Marker, and an article having the marker

The marker design with laminated resist layers and a transparent film ensures functional integrity and accuracy despite base layer cracking, addressing the cracking issues of glass or ceramic markers.

JP7707683B2Active Publication Date: 2025-07-15DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021103544
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-06-22
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Estimated Expiration
2041-06-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional markers using glass or ceramics as base materials face issues with cracking, which compromises their functionality, and existing solutions do not adequately address maintaining accuracy and integrity when such cracks occur.

Method used

A marker design comprising a glass or ceramic base layer with laminated resist layers in different colors, a transparent adhesive layer, and a transparent film, which provides structural integrity and visibility even when the base layer cracks.

Benefits of technology

The design maintains marker functionality by preventing fragmentation and maintaining shape and position accuracy despite base layer damage, ensuring reliable operation under conditions prone to cracking.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a marker that, even if damage such as a crack occurs to a base material layer, can maintain a function as a marker.SOLUTION: A marker of the present disclosure comprises: a base material layer; a first layer that is laminated on an observation side of the base material layer and is observed as a first color; a second layer that is partially laminated on an observation side of the first layer, is observed as a second color different from the first color, and partially conceals the first layer; a transparent adhesive layer that is laminated on at least an observation side of the second layer, and has transparency allowing observation of the first color and the second color; and a transparent film that is laminated on an observation side of the transparent adhesive layer, and has transparency allowing observation of the first color and the second color. The transparent adhesive layer and the transparent film are provided at positions covering the entire area of at least the second layer when seen from the observation side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to markers and articles having markers.

Background Art

[0002] In order for various automatic control devices to recognize an object, a marker is attached to the object to achieve highly accurate automatic control. Such markers are used, for example, in the control of robots at production sites. Conventionally, as this marker, a marker obtained by printing a mark on paper has been widely used because it can be easily created. However, in such a simple marker, the boundary line of the outer edge of the mark is unclear, or the size of the mark and the interval between a plurality of marks change due to the expansion and contraction of the paper, and sufficient accuracy cannot be ensured when highly accurate control is required. Therefore, as a technique for realizing a more highly accurate marker, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a hole is formed in a metal plate by cutting and resin is embedded to form a marker.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In order to realize a highly accurate marker, it is preferable to use a material with little expansion and contraction due to temperature for the base material layer. Examples of such materials include glass or ceramics. However, glass and ceramics have the disadvantage of being prone to cracking. And in the case of a marker using glass or ceramics as the material constituting the base layer, it has been conventionally considered that if the base layer cracks, the function as a marker cannot be maintained.

[0005] In view of such points, the present disclosure has been made, and while using a material prone to cracking such as glass or ceramics as the material constituting the base layer, even if damage such as cracks occurs in this base layer, the main object is to provide a marker capable of maintaining the function as a marker.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The marker of the present disclosure includes a base layer, a first layer laminated on the observation side of the base layer and observed in a first color, a second layer partially laminated on the observation side of the first layer and observed in a second color different from the first color, a transparent adhesive layer laminated at least on the observation side of the second layer and having transparency capable of observing the first color and the second color, and a transparent film laminated on the observation side of the transparent adhesive layer and having transparency capable of observing the first color and the second color. The base layer is composed of glass or ceramics, the first layer is composed of a first resist, the second layer is composed of a second resist different from the first resist, and the transparent adhesive layer and the transparent film are provided at positions covering at least the entire area of the second layer as viewed from the observation side.

[0007] The marker of the present disclosure may include a plurality of the second layers having independent shapes on the observation side of the first layer, and the transparent adhesive layer and the transparent film may be provided at positions covering at least the entire area of the plurality of the second layers and the portion of the first layer observed between the plurality of the second layers as viewed from the observation side.

[0008] In the marker of the present disclosure, the second layer may have a higher hiding power for hiding the base than the first layer.

[0009] In the marker of the present disclosure, the layer thickness of the second layer may be 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0010] The marker of the present disclosure may include a transparent barrier layer having transparency capable of observing the first color on the observation side of the first layer, and the second layer may be provided on the observation side of the transparent barrier layer.

[0011] The marker of the present disclosure may include an electrode layer on the side opposite to the observation side of the base material layer.

[0012] In the marker of the present disclosure, the electrode layer may be made of metal.

[0013] Further, the article of the present disclosure is an article having the above marker.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a marker that can maintain its function as a marker even if the base material layer is damaged such as cracked while using glass or ceramics as the material constituting the base material layer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to this specification, for the sake of illustration and ease of understanding, the scale, the aspect ratio of the vertical and horizontal dimensions, etc. are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual object. In addition, in this specification, terms such as "layer" and "film" are not distinguished from each other based only on the difference in name. For example, the "layer" is a concept that includes members that can be called sheets or films. Furthermore, with regard to terms used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and their degrees, such as terms like "circular" and values of lengths and angles, etc., they are not bound by a strict meaning and are to be interpreted including ranges that can be expected to have similar functions. Also, in the drawings referred to in this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or parts having similar functions, and repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may be different from the actual ratios for the sake of explanation, or a part of the configuration may be omitted from the drawings.

[0017] <Marker> (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of a marker according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the cross-sectional configuration of the marker according to the present disclosure. This FIG. 2 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the marker 1 shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the marker 1 is configured in a plate shape that is substantially square in plan view, that is, when viewed from the normal direction of the surface on the observation side, and includes a first layer 11 observed in a first color, second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d observed in a second color, and a transparent film 13. More specifically, the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are partially laminated on the observation side of the first layer 11, are observed in a second color different from the first color, and partially conceal the first layer 11. And the transparent film 13 is laminated on the observation side of the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and has transparency that allows the first color and the second color to be observed. Therefore, when the marker 1 is viewed from the observation side, the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d provided on the first layer 11 can be observed through the transparent film 13. And the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are configured to be observable as marks of four independent shapes in the marker 1. Note that the marks of independent shapes mean that a plurality of marks are separated from each other and each is in a form that can be individually recognized.

[0019] A higher contrast value between the color of the first layer 11 (first color) and the colors of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d (second color) is desirable for more accurate mark detection. In the configuration of the present embodiment used under white light (visible light), the contrast value between the color of the first layer 11 (first color) and the colors of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d (second color) is 0.26 or more, and it is desirable that the blurring value between the observed color of the first layer 11 (first color) and the colors of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d (second color) is 0.17 or more.

[0020] Although omitted in FIG. 1, a transparent barrier layer 22 is laminated on the region of the first layer 11 where the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are not provided, and a transparent adhesive layer 23 is laminated on the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and on the region of the transparent barrier layer 22 where the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are not provided.

[0021] In marker 1 shown in FIG. 1, the shape as viewed from the observation side is a substantially square shape of 60 mm × 60 mm (with chamfered shapes at each corner), and circular marks (the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) are arranged one by one near the four corners of marker 1, and a total of four marks are arranged at intervals. It is desirable that at least three marks are arranged on marker 1. This is because, from the observation results of the marks, for example, if the centroid positions of three marks are calculated, the relative position, inclination, and posture between the observation position (such as a camera) and marker 1 can be accurately detected. Also, if the number of marks is more than three, for example, when some marks are observed unclearly due to some obstacles, position detection can be performed from the observation results of the remaining marks. Also, by using a plurality of marks, the accuracy of position detection can be improved.

[0022] Also, in marker 1 shown in FIG. 1, although the four marks are all configured in a circular shape, they are not limited to a circular shape, and may be in a polygonal shape such as a triangle or a quadrilateral, or other shapes. For example, depending on how these marks are observed, the relative positional relationship between the photographing position and marker 1 is detected (hereinafter, also simply referred to as position detection).

[0023] Also, in marker 1 shown in FIG. 1, a form is shown in which a transparent film 13 is provided in a region slightly inside the entire area of the first layer 11 (a substantially square shape of 60 mm × 60 mm). This is because if the outer edge of the first layer 11 and the outer edge of the transparent film 13 coincide, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the first layer 11 and the transparent film 13. Therefore, the region where the transparent film 13 is provided is shown slightly inside the entire area of the first layer 11, but substantially, the region where the transparent film 13 is provided may coincide with the entire area of the first layer 11. An important point in the form shown in this FIG. 1 is that a substantially square region including the four marks of marker 1 is covered with the transparent film 13.

[0024] Next, as shown in FIG. 2, in the cross-sectional configuration of marker 1, a first layer 11 is laminated on top of the base material layer 21 (in the Z direction shown in FIG. 2), a transparent barrier layer 22 is laminated on top of the first layer 11, and a second layer 12a is laminated on top of the transparent barrier layer 22. Further, a transparent adhesive layer 23 is laminated on top of the second layer 12a and on the transparent barrier layer 22 in the region where the second layer 12a is not provided, and a transparent film 13 is laminated on top of the transparent adhesive layer 23.

[0025] In the description of this specification and the claims, the term "laminated" means not only when directly stacked, but also includes the case where other layers are provided in between and stacked. Also, in FIG. 2, the upper side (the side where the transparent film 13 is provided) is the observation side (front side).

[0026] FIG. 2 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of marker 1 shown in FIG. 1. That is, FIG. 2 shows the cross-sectional configuration of marker 1 in the portion where one of the four marks (second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) of marker 1 is provided, namely, the second layer 12a. However, in marker 1, the portions where the other three marks (second layers 12b, 12c, 12d) are provided also have the same cross-sectional configuration as FIG. 2.

[0027] As described above, in marker 1, a first layer 11 is laminated on top of the base material layer 21, second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are laminated on top of the first layer 11, and a transparent film 13 is laminated on top of the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d via a transparent adhesive layer 23. More specifically, in marker 1, a substantially square-shaped region including four marks (second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) is covered by the transparent film 13. And since this transparent film 13 acts as an anti-scattering film, even if marker 1 is damaged such as cracked in the base material layer 21 due to impact or the like, it can be prevented from being scattered as a plurality of fragments.

[0028] Also, in Marker 1, since a substantially square-shaped region including four marks (the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) is covered with the transparent film 13, it is possible to suppress changes in the shape of each mark and the distance between the marks. Therefore, in Marker 1, even if the base material layer 21 is damaged such as cracked, it is possible to maintain the function as a marker. Even when the base material layer 21 is cracked, cases where the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are not damaged have been verified by a drop test on an actual object.

[0029] As described above, the reason why the function as a marker can be maintained even if the base material layer 21 is damaged such as cracked is that the bonding force between the base material layer 21 and the first layer 11 is weaker than the bonding force between the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the first layer 11 and the bonding force between the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d. Therefore, it is presumed that the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are free from damage by following the transparent adhesive layer 23. And since the transparent adhesive layer 23 follows the transparent film 13 and the transparent film 13 has flexibility, normally, the transparent film 13 does not get damaged such as cracked.

[0030] (Constituent elements) Hereinafter, each constituent element constituting Marker 1 will be described.

[0031] [Base material layer] Examples of the material constituting the base material layer 21 include glass or ceramics. For example, by forming the base material layer 21 from a glass plate, it is possible to suppress the expansion and contraction of Marker 1 due to temperature changes and moisture absorption.

[0032] The linear expansion coefficient of the glass plate is, for example, 31.7×10 -7 / °C, and the dimensional change due to temperature change is very small. Also, the linear expansion coefficient of ceramics is, for example, 28×10 -7is on the order of / °C, and like glass, the dimensional change due to temperature change is extremely small. Therefore, ceramics may be used for the base layer 21. In order to suppress the dimensional change due to temperature change, the base layer 21 desirably has a linear expansion coefficient of 10×10 -6 / °C or less.

[0033] The thickness of the base layer 21 is usually preferably thin, but if it is excessively thin, there are problems such as inconvenience in handling and a risk of cracking during processing. Therefore, for example, it is preferably 0.3 mm or more. On the other hand, if the thickness of the base layer 21 is excessively thick, there are demerits such as an unnecessarily large weight and limited applications. Therefore, for example, it is preferably about 5 mm or less.

[0034] [First layer] The first layer 11 is composed of a resist (first resist) colored in the first color (for example, white) and is laminated on the entire surface of the base layer 21. Here, the "resist" (first resist) constituting the first layer 11 contains a pigment or a dye, and is a resin composition material that originally had photosensitivity and has lost its photosensitivity and become stable after being exposed, developed, and post-baked.

[0035] Examples of the resin composition material constituting the first resist include PMMA, ETA, HETA, HEMA, or a mixture with epoxy. Examples of the material for coloring white include titanium oxide, zirconia, barium titanate, etc. In this embodiment, since the first layer 11 is composed of a resist (first resist), the surface of the first layer 11 can be formed very smoothly, which is desirable as a base for forming the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d described later.

[0036] It is desirable that the layer thickness of the first layer 11 be 3 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If the layer thickness of the first layer 11 is less than 3 μm, the diffuse reflectance is insufficient, the contrast decreases, and the visibility of the marks composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and the ease of detection by automatic recognition decrease. Further, if the layer thickness of the first layer 11 is more than 100 μm, it becomes difficult to make the film thickness uniform.

[0037] [Second layer] The second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are composed of a resist (second resist) colored in a second color (for example, black), and are formed in a predetermined region at a predetermined position by photolithography processing. And each region of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d is configured to be observable as a mark having an independent shape. Here, the "resist" (second resist) constituting the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d also contains a pigment or a dye, similar to the "resist" (first resist) constituting the first layer 11 above. The resin composition material that originally had photosensitivity has lost its photosensitivity and has become a stable state by being subjected to exposure, development, and post-baking. Examples of the resin composition material constituting the second resist include PMMA, ETA, HETA, HEMA, or a mixture with epoxy. Examples of the material for coloring black include carbon, blackened titanium, nickel oxide, and the like.

[0038] It is desirable that the layer thickness of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d be 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less. If the layer thickness of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d is less than 0.5 μm, the optical density is insufficient, the hiding performance decreases, and it is likely to be difficult to form a uniform coating film. If it is more than 5 μm, the photocuring reactivity of the light in the deep part of the resin by ultraviolet rays is insufficient. The second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d act to partially conceal the first layer 11. In particular, when the second color is black, the hiding power of the base is high. Therefore, when the second color is black, the first color (for example, white) of the first layer 11 can be sufficiently concealed without increasing the thickness of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and a thin layer thickness as described above can be achieved. By forming the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d thinly, voids generated on the side surfaces of the transparent adhesive layer and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d described later can be suppressed, reducing the recognition rate of the boundary portion can be avoided, and a decrease in measurement accuracy due to the side surfaces of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d being observed can also be suppressed, improving the measurement accuracy.

[0039] [Transparent barrier layer] In the cross-sectional configuration of the marker 1 shown in FIG. 2, a transparent barrier layer 22 is laminated on the first layer 11, and a second layer 12a (the same applies to the second layers 12b, 12c, 12d) is laminated on the transparent barrier layer 22. When attempting to directly laminate the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d on the first layer 11, due to the bleed-out phenomenon in the first layer 11 (the phenomenon in which unreacted additives such as surfactants incorporated in the first layer 11 move to and precipitate on the surface of the first layer 11), the adhesion at the interface between the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d decreases, and the coating film forming the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d may be repelled during coating. Therefore, a transparent barrier layer 22 is laminated on the first layer 11 before the above-described bleed-out phenomenon occurs to prevent additives and the like incorporated in the first layer 11 from moving to the surface of the transparent barrier layer 22 (bleed prevention), and by laminating the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d on the transparent barrier layer 22, the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d are prevented from being repelled. The transparent barrier layer 22 may be provided as needed and may be omitted if there are no problems with the adhesion and coatability at the interface between the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d.

[0040] The transparent barrier layer 22 has transparency that allows the first color of the first layer 11 to be observed, and can be formed using, for example, an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or the like. The layer thickness of the transparent barrier layer 22 is, for example, about 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0041] [Transparent adhesive layer] The transparent adhesive layer 23 is an adhesive layer for attaching the transparent film 13 onto at least the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d. In the marker 1 shown in FIG. 1, a substantially square region including four marks is covered with the transparent film 13, and the transparent adhesive layer 23 is provided in the region covered with the transparent film 13. The transparent adhesive layer 23 has transparency that allows the color of the first layer 11 (the first color) and the colors of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d (the second color) to be observed. The transparent adhesive layer 23 can be configured using, for example, PMMA, urethane, silicone, or the like. The layer thickness of the transparent adhesive layer 23 is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. If the layer thickness of the transparent adhesive layer 23 is less than 0.5 μm, it is difficult to perform uniform processing and the unevenness of the substrate cannot be absorbed. Also, if the layer thickness of the transparent adhesive layer 23 is greater than 50 μm, it takes time to remove the solvent during thick coating and the cost increases. Here, the layer thickness of the transparent adhesive layer 23 refers to the layer thickness at the thinnest position.

[0042] [Transparent film] The transparent film 13 is provided over the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d via the transparent adhesive layer 23. Since this transparent film 13 acts as an anti-scattering film, even if the marker 1 is damaged such as cracked due to impact or the like on the substrate layer 21, it is possible to prevent the marker 1 from being dispersed as a plurality of fragments. Also, in Marker 1, since a substantially square-shaped region including four marks (the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) is covered with the transparent film 13, it is possible to suppress changes in the shape of each mark and the distance between the marks. Therefore, even if damage such as cracks occurs in the base material layer 21 in Marker 1, it is possible to maintain the function as a marker.

[0043] The transparent film 13 has transparency that allows observation of the color of the first layer 11 (the first color) and the colors of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d (the second color). In the present embodiment, it is assumed that Marker 1 is used under visible light, and the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13 are configured to be transparent to white light. Specifically, it is desirable that the total light transmittance of the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13 in the region where the wavelength of light is 400 nm to 700 nm is 50% or more. More desirably, in the state where the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13 are measured together, the total light transmittance in the region where the wavelength of light is 400 nm to 700 nm is 50% or more.

[0044] Also, as a characteristic of the combined transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13, it is desirable that the haze value is 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more. This is because when the haze value is lower than 70%, the effect of anti-reflection begins to decrease, when it is 40% or less, it further decreases, and when it is 30% or less, it decreases significantly. On the other hand, it is desirable that the haze value is 95% or less. This is because when the haze value is higher than 95%, the image of the observed mark becomes blurred.

[0045] The layer thickness of the transparent film 13 is desirably 7 μm or more and 250 μm or less. If the layer thickness of the transparent film 13 is less than 7 μm, lamination processing tends to be difficult, and if the layer thickness of the transparent film 13 is thicker than 250 μm, the bulk and weight become too large and the cost increases.

[0046] The transparent film 13 can be made of, for example, vinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, triacetyl cellulose, etc. Also, the surface of the transparent film 13 can be embossed or the like to give it an uneven surface shape and impart the property of diffusing light. On the other hand, a separate surface layer can be provided on the transparent film 13, and this surface layer can be made of, for example, an acrylic resin, sol-gel, siloxane, polysilazane, etc. mixed with fine particles to have the property of diffusing light, so that it can function as a light diffusion layer.

[0047] The above surface layer may be a layer having both an antireflection function and a hard coat function. It is desirable that the surface layer has a specular reflectance of 10% or less with respect to light having a wavelength of 535 nm in order to prevent a decrease in the visibility of the mark composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d due to reflection on the surface of the marker 1. For example, when using a ring-shaped illumination or the like arranged to surround the periphery of the camera lens for observing the marker 1, the illumination itself may be reflected on the surface of the marker 1 and observed. In such a case, by preventing or suppressing surface reflection by the antireflection function of the surface layer, the outline of the mark can be recognized more clearly, enabling highly accurate detection. Also, as the hard coat function of the surface layer, it is desirable that the pencil hardness is 1H or more.

[0048] Specific methods for the antireflection function include the antireflection (AR) method and the antiglare (AG) method. For mark recognition, the AR method is preferable under conditions where strong light rays such as sunlight do not specularly reflect, and the AG method is preferable under conditions where strong light rays such as sunlight may specularly reflect. Known methods such as multilayer thin-film interference and the moth-eye method can be used for the AR method, and known methods such as making the surface of the film uneven, kneading light-diffusing particles into the film, and coating the surface of the film can be used for the AG method.

[0049] (Modification of the First Embodiment) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the cross-sectional configuration of the marker of the present disclosure. In the marker 1 shown in FIG. 1, since the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13 are provided, even if cracks occur in the base material layer 21, the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d in the region covered by the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13 can be prevented from being damaged. In this case, even when the marker 1 with cracks in the base material layer 21 is viewed from the observation side, usually, the cracks in the base material layer 21 cannot be confirmed. This is because, as described above, the first layer 11 and the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d in the region covered by the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13 are not damaged. Therefore, as in the marker 1B shown in FIG. 3, an electrode layer 31 may be provided on the base material layer 21 on the back side (opposite side to the observation side) of the marker to impart a crack detection function to the marker.

[0050] The electrode layer 31 can be formed over the entire area of the base material layer 21 on the back side (opposite side to the observation side) of the marker and can function as a sensor for crack detection. As the material for forming the electrode layer 31, for example, ITO may be used, or copper foil, aluminum foil, etc. may be used. However, when cracks occur in the base material layer 21, it is necessary to be damaged together with the base material layer 21. If the electrode layer 31 is damaged and the electrical resistance value changes, the cracks in the base material layer 21 can be detected by electrically monitoring this.

[0051] Also, by forming the electrode layer 31 from a material such as a metal with high light reflectivity, external light or detection light incident from the observation side of the marker 1B can be reflected by the electrode layer 31, and the visibility of the mark in a dark place can also be improved.

[0052] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the second embodiment of the marker of the present disclosure. In Marker 1 shown in FIG. 1, a substantially square region including four marks composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d was covered with a transparent film 13 (more specifically, a transparent adhesive layer 23 and a transparent film 13). However, for the purpose of suppressing changes in the shape of each mark and the distance between the marks, the region covered with the transparent film 13 can be in a smaller form. For example, the transparent film 13 (more specifically, the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13) may be provided at a position covering above each of the plurality of marks (the entire area of the second layer) and a portion of the first layer observed between the plurality of marks.

[0053] Therefore, in Marker 1C shown in FIG. 4, the transparent film 13 (more specifically, the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13) is provided at a position covering the four marks composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d and a portion of the first layer observed between the four marks. In Marker 1C shown in FIG. 4, when a crack occurs in the base material layer 21, the first layer 11 in the region where the transparent film 13 (more specifically, the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13) is not provided may be damaged, but changes in the shape of the four marks and the distance between the marks are suppressed. Therefore, there is no obstacle to observing the shape of each mark and the distance between the marks, and the relative position, inclination, and posture of Marker 1C can be accurately detected.

[0054] In this second embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment described above, an electrode layer 31 may be provided on the base material layer 21 on the back side (the side opposite to the observation side) of the marker to impart a crack detection function to the marker.

[0055] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of a third embodiment of the marker of the present disclosure. In the marker 1C shown in FIG. 4, the transparent film 13 (more specifically, the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13) was provided at a position covering four marks composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d and a portion of the first layer observed between these four marks. However, if the purpose is to accurately detect the relative position, inclination, and orientation with respect to the marker, at least three of the plurality of marks of the marker may be protected by the transparent film 13. This is because if the centroid positions of the marks are calculated from the observation results of the three marks, the relative position, inclination, and orientation between the observation position (such as a camera) and the marker 1 can be accurately detected.

[0056] Therefore, in the marker 1D shown in FIG. 5, the transparent film 13 (more specifically, the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13) is provided at a position covering three marks composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c and a portion of the first layer observed between these three marks. In the marker 1D shown in FIG. 5, even when cracks occur in the base material layer 21, changes in the shape of each of the three marks provided with the transparent film 13 (more specifically, the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13) and the distance between the marks are suppressed. Therefore, there is no hindrance to observing the shape of each of the three marks and the distance between the marks, and the relative position, inclination, and orientation of the marker 1D can be accurately detected. In the marker 1D shown in FIG. 5, there is also a mark not covered by the transparent film 13 (more specifically, the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent film 13) (that is, the mark composed of the second layer 12d), but this mark may not be provided.

[0057] Also, in this third embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment described above, an electrode layer 31 may be provided on the base material layer 21 on the back side (opposite to the observation side) of the marker to impart a crack detection function to the marker.

[0058] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of a fourth embodiment of the marker of the present disclosure. In the marker, the shape of the marks possessed by the marker is important, and there are some that do not require accurately detecting the distance between the marks. For example, if the marker is for displaying some information such as numbers, letters, symbols, patterns, etc., and it can only identify the displayed content, it may be able to function as a marker. In such a marker, it is only necessary to provide the transparent film 13 only in the area above the mark.

[0059] Therefore, in the marker 1E shown in FIG. 6, transparent films 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are provided at positions covering the entire area of the four marks composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d, respectively. In the marker 1E shown in FIG. 6, even when cracks occur in the base material layer 21, the shapes of the four marks provided with the transparent films 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (more specifically, the transparent adhesive layer 23 and the transparent films 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d) are suppressed from being damaged. Therefore, there is no obstacle to observing the shape of each of the four marks, and the identification function of the marker 1E is maintained.

[0060] In addition, in the marker 1E shown in FIG. 6, the four marks composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are circular marks, but it is not limited to this, and various shapes such as numbers, letters, symbols, patterns, etc. can be used. Also, the four marks may each have a different shape. Further, in the marker 1E shown in FIG. 6, an example is shown in which all four marks composed of the second layers 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d are covered with the transparent films 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, respectively, but it is not limited to this, and a form in which the transparent film is provided only for the marks necessary to maintain the identification function as a marker may also be used.

[0061] In addition, also in this fourth embodiment, similar to the above-described first embodiment, an electrode layer 31 may be provided on the base material layer 21 on the back side (the side opposite to the observation side) of the marker to impart a crack detection function to the marker.

[0062] <Method for manufacturing a marker> Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the marker of the present disclosure will be described. Note that the following manufacturing method is an example, and the manufacturing method of the marker of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. FIGS. 7 to 8 are schematic process diagrams showing an example of a method for manufacturing the marker of the present disclosure. Here, FIGS. 7 to 8 show schematic process diagrams of a portion where one of the four marks (the second layer 12a) included in the marker 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided. However, the same can be applied to the portions where the other three marks (the second layers 12b, 12c, and 12d) are provided.

[0063] For example, to manufacture the marker 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, first, a glass plate is prepared as the base material layer 21, and the first layer 11 is formed on one surface thereof (FIG. 7(a)). Here, in forming the first layer 11, for example, an unexposed resist material (a photosensitive resin composition material that will constitute the first resist) colored with a first color (for example, white) that is the material of the first layer 11 is applied, pre-baked, dried, then exposed, and further developed and post-baked to stabilize the first layer 11.

[0064] Next, a transparent barrier layer 22 is formed on the first layer 11 (FIG. 7(b)), and further, a second layer 12a is formed thereon (FIG. 7(c)). Here, in forming the second layer 12a, for example, an unexposed resist material (a photosensitive resin composition material that will constitute the second resist) colored with a second color (for example, black) that is the material of the second layer 12a is applied, pre-baked, and dried. Next, a mark pattern is exposed by photolithography using a photomask, developed, and post-baked to obtain the second layer 12a having a desired shape.

[0065] Next, a transparent adhesive layer 23 is formed on the second layer 12a and on the transparent barrier layer 22 in the region where the second layer 12a is not provided (FIG. 8(d)), and a transparent film 13 is further formed thereon (FIG. 8(e)). Through the above steps, the marker 1 can be obtained. Note that instead of the above method (the steps shown in FIG. 8), a method of attaching a transparent film 13 having a transparent adhesive layer 23 on the second layer 12a and on the transparent barrier layer 22 in the region where the second layer 12a is not provided by means of lamination or the like may be used. For example, the transparent film 13 having a transparent adhesive layer 23 is pre-processed into the forms shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, and by attaching the processed transparent film 13, each marker shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 can be manufactured.

[0066] In the above manufacturing process, a glass plate, which is a material with little expansion and contraction due to temperature, is used for the base material layer 21, and since the second layer 12a is composed of a second resist, it is possible to manufacture a marker with extremely high precision. That is, it is possible to manufacture a marker with high precision in terms of the outer shape and dimensions of each mark in the marker, the positional accuracy of the position where each mark is provided, the distance between each mark, etc. Usually, the marker of the present disclosure is manufactured in a form in which a plurality of individual markers are multi-sidedly attached. Then, by cutting out and separating individual markers from this multi-sidedly attached form, for example, the marker 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be obtained.

[0067] <Article having a marker> The marker of the present disclosure can be attached to various articles and used for identifying the articles. Among them, application to articles exposed to severe conditions such as high temperature is preferable. It is also suitable for applications that require high quality and high reliability in environments with large temperature changes, such as highlands, deserts, the seabed, and outer space. For example, it can be attached to various articles and devices at the production site and used for their management and control. It can also be attached to moving bodies such as vehicles, ships, and aircraft and used for their identification and acquisition of various information.

[0068] As described above, each embodiment of the marker according to the present disclosure and the article having the marker has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments are examples, and any configuration that has substantially the same configuration as the technical idea of the present disclosure and exhibits the same operational effects is included in the technical scope of the present disclosure in any case.

Explanation of Signs

[0069] 1, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E markers 11 First layer 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Second layer 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d Transparent films 21 Substrate layer 22 Transparent barrier layer 23 Transparent adhesive layer 31 Electrode layer

Claims

1. A base material layer, A first layer laminated on the observation side of the base material layer and observed in a first color, A second layer partially laminated on the observation side of the first layer and observed in a second color different from the first color, A transparent adhesive layer laminated at least on the observation side of the second layer and having transparency capable of observing the first color and the second color, A transparent film laminated on the observation side of the transparent adhesive layer and having transparency capable of observing the first color and the second color, Comprising: The base material layer is composed of glass or ceramics, The first layer is composed of a first resist, The second layer is composed of a second resist different from the first resist, The transparent adhesive layer and the transparent film are provided at positions covering at least the entire area of the second layer as viewed from the observation side, On the observation side of the first layer, the second layer having a plurality of independent shapes is provided, The transparent adhesive layer and the transparent film are provided at positions covering at least the entire area of the plurality of second layers and the portion of the first layer observed between the plurality of second layers as viewed from the observation side. Marker

2. The marker according to claim 1, wherein the second layer has a higher hiding power for hiding the base than the first layer.

3. The marker according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the layer thickness of the second layer is 0.5 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

4. The marker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a transparent barrier layer having transparency capable of observing the first color on the observation side of the first layer, and the second layer on the observation side of the transparent barrier layer.

5. The marker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising an electrode layer on the side opposite to the observation side of the base material layer.

6. The marker according to claim 5, wherein the electrode layer is composed of metal.

7. An article having the marker according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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