Method for manufacturing security print materials

Abstract

This enables high productivity in the manufacturing of printed materials that involve the use of special inks and color inks. [Solution] A method for manufacturing security printed material includes generating print data containing multiple print data elements corresponding to multiple pixels from first and second image data that reproduce an image containing a first image and an image containing a second image, respectively, wherein a first group of pixels consisting of a part of the pixels displays the first image, and each of the print data elements corresponding to the above part of the pixels includes a gray value of either subtractive color mixing or additive color mixing; a second group of pixels consisting of another part of the pixels displays the second image, and each of the print data elements corresponding to the above other part of the pixels includes a gray value of either subtractive color mixing or additive color mixing; the first image data includes a plurality of first image data elements, each containing a gray value of additive color mixing; and the second image data includes a plurality of second image data elements, each containing a gray value of subtractive color mixing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a security printed matter.

Background Art

[0002] For articles such as identification (ID) cards, passports, and verification stickers, it is required that it is difficult to forge or alter them. In order to meet this requirement, for example, printing using ink containing special pigments such as phosphorescent pigments and fluorescent pigments, so-called special ink, may be performed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3). When using, for example, a thermal transfer recording method using a thermal print head for this printing, information different for each article such as personal information can be easily recorded (see Patent Documents 2 and 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For articles that are required to be difficult to forge or alter, in addition to printing using special ink, printing using cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink may be performed. The present inventors have found that there is room for improvement in productivity in the manufacture of security printed matter involving such printing.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of achieving high productivity in the manufacture of security printed matter.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a security printed matter including recording an image on a printing substrate by a thermal transfer recording method using a thermal transfer medium, wherein the thermal transfer medium includes a belt-like support and a plurality of panel units arranged in the length direction of the support on the support, each of the plurality of panel units includes one or more panel sections, at least one of the one or more panel sections includes a color ink panel and a security feature panel, and recording of the image on the printing substrate includes performing thermal transfer of a transfer material from the thermal transfer medium to an intermediate transfer medium or the printing substrate for each panel section.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a security printed matter according to the above aspect, wherein the one or more panel sections are two or more panel sections arranged in the length direction, and one of the two or more panel sections is a black ink panel.

[0008] According to still another aspect of the present invention, the one or more panel sections include first to third panel sections arranged in the length direction and each including the color ink panel and the security feature panel, one of the first to third panel sections is provided with one of a red ink panel that exhibits red under specific conditions, a green ink panel that exhibits green under the conditions, and a blue ink panel that exhibits blue under the conditions as the security feature panel, another one of the first to third panel sections is provided with another one of the red ink panel, the green ink panel, and the blue ink panel as the security feature panel, and the remaining of the first to third panel sections is provided with the remaining of the red ink panel, the green ink panel, and the blue ink panel as the security feature panel, and there is provided a method for manufacturing a security printed matter according to any of the above aspects.

[0009] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the security feature panel is provided as a method for manufacturing a security print according to any of the above aspects, comprising at least one of a luminous pigment and a fluorescent pigment.

[0010] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a thermal transfer medium is provided for use in a method of manufacturing a security printed material, which includes recording an image on a printing substrate by a thermal transfer recording method, comprising a strip-shaped support and a plurality of panel units arranged in the longitudinal direction of the support on the support, each of the plurality of panel units including one or more panel sections, at least one of the one or more panel sections including a color ink panel and a security feature panel, and the recording of the image on the printing substrate includes performing thermal transfer of a transfer material from the thermal transfer medium to an intermediate transfer medium or to the printing substrate for each panel section.

[0011] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a thermal transfer medium is provided comprising a strip-shaped support and a plurality of panel units arranged on the support in the longitudinal direction of the support, each of the plurality of panel units including first to fourth panel sections arranged in the longitudinal direction, the first panel section including a cyan color ink panel, the second panel section including a magenta color ink panel, the third panel section including a yellow color ink panel, one or more of the first to third panel sections further including a security feature panel, and the fourth panel section being provided with a black ink panel as a whole.

[0012] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a thermal transfer medium is provided comprising a strip-shaped support and a plurality of panel units arranged on the support in the longitudinal direction of the support, each of the plurality of panel units including first to third panel sections arranged in the longitudinal direction, the first panel section including a cyan color ink panel, the second panel section including a magenta color ink panel, the third panel section including a yellow color ink panel, and one or more of the first to third panel sections further including a security feature panel, wherein in the first to third panel sections including the security feature panel, the area of ​​the color ink panel and the security feature panel are different from each other.

[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, in the first to third panel sections including the security feature panel, the color ink panel and the security feature panel are provided with a thermal transfer medium relating to any of the sides arranged in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, in the first to third panel sections including the security feature panel, the color ink panel and the security feature panel are provided with a thermal transfer medium relating to any of the above-mentioned sides arranged in the width direction of the support.

[0015] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a thermal transfer medium is provided which comprises a strip-shaped support and a plurality of panel units arranged on the support in the longitudinal direction of the support, each of the plurality of panel units including first to third panel sections arranged in the longitudinal direction, the first panel section including a cyan color ink panel, the second panel section including a magenta color ink panel, the third panel section including a yellow color ink panel, and one or more of the first to third panel sections further including a security feature panel, and in the first to third panel sections which include the security feature panel, the color ink panel and the security feature panel are provided which are arranged in the width direction of the support.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, in the first to third panel sections including the security feature panel, the color ink panel extends across the entire width of the panel section, and the security feature panel is smaller in dimensions in the width direction of the support compared to the color ink panel, in any of the above aspects, a thermal transfer medium is provided.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a thermal transfer medium is provided comprising a strip-shaped support and a plurality of panel units arranged on the support in the longitudinal direction of the support, each of the plurality of panel units comprising first to third panel sections arranged in the longitudinal direction, the first panel section comprising a cyan color ink panel, the second panel section comprising a magenta color ink panel, the third panel section comprising a yellow color ink panel, and one or more of the first to third panel sections further comprising a security feature panel, wherein in the first to third panel sections comprising the security feature panel, the color ink panel extends across the entire width of the panel section, and the security feature panel has smaller dimensions in the width direction of the support compared to the color ink panel.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, in the first to third panel section including the security feature panel, the color ink panel is provided as a thermal transfer medium relating to any of the above-mentioned sides surrounding the security feature panel.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a thermal transfer medium is provided relating to any of the above aspects, wherein one of the first to third panel sections is provided as the security feature panel, which is one of a red glossy ink panel that exhibits red under specific conditions, a green glossy ink panel that exhibits green under the conditions, and a blue glossy ink panel that exhibits blue under the conditions; the other of the first to third panel sections is provided as the security feature panel, which is one of the other of the red glossy ink panel, the green glossy ink panel, and the blue glossy ink panel; and the remaining of the first to third panel sections is provided as the security feature panel, which is the remaining of the red glossy ink panel, the green glossy ink panel, and the blue glossy ink panel.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a thermal transfer medium is provided in which, among the first to third panel sections, the security feature panel is included, wherein the area of ​​the security feature panel is smaller than the area of ​​the color ink panel, according to any of the above aspects.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the security feature panel is provided with a thermal transfer medium according to any of the above aspects, comprising at least one of a luminous pigment and a fluorescent pigment.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided that causes a computer to perform the step of generating print data from first image data that reproduces an image including a first image and second image data that reproduces an image including a second image, wherein the print data includes a plurality of print data elements, each corresponding to a plurality of pixels and each including coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors, a first pixel group consisting of a portion of the plurality of pixels displays the first image, each of the plurality of print data elements corresponding to the portion of the plurality of pixels includes grayscale values ​​of one of the three primary colors, subtractive color mixing and additive color mixing, a second pixel group consisting of another portion of the plurality of pixels displays the second image adjacent to the first image, and each of the plurality of print data elements corresponding to the other portion of the plurality of pixels includes grayscale values ​​of the other of the three primary colors, subtractive color mixing and additive color mixing.

[0023] A program relating to the above aspect is provided, wherein the first image data comprises a plurality of first image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and shade values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, and the second image data comprises a plurality of second image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and shade values ​​of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing.

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided which causes the computer to further perform the step of generating second image data from original image data in which each of a plurality of image data elements includes coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, prior to the step of generating the print data.

[0025] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a program relating to the above aspect is provided, wherein the original image data is the first image data.

[0026] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium is provided on which a program relating to any of the above aspects is recorded.

[0027] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a printer system is provided which includes a printer that records an image on a recording medium by thermal transfer recording based on print data, a storage device that stores a program relating to any of the above aspects, and a processing device that generates the print data by executing the program, and a computer that supplies the print data to the printer.

[0028] A method for generating print data is provided, comprising generating print data from a first image data that reproduces an image including a first image and a second image data that reproduces an image including a second image, wherein the print data comprises a plurality of print data elements, each corresponding to a plurality of pixels and each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors, a first pixel group consisting of a portion of the plurality of pixels displays the first image, each of the plurality of print data elements corresponding to the portion of the plurality of pixels includes grayscale values ​​of one of the three primary colors, subtractive color mixing and additive color mixing, a second pixel group consisting of another portion of the plurality of pixels displays the second image adjacent to the first image, and each of the plurality of print data elements corresponding to the other portion of the plurality of pixels includes grayscale values ​​of the other of the three primary colors, subtractive color mixing and additive color mixing.

[0029] A method for generating print data according to the above aspect is provided, wherein the first image data comprises a plurality of first image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and shade values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, and the second image data comprises a plurality of second image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and shade values ​​of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing.

[0030] A method for generating print data according to yet another aspect of the present invention is provided, further comprising generating second image data from original image data in which each of a plurality of image data elements includes coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, prior to generating the print data.

[0031] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for generating print data relating to the above aspect is provided, wherein the source image data is the first image data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of a printer that can be used in a method for manufacturing printed materials according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a printer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of a recording medium that can be used in a method for manufacturing printed materials according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an example of a printed material that can be manufactured by a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI of the printed material shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a printed material according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium related to a comparative example. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the first modified example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium according to the second modified example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium according to the third modified example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium according to the fifth modified example. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the sixth modified example. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the seventh modified example. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the eighth modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are more specific to any of the above aspects. The matters described below can be incorporated into each of the above aspects individually or in combination. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are illustrative of configurations for realizing the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by the material, shape, and structure of the components described below. Various modifications can be made to the technical idea of ​​the present invention within the technical scope defined by the claims described in the patent claims.

[0034] Elements with similar or identical functions are given the same reference numerals in the drawings referenced below, and redundant explanations are omitted. Furthermore, the drawings are schematic, and the relationships between dimensions in one direction and those in another, and the relationships between the dimensions of one component and those of other components, may differ from reality.

[0035] <1> Printer system Figure 1 shows an example of a printer that can be used in a method for manufacturing printed materials according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The printer 100 shown in Figure 1 is an indirect transfer type thermal transfer printer. This printer 100 includes unwinding devices 30 and 70, winding devices 40 and 80, a primary transfer unit 50, a secondary transfer unit 90, a transport device (not shown), and a processing / control device (not shown).

[0037] The unwinding device 30 is equipped with a wound thermal transfer medium 10. Here, the thermal transfer medium 10 is a film. The unwinding device 30 includes a shaft that rotatably supports a roll made of the thermal transfer medium 10. The unwinding device 30 enables the unwinding of the thermal transfer medium 10. The unwinding device 30 may further include a brake to adjust the tension applied to the unwinded thermal transfer medium 10.

[0038] The winding device 40 winds up the thermal transfer medium 10 that has been unwound from the unwinding device 30 and passed through the primary transfer section 50. The winding device 40 is equipped with a winding motor.

[0039] The unwinding device 70 is equipped with a wound intermediate transfer medium 60. Here, the intermediate transfer medium 60 is a film. The intermediate transfer medium may include a base material and an overlay layer provided on one of its main surfaces. The intermediate transfer medium may not include an overlay layer. The unwinding device 70 includes a shaft that rotatably supports a roll made of the intermediate transfer medium 60 and a motor that rotates the shaft in forward / reverse directions. The unwinding device 70 enables the unwinding and unwinding of the intermediate transfer medium 60.

[0040] The winding device 80 winds up the intermediate transfer medium 60 that has been unwound by the unwinding device 70 and passed through the primary transfer section 50 and the secondary transfer section 90. The winding device 80 is equipped with a shaft for winding up the intermediate transfer medium 60 and a motor for rotating the shaft.

[0041] The primary transfer unit 50 includes a thermal print head 51, a platen roller 52, a laser (not shown), and a photosensor (not shown). The thermal print head 51 and the platen roller 52 are positioned facing each other, with the thermal transfer medium 10 unwound from the unwinding device 30 and the intermediate transfer medium 60 unwound from the unwinding device 70 in between. The thermal print head 51 applies heat and pressure to the thermal transfer medium 10 to cause ink transfer from the thermal transfer medium 10 to the intermediate transfer medium 60. The laser irradiates the thermal transfer medium 10 with laser light. The photosensor detects the intensity of the laser light transmitted through the thermal transfer medium 10 or the laser light reflected by the thermal transfer medium 10. The output of the photosensor is used for aligning the thermal transfer medium 10 with respect to the thermal print head 51, etc. The primary transfer unit 50 may include an imaging device instead of the laser and photosensor. The imaging device may be used to image the thermal transfer medium 10, and the resulting image may be used for aligning the thermal transfer medium 10 with respect to the thermal print head 51, etc.

[0042] The secondary transfer unit 90 includes a heat roller 91, a platen roller 92, and an imaging device (not shown). The heat roller 91 and the platen roller 92 are positioned facing each other with the intermediate transfer medium 60 and the recording medium 20, which are fed out from the primary transfer unit 50, in between. The heat roller 91 applies heat and pressure to the intermediate transfer medium 60 to cause the transfer of the ink layer from the intermediate transfer medium 60 to the recording medium 20. If the intermediate transfer medium 60 includes an overlay layer, the heat roller 91 applies heat and pressure to the intermediate transfer medium 60 to transfer the laminate of the ink layer and the overlay layer from the intermediate transfer medium 60 to the recording medium 20. The imaging device images the intermediate transfer medium 60. The image acquired by this imaging device is used to align the intermediate transfer medium 60 with respect to the recording medium 20.

[0043] The conveying device conveys the recording medium 20 to the secondary transfer unit 90. The conveying device may include one or more conveying rollers, one or more conveying belts, or a combination thereof, and motors to drive them.

[0044] The processing and control unit can control the operation of the unwinding devices 30 and 70, the winding devices 40 and 80, the primary transfer unit 50, the secondary transfer unit 90, and the transport device based on the output from the optical sensor and the imaging device. The processing and control unit includes a central processing unit, a main memory, and an auxiliary memory, similar to the computer main unit 310 described later. The processing and control performed by the processing and control unit will be described in detail later.

[0045] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a printer system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The printer system shown in Figure 2 includes the printer 100 described above and the computer 300.

[0046] The computer 300 includes a computer main unit 310, a network device 320, an input device 330, a display device 340, and a network device 350 connected to the printer 100.

[0047] The computer main unit 310 includes a central processing unit 311, a main memory 312, and an auxiliary memory 313.

[0048] The central processing unit 311 is a large-scale integrated circuit and includes an arithmetic unit 311A ​​and a control unit 311B. The arithmetic unit 311A ​​performs arithmetic operations such as logical operations and basic arithmetic operations. The control unit 311B decodes the instructions to be executed and controls the operation of each device. Specifically, it receives commands and information sent from the input device 330 and the network device 320, and controls the operation of the arithmetic unit 311A, the main memory 312, the auxiliary memory 313, and the network device 350.

[0049] The main memory 312 temporarily stores information to be processed, programs, and calculation results. The main memory 312 can be composed of a volatile memory chip and a memory controller. A specific example of volatile memory is random access memory.

[0050] The auxiliary storage device 313 is a non-volatile storage device. The auxiliary storage device 313 is capable of storing programs and various data for long periods. Specifically, the auxiliary storage device 313 is a magnetic storage device or a flash memory storage device. The auxiliary storage device 313 may include one or more hard disk drives and solid-state drives.

[0051] The network device 320 enables wired or wireless connection between the computer 300 and external devices. The computer main unit 310 receives information from external devices via the network device 320. External devices include, for example, a digital camera or a flash memory storage device.

[0052] The input device 330 is for inputting commands and information to the computer main unit 310 through operator operation. The input device 330 is a human interface. The input device 330 can consist of one or more of a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch panel, and voice input device.

[0053] The display device 340 displays the results of calculations performed by the central processing unit 311. The operator performs operations according to the display. The display device 340 can be a flat panel display.

[0054] The network device 350 enables wired or wireless connection between the computer 300 and the printer 100. The computer unit 310 transmits data and commands to the printer 100 via the network device 350.

[0055] <2> Thermal transfer medium The thermal transfer medium according to the embodiment comprises a strip-shaped support and a plurality of panel units arranged on the support in the longitudinal direction of the support. Each panel unit includes one or more panel sections. One or more panel sections each include one or more homogeneous color ink panels and one or more homogeneous security feature panels. As described above, the one or more color ink panels in a panel section are all homogeneous. Also, as described above, the one or more security feature panels in a panel section are all homogeneous.

[0056] Each panel may be heterogeneous. If heterogeneous, the heterogeneous ink distribution can be used as a feature for authenticating individual recording media. If homogeneous, the visibility of the pattern formed from the ink can be improved.

[0057] A panel area including a color ink panel and a security feature panel may include a boundary area. This boundary area may also be a border. The border is located between the color ink panel and the security feature panel. The width of the border between the color ink panel and the security feature panel can be 0.1 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

[0058] In the boundary area, the color ink layer of the color ink panel and the special ink layer or functional layer of the security feature panel overlap, none of the color ink layer, special ink layer, or functional layer is present, or the color ink layer and special ink layer or functional layer overlap in some areas, while none of them are present in other areas. A structure in which none of the color ink layer, special ink layer, or functional layer are present in the boundary area can prevent blocking. A structure in which the color ink layer and special ink layer or functional layer overlap in the boundary area can maximize the printable area of ​​the color ink panel and the security feature panel. A structure in which the color ink layer and special ink layer or functional layer overlap in some areas of the boundary area, while none of them are present in other areas, can balance blocking prevention with the printable area. This boundary zone prevents excessive overlap between inks and special inks, even without using high-precision printing presses, thus avoiding the unnatural appearance caused by large blank areas that cannot be printed.

[0059] When a panel unit includes multiple panel sections, these sections are arranged along the length of the support on one of the main surfaces of the support. Using this thermal transfer medium, printing with both standard inks and special inks can be performed in a single step for each panel section. This enables high-speed printing. Furthermore, since expensive special ink layers or functional layers can be applied to only a portion of the panel section, cost increases can be kept to a minimum.

[0060] The panel unit may include sensor marks in addition to one or more panel sections. The color ink panel of the panel unit may be a subtractive primary color or a single color. The panel unit may further include a panel section containing a spot color ink panel. The panel unit may further include a panel section containing a black ink panel. The security feature panel may have an ink or structure that emits additive primary colors. The security feature panel may have a single color ink or structure.

[0061] Figure 3 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium according to one embodiment of the present invention. The thermal transfer medium shown in Figure 3 includes a support 11, a plurality of panel units PG, alignment marks 13A, and position detection marks 13B.

[0062] The support 11 is a strip-shaped film or sheet. The support 11 has sufficient resistance to heat during transfer. The support 11 can be a polymer film. The polymer film material can be polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, or polyethylene. The support 11 can have a single-layer or multi-layer structure.

[0063] The panel units PG are arranged along the length of the support 11 on one of the main surfaces of the support 11. Each panel unit PG contains a plurality of panel sections arranged along the length of the support 11. At least one of these panel sections includes a color ink panel and a security feature panel.

[0064] In each panel section, the color ink panel and the security feature panel may be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the support 11. The dimension L1A of the color ink panel in the longitudinal direction of the support 11 is greater than the dimension L1B of the security feature panel in the longitudinal direction of the support 11. The ratio L1B / L1A of dimension L1B to dimension L1A is in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 in one example and in the range of 0.7 to 1.0 in another example.

[0065] Furthermore, in each panel section, the area SS1 of the color ink panel is larger than the area SS2 of the security feature panel. The ratio SS2 / SS1 of area SS2 is in the range of 0.1 to 2.0 in one example and in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 in another example.

[0066] The multiple panel sections are the first panel section PP1, the second panel section PP2, the third panel section PP3, and the fourth panel section PP4. These panel sections have equal dimensions L1 in the longitudinal direction of the support 11. Also, these panel sections have equal dimensions W1 in the width direction of the support 11. Here, dimension W1 is smaller than the width of the support 11.

[0067] The first panel section PP1 is provided with a cyan color ink panel 12C as a color ink panel, and a red security feature panel 12R that exhibits red under specific conditions as a security feature panel. The second panel section PP2 is provided with a magenta color ink panel 12M as a color ink panel, and a green security feature panel 12G that exhibits green under the aforementioned conditions as a security feature panel. The third panel section PP3 is provided with a yellow color ink panel 12Y as a color ink panel, and a blue security feature panel 12B that exhibits blue under the aforementioned conditions as a security feature panel. The fourth panel section PP4 is a black ink panel 12K that consists entirely of black ink. In other words, the fourth panel section PP4 consists entirely of black ink. Note that the order of arrangement of the color ink panels, security feature panels, and black ink panels can be determined according to the opacity and density of the inks. In other words, the above arrangement order is just one example.

[0068] Each of the color ink panels 12C, 12M, and 12Y, and the black ink panel 12K, consists of a thermal transfer ink. Here, the thermal transfer ink is a color ink or black ink containing a colorant, a binder resin, and a dispersion medium.

[0069] The colorants contained in these color ink panels are one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or mixtures thereof. These colorants exhibit high absorption rates in specific bands within the visible spectrum. These color inks exhibit object colors. Therefore, the color of these color ink panels and the color print patterns made from these color inks does not change color even when the direction of illumination or observation is changed. Furthermore, these color ink panels and the color print patterns made from these color inks do not emit fluorescence or phosphorescence when excited by excitation light, or if they do, the intensity is lower than the intensity of fluorescence or phosphorescence emitted by the special pigments described later. Here, the color inks constituting color ink panel 12C, color ink panel 12M, color ink panel 12Y, and black ink panel 12K exhibit cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors, respectively, when illuminated with white light.

[0070] The thickness of the color ink panel and the black ink panel can be 2 μm or less, for example, between 0.3 μm and 2 μm. The thickness of the security feature panel can be 3 μm or less, for example, between 0.3 μm and 3 μm. If the thickness of the security feature panel is greater than 3 μm, areas not heated by the thermal head will also be transferred, causing burrs and reducing print quality. If the thickness of the security feature panel is less than 0.3 μm, the print density will be low, making it difficult to obtain the required color intensity.

[0071] The ratio T2 / T1 between the thickness T2 of the security feature panel and the thickness T1 of the color ink panel and black ink panel can be greater than 0.5 and less than 3.0. This ensures sufficient visibility of the image displayed by the printed layer obtained by transfer from the security feature panel, while suppressing the creasing at the position of the security feature panel caused by the difference in thickness between the security feature panel and the color ink panel.

[0072] Each of the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B consists of a special ink or functional layer.

[0073] The functional layer can be a hologram or a liquid crystal polymer layer. The hologram can be a relief hologram or a volume hologram. The relief hologram can consist of a resin layer having an uneven surface and a vapor-deposited layer covering the uneven surface. The liquid crystal polymer layer can be a cholesteric liquid crystal polymer layer or a nematic liquid crystal polymer layer. The liquid crystal polymer may be a guest-host liquid crystal, i.e., a mixture of a dichroic dye and a liquid crystal.

[0074] Here, the security feature panel consists of a special ink. Furthermore, this special ink is a thermal transfer ink containing a special pigment and a binder resin.

[0075] Special pigments change in hue and brightness depending on the lighting and / or observation conditions. That is, the color exhibited by special pigments differs from the color exhibited under other conditions, resulting in a color that is different from the object's color. Consequently, the printed patterns obtained by heat-transferring these security feature panels will exhibit different colors under different conditions.

[0076] Here, special pigments refer to pigments that are difficult to reproduce with process colors, specifically pigments that exhibit object colors or structural colors that are difficult to replicate with color copies, etc.

[0077] Object color is the color that is perceived by the naked eye when light is shone on an object and a specific wavelength of light is reflected. Among the pigments that exhibit object color, those that are difficult to reproduce with combinations of process colors such as yellow, red, indigo, and black, such as grass green, orange, and purple, as well as those that exhibit pastel colors, are special pigments. In addition, black pigments that transmit light in the infrared region also fall under the category of special pigments. Furthermore, white and colorless pigments that absorb light in the infrared region, as well as fluorescent pigments and phosphorescent pigments that emit light of a different wavelength than the irradiated wavelength when irradiated with ultraviolet or infrared light, are also special pigments.

[0078] Structural colors are pigments that allow an observer to perceive a specific color by blocking light in a particular wavelength range from entering the observer's eye due to their structure. Optical processes that can produce structural colors include thin-film interference, multilayer interference, photonic crystals, diffraction gratings, and light scattering. Special pigments that exhibit structural colors are luminous pigments whose color appears to change depending on the viewing angle.

[0079] Special pigments can be fluorescent pigments, phosphorescent pigments, luminous pigments, magnetic inks, or combinations thereof.

[0080] Fluorescent pigments are generally colorless or transparent when illuminated with white light without excitation light. Fluorescent pigments emit fluorescence upon excitation light. Phosphorescent pigments emit phosphorescence upon excitation light. Fluorescence and phosphorescence in the visible range can be seen as colors such as red, green, and blue.

[0081] Luminous pigments are pigments that possess an interference structure. Under white light illumination, luminous pigments emit different colors depending on the illumination angle and observation angle due to the interference of light.

[0082] Here, as an example, the special pigment is a luminous pigment that emits colored light through repeated reflection and interference when illuminated with white light.

[0083] The structure of such a lustrous pigment can include a flake-like nucleus (flake) that is transparent to visible light, and one or more coating layers that are transparent to visible light and cover the nucleus. Luminous pigments having this structure are sometimes called pearl pigments.

[0084] The nucleus is a flake-like particle having a pair of planes parallel to each other. The nucleus can be a reflector such as a metal or a transparent dielectric such as glass. Within a transparent dielectric nucleus, light incident on one of its main planes can be repeatedly reflected by the pair of planes parallel to each other. However, because flake-like particles are generally thicker than the quarter wavelength of visible light at which interference occurs, strong interference light is not produced by repeated reflection interference within the nucleus.

[0085] The binder resin contained in the color inks and special inks can be a thermoplastic resin. The material of the thermoplastic resin can be polyester. A specific example of the binder resin contained in the color inks and special inks is acrylic resin. In the manufacture of luminous pigments, these color inks and special inks can be used by dissolving them in an organic solvent. This organic solvent can be a mixture of ketones, esters, and toluene, etc. The color inks and special inks may further contain additives such as dispersants.

[0086] As the binder resin, you can use butyral resin, polyamide resin, polyethyleneimine resin, sulfonamide resin, polyester polyol resin, petroleum-based resin, epoxy resin, styrene resin, styrene and its derivatives, methacrylic acid esters such as methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, hydroxymethacrylate, and hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and acrylic acid esters such as methacrylic acid, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate, as well as homopolymers or copolymers of vinyl monomers such as vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate. Furthermore, two or more of these resins can be used in combination.

[0087] Furthermore, in addition to the pigments and binder resins mentioned above, additives such as mold release agents, softeners, and surfactants may be added to the thermal transfer inks of each colored ink panel as appropriate.

[0088] The coating layer is a thin layer with a nearly uniform thickness throughout almost its entire surface. In other words, the coating layer is a thin layer whose surface conforms to the surface of the nucleus.

[0089] The coating layer in contact with the nucleus has a different refractive index than the nucleus. Furthermore, if the luminous pigment contains two or more coating layers, adjacent coating layers have different refractive indices. Each coating layer can be a transparent dielectric. The transparent dielectric can be an inorganic compound. The inorganic compound can be an oxide. The oxide can be titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide, or silicon dioxide. One or more of the coating layers may be made of a metal such as gold. A coating layer made of a thin metal may be transparent to visible light.

[0090] Light incident on the coating layer can be reflected by the underside and topside of the coating layer. Since the coating layer is a thin layer with a nearly uniform thickness, light incident on the coating layer undergoes repeated reflection interference with its topside and bottomside as reflective surfaces, resulting in strong interference light. The wavelength of light that causes constructive interference changes depending on the optical path length. The optical path length changes depending on the observation angle under diffuse illumination. That is, under commonly used diffuse illumination, the interference color caused by light of wavelengths that cause constructive interference changes depending on the observation angle. Note that with monochromatic illumination, which consists only of light of a specific wavelength, such a change in color does not occur, and only a change in brightness occurs. On the other hand, normal illumination is white light, which includes light in a wide wavelength range within the visible range. Therefore, wavelengths of light that cause constructive interference are reflected, while other light does not cause constructive interference and is not reflected. As a result, the color produced corresponds to the wavelength that causes constructive interference.

[0091] Furthermore, the surface of the luminous pigment is conformal to the surface of the nucleus. That is, the luminous pigment consists of flake-like particles whose thickness direction is equal to that of the nucleus. Therefore, in a security feature panel containing the luminous pigment as a special pigment, or in an optically variable pattern obtained by transferring a special ink containing the luminous pigment as a special pigment onto a recording medium, the luminous pigment is oriented such that its thickness direction substantially coincides with the thickness direction of the security feature panel or the optically variable pattern.

[0092] Furthermore, the orientation of magnetic inks can be controlled by magnetism. Magnetic inks can be made by coating ferromagnetic flakes with a coating layer. These are also luminous pigments. The ferromagnetic material is preferably iron or stainless steel flakes. The coating layer can be one of those described below.

[0093] Therefore, an optically variable pattern created by transferring a special ink containing a luminous pigment onto a recording medium exhibits different hues depending on the observation angle.

[0094] Furthermore, the hue exhibited by the optically variable pattern formed by the security feature panel containing the luminous pigment can be changed according to the material and thickness of the coating layer, etc. Therefore, under specific lighting and observation conditions, one security feature panel or optically variable pattern can be made to exhibit red, another security feature panel or optically variable pattern can be made to exhibit green, and yet another security feature panel or optically variable pattern can be made to exhibit blue. By selecting a luminous pigment to have the above optical properties, the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B exhibit red, green, and blue, respectively, under specific lighting and observation conditions.

[0095] Furthermore, if the luminous pigment contains two or more coating layers, the outermost coating layer may be made of iron(III) oxide. An optically variable pattern containing such a luminous pigment can appear reddish-brown, the color of iron(III) oxide, at a certain observation angle, with almost no interference colors. When the observation angle is changed, interference colors become visible.

[0096] The alignment mark 13A and the position detection mark 13B are provided on the support 11. The alignment mark 13A and the position detection mark 13B are sensor marks. Specifically, the alignment mark 13A and the position detection mark 13B are marks that can be read optically and distinguished from each other.

[0097] A position detection mark 13B can be provided at a frequency of once for each panel unit PG. The relative positions of the position detection marks 13B with respect to adjacent panel units PG are equal among the position detection marks 13B. Here, each position detection mark 13B is provided adjacent to the fourth panel section PP4.

[0098] Alignment marks 13A are provided for each panel section or color panel, excluding the panel section adjacent to the position detection mark 13B. Here, alignment marks 13A are provided at three frequencies for each panel unit PG. Furthermore, here, alignment marks 13A include those adjacent to the first panel section PP1, those adjacent to the second panel section PP2, and those adjacent to the third panel section PP3. The relative positions of alignment marks 13A with respect to adjacent panel sections are equal among the alignment marks 13A.

[0099] <3> recording media Figure 4 is a plan view showing an example of a recording medium that can be used in a method for manufacturing printed materials according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The recording medium 20 shown in Figure 4 is card-shaped. In this case, the orthogonal projection of the recording medium 20 onto a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction is approximately rectangular. The recording medium 20 may also be in the form of a sheet or a booklet.

[0101] Specific examples of the core material of the recording medium 20 include paper, polymer, metal, inorganic powder, or a composite containing one or more of these. The recording medium 20 may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

[0102] The recording medium 20 has a front and back main surface. The recording medium 20 has at least one of its main surfaces as the recording surface. Here, as an example, we assume that the recording medium 20 has one of its front and back main surfaces as the recording surface.

[0103] The recording surface of the recording medium 20 includes an identification area R1 and a verification area R2. The contours of the identification area R1 and the verification area R2 are the contours of the effective ranges on the recording surface of the first and second images, respectively, as described later. The arrangement of the first and second images on the recording surface can be determined within the contours of the identification area R1 and the verification area R2. Here, it is described as if the contours of the identification area R1 and the verification area R2 exist, but the actual recording surface of the recording medium 20 may or may not have features that allow the contours of the identification area R1 and the verification area R2 to be identified.

[0104] Identification area R1 and verification area R2 correspond to the color ink panel and security feature panel of the panel section, respectively. Here, identification area R1 and verification area R2 are approximately rectangular or approximately square in shape. Identification area R1 and verification area R2 are arranged in a direction parallel to the longer side of the orthogonal projection described above.

[0105] The arrangement of the identification region R1 and the verification region R2 is such that the dimension L2 in the direction parallel to the long side of the orthogonal projection is approximately equal to the dimension L1 of the panel section in the longitudinal direction of the support 11. For example, dimension L2 is slightly smaller than dimension L1.

[0106] The arrangement of the identification region R1 and the verification region R2 is such that the dimension W2 in the direction parallel to the shorter side of the orthogonal projection is approximately equal to the dimension W1 of the panel section in the width direction of the support 11. For example, dimension W2 is slightly smaller than dimension W1.

[0107] The dimension L2A of the identification region R1 in the direction parallel to the long side of the above orthogonal projection is approximately equal to the dimension L1A of the color ink panel in the longitudinal direction of the support 11. For example, dimension L2A is slightly smaller than dimension L1A.

[0108] The dimension L2B of the verification region R2 in the direction parallel to the longer side of the above orthogonal projection is approximately equal to the dimension L1B of the security feature panel in the longitudinal direction of the support 11. For example, dimension L2B is slightly smaller than dimension L1B.

[0109] <4> printed matter Figure 5 is a plan view showing an example of a printed material that can be manufactured by the method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the printed material shown in Figure 5 along the line VI-VI.

[0110] The printed material 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is in the form of a card, such as an identification (ID) card. The printed material 200 may also be in the form of a sheet or a booklet.

[0111] As shown in Figure 6, the printed material 200 includes the recording medium 20, an overlay layer 21, color printing patterns 22C, 22M, and 22Y, a black printing pattern 22K, optically variable patterns 22R, 22G, and 22B, and an adhesive layer 23.

[0112] The overlay layer 21 faces the recording surface of the recording medium 20. The overlay layer 21 is the outermost layer of the printed material 200 and protects the color printing patterns 22C, 22M, and 22Y, the black printing pattern 22K, and the optically variable patterns 22R, 22G, and 22B from damage. The overlay layer 21 may be made of a transparent polymer. The overlay layer 21 may be omitted. The transparent polymer may be epoxy resin.

[0113] The adhesive layer 23 is interposed between the recording medium 20 and the overlay layer 21. The adhesive layer 23 consists of an adhesive. The adhesive layer 23 can be omitted.

[0114] The color printing patterns 22C, 22M, and 22Y, and the black printing pattern 22K are interposed between the adhesive layer 23 and the overlay layer 21. The color printing patterns 22C, 22M, and 22Y, and the black printing pattern 22K are obtained by transferring a portion of the ink from the color ink panels 12C, 12M, and 12Y and the black ink panel 12K, respectively, as described with reference to Figure 3.

[0115] The color print patterns 22C, 22M, and 22Y shown in Figure 6 are positioned on the identification area R1, as explained with reference to Figure 4. On the other hand, the black print pattern 22K is positioned on both the identification area R1 and the verification area R2. The color print patterns 22C, 22M, and 22Y, along with a portion of the black print pattern 22K located on the identification area R1, display the first image I1 shown in Figure 5. The remainder of the black print pattern 22K displays the third image I3 shown in Figure 5.

[0116] The optically variable patterns 22R, 22G, and 22B shown in Figure 6 are interposed between the adhesive layer 23 and the overlay layer 21. The optically variable patterns 22R, 22G, and 22B were obtained by transferring a portion of the transfer material from the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B, respectively, as described with reference to Figure 3. Here, the transfer material is a special ink or a functional layer.

[0117] The optically variable patterns 22R, 22G, and 22B shown in Figure 6 are positioned on the verification region R2, as explained with reference to Figure 4. The optically variable patterns 22R, 22G, and 22B display the second image I2 shown in Figure 5.

[0118] Image 11 is a color image that uses object colors for color representation. In this case, Image 11 is a color image that includes a facial image of the owner of printed material 200 as part of personal information. Image 11 may be any other image. As described above, Image 11 consists of color printing patterns 22C, 22M, and 22Y and a black printing pattern 22K. Therefore, Image 11 does not change color even when the illumination direction or observation direction is changed while illuminating it with white light.

[0119] The second image I2 is a color image that uses structural color representation. The second image I2 is identical to the first image I1 except that it is smaller in size and uses structural color representation. The second image I2 may also have the same dimensions as the first image I1. The second image I2 may differ from the first image I1 not only in dimensions and color representation method, but also in other respects. As described above, the second image I2 consists of optically variable patterns 22R, 22G, and 22B. Therefore, when the illumination direction or observation direction is changed while illuminating the second image I2 with white light, a color change occurs.

[0120] Image 3, I3, is a monochrome image that uses object colors for color representation. Image 3, I3, in this case consists of text and strings, and includes other parts of the personal information of the person mentioned above. Image 3, I3 may also be other images such as decorative patterns and geometric figures. As described above, Image 3, I3 consists of a black print pattern 22K. Therefore, Image 3, I3 does not change color even when the illumination direction or observation direction is changed while illuminating it with white light.

[0121] <5> Manufacturing method of printed materials (anti-counterfeiting media) Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a printed material according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] In the method shown in Figure 7, the printed material 200 described in Figures 5 and 6 is manufactured using the printer system described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, and the recording medium 20 described with reference to Figure 4.

[0123] First, the operator connects the computer 300 shown in Figure 2 with external devices such as a digital camera and a flash memory storage device via a network device 320 using a wired or wireless connection. Next, the operator operates input devices 330 such as a keyboard and mouse to import the first image data and the original image data from the external devices into the computer main unit 310, and also inputs text data (step S1).

[0124] The first image data is data that reproduces an image including the first image I1 shown in Figure 5. The first image data contains multiple first image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing.

[0125] The original image data is the data used to generate the second image data. The second image data is the data that reproduces the image including the second image I2 shown in Figure 5. The second image data contains multiple second image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing. The original image data contains multiple image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing.

[0126] As stated above, the second image I2 is identical to the first image I1 except for its smaller size and the use of structural color representation. Therefore, the original image data may not be imported from the external device to the computer 310, and the second image data may be generated using the first image data imported into the computer 310 as the original image data, as described later.

[0127] Next, the central processing unit 311 executes the following processes according to the program stored in the main memory 312.

[0128] Specifically, the central processing unit 311 first generates second image data from the original image data (step S2). The second image data can be generated from the original image data by the following method.

[0129] That is, the red, green, and blue intensity values ​​of the Nth pixel in the original image data are, respectively, G R (N), G G (N) and G B Let (N) be the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of grayscale levels for each of the red, green, and blue in the original image data. For example, if the number of grayscale levels for each color in the original image data is 256, then G is 255. In this case, G is the cyan grayscale value of the Nth pixel in the second image data. C (N), Magenta shade value G M(N) and the yellow shade value G Y (N) can be calculated from the following equations (1) to (3).

[0130] G C (N) = G - G R (N) … (1) G M (N) = G - G G (N) … (2) G Y (N) = G - G B (N) … (3) By performing all the above conversions for all pixels, the second image data can be generated from the original image data.

[0131] Note that the second image data can also be generated from the original image data using other functions or algorithms. Also, the second image data may be generated from the first image data.

[0132] Next, the central processing unit 311 determines the arrangement of the images on the recording surface of the recording medium 20 described while referring to FIG. 4 (step S3). For example, the first image I1 is extracted from the image reproduced by the first image data, this first image I1 is enlarged or reduced as necessary, and then placed at a predetermined position on the first virtual region corresponding to the identification region R1. Also, the second image I2 is extracted from the image reproduced by the original image data or the second image data, this second image I2 is enlarged or reduced as necessary, and then placed at a predetermined position on the second virtual region corresponding to the verification region R2. Then, the third image I3 of the characters and character strings reproduced by the text data is enlarged or reduced as necessary, and then placed at a predetermined position on at least one of the first and second virtual regions. The third image I3 can be arranged so as not to overlap the first image I1 and the second image I2 on the recording surface. Also, the third image I3 can be arranged so as to overlap the first image I1 and / or the second image I2 on the recording surface.

[0133] The central processing unit 311 can display a preview image on the display device 340, which is a superimposed image of the image arranged as described above and the image on the recording surface. The operator checks the preview image displayed on the screen of the display device 340 and, if necessary, inputs commands to the computer main unit 310 regarding image extraction, enlargement or reduction, and arrangement correction, etc., by operating the input device 330. Based on the input commands, the central processing unit 311 performs image extraction, enlargement or reduction, and arrangement correction, etc., and then displays the same preview image again on the display device 340. The operator checks the preview image displayed on the screen of the display device 340 and, if there are no problems, inputs commands to the computer main unit 310 regarding the final arrangement, etc., by operating the input device 330.

[0134] Next, the central processing unit 311 generates color print data and monochrome print data as print data based on the arrangement determined as described above (step S4).

[0135] Specifically, the central processing unit 311 generates color print data from the first image data and the second image data based on the arrangement determined as described above.

[0136] Color print data contains multiple print data elements corresponding to multiple pixels. Each print data element contains coordinate values ​​and shade values ​​of the three primary colors.

[0137] A first group of pixels, consisting of a portion of multiple pixels, displays the first image I1. Among the multiple print data elements, each corresponding to the above portion of multiple pixels contains the shades of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing, namely cyan, magenta, and yellow, as shades of the three primary colors.

[0138] A second group of pixels, consisting of other parts of multiple pixels, displays the second image I2 adjacent to the first image I1. Each of the multiple print data elements, corresponding to the other parts of multiple pixels, contains the three primary colors of additive color mixing, namely red, green, and blue, as the grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors.

[0139] Color print data can be generated through the following process. First, the central processing unit 311 generates first transformed data from the first image data by changing the coordinate values ​​and, if necessary, the resolution, based on the dimensions and position of the first image I1 determined as described above. Each image data element included in the first transformed data contains the three primary colors of additive color mixing, namely, the shades of red, green, and blue, as the shades of the three primary colors.

[0140] Furthermore, the central processing unit 311 generates second transformed data from the second image data by changing the coordinate values ​​and, if necessary, the resolution, based on the dimensions and position of the second image I2 determined as described above. Each image data element included in the second transformed data contains the shades of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing, namely cyan, magenta, and yellow, as shades of the three primary colors. The second transformed data has the same resolution as the first transformed data for each of the coordinate axes.

[0141] The central processing unit 311 generates fourth image data from the first and second transformed data. For example, each image data element of the first transformed data is compared with an image data element of the second transformed data that has the same coordinate values. If the former has a non-zero grayscale value, the former image data element is used as the corresponding image data element of the fourth image data. If the latter has a non-zero grayscale value, the latter image data element is used as the corresponding image data element of the fourth image data. If neither has a non-zero grayscale value, the grayscale values ​​of each image data element of the corresponding fourth image data are set to zero.

[0142] The central processing unit 311 generates color print data from the fourth image data. The color print data can be generated from the fourth image data by the following method.

[0143] That is, the first color intensity value, the second color intensity value, and the third color intensity value of the Nth pixel in the fourth image data are, respectively, G1A (N), G 2A (N) and G 3A Let (N) be the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of gradations for each color in the fourth image data. For example, if the number of gradations for each color in the fourth image data is 256, then G is 255. In this case, G is the shade value of the first color of the Nth pixel in the color print data. 1B (N), the second color intensity value G 2B (N) and the third color intensity value G 2C (N) can be calculated from the following equations (4) to (6).

[0144] G 1B (N)=GG 1A (N) …(4) G 2B (N)=GG 2A (N) …(5) G 3B (N)=GG 3A (N) …(6) By performing the above conversion for all pixels, color print data can be generated from the fourth image data. The central processing unit 311 may generate color print data using other functions or algorithms.

[0145] Furthermore, the central processing unit 311 generates third-transformed data from, for example, text data based on the dimensions and position of the third image I3 determined as described above. Each image data element included in the third-transformed data includes coordinate values ​​and black grayscale values. The black grayscale values ​​may be binary or multi-level (three or more). The third-transformed data has the same resolution as the first-transformed data for each of the coordinate axes.

[0146] The central processing unit 311 converts the above third conversion data into monochrome print data for forming a black print pattern to display a monochrome image. The monochrome print data includes multiple print data elements corresponding to multiple pixels. Each of these print data elements includes coordinate values ​​and black grayscale values. The third group of pixels, consisting of pixels with grayscale values ​​other than zero, displays the third image I3.

[0147] The computer 300 sends the color print data and monochrome print data generated in this manner, along with the print command, to the printer 100 via the network device 350 (step S5).

[0148] The printer 100 records an image onto the recording surface of the recording medium 20 based on the color print data, monochrome print data, and print command (step S6).

[0149] In other words, the processing and control device controls the operation of the winding devices 40 and 80, the unwinding devices 30 and 70, and the thermal print head 51 so that thermal transfer of ink from the thermal transfer medium 10 to the intermediate transfer medium 60 is performed for each panel section. Specifically, the processing and control device controls the operation of the winding devices 40 and 80, the unwinding devices 30 and 70, and the thermal print head 51 so that thermal transfer of transfer material from the first panel section PP1, the second panel section PP2, the third panel section PP3, and the fourth panel section PP4, which are included in one panel unit PG, is performed sequentially for the same area of ​​the intermediate transfer medium 60.

[0150] For example, the processing and control device controls the operation of the winding device 40 so that it winds up the thermal transfer medium 10. That is, the processing and control device controls the operation of the winding device 40 so that the thermal transfer medium 10 moves in the forward direction. Then, when the portion of the thermal transfer medium 10 located in front of the thermal print head 51 switches from the M-1 panel unit PG to the M panel unit PG, the processing and control device controls the operation of the winding device 40 so that it stops winding up the thermal transfer medium 10 and the thermal print head 51 starts transferring ink from the first panel section PP1 to the intermediate transfer medium 60.

[0151] The timing for interrupting the winding of the thermal transfer medium 10 by the winding device 40 is determined using the position detection mark 13B, as described below. The laser irradiates the edge of the thermal transfer medium 10 where the panel unit PG is not provided, near the primary transfer section 50. The light sensor detects the intensity of the laser light that has passed through the thermal transfer medium 10 or the laser light reflected by the thermal transfer medium 10. The intensity of the laser light detected by the light sensor differs depending on whether the alignment mark 13A or the position detection mark 13B is located in the laser light irradiation area or not. Furthermore, the waveform obtained when the alignment mark 13A passes through the laser light irradiation area and the waveform obtained when the position detection mark 13B passes through the laser light irradiation area are distinguishable from each other. The processing and control unit determines the relative position of the thermal transfer medium 10 with respect to the thermal print head 51 from the output of the light sensor, and based on this, determines the timing to interrupt the winding of the thermal transfer medium 10 by the winding device 40.

[0152] The transfer of ink from the first panel section PP1 to the intermediate transfer medium 60 is performed as follows.

[0153] The processing and control device determines the print density based on the color print data. For example, if the first grayscale value of the print data element corresponding to the Nth pixel is G1(N), then the print density P1(N) of the first color of this pixel can be G1(N). Here, the first grayscale value of the print data element is the grayscale value of red or cyan. The processing and control device may also calculate the print density P1(N) using other equations or algorithms.

[0154] The processing and control device controls the width of the voltage pulse supplied to the heating element of the thermal print head 51 corresponding to the Nth pixel, according to the print density P1(N) calculated as described above. That is, when the print density P1(N) is high, the width of the voltage pulse is increased. The temperature of the heating element changes according to the width of the voltage pulse. Therefore, the amount of transfer material transferred from the first panel section PP1 to the intermediate transfer medium 60 by applying heat and pressure to the thermal transfer medium 10 and intermediate transfer medium 60 interposed between them by the thermal print head 51 and the platen roller 52 also changes according to the width of the voltage pulse.

[0155] Once the above transfer operation is completed across the entire width of the first panel section PP1, the processing and control device controls the operation of the winding devices 40 and 80 so that the thermal transfer medium 10 and the intermediate transfer medium 60 move slightly in the forward direction. The processing and control device then performs the same conversion from grayscale values ​​to print density and controls the operation of the thermal print head 51 so that the above transfer operation is performed across the entire width of the first panel section PP1. The processing and control device controls the operation of the thermal print head 51, winding devices 40 and 80 so that these operations are repeated alternately until the above transfer operation is completed for all first grayscale values ​​in the color print data.

[0156] As described above, the color print pattern 22C and the optically variable pattern 22R are formed on the intermediate transfer medium 60. Hereafter, the portion of the intermediate transfer medium 60 on which the above transfer operation has been performed will be referred to as the transferred portion.

[0157] After the transfer operation described above is completed for all first grayscale values, the processing and control device controls the operation of the unwinding device 70 so that the transferred section moves in the reverse direction until it returns to the position it was in when the transfer operation described above for the first grayscale value was started. The processing and control device also controls the operation of the winding device 40 so that the portion of the second panel section PP2 adjacent to the first panel section PP1 is positioned in front of the thermal print head 51. Alignment marks 13A are used for this positioning.

[0158] Next, the processing and control device performs the same processing and control on the second grayscale value as described above for the first grayscale value. Here, the second grayscale value of the print data element is the grayscale value of green or magenta. In this manner, the color print pattern 22M and the optically variable pattern 22G are further formed on the transfer area of ​​the intermediate transfer medium 60.

[0159] After the transfer operation described above is completed for all second grayscale values, the processing and control device controls the operation of the unwinding device 70 so that the transferred section moves in the reverse direction until it returns to the position it was in when the transfer operation described above for the first grayscale value was started. The processing and control device also controls the operation of the winding device 40 so that the portion of the third panel section PP3 adjacent to the second panel section PP2 is positioned in front of the thermal print head 51. Alignment marks 13A are used for this positioning.

[0160] Next, the processing and control device performs the same processing and control on the third grayscale value as described above for the first grayscale value. Here, the third grayscale value of the print data element is the grayscale value of blue or yellow. In this manner, the color print pattern 22Y and the optically variable pattern 22B are further formed on the transfer area of ​​the intermediate transfer medium 60.

[0161] After the transfer operation described above is completed for all third grayscale values, the processing and control device controls the operation of the unwinding device 70 so that the transferred section moves in the reverse direction until it returns to the position it was in when the transfer operation described above was started for the first grayscale value. The processing and control device also controls the operation of the winding device 40 so that the portion of the fourth panel section PP4 adjacent to the third panel section PP3 is positioned in front of the thermal print head 51. Alignment marks 13A or position detection marks 13B are used for this positioning.

[0162] Next, the processing and control device performs the same processing and control as described above for the first grayscale value, except that it uses monochrome print data instead of color print data. In this way, a black print pattern 22K is further formed on the transfer area of ​​the intermediate transfer medium 60.

[0163] Subsequently, the processing and control device controls the operation of the winding device 80 so that the portion of the intermediate transfer medium 60 to be transferred moves forward to the secondary transfer section 90. At the same time, the processing and control device controls the operation of the transport device so that the recording medium 20 is transported to the secondary transfer section 90 with its recording surface aligned with the position of the portion to be transferred. Next, the processing and control device controls the operation of the winding device 80, the transport device, and the heat roller 91, etc., so that the heat roller 91 and the platen roller 92 sequentially apply heat and pressure to the intermediate transfer medium 60 and the recording medium 20 sandwiched between them, from one end of the portion to be transferred to the other end.

[0164] Through this operation, the color printing patterns 22C, 22M, and 22Y, the black printing pattern 22K, and the optically variable patterns 22R, 22G, and 22B are transferred from the intermediate transfer medium 60 onto the recording medium 20. In this way, the printed material 200 described with reference to Figures 5 and 6 is obtained.

[0165] <6> effect The manufacturing method described above can achieve high productivity despite involving printing using special inks or functional layers, color inks, and black inks. This will be explained below.

[0166] Figure 8 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium relating to a comparative example. The thermal transfer medium 10A shown in Figure 8 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described above, except that it employs the following configuration. That is, in the thermal transfer medium 10A, the dimensions of each of the color ink panels 12C, 12M, and 12Y, the black ink panel 12K, and the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B in the longitudinal direction of the support 11 are the same as the dimension L1 described above for the thermal transfer medium 10. In other words, each panel section is provided with only one of the color ink panels 12C, 12M, and 12Y, the black ink panel 12K, and the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B. In addition, in the thermal transfer medium 10A, an alignment mark 13A or a position detection mark 13B is placed on each ink panel.

[0167] In the above method using the thermal transfer medium 10, the transfer is performed for each panel section. Since one panel unit PG contains four panel sections, the number of transfer operations performed for one transfer area is four.

[0168] In contrast, when manufacturing a printed material 200 using thermal transfer medium 10A instead of thermal transfer medium 10, the transfer is performed for each ink panel. Since one panel unit PG contains 7 ink panels, the number of transfer operations performed for one transfer area is 7.

[0169] Thus, the above method using the thermal transfer medium 10 allows for the production of printed materials 200 with fewer transfer operations compared to the method using the thermal transfer medium 10A. Therefore, the above method using the thermal transfer medium 10 can achieve high productivity.

[0170] Furthermore, the dimensions of the panel unit PG in the longitudinal direction of the support 11 are as follows in the thermal transfer medium 10A shown in Figure 8: dimension L T In contrast to the 2 shown, the thermal transfer medium 10 in Figure 3 has a dimension L T It is 1. Dimension L T 1 is dimension L T It is much smaller compared to 2. Therefore, if the length of the support 11 is the same, more panel units PG can be placed on the support 11 in the thermal transfer medium 10 compared to the thermal transfer medium 10A.

[0171] Furthermore, the color ink panels 12C, 12M, and 12Y and the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B of the thermal transfer medium 10 have smaller areas compared to the color ink panels 12C, 12M, and 12Y and the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B of the thermal transfer medium 10A, respectively. Therefore, printer systems using thermal transfer medium 10 have lower running costs compared to printer systems using thermal transfer medium 10A. Since special inks and functional layers are more expensive than color inks, the cost reduction effect is significant.

[0172] Furthermore, the above printer system can also be used to manufacture printed materials 200 using thermal transfer media 10A by appropriately modifying the color print data sent from computer 300 to printer 100. Conversely, if a printer system capable of manufacturing printed materials 200 using thermal transfer media 10A exists, the above effects can be obtained simply by changing the program executed by computer 300 and the thermal transfer media, without changing the firmware of printer 100.

[0173] <7> Variation The technology described above can be modified in various ways. Several modifications are described below. Note that in Figures 9 to 16 referenced below, the alignment marks 13A and position detection marks 13B are omitted for simplification.

[0174] <7.1> First Variation Figure 9 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the first modified example. The thermal transfer medium 10B shown in Figure 9 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, except that it employs the following configuration.

[0175] In other words, in the thermal transfer medium 10B, the color ink panel extends across the entire width of the panel section. The security feature panel has smaller dimensions in the width direction of the support 11 compared to the color ink panel. The color ink panel surrounds the security feature panel.

[0176] When using the thermal transfer medium 10B, the degree of freedom in positioning the second image I2 may be lower compared to when using the thermal transfer medium 10. Therefore, the thermal transfer medium 10B is particularly suitable when the position of the second image I2 on the recording surface is limited to a narrow area.

[0177] <7.2> Second Variation Figure 10 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the second modified example. The thermal transfer medium 10C shown in Figure 10 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, except that it employs the following configuration.

[0178] In other words, in the thermal transfer medium 10C, the color ink panel extends across the entire width of the panel section. The security feature panel has smaller dimensions in the width direction of the support 11 compared to the color ink panel. The color ink panel and the security feature panel are spaced apart from each other. Unlike the thermal transfer medium 10B, the color ink panel does not surround the security feature panel.

[0179] The thermal transfer medium 10C, like the thermal transfer medium 10B, is particularly suitable when the position of the second image I2 on the recording surface is limited to a narrow area. Furthermore, since the first and security feature panels are spaced apart from each other, overlapping of the ink panels is unlikely to occur.

[0180] Furthermore, the thermal transfer medium 10C has a boundary area around the security feature panel where no ink panel is provided. As a result, the thermal transfer medium 10C has greater thickness variation compared to the thermal transfer media 10 and 10B. Therefore, when winding the thermal transfer medium 10C into a roll, it is desirable to control the tension more strictly.

[0181] <7.3> Third Variation Figure 11 is a plan view of a thermal transfer medium according to the third modified example. The thermal transfer medium 10D shown in Figure 11 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, except that it employs the following configuration.

[0182] In other words, in the thermal transfer medium 10D, the color ink panel and the security feature panel are arranged in the width direction of the support 11. The dimensions of the first and security feature panels in the length direction of the support 11 are equal to the dimensions L1 of the panel section in the length direction of the support 11. Also, the area of ​​the color ink panel and the area of ​​the security feature panel are equal to each other.

[0183] This structure may be suitable when printing with special inks is performed over almost the entire width of the recording medium 20. Note that the dimensions of the color ink panel and the security feature panel in the longitudinal direction of the support 11 may differ from the dimensions L1 of the panel section in the longitudinal direction of the support 11.

[0184] Furthermore, the area SS1 of the color ink panel and the area SS2 of the security feature panel may be different. In this case, the ratio SS2 / SS1 of area SS2 to area SS1 may be within the range explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0185] <7.4> Fourth Variation Figure 12 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the fourth modified example. The thermal transfer medium 10E shown in Figure 12 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, except that it employs the following configuration.

[0186] In other words, in the thermal transfer medium 10E, in each panel section, the color ink panel consists of two regions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the support 11, with a security feature panel interposed between these regions. The two regions have different areas.

[0187] This structure may be suitable when the larger of the two areas mentioned above is used for printing facial images, and the smaller area is used for printing marks or text.

[0188] The two regions may be arranged in the width direction of the support 11. Alternatively, the security feature panel may consist of two regions with a color ink panel interposed between them.

[0189] <7.5> Fifth variation Figure 13 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the fifth modified example. The thermal transfer medium 10F shown in Figure 13 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, except that it employs the following configuration.

[0190] In other words, in the thermal transfer medium 10F, the dimension L1A of the color ink panel in the longitudinal direction of the support 11 is smaller than the dimension L1B of the security feature panel in the longitudinal direction of the support 11. That is, the area SS1 of the color ink panel is smaller than the area SS2 of the security feature panel.

[0191] Thus, the area SS1 of the color ink panel may be smaller than the area SS2 of the security feature panel. In this case, for example, the ratio SS1 / SS2 of area SS1 to area SS2 may be within the same range as the ratio SS2 / SS1 of area SS2 to area SS1, as explained with reference to Figure 3. Furthermore, areas SS1 and SS2 may be equal to each other.

[0192] <7.6> Sixth Variant Figure 14 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the sixth modified example. The thermal transfer medium 10G shown in Figure 14 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, except that it employs the following configuration.

[0193] In other words, in the thermal transfer medium 10G, the color ink panel extends across the entire width of the panel section. The security feature panel has smaller dimensions in the width direction of the support 11 compared to the color ink panel. The color ink panel and the security feature panel are spaced apart from each other. Similar to the thermal transfer medium 10C, the color ink panel does not surround the security feature panel. However, unlike the thermal transfer medium 10C, the thermal transfer medium 10G does not include security feature panels 12G and 12B. That is, in the second panel section PP2 and the third panel section PP3, security feature panels 12G and 12B are not provided at position P2, which corresponds to the position of security feature panel 12R in the first panel section PP1.

[0194] Like the thermal transfer medium 10B, the thermal transfer medium 10G is particularly suitable when the position of the second image I2 on the recording surface is limited to a narrow area. Furthermore, since special inks and functional layers are more expensive than color inks, the thermal transfer medium 10G is also suitable when cost reduction is required. In addition, since the color ink panel and the security feature panel are spaced apart from each other, overlap between the ink panels is unlikely to occur.

[0195] Furthermore, the thermal transfer medium 10G has a boundary area around the security feature panel 12R where no ink panel is provided. In the thermal transfer medium 10G, the security feature panel is not provided at position P2, and no ink panel is provided around it. As a result, the thermal transfer medium 10G has greater variation in thickness compared to the thermal transfer media 10 and 10B. Therefore, when winding the thermal transfer medium 10G into a roll, it is desirable to control the tension more strictly, similar to when winding the thermal transfer medium 10C into a roll.

[0196] <7.7>7th Variation Figure 15 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the seventh modified example. The thermal transfer medium 10H shown in Figure 15 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, except that it employs the following configuration.

[0197] In other words, in the thermal transfer medium 10H, the panel unit PG further includes a fifth panel section PP5. The fifth panel section PP5 of each panel unit PG is interposed between the fourth panel section PP4 of that panel unit PG and the adjacent panel unit PG. The fifth panel section PP5 is provided with a primer panel 12P consisting of a primer. A specific example of the primer is polyurethane.

[0198] When using the thermal transfer medium 10H to transfer the adhesive from the primer panel 12P to the area to be transferred, damage to the printed material 200 becomes less likely, especially when the intermediate transfer medium 60 includes an overlay layer.

[0199] <7.8> Eighth variation Figure 16 is a plan view of the thermal transfer medium according to the eighth modified example. The thermal transfer medium 10I shown in Figure 16 is the same as the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3, except that it employs the following configuration.

[0200] In other words, in the thermal transfer medium 10I, the panel unit PG further includes a fifth panel section PP5, a sixth panel section PP6, and a seventh panel section PP7. In each panel unit PG, the fifth panel section PP5, the sixth panel section PP6, and the seventh panel section PP7 are arranged sequentially from the fourth panel section PP4 side of the panel unit PG toward the adjacent panel unit PG.

[0201] The fifth panel section PP5 is provided with a primer panel 12P consisting of a primer. The sixth panel section PP6 is provided with a black ink panel 12K2 consisting of black ink. The seventh panel section PP7 is provided with a primer panel 12P2 consisting of a primer.

[0202] The thermal transfer medium 10I is used when printing on both sides of the recording medium 20. Specifically, the first panel section PP1, the second panel section PP2, the third panel section PP3, the fourth panel section PP4, and the fifth panel section PP5 are used for printing on one side of the recording medium 20. The sixth panel section PP6 and the seventh panel section PP7 are used for printing on the other side of the recording medium 20. When printing on both sides of the recording medium 20 using the thermal transfer medium 10I, the printer 100 is equipped with a reversing device to reverse the recording medium 20.

[0203] <7.9>9th Variation The above color and monochrome print data can also be generated using the following method.

[0204] That is, the central processing unit 311 generates the first and second conversion data and the third image data by the same processing as described above.

[0205] Next, the central processing unit 311 generates a fourth conversion data containing cyan, magenta, yellow, and black shade values ​​from the first conversion data containing red, green, and blue shade values. The fourth conversion data can be generated from the first conversion data by the following method.

[0206] That is, the red, green, and blue intensity values ​​of the Nth pixel in the first transformed data are, respectively, G R1 (N), G G1 (N) and G B1 Let (N) be the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of grayscale levels for each of red, green, and blue in the first conversion data. For example, if the number of grayscale levels for each color in the first conversion data is 256, then G is 255. In this case, G is the cyan intensity value of the Nth pixel in the fourth conversion data. C4 (N), Magenta shade value G M4 (N), Yellow intensity value G B4 (N) and black shade value G K4 (N) can be calculated from the following equations (7) to (10).

[0207] G C4 (N)=GG R1 (N)-G K4 (N) …(7) G M4 (N)=GG G1 (N)-G K4 (N) …(8) G Y4 (N)=GG B1 (N)-G K4 (N) …(9) G K4 (N) = G - Max[G R1 (N), G G1 (N), G B1 (N)] …(10) By performing the above transformation for all pixels, the fourth transformed data can be generated from the first transformed data. The fourth transformed data can also be generated from the first transformed data using other functions or algorithms.

[0208] Furthermore, the central processing unit 311 generates a fifth conversion data containing shades of red, green, and blue from the second conversion data containing shades of cyan, magenta, and yellow. The fifth conversion data can be generated from the second conversion data by the following method.

[0209] That is, the cyan, magenta, and yellow intensity values ​​of the Nth pixel in the second transformation data are, respectively, G C2 (N), G M2 (N) and G Y2 Let (N) be the value obtained by subtracting 1 from the number of gradations for cyan, magenta, and yellow in the second conversion data. For example, if the number of gradations for each color in the second conversion data is 256, then G is 255. In this case, G is the shade of red of the Nth pixel in the fifth conversion data. R5 (N), Green intensity value G G5 (N) and the shade value of blue G B5 (N) can be calculated from the following equations (11) to (13).

[0210] G R5 (N)=GG C2 (N) …(11) G G5 (N)=GG M2 (N) …(12) G B5 (N)=GG Y2 (N) …(13) By performing the above transformation on all pixels, the fifth transformation data can be generated from the second transformation data. Note that the fifth transformation data can also be generated from the second transformation data using other functions or algorithms.

[0211] The central processing unit 311 generates color print data from a portion of the fourth transformation data and the fifth transformation data. For example, the grayscale values ​​of cyan, magenta, and yellow in the image data elements of the fourth transformation data are compared with the grayscale values ​​of red, green, and blue in the image data elements of the fifth transformation data that have the same coordinate values. If the former has grayscale values ​​other than zero, the grayscale values ​​of cyan, magenta, and yellow in the former image data elements are used as the print data elements of the corresponding color print data. If the latter has grayscale values ​​other than zero, the grayscale values ​​of red, green, and blue in the latter image data elements are used as the print data elements of the corresponding color print data. If none of the grayscale values ​​are other than zero, the grayscale values ​​of each print data element of the corresponding color print data are set to zero.

[0212] Furthermore, the central processing unit 311 generates monochrome print data from the remaining portion of the fourth transformation data and the third image data. For example, it compares the black grayscale value of an image data element of the fourth transformation data with the black grayscale value of an image data element of the third image data that has the same coordinate values. If the former has a grayscale value other than zero, the black grayscale value of the image data element of the former is used as the print data element of the monochrome print data corresponding to it. If the latter has a grayscale value other than zero, the black grayscale value of the image data element of the latter is used as the print data element of the monochrome print data corresponding to it. If neither has a grayscale value other than zero, the grayscale values ​​of each print data element of the monochrome print data corresponding to it are set to zero.

[0213] When using the color and monochrome print data generated in this manner, the black color in the first image I1 becomes darker.

[0214] In this method, a second image data is generated from the original image data, each containing the grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing. From this second image data, a second transformed data is generated, each containing the grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing. From this second transformed data, a fifth transformed data is generated, each containing the grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing. In other words, this method performs RGB-CMY conversion and CMY-RGB conversion. These conversions can be omitted by using the original image data as the second image data to generate the second transformed data, and then using this second transformed data as the fifth transformed data.

[0215] <7.10>Other variations A fluorescent pigment may be used instead of a luminous pigment as the special pigment included in the security feature panel. A luminous pigment may be included in one security feature panel, while a fluorescent pigment may be included in another. Alternatively, a luminous pigment and a fluorescent pigment may be included in one security feature panel, while a combination of a luminous pigment and a fluorescent pigment may be included in another security feature panel.

[0216] The color ink panel and security feature panel of the panel section may have various shapes. The color ink panel and security feature panel may be circular or oval.

[0217] There is no limit to the number of panel compartments a panel unit can contain. A panel unit may contain 1 to 3 panel compartments. In other words, a panel unit must contain at least 1 panel compartment.

[0218] The third image I3 may be spaced apart from the first image I1 and the second image I2, or it may overlap with at least one of the first image I1 and the second image I2. At least a portion of the third image I3 may border at least a portion of the second image I2.

[0219] In the method described above, all RGB-CMY and CMY-RGB conversions are performed on the computer 300. Some of the RGB-CMY and CMY-RGB conversions may be performed on the printer 100.

[0220] The printer system described above includes an indirect transfer printer 100, but the printer system may also include a direct transfer printer. That is, the transfer of the transfer material from the thermal transfer medium to the recording medium may be performed directly without an intermediate transfer medium. [Examples]

[0221] Specific examples of the present invention are described below.

[0222] A thermal transfer medium nearly identical to the thermal transfer medium 10 described with reference to Figure 3 was manufactured, except that dimensions L1A and L1B were made equal. Here, a 12 μm thick film made of polyethylene terephthalate was used as the support 11. On this support 11, a cyan color ink panel 12C, a red security feature panel 12R, a magenta color ink panel 12M, a green security feature panel 12G, a yellow color ink panel 12Y, a blue security feature panel 12B, and a black ink panel 12K were formed in this order along the length of the support 11 using a gravure coater. Each security feature panel was formed using a glossy ink as the special ink.

[0223] The thickness of the color ink panels 12C, 12M, and 12Y, and the black ink panel 12K, was set to 1.0 μm. The thickness of the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B was set to 1.5 μm. And, dimension L T 1 was set to 400 mm, dimension L1 to 100 mm, and dimensions L1A and L1B to 50 mm.

[0224] The compositions of the color inks used in the color ink panels 12C, 12M, and 12Y, the composition of the black ink used to form the black ink panel 12K, and the composition of the glossy inks used to form the security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B are described below.

[0225] [Composition of color inks and special inks] Pigment 5 parts by mass Binder resin 15 parts by mass Dispersion medium 80 parts by mass Furthermore, for all of the color inks, black inks, and glossy inks, Byron® 500, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd., was used as the binder resin. In addition, for all of the color inks, black inks, and glossy inks, methyl ethyl ketone, manufactured by Toyo Ink Mfg. Co., Ltd., was used as the dispersion medium.

[0226] As described above, a thermal transfer medium nearly identical to the thermal transfer medium 10 explained with reference to Figure 3 was manufactured. Hereafter, this thermal transfer medium will be referred to as the first sample.

[0227] Furthermore, for the purpose of comparison, a thermal transfer medium almost identical to the thermal transfer medium 10A described with reference to Figure 8 was manufactured, except that the parts corresponding to security feature panels 12R, 12G, and 12B were omitted. This thermal transfer medium was manufactured in the same manner as the first sample, except that it adopted the structure described above. In this thermal transfer medium, as with the first sample, the dimension L1 was set to 100 mm, and the dimension L T 2 was set to 400 mm. Hereafter, this thermal transfer medium will be referred to as Sample 2.

[0228] Next, using the first sample, the printer system described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, and the recording medium 20 described with reference to Figure 4, an ID card as printed material 200, described with reference to Figures 5 and 6, was manufactured using the method described with reference to Figure 7, etc. Here, a Toppan Printing Co., Ltd. card printer CP500 was used as the printer 100. As the recording medium 20, an ID-1 card as specified in JIS X6301:2005 "Identification cards - Physical characteristics" was used. In addition, TopCard Maker Ex was used as the card issuance software that contained the program to be executed by the computer 300. Different software was used for the process corresponding to step S2.

[0229] Furthermore, the ID cards were manufactured using the same method as described above, except that the second sample was used instead of the first sample, and the data related to the second image I2 was not included in the print data.

[0230] The ID card obtained using the first sample displayed not only the first image I1 and the third image I3, but also a second image I2 that changes color when the viewing direction is changed. Due to the presence of this second image I2, the ID card obtained using the first sample has superior security, i.e., resistance to counterfeiting.

[0231] Furthermore, when using the first sample, the time required from sending print data from computer 300 to printer 100 to completing the print job was equivalent to the time required when using the second sample. [Explanation of symbols]

[0232] 10...Thermal transfer medium, 10A...Thermal transfer medium, 10B...Thermal transfer medium, 10C...Thermal transfer medium, 10D...Thermal transfer medium, 10E...Thermal transfer medium, 10F...Thermal transfer medium, 10G...Thermal transfer medium, 10H...Thermal transfer medium, 10I...Thermal transfer medium, 11...Support, 12B...Security feature panel, 12C...Color ink panel, 12G...Security feature panel, 12K...Black ink panel, 12K2...Black ink panel, 12M ...Color ink panel, 12P...Primer panel, 12P2...Primer panel, 12R...Security feature panel, 12Y...Color ink panel, 13A...Alignment mark, 13B...Position detection mark, 20...Recording medium, 21...Overlay layer, 22B...Optical variable pattern, 22C...Color print pattern, 22G...Optical variable pattern, 22K...Black print pattern, 22M...Color print pattern, 22R...Optical variable pattern, 22Y...Color - Print pattern, 23... Adhesive layer, 30... Unwinding device, 40... Winding device, 50... Primary transfer section, 51... Thermal print head, 52... Platen roller, 60... Intermediate transfer medium, 70... Unwinding device, 80... Winding device, 90... Secondary transfer section, 91... Heat roller, 92... Platen roller, 100... Printer, 200... Printed material, 300... Computer, 310... Computer main unit, 311... Central processing unit, 311A... Calculation unit, 311B... Control unit, 31 2...Main memory, 313...Secondary memory, 320...Network device, 330...Input device, 340...Display device, 350...Network device, I1...First image, I2...Second image, I3...Third image, P2...Position, PG...Panel unit, PP1...First panel section, PP2...Second panel section, PP3...Third panel section, PP4...Fourth panel section, PP5...Fifth panel section, PP6...Sixth panel section, PP7...Seventh panel section, R1...Identification area, R2...Verification area.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a security printed material, which includes recording an image on a printing substrate by a thermal transfer recording method using a thermal transfer medium, The thermal transfer medium comprises a strip-shaped support and a plurality of panel units arranged on the support in the longitudinal direction of the support, Each of the aforementioned plurality of panel units includes one or more panel sections, At least one of the one or more panel sections includes a color ink panel and a security feature panel. The recording of the image on the printing substrate includes performing thermal transfer of a transfer material from the thermal transfer medium to an intermediate transfer medium or the printing substrate for each panel section. The manufacturing method further includes generating print data from first image data that reproduces an image including a first image and second image data that reproduces an image including a second image. The aforementioned print data includes multiple print data elements, each corresponding to multiple pixels and containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors. The first pixel group, consisting of a portion of the plurality of pixels, displays the first image, and each of the plurality of print data elements, corresponding to the portion of the plurality of pixels, includes a grayscale value of one of the three primary colors, either subtractive or additive color mixing. The second pixel group, consisting of other parts of the plurality of pixels, displays the second image adjacent to the first image, and each of the plurality of print data elements corresponding to the other parts of the plurality of pixels includes the grayscale values ​​of the other primary color of subtractive color mixing and additive color mixing as the grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors. The first image data comprises a plurality of first image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, and the second image data comprises a plurality of second image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing. The manufacturing method further includes generating the second image data from original image data in which each of a plurality of image data elements includes coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, prior to generating the print data. A method for manufacturing a security printout, wherein the original image data is the first image data.

2. The method for manufacturing a security printed material according to claim 1, wherein the one or more panel sections are two or more panel sections arranged in the longitudinal direction, and one of the two or more panel sections is a black ink panel.

3. The method for manufacturing a security print according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the security feature panel comprises at least one of a luminous pigment and a fluorescent pigment.

4. Each of the plurality of panel units includes first to third panel sections arranged in the longitudinal direction, The first panel section includes a cyan color ink panel, The second panel section includes a magenta color ink panel. The third panel section includes a yellow color ink panel, One or more of the first to third panel sections further include the security feature panel, A method for manufacturing a security printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the first to third panel sections, including the security feature panel, the area of ​​the color ink panel and the security feature panel are different from each other.

5. A method for manufacturing a security printed material according to claim 4, wherein in the first to third panel sections, including the security feature panel, the color ink panel and the security feature panel are arranged in the longitudinal direction.

6. A method for manufacturing a security printed material according to claim 4, wherein in the first to third panel sections, including the security feature panel, the color ink panel and the security feature panel are arranged in the width direction of the support.

7. Each of the plurality of panel units includes first to third panel sections arranged in the longitudinal direction, The first panel section includes a cyan color ink panel, The second panel section includes a magenta color ink panel. The third panel section includes a yellow color ink panel, One or more of the first to third panel sections further include the security feature panel, A method for manufacturing a security printed material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the first to third panel sections, including the security feature panel, the color ink panel and the security feature panel are arranged in the width direction of the support.

8. A method for manufacturing a security print according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein in the first to third panel sections, including the security feature panel, the color ink panel extends across the entire width of the panel section, and the security feature panel has smaller dimensions in the width direction of the support compared to the color ink panel.

9. Each of the plurality of panel units includes first to third panel sections arranged in the longitudinal direction, The first panel section includes a cyan color ink panel, The second panel section includes a magenta color ink panel. The third panel section includes a yellow color ink panel, One or more of the first to third panel sections further include the security feature panel, A method for manufacturing a security print according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the first to third panel sections, the security feature panel is included, the color ink panel extends across the entire width of the panel section, and the security feature panel has smaller dimensions in the width direction of the support compared to the color ink panel.

10. A method for manufacturing a security print according to claim 8 or 9, wherein in the first to third panel sections, the one including the security feature panel, the color ink panel surrounds the security feature panel.

11. One of the first to third panel sections is provided as the security feature panel with one of the following: a red glossy ink panel that exhibits red under specific conditions, a green glossy ink panel that exhibits green under the same conditions, and a blue glossy ink panel that exhibits blue under the same conditions. Another of the first to third panel sections is provided as the security feature panel, which includes another of the red glossy ink panel, the green glossy ink panel, and the blue glossy ink panel. A method for manufacturing a security print according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the remaining portion of the first to third panel sections is provided as the security feature panel, comprising the remaining portion of the red glossy ink panel, the green glossy ink panel, and the blue glossy ink panel.

12. A method for manufacturing a security print according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein in the first to third panel sections, including the security feature panel, the area of ​​the security feature panel is smaller than the area of ​​the color ink panel.

13. The method for manufacturing a security print according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the security feature panel comprises at least one of a luminous pigment and a fluorescent pigment.

14. A program that causes a computer to perform the step of generating print data from first image data that reproduces an image including a first image and second image data that reproduces an image including a second image, The aforementioned print data includes multiple print data elements, each corresponding to multiple pixels and containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors. The first pixel group, consisting of a portion of the plurality of pixels, displays the first image, and each of the plurality of print data elements, corresponding to the portion of the plurality of pixels, includes a grayscale value of one of the three primary colors, either subtractive or additive color mixing. The second pixel group, consisting of other parts of the plurality of pixels, displays the second image adjacent to the first image, and each of the plurality of print data elements corresponding to the other parts of the plurality of pixels includes the grayscale values ​​of the other primary color of subtractive color mixing and additive color mixing as the grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors. The first image data comprises a plurality of first image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, and the second image data comprises a plurality of second image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing. Prior to the step of generating the print data, the computer is further instructed to generate the second image data from the original image data, each of which contains coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing. The original image data is the program which is the first image data.

15. A computer-readable recording medium having the program described in claim 14 recorded on it.

16. A printer that records images onto a recording medium using a thermal transfer recording method based on print data, A computer comprising a storage device storing the program described in claim 14, and a processing device that generates the print data by executing the program, and which supplies the print data to the printer. A printer system equipped with the following features.

17. The process includes generating print data from first image data that reproduces an image including the first image, and second image data that reproduces an image including the second image. The aforementioned print data includes multiple print data elements, each corresponding to multiple pixels and containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors. The first pixel group, consisting of a portion of the plurality of pixels, displays the first image, and each of the plurality of print data elements, corresponding to the portion of the plurality of pixels, includes a grayscale value of one of the three primary colors, either subtractive or additive color mixing. The second pixel group, consisting of other parts of the plurality of pixels, displays the second image adjacent to the first image, and each of the plurality of print data elements corresponding to the other parts of the plurality of pixels includes the grayscale values ​​of the other primary color of subtractive color mixing and additive color mixing as the grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors. The first image data comprises a plurality of first image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, and the second image data comprises a plurality of second image data elements, each containing coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of subtractive color mixing. Prior to generating the print data, the process further includes generating the second image data from original image data in which each of a plurality of image data elements includes coordinate values ​​and grayscale values ​​of the three primary colors of additive color mixing, A method for generating print data, wherein the source image data is the first image data.

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