JP7594751B2 - Variable information printout, method for creating variable information printout data, and software for creating variable information printout data - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to security printed matter that needs to be prevented from being counterfeited or altered, such as passports, driver's licenses and other identification cards, cards, etc., that require individual identification, and that contain unique information such as personal information as variable information, a method for creating variable information printed matter data, and software for creating variable information printed matter data.

A variety of technologies are applied to security prints to prevent counterfeiting and alteration. In recent years, with the improvement of image quality in color copiers and the computerization of color plate-making technology, counterfeiting and alteration prevention measures for security prints have also become more sophisticated.

There are variable information printed materials, which are security printed materials with measures to prevent counterfeiting and alteration, and the printed content needs to be changed depending on unique information such as personal information.

Figure 1 is a plan view showing the process of printing a conventional variable information printed matter (S').

Variable information printed matter (S') is a security printed matter that needs to be prevented from being counterfeited or altered, and is, for example, a printed matter that contains unique information such as personal information as variable information, which requires individual identification, for example, passports, driver's licenses, and other identification documents, cards, and other products of equal value. The conventional variable information printed matter (S') shown in FIG. 1(a) is completed by creating a printed matter (s') in advance that has a common printed part (p1') printed commonly to all variable information printed matters (S') such as figures, patterns, and organization names shown in FIG. 1(b), and then printing a unique information part (p2') of the unique information, which is a face photo and name shown in FIG. 1(c), on this printed matter (s') by post-printing.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing how easily a conventional variable information printed matter (S') can be falsified.

The variable information printed matter (S') that has undergone this production process is stored as a pre-printed printed matter (s') shown in FIG. 2(a), and then printed in a post-print with the face photo and name "Printing Bureau Taro" of owner A of the variable information printed matter (S'), which is the unique information section (p2'-1) shown in FIG. 2(b), or the face photo and name "Printing Bureau Hanako" of owner B of the variable information printed matter (S'), which is the unique information section (p2'-1) shown in FIG. 2(c).

Printed matter with conventional anti-counterfeiting measures includes the following patent documents: Japanese Patent No. 4635160, Japanese Patent No. 4336807, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-137042, and Japanese Patent No. 3855013.

Patent No. 4635160 Patent No. 4336807 JP 2019-137042 A Patent No. 3855013

Such conventional variable information printed matter (S') can easily be counterfeited if the stored pre-printed printed matter (s') is stolen. In addition, it is also easy to falsify the genuine finished variable information printed matter (S') shown in Figure 1(a) by erasing the printed face photo and name using chemicals or by scratching them off, and then illegally printing a new face photo and name. Conventional variable information printed matter does not have sufficient measures to prevent counterfeiting or alteration.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a variable information printed matter that is highly effective in preventing alteration and counterfeiting and allows for high design expression, a method for creating variable information printed matter data, and software for creating variable information printed matter data.

The variable information printed matter of the present invention is a variable information printed matter in which there are a plurality of products of equal valuable value, and at least a portion of a base material is provided with a variable information area having a predetermined pattern and a unique information image area showing unique information, the variable information area comprises a first transparent background image area and a background area, and either the first transparent background image area or the background area has a predetermined pattern, and either the first transparent background image area or the background area having the predetermined pattern and the unique information image area are partially overlapping and arranged with tweezers, and in each of the plurality of variable information printed matter, either the first transparent background image area or the background area having the predetermined pattern is
i) having the same shape and different predetermined patterns; or ii) having different shapes and the same predetermined patterns; or iii) having different shapes and predetermined patterns.

The variable information printed matter of the present invention is also characterized in that the shape and/or the specified pattern are associated with unique information.

In addition, in the variable information printed matter of the present invention, the variable information area has at least a second transparent background image portion, and the first transparent background image portion and the second transparent background image portion have a transparent overlapping portion in which they partially overlap,
The concentration of the variable information region is
iv) transparent overlap portion>first transparent background image portion=second transparent background image portion>background portion, or
v) Background portion>first transparent background image portion=second transparent background image portion>transparent overlap portion.

In addition, the method of creating data for variable information printed matter of the present invention is a method of creating variable information printed matter data using a variable information printed matter data creation device having a data input unit, a calculation processing unit, a storage unit, and a data output unit, in which information for generating background image data, information for generating mask data, and unique information data are pre-stored in the storage unit, and the data input unit reads out the information for generating background image data, information for generating mask data, and unique information data from the storage unit, and the calculation processing unit generates background image data each time based on the information for generating the read background image data if the background image data is variable, and generates fixed background image data based on the information for generating the background image data if the background image data is not variable. The method includes a step of generating, by a calculation processing unit, mask data having transparent area data, where if the mask data is variable, mask data is generated each time based on the information for generating the read mask data, and if the mask data is not variable, fixed mask data is generated based on the information for generating the mask data, a step of generating image data of the read unique information data by the calculation processing unit, and a step of creating, by the calculation processing unit, variable information print data for forming on a substrate transparent background image data that is obtained by transmitting the transparent area data of the mask data among the generated background image data, and image data of the unique information data, and at least one of the mask data and the background image data is variable.

In addition, in the method of creating data for variable information printed matter of the present invention, the calculation processing unit generates mask data, or mask data and background image data, based on unique information data that is variable.

In addition, in the method of creating data for variable information printed matter of the present invention, the transparent area data is characterized in that the background image data is made to be transparent with a uniform transparency without gradation, or the background image data is made to be transparent with gradation.

Furthermore, in the software for creating data for variable information prints of the present invention, the software executes a method comprising the steps of: making a computer read out information for generating background image data, information for generating mask data, and unique information data that are stored in advance; if the background image data is variable, generating background image data each time based on the information for generating the read background image data, and if the background image data is not variable, generating fixed background image data based on the information for generating the background image data; generating mask data including transparent area data, if the mask data is variable, generating mask data each time based on the information for generating the read mask data, and if the mask data is not variable, generating fixed mask data based on the information for generating the mask data; generating image data of the read unique information data; and creating variable information print data for forming on a substrate transparent background image data that is obtained by transmitting the transparent area data of the mask data among the generated background image data, and image data of the unique information data, and characterized in that at least one of the mask data and the background image data is variable.

The variable information printed matter of the present invention has a variable information area having a predetermined pattern, which is divided into a transparent background image area (corresponding to the first transparent background image area and second transparent background image area of the present invention) and a background area, and further, the variable information area and the unique information image area are overlapped. By making the predetermined patterns different for the multiple variable information printed matter, if an attempt is made to tamper with the variable information printed matter of the present invention to make it a variable information printed matter of a different owner, since the predetermined pattern is the shape of the transparent background image area, if the shape is changed to another shape, the predetermined pattern does not exist in any place other than the original shape, which would require the effort of creating a new predetermined pattern, and thus tampering cannot be easily performed, and this is highly effective in preventing alteration and counterfeiting.

Furthermore, according to the method of creating variable information printed matter data of the present invention, the variable information area and the unique information image section are arranged to overlap, but unlike conventional printed matter, the unique information image section and variable information area are not formed by printing the variable information area first and then printing (overprinting) the unique information image section on top of the variable information area, but are created using mask data and background image data that serves as the base data for the specified pattern, making it possible to create the printed matter of the present invention in a single printing. Therefore, since there is no specified pattern under the unique information image section, the effort required to create a new specified pattern would be wasted, and so alteration would be abandoned, which is highly effective in preventing alteration and counterfeiting.

Furthermore, according to the software for creating variable information print data of the present invention, when the background image data and mask data that are the base data for a specified pattern are variable, there is a step of generating each of them each time based on the information read out in advance. Therefore, unlike the conventional technology in which the name data and face image data were variable when simply printing a name or face image, by making the background image data and mask data variable, it is possible to give up on falsification, which would otherwise be time-consuming to create new base data for the specified pattern or mask data, and thus improve the effectiveness of preventing falsification and counterfeiting.

Furthermore, according to the method and software for creating variable information print data of the present invention, the user can create data by using information for generating background image data, information for generating mask data, and unique information data that have been stored in advance, and setting whether or not each piece of data is variable for each print section as appropriate, which not only prevents alteration and counterfeiting, but also allows for high-level design expression.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a process for printing a conventional variable information printed matter. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing how a conventional variable information printed matter is easily falsified. 1 is a plan view showing a variable information printed matter according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another configuration of a variable information printed matter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a variable information printed matter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a variable information printed matter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a variable information printed matter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a variable information printed matter having another configuration according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a table comparing a fixed case and a variable case for a transparent background image portion and a predetermined pattern. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between transparent background image data used in variable information print data for creating a variable information print of the present invention, and the first and second hierarchical layers of a data hierarchical (layer) structure used to create the transparent background image data. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the transparent background image data used in the variable information print data to create the variable information print of the present invention, and the first layer (background image data (D2)) and second layer (mask data (D3)) of the data hierarchy (layer) structure used to create the transparent background image data. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first layer (background image data) and the second layer (mask data) when the mask data shown in FIG. 10 is inverted. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between background image data and two layers of mask data in the variable information print shown in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between background image data and two-layer mask data in the variable information print data for creating the variable information print shown in FIG. 8 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. An explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first layer (background image data), second layer (mask data), and third layer (unique information data) in variable information print data used to create variable information prints according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing that background image data is generated by image processing software based on unique information data in variable information print data for creating variable information prints according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing that mask data is generated by image processing software based on unique information data in variable information print data for creating variable information prints according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention. An explanatory diagram showing that in variable information print data used to create variable information prints according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, facial photo data based on unique information data is selected and image data of the unique information data is generated using image processing software. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing how variable information print data to be formed on a substrate is created by image processing software using the background image data, mask data, and unique information data selected in FIGS. 16 to 18. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a creating device for executing a method for creating variable information print data of the present invention; 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure for creating variable information print data according to the present invention. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing variable information print data in a case where mask data and background image data are fixed and/or variable in a method for creating variable information print data; 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams showing variable information print data in a case where mask data and background image data are fixed and/or variable in a method for creating variable information print data; 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams showing examples of clipping mask data and layer mask data that can be used as mask data in the variable information print data of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of image data that can be used as background image data in the variable information print data of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a variable information printed matter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a database used in the first embodiment of the present invention. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing unique information data, mask data, and background image data in the variable information print data used to create the variable information print shown in FIG. 26 . FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another form of variable information printed matter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing mask data (D3) used to create the variable information print of FIG. 29; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another form of variable information printed matter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing mask data (D3) used to create the variable information print of FIG. 31 . FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another form of variable information printed matter according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing background image data (D2) used to create the variable information print of FIG. 33. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing another form of variable information printed matter in which latent image characters are visible when irradiated with infrared rays (IR) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing background image data (D2) used to create the variable information print of FIG. 35 . FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a variable information printed matter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing the unique information data, mask data, and background image data in the variable information print data used to create the variable information print shown in FIG. 37 .

The following describes the variable information printout according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a method for creating variable information printout data, and software for creating variable information printout data, with reference to the drawings.

Figure 3 is a plan view showing variable information printed matter (S1-1, S1-2) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The variable information printed matter (S1-1) of the present invention is a security printed matter that needs to be prevented from being counterfeited or altered, such as passports, driver's licenses and other identification documents, resident registration cards, My Number cards, insurance cards, tickets, etc., where there are multiple products of equal value, and unique information such as personal information for individually identifying the owner of each product is formed as variable information.

The variable information print (S1-1) shown in FIG. 3(a) and the variable information print (S1-2) shown in FIG. 3(b) each have, at least in a portion of the base material (1), a variable information area (2-1, 2-2) with a predetermined pattern, and a unique information image section (3-1, 3-2) showing unique information such as the name, face photo, and seat number at the concert venue, which is information about the owner of the variable information print (S1-1, S1-2). In FIG. 3(a), the predetermined pattern is a gradation pattern made up of multiple diamond shapes, and in FIG. 3(b), it is a gradation pattern made up of a grain pattern.

In FIG. 3(a), the unique information image section (3-1) has the owner's face photo and name in kanji, "Printing Bureau Taro," formed on the base material (1). In FIG. 3(b), the unique information image section (3-2) has the owner's face photo and name in kanji, "Printing Bureau Hanako," formed on the base material (1).

The variable information area (2-1, 2-2) comprises a first transparent background image section (4-1, 4-2) and a background section (5-1, 5-2). The first transparent background image section (4-1, 4-2) has a predetermined pattern which is a gradation pattern. In the present invention, the predetermined pattern is configured to be present in either the first transparent background image section (4-1, 4-2) or the background section (5-1, 5-2), but in the first embodiment, it is present in the first transparent background image section (4-1, 4-2).

The first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) and the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) having a predetermined pattern are arranged so that they partially overlap and match with tweezers. In FIG. 3, the name of the owner, which is the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2), and the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) in the shape of a phoenix having a predetermined pattern are arranged so that they partially overlap. Note that in a configuration in which the background portion (5-1, 5-2) has a predetermined pattern, the background portion (5-1, 5-2) and the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) are arranged so that they partially overlap.

Tweezers matching means that the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) and the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) are arranged so as not to overlap each other. In the present invention, in the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) and the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) having a predetermined pattern, "partially overlapping and arranged with tweezers matching" means a state in which the unique information image portion (3-1) "Printing Bureau Taro" and the phoenix having a predetermined pattern, which is the first transparent background image portion (4-1), partially overlap in area, as shown in FIG. 3(a). Specifically, only the character "Taro" in "Printing Bureau Taro" which is the unique information image portion (3-1) is visually recognized at first glance as being printed by overprinting on the shape of the phoenix which is the first transparent background image portion (4-1). However, in reality, there is no phoenix with the specified pattern under the character "Taro," which is part of the unique information image section (3-1), and it is arranged like a pair of tweezers.

With this configuration, if the variable information printout (S1) is stolen, the unique information image area (3-1, 3-2), which is the printed face photo and name, can be erased using chemicals or by scratching it off, and if an attempt is made to illegally print a new unique information image area (3-1, 3-2), the first transparent background image area (4-1, 4-2) will also be erased along with the unique information image area (3-1, 3-2), making it difficult to falsify, and this provides more sufficient measures to prevent counterfeiting or falsification than conventional variable information printouts.

The unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) may have a contour around it. For example, the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b) is formed with a contour of an area that does not have a first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) around it. Specifically, an area where the base material (1) without printing is exposed is formed as a contour around the character "Taro" which is part of the unique information image portion (3-1) in FIG. 3(a) and around the character "Hanako" which is part of the unique information image portion (3-2) in FIG. 3(b). The contour may be formed by exposing the base material (1) or by coloring with ink. When the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) has a contour, the area including the contour is called the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2). Therefore, the outline of the unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) and the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) are arranged around it in a tweezers-matched manner.

As is clear from comparing the variable information printout (S1-1) shown in FIG. 3(a) with the variable information printout (S1-2) shown in FIG. 3(b), in the multiple variable information printouts (S1-1, S1-2), the first transparent background image portion (4-1) shown in FIG. 3(a) and the first transparent background image portion (4-2) shown in FIG. 3(b) have different predetermined patterns, which are gradation patterns, but the shape of the phoenix is the same.

The predetermined pattern is not limited to a gradation pattern and may be any pattern, and the shape of the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) is not limited to the shape of a phoenix and may be any pattern as long as it has the area required to visually recognize the predetermined pattern.

In the following description of the present invention, these are collectively referred to as the variable information print (S1), variable information area (2), unique information image section (3), first transparent background image section (4), and background section (5).

Figure 4 is a plan view showing variable information printed matter (S1-3, S1-4) of another configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, the variable information areas (2-1, 2-2) are configured to have a predetermined pattern, which is a gradation pattern, in the first transparent background image area (4-1, 4-2). However, as shown in FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b), the variable information areas (2-1, 2-2) in the variable information printout (S1-3, S1-4) may also be configured to have a predetermined pattern, which is a gradation pattern, in the background area (5-1, 5-2).

As described above, in the variable information printout (S1) according to the first embodiment, the first transparent background image portions (4-1, 4-2) in the multiple variable information printouts (S1-1, S1-2, S1-3, S1-4) have the same shape but different predetermined patterns.

Figure 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of variable information printed matter (S2-1, S2-2) according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The variable information print (S2-1) shown in FIG. 5(a) and the variable information print (S2-2) shown in FIG. 5(b) each have a variable information area (2-1, 2-2) with a predetermined pattern and a unique information image area (3-1, 3-2) on at least a portion of the substrate (1). Note that in the second embodiment, the variable information area (2-1, 2-2) and the unique information image area (3-1, 3-2) are at least partially provided in the same area, but there is no limitation on the area formed in the present invention as long as they are provided on the substrate (1).

In the second embodiment, as is clear from comparing the variable information printout (S2-1) shown in FIG. 5(a) with the variable information printout (S2-2) shown in FIG. 5(b), in the multiple variable information printouts (S2-1, S2-2), the first transparent background image portion (4-1) shown in FIG. 5(a) and the second transparent background image portion (4-2) shown in FIG. 5(b) have the same predetermined pattern, which is a line drawing pattern, but are different in shape.

For example, the first transparent background image portion (4-1) in FIG. 5(a) is a character shape representing "TAROU," which is the Romanization of the name of "Printing Bureau Taro," which is unique information indicating the owner of the variable information printed matter (S2-1), and the first transparent background image portion (4-2) in FIG. 5(b) is a character shape representing "HANAKO," which is the Romanization of the name of "Printing Bureau Hanako," which is unique information indicating the owner of the variable information printed matter (S2-2).

The shape of the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) is not limited to a character shape and may be any shape as long as it has the area required to visually recognize the specified pattern, but it is preferable that the shape of the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) and/or the specified pattern have an association with the unique information.

The unique information image portion (3-1, 3-2) indicating the owner, "Printing Bureau Taro" or "Printing Bureau Hanako", and the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) showing the owner's name in Roman letters, "TAROU" or "HANAKO", have the advantage of preventing counterfeiting and alteration and making it possible to distinguish the authenticity at a glance. For example, even if it were possible to change the unique information image portion (3-1) of the variable information printout (S2-1) shown in Figure 5(a) from "Printing Bureau Taro" to "Printing Bureau Hanako", it would require the double effort of changing the shape of the first transparent background image portion (4-1) from "TAROU" to the shape of "HANAKO" shown in Figure 5(b), which would consume time and money and dissuade the counterfeiter from altering the document.

In addition, in FIG. 5(a), the first transparent background image portion (4-1) has a predetermined pattern cut out in the shape of "TAROU", and in FIG. 5(b), the first transparent background image portion (4-2) has a predetermined pattern cut out in the shape of "HANAKO". Therefore, if this is changed to another shape, the predetermined pattern does not exist in any place other than the original shape, so it would take time to create a new predetermined pattern, and the forgery would be abandoned. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5(a), if the unique information image portion (3-1), "Printing Bureau Taro", and the area forming "TAROU", the first transparent background image portion (4-1), are overlapped, the predetermined pattern does not exist in the lower part of the unique information image portion (3-1), "Printing Bureau Taro", so it would take time to create a new predetermined pattern, and the forgery would be abandoned.

In other words, the shape and/or the specified pattern of the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2) are associated with the unique information, which increases the effort required for counterfeiters to create the document, making it harder for them to create counterfeits and alterations, and also making it possible to distinguish the authenticity at a glance (easily comparing "Printing Bureau Taro" with "TAROU").

In FIG. 5, the variable information area (2-1, 2-2) is configured to have a predetermined pattern, which is a gradation pattern, in the first transparent background image area (4-1, 4-2), but the background area (5-1, 5-2) may also be configured to have a predetermined pattern, which is a gradation pattern.

That is, in the variable information prints (S2-1, S2-2) according to the second embodiment, in the multiple variable information prints (S2-1, S2-2), the first transparent background image portions (4-1, 4-2) have different shapes and the same specified pattern.

Figure 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of variable information printed matter (S3-1, S3-2) according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

The variable information printed matter (S3-1) shown in FIG. 6(a) and the variable information printed matter (S3-2) shown in FIG. 6(b) each have a variable information area (2-1, 2-2) with a predetermined pattern and a unique information image area (3-1, 3-2) on at least a portion of the substrate (1).

In the third embodiment, as is clear from comparing the variable information printout (S3-1) shown in FIG. 6(a) with the variable information printout (S3-2) shown in FIG. 6(b), in the multiple variable information printouts (S3-1, S3-2), the first transparent background image portion (4-1) shown in FIG. 6(a) and the first transparent background image portion (4-2) shown in FIG. 6(b) have different shapes and predetermined patterns.

For example, the first transparent background image portion (4-1) in FIG. 6(a) is a character shape showing "TAROU", which is the Romanization of the name of "Printing Bureau Taro", which is unique information indicating the owner of the variable information printout (S3-1), and the first transparent background image portion (4-2) in FIG. 6(b) is a character shape showing "HANAKO", which is the Romanization of the name of "Printing Bureau Hanako", which is unique information indicating the owner of the variable information printout (S3-2). Also, the predetermined pattern in FIG. 6(a) is a gradation pattern consisting of a line drawing pattern, the same as in FIG. 5(a), and in FIG. 6(b) is a gradation pattern consisting of a grain pattern, the same as in FIG. 3(b).

In FIG. 6, the variable information area (2-1, 2-2) is configured to have a predetermined pattern that is a gradation pattern in the first transparent background image area (4-1, 4-2), but the first transparent background image area (4-1, 4-2) may also have a predetermined pattern in the background area (5-1, 5-2) that is a gradation pattern.

In this way, in the variable information printouts (S3-1, S3-2) according to the third embodiment, the first transparent background image portions (4-1, 4-2) in the multiple variable information printouts (S3-1, S3-2) differ in shape and predetermined pattern.

Figure 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of variable information printed matter (S4-1, S4-2) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The variable information print (S4-1) shown in FIG. 7(a) has a variable information area (2-1) with a predetermined pattern and a unique information image area (not shown) on at least a portion of the substrate (1).

In the fourth embodiment, in a plurality of variable information prints (S4-1), the variable information area (2-1) has a first transparent background image portion (4-1) and a second transparent background image portion (6-1). The first transparent background image portion (4-1) is triangular, and the second transparent background image portion (6-1) is elliptical. Furthermore, the first transparent background image portion (4-1) and the second transparent background image portion (6-1) have a transparent overlap portion (7-1) where they partially overlap.

Figure 7(b) shows an enlarged view of region (z) in Figure 7(a). The transparent overlapping portion (7-1), the first transparent background image portion (4-1), and the second transparent background image portion (6-1) all have a predetermined pattern, which is a line drawing pattern, and furthermore, adjacent regions, for example the transparent overlapping portion (7-1) and the second transparent background image portion (6-1), have uninterrupted line drawing patterns connected to each other, but have different densities. The transparent overlapping portion (7-1) and the first transparent background image portion (4-1) also have uninterrupted line drawing patterns connected to each other, but have different densities.

The transparent overlapping portion (7-1) overlaps the first transparent background image portion (4-1) and the second transparent background image portion (6-1), but the printed matter is not formed by overprinting the first transparent background image portion (4-1) and the second transparent background image portion (6-1) (for example, by printing the elliptical first transparent background image portion (4-1) first and then printing the triangular second transparent background image portion (6-1) on top of it), but by printing them in a single pass. In addition, as mentioned above, the line drawing patterns of adjacent areas are connected without interruption, but the densities are different.

Therefore, if someone were to erase the printed face photo and name on a genuine completed variable information print (S4-1) and illegally print a new face photo and name, it would be extremely difficult to reproduce the shapes of the first transparent background image portion (4-1), the second transparent background image portion (6-1), and the transparent overlap portion (7-1), as well as the specified pattern and even the density, making it difficult to falsify, and thus making it possible to form a security print with improved resistance to counterfeiting.

The density of the variable information area (2-1) is transparent overlapping area (7-1) > first transparent background image area (4-1) = second transparent background image area (6-1) > background area (5-1). By setting the density to satisfy this condition, the transparent overlapping area (7-1) can be seen by the naked eye as an area where the first transparent background image area (4-1) and the second transparent background image area (6-1) overlap, but as mentioned above, it is not formed by overprinting, but is formed as a single layer (one-time printing). Therefore, by overlapping the first transparent background image area (4-1) and the second transparent background image area (6-1), the creation method is made more complicated, making it possible to make it difficult to create counterfeits and alterations.

When using the first transparent background image portion (4-1) and the second transparent background image portion (6-1), it is preferable to overlap them. By overlapping the first transparent background image portion (4-1) and the second transparent background image portion (6-1), a new shape of transparent overlap portion (7-1) is created, enhancing the design. By adjacently placing the transparent overlap portion (7-1) and the first transparent background image portion (4-1) and the second transparent background image portion (6-1) which have different densities from the transparent overlap portion (7-1), there is an advantage that there are multiple areas with different densities, which increases the variation of the design. In addition, by overlapping multiple areas and forming areas with different densities adjacent to each other, the configuration is made more complex, enhancing the design. There is also an advantage that it is not easy to create counterfeits and alterations.

7, there are two transparent background image portions (4-1, 6-1), but there may be n or more (n is an integer of 3 or more). When there are three or more transparent background image portions (4), for example, when there are four, the number of transparent background image portions (4) forming the transparent overlap portion (7-2) may differ from the area where two transparent background image portions (4) overlap (a transparent overlap portion where the first transparent background image portion and the second transparent background image portion overlap in part), the area where three transparent background image portions (4) overlap (a transparent overlap portion where the first transparent background image portion, the second transparent background image portion, and the third transparent background image portion overlap in part), or the area where four transparent background image portions (4) overlap (a transparent overlap portion where the first transparent background image portion, the second transparent background image portion, the third transparent background image portion, and the fourth transparent background image portion overlap in part). In this case, the density of the transparent overlapping portion (7-2) increases as the number of transparent background image portions (4) that are formed increases.

Figure 8 is a plan view showing another variable information printed matter (S4-2) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the variable information print (S4-2), the variable information area (2-2) has a first transparent background image portion (4-2) and a second transparent background image portion (6-2). The first transparent background image portion (4-2) is triangular, and the second transparent background image portion (6-2) is elliptical. Furthermore, the first transparent background image portion (4-2) and the second transparent background image portion (6-2) have a transparent overlap portion (7-2) where they partially overlap.

In FIG. 8, as in FIG. 7, the transparent overlapping portion (7-2), the first transparent background image portion (4-2), and the second transparent background image portion (6-2) all have a predetermined pattern that is a line drawing pattern, and further, adjacent regions, for example the transparent overlapping portion (7-2) and the second transparent background image portion (6-2), have uninterrupted line drawing patterns that are connected, but have different densities.

The density of the variable information area (2-2) is background area (5-2) > first transparent background image area (4-2) = second transparent background image area (6-2) > transparent overlap area (7-2).

8 has two transparent background image portions (4-2, 6-2), but as in FIG. 7, there may be n or more (n is an integer of 3 or more). When there are three or more transparent background image portions (4), for example, when there are four, the number of transparent background image portions (4) forming the transparent overlap portion (7-2) may differ between an area where two transparent background image portions (4) overlap (a transparent overlap portion where the first transparent background image portion and a portion of the second transparent background image portion overlap), an area where three transparent background image portions (4) overlap (a transparent overlap portion where the first transparent background image portion, the second transparent background image portion, and a portion of the third transparent background image portion overlap), or an area where four transparent background image portions (4) overlap (a transparent overlap portion where the first transparent background image portion, the second transparent background image portion, the third transparent background image portion, and a portion of the fourth transparent background image portion overlap). In this case, unlike FIG. 7, the density of the transparent overlapping portion (7-2) in FIG. 8 becomes lower as the number of transparent background image portions (4) formed increases.

That is, the variable information printouts (S4-1, S4-2) according to the fourth embodiment have multiple transparent background image areas (4-1, 4-2, 6-1, 6-2) and partially overlapping transparent overlap areas (7-1, 7-2) in the multiple variable information printouts (S4-1, S4-2).

Figure 9 is a table comparing the transparent background image portion (4) and a specified pattern when the shape of the transparent background image portion (4) and/or the specified pattern is fixed and when it is variable (different).

When both the transparent background image portion (4) and the specified pattern are fixed, it corresponds to a conventional variable information printed matter (S').

When the predetermined pattern is variable and the transparent background image portion (4) is fixed, this corresponds to the first embodiment of the present invention; when the predetermined pattern is fixed and the transparent background image portion (4) is variable, this corresponds to the second embodiment of the present invention; and when both the predetermined pattern and the transparent background image portion (4) are variable, this corresponds to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Here, when the transparent background image portion (4) or the predetermined pattern, or the transparent background image portion (4) and the predetermined pattern are variable, the selection may be based on the unique information, for example, a photograph or portrait of a person such as a face, a personal name, a brand name, a drug name, or the like. However, the selection is not necessarily limited to being linked to the unique information, and may be based on other information different from the unique information, or may be arbitrarily variable without being based on any information. For example, a random number may be generated and the variable information may correspond to the random number, but it is necessary for either the transparent background image portion (4) or the background portion (5) to have the predetermined pattern.

The predetermined pattern may include a latent image in which letters, figures, patterns, etc. that are invisible to the naked eye under normal light are visible when infrared (IR) rays are irradiated or a lenticular lens is placed. Such a latent image is not limited to being fixed, but may be variable depending on unique information such as personal information.

The substrate (1) used for the variable information printed matter (S1, S2, S3, S4) is not particularly limited as long as it is a printable material, such as paper sheets such as fine paper, coated paper, art paper, etc., or composite materials such as film, plastic, and plastic for cards.

The printing method for producing the variable information printed matter (S1, S2, S3, S4) can be any known printing method such as offset printing, gravure printing, intaglio printing, letterpress printing, screen printing, flexographic printing, and digital printing. However, if the unique information image area (3) and the transparent background image area (4) are to be different for each sheet, digital printing using a laser printer or inkjet printer that does not use a printing plate is preferred.

The inks and toners used to form the variable information printed matter (S1, S2, S3, S4) on the substrate (1) are those that correspond to the printing method described above.

Next, we will explain how to create the variable information printed matter (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the present invention.

Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the transparent background image data (D4) used in the variable information print data (D1) for creating the variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the present invention, and the first layer (background image data (D2)) and second layer (mask data (D3)) of the data hierarchy (layer) structure used to create the transparent background image data (D4).

The following describes the relationship between the background image data (D2), which is the base data for a specific pattern used in the variable information print data (D1), and the mask data (D3), which is the base data for the transparent background image portion (4). For ease of understanding, the description will be given as a layered structure, but this is purely due to the data, and the actual output variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4) do not have a layered structure, but rather have a single-layer structure.

As shown in FIG. 10(c) and its enlarged portion in FIG. 10(d), background image data (D2) is located in the first layer shown in FIG. 10(c), and clipping mask data (D3-1) is located in the second layer above that, as an example of mask data (D3) shown in FIG. 10(b).

The mask data (D3) limits the transparent area data (DT) that makes the background image data (D2) transparent, and is located at a different layer from the background image data (D2). For example, the mask data (D3) is located at an upper layer above the background image data (D2) at the lower layer, or the mask data (D3) is located at a lower layer below the background image data (D2) at the upper layer, and is used to make the background image data (D2) transparent in the transparent area data (DT) shown in black in the figure, and to conceal the background image data (D2) except for the transparent area data (DT) shown in white in the figure.

There are two types of mask data (D3): clipping mask data (D3-1) and layer mask data (D3-2) (described later); in this invention, they are collectively referred to as "mask data (D3)," and individually referred to as "clipping mask data (D3-1)" and "layer mask data (D3-2)."

In this way, the mask data (D3) is overlaid on top of the background image data (D2), and the variable information print data (D1) created using the transparent background image data (D4) that is transparent through the transparent region data (DT) of the mask data (D3) is output onto the surface of the substrate (1), resulting in the variable information print (S1, S2, S3, S4). Note that the clipping mask data (D3-1) transmits the background image data (D2) that is transparent through the transparent region data (DT) with a uniform degree of transparency and does not have gradation, and for example, the transparency is 100%, in other words, the shielding strength that shields the background image data (D2) is 0%, but in the present invention, it will be described as transparency below.

Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the transparent background image data (D4) used in the variable information print data (D1) for creating the variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4) of the present invention, and the first layer (background image data (D2)) and second layer (mask data (D3)) of the data hierarchical (layer) structure used to create the transparent background image data (D4), with the second layer explaining the relationship with the layer mask data (D3-2).

As shown in Figure 11 (c), background image data (D2) is located in the first layer, and layer mask data (D3-2) having the gradation shown in Figure 11 (b) is located in the second layer above that. Variable information print data (D1) created using mask data (D3) overlaid on top of the background image data (D2) and transparent background image data (D4) that is transparent through the transparent region data (DT) of the mask data (D3) is output onto the surface of the substrate (1), resulting in variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4).

In the variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4) created using the transparent background image data (D4) shown in FIG. 11(a), a transparent background image portion (4) is formed having a density according to the gradation of the mask data (D3). Note that the layer mask data (D3-2) differs from the clipping mask data (D3-1) in that the transparency that allows the background image data (D2) to pass through the transparent region data (DT) varies depending on the region, and thus has gradation.

Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first layer (background image data (D2)) and the second layer (mask data (D3)) of the data hierarchical structure when the mask data (D3) shown in Figure 10 is negative-positive inverted.

As shown in Figure 12 (c), background image data (D2) is located on the first layer, and clipping mask data (D3-1) shown in Figure 12 (b) is located on the second layer above that. Mask data (D3) is overlaid on top of the background image data (D2) to generate transparent background image data (D4) that is transparent to the transparent region data (DT) of the mask data (D3) shown in black in the figure. Variable information print data (D1) is then created using the transparent background image data (D4), which is then formed on the surface of the substrate (1), resulting in variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4).

In these variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4), unlike the mask data (D3) shown in FIG. 10(b), the transparent region data (DT) of the mask data (D3) is in a negative-positive inverted relationship.

Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the transparent background image data (D4) used in the variable information print data (D1) for creating the variable information print (S4-1) of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7, and the background image data (D2) and two layers of mask data (D3-2a, D3-2b) which are the data hierarchical (layer) structure used to create the transparent background image data (D4).

As shown in Figure 13 (d), background image data (D2) is arranged as the first layer, and as shown in Figures 13 (b) and (c), two layers of mask data (D3-2a, D3-2b) are arranged as upper and lower layers in the second layer. Both of the two layers of mask data (D3-2a, D3-2b) are layer mask data (D3-2) that have gradations.

Of the two layers of mask data (D3-2a, D3-2b) in the second hierarchy, the first transparent background image data, which is transmitted through the elliptical transparent area data (DTa) in the lower layer mask data (D3-2a) shown in FIG. 13(c), and the second transparent background image data, which is transmitted through the triangular transparent area data (DTb) in the upper layer mask shown in FIG. 13(b), are synthesized to generate the transparent background image data (D4) shown in FIG. 13(a). The transparent background image data (D4) is then used to create variable information print data (D1), which is then output onto the surface of the substrate (1), to obtain the variable information print (S4-1).

In this case, the mask data (D3-2a, D3-2b) is layer mask data. Therefore, in the generated transparent background image data (D4), the transparent overlapping portion data (D6) where the first transparent background image data transmitted through the lower mask data (D3-2a) and the second transparent background image data transmitted through the upper mask data (D3-2b) overlap has a higher density than the non-overlapping area. Note that when two or more layers of mask data (D3) are used to have transparent overlapping portion data (D6) where at least two layers of mask data (D3) overlap, at least one of the mask data (D3) has a transparency that is not 100% over the entire transparent area data, but has at least a portion of area data where the transparency is lower than 100%.

Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the transparent background image data (D4) used in the variable information print data (D1) for creating the variable information print (S4-2) of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 8, and the data hierarchical structure, that is, the background image data (D2) and two layers of mask data (D3-1a, D3-1b).

As shown in FIG. 14(d), background image data (D2) is arranged as the first layer, and as shown in FIG. 14(b) and FIG. 14(c), two layers of mask data (D3-1a, D3-1b) are arranged as upper and lower layers in the second layer, and the two layers of mask data (D3) are both layer mask data (D3-1a, D3-1b) with gradation, but unlike the mask data (D3-2a, D3-2b) in the variable information printout (S4) shown in FIG. 13, the transparent region data (DT) of the mask data (D3) is in a negative-positive inverted relationship with FIG. 13.

Of the two layers of mask data (D3-1a, D3-1b) in the second hierarchy, the first transparent background image data is generated by transmitting the elliptical transparent area data (DTa) in the lower layer mask data (D3-1a) shown in FIG. 14(b), and the second transparent background image data is generated by transmitting the triangular transparent area data (DTb) in the upper layer mask data (D3-1b) shown in FIG. 14(c). Transparent background image data (D4) is then used to create variable information print data (D1), which is then output to the surface of the substrate (1), resulting in a variable information print (S4-2).

Figure 14 shows layer mask data (D3-1a, D3-1b) obtained by negative-positive inversion of the mask data (D3) in Figure 13, so the transparent overlapping portion (7-2), which is an overlapping region between the first transparent background image portion (4-2) formed on the base material (1) based on the first transparent background image data transmitted through the lower layer mask data (D3-1a) and the second transparent background image portion (6-2) formed on the base material (1) based on the second transparent background image data transmitted through the upper layer mask data (D3-1a), has a lower density than the background portion (5-2), which is an overlapping region. Note that when two or more layers of mask data (D3) are used and at least two layers of mask data (D3) have overlapping regions, at least one of the mask data (D3) has region data with a transparency lower than 100% in at least a portion of the transparent region data.

As an example of creating the variable information print data (D1) of the present invention, referring to Figures 15 to 19, a third embodiment will be described, that is, a method of creating variable information print data (D1) in which the shape and the predetermined pattern of the first transparent background image portion (4) are all different in multiple variable information prints (S3).

Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the first layer (background image data (D2)), second layer (mask data (D3)), and third layer (unique information data (D5)), which are the data hierarchical structure of the variable information print data (D1) used to create the variable information print (S3) according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 15(a), the variable information print data (D1) for creating the variable information print (S3) according to the third embodiment is created by arranging background image data (D2) on the first layer shown in FIG. 15(d), mask data (D3) on the second layer shown in FIG. 15(c), and unique information data (D5) on the third layer shown in FIG. 15(b), and forming the variable information print data (D1) shown in FIG. 15(a) on a substrate (1).

Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing how background image data (D2) is generated by software based on unique information data (D5) in variable information print data (D1) used to create variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4) according to the first to fourth embodiments.

Figure 16 (a) is a schematic diagram showing a database (DB) that stores data necessary for creating variable information print data (D1). The database (DB) has registered as unique information data (D5) "Printing Bureau Taro, male," "Printing Bureau Hanako, female," "Printing Bureau Jiro, male," "Printing Bureau Yoshiko, female," "Printing Bureau Saburo, male," and "Printing Bureau Nobuko, female."

The first layer of background image data (D2) shown in FIG. 16(b) is variable information data that is linked to personal information data as unique information data (D5) stored in a database (DB) and changes accordingly, with basic pattern A data being used for "male" and basic pattern B data being used for "female."

The second layer mask data (D3), like the background image data (D2), is variable information data that is linked to personal information data as unique information data (D5) stored in the database (DB) and changes, and uses the character data "TAROU", "HANAKO", "JIROU", "YOSHIKO", "SABUROU", and "NOBUKO".

As the third-level unique information data (D5), the following data are used: character data "Printing Bureau, Taro" and photo data "Facial Photo A", character data "Printing Bureau, Hanako" and photo data "Facial Photo B", character data "Printing Bureau, Jiro" and photo data "Facial Photo C", character data "Printing Bureau, Yoshiko" and photo data "Facial Photo D", character data "Printing Bureau, Saburo" and photo data "Facial Photo E", character data "Printing Bureau, Nobuko" and photo data "Facial Photo F".

First, based on the unique information data (D5) stored in the database (DB) shown in FIG. 16(a) such as "Printing Bureau Taro, Male", "Printing Bureau Hanako, Female", "Printing Bureau Jiro, Male", "Printing Bureau Yoshiko, Female", "Printing Bureau Saburo, Male", and "Printing Bureau Nobuko, Female" as background image data (D2) of the first layer, the image processing software shown in FIG. 16(b) generates base pattern A data for "Printing Bureau Taro", base pattern B data for "Printing Bureau Hanako", base pattern A data for "Printing Bureau Jiro", base pattern A data for "Printing Bureau Yoshiko", base pattern B data for "Printing Bureau Saburo", base pattern A data for "Printing Bureau Nobuko", and base pattern B data for "Printing Bureau", and the first layer background image data (D2) is created as shown in FIG. 16(c).

The image processing software used may be well-known image processing software such as "Adobe Photoshop" and "Adobe Illustrator" manufactured by Adobe.

Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing how mask data (D3) is generated by image processing software based on unique information data (D5) in variable information print data (D1) used to create variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4) according to the first to fourth embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 17, based on the unique information data (D5) stored in the database (DB) shown in FIG. 17(a) as "Taro, Printing Bureau," "Hanako, Printing Bureau," "Jiro, Printing Bureau," "Yoshiko, Printing Bureau," "Saburo, Printing Bureau," and "Nobuko, Printing Bureau," the image processing software shown in FIG. 17(b) generates "TAROU" for "Taro, Printing Bureau," "HANAKO" for "Hanako," "Jiro" for "JIROU," "Yoshiko, Printing Bureau," "YOSHIKO," "Saburo" for "SABUROU," and "Nobuko, Printing Bureau" for "NOBUKO," and the second-level mask data (D3) is created as shown in FIG. 17(c).

Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram showing how, in the variable information print data (D1) used to create the variable information prints (S1, S2, S3, S4) according to the first to fourth embodiments, facial photo data based on unique information data (D5) is selected and image data of the unique information data (D5) is generated using image processing software.

As shown in FIG. 18(a), based on "Printing Bureau Taro," "Printing Bureau Hanako," "Printing Bureau Jiro," "Printing Bureau Yoshiko," "Printing Bureau Saburo," and "Printing Bureau Nobuko" as third-level unique information data (D5) stored in the database (DB), the image processing software shown in FIG. 18(b) processes "Printing Bureau Taro" into character data "Printing Bureau Taro" and photo data "Facial Photo A," "Printing Bureau Hanako" into character data "Printing Bureau Hanako" and photo data "Facial Photo B," "Printing Bureau Jiro" into character data "Printing Bureau Jiro" and photo data "Facial Photo C," "Printing Bureau Yoshiko" into character data "Printing Bureau Yoshiko" and photo data "Facial Photo D," "Printing Bureau Saburo" into character data "Printing Bureau Saburo" and photo data "Facial Photo E," "Printing Bureau Nobuko" into character data "Printing Bureau" and photo data "Facial Photo E," Character data "Nobuko" and photo data "Facial image F" are generated, and third-level unique information data (D5) is created as shown in FIG. 18(c).

Figure 19 is an explanatory diagram showing how image processing software is used to create variable information print data (D1) to be formed on substrate (1) using the background image data (D2), mask data (D3), and unique information data (D5) selected in Figures 16 to 18.

As shown in FIG. 19, image processing software uses a database (DB) to generate image data for the first layer of background image data (D2), the second layer of mask data (D3), and the third layer of unique information data (D5), which are data hierarchical structures, and the first, second, and third layers are integrated to create variable information print data (D1). The first layer of base pattern A data or base pattern B data, which has been made transparent by passing through the transparent area data of the characters as the second layer of mask data (D3), is generated as transparent background image data, and character data and face photo data are generated as the third layer of unique information data (D5).

In addition, to check the data generated by the image processing software, known image viewing software (such as Adobe Acrobat DC) may also be used.

Furthermore, variable printing software (FUJIFILM's "Form Magic 4") may be used in combination. The variable printing software is software that creates layout data (design to be printed) and integrates data (first layer) related to background image data (D2), data (second layer) related to mask data (D3), and data (third layer) related to unique information data (D5) according to the layout data, or instructs image processing software such as Photoshop to do so, and is also software that creates print data (PDF, etc.). The device includes a calculation processing unit (102) and a memory unit (103), which is the so-called PC software.

The file format of the image data may be PSD (Adobe Photoshop), EPS (Adobe Photoshop), AI (Adobe Illustrator), EPS (Adobe Illustrator), PDF (Adobe Acrobat DC), XLSX (Microsoft Excel), BMP, TIFF, JPEG, etc., depending on the image processing software used.

Next, the variable information print data (D1) creation device (M) of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a creation device (M) for executing the method for creating variable information print data (D1) of the present invention.

This device includes a data input unit (101), a calculation processing unit (102), a memory unit (103), and a data output unit (104).

The data input unit (101) reads and inputs the first layer of background image data (D2), the second layer of mask data (D3), and the third layer of unique information data (D5), which are data required to create variable information print data, from a database stored in the memory unit (103).

The calculation processing unit (102) uses the data input to the data input unit (101) to create a hierarchical data structure of background image data (D2), mask data (D3), and unique information data (D5), and integrates the first, second, and third layers to create variable information print data (D1).

The memory unit (103) stores a database created in advance and various data input to the data input unit (101), and also stores the output from the calculation processing unit (102).

The data output unit (104) outputs data stored in the memory unit (103) or variable information print data (D1) output from the calculation processing unit (102). The data output unit 104 also includes an image display unit, and performs image display of the variable information print data (D1) etc.

Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the steps for creating the variable information print data (D1) of the present invention.

The data shown in FIG. 21 is created using the data creation device shown in FIG. 20.

In step S1, the data input unit (101) reads information for generating background image data (D2), information for generating mask data (D3), and information for generating unique information data (D5) from a database stored in the storage unit (103). The information is data required to create variable information print data (D1), and refers to data that has been stored (registered) in advance in the database (DB).

In the first layer of the data hierarchical structure, in step S11, the calculation processing unit (102) determines whether the background image data (D2) is variable, and if the background image data (D2) is variable based on the information for generating the background image data (D2), the process proceeds to step S12, where the background image data (D2) is generated each time based on the information for generating the read background image data (D2). Thereafter, each time the process proceeds to step S12, variable background image data (D2) is generated.

If the background image data (D2) is not variable, the process proceeds to step S13, where the background image data (D2) stored as fixed information data in the database is referenced based on the information for generating the background image data (D2), and fixed background image data (D2) is generated.

The background image data (D2) generated in step S12 or S13 is inserted into the first layer by the calculation processing unit (102) in step S14.

In the second layer of the data hierarchical structure, steps S21 and S26 repeat the following steps S22 to S25 as many times as there are masks.

In step S22, the calculation processing unit (102) determines whether the mask data (D3) is variable, and if it is variable, proceeds to step S23, where the mask data (D3) is generated each time based on the information for generating the read mask data (D3). Thereafter, each time the process proceeds to step S23, variable mask data (D3) is generated.

If the mask data (D3) is not variable, the process proceeds to step S24, where the mask data (D3) stored as fixed information data in the database is referenced based on the information for generating the mask data (D3), and fixed mask data (D3) is generated.

The mask data (D3) generated in step S23 or S24 is inserted into the second layer by the calculation processing unit (102) in step S25.

In the third layer of the data hierarchical structure, the calculation processing unit (102) generates unique information data (D5) in step S31.

The generated unique information data (D5) is inserted into the third layer by the calculation processing unit (102) in step S32.

In step S41, the calculation processing unit (102) integrates the background image data (D2), mask data (D3), and unique information data (D5) inserted into the first, second, and third layers of the data hierarchical structure in steps S14, S25, and S32.

In step S42, the integrated data is stored in the memory unit (103) as variable information print data (D1), and the process ends.

The method for creating data according to this embodiment allows the data required to create variable information printed matter according to this embodiment to be created easily and efficiently.

The variable information print (S) created according to this embodiment can also be authenticated using the unique information data (D5) and/or background image data (D2) in the database stored in the memory unit (103) in step S1. For example, after converting the variable information print (S) into a digital image, the unique information image portion (3), transparent background image portion (4, 6), and background portion (5) can be extracted from the digital image on a digital device (specifically, a computer) and compared with the database, making it possible to authenticate the variable information print (S).

When performing authentication, the creation device (M) described above is further configured to have a processor unit and an image input unit that transmits and receives data to other computer terminals. The processor unit photographs (or scans) the variable information print (S) with an image input unit such as a CCD camera, and transmits the input image data to the calculation processing unit (102), which then performs processing to determine whether it matches the unique information data (D5) and/or background image data (D2) registered in the database. If the unique information data (D5) and/or background image data (D2) match the data registered in the database, it is determined that the owner of the variable information print (S) is the actual person, and if they do not match, it is determined that the owner is a different person or that it is a counterfeit.

In the variable information print (S) created according to this embodiment, it is also possible to perform authentication without using a database. For example, a two-dimensional barcode is generated on the variable information print (S) by known image processing using the unique information data (D5) and/or background image data (D2), and then the previously generated two-dimensional barcode is applied to the substrate (1). It is also possible for the generated two-dimensional barcode to be the unique information image portion (3) of the variable information print (S).

Next, the variable information print (S) is photographed (or scanned) using an image input unit of a smartphone or the like, and the input image data is then sent to the calculation processing unit (102), which then restores the unique information data (D5) and/or background image data (D2) from the two-dimensional barcode (displayed on a display of a smartphone or the like), and it is then visually determined whether the restored data matches the unique information image section (3), the transparent background image section (4, 6), and the background section (5) formed on the variable information print (S). If they match, it is determined that the owner of the variable information print (S) is the actual person, and if they do not match, it is determined that the owner is a different person or that it is a counterfeit.

When performing authentication, the creation device (M) described above is further configured to have a processor unit and an image input unit that transmit and receive with other computer terminals. The processor unit photographs (or scans) the variable information print (S) with an image input unit such as a CCD camera, and then transmits the input image data to the calculation processing unit (102), which then performs processing to determine whether it matches the unique information data (D5) and/or background image data (D2) registered in the database. If the unique information data (D5) and/or background image data (D2) match the data registered in the database, it is determined that the owner of the variable information print (S) is the actual person, and if they do not match, it is determined that the owner is a different person or that it is a counterfeit.

Figures 22 and 23 are schematic diagrams showing variable information print data (D1) when the mask data (D3) and background image data (D2) are fixed and/or variable, respectively, in a method for creating variable information print data (D1).

Figures 22(a) and 23(a) show an example of variable information print data (D1) when the mask data (D3) is fixed and the background image data (D2) is variable. The mask data (D3) is fixed in the shape of a phoenix, the background image data (D2) is variable, and transparent background image data (D4) is generated by transmitting the transparent area data (DT) of the mask data (D3).

Figures 22(b) and 23(b) show an example of variable information print data (D1) when the mask data (D3) is variable and the background image data (D2) is fixed. The mask data (D3) has a shape corresponding to an individual's face as unique information data (D5), and transparent background image data (D4) is generated by transmitting the transparent area data (DT) of this mask data (D3).

The mask data (D3) has a shape that represents an individual's name as unique information data (D5), and transparent background image data (D4) is generated by transmitting the transparent region data (DT) of this mask data (D3).

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing examples of clipping mask data (D3-1) and layer mask data (D3-2) that can be used as mask data (D3) in the variable information print data (D1) of the present invention. Note that in Figure 24, transparent area data (DT) is shown in black.

Figure 24 (a) shows an example of clipping mask data (D3-1) with the shape of alphabet characters, and Figure 24 (b) shows an example of clipping mask data with the shape of hiragana characters.

Furthermore, FIG. 24(c) shows mask data (D3) having a circle, triangle, square, and star shape and allowing the background image data (D2) to be transparent, and mask data (D3) having a circle, triangle, square, and star shape and allowing the background image data (D2) to be transparent.

Figure 24 (d) shows an example of layer mask data (D3-2) with gradation. It has a square, circle, or octagonal shape, and allows the background image data (D2) to be transmitted while having gradation. Even a mask with the same shape, for example a square, can function as different mask data (D3) depending on the degree of gradation and the area of gradation.

Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of image data that can be used as background image data (D2) in the variable information print data (D1) of the present invention.

The background image data (D2) shown in FIG. 25(a) is an example of a line drawing pattern, and is a pattern having a geometric shape. When making this line drawing pattern variable, the line drawing pattern data itself may be changed, or the entire color or a portion of the color may be changed, etc.

The background image data (D2) shown in Figure 25 (b) is an example of image data that includes text. In particular, when the image data includes small text as a pattern, such text can be scattered throughout the image and used as background image data (D2). Such image data can be made variable by changing the text, changing the entire color or a portion of the color, etc.

The background image data (D2) shown in FIG. 25(c) corresponds to an example of image data having continuous gradations. When image data having such gradations is made variable, there are cases where the color is changed, the degree of gradation is changed, the area having gradation is changed, etc.

The background image data (D2) shown in FIG. 25(d) is an example of a grain pattern. When making such image data variable, the pattern may be changed, the overall color tone or a portion of the color tone may be changed, the degree of grain may be changed, etc.

Other examples of background image data (D2) include photographs and illustrations.

The software for creating the variable information print data (D1) of the present invention causes a computer to execute the method for creating the variable information print data (D1) described above.

As described above, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, in the background image data (D2), there are parts that are transparent and parts that are blocked from the transparent area data of the mask data (D3), the transparent parts are formed on the substrate (1) as transparent background image data, and at least one of the background image data (D2) and the mask data (D3) is variable. Even if a genuine variable information printed matter owned by a third party is referenced, for example, if the background image data (D2) is variable, the third party does not possess the transparent area data that includes the blocked area in the variable background image data (D2), so it is difficult to falsify or counterfeit the required variable information printed matter.

Furthermore, if the mask data (D3) is variable, a third party does not possess the information on the variable mask data (D3), and even if they refer to a genuine variable information printed material, it is difficult to create mask data (D3) corresponding to the required variable information printed material. In addition, since they do not possess the background image data (D2), it is difficult to create background image data (D2) corresponding to the variable mask data (D3), making alteration and counterfeiting difficult. This provides a high level of prevention against alteration and counterfeiting, and the mask data (D3) and background image data (D2) have a high degree of freedom, allowing for excellent design expression.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the above embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The above embodiment and its variations are included within the technical scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

Example 1
Example 1 of the present invention will be described. In Example 1, a plurality of variable information prints (S5-1, S5-2, S5-3) are provided, which is a first embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 26, and each of the prints has a predetermined pattern in the transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2, 4-3), and the first transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2, 4-3) has a different shape but the same predetermined pattern.

The variable information printouts (S5-1, S5-2, S5-3) were created using the creation device (M) shown in FIG. 20. The creation device (M) used a data input unit (101) including a mouse, scanner, and keyboard, a calculation processing unit (102) including a personal computer with image editing software (Photoshop) and variable printing software FUJIFILM (Form Magic 4), a memory unit (103) including memory on the personal computer, and a data output unit (104) including a printer (FUJI XeroX's "Versant 180 Press").

The variable information printouts (S5-1, S5-2, S5-3) were created using the method (flowchart) shown in Figure 21.

In step S1 shown in FIG. 21, information for generating background image data (D2), information for generating mask data (D3), and information for generating unique information data (D5) were read by the data input unit 101 from the database shown in FIG. 27, which was previously stored in the storage unit 103 shown in FIG. 20.

In the first layer, in step S11, the calculation processing unit 102 judged whether the background image data (D2) was variable. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, the predetermined pattern of the transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2, 4-3) was a fixed line drawing pattern. Therefore, since the background image data (D2) also had a fixed line drawing pattern, the background image data (D2) shown in FIG. 28(c) was generated using image processing software (Adobe Photoshop, manufactured by Adobe).

The background image data (D2) generated in step S12 was inserted into the first layer by the calculation processing unit 102 in step S14.

In the second layer, steps S21 and S26 were used to repeat the following steps S22 to S25 as many times as the number of pieces of mask data (D3).

In step S22, the calculation processing unit 102 determined whether the mask data (D3) was variable. In the variable information printed matter (S5-1, S5-2, S5-3) of Example 1, as shown in FIG. 26, the shape of the transparent background image portion (4-1, 4-2, 4-3) is variable and indicates the shape of the name in the unique information data (D5) in the database shown in FIG. 27, "HARUKO INSATS", written in Roman letters, so the process proceeded to step S23.

In step S23, mask data (D3) was generated using image processing software (Adobe Photoshop, manufactured by Adobe) with the image data of the name shape of the unique information data (D5) shown in FIG. 28(b), which is in Roman letters, "HARUKO INSATS". Similarly, mask data (D3) was generated using the image data of the name shape of the unique information data (D5) of the variable information printout (S2-2) shown in FIG. 26(b), which is in Roman letters, "NATSUO SEIHAN", and mask data (D3) was generated using the image data of the name shape of the unique information data (D5) of the variable information printout (S2-3) shown in FIG. 26(c), which is in Roman letters, "AKIKO KAIHATSU". In this way, a variable mask was generated each time the process proceeded to step S23.

The mask data (D3) generated in step S23 was inserted into the second layer by the calculation processing unit 102 in step S25.

In step S31, the calculation processing unit 102 generated the unique information data (D5) using image processing software (Adobe Photoshop manufactured by Adobe).

The unique information data (D5) generated in step S31 was inserted into the third layer by the calculation processing unit 102 in step S32.

In step S41, the calculation processing unit 102 integrates the background image data (D2), mask data (D3), and unique information data (D5) inserted in the first layer, second layer, and third layer, respectively, in steps S14, S25, and S32, using the variable printing software FUJIFILM (Form Magic 4).

In step S42, the integrated data was stored in the memory unit 103 as variable information print data (D1) in the image file format PDF (Adobe Acrobat DC). The stored variable information print data (D1) was used to print on high-quality paper, which was the substrate (1), with a printer (FUJI XeroX's "Versant 180 Press") to create the variable information prints (S5-1, S5-2, S5-3) shown in FIG. 26.

In the first embodiment, the mask data (D3) was the image data of the romanized letters of the unique information data (D5), but as shown in FIG. 29, it is also possible to create the mask data (D3) using the face shape of the unique information data (D5). In that case, in the creation method of the first embodiment described above, image data of the owner's face shape, which is the unique information data (D5) as shown in FIG. 30, is stored in advance as mask data (D3) in the database (DB) shown in FIG. 27, and the variable information printout (S6-1, S6-2, S6-3) shown in FIG. 29 can be created by using the mask data (D3) in step S23.

In Example 1, image data without gradation was used, in which the face shape of the unique information data (D5) used in FIG. 28 was used as the mask data (D3), but it was also possible to create the unique information data (D5) formed with a specially shaped screen as shown in FIG. 31 as the mask data (D3). In that case, in the creation method of Example 1 described above, image data of the owner's face shape, which is the unique information data (D5) as shown in FIG. 32, formed with a specially shaped screen was stored as mask data (D3) in advance in the database (DB) shown in FIG. 27, and the variable information printout (S7-1, S7-2, S7-3) shown in FIG. 31 could be created by using the mask data (D3) in step S23.

In the first embodiment, the background image data (D2) was fixed, but as shown in FIG. 33, it could have been variable, like the owner's face image data, which is the unique information data (D5). In the case where it was variable, in the creation method of the first embodiment, image data in which the owner's face photo, which is the unique information data (D5) as shown in FIG. 34, was expressed by halftone dots using a screen was stored in advance as background image data (D2) in the database (DB) shown in FIG. 27, and in step S12, the background image data (D2) was generated using image processing software (Adobe Photoshop, manufactured by Adobe) using the variable semi-transparent face image data corresponding to the unique information data (D5). After that, each time the process proceeds to step S12, variable background image data (D2) was generated, and then in step S14, the background image data (D2) was inserted into the first layer by the calculation processing unit 102, thereby creating the variable information printouts (S8-1, S8-2, S8-3) shown in FIG. 33.

In the first embodiment, the background image data (D2) was a line drawing pattern, but as shown in Fig. 35, it was possible to create a latent image in which characters invisible to the naked eye under normal light are visible when infrared rays (IR) are irradiated, and further the latent image is variable. In the case of a latent image in which characters are visible under infrared light, in the creation method of the first embodiment, image data expressing a latent image in which the owner's name in Roman letters "HARUKO INSATS" is visible when infrared rays (IR) are irradiated as shown in Fig. 36, which is invisible to the naked eye under normal light, is stored as background image data (D2) in the database (DB) shown in Fig. 27, and in step S12, variable semi-transparent face image data corresponding to the unique information data (D5) is used to generate the background image data (D2) using image processing software (Adobe Photoshop, manufactured by Adobe). In addition, in Fig. 36, a schematic diagram is shown of the latent image that is visible when printed by overlaying an IR viewer, but in reality it is image data and the latent image cannot be confirmed. After that, each time the process proceeds to step S12, variable background image data (D2) is generated, and then in step S14, the background image data (D2) is inserted into the first layer by the calculation processing unit 102, thereby creating the variable information printouts (S9-1, S9-2, S9-3) shown in Fig. 35.

Example 2
Example 2 of the present invention will now be described. In Example 2, variable information prints (S10-1, S10-2, S10-3) according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

The creation device (M) used had the same configuration as in Example 1.

Variable information print data (D1) in which the background image data (D2) is fixed and the two mask data (D3) are both variable was created using the method (flowchart) shown in Figure 21.

In step S1 shown in FIG. 21, information for generating background image data (D2), information for generating mask data (D3), and information for generating unique information data (D5) were read by the data input unit 101 from a database previously stored in the storage unit 103 shown in FIG. 20, and data that can be processed by the calculation processing unit 102 was generated using variable printing software (FUJIFILM's "Form Magic 4").

In the first hierarchy, in step S11, the calculation processing unit 102 determines whether the background image data (D2) is variable or not, and if the background image data (D2) is not variable, the process proceeds to step S13, where the background image data (D2) is fixed as shown in FIG. 38(c) and references the background image data (D2) stored in the database as fixed information data.

The background image data (D2) generated in step S13 was inserted into the first layer by the calculation processing unit 102 in step S14.

In the second layer, steps S21 and S26 were used to repeat the following steps S22 to S25 as many times as the number of pieces of mask data (D3).

In step S22, the calculation processing unit 102 determines whether the mask data (D3) is variable, and if it is variable, the process proceeds to step S23 where the two-layer mask data (D3) becomes variable according to the unique information data (D5) shown in FIG. 38(a). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 38(b), the shapes of the surname "INSATSU" and the given name "HARUKO" in the unique information data (D5) are used as the two-layer mask data (D3) to generate the mask data (D3) using image processing software (Adobe Photoshop, manufactured by Adobe). Thereafter, variable mask data (D3) is generated each time the process proceeds to step S23.

The mask data (D3) generated in step S23 was inserted into the second layer by the calculation processing unit 102 in step S25.

In the third layer, in step S31, the calculation processing unit 102 generated unique information data (D5) using image processing software (Adobe Photoshop manufactured by Adobe).

The generated unique information data (D5) was inserted into the third layer by the calculation processing unit 102 in step S32.

In step S41, the calculation processing unit 102 integrates the background image data (D2), mask data (D3), and unique information data (D5) inserted in the first layer, second layer, and third layer, respectively, in steps S14, S25, and S32, using variable printing software (FUJIFILM's "Form Magic 4").

In step S42, the integrated data is stored in the memory unit 103 as variable information print data (D1) in the image file format PDF (Adobe Acrobat DC).

The stored variable information print data (D1) was used to print on the substrate (1) of high-quality paper using a printer (FUJI XeroX Corporation's "Versant 180 Press") to create variable information prints (S10-1, S10-2, S10-3).

S1-1, S1-2, S1-3, S1-4, S2-1, S2-2, S3-1, S3-2, S4-1, S4-2, S5-1, S5-2, S5-3, S6-1, S6-2, S6-3, S7-1, S7-2, S7-3, S8-1, S8-2, S8-3 Variable information printed matter 1 Base material 2-1, 2-2 Variable information area 3-1, 3-2 Unique information image section 4-1, 4-2, 4-3 First transparent background image section 5-1, 5-2 Background section 6-1, 6-2 Second transparent background image section 7-1, 7-2 Transparent overlap section D1 Variable information printed matter data D2 Background image data D3, D3-1, D3-2 Mask data D4 Transparent background image data D5 Unique information data D6 Transparent overlapping portion data DT, DTa, DTb Transparent area data DB Database M Creation device 101 Data input unit 102 Processing unit 103 Storage unit 104 Data output unit S' Conventional variable printed matter s Conventional printed matter p1' Common printed matter p2' Unique information unit

Claims (2)

In variable information printed materials where there are multiple products of equal value,
A variable information area having a predetermined pattern and a unique information image area showing unique information are provided on at least a portion of the base material,
the variable information area includes a first transparent background image portion and a background portion;
The predetermined pattern is provided on either the first transparent background image portion or the background portion,
one of the first transparent background image portion and the background portion having the predetermined pattern;
The unique information image portions are arranged so as to overlap each other and to match each other like tweezers,
In each of the plurality of variable information prints, either the first transparent background image portion having the predetermined pattern or the background portion is
i) the shapes are the same and the predetermined patterns are different, or ii) the shapes are different and the predetermined patterns are the same, or iii) the shapes and the predetermined patterns are different,
The shape and/or the predetermined pattern is associated with the unique information.
A variable information printed matter characterized by: the variable information area has at least a second transparent background image portion;
the first transparent background image portion and the second transparent background image portion have a transparent overlapping portion in which they partially overlap,
The concentration of the variable information region is
iv) the transparent overlap portion>the first transparent background image portion=the second transparent background image portion>the background portion, or
5) the background portion>the first transparent background image portion=the second transparent background image portion>the transparent overlap portion ,

Images