The present invention relates to a latent image pattern formed body applied to valuable printed matters such as banknotes, stock certificates, securities, passes, passports, gift certificates, and cards that require anti-counterfeit.
Valuable printed matters including securities such as banknotes, stock certificates, and bonds, cards, various kinds of certificates, and important documents require not to be forged or altered as their properties. Examples of preventive measures are printing using special ink, hologram, thread, and printing of microletters.
The present applicant has proposed, as one of such preventive measures as described above, an invention of a latent image pattern formed body in which at least one of various kinds of parallel line patterns or relief patterns, which express a motif by partially changing the angle, is printed using raised print image lines, and at least one of various kinds of parallel image lines or halftone dot image lines having a predetermined interval is printed on the print image lines parallelly or obliquely with respect to the print image lines (for example, see patent reference 1).
The present applicant has also proposed another invention of a latent image pattern formed body in which at least one of various kinds of parallel line patterns or relief patterns, which express a motif by partially changing the angle, is printed by embossing to form an uneven material, and at least one of various kinds of parallel image lines or halftone dot image lines having a predetermined interval is printed on the uneven material parallelly or obliquely with respect to a portion that forms a portion other than the uneven motif (for example, see patent reference 2).
Patent reference 1: Japanese Patent No. 2600094
Patent reference 2: Japanese Patent No. 2615401
In the inventions of patent references 1 and 2, when observing the printed matter from the oblique direction, the latent image portion and the background portion are observed in different colors. For example, when the latent image portion is observed in the color of the parallel lines, the background portion is observed in the color of the substrate. Alternatively, when the background portion is observed in the color of the parallel lines, the latent image portion is observed in the color of the substrate. However, the latent image can be observed only in one of the above-described patterns. Hence, there arises a demand for a printed matter that allows to observe a latent image having more excellent authenticity discrimination and design properties.
That is, the above-described latent image pattern formed body applied to a valuable printed matter preferably allows not only to observe a latent image for authenticity determination when being tilted but also to observe, for example, a latent image with a luxurious or elaborate design suitable for the value of the valuable printed matter. In addition, to facilitate authenticity determination by observing the latent image, the visibility of the latent image pattern needs to be improved.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and has as its object to provide a latent image pattern formed body that allows to observe a latent image having more excellent visibility and authenticity discrimination and design properties than those of the related arts.
To solve the above-captioned problem, the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention comprising, in at least part of one surface of a substrate, a latent image region, an outline region arranged on an outline of at least part of said latent image region, and a background region arranged on a background of said latent image region and said outline region, wherein in said latent image region, a plurality of first elements having a concave shape or a convex shape are arranged at a first pitch in a first direction, in said background region, the plurality of first elements are arranged at the first pitch in the first direction in a phase different from that of the first elements in said latent image region, in said outline region, the plurality of first elements are arranged at the first pitch in the first direction in a phase different from that of the first elements in said latent image region or said background region which is adjacent to said outline region, and in said latent image region, said background region, and said outline region, a plurality of second elements having a color different from that of the substrate are arranged at a second pitch in a second direction.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, the first elements arranged in said outline region are arranged substantially parallel to the first elements arranged in each of said latent image region and said background region, each first element is divided into at least one region and another region at a line that connects bottom points of the concave shape or vertices of the convex shape in a full range of the first element along a longitudinal direction so as to define said one region as an observation portion and said other region as a non-observation portion, the second element is arranged such that
i) the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region but not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, and an area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region is different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region,
ii) the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region but not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region is different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region,
iii) the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region but not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, and the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region is different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, or
iv) the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, and the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region and the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region are different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, and the latent image pattern is formed by one of i) to iv).
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, the first element arranged in said outline region includes an outline element and an outline auxiliary element in phases shifted from each other, at least part of the outline element is arranged in the same phase as that of the first element arranged in said latent image region or the first element arranged in said background region, and the outline auxiliary element is arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element between the outline element and the first element arranged in said latent image region in the same phase as that of said at least part of the outline element or between the outline element and the first element arranged in said background region in the same phase as that of said at least part of the outline element.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, each first element, the outline element, or the outline auxiliary element is divided into at least one region and another region at a line that connects bottom points of the concave shape or vertices of the convex shape in a full range of the first element, the outline element, or the outline auxiliary element along a longitudinal direction so as to define said one region as an observation portion and said other region as a non-observation portion, the second element is arranged such that
i) the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region in the phase different from that of the outline element and the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element but at least part of the observation portion of the outline element and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region in the same phase as that of the outline element, or
the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region in the phase different from that of the outline element and the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element but at least part of the observation portion of the outline element and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region in the same phase as that of the outline element,
ii) the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region in the same phase as that of the outline element and the observation portion of the outline element but at least part of the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region in the phase different from that of the outline element, or
the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region in the same phase as that of the outline element and the observation portion of the outline element but at least part of the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region in the phase different from as that of the outline element,
iii) the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region in the phase different from that of the outline element but at least part of the observation portion of the outline element, at least part of the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element, and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region in the same phase as that of the outline element, and area ratios of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the outline element and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region in the same phase as that of the outline element are different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element, or
the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region in the phase different from that of the outline element but at least part of the observation portion of the outline element, at least part of the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element, and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region in the same phase as that of the outline element, and the area ratios of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the outline element and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region in the same phase as that of the outline element are different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element,
iv) the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element but at least part of the observation portion of the outline element, at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, and the area ratios of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the outline element and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region or said background region in the same phase as that of the outline element are different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region or said background region in the phase different from that of the outline element, or
v) the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion of the outline element, at least part of the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element, at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the area ratios of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the outline element and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region or said background region in the same phase as that of the outline element are different from the area ratios of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region or said background region in the phase different from that of the outline element, and the latent image pattern is formed by one of i) to v).
According to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, said outline region includes a latent image adjacent outline element that is arranged on a side opposite to the first elements arranged in said latent image region with respect to the first element located at an outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region, and is arranged by partially changing the phase in the first element adjacent to the first element located at the outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region, and the latent image adjacent outline element is arranged at a pitch different from the first pitch with respect to the first element located at the outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention,
the second element is arranged such that
i) the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region but at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region and at least part of the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and an area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region is different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element,
ii) the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region but at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region and at least part of the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region is different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element,
iii) the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element but at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region and at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region is different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, or
iv) the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, at least part of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and at least part of the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element are different, and the latent image pattern is formed by one of i) to iv).
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, said outline region includes a background adjacent outline element that is arranged on a side opposite to the first elements arranged in said latent image region with respect to the latent image adjacent outline element and partially changes the phase in at least one of the first elements continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element, and the second element overlaps at least two of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, the background adjacent outline element is arranged on the side opposite to the first elements arranged in said latent image region with respect to the latent image adjacent outline element and partially changes the phase in at least second and subsequent first elements continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element, and the outline element is formed between the latent image adjacent outline element and the background adjacent outline element in the same phase as that of the first element arranged in said background region, and the second element overlaps at least three of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, said outline region includes a background adjacent outline element that is arranged on a side opposite to the first elements arranged in said latent image region with respect to the first element arranged at an outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region and is arranged by partially changing the phase in at least one of at least second and subsequent first elements out of the first elements continuously adjacent to the first element at the outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region, and the outline element is formed between the background adjacent outline element and the first element arranged at the outermost position in the same phase as that of the first element arranged in said background region, and the second element overlaps at least two of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention comprising, in at least part of one surface of a substrate, a latent image region, an outline region arranged on an outline of at least part of said latent image region, and a background region arranged on a background of said latent image region and said outline region, wherein in said latent image region, a plurality of first elements having a concave shape or a convex shape are arranged at a first pitch in a first direction, in said background region, the plurality of first elements are arranged at the first pitch in the first direction in a phase different from that of the first elements in said latent image region, in said outline region, the plurality of first elements are arranged at the first pitch in the first direction in a phase different from that of the first elements in said latent image region or said background region which is adjacent to said outline region, in said latent image region, said background region, and said outline region, a plurality of second elements having a color different from that of the substrate are arranged at a second pitch in a second direction, in said latent image region, said background region, and said outline region, a plurality of third elements having a color different from those of the substrate and the second elements are arranged at a third pitch in a third direction, each first element is divided into at least one region and another region at a line that connects bottom points of the concave shape or vertices of the convex shape in a full range of the first element along a longitudinal direction so as to define said one region as an observation portion and said other region as a non-observation portion, the second element overlaps not the third element but at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, and the third element overlaps not the second element but at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, thereby forming a latent image pattern.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, wherein the first elements arranged in said outline region are arranged substantially parallel to the first elements arranged in said latent image region and said background region, the second element is arranged such that
i) the second element overlaps at least part of one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, and the third element overlaps at least part of one of the observation portions the second element does not overlap, or
ii) the second element overlaps at least part of two of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, the third element overlaps at least part of one of the observation portions the second element does not overlap, and when the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region but the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, an area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region is different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, or when the second element overlaps not the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region but the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region and the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region is different from the area ratio of the second element overlapping the observation portion of the first element arranged in said outline region, and the latent image pattern is formed by one of i) and ii).
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, the first element arranged in said outline region includes an outline element and an outline auxiliary element in phases shifted from each other, at least part of the outline element is arranged in the same phase as that of the first element arranged in said latent image region or the first element arranged in said background region, the outline auxiliary element is arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element between the outline element and the first element arranged in said latent image region or between the outline element and the first element arranged in said background region, the second element overlaps at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, and the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element, and the third element overlaps at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, and the observation portion of the outline auxiliary element the second element does not overlap.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, said outline region includes a latent image adjacent outline element that is arranged on a side opposite to the first elements arranged in said latent image region with respect to the first element located at an outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region, and is arranged by partially changing the phase in the first element adjacent to the first element located at the outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region, and the latent image adjacent outline element is arranged at a pitch different from the first pitch from the first element located at the outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, the second element is arranged such that
i) the second element overlaps at least part of one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the third element overlaps at least part of one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element the second element does not overlap, or
ii) the second element overlaps, with different area ratios, at least part of two of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the third element overlaps at least part of one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, and the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element the second element does not overlap.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, said outline region includes a background adjacent outline element that is arranged on a side opposite to the first elements arranged in said latent image region with respect to the latent image adjacent outline element and partially changes the phase in at least one of the first elements continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element, the second element overlaps at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element, and the third element overlaps at least part of one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element the second element does not overlap.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, the background adjacent outline element is arranged on the side opposite to the first elements arranged in said latent image region with respect to the latent image adjacent outline element and partially changes the phase in at least second and subsequent first elements continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element, and the outline element is formed between the latent image adjacent outline element and the background adjacent outline element in the same phase as that of the first element arranged in said background region, and the second element and the third element overlap at least three of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element, the second element overlaps at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element, and the third element overlaps at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element the second element does not overlap.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, said outline region includes a background adjacent outline element that is arranged on a side opposite to the first elements arranged in said latent image region with respect to the first element at an outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region and is arranged by partially changing the phase in at least one of at least second and subsequent first elements out of the first elements continuously adjacent to the first element at the outermost position out of the first elements arranged in said latent image region, and the outline element is formed between the background adjacent outline element and the first element at the outermost position in the same phase as that of the first element arranged in said background region, the second element overlaps at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element, and the third element overlaps at least one of the observation portion of the first element arranged in said background region, the observation portion of the first element arranged in said latent image region, the observation portion of the outline element, and the observation portion of the background adjacent outline element the second element does not overlap.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, the first elements and the second elements are formed based such that
i) the first direction and the second direction are and the first pitch and the second pitch are equal or different, or
ii) the first direction and the second direction are different, and the first pitch and the second pitch are equal or different.
Further, according to the latent image pattern formed body of the present invention, the first elements, the second elements, and the third elements are formed such that
i) the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction are equal, and the first pitch, the second pitch, and the third pitch are equal, or at least one pitch is different from at least one of the remaining pitches, or
ii) at least one of the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction is different from at least one of the remaining directions, and the first pitch, the second pitch, and the third pitch are equal, or at least one pitch is different from at least one of the remaining pitches.
The latent image pattern formed body of the present invention allows to observe the latent image portion, the background portion, and the outline portion as a latent image when observed from the oblique direction based on reflected light, and is also excellent in the design property and visibility for authenticity discrimination. It is therefore possible to grasp the authenticity of the printed matter.
The embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the best mode for carrying out to be described below and incorporates various other embodiments within the technical scope defined in the appended claims.
The present invention provides a latent image pattern formed body in which a second pattern having a color different from that of a substrate is formed on a first pattern having a concave shape or a convex shape and formed on the substrate. Upon observation from the oblique direction, portions where the color of the second pattern is observed and portions where the color of the second pattern is not observed appear because of the arrangement of the first pattern and the second pattern so that a latent image can be observed. The first embodiment provides a latent image pattern formed body (2) in which the outlines on the left and right sides of the motif of the latent image shown in
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the present invention is formed by forming a first pattern (10) and a second pattern (20) on a substrate (1), as shown in
(First Pattern)
As shown in
Each first element (11) is formed into a convex shape as shown in
The convex shapes and the concave shapes are not limited to those shown in
The first element (11) is formed from an image line or a plurality of pixels. In the present invention, an “image line” means a straight line, a broken line, a wavy line, or the like. In this explanation, a “pixel” means a character, a numeral, a symbol, a graphic, a mark, or the like having a predetermined shape. The shape of the pixel is not particularly limited.
a) shows an example in which a plurality of first elements (11) each formed from a straight line are arranged.
A first pitch (P1) shown in
The latent image can be observed even if the first pitch (P1) is larger than 1,000 μm. However, this is not preferable because the first pattern (10) for forming the motif of the latent image becomes large and subject to constraints by the design, for example, other print motifs of the valuable printed matter. In addition, the first pitch (P1) may be smaller than 80 μm. However, this is not preferable because of the work accuracy of the first elements (11) or the requirement of high registration accuracy for arranging the first elements (11) and second elements (21) to be described later.
An image line width (W1) is adjusted based on the first pitch (P1) so as to separate a latent image portion, a background portion, and an outline portion to be described later and also observe a latent image with excellent visibility. To separate the latent image portion, the background portion, and the outline portion, the image line width (W1) is preferably smaller than ½ the first pitch (P1). To observe a latent image with excellent visibility, the image line width (W1) is preferably larger than ⅕ the first pitch (P1). Hence, the image line width (W1) preferably falls within the range of ⅕ to ½ the image line width (W1). The image line width (W1) is adjusted based on the first pitch (P1) so that, for example, when the first pitch (P1) is 80 μm, the image line width (W1) is 16 to 40 μm, and when the first pitch (P1) is 1,000 μm, the image line width (W1) is 200 to 500 μm.
A height (h) of the first element shown in
When the first element (11) is formed from pixels, the image line that forms the first element (11) shown in
a) shows an example in which a plurality of first elements (11) each formed from pixels using a character are arranged.
The range of the first pitch (P1) shown in
A pixel width (X1) falls within the range of 1,000 μm or less. This is because in the first element (11) formed from pixels, the pixel shape is hardly observed by the naked eye when the pixel size is 1,000 μm or less.
A pixel pitch (p1) is adjusted based on the pixel width (X1) as needed such that the first element (11) is observed as an image line by the naked eye. In addition, the pixels are arranged by making at least the pixel pitch (p1) larger than the pixel width (X1) so that the pixels do not overlap each other.
Each first element (11) may be formed by compositing the image line structure and pixel structure described above. Alternatively, the plurality of first elements (11) may separately include the image line, the pixels, or the composite thereof.
An example in which the first element (11) is formed from a straight line will be described below.
The first pattern (10) formed from the above-described first elements (11) is separated into a latent image portion (12), a background portion (13), and an outline portion (14) because the periodically arranged first elements (11) partially change the phase. The outline portion (14) is formed between the latent image portion (12) and the background portion (13). This is explained in
In the present invention, the “latent image portion (12)” is the portion of the motif of the latent image that is made visible by partially changing the phase of the periodically arranged first elements (11). The “background portion (13)” is the portion serving as the background of the motif of the latent image. The “outline portion (14)” is the portion serving as the outline of the motif of the latent image. That is, the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14) of the first pattern (10) are separated as shown in
The first element that forms the latent image portion (12) will be referred to as a “latent image element (12A)”, the first element that forms the background portion (13) as a “background element (13A)”, and the first element that forms the outline portion (14) as an “outline element (14A)” hereinafter.
The latent image element (12A), the background element (13A), and the outline element (14A) that form the first pattern (10) are arranged in different phases. The elements surrounded by a dotted line frame shown in
(Latent Image Portion)
The latent image element (12A) is arranged within the range smaller than the first pitch (P1) in a different phase with respect to the background element (13A). That is, the latent image element (12A) and the background element (13A) are arranged in correspondence with each other. Note that the latent image element (12A) may change the phase to the upper side of the background element (13A), as shown in
(Outline Portion)
The outline element (14A) is arranged substantially parallel to the background element (13A) and the latent image element (12A) in a phase different from those of the background element (13A) and the latent image element (12A). An angle of 5° or less with respect to the background element (13A) and the latent image element (12A) is the range for “substantially parallel”. An angle of 5° or less can ensure the tolerance for registration of the second elements (21) to be described later without affecting the visibility of the outline portion (14). Note that the outline element (14A) can be arranged either in a phase between the phase of the background element (13A) and that of the latent image element (12A), as shown in
Each outline element (14A) may be divided into a plurality of parts, as shown in
The latent image element (12A), the background element (13A), and the outline element (14A) described above may be connected, as shown in
(Method of Working First Elements)
To form the first elements (11) having a concave shape or the convex shape, embossing, watermarking, laser machining, printing by ink, or the like is usable. Note that when using watermarking, laser machining, or ink, the first elements (11) need to be formed before formation of the second elements (21). If the first elements (11) are formed after formation of the second elements (21), the second elements (21) cannot be formed on the surface with a concave shape or a convex shape.
(Second Pattern)
As shown in
The second pitch (P2) is substantially the same as the first pitch (P1). A pitch in a range of 4/5 to 6/5 the first pitch (P1) is defined as the substantially same. The second pitch (P2) is preferably the same as the first pitch (P1). If the first pitch (P1) equals the second pitch (P2), the first elements (11) and the second elements (21) always overlap at a predetermined interval. For this reason, the motif of the latent image formed from the latent image portion, the background portion, and the outline portion (to be described later) is easy to visually recognize.
Each of the image line width (W2) and the pixel height (W2) of the second element (21) is larger than at least 10 μm, and the upper limit is 9/10 the first pitch (P1). If the image line width (W2) and the pixel height (W2) of the second element (21) are larger than 9/10 the first pitch (P1), the second element (21) overlaps the latent image element (12A), the background element (13A), and the outline element (14A). Since no contract is obtained, the latent image cannot be observed. In addition, if the image line width (W2) and the pixel height (W2) of the second element (21) are smaller than 10 μm, the overlap area between the first element (11) and the second element (21) is small, and the visibility of the latent image lowers.
The pixel width (X2) of the second element (21) falls within the range of 1,000 μm or less, like the pixel width (X1) of the first element (11) formed from pixels. Note that the pixel width (X2) of the second element (21) can be either equal to or different from the pixel width (X1) of the first element (10).
The pixel pitch (p2) of the second element (21) is adjusted based on the pixel width (X2) as needed such that the second element (21) is observed as an image line, like the pixel pitch (p1) of the first element (11) formed from pixels.
Each second element (21) may be formed by compositing the image line structure and pixel structure described above. Alternatively, the plurality of second elements (21) may separately include the image line, the pixels, or the composite thereof.
An example in which the second element (21) is formed from a straight line will be described below.
Note that in this explanation, the “second direction” is the direction in which the second elements (21) are arranged. In the latent image pattern formed body (2) of the present invention, the first direction and the second direction can be the same, or the second direction may be different from the first direction.
In this case, the second elements (21) tilt with respect to a line Y-Y representing the direction in which the first elements (11) are arranged, as shown in the enlarged view of
To observe the motif of the latent image, the second pattern (20) needs to overlap the latent image portion (12) and the outline portion (14) of the first pattern (10). Preferably, the second pattern (20) overlap the entire first pattern (10).
The color of the second pattern (20) need only be different from that of the substrate (1), and is not particularly limited.
To form the second pattern (20), a known printing method such as offset printing, gravure printing, or inkjet printing, laser machining, or the like is usable. Note that when using printing, the second elements (21) are formed by ink. When using laser machining, the second elements (21) are formed by changing the color of the substrate (1) by a laser beam.
(Arrangement of First Pattern and Second Pattern)
An arrangement of the first pattern (10) and the second pattern (20) and a latent image to be observed will be described below. The latent image observation principle of the present invention will be explained first.
The state of the second elements (21) visually recognized by observing the substrate (1) on which the first elements (11) having a convex shape and the second elements (21) having a color different from that of the substrate (1) are formed will be described with reference to
a) is a partially enlarged plan view showing an example of a state in which the first element (11) having a semicircular convex shape shown in
In the arrangement shown in
b) is a sectional view taken along a line X-X in
In this case, when observed from right above the substrate (1) at the observation point (L1), the second element (21) can visually be recognized, and its color can be observed.
On the other hand, when the substrate (1) is observed from the oblique direction at the observation point (L2), the surface of the convex shape on the near side of its vertex (Q) can be observed. However, the far-side surface that is on the back side of the convex shape cannot be observed because it exists in the blind spot. The flat portion of the substrate (1) cannot be observed in principle because it is in the blind spot behind the convex shape. However, especially the portion close to the surface of the convex shape on the near side of its vertex (Q) may be observed depending on the shape, the first pitch (P1), and the image line width (W1) of the first element (11). The observable range of the surface of the convex shape on the near side of its vertex (Q) also slightly changes depending on the shape, the first pitch (P1), and the image line width (W1) of the first element (11). In the following explanation, assume that only the surface of the convex shape on the near side of its vertex (Q) is observed. The description will be made while defining the surface of the convex shape on the near side of its vertex (Q) when the substrate (1) is observed from the oblique direction as an “observation portion (V)”, and the surface of the convex shape on the far side of its vertex (Q) and the flat portion of the substrate (1) when the substrate (1) is observed from the oblique direction as “non-observation portions (V′)”.
When the first elements (11) have the structure shown in
In the first element (11) separated into the observation portion (V) and the non-observation portion (V′), when the second element (21) overlaps the observation portion (V) of the first element (11), as shown in
An arrangement of the first element (11) and the second element (21) which is different from that shown in
In the arrangement shown in
b) is a sectional view taken along a line X-X in
The present invention uses the above-described observation principle. Since the latent image element (12A), the background element (13A), and the outline element (14A) of the first pattern (10) are arranged in different phases, the elements of the first element (11) overlap the second element (21) in different ways. As a result, the visibility of the second element (21) changes upon observation from the oblique direction so that the latent image can be observed.
An example in which the first element (11) has a convex shape has been described above. A case in which the first element (11) has a semicircular concave shape shown in
When the first elements (11) have the structure shown in
The latent image observation principle and the ranges of the observation portion (V) and the non-observation portion (V′) according to the present invention have been described above. Examples will be explained below in which the first element (11) has a semicircular convex shape shown in
A detailed arrangement of the first element (11) and the second element (21) and a motif to be observed will be described next. Note that the arrangement of the first pattern (10) and the second pattern (20) in which the first pitch (P1) equals the second pitch (P2), and a motif to be observed will be described. In any arrangement, the second element (21) can be observed when observed from right above at the observation point (L1), and a description thereof will be omitted. The motif of the latent image to be observed upon observation from the lower side of the drawings with respect to the substrate (1) and from the oblique direction with respect to the substrate (1) will be explained. In each drawing showing the arrangement of the first element (11) and the second element (21) to be described below, the observation portion (V) corresponds to the lower half of each illustrated element, and the non-observation portion (V′) corresponds to the upper half of each illustrated element.
In the first arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) but not the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire latent image element (12A) and part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) but not the outline element (14A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the first arrangement shown in
In the second arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) but not the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire outline element (14A) and part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) but not the background element (13A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the second arrangement shown in
In the third arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) but not the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) and part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the background element (13A) but not the latent image element (12A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the third arrangement shown in
In the fourth arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A), and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) are different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A). Note that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) may be equal to or different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the background element (13A), and the entire outline element (14A).
a) also illustrates a state in which the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) is smaller than that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the fourth arrangement shown in
In the first embodiment, as described concerning the first to fourth arrangements, the elements are arranged such that the second element (21) overlaps the observation portions (V) of the outline element (14A), the latent image element (12A), and the background element (13A) in different ways to change the color at the time of visual recognition. This allows to observe a latent image having the outline portion (13).
Note that when the second pattern (20) tilts with respect to the first pattern (10), the overlap area ratio of the second element (21) changes even between the identical latent image elements (12A), between the identical background elements (13A), and between the identical outline elements (14A), as shown in
When the first pitch (P1) and the second pitch (P2) are different (not shown), the overlap area ratio of the second element (21) partially changes even between the identical latent image elements (12A), between the identical background elements (13A), and between the identical outline elements (14A) to change the color at the time of visual recognition. This allows to observe a latent image having a moiré pattern (not shown). When the first pitch (P1) and the second pitch (P2) are different, a latent image having a moiré pattern is observed even in the second and third embodiments to be described later.
As described above, in the first embodiment, the outline portions (14) are observed, on the left and right sides of the latent image pattern, in a color different from that of the background portion (13) or the latent image portion (12).
The second embodiment provides a latent image pattern formed body (2) in which the outlines on the left and right sides of the motif of the latent image can be observed as double outlines having the same density as that of the latent image portion or the background portion.
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the second embodiment is formed by forming a first pattern (10) and a second pattern (20) on a substrate (1), as shown in
(First Pattern)
(Outline Portion)
As shown in the enlarged view of
In the second embodiment, double outlines are observed. For this purpose, the outline that appears as a latent image needs to be visually recognized in the same color as that of the latent image portion (12). Hence, the outline element (14A) is arranged in the same phase as that of the latent image element (12A).
To observe the double outlines, the portion between the outline and the latent image needs to be observed in a color different from those of the portions where the latent image element (12A) and the outline element (14A) are formed. For this purpose, the outline auxiliary element (14B) is arranged between the latent image element (12A) and the outline element (14A) in a phase different from that of the latent image element (12A) and the outline element (14A).
Note that in the portion surrounded by a dotted line frame shown in
With this arrangement, the outline portion (14) formed from the outline element (14A) and the outline auxiliary element (14B) is formed between the latent image portion (12) and the background portion (13). The first pattern (10) separated into the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14) is as shown in
The outline auxiliary element (14B) need not always be arranged in the phase between the phase of the background element (13A) and that of the latent image element (12A). The outline auxiliary element (14B) may change the phase to the upper side of the latent image element (12A), as shown in
A case in which the outline element (14A) is arranged in the same phase as that of the latent image element (12A) has been described above. However, the outline element (14A) may be arranged in the same phase as that of the background element (13A).
In this case, as shown in
Note that the phases in which the outline element (14A) and the outline auxiliary element (14B) are arranged are the same as described above even when the latent image element (12A) changes the phase to the lower side of the background element (13A). In the following description, the latent image element (12A) changes the phase to the upper side of the background element (13A), and the outline element (14A) is arranged in the same phase as that of the latent image element (12A).
The outline element (14A) and the outline auxiliary element (14B) may be parallel to the background element (13A) and the latent image element (12A), as shown in
When the outline element (14A) and the outline auxiliary element (14B) tilt, the tilt angles of the outline element (14A) and the outline auxiliary element (14B) may be different, as shown in
A plurality of outline elements (14A) and outline auxiliary elements (14B) may be arranged in each outline portion (14). In this case, the plurality of outline portions (14) are arranged in the same phase as that of the latent image element (12A). The plurality of outline auxiliary elements (14B) are arranged in a phase different from those of the latent image element (12A) and the outline elements (14A).
The latent image element (12A), the background element (13A), the outline element (14A), and the outline auxiliary element (14B) may be connected, as shown in
(Arrangement of First Pattern and Second Pattern and Image to be Observed)
An arrangement of the first pattern (10) and the second pattern (20) and an image to be observed will be described below. Note that arrangements of the first pattern (10) and the second pattern (20) in which the first pitch (P1) equals a second pitch (P2), and a motif to be observed will be described. In the second embodiment, the fifth arrangement will be described first.
In the fifth arrangement, a second element (21) overlaps at least part of an observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A), and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) or at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) but not the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) and the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire latent image element (12A) and the entire outline element (14A) but not the background element (13A) and the outline auxiliary element (14B).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the fifth arrangement shown in
In the sixth arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B), and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) or at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) but not the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) and the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A). Note that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the outline auxiliary element (14B) may be equal to or different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire background element (13A) and the entire observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B) but not the latent image element (12A) and the outline element (14A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the sixth arrangement shown in
In the seventh arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A), at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B), and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element but not the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) and the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) or the background element (14A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), the entire observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A), and part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the outline auxiliary element (14B) but not the background element (13A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the seventh arrangement shown in
In the eighth arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A), at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) but not the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) and the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire latent image element (12A), the entire outline element (14A), and part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) but not the outline auxiliary element (14B).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the eighth arrangement shown in
In the ninth arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A), at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B), at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) and the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B) and the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A). Note that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B) may be equal to or different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) or the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire latent image element (12A), the entire outline element (14A), part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A), and part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the outline auxiliary element (14B).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the ninth arrangement shown in
In the second embodiment, as described concerning the fifth to ninth arrangements, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portions (V) of the latent image element (12A) and the outline element (14A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portions (V) of the background element (13A) and the outline auxiliary element (14B), thereby changing the color at the time of visual recognition. This allows to observe a latent image having the outline portion (14).
As described above, in the second embodiment, the outlines on the left and right sides of the motif of the latent image are observed as double outlines in the same color as that of the latent image portion or the background portion.
The third embodiment provides a latent image pattern formed body (2) in which the outlines on the upper and lower sides of the motif of the latent image can be observed, as shown in
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the third embodiment is formed by forming a first pattern (10) and a second pattern (20) on a substrate (1), as shown in
(First Pattern)
(Outline Portion)
In the present invention, the outline portion (14) in which the outlines on the upper and lower sides of the motif of the latent image are observed can have three different structures. Each structure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the drawings to be used to explain the structure of the outline portion (14) illustrate a portion corresponding to the portion surrounded by a thick line frame on the first pattern (10) shown in
The outline portion (14) having the first structure partially changes the phase of a first element (11) that is arranged on a side opposite to a latent image element (12A) with respect to the outermost line of the latent image element (12A) and is adjacent to the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), as shown in
The outline portion (14) having the second structure partially changes the phase of at least one first element (11) out of n first elements (11) that are arranged on a side opposite to the latent image element (12A) with respect to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) and are continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), as shown in
a) shows an example in which the phase of the first element (11) adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) is partially changed to form the background adjacent outline element (15B). At this time, the outline portion (14) is formed from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) and the background adjacent outline element (15B). In the structure shown in
b) shows an example in which the phase of the second first element (11) adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) is partially changed to form the background adjacent outline element (15B). The first element (11) arranged between the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) and the background adjacent outline element (15B) shown in
The background adjacent outline element (15B) will be described next in detail.
The background adjacent outline element (15B) is formed by partially changing the phase of at least one first element (11) out of n first elements (11) continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), as described above. When the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance m (m is an integer of 2 or more) times the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), as shown in
When the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance corresponding to an integer multiple of the first pitch (P1) from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), as shown in
When the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a position other than those described in paragraphs [0149] and [0150], the elements can be arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) is different from those of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A). In this case, the background adjacent outline element (15B) is observed as an outline in a color different from those of the latent image element (12A) and the latent image adjacent outline element (15A).
The range where the background adjacent outline element (15B) is formed in the outline portion (14) is adjusted in accordance with the side of the motif of the latent image, although it is not particularly limited. When the latent image pattern formed body is formed on the above-described valuable printed matter, the background adjacent outline element (15B) is formed within the range of about five elements continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A). If the range where the background adjacent outline element (15B) is formed is too far apart from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), the element is hard to recognize as an outline. A plurality of background adjacent outline elements (15B) may be arranged. An example will be described next.
a) shows an example in which the phases of the first and second first elements (11), out of the first elements (11) that are arranged on the side opposite to the latent image element (12A) with respect to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) and are continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), are partially changed. At this time, the outline portion (14) is formed from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), a background adjacent outline element (15B1), and a background adjacent outline element (15B2).
b) shows an example in which the phases of the first and fourth first elements (11), out of the first elements (11) that are arranged on the side opposite to the latent image element (12A) with respect to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) and are continuously adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), are partially changed. At this time, out of the first element (11) arranged between the background adjacent outline element (15B1) and the background adjacent outline element (15B2), a portion adjacent to the background adjacent outline element (15B1) and the background adjacent outline element (15B2) is also visually recognized as an outline when observing the latent image. This portion will also be referred to as the “outline element (15C)” hereinafter.
The outline portion (14) having the third structure partially changes the phase of at least one first element (11) out of the second and subsequent first elements (11) that are arranged on a side opposite to the latent image element (12A) with respect to the outermost line of the latent image element (12A) and are continuously adjacent to the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), as shown in
a) shows an example in which the phase of the second first element (11) adjacent to the outermost line of the latent image element (12A) is partially changed to form the background adjacent outline element (15B). The first element (11) arranged between the outermost line of the latent image element and the background adjacent outline element (15B) shown in
b) shows an example in which the phase of the third first element (11) adjacent to the outermost line of the latent image element (12A) is partially changed to form the background adjacent outline element (15B). In this case, the portions of the two first elements (11) arranged between the outermost line of the latent image element (12A) and the background adjacent outline element (15B), which are continuously adjacent to the latent image element (12A), serve as the outline elements (15C). The outline portion (14) shown in
In the third structure of the outline portion (14), no outline by the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) appears, unlike the second structure of the outline portion (14). However, the outline can be made to appear by forming the background adjacent outline element (15B).
In the outline portions (14) having the above-described first to third structures, the background element (13A) and the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) may be connected, as shown in
(Arrangement of First Pattern and Second Pattern and Image to be Observed)
An arrangement of the first pattern (10) and the second pattern (20) and an image to be observed will be described below for each structure of the outline portion (14) according to the third embodiment. Note that arrangements of the first pattern (10) and the second pattern (20) in which the first pitch (P1) equals the second pitch (P2), and a motif to be observed will be described. In the third embodiment, arrangements from the 10th arrangement will be described.
There are four different arrangements in which the second pattern (20) overlaps the first pattern (10) having the first structure of the outline portion (14) according to the third embodiment. The arrangements will be described as the 10th to 13th arrangements.
In the 10th arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and at least part of the observation portion of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) but not the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and the entire latent image adjacent outline element (15A) but not the background element (13A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 10th arrangement shown in
In the 11th arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) but not the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the latent image adjacent outline element (15A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the background element (13A) and the entire observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) but not the latent image element (12A).
The outline portion (14) having the first structure partially changes the phase of a first element (11) that is arranged on a side opposite to a latent image element (12A) with respect to the outermost line of the latent image element (12A) and is adjacent to the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), as shown in
In the 12th arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) but not the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A).
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps the entire latent image element (12A) and part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) but not the latent image adjacent outline element (15A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 12th arrangement shown in
In the 13th arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A), and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A). In this case, the elements are arranged such that the second element (21) has different overlap area ratios for the observation portions (V) of the respective elements.
a) illustrates a state in which the second element (21) overlaps part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the latent image element (12A), the entire background element (13A), and part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 13th arrangement shown in
The arrangements in which the second pattern (20) overlaps the first pattern (10) having the second structure of the outline portion (14) according to the third embodiment will be described next. First, an arrangement in which the second pattern (20) overlaps the first pattern (10) having the structure of the outline portion (14) shown in
In the 14th arrangement, the second element (21) also overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 10th arrangement.
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 14th arrangement shown in
Note that when the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance corresponding to the first pitch (P1) from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) (not shown) in the 14th arrangement shown in
As described above, in the 14th arrangement, if the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) equals that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), the outline portion (14) is observed as double outlines. If the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) equals that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), a wide outline is observed. If the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), outlines in different colors are observed.
In the 15th arrangement, the second element (21) does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 11th to 13th arrangements. The 15th arrangement will be described sequentially based on the 11th to 13th arrangements.
The 15th arrangement in which the second element does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 11th arrangement will be explained first.
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), and the second element (21) does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 11th arrangement.
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
The 15th arrangement in which the second element does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 12th arrangement will be explained next.
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance corresponding to the first pitch (P1) from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), and the second element (21) does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 12th arrangement.
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
The 15th arrangement in which the second element does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 13th arrangement will be explained next.
a) illustrates a state in which the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) is arranged on the lower side of the position at a distance corresponding to the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged on the upper side of the position at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), and the second element (21) does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 13th arrangement.
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
In the 16th arrangement, the second element (21) also overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 11th to 13th arrangements. In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A). The reason is as follows. In the 11th to 13th arrangements, the second element (21) overlaps the observation portion (V) of the background element (15B). To observe the background adjacent outline element (15B) as an outline, the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) needs to be different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A). The 16th arrangement will be described sequentially based on the 11th to 13th arrangements.
The 16th arrangement in which the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 11th arrangement will be explained first.
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance corresponding to the first pitch (P1) from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), and the second element (21) also overlaps the entire observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 11th arrangement. Note that since the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance corresponding to the first pitch (P1) from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) equals that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
Note that if the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) in the arrangement shown in
The 16th arrangement in which the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 12th arrangement will be explained next.
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), and the second element (21) also overlaps the entire background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 12th arrangement. Note that since the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) equals that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
Note that if the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) in the arrangement shown in
The 16th arrangement in which the second element overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 13th arrangement will be explained next.
a) illustrates a state in which the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) is arranged on the lower side of the position at a distance corresponding to the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged on the lower side of the position at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), and the second element (21) also overlaps the entire background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 13th arrangement.
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
Note that if the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) equals that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) in the arrangement shown in
The arrangements in which the second element (21) overlaps the first pattern (10) having the structure of the outline portion (14) shown in
In the 17th arrangement, the second element (21) does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C) in the 14th arrangement.
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance three times the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), the outline element (15C) is arranged between the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) and the background adjacent outline element (15B), and the second element (21) does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C) in the 10th arrangement. The phase of the outline element (15C) is not different from that of the background element (13A). For this reason, in the 10th arrangement in which the second element (21) does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A), the second element (21) does not overlap the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C), either.
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
In the 18th arrangement, the second element (21) also overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C) in the 15th and 16th arrangements. Note that even in the 18th arrangement, the background adjacent outline element (15B) is observed as the outline of the latent image away from the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) while placing the outline element (15C) between them. Hence, a description will be made based on the example of the 16th arrangement shown in
a) is a view showing an example of the 18th arrangement.
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
The arrangements in which the second element (21) overlaps the first pattern (10) having the structure of the outline portion (14) shown in
a) illustrates a state in which the first and second first elements (11) adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) partially change the phase to form the background adjacent outline element (15B1) and the background adjacent outline element (15B2).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
The arrangement of the second pattern (20) and the first pattern (10) formed from the outline portion (13) in which the background adjacent outline element (15B1) and the background adjacent outline element (15B2) are arranged at an interval, as shown in
a) illustrates a state in which the second and fourth first elements (11) adjacent to the latent image adjacent outline element (15A) partially change the phase to form the background adjacent outline element (15B1) and the background adjacent outline element (15B2).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the arrangement shown in
As described above, in the second structure of the outline portion (14), arranging the background adjacent outline element (15B) makes it possible to observe a latent image having outlines in a color different from that of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), double outlines, or wider outlines.
An arrangement in which the second pattern (20) overlaps the first pattern (10) having the third structure of the outline portion (14) according to the third embodiment will be explained next. There are five different arrangements in which the second pattern (20) overlaps the third structure of the outline portion (14). The arrangements will be described as the 19th to 23rd arrangements.
In the 19th arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) but not the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) and the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C). In this case, the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) may be equal to or different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A).
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), the second element (21) overlaps the entire observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and the entire observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) but not the background element (13A) and the outline element (15C). Note that since the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) equals that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 19th arrangement shown in
Note that when the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) is different from that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) in the 19th arrangement shown in
In the 20th arrangement, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C) but not the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B).
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), the second element (21) overlaps the entire background element (13A) and the entire outline element (15C) but not the latent image element (12A) and the background adjacent outline element (15B). Note that since the phase of the outline element (15C) is not different from that of the background element (13A), the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) equals that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 20th arrangement shown in
In the 21st arrangement, the second element (21) also overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 20th arrangement. In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) is different from those of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) and the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C).
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged on the lower side of the position at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), and the second element (21) overlaps the entire background element (13A), the entire outline element (15C), and part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) but not the latent image element (12A).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 21st arrangement shown in
In the 22nd arrangement, the second element (21) also overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) in the 20th arrangement. In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping latent image element (12A) is different from those of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) and the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C).
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged on the lower side of the position at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), and the second element (21) overlaps the entire observation portion (V) of the background element (13A), the entire observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C), and part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the latent image element (12A) but not the background adjacent outline element (15B).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 22nd arrangement shown in
In the 23rd arrangement, the second element (21) also overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) in the 22nd arrangement. In this case, the elements are arranged such that the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B) is different from those of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) and the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the outline element (15C).
a) illustrates a state in which the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), and the second element (21) overlaps part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the background element (13A), part of the observation portion (V) and the entire non-observation portion (V′) of the outline element (15C), and part of the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B). Note that since the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A), the area ratio of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) equals that of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portion (V) of the background adjacent outline element (15B).
The latent image pattern formed body (2) of the 23rd arrangement shown in
Note that when the background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged at a position other than at a distance twice the first pitch (P1) from the outermost line of the latent image element (12A) (not shown) in the 23rd arrangement shown in
As described above, when one background adjacent outline element (15B) is arranged in the third structure of the outline portion (14), double outlines having the same color as that of the latent image portion (12) or a different color are observed in the outline portions (13) on the upper and lower sides of the motif of the latent image. Note that a plurality of background adjacent outline elements (15B) may be arranged in the outline portion (14) of the third structure as well. In this case, the arrangement of the background adjacent outline elements (15B) and the second element (21) and the outline of the latent image to be observed are the same as those described concerning the second structure of the outline portion (14), and a description thereof will be omitted.
An embodiment to observe the motif and outline of a latent image in the latent image pattern formed body (2) whose latent image motif is formed using the unevenness of the substrate (1) has been described above.
The first to third embodiments to form the outline portion (14) can be used not solely for the latent image pattern but also compositely for each outline of the latent image pattern. For example, in the first pattern (10) separated into the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14) as shown in
When the outline portions of the first and third embodiments are compositely formed, the outline element (14A) of the first embodiment and the outline element (15A) of the third embodiment are arranged at the first pitch (P1), as shown in
When arranging a plurality of latent image patterns on a single substrate, latent images having different outlines can be observed by forming the outline portions (14) of different embodiments for the respective latent image patterns. Alternatively, when the phases of the first elements (11) that form the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14) are changed for each of the plurality of latent image patterns, a latent image in which the colors of the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14) change between the latent image patterns can be observed.
It is also possible to add a third pattern (30) whose hue is different from those of the substrate (1) and the second pattern (20), by the same formation method as that of the second pattern (20), to the latent image pattern formed body according to one of the first, second, and third embodiments or a composite thereof to change the color of the latent image. The third pattern (30) will be described below.
(Third Pattern)
As shown in
When the third pattern (30) is formed, the first pattern (10), the second pattern (20), and the third pattern (30) can have two different arrangements to be described below.
In the first arrangement including the third pattern (30), for the first pattern (10) according to one of the first to third embodiments or a composite thereof, the second element (21) of the second pattern (20) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of one first element (11) out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12) of the first pattern (10), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14). In addition, the third element (31) of the third pattern (30) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of one first element (11) the second element (21) does not overlap out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14).
The reason for this arrangement is as follows. As described above, in the arrangement including the first pattern (10) and the second pattern (20), when the second element (21) overlaps two first elements (11) arranged in different phases out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14), the area ratios of the second element (21) overlapping the observation portions (V) need to be different to observe the portions the second element (21) overlaps in different colors. However, when the third pattern (30) is formed, the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14) can be observed in different colors by arranging the elements such that the second element (21) overlaps one of the two elements of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14), and the third element (31) overlaps the other element.
Examples of this arrangement are as follows. In the first embodiment, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), and the third element (31) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A). In the second embodiment, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of each of the outline element (14A) and the latent image element (12A) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14A), and the third element (31) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B). In the first pattern (10) with the first structure according to the third embodiment, the second element (21) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A), and the third element (31) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A). Note that the first arrangement including the third pattern (30) is not limited to that described above. It is necessary only to make the second element (21) of the second pattern (20) overlap at least part of the observation portion (V) of one first element (11) out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12) of the first pattern (10), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14) and make the third element (31) of the third pattern (30) overlap at least part of the observation portion (V) of one first element (11) the second element (21) does not overlap out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14). The second arrangement including the third pattern (30) will be described next.
In the second arrangement including the third pattern (30), for the first pattern (10) according to one of the first to third embodiments or a composite thereof, the second element (21) of the second pattern (20) overlaps at least part of each of the observation portions (V) of two first elements (11) arranged in different phases out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12) of the first pattern (10), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14). In addition, the third element (31) of the third pattern (30) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the first element (11) the second element (21) does not overlap out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14). As described above, this arrangement directly uses the fact that when the first pattern (10) and the second pattern (20) are formed, the second element (21) is made to overlap, with different area ratios, the observation portions (V) of two first elements (11) arranged in different phases out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14) so as to observe a latent image whose outline portion (14) is observed. The third element (31) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the first element (11) the second element (21) does not overlap so that the portion the second element (21) does not overlap is also observed in the color of the third element (31), which is different from that of the substrate (1).
Examples of this arrangement are as follows. In the first embodiment, the second element (21) overlaps, with different area ratios, the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A), and the third element (31) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A). In the second embodiment, the second element (21) overlaps, with different area ratios, the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A) arranged in a phase different from that of the outline element (14A) and the observation portion (V) of the outline auxiliary element (14B), and the third element (31) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the outline element (14A) and at least part of the observation portion (V) of the latent image portion (12) arranged in the same phase as that of the outline element (14). In the first pattern (10) with the first structure according to the third embodiment, the second element (21) overlaps, with different area ratios, the observation portion (V) of the latent image element (12A) and the observation portion (V) of the latent image adjacent outline element (15A), and the third element (31) overlaps at least part of the observation portion (V) of the background element (13A). Note that the second arrangement including the third pattern (30) is not limited to that described above. It is necessary only to make the second element (21) of the second pattern (20) overlap at least part of each of the observation portions (V) of two first elements (11) arranged in different phases out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12) of the first pattern (10), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14) and make the third element (31) of the third pattern (30) overlap at least part of the observation portion (V) of the first element (11) the second element (21) does not overlap out of the first element (11) that forms the latent image portion (12), the first element (11) that forms the background portion (13), and the first element (11) that forms the outline portion (14).
As described above, the third pattern (30) is added such that the third element (31) overlaps the observation portion (V) of any one of the elements the second element (21) does not overlap out of the first elements (11) that form the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14). This allows to additionally visually recognize the color of the third pattern (30) in the latent image observed from the oblique direction and improve the authenticity discrimination and design properties of the latent image pattern.
In a similar manner, an nth (n is an integer of four or more) pattern having a color different from those of the substrate (1), the second pattern (20), and the third pattern (30) is formed into the same structure as those of the second pattern (20) and the third pattern (30), and the second elements (21) to the nth elements are arranged not to overlap each other, thereby improving the authenticity discrimination and design properties of the latent image pattern. However, to observe the colors of the second pattern (20) to the nth pattern from the oblique direction, the elements that form the second pattern (20) to the nth pattern need to be arranged in the observation portions (V) of the first elements (11) that form the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14). Hence, the second pattern (20) to the nth pattern are formed such that the number of patterns does not exceeds the number of phases of the first elements (11) that form the latent image portion (12), the background portion (13), and the outline portion (14), that is, the number of phases in the corresponding first elements (11). Note that in the above-described valuable printed matter, the image line width (W1) of the first element (11) is preferably larger than ⅕ the first pitch (P1). For example, in the first embodiment, the observation portions (V) of a total of ten elements, that is, the latent image element (12A), the background element (13A), and eight outline elements (14A) can be arranged in different phases in the first pitch (P2). Hence, the second to 11th patterns can be formed.
The present invention will be described below in more detail using examples. The contents of the present invention are not limited to the scope of these examples.
In Example 1, a latent image pattern formed body (2) was created so as to have the structure of the first embodiment. The latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 1 will be described using the drawings described in the first embodiment.
As shown in
The substrate (1) was formed from white paper. The thickness of the substrate (1) was 100 μm.
A first element (11) shown in
A second element (21) shown in
The first pattern (10) and second pattern (20) having the above-described structures were formed in the first arrangement shown in
When the thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) was observed from the oblique direction, a latent image having an outline could be observed.
Example 2 will be described only concerning points different from Example 1. In a latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 2, first elements (11) having a convex shape were formed by printing intaglio ink, and second elements (21) were formed from pixels.
The second element (5A) of Example 2 was formed from pixels using a character shown in
When the thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 2 was observed from a direction perpendicular to the surface on which the second pattern (5) was formed, the second pattern (5) was observed. At this time, the second pattern (20) was observed like the pattern by the second elements (21) each formed from a straight line because the second element (5A) had the pixel width (X2) of 250 μm and the pixel pitch (p2) of 300 μm so that the pixel interval was as small as 50 μm. When the second pattern (20) was observed through a magnifying lens, the pixels each formed from a character were observed. When the thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 2 was observed from the oblique direction, a latent image having an outline could be observed.
As described above, it is possible not only to improve the authenticity discrimination and design properties of the latent image when observed from the oblique direction but also to make the latent image pattern formed body (2) have the anti-counterfeit effect by forming the second elements (21) from small pixels.
Example 3 will be described only concerning points different from Example 1. In Example 3, first elements (11) having a concave shape were formed by laser machining, an outline portion (14) of a first pattern (10) was formed by arranging two outline elements including an outline element (14A1) and an outline element (14A2), and a third pattern (30) was also formed.
In the first pattern (10) of Example 3, an image line width (W1) was set to 100 μm. As shown in
Unlike Example 1, an image line width (W2) of a second element (21) was set to 100 μm to form a second pattern (20).
The third pattern (30) shown in
The first pattern (10) and second pattern (20) having the above-described structures were arranged as shown in FIG. 75(a) to manufacture a latent image pattern formed body (2).
The thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) was observed from the oblique direction. The portions where the latent image element (12A) and the background element (13A) were formed were visually recognized in the color of the second pattern (20). The portion where the outline element (14A1) was formed was visually recognized in the color of the third pattern (30). The portion where the outline element (14A2) was formed was observed as hollow. Hence, a latent image shown in
Example 4 will be described only concerning points different from Example 1. In a latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 4, a first pattern (10) having the structure of the second embodiment was formed, and first elements (11) having a concave shape were formed by embossing.
The first element (11) shown in
The first pattern (10) having the above-described structure and a second pattern (20) were formed in the fifth arrangement shown in
When the thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) was observed from the oblique direction, a latent image having double outlines could be observed.
Example 5 will be described only concerning points different from Example 1. In a latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 5, a first pattern (10) having the structure of the third embodiment was formed.
An outline portion (14) of the first pattern (10) of Example 5 was formed to have the structure of the outline portion (14) shown in
The first pattern (10) having the above-described structure and a second pattern (20) were formed in the arrangement shown in
When the thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) was observed from the oblique direction, a latent image having outlines on the upper and lower sides of the latent image could be observed.
Example 6 will be described only concerning points different from Example 1. In a latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 6, a first pattern (10) was formed by compositing the outline portions of Examples 1 and 5.
The first pattern (10) of Example 6 was formed to have the structure shown in
The first pattern (10) having the above-described structure and a second pattern (20) were formed in the arrangement shown in
When the thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) was observed from the oblique direction, a latent image pattern could be observed which had outlines with a tone different from those of the latent image portion and the background portion on the upper and lower sides and the left and right sides of the latent image.
Example 7 will be described only concerning points different from Example 6. In a latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 7, a third pattern (30) was also formed in Example 6.
The third pattern (30) shown in
A first pattern (10), the second pattern (20), and the third pattern (30) were formed in the arrangement shown in
When the thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) was observed from the oblique direction. A latent image portion (12) was visually recognized in the color of the third pattern (30). A background portion (13) and an outline portion (14) were visually recognized in the color of the second pattern (20). Hence, a latent image shown in
Example 8 will be described only concerning points different from Example 4. A latent image pattern formed body (2) of Example 8 was formed by compositing the second and third embodiments.
A first pattern (10) of Example 8 was formed to have the structure shown in
The first pattern (10) and a second pattern (20) were arranged such that a second element (21) overlapped an outline element (14A), the latent image element (12A), and the background adjacent outline element (15B) but not a background element (13A), an outline auxiliary element (14B), and an outline element (15C), as shown in
When the thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) was observed from the oblique direction, a latent image could be observed which had double outlines on the upper and lower sides and the left and right sides of the latent image, as shown in
Example 9 will be described only concerning points different from Example 6. In Example 9, a second pattern (20) was arranged so as to tilt by 1° with respect to a first pattern (10) in Example 6.
Since the second pattern (20) tilted with respect to the first pattern (10), the overlap area ratio of a second element (21) partially changed even changes even between identical latent image elements (12A), between identical background elements (13A), and between identical outline elements (14A).
When a thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2) was observed from the oblique direction, a latent image portion (12), a background portion (13), and an outline portion (14) were observed as a gradation pattern that smoothly changed the tone.
In Example 10, a plurality of latent image patterns of Example 6 were formed on a single substrate, and the phase of an outline portion (14) with respect to a background element (13A) and the phase of a latent image element (12A) with respect to the background element (13A) were changed between the latent image patterns.
In Example 10, as shown in
In a thus manufactured latent image pattern formed body (2), the manner a first element (11) and a second element (21) overlap changes between the latent image patterns. As for the whole first pattern (10), the latent image could be observed in which the colors of a latent image portion (12), a background portion (13), and an outline portion (14) changed between the latent image patterns.
Example 11 is an example of a card (5) manufactured by forming a latent image pattern of the present invention on a paper substrate and bonding the substrates to the upper and lower surfaces of a plastic substrate.
The card (5) of Example 11 was manufactured by bonding an upper sheet (3A) to the upper surface of a plastic substrate (4) shown in
When forming first elements (11) having a concave shape or a convex shape in the plastic substrate (4) and printing a second pattern (20), the fabrication method is limited. However, when forming the latent image patterns on the upper sheet (3A) and the lower sheet (3B) each formed from a paper substrate, as in Example 11, the fabrication method is not limited. For this reason, the card (5) with the latent image pattern formed body (2) can easily be manufactured. In addition, forming different latent image patterns on the upper and lower surfaces of the card (5) makes it difficult to forge the card (5).
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2009-179836 | Jul 2009 | JP | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/JP2010/062877 | 7/30/2010 | WO | 00 | 1/30/2012 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
WO2011/013788 | 2/3/2011 | WO | A |
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20120128900 A1 | May 2012 | US |