Luminous motion patterns

Abstract

To provide a brilliant video pattern that, in an uneven structure which produces video effects by compressing and dividing / compressing a base image by application of streak configuration of moire magnification system or integral photography system, sets a width of each uneven pattern element to a pitch between adjacent uneven pattern elements or more, thereby obtaining video effects and image resolution.SOLUTION: A brilliant video pattern has an uneven pattern element group on at least a part of a base material. In the uneven pattern element group, an uneven pattern element formed by dividing / compressing or compressing a base image has regularity in an arrangement direction and an arrangement pitch; a width of the uneven pattern element is larger than the arrangement pitch in the arrangement direction; and parts of a plurality of adjacent uneven pattern elements are arranged overlapping each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a concavo-convex structure in which an image appears to move at an angle where reflected light or diffracted light is generated, and is used in the field of valuable printed matter such as banknotes, passports, securities, identity certificates, cards, tickets, etc., which are security printed matter requiring anti-counterfeiting effects.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the moving video effect where an image appears to move has a high eye-catching property and is difficult to counterfeit, so it is increasingly used as an element for discriminating the authenticity of security printed matter. One of the technologies with this effect is a group of technologies that realize the moving video effect by imparting a shiny concavo-convex structure through printing, embossing, imprinting, etc. Also, as one of these technologies, there is a hologram created by a finer diffraction grating for the concavo-convex structure, which is also widely used by being affixed to security printed matter such as banknotes and passports that require the highest level of security.

[0003] Among the technologies that realize the moving video effect using the concavo-convex structure, there are technologies that use compressed images or divided and compressed images, and reproduce the moving video effect by partially sampling these images. These utilize a phenomenon called moire magnification phenomenon where moire appears to be magnified and a special method of recording and reproducing a three-dimensional image called integral photography.

[0004] Among the technologies using these compressed or divided and compressed images, there are technologies that produce a moving video effect by metal cutting, embossing, etc. (for example, see Patent Document 1). Also, as one of the holograms using a diffraction grating, there is a technology (for example, see Patent Document 2) that samples a compressed or divided and compressed image like the technology of Patent Document 1 by diffracted light generated from the diffraction grating.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-171774 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-81705 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Unlike the general image composition that creates a motion picture effect by successively changing discontinuous images with slightly different movement and position of objects, the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 achieve a motion picture effect by sampling a portion of a compressed or segmented compressed image. The movement of the reproduced image is continuous, and it excels in the smooth expression of motion pictures. However, this group of technologies has a problem in that, because adjacent latent image elements (corresponding to the uneven pattern elements of the present invention) do not overlap, there are limitations on the size of the motion picture effect and the resolution of the image that can be reproduced.

[0007] Specific problems will be explained using Figures 36 to 40. For example, we will explain the case of creating a video pattern (3) with a configuration in which cherry blossom petals appear and move from side to side, as shown in Figure 36, using the technology described in Patent Documents 1 and 2. When adding a video effect to the cherry blossom petals shown in Figure 36, it is necessary to form a group of uneven pattern elements (4) consisting of multiple uneven pattern elements (5) by an uneven structure (6) in which a part that forms an angle perpendicular to the light reflects light, as shown in Figure 37. Each of the uneven pattern elements (5) that make up this group of uneven pattern elements (4) is made by fitting a frame (11) of a specific width (W) to a base image (10) that is intended to appear, dividing and cutting out the base image (10) that is inside the frame (11), and compressing it at a specific ratio, as shown in Figure 38. Because this group of relief pattern elements (4) has an image-derived structure obtained by a stereoscopic image method called integral photography, in which a lenticular or microarray lens is placed in front of the subject to capture and reproduce the image, there is a constraint that the width (W1) of each relief pattern element (5) must be less than or equal to the first pitch (P1) between adjacent relief pattern elements (5), as shown in Figure 39.

[0008] In this group of technologies, due to the principle of its configuration, the width (W) of the frame (11) directly corresponds to the magnitude (width) of the movement. Therefore, in order to enhance the animation effect of the appearing cherry blossom petals (increase the width of the movement), it is necessary to set the width (W) of the frame (11) as large as possible. However, in many cases, each method of adding the bumpy pattern element (5), such as printing, laser drawing, metal processing, imprint, or electron beam drawing, has a drawing limit for image compression inherent to that drawing method. If the width (W) of the frame (11) is made too large and the image is compressed beyond the drawing method's limit, the bumpy pattern element (5) cannot be accurately reproduced, and the reproduced image becomes blurry. For this reason, it was necessary to reduce the width (W) of the frame (11) to limit the width of the cherry blossom petal image contained within the bumpy pattern element (5), in accordance with the drawing method for adding each bumpy pattern element (5), and to limit the image compression ratio in the first direction (direction S1 in the figure) to a level that does not reach the drawing limit. As a result of adhering to this restriction, there was a problem in that the video effect (range of motion) of the video pattern (3), as shown in Figure 40, naturally became smaller.

[0009] The present invention aims to solve the above problems, and is characterized by obtaining a high video effect and image resolution that was not possible with conventional configurations in an uneven structure that produces a video effect by compressing and segmenting the base image by applying the image composition of the moiré expansion method and the integral photography method, by setting the width of each uneven pattern element to be greater than the pitch between adjacent uneven pattern elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A luminous motion picture having a group of uneven pattern elements on at least a portion of the substrate, wherein the group of uneven pattern elements is formed by dividing and compressing the base image. It consists of a compression element and a glossy element with a glossy, uneven structure. The uneven pattern elements have regularity in their arrangement direction and / or arrangement pitch, and the width of the uneven pattern elements is greater than the arrangement pitch in the arrangement direction, and multiple adjacent uneven pattern elements are arranged with parts of them overlapping, and the uneven pattern elements are, The compression element and the luminous element are The arrangement direction and the arrangement pitch inIt consists of multiple elements arranged in the same regularity, The aforementioned luminous element This refers to a situation where the angle of a curve or straight line changes continuously, or where the density changes continuously. unevenness The luminous moving pattern is characterized by having a structure in which the shapes of the uneven structures are all different, and adjacent uneven structures have the most similar shapes, and the group of uneven pattern elements reflects light to the incident light, causing the base image to appear as a moving pattern, and by changing the angle, the position of the moving pattern changes and becomes visible.

[0011] The present invention is a luminous moving pattern characterized in that the uneven pattern elements consist of diffraction gratings or printed lines having raised areas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The luminous motion picture pattern of the present invention allows the width of each textured pattern element to be set to be greater than the pitch between adjacent textured pattern elements, by overlapping adjacent textured pattern elements. By eliminating the constraint on the image width in the textured pattern elements, the size (width) of the base image in the first direction that can be set within a single textured pattern element has been dramatically increased. As a result, the size (width) of the motion of the appearing motion picture pattern has been increased compared to the conventional technology.

[0013] The luminous motion picture pattern of the present invention allows for the presence of overlapping regions between adjacent textured elements, enabling the arrangement of textured elements at a higher density. This makes it possible to represent motion picture patterns at a higher resolution and to create motion picture patterns with more complex shapes that were previously impossible. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] An example of a luminous motion picture pattern in the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] This document outlines the basic configuration of the luminous motion picture pattern in the present invention. [Figure 3]Shows an overview of the basic configuration of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention. [Figure 4] Shows an example of the configuration of the compression element group in the present invention. [Figure 5] Shows an example of the configuration of the compression element group in the present invention. [Figure 6] Shows an example of the luminous element in the present invention. [Figure 7] Shows a method of constructing the concavo-convex pattern element from the compression element and the luminous element in the present invention. [Figure 8] Shows an example of the luminous element in the present invention. [Figure 9] Shows an example of the luminous element in the present invention. [Figure 10] Shows the optical characteristics required for the luminous element in the present invention. [Figure 11] Shows the effect of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention in the present invention. [Figure 12] Shows an example of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention. [Figure 13] Shows an overview of the basic configuration of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention. [Figure 14] Shows an overview of the basic configuration of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention. [Figure 15] Shows an example of the configuration of the compression element group in the present invention. [Figure 16] Shows a method of constructing the concavo-convex pattern element from the compression element and the luminous element in the present invention. [Figure 17] Shows the effect of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention in the present invention. [Figure 18] Shows an example of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention. [Figure 19] Shows an overview of the basic configuration of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention. [Figure 20] Shows an overview of the basic configuration of the luminous moving image pattern in the present invention. <00​​​​​ [Figure 23] This invention describes a method for constructing an uneven pattern element from a compression element and a glossy element. [Figure 24] An example of a luminous element in the present invention is shown. [Figure 25] An example of a luminous element in the present invention is shown. [Figure 26] This demonstrates the effect of the luminous motion picture pattern in the present invention. [Figure 27] A comparative example of the compression elements of the present invention and the compression elements of the conventional technology is shown. [Figure 28] This demonstrates the effect of luminous motion patterns using conventional technology. [Figure 29] An example of a luminous motion picture pattern in the present invention is shown. [Figure 30] This document outlines the basic configuration of the luminous motion picture pattern in the present invention. [Figure 31] This document outlines the basic configuration of the luminous motion picture pattern in the present invention. [Figure 32] An example of the configuration of the compression element group in the present invention is shown. [Figure 33] This invention describes a method for constructing an uneven pattern element from a compression element and a glossy element. [Figure 34] This demonstrates the effect of the luminous motion picture pattern in the present invention. [Figure 35] An example of the layered structure of the luminous motion picture pattern in the present invention is shown. [Figure 36] An example of a luminous motion picture pattern in conventional technology is shown. [Figure 37] This shows an overview of the basic structure of a luminous motion picture pattern in conventional technology. [Figure 38] This document describes the basic method for constructing luminous moving patterns using conventional technology. [Figure 39] This shows an overview of the basic structure of a luminous motion picture pattern in conventional technology. [Figure 40] This demonstrates the effect of luminous motion patterns in conventional technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and includes various other embodiments as long as they are within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. In the descriptions of the structure and characteristics of the invention in the second to fourth embodiments, parts that are the same as in the first embodiment and would be redundant will be omitted. Therefore, parts that are not described in the second to fourth embodiments are assumed to be basically the same as the same parts in the first embodiment.

[0016] The luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention refers to a group of raised and recessed pattern elements (4). This will be described in detail in this specification. This group of raised and recessed pattern elements (4) may be holographic and attached to paper, plastic, metal, etc., or attached to printed materials with a base print. Alternatively, the group of raised and recessed pattern elements (4) may be directly drawn onto a metal or plastic substrate (2).

[0017] Furthermore, the group of raised and recessed pattern elements (4) may be drawn on a metal plate to create a plate surface for embossing, and the group of raised and recessed pattern elements (4) may be transferred by embossing onto a glossy substrate; however, the method of applying the group of raised and recessed pattern elements (4) is not limited. If this is replaced with a hologram, the group of raised and recessed pattern elements (4) corresponds to the hologram-forming layer (14), which is the minimum structure of a hologram.

[0018] In this specification, "line-like" refers to a state in which the constituent elements of an image are arranged continuously for a certain distance in a specific direction, and specifically includes dotted lines, dashed lines, straight lines, curves, dashed lines, etc. On the other hand, "pixel-like" refers to a state in which the constituent elements of an image are grouped together without a specific direction, and specifically includes various shapes such as circles, triangles, polygons including quadrilaterals, stars, letters, symbols, numbers, marks, etc.

[0019] (First embodiment) Figure 1 shows a luminous moving pattern (1) according to the present invention. In the first embodiment, a group of uneven pattern elements (4) formed by line-shaped uneven pattern elements (5) using integral photography is formed on a substrate (2) to create a luminous moving pattern (1). The luminous moving pattern (1) must include at least the group of uneven pattern elements (4), and may also include decorative elements such as patterns and designs that represent different designs.

[0020] Integral photography is a method in which a base image is divided, each divided base image is extracted as an image within a frame, and these frame images are compressed to the line width to form a divided compression which is then used as the compression element.

[0021] The luminous moving pattern (1) produces a moving pattern (3) when light is incident on it, and as the observation position or the position of the light source (12) changes, a moving effect is created in which the moving pattern (3) of cherry blossom petals reproduced within the luminous moving pattern (1) moves smoothly.

[0022] Figure 2 shows the group of textured elements (4). The pattern represented by the group of textured elements (4) is such that if light does not enter the glossy moving pattern (1) and the moving pattern (3) does not appear, depending on how the glossy moving pattern (1) is applied, for example, if the glossy moving pattern (1) is formed by printing and the ink used for printing is a colored ink with the object's color, the moving pattern (3), which is the design of the glossy moving pattern (1) shown in Figure 2, will be visible. This group of textured elements (4) is a special pattern composed of fine textured structures (6) that reflect light, and when light enters, it partially reflects the light to reproduce the moving pattern (3) and produce a moving effect. The overall shape of the textured structures (6) included in each group of textured elements (4) is different for each group of textured elements (4), and the textured structures (6) within adjacent groups of textured elements (4) have the most similar shapes.

[0023] Figure 3 shows an overview of the components of the uneven pattern element group (4). The uneven pattern element group (4) is composed of a compressed element group (7) which is made up of multiple compressed elements (8) arranged in a row, in which the base image (10) that appears as a moving pattern (3) is compressed, and a luminous element (9) which is paired with the compressed element (8). In this specification, "combined" refers to a state in which the pattern and its optical properties, in which the luminous element (9) has unevenness on at least one of the inside (8j), contour (8k), or outside (8l) of the compressed element (8), are directly reproduced as an uneven structure (6).

[0024] To illuminate the inside of the animated pattern (3) to be displayed, the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) is projected onto the inside (8j) of the compression element (8). To illuminate the outline of the animated pattern (3), the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) is projected onto the outline (8k) of the compression element (8). To illuminate the area around the animated pattern (3) (showing the animated pattern (3) as a negative), the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) is projected onto the outside (8l) of the compression element (8). To illuminate the area around the outline of the animated pattern (3) (not illuminating the outline), the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) is projected onto the inside (8j) and outside (8l) of the compression element (8), excluding the outline (8k).

[0025] In the first embodiment, the animated pattern (3) to be produced is an expression in which the outline is illuminated, and in this case, the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) is projected onto the outline (8k) of the compression element (8). In this case, when light is incident on the luminous animated pattern (1), the animated pattern (3) is reproduced with its outline illuminated.

[0026] The structure of the compression element group (7) and its manufacturing method (including the data creation method) will be explained using Figure 4. The compression element group (7) consists of multiple compression elements (8) arranged in a regular pattern. In this specification, "arranged in a regular pattern" means arranging multiple elements of the same width continuously in the same direction at the same pitch. That is, the compression element group (7) consists of compression elements (8) arranged continuously in a first direction (S1 direction) with a specific width (W1) and a first pitch (P1). Note that the arrangement direction is not limited to just one direction, the first direction (S1 direction), but when composed of pixel-like relief pattern elements (5) as described in the third and fourth embodiments later, there are two types: the first direction (S1 direction) and the second direction (S2 direction).

[0027] In this specification, the image that serves as the basis for the image intended to appear as a moving image (3) is referred to as the base image (10). In the first embodiment, a cherry blossom petal shape was selected as the base image (10), but this is not limited to this, and any image such as letters, symbols, numbers, marks, or photographs can be used. Each compression element (8) is created by applying a frame (11) with width (W0) and height (H) to the base image (10), and compressing a portion of the base image (10) that falls inside the frame (11) in the first direction (S1 direction) by a certain ratio. Basically, the base image (10) and the moving image (3) are the same image, but it is possible to change the aspect ratio in the top, bottom, left, and right directions, or to introduce distortion in the shape during the design process.

[0028] In the first embodiment, the base image (10) is a cherry blossom petal. The frame (11) is positioned to the left of the right edge of the base image (10), and the first compression element (8-1 (not shown)) is created by compressing the base image (10) contained within the frame (11) by a specific ratio, starting from a position where the base image (10) is even slightly contained within the frame (11) (a width smaller than the size of the first pitch (P1)). Next, while keeping the position of the base image (10) fixed, the frame (11) is moved from the starting position by the first pitch (P1) in the first direction (S1 direction), and the second compression element (8-2) is created by similarly compressing the base image (10) contained within the frame (11) by a specific ratio. This is repeated until the last nth compression element (8-n) is created.

[0029] When frame (11) moves to a position where the base image (10) is no longer included within frame (11), the creation of all compression elements (8) is complete. Each created compression element (8) is positioned such that, starting from the position of the first compression element (8-1), the second compression element (8-2) is placed in the first direction (S1 direction) at a position with a width of the first pitch (P1). Similarly, the third compression element (8-3) is placed from the second compression element (8-2) in the first direction (S1 direction) at a position with a width of the first pitch (P1). The same process is repeated for compression elements (8-4...8-20...8-50), and this is repeated until the nth compression element (8-n) is placed in order, completing the compression element group (7). This is the basic configuration and creation method of the compression element group (7) of the present invention.

[0030] Here, as an example, the compression ratio is defined as the value obtained by dividing the width of the compression element (W1) by the width of the frame (11) (W0) and raising it to 100. In conventional technology, the smaller this compression ratio value, the greater the movement of the appearing video pattern (3), resulting in a higher video effect. However, in this invention, it is not necessarily required to reduce the compression ratio; rather, designing a larger frame (11) width (W0) is more important for enhancing the video effect. This will be explained later.

[0031] Furthermore, the frame height (H) value in the second direction (S2 direction), which is different from the first direction (S1 direction) in which the video effect occurs, is not compressed in this second direction (S2 direction). Therefore, as long as it is greater than or equal to the height of the base image (10), there is no problem, and regardless of the magnitude of the value, it does not contribute to the video effect. In the first embodiment, since the base image (10) contained within the frame (11) is compressed only in the first direction (S1 direction), each compression element (8) becomes a bar shape like an outline, and is therefore called an outline (line) shape.

[0032] The configuration and manufacturing method of the compression element group (7) described so far are basically the same as those of the conventional technology. The biggest difference between the present invention and the conventional technology is that in the compression element group (7) of the present invention, adjacent compression elements (8) overlap with each other. Visually, it is not necessary for all compression elements (8) to overlap, but at least some of the compression element group (7) must have adjacent compression elements (8) overlapping. Figure 5 shows the state of overlap. Figure 5 is a diagram that enlarges a part of the compression element group (7) in the first direction (S1 direction) to make it easier to understand the relationship between the first pitch (P1) and width (W1) of adjacent compression elements (8).

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the compression element group (7) of the present invention is configured such that the first pitch (P1) in the first direction (S1 direction) is smaller than the width (W1) in the first direction (S1 direction) of each compression element (8) (in the drawing, each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3, 8i+4)). At the ends of the compression element group (7), there are regions where the width (W1) of the visible compression element (8) appears smaller than the first pitch (P1). However, this is simply because only the visible portion of the image of the compression element (8) is visible, making it appear smaller. In reality, the compression element (8) also compresses the blank areas contained within the frame (11), so all adjacent compression elements (8) overlap when including the unvisible blank areas.

[0034] In conventional compression techniques, the set of compression elements (7) prohibits adjacent compression elements (8) from overlapping. Therefore, under the conditions of conventional techniques, the width (W1) of a compression element (8) must always be smaller than the first pitch (P1). Consequently, if the width (W1) of the compression element (8) cannot be increased, the width (W0) of the frame (11) cannot be set to a large value, limiting the ability to reduce the compression ratio and enhance the video effect. On the other hand, if the width (W1) of the compression element (8) is increased, it becomes possible to set the width (W0) of the frame (11) to a large value, but this necessitates increasing the first pitch (P1) of the compression element (8) as well. As a result, the density of compression elements (8) decreases, leading to a significant decrease in the visibility and resolution of the resulting video pattern (3).

[0035] Therefore, it was difficult to achieve both the video effect and visibility of the video pattern (3). The compression element group (7) of the present invention makes it possible to set a larger frame width (W0) by overlapping adjacent compression elements (8) to enhance the video effect, and also makes it possible to achieve both the video effect and visibility of the video pattern (3) by making the first pitch (P1) denser. The above is a description of the compression element group (7) of the present invention.

[0036] Next, the luminous element (9) will be explained. An example of the luminous element (9) is shown in Figure 6. The luminous element (9) itself is an element necessary in the process of creating the uneven pattern element (5), but after the process of transferring the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) onto the uneven pattern element (5) and its surroundings, although some of the uneven structure (6) within the luminous element (9) remains on the uneven pattern element (5), the luminous element (9) itself ultimately does not exist in the luminous moving pattern (1). In the first embodiment, the luminous element (9) consists of a collection of curved uneven structures (6) that draw an arc at a rising angle (θ1). The curved uneven structures (6) are arranged continuously in a second direction (S2 direction) at a constant third pitch (P3) to form a single luminous element (9).

[0037] In the integral photography method's uneven pattern element group (4) described in the first embodiment and the third embodiment described later, one luminous element (9) corresponds to one compression element (8) in pairs. By combining the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) with each compression element (8), an uneven pattern element (5) is formed. That is, the uneven structure (6) of the uneven pattern element (5) is obtained by matching a part of the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) to the shape of the compression element (8) and copying its structure and optical properties, and is derived from the uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9).

[0038] The method of creating a textured pattern element (5) by combining and copying the textured structure (6) of the glossy element (9) onto each compression element (8) (including the method of creating the data) will be explained in detail using Figure 7. To simplify the explanation, only four compression elements (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) from the compression element group (7) will be extracted and explained. Each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) is arranged in a continuous manner at a constant first pitch (P1), and its width (W1) is greater than the first pitch (P1), so each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) overlaps with each other.

[0039] Similarly, the four corresponding luminous elements (9i, 9i+1, 9i+2, 9i+3) have the same width (W1), and adjacent luminous elements (9) are offset by a fixed first pitch (P1). By superimposing the corresponding luminous elements (9i, 9i+1, 9i+2, 9i+3) onto each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) and transferring the curved uneven structure (6) of the luminous elements (9) onto the contour of the compression element (8), corresponding uneven pattern elements (5i, 5i+1, 5i+2, 5i+3) are created.

[0040] By performing this process on all the compression elements (8) of the compression element group (7), the uneven pattern element group (4) is completed. The completed uneven pattern element group (4), like the compression element group (7), has an uneven pattern element (5) with a width (W1) larger than the first pitch (P1) arranged continuously in the first direction (S1 direction). In the first embodiment, the width (W1) of the compression element (8) and the width (W1) of the luminescence element (9) were set to be the same, but this is not the only way to do so, and different values ​​are acceptable.

[0041] In Figure 7, the widths of the compression element (8) and the textured pattern element (5) drawn as diagrams do not match the width of the arrow indicating the width (W1) drawn as a drafting symbol. This is because, for the compression element (8) and the textured pattern element (5), the width (W1) of the compression element (8) and the textured pattern element (5) is defined to include the margins contained within the frame (11). Therefore, when transferring the curved textured structure (6) of the luminous element (9) onto the compression element (8), it is necessary to combine the edges of the margins, which are not drawn as diagrams, with the edges of the luminous element (9). The textured pattern element (5) should transfer not only the motion patterns (3) and three-dimensional structures composed of its textured structure (6) from the luminous element (9), but also the optical properties possessed by the luminous element (9). Here, a compressed image is compressed or divided and compressed, and the compressed elements have a regularity in their arrangement direction and / or arrangement pitch, and the width of the compressed elements is greater than the arrangement pitch, and a portion of adjacent compressed elements overlap to create a compressed element group data. Then, a glossy element has the same or different regularity as the arrangement direction and arrangement pitch, and the width of the glossy element is greater than the arrangement pitch, and a portion of adjacent glossy elements overlap to create data. The multiple glossy elements and the compressed element group are then superimposed, and the overlapping portion is extracted to create a bumpy pattern element group data which can be used as data for a glossy video pattern. The above describes the structure and method of creating the bumpy pattern element group (4).

[0042] In addition, in regions where the luminous elements (9) overlap, an exclusive configuration may be adopted in which only one of the uneven structures (6) of each overlapping luminous element (9) is formed, or both uneven structures (6) may be configured to have an uneven structure (6) in a checkerboard pattern, matrix pattern, or the like.

[0043] In the first embodiment, a circular arc-shaped uneven structure (6) with a continuously changing angle was described as the basic configuration of the luminous element (9), but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 8(a), instead of a curved circular arc, an uneven structure (6) consisting of continuously arranged straight lines with slightly different angles may be used as the luminous element (9), or as shown in Figure 8(b), instead of a circular arc, the uneven structure (6) may be composed of a collection of straight lines with different angles, like converging lines, and this may be used as the luminous element (9), or as shown in Figure 8(c), the uneven structure (6) may be composed of a combination of circles and curves and this may be used as the luminous element (9). These are just examples of how the luminous element (9) can be composed of a combination of curves and straight lines with different angles.

[0044] Furthermore, if the uneven structure (6) is composed of fine irregularities such as a diffraction grating, the luminous element (9) may be configured in a way that continuously changes the density of the uneven structure (6), as shown in Figure 9. This is because, in the case of a microstructure that can utilize diffraction, such as a diffraction grating, the angle of light reflection can be changed by changing the density of the uneven structure (6).

[0045] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the density of the uneven structure (6) consisting of straight lines in the second direction (S2 direction) changes from dense on the left side to sparse on the right side in the first direction (S1 direction) of the luminous element (9). As shown in Figure 9(c), the density of the uneven structure (6) consisting of straight lines in the first direction (S1 direction) changes from dense on the left side to sparse on the right side in the first direction (S1 direction) of the luminous element (9). As shown in Figure 9(d), the density of the uneven structure (6) consisting of straight lines in a third direction (S3 direction) different from the first direction (S1 direction) or the second direction (S2) changes from dense on the left side to sparse on the right side in the first direction (S1 direction) of the luminous element (9). As shown in Figure 9(e), the density of the uneven structure (6) consisting of straight lines in the first direction (S1 direction) changes from dense on the upper side to sparse on the lower side in the second direction (S2 direction) of the luminous element (9).

[0046] However, in this case, diffraction must be generated by arranging a diffraction grating with a minimum density of 100 or more uneven structures (6) per 1 mm, and more preferably, a configuration in which 500 or more uneven structures (6) per 1 mm are arranged as a diffraction grating is preferred.

[0047] Here, we will describe the specific optical properties required for the lustrous element (9) of the present invention. First, the lustrous element (9) must possess lustrous properties. In the present invention, lustrous properties refer to the characteristic of increasing brightness or changing hue when light is incident on it. Objects that appear glossy, such as ordinary metals and plastics, have the characteristic of increasing brightness when light is incident on them by reflecting light more strongly than the incident light. Also, pearl pigments and diffraction gratings used in holograms have the characteristic of changing the hue of reflected light due to interference and diffraction of light when light is incident on them. If formed by printing, lustrous properties can be obtained by using inks such as metallic inks, transparent inks, or pearl inks, or by printing the uneven structure (6) using glossy inks. Alternatively, lustrous properties can be imparted by forming the uneven structure (6) by cutting using metal or plastic as the substrate (2). It is also possible to impart lustrous properties by forming the uneven structure (6) using a diffraction grating. In addition, the luminous element (9) must not only possess the luminosity described above, but also have optical properties such as the fact that, as shown in Figures 10(a), 10(b), and 10(c), a part of the luminous element (9) strongly reflects light from the light source (12) to produce bright spots or lines (13), and that the position of the bright spots or lines (13) changes continuously in response to changes in position as the angle of the incident light changes.

[0048] All of the luminous elements (9) shown in Figures 8 and 9 satisfy this optical property, and as long as this optical property is satisfied, there is no problem in using the luminous elements (9) in uneven structures (6) other than those shown in Figures 8 and 9. On the other hand, a structure in which the entire luminous element (9) reflects light when light is incident from any direction does not satisfy the requirements of the present invention.

[0049] Furthermore, these optical properties must be maintained even when combined with the uneven pattern element group (4) and copied. That is, the uneven structure (6) in the uneven pattern element group (4) must not only copy its pattern and three-dimensional structure, but also copy the aforementioned property of strongly reflecting light.

[0050] The third pitch (P3) in the second direction (S2 direction) of the uneven structure (6) in the luminous element (9) is preferably about 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm when formed by raised printed lines such as flexographic printing or by simple embossing, and preferably about 0.0002 mm to 0.01 mm when composed of fine irregularities such as diffraction gratings. Converted to density, this is 1 to 100 lines per mm when formed by printing or simple embossing, and 100 to 5,000 lines per mm when using diffraction gratings.

[0051] Basically, if the value of the third pitch (P3) can be reduced and the density increased, the visibility of the moving pattern (3) will improve and the resolution will also improve. The first pitch (P1) in the first direction (S1 direction) of the uneven pattern element (5), compression element (8), and luminescence element (9) is preferably about 0.1 mm to 3 mm when formed by printing or embossing, and preferably about 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm when composed of fine unevenness such as a diffraction grating. Similar to the third pitch (P3), basically, the smaller the value of the first pitch (P1), the higher the visibility of the moving pattern (3) will be and the better the resolution will also be. The above is a description of the luminescence element (9).

[0052] Figure 11 shows the effect of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention. As shown in Figure 11(a), when light is incident from a light source (12) in a specific direction, the same moving pattern (3) as the base image (10) appears. As shown in Figure 11(b), when the position of the light source (12) moves, the position of the moving pattern (3) changes. As shown in Figure 11(c), when the position of the light source (12) moves further, the position of the moving pattern (3) also changes further. If the movement of the light source (12) is continuous, the position of the moving pattern (3) also changes continuously. The above explains the effect of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention.

[0053] The basic principle by which the above effects occur is the same as in conventional technology. First, when light is incident at a specific angle perpendicular to the uneven structure (6) within the uneven pattern element group (4), strong light reflection occurs from a part of the uneven structure (6) that forms an angle perpendicular to the incident light. Since the uneven structure (6) originating from the luminous element (9) that constitutes the uneven pattern element (5) always has a certain angle difference and density difference, this strong reflected light originates only from a narrow part of the uneven pattern element (5), resulting in point-like bright spots or band-like bright lines (13). These bright spots and bright lines (13) sample a part of the image of the uneven pattern element group (4) as variations in light intensity.

[0054] The set of bumpy pattern elements (4) is originally a collection of elements (bumpy pattern elements (5)) obtained by sampling and compressing the base image (10) while shifting their position by a constant first pitch (P1). Furthermore, the bumpy structures (6) within the bumpy pattern elements (5) are arranged at the same first pitch (P1). As a result, when the set of bumpy pattern elements (4) is sampled at the same first pitch (P1) by bright spots and lines (13) originating from the bumpy structures (6), the cherry blossom petals of the base image (10) are reconstructed by variations in light intensity. This is the principle by which the base image (10) is reconstructed as a moving pattern (3) when light is incident on the set of bumpy pattern elements (4).

[0055] Next, we will explain the principle by which the motion effect occurs in the reproduced motion picture (3). As the angle of incident light changes, bright spots and lines (13) that strongly reflect light within the textured pattern elements (5) move in the first direction (S1 direction). This is due to the optical properties that the luminous elements (9) originally possessed and that were transferred to the textured pattern elements (5) when the compression elements were combined. As the bright spots and lines (13) move within the textured pattern elements (5), the sampling position of the image within each textured pattern element (5) changes, and as a whole, the position of the reproduced motion picture (3) of the entire textured pattern element group (4) changes and is perceived as such. The bright spots and lines (13) that emit strongly diffracted light within the textured pattern elements (5) move continuously and smoothly within the textured pattern elements (5) in response to changes in the angle of incident light, so the movement of the motion picture (3) that appears when sampled from the entire textured pattern element group (4) also appears extremely smooth. The above explains the principle by which the motion picture of the present invention is reproduced and the principle by which the motion picture effect is produced when light is incident on it.

[0056] Compared to the video effect of the conventional technology explained using Figures 36 to 40, the video effect of the luminous video pattern (1) in the first embodiment is approximately four times greater in terms of the magnitude of its movement (distance of movement). This is because, in the example of the conventional technology, the line width (W1) of the uneven pattern element (5) and its first pitch (P1) were almost the same, whereas in the first embodiment, the line width (W1) of the uneven pattern element (5) was set to four times the size of the first pitch (P1). If this is set to seven times, the video effect will be seven times greater, and if it is set to ten times, the video effect will be ten times greater.

[0057] In the first embodiment, the motion effect was enhanced by simply increasing the frame width (W0) and setting a larger line width (W1). However, if the line width (W1) is kept at the same value and the first pitch (P1) is made smaller, the density of the relief pattern elements (5) in the relief pattern element group (4) can be increased, thereby improving the visibility and resolution of the motion pattern (3). Similarly, by relatively increasing the line width (W1) and relatively decreasing the first pitch (P1), the motion effect and visibility of the motion pattern (3) can be improved simultaneously.

[0058] Next, as a second embodiment, an example of a group of line-shaped relief pattern elements (4) that utilize the moiré expansion phenomenon will be described.

[0059] (Second embodiment) First, Figure 12 shows the luminous moving pattern (1) in the present invention, that is, a group of uneven pattern elements (4) formed by line-shaped uneven pattern elements (5). In the second embodiment, unlike the example of the first embodiment in which only one moving pattern (3) appeared, a moving pattern (3) consisting of multiple cherry blossom petals appears.

[0060] Figure 13 shows the group of textured elements (4). This group of textured elements (4) is a special pattern composed of fine textured structures (6) that reflect light, and when light is incident on it, it reproduces a moving image pattern (3) and produces a moving image effect. Figure 14 shows an overview of the components of the group of textured elements (4). The group of textured elements (4) is composed of a combination of a compression element group (7) consisting of multiple compression elements (8) into which the base image (10) is compressed, and a luminous element (9). The moving image pattern (3) is a representation that makes the contours glow, similar to the first embodiment.

[0061] The structure of the compression element group (7) and its manufacturing method will be explained using Figure 15. The compression element group (7) consists of compression elements (8) arranged in a regular manner. That is, the compression element group (7) consists of compression elements (8) arranged continuously in a first direction (S1 direction) with a specific width (W1) and a first pitch (P1). Unlike the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the compression elements (8) are images obtained by compressing the entire base image (10) in the first direction (S1 direction), so all compression elements (8) are the same image. In the second embodiment, the compression ratio is defined as the value obtained by dividing the width (W1) of the compression element (8) by the width (W0) of the original base image (10) and raising it to the power of 100.

[0062] In the second embodiment, since all compression elements (8) have the same shape, basically all compression elements (8) overlap with adjacent compression elements (8). Figure 15 is a diagram showing an enlarged image in the first direction (S1 direction) to make it easier to understand the relationship between the first pitch (P1) and width (W1) of adjacent compression elements (8). As shown in Figure 15, the compression element group (7) of the present invention is configured such that the first pitch (P1) in the first direction (S1 direction) is smaller than the width (W1) of the compression element (8) in the first direction (S1 direction), and all compression elements (8) overlap with adjacent compression elements (8). This concludes the explanation of the compression element group (7) of the present invention.

[0063] Next, we will specifically explain, using Figure 16, how to create a textured pattern element (5) by combining the textured structure (6) of the glossy element (9) with each compression element (8). To simplify the explanation, we will only describe four compression elements (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) from the compression element group (7). Each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) is arranged in a continuous pattern with a constant first pitch (P1), and its width (W1) is greater than the first pitch (P1), so each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) overlaps with each other. In contrast, the four luminous elements (9i, 9i+1, 9i+2, 9i+3) of the luminous element (9) have a width (W1), while adjacent luminous elements (9) are arranged at a second pitch (P2) that is different from the first pitch (P1) of the compression element (8).

[0064] By superimposing the luminous elements (9i, 9i+1, 9i+2, 9i+3) onto each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) and transferring the curved uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) onto the contour of the compression element (8), corresponding uneven pattern elements (5i, 5i+1, 5i+2, 5i+3) are created. However, because there is a slight difference between the first pitch (P1) of the compression element (8) in the compression element group (7) and the second pitch (P2) of the luminous element (9), the uneven structure (6) derived from the luminous element (9) in the compression element group (7) will be slightly shifted between adjacent uneven pattern elements (5), resulting in different patterns. By performing this for all the compression elements (8) in the compression element group (7), the uneven pattern element group (4) is completed. The completed set of relief pattern elements (4) is similar to the set of compression elements (7), with relief pattern elements (5) having a width (W1) greater than the first pitch (P1) arranged continuously in the first direction (S1 direction).

[0065] The difference between the first pitch (P1) and the second pitch (P2) should not be too large, and the ratio of the second pitch (P2) to the first pitch (P1) should preferably be around 0.8 to 1.2 (except for 1.0, as mentioned above). More preferably, it should be between 0.95 and 1.05. This ratio is a necessary condition for making the resulting moving image (3) look the same as the image on which it is based, the so-called base image (10), and for making the movement of the moving image (3) appear larger.

[0066] In the second embodiment, the arrangement pitches of the luminous element (9) and the uneven pattern element (5) were different, but they were arranged in the same arrangement direction (S1 direction). However, if the arrangement pitches of the luminous element (9) and the uneven pattern element (5) are the same, it is necessary to slightly change the arrangement direction (S1 direction). In other words, the angles of the two elements are changed. In this case, it is preferable that the difference in the arrangement angles of the two elements be within the range of 3 to 10 degrees. If it exceeds 10 degrees, the number of moving patterns (3) that can be seen when the observation angle is changed increases, and the range of motion also decreases, so the dynamic effect is reduced. On the other hand, if it is less than 3 degrees, the moving patterns (3) become blurred and unclear when the observation angle is changed, so the visibility of the moving patterns (3) decreases.

[0067] Basically, if the arrangement of the luminous elements (9) and the textured elements (5) is slightly different, a "moire expansion phenomenon" can be produced in which a collection of minute patterns appears as an enlarged moiré pattern. This moiré expansion phenomenon can produce various effects by using the configuration described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5131789, and these configurations may also be used in the present invention.

[0068] The density of the uneven structure (6) in the luminous element (9) and the first pitch (P1) of the uneven pattern element group (4) are the same as those shown in the first embodiment. The smaller the density and the first pitch (P1), the higher the visibility of the moving pattern (3) and the better the resolution.

[0069] Figure 17 shows the effect of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention. As shown in Figure 17(a), when light is incident from a light source (12) in a specific direction, multiple moving patterns (3) of the same shape appear. As shown in Figure 17(b), when the position of the light source (12) moves, the position of the moving patterns (3) changes. Each moving pattern (3) moves at the same speed and in the same direction. As shown in Figure 17(c), when the position of the light source (12) moves further, the position of the moving patterns (3) also changes further. If the movement of the light source (12) is continuous, the position of the moving patterns (3) also changes continuously. The above explains the effect of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention.

[0070] The basic principle by which the above effects occur is the same as in conventional technology. First, when light is incident at a specific angle perpendicular to the uneven structure (6) within the uneven pattern element group (4), strong light reflection occurs from a part of the uneven structure (6) that forms an angle perpendicular to the incident light. Since the uneven structure (6) originating from the luminous element (9) that constitutes the uneven pattern element (5) always has a certain angle difference and density difference, this strong reflected light originates only from a narrow area within the uneven pattern element (5), resulting in point-like bright spots or band-like bright lines (13). These bright spots and bright lines (13) sample a part of the uneven pattern element group (4) as variations in light intensity.

[0071] The bumpy pattern element group (4) consists of a combination of a compressed element (8) and a luminous element (9), which are the same image. The regularity of the compressed element (8) and the luminous element (9) is that there are slight shifts in pitch, arrangement, and direction. The bumpy pattern elements (5) sampled by the reflection of light from the bumpy structure (6) originating from the luminous element (9) have regular small shifts in position. As each of these small bumpy pattern elements (5) is sampled as part of the bumpy pattern element group (4) with a shift, the moiré pattern is amplified, and the magnified base image (10), which is a cherry blossom petal, is reproduced as a moving pattern (3) by varying the intensity of light.

[0072] Next, as the angle of incident light changes, bright spots and lines (13) that strongly reflect light within the uneven pattern element (5) move in the first direction (S1 direction). This is due to the optical properties originally possessed by the luminous element (9) that formed the basis of the uneven structure (6) within the uneven pattern element (5). As the bright spots and lines (13) move within the uneven pattern element (5), the sampling position within the uneven pattern element (5) changes, and as a whole, the position of the reconstructed moving pattern (3) from the entire group of uneven pattern elements (4) changes and is perceived. Because the bright spots and lines (13) that emit strong light within the uneven pattern element (5) move continuously and smoothly within the uneven pattern element (5) in response to the change in the angle of incident light, the movement of the moving pattern (3) that appears when sampled from the entire group of uneven pattern elements (4) also appears extremely smooth. The above is the principle by which the moving pattern (3) is reconstructed and the principle by which the moving effect is produced in the present invention.

[0073] Compared to the motion effect of conventional techniques utilizing the moiré expansion phenomenon (for example, the third embodiment described in Patent Document 2), the motion effect of the luminous motion pattern (1) of the present invention obtained in the second embodiment is approximately four times greater in terms of the magnitude of the movement (distance of movement). This is because, in the example of the conventional technique, the line width (W1) of the uneven pattern element and its first pitch (P1) were almost the same, whereas in the first embodiment, the line width (W1) of the uneven pattern element (5) was set to four times the size of the first pitch (P1). If this is set to seven times, the motion effect will be seven times greater, and if it is set to ten times, the motion effect will be ten times greater.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the animation effect was enhanced simply by setting a larger line width (W1). However, if the line width (W1) is kept the same and the first pitch (P1) is made smaller, the density of the relief pattern elements (5) in the relief pattern element group (4) can be increased, thereby improving the visibility and resolution of the animation pattern (3). Similarly, by relatively increasing the line width (W1) and relatively decreasing the first pitch (P1), the animation effect and visibility of the animation pattern (3) can be improved simultaneously.

[0075] Next, as a third embodiment, a group of pixel (dot)-shaped relief pattern elements (4) utilizing integral photography will be described.

[0076] (Third embodiment) Figure 18 shows the luminous moving pattern (1) in the present invention. In the third embodiment, the luminous moving pattern (1) formed on the substrate (2) is a group of uneven pattern elements (4) formed by pixel-like uneven pattern elements (5). In the third embodiment, a moving effect is produced in which the circular moving pattern (3) moves smoothly up, down, left, and right.

[0077] Figure 19 shows the group of textured elements (4). This group of textured elements (4) is a special pattern composed of fine textured structures (6) that reflect light, and when light is incident on it, it reproduces a moving image pattern (3) and produces a moving image effect. The moving image pattern (3) is a representation that makes the contours glow, as in the embodiment described above.

[0078] Figure 20 shows an overview of the components of the uneven pattern element group (4). The uneven pattern element group (4) is composed of a compressed element group (7) which consists of multiple compressed elements (8) in which the base image (10) that forms the basis of the moving pattern (3) is compressed, and a pair of glossy elements (9) which are paired with it.

[0079] The structure of the compression element group (7) and its manufacturing method will be explained using Figure 21. The compression element group (7) is made up of compression elements (8) arranged in a regular pattern. That is, the compression element group (7) is made up of compression elements (8) of a specific width (W1) and a specific height (H1) arranged continuously in a first direction (S1 direction) and a second direction (S2 direction) at a specific first pitch (P1). In the third embodiment, the arrangement pitch of the compression elements (8) in the first direction (S1 direction) and the second direction (S2 direction) is set to the same value, but it is not limited to this.

[0080] Each compression element (8) is created by fitting a frame (11) with width (W0) and height (H0) to the base image (10), and compressing the base image (10) that fits within the frame (11) by width (W1) in the first direction (S1 direction) and height (H1) in the second direction (S2 direction). The difference from the first and second embodiments is that, because compression is performed not only in the first direction (S1 direction) but also in the second direction (S2 direction), the entire base image (10) is reduced in size. In the third embodiment, the base image (10) is a circle. The frame (11) is placed to the upper right of the base image (10), and the first compression element (8-1-1) is created by starting from a position where the base image (10) is even slightly (less than the size of the first pitch (P1)) inside the frame (11), and compressing the base image (10) contained within the frame (11) by a specific ratio. Next, the frame (11) is moved from its starting position by a first pitch (P1) in the first direction (S1 direction), and the base image (10) contained within the frame (11) is similarly compressed by a specific ratio to create a second compression element (8-2-1).

[0081] This process is repeated until frame (11) is no longer contained within the base image (10). When frame (11) moves to a position where it is no longer contained within the frame (11), frame (11) is returned to its starting position. From the starting position, it is moved by the first pitch (P1) in the second direction (S2 direction) and similarly the base image (10) contained within frame (11) is compressed by a specific ratio to create a compressed element (8-1-2). Next, it is moved by the first pitch (P1) in the first direction (S1 direction) and similarly the base image (10) contained within frame (11) is compressed by a specific ratio to create a compressed element (8-2-2). This procedure is repeated to create the final nth compressed element (8-nn). Once compressed elements (8) have been created until frame (11) is no longer contained within the frame (11), the creation of all compressed elements (8) is complete.

[0082] Each fabricated compression element (8) is positioned such that, starting from the position of the first compression element (8-1-1), the second compression element (8-2-1) is placed in the first direction (S1 direction) at a position corresponding to the width of the first pitch (P1). Similarly, the compression element (8-1-2) is placed in the second direction (S2 direction) from the starting point at the position corresponding to the first pitch (P1). This process is repeated until the nth compression element (8-nn) is sequentially placed, completing the compression element group (7). This is the basic configuration and fabrication method of the compression element group (7) of the present invention.

[0083] In this third embodiment, the first compression ratio is defined as the value obtained by dividing the width of the compression element (W1) by the width of the frame (W0) and raising it to 100, and the second compression ratio is defined as the value obtained by dividing the height of the compression element (H1) by the height of the frame (H0) and raising it to 100. The width of the compression element (W1) and the height of the compression element (H1), the width of the frame (W0) and the height of the frame (H0), and the first and second compression ratios do not necessarily have to be the same, but it is desirable that these values ​​be the same or close to each other, as this will result in the base image (10) being reproduced as a video pattern (3) having a more accurate shape.

[0084] Next, the enlarged view of the lower left of Figure 21 shows the state of overlap between the compression elements (8). The compression element group (7) of the present invention is configured such that the first pitch (P1) in the first direction (S1 direction) is smaller than the width (W1) in the first direction (S1 direction) of the compression element (8), and the first pitch (P1) in the second direction (S2 direction) is smaller than the height (H1) in the second direction (S2 direction) of the compression element (8). At the edges of the compression element group (7), there are regions where the width (W1) and height (H1) of the imaged compression element (8) appear smaller than the first pitch (P1). However, this is merely an apparent appearance because only the visible portion is shown. In reality, the blank areas within the frame (11) are also compressed, so it can be said that all adjacent compression elements (8) overlap, including the blank areas that are not visible.

[0085] In conventional compression techniques, the set of compression elements (7) prohibits adjacent compression elements (8) from overlapping. Under this condition, the width (W1) and height (H1) of a compression element (8) must always be smaller than the first pitch (P1). Therefore, if the width (W1) and height (H1) of the compression element (8) cannot be increased, the width (W0) and height (H0) of the frame (11) cannot be set to a large value, limiting the ability to reduce the compression ratio and enhance the video effect. On the other hand, if the width (W1) and height (H1) of the compression element (8) are increased, it becomes possible to set the width (W0) and height (H0) of the frame (11) to a large value, but this necessitates increasing the first pitch (P1) of the compression element (8) as well. As a result, the density of compression elements (8) decreases, leading to a significant decrease in the visibility and resolution of the resulting video pattern (3). Therefore, it was difficult to achieve both the video effect and visibility of the video pattern (3).

[0086] In the compression element group (7) of the present invention, by overlapping adjacent compression elements (8), it is possible to set the width (W0) and height (H0) of the frame (11) to be larger, thereby enhancing the video effect, and by making the first pitch (P1) denser, it is possible to achieve both the video effect and visibility of the video pattern (3). The above is a description of the compression element group (7) of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 22 shows an example of a luminous element (9). In the third embodiment, the luminous element (9) consists of a collection of concentric circular relief structures (6). It is a circular pixel formed by adding a relief structure (6) to concentric circles, which are a collection of circles with the same center but radii differing by a third pitch (P3), and has a width (W2) and a height (H2). In the third embodiment, the width (W2) and height (H2) are the same, so it is a concentric circular dot of diameter (W2). One luminous element (9) corresponds to one compression element (8) in pairs. By combining the relief structure (6) of the luminous element (9) with each compression element (8), a relief pattern element (5) is formed.

[0088] The method of creating a textured pattern element (5) by combining the textured structure (6) of the glossy element (9) with each compression element (8) will be explained in detail using Figure 23. To simplify the explanation, only four compression elements (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) from the compression element group (7) will be extracted and explained. Each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) is arranged continuously in a first direction (S1 direction) and a second direction (S2 direction) at a constant first pitch (P1), and its diameter (W1) is larger than the first pitch (P1), so each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) overlaps with each other. Similarly, for the luminous elements (9), the four corresponding luminous elements (9i, 9i+1, 9i+2, 9i+3) have a diameter (W2), and adjacent luminous elements (9) are positioned offset by a constant first pitch (P1). By superimposing the corresponding luminous elements (9i, 9i+1, 9i+2, 9i+3) onto each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) and transferring the curved uneven structure (6) of the luminous elements (9) onto the contour of the compression element (8), corresponding uneven pattern elements (5i, 5i+1, 5i+2, 5i+3) are created.

[0089] By performing this process on all the compression elements (8) of the compression element group (7), the uneven pattern element group (4) is completed. The completed uneven pattern element group (4), like the compression element group (7), has an uneven pattern element (5) with a diameter (W1) larger than the first pitch (P1) arranged continuously in the first direction (S1 direction) and the second direction (S2 direction). The above describes the structure and manufacturing method of the uneven pattern element group (4).

[0090] In the third embodiment, a concentric circular uneven structure (6) was described as the basic configuration of the luminous element (9), but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 24(a), an uneven structure (6) in which straight lines are arranged in a convergent line pattern inside the dots instead of concentric circles may be used as the luminous element (9), or an uneven structure (6) in which curves are arranged in a convergent line pattern may be constructed as the luminous element (9), as shown in Figure 24(b), or an uneven structure (6) in which concentric circles are made to look like concentric circles by a collection of straight lines with slightly different angles may be constructed as the luminous element (9). These are just examples of how the luminous element (9) can be constructed by combining curves and straight lines with different angles, and the luminous element (9) may be constructed by varying at least one of the density and angle.

[0091] The required characteristics for the pixel (dot)-shaped luminous element (9) of the third embodiment are, as explained for the line-shaped luminous element (9) of the first embodiment, that the luminous element (9) has optical properties such that it generates bright spots or lines (13) that reflect light particularly strongly in response to light incident from the light source (12), and that the position of the bright spots or lines (13) changes continuously in response to changes in position as the angle of the incident light changes.

[0092] All of the luminous elements (9) shown in Figure 24 satisfy this optical property, and as long as this optical property is satisfied, there is no problem in using the luminous elements (9) in a relief pattern with a configuration other than that shown in Figure 24. On the other hand, a structure in which the entire luminous element (9) reflects light when light is incident from any direction does not satisfy the requirements of the present invention. When the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention is formed using the luminous elements (9) shown in Figure 24, two bright spots are generated in the luminous element (9) for light incident from one light source (12), so the reproduced moving pattern (3) will always appear in pairs, as shown in Figure 18. If you do not want the moving pattern (3) to appear in pairs and want only one moving pattern (3) to appear, you need to use a luminous element (9) with a configuration such that only one bright spot is generated in the luminous element (9) for light incident from one light source (12).

[0093] Specifically, it is necessary to use a luminous element (9) with a Fresnel-type or blazed-type cross-sectional structure (6) as shown in Figures 25(a) and 25(b), or a luminous element (9) with a configuration in which the change in the arrangement angle of the uneven structure (6) in the pixel is limited to 180 degrees or less, as shown in Figures 25(c) and 25(d). Note that the luminous element (9) in Figure 25(d) has a configuration in which the density of the uneven structure (6) is also changed in steps, in addition to the change in the arrangement angle of 180 degrees or less. This configuration is desirable for narrowing the bright spots and reproducing the moving image (3) sharply.

[0094] Figure 26 shows the effect of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention. As shown in Figure 26(a), when light is incident from a light source (12) in a specific direction, a moving pattern (3) appears in the luminous moving pattern (1). As shown in Figure 26(b), when the position of the light source (12) moves, the position of the moving pattern (3) changes simultaneously not only in the first direction (direction S1) but also in the second direction (direction S2). As shown in Figure 26(c), when the position of the light source (12) moves further, the position of the moving pattern (3) also changes further. If the movement of the light source (12) is continuous, the position of the moving pattern (3) also changes continuously. The above is a description of the effect of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention. Although the relief pattern elements (5) have changed from line-like to pixel-like, the principle by which the effect occurs is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore the explanation is omitted.

[0095] As a comparative example, Figure 27 illustrates the case where the group of uneven pattern elements (4) in the third embodiment of the present invention is formed with the same compression ratio using conventional technology (for example, the technology described in the second embodiment of Patent Document 2). Compared with the uneven pattern element (5) in the group of uneven pattern elements (4) in the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 27(a), the density of the uneven pattern element (5) in the group of uneven pattern elements (4) of the conventional technology shown in Figure 27(b) is sparser. The motion effect in this case is shown in Figure 28. In the comparative example shown in Figure 28, although the motion effect (magnitude of motion) is the same, visibility is reduced due to the lower density of the uneven pattern elements (5). This concludes the explanation of the third embodiment.

[0096] Next, as a fourth embodiment, a group of pixel (dot)-shaped uneven pattern elements (4) that utilize the moiré expansion phenomenon will be described.

[0097] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 29 shows the luminous moving pattern (1) in the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, the luminous moving pattern (1) is formed on a substrate (2) by a group of uneven pattern elements (4) formed by pixel-like uneven pattern elements (5). The moving pattern (3) in the fourth embodiment is circular, similar to that in the third embodiment.

[0098] Figure 30 shows the group of textured elements (4). This group of textured elements (4) is a special pattern composed of fine textured structures (6) that reflect light, and when light is incident on it, it reproduces a moving image pattern (3) and produces a moving image effect. The moving image pattern (3) is a representation that makes the contours glow, as in the embodiment described above.

[0099] Figure 31 shows an overview of the components of the uneven pattern element group (4). The uneven pattern element group (4) is composed of a compression element group (7) which consists of multiple compression elements (8) in which the base image (10) is compressed, and a luminous element (9) which is paired with the compression element (8). In the fourth embodiment, the moving image (3) uses an expression that makes the contours glow, in which case the pattern of the luminous element (9) is projected onto the contours of the compression element (8). In this case, when light is incident on the luminous moving image (1), the moving image (3) is reproduced with its contours glowing.

[0100] The structure of the compression element group (7) and its manufacturing method will be explained using Figure 32. The compression element group (7) is made up of compression elements (8) arranged in a regular manner. That is, the compression element group (7) is made up of compression elements (8) of a specific width (W1) and a specific height (H1) arranged continuously in a specific first direction (S1 direction) and a specific second direction (S2 direction) at a specific first pitch (P1). In the fourth embodiment, the width (W1) and height (H1) of the compression element group (7) are set to the same value, and the pitch in the first direction (S1 direction) and the second direction (S2 direction) is set to the same first pitch (P1), but it is not limited to this. In the fourth embodiment, the compression element group (7) is an example in which pixels of diameter (W1) are arranged in the first direction (S1 direction) and the second direction (S2 direction) at the same first pitch (P1).

[0101] Unlike the third embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the compression element (8) is simply an image obtained by compressing the entire base image (10), so all compression elements (8) are the same image. In the fourth embodiment, the compression ratio in the width direction is defined as the value obtained by dividing the width (W1) of the compression element (8) by the width (W0) of the original base image (10) and raising it to 100, and the compression ratio in the height direction is defined as the value obtained by dividing the height (H1) of the compression element (8) by the height (H0) of the original base image (10) and raising it to 100.

[0102] In the fourth embodiment, since the width (W0) and height (H0) of the base image (10) are the same, the compression ratio in the width direction and the compression ratio in the height direction are the same value. The compression ratio in the width direction and the compression ratio in the height direction do not necessarily have to be the same value, but by making the compression ratio in the width direction and the compression ratio in the height direction the same, the resulting video pattern (3) can be made to have the same shape as the base image (10).

[0103] In the fourth embodiment, since all compression elements (8) have the same shape, basically all compression elements (8) overlap with adjacent compression elements (8). As can be seen from the enlarged view of the lower left in Figure 32, the compression element group (7) of the present invention is configured such that the first pitch (P1) in the first direction (S1 direction) and the second direction (S2 direction) is smaller than the width (W1) and height (H1) of the compression element (8) in the first direction (S1 direction), so that all compression elements (8) overlap with adjacent compression elements (8). This concludes the explanation of the compression element group (7) of the present invention.

[0104] Next, we will specifically explain, using Figure 33, how to create a textured pattern element (5) by combining the textured structure (6) of the luminous elements (9) with each compression element (8). To simplify the explanation, we will only describe four compression elements (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) from the compression element group (7). Each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) is arranged in a continuous pattern at a constant first pitch (P1), and its diameter (W1) is larger than the arrangement pitch (P1, P2), so each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) overlaps with each other. Similarly, the four luminous elements (9i, 9i+1, 9i+2, 9i+3) have a diameter (W2), and adjacent luminous elements (9) are offset by a constant second pitch (P2). What is important here is that, unlike the third embodiment, in the fourth embodiment, the first pitch (P1) of the compression element (8) of the compression element group (7) and the second pitch (P2) of the luminescence element (9) must not be the same value, but must be slightly different.

[0105] By superimposing the luminous elements (9i, 9i+1, 9i+2, 9i+3) onto each compression element (8i, 8i+1, 8i+2, 8i+3) and transferring the curved uneven structure (6) of the luminous element (9) onto the contour of the compression element (8), corresponding uneven pattern elements (5i, 5i+1, 5i+2, 5i+3) are created. However, because there is a slight difference between the first pitch (P1) of the compression element (8) in the compression element group (7) and the second pitch (P2) of the luminous element (9), the uneven structure (6) derived from the luminous element (9) in the compression element group (7) is slightly shifted between adjacent uneven pattern elements (5), resulting in different patterns.

[0106] By performing this process on all the compression elements (8) of the compression element group (7), the uneven pattern element group (4) is completed. The completed uneven pattern element group (4), like the compression element group (7), has an uneven pattern element (5) with a diameter (W1) larger than the first pitch (P1) arranged continuously in the first direction (S1 direction) and the second direction (S2 direction). However, the luminescence elements (9) reflected in the uneven pattern element (5) are composed of a different second pitch (P2).

[0107] In the fourth embodiment, the relationship between the arrangement pitch of the luminous element (9) and the uneven pattern element (5) is the same as in the second embodiment and is therefore omitted.

[0108] Figure 34 shows the effect of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention. As shown in Figure 34(a), when light is incident from a light source (12) in a specific direction, multiple moving patterns (3) appear in the luminous moving pattern (1) in pairs. As shown in Figure 34(b), when the position of the light source (12) moves, the position of the moving patterns (3) changes. At this time, the paired moving patterns (3) move in opposite directions. As shown in Figure 34(c), when the position of the light source (12) moves further, the position of the moving patterns (3) also changes further. If the movement of the light source (12) is continuous, the position of the moving patterns (3) also changes continuously. The above is a description of the effect of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention. Although the relief pattern elements (5) have changed from line-like to pixel-like, the principle by which the effect occurs is the same as in the second embodiment, and the explanation is omitted. The above is a description of the fourth embodiment.

[0109] Figure 35 shows an example of the layer structure when the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention is made into a hologram. In this specification, only the group of uneven pattern elements (4) of the luminous moving pattern (1) of the invention has been specifically described, but these mainly correspond to the hologram-forming layer (14) with the minimum configuration, and it is within the scope of common application of the present invention to add a vapor deposition layer (15) or a transparent reflective layer (16) to this configuration to increase brightness, to add a protective layer (17) to increase durability, or to add an adhesive anchor layer (18) or an adhesive layer (19) to make it possible to attach it to a substrate.

[0110] Furthermore, elements that produce different optical effects, such as printed patterns using pearl ink or matte ink, or holograms different from those in the embodiments described above, may be formed near the group of uneven pattern elements (4) described in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0111] (Examples) As an example, an example of forming a luminous moving pattern (1) by engraving reliefs on a metal plate with a laser will be explained using Figures 1 to 11. The substrate (2) is a metal plate with nickel-phosphorus plating on its surface, and this is an example of creating the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention by directly drawing the relief pattern element group (4) shown in Figure 2 onto the substrate (2) with a laser. The base image (10) was a cherry blossom petal with a width (W0) of 8 mm and a height (H) of 8 mm. A frame (11) with a width (W0) of 12 mm and a height (H) of 8 mm was fitted to this, and each compression element (8) with a width (W1) of 2 mm and a height (H) of 8 mm was created, and a compression element group (7) was created by continuously and regularly arranging the first pitch (P1) of 0.5 mm in the first direction (S1 direction). The compression ratio is approximately 16%. Furthermore, the luminous element (9) shown in Figure 6 is formed by creating a curved, uneven structure (6) with a θ1 = 40-degree arc and a width (W1) of 0.5 mm, and arranging these curves continuously with a third pitch (P3) of 0.1 mm to form the luminous element (9). These are then combined with the compression element group (7) with the same first pitch (P1) of 0.5 mm to form the uneven pattern element group (4).

[0112] The fabricated set of raised and recessed pattern elements (4) were irradiated five times onto a metal plate using a YVO4 laser marker (manufactured by Keyence Corporation) with a laser power of 40%, a scan speed of 600 mm, and a Q-switch frequency of 60 kHz to create the luminous moving pattern (1) of the present invention. When light was incident on the completed luminous moving pattern (1) from a light source (12), as shown in Figure 11(b), a pattern of cherry blossom petals appeared in the luminous moving pattern (1) depending on the intensity of the light. When the angle of the luminous moving pattern (1) relative to the light source (12) was changed, it was confirmed that a so-called moving effect occurred, as shown in Figures 11(c) and 11(d), where the position of the moving pattern (3) in the luminous moving pattern (1) changed. Furthermore, by drawing this luminous moving pattern (1) on a stainless steel plate and using it as a master plate for embossing in a press machine, it was possible to transfer the luminous moving pattern (1) to the surface of a glossy plastic card. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1. Luminous moving patterns 2 Base material 3. Video Pattern 4. Group of textured elements 5. Textured pattern elements 6 Uneven structure 7 Compression Element Group 8 Compression Elements 9 Photoluminescent elements 10 images 11 frames 12 light source 13 Reflected light 14. Hologram-forming layer 15 Deposited layer 16 Transparent reflective layer 17 Protective layer 18 Adhesive anchor layer 19 Adhesive layer

Claims

1. A luminous motion picture pattern having a group of uneven pattern elements on at least a portion of the substrate, The aforementioned group of uneven pattern elements consists of an uneven pattern element comprising a compressed element formed by dividing and compressing a base image and a glossy element with an uneven structure having glossiness, wherein the arrangement direction and / or arrangement pitch are regular, and the width of the uneven pattern element is greater than the arrangement pitch in the arrangement direction, and multiple adjacent uneven pattern elements are arranged with parts of them overlapping. The aforementioned uneven pattern element is comprised of a plurality of the compression element and the glossy element arranged with the same regularity in the arrangement direction and arrangement pitch. The luminous element has an uneven structure in which the angle of the curve or straight line changes continuously, or the density changes continuously, and the shape of each uneven structure is different, and adjacent uneven structures have the shape that is most similar to each other. The aforementioned group of uneven pattern elements reflects light, causing the base image to appear as a moving pattern, and the position of the moving pattern changes and becomes visible when the angle is changed, resulting in a luminous moving pattern.

2. A luminous motion picture pattern having a group of uneven pattern elements on at least a portion of the substrate, The aforementioned group of uneven pattern elements consists of an uneven pattern element comprising a compressed element formed by compressing a base image and a glossy element with an uneven structure having glossiness, wherein the arrangement direction and / or arrangement pitch are regular, and the width of the uneven pattern element is greater than the arrangement pitch in the arrangement direction, and multiple adjacent uneven pattern elements are arranged with parts of them overlapping. The aforementioned uneven pattern element is comprised of multiple compression elements and glossy elements arranged such that the difference in their arrangement angles is between 3 and 10 degrees, or the arrangement pitch ratio is between 0.8 and 1.2, excluding 1.

0. The aforementioned uneven structure has a structure in which the angle of the curve or straight line changes continuously, or the density changes continuously, and the shapes of each uneven structure are different, and adjacent uneven structures have the shape that is most similar to each other. The aforementioned group of uneven pattern elements reflects light, causing the base image to appear as a moving pattern, and the position of the moving pattern changes and becomes visible when the angle is changed, resulting in a luminous moving pattern.

3. The glossy motion picture pattern according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the aforementioned uneven pattern elements consist of diffraction gratings or raised printed lines.

4. A method for creating data for a luminous video pattern to produce the luminous video pattern described in claim 1 or claim 2, A group of compressed elements is created by arranging multiple compressed elements, each having a regularity in its arrangement direction and arrangement pitch, and the width of the compressed elements being greater than the arrangement pitch, with parts of adjacent compressed elements overlapping. Multiple luminous elements are arranged such that the width of each luminous element is greater than the arrangement pitch, and parts of adjacent luminous elements overlap. A method for creating data for a glossy video pattern, characterized by superimposing multiple glossy elements and a group of compression elements, and extracting the overlapping portions of the multiple glossy elements and the group of compression elements to create a group of uneven pattern elements.

Images