Method for producing printed object, printed object, laminate, film, authenticity determination method, and authenticity determination system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2026/014845
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-04-16
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-22
Smart Images
Figure JP2026014845_22102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Method for producing printed matter, printed matter, laminate, film, authenticity determination method, and authenticity determination system
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for producing printed matter, a printed matter, a laminate, a film, an authenticity determination method, and an authenticity determination system.
[0002] With the recent spread of e-commerce sites, counterfeit products are increasing year by year, and product producers are troubled by the counterfeit product problem. In the distribution process from producers to consumers, a technology for easily determining the authenticity of products is demanded. In particular, a technology for providing elements for authenticity determination in the printing / printing process during product manufacturing is demanded.
[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5855646, International Publication No. 2023 / 038138
[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for producing a printed matter that enables authenticity determination of a product, the printed matter, a laminate and a film used for producing the printed matter, an authenticity determination method for the printed matter, and an authenticity determination system.
[0005] [1] A method for producing a printed matter, comprising: preparing a laminate including a base material, an identification tag-containing layer provided on the base material and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile identifiable in association with predetermined information, and a hiding layer provided on the identification tag-containing layer; and removing or decoloring the hiding layer in a predetermined pattern.
[0006] [2] The method for producing a printed matter according to [1], wherein the spectral profile has a specific reflection pattern or a fluorescent X-ray spectrum.
[0007] [3] The method for producing a printed matter according to [2], wherein the reflection pattern has a specific reflection spectrum, reflection peak, or reflection amplitude.
[0008] [4] The method for producing a printed matter according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the identification tag comprises porous particles having pores with diameters on the nanometer scale or optical effect pigments.
[0009] [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.
[0010] [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.
[0011] [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.
[0012] [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.
[0013] [9] The method for manufacturing a printed material according to any one of [4] to [8], wherein the porous particles are porous silica particles.
[0014]
[10] A method for manufacturing a printed object according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the opacity layer is removed or decolorized in the predetermined pattern by irradiating it with a laser.
[0015]
[11] A method for manufacturing a printed object according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the opacity layer is decolorized to the predetermined pattern by heating with a thermal head.
[0016]
[12] A method for manufacturing a printed object according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein liquid ink containing an erasing agent is applied to erase the color of an area of the opaque layer corresponding to the predetermined pattern.
[0017]
[13] A print comprising: an identification tag containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and a concealing layer provided on the identification tag containing layer, wherein the concealing layer has a removal area or a decolorization area corresponding to a predetermined pattern.
[0018]
[14] The print according to
[13] , wherein the spectral profile has a specific reflection pattern or fluorescent X-ray spectrum.
[0019]
[15] The printed material according to
[13] or
[14] , wherein the identification tag containing layer is provided on a substrate.
[0020]
[16] The print according to any one of
[13] to
[15] , wherein the identification tag containing layer comprises: a first identification tag containing a first identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and a second identification tag containing a second identification tag having a spectral profile different from that of the first identification tag.
[0021]
[17] The printed material according to
[15] , wherein an adhesive layer and a release paper are laminated in order on the surface of the substrate opposite to the identification tag-containing layer.
[0022]
[18] The print described in any of
[13] to
[17] , wherein the predetermined pattern is a code pattern.
[0023]
[19] A printed material comprising: a substrate; and an identification tag containing layer provided on the substrate and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, wherein the identification tag containing layer has a decolorized region corresponding to a predetermined pattern, and the areas other than the decolorized region are in a colored state.
[0024]
[20] A print comprising a film containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, wherein the film has a decolorized region formed thereon corresponding to a predetermined pattern, and the areas outside the decolorized region are in a colored state.
[0025]
[21] A laminate comprising: a substrate; an identification tag containing a layer provided on the substrate and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and a concealing layer provided on the identification tag containing layer, wherein the concealing layer is removable in the laser irradiation area.
[0026]
[22] The laminate according to
[21] , wherein the spectral profile has a specific reflection pattern or fluorescent X-ray spectrum.
[0027]
[23] A laminate comprising: a base material; an identification tag containing a layer provided on the base material and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and an opacity layer provided on the identification tag containing layer, wherein the opacity layer is capable of decolorizing a heated area or an area to which liquid ink containing an erasing agent is attached.
[0028]
[24] A laminate comprising: a substrate; and an identification tag containing layer provided on the substrate and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, wherein the identification tag containing layer is decolorizable in a heated area or in an area to which liquid ink containing an erasing agent is attached.
[0029]
[25] A film containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, wherein the heated area or the area to which liquid ink containing an erasing agent is attached can be decolorized.
[0030]
[26] A method for manufacturing a printed object, comprising: preparing a laminate having a base material and an identification tag containing an identification tag provided on the base material and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and decolorizing the identification tag containing the identification tag in a predetermined pattern by heating or by applying a liquid ink containing an erasing agent.
[0031]
[27] A method for manufacturing a printed object, comprising preparing a film containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, and decolorizing the film in a predetermined pattern by heating or by applying liquid ink containing an erasing agent.
[0032]
[28] A method for determining authenticity of a printed object, comprising using an optical spectrometer to read a reflection pattern from any of the printed objects described in
[13] to
[20] , comparing the read reflection pattern with predetermined information, and determining the authenticity of the printed object.
[0033]
[29] The authenticity determination method according to
[28] , wherein a code reader is used to read code information from a code pattern formed on the concealing layer, and the reflective pattern and the code information are compared with predetermined information to determine authenticity.
[0034]
[30] The authenticity determination method according to
[28] or
[29] , wherein a reflection pattern is read from the print described in
[16] using the optical spectrometer, and 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 reflection pattern read.
[0035]
[31] A genuineness determination system comprising: an optical spectrometer reader for reading a reflection pattern from a print manufactured by the method for manufacturing a print described in [1] to
[12] ,
[26] and
[27] ; a code reader for reading code information from a code pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern of the print; and a determination device for determining the authenticity of the print by comparing the code information and the reflection pattern with predetermined information.
[0036] According to this disclosure, it is possible to determine the authenticity of products and take measures against counterfeit products.
[0037] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of a laminate according to an embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 1B is a plan view of the laminate. Figure 2A is a cross-sectional view of a printed object, and Figure 2B is a plan view of the printed object. This is a cross-sectional view of a printed object according to another embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of a printed object according to another embodiment. This figure shows an example of the reflection pattern of an identification tag. Figures 6A to 6C show examples of the reflection patterns of an identification tag. This is a cross-sectional view of a printed object according to another embodiment film containing an identification tag. This is a schematic configuration diagram of a counterfeit detection system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a flowchart illustrating a counterfeit detection method according to an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0038] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings and other illustrations. 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, in order to clarify the explanation, the drawings may schematically represent the width, thickness, etc., of each part compared to the actual embodiments; however, these are merely examples and should not limit the interpretation of this disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a laminate 10 used in the method for producing a printed matter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the laminate 10. In the laminate 10, an identification tag-containing layer 2 and a hiding layer 3A are laminated in this order on one surface of a base material 1.
[0040] <Base Material> The base material 1 is not particularly limited as long as it can support the identification tag-containing layer 2 and the hiding layer 3A, and a stretched or unstretched film of plastic such as polyester with high heat resistance including polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether ketone or polyether sulfone, polypropylene, polycarbonate, cellulose acetate, polyethylene derivatives, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polymethylpentene or ionomer can be used. Further, a composite film obtained by laminating two or more of these materials can also be used.
[0041] Further, as the base material, high-quality paper, coated paper, resin-coated paper, art paper, cast-coated paper, paperboard, synthetic paper (polyolefin-based, polystyrene-based), synthetic resin or emulsion-impregnated paper, synthetic rubber latex-impregnated paper, synthetic resin internal-added paper, cellulose fiber paper and the like may be used.
[0042] The thickness of the base material is not particularly limited, and is, for example, about 0.5 μm or more and 300 μm or less.
[0043] <Identification Tag-Containing Layer> The identification tag-containing layer 2 contains an identification tag and a binder resin. The identification tag has a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information. The predetermined information is, for example, manufacturer information or article information, and enables authentication, identification, and tracking of an article having a printed matter produced by a method described later using the laminate 10.
[0044] The identification tag is not particularly limited as long as it has a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information. For example, silica particles described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-531849, etc. can be cited, and XRF-identifiable markers described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-529676, etc. can also be used by previously associating the specific spectral profile from the XRF-identifiable marker with predetermined information. Optical effect pigments can also be used. Among these, the identification tag preferably contains porous particles such as porous silica particles having pores with diameters on the nanometer scale.
[0045] The porous silica particles are those in which numerous pores with diameters on the nanometer scale, preferably micropores, mesopores or macropores, are formed on the surface of high-purity silica particles, and examples include silica particles having a nanoporous structure.
[0046] When an optical spectroscopic reader is used, reflection patterns differing in at least one of the peak position, waveform shape, and amplitude of the spectral profile can be read according to structural parameters such as the pore diameter, pore distribution, particle diameter, and thickness of the porous particles. Such specific reflection patterns based on the structural parameters of the porous particles can be used as spectral (optical) labels.
[0047] Specifically, when an optical spectroscopic reader such as a hyperspectral camera manufactured by TruTag is used, a specific reflection pattern (e.g., reflection spectrum, reflection peak, reflection amplitude, etc.) based on the shape of the holes (pores) of the porous particles can be obtained and read. That is, the porous particles can be read using an optical spectroscopic reader. The optical spectroscopic reader may be configured such that software or an application is installed on a smartphone, tablet terminal, or the like to enable reading using the device. By associating the reflection pattern with manufacturer information, article information, and the like, it becomes possible to apply the pattern to product authentication and identification.
[0048] 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.
[0049] 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.
[0050] For example, the XRF-identifiable markers mentioned above have fluorescent X-ray spectra. In XRF, characteristic "secondary" (or fluorescent) X-ray emissions are detected from materials excited by primary X-ray or gamma-ray radiation. The term fluorescence refers to the absorption of radiation at a specific energy and the subsequent re-emission of radiation at a different energy (typically lower). The XRF phenomenon is based on the fact that when a material is exposed to short-wavelength X-rays or gamma rays, it emits electrons from atoms in inner orbitals, causing electrons in higher orbitals to "fall" into lower / inner orbitals, and in that process, emits photons with energy equal to the energy difference between the two orbitals involved.
[0051] Optical effect pigments usable as identification tags have a structure comprising a substrate (core) made of a metallic material, glass material, inorganic material, or organic material, and a coating layer formed on its surface. The substrate (core) can be a metal such as aluminum, glass, silica, mica, oxide, resin particles, etc. The coating layer can be an inorganic material, an organic material, or a composite material thereof.
[0052] Examples of such optical effect pigments include pearl pigments, holographic pigments, metallic pigments, flat interference pigments, glitter pigments, and opal pigments. However, the term is not limited to these names or classifications, and broadly encompasses pigments that produce similar optical effects.
[0053] Examples of materials for the porous particles mentioned above include silica, silicon oxide film, silicon nitride film, polysilicon, tungsten, titanium, gallium arsenide, indium tin oxide, aluminum, and copper. From the viewpoint of heat resistance, silica, silicon oxide film, silicon nitride film, polysilicon, tungsten, titanium, gallium arsenide, and indium tin oxide are preferred, with silica being more preferred.
[0054] The pores in the porous particles described above preferably have a diameter of 0.001 nm (10 －１２ m) or more than 100 nm (10 －７ m) or less, more preferably a diameter of 0.001 nm (10 －１２ m) or more than 10 nm (10 －８ It is less than or equal to m, and most preferably has a diameter of 0.001 nm (10 －１２ m) or more 1 nm (10 －９ m) is less than or equal to.
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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 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. When extracting individual particles, the identification tag-containing 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 an SEM. Unless otherwise specified, the average particle size of porous particles in this specification refers to the value measured by this method.
[0058] 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 hold the identification tag in the identification tag-containing layer, and the loss of the identification tag can be suppressed.
[0059] 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.
[0060] When measuring the thickness of porous particles, individual particles can be examined. To examine particles contained in an identification tag-containing layer, the identification tag-containing 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).
[0061] Examples of binder resins contained in the identification tag-containing layer include cellulose resin, vinyl resin, acrylic resin, polyester, and the like.
[0062] One example of a method for forming an identification tag-containing layer is as follows: First, a binder resin and an identification tag are dissolved or dispersed in a suitable organic solvent to prepare a coating solution (solvent or dispersion) for the identification tag-containing layer. Next, the coating solution for the identification tag-containing layer is applied to one surface of the substrate 1 by a known coating method and dried to form the layer.
[0063] The thickness of the identification tag-containing layer is not particularly limited, but is, for example, approximately 0.1 μm to 5.0 μm.
[0064] The thickness of each layer in the coating (identification tag-containing layer, concealing layer) can be measured using the resin embedding method. Specifically, after embedding the cut laminate (test specimen) in epoxy resin, a cross-section was formed in the thickness direction of the specimen by the ultrathin sectioning method (cutting with a microtome and diamond cutter). This cross-section was 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 was 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 was measured from this image.
[0065] <Concealing Layer> The concealing layer 3A contains black pigments such as carbon black and magnetite-type triiron tetroxide as coloring agents. The concealing layer also 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. The concealing layer does not have to be black if it can be removed or decolorized by a laser or the like.
[0066] The concealing layer can be formed by dispersing or dissolving the above material in water or a suitable solvent, applying it onto the identification tag-containing layer 2 by known means such as the roll coating method, reverse roll coating method, gravure coating method, reverse gravure coating method, bar coating method, and rod coating method to form a coating film, and then drying it.
[0067] The thickness of the concealing layer is preferably 0.1 μm to 20 μm, and more preferably 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm. A thickness of 0.5 μm or more of the concealing layer provides sufficient concealment, allowing the identification tag beneath the concealing layer to be hidden. A thickness of 5.0 μm or less of the concealing layer provides high ink removal performance, enabling the removal of the concealing layer with low laser energy during the evaporation and removal of the concealing layer by laser irradiation described later. If the thickness of the concealing layer exceeds 5.0 μm, it is preferable to set the laser energy to 5.0 mJ / pulse or higher.
[0068] As shown in Figure 2A, a laser L is irradiated onto the laminate 10 using a laser irradiation device (not shown). The laser L is irradiated from the concealment layer 3A side of the laminate 10. Due to the irradiation of the laser L, the black concealment layer 3A in the laser-irradiated area is evaporated and removed. In the area R where the concealment layer 3A has been removed, the identification tag containing layer 2 is exposed, and the surface of the identification tag containing layer 2 becomes visible.
[0069] As a result, as shown in Figure 2B, a printed object 20 is obtained having a concealing layer 3A on which a pattern corresponding to the irradiation pattern of the laser L is formed. The irradiation pattern may be a code pattern such as a two-dimensional code or a barcode, or it may be characters, figures, or symbols. By forming a code pattern, code information can be added.
[0070] Laser L can be a gas laser, semiconductor laser, YAG laser, YVO4 laser, UV laser, etc.
[0071] When identifying and authenticating an article having a printed object 20 manufactured by the method described above, a code reader is used to read the code information formed on the concealing layer 3A. Alternatively, an optical spectrometer is used to shine light onto the identification tag-containing layer 2 through the area R where the concealing layer 3A has been removed, and a reflection pattern is detected. The detected code information and reflection pattern are input into a processing device such as a PC or smartphone. The processing device compares the code information and reflection pattern with information stored in a memory device. If the comparison results match, the article is determined to be genuine.
[0072] As shown in Figure 3, the adhesive layer 4 and the release paper 5 may be laminated in order on the side of the base material 1 opposite to the identification tag-containing layer 2. After the print 20 is manufactured, the release paper 5 can be peeled off and the adhesive layer 4 can be attached to the product packaging or the item itself.
[0073] Examples of resins used in the adhesive layer 4 include acrylic resin, polyester, polyimide, silicone resin, and other resins that are generally used as the main component of adhesives.
[0074] The release paper 5 can be a conventionally known separator such as a release film, separator paper, separator film, separator paper, release film, or release paper. Specifically, examples include polypropylene, polyethylene, and fluoropolymer films. The separator may be a single layer with release properties, or a laminated sheet may be used in which a release layer is formed on one or both sides of a release paper substrate such as high-quality paper, coated paper, impregnated paper, or plastic film.
[0075] As shown in Figure 4, the identification tag containing layer may include a first identification tag containing layer 2A and a second identification tag containing layer 2B. The first identification tag containing layer 2A contains a first identification tag, and the second identification tag containing layer 2B contains a second identification tag that is different from the first identification tag.
[0076] The first and second identification tags have different pore structures (shapes) on a nanometer scale, and therefore their reflection patterns, as read by an optical spectrometer reader, are also different. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the first and second identification tags have different peak wavelengths.
[0077] The second identification tag containing layer 2B is formed at a different location from the first identification tag containing layer 2A. A concealing layer 3A is provided so as to cover the first identification tag containing layer 2A and the second identification tag containing layer 2B, and the concealing layer 3A is irradiated with a laser L in a predetermined pattern to remove the concealing layer 3A in the irradiated area.
[0078] Using an optical spectrometer, light is shone onto the first identification tag-containing layer 2A and the second identification tag-containing layer 2B through the region R where the concealing layer 3A has been removed, and the reflection pattern is detected. For example, a reflection pattern having peak wavelengths corresponding to the first identification tag and the second identification tag, as shown in Figure 6A, is detected. By linking the reflection pattern and the code information formed on the concealing layer 3A with manufacturer information, product information, etc., it becomes possible to apply this to product authentication and identification.
[0079] By changing the area removed by laser irradiation in the region of the concealment layer 3A located on the first identification tag-containing layer 2A and the region located on the second identification tag-containing layer 2B, the ratio of the peak intensity corresponding to the first identification tag and the peak intensity corresponding to the second identification tag can be changed, thereby realizing different reflection patterns. For example, by increasing the removal area of the concealment layer 3A in the region located on the first identification tag-containing layer 2A and decreasing the removal area of the concealment layer 3A in the region located on the second identification tag-containing layer 2B, a reflection pattern can be obtained in which the peak intensity corresponding to the first identification tag is high and the peak intensity corresponding to the second identification tag is low, as shown in Figure 6B.
[0080] On the other hand, by reducing the area of removal of the concealing layer 3A in the region located on the first identification tag-containing layer 2A, and increasing the area of removal of the concealing layer 3A in the region located on the second identification tag-containing layer 2B, 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, as shown in Figure 6C.
[0081] By linking not only the peak wavelength but also the peak intensity ratio to the reflection pattern information, it becomes possible to perform more sophisticated authentication of products.
[0082] The method for removing the concealing layer 3A is not limited to laser irradiation; scratching or other methods may also be used.
[0083] In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which a part of the concealing layer 3A is removed by laser irradiation to form a pattern on the concealing layer 3A, and the reflection pattern of the identification tag is detected from the lower identification tag-containing layer 2 through the region R from which the concealing layer 3A was removed. However, as shown in Figure 7, a part of the concealing layer 3B may be decolorized by heat or liquid ink to form a pattern (e.g., a code pattern) on the concealing layer 3B, and the reflection pattern of the identification tag can be detected from the lower identification tag-containing layer 2 through the decolorized (transparent) region T in the printed object 30. In region T, the surface of the identification tag-containing layer 2 is visible.
[0084] The opaque layer 3B, which decolorizes upon heating, contains a color-developing compound, a developer, an erasing agent, and a binder. Before heating, it is in a color-developing state due to the interaction between the color-developing compound and the developer. When the opaque layer 3B is heated, the erasing agent preferentially dissolves either the developer or the color-developing compound, stopping color development and resulting in a decolorized state.
[0085] Chromogenic compounds are precursors of pigments. Chromogenetic agents are compounds that color chromogenic compounds through interactions such as electron transfer. Eliminating agents are compounds that preferentially dissolve either the chromogenic compound or the chromogenetic agent upon melting.
[0086] When three components—a color-developing compound, a developer, and an erasing agent—are present together, two states can occur: a color-developed state and a color-decolorized state. In one state, the color-developing compound and developer are present in amounts exceeding the equilibrium solubility of the erasing agent. As a result, the color-developed state occurs when the color-developing compound and developer within the equilibrium solubility range do not color the material, but the excess amounts interact with each other. In the other state, the erasing agent incorporates a large amount of the color-developing compound or developer beyond the equilibrium level, resulting in a color-decolorized state where the interaction between the color-developing compound or developer decreases.
[0087] Assuming that the erasing agent preferentially dissolves the developer upon melting, at room temperature, the phases of the color-developing compound, developer, and erasing agent are close to equilibrium in a phase-separated state. In this state, the color-developing compound and developer interact, resulting in a colored state. When this state is heated above its melting point, the developer preferentially dissolves in the molten erasing agent and interacts with the color-developing compound, resulting in a decolorized state. When these three components in the molten state are rapidly cooled, the erasing agent incorporates an amount of developer exceeding its equilibrium solubility, becomes amorphous, and becomes colorless at room temperature. Although this colorless state is not equilibrium, it has a sufficiently long lifetime below the glass transition temperature, and even above the glass transition temperature, it does not easily transition from the amorphous state to the equilibrium state.
[0088] For the color-developing compound, developer, and erasing agent, for example, compounds described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-18523 can be used. For heating, for example, a laser irradiation device or a thermal head can be used.
[0089] The opacity layer 3B, which becomes colorless when a liquid ink containing an erasing agent is applied, contains a color-developing compound, a color developer, and a binder. Before the application of the liquid ink, the opacity layer 3B is in a color-developing state due to the interaction between the color-developing compound and the color developer. When the liquid ink is applied to the opacity layer 3B, the erasing agent contained in the liquid ink preferentially dissolves either the color developer or the color-developing compound via the liquid solvent, stopping the color development and resulting in a colorless state. The opacity layer that becomes colorless when liquid ink is applied has the same composition as the opacity layer that becomes colorless when heated, except that the erasing agent is removed.
[0090] When decolorizing an opaque layer by applying liquid ink, a liquid ink containing an erasing agent, a solvent, and other additives as needed can be applied to the opaque layer in a predetermined pattern using an inkjet method, pen plotter method, spray method, hand application method, etc., to form a decolorized pattern. The erasing agent contained in the liquid ink can be the same material as the erasing agent contained in the opaque layer that is decolorized by the heat treatment described above.
[0091] Examples of solvents for liquid inks include water, water-soluble organic solvents, and mixed solvents of water and water-soluble organic solvents. It is preferable to use deionized water rather than ordinary water containing various ions. For water-soluble organic solvents, those described in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001-18523 can be used.
[0092] As shown in Figure 8, the printed object 30' may have a configuration in which an opacity layer 3C (identification tag-containing opacity layer) containing an identification tag is provided on the substrate 1 and is decolorized by heat or liquid ink. In the region T that has been decolorized by heating or by applying liquid ink, the reflection pattern of the identification tag can be detected. The coating method for the identification tag-containing opacity layer is preferably comma coating, bank coating, die coating, etc., which are applied to the substrate 1 from above in the direction of gravity and dried.
[0093] In the above embodiment, the base material 1 may be omitted. As shown in Figure 9, as the identification tag containing layer 2C, a transparent film such as polyethylene terephthalate film may be used containing the identification tag and a color-developing component that is decolorized by heat or liquid ink.
[0094] Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of a counterfeit detection system for determining the authenticity of a printed object P manufactured by transferring an identification tag-containing layer and a concealing layer onto a substrate and forming a code pattern on the concealing layer. The counterfeit detection system comprises a code reader 40, an optical spectrometer reader 42, a detection device 50, and a server 60. The detection device 50 and the server 60 are, for example, computers having a CPU and memory. The detection device 50 and the server 60 may be composed of the same computer.
[0095] For example, a code pattern 70 is formed on the printed material P by removing or decolorizing a portion of the opacity layer.
[0096] During the manufacturing of the printed material P, the information of the reflection pattern of the identification tag contained in the identification tag-containing layer and the code information indicated by the code pattern 70 are combined and registered in the server 60. The server 60 transmits the registered information to the determination device 50.
[0097] 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 11.
[0098] The code reader 40 reads the code information from the code pattern 70 of the printed object P and transmits it to the determination device 50 (Step 1). The optical spectrometer reader 42 reads the reflection pattern from the printed object P and transmits it to the determination device 50 (Step 2).
[0099] The determination device 50 compares the code information received from the code reader 40 and the reflection pattern received from the optical spectrometer reader 42 with the reflection pattern and code information received from the server 60 and notifies the user of the comparison result (Steps 3 and 4). If the comparison results match, the printed object P is determined to be "genuine," and if the comparison results do not match, the printed object P is determined to be "fake."
[0100] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.
[0101] (Example 1) A polyethylene terephthalate film with a thickness of 75 μm (Lumirror® #75T60, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.) was used as the base material. A coating liquid for an identification tag-containing layer with the following composition was applied to the base material and dried to form an identification tag-containing layer with a thickness of 1.0 μm. The identification tag used was TruTags (Type 2) manufactured by TruTag Technologies, Inc. (particle size thickness 3 μm, average particle size 35 μm). Next, a coating liquid 1 for an opacity layer with the following composition was applied to the identification tag-containing layer and dried to form an opacity layer with a thickness of 3.0 μm, thereby producing the laminate of Example 1.
[0102] <Coating liquid for the identification tag-containing layer> • Acrylic resin (BR-87, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) 99 parts • Identification tag 1 part • Toluene 450 parts • MEK 450 parts
[0103] <Coating liquid for opacity layer 1> A liquid was used which was a mixture of 20% by weight of ink A below, 20% by weight of acrylic resin (BR-87, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), and 60% by weight of toluene / cyclohexane mixed solvent. (Ink A) ・PSD-150 (manufactured by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) 1 part ・2,3,4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone 1 part ・D-glucose 7 parts ・Gelatin 3 parts ・Water 70 parts ・Isopropyl alcohol 0.1 part ・Antifungal agent 0.1 part
[0104] Using a printer (Zebra ZT-610), a negative image pattern of a two-dimensional barcode was heated onto the opacity layer of the laminate from Example 1 without using an ink ribbon. The printed material was obtained in which the areas heated by the thermal head were decolorized, while the unheated areas remained black, indicating the color development state of the opacity layer.
[0105] Under office lighting conditions, the identification tag was successfully read from this print using TruTag acquisition software 1.8.1-EX and mode tpp from TruTag Inc. on a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S9+).
[0106] (Example 2) The laminate of Example 2 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the opacity layer coating liquid 2, having the following composition, was used instead of opacity layer coating liquid 1.
[0107] <Coating liquid for opacity layer 2> A liquid was used which was a mixture of 20% by weight of ink B below, 20% by weight of acrylic resin (BR-87, manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), and 60% by weight of toluene / cyclohexane mixed solvent. (Ink B) ・PSD-150 (manufactured by Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.) 1 part ・2,3,4,4'-tetrahydroxybenzophenone 1 part ・Gelatin 3 parts ・Water 70 parts ・Isopropyl alcohol 0.1 part ・Antifungal agent 0.1 part
[0108] Using an inkjet printer (Seiko Epson PX-101), a negative image of a two-dimensional barcode was printed on the opacity layer of the laminate of Example 2 with liquid ink of the following composition. A printed image was obtained in which the areas where the liquid ink was applied (printed areas) were decolorized, while the areas where the liquid ink was not applied (non-printed areas) remained black in their colored state.
[0109] <Liquid Ink> ・D-glucose 40 parts ・1,2-diethoxyethane 30 parts ・Isopropyl alcohol 30 parts
[0110] Under office lighting conditions, the identification tag was successfully read from this print using TruTag acquisition software 1.8.1-EX and mode tpp from TruTag Inc. on a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S9+).
[0111] (Example 3) A laminate of Example 3 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a concealing layer was formed using a concealing layer coating liquid 3 having the following composition.
[0112] <Coating liquid for concealing layer 3> • Coating liquid for concealing layer 1: 80 parts • Near-infrared absorbing material: Shigenox NIA-820: 10 parts (manufactured by Hakkoru Chemical Co., Ltd., λmax 835nm) • Catalyst for NIA (manufactured by Hakkoru Chemical Co., Ltd.): 10 parts
[0113] Using a laser irradiation device (Keyence MD-V9600), a laser with a wavelength of 780 nm was irradiated onto the opacity layer of the laminate in Example 3 with a negative image pattern of a two-dimensional barcode. A printed material was obtained in which the areas heated by the laser (printed areas) were decolorized, while the unheated areas remained black in their colored state.
[0114] Under office lighting conditions, the identification tag was successfully read from this print using TruTag acquisition software 1.8.1-EX and mode tpp from TruTag Inc. on a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S9+).
[0115] (Example 4) A laminate of Example 4 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, except that a concealing layer was formed using a concealing layer coating liquid 4 having the following composition.
[0116] <Coating liquid for opacity layer 4> ・Carbon black 33.4 parts ・Polyester resin A1 33.3 parts (Mn: 17000, Tg: 67) ・Polyester resin B1 33.3 parts (Mn: 3000, Tg: 53) ・Toluene / methyl ethyl ketone (1 / 1) 900 parts
[0117] Using a laser irradiation device (Keyence MD-V9600), a laser with a wavelength of 780 nm was irradiated onto the opacity layer of the laminate of Example 4 with a negative image pattern of a two-dimensional barcode. The printed material of Example 4 was obtained in which the heated parts (printed parts) disappeared, while the unheated parts remained black in their colored state.
[0118] Under office lighting conditions, the identification tag was successfully read from this print using TruTag acquisition software 1.8.1-EX and mode tpp from TruTag Inc. on a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S9+).
[0119] (Example 5) A laminate of Example 5 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4, and a UV laser printer (Keyence, controller: FP-1000, head: FP-1010, console: FP-01) was used to irradiate the opacity layer of the laminate of Example 5 with a laser of wavelength 355 nm and print point output of 1.3 W using a negative image pattern of a two-dimensional barcode. The laser was irradiated under the laser irradiation conditions described in Table 1. A printed object of Example 5 was obtained in which the heated parts (printed parts) disappeared, and the unheated parts remained black in the colored state.
[0120] (Examples 6-9) Laminates of Examples 6-9 were prepared in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the thickness of the opacity layer was changed to the thickness shown in Table 1. Using the same UV laser printer as in Example 5, the opacity layer of the laminates of Examples 6-9 was irradiated with a laser of 355 nm wavelength and a print point output of 1.3 W, using a negative image pattern of a two-dimensional barcode. The laser was irradiated under the laser irradiation conditions shown in Table 1. Printed materials of Examples 6-9 were obtained in which the heated parts (printed parts) disappeared, and the unheated parts remained black in their colored state.
[0121] (Comparative Example 1) A laminate of Comparative Example 1 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the identification tag-containing layer was omitted, and a print of Comparative Example 1 was obtained by laser irradiation.
[0122] (Comparative Example 2) A laminate of Comparative Example 2 was prepared in the same manner as in Example 4, except that the concealing layer was omitted.
[0123] [Concealment of the Identification Tag-Containing Layer Before Laser Irradiation] Under office lighting conditions, the identification tags were read from the laminates of Examples 5-9 and Comparative Example 2 using a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S9+) with TruTag acquisition software 1.8.1-EX and mode tpp from TruTag, Inc., before laser irradiation. The concealment of the identification tag-containing layer was evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.
[0124] Evaluation Criteria A: The identification tag-containing layer was concealed, and the identification tag could not be read. B: The identification tag-containing layer was not concealed, and the identification tag could be read.
[0125] [Reading Identification Tags] Under office lighting conditions, identification tags were read from the prints of Examples 5-9 and the laminate of Comparative Example 2 using TruTag acquisition software 1.8.1-EX and mode tpp from TruTag Inc. with a smartphone (Samsung Galaxy S9+), and evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.
[0126] Evaluation Criteria A: Identification tags were read 8 or more times out of 10 attempts. B: Identification tags were read 3 to 7 times out of 10 attempts. C: Identification tags were read 2 or fewer times out of 10 attempts.
[0127] [Reading 2D Barcodes] Under office lighting conditions, 2D barcodes were read from the prints of Examples 5-9 and Comparative Example 1 using an Apple iPhone 16, and evaluated based on the following evaluation criteria. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.
[0128] Evaluation Criteria A: The 2D barcode could be read. B: The 2D barcode could not be read.
[0129]
[0130] 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.
[0131] 1. Substrate 2. Identification tag-containing layer 3A, 3B, 3C 3. Concealing layer 4. Adhesive layer 5. Release paper 10. Laminate 20, 30, 30' Printed material
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing a printed object, comprising: preparing a laminate including a base material, an identification tag containing an identification tag provided on the base material and having an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, and an opacity layer provided on the identification tag containing layer, and removing or decolorizing the opacity layer in a predetermined pattern.
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 object according to claim 1, wherein the opacity layer is removed or decolorized in the predetermined pattern by irradiating it with a laser.
11. A method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, wherein the opacity layer is decolorized to the predetermined pattern by heating it with a thermal head.
12. The method for manufacturing a printed object according to claim 1, wherein a liquid ink containing an erasing agent is applied to erase the color of the area of the opaque layer corresponding to the predetermined pattern.
13. A print comprising: an identification tag containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and an opacity layer provided on the identification tag containing layer, wherein the opacity layer has a removal area or a decolorization area corresponding to a predetermined pattern.
14. The print according to claim 13, wherein the spectral profile has a specific reflection pattern or fluorescent X-ray spectrum.
15. The print according to claim 13, wherein the identification tag containing layer is provided on a substrate.
16. The print according to claim 15, wherein the identification tag containing layer comprises: a first identification tag containing a first identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and a second identification tag containing a second identification tag having a spectral profile different from that of the first identification tag.
17. The printed material according to claim 15, wherein an adhesive layer and a release paper are laminated in order on the surface of the substrate opposite to the identification tag-containing layer.
18. The print according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined pattern is a code pattern.
19. A printed material comprising: a substrate; and an identification tag containing layer provided on the substrate and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, wherein the identification tag containing layer has a decolorized region corresponding to a predetermined pattern, and the areas outside the decolorized region are in a colored state.
20. A print comprising a film containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, wherein the film has a decolorized region formed thereon corresponding to a predetermined pattern, and the areas outside the decolorized region are in a colored state.
21. A laminate comprising: a substrate; an identification tag containing a layer provided on the substrate and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and a concealing layer provided on the identification tag containing layer, wherein the concealing layer is removable in the laser irradiation area.
22. The laminate according to claim 21, wherein the spectral profile has a specific reflection pattern or fluorescent X-ray spectrum.
23. A laminate comprising: a base material; an identification tag containing an identification tag provided on the base material and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and an opacity layer provided on the identification tag containing layer, wherein the opacity layer is capable of decolorizing areas that are heated or areas to which liquid ink containing an erasing agent is attached.
24. A laminate comprising: a substrate; and an identification tag containing layer provided on the substrate and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, wherein the identification tag containing layer is decolorizable in areas where it is heated or where liquid ink containing an erasing agent is attached.
25. A film containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, wherein the heated area or the area to which liquid ink containing an erasing agent is applied can be decolorized.
26. A method for manufacturing a printed object, comprising: preparing a laminate having a base material and an identification tag containing an identification tag provided on the base material and containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information; and decolorizing the identification tag containing the identification tag in a predetermined pattern by heating or applying a liquid ink containing an erasing agent.
27. A method for manufacturing a printed object, comprising preparing a film containing an identification tag having a spectral profile that can be identified in association with predetermined information, and decolorizing the film in a predetermined pattern by heating or by applying liquid ink containing an erasing agent.
28. A method for determining authenticity of a printed object, comprising using an optical spectrometer to read a reflection pattern from a printed object according to any one of claims 13 to 20, comparing the read reflection pattern with predetermined information, and determining the authenticity of the printed object.
29. The authenticity determination method according to claim 28, comprising using a code reader to read code information from a code pattern formed on the concealing layer, and comparing the reflection pattern and the code information with predetermined information to determine authenticity.
30. The authenticity determination method according to claim 28, comprising reading a reflection pattern from the printed material described in claim 16 using the optical spectrometer reader, and determining the authenticity of the printed material 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.
31. A genuineness determination system comprising: an optical spectrometer reader for reading a reflection pattern from a printed object manufactured by the method for manufacturing a printed object according to any one of claims 1 to 12, 26, and 27; a code reader for reading code information from a code pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern of the printed object; and a determination device for determining the authenticity of the printed object by comparing the code information and the reflection pattern with predetermined information.