Representation

Abstract

To provide a display body that utilizes interference of light for display, which is caused by reflection surfaces differing in a height, with which a more complex form of display is enabled.SOLUTION: A display body 1 comprises a relief layer 11 one surface of which includes a first region and a second region and a reflection layer 12 that covers the first and the second regions. Each of the first and the second regions is composed of a flat region and sub-regions distributed in a shape of islands. In the first and the second regions, the sub-regions are spaced apart from the flat region by a first distance and a second distance, respectively. Out of the display body 1, each of a first portion P1 and a second portion P2 corresponding to the first and the second regions, respectively, displays a chromatic color under at least one of a first observation condition that the front face is illuminated by white light and reflected light is observed with naked eyes and a second observation condition that flipped over and reflected light is observed with naked eyes, the first and the second portions appearing in different colors under one of the first and the second observation conditions and appearing in the same color under the other of these.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display. [Background technology]

[0002] One type of display has a base surface and a number of element surfaces that are parallel to the base surface and protrude from the base surface at equal heights, and displays chromatic colors when illuminated with white light (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This color display is brought about by interference between light reflected by the base surface and light reflected by the element surfaces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 001283 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to enable more complex displays in a display device that performs display using interference of light caused by reflective surfaces of different heights. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light-transmitting relief layer having a first surface and a second surface which is a rear surface of the first surface, the first surface including a first region and a second region, the first region being composed of a first flat region extending over the entire first region and a plurality of first sub-regions which are parallel to the first flat region, spaced a first distance from a plane including the first flat region, and distributed in an island shape, the first sub-regions being parallel to the first flat region and spaced a second distance different from the first distance from the plane including the second flat region, the second region being composed of a second flat region which is parallel to the first flat region, and a plurality of second sub-regions which are parallel to the second flat region and spaced a second distance different from the first distance from the plane including the second flat region, the second sub-regions being distributed in an island shape, the second sub-regions being ... and a reflective layer conformally covering the first region and the second region, wherein each of a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region displays a chromatic color under at least one of a first observation condition in which the reflective layer is interposed between the relief layer and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye, and a second observation condition in which the relief layer is interposed between the reflective layer and the light source, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye, and wherein the first portion and the second portion appear to be different colors under one of the first observation condition and the second observation condition, and appear to be the same color under the other observation condition.

[0006] Here, "white light" is light that has approximately equal intensity over the entire visible range. * ab is 13 or less, the colors appear to be the same. And, in general, the color difference ΔE * ab When is greater than 13, the colors appear different.

[0007] The colors displayed by the first and second portions when illuminated with white light are, for example, chromatic colors. The chromatic colors displayed by the first and second portions when illuminated with white light do not change when, for example, the illumination direction or the observation direction is changed slightly, but become achromatic when the illumination direction or the observation direction is changed significantly.

[0008] In addition, in this display, the first and second parts appear to have different colors under one of the first and second observation conditions and appear to have the same color under the other observation condition. To produce such a color change, it is necessary to make the first distance and the second distance different from each other and to change the refractive index of a region adjacent to the reflective layer and located between the reflective layer and the viewer (hereinafter referred to as the adjacent region) by switching between an air layer and a relief layer.

[0009] If the difference between the refractive index of the adjacent region under the first observation condition and the refractive index of the adjacent region under the second observation condition is sufficiently large, each of the first and second portions will appear to have different colors under the first and second observation conditions even if the illumination angle and observation angle are the same. Then, by appropriately setting the first and second distances, the first and second portions can be made to appear to have different colors under one of the first and second observation conditions and the same color under the other. Even if the individual color changes of the first and second portions are not easily recognizable, the change between a state in which the first and second portions appear to be different colors and a state in which the first and second portions appear to be the same color can be easily recognized.

[0010] Therefore, according to the above technology, a display device that performs display using the interference of light caused by reflective surfaces of different heights can display more complex images.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device according to the above aspect, further comprising a light-transmitting covering layer that covers the first surface with the reflective layer sandwiched therebetween and has a refractive index different from that of the relief layer. By providing a covering layer, the reflective layer can be made less susceptible to damage and deterioration.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a relief layer having a first surface and a second surface which is a reverse surface of the first surface, the first surface including a first region and a second region, the first region being composed of a first flat region extending over the entire first region and a plurality of first sub-regions which are parallel to the first flat region, spaced a first distance from a plane including the first flat region, and distributed in an island shape, the second region being composed of a second flat region which is parallel to the first flat region, and a plurality of second sub-regions which are parallel to the second flat region, spaced a second distance different from the first distance from the plane including the second flat region, and distributed in an island shape, the second region being composed of a second flat region which is parallel to the second flat region, spaced a second distance different from the first distance, and a relief layer comprising: a convex surface; The display device includes a reflective layer that is generally coated with a transparent resin and a light-transmitting coating layer that covers the reflective layer and is peelable from the reflective layer, and each of a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region displays a chromatic color under at least one of a first observation condition in which the reflective layer and the coating layer are interposed between the relief layer and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye, and a second observation condition in which the coating layer is peeled off from the reflective layer and the reflective layer is interposed between the light source and the relief layer, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye, and the first portion and the second portion appear to be different colors under one of the first observation condition and the second observation condition, and appear to be the same color under the other observation condition.

[0013] When the coating layer is peeled off, the refractive index of the adjacent regions changes, thus producing the same color change as described above. The coating layer also makes the reflective layer less susceptible to damage and degradation.

[0014] In this display body, the relief layer may be either light-transmitting or light-shielding. Therefore, when this display body is supported by an article, the part of the article that supports the display body may also be either light-transmitting or light-shielding.

[0015] In this display, even when the peeled coating layer is observed with the naked eye, no characteristic that would cause the above-mentioned color change is found. This shows that the above-mentioned color change occurs due to a change in the refractive index of the adjacent region. It is not possible to produce a similar change by other techniques such as printing.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a relief layer having a first surface and a second surface which is the reverse side of the first surface, the first surface including a first region and a second region, the first region being composed of a first flat region extending over the entire first region and a plurality of first sub-regions which are parallel to the first flat region, spaced a first distance from a plane including the first flat region, and distributed in an island-like manner, the first sub-regions being parallel to the first flat region and spaced a second distance from a plane including the first flat region, the second region being composed of a second flat region parallel to the first flat region and a plurality of second sub-regions which are parallel to the second flat region and spaced a second distance different from the first distance, the second sub-regions being distributed in an island-like manner. and a reflective layer conformally covering the first region and the second region, wherein a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region each display a chromatic color under at least one of a first observation condition in which the reflective layer is interposed between the relief layer and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye, and a second observation condition in which a liquid film is provided on the reflective layer, and the reflective layer and the liquid film are interposed between the light source and the relief layer, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye, and the first portion and the second portion appear to be different colors under one of the first observation condition and the second observation condition, and appear to be the same color under the other observation condition.

[0017] When the liquid film is provided, the refractive index of the adjacent region changes, and therefore the same color change as above can be caused. Furthermore, with this display, the above color change can be caused reversibly.

[0018] In this display body, the relief layer may be either light-transmitting or light-shielding. Therefore, when this display body is supported by an article, the part of the article that supports the display body may also be either light-transmitting or light-shielding.

[0019] In this display, the color change occurs due to the provision of a liquid film, and it is evident that the color change occurs due to a change in the refractive index of the adjacent region. It is impossible or difficult to produce a similar change using other techniques such as printing.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to the above aspect, wherein the liquid film is made of water.

[0021] Water is readily available and safe. Furthermore, a liquid film made of water is easy to remove and does not leave behind any residue after removal.

[0022] Alternatively, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display according to the above aspect, wherein the liquid film is made of a solution.

[0023] The color change occurs only if the liquid film has a specific refractive index. A solution such as a sucrose solution can change its refractive index depending on the solvent, solute, and concentration. It is impossible or difficult to cause the color change for someone who does not know what solution the liquid film should be made of.

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device relating to any of the above aspects, wherein the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other, and an image displayed by the first portion and the second portion under one of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition is a latent image which becomes visible under the other of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition.

[0025] By placing the first and second regions adjacent to each other and making an image displayed under one of the first and second observation conditions a latent image that is made visible under the other, the change between the state in which the first and second parts appear to be different colors and the state in which they appear to be the same color becomes even more easily recognizable.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device according to any of the above aspects, wherein the first and second portions appear to be different colors under the first viewing conditions and the same color under the second viewing conditions.

[0027] In a display device according to any of the above aspects, the first portion and the second portion may appear to be different colors under the second viewing conditions and the same color under the first viewing conditions.

[0028] According to still another aspect of the present invention, under the first observation condition and the second observation condition under which the first portion and the second portion appear to have the same color, the color difference ΔE * ab The display according to any one of the above aspects is provided, in which the color difference ΔE is 6.5 or less under this viewing condition. * ab is preferably 3.2 or less, more preferably 1.6 or less, and even more preferably 0.8 or less.

[0029] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device according to any of the above aspects, wherein, in the first region, the plurality of first sub-regions are randomly distributed, and in the second region, the plurality of second sub-regions are randomly distributed.

[0030] Here, "the subregions are randomly distributed" means that the center positions of the subregions are irregularly distributed in each of two intersecting directions.

[0031] When the first and second subregions are randomly distributed, each of the first and second portions does not emit diffracted light of a specific wavelength with high intensity when illuminated with white light, and therefore, in this case, the effect of changes in the illumination direction or observation direction on the displayed color can be reduced compared to when the first and second subregions are regularly arranged.

[0032] Even if the first sub-regions are regularly arranged, if the center-to-center distance between them is sufficiently large, the first portion does not emit high-intensity diffracted light.Similarly, even if the second sub-regions are regularly arranged, if the center-to-center distance between them is sufficiently large, the second portion does not emit high-intensity diffracted light.

[0033] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device according to any of the above aspects, wherein each of the first sub-regions and the second sub-regions has a maximum dimension in the range of 0.3 to 50 μm, and a maximum value of a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the maximum dimension in the range of 0.3 to 50 μm. The maximum dimension and maximum value may be in the range of 0.3 to 2 μm, or in the range of 2 to 50 μm. The maximum dimension and maximum value may be 10 μm or less.

[0034] When these dimensions are small, if the first and second sub-regions are regularly and densely arranged, each of the first and second portions may emit diffracted light of a specific wavelength with high intensity when illuminated with white light. When these dimensions are sufficiently large, each of the first and second portions does not emit diffracted light of a specific wavelength with high intensity when illuminated with white light. However, when these dimensions are excessively large, the influence of the interference between the light reflected by the first flat region and the light reflected by the first sub-region, and the interference between the light reflected by the second flat region and the light reflected by the second sub-region on the display becomes small.

[0035] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display device according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the plurality of first sub-regions and the plurality of second sub-regions have a square shape or a circular shape.

[0036] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to any of the above aspects, in which the shapes of the first sub-regions are anisotropic and their orientations are equal to each other.Alternatively, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to any of the above aspects, in which the shapes of the first sub-regions are anisotropic and one or more of the first sub-regions have a different orientation from one or more of the other first sub-regions.

[0037] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to any of the above aspects, in which the shapes of the second sub-regions are anisotropic and their orientations are equal to each other.Alternatively, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to any of the above aspects, in which the shapes of the second sub-regions are anisotropic and one or more of the second sub-regions have a different orientation from one or more of the other second sub-regions.

[0038] Alternatively, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device according to any of the above aspects, wherein the shapes of the plurality of first sub-regions and the shapes of the plurality of second sub-regions are anisotropic and their orientations are equal to each other.

[0039] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the display according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the first sub-regions and the second sub-regions are equal in shape and size to each other.

[0040] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to any one of the above aspects, wherein an average center-to-center distance of the first sub-regions and an average center-to-center distance of the second sub-regions are within a range of 5 to 50 μm. Preferably, these average center-to-center distances are equal to each other.

[0041] Here, the average center distance of the first sub-regions is the 1 / 2 power of A1 / N1, which is the area A1 of the first sub-region divided by the number N1 of the first sub-regions. Also, the average center distance of the second sub-regions is the 1 / 2 power of A2 / N2, which is the area A2 of the second sub-region divided by the number N2 of the second sub-regions. Note that the areas of the first region and the second region are their apparent areas.

[0042] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to any one of the above aspects, wherein a ratio of a total area of ​​the plurality of first sub-regions to an area of ​​the first region and a ratio of a total area of ​​the plurality of second sub-regions to an area of ​​the second region are in a range of 0.15 to 0.85. This ratio is preferably 0.20 or more and is preferably 0.80 or less. This ratio may be 0.50 or less.

[0043] If these ratios are made excessively large or small, the optical effect achieved by the combination of the first flat region and the first sub-region and the optical effect achieved by the combination of the second flat region and the second sub-region will be reduced.

[0044] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device relating to any of the above aspects, wherein the first region comprises the first flat region, the plurality of first sub-regions, and a plurality of first sidewalls each continuous between an edge of the plurality of first sub-regions and the first flat region, and the second region comprises the second flat region, the plurality of second sub-regions, and a plurality of second sidewalls each continuous between an edge of the plurality of second sub-regions and the second flat region.

[0045] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display device relating to any of the above aspects, wherein the reflective layer has a rectangular cross-sectional shape at each of the plurality of first sub-regions and the plurality of second sub-regions.

[0046] The first sidewall continuous between the edge of the first sub-region and the first flat region is preferably perpendicular to the first flat region. The second sidewall continuous between the edge of the second sub-region and the second flat region is preferably perpendicular to the second flat region. In this case, a reflective layer having a rectangular cross-sectional shape is obtained at each of the positions of the first sub-region and the second sub-region. This structure is more likely to cause interference between the light reflected by the first flat region and the light reflected by the first sub-region, and between the light reflected by the second flat region and the light reflected by the second sub-region, compared to a structure in which the first sidewall and the second sidewall are inclined relative to the first flat region and the second flat region, respectively.

[0047] The first and second side walls may be inclined with respect to the first and second flat regions, respectively, but are preferably perpendicular. The angle that the first side wall makes with respect to the first flat region and the angle that the second side wall makes with respect to the second flat region are preferably in the range of 70 to 90°, more preferably in the range of 80 to 90°, and even more preferably in the range of 85 to 90°.

[0048] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the first distance and the second distance are each within a range of 0.05 to 0.5 μm. Each of the first distance and the second distance is preferably within a range of 0.1 to 0.5 μm, and more preferably within a range of 0.15 to 0.4 μm.

[0049] By shortening the first distance and the second distance, the influence on the display color of the interference between the light reflected by the first flat region and the light reflected by the first sub-region and the interference between the light reflected by the second flat region and the light reflected by the second sub-region is reduced, and therefore, by shortening the first distance and the second distance, the difference between the spectral distribution of the white light as the illumination light and the spectral distribution of the light emitted by the first and second portions is reduced.

[0050] When the first distance is increased, the incidence of illumination light into the first flat region is more likely to be blocked by the first sub-region and the first sidewall, and the reflected light from the first flat region is more likely to be blocked by the first sub-region and the first sidewall. Similarly, when the second distance is increased, the incidence of illumination light into the second flat region is more likely to be blocked by the second sub-region and the second sidewall, and the reflected light from the second flat region is more likely to be blocked by the second sub-region and the second sidewall. Therefore, when the first distance and the second distance are increased, interference between the light reflected by the first flat region and the light reflected by the first sub-region, and interference between the light reflected by the second flat region and the light reflected by the second sub-region are less likely to occur.

[0051] To cause the above color change, this ratio usually needs to be sufficiently larger than 1. However, if this ratio is made excessively large, it becomes difficult to make the first portion and the second portion appear to have the same color under one of the first observation condition and the second observation condition.

[0052] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display according to any one of the above aspects, wherein the reflective layer includes a layer made of a metal or an alloy.

[0053] A reflective layer including a layer made of a metal or alloy can have a high reflectance, and therefore a display including such a reflective layer can display a bright image.

[0054] The metal or alloy may be chromium, nickel, aluminum, iron, titanium, silver, gold, copper, or an alloy containing one or more of them. The layer made of the metal or alloy may be formed by a vacuum film forming method such as vacuum deposition or sputtering. The thickness of the layer made of the metal or alloy is, for example, within the range of 20 to 70 nm.

[0055] The relief layer and the covering layer are, for example, layers made of a polymer, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene, or triacetylcellulose can be used as the polymer.

[0056] When it is necessary to make the refractive index of the relief layer and the covering layer different, for example, a polymer with a low refractive index such as a fluororesin is used for one layer, and a polymer with a high refractive index such as polymethyl methacrylate is used for the other layer. When it is required that the covering layer be peelable, for example, a fluororesin is used as the material for the covering layer.

[0057] The display may further include one or more known functional layers, such as an intermediate layer, a printed layer, and a protective layer, as long as the refractive index of the adjacent region is not affected.

[0058] The first surface may further include one or more other regions in addition to the first region and the second region. At least one of the one or more other regions may be provided with a structure similar to the first region and the second region, for example.

[0059] For example, in a display relating to any of the above aspects, the first surface further includes a third region, the third region being composed of a third flat region parallel to the first flat region and a plurality of third sub-regions each parallel to the third flat region and spaced a third distance from a plane including the third flat region that is different from the first distance and the second distance, and distributed in an island-like manner, and a third portion corresponding to the third region displays a chromatic color under at least one of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition, and appears to be a different color from the first portion under one of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition, and appears to be the same color as the first portion under the other of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition.

[0060] In this case, under an observation condition among the first observation condition and the second observation condition under which the first portion and the second portion appear to be the same color, the third portion may appear to be the same color as the first portion, and under an observation condition under which the first portion and the second portion appear to be different colors, the third portion may appear to be a different color from the first portion.

[0061] Alternatively, in this case, under an observation condition among the first observation condition and the second observation condition under which the first portion and the second portion appear to be the same color, the third portion may appear to be a different color from the first portion, and under an observation condition under which the first portion and the second portion appear to be different colors, the third portion may appear to be the same color as the first portion.

[0062] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer foil comprising a transfer material layer including an indicator according to any one of the above aspects, and a support supporting the transfer material layer in a peelable manner.

[0063] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer foil comprising a transfer material layer including an indicator according to any one of the above aspects, and a support supporting the transfer material layer in a peelable manner.

[0064] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer foil according to the above aspect, further comprising an adhesive layer provided on the transfer material layer.

[0065] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adhesive label comprising a display body according to any one of the above aspects and an adhesive layer provided on the display body.

[0066] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article with a display body, comprising the display body according to any one of the above aspects and an article supporting the display body.

[0067] The article is, for example, a transparent card or a transparent sheet. The article with the display body may further include one or more known functional layers such as an intermediate layer, a printing layer, and a protective layer, as long as the visual effect described above for the display body is not hindered.

[0068] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article with a display according to the above aspect, wherein portions of the article corresponding to the first region and the second region are light-transmitting.

[0069] Alternatively, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an article with a display body according to the above aspect, in which the display body is supported so that the reflective layer or the covering layer is exposed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0070] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a display according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first portion of the display unit shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the first portion shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view showing a second portion of the display unit shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of the second portion shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the front surface of the first portion being illuminated with white light. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the front surface of the second portion illuminated with white light. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the back surface of the first portion being illuminated with white light. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the back surface of the second portion illuminated with white light. [Figure 10] 4 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the color displayed by the first portion shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 when its front surface is illuminated with white light and the distance from a plane including the first flat region to the first sub-region. [Figure 11] A graph showing an example of the relationship between the color displayed by the first portion shown in Figures 2 and 3 when the front surface of the first portion is covered with a transparent resin layer and this transparent resin layer is illuminated with white light, and the distance from a plane including the first flat region to the first sub-region. [Figure 12] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display shown in FIG. 1 when the front side is illuminated with white light. [Figure 13] 2 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display shown in FIG. 1 when the back surface of the display is illuminated with white light. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a first portion of a display according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a second portion of a display according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a first portion of a display according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a second portion of a display according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a first portion of a display according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a second portion of a display according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0071] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Elements having the same or similar functions are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0072] <1> First embodiment <1.1> Structure Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a display according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a first portion of the display shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the first portion shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a second portion of the display shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of the second portion shown in Fig. 2.

[0073] The display body 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes a relief layer 11 and a reflective layer 12, as shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. In each figure, the X direction and the Y direction are parallel to the main surface of the display body 1 and perpendicular to each other, and the Z direction is perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction, that is, the thickness direction of the display body 1. In the following description, the "rear surface" refers to the surface on the relief layer 11 side of the two main surfaces of the display body 1, and the "front surface" refers to the back surface thereof.

[0074] 3 and 5, the relief layer 11 has a first surface S1 and a second surface S2 which is the rear surface of the first surface S1. The relief layer 11 here is light-transmitting. For example, the relief layer 11 is colorless and transparent.

[0075] The first surface S1 includes a first region R1 shown in Fig. 3 and a second region R2 shown in Fig. 5. Here, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are adjacent to each other.

[0076] The first region R1 is a heart-shaped region in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the first region R1 includes a first flat region FR1 and a plurality of first sub-regions SR1.

[0077] The first flat region FR1 is a flat surface that extends over the entire first region R1. The first flat region FR1 is open at the position of the first sub-region SR1.

[0078] The first sub-regions SR1 are each parallel to the first flat region FR1. The first sub-regions SR1 are spaced apart from a plane including the first flat region FR1 by a first distance D1. Here, the first sub-regions SR1 protrude from the first flat region FR1. The first sub-regions SR1 are distributed in an island shape. Here, the first sub-regions SR1 each have a square shape and are equal in size to one another. Here, the first sub-regions SR1 are randomly arranged.

[0079] The first region R1 further includes a plurality of first sidewalls, each of which is continuous between an edge of the first sub-regions SR1 and the first flat region FR1, where the first sidewalls are perpendicular to the first flat region FR1.

[0080] Here, the second region R2 is adjacent to the first region R1 and surrounds the first region R1. As shown in FIG. 5, the second region R2 includes a second flat region FR2 and a plurality of second sub-regions SR2.

[0081] The second flat region FR2 is parallel to the first flat region FR1 and is a plane extending over the entire second region R2. The second flat region FR2 is open at the position of the second sub-region SR2.

[0082] The second sub-regions SR2 are each parallel to the second flat region FR2. The second sub-regions SR2 are spaced apart from a plane including the second flat region FR2 by a second distance D2 different from the first distance D1. Here, the second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1. Here, the second sub-regions SR2 protrude from the second flat region FR2. The second sub-regions SR2 are distributed in an island shape. Here, the second sub-regions SR2 each have a square shape and are equal in size to one another. Here, the second sub-regions SR2 are arranged randomly.

[0083] The second region R2 further includes a plurality of second sidewalls, which are continuous between the edges of the second subregions SR2 and the second flat region FR2, respectively, where the second sidewalls are perpendicular to the second flat region FR2.

[0084] 2 to 5, the reflective layer 12 conformally covers the first region R1 and the second region R2. That is, the reflective layer 12 covers the first region R1 and the second region R2, and has a surface shape corresponding to the first region R1 at the position of the first region R1, and has a surface shape corresponding to the second region R2 at the position of the second region R2.

[0085] The reflective layer 12 has a first protrusion PR1 shown in Figures 2 and 3 in the position of the first sub-region SR1, and a second protrusion PR2 shown in Figures 4 and 5 in the position of the second sub-region SR2.

[0086] <1.2> Manufacturing method The display 1 can be manufactured, for example, by the following method. First, a resin layer is formed on a substrate, and electron beam drawing is performed on the resin layer. This results in an original plate having a relief structure on the surface of the resin layer. Next, a metal thin film conforming to the relief structure is formed on the resin layer by a vapor phase deposition method such as vacuum deposition and sputtering. Then, a metal thick film is formed on the metal thin film by electroforming. Note that electroforming is a type of surface treatment technology in which a metal film is formed on an object by immersing the object to be electroformed in a specified aqueous solution and passing an electric current through the object. Thereafter, the substrate and resin layer are removed to obtain a metal stamper.

[0087] Next, the stamper is used to replicate the relief structure on the surface of the resin layer. First, a thermoplastic resin, a thermosetting resin, or a radiation-curable resin is applied to a light-transmitting substrate made of, for example, polycarbonate or polyester to form a resin layer. Next, the stamper is attached to the resin layer, and in this state, heat and pressure are applied or radiation such as light and electron beams are irradiated. Thereafter, the stamper is peeled off from the resin layer to obtain a relief layer 11 having a relief structure on its surface.

[0088] Next, a metal such as aluminum or an alloy or a dielectric is deposited in a single layer or multiple layers on the relief layer 11 by a vapor phase deposition method such as vacuum deposition or sputtering, thereby obtaining the reflective layer 12. In this manner, the display 1 is completed.

[0089] <1.3> Visual effects The portion of the display body 1 that corresponds to the first region R1 is the first portion P1. Also, the portion of the display body 1 that corresponds to the second region R2 is the second portion P2. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the first portion P1 is a heart-shaped portion, and the second portion P2 is a portion that surrounds the first portion P1.

[0090] Each of the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 displays a chromatic color under at least one of a first observation condition and a second observation condition, which will be described later. The first portion P1 and the second portion P2 appear to have different colors under one of the first observation condition and the second observation condition, and appear to have the same color under the other of the first observation condition and the second observation condition. This will be described in detail below.

[0091] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the front surface of the first portion is illuminated with white light. Fig. 6 illustrates a state where the first portion P1 reflects light under a first observation condition where the reflective layer 12 is interposed between the relief layer 11 and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye. In Fig. 6, the portion of the reflective layer 12 located on the first flat region FR1 and the portion located on the first sub-region SR1 are the reflective portion 12a1 and the reflective portion 12b1, respectively.

[0092] In FIG. 6, white light is incident on the front surface of the first portion P1 at an incident angle θ1, and the first portion P1 emits the light at an exit angle θ2. The first flat region FR1 is a smooth plane, and the first sub-region SR1 is a smooth plane parallel to the first flat region FR1. Therefore, the surface of the reflecting portion 12a1 is a smooth plane, and the surface of the reflecting portion 12b1 is a smooth plane parallel to the surface of the reflecting portion 12a1. Therefore, when the incident angle θ1 and the exit angle θ2 are equal, the light emitted from the first portion P1 at the exit angle θ2 includes regular reflection light by the reflecting portion 12a1 and the reflecting portion 12b1.

[0093] At least a part of the light emitted by the reflecting portion 12a1 at an emission angle θ2 interferes with at least a part of the light emitted by the reflecting portion 12b1 at an emission angle θ2. For example, the wavelength λ satisfies the relationship shown in the following equation (1). S1 Light having a wavelength λ that satisfies the relationship shown in equation (2) below will cause constructive interference. W1 Light having this property will undergo constructive interference. 2D1=mλ S1 cosθ1 …(1) 2D1=(m+1 / 2)λ W1 cosθ1 …(2) Here, in equations (1) and (2), m is a natural number.

[0094] When the incident angle θ1 is small, even if the incident angle θ1 is changed slightly, cosθ1 does not change significantly. Therefore, in this case, even if the incident angle θ1 is changed slightly, the wavelength λ of the light that causes constructive interference S1 The wavelength of light that causes destructive interference, λ W1 does not change significantly.

[0095] In addition, illumination light is usually diffuse light. When an observer observes the display 1, the distance between the observer's eyes and the display is usually short. Therefore, not only the light emitted from the first portion P1 at a specific emission angle is incident on the observer's eyes, but the light emitted from the first portion P1 in a certain angle range is incident on the observer's eyes.

[0096] The first sub-regions SR1 are arranged randomly, and the average center distance between them is sufficiently large. Correspondingly, the reflective portions 12a1 are also arranged randomly, and the average center distance between them is sufficiently large.

[0097] The structure in which the reflecting portions 12a1 are randomly arranged corresponds to a stack of many diffraction gratings with different lattice constants. When the average center-to-center distance of the reflecting portions 12a1 is sufficiently large, particularly when the ratio of the size of the reflecting portions 12a1 to the average center-to-center distance is sufficiently large, the first portion P1 cannot achieve high diffraction efficiency and does not emit diffracted light of a specific wavelength with high intensity even if the reflecting portions 12a1 are regularly arranged.

[0098] Therefore, the first portion P1 displays a chromatic color. The chromatic color displayed by the first portion P1 does not change when the illumination direction or the observation direction is changed slightly, but becomes achromatic when the illumination direction or the observation direction is changed significantly.

[0099] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the front surface of the second portion P2 is illuminated with white light. Fig. 7 illustrates the state where the second portion P2 reflects light under the first observation condition. In Fig. 7, the portion of the reflective layer 12 located on the second flat region FR2 and the portion located on the second sub-region SR2 are the reflective portion 12a2 and the reflective portion 12b2, respectively.

[0100] In the second portion P2, for example, the wavelength λ satisfies the relationship shown in the following equation (3). S2 Light having a wavelength λ that satisfies the relationship shown in equation (4) below will cause constructive interference. W2 Light having this property will undergo constructive interference. 2D2=mλ S2 cosθ1 …(3) 2D2=(m+1 / 2)λ W2 cosθ1 …(4) Except for this, the optical behavior in the second portion P2 is similar to the optical behavior in the first portion P1.

[0101] Since the second distance D2 is different from the first distance D1, the wavelength λ of light that causes constructive interference in the second portion P2 S2 and the wavelength λ of light that causes destructive interference W2 are the wavelengths λ of light that cause constructive interference in the first portion P1, respectively. S1 and the wavelength λ of light that causes destructive interference W1 Therefore, the second portion P2 displays a chromatic color that is different from the color displayed by the first portion P1.

[0102] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the back surface of the first portion being illuminated with white light. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the back surface of the second portion being illuminated with white light. Fig. 8 illustrates how the first portion P1 reflects light under a second observation condition in which the relief layer 11 is interposed between the reflective layer 12 and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye. Fig. 9 illustrates how the second portion P2 reflects light under the second observation condition.

[0103] 6 and 7, an air layer is adjacent to the surface of the reflective layer 12 facing the light source. In contrast, in Fig. 8 and 9, a relief layer 11 is adjacent to the surface of the reflective layer 12 facing the light source. That is, the adjacent region consists of an air layer in Fig. 6 and 7, whereas it consists of the relief layer 11 in Fig. 8 and 9.

[0104] The relief layer 11 has a refractive index different from that of the air layer. Therefore, the wavelength λ of light that causes constructive interference in the state shown in FIG. S1 ' and the wavelength λ of light that causes destructive interference W1 ' are the wavelengths λ of light that cause constructive interference in the state shown in FIG. S1 and the wavelength λ of light that causes destructive interference W1 Similarly, the wavelength λ of light that causes constructive interference in the state of FIG. S2 ' and the wavelength λ of light that causes destructive interference W2 ' are the wavelengths λ of light that cause constructive interference in the state of FIG. S2 and the wavelength λ of light that causes destructive interference W2 is different.

[0105] In this way, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 each appear to have a different color under the first observation condition and the second observation condition. By adopting the configuration designed below, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 appear to have different colors under the first observation condition and the same color under the second observation condition.

[0106] Fig. 10 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the color displayed by the first part shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 when the front surface is illuminated with white light and the distance from the plane including the first flat region to the first sub-region. Fig. 11 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the color displayed by the first part shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 when the front surface of the first part is covered with a transparent resin layer and the transparent resin layer is illuminated with white light and the distance from the plane including the first flat region to the first sub-region. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the display shown in Fig. 1 when the front surface is illuminated with white light. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed by the display shown in Fig. 1 when the back surface is illuminated with white light.

[0107] The graphs shown in Figures 10 and 11 are u'v' chromaticity diagrams. Fig. 10 shows the color change of the first portion P1 that occurs when the first distance D1 is changed under the first observation condition described with reference to Fig. 6. Here, the refractive index of the air layer adjacent to the light source side surface of the reflective layer 12 is 1.0. In Fig. 10, points A, B, C, and D are arranged in order from the smallest first distance D1.

[0108] Fig. 11 shows the color change of the first portion P1 that occurs when the first distance D1 is changed under the second observation condition described with reference to Fig. 8. Here, the refractive index of the relief layer 11 adjacent to the surface of the reflective layer 12 facing the light source is 1.4.

[0109] In Fig. 11, point P is the chromaticity coordinate obtained under the second viewing condition for the first portion P1 where the first distance D1 is equal to the first distance D1 corresponding to point A in Fig. 10. Point P is also the chromaticity coordinate obtained under the second viewing condition for the first portion P1 where the first distance D1 is equal to the first distance D1 corresponding to point C in Fig. 10.

[0110] In Fig. 11, point Q is the chromaticity coordinate obtained under the second viewing condition for the first portion P1 where the first distance D1 is equal to the first distance D1 corresponding to point B in Fig. 10. Point Q is also the chromaticity coordinate obtained under the second viewing condition for the first portion P1 where the first distance D1 is equal to the first distance D1 corresponding to point D in Fig. 10.

[0111] When the refractive index of the adjacent area adjacent to the light source side surface of the reflective layer 12 is changed from 1.0 for the air layer to 1.4 for the relief layer 11, the relationship between the first distance D1 and the display color of the first portion P1 changes from the relationship shown in Fig. 10 to the relationship shown in Fig. 11. In Fig. 10, the curves representing the chromaticity coordinates of the display color of the first portion P1 do not intersect. In contrast, in Fig. 11, the curves representing the chromaticity coordinates of the display color of the first portion P1 intersect at points P and Q.

[0112] Therefore, if the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are set so that both the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 display a color corresponding to the point P or Q under the second observation condition, different colors can be displayed in the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 under the first observation condition as shown in Fig. 12, and the same color can be displayed in the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 under the second observation condition as shown in Fig. 13. For example, when the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are set to 140 nm and 325 nm, respectively, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can display colors corresponding to the points A and C, respectively, under the first observation condition, and can display a color corresponding to the point P under the second observation condition. Alternatively, when the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are set to 197 nm and 370 nm, respectively, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can display colors corresponding to the points B and D, respectively, under the first observation condition, and can display a color corresponding to the point Q under the second observation condition.

[0113] As described above, in this display device 1, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 appear to have different colors under the first observation condition and appear to have the same color under the second observation condition. That is, the image displayed by the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 under the second observation condition is a latent image that is visualized under the first observation condition.

[0114] Even if the individual color changes of the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are not easily recognizable, the change between a state in which the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 appear to be different colors and a state in which they appear to be the same color is easily recognizable. Therefore, this display 1 can be easily distinguished by observation with the naked eye from a display that reproduces a color similar to the chromatic color displayed by the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 using a printing layer.

[0115] <2> Second embodiment Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a first portion of a display according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a second portion of a display according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The display member 1 according to the second embodiment is similar to the display member 1 according to the first embodiment, except that it further includes a covering layer 13. The covering layer 13 covers the first surface S1 with the reflective layer 12 sandwiched therebetween. The covering layer 13 is a light-transmitting layer having a refractive index different from that of the relief layer 11.

[0117] By providing the covering layer 13, damage and deterioration of the reflective layer 12 can be prevented. In addition, by appropriately setting the refractive indexes of the relief layer 11 and the covering layer 13 and the first distance D1 and the second distance D2, for example, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can be made to display different colors under the first observation condition and the same color under the second observation condition. Alternatively, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can be made to display the same color under the first observation condition and different colors under the second observation condition.

[0118] <3> Third embodiment Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a first part of a display according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a second part of a display according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] The display member 1 according to the third embodiment is similar to the display member 1 according to the first embodiment, except that the relief layer 11 may be either light-transmitting or light-blocking.

[0120] In the third embodiment, under a first observation condition, a reflective layer 12 is interposed between the relief layer 11 and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye. Under a second observation condition, a liquid film 23 is provided on the reflective layer 12, and the reflective layer 12 and the liquid film 23 are interposed between the light source and the relief layer 11, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye. The liquid film 23 is, for example, a solution such as water or an aqueous solution.

[0121] The liquid film 23 has a refractive index different from that of the air layer. Therefore, by appropriately setting the refractive index of the liquid film 23 and the first distance D1 and the second distance D2, for example, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can be made to display different colors under a first observation condition and the same color under a second observation condition.

[0122] <4> Fourth embodiment Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a first part of a display according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view showing a second part of a display according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] The display member 1 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the display member 1 according to the first embodiment except that it further includes a covering layer 14 and the relief layer 11 may be either light-transmitting or light-blocking. The covering layer 14 covers the reflective layer 12. The covering layer 14 is a light-transmitting layer that can be peeled off from the reflective layer 12.

[0124] In the fourth embodiment, under a first observation condition, the reflective layer 12 and the covering layer 14 are interposed between the relief layer 11 and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye. Then, under a second observation condition, the covering layer 14 is peeled off from the reflective layer 12, and the reflective layer 12 is interposed between the light source and the relief layer 11, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye.

[0125] The covering layer 14 has a refractive index different from that of the air layer. Therefore, by appropriately setting the refractive index of the covering layer 14 and the first distance D1 and the second distance D2, for example, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 can be made to display the same color under a first observation condition and different colors under a second observation condition. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1... Display body, 11... Relief layer, 12... Reflective layer, 12a1... Reflective part, 12a2... Reflective part, 12b1... Reflective part, 12b2... Reflective part, 13... Covering layer, 14... Covering layer, 23... Liquid film, D1... First distance, D2... Second distance, FR1... First flat area, FR2 ...Second flat region, P1...First part, P2...Second part, PR1...First convex part, PR2...Second convex part, R1...First region, R2...Second region, S1...First surface, S2...Second surface, SR1...First sub-region, SR2...Second sub-region, θ1...Incidence angle, θ2...Emission angle.

Claims

1. a light-transmitting relief layer having a first surface and a second surface which is the reverse side of the first surface, the first surface including a first region and a second region, the first region being composed of a first flat region extending over the entire first region and a plurality of first sub-regions which are parallel to the first flat region, spaced a first distance from a plane including the first flat region, and distributed in an island shape, the second region being composed of a second flat region which is parallel to the first flat region, and a plurality of second sub-regions which are parallel to the second flat region, spaced a second distance different from the first distance, and distributed in an island shape; a reflective layer conformally covering the first region and the second region; Equipped with At each of the first and second regions, a region adjacent to the reflective layer on the opposite side to the relief layer is an air layer, The refractive index of the relief layer, the first distance, and the second distance are a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region each display a chromatic color under at least one of a first observation condition in which the reflective layer is interposed between the relief layer and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye, and a second observation condition in which the relief layer is interposed between the reflective layer and the light source, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye; A display device set so that the first portion and the second portion appear to have different colors under one of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition, and appear to have the same color under the other of the first and second viewing conditions.

2. A light-transmitting relief layer having a first surface and a second surface which is its reverse side, the first surface including a first region and a second region, the first region being composed of a first flat region extending over the entirety of the first region and a plurality of first sub-regions each parallel to the first flat region and spaced a first distance from a plane including the first flat region and distributed in an island-like manner, the second region being composed of a second flat region parallel to the first flat region and a plurality of second sub-regions each parallel to the second flat region and spaced a second distance different from the first distance from the plane including the second flat region and distributed in an island-like manner; a reflective layer conformally covering the first region and the second region; a light-transmitting covering layer having a refractive index different from that of the relief layer, covering the first surface at each of the first region and the second region with the reflective layer therebetween; Equipped with The coating layer has a flat surface, The refractive index of the relief layer, the refractive index of the covering layer, the first distance, and the second distance are a first portion corresponding to the first region and a second portion corresponding to the second region each display a chromatic color under at least one of a first observation condition in which the reflective layer is interposed between the relief layer and a light source that emits white light, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye, and a second observation condition in which the relief layer is interposed between the reflective layer and the light source, and the reflected light is observed with the naked eye; The display body described above, wherein the first portion and the second portion are configured to appear to be different colors under one of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition, and to appear to be the same color under the other of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition.

3. 3. The display body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first region and the second region are adjacent to each other, and an image displayed by the first portion and the second portion under one of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition is a latent image which becomes visible under the other of the first viewing condition and the second viewing condition.

4. The display according to claim 1 , wherein the first sub-regions are randomly distributed in the first region, and the second sub-regions are randomly distributed in the second region.

5. A display as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the plurality of first sub-regions and the plurality of second sub-regions has a maximum dimension in the range of 0.3 to 50 μm, and a maximum value of a dimension in a direction perpendicular to the direction having this maximum dimension is in the range of 0.3 to 50 μm.

6. 6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a total area of ​​the plurality of first sub-regions to an area of ​​the first region and a ratio of a total area of ​​the plurality of second sub-regions to an area of ​​the second region are in the range of 0.15 to 0.

85.

7. The display according to claim 1 , wherein the reflective layer has a rectangular cross-sectional shape at each of the first sub-regions and the second sub-regions.

8. 8. The display according to claim 1, wherein each of the first distance and the second distance is in a range of 0.05 to 0.5 [mu]m.

9. 9. The display according to claim 1, wherein the reflective layer includes a layer made of a metal or an alloy.

10. A transfer material layer including the display body according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a support that supports the transfer material layer in a peelable manner. A transfer foil equipped with

11. A display according to any one of claims 1 to 9; An adhesive layer provided on the display body; An adhesive label comprising:

12. A display according to any one of claims 1 to 9; An article supporting the display body; An article with a display body comprising:

Images