure shows the moiré pattern observed when a group of sampling elements is superimposed on the image forming body of the present invention. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates an example where the angles of the moiré elements constituting a group of moiré patterns gradually change. [Figure 17] This figure shows the relationship between the angles of the moiré elements that make up the first moiré element group and the second moiré element group. [Figure 18] This diagram shows a configuration within a single moiré element where the angles differ in parts. [Figure 19] This diagram shows a configuration in which the angles of the moiré elements constituting the moiré element group gradually change, and one end of the 1-1 moiré element group and one end of the 1-2 moiré element group are connected. [Figure 20] This figure shows an example of moiré elements arranged in a curved shape. [Figure 21] This figure shows an example where the pitch at which moiré elements are arranged gradually differs from a predetermined position within a group of moiré elements, moving from one end to the other opposite end. [Figure 22] This diagram shows the relationship between moiré elements and virtual lines that make up a group of moiré elements. [Figure 23] This figure shows an example of an outline represented by a moiré pattern. [Figure 24] This diagram shows the configuration of a moiré pattern, where moiré elements are arranged in a second direction and a second' direction. [Figure 25] This figure shows another example of an outline revealed by a moiré pattern. [Figure 26] This figure shows the configuration of the moiré pattern in the second embodiment. [Figure 27]This figure shows an example of a moiré pattern composed of partially different colors. [Figure 28] This figure shows an example where moiré elements are composed of different colors. [Figure 29] This diagram shows a configuration in which a first moiré pattern and a second moiré pattern of different sizes are formed. [Figure 30] This figure shows an image forming device configured so that a moiré pattern rotates around a fixed design and is visible. [Figure 31] This figure shows another example of an outline revealed by a moiré pattern. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] An image forming body according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0020] (First embodiment: First moiré pattern) Figure 1 shows the basic configuration of the image forming body (1) according to the first embodiment. The image forming body (1) has a moiré pattern (3) formed on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate (2). Here, as an example of the moiré pattern (3), a configuration with a "fan shape" outline will be described. Note that the lines representing the "fan shape" outline shown in Figure 1 are virtual lines indicating the area where the moiré pattern (3) is formed, and are not formed on the image forming body (1). Hereafter, in this specification, the dashed lines of the outline will be referred to as the "outline".

[0021] The details of the moiré pattern (3) will be explained using Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the moiré pattern (3) comprises the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1), the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2), ..., the 1-n moiré element group (12-n) (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2), and each is arranged according to the first rule described later. In the following explanation, when describing individual moiré element groups, the above symbols will be used, and when describing the entire set of moiré element groups, the symbol (12) will be used.

[0022] (Moire element, group of moire elements) Each of the moiré element groups from the 1-1 (12-1) to the 1-n (12-n) shown in Figure 2 consists of multiple moiré elements (11) formed by compressing the base image, arranged in a first direction (V1). Here, we will describe an example in which multiple moiré elements (11) are arranged in the horizontal direction (hereinafter referred to as the "first direction (V1)") as shown in Figure 2. However, the direction in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged on the substrate (2) is not limited to the horizontal direction example shown in Figure 2; the moiré elements (11) can be arranged in any one direction on the surface of the substrate (2). Furthermore, the 1-2 (12-2) moiré element group is arranged in a direction different from the first direction (hereinafter referred to as the "second direction (V2)"), and the 1-n (12-n) moiré element group is also arranged in a second direction different from the first direction. Here, we will describe an example where the second direction (V2) in which the moiré element group (12) is positioned is the upward direction in Figure 2. However, it is not limited to the direction shown in Figure 2, as long as it is perpendicular to the first direction (V1).

[0023] Figure 3 shows the structure of a moiré element (11) obtained by compressing the base image, and examples of base images and moiré elements will be explained using Figure 3. The base image (11a) shown in Figure 3(a) has a rectangular shape and its interior is filled in, and the moiré element (11ac) is obtained by compressing the base image (11a) in the left-right direction in the figure.

[0024] The base image (11b) shown in Figure 3(b) has a star shape with a white interior, and the moiré element (11bc) is the base image (11b) compressed in the left-right direction in the figure.

[0025] The base image (11c) shown in Figure 3(c) contains significant character information "J" and is filled in internally, while the moiré element (11cc) is the base image (11c) compressed in the left-right direction in the figure. Hereafter, the moiré elements (11ac, 11bc, 11cc) shown in Figure 3 will be described using the above symbols, but when describing moiré elements in general, the symbol (11) will be used.

[0026] The moiré elements (11) in the first moiré element group (12-1), the first moiré element group (12-2), ..., and the first-n moiré element group (12-n) may be compressed versions of the same base image, as shown in Figure 2, or they may be compressed versions of different base images (not shown). Furthermore, the moiré elements (11) in the first moiré element group (12-1) may be compressed versions of partially different base images. Note that the base image is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3, and may be an image containing meaningful information such as letters, numbers, or symbols.

[0027] (Rule 1) An example of the first rule in which the moiré element group 1-1 (12-1), the moiré element group 1-2 (12-2), ..., and the moiré element group 1-n (12-n) are arranged will be explained using Figure 4, which shows the moiré element group 1-1 (12-1). Here, the moiré element group 1-1 (12-1), which consists of a compressed moiré element (11cc) of the base image (11c) of the letter "J" shown in Figure 3(c), will be used as an example.

[0028] Figure 4 shows an example of a first rule for arranging moiré elements (11). In the present invention, the first rule for arranging moiré elements (11) is a rule in which, with respect to a moiré element (11) at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group (12), the pitch in which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged toward at least one end of the moiré element group (12) gradually widens or gradually narrows. In the moiré element group (12-1) 1-1 shown in Figure 4, with the leftmost moiré element (11) as the reference position (C), the pitch in which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged gradually narrows toward the first direction (V1) toward which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged. The enlarged view of Figure 4 shows a specific example of the pitch at which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged. The moiré elements (11), which are obtained by compressing the base image (11c) to a width of 426 μm, are arranged at a pitch of 681 μm at the reference position (C), while the pitch gradually narrows towards the right end in the first direction (V1) to 553 μm, 545 μm, 534 μm, and 519 μm. Note that the pitch values ​​shown in Figure 4 are an example of a moiré pattern (3) with a "fan shape" radius of 15 mm as shown in Figure 2, and the height (size toward the second direction) of the moiré elements (11cc) is 6134 μm. Similarly, in the "fan-shaped" moiré pattern (3), from the first-second moiré element group (12-2) to the first-n moiré element group (12-n), with the leftmost moiré element (11) shown in Figure 2 as the reference position (C), the pitch at which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged gradually narrows as you move toward the first direction (V1) in which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged. As shown in Figure 4, in a configuration in which the pitch of the moiré elements (11) arranged toward the first direction (V1) gradually narrows, if the pitch of the moiré elements (11) and the width of the moiré elements (11) become the same value, the moiré elements (11) will connect to each other, and the effect of the present invention will not be obtained. Therefore, the moiré elements (11) need to be arranged at a pitch that is wider than the width of the moiré elements (11).

[0029] The moiré element group 1-1 (12-1) shown in Figure 5 is another example different from the first rule shown in Figure 4. In the moiré element group 1-1 (12-1) shown in Figure 5, with the leftmost moiré element (11) as the reference position (C), the pitch at which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged gradually widens as you move toward the first direction (V1) in which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged. The enlarged view of Figure 5 shows a specific example of the pitch at which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged. For a moiré element (11) obtained by compressing the base image (11c) to a width of 426 μm, the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged at a pitch of 681 μm at the reference position (C), while the pitch gradually widens to 746 μm, 768 μm, and 797 μm toward the right end of the first direction (V1). Note that the pitch values ​​shown in Figure 5 are an example of a moiré pattern (3) with a radius of 15 mm for the "fan shape" shown in Figure 2, and the height (size toward the second direction) of the moiré element (11cc) is 6134 μm. As shown in Figure 5, in the case where the pitch at which the moiré elements (11) constituting the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1) are arranged gradually widens toward the first direction (V1), the same is true for the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2) to the 1-n moiré element group (12-n), where the pitch at which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged gradually widens toward the right end of the first direction (V1) where the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged, with the leftmost moiré element (11) shown in Figure 2 as the reference position (C). As shown in Figure 5, in a configuration in which the pitch of the moiré element (11) gradually widens toward the first direction (V1), the pitch of the moiré element (11) is not particularly limited, but if the pitch becomes larger than the pitch value of the reference position (C), the resolution of the moiré expanded by the sampling element group described later becomes coarser. Therefore, it is preferable that the maximum value of the pitch of the moiré element (11) be in a range less than twice the pitch of the sampling element.

[0030] In the moiré element group (12) shown in Figures 4 and 5, we have described examples in which the pitch at which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged gradually narrows and gradually widens as you move toward the first direction (V1) in which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged, with the leftmost moiré element (11) constituting the moiré element group (12) being the reference position (C). However, in the moiré element group (12) shown in Figures 4 and 5, with the rightmost moiré element (11) constituting the moiré element group (12) being the reference position (C), the pitch at which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged may gradually widen or gradually narrow as you move toward the opposite side of the first direction (V1) (not shown).

[0031] In Figure 2, an example of the relationship between the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1) and the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2), which are arranged adjacently in the second direction (V2), will be explained using Figure 6. In the present invention, the moiré element group (12) arranged adjacently in the second direction (V2) is configured such that the degree of change in the pitch at which the moiré elements (11) constituting the 1-n moiré element group (12) are arranged is greater than the degree of change in the pitch at which the moiré elements constituting the 1-(n-1) moiré element group (12) are arranged. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, when the first rule for the placement of the moiré elements (11) gradually narrows from the reference position (C) toward the first direction (V1), the degree to which the pitch of the first-2 moiré element group (12-2) narrows toward the first direction (V1) is greater than the degree to which the pitch of the first-1 moiré element group (12-1) narrows toward the first direction (V1). More specifically, when comparing the pitch at which moiré elements (11) are placed at the same distance from the moiré element (11) at the reference position (C) in the first-n moiré element group (12) and the first-(n-1) moiré element group (12), the pitch of the first-n moiré elements (12) is narrower and the proportion is larger than that of the first(n-1) moiré element group (12). Note that the reference position (C) of the first-second moiré element group (12-2) is the same as the reference position (C) of the first-first moiré element group (12-1), and is the leftmost moiré element (11) of the first-second moiré element group (12-2) shown in Figure 6.

[0032] The enlarged view of Figure 6 shows specific examples of the pitches in which the moiré elements (11cc) constituting the first moiré element group (12-1) and the first moiré element group (12-2) are arranged. Comparing the pitches of the same number of moiré elements (11cc) counted from the reference position (C) in each moiré element group (12), the first moiré element group (12-1) has pitches of 553 μm, 545 μm, and 534 μm, while the first moiré element group (12-2) has pitches of 525 μm, 504 μm, and 466 μm. This shows that the degree to which the pitch narrows in the first moiré element group (12-2) is greater than the degree to which the pitch narrows in the first moiré element group (12-1). Similarly, the degree to which the pitch of the 1st-3rd moiré element group (12-3) narrows toward the first direction (V1) is greater than the degree to which the pitch of the 1st-2nd moiré element group (12-2) narrows toward the first direction (V1), and the degree to which the pitch of the 1st-nth moiré element group (12-n) narrows toward the first direction (V1) is greater than the degree to which the pitch of the 1st-(n-1)th moiré element group (12-(n-1)) narrows toward the first direction (V1).

[0033] In this embodiment, the number of moiré elements (11) constituting the first-second moiré element group (12-2) is less than the number of moiré elements (11) constituting the first-first moiré element group (12-1), corresponding to the moiré pattern (3) exhibiting a "fan-shaped" outline. Similarly, in the first-n moiré element group (12-n), the number of moiré elements (11) constituting the first-(n-1) moiré element group (12-(n-1)) is less than the number of moiré elements (11) constituting the first-(n-1) moiré element group (12-(n-1)), corresponding to the moiré pattern (3) exhibiting a "fan-shaped" outline. However, the number of moiré elements (11) constituting adjacent moiré element groups (12) varies depending on the shape of the moiré pattern (3). The number of moiré elements (11) constituting the first-to-second moiré element group (12) may be greater than the number of moiré elements (11) constituting the first-to-first moiré element group (12), or the number of moiré elements (11) constituting the moiré element group (12) may be the same in the second direction of the moiré pattern (3).

[0034] The moiré element group (12) shown in Figure 6 illustrates an example where the pitch of each moiré element group (12) narrows toward the first direction (V1). However, when the pitch of each moiré element group (12) widens toward the first direction (V1), the degree to which the pitch of the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2) widens toward the first direction (V1) is greater than the degree to which the pitch of the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1) widens toward the first direction (V1). The same applies to the relationship between the 1-3 moiré element group (12-3) and the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2), and between the 1-n moiré element group (12-n) and the 1-(n-1) moiré element group (12-(n-1)).

[0035] In the moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 2, an example was described in which the second direction (V2) in which the moiré element group (12) is arranged is the upward direction in Figure 2. However, as shown in Figure 6, it may also be the opposite downward direction. In this case as well, the moiré elements (11) are arranged according to the first rule, in which the pitch of the moiré elements (11) arranged toward one end of the moiré element group (12) gradually widens or gradually narrows, based on the moiré element (11) at a predetermined position that constitutes each moiré element group (12). Furthermore, the moiré element group (12) arranged adjacent to the second direction (V2) has a configuration in which the degree of change in the pitch of the moiré elements (12) constituting the 1-n moiré element group (12) is greater than the degree of change in the pitch of the moiré elements constituting the 1-(n-1) moiré element group (12).

[0036] (Moire pattern form, processing) The moiré pattern (3) consisting of the above configuration is processed onto the substrate (2) in a form in which the moiré pattern, which is an enlargement of the base image, can be visually observed using a discriminator such as a lenticular or a wire filter. The specific configuration of the moiré pattern (3) is formed by, for example, a printed pattern, a watermark pattern, a perforated pattern, or a pattern created by demetallizing foil (OVD).

[0037] When forming a moiré pattern (3) by printing, the moiré pattern (3) is formed by printing on the substrate (2) using an ink of a different color than that of the substrate (2). The printing method is not particularly limited, and known printing methods such as letterpress, intaglio, and flexographic methods, as well as inkjet printers or electrophotographic printers can be used.

[0038] When forming a moiré pattern (3) by perforation, paper, film, or card is used as the substrate (2), and perforations that penetrate the substrate (2) or perforations that remove a portion of the substrate (2) are formed using a laser processing machine. In this configuration, by superimposing a lenticular (25) or a lenticular filter (33) and observing it at an angle under transmitted light, the base image is magnified and the latent image can be visualized.

[0039] When forming a moiré pattern (3) consisting of a watermark, for example, in the papermaking process for manufacturing a paper substrate, the moiré pattern (3) can be processed by applying a convex pattern portion corresponding to the moiré pattern (3) to a cylindrical mesh provided by a dandy roll and pressing it. In this configuration as well, by superimposing a lenticular (25) or a 33-line filter and tilting it under transmitted light for observation, the base image can be magnified and the latent image can be visualized.

[0040] Demetallized foil is a metal foil or hologram that is attached to a substrate (1) to prevent counterfeiting of security printed materials, in which a process (demetallizing process) is performed to partially remove the metal vapor-deposited portion deposited on the film surface of the foil substrate. In the present invention, it is a foil in which the metal layer is removed according to the moiré pattern (3). In this form, by superimposing a lenticular (25) or a 33-line filter (33) and observing it, the base image is magnified and the latent image can be seen.

[0041] The moiré pattern (3) formed on the image forming body (1) described above can be observed, for example, by placing the sampling element group (22), which will be described later, on the surface of the image forming body (1) and moving the image forming body (1) or the sampling element group (22). Alternatively, the image forming body (1) and the sampling element group (22) can be formed as a single unit, and the moiré pattern can be observed by moving the viewpoint or by tilting the image forming body (1). Here, the forms of the sampling element group (22) and the moiré pattern (3) will be described in order.

[0042] (Sampling elements) Figure 8(a) is a plan view showing the configuration of a lenticular (25) as an example of a sampling element group (22), and Figure 8(b) is a side view thereof. The lenticular (25) is constructed by arranging multiple lenses (24) that have a semicircular cross-sectional shape and extend in one direction, having optically changing properties, at a predetermined pitch on one surface of a light-transmitting substrate (23). It is a known technique that a portion of the moiré pattern (3) is sampled by the lenticular (25). By utilizing the refraction of light by the lenses (24), the lenticular (25), in which the lenses (24) are arranged at a pitch different from the pitch in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged, periodically samples a portion of the moiré elements (11) that constitute the moiré pattern (3), thereby magnifying the base image and making the moiré visible. Furthermore, by moving the viewpoint, the moiré changes dynamically according to the angle at which the image forming body (1) is observed, and can be made visible.

[0043] Figure 8(c) is a plan view showing the configuration of a moiré filter (33) as an example of a sampling element group (22), and Figure 8(d) is a side view thereof. The moiré filter (33) is constructed by arranging a plurality of light-blocking elements (32) extending in one direction at a predetermined pitch on one surface of a light-transmitting substrate (31). It is a known technique that a portion of the moiré pattern (3) is sampled by the moiré filter (33), and by periodically sampling a portion of the moiré elements (11) that make up the moiré pattern (3) through the gaps between the light-blocking elements (32), the base image is magnified and the moiré can be made visible. Furthermore, by moving the image forming body (1) or the sampling element group (22), the moiré changes dynamically and can be made visible.

[0044] Figure 9(a) is a perspective view showing that a line filter (33), as an example of a sampling element group (22), is formed by integrating it onto the surface of an image forming body (1) on which a moiré pattern (3) is formed, and Figure 9(b) is a side view thereof. Figure 10(a) is a perspective view showing that a lenticular (25), as another example of a sampling element group (22), is formed by integrating it onto the surface of an image forming body (1), and Figure 10(b) is a side view thereof. In the configuration shown in Figure 10, a lenticular (25) containing a light-transmitting substrate (23) is laminated on top of the moiré pattern (3), but a configuration in which only a lens (24) is formed on top of the moiré pattern (3) is also possible.

[0045] The configuration example shown in Figure 11 utilizes a parallax barrier method, in which a moiré pattern (3) is formed on one surface of a light-transmitting substrate (2), and a sampling element group (22) consisting of multiple light-blocking elements (32) arranged at a predetermined pitch is formed on the other surface. In this configuration, depending on the viewing angle of the image forming body (1), the moiré pattern (3) can be seen through the gaps in the light-blocking elements (32).

[0046] The configuration example shown in Figure 12 is similar to the technology disclosed by the applicant in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5131789, in which a group of sampling elements (22) consisting of semicircular lines (37) having light-dark flip-flop or color-flip-flop properties is formed on the surface of a substrate (2), and a moiré pattern (3) is further superimposed on the surface of the group of sampling elements (22). Furthermore, while the semicircular lines (37) are arranged in multiples at a predetermined pitch, as mentioned above, the pitch of the moiré elements (11) is arranged to gradually become narrower or wider, so as shown in Figure 12, the positions of the moiré elements (11) that overlap the semicircular lines (37) in the first direction (V1) also gradually differ. In this invention, "light-dark flip-flop property" refers to the property that the brightness of a substance changes when light is incident on it, and "color-flip-flop property" refers to the property that the hue of a substance changes when light is incident on it. To impart a light-dark flip-flop effect to a semicircular line, printing can be done using a high-gloss ink resin or an ink mixed with metallic pigments. To impart a color flip-flop effect to a semicircular line, printing can be done using pearl ink, liquid crystal ink, OVI, CSI (Color Shifting Ink), etc.

[0047] In the configuration shown in Figure 12, the moiré pattern (3) is formed from a material whose color under specular reflection differs from that of the sampling element group (22). The colors of the moiré pattern (3) may differ in hues of red, blue, and yellow, or they may differ in brightness due to differences in gloss. To form a moiré pattern (3) with a different color from that of the sampling element group (22) under specular reflection, the moiré pattern (3) can be printed using an ink of a different color than that of the sampling element group (22) visible under specular reflection. This can be done using general colored inks, pearl inks, OVI, etc. Furthermore, by using a matte ink with lower reflectivity and transparency than the semicircular pattern (sampling element group (22)), a configuration can be created in which a difference in brightness occurs under specular reflection.

[0048] In the configuration shown in Figure 12, when light is incident on a semicircular pattern, the phenomenon is utilized in which only the plane that is normal to the incident light strongly reflects the light. By periodically sampling the moiré elements (11) that overlap this area, the base image is magnified and the moiré pattern can be made visible.

[0049] The example configuration shown in Figure 13 is similar to the technology disclosed by the applicant in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-081705, in which the sampling element group (22) is composed of a diffraction grating (42) in which multiple grid lines (41) composed of combinations of curves and straight lines of different angles are arranged, and the moiré elements (11) and diffraction grating (42) that constitute the moiré element group (12) are combined or integrated.

[0050] Figure 13(a) shows an example in which the moiré elements (11) and diffraction grating (42) constituting the moiré element group (12) are integrated. Here, the shape of the moiré elements (11) is described as an example of compressing a "star-shaped" base image. As shown in Figure 13(b), by providing the diffraction grating (42) only in the region where the moiré elements (11) and diffraction grating (42) overlap, an integrated configuration of the diffraction grating (42) and moiré elements (11) can be obtained. Furthermore, in the integrated configuration of the moiré elements (11) and diffraction grating (42), as shown in Figure 13(c), the positional relationship between the moiré elements (11) and the grating lines (41) gradually differs as the pitch of the moiré elements (11) is gradually narrowed or gradually widened while the diffraction grating (42) is arranged at a predetermined pitch. Alternatively, the diffraction grating (42) and the moiré element (11) may be integrated into a single configuration, and the diffraction grating (42) may be provided only on the outline of the star shape.

[0051] Furthermore, Figure 13(d) shows an example of a combination of a moiré element (11) and a diffraction grating (42) that constitutes a group of moiré elements (12). As shown in Figure 13(e), by placing the diffraction grating (42) in a region where the moiré elements (11) do not overlap with the diffraction grating (42), a configuration in which the diffraction grating (42) and the moiré elements (11) are combined can be obtained. Even when the moiré elements (11) and the diffraction grating (42) are combined, as shown in Figure 13(f), the positional relationship between the moiré elements (11) and the grating lines (41) gradually differs, depending on whether the pitch of the moiré elements (11) is gradually narrowed or gradually widened, compared to the arrangement of the diffraction grating (42) shown in Figure 13(e) at a predetermined pitch.

[0052] Figure 13 illustrates the relationship between one moiré element group (12) and a sampling element group (22). The configuration of the first-1 moiré element group (12-1) through the first-n moiré element groups (12-n) and sampling element group (22) is similar, with the moiré elements (11) constituting the moiré element group (12) gradually shifting relative to the diffraction grating (42) arranged at a predetermined pitch.

[0053] Figure 14 shows an example of a diffraction grating (42) different from the one shown in Figure 13. Figures 14(a) and 14(b) show examples of diffraction gratings (42) in which multiple grid lines (41) composed of arcs are arranged. Figure 14(c) shows an example of a diffraction grating (42) in which the arrangement angles of grid lines (41) composed of straight lines are varied. Figure 14(d) shows an example of a diffraction grating (42) in which the arrangement angles of grid lines (41) composed of straight lines are varied in a curved shape. In addition to the diffraction grating (42) shown in Figure 14, the diffraction grating disclosed by the applicant in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-081705 may also be used in the present invention. Furthermore, in order to make the center of the diffraction grating more likely to reflect light regardless of the direction of the incident light, a diffraction grating without a grid line (41) in the center may be used.

[0054] Furthermore, the diffraction grating (42) may have different densities of grid lines (41) depending on the arrangement angle of the grid lines (41) or the angle of the diffraction plane of the grid lines (41). When the density of grid lines (41) constituting the diffraction grating (42) exceeds a certain ratio, it is possible to change the color to various hues from red to purple when the viewing angle is changed. Moreover, by changing the density of the "grid lines composed of curves or combinations of straight lines with different angles" that constitute the diffraction grating (42), it is possible to intentionally control the hue of the light emitted from the diffraction grating (42) according to the angle of incident light, thereby further enhancing the effect of color change.

[0055] Furthermore, when the sampling element group (22) is composed of a diffraction grating (42), the diffraction grating (42) may be a blazed diffraction grating or a Fresnel lens type diffraction grating.

[0056] (effect) When the moiré pattern (3) and the sampling element group (22) described above are stacked, integrated, or combined, a moiré pattern of the letter "J" enlarged from the base image can be seen, as shown in Figure 15(a) (in the configuration shown in Figure 13, a "star" pattern can be seen). In this case, as shown in Figure 15(a), a moiré pattern of the base image enlarged from the base image can be seen for each moiré element group (12-n) from the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1), and furthermore, by changing the observation angle or moving the position of the sampling element group (22), the enlarged moiré pattern can be seen as rotating on the spherical surface.

[0057] Figure 15(b) is a diagram illustrating in detail an example of the effect that the moiré pattern shown in Figure 15(a) can be seen as rotating on a spherical surface. When a lens (24) is superimposed on a lenticular (25) arranged at a pitch of 636 μm onto a moiré pattern (3) configured as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the moiré pattern of the letter "J", which is an enlarged version of the original image, can be seen on the virtual lines (L1, L2, L3) shown in Figure 15(b) as an example. When the observation angle is changed or the position of the sampling element group (22) is moved, the position of the virtual lines moves sequentially, and the moiré pattern of the letter "J" can be seen on the moved virtual lines (L1, L2, L3). In this embodiment, as the curved virtual lines (L1, L2, L3) shown in Figure 15(b) move, it appears as if the surface of a three-dimensional figure is rotating.

[0058] Furthermore, if the observation angle is changed in the opposite direction to the observation conditions under which the moiré pattern shown in Figure 15(b) is visible, or if the position of the sampling element group (22) is moved, the moiré pattern will be visible in the opposite direction, as shown in 15(c), where it rotates on the surface of the three-dimensional figure.

[0059] In the image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the moiré pattern, which is an enlargement of the base image, is visible as moving along the same straight imaginary line. In contrast, the image forming apparatus (1) of the present invention is characterized by the fact that the moiré pattern, which is an enlargement of the base image, is visible and moves along imaginary lines (L1, L2, L3) with partially different inclinations and curvatures. This is a distinctive effect of the present invention that is not found in the prior art. Figure 15(b) shows an example in which the moiré pattern is visible on three imaginary lines (L1, L2, L3), but the number and position of the imaginary lines differ depending on the position in which the lenticular (25) is superimposed on the moiré pattern (3).

[0060] In Figure 15(b), moiré patterns are visible on three imaginary lines (L1, L2, L3). However, the period during which the moiré pattern is reproduced, i.e., the number of imaginary lines, differs depending on the pitch of the lens (24). Specifically, as the pitch value of the lens (24) approaches the pitch value of the moiré element (11), the number of imaginary lines decreases, i.e., the number of moiré patterns decreases (the moiré period becomes longer). Conversely, as the pitch value of the lens (24) moves away from the pitch value of the moiré element (11), the number of imaginary lines increases, i.e., the number of moiré patterns increases (the moiré period becomes shorter). Therefore, the pitch of the lens (24) is not limited to 636 μm; a lenticular (25) with lenses (24) arranged at a predetermined pitch can be used depending on the desired number (period) of moiré patterns. Generally, in techniques in which moiré patterns are visible due to differences in the pitch of the compressed moiré element (11) and the lenticular lens (24) of the base image (see, for example, Patent Document 1), a lenticular (25) is used in which the lens (24) is arranged at a pitch in the range of 80% to 120% (excluding 100%) relative to the pitch of the moiré element (11), and a similar lenticular (25) can be used in the present invention as well. Here, the relationship between the moiré element (11) and the lens (24) has been described, but the same applies to sampling element groups (22) with other configurations.

[0061] Next, in the first embodiment, the configuration of a moiré pattern (3) with high visibility of the moiré pattern will be described when the sampling element group (22) is stacked, integrated, or combined.

[0062] (Angle of moiré elements) The moiré element group (12) described above is a configuration in which moiré elements (11) obtained by compressing the base image in the left-right direction are arranged according to the first rule. However, the moiré elements (11) may be tilted and arranged relative to a moiré element (11) at a predetermined position within the moiré element group (12) as they move toward one end of the moiré element group (12). An example of a moiré element (11) being tilted will be explained using Figure 16.

[0063] Figure 16 shows an example in the moiré element group (12-1) of the first-1 in which the moiré element (11) is arranged at an angle. If the first rule is such that the pitch at which the moiré elements (11) are arranged gradually narrows as you move toward the first direction (V1) in which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged, with the leftmost moiré element (11) of the moiré element group (12) as the reference position (C), then as shown in Figure 16(a), the moiré elements (11) are arranged such that the angle of the inwardly inclined moiré element (11) increases as you move toward the first direction (V1) of the moiré element group (12). The enlarged view of Figure 16(a) shows a specific example of the angles of the tilted moiré elements (11). At the reference position (C), the moiré elements (11) are positioned without tilt with respect to the second direction (V2), while towards the end of the first direction (V1), they are gradually tilted inward at angles of 1.29°, 1.72°, and 2.42°. The angle values ​​shown in Figure 16(a) are an example of a moiré pattern (3) with a "sector" radius of 15 mm as shown in Figure 2.

[0064] Furthermore, if the first rule stipulates that the pitch at which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged gradually widens as one moves toward the first direction (V1) in which the moiré elements (11cc) are arranged, with the leftmost moiré element (11) of the moiré element group (12) as the reference position (C), then, as shown in Figure 16(b), the moiré elements (11) are arranged such that the angle of the outward-tilted moiré elements (11) increases as one moves toward the first direction (V1) of the moiré element group (12). The enlarged view of Figure 16(b) shows specific examples of the angles of the tilted moiré elements (11), where, at the reference position (C), the moiré elements (11) are arranged without tilting toward the second direction (V2), but towards the end of the first direction (V1), they are gradually tilted outward at 1.29°, 1.72°, and 2.42° (to be confirmed). Note that the angle values ​​shown in Figure 16(b) are an example of a moiré pattern (3) where the radius of the "sector" shown in Figure 2 is 15 mm.

[0065] In the moiré pattern (3) including the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1) shown in Figure 16, the relationship between the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2) and the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1) is such that the degree of change of the tilted moiré elements (11) is greater. For example, the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2) has a larger inward tilt angle than the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1) shown in Figure 16(a).

[0066] Figure 17 shows specific examples of the configurations of the first moiré element group (12-1) in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged at an inward tilt, and the first moiré element group (12-2) in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged at an inward tilt. Comparing the angles of the same number of moiré elements (11) counted from the reference position (C) in each moiré element group (12), the first moiré In element group (12-1), the angles are 1.29°, 1.72°, and 2.42°, while in the first-second moiré element group (12-2), the angles are 4.05°, 4.95°, and 6.02°. This indicates that the degree to which the moiré element (11) in the first-second moiré element group (12-2) is tilted inward is greater than the degree to which the moiré element (11) in the first-first moiré element group (12-1) is tilted inward. Similarly, in the relationship between the 1st-n moiré element group (12-n) and the 1st-(n-1) moiré element group (12-(n-1)), the degree to which the moiré element (11) of the 1st-n moiré element group (12-n) is tilted inward is greater than the degree to which the moiré element (11) of the 1st-(n-1) moiré element group (12-(n-1)) is tilted inward.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16(b), the same applies when the angle of the outward-tilted moiré element (11) increases as the direction moves toward the first direction (V1) in which the moiré element (11cc) is arranged. In Figure 16(b), the moiré element (11) in the first-second moiré element group (12-2), which is arranged with an outward tilt, has a larger outward tilt angle than the moiré element (11) in the first-first moiré element group (12-1), and the same applies to the first-n moiré element group (12-n). According to the moiré pattern (3) with the configuration shown in Figure 16, when observed using the sampling element group (22), the moiré, which is an enlargement of the base image, appears tilted along the virtual lines (L1, L2, L3), making it appear as if it is moving on a more spherical surface.

[0068] Figure 18 shows a modified example of a moiré element group (12) in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged at an angle. In the moiré elements (11) shown in Figure 18, the angle is partially different in each moiré element (11) compared to the configuration shown in Figure 16(a) in which one moiré element (11) is arranged at a predetermined angle. As shown in the enlarged view of Figure 18(a), in the configuration in which the moiré elements (11) are tilted inward, the angle of tilt increases in stages toward the second direction (V2), and the angle of tilt of the remaining moiré elements toward the second direction (α2) is greater than the angle of tilt of a part of the moiré element (11) shown in Figure 18 (α1). According to the moiré pattern (3) with the configuration shown in Figure 18, when observed using the sampling element group (22), the moiré pattern, which is an enlargement of the base image, appears tilted along the virtual lines (L1, L2, L3) compared to the moiré pattern (3) with the configuration shown in Figure 16, making it appear as if it is moving on a more spherical surface.

[0069] The enlarged view of Figure 18 shows an example where the moiré element (11) is tilted inward at two angles, (α1) and (α2). However, the moiré element (11) may be further divided into smaller sections with different angles. Alternatively, the angles may be continuously varied within a single moiré element (11) to create a curved moiré element (11). Similarly, in the outward-tilted moiré element (11) shown in Figure 16(b), the angles may be varied in stages within a single moiré element (11).

[0070] (Connection between moiré elements) Figure 19 shows the configuration of a moiré pattern (3) in which, in a group of moiré elements (12) in which the moiré elements (11) described using Figure 16 are arranged at an angle, the moiré elements (11) constituting the first-n moiré element group (12-n) are further connected from the first-1 moiré element group (12-1).

[0071] In Figure 19, for example, in the relationship between the moiré element (11) of the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1) and the moiré element (11) of the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2), as shown in the partially enlarged view of Figure 19, the leftmost moiré element (11), which is the reference position (C), is connected. Similarly, in the moiré element group (12-n) from the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2), one end of the moiré element (11) of the moiré element group (12) is connected to one end of the moiré element (11) of the adjacent moiré element group (12). Furthermore, even in the case of moiré elements (11) with different angles toward the first direction (V1) from the reference position (C), as shown in the partially enlarged view of Figure 19, the ends of each moiré element (11) are connected. In this invention, the connection of each moiré element (11) means that the moiré elements (11) constituting the moiré element group (12) arranged adjacent to each other in the second direction (V2), more specifically, that the moiré elements (11) adjacent to each other in the second direction at the same distance from the reference position (C) are in contact with each other. With the moiré pattern (3) configured as shown in Figure 19, when observed using the sampling element group (22), the moiré of the magnified base image appears tilted, there are no gaps in the visible moiré, and the moiré appears connected on the imaginary lines (L1, L2, L3) shown in Figure 15, making it appear as if it is moving on a more spherical surface.

[0072] (Moire elements arranged in a curved shape) Figure 20 shows a configuration in which moiré elements (11) are arranged in a curved shape. Note that the group of moiré elements (12) shown in Figure 20 is an example in which the base image is the rectangle shown in Figure 3(a), and the moiré elements (11) are compressed in the left-right direction in the figure. In Figure 20, the curved imaginary lines in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged are indicated by symbols (K1-K1' and K2-K2'), but these imaginary lines are not formed on the image forming body (1).

[0073] In the configuration shown in Figure 20, in each of the first moiré element group (12-1), the first-second moiré element group (12-2), ..., and the first-n moiré element group (12-n), the moiré elements (11) constituting each moiré element group (12) are arranged in a curved shape. In addition, in the moiré element group (12) shown in Figure 20(a), the moiré elements (11) may be inclined as they move from the reference position (C) at the left end of the moiré element group (12) toward the first direction (V1) (not shown). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20(b), the height (vertical size in Figure 20) of the moiré elements (11) may be partially varied along the fan shape which is the outer shape of the moiré pattern (3), and Figure 20(b) shows an example in which elements that are higher and lower than the moiré element (11) at the reference position (C) are arranged around the contour of the fan shape.

[0074] According to the configuration shown in Figure 20(b), the outer shape of the moiré pattern (3) becomes closer to a circle, improving the aesthetic appeal when observed by normal visual inspection without using the sampling element group (22). Furthermore, when observing the moiré pattern (3) with the configuration shown in Figure 20 using the sampling element group (22), it can be visually perceived as moving on a more spherical surface compared to the configuration shown in Figure 19.

[0075] With the configurations shown in Figures 16 to 20, the outer shape of the moiré pattern (3) is closer to a circular shape compared to the moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 1, thus enhancing the effect of the moiré pattern rotating on a spherical surface and becoming visible. Furthermore, with the configuration shown in Figure 19, the moiré elements (11) from the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1) to the 1-n moiré element group (12-n) are in a continuous configuration, so, as explained in Figure 15, the moiré pattern from each moiré element group (12) is not interrupted, and the effect of the moiré pattern rotating on a spherical surface and becoming visible is obtained.

[0076] Next, using the moiré element group (12) with the configuration shown in Figure 2 as the basic configuration, we will explain examples of a moiré pattern (3) in which the pitch gradually differs, with the moiré elements (11) at predetermined positions constituting the moiré element group (12) as the reference point, and the moiré pattern (3) in which the moiré element group (12) is arranged in a second direction and in a direction opposite to the second direction.

[0077] (Example of a semicircular moiré pattern) Figure 21 shows the configuration of an image forming body (1) in which a semicircular moiré pattern (3) is formed. In this configuration, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 21, the moiré elements (11) are arranged in a manner in which the pitch, relative to a moiré element (11) at a predetermined position constituting each moiré element group (12), gradually widens or gradually narrows, from one end of the moiré element group (12) toward the other opposite end. The enlarged view of Figure 21 shows an example in which the pitch gradually narrows toward each direction, relative to a moiré element (11) at the center position (C) of the moiré element group (12), with one end designated as the first direction (V1) and the other end as the direction opposite to the first direction (V1).

[0078] When an image forming body (1) equipped with a moiré pattern (3) as shown in Figure 21 is observed using a group of sunring elements (22), the effect is that the moiré pattern, which is an enlargement of the base image, can be seen rotating from one end of a semicircular shape to the other.

[0079] Here, as shown in the enlarged view of Figure 21, we have described an example in which the pitch gradually differs in the first direction (V1) and the direction opposite to the first direction (V1), with respect to the moiré element (11) located at the center position (C) of the moiré element group (12). In each moiré element group (12), the position of the reference moiré element (11) is located on a single imaginary line. For example, as shown in Figure 22(a), with respect to the moiré element (11) located on an imaginary line (Lc1) at a different position from the center position (C) of the moiré element group (12) shown in Figure 21, the moiré elements (11) in the first moiré element group (12-1) and the second moiré element group (12-2) are arranged so that the pitch gradually differs in the first direction (V1) and the direction opposite to the first direction (V1), respectively. Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 22(b), with respect to the virtual line (Lc1) shown in Figure 22(a), a moiré element (11) placed on an inclined virtual line (Lc2) is used as a reference. The first moiré element group (12-1) and the second moiré element group (12-2) are arranged such that the pitch gradually differs in the direction of the first direction (V1) and the direction opposite to the first direction (V1). Note that the virtual lines (Lc1, Lc2) on which the reference moiré element (11) is placed in each moiré element group (12) are not limited to the example shown in Figure 22.

[0080] The shape of the moiré pattern (3) in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged in a manner in which the pitch of the moiré elements (11) arranged toward one end of the moiré element group (12) and the opposite end gradually widens or gradually narrows, based on the moiré elements (11) at predetermined positions that constitute each moiré element group (12), is not limited to a semicircular shape as shown in Figure 21, but may also be an isosceles triangle as shown in Figure 23(a), an asymmetrical triangle as shown in Figure 23(b), a semiellipse as shown in Figure 23(c), a figure enclosed by straight lines and curves as shown in Figure 23(d), etc.

[0081] (A group of moiré elements positioned in the direction opposite to the second direction) Figure 24 shows the structure of an image-forming body (1) on which a circular moiré pattern (3) is formed. The moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 24 is an example in which a group of moiré elements (12) is further arranged in the direction opposite to the second direction (V2) (hereinafter referred to as the second' direction (V2')) from the moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 21. Here, the groups of moiré elements (12) arranged in the second' direction will be described as the 1'-1 moiré element group (12'-1), the 1'-2 moiré element group (12'-2), ..., the 1'-m element group (12'-m) (where m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2). Note that the structure of the 1'-1 moiré element group (12-1) to the 1'-n moiré element group (12-n) shown in Figure 24 is the same as the structure of the moiré element group (12) shown in Figure 21, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0082] In the moiré element group 1'-1 (12'-1) to the moiré element group 1'-m (12'-m) shown in Figure 24, similar to the moiré element group 1'-1 (12-1) to the moiré element group 1'-n (12-n), the pitch gradually widens or narrows in the direction opposite to the first direction (V1), with the moiré element (11) at the center position (C) of the moiré element group (12) as the reference point. Furthermore, the degree of pitch change in which the moiré elements (11) constituting the 1'-2 moiré element group (12'-2) are positioned is greater than the degree of pitch change in which the moiré elements (11) constituting the 1'-1 moiré element group (12'-1) are positioned, and the degree of pitch change in which the moiré elements (11) constituting the 1'-m moiré element group (12'-m) are positioned is greater than the degree of pitch change in which the moiré elements (11) constituting the 1'-(m-1) moiré element group (12'-(m-1)) are positioned. Furthermore, in the moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 24, the number (n) of moiré element groups (12) arranged in the second direction (V2) is the same as the number (m) of moiré element groups (12) arranged in the second' direction (V2'). In other words, the moiré pattern (3) with a circular outline shown in Figure 24 is composed of the moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 21 and moiré element groups (12) that are symmetrical to the moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 21 with respect to the second' direction.

[0083] When an image forming body (1) equipped with a moiré pattern (3) as shown in Figure 24 is observed using a sampling element group (22), the magnified moiré pattern appears to rotate from one end of the circular shape to the other.

[0084] The moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 24 has a circular shape, and in this example the number of moiré element groups (12) arranged in the second direction (V2) (value of n) and the number of moiré element groups (12) arranged in the second' direction (V2') (value of m) are the same. However, in the present invention, the number of moiré element groups (12) arranged in the second' direction may be different from the number of moiré element groups (12) arranged in the second direction (V2). In that case, the degree of change in the pitch at which the moiré elements (11) constituting the moiré element group (12) arranged in the second direction (V2) are arranged may be different from the degree of change in the pitch at which the moiré elements (11) constituting the moiré element group (12) arranged in the second' direction (V2') are arranged.

[0085] Furthermore, the shape of the moiré pattern (3) in which the moiré element group (12) is arranged in the second direction (V2) and the second' direction (V2') is not limited to a circular shape. It is not particularly limited as long as the moiré element group (12) in which the aforementioned moiré elements (11) are arranged according to the first rule is arranged in multiple locations in the second direction (V2) and the second' direction (V2'), such as the rhombus shown in Figure 25(a), the parallelogram shown in Figure 25(b), the hexagon shown in Figure 25(c), and the combination of a semicircle and a triangle shown in Figure 25(d).

[0086] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment is an image forming body (1) on which a moiré pattern (3) is formed in which the moiré elements (11) described in the first embodiment are arranged according to the first rule, and further, a moiré pattern (3) is formed in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged according to the second rule. The details of the second rule will be described later, but in the second embodiment, the moiré pattern in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged according to the first rule will be described as the "first moiré pattern (3-1)", and the moiré pattern (3) arranged according to the second rule will be described as the "second moiré pattern (3-2)". In addition, the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) will be described together as moiré pattern (3). Here, we describe an example in which the moiré elements (11) constituting the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the moiré elements (11) constituting the second moiré pattern (3-2) are constructed from the same compressed base image. However, each moiré element (12) may be constructed from different compressed base images.

[0087] Figure 26 shows an example of the configuration of a moiré pattern (3) formed on an image forming body (1) of the second embodiment, where the moiré pattern (3) is composed of a first moiré pattern (3-1) and a second moiré pattern (3-2). The first moiré pattern (3-1) shown in Figure 26 is composed of the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1-1), the 1-2 moiré element group (12-2-1) and the 1'-1 moiré element group (12'-1-1) arranged in a second direction (V2) from the 1-1 moiré element group (12-1-1), and the 1'-2 moiré element group (12'-2-1) arranged in a second direction (V2') from the 1'-1 moiré element group (12'-1-1). The configuration of each moiré element group (12) is the same as the configuration of the 1-n moiré element group (12-n) and the 1'-m moiré element group (12'-m) from the 1'-1 moiré element group (12'-1) described in the first embodiment. Here, we describe an example in which the moiré elements (11) constituting the moiré element group (12) are arranged in a curved shape, and the heights of the moiré elements (11) are partially different. We also describe an example in which the first rule widens the pitch at which the moiré elements (11) are arranged in the first direction (V1) and the direction opposite to the first direction (V1), with the moiré element (11) at the center position (C) of the moiré element group (12) as the reference point. Other configurations, such as the angle of the moiré elements and the degree of pitch change between adjacent moiré element groups (12) in the vertical direction in the figure, are the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0088] The second moiré pattern (3-2) shown in Figure 26 is composed of a second-first moiré element group (12-1-2), a second-second moiré element group (12-2-2) and a second'-first moiré element group (12'-1-2) arranged in a second direction (V2) from the second-first moiré element group (12-1-2), and a second'-second moiré element group (12'-2-2) arranged in a second' direction (V2') from the second'-first moiré element group (12'-1-2). In the second embodiment, the moiré elements (11) constituting the second moiré pattern (3-2) are arranged according to a second rule opposite to the first rule under which the moiré elements (11) constituting the first moiré pattern (3-1) are arranged. Specifically, with reference to the moiré element (11) at the center position (C) of the moiré element group (12) constituting the second moiré pattern (3-2) shown in Figure 26, the pitch in which the moiré elements (11) are arranged in the first direction (V1) and the direction opposite to the first direction (V1) is narrowed. In other words, in the moiré pattern (3) of the second embodiment, the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) differ in that the pitch in which the moiré elements (11) constituting each moiré element group (12) are arranged from a predetermined position in the first direction (V1) and the direction opposite to it is either wider or narrower.

[0089] In the second moiré pattern (3-2), the other components, such as the angle of the moiré elements and the degree of pitch change between adjacent moiré element groups (12) in the vertical direction in the figure, are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0090] In the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) of the second embodiment, the degree of change in the pitch of the moiré elements (11) according to the first rule and the degree of change according to the second rule may be the same or different. Also, in the moiré element group (12) constituting the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2), the degree of change in the angle of the moiré elements (11) may be the same or different.

[0091] The first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2), which consist of the above configuration, are formed by printing patterns, watermark patterns, perforation patterns, etc., as described above. In this case, each moiré element group (12) may be formed separately, or in the region where the moiré elements (11) constituting the two moiré patterns (3-1, 3-2) overlap, only one of the moiré elements (11) may be formed.

[0092] In the image forming body (1) according to the second embodiment described above, for example, when a moiré pattern (3) is formed by printing a moiré pattern (3) onto a substrate (2) using colored ink, and a lenticular (25) is superimposed and observed, the first moiré pattern (3-1) shows a moiré pattern on the near side, and the second moiré pattern (3-2) shows a moiré pattern on the far side. By including both of these, the image forming body (1) of the second embodiment shows moiré patterns on both the far and near sides, allowing for the observation of a moiré pattern with a three-dimensional effect.

[0093] In the moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 26, an example was described in which the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) each consist of two moiré element groups (12) arranged in the second direction (V2) and two moiré element groups (12) arranged in the second' direction. However, in the moiré pattern (3) of the second embodiment, the number of moiré element groups (12) constituting the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) may differ, as long as each of the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) is composed of two or more moiré element groups (12) arranged in at least one of the second direction and the second' direction. Specifically, in the second moiré pattern (3-2), if the number of moiré elements (12) arranged in the second direction (V2) is denoted by the variable "j", then in the first moiré pattern (3-1), the number of moiré elements (12) arranged in the second direction (V2) (value of n) and the number of moiré elements (12) arranged in the second direction (V2) (value of j) may be different, provided that their respective values ​​are 2 or greater. Also, in the second moiré pattern (3-2), if the number of moiré elements (12) arranged in the second' direction (V2') is denoted by the variable "k", then in the first moiré pattern (3-1), the number of moiré elements (12) arranged in the second' direction (V2') (value of m) and the number of moiré elements (12) arranged in the second' direction (V2') (value of k) may be different, provided that their respective values ​​are 2 or greater.

[0094] The image forming body (1) with the configuration described above can realize moiré patterns that move across the surface of three-dimensional figures. Below, we will describe the forms in which colorful moiré patterns can be produced when sampling elements are superimposed and observed, or when they are integrated with the sampling elements.

[0095] First, we will describe an example of an image forming body (1) that forms a moiré pattern (3) by printing with colored ink. In the example of a moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 27(a), the moiré pattern (3) is composed of partially different colors. Here, we show an example in which the upper and lower parts of the moiré pattern (3) shown in Figure 27(a) are composed of two different colors, but each moiré element group (12) may be composed of a different color, or partially composed of different colors within a single moiré element group (12). Furthermore, in a configuration where the colors are partially different within a single moiré pattern (3), a configuration with a gradient effect where the intensity of the colors gradually changes may also be used.

[0096] In the example shown in Figure 27(b), a background pattern (4) is provided, in which the area surrounding the moiré pattern (3) is colored with the same color. When a background pattern (4) is provided, it may be composed of partially different colors, or it may be composed to have a gradient effect where the intensity of the colors gradually changes (not shown).

[0097] The example of the moiré pattern shown in Figure 27(c) is a configuration in which the moiré pattern (3) is formed in a white, negative-like manner by printing the background pattern (4) with colored ink.

[0098] Figure 28(a) shows an example where a single moiré element (11) is composed of partially different colors, specifically, a region composed of blue and a region composed of red. The case where a single moiré element (11) is composed of partially different colors is not limited to the example shown in Figure 28(a). Furthermore, a single moiré element (11) may also have a gradient effect where the intensity of the colors gradually changes.

[0099] Figure 28(b) shows an example of a configuration in which one moiré element (11) is composed of partially different colors, and the background pattern (4) is also color-changed. In Figure 28(b), an example of a configuration in which the background pattern (4) is color-changed is shown, in which a red background pattern is provided adjacent to the blue area of ​​the moiré element (11), and a blue background pattern is provided adjacent to the red area of ​​the moiré element (11).

[0100] In the moiré pattern (3) and background pattern (4) described above, if the colors are partially different, a richly colored moiré can be observed when the sampling element group is superimposed and observed, or when it is integrated with the sampling element group. In addition, in the image forming body (1) of the present invention, in order to prevent the forgery of the moiré pattern (3) formed by printing, a part of the moiré pattern (3) may be formed with an ink containing a fluorescent material that emits light when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, such as ultraviolet light, visible light, or infrared light, or a material that absorbs light of a specific wavelength, such as ultraviolet light or infrared light, and the remainder may be formed with an ink of the same color. Alternatively, a part of the moiré pattern (3) may be formed with an optically color-changing ink such as pearl ink, OVI (Optical Variable Ink), or glossy ink, and the remainder may be formed with an ink of the same color. Furthermore, a configuration in which the moiré pattern (3) and the background pattern (4) have partially different colors can be implemented in the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) in the second embodiment. In this case, the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) may be composed of different colors.

[0101] Next, we will describe a form in which a different visual effect from the moiré obtained when the aforementioned sampling element group is superimposed and observed, or when it is integrated with the sampling element group, is obtained by applying the moiré pattern (3) of the present invention.

[0102] The image forming body (1) shown in Figure 29 is a form in which moiré patterns of different overall sizes (referred to as (3A) and (3B) respectively) are formed in the moiré pattern configuration described in the second embodiment to form a moiré pattern (3). In the moiré pattern described in the second embodiment, the moiré can be observed rotating on the far side and the near side. As shown in Figure 29, by forming a moiré pattern (3A) inside a moiré pattern (3B), the moiré generated by moiré pattern (3A) rotates and is visible inside the moiré generated by moiré pattern (3B).

[0103] In the example of the image forming body (1) shown in Figure 30, in addition to the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) described in the second embodiment, it further includes a fixed pattern (5) called "NPB". This fixed pattern (5) is located approximately in the center of the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2). As a result, the moiré patterns generated by the first moiré pattern (3-1) and the second moiré pattern (3-2) rotate around the fixed pattern (5) and are visible.

[0104] Figure 31 shows an example of a configuration combining the aforementioned moiré pattern (3), and any figure may be constructed by combining patterns such as triangles, rhombuses, and circles. Alternatively, the configuration may include a region where only a group of moiré elements (12) is formed, in which moiré elements (11) are arranged according to the first rule, and a region where a group of moiré elements (12) is provided, in which moiré elements (11) are arranged according to both the first and second rules. Furthermore, any figure may be constructed by combining the moiré pattern described in Japanese Patent No. 5131789 with the moiré pattern (3) of the present invention.

[0105] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the technical scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1 Image Maker 2 Base material 3, 3a, 3b Moire patterns 3-1 First Moire Pattern 3-2 Second Moire Pattern 4 Background Patterns 5 Fixed patterns 11a, 11b, 11c base image 11, 11ac, 11bc, 11cc moiré elements 12 Moiré elements 22 Sampling Element Groups 23, 31 Base material 24 lenses 25 Lenticular 32 Light-blocking elements 330,000-line filter 41 grid lines 42 Diffraction gratings

Claims

1. An image forming body having a first-1 moiré element group, a first-2 moiré element group, ..., a first-n moiré element group (where n is an integer of 2 or more) in which a plurality of moiré elements formed by compressing the base image are arranged in a first direction on at least a part of the substrate, and a moiré pattern is formed in which the first-n moiré element group is arranged from the first-1 moiré element group in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the moiré is visualized by periodically sampling the moiré elements, Each of the moiré elements constituting the group of moiré elements is arranged according to a first rule in which the pitch of the moiré elements arranged toward at least one end gradually narrows or gradually widens, with reference to the moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each of the group of moiré elements. An image forming body characterized in that, from the moiré element group 1-1 toward the moiré element group 1-n, the difference in pitch according to the first rule of the moiré elements constituting each of the moiré element groups is sequentially larger or smaller.

2. The image forming body according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the moiré element at the predetermined position is not located at one end, the moiré elements constituting each group of moiré elements are arranged according to the first rule, with respect to the moiré element at the predetermined position constituting each group of moiré elements, so that the pitch toward the other end opposite to the one end gradually narrows or gradually widens.

3. The moiré pattern further comprises a group of moiré elements, a first'-1 moiré element group, a first'-2 moiré element group, ..., a first'-m moiré element group (where m is an integer of 2 or more), wherein the moiré elements from the first'-1 moiré element group to the first'-m moiré element group are arranged in the second' direction opposite to the second direction. The moiré elements constituting the moiré element group 1'-m from the moiré element group 1'-1 are arranged according to a first rule in which the pitch of the elements arranged toward one end gradually narrows or gradually widens, with reference to the moiré element at a predetermined position constituting each of the moiré element groups. The image forming body according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, from the moiré element group 1'-1 toward the moiré element group 1'-m, the difference in pitch in the first rule constituting each of the moiré element groups is sequentially larger or smaller.

4. If the moiré element at the predetermined position is not located at one end, the moiré elements constituting the moiré element group 1'-m from the moiré element group 1'-1 are arranged according to the first rule, where the pitch of the moiré elements arranged toward the other end opposite to the one end, relative to the moiré element at the predetermined position constituting each of the moiré element groups, gradually narrows or gradually widens, as described in the image forming body according to claim 3.

5. The moiré pattern further comprises a second-first moiré element group, a second-second moiré element group, ..., a second-j moiré element group (where j is an integer of 2 or more), wherein the moiré elements from the second-first moiré element group to the second-j moiré element group are arranged in the first direction, and the moiré elements from the second-first moiré element group to the second-j moiré element group are arranged in the second direction. The moiré elements constituting the moiré element group 2-j from the moiré element group 2-1 are arranged according to a second rule different from the first rule used to arrange the moiré elements constituting the moiré element group 1-n from the moiré element group 1-1, with respect to the moiré element at the predetermined position constituting each of the moiré element groups, and the pitch of the elements arranged toward one end is such that the pitch is arranged toward the first end. The image forming body according to claim 1, characterized in that, from the moiré element group 2-1 toward the moiré element group 2-j, the difference in pitch in the second rule of the moiré elements constituting each of the moiré element groups is sequentially larger or smaller.

6. The moiré pattern further comprises a second-first moiré element group, a second-second moiré element group, ..., a second-j moiré element group (where j is an integer of 2 or more), wherein the moiré elements from the second-first moiré element group to the second-j moiré element group are arranged in the first direction, and the moiré elements from the second-first moiré element group to the second-j moiré element group are arranged in the second direction. The moiré elements constituting the moiré element group 2-j from the moiré element group 2-1 are arranged according to a second rule different from the first rule used to arrange the moiré elements constituting the moiré element group 1-n from the moiré element group 1-1, with respect to the moiré element at the predetermined position constituting each of the moiré element groups, such that the pitch arranged toward one end and the pitch arranged toward the other end opposite to the one end are arranged according to the second rule. The image forming body according to claim 2, characterized in that, from the moiré element group 2-1 toward the moiré element group 2-j, the difference in pitch in the second rule of the moiré elements constituting each of the moiré element groups is sequentially larger or smaller.

7. The moiré pattern further comprises a second'-1 moiré element group, a second'-2 moiré element group, ..., a second'-k moiré element group (where k is an integer of 2 or more), wherein the moiré elements from the second'-1 moiré element group to the second'-k moiré element group are arranged in the second' direction opposite to the second direction. The moiré elements that constitute the moiré element group 2'-k from the moiré element group 2'-1 are arranged with a pitch toward one end relative to the moiré element at the predetermined position that constitutes each of the moiré element groups, according to the second rule. The image forming body according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, from the moiré element group 2'-1 toward the moiré element group 2'-k, the difference in pitch in the second rule constituting each of the moiré element groups is sequentially larger or smaller.

8. If the moiré element at the predetermined position is not located at one end, the moiré elements constituting the moiré element group 2'-k from the moiré element group 2'-1 are arranged in a pitch according to the second rule, with respect to the moiré element at the predetermined position constituting each of the moiré element groups, so that they are arranged toward the other end opposite to the one end. This is the image forming body according to claim 7.

9. Each of the moiré elements constituting the group of moiré elements has a moiré element positioned at a predetermined location within that group, with respect to the moiré element at a predetermined position, and the angles at which it is positioned toward at least one end gradually differ. The image forming body according to claim 1, characterized in that the degree of change in the angle of the moiré elements constituting the 1-n moiré element group is greater than the degree of change in the angle of the moiré elements constituting the 1-(n-1) moiré element group.

10. The image forming body according to claim 1, 5, 6, or 9, characterized in that the moiré pattern is formed by imaginary lines connecting the ends of the moiré elements or the center points of the moiré elements, arranged in a curved shape.

Images