JP7533432B2 - Container, container manufacturing method and container manufacturing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container , a method for manufacturing a container , and an apparatus for manufacturing a container .

In recent years, marine pollution caused by plastic waste has come under scrutiny, and there has been a growing global movement to eliminate pollution caused by plastic waste, leading to an increased demand for "closed-loop recycling of containers." Here, "closed-loop recycling of containers" refers to recycling companies turning used containers that have been separated and collected into flakes that can be used to manufacture containers again.

To smoothly advance this "closed-loop recycling of containers," it is preferable to thoroughly separate and collect containers or labels by material, but the task of removing labels from containers for separate collection is time-consuming and is one of the constraints to thorough separate collection. In relation to this, a technology is already known that provides containers without labels by directly forming an image showing information such as the name and ingredients on the surface of the container with a carbon dioxide laser (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Furthermore, conditions for the wavelength of an ultraviolet laser, pulse energy, and spot diameter of the laser light during processing have been disclosed for the purpose of forming a recessed pattern by irradiating the surface of a resin printing plate with laser light and removing the resin in the areas irradiated with the laser light (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

The present invention aims to provide a container that allows for smooth circular recycling and has an image formed on the container body that is highly visible.

The container of the present invention as a means for solving the above problem includes a container body, a container having an image including a plurality of recessed and non- recessed portions on the container body, and an item contained in the container, wherein the container has a visibility value represented by the following mathematical formula (1) of 2 or more.
Visibility value=b0·L*0·(1−exp(b1·ΔL*)) (1)
However, in the above formula (1), L*0 represents the brightness of the image calculated based on the G signal in an image taken of the container in a darkroom environment with a pair of white diffusion surfaces placed on the side of the container body and a polynomial that shows the relationship between the G signal and brightness calculated by photographing a color chart with known brightness and approximating it with an n-th degree polynomial , ΔL* represents the difference between the brightness of the image calculated based on the G signal in the photographed image and the polynomial and the brightness of the portion of the container body other than the image, b0 is 0.195 and b1 is -0.193.

The present invention allows for smooth circular recycling and provides containers with excellent image visibility.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the diffuse reflection state of light on the surface of a container body before laser processing. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a state of diffuse reflection of light on the surface of a container body on which a plurality of recesses are formed by laser processing. FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing the surface of a container body on which a plurality of recesses are formed by laser processing, and the state of diffuse reflection of light from the contents. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a method for photographing a container body. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing a state in which a white diffusion surface is placed on the side surface of the container body in the method of photographing the container body. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an image X of the container body and a portion Y other than the image when photographing the container body. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the G signal and the brightness. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between image lightness (L ^* ₀ ) and subjective evaluation score. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the difference (ΔL ^* ) between the brightness of the image and the brightness of the portion other than the image, and the subjective evaluation score. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the relationship between x and Y in the formula: Y=1-exp(-x). FIG. 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the subjective evaluation score and the visibility value. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the visibility value and the evaluation rank. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the processing ratio and the visibility value. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing an example of an image including multiple recessed and non-recessed portions. FIG. 11B is a diagram showing another example of an image including multiple recessed and non-recessed portions. FIG. 11C is a diagram showing another example of an image including multiple recessed and non-recessed portions. FIG. 11D is a diagram showing another example of an image including multiple recessed and non-recessed portions. FIG. 11E is a diagram showing another example of an image including multiple recessed and non-recessed portions. FIG. 11F is a diagram showing another example of an image including multiple recessed and non-recessed portions. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing an example in which the size of the processed portion constituting the recess is equal to or smaller than one dot width, which is the resolution. FIG. 12B is a diagram showing another example in which the size of the processed portion constituting the recess is equal to or smaller than one dot width, which is the resolution. FIG. 12C is a diagram showing another example in which the size of the processed portion constituting the recess is equal to or smaller than one dot width, which is the resolution. FIG. 13A shows an example of an image of another form of container including multiple recesses. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing another example of an image including multiple recesses in another form of container. FIG. 13C shows another example of an image including multiple recesses in another form of container. FIG. 13D shows another example of an image including multiple recesses in another form of container. FIG. 13E shows another example of an image including multiple recesses in another form of container. FIG. 13F shows another example of an image including multiple recesses in another form of container. FIG. 13G shows another example of an image including multiple recesses in another form of container. FIG. 13H shows another example of an image including multiple recesses in another form of container. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the container body as viewed from above. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of a container on which an image of "front" is printed on the front side and an image of "back" is printed on the back side. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a light-colored solution is contained in a container on which an image of "front" is printed on the front side and an image of "back" is printed on the back side. FIG. 15C is a diagram showing an example of a state in which a dark-colored solution is contained in a container on which an image of "Front" is printed on the front side and an image of "Back" is printed on the back side. FIG. 16A is a diagram showing an example of a container with an image A1 (total area S1) drawn on the front side, with respect to the degree of overlap between the images on the front and back sides. FIG. 16B is a diagram showing an example of a container with A3 (total area S3) drawn on the back side, with respect to the overlapping state of the images on the front and back sides. FIG. 16C is a diagram showing an example of a container on which A1, A3, and an overlapping portion A2 of A1 and A3 (total area S2) are depicted when viewed from the front side. FIG. 16D is a diagram showing an example of a container on which A1, A3, and an overlapping portion A4 of A1 and A3 (total area S4) are depicted when viewed from the back side. FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a container with the character "Omote" written on its surface. FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an example of a container with the character "Ura" written on the back side. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing an example of a container showing an overlapping portion A2 (total area S2) of A1 and A3 when viewed from the back. FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of a container showing an overlapping portion A4 (total area S4) of A1 and A3 when viewed from the back. FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an image of A1 (a square of 20 mm×20 mm, area: 300 mm ² ). FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an image of A3 (20 mm×20 mm grid type, area: 256 mm ² ). FIG. 20A shows images A1 and A3 drawn on a container and viewed from the surface. FIG. 20B is a diagram showing the images A1 and A3 drawn on a container and viewed from the back. FIG. 21A is a diagram viewed from the front, in which A1 and A3 are drawn so that S2/S1=0.1 (approximately 24 mm ^double overlap) or S3/S4=9 (24 mm ^double overlap). FIG. 21B is a diagram viewed from the backside when A1 and A3 are drawn so that S2/S1=0.1 (approximately 24 mm ^double overlap) or S3/S4=9 (24 mm ^double overlap). FIG. 21C is a diagram viewed from the front when A1 and A3 are drawn so that S2/S1=0.56 (156 mm ^double overlap) or S3/D4=1.7 (168 mm ^double overlap). FIG. 21D is a diagram viewed from the back when A1 and A3 are drawn so that S2/S1=0.56 (156 mm ^double overlap) or S3/D4=1.7 (168 mm ^double overlap). FIG. 22A is a diagram showing a state in which an image is drawn in the vertical direction of a container. FIG. 22B is a diagram showing a state in which an image is drawn in the horizontal direction of the container. FIG. 23A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cap for a container. FIG. 23B is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cap of a container when opened. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first embodiment of a cap for a container. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a container body according to the first embodiment of the container. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the relationship between the image and the recess. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing various examples of the machining depth, where (a) is a diagram showing a case where the machining depth is shallower than the non-machined depth, (b) is a diagram showing a case where the machining depth is deeper than the non-machined depth, (c) is a diagram showing a case where the machining depth and the non-machined depth are approximately the same, and (d) is a diagram showing a case where the machining depth and the non-machined depth are changed. FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining an example of gradation expression using recesses. 30A and 30B are diagrams showing another example of gradation expression by depressions, in which (a) is a diagram showing processing data for depressions without periodicity, (b) is a cross-sectional view of a depression caused by crystallization, and (c) is a plan view of a depression caused by crystallization. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a container body according to the second embodiment of the container. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a container body according to the third embodiment of the container. FIG. 33 is a view of a container body according to a third embodiment of the container, as viewed from the mouth side. FIG. 34 is a diagram showing another example of the container body according to the third embodiment of the container. FIG. 35 is a view of a container body according to a third embodiment of the container, as viewed from the bottom side. Figure 36 shows an example of a barcode relating to the fourth embodiment of the container, where (a) is a view of a barcode relating to a comparative example from the mouth side, (b) is a view of a barcode relating to the fourth embodiment of the container, and (c) is a view of the barcode in (b) from the mouth side. FIG. 37(a) is a diagram showing a container body according to a fifth embodiment of the container, and FIG. 27(b) is a diagram showing a container body according to a first modified example of the fifth embodiment of the container. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of a container according to Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment of the container. FIG. 39 is a scanning electron microscope photograph of the scars of degeneration, in which (a) is a perspective view seen from above, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the cross-sectional direction indicated by the arrows D--D in (a). FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating an example of the first embodiment of the container. FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first embodiment of a container manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 42A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a laser irradiation section according to the first embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 42B is a diagram illustrating irradiation of laser light by the processing laser light array. FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit of the container manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit of the container manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing an example of a manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example of pattern data. FIG. 47 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table between image types and processing parameters. FIG. 48 is a diagram showing an example of processing parameters. FIG. 49 is a diagram showing an example of the processed data. FIG. 50 is a diagram showing changes in the properties of the surface of the container body, where (a) is a diagram showing changes in shape due to evaporation, and (b) is a diagram showing changes in shape due to melting. FIG. 51 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. FIG. 52 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a container manufacturing apparatus according to Modification 1 of the second embodiment. FIG. 53 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a container manufacturing apparatus according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment. FIG. 54 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a container manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment in which laser light of different wavelengths is irradiated to different locations. FIG. 55 is a diagram showing an example of temperature control by the container manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 56 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit of a container manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 57 is a diagram showing an example of an apparatus for irradiating a multi-laser beam according to a fifth embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. Figure 58 is a diagram illustrating various multi-laser beams emitted by an array laser according to a fifth embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus, where (a) is a diagram illustrating an arrangement in one row, (b) is a diagram illustrating an arrangement in two rows, (c) is a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional arrangement in a staggered pattern, and (d) is a diagram illustrating a two-dimensional arrangement in a rectangular lattice pattern.

(container)
The container of the present invention has a container body and an image including a plurality of recessed and non-recessed portions on the container body, and has a visibility value represented by the following mathematical formula (1) of a predetermined value or more.
Visibility value= _b0 ·L ^* ₀ ·(1−exp( _b1 ·ΔL ^* )) (1)
In formula (1), L ^* ₀ represents the brightness of the image, ΔL ^* represents the difference between the brightness of the image and the brightness of the portion other than the image, _b0 is a positive real number, and _b1 is a negative real number.
The visibility value is preferably 2 or more, and more preferably 6 or more.

In conventional processing using carbon dioxide gas lasers or infrared wavelengths, the spot diameter of the laser light cannot be narrowed sufficiently, resulting in a significant decrease in resolution and making it impossible to print the font on the label. Processing using ultraviolet wavelengths also requires pulse energy (determined from the average output and repetition frequency of the laser) that exceeds the processing threshold. For example, in order to obtain high pulse energy, a low frequency is required, and even if one dot can be processed with one pulse, productivity is highly dependent on the repetition frequency of the laser light. Furthermore, if a high frequency is used, the pulse energy becomes low and processing with one pulse is no longer possible, so multiple pulses are required. As a result, the frequency required to form one dot becomes low, resulting in the problem of being unable to increase productivity.

The present invention provides a container having a container body and an image including a plurality of recessed and non-recessed portions on the container body, the visibility value represented by the above formula (1) being equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
An image including multiple recessed and non-recessed areas has a higher diffusion of ambient light than an image formed in a single stroke, where the single stroke refers to drawing a line or shape with continuous, uninterrupted irradiation of the laser light, resulting in improved contrast of the image relative to areas of the container body where no image is formed.
In addition, in the present invention, due to the diffusion effect of the multiple recesses and non-recesses, the image is visible as being clouded in the area where no image is formed, and the clouded area is visible as being whiter due to the improvement in contrast. As a result, even an image with a large amount of information, including fine lines and characters, can be clearly seen with high contrast, and a container on which an image with a large amount of information is formed with good visibility can be provided.

In addition, since images can be formed without applying impurities such as ink to the container body, the process of removing impurities within the circular recycling process is unnecessary, and the loss of management information caused by removing ink as an impurity can also be prevented.
Furthermore, by making the image opaque, the image can be viewed with good contrast even when the container body is made of transparent plastic or transparent glass that is transparent to visible light.

The container of the present invention preferably has a container body, an image including a plurality of recessed and non-recessed portions on the container body, and a container cap.

<Container body>
The container body is not particularly limited in terms of material, shape, size, structure, color, etc., and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.
The material of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include resin, glass, etc. Among these, transparent resin or transparent glass is more preferable, and transparent resin is particularly preferable.
Examples of resins for the container body include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene terephthalate succinate, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, epoxy, biopolybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactic acid blend (PBAT), starch blend polyester resin, polybutylene terephthalate succinate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate/hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH), polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), bio-PET30, bio-polyamide (PA) 610, 410, 510, bio-PA1012, 10T, bio-PA11T, MXD10, bio-polycarbonate, bio-polyurethane, bio-PE, bio-PET100, bio-PA11, bio-PA1010, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among these, biodegradable resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polybutylene adipate/terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate succinate are preferred from the viewpoint of environmental load.

The shape of the container body is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include a bottle shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular prism shape, a box shape, a cone shape, etc. Among these, the bottle shape is preferred.
The bottle-shaped container body has a mouth, a shoulder connected to the mouth, a body connected to the shoulder, and a bottom connected to the body.
The size of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the application of the container.
The structure of the container body is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, it may be a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure.

The color of the container body may be, for example, colorless and transparent, colored and transparent, or colored and opaque. Of these, colorless and transparent is preferred.

＜Statue＞
An image including a plurality of recessed and non-recessed portions is formed on the surface of the container body.
The image includes, for example, letters, symbols, figures, pictures, codes, etc., and specifically means information such as the name, ingredients, identification number, manufacturer name, manufacturing date and time, expiration date, barcode, QR code (registered trademark), recycle mark, or logo mark.
The recess is formed by a plurality of processed parts, the plurality of processed parts being arranged along the first scanning direction (main scanning direction), and may be dot-shaped or line-shaped. It is preferable that the processed parts are circular or elliptical in plan view.
From the standpoints of visibility and productivity, it is preferable that the recesses are arranged linearly along the first scanning direction, with a plurality of processed portions being in contact with or overlapping each other.
By non-recessed is meant a flat area of the container body that does not have any recesses formed therein.
There are two scanning directions of the laser: a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction, which are perpendicular to each other.
The main scanning direction is the direction in which the laser irradiation means moves, and the sub-scanning direction is the direction in which the container body, which is the object to be laser processed, moves.
The first scanning direction is a main scanning direction in the laser processing, and the second scanning direction is a sub-scanning direction in the laser processing.

Here, as shown in Fig. 1B, when a plurality of recesses 12 are formed on the surface of the container body 1 by laser processing or the like and the recesses 12 are assembled to form an image 11, the diffuse reflectance on the surface of the container body 1 becomes higher than that before the laser processing shown in Fig. 1A. That is, the surface becomes cloudy and the image 11 is formed as shown in Fig. 1B. The denser the assembly of the plurality of recesses 12, the more cloudy the surface becomes and the easier it is to see, but the laser processing takes time, which reduces productivity, and the container body 1 may deform due to heat generation or the color may change due to deterioration of the material, so it is preferable to have the recesses assembled at a density that does not affect visibility.
The visibility of the image 11 is determined not only by the diffuse reflectance of the multiple recesses 12 but also by the influence of transmitted light from the contents 9 contained in the container body 1 (FIG. 1C). When the container body 1 is made of a transparent material such as a plastic bottle or glass, the influence of transmitted light from the contents 9 contained in the container body 1 is particularly large, as shown in FIG. 1C. When the image 11 is a collection of multiple recesses 12 at a density that does not reduce productivity, the influence of transmitted light from non-recesses 13 must also be considered.
Based on the above, the inventor conducted extensive research and established a method for evaluating visibility that takes into account all of the effects of the processing state of the surface of the container body and the contents contained within the container body, in order to form an image with good visibility including the processing state of the surface of the container body and the contents contained within the container body.

Next, a method for evaluating visibility will be described. The method for evaluating visibility is to photograph the container body and measure the brightness of the visible image and the portion other than the image.
As shown in Fig. 2A, the method of photographing the container body is performed in a darkroom 42 environment in order to eliminate reflections on the surface of the container body 1 due to the shape of the container body 1. In Fig. 2A, 43 is a camera. As shown in Fig. 2B, it is preferable that the light source 41 is a flat light source arranged at a predetermined angle so that the regular reflection component of the surface of the container body 1 is not photographed, and a pair of white diffusion surfaces 44 are installed on the side of the container body 1 in order to reflect the influence of the contents 9 in the container body 1 in the photographed image. Specifically, the photographing is performed under the following photographing conditions. This makes it possible to obtain an image close to that seen in a general environment.

<Shooting conditions for visibility evaluation method>
As shown in FIG. 2A, a camera 43, a sample (container body 1), and a light source 41 are installed in a darkroom. The light source is positioned to provide diffuse illumination (a position where the camera does not detect the regular reflection component on the processed surface, such as diagonally above the sample; the light source position can also be diagonally below or on the side, etc.).
- Place a white surface on the side of the sample so that transmitted light from the surroundings can also be taken into account.
・Set the shooting conditions as follows so that the white reading value does not saturate.
- Shooting conditions -
Camera: Basler area scan camera acA3088-57μm
Lens: Ricoh Lens FL-CC2514-2M (F1.4 f25mm 2/3")
Aperture: F1.4
Exposure time: 20,000 (μs)
・Shooting distance: 500mm
・Light source: LED tracer

The brightness of the image and non-image parts is measured from the captured image. As shown in Fig. 3, the brightness is calculated from the output values of the image P and non-image parts Q. The camera output value depends on the size of the image, etc., but it is preferable to use the average value of an area of several ^mm2 to several tens of ^mm2 in consideration of variations.
The conversion to lightness can be carried out by photographing a chart with known lightness (L ^* ) with a camera in the measurement environment of the container body, and converting the camera read value (G signal) and the known lightness as follows.

- G signal and brightness conversion -
A color chart (gray chart) with known brightness is photographed and approximated with an n-th degree polynomial. As an example, the G signal is converted to brightness using the following third degree polynomial.
L ^* =Lab_1st×G1+Lab_2nd×G2+Lab_3rd×G3+Lab_const
Lab_1st=0.461535
Lab_2nd=-0.000281
Lab_3rd=0.000000
Lab_const=1.211053
4 is a graph showing the relationship between the G signal and the brightness calculated from the above formula. From FIG. 4, the contribution rate r ² is 0.997.

-Subjective evaluation-
For the samples in which the laser processing conditions were changed, a subjective evaluation was carried out by changing the contents contained in the container body as shown below, and the samples to be evaluated were ranked to obtain a subjective evaluation score.
・Samples: 6 types with different processing conditions ・Contents: water, coffee, tea ・Subjective evaluation method: Chaffe's paired comparison method ・Evaluators: 3 people (each evaluation was performed twice)
・Evaluation 1: All samples were water ・Evaluation 2: Water (2 bottles), Coffee (2 bottles), Tea (2 bottles)
・3rd evaluation: Water (1 bottle), Coffee (3 bottles), Tea (2 bottles)
Evaluation environment: Office room

The relationship between the obtained subjective evaluation score, the image lightness (L ^* ₀ ), and the difference (ΔL ^* ) between the image lightness and the lightness of the portion other than the image is shown in Figures 5 and 6. There are samples with poor correlation, as shown in the areas surrounded by dotted lines in Figures 5 and 6. These are samples with extremely low image lightness (L ^* ₀ ), small lightness difference (ΔL ^* ), or both.
In order to obtain a formula with high correlation for such samples, we derived formula (1) by multiplying the image lightness L ^* ₀ by (1-exp(ΔL ^* )). As shown in Fig. 7, as Y = (1-exp(-x)) approaches Y = 0 as x becomes smaller, formula (1) expresses the tendency for visibility to deteriorate as the lightness difference (ΔL ^* ) becomes smaller.

Therefore, the visibility value is expressed by the following formula (1).
Visibility value= _b0 ·L ^* ₀ ·(1−exp( _b1 ·ΔL ^* )) (1)
In the formula (1), L ^* ₀ represents the brightness of the image, and ΔL ^* represents the difference between the brightness of the image and the brightness of the portion other than the image.
b ₀ is a positive real number, and is preferably around 0.2.
_b1 is a negative real number, and is preferably around −0.2.
The visibility value expressed by the formula (1) represents the characteristic that the higher the brightness of the image, the higher the visibility, and that the visibility is lost when there is no difference in brightness between the image and other parts.

Here, the visibility value expressed by formula (1) calculated with b ₀ = 0.195 and b ₁ = -0.193 was found to have a very high correlation (R ² = 0.943) with the subjective evaluation score (paired comparison method) when the processing conditions and the contents contained in the container body were changed, as shown in Figure 8.

<Subjective evaluation method>
For samples in which images (characters) were laser-processed under the following conditions, a subjective evaluation of the images was carried out, and the legibility was evaluated on a 5-point scale. The results are shown in FIG.
-Evaluation conditions-
Evaluators: 30 people Samples: 10 types in total, with 5.5 pt characters formed by varying the laser processing conditions and the contents (water, tea, etc.) also varying for each sample Evaluation environment: In a general office room Evaluation method: The evaluation rank is based on the following 5 levels, and the evaluators conduct a subjective evaluation.
[Evaluation rank]
1: Cannot read 2: Not very readable 3: Can read 4: Can read well 5: Can read best

As can be seen from the results in Figure 9, since this is a subjective evaluation, there is some variation, but on average, a visibility value of 2 or more rated as 3 or higher, meaning the characters were legible. It was also found that a visibility value of 6 or more rated as 5 (most easily readable) by all assessors.

Next, the relationship between the ratio of the area of the plurality of recesses to the area of the image [(area of the plurality of recesses/area of the image)×100] (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "processing ratio") and the visibility value was investigated. As shown in Fig. 10, in the region where the processing ratio is low, there is a correlation between the processing ratio and the visibility value, and the lower the processing ratio, the worse the visibility becomes. It was found that when the processing ratio is 40% or more, the visibility value is 2 or more, and when the processing ratio is 50% or more, the visibility value is about 6 or more.
Therefore, the processing ratio is preferably 40% or more and 95% or less. By setting the processing ratio at 40% or more, it is possible to provide an image with excellent visibility while maintaining high productivity. Furthermore, by setting the processing ratio at 50% or more, it is possible to form an image with the highest judgment rank in the subjective evaluation of the image.

Next, FIGS. 11A to 11F show a specific example of an image 11 including a plurality of recessed and non-recessed portions.
The recess 12 is formed from a plurality of processed portions 47, which are arranged in a line. From the standpoint of visibility, it is preferable that the plurality of processed portions 47 are arranged in a line, in contact with or overlapping each other, as shown in Figures 11B, 11C, and 11F.
Furthermore, when a plurality of processed portions 47 are arranged linearly along the first scanning direction (main scanning direction) as in FIGS. 11B and 11F, visibility can be improved with high productivity.
As shown in Figures 11A, 11D, and 11E, when the recesses 12 are arranged in a dot pattern along the first scanning direction, they are easily affected by the transmitted light of the non-recesses 13 around the processed portion 47. However, by providing the non-recesses 13 between the recesses 12, it is possible to further prevent deformation of the main body due to heat generation and color change due to deterioration of the material.

The processing ratio is calculated from the width A of the processed portion 47 constituting the recess in the second scanning direction perpendicular to the first scanning direction and the width A of the processed portion 47 in the second scanning direction + the width B of the non-recess 13 in the second scanning direction. For example, when forming an image 11 with a resolution of 200 dpi, as shown in Fig. 11A, if the processed portion 47 is dot-shaped, the processing ratio = (A/2) ² * π/B ² , and if A = 90 μm and B = 127 μm, the processing ratio is 40%. Also, if the processed portion 47 is in contact, for example, if A = 127 μm and B = 127 μm, the processing ratio is 79%.
11B, when the processing parts 47 are arranged in overlapping lines along the first scanning direction, the processing ratio is A/B, and when A=50 μm and B=127 μm, the processing ratio is 40%. When the processing parts 47 are in contact with each other, for example, when A=120 μm and B=127 μm, the processing ratio is 95%.
In addition, the arrangement of the processed portions 47 can be in either the vertical or horizontal direction (Figure 11C), and the width A of the processed portions 47 in the second scanning direction and the width B of the non-recessed portions 13 in the second scanning direction do not need to be the same within the image 11 (Figures 11D, 11E, and 11F), and may be arranged randomly.

Furthermore, in terms of improving visibility, it is preferable that the width of the recess in a second scanning direction (sub-scanning direction) perpendicular to the first scanning direction is equal to or smaller than the dot width at a predetermined resolution. The predetermined resolution means, for example, 200 dpi.
For example, when forming an image with a resolution of 200 dpi, as shown in Figures 12A, 12B, and 12C, if the width C of the second scanning direction (sub-scanning direction) at the smallest dot is 127 μm and the width A of the second scanning direction at the processed portion 47 + the width B of the second scanning direction at the non-recessed portion 13 is 40 μm, laser processing is performed so that recesses (straight lines) 12 consisting of multiple processed portions 47 are arranged in three rows within the width C of the second scanning direction at the smallest dot, thereby making it possible to roughen the surface of the container body more finely and improving visibility.
In addition to the width B of 40 μm in the second scanning direction in the non-recessed portion 13, the dots or lines are arranged in two rows when the width B of the non-recessed portion 13 in the second scanning direction is 63 μm, and the dots or lines are arranged in 1.5 rows when the width B of the non-recessed portion 13 in the second scanning direction is 80 μm. Even in these cases, the visibility is improved as in the case where the width B of the non-recessed portion 13 in the second scanning direction is 40 μm. Furthermore, by satisfying the processing ratio of 40% or more and 95% or less, the visibility is good, the productivity is improved by reducing the processing area, and it is possible to prevent deformation and material change of the container body due to heat generation.
In addition, the arrangement of the lines or dots in the processed portion 47 may be either vertical or horizontal, and the width A of the processed portion 47 in the second scanning direction and the width B of the non-recessed portion 13 in the second scanning direction do not need to be the same within the image 11, and may be arranged randomly.

Another embodiment of the container of the present invention has a container body and a pattern including a plurality of recesses on the container body,
The visibility value represented by the following formula (1) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Note that, as long as the image has a concave portion, it may or may not have a non-concave portion.
Visibility value= _b0 ·L ^* ₀ ·(1−exp( _b1 ·ΔL ^* )) (1)
In the formula (1), L ^* ₀ represents the brightness of the image, and ΔL ^* represents the difference between the brightness of the image and the brightness of the portion other than the image.
b ₀ is a positive real number, and is preferably around 0.2.
_b1 is a negative real number, and is preferably around −0.2.
The visibility value expressed by the formula (1) represents the characteristic that the higher the brightness of the image, the higher the visibility, and that the visibility is lost when there is no difference in brightness between the image and other parts.
The visibility value is preferably 2 or more, and more preferably 6 or more.

Next, Figs. 13A to 13H show a specific example of a shape 11 including a plurality of recesses 12 in a container body.
13A-13F are examples in which the image 11 includes a number of recessed and non-recessed portions 12. FIG.
13G and 13H are examples in which the image 11 includes only a number of recesses 12 and has no non-recesses 12.
It may be any of the images in Figures 13A to 13H, or a combination of two or more of these.

Yet another embodiment of the container of the present invention is a container filled with liquid and having a transmittance α of 50 or more and 100 or less, the container having a container body and an image including a plurality of recesses and non-recesses in the container body, the image being formed in both of two regions: an area (front side) where the surface of the container can be seen directly when looking at the container from a certain line of sight direction, and an area (back side) where the surface of the container can be seen only by passing through the interior of the container, there is at least one line of sight direction that satisfies the above condition, and the visibility value of the front side expressed by the following mathematical formula (1) is V1 and the visibility value of the back side expressed by the following mathematical formula (1) is V2, satisfying the following formula, V2/V1<0.55.
Visibility value= _b0 ·L ^* ₀ ·(1−exp( _b1 ·ΔL ^* )) (1)
In the above formula (1), L ^* ₀ represents the brightness of the image, ΔL ^* represents the difference between the brightness of the image and the brightness of the portion other than the image, _b0 is a positive real number, and _b1 is a negative real number.
The transmittance α is 50 or more and 100 or less, and preferably 50 or more and 100 or less in the wavelength range of 400 nm to 800 nm.

In the present invention, it is preferable to satisfy the following formulas: V1>5 and 0<V2<4.

The transmittance α can be measured, for example, using a transmittance measuring device, TLV-304-BP, manufactured by Asahi Spectroscopy Co., Ltd.

Figure 14 is a view of the container body 1 as seen from above. Here, the surface shown as A in Figure 14, which is directly visible when looking at the container from a certain direction, will hereafter be referred to as the "front surface." The surface shown as B in Figure 14, which is visible through the inside of the container, will hereafter be defined as the "rear surface."

Next, the visibility value V1 of the "front side" and the visibility value V2 of the "back side" are defined.
The visibility value V1 of the "surface" can be calculated by the same method as that of the above-mentioned formula (1) in the visibility evaluation method described above.
The visibility value V2 of the “reverse side” is calculated by measuring the brightness of the visible area of the reverse side and outside the visible area through a transparent container while keeping the camera focused on the position of the front side, and using the above formula (1).

Figure 15A is a diagram showing an example of a container on which an image of "front" is printed on the front side and an image of "back" is printed on the back side, and in Figure 15A, "A" is an example of a sample area of the visible area of the "front", "B" is a sample area outside the visible area of the "front", "C" is a sample area of the visible area of the "back", and "D" is an example of a sample area outside the visible area of the "back".
When the visibility values of the "front" and "back" of a container are calculated and the following conditional formula is satisfied, the drawing on the "front" is easy to read. When the visibility value of the front side is V1 and the visibility value of the back side as seen from the front side is V2, the following formula is satisfied: V2/V1<0.55.
In this case, it is easy to read the "front side." However, if the above formula is not satisfied, the "front side" and "back side" images will overlap, making it difficult to distinguish the "front side" image.
Which side is the "front side" may be determined arbitrarily. Regardless of which side is the "front side", it is desirable that the above condition: V2/V1<0.55 is satisfied.

Figure 15B is a diagram showing an example of a container with an image of "front" printed on the front and an image of "back" printed on the back, in which a light-colored solution is contained. Figure 15C is a diagram showing an example of a container with an image of "front" printed on the front and an image of "back" printed on the back, in which a dark-colored solution is contained.
15B shows a case where a colorless and transparent liquid such as water is sealed in the container, and the above condition: V2/V1<0.55 is satisfied. In this case, the inverted images of the images "Front" and "Back" overlap, making it difficult to read.
15C shows a case where a colored liquid or colloidal solution such as tea, coffee, juice, or whey drink is enclosed in a container, and the above conditional formula: V2/V1<0.55 is satisfied. In this case, the inverted image of the "reverse" image is not very noticeable and is easy to read.

Table A shows the results of measuring the visibility values for several liquids 1 to 7. In Table 1, "Liquid 1" represents water. Because water is almost transparent, the images on the front and back overlap, and as indicated by the above condition: V2/V1 = 0.99, visibility was poor. Liquids 2 to 7 other than water fulfill the above condition: V2/V1 < 0.55, and the image on the front was easily visible.

When viewed from the front side, the total area of the front side image is S1, the area of the overlapping portion of the front side and back side images when viewed from the front side is S2, and when viewed from the back side, the total area of the back side image is S3, and the area of the overlapping portion of the back side and front side images when viewed from the back side is S4. It is preferable that the following formula be satisfied: S2/S1<0.2 or S3/S4>8.

Figure 16A shows an example of a container with an image A1 (total area S1) drawn on the front side, and Figure 16B shows an example of a container with an image A3 (total area S3) drawn on the back side, with respect to the overlap of the images on the front and back sides.
FIG. 16C shows an example of a container on which A1, A3, and the overlapping portion A2 of A1 and A3 (total area S2) are drawn when viewed from the front, and FIG. 16D shows an example of a container on which A1, A3, and the overlapping portion A4 of A1 and A3 (total area S4) are drawn when viewed from the back.
FIG. 17A is a diagram showing an example of a container having an image A1 with the word "Front" drawn on the obverse side, and FIG. 17B is a diagram showing an example of a container having an image A3 with the word "Back" drawn on the reverse side.
FIG. 18A is a diagram showing an example of a container showing the overlapping portion A2 (total area S2) of A1 and A3 when viewed from the back, and FIG. 18B is a diagram showing an example of a container showing the overlapping portion A4 (total area S4) of A1 and A3 when viewed from the back.

In this case, when an image "front" with a total area of S1 is formed on the front side as shown in FIG. 17A, and an image "back" with a total area of S3 is formed on the back side as shown in FIG. 17B, visibility is good when the following formula, S2/S1<0.2, is satisfied as shown in FIG. 18A, but visibility cannot be ensured when the following formula, S3/S4<8, is satisfied as shown in FIG. 18B.

FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an image of A1 (20 mm×20 mm square, area: 300 mm ² ), and FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an image of A3 (20 mm×20 mm grid type, area: 256 mm ² ).
For example, a PET bottle with a diameter of 60 mm is filled with water, and an image A1 (20 mm x 20 mm square, area: 300 ^mm2 ) shown in Figure 19A is drawn on the front side, and an image A3 (20 mm x 20 mm grid, area: 256 ^mm2 ) shown in Figure 19B is drawn on the back side.

FIG. 20A is a diagram showing the images A1 and A3 drawn on a container as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 20B is a diagram showing the images A1 and A3 drawn on a container as viewed from the back side.
FIG. 21A is a view from the front side when A1 and A3 are drawn so that S2/S1=0.1 (approximately 24 mm ^double overlap) or S3/S4=9 (24 mm ^double overlap), and FIG. 21B is a view from the back side when A1 and A3 are drawn so that S2/S1=0.1 (approximately 24 mm ^double overlap) or S3/S4=9 (24 mm ^double overlap).
FIG. 21C is a view from the front when A1 and A3 are plotted so that S2/S1=0.56 (156 mm ^double overlap) or S3/D4=1.7 (168 mm ^double overlap), and FIG. 21D is a view from the back when A1 and A3 are plotted so that S2/S1=0.56 (156 mm ^double overlap) or S3/D4=1.7 (168 mm ^double overlap).
When S2/S1=0.1 (approximately 24 mm ^double overlap), or when A1 and A3 are arranged so that S3/S4=9 (24 mm ^double overlap), the front view will look like Figure 21A and the back view will look like Figure 21B, and it is easy to distinguish between the "□" when viewed from the front and the "grid" when viewed from the back.
On the other hand, when S2/S1=0.56 (156 mm ^double overlap), or when A1 and A3 are arranged so that S3/D4=1.7 (168 mm ^double overlap), the front view appears as shown in Figure 21C and the back view appears as shown in Figure 21D, and it is not easy to distinguish between the "□" when viewed from the front and the "grid" when viewed from the back.

FIG. 22A is a diagram showing a state in which an image is drawn in the vertical direction of a container, and FIG. 22B is a diagram showing a state in which an image is drawn in the horizontal direction of a container.
When drawing letters or figures on a container, there are two ways to do it: vertically on the container as shown in Fig. 22A, or horizontally as shown in Fig. 22B. When vertically drawn, the light is diffused in the circumferential direction of the container, so even if you are not facing the drawn part directly but are looking at it from a sideways position, the drawn part is less likely to become dark and visibility is improved.
On the other hand, even if the container is processed horizontally as in Fig. 22B, the diffusion of light in the circumferential direction is less than that in the case of processing vertically. When the container is displayed on a shelf, the container processed vertically has higher visibility and is easier to appeal as a product.

<Container cap>
The material, shape, size, structure, color, etc. of the container cap are not particularly limited, and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

The material for the container cap is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose, and examples thereof include resin, glass, metal, ceramics, etc. Among these, resin is preferred from the viewpoint of moldability.
The resin for the cap of the container may be the same as that for the body of the container.
The color of the container cap may be, for example, colored and opaque, colored and transparent, etc. Among these, colored and opaque is preferred from the viewpoint of image readability.
The shape and size of the container cap are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of sealing (closing) the opening of the container body, and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.

The structure of the container cap is not particularly limited and can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose, but for example, it is preferable for the cap to have a first part that separates from the container body when opened, and a second part that remains on the container body.
The side surface of the first portion is preferably uneven so that the hand does not slip when opening the package, whereas the side surface of the second portion is preferably flat without unevenness.

As shown in Figures 23A and 23B, the container cap is composed of a first part 51 that separates from the container body when opened, and a second part 52 that remains on the container body 1. The side of the first part 51 has an uneven surface 53 formed thereon to prevent the hand from slipping when opening. The side of the second part 52 does not have an uneven surface, and the surface is flat.

First embodiment of container cap
Next, the formation of an image on the container cap 8 will be described. Fig. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an image formed on the container cap 8. As shown in Fig. 24, a one-dimensional barcode 341 as an example of an image is formed on the surface of the container cap 8.

In the one-dimensional barcode 341 in Fig. 24, the surface of the black container cap 8 is irradiated with a processed laser beam to make it opaque, and the linear area other than the opaque area functions as a one-dimensional barcode. Since the container cap 8 is small, it is preferable to form a one-dimensional barcode with a short length, such as an abbreviated code.
In addition to being opaque, the material may be modified to a color other than white to function as a barcode. Furthermore, the bar portion (linear region) of the barcode may be formed in a portion other than the modified portion, or the bar portion itself may be formed in the modified portion.

For example, a one-dimensional barcode indicating the type of beverage contained in the PET bottle can be formed on demand for each PET bottle on the surface of the plain cap that seals the PET bottle. This makes it possible to obtain caps with one-dimensional barcodes formed according to the type of beverage at any time without having to prepare inventory. In addition, since information can be displayed on the cap using a single material without using a label, adaptability to recycling can be ensured.

Here, an embodiment of the container of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In addition, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components described below are not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any number, position, shape, etc. that is preferable for implementing the present invention.

First embodiment of container
Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first embodiment of the container. The container body 1 in Fig. 25 is a cylindrical bottle made of a resin (transparent resin) that is transparent to visible light. Fig. 25 shows the container body 1 placed in front of a black screen as the background. The black screen in the background is visible through the transparent container body 1. Alternatively, it may be considered that a black liquid is contained in the container body 1, and the black liquid in the transparent container body 1 is visible.
The resin used for the container body 1 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

An image (letter) 11 saying "Labelless" is formed on the surface of the container body 1. Compared to the black background or the black color of the liquid inside the container body 1, the image (letter) 11 appears opaque due to the diffusion of ambient light at the image (letter) 11. The collection of multiple lines that make up the five letters of "Labelless" corresponds to the image (letter) 11. Furthermore, the areas of the container body 1 where the image (letter) 11 is not formed are non-recessed portions.

Figure 26 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between recesses 12 and non-recesses 13 formed in the container body 1. In the enlarged view in Figure 26, 111 is an enlarged view of a portion of the image (character) 11. As shown in Figure 26, an image (character) 11 saying "Labelless" is formed on the surface of the container body 1, and as shown at 111 in the enlarged view in Figure 26, the image (character) 11 is composed of a plurality of recesses (straight lines) 12. In other words, the image (character) 11 is composed of a collection of recesses (straight lines) 12. Note that although the recesses (straight lines) 12 are shown only in the area corresponding to 111 in the enlarged view in Figure 26, the entire image (character) 11 is composed of a collection of recesses (straight lines) 12.

The white areas in the collection of recesses (straight lines) 12 indicate areas where the surface properties of the container body have changed. The multiple recesses (straight lines) 12 are an example of a collection of recesses. The recesses (straight lines) 12 are images that are smaller than the image (character) 11. More specifically, the recesses (straight lines) 12 are images in which the area of the straight line portions is smaller than the sum of the areas of the multiple straight line portions that make up the image (character) 11. In this way, the image (character) 11 is formed including a collection of small (fine) recesses (straight lines) 12.

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the A-A cross-sectional shape in the enlarged view 111 of Figure 26. Non-recessed portion 13 indicates the surface of the container body 1. Recessed portion 12 indicates a portion formed by the evaporation of the surface of the container body 1 by irradiation with the processing laser light 20, and corresponds to a straight line. 123 indicates the inner surface of the container body.

The thickness t indicates the thickness of the container body 1, and the processing depth Hp indicates the depth of the recess 12. The non-processing depth Hb indicates the depth of the non-processing portion.

Here, the distance between adjacent recesses 12 refers to the distance between the centers of adjacent recesses 12. In FIG. 27, the distance P indicates the distance between adjacent recesses (straight lines) 12. Furthermore, the width W indicates the thickness of the recesses (straight lines) 12. In this embodiment, the recesses (straight lines) 12 are formed with a periodicity, so the distance P also corresponds to the period at which the recesses (straight lines) 12 are formed.

Here, the interval P is preferably 0.4 μm or more and 130 μm or less. By making the interval P 0.4 μm or more, it is possible to diffuse ambient light without being restricted by the wavelength limit of visible light, and it is possible to improve the contrast of the image (characters) 11 including a plurality of recesses (straight lines) 12 and non-recesses 13.
Moreover, by making the interval P 130 μm or less, a resolution of 200 dpi (dots per inch) is guaranteed, the recesses (straight lines) 12 themselves are prevented from being seen, and the image (characters) 11 can be seen with high contrast as a clouded pattern. It is more preferable to make the interval P 50 μm or less, since it is possible to reliably prevent the recesses themselves from being seen.

In the above embodiment, the above-mentioned preferred values are described as suitable values for the spacing P, but if the recesses have periodicity, the above-mentioned preferred values can also be applied to the period.

In addition, enlarged view 111 shows a collection of recesses (straight lines) 12 formed at equal intervals with periodicity, but the collection of recesses is not limited to this. The collection of recesses may be made up of a plurality of recesses (straight lines) 12 formed non-periodically at different intervals, or may be made up of a plurality of dots formed periodically or non-periodically. If the recesses are a dot pattern, the image of the dots is made to be a smaller pattern than the image of the character 11, etc.

In addition, in this embodiment, the image (character) 11 is formed from the non-recessed portions 13 and the recessed portions 12. When forming recessed portions with an uneven shape like this, it is preferable to set the difference in depth between the non-recessed portions 13 and the recessed portions 12 to 0.4 μm or more. By setting the difference to 0.4 μm or more, it is possible to diffuse ambient light without being restricted by the wavelength limit of visible light, and improve the contrast of the image (character) 11 composed of multiple recessed portions 12 and non-recessed portions 13.

Next, FIG. 28 is a diagram showing various examples of the processing depth Hp. FIG. 28(a) shows a case where the processing depth Hp is shallower than the non-processing depth Hb of the container body 1. More specifically, this is a case where the ratio of the processing depth Hp to the non-processing depth Hb is from 1 or less to 9 or more to 3 to 7. In this case, the rigidity (mechanical strength) of the recess is improved. As an example, when the thickness of the container body 1 is 100 μm to 500 μm, the processing depth Hp is 10 μm.

Figure 28 (b) shows a case where the processing depth Hp is deeper than the non-processing depth Hb of the container body. More specifically, this is a case where the ratio of processing depth Hp to non-processing depth Hb is from 7:3 to 9:1 or more.

Figure 28 (c) shows the case where the processing depth Hp and the non-processing depth Hb of the container body are approximately the same. More specifically, this is the case where the ratio of processing depth Hp to non-processing depth Hb changes from 4:6 to 6:4.

Figure 28 (d) shows the results when the processing depth Hp and the non-processing depth Hb of the container body are changed.

The processing depth Hp as shown in (a) to (d) of Figure 28 can be adjusted by controlling the light intensity of the laser light emitted by the laser light source 21 with the light intensity control unit 651 in the laser irradiation control unit 65 of the container manufacturing device.

Second embodiment of the container
In the second embodiment of the container, an image is formed on the container body 1, and each of a plurality of pixels constituting the image is composed of a set of recesses. Also, by making the intervals between the recesses different between the pixels, the image as an image can be expressed in multiple gradations.

Figure 29 is a diagram explaining an example of gradation expression by varying the spacing between recesses between pixels, and shows processed image data 112 of an image corresponding to the image to be formed on the container body 1. The pixels 1121 shown as squares in Figure 29 indicate the pixels that make up the processed image data 112. The processed image data 112 is made up of multiple pixels 1121.

In this embodiment, the recess is a dot pattern, and each of the multiple pixels 1121 is composed of a collection of point data 1122. The point data 1122 shown as a black area in the processed image data 112 corresponds to the area where the properties of the container body are changed by irradiation with the processed laser light 20.

29, the distance between adjacent point data 1122 becomes wider as one moves upward in the direction of the illustrated arrow, and the distance between adjacent point data 1122 becomes narrower as one moves downward. The wider the distance between adjacent point data 1122, the lower the diffusion of the surrounding light when a dot pattern is formed on the container body 1, and the lower the density of the clouded image. On the other hand, the narrower the distance between adjacent point data 1122, the higher the diffusion of the surrounding light when a dot pattern is formed on the container body 1, and the higher the density of the clouded image.
In this way, by making the intervals between the recesses different between pixels, the gradation (shade) of the image is expressed.

Here, FIG. 30 shows an example of expressing gradation by the spacing of a periodic dot pattern, but the method of expressing gradation is not limited to this. FIG. 30 is a diagram explaining another example of gradation expression by recesses. FIG. 30(a) is a diagram showing processing data for a recess without periodicity. In FIG. 30(a), pixel 180 shows one pixel, and pixel 180 is composed of rectangular point data that is arranged non-periodically. The direction of the illustrated arrow indicates the shade of pixel density, and the greater the number of point data in pixel 180, the darker the density.

The intervals Pd1 to Pd4 in FIG. 30(a) indicate the intervals between adjacent point data in the arrangement of various point data within pixel 180, and correspond to the intervals between dot patterns when a dot pattern is formed on container body 1.

On the other hand, FIG. 30(b) shows a cross-sectional view of a recess formed by a change in the crystallization state. FIG. 30(c) is a plan view of FIG. 30(b).

Figures 30(b) and (c) show an example in which the crystallization depth D at which the surface of the container body 1 is crystallized is changed to change the diffusion of ambient light by the recesses, thereby changing the density of the image. The deeper the crystallization depth D, the higher the diffusion of ambient light becomes, and the denser the white of the clouding becomes (the whiter it becomes).

Figure 31 is a diagram showing an example of a container body 1a according to a second embodiment of the container. Images 13 and 14 expressed in multi-level gradations are formed on the container body 1a. Also, an image 15 in which characters are superimposed is formed.

Each of the images 13, 14, and 15 is composed of a number of pixels, and each pixel is composed of a collection of dot patterns that act as recesses. Tones are expressed by varying the spacing between adjacent dot patterns between pixels. Each of such images 13, 14, and 15 is an example of an image.

As described above, in the second embodiment of the container, the image formed on the container body 1 is an image, and each of the multiple pixels that make up this image is composed of a collection of recesses, and the intervals between the recesses are made different between pixels. This allows the diffusivity of each pixel to be changed, thereby changing the density of the image formed on the container body 1 for each pixel, and the image can be expressed in multiple gradations.

<Third embodiment of container>
Fig. 32 is a diagram for explaining an example of a container body 1b according to a third embodiment of the container. The container body 1b in Fig. 32 is a cylindrical bottle, and is configured to include a mouth portion 101, a shoulder portion 102, a body portion 103, and a bottom portion 104. In this third embodiment of the container, an image composed of a collection of recesses is formed on the shoulder portion of the container body 1b, which includes a mouth portion, a shoulder portion connected to the mouth portion, a body portion connected to the shoulder portion, and a bottom portion connected to the body portion, so that the image can be easily viewed when the container body 1b is viewed from the mouth side.

The mouth portion 101 is an inlet portion for introducing a content such as a beverage into the container body 1b. A container cap may be provided for plugging the container body 1b so that the content contained in the container body 1b does not spill.

The shoulder 102 is connected to the mouth 101 and is a cone-shaped portion with the mouth 101 side as the apex angle. The body 103 is connected to the shoulder 102 and is a cylindrical portion with the axis along the Y direction shown by the arrow in Figure 32 as the cylindrical axis. The shoulder 102 is inclined with respect to the cylindrical surface of the body 103.

The bottom portion 104 is the bottom portion of the container body 1 b that is connected to the trunk portion 103 .
The shoulder portion 102 of the container body 1b is formed with the characters 16 saying "Labelless" and a bar code 17. The characters 16 and the bar code 17 are formed by a collection of recesses.

Figure 33 is a view of container body 1b as viewed from the mouth 101 side. In other words, it is a view of container body 1b as viewed from the negative Y direction toward the positive Y direction in Figure 33. As shown in Figure 33, when letters 16 and barcode 17 are formed on shoulder 102, shoulder 102 is inclined relative to body 103, so that when a user (consumer) of container body 1b views container body 1b from the mouth 101 side, letters 16 and barcode 17 face the user. Therefore, compared to when letters 16 and barcode 17 are formed on body 103, users can more easily see letters 16 and barcode 17.

<Modification 1 of the third embodiment of the container>
Fig. 34 is a diagram showing an example of Modification 1 of the third embodiment of the container. A character 18, which is an image formed by overlapping characters, is formed on a shoulder portion 102 of a container body 1b in Fig. 34.
In this embodiment, an image composed of a collection of recesses is formed on shoulder 102 of container body 1b, which includes mouth 101, shoulder 102 connected to mouth 101, body 103 connected to shoulder 102, and bottom 104 connected to body 103. This makes the image easier to see when container body 1b is viewed from the mouth 101 side.

As a result, for example, even when the container body 1b is stored in a storage case or the like with the bottom 104 facing downward, the information displayed by the image can be easily viewed without removing the container body 1b from the storage case, and the container body 1b or the contents contained in the container body 1b can be managed efficiently. An example of a case in which the container body 1b is stored in a box or the like with the bottom 104 facing downward is when the container body 1b is a PET bottle for beverages and multiple PET bottles are stored in the storage case.
In addition, if the bottom of the storage case is transparent or has a through hole in the bottom so that the container body 1b stored in the storage case can be seen from the bottom side of the storage case, an image may be formed on the bottom 104 of the container body 1b.

<Modification 2 of the third embodiment of the container>
Fig. 35 is a diagram showing an example of modified example 2 of the third embodiment of the container. Fig. 35 is a diagram showing an example in which an image including a plurality of recesses and non-recesses is formed on the bottom 104 of the container body 1b. As shown in Fig. 35, characters 19 saying "label-less" are formed on the bottom 104 as an example of the image.
By forming an image on the bottom 104, the information displayed by the image can be easily viewed from the bottom side of the storage case without removing the container body 1b from the storage case, thereby enabling efficient management of the container body 1b or the contents of the container body 1b.

<Fourth embodiment of the container>
36 is a diagram showing an example of a container body 1c according to a fourth embodiment of the container. A barcode is formed on the container body 1c as an example of an image including a plurality of recesses and non-recesses.

Here, if the shoulder of the container is configured in a cone shape with the apex angle on the mouth side, when the image formed on the shoulder is viewed from the mouth side, the image may appear to widen as it moves away from the mouth.

Figure 36(a) shows a barcode 171' as an image of a comparative example formed on the shoulder 102 of the container body 1c, viewed from the mouth side. As shown in Figure 36(a), the rectangular barcode 171' appears to widen as it moves away from the mouth 101. This may result in the barcode 171' not being properly read from the mouth 101 side.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment of the container, a barcode 171 that narrows in width as it moves away from the mouth 101 is formed on the shoulder 102. Figure 36 (b) shows an example of such a barcode 171. The negative Y direction side in Figure 36 (b) corresponds to the mouth 101 side, and the barcode 171 narrows in width as it moves away from the mouth 101.

Figure 36 (c) shows the barcode 171 formed on the shoulder 102 of the container body 1c, viewed from the mouth 101 side. The barcode 171 has a pattern that narrows in width as it moves away from the mouth 101. Therefore, when the barcode 171 is viewed from the mouth 101 side, the increase in width of the barcode 171 is offset as it moves away from the mouth 101, and the barcode 171 is correctly viewed as a rectangular barcode. It is preferable to optimize the width of the barcode 171 in accordance with the inclination angle of the shoulder 102 relative to the body 103.

In this way, in the fourth embodiment of the container, a barcode 171 that narrows in width as it moves away from the mouth 101 is formed on the shoulder 102. This prevents the barcode 171 from visually widening as it moves away from the mouth 101, and allows codes such as the barcode 171 and QR code (registered trademark) to be properly read from the mouth 101 side. Note that reading such codes includes not only a user visually reading the code, but also reading with a reading device such as a barcode reader or a QR code (registered trademark) reader.

Fifth embodiment of container
Fig. 37(a) is a diagram showing a container body 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the container. The container body 1 in Fig. 37(a) is made of resin or glass (transparent resin or transparent glass) that is transparent to visible light, and is placed in front of a white screen as a background. The white screen in the background is visible through the transparent container body 1. Alternatively, it may be considered that a white liquid is contained in the transparent container body 1 as a content, and the white liquid in the container body 1 is visible through the transparent container body 1.

Characters 22a are formed on the surface of the container body 1 in FIG. 37(a). The characters 22a are formed by irradiating the surface of the container body 1 with processing laser light, thereby blackening the surface through carbonization or the like. The blackened characters 22a appear black against the white background or the white liquid inside the container body 1. In this way, by blackening the surface of the container body 1, images such as the characters 22a, which are composed of multiple recesses and non-recesses, can also be made visible.

<Modification 1 of the fifth embodiment of the container>
Fig. 37(b) is a diagram showing the container body 1 according to the first modified example of the fifth embodiment of the container. In the container body 1 in Fig. 37(b), the container body 1 is made of transparent resin or transparent glass and is placed in front of a black screen as a background. The black screen in the background is visible through the transparent container body 1. Alternatively, it may be considered that a black liquid is contained in the transparent container body 1, and the black liquid in the container body 1 is visible through the transparent container body 1.

In FIG. 37(b), the surface of the container body 1 is irradiated with processing laser light in the area other than the characters 22b to form a pattern that changes the properties of the surface of the container body 1. The area other than the characters 22b corresponds to an image formed by a collection of recesses.

The diffusion of ambient light is improved in the area other than the characters 22a, and the area other than the characters 22a is perceived as being clouded. In the area of the characters 22b, the black color of the background screen or the black color of the liquid inside the container body 1 is perceived. In this way, images such as the characters 22b can also be perceived.

In addition, for the contents contained in the container body 1, by increasing the contrast of the image with respect to the color of the contents contained in the container that is transparent to visible light, it is possible to provide a pattern with good visibility and a large amount of information. For example, if the contents are black, forming a cloudy image on the container makes the image easier to see, and if the contents are white, forming a blackened image on the container makes the image easier to see.

<Modification 2 of the fifth embodiment of the container>
In the above-mentioned fifth embodiment, a bottle such as a PET bottle made of resin is shown as an example of a container, but the container is not limited to this. A cup made of glass may also be used. Fig. 38 is a diagram showing an example of a cup 1f as a container according to the second modification of the fifth embodiment of the container. As shown in Fig. 38, an image 210 made of a group of recesses is formed on the cylindrical surface of the cup 1f.

In the above-described embodiment, the container body 1 is transparent to visible light, and an example is shown in which the container body 1 is placed in front of a black screen or the like as a background.

Sixth embodiment of the container
Next, the denaturation marks on the surface of the container body caused by irradiation with the processing laser light will be described. Figure 39 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) photograph of the denaturation marks, where (a) of Figure 39 is a perspective view seen from the top surface direction, and (b) of Figure 39 is a perspective view seen from the cross-sectional direction of the arrows D-D of (a) of Figure 39. In (a) of Figure 39, denaturation marks 110 are observed.

As shown in FIG. 39, the modified mark 110 includes a recess 131 and a protrusion 132. The recess 131 includes a first inclined surface 1311 and a bottom 1312, and is formed in a bowl shape. The recess width Dc represents the width of the recess 131, and the depth dp represents the height (length in the Z-axis direction) of the bottom 1312 relative to the surface of the non-patterned region where no pattern is formed.

The protrusion 132 includes a top 1321 and a second inclined surface 1322, and is formed in a torus shape. Note that a torus is a surface of revolution obtained by rotating a circumference. The torus width Dr represents the radial width of the torus surface portion of the protrusion 132, and the height h represents the height of the top 1321 relative to the surface of the non-patterned region (the length in the Z-axis direction).

The modified trace width W1 represents the width of the entire modified trace 110. The modified trace width W1 is, for example, approximately 100 um. The first inclined surface 1311 and the second inclined surface 1322 are continuous surfaces. Note that a continuous surface refers to a surface that is made of the same material and is connected without any steps.

As shown in FIG. 29, minute irregularities 113 are formed on the surfaces constituting the recesses 131 and the protrusions 132, making the surfaces rough. The irregularities 113 are made up of recesses and protrusions with a width smaller than the width W1 of the denaturation mark 110, and typically have a width of about 1 μm to 10 μm.

As shown in FIG. 39(a), chips from the process of machining the modified traces 110 are scattered between adjacent modified traces, which also roughen the surface. In the patterned region 13a, the surface roughness is greater than in the non-patterned region due to the surface roughness caused by the unevenness 113 and chips from the process.

(Containment Body)
The container of the present invention includes the container of the present invention and an item contained in the container.
The contents may be, for example, a beverage, a powder, a gas, etc. When the contents are beverages, they often have a color such as transparent, white, black, brown, or yellow.

First embodiment of container
Fig. 40 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first embodiment of the container. The container 7 in Fig. 40 is configured to include a container body 1, a container cap 8, and a content 9 such as a liquid beverage contained in the container body 1. The words "label-less" 11 are formed on the surface of the container body 1.

The contents 9 are often black, brown, yellow, or other colors. The mouth of the container 7 is provided with a threaded portion for screwing and fixing to the container cap 8. In addition, the inside of the container cap 8 is provided with a threaded portion for screwing and mating with the threaded portion provided to the mouth of the container 7.

The method for manufacturing the container 7 includes the following three modes.
Aspect 1: A method for manufacturing a container in which an image is formed on a container body 1, an object 9 is placed inside the container body 1, and the container body 1 is then sealed with a container cap 8.
Aspect 2: A method for manufacturing a container in which an object 9 is contained, then the container is sealed with a container cap 8, and an image is formed on the container body 1.
Aspect 3: A method for manufacturing a container in which an image is formed on the container body 1 while an object 9 is contained therein, and then the container is sealed with a cap 8.

(Container manufacturing method and container manufacturing device)
The method for manufacturing a container of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a container of the present invention, which includes an irradiation step in which laser light is irradiated onto the container body to form an image, and preferably includes at least one of a rotation step and a movement step, and further includes other steps as necessary.
The container manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing the container of the present invention, and has an irradiation means for irradiating the container body with laser light to form an image, and preferably has at least one of a rotation means and a movement means, and further has other means as necessary.

The spot diameter of the laser light is preferably 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less. If the spot diameter is smaller than 1 μm, it becomes close to the wavelength of visible light, and in that case, the structure processed with that beam spot diameter will not be able to scatter the light, and will not be able to be clouded. Also, if it is larger than 200 μm, the structure will be visible to the human eye.

It is preferable to form an image by controlling the intensity of the laser light.
It is preferable to form an image by scanning the laser light.
It is preferable to form an image by independently controlling the intensities of a plurality of laser beams emitted from a plurality of laser light sources.

In the method for manufacturing a container of the present invention, a laser is irradiated onto the container body, which is the object to be imaged, while the container body is being rotated, to form an image.
Regarding the configuration of the device, there are two cases: the laser position is fixed and the container side is movable, and the container side is fixed and the laser position is movable.
In addition, when the container body is moved, there are cases where the image is formed by synchronous control, such as rotating the container body by a certain angle, performing laser drawing, and then rotating the container body by the same angle and performing laser drawing again, or where the container body is rotated at a constant speed and laser drawing is performed. The container holding part may be the mouth, the body, or the bottom.
The container body may be placed vertically, horizontally, or at an angle during processing.

Note that marking may be done from one side as the container body passes through a conveyor or the like, or marking may be done simultaneously from multiple locations as the container body passes through a conveyor or the like.

The wavelength of the laser light source is preferably not only in the ultraviolet or visible light range, but also in the near-infrared to mid-infrared range. Specifically, wavelengths in the range of 1,200 nm to 1,500 nm are also suitable.

For example, wavelengths in the near-infrared to mid-infrared range are suitable for rapid processing when clouding the material through foaming (thermal denaturation) and for facilitating the creation of arrays of devices. Wavelengths in the ultraviolet range are suitable for processing by ablation, as the light intensity of the laser light can be increased.

In addition, for each wavelength band, there are wavelengths whose absorption rate for the container body is significantly higher than the surrounding wavelengths, so it is particularly suitable to use these wavelengths.

Table 1 below shows examples of wavelengths with exceptionally high absorptance in each wavelength band. The right-hand column of Table 1 shows the "approximate wavelength band," and the left-hand column shows the wavelengths with exceptionally high absorptance in each wavelength band. The center column shows the absorptance of wavelengths with exceptionally high absorptance.

The absorptivity varies depending on the material or thickness of the container body, but Table 1 shows an example of a container body made of PET with a thickness of 0.5 mm. It also shows wavelengths with an absorptivity of 20% or more.

By using a laser light source capable of emitting the wavelengths shown in Table 1, it is possible to ensure the absorption rate of the laser light in the container body and quickly form a pattern with good visibility. A specific example of a laser light source is a YAG laser that emits laser light with a wavelength of 1,660 nm.

Here, an embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus and container manufacturing method of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In addition, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components described below are not limited to the present embodiment, and may be any number, position, shape, etc. that is preferable for implementing the present invention.

<First embodiment of container manufacturing apparatus>
41 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a container manufacturing apparatus 100. This container manufacturing apparatus 100 is an apparatus for forming an image including a plurality of recessed and non-recessed portions on the surface of a container body 1.

As shown in FIG. 41, the container manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a laser irradiation unit 2, a rotation mechanism 3, a holding unit 31, a moving mechanism 4, a dust collection unit 5, and a control unit 6. The container manufacturing apparatus 100 holds the container body 1, which is a cylindrical container, via the holding unit 31 so that it can rotate around the cylindrical axis 10 of the container body 1. Then, the laser irradiation unit 2 irradiates the container body 1 with laser light to change the properties of the surface of the container body 1, thereby forming an image including multiple recesses and non-recesses on the surface of the container body 1. The properties of the surface of the container body refer to the nature or state of the material (resin) that constitutes the container body.

The laser irradiation unit 2, which is an example of an irradiation unit, scans the laser light emitted from the laser light source in the Y direction of FIG. 41, and irradiates the processed laser light 20, which is an example of laser light, toward the container body 1 arranged in the positive Z direction. The laser irradiation unit 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 42A.

The rotation mechanism 3, which is an example of a rotating part, holds the container body 1 via a holding part 31. The holding part 31 is a coupling member that is connected to the motor shaft of a motor (not shown) that serves as a drive part of the rotation mechanism 3, and holds the container body 1 by inserting one end into the mouth of the container body 1. The rotation of the motor shaft rotates the holding part 31, causing the container body 1 held by the holding part 31 to rotate around the cylindrical axis 10.

The moving mechanism 4, which is an example of a moving part, is a linear stage equipped with a table, and the rotation mechanism 3 is placed on the table of the moving mechanism 4. The moving mechanism 4 moves the table back and forth in the Y direction, thereby moving the rotation mechanism 3, the holding part 31, and the container body 1 together in the Y direction.
In addition, the moving mechanism 4 in the container manufacturing apparatus 100 may be a continuously moving mechanism such as a conveyor, and the container body 1 may be held in place by the weight of the container body 1 and the contents themselves, and may simply be placed down.

The dust collection unit 5 is an air suction device arranged near the portion of the container body 1 that is irradiated with the processing laser light 20. By collecting the plume and dust that are generated when forming an image by irradiating the processing laser light 20 with air, contamination of the container manufacturing device 100, the container body 1, and the surrounding area due to the plume or dust is prevented.

The control unit 6 is electrically connected to each of the laser light source 21, the scanning unit 23, the rotation mechanism 3, the movement mechanism 4, and the dust collection unit 5 via cables or the like, and controls the operation of each by outputting a control signal.

Under the control of the control unit 6, the container manufacturing device 100 rotates the container body 1 using the rotation mechanism 3 while irradiating the container body 1 with processing laser light 20 scanned in the Y direction using the laser irradiation unit 2. Then, a two-dimensional image is formed on the surface of the container body 1.

Here, the scanning area in the Y direction of the processing laser light 20 by the laser irradiation unit 2 may be limited in range. Therefore, when forming an image in an area wider than the scanning area, the container manufacturing device 100 shifts the irradiation position of the processing laser light 20 on the container body 1 in the Y direction by moving the container body 1 in the Y direction with the movement mechanism 4. After that, while rotating the container body 1 again with the rotation mechanism 3, the laser irradiation unit 2 scans the processing laser light 20 in the Y direction to form an image on the surface of the container body 1. This allows an image to be formed in a wider area of the container body 1.

Next, the configuration of the laser irradiation unit 2 will be described. FIG. 42A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the laser irradiation unit 2. As shown in FIG. 42A, the laser irradiation unit 2 includes a laser light source 21, a beam expander 22, a scanning unit 23, a scanning lens 24, and a synchronization detection unit 25.

The laser light source 21 is a pulsed laser that emits laser light. The laser light source 21 emits laser light with an output (light intensity) suitable for changing the properties of the surface of the container body 1 irradiated with the laser light.

The laser light source 21 is capable of controlling the on/off of laser light emission, the emission frequency, the light intensity, etc. As an example of the laser light source 21, a laser light source having a wavelength of 532 nm, a laser light pulse width of 16 picoseconds, and an average output of 4.9 W can be used.
The diameter (spot diameter) of the laser light in the area where the properties of the surface of the container body 1 are to be changed is preferably 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

The laser light source 21 may be composed of one laser light source or multiple laser light sources. When multiple laser light sources are used, each laser light source may be independently controlled to be turned on or off, to have an emission frequency that is controlled, and to have a light intensity that is controlled.

The parallel laser light emitted from the laser light source 21 has its diameter expanded by the beam expander 22 and enters the scanning unit 23.

The scanning unit 23 is equipped with a scanning mirror that changes the reflection angle by a driving unit such as a motor. By changing the reflection angle of the scanning mirror, the incident laser light is scanned in the Y direction. This scanning mirror can be a galvanometer mirror, a polygon mirror, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) mirror, or the like.

In this embodiment, the scanning unit 23 performs one-dimensional scanning of the laser light in the Y direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. The scanning unit 23 may perform two-dimensional scanning of the laser light in the XY direction using a scanning mirror that changes the reflection angle in two orthogonal directions.

However, when irradiating the surface of the cylindrical container body 1 with laser light, two-dimensional scanning in the XY directions causes the spot diameter of the laser light on the surface of the container body 1 to change in response to scanning in the X direction, so one-dimensional scanning is preferable in such cases.

The laser light scanned by the scanning unit 23 is irradiated onto the surface of the container body 1 as processed laser light 20 .
The scanning lens 24 is an fθ lens that keeps the scanning speed of the processing laser light 20 scanned by the scanning unit 23 constant and converges the processing laser light 20 to a predetermined position on the surface of the container body 1. It is preferable that the scanning lens 24 and the container body 1 are arranged so that the beam spot diameter of the processing laser light 20 is minimized in the area where the properties of the surface of the container body 1 are to be changed. The scanning lens 24 may be composed of a combination of multiple lenses.

The synchronization detector 25 outputs a synchronization detection signal used to synchronize the scanning of the processing laser light 20 and the rotation of the container body 1 by the rotation mechanism 3. The synchronization detector 25 includes a photodiode that outputs an electrical signal according to the intensity of the received light, and outputs the electrical signal from the photodiode to the control unit 6 as a synchronization detection signal.

Figure 42A shows an example of scanning a processed laser beam, but it is also possible to provide multiple processed laser beams within the range of the printing width to form a processed laser beam array, and rotate the container body 1 to scan the container body 1 in one direction with multiple laser beams. Figure 42B shows an example of this, showing a processed laser beam array consisting of multiple laser beams in parallel on the container body 1.

Next, the hardware configuration of the control unit 6 of the container manufacturing device 100 will be described. FIG. 43 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 6. The control unit 6 is constructed by a computer.

As shown in FIG. 43, the control unit 6 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a HD (Hard Disk) 504, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 505, and a display 506. The control unit 6 also includes an external device connection I/F (Interface) 508, a network I/F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I/F 516.

Of these, the CPU 501 is a processor that controls the operation of the entire control unit 6. The ROM 502 is a memory that stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader).

RAM 503 is a memory used as a work area for CPU 501. HD 504 is a memory that stores various data such as programs. HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from HD 504 under the control of CPU 501.

The display 506 displays various information such as a cursor, a menu, a window, text, or an image. The external device connection I/F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. In this case, the external devices are the laser light source 21, the scanning unit 23, the synchronization detection unit 25, the rotation mechanism 3, the movement mechanism 4, and the dust collection unit 5. However, other devices such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a printer can also be connected.

The network I/F 509 is an interface for data communication using a communication network. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 43.

The keyboard 511 is a type of input means equipped with multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving the cursor, etc.

The DVD-RW drive 514 controls the reading and writing of various data from a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that this is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R or the like. The media I/F 516 controls the reading and writing (storing) of data from a recording medium 515, such as a flash memory.

Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 6 will be described. FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 44, the control unit 6 includes an image data input unit 61, a recess parameter designation unit 62, a storage unit 63, a processing data generation unit 64, a laser irradiation control unit 65, a laser scanning control unit 66, a container rotation control unit 67, a container movement control unit 68, and a dust collection control unit 69.

Of these, the functions of the image data input unit 61, recess parameter designation unit 62, processing data generation unit 64, laser irradiation control unit 65, laser scanning control unit 66, container rotation control unit 67, container movement control unit 68, and dust collection control unit 69 are all realized by the CPU 501 in FIG. 33 executing a predetermined program and outputting a control signal via the external device connection I/F 508. However, electronic or electric circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) may be added to the hardware configuration of the control unit 6, and some or all of the functions of each of the above components may be realized by electronic or electric circuits. The function of the storage unit 63 is realized by the HD 504, etc.

The image data input unit 61 inputs pattern data of the image to be formed on the surface of the container body 1 from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a scanner. The image pattern data is electronic data that includes information indicating the pattern of codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademark), characters, figures, photographs, etc., and information indicating the type of image.

However, the image pattern data is not limited to data input from an external device. A user of the container manufacturing apparatus 100 can also input image pattern data generated using the keyboard 511 or pointing device 512 of the control unit 6.

The image data input unit 61 outputs the input image pattern data to the processing data generation unit 64 and the recess parameter specification unit 62.

The recess parameter specification unit 62 specifies the processing parameters for forming recesses. As described above, recesses are lines or dots that are smaller than the image and act to increase the contrast of the image and improve visibility.

The recess processing parameters are information that specifies the type, thickness, and processing depth of the line as the recess, or the spacing or arrangement between adjacent lines in a collection of lines. Or, they are information that specifies the type, size, and processing depth of the dot as the recess, or the spacing or arrangement between adjacent dots in a collection of dots.

The line type is information indicating straight lines, curves, etc. The point type is information indicating the shape of the points, such as circles, ellipses, rectangles, diamonds, etc. In a collection of recesses, the recesses may be configured to have periodicity or may be configured to be non-periodic. However, configuring the recesses to have periodicity is preferable because it simplifies the specification of parameters.

The processing parameters of the recesses suitable for improving visibility corresponding to the type of image, such as characters, codes, figures, or photographs, are determined in advance through experiments and simulations. The storage unit 63 stores a table showing the correspondence between such image types and processing parameters.

The recess parameter designation unit 62 can refer to the storage unit 63 to obtain and designate recess processing parameters based on information indicating the type of image input from the image data input unit 61.

However, the method of designation by the recess parameter designation unit 62 is not limited to the above. The recess parameter designation unit 62 may receive a user instruction via the keyboard 511 or pointing device 512 of the control unit 6, and refer to the storage unit 63 based on this instruction to obtain the recess processing parameters.

The recess parameter designation unit 62 may also acquire processing parameters for the recess generated by a user of the container manufacturing apparatus 100 using the keyboard 511 or pointing device 512 of the control unit 6.

The processing data generation unit 64 generates processing data for forming an image composed of a collection of recesses based on the image pattern data and the recess processing parameters.

The processing data includes rotation condition data for the rotation mechanism 3 to rotate the container body 1, scanning condition data for the laser irradiation unit 2 to scan the processing laser light 20, and irradiation condition data for the laser irradiation unit 2 to irradiate the processing laser light 20 in synchronization with the rotation of the container body 1. It also includes movement condition data for the movement mechanism 4 to move the container body 1 in the Y direction, and dust collection condition data for the dust collection unit 5 to perform a dust collection operation.

The processing data generation unit 64 outputs the generated processing data to each of the laser irradiation control unit 65, the laser scanning control unit 66, the container rotation control unit 67, the container movement control unit 68, and the dust collection control unit 69.

The laser irradiation control unit 65 includes a light intensity control unit 651 and a pulse control unit 652, and controls the irradiation of the processing laser light 20 from the laser light source 21 to the container body 1 based on the irradiation condition data. The laser irradiation control unit 65 also controls the timing of irradiation of the processing laser light 20 to the container body 1 in synchronization with the rotation of the container body 1 by the rotation mechanism 3 based on a synchronization detection signal from the synchronization detection unit 25. Note that since publicly known technology such as that disclosed in JP 2008-73894 A can be applied to the irradiation timing control using the synchronization detection signal, a detailed description will be omitted here.

When the laser light source 21 is composed of multiple laser light sources, the laser irradiation control unit 65 performs the above control independently for each of the multiple laser light sources.

The light intensity control unit 651 controls the light intensity of the processing laser light 20, and the pulse control unit 652 controls the pulse width and irradiation timing of the processing laser light 20.

The laser scanning control unit 66 controls the scanning of the processing laser light 20 by the scanning unit 23 based on the scanning condition data. Specifically, it controls the on/off driving of the scanning mirror, controls the driving frequency, etc.

The container rotation control unit 67 controls the on/off, rotation angle, rotation direction, rotation speed, etc., of the rotation drive of the container body 1 by the rotation mechanism 3 based on the rotation condition data. The container rotation control unit 67 may continuously rotate the container body 1 in a predetermined rotation direction, or may rotate (rock) the container body 1 back and forth within a predetermined angle range, such as ±90 degrees, while switching the rotation direction.

The container movement control unit 68 controls the on/off, movement direction, movement amount, movement speed, etc. of the movement drive of the container body 1 by the movement mechanism 4 based on the movement condition data.

The dust collection control unit 69 controls the on/off of dust collection by the dust collection unit 5, the amount of air flow or the flow speed to be sucked, etc., based on the dust collection condition data. Note that a mechanism for moving the dust collection unit 5 may be provided, and the movement of the dust collection unit 5 by the mechanism may be controlled so that the dust collection unit 5 is positioned near the position where the processing laser light 20 is irradiated.

Next, a manufacturing method using the container manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described. Figure 45 is a flowchart showing an example of a container manufacturing method using the container manufacturing apparatus 100.

First, in step S51, the image data input unit 61 inputs image pattern data from an external device such as a PC or a scanner. The image data input unit 61 outputs the input image pattern data to each of the processing data generation unit 64 and the recess parameter designation unit 62.

Next, in step S52, the recess parameter designation unit 62 designates processing parameters for forming the recess. The recess parameter designation unit 62 refers to the storage unit 63 and acquires and designates the processing parameters for the recess based on the information indicating the type of image input from the image data input unit 61.

The order of steps S51 and S52 may be reversed as appropriate, and these steps may be performed in parallel.

Next, in step S53, the processing data generation unit 64 generates processing data for forming an image composed of a collection of recesses based on the image pattern data and the recess processing parameters. Then, the generated processing data is output to each of the laser irradiation control unit 65, the laser scanning control unit 66, the container rotation control unit 67, the container movement control unit 68, and the dust collection control unit 69.

Next, in step S54, the laser scanning control unit 66 causes the scanning unit 23 to start scanning the processing laser light 20 in the Y direction based on the scanning condition data. In the embodiment, in response to this start of scanning, the scanning unit 23 continues scanning the processing laser light 20 in the Y direction until an instruction to stop is given.

Next, in step S55, the container rotation control unit 67 causes the rotation mechanism 3 to start rotating the container body 1 based on the rotation condition data. In this embodiment, in response to the start of the rotation drive, the rotation mechanism 3 continues to rotate the container body 1 until an instruction to stop it is given.

Next, in step S56, the container movement control unit 68 causes the movement mechanism 4 to move the container body 1 to an initial position in the Y direction based on the movement condition data so that the processing laser light 20 is irradiated to a predetermined position of the container body 1. After the container body 1 has moved to the initial position, the container movement control unit 68 stops the movement mechanism 4.

The order of steps S54 to S56 may be changed as appropriate, and these steps may be performed in parallel.

Next, in step S57, the laser irradiation control unit 65 starts controlling the irradiation of the processing laser light 20 onto the container body 1.

Specifically, the laser irradiation unit 2 scans one line along the Y direction and irradiates the container body 1 with the processing laser light 20. The rotation mechanism 3 then rotates a predetermined angle around the cylindrical axis 10 of the container body 1. After rotating the predetermined angle, the laser irradiation unit 2 scans the next line and irradiates the container body 1 with the processing laser light 20. The rotation mechanism 3 then rotates a predetermined angle around the cylindrical axis 10 of the container body 1. By repeating such operations, images are formed sequentially on the surface of the container body 1.

Next, in step S58, the laser irradiation control unit 65 determines whether image formation has been completed for a specified area of the container body 1 in the Y direction.

If it is determined in step S58 that the process has not ended (step S58, No), the process from step S56 onwards is repeated again.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S58 that the process has ended (step S58, Yes), in step S59, the rotation mechanism 3 stops the rotational drive of the container body 1 in response to a stop instruction from the container rotation control unit 67.

Next, in step S60, the scanning unit 23 stops scanning the processing laser light 20 in response to a stop instruction from the laser scanning control unit 66. The laser light source 21 stops emitting the processing laser light 20 in response to a stop instruction from the laser irradiation control unit 65.

The order of steps S59 and S60 may be changed as appropriate, and these steps may be performed in parallel.

In this way, the container manufacturing device 100 can form an image composed of a collection of recesses on the surface of the container body 1.

Next, an example of various data used in the manufacture of the container body 1 will be described.
FIG. 46 is a diagram showing an example of image pattern data input by the image data input unit 61. As shown in FIG.
46, the pattern data 611 includes character data 612, "labelless," and the character data 612 is to be formed as an image on the container body 1. A set of multiple lines that make up the five characters of "labelless" corresponds to data for the image. Data in the pattern data 611 other than the character data 612 is not to be formed on the container body 1.

The pattern data 611 is provided as an image file such as a bitmap, for example. The header information of the image file that provides the pattern data 611 includes information indicating the type of image. In this example, the type of image is "character."

The image data input unit 61 outputs pattern data 611, which includes information indicating "characters," to each of the recess parameter designation unit 62 and the processing data generation unit 64.

Figure 47 shows an example of a correspondence table stored in the storage unit 63. The correspondence table 631 shown in Figure 47 shows the correspondence between the type of image, such as a character, code, figure, or photograph, and the processing parameters for a recess suitable for improving the visibility of the image. This correspondence is determined in advance by experiments and simulations.

The numbers shown in the "Identification Information" column of the correspondence table 631 indicate information that indicates the type of image, and the information shown in the "Type" column indicates the type of image. Furthermore, the information shown in the "Parameters" column indicates the file name in which the processing parameters corresponding to the type of image are recorded.

The recess parameter specification unit 62 refers to the correspondence table 631, reads the file corresponding to the information indicating the type of image, and acquires the processing parameters. In the example of FIG. 47, since the type of image is "character", the recess parameter specification unit 62 reads the file "para1" corresponding to the identification information "1" indicating "character", acquires the processing parameters, and outputs them to the processing data generation unit 64.

Figure 48 is a diagram showing an example of processing parameters acquired by the recess parameter designation unit 62. Parameters are shown in the "Parameter" column according to the items in the "Item" column of the processing parameters 621.

Figure 49 is a diagram showing an example of processing data generated by the processing data generation unit 64. The character data 642 in the processing data 641 is composed of multiple straight line data corresponding to the recesses. The black background area in the processing data 641 corresponds to the area where the properties of the container body 1 are changed by irradiation with the processing laser light 20.

Next, Figure 50 shows an example of the change in the properties of the surface of the container body 1 due to irradiation with the processing laser light 20.

Figure 50(a) shows a recess 12 formed by evaporating the surface of the container body 1, and Figure 50(b) shows a recess 12 formed by melting the surface of the container body 1. In the case of Figure 50(b), the peripheral portion 12a of the recess 12 has a raised shape compared to Figure 50(a).

In this way, by changing the shape of the surface of the container body 1, an image including recesses 12 and non-recesses 13 can be formed on the surface of the container body 1.

As a method for evaporating the surface of the container body 1 to form a recessed shape, for example, a pulsed laser with a wavelength of 355 nm to 1064 nm and a pulse width of 10 fs to 500 nm or less is irradiated. This causes the part irradiated with the laser beam to evaporate, forming a minute recessed part on the surface.

It is also possible to melt the surface of the container body and form a recess by irradiating it with a CW (Continuous Wave) laser with a wavelength of 355 nm to 1064 nm. Furthermore, if the laser continues to be irradiated even after the surface of the container body has melted, the inside and surface of the container body can be foamed and become cloudy.

The change in the surface properties of the container body 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 50. The surface properties of the container body may be changed by yellowing, oxidation reaction, surface modification, etc. of the surface of the container body made of a resin material.

The laser light source 21 used in the container manufacturing device 100 is, for example, a pulsed laser with a wavelength of 355 nm, 532 nm, or 1064 nm, and the pulse width is from several tens of fs to several hundreds of ns. In other words, a short-pulse laser or an ultrashort-pulse laser in the ultraviolet or visible light range is used. However, this is not limited to this, and a CW laser can also be used, and the CW laser can be modulated for use.

The shorter the wavelength of the laser light source 21, the smaller the spot diameter of the laser light can be, making it more suitable for forming an image composed of a collection of recesses.

<Second embodiment of container manufacturing apparatus>
51 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a container manufacturing apparatus 100b according to a second embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a container body 1b according to a third embodiment of the container. This container manufacturing apparatus 100b holds the container body 1b so that the cylindrical axis 10 of the container body 1b is aligned in the Z direction. The laser irradiation unit 2 is disposed so as to irradiate the processing laser light 20 to the shoulder portion 102 of the container body 1b.
Due to the configuration of the container manufacturing apparatus 100b, the processing laser light 20 can be scanned opposite the shoulder portion 102, making it easier to form an image composed of a collection of recesses.

<Modification 1 of the second embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus>
52 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a container manufacturing apparatus 100d according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. This container manufacturing apparatus 100d holds the container body 1 so that the cylindrical axis 10 of the container body 1 is aligned along the Z direction. The laser irradiation unit 2 is disposed so as to irradiate the processing laser light 20 to the barrel portion 103 of the container body 1 in opposition thereto.

<Modification 2 of the second embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus>
53 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a container manufacturing apparatus 100e according to a second modified example of the second embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. This container manufacturing apparatus 100e supports the container body 1 so that the cylindrical axis 10 of the container body 1 is aligned along the Z direction. In addition, one laser irradiation unit 2 is disposed on each of the positive Y direction side and the negative Y direction side of the container body 1, facing the body 103 of the container body 1. The two laser irradiation units 2 irradiate the processing laser light 20 to the body 103 of the container body 1 from both the positive Y direction side and the negative Y direction side.

The container manufacturing device 100e can form an image composed of a collection of recesses on both the positive Y direction side and the negative Y direction side of the barrel 103 of the container body 1. Therefore, a rotation mechanism for rotating the container body 1 around the cylindrical axis is omitted from the configuration. However, a rotation mechanism may be added to the configuration.

The moving mechanism 4 may be a conveyor or other device that moves continuously, and the container body 1 may be held by the weight of the container body 1 and the contents themselves, and may simply be placed down. The number of laser irradiation units is not limited to two, and may be three or more.

<Third embodiment of container manufacturing apparatus>
54 is a diagram showing an example of a container manufacturing apparatus 100e that irradiates different wavelengths of laser light at different locations on the container body 1 according to the third embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. This container manufacturing apparatus 100e has laser irradiation units 2a, 2b, and 2c. The laser irradiation unit 2a irradiates a first surface (for example, a surface on the -Y direction side in FIG. 44) of the container body 1 with a processing laser light 20a of a first wavelength, and the laser irradiation unit 2b irradiates a second surface (for example, a surface on the +Y direction side in FIG. 44) of the container body 1 with a processing laser light 20b of a second wavelength. The laser irradiation unit 2c irradiates a surface of the container cap 8 of the container body 1 with a processing laser light 20c of a third wavelength.

The laser light sources provided in the laser irradiation units 2a, 2b, and 2c can emit processing laser light 20a, 20b, and 20c, respectively. The first wavelength, the second wavelength, and the third wavelength are different from each other. However, it is not necessary that the wavelengths of all the light sources are different from each other, and some of the light sources may have the same wavelength. The laser irradiation units 2a, 2b, and 2c can each irradiate processing laser light in parallel.

For example, if the material of the container cap 8 is different from the material of the container body 1 and has a lower absorptance of the first wavelength compared to the container body 1, a second wavelength whose absorptance for the material of the container cap 8 is similar to the absorptance of the first wavelength for the container body 1 is irradiated as the processing laser light 20b. This makes it possible to match the speed of pattern formation on the container body 1 by the processing laser light 20a and the speed of pattern formation on the container cap 8 by the processing laser light 20b.

In addition, by making the first wavelength and the third wavelength different, for example, a pattern having a different density from the pattern formed on the first surface of the container body 1 by the laser irradiation unit 2a can be formed on the second surface of the container body 1 by the laser irradiation unit 2c.

<Fourth embodiment of container manufacturing apparatus>
Fig. 55 is a diagram illustrating an example of temperature control by a container manufacturing apparatus 100f according to a fourth embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. As shown in Fig. 55, the container manufacturing apparatus 100f has an air blower 321 and a control unit 6f.

The air blower 321 is an air injection device that is disposed near the portion of the container body 1 that is irradiated with the processing laser light 20. The air blower 321 cools the portion of the container body 1 that has been irradiated with the processing laser light 20 and has increased in temperature by blowing air onto the portion.

Under the control of the control unit 6f, the air blower 321 can switch air injection on and off and change the amount of air injected. In addition, by holding the air blower 321 on a holding means such as a robot hand and driving the holding means, the air injection position can be changed to match the irradiation position of the processing laser light 20.

Here, the air blower 321 is used as an example of a configuration for cooling the portion of the container body 1 that has been irradiated with the processing laser light 20 and has increased in temperature, but this is not limited thereto, and any configuration having a cooling function may be used.

Here, FIG. 56 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 6f. The control unit 6f has a temperature control unit 70. The temperature control unit 70 also has an environmental temperature control unit 71 and an air blow control unit 72.

The environmental temperature control unit 71 controls the heating means such as a heater and the cooling means such as a heat exchanger to control the environmental temperature inside the entire manufacturing apparatus 100f.

The air blow control unit 72 can control the on/off switching of air injection by the air blower 321 and the amount of air injected, etc.

<Fifth embodiment of container manufacturing apparatus>
57 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for irradiating a multi-laser beam emitted by an array laser according to a fifth embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. Note that the multi-laser beam refers to two or more laser beams.

As shown in FIG. 57, the container manufacturing apparatus 100g has a laser irradiation unit 2g and a rotation mechanism 3. The laser irradiation unit 2g has a plurality of semiconductor lasers 351 arranged in an array and a plurality of focusing lenses 352 provided in one-to-one correspondence with each of the semiconductor lasers 351.

The laser irradiation unit 2g irradiates the laser beams emitted by each of the multiple semiconductor lasers 351 onto the container body 1 via a condenser lens 352. The manufacturing device 100g can form a pattern on the surface of the container body 1 by irradiating the laser beams emitted by each of the semiconductor lasers 351 in parallel while rotating the container body 1 using the rotation mechanism 3.

The laser irradiation unit 2d may have multiple optical fibers in one-to-one correspondence with the multiple semiconductor lasers 351, and may be configured to irradiate the container body 1 with the laser beam guided by each optical fiber.

Figure 58 is a diagram illustrating various types of multi-laser beams emitted by an array laser according to a fifth embodiment of the container manufacturing apparatus. (a) shows a single row arrangement, (b) shows a two-row arrangement, (c) shows a two-dimensional staggered arrangement, and (d) shows a two-dimensional rectangular lattice arrangement. The manufacturing apparatus 100g according to the fifth embodiment can irradiate the container body 1 with the multi-laser beams of (a) to (d) in Figure 58.

In FIG. 58(a), for example, 254 laser beams are arranged, so that the laser beams can be irradiated in parallel on a 1-inch-wide area on the surface of the container body 1 with a pixel size of 100 μm.

For example, the multi-beam of FIG. 58(a) can form a pattern at high speed with a low-cost configuration. The multi-beam of FIG. 58(b) can form a pattern at a higher speed than the multi-beam of FIG. 58(a).

The multi-beam of FIG. 58(c) can increase the beam density (dot density) on the container body. The multi-beam of FIG. 58(d) can form patterns at even higher speeds compared to FIG. 58(a) and (b). The multi-beam of FIG. 58(d) can also form two-dimensional patterns without rotating or moving the container body 1.

Although the embodiment of the container manufacturing device has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the above embodiment shows an example of forming an image including multiple recesses and non-recesses using a processing laser light, but other processing methods such as cutting are also applicable.

For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows.
<1> A container body and a pattern including a plurality of recesses and non-recesses on the container body,
The container is characterized in that the visibility value represented by the following formula (1) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
Visibility value= _b0 ·L ^* ₀ ·(1−exp( _b1 ·ΔL ^* )) (1)
In the above formula (1), L ^* ₀ represents the brightness of the image, ΔL ^* represents the difference between the brightness of the image and the brightness of the portion other than the image, _b0 is a positive real number, and _b1 is a negative real number.
<2> The container according to <1>, wherein the visibility value is 2 or more.
<3> The container according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein a ratio of an area of the plurality of recesses to an area of the image [(area of the plurality of recesses/area of the image)×100] is 40% or more and 95% or less.
<4> The container according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the recess is formed from a plurality of processed portions, and the plurality of processed portions are arranged linearly along a first scanning direction.
<5> The container according to <4>, wherein a width of the recess in a second scanning direction perpendicular to the first scanning direction is equal to or smaller than a width of one dot at a predetermined resolution.
<6> A container body and a figure including a plurality of recesses in the container body,
The container is characterized in that the visibility value represented by the following formula (1) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.
Visibility value= _b0 ·L ^* ₀ ·(1−exp( _b1 ·ΔL ^* )) (1)
In the above formula (1), L ^* ₀ represents the brightness of the image, ΔL ^* represents the difference between the brightness of the image and the brightness of the portion other than the image, _b0 is a positive real number, and _b1 is a negative real number.
<7> The container according to <6>, wherein the visibility value is 2 or more.
<8> A method for producing the container according to any one of <1> to <7>,
This method for manufacturing a container is characterized by including an irradiation step of irradiating a container body with laser light to form an image.
<9> The method for manufacturing a container according to <8>, further comprising at least one of a rotating step of rotating the container body about an axis and a moving step of moving the container body.
<10> The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of <8> to <9>, wherein a spot diameter of the laser light is 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less.
<11> The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of <8> to <10>, wherein an image is formed by controlling an intensity of the laser light.
<12> The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of <8> to <10>, wherein an image is formed by scanning the laser light.
<13> The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of <8> to <11>, wherein an image is formed by independently controlling intensities of a plurality of laser beams irradiated from a plurality of laser light sources.
<14> An apparatus for manufacturing a container according to any one of <1> to <7>,
The container manufacturing device is characterized by having an irradiation means for irradiating a container body with laser light to form an image.
<15> The container manufacturing apparatus according to <14>, further comprising at least one of a rotating means for rotating the container body about an axis and a moving means for moving the container body.
<16> A container comprising the container according to any one of <1> to <7> and an object contained in the container.
<17> A container filled with a liquid and having a transmittance α of 50 or more and 100 or less,
A container body and a pattern including a plurality of recessed and non-recessed portions on the container body,
The image is formed in two areas: an area (front side) where the surface of the container can be seen directly when viewing the container from a certain viewing direction, and an area (back side) where the surface of the container can only be seen by passing through the inside of the container; there is at least one viewing direction that satisfies the above condition; and the container is characterized in that the visibility value of the front side expressed by the following mathematical formula (1) is V1 and the visibility value of the back side expressed by the following mathematical formula (1) is V2, satisfying the following formula, V2/V1<0.55.
Visibility value= _b0 ·L ^* ₀ ·(1−exp( _b1 ·ΔL ^* )) (1)
In the above formula (1), L ^* ₀ represents the brightness of the image, ΔL ^* represents the difference between the brightness of the image and the brightness of the portion other than the image, _b0 is a positive real number, and _b1 is a negative real number.
<18> The container according to <17>, wherein the following formulae V1>5 and 0<V2<4 are satisfied.
<19> The container according to any one of <17> to <18>, wherein a ratio of an area of the plurality of recesses to an area of the image [(area of the plurality of recesses/area of the image)×100] is 40% or more and 95% or less.
<20> When viewed from the front side, the total area of the front side image is S1, and the area of the overlapping part of the front side image and the back side image when viewed from the front side is S2,
The container according to any one of <17> to <19>, wherein when viewed from the back side, a total area of the image on the back side is S3, and an area of the overlapping portion of the images on the back side and the front side when viewed from the back side is S4, the container satisfies the following formula: S2/S1<0.2, or S3/S4>8.
<21> The container according to any one of <17> to <20>, wherein a color difference ΔE (CIE76) between the image and a color gamut range of a peripheral part of the image is 2.3 or less.
<22> The container according to any one of <17> to <21>, wherein the image is formed in a vertical direction of the container.
<23> The container according to any one of <17> to <22>, wherein the recess is formed of a plurality of processed portions, and the plurality of processed portions are arranged linearly along a first scanning direction.
<24> The container according to <23>, wherein a width of the recess in a second scanning direction perpendicular to the first scanning direction is equal to or smaller than one dot width at a predetermined resolution.
<25> A method for producing a container according to any one of <17> to <24>,
This method for manufacturing a container is characterized by including an irradiation step of irradiating a container body with laser light to form an image.
<26> The method for manufacturing a container according to <25>, further comprising at least one of a rotating step of rotating the container body about an axis and a moving step of moving the container body.
<27> The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of <25> to <26>, wherein a spot diameter of the laser light is 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less.
<28> The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of <25> to <27>, wherein an image is formed by controlling an intensity of the laser light.
<29> The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of <25> to <28>, wherein an image is formed by scanning the laser light.
<30> The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of <25> to <29>, wherein an image is formed by independently controlling intensities of a plurality of laser beams irradiated from a plurality of laser light sources.
<31> An apparatus for manufacturing a container according to any one of <17> to <24>,
The container manufacturing device is characterized by having an irradiation means for irradiating a container body with laser light to form an image.
<32> The container manufacturing apparatus according to <31>, further comprising at least one of a rotating means for rotating the container body about an axis and a moving means for moving the container body.
<33> A container comprising the container according to any one of <17> to <24> and an object contained in the container.

According to the container described in any one of <1> to <7>, the container manufacturing method described in any one of <8> to <13>, the container manufacturing apparatus described in any one of <14> to <15>, and the container described in <16>, the conventional problems can be solved and the object of the present invention can be achieved.
According to the container described in any one of <17> to <24>, the container manufacturing method described in any one of <25> to <30>, the container manufacturing apparatus described in any one of <31> to <32>, and the container described in <33>, the conventional problems can be solved and the object of the present invention can be achieved.

1 Container body 2 Laser irradiation unit 3 Rotation mechanism (an example of a rotation unit)
4. Moving mechanism (an example of a moving part)
5 Dust collecting unit 6 Control unit 7 Container 8 Container cap 9 Contents 10 Cylinder shaft 11 Image (characters)
12 Concave (straight line)
LIST OF SYMBOLS 13 Non-recess 20 Processing laser light 21 Laser light source 22 Beam expander 23 Scanning unit 24 Scanning lens 25 Synchronization detection unit 47 Processing unit 61 Image data input unit 62 Recess parameter designation unit 63 Storage unit 64 Processing data generation unit 65 Laser irradiation control unit 66 Laser scanning control unit 67 Container rotation control unit 68 Container movement control unit 69 Dust collection control unit 100 Container manufacturing device 101 Mouth 102 Shoulder 103 Body 104 Bottom 200 Container P Interval (example of period)
Pd1, Pd2, Pd3, Pd4 Interval W Width Hp Processing depth Hb Non-processing depth t Thickness of container body D Crystallization depth

JP 2011-11819 A JP 2006-248191 A

Claims (13)

a container having a container body and an image on the container body, the image including a plurality of recessed and non-recessed portions;
A container including an object contained in the container,
A container characterized in that a visibility value represented by the following formula (1) is 2 or more.
Visibility value=b0·L*0·(1−exp(b1·ΔL*)) (1)
However, in the above formula (1), L*0 represents the brightness of the image calculated based on the G signal in an image taken of the container in a darkroom environment with a pair of white diffusion surfaces placed on the side of the container body and a polynomial that shows the relationship between the G signal and brightness calculated by photographing a color chart with known brightness and approximating it with an n-th degree polynomial , ΔL* represents the difference between the brightness of the image calculated based on the G signal in the photographed image and the polynomial and the brightness of the portion of the container body other than the image, b0 is 0.195 and b1 is -0.193. 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is made of resin. The container according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a ring-shaped protrusion around the recess. 4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the centers of the adjacent recesses is 0.4 μm or more and 130 μm or less. 5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is made of polyethylene terephthalate. A method for manufacturing the container according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , comprising the steps of:
A method for manufacturing a container, comprising: an irradiation step of irradiating a container body with laser light to form an image. The method for manufacturing a container according to claim 6 , further comprising at least one of a rotating step of rotating the container body about an axis and a moving step of moving the container body. The method for manufacturing a container according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein a spot diameter of the laser light is 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less. The method for manufacturing a container according to claim 6 , wherein an image is formed by controlling the intensity of the laser light. The method for manufacturing a container according to claim 6 , further comprising forming an image by scanning the laser light. The method for manufacturing a container according to claim 6 , wherein an image is formed by independently controlling the intensities of a plurality of laser beams irradiated from a plurality of laser light sources. An apparatus for manufacturing the container according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
1. A manufacturing device for a container, comprising: an irradiation means for irradiating a container body with laser light to form an image. The apparatus for manufacturing a container according to claim 12 , further comprising at least one of a rotating means for rotating the container body about an axis and a moving means for moving the container body.

Images