Printed materials and image forming devices

Abstract

To provide printed matter that can display an image showing different information depending on a condition and an image formation device that can create the printed matter.SOLUTION: Printed matter according to an embodiment comprises a first image, a second image and a base material. The first image shows first formation formed using a first material maintaining a visible state under a first condition. The second image is formed using a second material which varies from the visible state into an invisible state under the first condition, which shows second information while being synthesized with the first image. The base material holds the first image and the second image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a printed material and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are printed materials that have printed on them image codes such as two-dimensional codes or images that act as triggers to display specific content. Conventional printed materials are configured to provide a single recognition result regardless of environmental conditions because the printed images do not change with environmental conditions. However, in recent years, there has been an increasing need for technology that can provide a variety of services with a single printed material. This need has led to a demand for printed materials that can be used for multiple purposes and that can provide information suited to the situation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-162081 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a printed matter that can display an image showing different information depending on conditions, and an image forming apparatus that can create the printed matter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, the printed matter includes a first image, a second image, and Third image and The first image has a first condition. and a second condition different from the first condition. Remain visible in Using the first material The second image is formed using a second material that changes from a visible state to an invisible state under the first condition, and is formed as a second image when combined with the first image. 1 Shows information about. The third image is formed using a third material that changes from a visible state to an invisible state under the second condition, and shows second information when combined with the first image.The substrate has a first image and a second image. the third image; Hold. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a printed matter, which is a first example of a printed matter according to an embodiment, displays a first image. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a first image and a second image are displayed on a printed matter that is a first example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which a first image and a second image displayed on a printed matter that is a first example of a printed matter according to the embodiment are read by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a first image displayed on a printed matter that is a first example of a printed matter according to the embodiment is read by an information processing apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first image pattern displayed on a printed matter that is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a second image pattern displayed on a printed matter that is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a common image is displayed on a printed matter that is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which a printed matter that is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment displays a common image and a second image. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state in which a printed matter that is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment displays a common image and a third image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a common image, a second image, and a third image are displayed on a printed matter that is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming apparatus that creates a printed matter according to the embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system in an image forming apparatus that creates printed matter according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first creation process in which an image forming apparatus creates a printed matter that is a first example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second creation process in which an image forming apparatus creates a printed matter that is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a printed matter A, which is a first example of a printed matter according to the embodiment, will be described. 1 and 2 are diagrams showing printed matter A, which is a first example of a printed matter according to an embodiment. The image displayed on printed matter A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 changes depending on conditions. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing printed matter Aa in which a first image 11 is displayed but a second image 12 is not. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing printed matter Ab in which both the first image 11 and the second image 12 are displayed.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 2, printed matter A, which is a first example of a printed matter according to the embodiment, has a substrate (medium) 10, a first image 11, and a second image 12. The first image 11 is formed from a first image-forming material (first material). The second image 12 is formed from a second image-forming material (second material). The substrate 10 is a medium that holds the first image 11 formed from the first material and the second image 12 formed from the second material.

[0009] The second material forming the second image 12 becomes invisible under predetermined conditions. The second material has reversibility, returning to a visible state when the predetermined conditions are no longer present. The first material forming the first image 11 remains visible even under predetermined conditions when the second material becomes invisible.

[0010] In the following description, the second material forming the second image 12 is an image-forming material that will be erased when a predetermined erasing condition (first condition) is met. Furthermore, in the printed matter A, the first material forming the first image 11 is a non-erasable image-forming material that will not be erased even under the erasing condition. In the following description, "erasing" refers to a state that is invisible to humans (a state that cannot be seen). "Erasing" also includes changing color to a color that is invisible to humans.

[0011] The second material may be an image-forming material that is erased under various erasing conditions. For example, the second material may be an image-forming material that is erased by temperature or the like. A second material that is erased by temperature changes from a colored state (visible state) to a erased state (invisible state) when the temperature of the environment in which the printed matter is placed reaches a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0012] The second material is, for example, a thermochromic ink or toner containing a leuco dye, which has reversibility. Thermochromic ink or toner loses its color above a certain decolorization temperature, becoming invisible to the naked eye (transparent, decolorized). Thermochromic ink or toner also regains its color when the temperature drops. Furthermore, materials that can be used as the second material that changes color or loses color depending on conditions are not limited to materials that change color depending on temperature. For example, the second material may be a material that changes color or loses color when wet with water.

[0013] In the printed matter A, the substrate 10 has a surface (printing surface) on which the first image 11 and the second image 12 can be printed. The substrate 10 may have a surface that can hold (print) the first material that forms the first image 11 and the second material that forms the second image 12. The substrate 10 is not limited to paper or the like, but may be any object that has a printing surface made of a material on which the first image 11 and the second image 12 can be printed. Furthermore, the shape of the substrate 10 is not limited to a medium such as paper, but may be any object that has a printing surface on which the first image 11 and the second image 12 can be printed, such as a box, wall, pillar, or floor.

[0014] The printed matter A has a first image 11 formed from a first material and a second image 12 formed from a second material printed on a substrate 10. The first image 11 is an image that shows first information. The composite image formed by combining the second image 12 with the first image 11 is an image that shows second information that is different from the first information shown by the first image. The second image 12 may be an image that is printed as a difference image between the first image 11 and the composite image, or may be an image that is printed over the first image 11.

[0015] The first image 11 displayed by the printed matter Aa shown in Fig. 1 is a first AR marker indicating a first content as first information. The composite image of the first image 11 and the second image 12 displayed by the printed matter Ab shown in Fig. 1 is a second AR marker indicating a second content as second information.

[0016] Here, an AR marker is an image for displaying specific content on an information processing device executing a specific video display program (hereinafter also referred to as an AR marker app). A first AR marker is an image for displaying first content on an information processing device executing a specific video display program. A second AR marker is an image for displaying second content on an information processing device executing a specific video display program. AR markers will be described in detail later.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a printed matter Aa in a state where the second material on the substrate 10 has been decolorized (a state where the decolorization conditions are satisfied). In printed matter Aa in a state that satisfies the decoloring conditions, the second material is decolored, so the second image 12 on the substrate 10 becomes invisible (decolored state). Furthermore, even in a state that satisfies the decoloring conditions, the first material is not decolored, so the first image 11 on the substrate 10 becomes visible. Therefore, printed matter Aa in a state that satisfies the decoloring conditions does not display the second image 12, but only the first image 11, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a printed matter Ab in a state where the second material on the substrate 10 is not bleached (when not under bleaching conditions). In printed matter Ab in a state that does not satisfy the decoloring conditions, the second material does not decolorize, and therefore the second image 12 on the substrate 10 is visible (in a colored state). Therefore, in printed matter Ab in a state that does not satisfy the decoloring conditions, both the first image 11 and the second image 12 are visible, as shown in Figure 2. As a result, printed matter Ab shown in Figure 2 displays a composite image that combines the first image 11 and the second image 12.

[0019] 1 and 2, the visible image (displayed image) of printed matter A changes depending on whether the decoloring conditions for the second material to be decolored are satisfied. Printed matter Aa, which satisfies the decoloring conditions, displays only the first image 11 as the visible image. Printed matter Ab, which does not satisfy the decoloring conditions, displays a composite image of the first image 11 and the second image 12 as the visible image.

[0020] The second material forming the second image 12 may be a reversible material that reversibly changes between a visible state and an invisible state depending on whether the erasure conditions are met. If the second material is a reversible material, the second image 12 can be made invisible (non-displayed) under the erasure conditions and visible (displayed) outside the erasure conditions. For example, if the second material is a reversible material that is erased at a predetermined erasure temperature or higher, the second image can be made visible at a predetermined erasure temperature or higher and invisible below the predetermined erasure temperature.

[0021] Next, an example of how the first image 11 and the second image 12 are printed on a printed matter A, which is a first example of a printed matter according to the embodiment, will be described. 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating an example in which a plurality of AR markers are set for a plurality of types of display images that change depending on conditions on printed matter A. FIG. An AR marker is an image that is linked to specific content. AR (Augmented Reality) is a technology that displays digital content by overlaying it on a real-world image displayed on a display device. An AR marker is an image that serves as a trigger to call up specific content to be displayed as AR.

[0022] By executing a specific video display program (AR marker app), the information processing device D can acquire (display) content linked to an image set as an AR marker. The AR marker app is an application program that acquires content linked to an input image. For example, the AR marker app is installed in an information processing device D (e.g., a smartphone, tablet PC, smart glasses, etc.) equipped with a camera and a display device.

[0023] The information processing device D starts an AR marker application and captures an image to be used as an AR marker with a camera. The information processing device D extracts features from the image to be used as an AR marker, which are included in the image captured with the camera, and acquires specific content linked to the extracted features. The information processing device D displays the acquired specific content on a display device as specific content linked to the image captured with the camera.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a first content displayed by the information processing device D that reads the image displayed on the printed matter Aa shown in FIG. 1 as an AR marker. The first image 11 displayed on the printed matter Aa shown in FIG. 1 is set as an AR marker (first AR marker) linked to the first content shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the printed matter Aa under a decoloring condition in which the second material is decolored displays the first image 11 but does not display the second image. When the information processing device D photographs the printed matter Aa under the decoloring condition with a camera, it reads the first image 11, which is the first AR marker. When the information processing device D reads the first image 11 from the printed matter Aa, it displays the first content linked to the first image 11, which is the first AR marker, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the second content displayed by the information processing device D that reads the image displayed on the printed matter Ab shown in FIG. 2 as an AR marker. The composite image of the first image 11 and the second image 12 displayed on the printed matter Ab shown in FIG. 2 is set as an AR marker (second AR marker) linked to the second content shown in FIG. 4. When the second material is not erased (when the erasing condition is not satisfied), the printed matter Ab displays the first image 11 and the second image 12 as shown in FIG. 2. When the information processing device D photographs the printed matter Ab in a state where the erasing condition is not satisfied with a camera, it reads the composite image of the first image 11 and the second image 12, which is the second AR marker. When the information processing device D reads the composite image of the first image and the second image from the printed matter Ab, it displays the second content linked to the composite image as shown in FIG. 4.

[0026] As described above, printed matter A, which is a first example of a printed matter according to the embodiment, can display multiple images set as multiple AR markers depending on conditions. In other words, printed matter A, which is the first example, can change the AR marker to be displayed depending on conditions. According to the above example, printed matter A, which is the first example, displays a first AR marker when the erasing condition is satisfied, and displays a second AR marker when the erasing condition is not satisfied. An information processing device running an AR marker app can display different content by reading printed matter that satisfies the erasing condition and printed matter that does not satisfy the erasing condition.

[0027] That is, the information processing device can display the first content linked to an image other than an image formed with a material to be erased if the printed matter satisfies the erasing conditions, and the information processing device can display the second content linked to an image including an image formed with a material to be erased if the printed matter does not satisfy the erasing conditions.

[0028] Next, a printed matter B, which is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment, will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a first image pattern Pa to be printed on printed matter B, which is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a second image pattern Pb to be printed on printed matter B, which is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. The first image pattern Pa shown in FIG. 5 is an example of an image that is a two-dimensional code (image code) that indicates specific character information (first information). The second image pattern Pb shown in FIG. 6 is an example of an image that is a two-dimensional code that indicates information (second information) different from the first image pattern. When the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb are made the same size and superimposed, there are images that share common portions (referred to as common images). For example, if the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb are image patterns created in accordance with a predetermined standard, there will be many common images.

[0029] 7 to 10 are diagrams showing a printed matter B, which is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment. 7 to 10 is obtained by printing a first image pattern Pa and a second image pattern Pb on a substrate 20 using a plurality of image forming materials. As shown in FIG. 10, the printed matter B, which is a second example of the printed matter according to the embodiment, has a substrate (medium) 20, a common image 21, a second image 22, and a third image 23.

[0030] The substrate 20 is a medium that holds the common image (first image) 21, the second image 22, and the third image 23. The substrate 20 has a surface (printing surface) on which the common image 21, the second image 22, and the third image 23 can be printed. The substrate 20 may be any object that has a first material, a second material, and a printing surface that can hold (print) the second material. The substrate 20 is not limited to paper, etc., but may be any object that has a printing surface made of a material on which the common image 21, the second image 22, and the third image 23 can be printed. Furthermore, the shape of the substrate 20 is not limited to a medium such as paper, but may be any object that has a printing surface on which the first image 11 and the second image 12 can be printed, such as a box, wall, pillar, or floor.

[0031] The common image (first image) 21 is formed from a first image-forming material (first material). The common image 21 is an image of the common portion when the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb are superimposed. The first material forming the common image 21 is an image-forming material that remains visible (visibly recognizable) even under first or second conditions described below. For example, the first material is an image-forming material that does not change color (remains visible) even when conditions change.

[0032] The second image 22 is formed using a second image-forming material (second material). In the printed matter B, a composite image formed by combining the second image 22 and the common image 21 forms the first image pattern Pa. The second material forming the second image 22 becomes visible when it satisfies the visibility condition (first condition) of the third material. The second material also has reversibility, becoming visible when the first condition is met and becoming invisible when the first condition is not met. For example, the second material is an image-forming material having reversible color-change properties, developing color when the first condition is met and disappearing when the first condition is not met.

[0033] The third image 23 is formed using a third image-forming material (second material). In the printed matter B, a composite image formed by combining the third image 23 and the common image 21 forms the second image pattern Pb. The third material forming the third image 23 becomes visible when it satisfies a visibility condition (second condition) of the third material that is different from the visibility condition of the second material, which is the first condition. The third material has reversibility, becoming visible when the second condition is met and becoming invisible when the second condition is not met. For example, the third material is an image-forming material that has reversible color-change properties, becoming colored when the second condition is met and becoming colorless when the second condition is not met.

[0034] In the printed matter B, the image to be displayed (the image that becomes visible) changes as the second image 22 and the third image 23 printed on the substrate 20 change according to the conditions. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a printed matter Ba in which only a common image (first image) 21 between the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb is displayed. When the second image 22 and the third image 23 are both invisible, printed matter B becomes printed matter Ba, which displays only the common image 21, as shown in Figure 7. When neither the first condition nor the second condition is met, both the second material and the third material are invisible. In other words, when neither the first condition nor the second condition is met, printed matter B displays only the common image 21.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a printed matter Bb in a state in which the third image 23 is not displayed, but the common image 21 and the second image 22 are displayed. When the second image 22 is visible and the third image 23 is invisible, printed matter B becomes printed matter Bb, which displays the common image 21 and the second image 22, as shown in Figure 8. When the first condition is met and the second condition is not met, the second material is visible and the third material is invisible. In other words, when the first condition is met and the second condition is not met, printed matter B displays the first image pattern Pa, which is composed of the common image 21 and the second image 22.

[0036] In the printed matter B, the common image 21 and the second image 22 printed on the base material 20 are images showing the first image pattern Pa. The second image 22 shown in FIG. 8 is an image obtained by removing the common image 21 from the first image pattern Pa. For example, the second image 22 is printed on the base material 20 by forming a differential image between the first image pattern Pa and the common image 21 using the second material. Alternatively, the second image 22 may be printed on the base material 20 by overlaying the first image pattern Pa formed using the second material on the common image 21 formed using the first material.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a printed matter Bc in which the second image 22 is not displayed, but the common image 21 and the third image 23 are displayed. When the second image 22 is invisible and the third image 23 is visible, printed matter B becomes printed matter Bc, which displays the common image 21 and the third image 23, as shown in Figure 9. When the first condition is not met and the second condition is met, the second material is invisible and the third material is visible. In other words, when the first condition is not met and the second condition is met, printed matter B displays the second image pattern Pb, which is composed of the common image 21 and the third image 23.

[0038] In the printed matter B, the common image 21 and the third image 23 printed on the substrate 20 are images showing the second image pattern Pb. The third image 23 shown in FIG. 9 is an image obtained by removing the common image 21 from the second image pattern Pb. For example, the third image 23 is printed on the substrate 20 by forming a differential image between the second image pattern Pb and the common image 21 using a third material. Alternatively, the third image 23 may be printed on the substrate 20 by printing the second image pattern Pb formed using a third material over the common image 21 formed using a first material.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a printed matter Bd in which a common image 21, a second image 22, and a third image 23 are displayed. When the second image 22 and the third image 23 are visible, printed matter B becomes printed matter Bd, which displays the common image 21, the second image 22, and the third image 23, as shown in Figure 10. When both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, both the second material and the third material are visible. In other words, when both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied, printed matter B displays the common image 21, the second image 22, and the third image 23.

[0040] In printed matter B, the common image 21 and the second image 22 form a first image pattern Pa, and the common image 21 and the third image 23 form a second image pattern Pb. Therefore, the image displayed by printed matter Bd shown in Fig. 10 is an image in which the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb overlap.

[0041] Next, a configuration example of the common image (first image) 21, second image 22, and third image 23 displayed on printed matter B, which is a second example of a printed matter according to the embodiment, will be described. As described above, the image displayed on printed matter B changes depending on the conditions. As shown in the examples of Figures 7 to 10, printed matter B can display (change into a visible state) four different images depending on two conditions.

[0042] When neither the first condition nor the second condition is satisfied (state a), printed matter B displays common image 21 as the first image. Because common image 21 is an image of the common portion between first image pattern Pa and second image pattern Pb, which are image codes, it is not recognized as specific information. However, first image pattern Pa and second image pattern Pb may be designed (created) so that common image 21 is recognized as specific information (third information). In this case, printed matter B can be configured to display an image indicating the third information when neither the first condition nor the second condition is satisfied (state a).

[0043] When the first condition is met and the second condition is not met (state b), printed matter B displays a common image (first image) 21 and a second image 22. The common image (first image) 21 and the second image 22 are displayed as a first image pattern Pa, which is an image code indicating specific information. The first image pattern Pa is an image code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) that is recognized as the specific information (first information). Therefore, printed matter B displays an image indicating the first information in a state (state b) where the first condition is met and the second condition is not met.

[0044] When the first condition is not met and the second condition is met (state c), printed matter B displays a common image (first image) 21 and a third image 23. The common image (first image) 21 and the third image 23 are displayed as a second image pattern Pb. The second image pattern Pb is an image code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) that is recognized as specific information (second information) different from the first information. Therefore, printed matter B displays an image indicating the second information in a state (state c) where the first condition is not met and the second condition is met.

[0045] When both the first and second conditions are satisfied (state d), printed matter B displays a common image (first image) 21, a second image 22, and a third image 23. The common image (first image) 21 and the third image 23 are displayed as an image in which the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb are superimposed. The image in which the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb, which are image codes, are superimposed is generally not recognized as specific information. However, the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb may be designed (created) so that the superimposed image is recognized as specific information (fourth information). In this case, printed matter B can display an image indicating the fourth information in a state in which both the first and second conditions are satisfied (state d).

[0046] The first and second conditions can be set in various ways by selecting the second and third materials from a variety of materials that can be used as image forming materials. For example, the first and second materials can be selected from materials that change state (color or fade) depending on temperature, materials that change state in water or a specific aqueous solution, materials that change state in specific light, etc. However, it is assumed that the first and second conditions are different conditions.

[0047] As an example of operation, a printed matter B can be realized in which the first condition is temperature and the second condition is a condition other than temperature. A specific example of such a printed matter B can be considered in which the first material is a material that changes color at a predetermined temperature or higher (first condition), and the second material is a material that changes color when wetted with water (second condition). Here, a combination of multiple conditions in which the first condition is a predetermined temperature or higher and the second condition is wetted with water is defined as a first condition group.

[0048] The image displayed by printed material B of the first condition group changes depending on whether the temperature is above a predetermined temperature and whether it is wet. When printed material B of the first condition group is above a predetermined temperature and not wet, it displays an image (first image pattern) recognized as first information. When printed material B of the first condition group is below a predetermined temperature and not wet, it displays an image (second image pattern) recognized as second information. When printed material B of the first condition group is below a predetermined temperature and not wet, it displays an image not recognized as specific information (or an image recognized as third information). When printed material B of the first condition group is above a predetermined temperature and wet, it displays an image not recognized as specific information (or an image recognized as fourth information).

[0049] Furthermore, different temperatures may be used as the first condition and the second condition for printed matter B. For example, printed matter B may be such that the second material and the third material develop color (or lose color) at different temperatures. As an example of a combination of temperature conditions, a first temperature condition group is one in which the first condition is less than a first temperature and the second condition is equal to or greater than a second temperature higher than the first temperature. Printed matter B under the first temperature condition group displays a second image below the first temperature and a third image above the second temperature. Furthermore, printed matter B under the first temperature condition group displays only common image 21 above the first temperature and below the second temperature.

[0050] For the second temperature condition group, the first condition is less than the first temperature, and the second condition is equal to or greater than a third temperature lower than the first temperature. Printed matter B under the second temperature condition group displays the second image below the third temperature and the third image above the third temperature. Furthermore, printed matter B under the second temperature condition group displays the common image, the second image, and the third image below the third temperature and above the third temperature, and above the first temperature and below the second temperature.

[0051] For the third temperature condition group, the first condition is equal to or greater than the fourth temperature and less than the first temperature, and the second condition is equal to or greater than a second temperature between the fourth temperature and the first temperature. Printed matter B under the third temperature condition group displays the second image when the temperature is equal to or greater than the fourth temperature and less than the second temperature, and displays the third image when the temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature. Furthermore, printed matter B under the third temperature condition group displays only the common image when the temperature is less than the fourth temperature, and displays the common image, the second image, and the third image when the temperature is equal to or greater than the second temperature and less than the first temperature.

[0052] 7 to 10, multiple image codes are configured by combining a common image, a second image, and a third image. However, this is not limiting. For example, printed matter B may display multiple AR markers by combining a common image, a second image, and a third image. Printed matter B may use the common image as a first AR marker, a composite image of the common image and the second image as a second AR marker, and a composite image of the common image and the third image as a third AR marker. Furthermore, printed matter B may use a composite image of the common image, the second image, and the third image as a fourth AR marker in addition to the first, second, and third AR markers described above.

[0053] As described above, printed matter B, a second example of a printed matter according to an embodiment, changes the image it displays depending on a combination of multiple conditions. Printed matter B has a common image that is visible regardless of the first and second conditions, a second image that is visible under the first condition, and a third image that is visible under the second condition. When printed matter B satisfies the first condition but not the second condition, the second image is visible and the third image is invisible. When printed matter B does not satisfy the first condition but satisfies the second condition, the second image is invisible and the third image is visible. This allows printed matter B to selectively display a first image pattern consisting of the common image and the second image, or a second image pattern consisting of the common image and the third image, depending on the conditions.

[0054] Furthermore, printed matter B can selectively display a first image code set in the first image pattern and a second image code set in the second image pattern under multiple conditions. In this case, an information processing device that recognizes image codes can read various information from printed matter B, which changes the image code displayed depending on the conditions. That is, the information processing device can read the first information from printed matter B that satisfies the first condition but does not satisfy the second condition. The information processing device can read the second information from printed matter B that does not satisfy the first condition but satisfies the second condition.

[0055] Next, a configuration example of a printing system 100, which is an example of an image forming apparatus that creates printed materials A and B according to the embodiment, will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system 100 as an image forming apparatus that creates printed materials A and B according to an embodiment. The printing system 100 shown in FIG. 11 is an example of an image forming apparatus placed in a workplace or the like. FIG. 11 shows an example configuration including a first printing unit that prints images using a first material, a second printing unit that prints images using a second material, and a third printing unit that prints images using a third material. However, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment may be configured to print multiple images using multiple materials. For example, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment may include two printing units (a first printing unit that prints images using a first material and a second printing unit that prints images using a second material) or may include four or more printing units.

[0056] The printing system 100 includes a conveyor belt BE on which a print medium OB is placed. The conveyor belt BE constitutes a conveyor that conveys the print medium OB. For example, the conveyor belt BE moves at a constant speed. The conveyor belt BE conveys the print medium OB to a plurality of image forming positions, as indicated by the white arrows in FIG. 11. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the printing system 100 includes a conveyor belt BE that conveys the print medium OB to a first printing position, a second printing position, and a third printing position.

[0057] The conveyor belt BE is not limited to being configured with four belts as shown in Fig. 11. For example, the conveyor belt BE may be configured with one belt that covers each image forming position, or may be configured with multiple belts other than four.

[0058] 11 is a box-shaped object having a printing surface on which an image is printed. The printing object OB is placed on the conveyor belt BE with the printing surface including the printing area facing in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the printing object OB. The printing object OB is an example of a substrate, and may be any object having an area on the printing surface where an image is printed (printing area). For example, the printing object OB may have a label LA affixed to the printing area, which serves as the substrate on which the image is printed.

[0059] The printing system 100 includes a control unit 101, a timing sensor 102, an object sensor 103, a first printer (first image forming station) 104, a second printer (second image forming station) 105, a third printer (third image forming station) 106, a user interface 107, and three motors 108. The timing sensor 102, the object sensor 103, the first printer 104, the second printer 105, the third printer 106, and the user interface 107 are arranged along the conveyor belt BE.

[0060] The control unit 101 is a computer that controls the operation of each component of the printing system 100. The control unit 101 prints an image on a print object OB based on printing information. When printing an image using two materials, the control unit 101 acquires data of a first image formed with a first material (first image data) and data of a second image formed with a second material (second image data). The control unit 101 prints the first image formed with the first material on the print object OB by controlling the first printer based on the first image data. The control unit 101 also prints the second image formed with the second material on the print object OB by controlling the second printer 105 based on the second image data.

[0061] Furthermore, when printing an image using three materials, the printing system 100 acquires data for the first, second, and third images formed using the first, second, and third materials. The control unit 101 controls the first printer based on the first image data to print the first image formed using the first material on the print target OB. The control unit 101 controls the second printer 105 based on the second image data to print the second image formed using the second material on the print target OB. The control unit 101 controls the third printer 106 based on the third image data to print the third image formed using the third material on the print target OB.

[0062] The timing sensor 102 detects the printing medium OB. The timing sensor 102 detects that the printing medium OB, which is being transported by the transport belt BE, has reached a predetermined position. The timing sensor 102 is configured, for example, with a photoelectric sensor. The control unit 101 controls the operation timing of each unit based on the point in time when the timing sensor 102 detects the arrival of the printing medium OB.

[0063] The object sensor 103 photographs the printing object OB. The object sensor 103 is composed of an image sensor such as a camera. The object sensor 103 and the control unit 101 constitute a print area detection unit that detects the size and position of the print area on the printing object OB. The control unit 101 detects the position of the print area on the printing object OB based on the image of the printing object OB photographed by the object sensor 103.

[0064] When a print area is specified on the print surface of the print medium OB, the control unit 101 detects the position and size of the print area on the print medium OB. For example, when a label for image printing is attached to the print medium OB, the control unit 101 detects the position and size of the label for image printing. Furthermore, the control unit 101 detects the distance from the front end of the print surface of the print medium OB in the transport direction and the distance from the top end of the print surface (the distance from the surface opposite the placement surface) as the position of the print area.

[0065] The control unit 101 may also determine the size and position of the print area on the print object OB based on an image of the print object OB captured by the object sensor 103. For example, if no specific print area is designated on the print object OB, the control unit 101 detects the size of the print surface of the print object OB. The control unit 101 determines the size and position of the print area based on the size of the print surface of the print object OB.

[0066] The first printer 104 forms an image using a first material. The first printer 104 and the control unit 101 constitute a first printing unit that forms a first image in a printing area on the printing surface of the printing object OB. For example, the first printer 104 is constituted by an inkjet printer that uses the first material. The first printer 104 is supported on a support PO in a state where it can be moved in the height direction by a motor 108, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 11 .

[0067] The first printer 104 is supported by a support PO so that it can form a first image in a printing area from a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the printing object OB (from the side in the transport direction). The control unit 101 controls the motor 108 based on the size and position of the printing area determined using the object sensor 103. By controlling the motor 108, the control unit 101 adjusts the height position of the first printer 104 to match the printing area. The control unit 101 also operates the first printer 104 at the timing when the printing area passes, calculated based on the time of detection by the timing sensor 102. Under the control of the control unit 101, the first printer 104 prints a first image formed using a first material on the printing object OB at the timing when the printing area passes.

[0068] The second printer 105 forms an image using a second material. The second printer 105 is disposed downstream of the first printer 104 in the transport direction. The second printer 105 and the control unit 101 constitute a second printing unit that forms a second image in a printing area on the printing surface of the printing object OB. For example, the second printer 105 is constituted by an inkjet printer that uses the second material. The second printer 105 is supported on a support PO in a state where it can be moved in the height direction by a motor 108, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 11.

[0069] The second printer 105 is supported by a support PO so that it can form a second image in a printing area from a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the print object OB (from the side in the transport direction). The control unit 101 controls the motor 108 to adjust the height position of the second printer 105 to match the printing area. The control unit 101 also operates the second printer 105 at the timing when the printing area passes, calculated based on the time of detection by the timing sensor 102. Under the control of the control unit 101, the second printer 105 prints a second image formed using the second material on the print object OB at the timing when the printing area passes.

[0070] The third printer 106 forms an image using a third material. The third printer 106 is disposed downstream of the second printer 105 in the transport direction. The third printer 106 and the control unit 101 constitute a third printing unit that forms a third image in a printing area on the printing surface of the printing object OB. For example, the third printer 106 is constituted by an inkjet printer that uses a third material. The third printer 106 is supported on a support PO so as to be movable in the height direction by a motor 108, as shown by the solid arrow in FIG. 11 .

[0071] The third printer 106 is supported by a support PO so that it can form a third image in a printing area from a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the print object OB (from a side of the transport direction). The control unit 101 controls the motor 108 to adjust the height position of the third printer 106 to match the printing area. The control unit 101 also operates the third printer 106 at the timing when the printing area passes, calculated based on the time of detection by the timing sensor 102. Under the control of the control unit 101, the third printer 106 prints a third image formed using a third material on the print object OB at the timing when the printing area passes.

[0072] The printing system 100 may also include a first scanner that reads a first image printed on the printing surface of the printing object OB using a first material by the first printer 104. The control unit 101 may be configured to confirm whether the first image has been accurately printed on the printing surface of the printing object OB by recognizing the image read by the first scanner. The printing system 100 may also include a second scanner that reads a second image printed on the printing surface of the printing object OB using a second material by the second printer 105. The printing system 100 may also include a third scanner that reads a third image printed on the printing surface of the printing object OB using a third material by the third printer 106.

[0073] The user interface (UI) 107 has a display unit, an operation unit, etc. For example, the user interface 107 includes a system monitor (display unit) for displaying various information from the control unit 101. The user interface 107 also includes an operation unit having keys or buttons for inputting various instructions to the control unit 101. The user interface 107 may be configured as a device having a touch panel as an operation unit with touch keys arranged on a monitor screen such as a liquid crystal display as a display unit.

[0074] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 11, the printing system 100 includes a butting plate BP and a pressing plate PP on either side of the conveyor belt BE in the conveyance direction. The butting plate BP extends along the conveyor belt BE. The butting plate BP may be made up of multiple continuous plates. The pressing plate PP moves toward the butting plate BP as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow in FIG. 11. The pressing plate PP comes into contact with the printing object OB being conveyed by the conveyor belt BE and presses the printing object OB toward the butting plate BP. The pressing plate PP causes the printing surface of the printing object OB to press against the butting plate BP.

[0075] The printing surface of the printing object OB is transported with the printing surface aligned parallel to the transport direction. The contact surface of the abutment plate BP that comes into contact with the printing object OB is made of a low-friction material so as not to affect the transport of the printing object OB. When the printing surface of the printing object OB abuts against the abutment plate BP, the pressing plate PP is retracted to its initial position. Whether or not the printing surface of the printing object OB has abutted against the abutment plate BP can be determined, for example, by detecting a change in repulsive force or by determining from an image captured by a camera.

[0076] For example, if an operator places the printing object OB on the conveyor belt BE, the operation timing of the pressing plate PP will be in accordance with the operation instruction from the operator. Also, if the printing object OB is placed by a pickup mechanism, the control unit 101 can control the timing based on the placement operation of the pickup mechanism.

[0077] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control system of a printing system 100, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. The control unit 101 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a storage 114, an interface (I / F) 115, a sensor circuit 116, a first drive circuit 117, a second drive circuit 118, a third drive circuit 119, and a motor drive circuit 120. The CPU 111 is connected to the ROM 112, the RAM 113, the storage 114, the interface (I / F) 115, the sensor circuit 116, the first drive circuit 117, the second drive circuit 118, the third drive circuit 119, and the motor drive circuit 120 via a bus 121.

[0078] The CPU 111 is a processor that has the function of controlling the overall operation of the printing system 100. The CPU 111 realizes various functions by executing programs previously stored in the ROM 112. The CPU 111 can simultaneously execute multiple information processes by using a multi-core and multi-threaded processor. Note that some of the functions realized by the CPU 111 executing programs may be realized by hardware circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In this case, the CPU 111 controls the functions executed by the hardware circuits.

[0079] The ROM 112 is a non-volatile memory that stores control programs, control data, and the like. The RAM 113 is a volatile memory. The RAM 113 temporarily stores data currently being processed by the CPU 111. The RAM 113 may also store data necessary for executing a program and the results of the program execution. For example, the RAM 113 temporarily stores, as printing information, first image data for forming a first image on a print target OB using a first material. The RAM 113 temporarily stores second image data for forming a second image on a print target OB using a second material. The RAM 113 temporarily stores third image data for forming a third image on a print target OB using a third material.

[0080] The storage 114 is an auxiliary storage device such as an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage 114 stores data used by the CPU 111 when it performs various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 111 in a nonvolatile manner.

[0081] For example, the storage 114 may store various information linked to various images displayed on printed matter A and B. When creating a printed matter displaying multiple AR markers, the storage 114 may store various content linked to each AR marker. Furthermore, when creating a printed matter displaying multiple image codes, the storage 114 may store various information indicated by each image code.

[0082] The interface 115 is an interface for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device via a network such as a LAN, etc. The interface 115 may also be an interface for reading and writing data to and from a removable memory medium such as a USB memory or a memory card.

[0083] The sensor circuit 116 includes a circuit as an interface that connects to the timing sensor 102. The sensor circuit 116 transmits a signal detected by the timing sensor 102 to the CPU 111. The sensor circuit 116 includes a circuit as an interface that connects to the object sensor 103. The sensor circuit 116 transmits a signal detected by the object sensor 103 to the CPU 111.

[0084] The first drive circuit 117 includes a circuit as an interface connected to the first printer 104. For example, the CPU 111 supplies a signal for image formation based on first image data stored in the RAM 113 to the first drive circuit 117. The first drive circuit 117 drives the first printer 104 by a signal input from the CPU 111. As a result, the first printer 104 forms a first image using a first material. An inkjet printer, which is an example of the first printer 104, forms the first image by ejecting ink as a first material in response to a signal from the first drive circuit 117.

[0085] The second drive circuit 118 includes a circuit as an interface for connecting to the second printer 105. If the second printer 105 is an inkjet printer, the second drive circuit 118 drives the second printer 105 by a signal input from the CPU 111. For example, the CPU 111 supplies to the second drive circuit 118 a signal for image formation based on the second image data stored in the RAM 113. This causes the second printer 105 to form a third image using the second material.

[0086] The third drive circuit 119 includes a circuit as an interface connected to the third printer 106. The CPU 111 supplies a signal for image formation based on the third image data stored in the RAM 113 to the third drive circuit 119. The third drive circuit 119 drives the third printer 106 by the signal input from the CPU 111. As a result, the third printer 106 forms a third image using a third material.

[0087] The motor drive circuit 120 controls the driving of the motor 108, the belt motor 109, and the pressure motor 110 in accordance with signals from the CPU 111. The motor drive circuit 120 controls the motor 108 independently as a motor for the first printer 104, a motor for the second printer 105, and a motor for the third printer 106. The belt motor 109 is a motor for driving the conveyor belt BE. The belt motor 109 may be composed of multiple motors. The pressure motor 110 is a motor for moving the pressure plate PP.

[0088] Furthermore, a user interface (UI) 107 is connected to the CPU 111 via a bus 121. The user interface 107 transmits and receives data to and from the CPU 111 via the bus 121. For example, the user interface 107 controls the display content of the display unit based on display data received from the CPU 111. The user interface 107 also supplies information input by an operator to an operation unit such as a touch panel to the CPU 111.

[0089] The printing system 100 configured as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 above is an example of an image forming apparatus for creating printed matter A or B according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the printing system 100 having multiple inkjet printers (image forming stations) shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The image forming apparatus according to the embodiment may be any apparatus that includes multiple image forming stations that form images using a first material, a second material, and a third material, respectively. Furthermore, the image forming materials used by the image forming apparatus as the first material, the second material, and the third material to form each image are not limited to ink, and may be toner, etc. In the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, the multiple image forming stations that form images using the first material, the second material, and the third material may use an image forming method other than inkjet. In other words, the multiple image forming stations included in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment are not limited to inkjet methods, and all or some of them may use electrophotographic methods or thermal transfer methods. For example, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment may include a first image forming station that forms images using non-erasable toner and a second image forming station that forms images using erasable toner. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment may include a third image forming station that forms images using erasable toner with different properties than the erasable toner used in the second image forming station.

[0090] Next, an example of the operation of the printing system 100 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a creation process (first creation process) in which the printing system 100 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment creates a printed matter A. The first creation process shown in Figure 12 is an example of the operation of a creation process for creating printed matter A, which is a first example of a printed matter such as that shown in Figures 1 and 2. As described above, printed matter A shown in Figures 1 and 2 is obtained by printing a first image 11 formed from a first material and a second image 12 formed from a second material on a substrate 10. The printing system 100 creates printed matter A by printing the first image 11 formed from the first material on the substrate 10 and printing the second image 12 formed from the second material on the substrate 10.

[0091] The CPU 111 acquires first image data indicating a first image 11 to be printed on the base material 10 of the printed matter A (ACT11). For example, the CPU 111 acquires the first image data from an external device via the interface 115. The CPU 111 may also acquire the first image data from the user interface 107 or the like. The CPU 111 stores the acquired first image data in the RAM 113. The CPU 111 may also store the first image data and first content associated with the first image indicated by the first image data in the storage 114. The first image indicated by the first image data is an image (first AR marker) associated with the first content. By executing the AR marker app, any information processing device D can acquire (display) the first content associated with the first image when it captures the first image with its camera.

[0092] Furthermore, the CPU 111 acquires second image data indicating a second image 12 to be printed on the substrate 10 that will become the printed matter A (ACT12). For example, the CPU 111 acquires the second image data from an external device via the interface 115. The CPU 111 may also acquire the second image data from the user interface 107 or the like. The CPU 111 stores the acquired second image data in the RAM 113. The CPU 111 may also save in the storage 114 the second image data and second content associated with the composite image obtained by combining the first image and the second image.

[0093] When the CPU 111 acquires the first image data, it causes the first printer 104 to print the first image 11 formed with the first material on the substrate 10 (ACT13). For example, the CPU 111 supplies a signal for image formation based on the first image data to the first drive circuit 117. The first drive circuit 117 supplies a drive signal based on the image formation signal input from the CPU 111 to the first printer 104. The first printer 104 is driven by the drive signal from the first drive circuit 117 to print the first image 11 formed with the first material on the substrate 10 (the printing surface of the printing object OB).

[0094] When the CPU 111 acquires the second image data, it causes the second printer 105 to print the second image 12 formed with the second material on the substrate 10 (ACT14). For example, the CPU 111 supplies an image formation signal based on the second image data to the second drive circuit 118. The second drive circuit 118 supplies a drive signal based on the image formation signal input from the CPU 111 to the second printer 105. The second printer 105 is driven by the drive signal from the second drive circuit 118 to print the second image 12 formed with the second material on the substrate 10 (the printing surface of the print object OB).

[0095] Furthermore, the CPU 111 prints a second image based on the second image data on the substrate 10 in alignment with the first image to be printed on the substrate 10. For example, the CPU 111 acquires, as second image data, data of a difference image between the first image and an image (composite image) to be used as the second AR marker. In this case, the CPU 111 prints the second image based on the second image data in addition to the first image. The CPU 111 may also acquire, as second image data, data of the entire image (composite image) to be used as the second AR marker. In this case, the CPU 111 prints the second image based on the second image data by superimposing it on the first image. This allows the printing system 100 to print, on the substrate, the first image to be used as the first AR marker and the second image, the composite image of which is combined with the first image to be used as the second AR marker. As a result, the printing system 100 can create a printed material that displays either the first AR marker or the second AR marker depending on the conditions.

[0096] Through the above-described first creation process, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment creates a printed matter in which a first image formed with a first material and a second image formed with a second material are printed on a substrate. The printed matter created through the first creation process displays the first image, which is the first AR marker, when the second material is invisible. Furthermore, the printed matter created through the first creation process displays a composite image of the first image and the second image, which is the second AR marker, when the second material is visible. In other words, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment can create a printed matter that selectively displays either the first AR marker (first image) or the second AR marker (first image and second image) depending on the state of the second material.

[0097] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment may execute the first creation process using a first material as a non-bleaching image forming material and a second material as an image forming material that is decolorized under a predetermined decoloring condition, thereby enabling the image forming apparatus to create a printed material that displays a first AR marker when the decoloring condition is satisfied and a second AR marker when the decoloring condition is not satisfied.

[0098] Next, a process for creating printed matter B (second creation process) by the printing system 100 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a creation process (second creation process) for creating printed matter B by the printing system 100 as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. In the processing example shown in Fig. 13, the printing system 100 executes a creation process to create printed matter B as shown in Figs. 7 to 10. As described above, printed matter B shown in Figs. 7 to 10 is formed by printing first, second, and third images formed from first, second, and third materials on a substrate.

[0099] The CPU 111 acquires first image data indicating the first image pattern Pa to be displayed on the printed matter B (ACT21). For example, the CPU 111 acquires the first image data, which is the first image pattern Pa, from an external device via the interface 115. The CPU 111 may also acquire the first image data from the user interface 107 or the like. The CPU 111 stores the acquired first image data in the RAM 113. The CPU 111 may also store the first image pattern Pa and first information indicated by the first image pattern Pa in the storage 114.

[0100] Furthermore, the CPU 111 acquires second image data indicating a second image pattern Pb that is different from the first image pattern Pa displayed on the printed matter B (ACT22). For example, the CPU 111 acquires the second image data that is the first image pattern Pa from an external device via the interface 115. The CPU 111 may also acquire the second image data from the user interface 107 or the like. The CPU 111 stores the acquired second image data in the RAM 113. The CPU 111 may also save the second image pattern Pb and second information indicated by the second image pattern Pb in the storage 114.

[0101] The first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb are, for example, image codes (e.g., two-dimensional codes) that can be decoded into specific information. Any information processing device can recognize the information indicated by each image pattern (image code) by executing a program that recognizes the image code. For example, the information processing device can recognize the first image pattern Pa as first information and the second image pattern Pa as second information.

[0102] When the CPU 111 acquires the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb, it identifies a common image between the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb (ACT 23). For example, the CPU 111 overlays the first image pattern Pa and the second image pattern Pb with the same size, and creates a pixel group common to both images as a common image 21.

[0103] When the CPU 111 acquires the common image, it causes the first printer 104 to print the common image formed with the first material on the substrate (ACT24). The CPU 111 causes the first printer 104 to print the common image 21 on the substrate 20. For example, the CPU 111 supplies an image formation signal based on the image data of the common image to the first drive circuit 117. The first drive circuit 117 supplies a drive signal based on the image formation signal input from the CPU 111 to the first printer 104. The first printer 104 is driven by the drive signal from the first drive circuit 117 to print the common image 21 formed with the first material on the substrate 20 (the printing surface of the printing object OB).

[0104] The CPU 111 also prints a second image formed using the second material on the substrate using the second printer 105 (ACT25). The CPU 111 causes the second printer 105 to print a second image 22 on the substrate 20 in alignment with the common image 21 to be printed on the substrate 20. For example, the CPU 111 generates a differential image between the first image pattern Pa and the common image 21 as the second image 22. In this case, the CPU 111 supplies an image formation signal based on image data of the second image 22 to the second drive circuit 118. The second drive circuit 118 supplies a drive signal based on the image formation signal input from the CPU 111 to the second printer 105. The second printer 105 is driven by the drive signal from the second drive circuit 118 to print the second image 22 formed using the second material on the substrate 20 (the printing surface of the printing object OB). The CPU 111 may print the entire image of the first image pattern Pa as the second image 22 by superimposing it on the common image 21.

[0105] The CPU 111 also causes the third printer 106 to print a third image 23 formed from a third material on the substrate 20 (ACT26). The CPU 111 also causes the third printer 106 to print the third image 23 on the substrate 20 in alignment with the common image 21 to be printed on the substrate 20. For example, the CPU 111 generates a differential image between the second image pattern Pb and the common image 21 as the third image 23. In this case, the CPU 111 supplies an image formation signal based on image data of the third image 23 to the third drive circuit 119. The third drive circuit 119 supplies a drive signal based on the image formation signal input from the CPU 111 to the third printer 106. The third printer 106 is driven by the drive signal from the third drive circuit 119 to print the third image 23 formed from the third material on the substrate 20 (the printing surface of the printing object OB). The CPU 111 may print the entire image of the second image pattern Pb as the third image 23 by superimposing it on the common image 21.

[0106] As described above, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment creates a printed material by printing a common image (first image), a second image, and a third image on a substrate through a second creation process. The image forming apparatus forms the common image using a first material that remains visible regardless of the first and second conditions. The image forming apparatus forms the second image using a second material that becomes visible (or invisible) under the first conditions. The image forming apparatus forms the third image using a third material that becomes visible (or invisible) under the second conditions that are different from the first conditions.

[0107] As a result, the printed matter created by the second creation process displays the first image pattern when the second material is visible and the third material is invisible. Also, the printed matter created by the second creation process displays the second image pattern when the second material is invisible and the third material is visible. In other words, the printed matter created by the second creation process can selectively display either the first image pattern or the second image pattern depending on the states of the second material and the third material.

[0108] In addition, in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, the first material is a non-bleaching material, the second material is a material that develops (or fades) color under a first condition, and the third material is a material that develops (or fades) color under a second condition. In this case, the image forming apparatus can create a printed matter that displays a first image pattern in a state where the first condition is satisfied but the second condition is not satisfied. In addition, the image forming apparatus can create a printed matter that displays a second image pattern in a state where the first condition is not satisfied but the second condition is satisfied.

[0109] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] A, B...printed material, 10, 20...substrate, 11...first image, 12...second image, 21...common image (first image), 22...second image, 23...third image, 100...printing system (image forming apparatus), 104...first printer (first image forming station), 105...second printer (second image forming station), 106...third printer (third image forming station).

Claims

1. a first image formed using a first material that remains visible under a first condition and a second condition different from the first condition; a second image formed using a second material that changes from a visible state to an invisible state under the first condition, the second image representing the first information when combined with the first image; a third image formed using a third material that changes from a visible state to an invisible state under the second condition, the third image representing second information when combined with the first image; a substrate carrying the first image, the second image, and the third image; A printed matter having the following characteristics.

2. an image obtained by combining the first image and the second image is a first image code recognized as the first information; an image obtained by combining the first image and the third image is a second image code recognized as the second information; The printed matter according to claim 1.

3. an image obtained by combining the first image, the second image, and the third image cannot be recognized as an image code; The printed matter according to claim 2.

4. The first condition is a condition defined by temperature, the second condition is a condition other than temperature; The printed matter according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a first image forming station for forming a first image on a substrate using a first material that remains visible under a first condition and a second condition different from the first condition; a second image forming station for forming a second image on the substrate using a second material that changes from a visible state to an invisible state under the first condition, the second image being composited with the first image and showing the first information; a third image forming station for forming a third image on the substrate using a second material that changes from a visible state to an invisible state under the first condition, the third image being composited with the first image and showing second information; An image forming apparatus having the same.

6. An interface for acquiring a first image pattern and a second image pattern different from the first image pattern; a processor that identifies a common image between the first image pattern and the second image pattern as the first image, that identifies a difference image between the first image pattern and the common image as the second image, and that generates a difference image between the second image pattern and the common image as the third image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 .

Images