Ink color provider

Abstract

To provide a method that can realize a color desired by a user in a simple and easy manner.SOLUTION: An ink color providing device 10 according to an embodiment includes an acceptance part 20A and a derivation part 20B. The acceptance part 20A accepts the input of a color 63 desired by a user. A display control part 20C displays a blend ratio of basic inks for use in preparing the desired color 63.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an ink color provider. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0003] A user can mix inks of a desired color tone by mixing ink compositions of multiple colors used in writing implements such as fountain pens and markers. For example, a technique has been disclosed in which inks of yellow, magenta, and cyan are used as ink compositions for color mixing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Another technique has been disclosed in which inks of five colors, yellow, pink, blue, gray, and transparent, are used as ink compositions for color mixing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-10823 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional techniques do not provide a method for achieving a desired color as desired by a user, and users have had to adjust the blending ratio of various ink compositions by trial and error to achieve color matching.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has as its object to provide a method for easily realizing a desired color desired by a user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] That is, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention "1. A printer comprising: a receiving unit that receives input of a desired color desired by a user; and a display control unit that displays the blending ratio of a plurality of base inks used to mix the desired color; the receiving unit further receives an input trajectory input by a trajectory input operation, and the display control unit displays the input trajectory in the desired color. Ink color provider. 2 The receiving unit further receives an input of a color of the recording medium to be recorded, and the display control unit displays a superimposed image in which the input locus of a recording color tone obtained by recording the ink of the desired color on the recording medium of the received color is superimposed on the recording medium of the received color. 1 Item 1. An ink color providing device according to item 1. 3 The receiving unit further receives an input of a line width of the input trajectory, and the display control unit displays the input trajectory of the received line width. 1 Section or Article 2 Item 1. An ink color providing device according to item 1. 4 The system includes an acquisition unit that acquires impression information that represents an impression of the desired color desired by the user, the display control unit displays a color sample that represents a list of colors corresponding to the impression information, and the reception unit receives a color selected from the color sample as the desired color. 3 Item 10. An ink color providing device according to any one of items 1 to 4. 5 The reception unit When a request to display the desired color based on the blending ratio is received, The display control unit receives input of identification information of the plurality of base inks and blending ratios of the plurality of base inks, and displays the desired color of a color tone obtained by blending the plurality of base inks with the received blending ratios. 4 Item 10. An ink color providing device according to any one of items 1 to 4. 6 The plurality of base inks are a first ink composition, a second ink composition, and a third ink composition, each of which has a maximum absorption wavelength in the visible light region and is different in color from one another, and the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the first ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the second ink composition is 100 nm or more, and the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the second ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the third ink composition is 100 nm or more. 5 The ink color providing device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ink color providing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the color matching management DB. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the basic ink management DB. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the user management DB. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the recording medium management DB. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the writing implement management DB. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing an example of an input trajectory. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4D is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen. [Figure 4G] FIG. 4G is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display screen. [Figure 4H] FIG. 4H is a schematic diagram showing an example of the display screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the ink color providing process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the absorption wavelength of the ink compositions of Examples and Comparative Examples. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the results of measuring the absorption wavelength of the ink compositions contained in the water-based ink set for writing instruments of Example 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the absorption wavelength of the ink compositions contained in the comparative water-based ink set of Comparative Example 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the absorption wavelength of the ink compositions contained in the comparative water-based ink set of Comparative Example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an ink color providing device will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an ink color providing system 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0010] The ink color providing system 1 includes an ink color providing device 10 and a server device 30. The ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 are connected to each other via a network N or the like so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0011] The ink color providing device 10 is an information processing device that provides a method for realizing a desired color desired by the user to the user.

[0012] The desired color is the color tone that the user wishes to achieve. The desired color is prepared by blending one or more base inks.

[0013] The base inks are ink compositions used to match a desired color. The base inks are of different color tones. The base inks are ink compositions of, for example, yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and transparent colors. The base inks are not limited to ink compositions of these five color tones; they may be two or more ink compositions of different color tones, or six or more ink compositions of different color tones. Details of the ink compositions will be described later.

[0014] The ink color providing device 10 is an information processing device operated by a user. The ink color providing device 10 is, for example, an information processing device such as a mobile terminal, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. The mobile terminal is, for example, a smartphone. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the ink color providing device 10 is a mobile terminal will be described as an example. Note that FIG. 1 schematically shows one ink color providing device 10. However, the ink color providing system 1 may be configured to include multiple ink color providing devices 10 operated by multiple users, respectively.

[0015] The server device 30 is an information processing device that manages various data handled on the network N. The server device 30 may be, for example, a sales server for various products such as base inks and writing implements, or a data management server that manages various data. The server device 30 may also be a distribution server that distributes the ink color providing program executed by the ink color providing device 10. Note that FIG. 1 schematically shows one server device 30. However, the ink color providing system 1 may be configured to include one or more server devices 30.

[0016] The hardware configuration of the ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 will be described.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30. As shown in FIG.

[0018] The ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 have a hardware configuration that utilizes a conventional computer, with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11A, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 11B, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 11C, an I / F 11D, etc. connected to each other via a bus 11E.

[0019] The CPU 11A is a computing device that controls the ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 of this embodiment. The ROM 11B stores programs and the like that realize various processes by the CPU 11A. The RAM 11C stores data necessary for various processes by the CPU 11A. The I / F 11D is a communication interface with a display, a storage device, and the like.

[0020] The programs for executing information processing executed by the ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 of this embodiment are provided by being pre-installed in the ROM 11B, etc. Note that the programs executed by the ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 of this embodiment may be configured to be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) as a file in a format that can be installed or executed by each of the ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30.

[0021] Returning to Figure 1, we continue the explanation.

[0022] The ink color providing device 10 includes a memory unit 12, a UI (user interface) unit 14, a communication unit 16, and a control unit 20. The memory unit 12, the UI unit 14, the communication unit 16, and the control unit 20 are communicatively connected via a bus 18 or the like.

[0023] The storage unit 12 stores various types of data. The storage unit 12 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The storage unit 12 may also be a storage device provided outside the ink color providing device 10.

[0024] In this embodiment, the storage unit 12 stores, for example, a color matching management DB (database) 12A, a master ink management DB 12B, a user management DB 12C, a recording medium management DB 12D, and a writing implement management DB 12E. At least one of these DBs may be stored in an external information processing device such as a server device 30. Furthermore, the data format of these databases may be a table or the like, and is not limited to a database.

[0025] 3A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the color matching management DB 12A. The color matching management DB 12A is a database for managing information about colors that can be matched with base inks. For example, the color matching management DB 12A pre-registers the matched colors, the base ink identification information of the base inks used in the color matching, the blending ratio, and the impression information.

[0026] The toning-compatible colors are information representing toning-compatible colors using one or more basic inks. The toning management DB 12A stores information representing each of a plurality of toning-compatible colors using one or more basic inks as toning-compatible colors.

[0027] The base ink identification information is identification information for identifying a base ink. For example, the base ink identification information may include information indicating the type of base ink and the name given to the base ink. The color matching management DB 12A pre-registers, for each tonal color, the base ink identification information of one or more base inks used to realize the tonal color.

[0028] The blending ratio is information that indicates the blending ratio of the base inks. The blending ratio is expressed, for example, as a weight ratio or a volume ratio. The color matching management DB 12A pre-registers, for each of the tonal colors, the blending ratio of the base inks used to realize the tonal colors. That is, for each group of the tonal ink identification information for realizing each of the tonal colors, the color matching management DB 12A pre-registers the blending ratio of the base inks identified by one or more tonal ink identification information belonging to the group.

[0029] The impression information is information that represents an impression evoked by a corresponding tonal color. Examples of the impression information include information representing the four seasons, such as spring, summer, autumn, and winter; information representing the time of year, such as January and February; information representing emotions, such as happiness and joy; information representing color brightness, such as bright and dark; and information representing saturation, which is vividness. The color matching management DB 12A pre-registers impression information for each tonal color. Note that the color matching management DB 12A may register multiple pieces of impression information for one tonal color. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which one or multiple pieces of impression information are pre-registered for each tonal color in the color matching management DB 12A.

[0030] 3B is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the basic ink management DB 12B. The basic ink management DB 12B is a database for managing information related to basic ink products. For example, the basic ink management DB 12B pre-registers basic ink identification information, access information to the sales server, and product information in association with each other.

[0031] The access information to the sales server and product information registered in the basic ink management DB 12B are, for example, access information to the sales server that manages the release of the basic ink identified by the corresponding basic ink identification information and product information of the basic ink. The access information to the sales server is expressed, for example, as a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). As an example, a form will be described in which the access information to the sales server and product information corresponding to the basic ink identification information are pre-registered in the basic ink management DB 12B.

[0032] 3C is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the user management DB 12C. The user management DB 12C is a database for managing users. For example, the user management DB 12C stores user information, desired colors, basic ink identification information, blending ratios, and color names in association with each other.

[0033] The user information is information that can identify a user. For example, the user information may include the user's name, the user's nickname, and the account name used on the network N. The color name is the name of the corresponding desired color in the user management DB 12C. The user management DB 12C is updated by the control unit 20, which will be described later.

[0034] 3D is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the recording medium management DB 12D. The recording medium management DB 12D is a database for managing recording media. The recording medium management DB 12D pre-registers the color of the recording medium, access information to the sales server, and product information in association with each other.

[0035] The color of the recording medium is information that represents the color of the recording medium to be recorded with the desired color ink. The access information and product information to the sales server registered in the recording medium management DB 12D are access information to the sales server that manages the release of recording media of the corresponding recording medium color and product information of the recording medium. As an example, we will explain a form in which the access information to the sales server and product information corresponding to the color of the recording medium are pre-registered in the user management DB 12C.

[0036] 3E is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the writing implement management DB 12E. The writing implement management DB 12E is a database for managing writing implements. For example, writing implement identification information, usable basic ink identification information, achievable line widths, access information to the sales server, and product information are pre-registered in association with each other in the writing implement management DB 12E.

[0037] Writing instrument identification information is information that can identify a writing instrument. For example, information that indicates the name of the writing instrument, the type of writing instrument, etc. is used as writing instrument identification information. Usable base ink identification information is identification information for base inks that can be used with the writing instrument identified by the corresponding writing instrument identification information. Achievable line width is information that indicates the line width that can be achieved with the writing instrument identified by the corresponding writing instrument identification information. The access information and product information to the sales server registered in the writing instrument management DB12E are access information to the sales server that manages the release of the writing instrument identified by the corresponding writing instrument identification information and product information for the writing instrument. As an example, we will explain a form in which the writing instrument management DB12E pre-registers the usable base ink identification information, achievable line width, access information to the sales server, and product information that correspond to the writing instrument identification information.

[0038] Returning to Figure 1, we continue the explanation.

[0039] The UI unit 14 receives input from the user and outputs various types of information. For example, the UI unit 14 includes an input unit 14A and a display unit 14B.

[0040] The input unit 14A accepts various operations by the user. The input unit 14A is, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or a pen tablet. The display unit 14B is a display that displays various information. The UI unit 14 may be a touch panel in which the input unit 14A and the display unit 14B are integrally configured.

[0041] The communication unit 16 is a communication interface that communicates with other information processing devices such as the server device 30 via the network N or the like.

[0042] The control unit 20 executes information processing and includes a receiving unit 20A, a derivation unit 20B, a display control unit 20C, and an acquisition unit 20D.

[0043] The reception unit 20A, the derivation unit 20B, the display control unit 20C, and the acquisition unit 20D are realized by one or more processors. For example, each of the above units may be realized by causing a processor such as the CPU 11A to execute a program, i.e., by software. Each of the above units may be realized by a processor such as a dedicated IC (integrated circuit), i.e., by hardware. Each of the above units may be realized by a combination of software and hardware. When multiple processors are used, each processor may realize one of the units, or two or more of the units.

[0044] At least one of the reception unit 20A, the derivation unit 20B, the display control unit 20C, and the acquisition unit 20D may be mounted on an external information processing device such as the server device 30.

[0045] The receiving unit 20A receives an input of a desired color desired by the user.

[0046] For example, the display control unit 20C displays a color sample on the UI unit 14.

[0047] 4A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen 50A of a color sample 60. The display screen 50A is an example of the display screen 50 displayed on the display unit 14B.

[0048] The color sample 60 includes a list of color images 62 of multiple colors that can be mixed with one or multiple basic inks. For example, the display control unit 20C displays the color sample 60, which includes color images 62 representing each of the multiple colors that can be mixed and are registered in the color mixing management DB 12A, on the display screen 50A.

[0049] 4A shows an example of a color sample 60 including nine color images 62, ie, color images 62A to 62L. Note that the color sample 60 is not limited to nine colors as long as it includes multiple color images 62. For example, the color sample 60 may include color images 62 of ten or more colors.

[0050] The display control unit 20C may display a color sample 60 that shows a list of colors corresponding to impression information.

[0051] For example, the acquisition unit 20D acquires impression information that represents the impression of a desired color desired by the user. The user operates the input unit 14A to input one or more pieces of impression information that represent the impression of the desired color, such as "bright," "happy," or "summer." The acquisition unit 20D acquires the impression information from the input unit 14A by accepting the impression information input by the user's operation instruction of the input unit 14A from the input unit 14A.

[0052] The display control unit 20C reads the toning-compatible colors corresponding to the acquired impression information from the toning management DB 12A, and then displays the color sample 60 including the color image 62 representing the toning-compatible colors that have been read on the display screen 50A.

[0053] In this case, the display control unit 20C can display a color sample 60 including a color image 62 according to the impression information desired by the user.

[0054] The storage unit 12 may also store recommended impression information in advance. The recommended impression information is, for example, impression information recommended by an administrator of the ink color providing system 1. The recommended impression information stored in the storage unit 12 may be changed as appropriate, for example, by an administrator of the ink color providing system 1. In this case, the acquisition unit 20D acquires the impression information by reading the recommended impression information from the storage unit 12. The display control unit 20C may read, from the color matching management DB 12A, a color that can be matched corresponding to the acquired impression information, and display a color sample 60 including a color image 62 that represents the color that can be matched on the display screen 50A.

[0055] In this case, the display control unit 20C can display the color sample 60 including the color image 62 according to the impression information recommended by the manager of the ink color providing system 1.

[0056] The user operates the input unit 14A while referring to the color sample 60 to select a desired color image 62 from the multiple color images 62 included in the color sample 60. The reception unit 20A accepts the color of the color image 62 selected by the user from the color sample 60 as the desired color 63. For example, consider a situation in which the color of color image 62C, of ​​the color images 62 included in the color sample 60, is selected as the desired color 63. In this case, the reception unit 20A accepts the color of color image 62C as the desired color 63.

[0057] Continuing the explanation by returning to Fig. 1, the deriving unit 20B derives the compounding ratio of a plurality of base inks used to match the desired color 63 received by the receiving unit 20A.

[0058] In detail, the derivation unit 20B derives the blending ratio of the plurality of base inks by reading, from the color matching management DB 12A, the base ink identification information and blending ratios used for blending that correspond to the blendable colors that represent the desired color 63 received by the reception unit 20A. Note that the derivation unit 20B may derive the base ink identification information and blending ratios of the plurality of base inks used for the desired color by calculating them using a predetermined algorithm or the like.

[0059] The display control unit 20C displays the blending ratios of the multiple base inks used to match the desired color 63. In detail, the display control unit 20C displays on the display unit 14B a display screen 50 including the base ink identification information and blending ratios derived by the derivation unit 20B.

[0060] 4B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen 50B of the blending ratio of a plurality of base inks used to match the desired color 63. The display screen 50B is an example of the display screen 50.

[0061] FIG. 4B shows examples of multiple base ink identification information, "C01," "M02," "Y03," and "K03," used to match the desired color 63, which is the color of the color image 62C. "C01" is an example of base ink identification information for a cyan base ink. "M02" is an example of base ink identification information for a magenta base ink. "Y03" is an example of base ink identification information for a yellow base ink. "K03" is an example of base ink identification information for a black base ink.

[0062] FIG. 4B also shows an example in which the blending ratio of the basic inks identified by these basic ink identification information is "C01":"M02":"Y03":"K03"=1:3:4:2.

[0063] By viewing the display screen 50B, the user can easily confirm the base inks and the blending ratios of the base inks used to match the desired color 63. In other words, the display control unit 20C can easily provide a method for achieving the desired color 63 using the base inks.

[0064] The display control unit 20C may display on the display unit 14B a display screen 50 that further includes at least one of access information to the sales server of the base ink and product information of the base ink. In this case, the display control unit 20C reads, from the base ink management DB 12B, access information to the sales server and product information that correspond to the base ink identification information used to match the desired color 63. The display control unit 20C then displays the read access information to the sales server and product information on the display screen 50.

[0065] FIG. 4B shows an example of a display screen 50B including a URL indicating access information to a sales server for the basic ink identified by the basic ink identification information and product information.

[0066] By visually checking the displayed URL and product information representing access information to the sales server, the user can easily confirm the product information of the basic ink used to mix the desired color 63 and the access information to the sales server for the basic ink.

[0067] In addition, when the user selects the display field for access information to the sales server by operating the input unit 14A, the control unit 20 may access the sales server indicated by the access information and display a display screen such as a product purchase screen provided by the sales server.

[0068] Furthermore, the display screen 50B may further display a color image 62C of a desired color 63 selected by the user (see FIG. 4B).

[0069] 1, the explanation will be continued. The accepting unit 20A may further accept an input trajectory input by a trajectory input operation. The user operates the input unit 14A to input a line represented by the input trajectory or a character represented by a line.

[0070] 4C is a schematic diagram of an example of an input trajectory 64. For example, a description will be given assuming a situation in which an input trajectory 64 representing alphanumeric characters "A" and "B" is input. In this case, the receiving unit 20A receives, for example, the input trajectory 64 representing the alphanumeric characters "A" and "B."

[0071] The display control unit 20C displays the received input trajectory 64 in the desired color 63.

[0072] 4D is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen 50C including an input trajectory 64B displayed in a desired color 63. Display screen 50C is an example of display screen 50. Input trajectory 64B is an input trajectory 64 obtained by expressing, in desired color 63, an input trajectory 64A (see FIG. 4C) of a predetermined reference color such as black.

[0073] By visually checking the input trajectory 64B displayed in the desired color 63, the user can easily check the image of what the lines, characters, etc. will look like when they are entered in the desired color 63.

[0074] The receiving unit 20A may also receive a written character sample. The written character sample is a character in the form of a handwritten character. In this case, for example, the storage unit 12 may store information representing one or more written character samples in advance. The display control unit 20C then reads the information representing the written character sample stored in the storage unit 12 and displays it on the display screen 50 in a selectable manner. The receiving unit 20A receives a written character sample selected from the displayed written character samples by a user's operation instruction via the input unit 14A. The display control unit 20C may then display the received written character sample in the desired color 63. The display control unit 20C may also read information representing one or more written character samples stored in the storage unit 12 and display them in the desired color 63.

[0075] By visually checking the sample of characters to be written displayed in the desired color 63, the user can easily check the image of what the lines, characters, etc. will look like when written in the desired color 63.

[0076] The receiving unit 20A may further receive input of the color of the recording medium to be recorded. For example, the display control unit 20C displays a color sample of the recording medium on the display unit 14B.

[0077] 4E is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display screen 50D of a recording medium color sample 66. The display screen 50D is an example of the display screen 50.

[0078] The recording medium color sample 66 includes color images 68 of recording media of different colors. Fig. 4E shows recording medium color images 68A to 68C as an example. Note that the recording medium color sample 66 may be configured to include color images 68 of two or four or more types of recording media.

[0079] The user operates the input unit 14A while viewing the recording medium color sample 66 displayed on the display screen 50D to select a desired recording medium color image 68. The accepting unit 20A simply accepts the color of the selected recording medium color image 68 as the color of the recording medium to be recorded.

[0080] The display control unit 20C displays a superimposed image on a recording medium of the accepted color, in which an input locus 64 of a recorded color tone obtained by recording ink of the desired color 63 on the recording medium of the accepted color is superimposed.

[0081] 4F is a schematic diagram of an example of a display screen 50E including a superimposed image 67. The display screen 50E is an example of the display screen 50.

[0082] For example, consider a situation in which input of the color of recording medium color image 68B is received from among color images of recording medium 68 shown in Fig. 4E. In this case, as shown in Fig. 4F, display control unit 20C displays superimposed image 67 in which input trajectory 64C of the recording color tone recorded with ink of desired color 63 is superimposed on the recording medium of the color represented by color image 68B.

[0083] Similarly, for the received or read written character sample, the display control unit 20C may display a superimposed image 67 in which a written character sample in the recorded color tone recorded in ink of the desired color 63 is superimposed on a recording medium of the color represented by the color image 68B.

[0084] Therefore, by visually checking the displayed superimposed image 67, the user can easily confirm the recorded color tone when lines and characters are recorded on a recording medium of the desired color using ink of the desired color 63.

[0085] The receiving unit 20A may further receive input of the line width of the input trajectory 64 and the written character sample. In this case, the display control unit 20C may display the input trajectory 64 and the written character sample with the received line width.

[0086] The display control unit 20C may further display at least one of the identification information of the writing instrument, the access information to the sales server of the writing instrument, and the product information of the writing instrument, which are recorded using ink toned to the desired color 63.

[0087] 4G is a schematic diagram of an example of a display screen 50F. Display screen 50F is an example of display screen 50.

[0088] 4B, the display screen 50F includes, for example, the base ink identification information of the plurality of base inks used to match the desired color 63, which is the color of the color image 62C, the blending ratio of the base inks, access information to a sales server for the base inks, and product information. The display screen 50F also includes, for example, the identification information of a writing instrument that can use the base inks and write lines and characters with the accepted line width, product information for the writing instrument, and access information to a sales server for the writing instrument.

[0089] The display control unit 20C reads from the writing implement management DB 12E the writing implement identification information, sales server access information, and product information corresponding to the base ink identification information used to match the desired color 63 and the received line width. The display control unit 20C then displays the display screen 50F containing the read information on the display unit 14B.

[0090] By visually checking the displayed identification information of the writing instrument, product information of the writing instrument, and access information to the sales server of the writing instrument, the user can easily confirm information about the writing instrument to be used to write with the mixed ink of the desired color 63.

[0091] In addition, when the user operates the input unit 14A to select the display field for access information to the sales server of the writing instrument, the control unit 20 may access the sales server indicated by the access information and display a display screen such as a product purchase screen provided by the sales server.

[0092] Continuing the description, returning to Fig. 1, the receiving unit 20A may receive input of a plurality of pieces of basic ink identification information, which is identification information for a plurality of basic inks, and the blending ratios of the plurality of basic inks.

[0093] For example, the display control unit 20C displays a display screen 50 for receiving input of the base ink identification information and the blending ratio on the display unit 14B.

[0094] FIG. 4H is a schematic diagram of an example of a display screen 50G. The display screen 50G is an example of the display screen 50. For example, the display screen 50G includes an input field for base ink identification information and an input field for blending ratios. The user operates the input unit 14A to input desired base ink identification information in the input field for base ink identification information. The display control unit 20C may display a list of base ink identification information stored in the color matching management DB 12A on the display unit 14B in a selectable manner. At this time, the display control unit 20C may also display a group of pairs of base ink identification information and color images representing the colors of the base inks identified by the base ink identification information on the display unit 14B. The user may input the base ink identification information by operating the input unit 14A to select the desired base ink identification information from the displayed list of base ink identification information.

[0095] Furthermore, the user may operate the input unit 14A to input the compounding ratio of one or more pieces of input or selected basic ink identification information into the compounding ratio input field.

[0096] When the reception unit 20A receives input of a plurality of basic ink identification information, which is identification information for a plurality of basic inks, and the blending ratios of the plurality of basic inks, the display control unit 20C displays a desired color 63 of a hue obtained by mixing the basic inks identified by the plurality of basic ink identification information at the received blending ratio.

[0097] Specifically, the display control unit 20C acquires the toning colors corresponding to the combination and blending ratio of the received basic ink identification information from the toning management DB 12A, and then the display control unit 20C displays the acquired toning colors as the desired color 63 realized by the blending ratio on the display unit 14B (see FIG. 4H).

[0098] Therefore, by viewing the display screen 50G, the user can easily confirm the color that will be achieved when the desired base inks are mixed in the desired blending ratio.

[0099] The display control unit 20C registers the desired color 63, basic ink identification information, and blending ratio displayed on the display screen 50G in the user management DB 12C in association with the user information of the user who input the basic ink identification information and blending ratio.

[0100] The display control unit 20C may use, for example, the user name used when logging in to the ink color providing device 10 as the user information. The user information of the user may also be stored in advance in the storage unit 12. In this case, the display control unit 20C may read the user information from the storage unit 12 and register it in the user management DB 12C.

[0101] Furthermore, the display control unit 20C may further associate a color name corresponding to the registered desired color 63 and register it in the user management DB 12C. For example, the display control unit 20C registers in the user management DB 12C the color name assigned to the desired color 63 by the user's operation instruction via the input unit 14A. Also, for example, assume that the user management DB 12C is managed by the server device 30. In this case, the server device 30 may register in the user management DB 12C the name of a color that has been solicited and adopted by the administrator of the ink color providing system 1 or the like through a public competition or the like, in association with the desired color 63.

[0102] By registering user information, desired color 63, basic ink identification information, blending ratio, and color name in association with each other in the user management DB 12C, the user management DB 12C can be applied to various systems such as a user participation system.

[0103] For example, the ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 can manage a desired color 63, which has been mixed by a specific user using a unique blending ratio, as a color mixed by the user. The ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 can also publish the desired color 63 to other information processing devices connected to the network N as a color mixed by the user. The ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 can also receive the name of the desired color 63 from information processing devices operated by other users, other ink color providing devices 10, and the like, via the network N. The ink color providing device 10 and the server device 30 can then register the name of the desired color 63 adopted by an administrator or the like in the user management DB 12C, in association with the desired color 63.

[0104] Next, a description will be given of an example of the flow of ink color providing processing executed by the ink color providing device 10. The ink color providing processing is an example of information processing executed by the ink color providing device 10.

[0105] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the ink color providing process executed by the ink color providing device 10 of this embodiment.

[0106] The reception unit 20A determines whether a request to display the blending ratio of the desired color 63 or a request to display the desired color from the blending ratio has been received (step S100). For example, if the user wishes to display the blending ratio of the desired color 63, the user operates the input unit 14A to press a reception button to accept the request to display the blending ratio of the desired color 63. In this case, the reception unit 20A determines that a request to display the blending ratio of the desired color 63 has been received. Also, for example, if the user wishes to display the desired color 63 that has been toned at a desired blending ratio, the user operates the input unit 14A to press a reception button to accept a display request to display the desired color 63 from the blending ratio. In this case, the reception unit 20A determines that a request to display the desired color from the blending ratio has been received.

[0107] If it is determined that a request to display the blending ratio of the desired color 63 has been received (step S100: Yes), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0108] In step S102, the acquisition unit 20D acquires impression information that represents the impression of the desired color 63 desired by the user (step S102).

[0109] The display control unit 20C displays a color sample 60 representing a list of colors corresponding to the impression information acquired in step S102 on the display unit 14B (step S104). The display control unit 20C reads, from the color matching management DB 12A, the toning-compatible colors corresponding to the impression information acquired in step S102. The display control unit 20C then displays, on the display screen 50, the color sample 60 including color images 62 representing the toning-compatible colors that have been read (see FIG. 4A).

[0110] The reception unit 20A receives the input of the desired color 63 (step S106). The user operates the input unit 14A while referring to the color sample book 60 to select the color image 62 that the user desires to realize from the multiple color images 62 included in the color sample book 60. The reception unit 20A receives the color of the selected color image 62 as the desired color.

[0111] The derivation unit 20B derives the base ink identification information and blending ratios of the multiple base inks used in toning the desired color 63 received in step S106 (step S108). The derivation unit 20B derives the base ink identification information and blending ratios by reading, from the color matching management DB 12A, the base ink identification information and blending ratios used in toning that correspond to the tonalizable colors that represent the desired color received in step S106.

[0112] The display control unit 20C displays the basic ink identification information and the blending ratio derived in step S108 on the display unit 14B (step S110). Therefore, for example, a display screen 50B shown in FIG. 4B is displayed on the display unit 14B.

[0113] Next, the receiving unit 20A determines whether or not the input trajectory 64 has been received from the input unit 14A (step S112). If the determination in step S112 is affirmative (step S112: Yes), the process proceeds to step S114.

[0114] In step S114, display control unit 20C displays input trajectory 64 received in step S112 in desired color 63 received in step S106 (step S114). By the processing of step S114, for example, display screen 50C including input trajectory 64A shown in FIG. 4D is displayed on display unit 14B. Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0115] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S112 (step S112: No), the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, the reception unit 20A receives or reads the written character sample from the memory unit 12 (step S116). The display control unit 20C displays the written character sample received or read in step S116 in the desired color 63 received in step 106 (step S118). Then, the process proceeds to step S120.

[0116] In step S120, the accepting unit 20A determines whether or not input of the color of the recording medium to be recorded has been accepted (step S120). If the judgment in step S120 is negative (step S120: No), the process proceeds to step S124, which will be described later. If the judgment in step S120 is positive (step S120: Yes), the process proceeds to step S122.

[0117] In step S122, the display control unit 20C displays a superimposed image 67 on a recording medium of the color accepted in step S120, in which an input trajectory 64 or a sample of written characters in the recorded color tone recorded on the recording medium of the color accepted in step S106 with the ink of the desired color 63 accepted in step S106 is superimposed (step S122).

[0118] Next, the accepting unit 20A determines whether or not input of the input trajectory 64 or the line width of the written character sample has been accepted (step S124). If the judgment in step S124 is negative (step S124: No), the process proceeds to step S128, which will be described later. If the judgment in step S124 is positive (step S124: Yes), the process proceeds to step S126.

[0119] In step S126, the display control unit 20C displays the input trajectory 64 or the written character sample with the line width accepted in step S124 (step S126), and then the process proceeds to step S128.

[0120] In step S128, the control unit 20 determines whether or not to end the ink color providing process (step S128). For example, the control unit 20 makes the determination in step S128 by determining whether or not an instruction to end the ink color providing process has been received from the input unit 14A. If the determination in step S128 is negative (step S128: No), the process returns to step S100. If the determination in step S128 is positive (step S128: Yes), the present routine ends.

[0121] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S100 that a request to display the desired color based on the blending ratio has been received (step S100: No), the process proceeds to step S130.

[0122] In step S130, the receiving unit 20A receives input of a plurality of pieces of basic ink identification information and a plurality of blending ratios of the basic inks (step S130).

[0123] The display control unit 20C displays the desired color 63, which is a color tone obtained by mixing the basic inks identified by the plurality of basic ink identification information received in step S130, at the blending ratio received in step S130 (step S132).

[0124] The display control unit 20C registers the desired color 63, the base ink identification information, and the blending ratio displayed in step S132 in the user management DB 12C in association with the user information of the user who input the base ink identification information and the blending ratio (step S134). Then, the process proceeds to step S128.

[0125] As described above, the ink color providing device 10 of this embodiment includes the receiving unit 20A and the output unit 20B. The receiving unit 20A receives input of a desired color 63 desired by a user. The display control unit 20C displays the blending ratio of a plurality of base inks used to match the desired color 63.

[0126] Here, conventional technology does not provide a method for realizing the desired color 63 desired by the user, and the user has to adjust the blending ratio of various basic inks by trial and error to mix the colors.

[0127] On the other hand, the ink color providing device 10 of this embodiment displays the blending ratio of the base inks used to match the desired color 63 desired by the user. Therefore, the user can easily confirm how to achieve the desired color 63 using the base inks by checking the displayed blending ratio of the base inks.

[0128] Therefore, the ink color providing device 10 of this embodiment can easily provide a method for realizing the desired color 63 desired by the user.

[0129] (basic ink) Next, a detailed description will be given of the base ink used in toning the desired color 63. As described above, the base ink may be any ink composition that can be used in toning the desired color 63.

[0130] The plurality of base inks used in the ink color providing device 10 preferably include the following water-based ink sets for writing instruments, from the viewpoint of being able to be mixed into a wide range of colors. In addition, the water-based ink sets for writing instruments shown below are preferably used as the base inks of the ink color providing device 10, because they can be mixed into a wide range of colors regardless of the usage environment.

[0131] The following is a detailed description of a water-based ink set for a writing instrument that is suitable for use with the ink color provider 10 of this embodiment. In this specification, "parts," "%," "ratio," and the like that indicate formulations are based on mass unless otherwise specified.

[0132] The water-based ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment comprises a first ink composition, a second ink composition, and a third ink composition, each of which has a maximum absorption wavelength in the visible light region and is different in color from one another. The difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the first ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the second ink composition is 100 nm or more, and the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the second ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the third ink composition is 100 nm or more.

[0133] The visible light range is the wavelength range of light visible to the human eye. According to the definition of JIS Z8120, the lower limit of the visible light range is between 360 nm and 400 nm, and the upper limit is between 760 nm and 830 nm.

[0134] The aqueous ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment has the above-mentioned relationship in the difference in maximum absorption wavelength, and therefore the aqueous ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment can broaden the range of tunable color tones in the visible light region compared to when the difference in maximum absorption wavelength between at least one of the first ink composition and the second ink composition and the second ink composition and the third ink composition is less than 100 nm.

[0135] Therefore, the water-based ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment can be mixed with the first ink composition, the second ink composition, and the third ink composition in any desired mixing ratio to prepare inks with a wide range of colors. The ink refers to a mixture of multiple ink compositions.

[0136] The first ink composition, the second ink composition, and the third ink composition may be ink compositions that each have a maximum absorption wavelength in the visible light region, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength satisfies the above-mentioned relationship, and are different in color from one another. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the first ink composition is a cyan ink composition, the second ink composition is a magenta ink composition, and the third ink composition is a yellow ink composition.

[0137] The water-based ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment preferably further comprises a fourth ink composition of a transparent color, which makes it possible to adjust the density and brightness of the ink.

[0138] The water-based ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment preferably further comprises a fifth ink composition, which has a maximum absorption wavelength between the maximum absorption wavelengths of any two of the first, second, and third ink compositions.

[0139] In this embodiment, a case where the fifth ink composition has a maximum absorption wavelength between the maximum absorption wavelength of the first cyan ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the second magenta ink composition will be described as an example. Specifically, in this embodiment, a case where the fifth ink composition is a black ink composition will be described as an example.

[0140] The water-based ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment further comprises a black fifth ink composition, which makes it possible to easily adjust the saturation of the ink.

[0141] In the following, the first ink composition may be referred to as a cyan ink composition, the second ink composition as a magenta ink composition, and the third ink composition as a yellow ink composition. The fourth ink composition may be referred to as a transparent ink composition, and the fifth ink composition as a black ink composition. When the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth ink compositions are collectively described, they may be simply referred to as ink compositions.

[0142] Each component contained in the ink composition will be described in detail below.

[0143] The ink composition contains a colorant and an aqueous medium. Note that a transparent ink composition may be in a form that does not contain a colorant.

[0144] (coloring agent) The colorant contained in the ink composition of this embodiment will be described. The colorant used in the ink composition is not particularly limited and may be a dye, pigment, or the like, and may be appropriately selected and used.

[0145] The dye is not particularly limited as long as it is soluble or dispersible in an aqueous medium. Examples of dyes include various dyes such as acid dyes, basic dyes, reactive dyes, direct dyes, disperse dyes, and food dyes. These dyes can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the dye is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the ink composition.

[0146] Examples of acid dyes include CI Acid Red 18, CI Acid Orange 10, CI Acid Yellow 3, CI Acid Yellow 7, CI Acid Yellow 23 (Tartrazine), CI Acid Yellow 42, CI Acid Green 3, CI Acid Green 16, CI Acid Blue 1, CI Acid Blue 9, CI Acid Blue 22, CI Acid Blue 90, CI Acid Blue 239, CI Acid Blue 248, CI Acid Violet 15, CI Acid Violet 49, CI Acid Black 1, CI Acid Black 2, CI Acid Red 52, CI Acid Red 289, CI Acid Red 388, CI Acid Red 87 (Eosin), CI Acid Red 92 ( Phloxine), CI Acid Red 97, CI Acid Red 51 (Erythrosine), CI Acid Red 94 (Rose Bengal), Acridine Red (CI 45000), Rhodamine 110, Rhodamine 123, Rhodamine 6G (CI Basic Red 1), Rhodamine 6G Extra, Rhodamine 116, Rhodamine B (CI 45170), Tetramethylrhodamine perchlorate, Rhodamine 3B, Rhodamine 19, Sulforhodamine, Pyronine G (CI 45005), Rhodamine S (CI 45050), Rhodamine G (CI 45150), Ethylrhodamine B (CI 45175), Rhodamine 4G (CI 45166), Rhodamine 3GO (CI 45215), Sulforhodamine G, etc.

[0147] Examples of basic dyes include CI Basic Orange 2, CI Basic Orange 14, CI Basic Green 4, CI Basic Blue 9, CI Basic Blue 26, CI Basic Violet 1, CI Basic Violet 3, CI Basic Violet 10, chrysoidine (CI 11270), methyl violet FN (CI 42535), crystal violet (CI 42555), malachite green (CI 42000), Victoria blue FB (CI 44045), acridine orange NS (CI 46005), and methylene blue B (CI 52015).

[0148] Examples of direct dyes include CI Direct Red 28, CI Direct Yellow 44, CI Direct Blue 86, CI Direct Blue 87, CI Direct Violet 51, and CI Direct Black 19.

[0149] Examples of food dyes include CI Food Yellow 3, CI Food Black 2, Congo Red (CI 22120), Direct Sky Blue 5B (CI 24400), Violet BB (CI 27905), Direct Deep Black EX (CI 30235), Kayalas Black G Conc (CI 35225), Direct Fast Black G (CI 35255), and Phthalocyanine Blue (CI 74180).

[0150] Examples of pigments include inorganic, organic, and processed pigments. Specific examples of pigments include carbon black, aniline black, ultramarine, yellow lead, titanium oxide, iron oxide, phthalocyanine-based, azo-based, quinacridone-based, quinophthalone-based, triphenylmethane-based, perinone-based, perylene-based, dioxazine-based, aluminum pigments, pearl pigments, fluorescent pigments, phosphorescent pigments, and complementary color pigments. Microencapsulated pigments may also be used. Microencapsulated pigments are pigments in which a colored body formed by dispersing a pigment in a medium is encapsulated or solid-dissolved in a shell made of a resin wall-forming substance by a known microencapsulation method or the like. Furthermore, colored resin particles in which a pigment is coated with a transparent or translucent resin, or colorless resin particles colored with a pigment or dye, may also be used.

[0151] These pigments may be used alone or in combination of two or more. The content of the pigment is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less based on the total mass of the ink composition. Also, a dye and a pigment may be used in combination.

[0152] (aqueous medium) Next, the aqueous medium will be described. The aqueous medium contained in the ink composition contains water and, if necessary, a water-soluble organic solvent.

[0153] The water is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include tap water, ion-exchanged water, ultrafiltered water, distilled water, etc. The water content is preferably 30% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the ink composition.

[0154] Examples of water-soluble organic solvents include: (i) polyhydric alcohols such as dihydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol, and trihydric alcohols such as glycerin; (ii) alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, isopropanol, isobutanol, t-butanol, propargyl alcohol, allyl alcohol, 3-methyl-1-butyn-3-ol, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, and other higher alcohols; and (iii) glycol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, 3-methoxybutanol, and 3-methoxy-3-methylbutanol.

[0155] The content of the water-soluble organic solvent is preferably from 0.1 to 10% by mass, and more preferably from 0.1 to 5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the ink composition.

[0156] (Other additives) The aqueous medium contained in the ink composition of this embodiment may contain various additives such as a pH adjuster, a humectant, a surfactant, a preservative, an anti-rust agent, and a chelating agent for the purpose of improving the physical properties and functions of the ink.

[0157] Examples of pH adjusters include basic inorganic compounds such as ammonia, sodium carbonate, sodium phosphate, and sodium hydroxide; water-soluble basic organic compounds such as sodium acetate, alkanolamines such as triethanolamine and diethanolamine; lactic acid; and citric acid.

[0158] The content of the pH adjuster is preferably from 0.1% to 10% by mass, and more preferably from 0.1% to 5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the ink composition.

[0159] Examples of humectants include urea, sorbitol, etc. The content of the humectant is preferably from 0.1% to 10% by mass, and more preferably from 0.1% to 5% by mass, relative to the total mass of the ink composition.

[0160] The surfactant may be any known surfactant used in inks, such as polyoxyalkylene surfactants, acetylene surfactants, fluorine surfactants, and silicone surfactants.

[0161] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use at least one of a polyoxyalkylene-based surfactant and an acetylene-based surfactant as the surfactant.

[0162] Examples of polyoxyalkylene surfactants include polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol and polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether. Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether is a compound represented by the following general formula (1), which is a copolymer having a structure in which ethylene oxide and propylene oxide are polymerized in an arbitrary sequence. Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol is a compound in which R in the formula (1) is H.

[0163] [ka]

[0164] In the general formula (1), R represents an alkyl group or H, and m and n each independently represent an integer of 1 or more and 40 or less.

[0165] Examples of acetylene surfactants include acetylene alcohol surfactants and acetylene glycol surfactants, and specific examples include alkylene oxide adducts of 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol and 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol, and alkylene oxide adducts of 2,4-dimethyl-5-decyne-4-ol and 2,4-dimethyl-5-decyne-4-ol.

[0166] As the surfactant, from the viewpoint of suppressing ink dripping, bleeding, and strike-through, it is preferable to use a polyoxyalkylene surfactant among the above surfactants, and it is even more preferable to use polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol.

[0167] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable to use polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol represented by the following general formula (2).

[0168] [ka]

[0169] In the general formula (2), a, b, and c each represent a positive number.

[0170] The average molecular weight of polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol is preferably 100 or more and 100,000 or less, more preferably 1,000 or more and 50,000 or less, even more preferably 5,000 or more and 30,000 or less, and particularly preferably 10,000 or more and 15,000 or less.

[0171] Dripping refers to the phenomenon in which, when the tip of a pen used for writing with ink is pointed vertically downward, ink overflows due to changes in atmospheric pressure or leaks due to impact or vibration, even when not writing. Hereinafter, vertically downward may be referred to simply as downward. Transparent ink compositions, which are ink compositions that do not contain a colorant, are particularly prone to dripping. For this reason, it is preferable that transparent ink compositions contain polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol as a surfactant.

[0172] The content of the surfactant is preferably 0.001% by mass or more and 1% by mass or less, and more preferably 0.005% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less, relative to the total mass of the ink composition.

[0173] Examples of preservatives include 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-4-isothiazolin-3-one, N-(n-butyl)-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide sodium, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate, sodium benzoate, benzotriazole, and phenol. Hereinafter, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one may be abbreviated as BIT.

[0174] Examples of rust inhibitors include benzotriazole and its derivatives, tolyltriazole, dicyclohexylammonium nitrite, diisopropylammonium nitrite, sodium thiosulfate, saponin, and dialkylthiourea. Examples of water-soluble resins that can be used include acrylic resins, alkyd resins, cellulose derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and polyvinyl alcohol. Resin emulsions that can be added include emulsions containing acrylic resins, urethane resins, styrene-butadiene resins, polyester resins, and vinyl acetate resins.

[0175] Furthermore, it is also possible to add a fluorine-based surfactant, a nonionic, anionic or cationic surfactant, or an antifoaming agent such as dimethylpolysiloxane, which improves the penetration of the ink composition.

[0176] Examples of chelating agents include ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), hydroxyethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), glycol ether diaminetetraacetic acid (GEDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid (HIDA), dihydroxyethylglycine (DHEG), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid (TTHA), and alkali metal salts, ammonium salts, or amine salts thereof.

[0177] The ink composition and ink of this embodiment are suitable for use in writing instruments equipped with a mechanism for supplying ink to a pen tip through a pen core having a comb groove for temporarily storing ink, an ink flow passage, and an air passage, such as a fountain pen described below. The ink composition and ink of this embodiment may also be stored in an ink reservoir such as a glass bottle. Glass bottles are inexpensive, easy to mold, and readily provide the desired strength. On the other hand, when using a particularly inexpensive and versatile soda-lime glass bottle, storing an aqueous ink composition for a long period of time is likely to result in the elution of alkali components in the glass into the aqueous ink composition. The eluted alkali components may react with components of the aqueous ink composition, resulting in the formation of a precipitate. This precipitate may block the ink flow passage, resulting in blurred handwriting or the inability to write.

[0178] For this reason, from the viewpoint of suppressing the above-mentioned precipitates and suppressing the occurrence of smeared handwriting, writing impossibility, etc., the ink composition of this embodiment preferably contains a chelating agent. When the ink composition contains a chelating agent, the chelating agent captures the alkaline component eluted from the glass ink reservoir, and the occurrence of water-insoluble precipitates, etc., which are generated by reaction between the alkaline component and components in the ink composition can be suppressed.

[0179] Furthermore, among chelating agents, it is preferable to use aminocarboxylic acids and salts thereof, taking into consideration the sufficient supplementation of alkaline components and the fact that the physical properties and performance of the aqueous ink composition are unlikely to change before and after the incorporation of the chelating agent, and more particularly, it is preferable to use ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and salts thereof.

[0180] Ink compositions containing a yellow colorant may, depending on the colorant used, cause problems with ink color clarity during mixing, such as the ink becoming dull, and may also be prone to blooming, a phenomenon in which solid components such as the colorant in the ink composition precipitate on the pen tip of a writing instrument due to evaporation of water.

[0181] Therefore, among the above-mentioned colorants, it is preferable to use CI Acid Yellow 23 (tartrazine) as the colorant contained in the yellow ink composition, from the viewpoint of improving the ink color clarity when mixed.

[0182] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the flowering phenomenon, the aqueous medium contained in the ink composition preferably contains a polyhydric alcohol and an alkanolamine. Furthermore, in consideration of a further effect of suppressing the flowering phenomenon, the aqueous medium contained in the ink composition preferably further contains urea.

[0183] From the viewpoint of suppressing flowering, it is preferable to use glycerin as the polyhydric alcohol. Furthermore, in order to improve the stability over time of all the ink compositions, including the cyan ink composition, the magenta ink composition, and the yellow ink composition, and also taking into consideration the ink stability when colors are mixed, it is particularly preferable that the polyhydric alcohol contains glycerin and diethylene glycol.

[0184] The alkanolamine is a compound having a hydroxy group and an amino group in an alkane skeleton. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use an alkanolamine represented by the following formula (3).

[0185] [ka]

[0186] In formula (3), R1 represents an ethylene group, a trimethylene group, or a propylene group, and R2 and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a -R1-OH group.

[0187] Specific examples of such alkanolamines include methylethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diethylethanolamine, monoethanolamine, propanolamine, methyldiethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine.

[0188] In this embodiment, in consideration of the stability of the ink over time and the suppression of flowering, it is preferable to use triethanolamine, which is weakly basic, among the above alkanolamines.

[0189] Therefore, in consideration of suppressing flowering and the stability of the ink composition and ink over time, it is particularly preferable that the aqueous medium contained in the ink composition contains glycerin, triethanolamine, and urea, and it is most preferable that the aqueous medium contain glycerin, diethylene glycol, triethanolamine, and urea.

[0190] (Method for producing ink composition) The ink compositions included in the water-based ink set for writing instruments of this embodiment can be produced by any conventionally known method, for example, by blending the required amounts of the above-mentioned components and mixing them using various types of stirrers such as a magnetic stirrer, a propeller stirrer, a homogenizer stirrer, a homodisper, a homomixer, or a planetary stirrer, or various types of dispersers such as a bead mill.

[0191] In this embodiment, by adjusting the type of colorant to be added, a cyan ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a yellow ink composition are produced, each of which has a maximum absorption wavelength in the visible light region, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength satisfies the above-mentioned relationship, and which are different in color from one another.

[0192] Furthermore, by adjusting the type of colorant added, it is possible to produce a black ink composition whose maximum absorption wavelength satisfies the above relationship, i.e., a black ink composition whose maximum absorption wavelength is between the maximum absorption wavelengths of any two of the cyan ink composition, magenta ink composition, and yellow ink composition.

[0193] A transparent ink composition may be prepared as an ink composition that does not contain a colorant.

[0194] The maximum absorption wavelength of an ink composition is measured by the following method. Specifically, the maximum absorption wavelength is measured using a UV-2550 ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. A solution of the ink composition diluted 5000 times with ion-exchanged water is placed in a quartz cell with an optical path length of 10 mm, and the absorption wavelength is measured under conditions of a wavelength range of 400 nm to 900 nm, a medium scan speed, and a sampling pitch of 2.0 nm. The maximum absorption wavelength is then determined from the measurement results.

[0195] (Water-based ink set for writing instruments) The water-based ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment includes at least the cyan ink composition, magenta ink composition, and yellow ink composition described above.

[0196] Specifically, the water-based ink set for a writing instrument comprises a cyan ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a yellow ink composition, each of which has a maximum absorption wavelength in the visible light region and is different in color from one another, wherein the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the cyan ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the magenta ink composition is 100 nm or more, and the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the magenta ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the yellow ink composition is 100 nm or more.

[0197] As described above, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength of the aqueous ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment satisfies the above-mentioned relationship. Therefore, the aqueous ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment can broaden the range of color tones that can be adjusted by mixing these ink compositions. Therefore, the aqueous ink set for a writing instrument of this embodiment can broaden the range of color tones that can be adjusted in the visible light region compared to when the difference in maximum absorption wavelength between at least one of the cyan ink composition and the magenta ink composition, and the magenta ink composition and the yellow ink composition, is less than 100 nm.

[0198] The upper limit of each of the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the cyan ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the magenta ink composition, and the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the magenta ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the yellow ink composition, contained in the water-based ink set for writing instruments, is not limited as long as it is equal to or less than the difference between the lower and upper limits of the wavelength in the visible light region.

[0199] In consideration of achieving satisfactory adjustment of a wide range of color tones in the visible light region, the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the cyan ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the magenta ink composition, and the difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the magenta ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the yellow ink composition, are preferably 180 nm or less, more preferably 160 nm or less, and even more preferably 155 nm or less.

[0200] It is also preferable that the water-based ink set for a writing instrument further comprises at least one of the above-mentioned transparent ink composition and black ink composition.

[0201] Furthermore, in consideration of improving color tone adjustment and obtaining inks with excellent color development clarity when mixed, the maximum absorption wavelength of the cyan ink composition is preferably 610 nm or more and 750 nm or less, the maximum absorption wavelength of the magenta ink composition is preferably 500 nm or more and 560 nm or less, and the maximum absorption wavelength of the yellow ink composition is preferably 400 nm or more and 500 nm or less.

[0202] Furthermore, in consideration of improving the adjustment of a wide range of color tones, the maximum absorption wavelength of the cyan ink composition is particularly preferably 650 nm or more and 700 nm or less, the maximum absorption wavelength of the magenta ink composition is particularly preferably 500 nm or more and 530 nm or less, and the maximum absorption wavelength of the yellow ink composition is particularly preferably 420 nm or more and 450 nm or less.

[0203] The difference in colorant content among the cyan, magenta, and yellow ink compositions constituting the water-based ink set for writing instruments is preferably 0% by mass or more and less than 1.0% by mass, more preferably 0% by mass or more and 0.5% by mass or less, particularly preferably 0% by mass or more and 0.1% by mass or less, and most preferably 0% by mass.

[0204] Furthermore, even when the water-based ink set for a writing instrument includes a black ink composition, which is a color other than cyan, magenta, and yellow, the difference in the content of the colorant contained in these ink compositions may be within the above range.

[0205] When the difference in colorant content among the ink compositions constituting the water-based ink set for writing instruments is within the above range, the dissolved or dispersed states of the colorants among the ink compositions are substantially the same, and therefore, when the ink compositions included in the water-based ink set for writing instruments are mixed to tone the ink, changes in colorant concentration are less likely to occur, which makes it possible to suppress aggregation and precipitation of the colorants and improve ink stability.

[0206] Furthermore, the main component of the aqueous medium contained in the cyan ink composition, the magenta ink composition, and the yellow ink composition constituting the water-based ink set for writing instruments is preferably the same. The main component means a component that accounts for 80% by mass or more, preferably 90% by mass or more, of the aqueous medium.

[0207] Furthermore, it is preferable that the main component of the aqueous medium contained in each of the ink compositions other than those mentioned above that make up the water-based ink set for writing instruments is the same as that of the cyan ink composition, magenta ink composition, and yellow ink composition. That is, the water-based ink set for writing instruments may include a cyan ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a yellow ink composition, and at least one of a black ink composition and a transparent ink composition. In such cases, it is also preferable that the main component of the aqueous medium contained in these ink compositions is the same.

[0208] By making the main component of the aqueous medium contained in each of the multiple ink compositions that make up the water-based ink set for writing instruments the same, changes in the concentration of the main component of the aqueous medium are less likely to occur when the multiple ink compositions are mixed to match colors, which makes it possible to suppress aggregation and precipitation of colorants, thereby improving ink stability.

[0209] (Method for manufacturing water-based ink sets for writing instruments) A water-based ink set for a writing instrument can be produced by combining a plurality of ink compositions each having a maximum absorption wavelength in the visible light region, the maximum absorption wavelengths of which satisfy the above-mentioned relationship, and which are different in color.

[0210] Specifically, by adjusting the type of colorant added, a cyan ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a yellow ink composition are produced, each of which has a maximum absorption wavelength in the visible light region, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength satisfies the above-mentioned relationship, and which are different in color from one another.These ink compositions are then used as a water-based ink set for a writing instrument.

[0211] The water-based ink set for a writing instrument may further include a black ink composition having a maximum absorption wavelength between the maximum absorption wavelengths of any two of the cyan, magenta, and yellow ink compositions contained in the water-based ink set for a writing instrument, and may further include a transparent ink composition.

[0212] (Water-based ink products) The cyan ink composition, magenta ink composition, yellow ink composition, transparent ink composition, and black ink composition are each contained in an ink reservoir such as glass, and are provided as, for example, an aqueous ink product.

[0213] The material of the ink reservoir is not limited, and examples of the ink reservoir include a container whose main component is silicon dioxide, such as a glass bottle, and a container made of plastic.

[0214] In this embodiment, storing each ink composition in a glass bottle container is one of the preferred embodiments from the viewpoints that the water in the ink is less likely to evaporate, it has excellent design properties, and it is easy to check the color tone and remaining amount of ink.

[0215] The water-based ink product may also be an ink reservoir containing an ink composition and at least one of an empty container, a dropper, a measuring cylinder, and a color matching sample. The empty container is an empty container used for mixing multiple ink compositions. The dropper is an example of a component used for sucking up the ink composition in the ink reservoir and transferring it to another container, such as an empty container. The measuring cylinder is an example of a component used for quantifying the amount of ink composition. The color matching sample is a paper or electronic medium on which information is recorded showing the correspondence between the mixing ratio of the ink compositions contained in the water-based ink set for writing instruments and the color realized by that mixing ratio. The information showing the correspondence between the mixing ratio shown in the color matching sample and the color realized by that mixing ratio is preferably information showing the correspondence between at least some of the color images 62 contained in the color sample 60 described above and the blending ratio of the base inks for realizing the color image 62.

[0216] The user can mix a plurality of ink compositions of this embodiment in any mixing ratio to prepare an ink of a desired color tone.

[0217] The ink composition and toned ink of this embodiment can be used as a water-based ink for various writing instruments such as fountain pens, ballpoint pens, brush pens, calligraphy pens, dip pens, and various markers.

[0218] The structure and shape of the writing implement, which is an example of an application target of the ink composition and ink of this embodiment, are not particularly limited.

[0219] For example, writing implements include marking pens with fiber tips, felt tips, or plastic tips, ballpoint pens with ballpoint pen tips, and fountain pens with metal tips.

[0220] The writing instrument may have a structure in which the interior of the writing instrument body serves as an ink reservoir and is directly filled with the ink composition or ink. Alternatively, the writing instrument may have a structure in which an ink reservoir that is filled with the ink composition or ink is provided inside the writing instrument body.

[0221] Examples of ink reservoirs include cartridge types that can be easily attached to or detached from the writing instrument body or pen tip and are pre-filled with ink composition or ink, and ink suction types that are equipped with an suction mechanism that can be filled with ink composition or ink from an ink container such as an ink bottle.

[0222] The suction mechanism may be provided directly inside the writing instrument body, or may be removably attached to the writing instrument body or pen tip like a converter.

[0223] Examples of writing implements include cap-type writing implements that have a cap that covers the pen tip, and retractable writing implements that can house the pen tip in a barrel, such as knock-type, rotating-type, and sliding-type.

[0224] Furthermore, the ink supply mechanism in the writing implement is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the following mechanisms 1 to 4.

[0225] (Mechanism 1) A mechanism that has an ink guide core made of a fiber bundle or the like as an ink flow rate adjusting member and supplies the water-based ink composition to the pen tip. (Mechanism 2) A mechanism that supplies the water-based ink composition to the pen tip through a pen core having a comb groove that temporarily stores ink, an ink flow passage, and an air passage. (Mechanism 3) A mechanism equipped with an ink flow rate adjusting member using a valve mechanism, which supplies the water-based ink composition to the pen tip. (Mechanism 4) A mechanism for supplying the water-based ink composition directly to the pen tip from an ink reservoir or barrel equipped with the pen tip.

[0226] In particular, the ink composition and writing instrument using the ink of this embodiment are particularly suitable for use in writing instruments having the above-mentioned (mechanism 2), i.e., writing instruments equipped with a pen core having a comb groove for temporarily storing ink, an ink flow passage, and an air passage.

[0227] This is because the use of the ink composition and ink of this embodiment allows the pen tip to fully function, supplying the ink composition from the ink reservoir to the writing tip and facilitating the temporary retention of ink composition that overflows as the internal pressure of the ink reservoir increases. This also improves ink ejection from the pen tip, making it possible to produce clear handwriting with little blurring. Furthermore, even if the internal pressure of the ink reservoir changes due to changes in ambient temperature or the removal and attachment of the cap, the ink is retained between the comb grooves, preventing ink leakage from the pen tip and achieving excellent resistance to dripping. Specific examples of the writing instrument include fountain pens, ballpoint pens, and calligraphy pens. The ink composition of this embodiment is particularly suitable for use as an ink composition for fountain pens. [Example]

[0228] Examples of water-based ink sets for writing instruments that can be suitably used as base inks for the ink color provider 10 of this embodiment will be specifically described below. However, the water-based ink sets for writing instruments used in the present invention are not limited to these examples.

[0229] (Cyan ink composition (1)) Diethylene glycol 1.00% by mass Glycerin 1.00% by mass Triethanolamine 2.00% by mass ·Urea 1.00% by mass Unilube 75DE-2620 (NOF Corporation) (Polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol) 0.05% by mass ·BIT 0.05% by mass Water Blue 105 (CI Acid Blue 90) 2.00% by mass Remaining ion-exchanged water The above composition was stirred and mixed with a propeller stirrer to obtain a cyan ink composition (1).

[0230] (Ink compositions (2) to (31)) Ink compositions were obtained in the same manner as ink composition (1), except that the components contained in the ink compositions were changed to the compositions shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0231] The trade names of the colorants are shown in Tables 1 and 2. The manufacturers and color index names of the colorants with each trade name are as follows:

[0232] Water Blue 105 (Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Blue 90 Water Blue 9 (Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Blue 9 Water Blue 117-L (manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.): CI Direct Blue 87 *Aqueous solution containing 25% colorant component. In Tables 1 and 2, this is shown as 25% aq. Water Red 2 (Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Red 87 (Eosin) Daiwa IJ Red 319H (manufactured by Daiwa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Red 289 Benifuji Phloxine (Beni Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Red 92 Water Red 27 (Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Red 52 Water Yellow 6C (Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Yellow 42 Water Orange 25 (Orient Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Yellow 42 + CI Acid Red 97 Spilon Yellow WS-1 (Hodogaya Chemical Co., Ltd.): CI Acid Yellow 23 (Tartrazine) Bayscript Black SP (manufactured by LANXESS) *Aqueous solution with 30% colorant content. In Tables 1 and 2, this is shown as 30% aq. Water Black 191-L (manufactured by Orient Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.): CI Direct Black 19 *An aqueous solution containing 15% colorant components. In Tables 1 and 2, this is shown as 15% aq.

[0233] In Tables 1 and 2, Unilube 75DE-2620 is the trade name of a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol manufactured by NOF Corporation, Newpol PE128 is the trade name of a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd., and Epan 450 is the trade name of a polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol manufactured by Daiichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd. Olfine E1010 is the trade name of an acetylene glycol surfactant manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

[0234] The absorption wavelength of each of the prepared ink compositions (1) to (31) was measured using a UV-2550 ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. A solution of the ink composition diluted 5,000 times with ion-exchanged water was placed in a quartz cell with an optical path length of 10 mm, and the wavelength range was measured at 400 nm to 900 nm, with a medium scan speed and a sampling pitch of 2.0 nm. The maximum absorption wavelength was determined from the measurement results. The results are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0235] [Table 1]

[0236] [Table 2]

[0237] Example 1 The water-based ink set for writing instruments of Example 1 was a cyan ink composition (4), a magenta ink composition (8), a yellow ink composition (19), a black ink composition (25), and a transparent ink composition (27).

[0238] (Examples 2 to 17, Comparative Examples 1 to 6) A water-based ink set for a writing instrument and a comparative water-based ink set were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the combinations of ink compositions used in the water-based ink set for a writing instrument were changed to the combinations shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0239] [Table 3]

[0240] [Table 4]

[0241] Figure 6 shows the results of measuring the absorption wavelength of each of the ink compositions (1) to (31) used in the Examples and Comparative Examples. Figures 7 to 9 show the results of measuring the absorption wavelength of the ink compositions contained in the water-based ink sets for writing instruments of the Examples and Comparative Examples and the comparative water-based ink set. In Figures 6 to 9, the horizontal axis represents wavelength, and the vertical axis represents absorbance.

[0242] Figure 7 shows the results of measuring the absorption wavelength of each of the ink compositions included in the water-based ink set for a writing instrument of Example 1. Figure 8 shows the results of measuring the absorption wavelength of each of the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink compositions. As shown in Figure 7, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength between the cyan and magenta ink compositions included in the water-based ink set for a writing instrument of Example 1 was 138 nm. Furthermore, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength between the magenta and yellow ink compositions was 102 nm.

[0243] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the measurement results of the absorption wavelength of each of the ink compositions included in the comparative water-based ink set of Comparative Example 1. Figure 8 shows the measurement results of the absorption wavelength of each of the cyan ink composition, magenta ink composition, yellow ink composition, and black ink composition. As shown in Figure 8, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength between the cyan ink composition and the magenta ink composition included in the comparative water-based ink set of Comparative Example 1 was 92 nm. In addition, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength between the magenta ink composition and the yellow ink composition was 112 nm.

[0244] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the measurement results of the absorption wavelength of each of the ink compositions included in the comparative water-based ink set of Comparative Example 2. Figure 9 shows the measurement results of the absorption wavelength of each of the cyan ink composition, magenta ink composition, yellow ink composition, and black ink composition. As shown in Figure 9, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength between the cyan ink composition and the magenta ink composition included in the comparative water-based ink set of Comparative Example 2 was 64 nm. In addition, the difference in maximum absorption wavelength between the magenta ink composition and the yellow ink composition was 154 nm.

[0245] The absorption wavelength was measured in the same manner for Examples 2 to 17 and Comparative Examples 3 to 6, and the difference in maximum absorption wavelength was calculated. The results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0246] (evaluation) -Color adjustment evaluation- The water-based ink sets for writing instruments of Examples 1 to 17 and the comparative water-based ink sets of Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were each subjected to an evaluation of color tone adjustment.

[0247] To evaluate color tone adjustment, the mixing ratio of the ink compositions contained in each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments and the comparative water-based ink sets was adjusted to confirm the adjustable wavelength range in the visible light range. The evaluation criteria are shown below. The evaluation results are also shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0248] A: It can be mixed to a wide range of colors. B: Somewhat adjustable to a wide range of colors. C: Cannot be adjusted to a wide range of colors.

[0249] -Evaluation of flowering phenomenon- The flowering phenomenon was evaluated for each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments of Examples 1 to 17 and the comparative water-based ink sets of Comparative Examples 1 to 6. Specifically, the yellow ink compositions contained in each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments and the comparative water-based ink sets were used in the evaluation of the flowering phenomenon.

[0250] A 0.4 ml portion of the yellow ink composition was poured into a resin converter (CON-40, manufactured by Pilot Corporation, ink capacity 0.4 ml) through the opening. This converter was attached to a writing instrument with a fountain pen-shaped nib (Pilot Corporation, fountain pen, product name: Kakuno (line width M)). This writing instrument was designated test pen A. Test pen A was then held nib-down for a while, allowing the ink composition to flow into the nib, making it ready for writing. The pen was then left uncapped for 4 weeks in an environment of 20°C and 65% humidity, with the nib facing horizontally. The deposition of solids such as colorant and urea on the nib of test pen A was then evaluated. The evaluation criteria for the blooming phenomenon are shown below. The evaluation results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0251] Evaluation criteria for the flowering phenomenon A: No deposition occurs (i.e., no blooming phenomenon occurs). B: Precipitation occurs (i.e., blooming phenomenon occurs). C: A large amount of precipitation occurred (i.e., more significant occurrence of the blooming phenomenon was observed compared to evaluation standard B).

[0252] - Ink stability evaluation - The ink stability during mixing was evaluated for each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments of Examples 1 to 17 and the comparative water-based ink sets of Comparative Examples 1 to 6. Specifically, for each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments and the comparative water-based ink sets, a cyan ink composition, a magenta ink composition, and a yellow ink composition were mixed in a 1:1:1 mass ratio to prepare an ink. 50 ml of the prepared ink was placed in a glass container (product name: Labolan screw cap bottle, manufactured by AS ONE Corporation), and the container was left in a 50°C environment with the lid on for 12 weeks. The ink was then sampled from the bottom of the container and observed under a microscope. The evaluation criteria for ink stability are shown below. The evaluation results are also shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0253] Ink stability evaluation criteria A: No precipitates are observed. B: Precipitates are observed.

[0254] -Evaluation of ink color clarity- The color clarity of handwriting obtained by the mixed inks was evaluated for each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments of Examples 1 to 17 and the comparative water-based ink sets of Comparative Examples 1 to 6. Specifically, for each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments and the comparative water-based ink sets, the yellow ink composition and the cyan ink composition contained therein were mixed at a mixing ratio of 49:1 by mass to prepare the inks.

[0255] 0.4 ml of the prepared ink was poured into a resin converter (CON-40, manufactured by Pilot Corporation, ink capacity 0.4 ml) through the opening. This converter was attached to a writing instrument with a fountain pen-shaped nib (Pilot Corporation, fountain pen, product name: Kakuno (line width M)). This writing instrument was designated test pen B. Test pen B was held nib-down for a while to allow the ink to flow up to the nib, making it ready for writing. Then, any character was written with test pen B, and the state of the resulting handwriting was visually observed to evaluate the ink color clarity. The evaluation criteria for ink color clarity are shown below. The evaluation results are also shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0256] Evaluation criteria for ink color clarity A: Vivid color tones can be adjusted. B: The color tone is dull and it is impossible to adjust the vivid color tone.

[0257] - Drop-off evaluation - Dripping was evaluated for each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments of Examples 1 to 17 and the comparative water-based ink sets of Comparative Examples 1 to 6. Specifically, the transparent ink compositions contained in each of the water-based ink sets for writing instruments and the comparative water-based ink sets were used in the dripping evaluation.

[0258] 0.3 ml of the transparent ink composition was poured into a resin ink reservoir (ink capacity 0.9 ml) through its opening. This ink reservoir was attached to a knock-type fountain pen (manufactured by Pilot Corporation, product name: Capless (line width M)) with a gold-plated stainless steel nib with a line width of M and a pen core with a comb groove for temporarily storing ink, an ink flow passage, and an air passage. This writing instrument was designated test pen C.

[0259] The fabricated test pen C was placed with the pen tip facing downwards and left standing in a vacuum desiccator. In this state, the pressure inside the desiccator was reduced to -70 mmHg relative to atmospheric pressure in 5 minutes. Then, while maintaining the reduced pressure state of -70 mmHg relative to atmospheric pressure, the test pen C was left in the desiccator for another 5 minutes. The presence or absence of ink leakage (dripping) from the pen tip of the test pen C during pressure reduction and while maintaining the reduced pressure state was confirmed. The evaluation criteria for dripping evaluation are shown below. Also, the evaluation results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0260] Evaluation Criteria for Dripping Evaluation A: No dripping of the ink composition from the pen tip occurs. B: Dripping of the ink composition from the pen tip occurs.

[0261] - Bleeding and Ink Bleaching Evaluation - For each of the aqueous ink sets for writing instruments of Examples 1 to 17 and the comparative aqueous ink sets of Comparative Examples 1 to 6, bleeding and ink bleaching were evaluated. Specifically, the magenta-colored ink composition contained in each of the aqueous ink sets for writing instruments and the comparative aqueous ink sets was used for the evaluation of bleeding and ink bleaching.

[0262] 0.4 ml of the magenta-colored ink composition was injected through the opening into a resin converter (manufactured by Pilot Corporation, CON-40, ink capacity 0.4 ml). This converter was attached to a writing instrument (manufactured by Pilot Corporation, fountain pen, product name: Kaku-no (character width M)) having a fountain pen tip in the form of a fountain pen. This writing instrument was designated as test pen D. The fabricated test pen D was placed with the pen tip facing downwards, and the filled ink composition was allowed to flow to the pen tip to make it in a writable state. In that state, the character "Eternal" (character size approximately 1 cm in length and width) was written on the writing test paper (JIS P3201 Writing Paper A). The bleeding and ink bleaching of the handwriting by the written ink were evaluated. The evaluation criteria for bleeding and ink bleaching are shown below. Also, the evaluation results are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0263] Evaluation Criteria for Bleeding and Ink Bleaching A: No bleeding or bleed-through. B: There is slight bleeding and show-through. C: There is bleeding and show-through, but no practical problems.

[0264] As is clear from the above evaluation results, the water-based ink sets for writing instruments of Examples 1 to 17 were able to adjust to a wider range of color tones than the comparative water-based ink sets of Comparative Examples 1 to 6.

[0265] Furthermore, as shown in Examples 1 to 3, the water-based ink set for a writing instrument of Example 1, which contains a black ink composition, was able to be adjusted to a wider range of color tones than the water-based ink sets for a writing instrument of Examples 2 and 3, which do not contain a black ink composition.

[0266] Furthermore, Examples 1 to 4 and Examples 11 to 17, which were yellow ink compositions using tartrazine as a colorant, showed better evaluation results for ink color vividness than Examples 5 to 10, which were yellow ink compositions using a colorant other than tartrazine.

[0267] Furthermore, among Examples 1 to 4 and Examples 11 to 17, which are yellow ink compositions using tartrazine as a colorant, Example 11, which contains a polyhydric alcohol and an alkanolamine, and Examples 1 to 4, 12 and 13, and 15 to 17, which contain a polyhydric alcohol, an alkanolamine, and urea, showed reduced flowering compared to Example 14, which did not contain a polyhydric alcohol, an alkanolamine, or urea.

[0268] Furthermore, Examples 1 to 6, 9, and 10, which satisfy both the requirements that the main component of the aqueous medium of the contained ink compositions is the same and that the difference in colorant content is 0% by mass or more and less than 1.0% by mass, showed better evaluation results for ink stability than Examples 7 to 8 and Examples 11 to 17, which did not satisfy at least one of the main component and content requirements.

[0269] Furthermore, Examples 1 to 16, which used magenta ink compositions containing polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, showed better results in the bleeding and strike-through evaluations than Example 17, which used a magenta ink composition not containing polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol.

[0270] Although the above describes an embodiment, the above embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0271] The ink color providing device 10 of the present invention can provide a method for achieving a desired color of ink for use in various writing instruments such as fountain pens, ballpoint pens, brush pens, calligraphy pens, dip pens, and various markers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0272] 10 Ink color providing device 20A Reception 20C Display control section 20D Acquisition Department

Claims

1. a receiving unit that receives an input of a desired color desired by a user; a display control unit that displays the blending ratio of a plurality of base inks used to match the desired color; Equipped with The reception unit further receiving an input trajectory input by a trajectory input operation; The display control unit displaying the input trajectory in the desired color; Ink color provider.

2. The reception unit further receiving input of the color of the recording medium to be recorded; The display control unit a superimposed image is displayed on the recording medium of the received color, in which the input locus of the recorded color tone obtained by recording the ink of the desired color on the recording medium of the received color is superimposed; 2. The ink color providing apparatus of claim 1.

3. The reception unit further receiving an input of a line width of the input locus; the display control unit displays the input locus of the received line width.

3. The ink color providing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an acquisition unit that acquires impression information that represents an impression of the desired color desired by a user; The display control unit displaying a color sample showing a list of colors corresponding to the impression information; The reception unit Accepting a color selected from the color sample as the desired color; The ink color providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The reception unit When a request for displaying the desired color based on a blending ratio is received, input of identification information of the plurality of basic inks and blending ratios of the plurality of basic inks is received; The display control unit displaying the desired color of a color tone obtained by mixing the plurality of basic inks at the received blending ratio; The ink color providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The plurality of base inks are a first ink composition, a second ink composition, and a third ink composition, each of which has a maximum absorption wavelength in the visible light region and is different in color from one another; a difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the first ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the second ink composition is 100 nm or more; a difference between the maximum absorption wavelength of the second ink composition and the maximum absorption wavelength of the third ink composition being 100 nm or more; The ink color providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images