JP2017196812A - Image treatment device, liquid discharge device, image treatment method and image treatment program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve improvement of molding precision of a molded article.SOLUTION: There is generated molding data of a molded article having a correction part 12D of an image treatment device 12 manufactured by laminating a molding layer formed by dots, defining discharge information containing recording position of dots recorded by discharging a molding liquid and discharge amount of the molding liquid per each pixel of the molding layer. There is generated corrected molding data having correction part 12D by correction discharge information of pixel constituting a terminal part of the molding layer for each molding layer defined in the molding data to have the recording position contained in the discharge information is outside of the molding layer more than the terminal part and discharge amount included in the discharge information is larger than discharge amount included in discharge information of pixel other than the terminal part in the molding layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a liquid ejection apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program.

  As a method of modeling a three-dimensional three-dimensional model, a technique using an inkjet method is known. As a modeling method of a modeled object using an ink jet method, for example, a technique for modeling a modeled object by stacking a plurality of modeling layers formed by dots recorded by discharging liquid (for example, patents) is known. Reference 1 and Patent Reference 2).

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for manufacturing a three-dimensional relief as a modeled object by repeating a process of curing with light after discharging a photocurable ink. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for realizing a printing result that gives a three-dimensional appearance by overlapping and printing a solid layer of ink on a medium.

  However, if a modeling object is modeled by overlaying a modeling layer such as a layer obtained by curing the discharged photocurable ink or a solid layer of ink, the end of the modeling object is not included in the modeling object to be modeled. There was a case where a step was not generated. For this reason, conventionally, there has been a case where the modeling accuracy of the modeled object is lowered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides an image processing apparatus, a liquid ejection apparatus, an image processing method, and an image processing program capable of improving the modeling accuracy of a modeled object. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is modeling data of a modeled object formed by laminating a modeling layer formed by dots, and the dots recorded by discharging the modeling liquid For each of the modeling layer defined in the modeling data, the generation unit that generates the modeling data that defines the recording position and the ejection information including the ejection amount of the modeling liquid for each pixel of the modeling layer, The discharge information of the pixels constituting the end portion of the modeling layer is determined such that the recording position included in the discharge information is outside the modeling layer from the end portion, and the discharge amount included in the discharge information is An image processing apparatus comprising: a correction unit that generates corrected modeling data that is corrected so as to be larger than the ejection amount included in the ejection information of pixels other than the end portion in the modeling layer.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the modeling accuracy of a modeled object.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a liquid ejection device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of characteristics of the modeling liquid. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a modeled object. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a modeling layer. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of steps. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a modeled object modeled according to modeling data. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of generation of corrected modeling data. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a correction target pixel. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of pixels to be corrected that are randomly specified. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of ejection by the ejection unit. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of modeling of a modeled object. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of modeling of a modeled object. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of modeling of a modeled object. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image processing procedure.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing device, a liquid ejection device, an image processing method, and an image processing program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the image processing apparatus is mounted on a liquid ejection apparatus will be described as an example. The image processing apparatus is not limited to the form mounted on the liquid ejection apparatus. For example, the image processing apparatus may be configured separately from the liquid ejection apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the liquid ejection device 10.

  The liquid ejection device 10 includes an image processing device 12 and a modeling device 30. The image processing apparatus 12 and the modeling apparatus 30 are connected to be communicable.

  The modeling apparatus 30 is an inkjet type modeling apparatus. The modeling apparatus 30 includes a carriage 15, a stage 16, a motor 26, and a recording control unit 40.

  The stage 16 supports the base material 41. The base material 41 is a medium on which a model is formed. The base material 41 is, for example, a recording medium.

  The motor 26 moves the carriage 15 and the stage 16 in the vertical direction (the arrow Z direction in FIG. 1), the main scanning direction X perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, and the sub scanning perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and the main scanning direction X. Move relative to direction Y. In the present embodiment, the plane composed of the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y corresponds to the XY plane along the surface of the stage 16 that faces the ejection unit 17.

  The motor 26 includes a main scanning motor 22, a sub scanning motor 24, and a height adjustment motor 25. The main scanning motor 22 reciprocates the carriage 15 in the main scanning direction X. The sub-scanning motor 24 moves the stage 16 in the sub-scanning direction Y. The height adjustment motor 25 is a motor 26 that adjusts the distance between the carriage 15 and the stage 16. In the present embodiment, the height adjustment motor 25 moves the stage 16 in the vertical direction Z.

  A discharge unit 17 and an irradiation unit 20 are provided on a surface of the carriage 15 facing the stage 16.

  The discharge unit 17 includes a plurality of nozzles 18. The discharge unit 17 is an ink jet recording unit. The discharge unit 17 records dots by discharging the modeling liquid from each of the plurality of nozzles 18. The nozzle 18 is provided on the surface of the discharge unit 17 facing the stage 16. That is, the nozzle 18 is arranged so that the modeling liquid can be discharged toward the stage 16 side.

  In the present embodiment, the modeling liquid is a liquid containing a coloring material, for example. The liquid containing the color material is, for example, ink. The modeling liquid may be a liquid that does not contain a color material. Moreover, in this Embodiment, a modeling liquid hardens | cures by giving a stimulus. The stimulus is light or heat. The light is, for example, ultraviolet rays. In the present embodiment, the modeling liquid includes a photocurable resin that is cured by being irradiated with light. For this reason, the modeling liquid of the present embodiment is cured by being irradiated with light after being discharged. In addition, the modeling liquid which the discharge part 17 discharges is not limited to the form containing photocurable resin.

  The irradiation unit 20 irradiates light having a wavelength that cures the modeling liquid discharged from the nozzle 18. For this reason, the dots by the modeling liquid that are discharged toward the base material 41 and recorded on the base material 41 are cured by the irradiation unit 20.

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which the modeling apparatus 30 discharges the modeling liquid by the multipass method. In the multi-pass method, the ejection unit 17 is reciprocated relative to the base material 41 in the main scanning direction X, and the base material 41 is moved relative to the sub-scanning direction Y to record dots. It is a method. In this case, for example, the ejection unit 17 is configured by a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles 18 are arranged in the sub-scanning direction Y. The nozzle row is not limited to one row. That is, the ejection unit 17 may have a configuration in which a plurality of nozzle rows that are long in the sub-scanning direction Y are arranged in the main scanning direction X.

  The modeling apparatus 30 may be a one-pass method (sometimes referred to as a single-pass method). In the one-pass method, the ejection unit 17 includes a nozzle row including a plurality of nozzles 18 arranged in a length corresponding to the width of the stage 16 (for example, the width in the main scanning direction X). The one-pass method is a method in which dots are recorded by allowing the base material 41 to pass through the ejection unit 17 relatively in the sub-scanning direction Y.

  In the present embodiment, the modeling apparatus 30 records the dots by discharging the modeling liquid from the discharge unit 17 and curing the modeling liquid attached to the base material 41 by the irradiation unit 20. Thereby, the modeling apparatus 30 models the modeling layer by a dot. The modeling apparatus 30 models the modeling object which laminated | stacked the several modeling layer by repeating modeling of this modeling layer.

  That is, the modeling apparatus 30 performs modeling of a modeling layer for one layer, and then the distance between the carriage 15 and the stage 16 by a distance corresponding to the layer thickness of the modeled modeling layer by driving the height adjustment motor 25. To spread. Then, the modeling apparatus 30 models the next modeling layer again. By repeating this series of processes, the modeling apparatus 30 models a modeled object in which a plurality of modeling layers are stacked. In addition, adjustment of the space | interval of the carriage 15 and the stage 16 is not limited to performing for every modeling layer, and may be performed every time a plurality of modeling layers are modeled.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus 10.

  First, an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 12 will be described. The image processing apparatus 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 500, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 501, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 502, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 503, and a communication I / F (interface) 504. Are connected to each other via a bus 505.

  The CPU 500 comprehensively controls each operation of the image processing apparatus 12. The CPU 500 uses the RAM 502 as a work area (work area) and executes programs stored in the ROM 501 or the HDD 503 to control the overall operation and implement various functional units described later.

  The HDD 503 stores various data. The communication I / F 504 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like.

  Next, an example of the hardware configuration of the modeling apparatus 30 will be described. The modeling apparatus 30 includes a drive unit 42 and a recording control unit 40. The drive unit 42 is a drive unit that executes the discharge of the modeling liquid. The drive unit 42 includes a carriage 15, a stage 16, a motor 26 (main scanning motor 22, sub-scanning motor 24, height adjustment motor 25), and a light source power source 19. The carriage 15 includes a discharge unit 17 and an irradiation unit 20. The light source power supply 19 supplies power to the irradiation unit 20 and irradiates light (ultraviolet rays) from the irradiation unit 20.

  The recording control unit 40 receives corrected modeling data (details will be described later) from the image processing device 12. And the recording control part 40 controls the drive part 42 so that the modeling liquid for recording a dot may be discharged based on correction | amendment modeling data.

  The recording control unit 40 includes a CPU 400, a ROM 401, a nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) 403, a communication I / F 404, an operation panel 405, an ASIC 406, an I / O 407, a drive waveform generation unit 409, and a head driver 410. A main scanning motor driving unit 411, a sub-scanning motor driving unit 412, and a height adjustment motor driving unit 413.

  CPU 400, ROM 401, nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) 403, communication I / F 404, operation panel 405, ASIC 406, I / O 407, environment sensor 408, drive waveform generation unit 409, head driver 410, main scanning motor driving unit 411, sub-scanning The motor drive unit 412 and the height adjustment motor drive unit 413 are connected to each other via a bus 414 so as to communicate with each other.

  The CPU 400 controls each operation of the modeling apparatus 30 in an integrated manner. The CPU 400 uses the RAM 402 as a work area (working area), and executes a program stored in the ROM 401 or the NVRAM 403, thereby controlling the overall operation and realizing a functional unit described later.

  The communication I / F 404 is an interface for communicating with other devices via a network or the like. The operation panel 405 receives various operation instructions from the user and displays various images. The ASIC 406 performs various signal processing. The environment sensor 408 is a sensor that detects the environment (temperature, humidity) of the liquid ejection apparatus 10. The environmental sensor 408 is connected to the I / O 407.

  The drive waveform generation unit 409 converts corrected modeling data (described in detail later) acquired from the image processing device 12 into a drive waveform for controlling the drive elements that drive each of the nozzles 18 of the ejection unit 17 of the carriage 15. The drive waveform includes a latch signal, a mask signal, and the like. The drive element is, for example, a piezoelectric element. The head driver 410 outputs the drive waveform generated by the drive waveform generation unit 409 to the ejection unit 17. Accordingly, a drive signal having a drive waveform corresponding to the corrected modeling data is selectively applied to each of the drive elements for driving each of the nozzles 18 in the discharge unit 17. As a result, the modeling liquid is discharged from each of the nozzles 18 of the discharge unit 17.

  The main scanning motor driving unit 411 controls driving of the main scanning motor 22. The sub-scanning motor driving unit 412 controls driving of the sub-scanning motor 24. The height adjustment motor drive unit 413 controls the drive of the height adjustment motor 25.

  Next, the functional configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the liquid ejection apparatus 10.

  First, the functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 12 will be described. The image processing device 12 includes an acquisition unit 12A, a generation unit 12B, a specification unit 12C, a correction unit 12D, and an output unit 12E.

  Part or all of the acquisition unit 12A, the generation unit 12B, the specification unit 12C, the correction unit 12D, and the output unit 12E may be realized by causing a processing device such as a CPU to execute a program, that is, by software. In addition, it may be realized by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit) or may be realized by using software and hardware together.

  The acquisition unit 12A acquires 3D (three-dimensional) data of the modeling target. The 3D data is data indicating the modeling target in three dimensions. The data format of 3D data is not limited. The data format of the 3D data is, for example, an STL (Stereolithography) format, a PLY format, or a VRML format.

  The generation unit 12B generates modeling data from the 3D data. The modeling data is data that allows the modeling apparatus 30 to model the modeled object. That is, modeling data is data which shows the modeling object which laminated | stacked the modeling layer formed with the dot of modeling liquid. In detail, modeling data consists of a plurality of modeling layer data which shows each of a plurality of modeling layers which constitute a model. The modeling layer data defines ejection information for each pixel corresponding to each dot of the modeling layer. The ejection information includes the recording position of the dots recorded by the ejection of the modeling liquid and the ejection amount of the modeling liquid. The recording position is represented by a two-dimensional position (pixel position) on the XY plane. As described above, the XY plane indicates a two-dimensional plane of the stage 16 (a two-dimensional plane formed by the main scanning direction X and the sub-scanning direction Y).

  First, the generation unit 12B converts the resolution of the 3D data into the modeling resolution realized by the modeling apparatus 30 for the 3D data acquired by the acquisition unit 12A. For example, it is assumed that the resolution indicated by the 3D data is 1200 dpi, and the output resolution realized by the modeling apparatus 30 is 600 dpi. In this case, the generation unit 12B converts the resolution of 3D data 1200 dpi to 600 dpi. A known method may be used for resolution conversion. For example, the generation unit 12B converts the pixels constituting the 3D data to low resolution by thinning out the pixels for each pixel.

  And the production | generation part 12B divides | segments the modeling object shown by 3D data converted into output resolution into a some modeling layer. And the production | generation part 12B is a recording position which shows the corresponding pixel position in 3D data about each pixel which comprises modeling layer data which shows each modeling layer, and the discharge amount for implement | achieving the layer thickness of this modeling layer , Discharge information including is set.

  The layer thickness of each modeling layer is determined according to the characteristics of the modeling liquid to be used, the output resolution, the target modeling speed (that is, productivity), and the like. The plurality of modeling layers constituting the modeled object may all have the same layer thickness, or may include modeling layers having different layer thicknesses.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of characteristics of the modeling liquid. As shown in FIG. 4, the modeling liquid droplets 44 discharged from the nozzles 18 of the discharge unit 17 land on the base material 41 to form dots D. The base material 41 is made of a non-permeable material and does not absorb liquid.

  The shape of the dot D immediately after landing of the droplet 44 is a hemispherical shape (see FIG. 4A). Then, the landed droplets 44 spread to the surroundings as time elapses from the landing (see FIG. 4B). And the dot D by the modeling liquid spreading to the periphery stops spreading due to the influence of the wettability of the surface of the substrate 41 and the surface tension of the modeling liquid (see FIG. 4B). In addition, a plurality of dots D formed by the landed droplets 44 may be fused by the spreading of the modeling liquid landed on the base material 41 (see FIG. 4B). Note that it is possible to finally form a modeling layer having a uniform layer thickness by discharging a sufficient amount of droplets 44 onto the substrate 41. In addition, the process which takes time and makes it uniform thickness (namely, smooth surface) may be called leveling.

  In some cases, a modeled object is modeled using a plurality of types of modeling liquids having different characteristics. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the model 50. The modeled object 50 is modeled by stacking a plurality of modeled layers 52. The modeling layer 52 is a layer of dots D recorded by the droplets 44 ejected from the nozzle 18 of the ejection unit 17.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the shaped object 50, on the substrate 41, the shaped layer 52 _1, shaped layer 52 _2, and shows a case which is formed by laminating a shaped layer 52 ₃ in this order.

  For example, these modeling layers 52 are modeled with a plurality of different modeling liquids. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a modeling layer 52 that is modeled with a plurality of types of modeling liquids. For example, the modeled object 50 is modeled by laminating the base layer 52A, the white background layer 52B, the colored layer 52C, and the transparent layer 52D in this order. Each of the base layer 52A, the white background layer 52B, the colored layer 52C, and the transparent layer 52D may be modeled by one modeling layer 52 or may be modeled by a plurality of modeling layers 52.

  The foundation layer 52A functions as a foundation of the white background layer 52B. The white background layer 52B is a layer serving as a base for the colored layer 52C, and has a function of prominently coloring the colored layer 52C. The colored layer 52 </ b> C is a layer formed by a modeling liquid containing a color material, and is a layer that realizes the same light and shade as the gradation expression in plain printing. The transparent layer 52D is a layer that transmits light and protects the colored layer 52C.

  The foundation layer 52A, the white background layer 52B, the colored layer 52C, and the transparent layer 52D are different in the type of modeling liquid. Specifically, the foundation layer 52A, the white background layer 52B, the colored layer 52C, and the transparent layer 52D are different in the type (that is, the constituent material) of the modeling liquid.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the generation unit 12 </ b> B determines the type of modeling liquid used for modeling each modeling layer 52, the coloring characteristics determined by the type of the modeling liquid, the output resolution, the target modeling speed (productivity), and the like. Accordingly, the layer thickness of each modeling layer 52 is determined.

  In addition, the discharge part 17 is a structure which can discharge a multiple types of modeling liquid. For example, the discharge part 17 should just be the structure provided with the some nozzle row for discharging mutually different modeling liquid. Each nozzle row has a configuration in which a plurality of nozzles 18 are arranged.

  The layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 is also determined by the discharge amount of the modeling liquid. The discharge amount is determined according to the modeling resolution. Specifically, the higher the modeling resolution, the smaller the amount of modeling liquid discharged for forming one dot D needs to be reduced.

  As described above, the generation unit 12B determines the layer thickness of the modeling layer based on the characteristics (type and color development characteristics) of the modeling liquid, the output resolution, and the target modeling speed. In addition, the layer thickness of each modeling layer which comprises a modeled object may be the same, and a different thickness may be sufficient as it.

  And the production | generation part 12B is divided | segmented into a some modeling layer by dividing | segmenting the modeling target object which 3D data shows for every determined layer thickness, and produces | generates each modeling data of a modeling layer. As described above, the modeling layer data defines ejection information for each pixel corresponding to each dot of the modeling layer. In the present embodiment, the ejection amount for each pixel indicated in the ejection information in each of the modeling layer data constituting the modeling data is the same for each pixel constituting the modeling layer. That is, the generation unit 12B determines the discharge amount for each pixel of the modeling layer having the layer thickness according to the layer thickness of the modeling layer. And the production | generation part 12B produces | generates modeling layer data including the discharge amount according to the thickness of the modeling layer of this modeling layer data for every pixel of modeling layer data.

  Here, as the layer thickness of the modeling layer is thinner and as the modeling resolution is higher, it is possible to model a modeled object that realizes the modeling target indicated in the 3D data with higher accuracy. However, as the layer thickness of the modeling layer is thinner, the number of modeling layers is increased and the modeling time is increased. In addition, as the modeling resolution is higher, it is necessary to reduce the amount of modeling liquid discharged for forming the dots D, and the modeling time increases.

  Productivity of a modeled object has become a big problem, and shortening of modeling time is tried. For this reason, in order to shorten modeling time, in modeling device 30, it is necessary to make the layer thickness of a modeling layer thicker, and to decrease the number of lamination of a modeling layer.

  Moreover, the viscosity of the modeling liquid used for modeling is several to several tens of times that of the ink used for forming a normal two-dimensional image. For this reason, it is difficult to stably discharge minute droplets of the modeling liquid. For this reason, also from this viewpoint, it is necessary to increase the amount of droplets ejected for dot formation as compared with the time of forming a two-dimensional image by increasing the layer thickness of the modeling layer.

  However, conventionally, as the layer thickness of the modeling layer is increased, a step that is not shown in the 3D data may occur at the end of the model in the direction orthogonal to the stacking direction (matching the vertical direction Z). . In other words, conventionally, there is a case where a step not shown in the 3D data is generated at an end portion between the modeling layers adjacent to each other in the stacking direction (corresponding to the vertical direction Z).

  The edge part between modeling layers shows the edge part in XY plane orthogonal to the thickness direction (lamination direction, it corresponds with the perpendicular direction Z) in the modeling layer 52. FIG. In other words, the end portion between the modeling layers indicates the peripheral edge of the HY plane orthogonal to the thickness direction in the modeling layer 52. The steps at the end are the surface of the lower modeling layer 52 (upper surface) and the upper surface of the upper modeling layer 52 (upper surface) at the end between the modeling layers 52 adjacent in the stacking direction. ) And the height difference.

  In the present embodiment, the steps are the XY plane direction end face of the upper modeling layer 52 in the vertical direction Z and the lower modeling layer 52 in the modeling layer 52 adjacent to the stacking direction (vertical direction Z). It shows that the angle formed by the upper surface is different from the angle of the corresponding region in the 3D data.

  Such a level | step difference is easy to generate | occur | produce, so that the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 is thick and the lamination | stacking number of the modeling layers 52 is small. For this reason, conventionally, it has been difficult to improve the modeling accuracy of the model 50.

  It is known that when a modeling liquid is ejected by the modeling apparatus 30 using a photocurable modeling liquid, a spec with a resolution of 600 dpi and a thickness of 25 μm can be realized. ing. However, even with this resolution and thickness, it takes several hours to ten and several hours to form a model. Then, although the direction which aims at the improvement of productivity by increasing the layer thickness of a modeling layer is also considered, the level | step difference as mentioned above has generate | occur | produced.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a step generated between the modeling layers 52. FIG. 7A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a modeling object 600 indicated by 3D data. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the modeling target 600 indicated by the 3D data may have a shape having unevenness. However, the uneven | corrugated area | region of the modeling target object 600 assumes that it was the shape connected gently.

  FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a modeled object 510 in the case where the number of modeling layers 52 is increased as much as possible and the thickness of each modeling layer 52 is as thin as possible. It is assumed that according to the modeling object 600 indicated by the 3D data, the modeling data 61 is generated in which the number of stacks of the modeling object 52 is increased as much as possible and the modeling layer 52 is as thin as possible. And when modeling the modeling thing 510 with the modeling apparatus 30 based on this modeling data 61, it becomes a shape close | similar to the modeling target object 600 shown by 3D data 58, as shown to FIG. 7 (B).

  However, in order to model the modeling object 510 having a shape as close as possible to the modeling object 600 shown in the 3D data 58 with the modeling apparatus 30, the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 is made as thin as possible, and the modeling layer 52 is stacked. It is necessary to increase the number, and the productivity is inferior.

  On the other hand, in order to improve productivity, when the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 is increased and the number of lamination layers of the modeling layer 52 is decreased, for example, a modeled object 50 as illustrated in FIG. . As shown in FIG. 7C, the modeling data 60 used for modeling the modeled object 50 is thicker than the modeling data 61 of the modeled object 510 (see FIG. 7B). The number of layers of the modeling layer 52 is small. It is assumed that the modeling object 50 is modeled by the modeling apparatus 30 based on the modeling data 60. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7C, a level difference that does not exist in the modeling object 600 corresponding to the 3D data 58 occurs between the modeling layers 52 constituting the modeling object 50.

FIG. 7D is an enlarged schematic view of a stepped region in the model 50 shown in FIG. 7C. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 (D), the ends E and shaped layer 52 _2, the end portion E of the shaped layer 52 _3, the step S is not shown in the 3D data 58 is generated. Incidentally, the step of shaping layer 52 ₁ of the end E is assumed to be stepped as shown in the 3D data 58.

  Thus, in order to improve productivity, the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 is increased and the number of the modeling layers 52 is decreased, so that the end E of the modeling layer 52 does not appear in the 3D data 58. A step S may occur. Such a level | step difference S was visually recognized as a digital nonuniformity, and became a factor inferior in modeling precision.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the image processing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment corrects the modeling data 60 and generates corrected modeling data.

  As described above, the generation unit 12B divides the modeling object 600 indicated by the 3D data 58 converted into the output resolution into the plurality of modeling layers 52. And the production | generation part 12B is for each of the pixel which comprises the modeling layer data which shows each modeling layer 52, and the recording position which shows the corresponding pixel position in 3D data 58, and the layer thickness for implement | achieving the layer thickness of this modeling layer 52 Discharge information including the discharge amount is set. Thereby, the production | generation part 12B produces | generates modeling data 60 (refer FIG.7 (C)).

  As described above, the ejection amount for each pixel indicated in the ejection information in each of the modeling layer data constituting the modeling data 60 is constant (same) for each modeling layer. Moreover, the discharge amount for every pixel in the modeling layer data which comprises the modeling object 50 may differ between modeling layer data.

  The image processing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment corrects the modeling data 60 generated by the generation unit 12B, and generates corrected modeling data.

  Specifically, the image processing device 12 includes a specifying unit 12C and a correction unit 12D.

  The correcting unit 12D corrects the modeling data 60 and generates corrected modeling data. The correction unit 12 </ b> D generates corrected modeling data by correcting the ejection information of the pixels constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52 for each of the modeling layers 52 defined in the modeling data 60.

  Specifically, the correcting unit 12 </ b> D reads each modeling layer data of each modeling layer 52 included in the modeling data 60. Then, the correction unit 12D has the recording position included in the ejection information of the pixels constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52 for the ejection information of each pixel configuring each modeling layer data of each modeling layer 52. Correction is performed so that the discharge amount outside the modeling layer 52 from the portion E and included in the discharge information is larger than the discharge amount of the pixels other than the end portion E in the modeling layer 52.

  In the present embodiment, the specifying unit 12C specifies the modeling layer 52 to be corrected and the pixel to be corrected. The correcting unit 12D corrects the ejection information of the correction target pixel specified by the specifying unit 12C.

  The specifying unit 12 </ b> C specifies the modeling layer data of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected among the modeling layer data included in the modeling data 60. That is, the specifying unit 12 </ b> C has the end E along the modeling object 600 corresponding to the 3D data 58 among the plurality of modeling layers 52 constituting the modeling object 50 (see FIG. 7C) of the modeling data 60. The modeling layer 52 having a shape is not subject to correction. The specifying unit 12 </ b> C specifies the modeling layer 52 whose end E is not in a shape along the modeling target 600 according to the 3D data 58 as a correction target. In other words, the specifying unit 12 </ b> C specifies the modeling layer 52 in which the step S that does not appear in the 3D data 58 among the modeling layers 52 specified in the modeling data 60 occurs as a correction target.

  Further, the specifying unit 12C specifies at least a part of the pixels constituting the end E in the modeling layer 52 specified as the correction target as the correction target pixels.

  The correcting unit 12D corrects the ejection information of the pixels specified by the specifying unit 12C.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a modeled object 50 modeled according to the model data 60 (data before correction). In addition, in FIG. 8, each of the dot D which comprises each modeling layer 52 was typically shown with the column-shaped shape. For example, the modeling object 50 modeled according to the modeling data 60 has a configuration in which a plurality of modeling layers 52 (modeling layers 52 ₁ to 52 ₂ ) are stacked. The stepped end of the shaped layer 52 ₁ is assumed to be step S shown in 3D data 58 which is the original data. The step of end E of the shaped layer 52 ₂ is assumed to be stepped, not shown in the 3D data 58 (see also FIG. 7).

In this case, the specific portion 12C is a shaped layer 52 ₂ in the shaped object 50 is specified as shaping layer 52 to be corrected. Note that, as described above, the end E of the modeling layer 52 indicates the periphery of the modeling layer 52 along a two-dimensional plane (XY plane) orthogonal to the stacking direction (vertical direction Z). That is, the end portion E, as shown in FIG. 8, orthogonal from modeling layer 52 ₁ of the lower side of the shaped layer 52 ₂ that is configured as a convex portion protruding in the vertical direction Z, in the stacking direction (vertical direction Z) This is a region along the peripheral edge (rectangular peripheral edge in FIG. 8) in the two-dimensional plane (XY plane).

The specifying unit 12C specifies at least a part of the pixels constituting the end E in the modeling layer 52 (modeling layer 52 _{2 in} FIG. 8) specified as the correction target as the correction target pixels. Then, the correcting unit 12D corrects the ejection amount and the recording position for the ejection information of the pixel specified by the specifying unit 12C. Thereby, the correction unit 12D generates corrected modeling data.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of generation of the corrected modeling data 62. FIG. 9A is an example of a perspective view of a modeled object 56 modeled from the corrected modeling data 62. For example, the specific portion 12 </ _b > C is a pixel constituting the end E of the modeling layer 522 in the modeled object 50, and among the dots DA continuously arranged along the end E, every other dot DA The arranged dot DA is specified as the correction target dot D ′. Then, the specifying unit 12C specifies a pixel corresponding to the specified dot D ′ in the modeling data 60 (see FIG. 8) as a correction target.

The correcting unit 12D corrects the ejection information of the pixel specified as the correction target. For example, the correction unit 12D is the recording position of dots D 'corresponding to the pixel to be corrected is shifted to the outside of the contrast-type layer 52 _{and second} end portions E. The outer shaping layer 52 _second end E, shows a direction from the peripheral edge of the contrast-type layer 52 (the end portion E) to the outside of the contrast-type layer 52.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the correction unit 12 </ b> D changes the recording position of the dot D ′ corresponding to the correction target pixel from the pixel position Q indicated by the modeling data 60 to the modeling layer 52 _2. The pixel position Q ′ shifted outside the edge E (shifted in the direction of arrow W) is used as the corrected recording position.

Note that the amount of shift to the outside of the end E (see the shift amount L1 in FIG. 9B) is the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected (that is, the thickness of the step S (height difference)) and the correction target. What is necessary is just to determine according to the discharge amount after correction | amendment of this pixel. For example, the correction unit 12D may increase the shift amount as the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected is thicker and as the ejection amount after correction of the pixel corresponding to the correction target dot D ′ is larger. For example, the correction unit 12 </ _b > D may use the half of the pitch of the dots D constituting the modeling layer 522 (the distance between the centers of the adjacent dots D) as an amount to shift to the outside of the end E.

In addition, the correction unit 12 </ b> D increases the discharge amount of the pixel to be corrected from the discharge amount of the pixel indicated in the modeling data 60. Specifically, the correction unit 12D, for the ejection amount of the pixel corresponding to the dot D 'to be corrected at the end E of the shaped layer 52 _2, other than the end portion E of the shaped layer 52 area (see the inner region I) A discharge amount larger than the discharge amount of the pixels of the dots D constituting the above is set.

The correction unit 12D has a discharge amount of the pixel corresponding to the dot D 'of the correction target, within the range satisfying the above specified (greater than the dot D of the inner region I), the or thickness shaped layer 52 _2, end It may be determined according to the density and arrangement pattern of the pixels to be corrected in E. For example, the correction unit 12D sets the ejection amount of the pixel corresponding to the correction target dot D ′ to be twice the ejection amount of the pixel corresponding to the dot D in the inner region I of the pixel.

  Here, it is preferable that the specifying unit 12C increases the number of pixels per unit area selected as the pixel to be corrected in the end E of the modeling layer 52 as the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected increases. .

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a pixel to be corrected at the end E. As illustrated in FIG. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the thickness of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected is thin in this order of FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C. It was.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the specifying unit 12 </ b> C corrects the pixel 70 </ b> A constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected so that the number of pixels per specified unit area increases as the layer thickness increases. The target pixel 70A ′ is specified.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the specifying unit 12 </ b> C determines that the number of pixels per unit area is one pixel when the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected is “large” (FIG. 10A). When the layer thickness is “medium” (FIG. 10B), every three pixels, and when the layer thickness is “small” (see FIG. 10C), every seven pixels, The correction target pixel 70A ′ is specified. In this way, the specifying unit 12C determines that the correction target pixel 70A ′ is such that the smaller the thickness, the wider the interval between the pixels 70A ′ specified as the correction target, according to the layer thickness of the correction target modeling layer 52. Is identified.

  It should be noted that the specifying unit 12C increases the number of pixels to be specified as the correction target at the end E of the correction target modeling layer 52 as the layer thickness of the correction target modeling layer 52 increases. It suffices to specify the pixels, and the present invention is not limited to the form of specifying each pixel.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the specifying unit 12 </ b> C is not limited to a feature that regularly specifies the correction target pixel 70 </ b> A ′, and may be specified randomly.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a pixel to be corrected, which is randomly specified at the end E. In the example shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, the case where the thickness of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected is thin is shown in this order of FIGS. 11A, 11 </ b> B, and 11 </ b> C. It was.

  As illustrated in FIG. 11, the specifying unit 12 </ b> C corrects the pixel 70 </ b> A constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected so that the number of pixels per specified unit area increases as the layer thickness increases. The target pixel 70A ′ may be specified at random.

  The specifying unit 12C may divide the pixels 70 arranged along the end E of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected into a plurality of pixel groups, and define a specific rule for each pixel group. Then, the specifying unit 12C may specify the pixel 70A selected according to the specifying rule for each pixel group as the correction target pixel 70A ′. The specific rule may be determined so that the number of pixels per unit area to be specified increases as the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected increases. Then, as described above, the rule for specifying the correction target pixel 70A ′ in the pixel group may be a rule for regularly specifying the correction target pixel 70A ′ for each pixel interval corresponding to the thickness. It may be a rule that randomly specifies the correction target pixel 70A ′ so as to obtain a density corresponding to the thickness.

  The specifying unit 12 </ b> C has different positions in the direction along the end E of the pixel 70 </ b> A ′ specified as the correction target between the correction target modeling layers 52 adjacent in the vertical direction Z (stacking direction). As described above, it is preferable to specify the correction target pixel 70 </ b> A ′ for each of the modeling layers 52.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the description will be continued. The correcting unit 12D generates the corrected modeling data 62 by correcting the ejection information of the correction target pixel 70A ′ specified by the specifying unit 12C for each of the modeling layers 52 specified by the specifying unit 12C.

  The corrected modeling data 62 includes modeling layer data indicating each of the modeling layers 52 constituting the modeled object 56 to be modeled. In addition, each modeling layer data of each modeling layer 52 defines discharge information indicating the recording position and the discharge amount of the dot D for each pixel.

  The correcting unit 12D outputs the generated corrected modeling data 62 to the output unit 12E. The output unit 12E outputs the corrected modeling data 62 generated by the correction unit 12D to the modeling apparatus 30.

  The modeling apparatus 30 includes a recording control unit 40. As described above, the recording control unit 40 controls the driving unit 42. The recording control unit 40 receives the corrected modeling data 62 from the image processing device 12. Then, the recording control unit 40 performs correction modeling at a recording position defined in the correction modeling data 62 for each pixel in accordance with each modeling layer data of the modeling layer 52 specified in the received correction modeling data 62. The discharge unit 17, the irradiation unit 20, and the motor 26 are controlled so as to discharge a modeling liquid having a discharge amount defined by the data 62.

  For example, it is assumed that the ejection unit 17 is a piezo-type head using a piezoelectric element. In this case, the recording control unit 40 may adjust the ejection amount by adjusting the pulse of the drive waveform applied to the ejection unit 17 (the intensity of the peak value, the number of pulses to be applied, etc.). By adjusting this pulse, the discharge amount of the modeling liquid per time can be adjusted, for example, in the range of 5 pl to 30 pl.

  In addition, the discharge amount of the modeling liquid discharged to record the dot D corresponding to each pixel shown in the corrected modeling data 62 may exceed the discharge amount that can be realized by one discharge in the discharge unit 17. . Further, when the discharge unit 17 is a thermal head, the discharge amount of the modeling liquid that can be discharged at one time is one type, or the range of the discharge amount that can be controlled is narrow.

  In this case, the recording control unit 40 may realize the discharge of the discharge amount corresponding to the pixel by discharging the modeling liquid a plurality of times to the recording position corresponding to the pixel. Further, the carriage 15 may be configured to include a plurality of types of discharge units 17 that can discharge modeling liquids having different discharge amounts.

  For the adjustment of the recording position, the recording control unit 40 controls the driving unit 42 so as to record the dot D ′ corresponding to the pixel 70A ′ to be corrected toward the position corresponding to the corrected recording position. Good.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of an example of ejection by the ejection unit 17. For example, it is assumed that the corrected modeling data 62 is as shown in FIG. As described above, the corrected modeling data 62 defines ejection information including the recording position and the ejection amount for each of the pixels 70. The corrected modeling data 62 is obtained by converting the resolution (for example, 1200 dpi) shown in the 3D data into a modeling resolution (for example, 600 dpi) that can be realized by the modeling apparatus 30, and corrected by the correcting unit 12D. is there.

  The recording position included in the ejection information of the pixel 70A ′ specified as the correction target among the pixels 70A constituting the end E by the correction unit 12D is shifted from the recording position before correction toward the outside of the end E. Indicates the position. Further, the discharge amount included in the discharge information is larger than the discharge amount before correction. For this reason, the recording control unit 40 controls the driving unit 42 according to the corrected modeling data 62, thereby recording at least some of the pixels 70A of the pixels 70A constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected. The drive unit 42 can be controlled so as to model the modeled object 50 whose position is corrected and the ejection amount for forming the dot D (dot D ′) corresponding to the pixel 70 </ b> A is increased.

  When the ejection unit 17 in the driving unit 42 is an apparatus that employs a multi-pass method, the recording control unit 40 may perform control to record the dots D as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, the recording control unit 40 adds a pass for forming the dot D ′ corresponding to the pixel 70 </ b> A ′ specified as the correction target at the end E to the multi-pass recording sequence. Numbers “1” to “5” in FIG. 12B indicate the order of multi-pass printing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the recording control unit 40 originally records two passes 1/2 interlaced (two times in the main scanning direction X and two times in the sub-scanning direction Y). Then, a fifth scan shifted by half a pitch in the sub-scanning direction Y is added. By this added scanning, the recording control unit 40 records the dot D ′ corresponding to the pixel 70A ′ specified as the correction target in the pixel 70A configuring the end E of the modeling layer 52 at the corrected recording position. To do.

  As described above, the recording control unit 40 models the modeled object 50 in accordance with the corrected modeled data 62, thereby suppressing a step that is not shown in the original 3D data from occurring in the modeled modeled object 50. .

  13 to 15 are explanatory diagrams of modeling. FIG. 13 is an example of a cross-sectional view of the modeling object 600 indicated by the 3D data 58. For example, it is assumed that the modeling object 600 indicated by the original 3D data 58 is the modeling object 600 shown in FIG.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram when the modeling unit 50 is generated by recording the dots D based on the modeling data 60 generated from the 3D data 58 by the generation unit 12B. As shown in FIGS. 14A to 14C, the modeling apparatus 30 forms the modeling layer 52 by ejecting the droplets 44 </ b> A having the same ejection amount for each modeling layer 52 based on the modeling data 60. To do. And the modeling thing 50 is modeled by laminating the modeling layer 52. In this case, as shown in FIG. 14C, a step S not shown in the 3D data 58 occurs between the modeling layers of the modeling layer 52.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the modeled object 56 is modeled using the corrected modeling data 62 obtained by correcting the modeling data 60. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram when the dot D is recorded using the corrected modeling data 62 and the model 56 is modeled. As shown in FIGS. 15 (A) to 15 (C), based on the corrected modeling data 62, for each modeling layer 52, the droplets 44 are discharged to the discharge amount and the recording position indicated in the corrected modeling data 62. Dot D is recorded.

  At this time, with respect to the pixel to be corrected in the pixel constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52 specified as the correction target, the liquid having a larger discharge amount than the droplet 44A of the discharge amount of the other pixels of the modeling layer 52 The droplet 44B is discharged. Further, regarding the pixel to be corrected among the pixels constituting the end portion E, the droplet 44B is placed at a recording position shifted by the shift amount L1 from the recording position indicated in the modeling data 60 toward the outside of the end portion E. Is discharged.

  And the modeling thing 56 is modeled by laminating the modeling layer 52. For this reason, in this Embodiment, as shown to FIG.15 (C), generation | occurrence | production of the level | step difference S which is not shown by 3D data 58 between the modeling layers of the modeling layer 52 is suppressed. That is, the dots D ′ by the modeling liquid discharged at the recording position shifted outward from the end E of each modeling layer 52 form a slope that fills the step S.

  Further, the amount of the droplet 44B ejected to the recording position shifted outward from the end E of the modeling layer 52 is larger than the ejection amount of other pixels. For this reason, the dot D ′ formed by the larger amount of droplets 44B than the other pixels is connected to another dot D in the same modeling layer 52 as the dot D ′, and the upper surface of the lower modeling layer 52 Connect gently. Therefore, the dots D ′ recorded at the end E of each modeling layer 52 form a slope that fills the step S.

  For this reason, generation | occurrence | production of the level | step difference S which is not shown by 3D data 58 is suppressed by modeling the modeling thing 56 using the correction | amendment modeling data 62. FIG. For this reason, the image processing apparatus 12 can improve the modeling accuracy of the model 56.

  Next, an image processing procedure executed by the image processing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image processing procedure executed by the image processing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment.

  First, the acquisition unit 12A acquires the 3D data 58 of the modeling object 600 (step S100). Next, the production | generation part 12B produces | generates the modeling data 60 from the 3D data 58 acquired by step S100 (step S102).

  Next, the specifying unit 12C sets an initial value “1” to the layer number n (n-th layer) of the modeling layer 52 to be specified (step S104). Next, the specifying unit 12C reads the modeling layer data of the set n-th modeling layer 52 in the modeling data 60 generated in Step S102 (Step S106).

  Next, the specifying unit 12C determines whether or not the modeling layer data read in step S106 is modeling layer data of the modeling layer 52 to be corrected (step S108). The specifying unit 12C determines whether or not a step S that is not shown in the 3D data 58 acquired in Step S100 occurs in the modeling layer 52 of the modeling layer data, thereby determining Step S108.

  When it is determined that the modeling layer 52 is not the correction target (step S108: No), the process proceeds to step S126 described later. When it is determined that the modeling layer 52 is the correction target (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the specifying unit 12C reads the correction target pixel specifying condition corresponding to the modeling layer data read in step S106 (step S110). For example, the specifying unit 12C stores the layer thickness of the modeling layer 52 and the specifying condition of the correction target pixel in advance in association with each other. The specification condition for the correction target pixel indicates a rule for specifying the pixel to be specified as the correction target at the end E (number of pixels specified per unit area, specification for each m pixel or specification at random).

  The specifying unit 12C may perform the process of step S110 by reading the specifying condition of the correction target pixel corresponding to the layer thickness of the modeling layer data read in step S106.

  Next, the specifying unit 12C sets an initial value “1” to the specific number i (i-th) of the pixels constituting the modeling layer data read in step S106 (step S112).

  Next, the specifying unit 12C reads the ejection information of the i-th pixel specified in step S112 in the modeling layer data read in step S106 (step S114). Then, the specifying unit 12C determines whether or not the i-th pixel read in step S114 is a pixel constituting the end E in the modeling layer 52 of the modeling layer data (step S116). The specifying unit 12C determines whether or not the recording position included in the ejection information read in step S114 corresponds to the end E of the modeling layer 52 of the modeling layer data, thereby determining step S116.

  When it is determined that the pixel constitutes the end E (step S116: Yes), the process proceeds to step S118. In step S118, the specifying unit 12C determines whether or not the i-th pixel read in step S114 is specified as a correction target pixel (step S118). The specifying unit 12C determines whether the i-th pixel read in step S114 is a pixel indicated by the specific condition read in step S110, thereby determining step S118.

  When it is determined that the pixel is a correction target pixel (step S118: Yes), the process proceeds to step S120. In step S120, the correction unit 12D corrects the ejection information (ejection amount, recording position) of the i-th pixel identified in step S112 (step S120). That is, in step S120, the correction unit 12D has the recording position included in the discharge information for the pixel discharge information specified by the specifying unit 12C outside the modeling layer 52 from the end E, and Correction is performed so that the discharge amount included in the discharge information is larger than the discharge amount of the pixels other than the end portion E in the modeling layer 52.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S122. If it is determined in step S116 that the pixel does not constitute the end E (step S116: No), the process proceeds to step S122 without correcting the ejection information. If it is determined in step S118 that the pixel is not the correction target pixel (step S118: No), the process proceeds to step S122 without correcting the ejection information.

  In step S122, the specifying unit 12C determines whether or not the processing in steps S114 to S120 has been completed for all the pixels constituting the modeling layer data read in step S106 (step S122). If a negative determination is made in step S122 (step S122: No), the process proceeds to step S124. In step S124, the specifying unit 12C adds “1” to i (step S124), and the process returns to step S114.

  On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S122 (step S122: Yes), the process proceeds to step S126. In step S126, it is determined whether or not the processing of steps S106 to S126 has been completed for the modeling layer data of all the modeling layers 52 constituting the modeling data 60 generated in step S102 (step S126).

  If a negative determination is made in step S126 (step S126: No), the process proceeds to step S128. In step S128, the specifying unit 12C adds “1” to n (step S128) and returns to step S106.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S126 (step S126: Yes), this routine ends. The corrected modeling data 62 is generated from the modeling data 60 generated in step S102 by the processes in steps S104 to S128. And the output part 12E should just output this correction | amendment modeling data 62 to the recording control part 40 of the modeling apparatus 30. FIG.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment includes the generation unit 12B and the correction unit 12D. The correction unit 12D is the modeling data 60 of the modeled object 50 formed by laminating the modeling layer 52 formed by the dots D, and the recording position of the dots D recorded by discharging the modeling liquid and the discharge amount of the modeling liquid The modeling data 60 that defines the discharge information including each pixel of the modeling layer 52 is generated. For each of the modeling layers 52 defined in the modeling data 60, the correction unit 12D displays the ejection information of the pixels constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52, and the recording position included in the ejection information from the end E. Corrected modeling data 62 that is outside the modeling layer 52 and corrected so that the ejection amount included in the ejection information is larger than the ejection amount included in the ejection information of pixels other than the end E in the modeling layer 52. Is generated.

  Thus, the level | step difference S which generate | occur | produced in the edge E is suppressed by modeling the modeling thing 56 based on the correct | amended correction | amendment modeling data 62. FIG.

  Therefore, in the image processing apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, the modeling accuracy of the model 56 can be improved.

  In the image processing apparatus 12 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve both improvement in the modeling speed (productivity) of the modeled object 56 and improvement in modeling accuracy of the modeled object 56.

  Further, the specifying unit 12C specifies the correction target pixel 70A ′ among the pixels constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52. The specifying unit 12 </ b> C generates corrected modeling data 62 in which the ejection information of the correction target pixel 70 </ b> A ′ specified for each modeling layer 52 is corrected.

  Further, the specifying unit 12C specifies a part of the pixels 70A constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52 as the correction target pixel 70A ′.

  Further, the specifying unit 12C specifies the correction target pixel 70A ′ for each pixel separated by a predetermined number of pixels with respect to the pixels 70A continuously arranged along the end E of the modeling layer 52.

  Further, the specifying unit 12C divides the pixels 70A continuously arranged along the end E of the modeling layer 52 into a plurality of pixel groups, and selects the pixels 70A selected according to a rule predetermined for each pixel group. The pixel 70A ′ to be corrected is specified.

  The specifying unit 12 </ b> C increases the number of pixels per unit area specified as the correction target pixel 70 </ b> A ′ at the end E of the modeling layer 52 as the modeling layer 52 is thicker.

  Further, the specifying unit 12C is different from the position in the direction along the end E of the pixel 70A ′ specified as the correction target between the modeling layers 52 adjacent to each other in the stacking direction (vertical direction Z) of the modeling layer 52. As described above, the correction target pixel 70 </ b> A ′ is specified for each modeling layer 52.

  The liquid ejection device 10 includes an image processing device 12 and a modeling device 30. The image processing device 12 includes a generation unit 12B, a correction unit 12D, and an output unit 12E. The correction unit 12D is the modeling data 60 of the modeled object 50 formed by laminating the modeling layer 52 formed by the dots D, and the recording position of the dots D recorded by discharging the modeling liquid and the discharge amount of the modeling liquid The modeling data 60 that defines the discharge information including each pixel of the modeling layer 52 is generated. For each of the modeling layers 52 defined in the modeling data 60, the correction unit 12D displays the ejection information of the pixels constituting the end E of the modeling layer 52, and the recording position included in the ejection information from the end E. Corrected modeling data 62 that is outside the modeling layer 52 and corrected so that the ejection amount included in the ejection information is larger than the ejection amount included in the ejection information of pixels other than the end E in the modeling layer 52. Is generated. The output unit 12E outputs the corrected modeling data 62.

  The modeling apparatus 30 includes a recording control unit 40. Based on the corrected modeling data 62, the recording control unit 40 controls the driving unit 42 so as to discharge a modeling liquid for recording the dots D.

  The image processing method of the present embodiment is modeling data 60 of a modeled object 50 formed by laminating the modeling layer 52 formed by the dots D, and the recording position and modeling of the dots D recorded by discharging the modeling liquid For each of the modeling layers 52 defined in the modeling data 60, the step of generating the modeling data 60 that defines the ejection information including the liquid discharge amount for each pixel of the modeling layer 52, and the end of the modeling layer 52 E, the recording position included in the discharge information is outside the modeling layer 52 from the end E, and the discharge amount included in the discharge information is the end information in the modeling layer 52. Generating corrected modeling data 62 corrected so as to be larger than the ejection amount included in the ejection information of pixels other than the portion E.

  The image processing program of the present embodiment is modeling data 60 of a modeled object 50 formed by laminating the modeling layer 52 formed by the dots D, and the recording position and modeling of the dots D recorded by discharging the modeling liquid For each of the modeling layers 52 defined in the modeling data 60, the step of generating the modeling data 60 that defines the ejection information including the liquid discharge amount for each pixel of the modeling layer 52, and the end of the modeling layer 52 E, the recording position included in the discharge information is outside the modeling layer 52 from the end E, and the discharge amount included in the discharge information is the end information in the modeling layer 52. And generating the corrected modeling data 62 corrected so as to be larger than the ejection amount included in the ejection information of the pixels other than the portion E.

  Note that a program for executing the various processes executed by the liquid ejection apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The program for executing the various processes executed by the liquid ejection apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a file in a format that can be installed in the apparatus or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM or a flexible disk (FD). , CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and provided.

  Further, the program for executing the various processes executed by the liquid ejection apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and is provided by being downloaded via the network. You may comprise. In addition, the program for executing the various processes executed by the liquid ejection apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  A program for executing the various processes executed by the liquid ejection apparatus 10 of the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, the CPU reads each program from a storage medium such as a ROM and executes the program, so that the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

  In addition, although embodiment was described above, the said embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Liquid discharge apparatus 12 Image processing apparatus 12A Acquisition part 12B Generation part 12C Identification part 12D Correction part 12E Output part 30 Modeling apparatus 40 Recording control part 56 Modeling object 62 Correction modeling data

Japanese Patent No. 5234592 Japanese Patent No. 2697137

Claims (10)

Modeling data of a modeled object formed by stacking modeling layers formed by dots, and the ejection information including the recording position of the dots recorded by the ejection of the modeling liquid and the ejection amount of the modeling liquid, A generating unit that generates the modeling data defined for each of the pixels;
For each of the modeling layers defined in the modeling data, the recording position included in the ejection information is the outside of the modeling layer from the end of the ejection information of the pixels constituting the end of the modeling layer. And a correction unit that generates corrected modeling data that is corrected so that the discharge amount included in the discharge information is greater than the discharge amount included in the discharge information of pixels other than the end portion in the modeling layer; ,
An image processing apparatus comprising: Among the pixels constituting the end portion of the modeling layer, a specifying unit that specifies a correction target pixel is provided,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction unit generates the corrected modeling data in which the ejection information of the correction target pixel specified for each of the modeling layers is corrected. The specific part is:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a part of pixels constituting the end portion of the modeling layer is specified as the pixel to be corrected. The specific part is:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pixel to be corrected is specified for each pixel separated by a predetermined number of pixels with respect to the pixels continuously arranged along the edge of the modeling layer. The specific part is:
Dividing pixels arranged continuously along the edge of the modeling layer into a plurality of pixel groups, and specifying a pixel selected according to a rule predetermined for each pixel group as a pixel to be corrected, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4. The specific part is:
The number of pixels per unit area specified as the pixel to be corrected at the end of the modeling layer is increased as the layer thickness of the modeling layer is increased. Image processing apparatus. The specific part is:
The pixel to be corrected for each of the modeling layers so that the positions in the direction along the end of the pixel specified as the correction target in the modeling layers adjacent to each other in the stacking direction of the modeling layer are different from each other. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the image processing apparatus is specified. A liquid ejection apparatus provided with an image processing apparatus and a modeling apparatus,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Modeling data of a modeled object formed by stacking modeling layers formed by dots, and the ejection information including the recording position of the dots recorded by the ejection of the modeling liquid and the ejection amount of the modeling liquid, A generating unit that generates the modeling data defined for each of the pixels;
For each of the modeling layers defined in the modeling data, the recording position included in the ejection information is the outside of the modeling layer from the end of the ejection information of the pixels constituting the end of the modeling layer. And a correction unit that generates corrected modeling data that is corrected so that the discharge amount included in the discharge information is greater than the discharge amount included in the discharge information of pixels other than the end portion in the modeling layer; ,
An output unit for outputting the corrected modeling data;
With
The modeling apparatus
Based on the corrected modeling data, a recording control unit that controls the driving unit to discharge the modeling liquid for recording the dots,
Liquid ejection device. Modeling data of a modeled object formed by stacking modeling layers formed by dots, and the ejection information including the recording position of the dots recorded by the ejection of the modeling liquid and the ejection amount of the modeling liquid, Generating the modeling data defined for each of the pixels;
For each of the modeling layers defined in the modeling data, the recording position included in the ejection information is the outside of the modeling layer from the end of the ejection information of the pixels constituting the end of the modeling layer. And generating corrected modeling data that is corrected so that the discharge amount included in the discharge information is larger than the discharge amount included in the discharge information of the pixels other than the end portions in the modeling layer;
Including an image processing method. Modeling data of a modeled object formed by stacking modeling layers formed by dots, and the ejection information including the recording position of the dots recorded by the ejection of the modeling liquid and the ejection amount of the modeling liquid, Generating the modeling data defined for each of the pixels;
For each of the modeling layers defined in the modeling data, the recording position included in the ejection information is the outside of the modeling layer from the end of the ejection information of the pixels constituting the end of the modeling layer. And generating corrected modeling data that is corrected so that the discharge amount included in the discharge information is larger than the discharge amount included in the discharge information of the pixels other than the end portions in the modeling layer;
An image processing program for causing a computer to execute.

Images