Variable information printout and method for creating data for variable information printout

Abstract

To provide a variable information printed matter that can enhance designability and visibility of variable information, and can enhance anti-counterfeit effect, and a method for creating a data for a variable information printed matter.SOLUTION: A variable information printed matter has a variable information region having a predetermined pattern at least in a part of the substrate, where a part of the pattern has a variable information part with a different shape for each printing and a shadow part which is formed around the variable information part to three-dimensionally visualize the variable information part. In the variable information region, only the variable information part is printed on an overlapped portion between the pattern and the variable information part, and only the shadow part is printed on an overlapped portion between the pattern and the shadow part, and no pattern is printed on a portion where the variable information part and the shadow part are printed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a variable information printed matter and a method for creating data for variable information printed matter to prevent tampering and counterfeiting in the field of valuable printed matter that requires individual identification, such as banknotes, passports, securities, identification cards, cards, and travel tickets, which are security printed matters that require anti-counterfeiting effects. [Background technology]

[0002] With the recent advances in digital devices such as scanners, printers, and copiers, as well as the use of chemicals, it has become easy to create elaborate copies of valuable printed materials and to falsify them. Therefore, in order to prevent the aforementioned counterfeiting and falsification, various anti-counterfeiting technologies are needed that cannot be falsified with special chemicals and that cannot be reproduced by scanners, printers, copiers, etc.

[0003] Banknotes, passports, securities, identification documents, cards, travel tickets, etc. are printed in multiple copies and circulated in large quantities, and all of the multiple printed materials are products of equal value. These printed materials often have the same pattern printed on all of the same denomination. Furthermore, to ensure that each printed material is unique, each note typically has a variable information section (e.g., a serial number) made up of letters, numbers, symbols, etc. printed on its face. This serial number is important for identifying individual printed materials, and if two printed materials with the same pattern and serial number exist, it can be determined that one is genuine and the other is a counterfeit or a copy.

[0004] However, serial numbers are printed only on a portion of the printed matter, and have the disadvantage that they can be easily altered by unscrupulous individuals. With the recent spread of special chemicals, scanners, printers, copiers, etc., it has become easier to illegally copy or alter securities and certificates.

[0005] One example of a technique for preventing such unauthorized copying and tampering is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a variable information section is printed in part of a pattern, with variable information having different information for each printing, and no pattern is formed below this variable information section.

[0006] 32(a) and 32(b) are diagrams showing the variable information print matter disclosed in Patent Document 1. FIG. The variable information printed matter 100 shown in Figure 32(a) comprises a substrate 101 and a variable information area 102 formed on the substrate 101. In the variable information area 102, a variable information section 106 consisting of variable information (for example, the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) and a predetermined pattern 105 are printed. Furthermore, the pattern 105 is not printed in the location in the variable information area 102 where the variable information section 106 is to be formed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-137042 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The pattern 105 in the variable information printed matter 100 shown in Fig. 32(a) consists of a white pattern formed over the entire variable information area 102. In contrast, the pattern 105A in the variable information printed matter 100A shown in Fig. 32(b) consists of five cherry blossoms, each made up of five petals formed in a portion of the variable information area 102. This causes a problem in that the variable information section 106 formed in the area where the pattern 105A is not printed is difficult to see, as shown in Fig. 32(b).

[0009] Therefore, there has been a demand for improving the visibility of variable information sections formed in areas where no patterns are printed around them.

[0010] The technology described in Patent Document 1 describes forming a contour variable information section around the variable information section 106, but the contour variable information section is simply formed along the contour of the variable information section, which poses a problem that a third party can easily forge the contour variable information section. Therefore, the technology described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it reduces the effectiveness of preventing counterfeiting, and further improvement has been desired.

[0011] Taking the above problems into consideration, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for creating variable information printed matter and data for variable information printed matter that can improve the design and visibility of the variable information section and increase the effectiveness of preventing counterfeiting. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, a variable information printed matter, in which there are multiple products of equal value, has a variable information area with a pattern on at least a part of the base material, and part of the pattern has a variable information section of a different shape for each print, and a shading section formed around the variable information section to make the variable information section visible in three dimensions, and in the variable information area, only the variable information section is printed in the overlapping part of the pattern and variable information section, and only the shading section is printed in the overlapping part of the pattern and shading section, and no pattern is printed in the part where the variable information section and shading section are printed.

[0013] The variable information section is further configured by a contour variable information section having the same shape as the variable information section and being larger than the variable information section, which is arranged along the contour of the variable information section, and the contour variable information section is characterized in that no pattern or shading is printed on it.

[0014] Further, a method for creating data for variable information prints is a method for creating data for variable information prints in which at least a portion of a substrate is provided with a variable information area having a predetermined pattern, and part of the pattern has a variable information section of a different shape for each printing and a shading section formed around the variable information section to make the variable information section visible in three dimensions, and only the variable information section is printed in the overlapping portion of the pattern and the variable information section, and only the shading section is printed in the overlapping portion of the pattern and the shading section, and no pattern is printed in the printed portion of the variable information section and the shading section, and the method includes pattern data on which the pattern is based, variable information data on which the variable information section is based, and shading data on which the shading section is based. The method is characterized by comprising at least the steps of: a step of creating data or importing data from a pre-registered database; a step of creating a layout for variable information area data and creating variable information data based on information that differs for each print using the layout as a reference; a step of overlapping and arranging the pattern data, variable information data, and shading data, integrating overlapping portions of the pattern data, variable information data, and shading data, deleting the pattern data from overlapping portions of the pattern data and variable information data, and deleting the pattern data from overlapping portions of the pattern data and shading data, thereby generating variable information area data from which the pattern data has been deleted from the variable information data and shading data.

[0015] In addition, the method for creating data for variable information printed matter further includes a step of creating contour variable information data that is larger than and has the same shape as the variable information data based on the variable information data, and is characterized by at least a step of overlaying the contour variable information data on the pattern data, variable information data, and shading data, integrating the overlapping portions of the contour variable information data, and deleting the pattern data from the overlapping portions of the pattern data and the contour variable information data, thereby generating variable information area data from the variable information data, shading data, and contour variable information data with the pattern data deleted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The variable information prints and the method for creating data for variable information prints configured as described above not only improve the visibility of the variable information in areas where no pattern is printed by the shading, but also make it visible in three dimensions, thereby enhancing the design. Furthermore, since it is difficult to accurately form the shading without knowing the information for forming the shading, such as the position and angle of the shading, this can improve the effectiveness of preventing tampering and counterfeiting. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams showing a variable information printed matter according to a first embodiment of the present invention, where FIG. 1(a) is an overall view, FIG. 1(b) is an overall view showing a modified example, and FIG. 1(c) is an enlarged view showing a portion of the variable information printed matter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a variable information printed matter according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 2A is an overall view and FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a variable information printed matter according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 3A is an overall view and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a variable information printed matter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 4A is an overall view and FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing a variable information printed matter according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 5A is an overall view and FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a variable information printed matter according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 6A is an overall view and FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the variable contour information section in the variable information printed matter of the present invention, where Figures 7A and 7B are diagrams showing an example of the variable contour information section, Figures 7C and 7D are diagrams showing another example of the variable contour information, and Figures 7E and 7F are diagrams showing yet another example of the variable contour information section. [Figure 8]8A and 8B are diagrams showing variable contour information sections in variable information printed matter of the present invention, where FIG. 8A is a diagram showing an example of variable contour information, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing another example of variable contour information sections. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing different positions at which the contour variable information section 9 is arranged in the variable information printed matter of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing information that forms a shaded portion in a variable information print of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B show examples of the shape of the shaded portion, with FIG. 11A being an overall view of the shaded portion and variable information, and FIG. 11B being an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B show examples of the shape of the shaded portion, with FIG. 12A being an overall view of the shaded portion and variable information, and FIG. 12B being an enlarged view of a portion thereof. [Figure 13] 13A shows an example of the shape of the shaded portion, and FIG. 13B shows an enlarged view of a portion of the shaded portion and variable information. [Figure 14] 14(a) to 14(i) are diagrams showing variations in the direction in which the shaded portion is formed. [Figure 15] Figures 15(a) and 15(c) are diagrams showing modified examples of the shift amount of the shaded area relative to the variable information, where Figure 15(b) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 15(a) and Figure 15(d) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 15(c). [Figure 16] Figures 16(a) and 16(c) are diagrams showing modified examples of the brightness of the shaded area in response to variable information, where Figure 16(b) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 16(a) and Figure 16(d) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 16(c). [Figure 17] 17(a) and 17(c) are diagrams showing modified examples of the amount of blurring of the shadow area, where FIG. 17(b) is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(d) is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 17(c). [Figure 18] 20(a) and 20(c) are diagrams showing modified shapes of the shaded area for variable information, where FIG. 20(b) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 20(a), and FIG. 20(d) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 20(c). [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of a shaded portion. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram showing a data hierarchical structure of a variable information print in a method for creating data for a variable information print according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 21] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a device and software for generating data for variable information prints according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data hierarchical structure of a variable information print in a method for creating data for a variable information print according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data hierarchical structure of a variable information print in a method for creating data for a variable information print according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data hierarchical structure of a variable information print in a method for creating data for a variable information print according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 25(a) to 25(e) are diagrams showing examples of variable information. [Figure 26] 26(a) to 26(g) are diagrams showing examples of variable information. [Figure 27] 27(a) to 27(c) show examples of variable information and shading, with FIG. 27(a) showing regular characters and FIGS. 27(b) to 27(c) showing italic characters. [Figure 28] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified arrangements of variable information sections 6 in the variable information printed matter of the present invention. [Figure 29] Figure 29(a) is a diagram showing a variable information printed matter according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, Figure 29(b) is a diagram showing a variable information printed matter according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 29(c) is a diagram showing a variable information printed matter according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] 30(a) to 30(d) are diagrams showing examples of patterns. [Figure 31] 31(a) to 31(d) are diagrams showing examples of patterns. [Figure 32]32(a) shows an example of a conventional variable information printed matter, and FIG. 32(b) shows another example of a conventional variable information printed matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, a method for creating variable information prints and data for variable information prints according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 32. Note that common members in each figure are given the same reference numerals.

[0019] 1. First embodiment First, the configuration of a variable information print according to a first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "this example") will be described with reference to Figs. 1(a) to 1(c). Fig. 1(a) is an overall view, Fig. 1(b) is an overall view showing a modified example, and Fig. 1(c) is an enlarged view showing a part of a variable information printed matter according to the first embodiment.

[0020] 1(a) and 1(b) is a printed matter used for, for example, banknotes, passports, securities, identification cards, cards, travel tickets, etc. Multiple copies of the variable information printed matter 10 are printed and circulated in large quantities, and all of the multiple copies are products of equal value.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the variable information printed matter 10 comprises a substrate 1 and a variable information area 2 formed in at least a part of the substrate 1. A predetermined pattern 5 is printed in the variable information area 2. The pattern 5 is printed partially within the variable information area 2. Therefore, the variable information area 2 has areas where the pattern 5 is printed and areas where the pattern 5 is not printed.

[0022] The variable information area 2 has a variable information section 6 formed therein, which is composed of one or more pieces of variable information. The variable information section 6 is composed of information that differs for each printing, such as the owner's name or lot number, and is composed of, for example, a combination of the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The creation method will be described in detail later, but the data used to create the variable information section 6 (hereinafter referred to as "variable information data") is, for example, data painted white, the same color as the substrate 1. Furthermore, where the variable information data and data used to create the pattern 5 (hereinafter referred to as "pattern data") overlap, the variable information data conceals the pattern data. Therefore, where the variable information data and the pattern data overlap, the pattern data is not output, and the pattern 5 is not printed on the substrate 1. Note that, in this example, the variable information data is painted white, the same color as the substrate 1, but this is not limiting. When the pattern data 5 contains variable information data 6, color data different from the color of the substrate 1 is applied. However, when the pattern data 5 does not contain variable information data 6, color data different from the color of the substrate 1 may also be applied.

[0023] A shading area 7, i.e., a drop shadow, is formed around the variable information area 6. The shading area 7 is formed at a position offset from the variable information area 6 based on a preset angle and position. The shading area 7 is positioned adjacent to the variable information area 6. In this example, the shading area 7 is formed using symbols of the same shape as the variable information area 6. The data used to create the shading area 7 (hereinafter referred to as "shading data") is composed of data of a different color than the variable information data. Although the numbers in the drawings are the same below, when describing variable information printed matter, they will be referred to as "variable information area 2," "pattern 5," "variable information area 6," and "shading area 7," and when describing data for creating variable information printed matter, they will be referred to as "variable information area data 2," "pattern data 5," "variable information data 6," and "shading data 7."

[0024] The shading portion 7 creates the effect of the shadow of the variable information portion 6 being cast from around the variable information portion 6 onto the substrate 1 or the pattern 5. By providing the shading portion 7, the variable information portion 6 can be visually recognized in three dimensions, and the design of the variable information printed matter 100 can be improved.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1(c), the variable information section 6 in the areas where the pattern 5 is not printed can be made to appear three-dimensional by the shaded area 7, thereby improving the visibility of the variable information section 6.

[0026] 1(a), a variable information printed matter 10A according to a modified example shown in Fig. 1(b) includes a substrate 1 and a variable information area 2 formed on at least a part of the substrate 1. A pattern 5A consisting of a white colored crest is formed on the entire variable information area 2.

[0027] In the variable information printed matter 10A according to the modified example shown in Fig. 1(b), the visibility of the variable information section 6 can also be improved by providing a shading section 7 around the periphery of the variable information section 6. It is preferable to set the color and brightness of the shading section 7 to a different color and brightness from the pattern 5A. This makes it possible to prevent the visibility of the shading section 7 from deteriorating even if the shading section 7 and the pattern 5A are adjacent to each other.

[0028] The shaded area 7 is formed with a predetermined shape and at a predetermined position and angle relative to the variable information area 6. Therefore, if the information forming the shaded area 7 is unknown, it is difficult to accurately form the shaded area 7. As a result, the counterfeit prevention effect of the variable information printed matter 10 can be improved.

[0029] 2. Second embodiment Next, the configuration of a variable information print according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b). FIG. 2(a) is an overall view, and FIG. 2(b) is an enlarged view of a portion.

[0030] The variable information printed matter 10B according to the second embodiment differs from the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment in the configuration of the shaded areas. Therefore, the shaded areas will be explained here, and parts common to the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2(a), the variable information printed matter 10B has a variable information area 2 in which a variable information section 6 and a pattern 5 are printed on at least a part of the base material 1. In addition, a shaded area 7B is formed around the variable information section 6.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the shaded area 7B is configured as a shading formed so as to surround the periphery of the variable information area 6. The amount of shading of the shaded area 7B is set in advance. With the variable information print 10B according to this second embodiment, if the information forming the shaded area 7B is unknown, it becomes difficult to accurately reproduce the amount of shading, thereby further enhancing the anti-counterfeiting effect.

[0033] Other configurations are the same as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The variable information printed matter 10B having such a configuration can also achieve the same effects as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0034] 3. Third embodiment Next, the configuration of a variable information print according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). FIG. 3(a) is an overall view, and FIG. 3(b) is an enlarged view of a portion.

[0035] The variable information printed matter 10C according to the third embodiment differs from the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment in that an outline is provided in the variable information section 6. Therefore, the outline will be explained here, and parts common to the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3(a), the variable information printed matter 10C comprises a variable information area 2 having a variable information section 6 and a pattern 5 in at least a part of the base material 1. In addition, a shaded area 7 is formed around the variable information section 6.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), a contour variable information section 9 is formed around the variable information section 6. The contour variable information section 9 has the same shape as the variable information section 6 but is larger than the variable information section 6. The contour variable information section 9 is arranged along the contour of the variable information section 6. The data used to create the contour variable information section 9 (hereinafter referred to as "contour variable information data") is formed in a different color from the variable information data 6. In Figure 3, the data is formed in black as an example, but the color of the data is not limited as long as it is a different color. Hereinafter, although the numbers in the drawings are the same, when describing variable information printed matter, it will be referred to as the "contour variable information section 9", and when describing data for creating variable information printed matter, it will be referred to as the "contour variable information data 9".

[0038] If the variable information section 6 and the pattern 5 are arranged adjacent to each other with no gaps between them, the visibility of the variable information section 6 may be impaired. For example, if the variable information section 6 and the pattern 5 are both light colors or similar colors, the boundary between the variable information section 6 and the pattern 5 becomes unclear, reducing the visibility of the variable information section 6. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 3(b), by providing a contour variable information section 9 along the contour of the variable information section 6, it is possible to provide a single line consisting of the contour variable information section 9 between the variable information section 6 and the pattern 5. This makes it possible to clarify the boundary between the variable information section 6 and the pattern 5, thereby improving the visibility of the variable information section 6.

[0039] Other configurations are the same as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The variable information printed matter 10C having such a configuration can also achieve the same effects as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0040] 4. Fourth embodiment Next, the configuration of a variable information print according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). FIG. 4(a) is an overall view, and FIG. 4(b) is an enlarged view of a portion.

[0041] The variable information printed matter 10D according to the fourth embodiment is obtained by reversing the colors of the variable information section 6 and the outline variable information section 9 compared to the variable information printed matter 10C according to the third embodiment. Therefore, only the variable information section 6 and the outline variable information section 9 will be described here, and parts common to the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment and the variable information printed matter 10C according to the third embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4(a), the variable information printed matter 10D comprises a variable information section 6D and a variable information area 2 in which a pattern 5 is printed, on at least a part of the base material 1. In addition, a shaded area 7 is formed around the variable information section 6D.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), a contour variable information section 9D consisting of the same information as the variable information section 6D is formed around the variable information section 6D. The contour variable information section 9D is formed between the variable information section 6D and the shaded section 7. Here, the variable information data 6D is composed of blackened data, and the contour variable information data 9D is composed of whitened data, a different color from the variable information data 6D. Data of the same color as the base material 1 is used as the contour variable information data 9D, but the contour variable information data 9D may also be a color different from the color of the base material 1.

[0044] In the variable information printed matter 10D according to the fourth embodiment, by providing a line consisting of the outline variable information section 9D between the variable information section 6D and the pattern 5, the boundary between the variable information section 6D and the pattern 5 can also be made clear. This improves the visibility of the variable information section 6D. Furthermore, the boundary between the variable information section 6D and the shaded section 7 can also be made clear by the outline variable information section 9D, improving the visibility of the variable information section 6D.

[0045] Other configurations are the same as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The variable information printed matter 10D having such a configuration can also obtain the same effects as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment and the variable information printed matter 10C according to the third embodiment described above.

[0046] 5. Fifth embodiment Next, the configuration of a variable information print according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b). FIG. 5(a) is an overall view, and FIG. 5(b) is an enlarged view of a portion.

[0047] The variable information printed matter 10E according to the fifth embodiment is the variable information printed matter 10B according to the second embodiment, with a contour variable information section 9 added. Therefore, here, the variable information section 6 and contour variable information section 9 will be explained, and parts common to the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment and the variable information printed matter 10B according to the second embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5(a), the variable information printed matter 10E comprises a variable information section 6E and a variable information area 2 in which a pattern 5 is printed, in at least a part of the base material 1. In addition, a shading section 7E made of shading is formed around the variable information section 6E.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), a contour variable information section 9E is formed around the variable information section 6E. The contour variable information section 9E has the same shape as the variable information section 6E but is larger than the variable information section 6E. The contour variable information section 9E is formed between the variable information section 6E and the shaded section 7E. Here, the contour variable information data 9E is made up of black data, which is a different color from the variable information data 6E.

[0050] As a result, in the variable information print 10E according to the fifth embodiment, the boundary between the variable information section 6E and the shading section 7E can be made clear by the contour variable information section 9E, thereby further improving the visibility of the variable information section 6E.

[0051] Other configurations are the same as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The variable information printed matter 10E having such a configuration can also obtain the same effects as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment and the variable information printed matter 10B according to the second embodiment described above.

[0052] 6. Sixth embodiment Next, the configuration of a variable information print according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b). FIG. 6(a) is an overall view, and FIG. 6(b) is an enlarged view of a portion.

[0053] The variable information printed matter 10F according to the sixth embodiment is obtained by reversing the colors of the variable information section 6 and the outline variable information section 9 compared to the variable information printed matter 10E according to the fifth embodiment. Therefore, only the variable information section 6F and the outline variable information section 9 will be described here, and parts common to the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment and the variable information printed matter 10E according to the fifth embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6(a), the variable information printed matter 10F has a variable information section 6F and a variable information area 2 in which a pattern 5 is printed on at least a part of the base material 1. Here, the variable information data 6F is composed of blacked-out data. A shading section 7F made of shading is formed around the variable information section 6F.

[0055] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), a contour variable information section 9F is formed around the variable information section 6F, and has the same information as the variable information section 6F but is larger than the variable information section 6F. The contour variable information section 9F is formed between the variable information section 6F and the shaded section 7F. Here, the variable information data 6F is made up of black data, and the contour variable information data 9F is made up of white data, which is a different color from the variable information data 6F. Note that data of the same color as the base material 1 is used as the contour variable information data 9F.

[0056] In the variable information printed matter 10F according to the sixth embodiment, by providing a line consisting of a contour variable information section 9F between the variable information section 6F and the pattern 5 and between the variable information section 6F and the shaded section 7F, it is possible to clarify not only the boundary between the variable information section 6F and the pattern 5, but also the boundary between the variable information section 6F and the shaded section 7F.

[0057] Other configurations are the same as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The variable information printed matter 10F having such a configuration can also obtain the same effects as those of the variable information printed matter 10 according to the first embodiment and the variable information printed matter 10E according to the fifth embodiment described above.

[0058] Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments described above, the variable information section 6, the shading section 7, and the variable contour information section 9 are illustrated and described as being black or white, but they are not limited to black or white and can be selected appropriately, and furthermore, the variable information section 6, the shading section 7, and the variable contour information section 9 change depending on the color of the pattern 5. For example, if the base material 1 is red, the pattern 5 is blue, the variable information section 6 is yellow, the shading section 7 is black, and the variable contour information section 9 is white, the resulting variable information printed matter 10 will be visually recognized as a mixture of these colors with the red of the base material 1. Specifically, the pattern 5 will be visually recognized as purple, the variable information section as orange, the shading section as black, and the variable contour information section as pink.

[0059] 7. Variable Contour Information Section 7-1.Shape Next, the shapes of the variable information section 6 and the contour variable information section 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7(a) to 7(f). Figures 7(a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of the contour variable information section 9. Figures 7(c) and (d) are diagrams showing another example of the contour variable information section 9. Figures 7(e) and (f) are diagrams showing yet another example of the contour variable information section 9. Figure 7(b) is a partial enlarged view of Figure 7(a), Figure 7(d) is a partial enlarged view of Figure 7(c), and Figure 7(f) is a partial enlarged view of Figure 7(e).

[0060] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the shape of the contour variable information section 9 is formed to be the same shape as the shape of the variable information section 6. That is, the corners of the variable information section 6 are formed at right angles. The corners of the contour variable information section 9 are also formed at right angles, just like the variable information section 6.

[0061] In the present invention, the shape of the contour variable information section 9 and the shape of the variable information section 6 being the same are not limited to those shown in FIG. 7(a). For example, in the modified examples shown in FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d), the corners of the variable information section 6 are right angles, while the corners of the contour variable information section 9G are rounded. Furthermore, in another modified example shown in FIGS. 7(e) and 7(f), the corners of the variable information section 6 are right angles, while the corners of the contour variable information section 9H are beveled. Alternatively, the corners of the contour variable information section 9 may be formed at right angles, and the corners of the variable information section 6 may be rounded or beveled. In this way, even when the boundaries of the contour variable information section 9 and the pattern 5 are at approximately the same distance from the variable information section 6, the contour variable information section 9 and the variable information section 6 are said to have the same shape.

[0062] In the present invention, it is essential to have the shading portion 7, but even in the technology of Patent Document 1, which does not have the shading portion 7, if the shape of the contour variable information portion 9 and the shape of the variable information portion 6 are the same, it is possible to make the shape such that the boundary between the contour variable information portion 9 and the pattern 5 is approximately the same distance from the variable information portion 6.

[0063] 7-2. Line thickness Next, differences in line thickness of the contour variable information section 9 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b). Fig. 8(a) is a diagram showing an example of the contour variable information section 9, and Fig. 8(b) is a diagram showing another example of the contour variable information section 9. In the examples shown in Fig. 8(a) and Fig. 8(b), the variable information data 6 is shown as black data, and the contour variable information data 9 is shown as white data.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 8(a), when the variable information section 6 is, for example, a hollow rectangle, outline variable information sections 9 indicated by white lines are formed on the outside and inside of the variable information section 6. Also, as shown in Fig. 8(a), a pattern 5 is printed on the inside of the outline variable information section 9.

[0065] The contour variable information section 9J in the example shown in Figure 8(b) is formed thicker than the contour variable information section 9 shown in Figure 8(a). The shape of the variable information section 6 is the same as the shape of the variable information section 6 shown in Figure 8(a). When the contour variable information section 9J is formed thicker, as shown in Figure 8(b), the pattern 5 inside the contour variable information section 9J is hidden by the contour variable information section 9J and is not printed. As shown by the dotted line T, the pattern 5 is printed inside the contour variable information section 9J.

[0066] 7-3.Position Next, differences in the position of the variable contour information section 9 will be explained with reference to Figures 9(a) to 9(f). In the examples shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(f), the variable information data 6 is shown as black data, and the variable contour information data 9 is shown as white data.

[0067] As shown in Figure 9(a), when the center line (U) of the image width (W) of the contour variable information section 9 is positioned, for example, in the center; as shown in Figure 9(c), when the center line (U) of the image width (W) of the contour variable information section 9 is positioned, for example, on the inside; or as shown in Figure 9(e), when the center line (U) of the image width (W) of the contour variable information section 9 is positioned, for example, on the outside.In either case, the resulting printed matter will be the same as when the center line (U) of Figure 9(a) is positioned in the center, as shown in Figure 9(b), when the center line (U) of Figure 9(c) is positioned on the inside, as shown in Figure 9(d), or when the center line (U) of Figure 9(e) is positioned on the outside, and is not particularly limited. However, when the center line (U) shown in Figure 9(a) is placed in the center, or when the center line (U) shown in Figure 9(d) is placed on the inside, the line width (W) of the contour variable information section 9 becomes wider, which may cause part of the variable information section 6 to disappear, so it is necessary to place it appropriately so as not to affect the visibility of the variable information section 6. Also, when the center line (U) shown in Figure 9(e) is placed on the outside, the line width (W) of the contour variable information section 9 becomes wider, which may cause part of the pattern 5 in the inner contour variable information section 9 to disappear, so it is necessary to place it appropriately so as not to affect the visibility of the pattern 5.

[0068] 8.Shadow area 8-1. How to create shadow areas Next, a method for forming the shaded portion 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0069] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the number "1" is shown as the variable information section 6. The length of the horizontal lines of the variable information section 6 is set to A, and the length of the vertical lines is set to B. The angle formed by the horizontal lines and the vertical lines of the variable information section 6 is set to θ1. In contrast, the horizontal length of the shading section 7 is set to C, and the length of the vertical lines is set to D. The angle formed by the horizontal lines and the vertical lines of the shading section 7 is set to θ2. The horizontal offset between the variable information section 6 and the shading section 7 is set to a, and the vertical offset between the variable information section 6 and the shading section 7 is set to b.

[0070] Furthermore, when determining the position where the shaded area 7 is to be provided, the above-mentioned left-right offset a and up-down offset b are set as desired. Furthermore, the left-right length C of the shaded area 7 may be set to be the same as or different from the left-right length A of the variable information area 6, and similarly, the up-down length D of the shaded area 7 may be set to be the same as or different from the left-right length B of the variable information area 6. Furthermore, the angle θ1 of the variable information area 6 and the angle θ2 of the shaded area 7 may be set to be the same angle or different angles.

[0071] In this way, forming the shading area 7 requires multiple pieces of information, such as the amount of deviation a and b relative to the variable information area 6, the angle θ2, and the line lengths C and D, so a third party who does not know this information will not be able to accurately form the shading area 7. This increases the effectiveness of preventing counterfeiting of the variable information printed matter 10. Furthermore, the information forming the shading area 7 can also be used to determine authenticity.

[0072] 8-2.Shape of the shaded area Next, the shape of the shaded portion will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11(a) is an overall view showing the shaded portion and the variable information portion 6, and FIG. 11(b) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 11(a). 11(a) and 11(b), the shape of the shaded portion 7 is formed to be the same as that of the variable information portion 6. That is, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the corners of the variable information portion 6 and the corners of the shaded portion 7 are formed to be the same shape. Note that the shape of the shaded portion is not limited to being the same as that of the variable information portion 6.

[0073] FIG. 12(a) is an overall view showing the shaded portion 7G and the variable information portion 6, and FIG. 12(b) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 12(a). The shaded portion 7G shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b) is formed in a different shape from the variable information portion 6. That is, as shown in Figure 12(b), the corners of the variable information portion 6 are formed at right angles, whereas the corners of the shaded portion 7G are rounded. Note that the outline variable information portion 9 described above has a shape such that the boundary between the outline variable information portion 9 and the pattern 5 is at approximately the same distance from the variable information portion 6, so the outline variable information portion 9 and the variable information portion 6 have the same shape, but the shaded portion 7 is not limited to being the same shape, as will be explained below.

[0074] FIG. 13(a) is an overall view showing the shaded portion 7H and the variable information portion 6, and FIG. 13(b) is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 13(a). The shaded portion 7H shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b) is formed in a shape different from that of the variable information portion 6. That is, as shown in Figure 13(b), the corners of the variable information portion 6 are formed at right angles, whereas the corners of the shaded portion 7H are chamfered at an angle.

[0075] In this way, it becomes difficult to tamper with or counterfeit the shaded portions 7G and 7H by making them different in shape from the variable information portion 6. Furthermore, the corners of the variable information portion 6 may be rounded or beveled, and the corners of the shaded portion 7 may be formed at right angles.

[0076] 8-3. Direction of forming shadow area Next, the direction in which the shaded portion 7 is formed will be described with reference to FIG. 14(a) to 14(i) are diagrams showing variations in the direction in which the shaded portion 7 is formed. In Fig. 14(a), the shaded portion 7 is formed diagonally above and to the left of the variable information portion 6, in Fig. 14(b), the shaded portion 7 is formed above the variable information portion 6, and in Fig. 14(c), the shaded portion 7 is formed diagonally above and to the right of the variable information portion 6. In Fig. 14(d), the shaded portion 7 is formed to the left of the variable information portion 6, and in Fig. 14(f), the shaded portion 7 is formed to the right of the variable information portion 6. In Fig. 14(g), the shaded portion 7 is formed diagonally below and to the left of the variable information portion 6, in Fig. 14(h), the shaded portion 7 is formed below the variable information portion 6, and in Fig. 14(i), the shaded portion 7 is formed diagonally below and to the right of the variable information portion 6. Fig. 14(e) shows an example in which the shaded portion 7 and the variable information portion 6 completely overlap.

[0077] In this way, the direction in which the shaded portion 7 is formed may be various with respect to the variable information portion 6. As a result, since the direction in which the shaded portion 7 is formed must also be taken into consideration, it becomes more difficult to tamper with or counterfeit.

[0078] 8-4. Shaded area deviation Next, differences in the amount of displacement of the shaded portion 7 relative to the variable information portion 6 will be described with reference to FIG. Figures 15(a) and 15(c) are diagrams showing modified examples of the amount of shift of the shaded portion 7 relative to the variable information portion 6, where Figure 15(b) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 15(a) and Figure 15(d) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 15(c).

[0079] As shown in Fig. 10 above, the shaded area 7 is formed by being shifted by predetermined amounts of shift a and b in the left-right and up-down directions relative to the variable information area 6. In the examples shown in Figs. 15(a) and 15(b), the amounts of shift a and b are set to relatively small values, while in the examples shown in Figs. 15(c) and 15(d), the amounts of shift a and b are set to relatively large values. In this way, by changing the values ​​of the amounts of shift a and b, it is possible to change the appearance of the variable information area 6, as shown in Figs. 15(a) to 15(d).

[0080] 8-5. Brightness of shadow areas Next, differences in brightness of the shaded area 7 will be described with reference to FIG. Figures 16(a) and 16(c) are diagrams showing modified examples of the brightness of the shaded area relative to the variable information section 6, where Figure 16(b) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 16(a) and Figure 16(d) is a partially enlarged view of Figure 16(c).

[0081] The shaded portion 7J shown in Fig. 16(d) is set to be lighter in brightness than the shaded portion 7 shown in Fig. 16(a). In this way, the shaded portion 7J may be variously changed not only in the amount of deviation a, b, angle θ2, and line lengths C, D relative to the variable information portion 6 shown in Fig. 10, but also in brightness. This makes it possible to form an accurate shaded portion 7J, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of preventing counterfeiting, as brightness information is also required.

[0082] 8-6. Blur amount Next, differences in the amount of blurring of the shaded area 7 will be described with reference to FIG. 17(a) and 17(c) are diagrams showing modified examples of the amount of blurring of the shaded area 7, with FIG. 17(b) being a partial enlargement of FIG. 17(a) and FIG. 17(d) being a partial enlargement of FIG. 17(c).

[0083] The amount of blurring of the shaded portion 7K shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b) is set to be greater than the amount of blurring of the shaded portion 7L shown in Figures 17(c) and 17(d). By changing the amount of blurring in this way, it is possible to create differences in the appearance of the variable information portion 6 and the shaded portions 7K and 7L. When the shaded portion 7 is blurred, the amount of blurring of the shaded portion 7 is set to a predetermined amount. This makes it possible to form the shaded portion 7, as information regarding the amount of blurring is also required, thereby improving the effectiveness of preventing counterfeiting.

[0084] 8-7. Other shapes of the shaded area Next, other differences in the shape of the shaded portion 7 will be described with reference to FIG. Figures 18(a) and 18(c) are diagrams showing modified shapes of the shaded portion 7 relative to the variable information portion 6, with Figure 18(b) being a partially enlarged view of Figure 18(a) and Figure 18(d) being a partially enlarged view of Figure 18(c).

[0085] The corners of the shaded portion 7 shown in Figures 18(a) and 18(b) are not connected to the corners of the variable information portion 6. Therefore, the shaded portion 7 shown in Figures 18(a) and 18(b) can make the variable information portion 6 appear to be floating above the pattern 5.

[0086] In contrast, the corners of the shaded portion 7M shown in Figures 18(c) and 18(d) are connected to the corners of the variable information portion 6. Therefore, the shaded portion 7M shown in Figures 18(c) and 18(d) can give a more three-dimensional appearance to the variable information portion 6. In this way, the shape of the shaded portion 7 can be formed in a variety of ways, not just the shape of the corners, but also by connecting to the corners of the variable information portion 6 or forming it away from the corners of the variable information portion 6.

[0087] 8-8.Other examples of shadow areas Next, another example of the shaded portion 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the shape of the shaded portion 7. As shown in FIG.

[0088] In the above example, only one shading section 7 is provided for the variable information section 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, two shading sections 7N may be provided on the right and left sides of the variable information section 6. The angles at which the shading sections 7N are provided may be the same on the right and left sides, or may be different. In this way, by providing multiple shading sections 7N, the variable information section 6 can be viewed in a more three-dimensional manner. Furthermore, since information relating to each of the multiple shading sections 7N is required, the effectiveness of preventing counterfeiting can be enhanced.

[0089] 9. Method for creating data for variable information printouts according to the first embodiment Next, a method for creating data for variable information prints according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the data hierarchical structure of the variable information printed matter 10 shown in FIG. 1(a).

[0090] The data shown in Fig. 20(a1) is the highest hierarchical data. The highest hierarchical data shown in Fig. 20(a1) includes variable information data 6, which is data indicating the variable information section 6, provided within variable information area data 2, which is data indicating the variable information area 2. The variable information data 6 has variable information indicating a serial number from 0 to 9. A different combination of numbers is assigned to this variable information data 6 for each variable information printed matter 10. The variable information data 6 is composed of white-out data, which is data of the same color as the base material 1.

[0091] The data shown in FIG. 20(a2) is middle-level hierarchical data, and includes shading data 7, which is data indicating a shaded area 7. This shading data 7 is positioned at a predetermined distance and angle from the variable information data 6 in the highest-level hierarchical data. The shading data 7 is assigned the same combination of numbers as the variable information data 6. The shading data 7 is composed of blacked-out data that differs from the color data of the variable information data 6.

[0092] The data shown in Fig. 20(a3) is the lowest hierarchical data, and is pattern data 5, which is data indicating pattern 5. The pattern data 5 is formed at a predetermined position in the variable information area 2. The pattern data 5 is composed of black data, which is data in a color different from that of the variable information data 6 and the base material 1.

[0093] FIG. 21 shows the configuration of a device and software for generating data for variable information prints according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] This device comprises a memory unit M1 and a processing unit M2, and the processing unit M2 is equipped with software having a data input function M3, an arithmetic processing function M4, and a data output function M5. The memory unit M1 corresponds to a hard disk drive or RAM in a computer, and the processing unit M2 corresponds to a CPU in a computer.

[0095] The memory unit M1 also stores image data that serves as the base data for the pattern data 5 and shading data 7 required to create data for variable information prints, as well as database format files (hereinafter referred to as the "database") required to create data for variable information prints. This database stores information such as the name, gender, and age of each individual who will be the owner of the variable information prints.

[0096] The data input function M3 inputs image data, databases, and setting data (described later) stored in the storage unit M1.

[0097] The calculation processing function M4 replaces the pattern data 5, variable information data 6, and shading data 7, which are images and characters contained in the variable information area data 2, with different images and characters according to the information recorded in the database, while also generating data for variable information prints.

[0098] The data output function M5 stores the variable information print data generated by the calculation processing function M4 in the storage unit M1.

[0099] In the method for creating data for variable information printed matter, first, the pattern data 5, which is the lowest hierarchical data shown in Figures 20(a1) to 20(a3), the shading data 7, which is the middle hierarchical data, and the variable information data 6, which is the highest hierarchical data, are created or imported from a pre-registered database.

[0100] Next, a layout of the variable information area data 2 is created, and variable information data is created based on information that differs for each variable information print, using the layout as a reference.

[0101] When creating data for variable information printouts using variable information printing software, the software is generally called variable printing software and is used for variable information printing. One example of variable information printing is New Year's card printing software that prints a design such as the zodiac animal on the back of a New Year's card and variable information such as an address and name on the front. Layout data includes variable information area data 2 containing pattern data 5, and part of the pattern data 5 contains variable information data 6 that has information that changes with each printout, while part of the variable information data 6 does not contain pattern data 5. When creating layout data, it is necessary to consider the hierarchical relationship of the data's hierarchical structure and the shape of the data, assuming the final variable information printout, and to determine whether the pattern data 5 is composed of fixed information that does not change with each printout or variable information that changes with each printout.

[0102] Based on the layout data created by the variable information printing software, a database is imported into the variable information printing software in accordance with a command from the variable information printing software, variable information data 6 is created on the image processing software based on the database in accordance with a command from the variable information printing software, and the data of the variable information data previously created is imported into the variable information printing software in accordance with a command from the variable information printing software, and the imported data is arranged while replacing the data based on the layout data.

[0103] For example, if the database stores multiple five-digit numbers that are control numbers for variable information printed materials, first, the variable information printing software is instructed to import the database into the variable information printing software, then the image processing software is instructed to create control number "00001" as variable information data based on the database, and then the variable information printing software is instructed to import the previously created variable information data 6 into the variable information printing software, and the imported data is arranged in sequential order with the next control number "00002" based on the layout data. By repeating this process, multiple pieces of variable information data 6 can be created and arranged.

[0104] In the present invention, it is also possible to create a plurality of pattern data 5 based on layout data.

[0105] For example, if the database stores two background patterns (a checkered pattern for women and a striped pattern for men) according to the gender of the holder of the variable information printed material, the database is imported into the variable information printing software by a command from the variable information printing software based on the layout data created by the variable information printing software, and if the holder is male based on that database, a "striped pattern" is created in the image processing software by a command from the variable information printing software, and if the next holder is female, the previously created pattern data 5 is imported into the variable information printing software by a command from the variable information printing software, and the imported data is replaced with female pattern data 5 "checkered pattern" and arranged based on the layout data. By repeating this process, multiple pieces of pattern data 5 can be created and arranged.

[0106] Finally, the pattern data 5, variable information data 6 and shading data 7 are arranged one on top of the other, the overlapping portions of the pattern data 5, variable information data 6 and shading data 6 are integrated, and the pattern data 5 is deleted from the overlapping portions of the pattern data 5 and variable information data 6, and the pattern data 5 is deleted from the overlapping portions of the pattern data 5 and shading data 7, thereby generating variable information area data in which the pattern data 5 is deleted from the variable information data 6 and shading data 7.

[0107] 20(a1) to 20(a3) are superimposed, and the middle hierarchical data representing the shading data 7 and the top hierarchical data representing the variable information data 6 are placed above the lowest hierarchical data representing the pattern data 5. Furthermore, the top hierarchical data representing the variable information data 6 is placed above the middle hierarchical data representing the shading data 7. As described above, the top hierarchical data representing the variable information data 6 is white-out data made up of the same color data as the base material 1, and therefore the shading data 7 and part of the pattern data 5 are hidden by the top hierarchical data representing the variable information data 6.

[0108] By integrating the hierarchical data from Figure 20(a1) to Figure 20(a3), data for variable information prints, which is the final data for printing, is created. As a result, data is created in which variable information data 6 is printed in the overlapping areas of pattern data 5 and variable information data 6 and the overlapping areas of variable information data 6 and shading data 7. Then, pattern data 5 in the overlapping areas of pattern data 5 and variable information data 6 is deleted. Furthermore, shading data 7 in the overlapping areas of shading data 7 and variable information data 6 is deleted. Therefore, data is created in which pattern data 5 and shading data 7 are not printed in the numbers where variable information data 6 is printed. By performing the above-mentioned steps, data for variable information prints can be created.

[0109] 10. Method for creating data for variable information printouts according to the second embodiment Next, a method for creating data for variable information prints according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the data hierarchical structure of the variable information print 10B shown in FIG. 2(a).

[0110] The data shown in Fig. 22(a1) is the highest hierarchical data. The highest hierarchical data shown in Fig. 22(a1) includes variable information data 6, which is data indicating the variable information section 6, provided within variable information area data 2, which is data indicating the variable information area 2. The variable information data 6 has variable information indicating a serial number from 0 to 9. A different combination of numbers is assigned to this variable information data 6 for each variable information printed matter 10. The variable information data 6 is composed of white-out data, which is data of the same color as the base material 1.

[0111] The data shown in FIG. 22(a2) is middle-level hierarchical data, and includes shading data 7B, which is data indicating a shading portion 7B. The shading portion 7B is configured as shading data formed to surround the periphery of the variable information portion 6. This shading data is obtained by individually assigning gradations (serial numbers 0 to 9) based on variable information indicating serial numbers 0 to 9 in the variable information data 6. In other words, it can be said that gradations (100% in the center to 0% on the outside) are assigned to the shading data 7. This shading data 7 is positioned a predetermined distance and angle away from the variable information data 6 in the top-level hierarchical data. The shading data 7 is assigned the same combination of numbers as the variable information data 6. The shading data 7B is configured as shading data that is different from the color data of the variable information data 6.

[0112] 22(a3) is the lowest hierarchical data, and is pattern data 5, which is data indicating pattern 5. The pattern data 5 is formed at a predetermined position in the variable information area 2. The pattern data 5 is composed of black data, which is data in a color different from that of the variable information data 6 and the base material 1.

[0113] In the method for creating data for variable information printed materials, first, the lowest hierarchical data, middle hierarchical data, and top hierarchical data shown in Figures 22(a1) to 22(a3) are created. Next, by overlaying the data shown in Figures 22(a1) to 22(a3), middle hierarchical data showing shading data 7 and top hierarchical data showing variable information data 6 are placed on top of the lowest hierarchical data showing pattern data 5. Furthermore, the top hierarchical data showing variable information data 6 is placed on top of the middle hierarchical data showing shading data 7. As described above, the top hierarchical data showing variable information data 6 is white-out data made up of the same color data as the base material 1, and therefore the shading data 7 and part of the pattern data 5 are hidden by the top hierarchical data showing variable information data 6.

[0114] 22(a1) to 22(a3) are integrated to create variable information print data, which is the final data for printing. As a result, data is created in which variable information data 6 is printed in the overlapping areas of pattern data 5 and variable information data 6, and in the overlapping areas of variable information data 6 and shading data 7. In the overlapping areas of the pattern data 5 and the shading data 7, the density of the pattern data 5 is multiplied by the yellow of the shading data. Because the shading data 7 is given a gradation, the density of the pattern data 5 is multiplied with the same shade as the gradation. The darker the shading (higher the density) in the shading data 7, the darker the density of the pattern data 5, and the lighter the shading (lower the density) in the shading data 7, the lighter the density of the pattern data 5. Since shading data 7 with black gradation requires more information about shading data 7 than shading data 7 without black gradation, the effectiveness of preventing counterfeiting can be improved. By performing the above-mentioned process, data for variable information printed matter can be created.

[0115] 11. Method for creating data for variable information printouts according to the third embodiment Next, a method for creating data for variable information prints according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing the data hierarchical structure of the variable information print 10C shown in FIG. 3(a).

[0116] The data shown in Fig. 23(a1) is the highest hierarchical data. The highest hierarchical data shown in Fig. 23(a1) has variable information data 6 provided within the variable information area data 2. The variable information data 6 has variable information indicating a serial number from 0 to 9. A different combination of numbers is assigned to this variable information data 6 for each variable information printed matter 10. The variable information data 6 is made up of white-out data, which is data of the same color as the base material 1.

[0117] The data shown in Fig. 23(a2) is the first middle hierarchical layer data. The first middle hierarchical layer data shown in Fig. 23(a2) includes variable contour information data 9 formed within the variable information area data 2. The variable contour information data 9 is assigned the same information as the variable information data 6, i.e., the same combination of numbers as the variable information data 6. The variable contour information data 9 is black line data of the same or different shape as the variable information data 6. The variable contour information data 9 is also larger in size than the variable information data 6.

[0118] The data shown in FIG. 23(a3) is the second middle hierarchical data, shading data 7. This shading data 7 is placed in the same position as the variable information data 6 in the top hierarchical data. The shading data 7 is assigned the same combination of numbers as the variable information data 6. The shading data 7 is composed of black data that is different from the color data of the variable information data 6. The shading portion 7 is placed at a position offset a predetermined distance and angle from the variable information portion 6.

[0119] The data shown in Fig. 23(a4) is the lowest hierarchical data, and is pattern data 5. The pattern data 5 is formed at a predetermined position in the variable information area data 2. The pattern data 5 is composed of black data, which is data in a color different from that of the variable information data 6 and the base material 1.

[0120] 23(a1) to 23(a4) are superimposed, and the second middle hierarchical data representing shading data 7, the first middle hierarchical data representing variable contour information data 9, and the topmost hierarchical data representing variable information data 6 are arranged above the lowest hierarchical data representing pattern data 5. Furthermore, the first middle hierarchical data representing variable contour information data 9 and the topmost hierarchical data representing variable information data 6 are arranged above the second middle hierarchical data representing shading data 7. As described above, the topmost hierarchical data representing variable information data 6 is white-filled data made up of the same color data as the base material 1, and the first middle hierarchical data representing variable contour information data 9 is black-line data. Therefore, the shading data 7 and part of the pattern data 5 are concealed by the white-filled topmost hierarchical data representing variable information data 6 and the black-line data representing variable contour information data 9.

[0121] 23(a1) to 23(a4) are integrated to create variable information print data, which is the final data for printing. As a result, data is created in which variable information data 6 is printed in the overlapping areas of pattern data 5 and variable information data 6, and in the overlapping areas of variable information data 6 and shading data 7. Also, data is created in which contour variable information data 9 is printed in the overlapping areas of pattern data 5 and contour variable information data 9, and in the overlapping areas of contour variable information data 9 and shading data 7. Data is created in which pattern data 5 and shading data 7 are not printed in the numbers where variable information data 6 is printed, and in the contour variable information data 9 formed along the contour of variable information data 6.

[0122] 12. Method for creating data for variable information printouts according to the fifth embodiment Next, a method for creating data for variable information prints according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the data hierarchical structure of the variable information print 10E shown in FIG. 5(a).

[0123] The data shown in Fig. 24(a1) is the highest hierarchical data. The highest hierarchical data shown in Fig. 24(a1) has variable information data 6 provided within the variable information area data 2. The variable information data 6 has variable information indicating a serial number from 0 to 9. A different combination of numbers is assigned to this variable information data 6 for each variable information printed matter 10E. The variable information data 6 is made up of white-out data, which is data of the same color as the base material 1.

[0124] The data shown in Fig. 24(a2) is the first middle hierarchical layer data. The first middle hierarchical layer data shown in Fig. 23(a2) is provided with variable contour information data 9 formed within the variable information area data 2. The variable contour information data 9 is assigned the same information as the variable information data 6, i.e., the same combination of numbers as the variable information data 6. The variable contour information data 9 is black line data of the same or different shape as the variable information data 6. The variable contour information data 9 is also larger in size than the variable information data 6.

[0125] The data shown in FIG. 24(a3) is the second middle hierarchical data, and includes shading data 7, which is data indicating a shading portion 7E. The shading portion 7E is configured as a shading formed to surround the periphery of the variable information portion 6. This shading data is obtained by individually assigning gradations (serial numbers from 0 to 9) based on variable information indicating serial numbers from 0 to 9 in the variable information data 6. In other words, it can be said that gradations (100% in the center to 0% on the outside) are assigned to the shading data 7. This shading data 7 is positioned a predetermined distance and angle away from the variable information data 6 in the top hierarchical data. The shading data 7 is assigned the same combination of numbers as the variable information data 6. The shading data 7B is configured as black shading data that differs from the color data of the variable information data 6.

[0126] The data shown in Fig. 24(a4) is the lowest hierarchical data, and is pattern data 5. The pattern data 5 is formed at a predetermined position in the variable information area data 2. The pattern data 5 is composed of black data, which is data of a different color from the variable information data 6 and the base material 1.

[0127] 24(a1) to 23(a4) are superimposed, and the second middle hierarchical data representing the shading data 7, the first middle hierarchical data representing the variable contour information data 9, and the topmost hierarchical data representing the variable contour information data 6 are arranged above the lowest hierarchical data representing the pattern data 5. Furthermore, the first middle hierarchical data representing the variable contour information data 9 and the topmost hierarchical data representing the variable contour information data 6 are arranged above the second middle hierarchical data representing the shading data 7. As described above, the topmost hierarchical data representing the variable contour information data 6 is white-filled data made up of the same color data as the base material 1, and the first middle hierarchical data representing the variable contour information data 9 is black-line data. Therefore, the shading data 7 and part of the pattern data 5 are concealed by the white-filled topmost hierarchical data representing the variable contour information data 6 and the black-line data representing the variable contour information data 9.

[0128] 24(a1) to 24(a4) are integrated to create variable information print data, which is the final data for printing. As a result, data is created in which variable information data 6 is printed in the overlapping areas of pattern data 5 and variable information data 6 and the overlapping areas of variable information data 6 and shading data 7. Also, data is created in which contour variable information data 9 is printed in the overlapping areas of pattern data 5 and contour variable information data 9 and the overlapping areas of contour variable information data 9 and shading data 7. Data is created in which pattern data 5 and shading data 7 are not printed in the numbers where variable information data 6 is printed and in the contour variable information data 9 formed along the contour of variable information data 6.

[0129] 13. Modification of variable information section 6 Next, modified examples of the variable information section 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. 25(a) to 25(e) and 25(a) to 25(g) are diagrams showing an example of the variable information section 6. FIG.

[0130] In the above example, the variable information section 6 is described as a serial number, but is not limited to this. The variable information section 6 may be hiragana, katakana, Chinese numerals, alphabets, symbols, etc., as shown in Figures 25(a) to 25(e).

[0131] In the above example, the variable information section 6 is shown in regular characters as shown in Fig. 26(a), but is not limited to this. For example, italic characters with different slants and slants in different directions may be used as shown in Fig. 26(b) to Fig. 26(g).

[0132] Figures 27(a) to 27(c) show examples of variable information sections 6 and shaded sections, with Figure 27(a) showing regular characters and Figures 27(b) to 27(c) showing italic characters. As shown in Figures 27(b) and 27(c), when the variable information sections 6P and 6Q are italic characters, the shaded sections 7P and 7Q are formed in italic characters to match the variable information sections 6P and 6Q. Note that, as shown in Figure 27(c), the angle at which the shaded section 7Q and the angle at which the variable information section 6Q are tilted do not have to match.

[0133] Next, a modified example of the arrangement of the variable information sections 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a modified example of the arrangement of the variable information sections 6. In FIG. In the above example, the variable information sections 6 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in Fig. 28, multiple variable information sections 6 may be arranged separately. Furthermore, multiple variable information sections 6 may be combined with regular characters and italic characters. The shading section 7 is formed according to the position where the variable information section 6 is arranged.

[0134] 14. Other embodiments Next, another embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 29(a) is a diagram showing a variable information printed matter according to the seventh embodiment, Figure 29(b) is a diagram showing a variable information printed matter according to the eighth embodiment, and Figure 29(c) is a diagram showing a variable information printed matter according to the ninth embodiment.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the shaded area is formed using black data, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the variable information printed matter according to the seventh embodiment shown in Fig. 29(a), the variable information area 6R is formed using black data, and the shaded area 7R is formed using white data. As described above, the data forming the shaded area is formed in a higher hierarchical data level than the data forming the pattern 5. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 29(a), in the overlapping area between the shaded area 7R and the pattern 5, the data for the pattern 5 is concealed by the white data for the shaded area 7R, and the pattern 5 is not printed within the shaded area 7R.

[0136] The variable information printed matter according to the eighth embodiment shown in FIG. 29(b) has a contour variable information section 9 formed in the shaded section 7R shown in FIG. 29(a). As shown in FIG. 29(b), a contour variable information section 9 is formed around the periphery of the shaded section 7R, which contains the same information as the shaded section 7R, i.e., the same information as the variable information section 6R. The contour variable information section 9 is a variable information printed matter that is arranged along the contour of the shaded section 7R. Furthermore, the contour variable information section 9 is configured in a shape that is the same as or different from the shape of the shaded section 7R. The contour variable information section 9 is formed using data in a color different from that of the shaded section 7R. By providing the contour variable information section 9 in the shaded section 7R, the visibility of not only the variable information section 6R but also the shaded section 7R can be improved.

[0137] The variable information section 6R according to the ninth embodiment shown in Fig. 29(c) is formed with a plurality of shading sections 7R and 8 shown in Fig. 29(a). The shading section 8, which is a drop shadow, is formed at a position offset from the shading section 7R based on a preset angle and position. The shading section 8 is disposed adjacent to the shading section 7R. The shading data 8 is composed of data of a different color from the shading data 7R.

[0138] The shaded area 8 creates the effect of the shadow of the variable information area 6R and the shaded area 7R falling from around the shaded area 7R onto the substrate 1 and the pattern 5. In this way, by providing multiple shaded areas 7, it is possible to increase the visibility of not only the variable information area 6R but also the shaded areas 6 adjacent to the variable information area 6R and the shaded area 7R. The number of shaded areas 7 is not limited to two, and three or more may be arranged.

[0139] 15. Pattern Variations Next, a modified example of pattern 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 30(a) to 31(d) are diagrams showing modified examples of the pattern. The pattern 5 is either fixed information having information that does not change for each printing or variable information section 6 having information that changes for each printing. Therefore, the pattern 5 is not limited to the examples described above, and may be a geometric pattern, continuous gradation using specially shaped halftone dots, continuous gradation using normal halftone dots, a pattern using specially shaped halftone dots, or the like, as shown in Figures 30(a) to 30(d), and is not particularly limited.

[0140] 30(a) to 30(d) illustrate an example in which the pattern 5 is formed over the entire variable information area 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figures 31(a) to 31(d), various shapes such as a circle, a star, a flower, or a triangle may be formed in part of the variable information area 2.

[0141] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0142] The substrate 1 of the variable information printed matter of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be paper sheets such as fine paper, coated paper, art paper, etc. Film, plastic, or a composite material thereof can also be used.

[0143] The printing method for the variable information printed matter of the present invention is not particularly limited, and includes offset printing, gravure printing, intaglio printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, digital printing, inkjet printers, laser printers, etc., but when printing fine, specially shaped halftone dots, offset printing, digital printing, inkjet printers, and laser printers are preferred. Furthermore, since the variable information printed matter of the present invention has a variable information section 6, offset printing, gravure printing, intaglio printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, etc. require printing plates, which require the time and effort of replacing the printing plates. Therefore, methods such as digital printing, inkjet printers, and laser printers, which do not require printing plates and instead print directly from data, are preferred.

[0144] Furthermore, the variable information section 6, the shading section, and the variable contour information section 9 may be formed with functional ink, for example, colorless fluorescent ink, so that when ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the variable information printed matter, the variable information section 6, the shading section, and the variable contour information section 9 will emit light and become visible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 Base material 2 Variable Information Area 5, 5A pattern 6, 6D, 6E, 6F, 6P, 6Q, 6R Variable information section 7, 7B, 7E, 7F, 7G, 7H, 7J, 7K, 7L, 7M, 7P, 7Q, 7R, 8 Shaded area, 9, 9D, 9E, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9J Contour variable information section 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F Variable information printed matter

Claims

1. In variable information printed materials where there are multiple products of equal value, a variable information area having a predetermined pattern on at least a portion of the base material; A part of the pattern has a variable information section whose shape varies for each print, and a shaded section formed around the variable information section to make the variable information section visible in three dimensions, In the variable information area, Only the variable information section is printed in the overlapping portion between the pattern and the variable information section, In the overlapping portion between the pattern and the shaded portion, only the shaded portion is printed; A variable information printed matter, characterized in that the pattern is not printed in the areas where the variable information section and the shaded section are printed.

2. the variable information section further comprises a contour variable information section having the same shape as the variable information section and larger than the variable information section, the contour variable information section being arranged along the contour of the variable information section, 2. The variable information print according to claim 1, wherein the pattern and the shaded portion are not printed in the variable outline information portion.

3. A method for creating data for a variable information printed matter, comprising: a base material having a variable information area with a predetermined pattern on at least a portion thereof; a variable information section having a shape that varies for each printing in a portion of the pattern; and a shading section formed around the variable information section to make the variable information section appear three-dimensional; the variable information section alone is printed in the overlapping portion between the pattern and the variable information section; the shading section alone is printed in the overlapping portion between the pattern and the shading section; and the pattern is not printed in the portion where the variable information section and the shading section are printed, a step of capturing pattern data that is the basis of the pattern, variable information data that is the basis of the variable information section, and shading data that is the basis of the shading section from a database that is created or registered in advance; creating a layout of variable information area data, and creating variable information data based on information that differs for each print, using the layout as a reference; a step of overlapping the pattern data, the variable information data, and the shading data, integrating overlapping portions of the pattern data, the variable information data, and the shading data, deleting the pattern data from overlapping portions of the pattern data and the variable information data, and deleting the pattern data from overlapping portions of the pattern data and the shading data, thereby generating variable information area data in which the pattern data has been deleted from the variable information data and the shading data.

4. The method further includes a step of creating contour variable information data that is larger than the variable information data and has the same shape as the variable information data, based on the variable information data; 4. The method for creating data for variable information prints according to claim 3, further comprising a step of overlaying the variable contour information data on the pattern data, the variable information data and the shading data, integrating the overlapping portion of the variable contour information data with the overlapping portion of the variable contour information data, and deleting the pattern data from the overlapping portion of the pattern data and the variable contour information data, thereby generating variable information area data in which the pattern data has been deleted from the variable information data, the shading data and the variable contour information data.

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