Method for manufacturing printed article, authenticity determination method, and authenticity determination system

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to determine the authenticity of a product by utilizing printing on a product. This method for manufacturing a printed article comprises: transferring a first transfer layer, which is provided on a first thermal transfer sheet, onto a transfer-receiving object; and transferring a second transfer layer, which is provided on the first thermal transfer sheet or on a second thermal transfer sheet different from the first thermal transfer sheet, onto the transfer-receiving object. The first transfer layer includes a first identification tag, which has a spectral profile identifiable in association with prescribed information, and the second transfer layer includes a second identification tag, which has a spectral profile different from that of the first identification tag.

Description

Method for producing printed matter, authenticity determination method and authenticity determination system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for producing printed matter, an authenticity determination method and an authenticity determination system.

[0002] Conventionally, various thermal transfer recording methods are known. For example, there is known a hot-melt transfer method in which a thermal transfer sheet including a hot-melt ink layer containing hot-melt ink is overlapped with an image-receiving sheet, the thermal transfer sheet is heated by a thermal head included in a thermal transfer printer, and the hot-melt ink layer is transferred onto the image-receiving sheet to form an image. Images formed by the hot-melt transfer method have high density and excellent sharpness, and thus are used for printing product packages, printing barcodes, and the like.

[0003] With the popularization of e-commerce sites in recent years, counterfeit products have been increasing year by year, and product producers are troubled by the counterfeit product problem. In the distribution process from producers to consumers, there is a demand for a technology that can easily determine the authenticity of products. In particular, there is a demand for a technology that adds elements for authenticity determination in the printing step during product manufacturing.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 5855646, International Publication No. WO 2023 / 038138

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for producing printed matter, an authenticity determination method and an authenticity determination system that enable authenticity determination of a product by printing on the product.

[0006] [1] A method for producing a printed matter, comprising: transferring a first transfer layer provided on a first thermal transfer sheet onto a transfer-receiving object; and transferring a second transfer layer provided on the first thermal transfer sheet or a second thermal transfer sheet different from the first thermal transfer sheet onto the transfer-receiving object to produce the printed matter, wherein the first transfer layer includes a first identification tag having a spectrum profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, and the second transfer layer includes a second identification tag having a spectrum profile different from that of the first identification tag.

[0007] [2] The method for producing a printed matter according to [1], wherein the spectrum profile has a specific reflection pattern or a fluorescent X-ray spectrum.

[0008] [3] The method for manufacturing a printed object according to [2], wherein the reflection pattern has a specific reflection spectrum, reflection peak, or reflection amplitude.

[0009] [4] The method for manufacturing a printed product according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the identification tag comprises porous particles having pores with a diameter in the nanometer range or an optical effect pigment.

[0010] [5] A method for producing a printed image according to [4], wherein the porous particles have at least one type of pore selected from the group consisting of (a1) to (a3) ​​below: (a1) micropores with a diameter of 0.001 nm or more and less than 2 nm, (a2) mesopores with a diameter of 2 nm or more and 50 nm or less, and (a3) ​​macropores with a diameter of more than 50 nm and 1000 nm or less.

[0011] [6] The method for producing a printed image according to [4] or [5], wherein the average particle size of the porous particles is 10 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

[0012] [7] The method for manufacturing a printed image according to any one of [4] to [6], wherein the porous particles are plate-shaped or flake-shaped.

[0013] [8] The method for producing a printed image according to [7], wherein the thickness of the porous particles is 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

[0014] [9] The method for manufacturing a printed material according to any one of [4] to [8], wherein the porous particles are porous silica particles.

[0015]

[10] A method for manufacturing a printed image according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein at least one of the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer is a colored layer.

[0016]

[11] A method for manufacturing a printed material according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer are provided in order and repeatedly along the longitudinal direction of the first heat transfer sheet on the first heat transfer sheet.

[0017]

[12] A method for manufacturing a printed object, comprising: applying a first ink to the object to be recorded, which includes a first identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and applying a second ink to the object to be recorded, which includes a second identification tag having a spectral profile different from that of the first identification tag.

[0018]

[13] The method for manufacturing a printed object according to

[11] , wherein the object to be recorded is a label.

[0019]

[14] A method for determining authenticity of a printed object, comprising using an optical spectrometer to read a reflection pattern from a printed object manufactured by the printing method described in any of [1] to

[13] , comparing the read reflection pattern with predetermined information, and determining the authenticity of the printed object.

[0020]

[15] The authenticity determination method according to

[14] , wherein the authenticity of the print is determined using the ratio of the peak intensity corresponding to the first identification tag and the peak intensity corresponding to the second identification tag in the read reflection pattern.

[0021]

[16] The authenticity determination method according to

[15] , wherein a code reader is used to read code information from a code pattern including the first identification tag or the second identification tag on the printed material, and the ratio of the peak intensity and the code information are compared with predetermined information to determine authenticity.

[0022]

[17] A genuineness determination system comprising: an optical spectrometer reader that reads reflection patterns from each of the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer formed on a print manufactured by the method for manufacturing a print described in any of [1] to

[13] ; and a determination device that compares the combination of reflection patterns read by the optical spectrometer reader with predetermined information and determines the authenticity of the print.

[0023]

[18] The authenticity determination system according to

[17] , further comprising a code reader for reading code information from the code pattern when at least one of the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer is transferred with a code pattern, wherein the determination device compares a combination of the code information and the reflection pattern read by the optical spectrometer reader with predetermined information to determine the authenticity of the print.

[0024] According to this disclosure, printing on the product makes it possible to determine the authenticity of the product and take measures against counterfeit products.

[0025] This is a cross-sectional view of a thermal transfer sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a plan view of the thermal transfer sheet according to the same embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer layer transferred to the object to be transferred. This is a diagram showing an example of the reflection pattern of an identification tag. Figures 5A to 5C show examples of the reflection patterns of an identification tag. This is a diagram showing an example of a transfer pattern. This is a diagram showing an example of a transfer pattern. This is a schematic configuration diagram of a counterfeit detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is a flowchart illustrating a counterfeit detection method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings and other figures. It should be noted that this disclosure can be implemented in many different ways, and should not be interpreted as being limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, etc., of each part in order to clarify the explanation, but these are merely examples and should not limit the interpretation of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a thermal transfer sheet S according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a plan view of the thermal transfer sheet S. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the thermal transfer sheet S is in the shape of a long strip and comprises a base material 10, a first transfer layer T1 and a second transfer layer T2 which are sequentially and repeatedly provided on one side of the base material 10 along the longitudinal direction of the thermal transfer sheet S, and a back layer 14 provided on the other side of the base material 10.

[0028] The first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 have a similar layer structure and include a release layer 11, a coloring layer 12, and an adhesive layer 13 that are laminated in order from the substrate 10 side. An identification tag, described later, exists in any of the layers or multiple layers that make up the transfer layer. It is preferable that the identification tag is located in a part of the transfer layer close to the surface after transfer. The location of the identification tag close to the surface improves the accuracy of reading the identification tag. The first transfer layer T1 contains a first identification tag, and the second transfer layer T2 contains a second identification tag that is different from the first identification tag.

[0029] The first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2, which include a release layer 11, a coloring layer 12, and an adhesive layer 13, are layers that are transferred to the transfer target 20 by a thermal transfer process, as shown in Figure 3. For example, a thermal transfer sheet S and the transfer target 20 can be sandwiched between the thermal head and platen roller of a known thermal transfer printer, and the thermal transfer sheet S can be heated from the back layer 14 side by the thermal head, thereby transferring the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 to the transfer target 20 in a predetermined pattern. The transfer target 20 (printed object) to which the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 have been transferred can be used, for example, in product packaging.

[0030] The transfer target 20 may be a label (adhesive sheet). The label on which the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 have been transferred can be attached to product packaging or the item itself for use.

[0031] The first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 may be provided on different substrates 10 to form two heat transfer sheets.

[0032] The colored layer 12 of the first transfer layer T1 and / or the second transfer layer T2 may be omitted, and the heat transfer sheet may have a transfer layer consisting of a release layer 11 and an adhesive layer 13. In this case, the adhesive layer 13 may be colorless or may be a layer containing a coloring agent. Even in this case, the identification tag exists across any layer or multiple layers constituting the transfer layer. It is preferable that the identification tag is located in a part of the transfer layer close to the surface after transfer. The accuracy of reading the identification tag is improved when it is located in a part close to the surface.

[0033] A transparent layer containing an invisible light absorbing material may be provided instead of the colored layer 12 of the first transfer layer T1 and / or the second transfer layer T2. The invisible light absorbing material is an ultraviolet absorbing material, an infrared absorbing material, a wavelength conversion material that is excited by irradiation with invisible light such as ultraviolet or infrared rays and emits visible light, etc. The colored layer 12 of the first transfer layer T1 and / or the second transfer layer T2 may be omitted, and a thermal transfer sheet having a transfer layer consisting of a release layer 11 and an adhesive layer 13 may be provided, and the release layer 11 may contain an invisible light absorbing material.

[0034] <Identification Tag> The identification tag contained in the release layer 11 or the colored layer 12 has a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information. The predetermined information is, for example, manufacturer information or product information, enabling authentication, identification, and tracking of the product having the transfer target 20 onto which the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 have been transferred.

[0035] The identification tag is not particularly limited as long as it has a spectral profile that can be identified by linking it with predetermined information. For example, silica particles described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-531849 can be used, and XRF-identifiable markers described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-529676 can also be used by linking a specific spectral profile using the XRF-identifiable marker with predetermined information in advance. Optical effect pigments can also be used. Among these, it is preferable that the identification tag includes porous particles such as porous silica particles having pores with a diameter in the nanometer range.

[0036] Porous silica particles include silica particles having a nanoporous structure, in which countless pores with a diameter in the nanometer range, preferably micropores, mesopores, or macropores, are formed on the surface of high-purity silica particles.

[0037] Using an optical spectrometer, it is possible to read reflection patterns in the spectral profile that differ in at least one of the peak position, waveform shape, and amplitude, depending on structural parameters of porous particles such as pore size, pore distribution, particle size, and thickness. Such specific reflection patterns based on the structural parameters of porous particles can be used as spectral (optical) labels.

[0038] Specifically, by using an optical spectrometer reader such as a hyperspectral camera manufactured by TrueTag, a specific reflection pattern (reflection spectrum, reflection peak, reflection amplitude, etc.) based on the shape of the pores of porous particles can be obtained and read. In other words, porous particles can be read using an optical spectrometer reader. Note that the optical spectrometer reader may also be a device such as a smartphone or tablet that has software or applications installed on it and can be used to read the particles.

[0039] In this specification, "reflection pattern" refers to a characteristic pattern obtained by analyzing a spectral profile that includes at least one of the reflection spectrum, reflection peak, and reflection amplitude described above. The spectral profile, including the reflection spectrum, reflection peak, and reflection amplitude, is obtained by spectrally analyzing the reflected light from light irradiated onto an identification tag using an optical spectrometer.

[0040] The identification tags are not limited to porous silica particles; particles or microstructures having a spectral profile that can be identified based on their light reflection properties can also be used.

[0041] For example, the aforementioned XRF-identifiable marker has an X-ray fluorescence spectrum. In XRF, the emission of characteristic "secondary" (or fluorescence) X-rays from a material excited by primary X-ray or gamma radiation is detected. The term fluorescence refers to the absorption of radiation of a specific energy, resulting in re-emission of radiation of a different (typically lower) energy. The XRF phenomenon is based on the fact that when a material is exposed to short-wavelength X-rays or gamma rays, electrons are ejected from atoms in inner orbitals, whereby electrons in higher orbitals "fall" to lower / inner orbitals, and in this process, photons with an energy equal to the energy difference between the two involved orbitals are emitted.

[0042] Optically effect pigments usable as identification tags have a structure including a base material (core) made of a metallic material, glass material, inorganic material or organic material, and a coating layer formed on the surface of the base material. As the base material (core), metals such as aluminum, glass, silica, mica, oxides, resin particles and the like can be used. As the coating layer, inorganic materials, organic materials, or composite materials thereof can be used.

[0043] Examples of such optically effect pigments include pearl pigments, holographic pigments, metallic pigments, flat interference pigments, glitter pigments, opal pigments and the like, but are not limited to these names and classifications, and broadly encompass pigments that exhibit similar optical effects.

[0044] Examples of materials for the aforementioned porous particles include silica, silicon oxide films, silicon nitride films, polysilicon, tungsten, titanium, gallium arsenide, indium tin oxide, aluminum, and copper. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, silica, silicon oxide films, silicon nitride films, polysilicon, tungsten, titanium, gallium arsenide, and indium tin oxide are preferable, and silica is more preferable.

[0045] The first identification tag included in the first transfer layer T1 and the second identification tag included in the second transfer layer T2 differ in the (shape of) pore structure on the nanometer scale, and their reflection patterns read by an optical spectral reader are also different. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the first identification tag and the second identification tag have different peak wavelengths.

[0046] Authentication and identification of an article can be performed by irradiating light onto a printed matter having a transferred object 20 to which a first transfer layer T1 including a first identification tag and a second transfer layer T2 including a second identification tag have been transferred, and detecting a reflection pattern. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a reflection pattern having peak wavelengths respectively corresponding to the first identification tag and the second identification tag is detected. By associating the reflection pattern with manufacturer information, article information and the like in advance, the present invention can be applied to authentication and identification of products.

[0047] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by changing the transfer amount (printing area) of the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2, the ratio between the peak intensity corresponding to the first identification tag and the peak intensity corresponding to the second identification tag is changed to achieve different reflection patterns. For example, by increasing the transfer amount of the first transfer layer T1 and decreasing the transfer amount of the second transfer layer T2, as shown in FIG. 5B, a reflection pattern is obtained in which the peak intensity corresponding to the first identification tag is large and the peak intensity corresponding to the second identification tag is small.

[0048] On the other hand, by decreasing the transfer amount of the first transfer layer T1 and increasing the transfer amount of the second transfer layer T2, as shown in FIG. 5C, a reflection pattern is obtained in which the peak intensity corresponding to the first identification tag is small and the peak intensity corresponding to the second identification tag is large.

[0049] By associating not only the peak wavelength but also the peak intensity ratio with information as the reflection pattern, more advanced authenticity determination of products can be performed

[0050] The pores of the above-mentioned porous particles preferably have a diameter of 0.001 nm (10 －１２ m) or more and 100 nm (10 －７ m) or less, more preferably have a diameter of 0.001 nm (10 －１２ m) or more and 10 nm (10 －８ m) or less, and most preferably have a diameter of 0.001 nm (10 －１２ m) or more and 1 nm (10 －９ m) or less.

[0051] The porous particles include at least one selected from the group consisting of (a1) to (a3) ​​below: (a1) Porous particles having micropores with a pore diameter of 0.001 nm or more and less than 2 nm; (a2) Porous particles having mesopores with a pore diameter of 2 nm or more and 50 nm; (a3) ​​Porous particles having macropores with a pore diameter greater than 50 nm and 1000 nm or less.

[0052] The average particle size of the porous particles is preferably 10 μm to 150 μm, more preferably 10 μm to 100 μm, even more preferably 10 μm to 50 μm, and most preferably 10 μm to 35 μm. If the average particle size is 10 μm or more, the performance is fully realized, such as obtaining a specific reflection pattern. If the average particle size is 150 μm or less, the dispersibility of the silica particles is sufficient.

[0053] The average particle size of porous particles can be determined by measuring the diameters of 10 or more particles using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) (SU1510) manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies, and then calculating the average value. In the case of non-spherical particles, the average of the longest and shortest diameters can be used as the diameter of each particle. If particles are present on the outermost surface of the transfer layer, the average particle size can be measured from the transfer layer surface image using SEM. To extract individual particles, the transfer layer can be dissolved in a solvent to extract the particles, which can then be dried, and the average particle size can be measured using SEM. Unless otherwise specified, the average particle size of porous particles in this specification refers to the value measured by this method.

[0054] The shape of the porous particles is not particularly limited, but examples include plate-like and scale-like shapes. The thickness of porous particles of this shape is preferably 0.1 μm to 10 μm, more preferably 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm. If the thickness is 0.1 μm or more, the performance is fully realized, such as obtaining a specific reflection pattern. If the thickness is 10 μm or less, it becomes easier to retain the identification tag in the transfer layer, and the loss of the identification tag can be suppressed.

[0055] The thickness of porous particles can be determined by measuring the thickness (maximum length in the short-side direction) of five or more particles using a Keyence VHX-6000 microscope and taking the average value. Unless otherwise specified, the thickness of porous particles in this specification refers to the value measured by this method.

[0056] When measuring the thickness of porous particles, individual particles can be examined. To examine particles contained in a transfer layer, the transfer layer can be dissolved in a solvent to extract the particles, which can then be dried and their thickness measured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

[0057] <Substrate> The material constituting the substrate 10 of the thermal transfer sheet S can be used without particular limitations, as long as it has heat resistance that can withstand the heat of the thermal head, and mechanical strength and solvent resistance that can support the transfer layer. Examples include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, cellophane, etc.

[0058] The thickness of the substrate 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. If the thickness of the substrate 10 is 0.5 μm or more and 50 μm or less, both thermal energy transfer properties and mechanical strength can be satisfied.

[0059] <Release Layer> The release layer 11 is a layer provided on the substrate 10, which peels off from the substrate 10, is transferred, and after the transfer, is located on the outermost surface of the transfer layer.

[0060] The release layer 11 may contain thermoplastic resins such as poly(meth)acrylamide, polymethyl(meth)acrylate, polyethyl(meth)acrylate, and other (meth)acrylic resins; vinyl resins such as polyvinyl acetate and vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers; thermosetting resins such as unsaturated polyester, polyester, polyurethane, and cellulose resin; and ultraviolet absorbing resins.

[0061] The release layer 11 preferably contains various release agents to improve transferability, i.e., releaseability from the substrate 10. Examples of release agents include waxes, silicone waxes, phosphate esters, silicone resins, silicone-modified resins, fluororesins, fluoro-modified resins, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic resins, thermocrosslinkable epoxy-amino resins, and thermocrosslinkable alkyd-amino resins.

[0062] The following is an example of a method for forming the release layer 11. First, a thermoplastic resin and / or thermosetting resin, and optionally added ultraviolet absorbers and various additives, are dissolved or dispersed in a suitable organic solvent or water to prepare a coating solution (solvent or dispersion) for the release layer. If an identification tag is to be included in the release layer 11, the identification tag is added to the coating solution for the release layer. Next, the coating solution for the release layer can be applied to one side of the substrate 10 by a known coating method and dried to form the release layer. The thickness of the release layer 11 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, and more preferably 0.2 μm or more and 2.0 μm or less. This makes it possible to improve the transferability and the resolution of the image formed on the transfer target.

[0063] The thickness of each layer in the coating (release layer, coloring layer, adhesive layer, and backing layer) can be measured using the resin embedding method. Specifically, a cut thermal transfer sheet (test specimen) is embedded in epoxy resin, and then a cross-section is formed in the thickness direction of the specimen by the ultrathin sectioning method (cutting with a microtome and diamond cutter). This cross-section is then subjected to ion sputtering (Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, E-1045, target: Pt, current: 15 mA, 10 seconds), and a cross-sectional image of the specimen is obtained using a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, A-4800 TYPE I, acceleration voltage: 3.0 kV, emission current: 10 μA, working distance: 8 mm, detector: Mix), and the thickness is measured from this image.

[0064] <Coloring Layer> The coloring layer 12 is a melt-transfer type coloring layer that is transferred by the coloring layer itself. The coloring layer 12 contains inorganic pigments, organic pigments, etc. as coloring materials.

[0065] Examples of inorganic pigments include oxides, sulfides, selenides, ferrocyanides, chromates, silicates, and phosphates. More specifically, examples include carbon black, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, antimony red, cadmium yellow, cobalt blue, Prussian blue, and ultramarine.

[0066] Examples of organic pigments include azo pigments, lake pigments, phthalocyanine pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine pigments, perylene red pigments, and isoindolinone pigments.

[0067] Furthermore, the colored layer contains a resin material. Examples of resin materials include polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, vinyl resin, (meth)acrylic resin, cellulose resin, styrene resin, polycarbonate, and ionomer resin.

[0068] The above materials are dispersed or dissolved in water or a suitable solvent to prepare a coating solution for the colored layer. If an identification tag is to be included in the colored layer 12, the identification tag is added to the coating solution for the colored layer. The coating solution for the colored layer can be applied to the release layer 11 by a known coating method and dried to form the colored layer 12.

[0069] The first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 may contain the same coloring agent as the coloring layer 12, or they may contain different coloring agents.

[0070] The thickness of the colored layer 12 is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less, and more preferably 0.3 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less. By setting the thickness of the colored layer to 0.1 μm or more, the image density formed on the transfer target can be set to a certain level or higher, improving visibility. By setting the thickness of the colored layer to 10 μm or less, an image can be formed on the transfer target with high reproducibility of fine lines.

[0071] <Adhesive Layer> The adhesive layer 13 is located on the outermost surface of the heat transfer sheet S and improves adhesion to the object to be transferred. There are no particular limitations on the material used to form the adhesive layer 13, and conventionally known materials can be appropriately selected and used. For example, the adhesive layer 13 may include ultraviolet absorber copolymers, acrylic resins, vinyl resins, epoxy resins, polyesters, polycarbonates, butyral resins, polyamides, etc., as binder resins.

[0072] As a method for forming the adhesive layer 13, a coating solution for the adhesive layer is prepared by dispersing or dissolving the binder resin exemplified above and, if necessary, an ultraviolet absorber, antioxidant, fluorescent whitening agent, inorganic or organic filler component, surfactant, mold release agent, etc., in a suitable solvent. This solution is then applied and dried using methods such as gravure coating or gravure reverse coating so that it becomes the outermost layer of the thermal transfer sheet, i.e., the outermost layer of the transfer layer (for example, on the colored layer 12). There are no particular limitations on the thickness of the adhesive layer 13, but a thickness of approximately 0.1 μm to 10 μm is preferred. This makes it possible to improve the printability of the thermal transfer sheet on the transfer target, for example.

[0073] <Back Layer> The back layer 14 is provided on the side (back side) of the substrate 10 opposite to the side on which the transfer layer is provided, and prevents thermal fusion between the heating device such as a thermal head and the substrate, thereby ensuring smooth movement.

[0074] Examples of resins that form the back layer 14 include polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl acetal, polyester, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyether, polybutadiene, styrene-butadiene copolymer, acrylic polyol, polyurethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, polyether acrylate, epoxy acrylate, urethane or epoxy prepolymer, nitrocellulose resin, cellulose nitrate resin, cellulose acetolpropionate resin, cellulose acetate butyrate resin, cellulose acetate hydrodiene phthalate resin, cellulose acetate resin, polyamide, polyimide, polyamide-imide, polycarbonate, chlorinated polyolefin, and the like.

[0075] The thickness of the back layer 14 is preferably 0.3 μm or more and 5 μm or less, and more preferably 0.5 μm or more and 2 μm or less.

[0076] By transferring the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 to the object to be transferred 20, information can be added using the first identification tag and the second identification tag.

[0077] The amount of transfer from the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 can be controlled, for example, by the printing area of ​​a solid block as shown in Figure 6.

[0078] As shown in Figure 7, the printing area may be controlled by the number of characters to be printed and the size of the characters. In the example shown in Figure 7, the letter A is printed on the first transfer layer T1, and the letter C is printed on the second transfer layer T2, with the printing area controlled by the number of characters.

[0079] The transfer positions of the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 may be further combined. For example, as shown in Figure 8, a plurality of sections R are set in a grid pattern in a predetermined area on the object to be transferred, and the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 are transferred into at least one section R. In addition, the printing area of ​​the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2 is controlled for each section R.

[0080] Identification tag transfer information, which combines the transfer position of the first transfer layer T1 and the second transfer layer T2, the printing area, and the reflection patterns (peak wavelengths) of the first and second identification tags, is stored in a storage device in association with predetermined item information.

[0081] When identifying and authenticating items, an optical spectrometer is used to read the peak wavelength, distinguishing its position and intensity. The reading results are then input into a processing device such as a PC or smartphone. The processing device compares the reading results with the identification tag transfer information stored in its memory. If the comparison results match, the item is determined to be genuine.

[0082] The first transfer layer T1 and / or the second transfer layer T2 may be transferred to the object to be transferred 20 in a predetermined code pattern such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, and code information may be added along with information added by an identification tag. The code information can be read by a code reader. The reflection pattern read by an optical spectrometer reader and the code information read by a code reader may be input to a processing device and compared with pre-registered information to perform authentication, identification, and authenticity determination of the item.

[0083] The size of the code pattern may be adjusted to control the printing area of ​​the first transfer layer T1 and / or the second transfer layer T2.

[0084] The ratio A1 / B1 of the thickness A1 of the first transfer layer T1 to the thickness B1 of the first identification tag is preferably 0.23 to 2.33. Similarly, the ratio A2 / B2 of the thickness A2 of the second transfer layer T2 to the thickness B2 of the second identification tag is preferably 0.23 to 2.33. If the transfer layer containing the identification tag is too thick, the identification tag will be embedded inside, making it difficult to detect the reflection pattern. On the other hand, if the transfer layer is too thin, it will not be able to hold the identification tag, and the identification tag will fall off the transfer layer.

[0085] The amount of the first identification tag added to the first transfer layer T1 is preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less. Similarly, the amount of the second identification tag added to the second transfer layer T2 is preferably 0.05% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less. If the content of the identification tag in the transfer layer is too high, the visibility of the printed material will decrease. If the visibility of the printed material is low, transferring the transfer layer with a code pattern will lead to poor reading of the code information. On the other hand, if the content of the identification tag is too low, the reflection pattern will be difficult to detect.

[0086] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which two types of transfer layers containing different identification tags are transferred, but three or more types of transfer layers may also be transferred.

[0087] Figure 9 shows a schematic configuration of an authenticity determination system for determining the authenticity of a printed object P manufactured by transferring transfer layers (first transfer layer T1 and second transfer layer T2) onto a transfer target 20. The authenticity determination system comprises a determination device 30, a code reader 32, an optical spectrometer reader 34, and a server 40. The determination device 30 and the server 40 are, for example, computers having a CPU and memory. The determination device 30 and the server 40 may be configured as the same computer.

[0088] For example, the printed object P has a code pattern 50 to which the first transfer layer T1 has been transferred, and a region 52 to which the second transfer layer T2 has been solidly transferred.

[0089] During the manufacturing of the printed object P, the information of the reflection pattern of the first identification tag contained in the first transfer layer T1, the code information indicated by the code pattern 50, and the information of the reflection pattern of the second identification tag contained in the second transfer layer T2 are combined and registered in the server 40. The server 40 transmits the registered information to the determination device 30.

[0090] The method for determining the authenticity of a print P using this authenticity determination system will be explained according to the flowchart shown in Figure 10.

[0091] The optical spectrometer 34 reads the reflection patterns from the code pattern 50 and the region 52 of the printed object P and transmits them to the determination device 30 (Step 1). The code reader 32 reads the code information from the code pattern 50 of the printed object P and transmits it to the determination device 30 (Step 2).

[0092] The determination device 30 compares the reflection pattern received from the optical spectrometer reader 20 and the code information received from the code reader 20 with the reflection pattern and code information received from the server 40, and notifies the comparison result (Steps 3 and 4). If the comparison results match, the printed object P is determined to be "true," and if the comparison results do not match, the printed object P is determined to be "false."

[0093] Although the above embodiment described a thermal transfer method, any printing method that applies ink containing an identification tag to the object to be recorded is acceptable, and it can also be applied to inkjet methods and electrophotographic methods.

[0094] Although this disclosure has been described in detail using specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without deviating from the intent and scope of this disclosure.

[0095] 10 Base material 11 Peeling layer 12 Colored layer 13 Adhesive layer 14 Back layer 20 Transferred object

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a printed object, comprising transferring a first transfer layer provided on a first thermal transfer sheet to a transfer target, and transferring a second transfer layer provided on the first thermal transfer sheet or a second thermal transfer sheet different from the first thermal transfer sheet to the transfer target, wherein the first transfer layer includes a first identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, and the second transfer layer includes a second identification tag having a spectral profile different from that of the first identification tag.

2. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, wherein the spectral profile has a specific reflection pattern or fluorescent X-ray spectrum.

3. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 2, wherein the reflection pattern has a specific reflection spectrum, reflection peak, or reflection amplitude.

4. The method for manufacturing a printed image according to claim 3, wherein the identification tag comprises porous particles having pores with a diameter in the nanometer range or an optical effect pigment.

5. A method for producing a printed image according to claim 4, wherein the porous particles have at least one type of pore selected from the group consisting of (a1) to (a3): (a1) micropores with a diameter of 0.001 nm or more and less than 2 nm, (a2) mesopores with a diameter of 2 nm or more and 50 nm or less, and (a3) ​​macropores with a diameter of more than 50 nm and 1000 nm or less.

6. The method for producing a printed image according to claim 4, wherein the average particle size of the porous particles is 10 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

7. The method for manufacturing a printed image according to claim 4, wherein the porous particles are plate-shaped or scale-shaped.

8. The method for manufacturing a printed image according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the porous particles is 0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

9. The method for producing a printed image according to claim 4, wherein the porous particles are porous silica particles.

10. The method for manufacturing a printed image according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer includes a coloring layer.

11. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, wherein the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer are repeatedly provided on the first heat transfer sheet in order along the longitudinal direction of the first heat transfer sheet.

12. A method for manufacturing a printed object, comprising: applying a first ink to the object to be recorded, which includes a first identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and applying a second ink to the object to be recorded, which includes a second identification tag having a spectral profile different from that of the first identification tag.

13. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 11, wherein the object to be recorded is a label.

14. A method for determining authenticity of a printed object, comprising using an optical spectrometer to read a reflection pattern from a printed object manufactured by the method for manufacturing a printed object according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comparing the read reflection pattern with predetermined information, and determining the authenticity of the printed object.

15. The authenticity determination method according to claim 14, wherein the authenticity of the printed object is determined using the ratio of the peak intensity corresponding to the first identification tag and the peak intensity corresponding to the second identification tag in the read reflection pattern.

16. A method for determining authenticity according to claim 15, comprising using a code reader to read code information from a code pattern including the first identification tag or the second identification tag on the printed material, and comparing the ratio of peak intensity and the code information with predetermined information to determine authenticity.

17. A genuineness determination system comprising: an optical spectrometer reader that reads reflection patterns from each of the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer formed on a printed object manufactured by the method for manufacturing a printed object described in claim 1; and a determination device that compares the combination of reflection patterns read by the optical spectrometer reader with predetermined information and determines the authenticity of the printed object.

18. The authenticity determination system according to claim 17, further comprising a code reader for reading code information from the code pattern when at least one of the first transfer layer and the second transfer layer is transferred with a code pattern, wherein the determination device compares a combination of the code information and the reflection pattern read by the optical spectrometer reader with predetermined information to determine the authenticity of the print.

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