Latent image printed matter

Abstract

To provide a latent image printed matter capable of forming a camouflage pattern that improves concealability of a latent image.SOLUTION: In a latent image printed matter, a plurality of raised first streaks 11 extending in a first direction X and a plurality of raised second streaks 21 extending in a second direction Y different from the first direction X are arranged on a substrate, and a latent image pattern formed on the substrate can be observed. The plurality of first streaks 11 each have a first width portion 12, a second width portion 13 narrower than the first width portion 12, and a boundary 14 provided between the first width portion 12 and the second width portion 13. The first width portion, the second width portion and the boundary portion form a camouflage pattern that hides the latent image pattern. The boundary portion 14 has a narrow area narrower than the second width portion 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a latent image printed matter with a latent image for preventing forgery and duplication.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, anti-counterfeiting printed matters such as banknotes, travel documents, gift certificates, and various certificates have been required to be provided with anti-counterfeiting technologies. As one of the anti-counterfeiting technologies, for example, a latent image intaglio printed matter can be mentioned. The latent image intaglio printed matter forms a latent image pattern by regularly arranging ten thousand lines having the same raised portion with the same line pitch and line width in the vertical and horizontal directions. The latent image pattern is visually recognized by generating a density difference between the vertical ten thousand lines and the horizontal ten thousand lines when observed from a specific direction.

[0003] In the latent image intaglio technology of regularly arranging raised ten thousand lines in the vertical and horizontal directions, the density at the boundary between the latent image pattern and the area where the latent image pattern is not applied becomes high. Therefore, even when the latent image intaglio printed matter is observed directly from above, the latent image pattern may be visually recognized. Therefore, a technique is adopted in which a different image is visually recognized when observed directly from above by making some of the line widths of the latent image lines and the background lines formed at regular pitches and with a constant line width thicker or thinner.

[0004] However, in these latent image intaglio technologies with camouflage patterns formed, even when the camouflage pattern is formed, the latent image pattern and the camouflage pattern may be observed in a mixed state because the line density at the adjacent portions of the latent image lines and the background lines formed in different directions becomes high.

[0005] Therefore, the applicant of the present application forms the height of the ruled lines having bulges formed at regular pitches so that the height is partially different, rather than arranging the ruled lines having bulges regularly in the vertical and horizontal directions. As a result, when observed from directly above, the latent image cannot be visually recognized. In addition, by arranging the camouflage lines with a low line height in the non-ruled line portions of the regular ruled line pattern, a latent image printed matter is applied for in which the latent image and the camouflage image are completely switched by changing the observation angle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, since the technique of Patent Document 1 forms a latent image by partially changing the height of the ruled lines forming the latent image, it is difficult to reproduce the height of the ruled lines having bulges as designed. Therefore, there are cases where the latent image formed on the printed matter is not visually recognized as the designed image. Therefore, in a configuration in which ruled lines having bulges, which are general latent image intaglio plates, are regularly arranged in the vertical and horizontal directions, it is desired to form a camouflage pattern that improves the concealability of the latent image pattern.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a latent image printed matter capable of forming a camouflage pattern that improves the concealability of a latent image pattern in consideration of the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, in the latent image printed matter of the present invention, a plurality of first ruled lines that extend in a first direction and bulge are arranged on a base material, and a plurality of second ruled lines that extend in a second direction different from the first direction and bulge are arranged, and a latent image pattern formed on the base material can be observed. At least one of the plurality of first ruled lines and the plurality of second ruled lines has a first width portion, a second width portion that is narrower than the first width portion, and a boundary portion provided between the first width portion and the second width portion. The first width portion, the second width portion, and the boundary portion form a camouflage pattern that conceals the latent image pattern. And the boundary portion has a narrow region that is narrower than the second width portion.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the anti-counterfeiting printed matter having the above configuration, the camouflage pattern can be emphasized, and the concealability of the latent image pattern can be improved. In addition, problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] 1. Configuration of Latent Image Printed Matter Hereinafter, the configuration of a latent image printed matter according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In each figure, common members are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a latent image printed matter according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of the latent image printed matter shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a ruled line of the latent image printed matter according to an embodiment.

[0014] The latent image printed matter 1 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by performing intaglio printing on a base material P such as paper. The latent image printed matter 1 has a first ruled line 10 forming a latent image part and a second ruled line 20 forming a background part.

[0015] The area (latent image part) where the first ruled line 10 is provided is formed with "ABC" of characters. The area (background part) where the second ruled line 20 is provided is an area surrounding the area where the first ruled line 10 is provided. The first ruled line 10 is composed of a plurality of first ruled lines 11 extending in a first direction X. The second ruled line 20 is composed of a plurality of second ruled lines 21 extending in a second direction Y different from the first direction X.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the first direction X is the horizontal direction when the horizontally long latent image printed matter 1 is viewed from directly above, and the second direction X is the vertical direction when the latent image printed matter 1 is viewed from directly above. Note that the first direction and the second direction according to the present invention are not limited to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, and are not limited to directions perpendicular to each other.

[0017] A plurality of first lines 11 and a plurality of second lines 21 are each formed so as to protrude from the surface of the base material P. The distances between adjacent first lines 11 are set to be the same. Also, the distances between adjacent second lines 21 are set to be the same. And the distances between adjacent second lines 21 are set to be the same as the distances between adjacent first lines 11. Hereinafter, the portion between adjacent first lines 11 is referred to as the "first non-line portion". Also, the portion between adjacent second lines 21 is referred to as the "second non-line portion".

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, when the latent image printed matter 1 is observed from directly above, the first grid lines 10 and the second grid lines 20 are visually recognized by the observer as having the same density. As a result, the observer cannot visually recognize or has difficulty visually recognizing the first grid lines 10 of the latent image printed matter 1 as the latent image pattern "ABC".

[0019] On one side in the second direction Y, when the observer observes the latent image printed matter 1 obliquely from above, the first direction X in which the plurality of first lines 11 extend intersects the observer's line of sight substantially perpendicularly. Therefore, the plurality of first lines 11 having a bulge conceal a part of the first non-line portion. As a result, the first grid lines 10 are visually recognized by the observer as being in a state of having a seemingly high density.

[0020] On the other hand, the second direction Y in which the plurality of second lines 21 extend is substantially parallel to the observer's line of sight. Therefore, the second non-line portion is not concealed by the plurality of second lines 21. As a result, the second grid lines 20 are visually recognized by the observer without a change in the seemingly density. As a result, a seemingly density difference occurs between the first grid lines 10 and the second grid lines 20, and the observer can visually recognize the first grid lines 10 of the latent image printed matter 1 as the latent image pattern "ABC".

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a camouflage pattern 30 is formed on the latent image print 1. The camouflage pattern 30 is formed by providing a plurality of first lines 11 and a plurality of second lines 21 with portions having a narrow line width (if the line widths are different, they may be formed thicker). Thereby, the camouflage pattern 30 can be recognized as a pattern when the latent image print 1 is observed from the front. The camouflage pattern 30 of the present embodiment has a shape in which three rhombuses are arranged so as to overlap in the first direction X.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the first line 11 forming the camouflage pattern 30 has a first width portion 12, a second width portion 13 narrower than the first width portion 12, and a boundary portion 14 provided between the first width portion 12 and the second width portion 13. Note that the first line 11 that does not form the camouflage pattern 30 has only the first width portion 12 and does not have the second width portion 13 and the boundary portion 14 (see FIG. 1).

[0023] The width of the first width portion 12 is the length in the second direction Y in the first width portion 12. Also, the width of the second width portion 13 is the length in the second direction Y in the second width portion 13. The center lines of the first width portion 12 and the second width portion 13 extend in the first direction X. The center line of the first width portion 12 coincides with the center line of the second width portion 13. Hereinafter, the center lines of the first width portion 12 and the second width portion 13 are referred to as the "center line of the first line 11".

[0024] The boundary portion 14 is formed in a constricted shape that is concave toward the center line of the first line 11 by having both side ends notched in a trapezoidal shape. The boundary portion 14 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the first line 11 as an axis of symmetry. The boundary portion 14 has a first tapered piece 14a continuous with the first width portion 12, a second tapered piece 14b continuous with the second width portion 13, and a connecting piece 14c disposed between the first tapered piece 14a and the second tapered piece 14b.

[0025] The connecting piece 14c is formed in a quadrilateral shape. Here, the length in the direction (the second direction Y) orthogonal to the center line of the first line 11 in the connecting piece 14c is defined as the width of the connecting piece 14c. The width of the connecting piece 14c is narrower than the width of the second width portion 13. Further, the connecting piece 14c is the portion with the narrowest width at the boundary portion 14. The first tapered piece 14a and the second tapered piece 14b are formed in a linear tapered shape that narrows in width toward the connecting piece 14c. Therefore, the width of the boundary portion 14 is narrower than the width of the first width portion 12 at any part.

[0026] The width of a part of the first tapered piece 14a on the side of the connecting piece 14c is narrower than the width of the second width portion 13. Also, the width of the second tapered piece 14b is narrower than the width of the second width portion 13. Therefore, a part of the first tapered piece 14a on the side of the connecting piece 14c, the connecting piece 14c, and the second tapered piece 14b form a region narrower in width than the second width portion 13.

[0027] Hereinafter, the region in the boundary portion 14 that is narrower in width than the second width portion 13 is referred to as a narrow region. In other words, the boundary portion 14 has a narrow region that is narrower in width than the second width portion 13. By the boundary portion 14 having a narrow region, the boundary between the first width portion 12 and the second width portion 13 can be made clear.

[0028] The second line 21 forming the camouflage pattern 30 has a first width portion 22, a second width portion 23 that is narrower in width than the first width portion 22, and a boundary portion 24 provided between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23. Note that the second line 21 that does not form the camouflage pattern 30 has only the first width portion 22 and does not have the second width portion 23 and the boundary portion 24 (see FIG. 1).

[0029] The width of the first width portion 22 is the length in the first direction X in the first width portion 22. Also, the width of the second width portion 23 is the length in the first direction X in the second width portion 23. The center lines of the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 extend in the second direction Y. The center line of the first width portion 22 coincides with the center line of the second width portion 23. Hereinafter, the center lines of the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 are referred to as the "center line of the second line 21".

[0030] The boundary portion 24 is formed in a constricted shape that is concave toward the center line of the second reference line 21 by having both side ends notched in a V shape. The boundary portion 24 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the second reference line 21 as the target axis. The boundary portion 24 has a first tapered piece 24a continuous with the first width portion 22 and a second tapered piece 24b continuous with the first tapered piece 24a and the second width portion 23.

[0031] The first tapered piece 24a is formed in a linear tapered shape that narrows in width toward the second tapered piece 24b. On the other hand, the second tapered piece 24b is formed in a linear tapered shape that narrows in width toward the first tapered piece 24a. Therefore, the width of the boundary portion 24 is narrower than the width of the first width portion 22 at any part.

[0032] The width of a part of the first tapered piece 24a on the second tapered piece 24b side is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Also, the width of the second tapered piece 24b is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Therefore, a part of the first tapered piece 24a on the second tapered piece 24b side and the second tapered piece 24b are in a region that is narrower in width than the second width portion 23.

[0033] Hereinafter, a region in the boundary portion 24 that is narrower in width than the second width portion 23 is defined as a narrow region. In other words, the boundary portion 24 has a narrow region that is narrower in width than the second width portion 23. In the narrow region of the boundary portion 24, the narrowest part is formed linearly. By the boundary portion 24 having a narrow region, the boundary between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 can be made clear.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the width W1 of the first width portion 22 is set to 120 μm, the width W2 of the second width portion 23 is set to 96 μm, and the narrowest width W3 of the narrow region is set to 80 μm. Further, the length L in the second direction Y of the boundary portion 24 is set to 100 to 150 μm.

[0035] The length L of the boundary portion 24 is preferably longer than the width W2 of the second width portion 23. Thereby, a predetermined distance can be provided between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23, and the boundary between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 can be made clear.

[0036] 2. Conventional latent image printed matter Next, a conventional latent image printed matter 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main part of the conventional latent image printed matter 100.

[0037] In the conventional latent image printed matter 100, a camouflage pattern 300 (see FIG. 5) is formed. The camouflage pattern 300 is formed by providing wide portions and narrow portions in a plurality of first ruled lines 110 and a plurality of second ruled lines 210 shown in FIG. 4. The camouflage pattern 300 has a shape in which three rhombuses are arranged so as to overlap in the first direction X, similar to this embodiment.

[0038] The first ruled line 110 forming the camouflage pattern 300 has a first width portion 12, a second width portion 13, and a boundary portion 140. The first width portion 12 and the second width portion 13 are the same as those in this embodiment. The boundary portion 140 is formed in a tapered shape in which the width becomes narrower as it goes from the first width portion 12 toward the second width portion 13.

[0039] The second ruled line 210 forming the camouflage pattern 300 has a first width portion 22, a second width portion 23, and a boundary portion 240. The first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 are the same as those in this embodiment. The boundary portion 240 is formed in a tapered shape in which the width becomes narrower as it goes from the first width portion 22 toward the second width portion 23. That is, the boundary portions 140 and 240 of the conventional latent image printed matter 100 do not have a narrow region according to this embodiment.

[0040] 3. Comparison between the latent image printed matter according to this embodiment and the conventional latent image printed matter Next, a comparison between the latent image printed matter 1 according to this embodiment and the conventional latent image printed matter 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram comparing the latent image printed matter 1 according to the present embodiment with the conventional latent image printed matter 100.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a state where the latent image printed matter 1 of the present invention and the conventional latent image printed matter 100 are viewed from directly above. As described above, the boundary portions 14 and 24 of the latent image printed matter 1 of the present invention have narrow regions (see FIG. 2). As a result, the boundary between the camouflage pattern 30 and the other regions becomes clear, and the camouflage pattern 30 is emphasized. As a result, the latent image pattern "ABC" can be made inconspicuous, and the concealability of the latent image pattern "ABC" can be improved.

[0042] On the other hand, the boundary portions 140 and 240 of the conventional latent image printed matter 100 do not have narrow regions. As a result, the boundary between the camouflage pattern 300 and the other regions is not as clear as that of the latent image printed matter 1 according to the present embodiment, so the camouflage pattern 300 is not emphasized. As a result, it is difficult to improve the concealability of the latent image pattern "ABC" in the conventional latent image printed matter 100.

[0043] 4. Other Examples of the Boundary Portion Next, other examples of the boundary portion between the first ruled line and the second ruled line according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example (Example 1) of the boundary portion according to the present invention. The ruled line 31 shown in FIG. 6 has a first width portion 22, a second width portion 23, and a boundary portion 34 which is another example of the boundary portion according to the present invention. The boundary portion 34 is formed in a constricted shape that is concave toward the center lines of the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 (the center line of the ruled line 31) by having both side ends cut out in a curved shape. The boundary portion 34 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the ruled line 31 as the target axis.

[0045] The boundary portion 34 has a first tapered piece 34a continuous with the first width portion 22 and a second tapered piece 34b continuous with the first tapered piece 34a and the second width portion 23. The first tapered piece 34a is formed in a substantially exponential taper shape that narrows in width toward the second tapered piece 34b. On the other hand, the second tapered piece 34b is formed in a substantially exponential taper shape that narrows in width toward the first tapered piece 34a. Therefore, the width of the boundary portion 34 is narrower than the width of the first width portion 22 at any part.

[0046] The width of a part of the first tapered piece 34a on the side of the second tapered piece 34b is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Also, the width of the second tapered piece 34b is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Therefore, a part of the first tapered piece 34a on the side of the second tapered piece 34b and the second tapered piece 34b form a region narrower in width than the second width portion 23.

[0047] Hereinafter, a region of the boundary portion 34 that is narrower in width than the second width portion 23 is referred to as a narrow region. In other words, the boundary portion 34 has a narrow region that is narrower in width than the second width portion 23. In the narrow region of the boundary portion 34, the narrowest part is formed linearly. By the boundary portion 34 having a narrow region, the boundary between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 can be made clear.

[0048] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing another example (the second one) of the boundary portion according to the present invention. The drawn line 41 shown in FIG. 7 has a first width portion 22, a second width portion 23, and a boundary portion 44 which is another example of the boundary portion according to the present invention. The boundary portion 44 is formed in a constricted shape that is recessed toward the center line (the center line of the drawn line 41) of the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 by having both side ends notched in a trapezoidal shape. The boundary portion 44 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the drawn line 41 as the axis of symmetry.

[0049] The boundary portion 44 includes a first tapered piece 44a continuous with the first width portion 22, a second tapered piece 44b continuous with the second width portion 23, and a connecting piece 44c disposed between the first tapered piece 44a and the second tapered piece 44b. The first tapered piece 44a and the second tapered piece 44b are the same as the first tapered piece 14a and the second tapered piece 14b shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] The connecting piece 44c is formed in a substantially quadrangular shape. Here, the length of the connecting piece 44c in the direction orthogonal to the center line of the ruled line 41 in the connecting piece 44c is defined as the width of the connecting piece 44c. The width of the connecting piece 44c is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Also, the connecting piece 44c is the portion with the narrowest width in the boundary portion 44. Both side ends of the connecting piece 44c are formed in a serrated shape.

[0051] A part of the width of the connecting piece 44a on the side of the connecting piece 44c is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Also, the width of the second tapered piece 44b is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Therefore, a part of the first tapered piece 44a on the side of the connecting piece 44c, the connecting piece 44c, and the second tapered piece 44b form a region narrower than the second width portion 23. Note that the width of the boundary portion 44 is narrower than the width of the first width portion 22 at any part.

[0052] Hereinafter, the region of the boundary portion 44 that is narrower than the second width portion 23 is referred to as a narrow region. In other words, the boundary portion 44 has a narrow region that is narrower than the second width portion 23. By having the narrow region in the boundary portion 44, the boundary between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 can be made clear.

[0053] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing another example (Example 3) of the boundary portion according to the present invention. The ruled line 51 shown in FIG. 8 has a first width portion 22, a second width portion 23, and a boundary portion 54 which is another example of the boundary portion according to the present invention. One side end of the boundary portion 54 is notched in a V shape, and the other side end is notched in a curved shape. Thereby, the boundary portion 54 is formed in a constricted shape that is concave toward the center lines of the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 (the center line of the ruled line 51).

[0054] The boundary portion 54 has a first tapered piece 54a continuous with the first width portion 22 and a second tapered piece 54b continuous with the first tapered piece 54a and the second width portion 23. The first tapered piece 54a is formed in a tapered shape that narrows in width toward the second tapered piece 54b. On the other hand, the second tapered piece 54b is formed in a tapered shape that narrows in width toward the first tapered piece 54a. Therefore, the width of the boundary portion 54 is narrower than the width of the first width portion 22 at any part.

[0055] The width of a part of the first tapered piece 54a on the side of the second tapered piece 54b is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Also, the width of the second tapered piece 54b is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Therefore, a part of the first tapered piece 54a on the side of the second tapered piece 34b and the second tapered piece 54b are regions with a width narrower than that of the second width portion 23.

[0056] Hereinafter, the region of the boundary portion 54 that is narrower than the second width portion 23 is referred to as a narrow region. In other words, the boundary portion 54 has a narrow region that is narrower than the second width portion 23. In the narrow region of the boundary portion 54, the narrowest part is formed linearly. By the boundary portion 54 having a narrow region, the boundary between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 can be made clear.

[0057] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example (Example 4) of the boundary portion according to the present invention. The drawn line 61 shown in FIG. 9 has a first width portion 22, a second width portion 23, and a boundary portion 64 which is another example of the boundary portion according to the present invention. One side end of the boundary portion 64 is notched in a trapezoidal shape, and the other side end is notched in a V shape. Thereby, the boundary portion 64 is formed in a constricted shape that is recessed toward the center line of the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 (the center line of the drawn line 61).

[0058] The boundary portion 64 has a first tapered piece 64a continuous with the first width portion 22, a second tapered piece 64b continuous with the second width portion 23, and a connecting piece 64c disposed between the first tapered piece 64a and the second tapered piece 64b. The first tapered piece 64a and the second tapered piece 64b are the same as the first tapered piece 14a and the second tapered piece 14b shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the width of the boundary portion 64 is narrower than the width of the first width portion 22 at any part.

[0059] The connecting piece 64c is formed linearly. Here, the length of the connecting piece 64c in the direction orthogonal to the center line of the ruled line 61 is defined as the width of the connecting piece 64c. The width of the connecting piece 64c is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. One side end of the connecting piece 64c is formed linearly along the center line of the ruled line 61. A V-shaped groove extending the side ends of the first tapered piece 64a and the second tapered piece 64b is formed at the other side end of the connecting piece 64c.

[0060] The width of a part of the first tapered piece 64a on the connecting piece 64c side is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Also, the width of the second tapered piece 64b is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Therefore, a part of the first tapered piece 64a on the connecting piece 64c side, the connecting piece 64c, and the second tapered piece 64b form a region narrower than the second width portion 23.

[0061] Hereinafter, the region of the boundary portion 64 that is narrower than the second width portion 23 is referred to as a narrow region. In other words, the boundary portion 64 has a narrow region that is narrower than the second width portion 23. By having the narrow region in the boundary portion 64, the boundary between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 can be made clear.

[0062] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example (the fifth) of the boundary portion according to the present invention. The ruled line 71 shown in FIG. 10 has a first width portion 22, a second width portion 23, and a boundary portion 74 which is another example of the boundary portion according to the present invention. The boundary portion 74 is formed in a constricted shape that is recessed toward the center line (the center line of the ruled line 71) of the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 because both side ends are notched in a quadrangular shape.

[0063] The boundary portion 74 is formed in a quadrangular shape. Here, the length in the direction orthogonal to the center line of the ruled line 71 in the boundary portion 74 is defined as the width of the boundary portion 74. The width of the boundary portion 74 is narrower than the width of the second width portion 23. Therefore, a step is formed between the boundary portion 74 and the first width portion 22, and between the boundary portion 74 and the second width portion 23, respectively.

[0064] The entire area of the boundary portion 74 is an area narrower than the second width portion 23. Hereinafter, the area of the boundary portion 74 that is narrower than the second width portion 23 is referred to as a narrow area. In other words, the boundary portion 74 has a narrow area that is narrower than the second width portion 23. By the boundary portion 74 having a narrow area, the boundary between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23 can be made clear.

[0065] As described above, the plurality of first ruled lines 11 of the latent image printed matter 1 according to the above-described embodiment include a first width portion 12, a second width portion 13 that is narrower than the first width portion 12, and a boundary portion 14 provided between the first width portion 12 and the second width portion 13. Further, the plurality of second ruled lines 21 include a first width portion 22, a second width portion 23 that is narrower than the first width portion 22, and a boundary portion 24 provided between the first width portion 22 and the second width portion 23. The plurality of first ruled lines 11 and the plurality of second ruled lines 21 form a latent image pattern "ABC" and a camouflage pattern 30 that conceals the latent image pattern "ABC". And the boundary portions 14, 24 have narrow areas that are narrower than the second width portions 13, 23. Thereby, the boundary between the camouflage pattern 30 and the other areas becomes clear, and the camouflage pattern 30 can be emphasized. As a result, the latent image pattern "ABC" can be made inconspicuous, and the concealability of the latent image pattern "ABC" can be improved.

[0066] In the latent image printed matter 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the plurality of first lines 11 and the plurality of second lines 21 form the camouflage pattern 30. However, the camouflage pattern according to the present invention may be formed by at least one of the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines. When a camouflage pattern is formed across the plurality of first lines 11 that are the latent image portions and the plurality of second lines 21 that are the background portions, the latent image pattern can be made less conspicuous than when only one of the lines forms the camouflage pattern.

[0067] Also, in the boundary portion 14 (see FIG. 2) according to the above-described embodiment, the narrowest portion in the narrow region is formed in a quadrangular shape. As a result, the narrowest portion in the narrow region extends in the direction along the center line of the first line 11. On the other hand, in the boundary portion 24, the narrowest portion in the narrow region is formed linearly. As a result, the narrowest portion in the narrow region does not extend in the direction along the center line of the second line 21. As a result, the boundary portion 14 can make the boundary between the camouflage pattern 30 and the other region clearer than the boundary portion 24.

[0068] Note that when expanding the narrowest portion in the narrow region in the direction along the center lines of the first width portion and the second width portion, it is not limited to making the narrowest portion in the narrow region quadrangular. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, it may be a substantially quadrangular shape with serrated side ends.

[0069] As described above, the latent image printed matter of the present invention has been described including its operational effects. However, the latent image printed matter of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention described in the claims.

[0070] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the narrowest part in the narrow region of the boundary part is one. However, the narrowest part in the narrow region according to the present invention may be two or more. For example, both side ends of the connection piece 14c shown in FIG. 2 may be formed in an arc shape that protrudes outward. In this case, the narrowest part in the narrow region is formed as two linear shapes.

[0071] In the above-described embodiment, the boundary part is formed as one continuous region. However, the boundary part according to the present invention may be cut in a direction intersecting the center line of the ruled line as long as it has the above-described narrow region. Further, since the effect of the present invention is to emphasize and visually recognize the camouflage image by forming a narrow region in the boundary part, for example, a similar effect to the present invention can be obtained by emphasizing the camouflage pattern by forming the widest region of the ruled line width in the boundary part.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 1, 100 Latent image printed matter 10 First ten thousand lines 11, 110 First ruled line 12, 22 First width part 13, 23 Second width part 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 140, 240 Boundary part 14a, 24a, 34a, 44a, 54a, 64a First tapered piece 14b, 24b, 34b, 44b, 54b, 64b Second tapered piece 14c, 44c, 64c Connection piece 20 Second ten thousand lines 21, 210 Second ruled line 30, 300 Camouflage pattern 31, 41, 51, 61, 71 Ruled line

Claims

1. A latent image print formed on a substrate, having a plurality of first raised lines extending in a first direction and a plurality of second raised lines extending in a second direction different from the first direction, and being capable of observing a latent image pattern formed on the substrate, At least one of the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines has a first width portion, a second width portion narrower than the first width portion, and a boundary portion provided between the first width portion and the second width portion, The first width portion, the second width portion, and the boundary portion form a camouflage pattern that conceals the latent image pattern, The boundary portion has a narrow region narrower than the second width portion, the latent image print.

2. The latent image print according to claim 1, wherein the boundary portion is formed in a constricted shape that is recessed toward the center lines of the first width portion and the second width portion.

3. The latent image print according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a length of the boundary portion along a direction of the center lines of the first width portion and the second width portion is formed to be equal to or greater than a length of the width of the second width portion.

Images