Image forming member

Abstract

To provide an image forming body that allows dynamic and three-dimensional visual recognition of an image constituted of arcuate or circular elements in a predetermined observation direction, and allows visual recognition of a moire image in observation in a direction different from the predetermined observation direction.SOLUTION: An image forming body has an image in part of a substrate, and the image is composed of a first image as meaningful information and a second image representing moire. The first image has a plurality of first elements each having an arcuate locus arranged regularly. The first element has a concave or convex cross-sectional shape, and has at least either one of a bright and dark flip-flop property or a color flip-flop property. The second image is composed of a 2-1 pattern in which a plurality of 2-1 elements are arranged at a predetermined pitch and a predetermined arrangement angle, and a 2-2 pattern in which a plurality of 2-2 elements are arranged at a predetermined pitch and a predetermined arrangement angle, at least one of which is different from that of the 2-1 elements.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image forming body in which the predominantly visible image changes from an image having a three-dimensional and dynamic effect to a moire image as the viewing direction changes. [Background technology]

[0002] Recent advances in digital devices such as scanners, printers, and color copiers have made it possible to produce elaborate copies of valuable printed materials. Therefore, in order to prevent the above-mentioned copying and counterfeiting, various counterfeit prevention technologies are required for valuable printed materials that require security. For example, one known technology that has an anti-counterfeiting effect is a technology that uses stereoscopic vision, which allows characters, figures, etc. to be viewed in three dimensions.

[0003] The visual effect of letters and figures appearing to float in three dimensions, and the visual effect of images appearing to move like a moving image, are eye-catching and difficult to counterfeit. Examples of printed matter on which an image is formed using stereoscopic vision include those that use binocular parallax by attaching lenticular or holograms.

[0004] Binocular parallax is a phenomenon in which a stereoscopic image is generated in the brain of a human being by utilizing the difference in the images seen by the left and right eyes due to the distance between the two eyes. Even if the image is flat, by presenting different images to the left and right eyes in isolation, the observer perceives it as a three-dimensional image.

[0005] An example of a stereoscopic display device using binocular parallax is a technology that arranges arc-shaped image lines made of a lustrous material in a line pattern, making it possible to view a stereoscopic image with the naked eye by the reflected light of the incident light (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With this technology, by continuously changing the observation angle, the reflected light gradually moves along the arc-shaped image lines, and the image is viewed as moving three-dimensionally and continuously. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5799431 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, when the image is observed by changing the angle in a direction along the arc-shaped image line, the image can be viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally. However, when the image is observed from a direction different from the direction along the arc-shaped image line, the reflected light does not move continuously along the image line, and the image cannot be viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally.

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an image forming body that, when observed in a predetermined direction, allows an image composed of arc-shaped or circular elements to be viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally, and, when observed in a direction different from the predetermined observation direction, allows a moiré image composed of hemispherical dots to be viewed in order to reduce the dependence on the observation angle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The substrate has an image on at least a part thereof, the image being composed of a first image as meaningful information and a second image representing moire, the first image being composed of a plurality of first elements having an arc-shaped trajectory regularly arranged, the first elements having a concave or convex cross-sectional shape and at least one of a light-dark flip-flop property or a color flip-flop property, the second image being composed of a 2-1 pattern composed of a plurality of 2-1 elements arranged at a predetermined pitch and a predetermined arrangement angle, and a 2-2 element composed of a plurality of 2-2 elements arranged with the predetermined pitch or arrangement angle of the 2-1 elements and at least one different property, and the 2-1 elements or the 2-2 elements being different from each other, The image forming body is characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of one of the elements is concave or convex, and at least one of the elements has at least one of light / dark flip-flop properties or color flip-flop properties, has an overlapping area where the second-1 element and the second-2 element are arranged so as to partially overlap, and by continuously changing the angle of the substrate from a predetermined angle to a different angle relative to a light source in a first direction along the arc-shaped trajectory direction, the first image having a dynamic and three-dimensional effect can be predominantly viewed, and by continuously changing the angle of the substrate from a predetermined angle to a different angle relative to a light source in a second direction different from the first direction, the second image can be predominantly viewed.

[0010] 2. The image forming member according to claim 1, wherein the first element is a circular element extending along an arc-shaped track. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] By forming a first image and a second image, the present invention allows an image with dynamic and three-dimensional effects to be predominantly visible when observed in a direction along the arcuate track direction, which is an element that forms the first image, and also allows a moiré image to be predominantly visible when observed in a direction different from the arcuate track direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an image forming body (1) according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming body (1). [Figure 3] A diagram showing the change in the visible image (3) as the observation direction changes. [Figure 4] A diagram showing a detail of the first image (10). [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another arrangement of the first element (11). [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one of the first elements (11) shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another shape of the first element (11). [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another arrangement of the three-dimensional pattern area (12). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing another shape of the first image (10). [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the first element (11). [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a view showing a viewpoint for observing a substrate (2) to which an image-forming body (1) is attached. [Figure 12] Schematic diagram showing the viewing principle of the first element (11) at a second observation angle (E2). [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a forming body (1) in which first elements (11) are arranged in the same direction, as viewed from a first observation angle (E1). [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the forming body (1) in which the first elements (11) are arranged in the same direction, as viewed from a second observation angle (E2). [Figure 15] Schematic diagram showing continuous changes in the observation angle relative to the substrate (2). [Figure 16] FIG. 10 shows the configuration of a second image (20). [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the 2-1 pattern (21a). [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the 2-2 pattern (22a). [Figure 19] A diagram showing a detail of the second image (20). [Figure 20] A diagram showing details of the elements that make up the second image (20) [Figure 21]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the pitches of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the 2-2 elements (22b) are partially different in the second image (20). [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a form in which a 2-1 pattern (21a) and a 2-2 pattern (22a) are arranged along a circle in a second image (20). [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the arrangement directions of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the 2-2 elements (22b) are different in the second image (20). [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration in which the 2-2 element (22a) is a pixel in the second image (20). [Figure 25] A diagram showing details of the 2-2 pattern (22''a) in the second image (20). [Figure 26] A detail of the second image (20) shown in FIG. 24. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following describes embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0014] (First embodiment) The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a structural diagram of an image-formed body (1) having an image (3) on at least a part of a substrate (2). Fig. 1 shows an example in which the image (3) is formed on a part of the substrate (2), but the image-formed body (1) of the present invention may also be configured so that the image (3) is formed on the entire substrate (2).

[0015] Image (3) is made of a light-reflective material, such as common metals like aluminum and stainless steel, films, plastics, and even paper coated with pearl ink or paint that can create a smooth surface.

[0016] When the image (3) of the image-forming body (1) of the present invention is observed from a predetermined observation direction, a three-dimensional pattern is visible. In this embodiment, the pattern that can be seen three-dimensionally is "N." Furthermore, when observed from a direction different from the predetermined observation direction, a moiré pattern can be seen.

[0017] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image (3) of the present invention. The image (3) has a first image (10) and a second image (20). The first image (10) has first elements (11) with a concave or convex cross-sectional shape that have brilliance and are arranged in an arc shape. The second image (20) is a moiré pattern formed from circular elements with a hemispherical cross-sectional shape.

[0018] 2 shows a configuration in which the first image (10) and the second image (20) are arranged in overlapping positions, but the first image (10) and the second image (20) may be arranged in different positions. Note that, since an object of the present invention is to make a moiré image visible in an observation direction in which the dynamic and three-dimensional effects of a predetermined image cannot be seen, it is preferable that the first image (10) and the second image (20) be arranged in overlapping positions within the same image area.

[0019] The effect of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. The observation direction along the arcuate trajectory (line FF') in the image (3) shown in Figure 3(a) is designated as the I1 direction, and the observation direction (line GG') different from the arcuate trajectory direction is designated as the I2 direction. When the image (3) shown in Figure 3(b) is observed along the I1 direction, which is the arrangement direction of the first elements, the reflected light relative to the incident light on the arcuate image line also changes continuously as the observation angle changes. This continuous change allows the first image (10) to be viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally. Note that when observed from the I1 direction, the second image (20), which is a moiré pattern, is also simultaneously visible. However, because the dynamic and three-dimensional effects of the first image (10) formed by the shiny elements are emphasized, it becomes difficult to view the second image (20), and the first image (10) is viewed predominantly.

[0020] When observed along the I2 direction, the second image (20) shown in Fig. 3(c) is perceived as image (3). This is because the change in reflected light with respect to the angle of incidence on the arc-shaped image line in the first image (10) is discontinuous, and the first image (10) cannot be perceived dynamically or three-dimensionally, and the second image (20), which is a moiré pattern, is perceived as the dominant image.

[0021] (First image) The first image (10) will now be described. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing details of the first image (10). In the present invention, the first image (10) is composed of at least one three-dimensional pattern region (12). FIG. 4 shows an example in which the first image (10) is formed by five three-dimensional pattern regions (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e) surrounded by thick lines. Each three-dimensional pattern region (12) is a part that constitutes the first image (10), and multiple three-dimensional pattern regions (12) are arranged to form the first image (10) as a whole. For example, the first image (10) in FIG. 4 is a pattern representing the letter "N." For clarity, the thick lines indicating the three-dimensional pattern regions (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, and 12e are shown, but they are imaginary lines and are not actually formed in the first image (10). Details of how the three-dimensional pattern regions (12) are divided will be described later.

[0022] As shown in the enlarged view of the three-dimensional pattern region (12a) in Figure 4, the three-dimensional pattern region (12a) is an example made up of four arc-shaped first elements (11). Furthermore, a plurality of the first elements (11) are formed at a first pitch (P1) in a first direction (X1). While the enlarged view of Figure 4 shows the three-dimensional pattern region (12a) made up of a plurality of arc-shaped first elements, it is sufficient that the three-dimensional pattern region (12) of the present invention has at least one first element (11) within the three-dimensional pattern region (12a).

[0023] In the first elements (11) arranged in the three-dimensional pattern area (12a) shown in the enlarged view of Figure 4, if the straight line connecting the start point (U) and the end point (D) is taken as the reference line (H1), the reference lines (H1) are arranged in the same direction in a linear pattern. In this case, the reference lines (H1) are parallel to each other in the multiple first elements (11). By setting the reference lines (H1) in the same direction, the first elements (11) are arranged in a linear first direction (X1) within the three-dimensional pattern area (12).

[0024] Although the first elements (11) have been described as being arranged in parallel, they may be arranged in different directions. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another arrangement of the first elements (11). In the three-dimensional pattern area (12) shown in Fig. 5, the reference lines (H1a, H1b, H1c, H1d) of the first elements (11) are arranged in different directions.

[0025] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the first element (11) shown in Figure 4. The first element (11) is an arc-shaped element having a start point (U), a vertex (T), and an end point (D), with a straight line connecting the start point (U) and the end point (D) as a reference line (H1). The angle formed by the tangent line (H2) of the first element (11) with respect to the reference line (H1) at the start point (U) is defined as a first angle (θ1), and the angle formed by the tangent line (H3) of the first element (11) with respect to the reference line (H1) at the end point (D) is defined as a second angle (θ2).

[0026] Between the start point (U) and the end point (D) of the first element (11), incident light from the light source is reflected in different directions within the range where binocular parallax is possible, so that the first image (10) is viewed as a stereoscopic image. At the start point (U), if the angle (θ1 or θ2) formed by the tangent (H2) of the arc-shaped first element (11) with respect to the reference line (H1) is less than 2 degrees, the reflected light from the light source is reflected in approximately the same direction, making binocular parallax impossible at an appropriate observation distance, which is not preferable. Conversely, if the angle (θ1 or θ2) formed by the tangent (H2) of the arc-shaped first element (11) with respect to the reference line (H1) at the start point (U) is greater than 90 degrees, the incident light is reflected in different directions on the start point (U) side and the end point (D) side, but this is outside the range where binocular parallax is possible, which is not preferable.

[0027] When the first angle (θ1) formed by the tangent (H2) of the first element to the reference line (H1) at the starting point (U) and the second angle (θ2) formed by the tangent (H3) of the first element to the reference line (H1) at the end point (D) are large (close to 90 degrees), the range on the first element (11) that can be seen with brilliance by the naked eye relative to a light source in a fixed position becomes larger.

[0028] Conversely, if the first angle (θ1) and the second angle (θ2) are small (close to 0 degrees), the area on the first element (11) that can be seen with the naked eye as having brilliance with respect to a light source in a fixed position becomes smaller.

[0029] The first image (10) can be viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally by changing the observation angle relative to the substrate (2). The reason it is viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally is that the areas of the first element (11) that reflect light from the light source, which has brilliance, change as the observation angle relative to the substrate (2) changes. By making the first element (11) an arc-shaped element or a circular element with an extended arc, the areas of the first element (11) that reflect light from the light source change continuously on the arc-shaped element or the circular element with an extended arc. Therefore, the first image (10) is viewed as if it is moving continuously.

[0030] As described above, the shape of the first element is basically an arc with one starting point and one ending point. However, the starting point (U) and the ending point (D) of the arcs of the first element (11a) and the first element (11b) shown in FIG. 7(a) may be connected to form a circle. The first image (10) shown in FIG. 7(b) is composed of the first element (11a) and the first element (11b) shown in FIG. 7(a) connected to each other. When FIG. 7(b) is observed from a predetermined observation angle, the image seen is that shown in FIG. 7(c). In FIG. 7(c), two circles, which are three-dimensional images, are perceived as partially overlapping. This is because one arc-shaped image generates one reflected light, forming one image, while a circle formed by combining two arc-shaped images generates two reflected lights simultaneously, resulting in the appearance of two images. If the first element (11) is circular, the starting point (U), vertex (T), and end point (D) cannot be found from the first element (11), but it is perceived as moving continuously, just like the first image (10) consisting of the arc-shaped first element (11).

[0031] Next, the first pitch (P1) for arranging the first elements (11) will be described. The first pitch (P1) is appropriately set taking into consideration the method for forming the first elements (11), the substrate (2) used, and the image width. When producing a security print that will be picked up and observed by a person, the pitch (P1) should be in the range of 5 to 1000 μm. If the first pitch (P1) is less than 5 μm, it becomes difficult to form the first elements (11) on the substrate (2). Conversely, if the first pitch (P1) is more than 1000 μm, the non-glossy areas between adjacent first elements (11) become visible to the naked eye. This results in areas without glitter within the three-dimensional pattern area (12), which reduces the visibility of the "N" pattern when viewed three-dimensionally, which is undesirable. When the image forming body (1) is used for the purpose of improving the design of a poster, advertisement, etc., the image forming body (1) becomes larger, and the first pitch (P1) also changes with the change in size of the image forming body (1). Therefore, the first pitch (P1) is not limited to the above-mentioned range and is set appropriately depending on the distance between the image forming body (1) formed on the poster and the viewer.

[0032] In the enlarged view of the first image (10) in FIG. 4, the first pitch (P1) is shown as the same regular pitch, but it is also possible for it to be a random pitch.

[0033] The length of the reference line (H1) needs to be set appropriately according to the size of the first image (10) and the distance between the first image (10) and the viewer. When producing a printed material that a person will hold and observe, the length of the reference line (H1) should be within a range of 0.5 to 65 mm. The first image (10) of the present invention can be viewed stereoscopically using binocular parallax. Therefore, the length of the reference line (H1) needs to be kept to 65 mm or less, which is the distance between the eyes of a typical human. Furthermore, to create an appropriate sense of perspective that everyone perceives, the reference line (H1) needs to be formed at a predetermined distance of 0.5 mm or more. Therefore, by setting the length of the reference line (H1) within the aforementioned range, the first image (10) can be easily viewed using binocular parallax.

[0034] Furthermore, when the image-forming body (1) is used for the purpose of improving the design of a poster, advertisement, etc., the image-forming body (1) becomes larger, and the length of the reference line (H1) increases with the change in size of the image-forming body (1). Therefore, the length of the reference line (H1) is set appropriately, not limited to the above-mentioned range, depending on the distance between the image-forming body (1) and the viewer.

[0035] In the present invention, the first element (11) shown in the enlarged view of Figure 4 is illustrated as having a shape that is symmetrical about the vertex (T), but it can also be asymmetrical as shown in Figure 8(b).

[0036] 8(b) is an enlarged view of the first element (11) when it is asymmetrical about the vertex (T). When the shape is asymmetrical, the angle (θ1) formed by the tangent (H2) of the first element (11) to the reference line (H1) at the start point (U) is different from the angle (θ2) formed by the tangent (H3) of the first element (11) to the reference line (H1) at the end point (D). The angle range can be set appropriately within the range of 2 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0037] The first image (10) is not limited to the character shape described above, and may be any shape as long as it is possible to arrange a plurality of first elements (11). FIG. 9 is a plan view showing other shapes of the first image (10). The first image (10) may also be a circle as shown in FIG. 9(a), the character shape "A" as shown in FIG. 9(b), or a face shape as shown in FIG. 9(c). In FIGS. 9(a), 9(b), and 9(c), the three-dimensional pattern area (12) refers to each of the parts that make up the first image (10), as indicated by the thick lines, and is appropriately formed so that the first image (10) can be viewed three-dimensionally.

[0038] The first image (10) is divided into three-dimensional pattern regions (12) so that the virtual line (J) connecting the centers of the reference lines (H1) of the plurality of first elements (11) forming the first image (10) is one within one three-dimensional pattern region (12). For example, in FIG. 9(a), there is one virtual line (J) connecting the centers of the reference lines (H1) of the plurality of first elements (11) forming the first image (10). Therefore, the first image (10) is composed of one three-dimensional pattern region (12).

[0039] 9(b), when the plurality of first elements (11) forming the first image (10) are arranged from below the three-dimensional pattern area (12a), there are portions where the arrangement of the first elements (11) is disrupted. By dividing the portions where the arrangement is disrupted as shown in the three-dimensional pattern area (12b), the virtual line (J) connecting the centers of the reference lines (H1) within each three-dimensional pattern area (12) becomes one, and the first image (10) becomes an image that can be viewed stereoscopically.

[0040] It is also possible to arrange the first elements (11) in different directions in each of the plurality of three-dimensional pattern regions (12).

[0041] For example, in the first image (10) shown in Figure 9(c), in the three-dimensional pattern areas (12) of the eyes, nose, and mouth, within each three-dimensional pattern area (12), the reference lines of the first elements (11) are all arranged in a linear first direction, but it is also possible to arrange the eyes in the direction of X11 (X11), the nose in the direction of X12 (X12), and the mouth in the direction of X13 (X13), with the direction of X11 (X11), the direction of X12 (X12), and the direction of X13 (X13) being different directions from each other.

[0042] As explained in FIG. 5, in the image forming body (1) of the present invention, the reference line (H1) of the first element (11) can be oriented in different directions within one three-dimensional pattern region (12).

[0043] For example, in the first image (10) shown in Figure 9(c), in the three-dimensional pattern area (12) of the eyes, nose, and mouth, the reference line (H1) of the first element (11) for the eyes can be positioned in a different direction as described in Figure 5, and the reference line (H1) for the nose and mouth can be positioned in the same direction as described in Figure 4.

[0044] The three-dimensional pattern areas (12) in which the reference lines (H1) are arranged in the same direction and the three-dimensional pattern areas (12) in which the reference lines (H1) are arranged in different directions are viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally in different directions as the observation angle changes. Thus, in Figure 9(c), the nose and mouth are viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally in the same direction, but the eyes are viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally in a different direction from the nose and mouth, and the first image (10) is viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally in a more complex manner.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the first element (11). Fig. 10(a) is a plan view of the first element (11), and Fig. 10(b) and Fig. 10(c) are cross-sectional views taken along line A-A' in Fig. 10(a). As shown in Fig. 10(b) and Fig. 10(c), the first element (11) has a convex or concave shape relative to the substrate (2).

[0046] The height (Y1) of the convex first element (11) shown in Figure 10(b) must be appropriately set within a range of 5 to 1000 μm when producing an image-formed body (1) that can be held and observed by a person. Note that if the height of the first element (11) relative to the substrate (2) is 1000 μm or more, it becomes difficult to produce the convex element relative to the substrate (2), which is not preferable. When the size of the image-formed body (1) is large, such as for a poster or signboard, the height (Y1) must also be increased.

[0047] The depth (Z1) of the concave-shaped first element (11) shown in FIG. 10(c) is appropriately set within the range of 5 to 1000 μm when producing an image-formed body (1) that can be held and observed by a person. Note that if the depth of the first element (11) relative to the substrate (2) is 1000 μm or more, it becomes difficult to produce the element relative to the substrate (2), which is undesirable. Furthermore, if the thickness of the substrate is less than 2 mm, increasing the depth (Z1) reduces the strength of the substrate (2), so it is desirable to keep the depth (Z1) at 1 / 2 or less of the thickness of the substrate (2). Note that if the size of the image-formed body (1) is large, such as for a poster or signboard, the depth (Z1) must also be increased.

[0048] The following describes a method for forming the first element (11). There are two methods for forming the first element (11): forming the first element (11) on the substrate (2) as a raised first element (11) with glittering ink, and forming the first element (11) by deforming the glittering substrate (2) into at least one of a concave shape and a convex shape.

[0049] The method of forming a raised element with ink involves printing the base material (2) using ink having a plate surface and luster suitable for a known printing method. When the first element (11) is formed by intaglio printing, screen printing, or flexographic printing, the formed first element (11) is formed as a raised convex element on the base material (2).

[0050] The method of deforming the substrate (2) into a concave or convex shape to form the first element (11) is to process the shiny substrate (2) to fit the shape of the first element (11) using a known processing machine capable of embossing, laser processing, etc.

[0051] Even when a non-glossy substrate (2) is used, it is possible to deform the substrate (2) into a concave or convex shape, and then print a glittering ink on the deformed portions of the substrate (2) to form the first element (11). For example, the substrate (2) is deformed into a concave or convex shape by plow-in using a known paper machine, and then a glittering ink is printed on the deformed portions to form the first element (11).

[0052] Next, a description will be given of the material forming the first element 11. The first element 11 is formed of a glittering material having a light-dark flip-flop property or a color flip-flop property.

[0053] Brightness flip-flop refers to the change in brightness that occurs when the observation angle is changed, and in the present invention, the image that is viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally is made up of areas on the first element (11) that specularly reflect incident light. The large contrast between the specularly reflected incident light and the diffusely reflected incident light makes it possible to view the image dynamically and three-dimensionally with the naked eye.

[0054] Materials having light-dark flip-flop properties include inks containing common metal powder pigments such as aluminum powder, copper powder, zinc powder, tin powder, brass powder, and iron phosphide, inks containing common pearl pigments such as rainbow-colored pearl pigments and scale-like pigments, transparent inks, and gloss inks.

[0055] Color flip-flop refers to the phenomenon in which colors change with changes in the viewing angle, and in the present invention, the image that is viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally is made up of areas on the first element (11) that specularly reflect incident light. The large contrast between the color under specular reflection and the color under diffuse reflection allows the image to be viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally with the naked eye.

[0056] Materials with color flip-flop properties include glass flake pigments, cholesteric liquid crystal pigments, and effect pigments, while functional inks include OVI (Optical Variable Ink), CSI (Color Shifting Ink), and cholesteric liquid crystal ink.

[0057] Materials having light-dark flip-flop and / or color flip-flop properties that can be used for the substrate (2) include common metal materials such as aluminum and stainless steel, resin materials such as films and plastics, and substrates (2) coated with pearl ink or paint capable of forming a smooth surface. However, as long as the first element (11) has light-dark flip-flop and / or color flip-flop properties, there are no limitations on the material from which it is formed. The first element (11) may be formed with a microstructure, a so-called diffraction grating, as described in Japanese Patent No. 4783943 previously disclosed by the present applicant. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, an example in which the first element (11) is formed from a material having luster will be described.

[0058] Next, the observation angle for viewing the first image (10) will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing viewpoints (E1, E2) for observing the substrate (2) to which the image-forming body (1) is applied. The first element (11) is disposed in a first direction (X1) on the substrate (2).

[0059] In the present invention, the substrate (2), the light source (Q) at a fixed position, and the viewpoint are in a positional relationship from the I1 direction along the FF' line described in

[0002] in Figure 11(a), and when observed from a first observation angle (θ3), they are in the positional relationship shown in Figure 11(a), and when observed from a second observation angle (θ4), they are in the positional relationship shown in Figure 11(b).

[0060] The first observation angle (θ3) is an observation angle at which the first element (11) does not appear to have any brilliance when viewed under diffuse reflected light due to the incident light from a fixed light source (Q). For example, if the first element (11) is made of pearlescent ink, the pearlescent ink does not reflect the incident light from the light source (Q) when viewed under diffuse reflected light. Therefore, the reflected light from the first element (11) is not visible to the naked eye, and the first element (11) appears to have no brilliance.

[0061] The second observation angle (θ4) is an observation angle under specular reflection light at which the first element (11) is perceived as having brilliance with respect to incident light from a fixed light source (Q). For example, if the first element (11) is made of pearlescent ink, the pearlescent ink reflects the incident light from the light source (Q) when observed under specular reflection light. Therefore, the first element (11) has reflected light and is perceived by the naked eye as an element having brilliance.

[0062] The first observation angle (θ3) and the second observation angle (θ4) are determined by the positional relationship between the substrate (2), the light source (Q), and the viewpoint, which varies depending on the material forming the first element (11). As described above, the first observation angle (θ3) in the present invention refers to the region where the first element (11) is not perceived as having brilliance when illuminated by the light source (Q) at a fixed position, and the second observation angle (θ4) refers to the region where the first element (11) is perceived as having brilliance when illuminated by the light source (Q) at a fixed position.

[0063] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the principle of visibility of the first element (11) at the second observation angle (θ4). As shown in Figure 12(a), at the second observation angle (θ4), the photoluminescent material forming the first element (11) reflects incident light from the light source (Q).

[0064] As described above, the first element (11) of the present invention is an arc-shaped or circular element that is concave or convex relative to the substrate (2). Therefore, the reflected light (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5) from the light source (Q) is reflected in two directions, not just one. If the arc-shaped elements are arranged in a circular shape with their start and end points aligned as shown in FIG. 7(b), the reflected light (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, V9, V10) shown in FIG. 12(b) is also reflected from another arc-shaped element formed on the opposite side.

[0065] As shown in Figure 12(a), reflected light (V1, V2) is visible from the viewing angle (θL) of the viewer's left eye (L). On the other hand, reflected light (V3, V4, V5) is not visible because it is outside the range of the viewing angle (θL) of the left eye (L). Therefore, as shown in Figure 12(c), the dotted line portion of the first element (11) on the starting point (U) side, which is within the viewing angle (θL) of the left eye (L), is visible as having brilliance to the viewer's left eye (L), but the solid line portion on the end point (D) side, which is outside the viewing angle (θL) of the left eye (L), is visible as an element without brilliance.

[0066] On the other hand, the reflected light (V4, V5) within the viewing angle (θR) of the observer's right eye (R) is visible, but the reflected light (V1, V2, V3) is not visible because it is outside the range of the viewing angle (θR) of the right eye (R). Therefore, as shown in Figure 12(d), the dotted line portion of the first element (11) on the end point (D) side, which is within the viewing angle (θR) of the right eye (R), is visible as having brilliance to the observer's right eye (R), but the solid line portion on the start point (U) side, which is outside the viewing angle (θR) of the right eye (R), is visible as an element without brilliance.

[0067] The portion of the first element (11) that is perceived as having brilliance by the left eye (L) shown in Fig. 12(c) and the portion of the first element (11) that is perceived as having brilliance by the right eye (R) shown in Fig. 12(d) are perceived as elements that have a phase difference between the left and right with respect to the line (G) connecting the left and right viewpoints. Therefore, even if multiple identical images are not formed side by side, the first element (11) is perceived by the observer as a stereoscopic image due to binocular parallax, as shown in Fig. 12(e).

[0068] Next, the principle of visibility when the image forming body (1) is observed at each observation angle (θ3, θ4) will be explained.

[0069] 13 is a plan view of an image forming body (1) in which the reference lines of the first elements (11) are arranged in a line pattern in the same direction, when observed at a first observation angle (θ3). When observed at the first observation angle (θ3) relative to the substrate (2), the first elements (11) are perceived as elements without glitter. Therefore, the first image (10) consisting of multiple first elements (11) is perceived as a flat image.

[0070] Fig. 14(a1) is a plan view showing the 1L image (3L) viewed by the viewer's left eye (L), and Fig. 14(a2) is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 14(a1). As shown in Fig. 14(a2), at the second observation angle (θ4), the dotted line portion of the first element (11) is viewed as having brilliance to the viewer's left eye (L), and the solid line portion is viewed as an element without brilliance. Therefore, the viewer's left eye (L) views the 1L image (3L) shown in Fig. 14(a2), which is composed of the portions of the multiple first elements (11) that are viewed as having brilliance.

[0071] Fig. 14(b1) is a plan view showing the first R image (3R) viewed by the observer's right eye (R), and Fig. 14(b2) is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 14(b1). As shown in Fig. 14(b2), at the second observation angle (E2), the dotted line portion of the first element (11) is viewed as having brilliance to the observer's right eye (R), and the solid line portion is viewed as an element without brilliance. Therefore, the observer's right eye (R) views the first R image (3R) shown in Fig. 14(b2), which is composed of the portions of the multiple first elements (11) that are viewed as having brilliance.

[0072] Fig. 14(c1) is a plan view showing the first image (10) viewed by both eyes (L, R) of the observer, and Fig. 14(c2) is an enlarged view of a portion of Fig. 14(c1). As described above, at the second observation angle (θ4), the observer's left eye (L) views the 1L image (3L) shown in Fig. 14(a1), and the observer's right eye (R) views the 1R image (3R) shown in Fig. 14(b1).

[0073] As described above, the first element (11) viewed with the left eye (L) and the first element (11) viewed with the right eye are viewed as lines having a phase difference with respect to the reference line (H1), which is a straight line connecting the starting point (U) and the ending point (D), and therefore the 1R image (3R) and the 1L image (3L) are also viewed by both eyes (L, R) of the observer as images having a phase difference with respect to the reference line (H1). Therefore, because the phase of the first image (10) viewed with the right eye and the first image (10) viewed with the left eye is different, the observer views the first image (10) as a stereoscopic image due to binocular parallax.

[0074] Furthermore, by changing the observation angle, the first image (10) can be viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally in accordance with the change in the observation angle. Next, the principle by which the first image (10) is viewed dynamically and three-dimensionally will be described.

[0075] Figure 15(a) is a schematic diagram showing the change in observation angle relative to the substrate (2) in the image forming body (1) shown in Figure 13, and Figure 15(b1) and Figure 15(b2) are a plan view and an enlarged view showing the first image (10) visible in Figure 15(a).

[0076] As shown in Fig. 15(a), when the viewpoint of the substrate (2) is continuously changed within the region (θ5) where the first element (11) is visually recognized as a lustrous image line, the position at which the first element (11) reflects the incident light from the light source (Q) gradually changes from the starting point side to the end point side as the viewpoint changes. As a result, the lustrous portion of the first element (11) shown by the dotted line in Fig. 15(b2) is visually recognized as continuously moving in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 15(b1).

[0077] 15(a), when the viewpoint is continuously changed from E2a to E2b, the first image (10) appears to move from right to left, whereas when the viewpoint is continuously changed from E2b to E2a, the first image (10) appears to move from left to right. Note that the maximum width (amount of movement) of the first image (10) moving left and right is the same as the amount of change in the lustrous portion of the first element (11), and therefore the first image (10) moves left and right within the same range as the length of the reference line (H1).

[0078] In this way, the first image (10) of the present invention can be viewed as being three-dimensional and continuously moving.

[0079] In addition, when the image forming body (1) is composed of a first element (11) having the same direction as the reference line (H1) shown in Figure 4, the first element (11) and the first image (10) can be viewed three-dimensionally by observing the line (G) connecting the left and right viewpoints shown in Figure 12(a) so that the reference line (H1) is approximately parallel to the line (G) connecting the left and right viewpoints.

[0080] In addition, when the image forming body (1) is made up of first elements (11) whose reference lines (H1) shown in Figure 5 are in different directions, for example, when the reference line (H1a) shown in Figure 5 is 0 degrees, the reference line (H1b) is 5 degrees, the reference line (H1c) is 10 degrees, and the reference line (H1d) is 15 degrees, the distance between the image forming body (1) and the observer's eyes is adjusted appropriately so that the first elements (11) whose reference lines are arranged in different directions at the minimum angle (in Figure 4, 0 degrees of the reference line (H1a) is the minimum angle) and the maximum angle (in Figure 4, 15 degrees of the reference line (H1d) is the maximum angle) are visible within the range of the field of view angle (θR) of the observer's right eye (R) and the field of view angle (θL) of the observer's left eye.

[0081] (Second image) Next, the second image (20) that forms the moiré pattern will be described. FIG. 16(a) is a plan view of the second image (20), which is formed on at least a portion of the substrate (2). As shown in FIG. 16(b), the second image (20) is formed by an overlapping arrangement of a 2-1 pattern (21a) and a 2-2 pattern (22a). A moiré pattern is a pattern that occurs due to interference between elements that differ in pitch, arrangement angle, or shape of the elements that make up the pattern. By overlapping the 2-1 pattern (21a) and the 2-2 pattern (22a), the 2-1 elements (21b) that make up the 2-1 pattern (21a) and the 2-2 elements (22b) that make up the 2-2 pattern (22a) interfere with each other, making the moiré pattern visible. The 2-1 pattern (21a) and the 2-2 pattern (22a) shown in FIG. 16 are for the sake of simplicity, and the patterns are not limited to those shown in FIG.

[0082] (2nd-1st pattern) The 2-1 pattern (21a) will be described using Figure 17. Figure 17(a) is a plan view of the 2-1 pattern (21a), Figure 17(b) is a partially enlarged view of the 2-1 pattern (21a), Figure 17(c) is a cross-sectional view of the 2-1 pattern (21a) along line B-B' in Figure 17(b) in which the 2-1 elements (21b) are concave, and Figure 17(d) is a cross-sectional view of the 2-1 pattern (21a) along line B-B' in Figure 17(b) in which the 2-1 elements (21b) are convex. As shown in Figure 17(b), the 2-1 pattern (21a) is formed by arranging a plurality of 2-1 elements (21b). Specifically, a plurality of 2-1 elements (21b) having a first diameter (S1) are arranged at a second pitch (P2) in a second direction (X2) and at a third pitch (P3) in a third direction (X3). The cross-sectional view of the concave shape of the 2-1 elements (21b) constituting the 2-1 pattern (21a) shown in Figure 17(c) has a second depth (Z2), and the cross-sectional view of the convex shape of the 2-1 elements (21b) constituting the 2-1 pattern (21a) shown in Figure 17(d) has a second height (Y2).

[0083] It is preferable that the first diameter (S1) and second depth (Z2) of the 2-1 elements (21b) are all the same size. When manufacturing an image-forming body (1) that will be held and observed by a person, the first diameter (S1) is designed to be within the range of 20 μm to 500 μm. The respective diameters may be different as long as they are within the above-mentioned diameter range. The second depth (Z2) must be designed to be within the range of 10 μm to 250 μm. The respective depths may be different as long as they are within the above-mentioned depth range. If the first diameter (S1) and the second depth (Z2) or second height (Y2) are below the respective ranges, the moiré pattern will be unclear.

[0084] Furthermore, the second pitch (P2) and third pitch (P3) of the 2-1 elements (21b) are spaced apart from each other by 40 μm to 1000 μm. Each pitch (P2, P3) can be appropriately set to match the first diameter (S1) of the 2-1 elements (21b). When the first diameter (S1) is large, the proportion of the 2-1 elements (21b) per unit area decreases. This means that the number of elements making up the second image (20) decreases, reducing the visibility of moiré. For example, when each pitch (P2, P3) is four times the first diameter (S1), the visibility of the resulting moiré tends to decrease.

[0085] (2nd-2nd pattern) The 2-2 pattern (22a) will be described using Figure 18. Figure 18(a) is a plan view of the 2-2 pattern (22a), Figure 18(b) is a partially enlarged view of the 2-2 pattern (22a), Figure 18(c) is a cross-sectional view of the 2-2 pattern (22a) along line CC' in Figure 18(b) in which the 2-2 elements (22b) are concave, and Figure 18(d) is a cross-sectional view of the 2-2 pattern (22a) along line CC' in Figure 18(b) in which the 2-2 elements (22b) are convex. As shown in Figure 18(b), the 2-2 pattern (22a) is formed by arranging a plurality of 2-2 elements (22b). Specifically, a plurality of 2-2 elements (21b) having a second diameter (S2) are arranged at a second pitch (P2) in the second direction (X2) and at a fifth pitch (P5) in the fourth direction (X4). The cross-sectional view of the concave shape of the 2-2 elements (22b) constituting the 2-2 pattern (22a) shown in Figure 18(c) has a third depth (Z3), and the cross-sectional view of the convex shape of the 2-2 elements (22b) constituting the 2-2 pattern (22a) shown in Figure 18(d) has a third height (Y3).

[0086] The second diameter (S2) and third depth (Z3) of the 2-2 element (22b) are preferably all the same size, as with the 2-2 element (22b) described above. When producing an image-forming body (1) that will be held and observed by a person, the second diameter (S2) is designed to be within a range of 20 μm to 500 μm. A different diameter may be used as long as it is within the above-mentioned diameter range. The third depth (Z3) must be designed to be within a range of 10 μm to 250 μm. A different depth may be used as long as it is within the above-mentioned depth range. If the second diameter (S2) and the third depth (Z3) or third height (Y3) are below the respective ranges, the moiré pattern will be unclear.

[0087] Furthermore, the interval between the fourth pitch (P4) and the fifth pitch (P5) of the 2-2 elements (22b) is 40 μm to 1000 μm. Each pitch (P4, P5) can be appropriately set according to the second diameter (S2) of the 2-2 elements (22b). If the second diameter (S2) is large, the proportion of the 2-2 elements (22b) per unit area decreases, reducing the visibility of the moiré. For example, if each pitch (P4, P5) is four times the second diameter (S2), the visibility of the resulting moiré tends to decrease.

[0088] (Embodiment in the second image) Next, an embodiment of the second image (20) will be described using FIG. 19. The first embodiment of the second image (20) is formed by the 2-1 pattern (21a) shown in FIG. 17(a) and the 2-2 pattern (22a) shown in FIG. 18(a). At least one of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the 2-2 elements (22b) has a light-dark flip-flop property or a color flip-flop property, and the third pitch (P3) of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the fifth pitch (P5) of the 2-2 elements (22b) shown in FIG. 19 are formed at different pitches. The overlapping region (23b) shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 19 is formed by the 2-1 elements (21b) and the 2-2 elements (22b). Details of the overlapping region (23b) will be described later. In Figure 19, the third pitch (P3) of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the fifth pitch (P5) of the 2-2 elements (22b) are the same pitch, but they may be different pitches. Also, the second direction (X2) and the fourth direction (X4), and the third direction (X3) and the fifth direction (X5) do not necessarily have to be the same, and an angular deviation may occur. This is because, as mentioned above, if at least one of the pitch and arrangement angle of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the 2-2 elements (22b) is different, moiré can be generated by interference between the elements.

[0089] Either the 2-1 element (21b) or the 2-2 element (22b) must have a light-dark flip-flop property or a color flip-flop property, which is a necessary condition for making the moire visible by making the reflectance of light from the light source of the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b) different.

[0090] (Element shape) The overlapping region (23b) will be described using FIG. 20. In the configuration shown in FIG. 20, the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b) have a hemispherical circular cross-sectional shape. However, they may have a hemispherical elliptical cross-sectional shape, or any other shape as long as they have a curved surface. Alternatively, one of the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b) may be circular, while the other may have a different elliptical cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, both the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b) may be elliptical or have another shape. The diameters (S1, S2) of the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b) may be different from each other, and the depths (Z2, Z3) or heights (Y2, Y3) may be the same or different from each other. In addition, when the image forming body (1) is large, such as a poster or a signboard, the range of the size of the first diameter (S1) and the second diameter (S2), the second depth (Z2) and the third depth (Z3), and the second height (Y2) and the third height (Y3) also need to be increased, and these are adjusted appropriately depending on the visibility of the moire.

[0091] To give the moiré a dynamic effect, the elements (21b, 22b) must be concave or convex. By making the elements concave or convex, the surface that reflects the light source on the elements changes as the position of the light source changes, so that the moiré image composed of concave or convex elements can be viewed dynamically.

[0092] FIG. 20(a) is an enlarged view of the second image (20). As shown in FIG. 20(a), the overlapping region (23b) is formed by the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b). FIG. 20(b) is an enlarged view of one of the overlapping regions (23b) in the plan view shown in FIG. 20(a). The overlapping region (23b) has a width (S3) where the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b) shown in FIG. 20(b) overlap. FIG. 20(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD' in FIG. 20(a). The 2-3 element (23b) shown in FIG. 20(d), an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view, has a fourth depth (Z4) that is different from the second depth (Z2) of the 2-1 element (21b) and the third depth (Z3) of the 2-2 element (22b). If the overlapping region (23b) is formed so that moire appears, there is no restriction on the depth (Z4) of the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b) as shown in FIG. 20(d).

[0093] Since the overlapping region (23b) is arranged at different pitches, the second pitch (P2) of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the fourth pitch (P4) of the 2-2 elements (22b), the third width (S3) and the third depth (Z3) change periodically according to the difference between the second pitch (P2) of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the fourth pitch (P4) of the 2-2 elements (22b).

[0094] In Fig. 21, the third pitch (P3) of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the fifth pitch (P5) of the 2-2 elements (22b) are the same pitch, but the third pitch (P3) of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the fifth pitch (P5) of the 2-2 elements (22b) may be different as shown in Fig. 21. In Fig. 21, the fifth pitch (P5) is configured to be shorter than the third pitch (P3).

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the second direction (X2) in the 2-1 element (21b) and the fourth direction (X4) in the 2-2 element (22b) may be curved, and the third direction (X3) in the 2-1 element (21b) and the fifth direction (X5) in the 2-2 element (22b) may be the central direction, and the arrangement directions of the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2 element (22b) may be shifted to form a concentric second image (20) as shown in FIG. 24(b).

[0096] 23(a), the 2-1 elements (21b) constituting the 2-1 pattern (21a) and the 2-2' elements (22'b) constituting the 2-2' pattern (22'a) may be arranged with their arrangement directions shifted. As shown in FIG. 23(b), the 2-2' elements (22'b) are arranged in a sixth direction (X6) inclined at a sixth angle (θ6) with respect to the second direction (X2), which is the arrangement direction of the 2-1 elements (21b).

[0097] In another embodiment, the elements constituting one of the 2-1 pattern (21a) and the 2-2 pattern (22a) are hemispherical dots, and the other is a pixel. This example will be described below.

[0098] FIG. 24(a) is a plan view of an embodiment of the second image (20), and FIG. 24(b) is a configuration diagram. The second image (20) is formed by an overlapping arrangement of a 2-1 pattern (21a) and a 2-2" pattern (22"a). Note that the multiple "N"s shown in FIG. 25 are the 2-2" patterns (22"a), and each "N" is formed by a pixel, which is the smallest unit.

[0099] The 2-2" pattern (22"a) will be described using Figure 25. Figure 25 is a plan view of the 2-2" pattern (22"a). The 2-2" pattern (22"a) shown in Figure 25 is composed of a plurality of 2-2" elements (22"b) arranged at a sixth pitch (P6) in the second direction (X2) and at a seventh pitch (P7) in the third direction (X3).

[0100] In the present invention, a pixel is the smallest unit that forms the image (3) on the image forming body (1), and one or more pixels form the 2-2" pattern (22"a). In Figure 25, a group of pixels forms the letter "N", but other characters may also be represented. The shape of the pixel may also be various shapes such as a circle, triangle, polygon including a square, star, or symbolic number.

[0101] It is preferable that all of the 2-2" elements (22"b) are the same size. When producing an image-forming body (1) that will be held and observed by a person, the vertical width (R1) and horizontal width (R2) of the 2-2" elements (22"b) are designed to be within the range of 20 μm to 500 μm. The respective lengths may be any length as long as they are within the diameter range described above. If the vertical width (R1) and horizontal width (R2) of the 2-2" elements (22"b) are below this range, the moiré pattern will become unclear. If they exceed this range, the appearance of the moiré pattern will decrease. If the image-forming body (1) is large, such as for a poster or signboard, the vertical width (R1) and horizontal width (R2) will also need to be large, and the vertical width (R1) and horizontal width (R2) will be adjusted appropriately depending on the visibility of the moiré.

[0102] The sixth pitch (P6) and seventh pitch (P7) between the 2-2" elements are 40 μm to 1000 μm. Each pitch (P6, P7) can be appropriately set to match the vertical width (R1) and horizontal width (R2) of the 2-2" elements (22"b). When the vertical width (R1) and horizontal width (R2) are large, the proportion of the 2-2" elements (22"b) per unit area decreases. This means that the number of elements making up the second image (20) decreases, reducing the visibility of moiré. For example, when each pitch (P6, P7) is four times the vertical width (R1) and horizontal width (R2), the visibility of the resulting moiré tends to decrease.

[0103] The second image (20) will be described using Figure 26. As described above, the embodiment of the second image (20) is formed by the 2-1 pattern (21a) and the 2-2" pattern (22"a). At least one of the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2" element (22"b) has a light / dark flip-flop property or a color flip-flop property.

[0104] Figure 26(b) shows an enlarged view of Figure 26(a). As shown in Figure 26(b), the third pitch (P3) of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the seventh pitch (P6) of the 2-2" elements (22"b) are formed at different pitches, and the second pitch (P2) of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the sixth pitch (P6) of the 2-2" elements (22"b) are formed at different pitches. In addition, the second direction (X2) and the fourth direction (X4), and the third direction (X3) and the fifth direction (X5) do not necessarily need to be superimposed in parallel, and angular misalignment is acceptable.

[0105] Figure 26(c) is an enlarged view of Figure 26(b). As shown in Figure 26(c), the area where the 2-1 elements (21b) overlap is the overlapping area (indicated by the dashed line in the figure) in the present invention.

[0106] Figure 26(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE' in Figure 26(c). The overlapping region (23"b) shown in Figure 26(d) has a sixth depth (Z6) that is different from the second depth (Z2) of the 2-1 element (21b) and the fifth depth (Z5) of the 2-2" element (22"b). Note that, as long as the overlapping region (23"b) is formed so as to produce moire, there are no restrictions on the sixth depth (Z6) of the 2-1 element (21b) and the 2-2" element (22"b) as shown in Figure 26(d). [Example]

[0107] Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Note that in the examples, the image forming body (1) shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

[0108] A stainless steel plate is used as the substrate (2), and a first image (10) and a second image (20) are formed on the substrate (2).

[0109] The first element (11) constituting the first image (10) shown in FIG. 1 was a bilaterally symmetrical arc-shaped image line, the first pitch (P1) was 100 μm, and the reference line (H1) was 3 mm.

[0110] In addition, in the first element (11), the angle (θ1) formed by the tangent (H2) of the arc-shaped first element with respect to the reference line (H1) at the starting point (U) was 45 degrees, and the angle (θ2) formed by the tangent (H3) with respect to the reference line at the end point (D) was 45 degrees.

[0111] The first element (11) was printed on the substrate (2) by screen printing using a screen printer with pearl ink (Fine Ink Pearl Medium, manufactured by DIC) to form an "N"-shaped first image (10). The pearl ink is translucent at a first observation angle (E1) and exhibits a golden interference light at a second observation angle (E2). A screen printing plate prepared by a known platemaking method was used to print the first element (11).

[0112] The second image (20) is formed by overlapping the 2-2 pattern (22a) on the 2-1 pattern (21a). The second pitch (P2) of the 2-1 elements (21a) constituting the 2-1 pattern (21a) was set to 100 μm, and the third pitch (P3) of the 2-2 elements (22b) was set to 95 μm, and the 2-1 elements (21b) constituting the 2-1 pattern (21a) were set to form hemispherical dots with a diameter of 30 μm. Based on this setting, the 2-1 pattern (21a) was formed on the substrate (2) by laser processing using a YVO4 laser.

[0113] The fourth pitch (P4) in the 2-2 elements (22b) constituting the 2-2 pattern (22a) was set to 96 μm, and the fifth pitch (P5) in the 2-2 elements (22b) was set to 91 μm, and the 2-2 elements (22b) constituting the 2-2 pattern (22a) were set to form hemispherical dots with a diameter of 30 μm. Based on this setting, the 2-2 pattern (22a) was laser processed using a YVO4 laser so as to overlap with the substrate and the 2-1 pattern (21a), and an overlapping region (23b) formed by the overlapping of the 2-1 elements (21b) and the 2-2 elements (22d) was formed.

[0114] When the produced image-forming body (1) was observed from one direction, a first image (10) with a three-dimensional and dynamic effect was visible, and when observed from another direction, a second image (20), which was a moiré image, was visible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1. Image forming body 2 Base material 3 images 10 First Image 11 First Element 12 3D pattern area 20 Second Image 21a 2nd-1st Pattern 21b 2nd-1st element 22a 2nd-2nd Pattern 22b 2nd-2nd element 23b Overlapping area 22a´ 2nd-2´ pattern 22b´ 2nd-2´ element 22a´´ 2nd-2´´ pattern 22b´´ 2nd-2´´ element

Claims

1. An image is provided on at least a part of the substrate, and the image is composed of a first image as meaningful information and a second image representing moire, which are arranged in overlapping positions within the same image area; the first image includes a plurality of first elements regularly arranged, each having an arc-shaped trajectory; the first element has a concave or convex cross-sectional shape and at least one of a light / dark flip-flop property and a color flip-flop property; the second image comprises a 2-1 pattern formed by arranging a plurality of 2-1 elements at a predetermined pitch and a predetermined arrangement angle, and a 2-2 pattern formed by arranging a plurality of 2-2 elements, the 2-1 elements being different in at least one of the predetermined pitch and the arrangement angle; At least one of the second-1 element and the second-2 element has a concave or convex cross-sectional shape and at least one of a light-dark flip-flop property and a color flip-flop property, A moire pattern is formed by an overlapping region in which the second-1 element and the second-2 element are arranged so as to overlap each other. The substrate is continuously changed in a first direction along the arcuate trajectory from a predetermined angle to a different angle relative to a light source, so that the first image having a dynamic and three-dimensional effect can be predominantly viewed; An image forming body characterized in that the second image can be predominantly viewed by continuously changing the angle from a predetermined angle to a different angle relative to a light source in a second direction different from the first direction.

2. 2. The image forming member according to claim 1, wherein the first element is a circular element extending along an arcuate track.

Images